Suthep: No reform, no election

[Lite Beer]

Suthep: No reform, no election
By English News

BANGKOK, Dec 15 – Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has repeated his unwavering stand insisting on national reform before the next general election is held.

In an announcement at Democracy Monument last night, the veteran politician, who has led a massive 45-day protest against the government, said an election will definitely be aborted and protesters will never negotiate or compromise.

The caretaker government has set February 2 for a snap poll after dissolving the House of Representatives last week.

“I informed the top brass (Saturday) that people will definitely boycott the general election unless there is national reform. We know that the Yingluck Shinawatra government is buying time,” he told the protesters.

He described the talks with the supreme commander and leaders of the three armed forces as highly successful in directly explaining to them the people’s strong spirit in their unrelenting fight for the country.

“It’s up to the top brass on what they will decide. We’re willing to wait for their decision,” said Mr Suthep who led nearly 30 members of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) to the talks as the PDRC secretary general.


He said Thailand is at the crossroads with two possibilities – the caretaker premier and cabinet resign to pave the way for a new government and people’s council, or else the Thai people will rise up again to reclaim their sovereignty and solve the country’s problems with their own hands.

“Don’t ever think that the massive protest on December 9 was final. If necessary, people may pour onto the streets again and it may reach 10 million people next time,” he warned.

To reform Thailand for sustainable development, several issues must be addressed especially laws on elections, political parties, election commission and corruption prevention, he said.

People can no longer tolerate [the political situation] and demand an elimination of the Thaksin regime since the government and parliament have abused their powers, rejected the Constitution Court’s ruling and are involved in widespread corruption, he said.

Mr Suthep claimed that 80 per cent of participants in yesterday’s talks with the top brass agreed with the PDRC’s reform-before-election stance, insisting that one has to take sides in the fight against Thaksin regime.

“Even military personnel and civil servants have to take a side,” he said. “Please think about it and make your decisions. We will wait.”

The former Democrat MP called on anti-government activists in other provinces to form PDRC’s provincial committees to work closely with the PDRC in Bangkok, and to strengthen the movement nationwide.

In the meantime, the government is hosting a political reform forum entitled “Which direction will Thailand go?” at the Queen Sirikit Conventiton Centre today.

Caretaker deputy prime minister Pongthep Thepkanchana will chair the forum. The PDRC has announced it would not participate in the event. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-12-15

[Thailand]

[MaxLee]

So this is Anti Thaksin but only the other way around...

[pkspeaker]

More ramblings from a mad-man. Sorry Suthep, you cannot be dictator of the people's council that will run the country, it is illegal for a mob of crazies to push the elected government aside and assume power. The military will not help you, most likely because they are terrified at the prospect that a person with severe mental illness will be their new boss. I mean they gotta be thinking, Yinglucks not the greatest PM in all human history but anything is better than you. It's not gonna happen so please come up with something a little more constructive than a 1930's style putsch.

[Prbkk]

Water from the moon...

[catmac]

One of the more interesting points about Suthep is that despite all his years as a top dog in the Dems, he would appear to be now saying that the Democrats are equally corrupt and useless and not fit to govern the Country (a sentiment that I would totally agree with!). Why else would he be calling for his "Peoples' Council" and not for all good men to roll their sleeves up and work for a Dem victory in the polls?

I wonder what little Mark feels about that? Anyone heard a squeek from the Dems recently? Apart from their floundering about like a fish out of water deciding whether to boycot the election, or not as the case may be.

[kriswillems]

no election, no democracy.

[Nibbles48]

Mr Suthep claimed that 80 per cent of participants in yesterday’s talks with the top brass agreed with the PDRC’s reform-before-election stance, insisting that one has to take sides in the fight against Thaksin regime.

So who were the 20% that disagreed that there should be reform before elections?

Oh... the Shinawatra 'paid for' military.

[kriswillems]

Mr Suthep claimed that 80 per cent of participants in yesterday’s talks with the top brass agreed with the PDRC’s reform-before-election stance, insisting that one has to take sides in the fight against Thaksin regime.

So who were the 20% that disagreed that there should be reform before elections?

Oh... the Shinawatra 'paid for' military.

It says "Suthep claimed". He has claimed things before ...

[NongKhaiKid]

Does Thailand have a special institute where they produce their politicians ?

This make George Orwell look like a complete amateur.

[Nibbles48]

One of the more interesting points about Suthep is that despite all his years as a top dog in the Dems, he would appear to be now saying that the Democrats are equally corrupt and useless and not fit to govern the Country (a sentiment that I would totally agree with!). Why else would he be calling for his "Peoples' Council" and not for all good men to roll their sleeves up and work for a Dem victory in the polls?

I wonder what little Mark feels about that? Anyone heard a squeek from the Dems recently? Apart from their floundering about like a fish out of water deciding whether to boycot the election, or not as the case may be.

The Dems probably don't think anything about it... Considering that you are probably the only person in Thailand that managed to interpret the OP as saying the Democrats are equally corrupt and useless and not fit to govern the Country.

But then again. they would have to be Thaksin loving, corruption promoting, nazis to even come anywhere near the bias reading skills that some farang have.

