A behind-the-scenes look at Suthep's PDRC 'war room'

[webfact]

SPECIAL REPORT
A behind-the-scenes look at PDRC's 'war room'
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation

Over the past 45 days of protests, protest leaders have crafted their planned movements at five war rooms.

BANGKOK: -- The war rooms are where the leaders brainstormed on how to proceed with their protests and they have been moved in line with the rally sites and the number of protesters.

The first was set up on October 31, at Democrat Party’s headquarters, when the protests were first held at Sam Sen.

Later, it moved to Democracy Monument, specifically at Sorn Dang restuarant, the third one at a shop in the Government Complex and the fourth at another restaurant belonging to the Royal Turf Club near Nang Lerng intersection. Yesterday, the war room returned to a place near Democracy Monument.

At the war rooms, Suthep Thaugsuban holds meetings with PDRC leaders up to three times a day to brainstorm these initiatives and also works with academics, who act as his legal advisers when drafting PDRC declarations, according to core PDRC co-leader Thaworn Senneam.

Thaworn admitted that writing the statements is not easy.

"Suthep reads each draft carefully and often makes corrections to the final draft. He has to announce the statement to the public and is responsible for the consequences," he said.

Thaworn also explained that although the PDRC is led by its secretary-general, its mandate under the so-called "people's revolution" is to return power to the people. The group was not the kind of military-installed body one expects with a coup, he said.

"Nowadays, a lot of information can be found on the Internet. It's possible to find many examples which we can use to produce our own version," Thaworn said.

Another PDRC leader denied that their statements were stolen from posts on the Internet, but written by respected law experts.

"Sometimes Suthep does not agree with the jargon used by lawmakers, which can be rather academic and difficult for people to understand. It means he then has to spend more time explaining what the statement means to the public," the source explained.

The PDRC has many experts who act as committee members, including former MPs, academics, businesspeople, and activists.

Regular academics who advise the PDRC's leaders include: Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, former rector of the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA); Banjerd Singkaneti, dean of Nida's Graduate School of Law; Charas Suwanmala, former dean of Chulalongkorn's Faculty of Political Science; and Kaewsan Athibodhi, leader of the Thai Spring group, the source added.

Academics are also sometimes invited to comment on key measures the PDRC plans to take.

Activist and academic Thirayuth Boonmee attended a meeting at the PDRC's war room just before Suthep issued a statement requesting a meeting with Supreme Commander General Tanasak Patimapragorn and commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the commissioner-general of the National Police.

In another statement he proposed a "people's council" with 400 members - 300 elected from various occupations and 100 selected by the PDRC, the source said.

According to the PDRC committee member, Suthep has great patience in long meetings. He is prepared to sit and listen to many comments and opinions. Suthep told his fellow protesters "if we listen to 1,000 suggestions, there must be at least one that is right for us," the source recalled.

The most stressful hours were on "D-Day" after protesters reached Government House and Suthep announced on stage that people had "recalled power" from the government, the source said.

"We had no idea if the public would believe in a 'people's revolution' and accept that the PDRC had 'sovereign power'. Before making the announcement, Suthep called a meeting of PDRC leaders and spent more than two hours discussing it," he said. "If the public believed that the PDRC had won, it meant we succeeded, but if not, then it would have been over."


-- The Nation 2013-12-14

[noitom]

At least he's "clarifying" the Thai legal, bureaucratic, and political mumbo jumbo and bringing it down to the everyday Thai. He also seems way more adept at organization than Thais we've seen at the helm before. Too bad he's got too much land grab and under the table issues. He at least seems genuine and authentic, a rare Thai quality. let's see if he includes all the provinces north and south of Bangkok. Let's see who he identifies as his first tier leadership. Surely he doesn't expect to be able to reach a consensus on anything with 400 people in a people's council. Does he?

[thomash]

They forgot to mention that someone is paying him very well for doing this "job"!

[blaze]

At least he's "clarifying" the Thai legal, bureaucratic, and political mumbo jumbo and bringing it down to the everyday Thai. He also seems way more adept at organization than Thais we've seen at the helm before. Too bad he's got too much land grab and under the table issues. He at least seems genuine and authentic, a rare Thai quality. let's see if he includes all the provinces north and south of Bangkok. Let's see who he identifies as his first tier leadership. Surely he doesn't expect to be able to reach a consensus on anything with 400 people in a people's council. Does he?

This is clear to you?

He is not demanding a new constitution- he is demanding to 're-form' Thailand.

Political institutions derive from the culture of the nation- he is going to change the entire culture of thailand-- in=- what? 15 months?

Re his including the provinces- he is NOT inviting representatives from provinces- but rather representatives from occupations! (Now why, if someone is attempting to redesign the political system of a country, do they invite represantives of occupations? Citizenship is not conditional upon your career choices.

(Though a clue can be found in examining the system of government put into place by Mussolini-- syndicalism).

The last constitution of this country- and I suspect Suthep knows this full well- was designed specifically to limit the influence of Thaksin-- It didn't work.

