Democrats slam door on poll

[fab4]

Indeed it is fabby, rather like some of yours.

But the Puea Thai Party is supposed to be For Thai Party and is not, it is for Thaksin as most p[eople will admit.

Its fab4, don't bother replying.

[MaxLee]

Abhisit the coward is hiding behind Suthep's behind

[Lite Beer]

PM disappointed at Democrat’s decision to boycott 2 Feb polls

BANGKOK, 22 December 2013 (NNT) - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra calls on the opposition Democrat party to conform to the nation’s political system following the party’s decision to boycott the national election on 2 February next year.

The prime minister said on Sunday that it was a pity that the Democrat would not contest the general election and expressed concern over the matter. She stressed that the election would pave the way for a political reform and move the country forward.

The government remained in office since it had the responsibility to organize the election, Ms Yingluck said and denied the allegation that her administration clung to power by refusing to resign after the dissolution of parliament.

Regarding the government’s proposal on the signing of a reform ratification, the premier said many sectors responded positively to the proposal. However, it needed approval from all sides, especially the protesters, Ms Yingluck said.

-- NNT 2013-12-22

[chooka]

If they are not going to partake in the elections then that is entirely up to them. Come the 3rd of February don't throw hissie fits and tantrums like spoilt little rich kids. Accept the outcome and move along don't try to overthrow another democratically elected government.

[binjalin]

If they are not going to partake in the elections then that is entirely up to them. Come the 3rd of February don't throw hissie fits and tantrums like spoilt little rich kids. Accept the outcome and move along don't try to overthrow another democratically elected government.

I really hope so... but...

[Thait Spot]

Restoring peoples confidence in politicians by all resigning their elected posts and then refusing to take part in an election they wanted?

Am I missing something?

The ability to read I would think.

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[Nibbles48]

If they are not going to partake in the elections then that is entirely up to them. Come the 3rd of February don't throw hissie fits and tantrums like spoilt little rich kids. Accept the outcome and move along don't try to overthrow another democratically elected government.

It is very disturbing to read this post, but not unexpected as we all know your preferences.

But you still don't seem to get it. Throwing away 3Bn + baht on an election that will count for nothing is yet again another testiment to this government's mentality.

The people will not accept it, in case you hadn't noticed, the Dems will have lost none of their voters during this farce. But the PTP definitely have, and they have acknowledged this many times. That makes potentially 15 million + people not willing to accept the election or its results. Thius is not about the Dems throwing 'hissy fits', they don't need to. The people will demonstrate for them without any need for a push.

Truth also that you are blind to, is that these elections will NOT be held, they will be disrupted before that date and on the day they will be disrupted... There is a potetial for mass violence, and the government are keeping the powder keg safe and dry and inviting the fuse to be lit.

Reform BEFORE elections is what the protests are about.... wake up!

[toybits]

So better throw a Democrat-tantrum because they did not get the cake they wanted?

[Thait Spot]

Is the Democrat Party boycotting the Feb 02, 2014 election to avoid being proven wrong if they do not perform well?

If Suthep and the Democrat Party are so sure of their position - why hesitate to let the people speak?

If they do not - the that is a sure sign of the Tyranny of the Minority!

The people are speaking on the streets of bangkok and around the country. Turn on your TV.

They are asking for reform so that governments cannot break the rules without punishment and that corruption is stopped.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Thait Spot]

Sacrifice? hardly. The democrats gambled when they backed an attempt to bring down the democratically elected government of Thailand and did not achieve the desired result. Now, they see that the strategy has faltered and would most likely result in another punishing defeat. The Democrats don't have to run. it's their right in a democracy. however, they lose the right to complain if they sit on the sidelines whinging and complaining. The democrats bungled and the country pays the price.

Ahh, there's that word again............."democratically".

Amazing how a word can be misused by so many and so often. A bit like the term "self exile".

Or "Democrat Party"

Or Puea Thaksin Party?

But there's no such political party as the Puea Thaksin Party so your post is nonsense.