Jutaporn may have read it like you.

[Gone]

“It’s up to the top brass on what they will decide. We’re willing to wait for their decision,” said Mr Suthep who led nearly 30 members of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) to the talks as the PDRC secretary general.

And here is me thinking that the TOP brass (as top as it gets) already made a decission no? Did this nutter oblige..........NOT

[waza]

At least he's keeping Yingluck off the front page

[Lingba]

will someone tell this idiot to shut up.....On Feb 2..let the people choose....what else do yoiu want?....Geeez!.....go home and chill...get a massage, take a steam sauna...unwind...and start planning something positive, like getting your protest followers to get off their a- - es and get out and vote for new leadership if thats what they truly want..thats the only real way you will get change.....Tell me Mr Suthep...do yoiu have a virgin white clean record under your belt???

[backtonormal]

Currently its all theory as to who is backing Suthep...but somebody is. The extract below from Yahoo news seems feasible and has mileage when we consider the current army chief to be aligned to Thaksin why not use Anupong, the previous Army C in C, the rouse his support from within the army to take over by means of a coup.

From Yahoo News: His threats against Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra veer from the bold to the bizarre. But behind Thailand's fiery anti-government protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, are two powerful retired generals with ?????? connections, a deep rivalry with the Shinawatra family and an ability to influence Thailand's coup-prone armed forces. The forces behind Suthep are led by former defense minister General Prawit Wongsuwan and former army chief General Anupong Paochinda, towering figures in Thailand's military establishment, said two military sources with direct knowledge of the matter and a third with connections to Thai generals.

[aussieinthailand]

Stuth, this guy is an oxygen thief.

Just how many are going to be with this dope in a month from now??? somehow I think he will be listening to the sound of one hand clapping.

[newcomer71]

Suthep, why you lie to the people?

Top brass yesterday said they cannot side with him. Why he said he will wait for their answer? An answer, and clear, was given.

Stop fool around and give yourself in as you promised, old crook.

[nong38]

Chaos continues as no one will give an inch for the sake of the country, its all me me me!

[cacruden]

According to Reuters "Anupong, 64, and Prawit, 67" are power behind the Suthep - and they may still hold enough sway that if push comes to shove the army would side with Suthep.

It is obvious to me that what some of us see as crazy rants are really movements of pieces on a Chessboard. If the People's pusch fails; then the the next piece to move is for a judicial pusch; and only if that fails would the Army be pushed to be the forefront. They would prefer not being seen as taking sides, but if they did it would be on the side of Suthep.

This is how I currently see it playing out:

Phase 1: Suthep mobilizes population to oppose an unpopular piece of legislation - a win; He then uses his current status to continue a people's pusch and otherthrow the elected democratic government (this has fizzled - so Phase 2 begins)

Phase 2: Judicial coup. Democratic Party resigns from parliament leaving most of not only members of parliament to be those that voted in favour of an elected senat. Even though the democratic government took no actions to violate the constitution by starting the process of electing senators, the opinions raised that the courts overstepped their boundary (or some-other reason) would be used to disqualify the rest of the MPs before the next election leaving a vacuum to which a "People's Council" could then be appointed.

Phase 3: If for some reason that fails to materialize the Army would be forced to play their cards and step out from behind the curtains.

Simply put, the election is not likely going to take place.

[overdog]

"...and it may reach 10 million people next time,”

Will someone PLEASE send this fellow back to school to learn how to count. The 140,000-150,000 attendees last time were supposed to be a million. Sheesh. Enough with the useless hyperbole, Mr Loudmouth.

[bkkfaranguy]

One of the more interesting points about Suthep is that despite all his years as a top dog in the Dems, he would appear to be now saying that the Democrats are equally corrupt and useless and not fit to govern the Country (a sentiment that I would totally agree with!). Why else would he be calling for his "Peoples' Council" and not for all good men to roll their sleeves up and work for a Dem victory in the polls?

I wonder what little Mark feels about that? Anyone heard a squeek from the Dems recently? Apart from their floundering about like a fish out of water deciding whether to boycot the election, or not as the case may be.

The Dems probably don't think anything about it... Considering that you are probably the only person in Thailand that managed to interpret the OP as saying the Democrats are equally corrupt and useless and not fit to govern the Country.

But then again. they would have to be Thaksin loving, corruption promoting, nazis to even come anywhere near the bias reading skills that some farang have.

Jutaporn may have read it like you.

Fact is the Dems are just as corrupt and Suthep is one of them, 1995 land scandle, 2009 equity in a media firm scandle etc. etc etc., I loved the other article today where Suthep is calling for the death penelty for corrupt politicians, if that passed we could settle this whole situation tomorrow, just execute Him, Thaksin and a few more form both sides then no more problems right!

[catmac]

One of the more interesting points about Suthep is that despite all his years as a top dog in the Dems, he would appear to be now saying that the Democrats are equally corrupt and useless and not fit to govern the Country (a sentiment that I would totally agree with!). Why else would he be calling for his "Peoples' Council" and not for all good men to roll their sleeves up and work for a Dem victory in the polls?

