Yingluck presents 'road map' for national reform, rivals unconvinced

[Lite Beer]

Yingluck presents 'road map' for national reform, rivals unconvinced
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra announced a road map for national reform yesterday that would go hand in hand with the February 2 snap election, requiring all political parties to pledge to honour the reform process after the election.

However, critics from the opposition Democrat Party appeared unconvinced, calling it a ploy to try and discourage the large numbers of people expected to join anti-government protests in Bangkok today.

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. Its mandate would be the creation of the reform council to work side by side with the new government. The reform council would represent peoples from all walks of life - both at local and national level - along with those representing various professions.

The caretaker premier said the national reform council would have a working mandate of two years to coincide with the next administration. The council would have the duty of proposing long-term reforms for the Kingdom, particularly political reforms, "so future politics can truly speak for the people", Yingluck said.

Yingluck said she was fully committed to a speedy reform process that would involve all parties and all Thais, so that everyone could be a part of a process, which restores peace and order to the country.

However, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, Jurin Laksanawisit, said he was not convinced and posted a message on his Facebook page yesterday, saying the caretaker government would have to take responsibility if something untoward happened as a result of not implementing reforms before the snap election. Jurin also called the move a selfish decision for the sake of self-preservation.

Democrat Party spokesperson, Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said the announcement was a ploy to reduce the number of protesters today, but it would have the opposite effect. He also criticised the caretaker premier's proposal as vague, superficial and rushed.

Chief adviser to the Chart Thai Pattana Party, Banharn Silpa-archa, said he was optimistic about the snap election, adding that the party would be campaigning throughout the Kingdom. He hoped that a small party like Chart Thai Pattana would have the opportunity to form the next government. Banharn, who recently returned to politics from a five-year political ban, said he would be the number-one candidate on the party list for his party.

Banharn also said he had not recently met or spoken with Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC). Banharn said he was not sure if Suthep still considered him a friend. They might find it difficult to relate to one another under the current circumstances, he added.

In a related development, a group of academics and students from 15 southern education institutions issued a statement condemning the caretaker government for not yielding to reform before the election. They called on all people to put pressure on the government.

Suan Dusit poll, meanwhile, revealed 91.55 per cent of 1,240 Bangkokians surveyed, believe politicians are the cause of division in society today. Eighty per cent also said politicians lacked morals, ethics and were self-serving

-- The Nation 2013-12-22

[moonao]

Thailand needs some reasonable, level headed people to be part of this reform process, Suthep and his bloodthirsty zombie sheep are the most unbalanced segment of Thai political society, they should be banned from any politcal contribution until they can calm down and behave like adults.

[tominbkk]

Thailand needs some reasonable, level headed people to be part of this reform process, Suthep and his bloodthirsty zombie sheep are the most unbalanced segment of Thai political society, they should be banned from any politcal contribution until they can calm down and behave like adults.

Likewise, YL and PT should be banned for trampling over the constitution and blatantly disobeying the highest courts of the land, while scheming 100% of the time on how to bring a convicted felon back to power.

[moonao]

Yinglucks rivals are sounding increasingly hysterical and desperate.

They have backed themselves into a corner and are willing to do a murder suicide as they go through their death throes.

Suthep only has hatred and a facist, undemocratic proposal, thats why most International observers and diplomats have come out in support of Yinglucks direction.

[jaidam]

I have to wonder at this stage, whether she regrets unilaterally elevating herself and party above the courts, siccing the chief of DSI like a rabid gun-dog against her critics, allowing a fugitive at large to promote the chief of police, and doing nothing to stop her brother ramming through his amnesty bill which even Stevie Wonder could have seen would lead to mayhem. Does her vapid thought process even allow regret?

Any road map must have a way of limiting a persons and their families terms of power. Stopping this ridiculous cult of personality is crucial if Thailand wants to avoid a civil war which would result in a north/south split. Seeing as she and her entire family and party have less than zero credibility, I'm not surprised serious observers remain unconvinced as per the OP.

[Curt1591]

[Democrat Party spokesperson, Chavanond Intarakomalyasut] also [criticized] the caretaker premier's proposal as vague, superficial and rushed.

Unlike Suthep's proposals ….

[craigt3365]

Thailand needs some reasonable, level headed people to be part of this reform process, Suthep and his bloodthirsty zombie sheep are the most unbalanced segment of Thai political society, they should be banned from any politcal contribution until they can calm down and behave like adults.

I have quite a few friends attending the current protests. They are not fans of Suthep, but want changes. And they are hardly bloodthirsty nor zombie sheep.

[EricBerg]

As expected both sides will not move an inch toward each other. Then the only way out would be a caretaker government by the military? Last coup the generals found out they couldn't run the country either.

So it's waiting for a clean charismatic newbie to make the change? Poor, poor Thailand.

[binjalin]

The Democrats (that's a joke in itself) should engage in the process, influence and seek change where required not act like spoilt children in the corner - "mummy, mummy they won't play my way"

[Thailand]

Everything has been laid quite clearly.