As you can see from the magnitude of the protests the PTP are clearly not the friends of the Thai so their name is clearly nonsense

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[Asiantravel]

If they are not going to partake in the elections then that is entirely up to them. Come the 3rd of February don't throw hissie fits and tantrums like spoilt little rich kids. Accept the outcome and move along don't try to overthrow another democratically elected government.

It is very disturbing to read this post, but not unexpected as we all know your preferences.

But you still don't seem to get it. Throwing away 3Bn + baht on an election that will count for nothing is yet again another testiment to this government's mentality.

The people will not accept it, in case you hadn't noticed, the Dems will have lost none of their voters during this farce. But the PTP definitely have, and they have acknowledged this many times. That makes potentially 15 million + people not willing to accept the election or its results. Thius is not about the Dems throwing 'hissy fits', they don't need to. The people will demonstrate for them without any need for a push.

Truth also that you are blind to, is that these elections will NOT be held, they will be disrupted before that date and on the day they will be disrupted... There is a potetial for mass violence, and the government are keeping the powder keg safe and dry and inviting the fuse to be lit.

Reform BEFORE elections is what the protests are about.... wake up!

“Under Yingluck's plan, all parties would have to pledge that the new government holds power for only two years, to see through the national reform process. “

So the people who you seem to be supporting-do they have the guts to set a firm timeline?

Edited December 22, 2013 by Asiantravel

[GrantSmith]

Abhisit the coward is hiding behind Suthep's behind

Really MaxLee? You still reading through that UDD Propaganda you picked up at Imperial World on your way to Immigration?

Please explain how Abhisit is a coward?

Last time I checked, he was still in Thailand despite being indicted for murder.

You'd think that would be grounds for skipping the country, let alone skipping the country for a mere corruption indictment as was done by another former PM who now lives abroad in self imposed exile.

Very cowardly indeed...

[Nibbles48]

As you can see from the magnitude of the protests the PTP are clearly not the friends of the Thai so their name is clearly nonsense

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yes.... They will break records with this protest.

I reckon they will get their 2 to 3 million today, it is heaving all over BKK and they haven't officially started yet.

Of course that won't stop the 'other lot' on here claiming 30,000 turned up which I am expecting the government controlled media to publish on the word of the government controlled CAPO, and this will be echoed across the world's media as usual.

Whatever CAPO says, multiply by 20 and you will have a close estimate.

Edited December 22, 2013 by Nibbles48

[chooka]

If they are not going to partake in the elections then that is entirely up to them. Come the 3rd of February don't throw hissie fits and tantrums like spoilt little rich kids. Accept the outcome and move along don't try to overthrow another democratically elected government.

It is very disturbing to read this post, but not unexpected as we all know your preferences.

But you still don't seem to get it. Throwing away 3Bn + baht on an election that will count for nothing is yet again another testiment to this government's mentality.

The people will not accept it, in case you hadn't noticed, the Dems will have lost none of their voters during this farce. But the PTP definitely have, and they have acknowledged this many times. That makes potentially 15 million + people not willing to accept the election or its results. Thius is not about the Dems throwing 'hissy fits', they don't need to. The people will demonstrate for them without any need for a push.

Truth also that you are blind to, is that these elections will NOT be held, they will be disrupted before that date and on the day they will be disrupted... There is a potetial for mass violence, and the government are keeping the powder keg safe and dry and inviting the fuse to be lit.

Reform BEFORE elections is what the protests are about.... wake up!

All I said was if they don't won't to run for seats that is their right. Why is that so disturbing for you.

I am extremely sorry that I have upset you by supporting their right to run or not to run. My deepest and sincere apologies for causing you so much trauma.

[Nibbles48]

If they are not going to partake in the elections then that is entirely up to them. Come the 3rd of February don't throw hissie fits and tantrums like spoilt little rich kids. Accept the outcome and move along don't try to overthrow another democratically elected government.

It is very disturbing to read this post, but not unexpected as we all know your preferences.

But you still don't seem to get it. Throwing away 3Bn + baht on an election that will count for nothing is yet again another testiment to this government's mentality.