So what Suthep now (perhaps) feels he must do- is go beyond simply changing the constitution to changing the entire way that Thailand is governed.

And THEN writing a new consitiution to codify the new system-

and hints about this new system can be found in the composition of the 'design committee'.

Edited December 14, 2013 by blaze

[spare5]

They forgot to mention that someone is paying him very well for doing this "job"!

That person could be Thaksin, to make his sister looks like saint.

"Beauty and the Beast" comes to mind.

[Nibbles48]

They forgot to mention that someone is paying him very well for doing this "job"!

Proof please.

Without it, you are just posting BS.

[ratcatcher]

They forgot to mention that someone is paying him very well for doing this "job"!

That person could be Thaksin, to make his sister looks like saint.

"Beauty and the Beast" comes to mind.

I certainly do not consider Suthep as beautiful. Sorry.

[kriswillems]

They forgot to mention that someone is paying him very well for doing this "job"!

Bluesky channel.

You would be surprised how many people donate.

In Thailand you can sell anything on TV: cars on water, magical drinking water treatment devices, to fried air made by Suthep himself.

[pookiki]

No matter how you try to disguise the PDRC, it is undemocratic. If Suthep is serious about what can be dishonestly referred to as 'reform', let it be considered in a referendum after the elections. To stall the elections for something that is nebulous and ill-defined as the creation of the PDRC, is like the blind optimism of the man who jumps off a building and yells at each floor on the way down -- "Everything is ok, so far!"

[pookiki]

They forgot to mention that someone is paying him very well for doing this "job"!

Bluesky channel.

You would be surprised how many people donate.

In Thailand you can sell anything on TV: cars on water, magical drinking water treatment devices, to fried air made by Suthep himself.

Ah, the fried air! Do you want the 'original recipe' or 'spicy'?

[mca]

A behind-the-scenes look at PDRC's 'war room'

[NCFC]

Would be interested to see behind the scenes at the bank accounts.

[DGIE]

A behind-the-scenes look at PDRC's 'war room'

[FangFerang]

There are three simple things to do. One, stop the uneducation system enacted over a decade ago and actually hold back students who fail. Two, have transparency in regards to bank accounts of anyone who enters politics, including tax returns. Three, marry Suthep and Yingluck, and elect their first child as Prime Minister.

[HUAHIN62]

Just one question Khun Suthep who is paying for everything?

[Just1Voice]

Just one question Khun Suthep who is paying for everything?

Ahhhh, those shall remain nameless.

[HUAHIN62]

They forgot to mention that someone is paying him very well for doing this "job"!

Proof please.

Without it, you are just posting BS.

You think he will resign as a MP, risk being found guilty of rebelion and get executed for the love of his country? Do some research on Suthep and you will see he is cut from the same cloth as TS, just on different sides. The previous coup cost B1,5 bn (excluding the judicial coup) and the chance are that the same group are paying for this protest. Many thousands was bussed in from the south and his security are all southern hard men. These hard men are guns for hire. Wealthy Thai's use them as body guards or hit men. They were the ones that attacked the police with petrol bombs. If you want proof of it look at the video's and you will not see one pale face Bangkoker in the protesters that attacked the police. Also watch the video's of his security guards that was shown of Thai TV their vehicle registration numbers was from the south. These guys get paid between B 5000 and B 10 000 per day. The protesters from the south got their food and drinks for free as well as transport. The reds paid their people, the Suthep bunch get fancy meals for free. Now work out how much it will cost to keep 20 000 protesters going and 200 security thugs going for 2 months. Same same as 2010 just the traditional elite making a last stand before it lose its last hope to retain any future power.

[Zolt]

At least he's "clarifying" the Thai legal, bureaucratic, and political mumbo jumbo and bringing it down to the everyday Thai. He also seems way more adept at organization than Thais we've seen at the helm before. Too bad he's got too much land grab and under the table issues. He at least seems genuine and authentic, a rare Thai quality. let's see if he includes all the provinces north and south of Bangkok. Let's see who he identifies as his first tier leadership. Surely he doesn't expect to be able to reach a consensus on anything with 400 people in a people's council. Does he?

His land deals in the 90's, sure, genuine and authentic.

The hundreds of polices stations he had built in 2010-2011, also very authentic.

90 red shirts killed during the 2011 protests, 100% genuine.

[cbluck58]

I still want to know how a non elected council fits into the democratic system

[Robby nz]

His land deals in the 90's, sure, genuine and authentic.

The hundreds of polices stations he had built in 2010-2011, also very authentic.

90 red shirts killed during the 2011 protests, 100% genuine.

Have you really had a look at these things Zolt?

Number one Land reform he gave title to those who had occupied the land for years that 11 out of 470 odd titles given went to families with money is terrible right ?

Number two, who was in charge of the committee that made the decisions on the police station deal ?

OH yes the PT candidate (failed) for the BKK mayor election, Suthep only signed it off on their recommendation and who extended the contract 3 times ? OH yes PT.

Number three, Surely you still cant believe that BS, take into consideration for a start that about one third of those killed were killed by red bullets and grenades.