Yingluck has basically offered most of what was asked. It appears that by doing so it has thrown Suthep and his Dem sheep in to confusion and now veiled threats of violence from the deputy leader of the Dems, they are still relying on military intervention as the only way back in to power.

Reform is needed, Yingluck is offering it in what appears to be a very open way, it is obvious now that the Dems are that in name only,shame on them!

[Thait Spot]

If there is to be a reform council it has to be 100% neutral.

Looking at how the PTP strangled debate in the house proves that

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[noitom]

Let's see what leaders come in from Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nong Khai, Nakhon Ratchisma, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchatani, Chang Mai, Chaiyaphun, Sisaket, Songkhla and all the other populous provinces. Let's see all the people from "all walks of life" in those provinces as well as some Bangkok food sellers and taxi drivers.

[Thailand]

From the BBC

"

Defense spokesman Col Thanatip Sawangsaeng said the army "is ready to support the Election Commission in organising the elections when asked".

But a military source has told the BBC that privately the army believes it would be better for the election to be delayed - as sought by the opposition parties."

Privately the military are getting involved even more?

[whybother]

It is not surprising that her "rivals are unconvinced" given her previous attempts at "reconciliation" included amnesty for Thaksin.

[moonao]

Thailand needs some reasonable, level headed people to be part of this reform process, Suthep and his bloodthirsty zombie sheep are the most unbalanced segment of Thai political society, they should be banned from any politcal contribution until they can calm down and behave like adults.

I have quite a few friends attending the current protests. They are not fans of Suthep, but want changes. And they are hardly bloodthirsty nor zombie sheep.

Ask your friends how they would feel if Thaksin took a bullet. Most Suthep supporters I have talked to (despite their good education) would celebrate. Sickening but true. Does this make them bloodthirsty ? Perhaps.

The only change they want is to get rid of Thaksin. It's not very sophisticated and its not a solution.

They have tried every trick in the book over the last 10 years without success, and now they are getting desperate and dangerous.

[whybother]

From the BBC

"

Defense spokesman Col Thanatip Sawangsaeng said the army "is ready to support the Election Commission in organising the elections when asked".

But a military source has told the BBC that privately the army believes it would be better for the election to be delayed - as sought by the opposition parties."

Privately the military are getting involved even more?

How are they getting involved?

[NongKhaiKid]

If there is to be a reform council it has to be 100% neutral. Looking at how the PTP strangled debate in the house proves that Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Quite but unfortunately neutrality is a very rare entity here as a result of the culture and ' what can I get out of this ' mentality.

Look how those MPs jumped ship last week to join PTP, an eye on the future and hopes of a reward for doing so.

[whybother]

Thailand needs some reasonable, level headed people to be part of this reform process, Suthep and his bloodthirsty zombie sheep are the most unbalanced segment of Thai political society, they should be banned from any politcal contribution until they can calm down and behave like adults.

I have quite a few friends attending the current protests. They are not fans of Suthep, but want changes. And they are hardly bloodthirsty nor zombie sheep.

Ask your friends how they would feel if Thaksin took a bullet. Most Suthep supporters I have talked to (despite their good education) would celebrate. Sickening but true. Does this make them bloodthirsty ? Perhaps.

The only change they want is to get rid of Thaksin. It's not very sophisticated and its not a solution.

They have tried every trick in the book over the last 10 years without success, and now they are getting desperate and dangerous.

I think you would get the same response if you asked a few red shirt supporters what they thought if Suthep took a bullet.

[JoeThePoster]

Yingluck presents 'road map'

Includes important landmarks like Prada, Gucci, LV flagship stores. Standby for calendar with important dates of clearance sales.

Edited December 22, 2013 by JoeThePoster

[craigt3365]

Thailand needs some reasonable, level headed people to be part of this reform process, Suthep and his bloodthirsty zombie sheep are the most unbalanced segment of Thai political society, they should be banned from any politcal contribution until they can calm down and behave like adults.

I have quite a few friends attending the current protests. They are not fans of Suthep, but want changes. And they are hardly bloodthirsty nor zombie sheep.

Ask your friends how they would feel if Thaksin took a bullet. Most Suthep supporters I have talked to (despite their good education) would celebrate. Sickening but true. Does this make them bloodthirsty ? Perhaps.

The only change they want is to get rid of Thaksin. It's not very sophisticated and its not a solution.

They have tried every trick in the book over the last 10 years without success, and now they are getting desperate and dangerous.

None would harm to come about to anybody. Thus, the relatively peaceful protests. They do want Thaksin out, but that's not the only change. They want a better, and less corrupt, government. Quite sophisticated, actually. The PTP trying to sneak an amnesty bill through was a big catalyst. Not very sophisticated on the part of the PTP.

[blackman]

i think all political parties should be dissolved before the election

candidates should be presented on their own merits

they should not be able to declare an affiliation to any political party past or present

no colours of any party's can be displayed

all should wear just anonymous white shirts

voters will have to take an interest in the candidate then instead of just blindly voting for a person of colour

[ChrisY1]

Everything has been laid quite clearly.