The people will not accept it, in case you hadn't noticed, the Dems will have lost none of their voters during this farce. But the PTP definitely have, and they have acknowledged this many times. That makes potentially 15 million + people not willing to accept the election or its results. Thius is not about the Dems throwing 'hissy fits', they don't need to. The people will demonstrate for them without any need for a push.

Truth also that you are blind to, is that these elections will NOT be held, they will be disrupted before that date and on the day they will be disrupted... There is a potetial for mass violence, and the government are keeping the powder keg safe and dry and inviting the fuse to be lit.

Reform BEFORE elections is what the protests are about.... wake up!

“Under Yingluck's plan, all parties would have to pledge that the new government holds power for only two years, to see through the national reform process. “

So the people who you seem to be supporting-do they have the guts to set a firm timeline?

Yes, they said 9 to 14 months actually.

Or are you a 'Johnny come lately' and not been following the commentary over the past 6 weeks?

[JHenry]

I do not care. Why should I? The both sides say "foreigners shut your mouth". So they can do whatever they want: burn down the WTC, collect the blood in the tanks and spill it in front of the Goverment House and occupy airports.

The first who says any good about the expat community, its contribution and the rigths of expats gets my appreciation. Other than that I do not give a hoot.

Edited December 22, 2013 by JHenry

[jackptoke]

If they are not going to partake in the elections then that is entirely up to them. Come the 3rd of February don't throw hissie fits and tantrums like spoilt little rich kids. Accept the outcome and move along don't try to overthrow another democratically elected government.

It is very disturbing to read this post, but not unexpected as we all know your preferences.

But you still don't seem to get it. Throwing away 3Bn + baht on an election that will count for nothing is yet again another testiment to this government's mentality.

The people will not accept it, in case you hadn't noticed, the Dems will have lost none of their voters during this farce. But the PTP definitely have, and they have acknowledged this many times. That makes potentially 15 million + people not willing to accept the election or its results. Thius is not about the Dems throwing 'hissy fits', they don't need to. The people will demonstrate for them without any need for a push.

Truth also that you are blind to, is that these elections will NOT be held, they will be disrupted before that date and on the day they will be disrupted... There is a potetial for mass violence, and the government are keeping the powder keg safe and dry and inviting the fuse to be lit.

Reform BEFORE elections is what the protests are about.... wake up!

Ok? Whom do the democrats propose to oversee the reform? The people's council toyed by Suthep? Are they to be the sole voice to twist the constitution to their like?

Why don't they propose exactly how the reform is to be carried out- if not by Suthep's people council? Abhisit does say that He is not a big fan of Suthep's PC, but what did he want?

[jpinx]

The democrats appear to forget that they had ample opportunity to reform the system when they were in power -- but it didn't suit their interests at the time because they had power. Now they are the underdog they call foul?

[Asiantravel]

If they are not going to partake in the elections then that is entirely up to them. Come the 3rd of February don't throw hissie fits and tantrums like spoilt little rich kids. Accept the outcome and move along don't try to overthrow another democratically elected government.

It is very disturbing to read this post, but not unexpected as we all know your preferences.

But you still don't seem to get it. Throwing away 3Bn + baht on an election that will count for nothing is yet again another testiment to this government's mentality.

The people will not accept it, in case you hadn't noticed, the Dems will have lost none of their voters during this farce. But the PTP definitely have, and they have acknowledged this many times. That makes potentially 15 million + people not willing to accept the election or its results. Thius is not about the Dems throwing 'hissy fits', they don't need to. The people will demonstrate for them without any need for a push.

Truth also that you are blind to, is that these elections will NOT be held, they will be disrupted before that date and on the day they will be disrupted... There is a potetial for mass violence, and the government are keeping the powder keg safe and dry and inviting the fuse to be lit.

Reform BEFORE elections is what the protests are about.... wake up!

“Under Yingluck's plan, all parties would have to pledge that the new government holds power for only two years, to see through the national reform process. “

So the people who you seem to be supporting-do they have the guts to set a firm timeline?