But wait till he gets his day in court and all the evidence comes out as to really is to blame for all the deaths and injuries, not to mention the burnings and funding

[blaze]

Cbluck58

It doesn't- that's why Suthep and co are intent on changing- not the constitution- but the system of governance. He has stated that.

There are many nations in the world that have appointed councils-- and some of those use the term 'Democratic' in their official names. As in Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Some people vote on some stuff- bingo- we are 'democratic'--

And there are ways this could be done- that an assembly of appointed 'good people' preside over an elected legislature. All legislation would have to be filtered through the upper house- from whom and by whom the prime minister could be elected.

The upper chamber - (not to be confused with a senate) could enjoy the rights of legislators- also proposing laws.

OR_ why have so many legislators in the first place- have one representative from each of the sectors- the agricultural, the manufacturing, civil service, military etc. (not the poor though- c'mon what do they know about running a country-- that the wise men from the fish canning industry don't know).

Let the sector figure out how it wants to go about selecting its representative (elections- reading chicken bones- primogeniter-- up to them).

Then all the sector reps get together and put on rabbit ears and do the bunny hop-- and then...

Well- is it time for recess?

Edited December 14, 2013 by blaze

[spare5]

Cbluck58

It doesn't- that's why Suthep and co are intent on changing- not the constitution- but the system of governance. He has stated that.

There are many nations in the world that have appointed councils-- and some of those use the term 'Democratic' in their official names. As in Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Some people vote on some stuff- bingo- we are 'democratic'--

And there are ways this could be done- that an assembly of appointed 'good people' preside over an elected legislature. All legislation would have to be filtered through the upper house- from whom and by whom the prime minister could be elected.

The upper chamber - (not to be confused with a senate) could enjoy the rights of legislators- also proposing laws.

OR_ why have so many legislators in the first place- have one representative from each of the sectors- the agricultural, the manufacturing, civil service, military etc. (not the poor though- c'mon what do they know about running a country-- that the wise men from the fish canning industry don't know).

Let the sector figure out how it wants to go about selecting its representative (elections- reading chicken bones- primogeniter-- up to them).

Then all the sector reps get together and put on rabbit ears and do the bunny hop-- and then...

Well- is it time for recess?

Is that North or South Korea?

[icare999]

No matter how you try to disguise the PDRC, it is undemocratic. If Suthep is serious about what can be dishonestly referred to as 'reform', let it be considered in a referendum after the elections. To stall the elections for something that is nebulous and ill-defined as the creation of the PDRC, is like the blind optimism of the man who jumps off a building and yells at each floor on the way down -- "Everything is ok, so far!"

sorry Taksin's thailand is not democratic. At least in my books. And Taksin himself said he does not believe in democracy unless of course it suits him.

What is all this BS about democracy being great. So great it voted for Hitler, for Mugabwie, for Gaddaffi for Idi Amin for Saddam and hosts of others and all those places would be in far better shape if it had not been for so called democratic elections.

[UncleJ]

They forgot to mention that someone is paying him very well for doing this "job"!

South China Post article on Sutheps relationship with the elite class.

http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1369801/thai-protest-leader-suthep-son-elite-axe-grind

"Suthep's links with the Thai elite go back decades..

But many observers regard Suthep as merely the frontman for a shadowy coalition of conservatives long opposed to Thaksin..

"The people behind these protests are the same people behind the 2006 coup. It's impossible that Suthep is acting alone," said Kan Yuenyong, executive director of the Siam Intelligence Unit, a Bangkok think tank.

"They are spending around five million baht day on sustaining the protesters, so he must have people behind him providing that money."

[blaze]

Thanks Uncle J

Good article--

What is ironic is that the two political careers that have really suffered the most in this are Abhisit's and Korn's.

Edited December 14, 2013 by blaze

[Ulic]

Funny I always thought Suthep was more of a " when I want your opinion I'll give it to you" kind of guy.

[Ulic]

"We had no idea if the public would believe in a 'people's revolution' and accept that the PDRC had 'sovereign power'. Before making the announcement, Suthep called a meeting of PDRC leaders and spent more than two hours discussing it," he said. "If the public believed that the PDRC had won, it meant we succeeded, but if not, then it would have been over."

So I guess it's over then.

[VegasVic]

"We had no idea if the public would believe in a 'people's revolution' and accept that the PDRC had 'sovereign power'. Before making the announcement, Suthep called a meeting of PDRC leaders and spent more than two hours discussing it," he said. "If the public believed that the PDRC had won, it meant we succeeded, but if not, then it would have been over."

So I guess it's over then. width=25 alt=thumbsup.gif pagespeed_url_hash=1443177670>

Yes indeed the fat lady has sung, now its time for suthep to face those murder charges

[citizen33]

Again I find the tone of the Nation article surprising. It is rather as though the Daily Mail (known for its pre-war fascist sympathies) had provided a inside account of the planning of the blackshirt marches.

[captspectre]

They forgot to mention that someone is paying him very well for doing this "job"!

would very much like to know, but I am afraid the Thai's would be very very surprised!