I wonder what little Mark feels about that? Anyone heard a squeek from the Dems recently? Apart from their floundering about like a fish out of water deciding whether to boycot the election, or not as the case may be.

The Dems probably don't think anything about it... Considering that you are probably the only person in Thailand that managed to interpret the OP as saying the Democrats are equally corrupt and useless and not fit to govern the Country.

But then again. they would have to be Thaksin loving, corruption promoting, nazis to even come anywhere near the bias reading skills that some farang have.

Jutaporn may have read it like you.

Then, dear Nibbles, why is Suthep not fighting for a Dem victory? Why abolish elections if he thinks that the Dems would make a great government?

Try answering the question and stop the silly "Thaksin loving, corruption promoting, nazis" nonsense.

[chainarong]

Suthep, the idea's are there ,but it's all back to front , reform should be brought about by an elected government, we already know there's to much corruption with the Shinawatra administration , this can also be handled by an elected government, it is time for the opposition parties to start voicing concern at the antics of Suthep and take a responsible attitude , talking to the military sets a dangerous path, opposition parties should be making a transition and planning for the Feb elections , not sitting in the back ground watching Suthep, Suthep style shows all the signs of the emergence of a dictatorship , military partnership.

[LuckyLew]

I agree with what he is saying .... as long as he is not the person leading the reform

"To reform Thailand for sustainable development, several issues must be addressed especially laws on elections, political parties, election commission and corruption prevention"

If they hold and election on Feb 2nd and PTP win ... it will be same same

Rampant corruption and they will say they have a new mandate from the people so they can try right away to push for Amnesty for Thaksin. They will continue to pilfer form the Thai coffers and make them selves rich beyond belief

[Spalpeen]

"We're willing to wait on their (the Top Brass's) decision". That's awfully reasonable of him, isn't it?

[spirit47]

20 of you cant be wrong... The situation is that the land is divided in 2 parts, thanks Taksin. Now people have a way without a military push to solve the problem. Otherwise the circle of violence will not stop, and the time will come, the military must intervene. These are not acting now, causes the blood that will flow tomorrow...

[h90]

One of the more interesting points about Suthep is that despite all his years as a top dog in the Dems, he would appear to be now saying that the Democrats are equally corrupt and useless and not fit to govern the Country (a sentiment that I would totally agree with!). Why else would he be calling for his "Peoples' Council" and not for all good men to roll their sleeves up and work for a Dem victory in the polls?

I wonder what little Mark feels about that? Anyone heard a squeek from the Dems recently? Apart from their floundering about like a fish out of water deciding whether to boycot the election, or not as the case may be.

That is complete nonsense. While I don't like the Dems much and surely they are corrupt and partially useless, they are still total different.

They have ideas and plans which they try to work out and on the way some of them are corrupt.

While the Shinawatra parties only idea is to make money.

And with all the vote buying you must be corrupt to get elected because you need to finance the vote buying. They only way to finish is to ban the vote buying and no party would like to cut off their own legs.

So his "peoples council" is the only thing that has a remote chance of doing so...Still it won't happen.

[Yunla]

“It’s up to the top brass on what they will decide. We’re willing to wait for their decision,” said Mr Suthep

I thought it was up to the voting citizens.

"What has it got in its pocketses, precioussss."

[aaacorp]

One of the more interesting points about Suthep is that despite all his years as a top dog in the Dems, he would appear to be now saying that the Democrats are equally corrupt and useless and not fit to govern the Country (a sentiment that I would totally agree with!). Why else would he be calling for his "Peoples' Council" and not for all good men to roll their sleeves up and work for a Dem victory in the polls?

I wonder what little Mark feels about that? Anyone heard a squeek from the Dems recently? Apart from their floundering about like a fish out of water deciding whether to boycot the election, or not as the case may be.

That is complete nonsense. While I don't like the Dems much and surely they are corrupt and partially useless, they are still total different.

They have ideas and plans which they try to work out and on the way some of them are corrupt.

While the Shinawatra parties only idea is to make money.

And with all the vote buying you must be corrupt to get elected because you need to finance the vote buying. They only way to finish is to ban the vote buying and no party would like to cut off their own legs.

So his "peoples council" is the only thing that has a remote chance of doing so...Still it won't happen.

If the democrats are so smart why can't they make the people vote for them ?

They just had to wait a bit and take the rice scheme failure opportunity to raise their voice

they should have selected other political figures than Abhisit and Suthep who are linked to the deaths and wounded in 2010 in most of their opponent minds.

That would be a good start to fair elections, after all if the majority is in their side, they shouldn t be afraid to go to the poll

Edited December 15, 2013 by aaacorp

[ramrod711]

"...and it may reach 10 million people next time,”

Will someone PLEASE send this fellow back to school to learn how to count. The 140,000-150,000 attendees last time were supposed to be a million. Sheesh. Enough with the useless hyperbole, Mr Loudmouth.

Jatuporn; "15 million red shirts will not tolerate this" Seems like there is more than one loud mouth spewing nonsense, look in your own back yard.