Yes, they said 9 to 14 months actually.

Or are you a 'Johnny come lately' and not been following the commentary over the past 6 weeks?

9-14 months ? But the voting public doesn't even know WHO exactly “ they “ are yet ?

I think it is time for you to wake up

[Lite Beer]

Yingluck urges Democrats to adhere to parliamentary system
By English News

BANGKOK, Dec 22 - Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today called on the Democrat Party to adhere to the parliamentary system over its decision to boycott the general election set for February 2.

The caretaker premier who is now in Udon Thani province amid supportive crowds said it is unfortunate that the Democrat Party has announced to boycott the upcoming election considering the party has a history of protecting democratic and parliamentary systems.

The Democrat Party has decided to boycott the election set for February 2, saying it has considered it thoroughly and would be ready to contest only after countrywide political reform has been completed.

Ms Yingluck noted that the Democrats want political reform, but refused to compete in an election.

She expressed concern that the country cannot move forward, adding that respecting the rules and participating in elections will lead to reforms.

"If they do not accept this government, they must accept the system. The government has already returned power to the people and let them decide the future of the country," said Ms Yingluck.

"The government has done everything, both promising reform and the House dissolution," stated the caretaker premier. "Our remaining duty now is the responsibility we have to implement the general election, and Pheu Thai Party is duty-bound to run in the election."

Following the proposal on the ratification of countrywide reform by all political parties, Ms Yingluck said the idea has received good feedbacks from many sectors, but noted that everybody needs to agree to it, especially the protesters. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-12-22

[chooka]

If they are not going to partake in the elections then that is entirely up to them. Come the 3rd of February don't throw hissie fits and tantrums like spoilt little rich kids. Accept the outcome and move along don't try to overthrow another democratically elected government.

It is very disturbing to read this post, but not unexpected as we all know your preferences.

But you still don't seem to get it. Throwing away 3Bn + baht on an election that will count for nothing is yet again another testiment to this government's mentality.

The people will not accept it, in case you hadn't noticed, the Dems will have lost none of their voters during this farce. But the PTP definitely have, and they have acknowledged this many times. That makes potentially 15 million + people not willing to accept the election or its results. Thius is not about the Dems throwing 'hissy fits', they don't need to. The people will demonstrate for them without any need for a push.

Truth also that you are blind to, is that these elections will NOT be held, they will be disrupted before that date and on the day they will be disrupted... There is a potetial for mass violence, and the government are keeping the powder keg safe and dry and inviting the fuse to be lit.

Reform BEFORE elections is what the protests are about.... wake up!

“Under Yingluck's plan, all parties would have to pledge that the new government holds power for only two years, to see through the national reform process. “

So the people who you seem to be supporting-do they have the guts to set a firm timeline?

Yes, they said 9 to 14 months actually.

Or are you a 'Johnny come lately' and not been following the commentary over the past 6 weeks?

Was that timeframe given by a real man of his word, an honest man the same guy who promised (gave his word) he would hand himself in on so many occasions? The same guy who repeatedly broke his word.

[Nibbles48]

If they are not going to partake in the elections then that is entirely up to them. Come the 3rd of February don't throw hissie fits and tantrums like spoilt little rich kids. Accept the outcome and move along don't try to overthrow another democratically elected government.

It is very disturbing to read this post, but not unexpected as we all know your preferences.

But you still don't seem to get it. Throwing away 3Bn + baht on an election that will count for nothing is yet again another testiment to this government's mentality.

The people will not accept it, in case you hadn't noticed, the Dems will have lost none of their voters during this farce. But the PTP definitely have, and they have acknowledged this many times. That makes potentially 15 million + people not willing to accept the election or its results. Thius is not about the Dems throwing 'hissy fits', they don't need to. The people will demonstrate for them without any need for a push.

Truth also that you are blind to, is that these elections will NOT be held, they will be disrupted before that date and on the day they will be disrupted... There is a potetial for mass violence, and the government are keeping the powder keg safe and dry and inviting the fuse to be lit.

Reform BEFORE elections is what the protests are about.... wake up!

Ok? Whom do the democrats propose to oversee the reform? The people's council toyed by Suthep? Are they to be the sole voice to twist the constitution to their like?

Why don't they propose exactly how the reform is to be carried out- if not by Suthep's people council? Abhisit does say that He is not a big fan of Suthep's PC, but what did he want?

It is obviously under discussion. It is a delicate matter and needs to be gotten right. As soon as they have the roadmap, they will issue it.

The Dems are a party of very smart thinkers, they don't just jump in with both feet like the current YL, PTP shambles.

That is why the country is in mayhem at the moment. This government has rolled out a series of none thought out knee-jerk actions that have mostly backfired on them.

That is what separates them from the Dems.

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Edited December 22, 2013 by Nibbles48

[whybother]

“Under Yingluck's plan, all parties would have to pledge that the new government holds power for only two years, to see through the national reform process. “

So the people who you seem to be supporting-do they have the guts to set a firm timeline?

They have actually. Elections in 12-18 months.

[whybother]

9-14 months ? But the voting public doesn't even know WHO exactly “ they “ are yet ?

I think it is time for you to wake up

Who is Yingluck suggesting? The same people that put forward the Amnesty bill?

[DGIE]

So the Democrat Party don't believe to win in the election.

What they believe in is that Yingluck will win again and back

to the same situation like they have today.

[Nibbles48]

9-14 months ? But the voting public doesn't even know WHO exactly “ they “ are yet ?

I think it is time for you to wake up

Who is Yingluck suggesting? The same people that put forward the Amnesty bill?

No... It will be a group of PTP MP's relatives and people controlled by Heir Thaksin himself.

Everyone knows that including all the PTP supporters, but why should they care?

I would not be surprised if a Shinawatra is in there somewhere, and possibly headed by Chalerm or Tarit.

All walks of life my arse... PTP supporters from all walks of life to be more accurate.

[wave]

If they are not going to partake in the elections then that is entirely up to them. Come the 3rd of February don't throw hissie fits and tantrums like spoilt little rich kids. Accept the outcome and move along don't try to overthrow another democratically elected government.

It is very disturbing to read this post, but not unexpected as we all know your preferences.

But you still don't seem to get it. Throwing away 3Bn + baht on an election that will count for nothing is yet again another testiment to this government's mentality.

The people will not accept it, in case you hadn't noticed, the Dems will have lost none of their voters during this farce. But the PTP definitely have, and they have acknowledged this many times. That makes potentially 15 million + people not willing to accept the election or its results. Thius is not about the Dems throwing 'hissy fits', they don't need to. The people will demonstrate for them without any need for a push.

Truth also that you are blind to, is that these elections will NOT be held, they will be disrupted before that date and on the day they will be disrupted... There is a potetial for mass violence, and the government are keeping the powder keg safe and dry and inviting the fuse to be lit.

Reform BEFORE elections is what the protests are about.... wake up!

“Under Yingluck's plan, all parties would have to pledge that the new government holds power for only two years, to see through the national reform process. “

So the people who you seem to be supporting-do they have the guts to set a firm timeline?

Yes, they said 9 to 14 months actually.

Or are you a 'Johnny come lately' and not been following the commentary over the past 6 weeks?

I would highly surprised if the democrats haven't lost support due to their hamfisted handling of their should we shouldn't we backing of the protests and their refusal to run in elections.

11.5 million people voted for them in the last election and they have now taken away the ability for those people to express their support for their policies and representation.

It's quite shameful...Shows a total disregard for your supporters unless you are 100% sure they all support the PDRC which is doubtful.

With regards to PDRC claim of 9-14 months reform period, this seems rather arbitrary.

It could be less (unlikely) or it could be longer, there is no FIRM policy on what they want to reform, how they propose this council will be appointed etc etc

When you see Suthep and PDRC constantly changing the date for the end of these protests how can they be trusted to finish their proposed "reform" and holding elections in a timely manner.

[Lite Beer]

Thai opposition to boycott polls

BANGKOK: Thailand's main opposition Democrat Party on Saturday announced it would boycott snap elections in the crisis-gripped kingdom, piling further pressure on the government as protesters prepare to ramp up rallies aimed at suspending democracy.

Party members -- who resigned as MPs en masse to join the demonstrations that have rocked Bangkok for weeks -- voted against participating, according to Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

"The Democrats think the elections will not solve the country's problems, lead to reform, or regain people's faith in political parties," he said in a press conference following the meeting.

He added that the decision would not affect the "legitimacy" of the vote and the party would not "obstruct" polling.

Embattled premier Yingluck Shinawatra, who called the February 2 elections in an effort to cool tensions, has insisted the polls will go ahead regardless of the Democrat decision.

But the move throws Democrat backing firmly behind protesters who are calling for democracy to be paused for an unelected "people's council" to be installed to enact reforms before a future vote.

Demonstrators want to rid the country of Yingluck and the influence of her Dubai-based brother Thaksin -- an ousted billionaire ex-premier who is despised by a coalition of the southern Thai poor, Bangkok middle classes and elite.

Thailand has seen several bouts of political turmoil since Thaksin was ousted in a military coup in 2006, with rival protests sometimes resulting in bloody unrest.

"I think if the Democrats ran in the election, we might get the most votes and be able to form a government -- but then again people will be mobilised to rally against our party," former premier Abhisit added.

The boycott announcement comes a day ahead of a planned major rally by the protesters, who are led by firebrand former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban.

Suthep, who has vowed to rid Thailand of the "Thaksin regime", has dismissed the election, saying it will install another government allied to the divisive former premier.

He has appealed for army support, in a country which has seen 18 successful or attempted coups since 1932.

But the military has indicated it is unlikely to intervene directly this time.

Two decades without a majority

The Democrats, Thailand's oldest party, have not won an elected majority in some two decades.

The party last took power in 2008 by parliamentary vote after a court stripped Thaksin's allies of power, angering his "Red Shirt" supporters who launched mass street protests three years ago that ended in a military crackdown that left dozens dead.

Thaksin, who now lives in self-exile, is adored by many outside Bangkok, particularly in the north and northeast, for his populist policies.

But the billionaire tycoon-turned-politician is reviled by the elite, who see him as corrupt and a threat to the monarchy.

Pro-Thaksin parties have won every election since 2001, most recently with a landslide victory under Yingluck two years ago.

The Democrats previously boycotted elections in 2006, helping to create the political uncertainty which heralded the military intervention that ousted Thaksin.

The latest boycott could lead to a similar situation, with polls "nullified" on technical grounds, said Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a former Thai diplomat and associate professor at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Japan's Kyoto University.

But he said the party "might as well die, they would become so irrelevant" if they did not participate.

"Walking away from it, it's just bad on the part of the Democrat Party. Especially if (the) international community is now watching the Thai situation so closely," he said in comments ahead of the meeting.

On Friday the Democrats sent a letter to other parties requesting a postponement of the polls because of the ongoing protests.

But the suggestion was rejected by the ruling Puea Thai, which is widely expected to win the election.

Initial party registration for the vote begins Monday and lasts until December 27.

Yingluck on Saturday offered to set up a body to implement reforms, in the latest olive branch to opponents.

"The government agrees that reform is needed and is willing to cooperate. We reaffirm that the reform process can go ahead alongside elections," she said in a televised address.

Demonstrators want Sunday's gathering to be bigger than earlier protests, which have drawn at least 150,000 supporters at their peak in some of the largest rallies for years in the politically-divided kingdom.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/thai-opposition-to-boycott-polls-43598.php

-- Phuket News 2013-12-22

[Nibbles48]

Yingluck urges Democrats to adhere to parliamentary system


You dissolved it remember?

Edited December 22, 2013 by PoorSucker
Standard font restored.

[Thait Spot]

Yingluck says the dems should respect the rules?

Why the hell are all these people on the street if not to protest PTP raping all the rules!

Barbie brain

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