Yingluck has basically offered most of what was asked. It appears that by doing so it has thrown Suthep and his Dem sheep in to confusion and now veiled threats of violence from the deputy leader of the Dems, they are still relying on military intervention as the only way back in to power.

Reform is needed, Yingluck is offering it in what appears to be a very open way, it is obvious now that the Dems are that in name only,shame on them!

Yes...a reform process of sort, has been offered by the PT...after the election on Feb 2.

There does not appear to be many that are confident that YL has the courage or determination to follow through with her plan.....that is the issue with this proposal....she has lost much of the confidence of the electorate.

We also have friends of my wife, academics past and present....intelligent people...that are taking part in the protest today.....they also think Suthep is nuts now......but....they want change and do not have any confidence in the current administration to implement change.

[blackman]

Thailand needs some reasonable, level headed people to be part of this reform process, Suthep and his bloodthirsty zombie sheep are the most unbalanced segment of Thai political society, they should be banned from any politcal contribution until they can calm down and behave like adults.

I have quite a few friends attending the current protests. They are not fans of Suthep, but want changes. And they are hardly bloodthirsty nor zombie sheep.

Ask your friends how they would feel if Thaksin took a bullet. Most Suthep supporters I have talked to (despite their good education) would celebrate. Sickening but true. Does this make them bloodthirsty ? Perhaps.

The only change they want is to get rid of Thaksin. It's not very sophisticated and its not a solution.

They have tried every trick in the book over the last 10 years without success, and now they are getting desperate and dangerous.

Abhisit should have sorted it whilst he was in power

it would have been top of my agenda

Thailand would be a more peaceful country without him

[Thailand]

From the BBC

"

Defense spokesman Col Thanatip Sawangsaeng said the army "is ready to support the Election Commission in organising the elections when asked".

But a military source has told the BBC that privately the army believes it would be better for the election to be delayed - as sought by the opposition parties."

Privately the military are getting involved even more?

How are they getting involved?

It was a question based on an unknown military source talking to the BBC hence the clue-?

But they would have no involvement in Thai Politics would they?

Edited December 22, 2013 by Thailand

[scorecard]

Yinglucks rivals are sounding increasingly hysterical and desperate.

They have backed themselves into a corner and are willing to do a murder suicide as they go through their death throes.

Suthep only has hatred and a facist, undemocratic proposal, thats why most International observers and diplomats have come out in support of Yinglucks direction.

Yet another perception management poster.

You are being blatantly untruthful when you say most international observers and diplomats come out on the side of yinglucks direction.

Yes they have commented and yes they use the standard diplomat speak, that doesn't mean they specifically support yingluck.

Edited December 22, 2013 by scorecard

[bkkgooner]

Thailand needs some reasonable, level headed people to be part of this reform process, Suthep and his bloodthirsty zombie sheep are the most unbalanced segment of Thai political society, they should be banned from any politcal contribution until they can calm down and behave like adults.

I have quite a few friends attending the current protests. They are not fans of Suthep, but want changes. And they are hardly bloodthirsty nor zombie sheep.

So why attend protests organized by an elitist fascist? Protesting for what change exactly?

[moonao]

Thailand needs some reasonable, level headed people to be part of this reform process, Suthep and his bloodthirsty zombie sheep are the most unbalanced segment of Thai political society, they should be banned from any politcal contribution until they can calm down and behave like adults.

I have quite a few friends attending the current protests. They are not fans of Suthep, but want changes. And they are hardly bloodthirsty nor zombie sheep.

Ask your friends how they would feel if Thaksin took a bullet. Most Suthep supporters I have talked to (despite their good education) would celebrate. Sickening but true. Does this make them bloodthirsty ? Perhaps.

The only change they want is to get rid of Thaksin. It's not very sophisticated and its not a solution.

They have tried every trick in the book over the last 10 years without success, and now they are getting desperate and dangerous.

I think you would get the same response if you asked a few red shirt supporters what they thought if Suthep took a bullet.

This topic has never come up in anything ive heard.

The reds seem more annoyed that the 'establishment' is once again pushing their way back into power and trodding over their vote and respect.

[Thailand]

Everything has been laid quite clearly.

Yingluck has basically offered most of what was asked. It appears that by doing so it has thrown Suthep and his Dem sheep in to confusion and now veiled threats of violence from the deputy leader of the Dems, they are still relying on military intervention as the only way back in to power.

Reform is needed, Yingluck is offering it in what appears to be a very open way, it is obvious now that the Dems are that in name only,shame on them!

Yes...a reform process of sort, has been offered by the PT...after the election on Feb 2.

There does not appear to be many that are confident that YL has the courage or determination to follow through with her plan.....that is the issue with this proposal....she has lost much of the confidence of the electorate.

We also have friends of my wife, academics past and present....intelligent people...that are taking part in the protest today.....they also think Suthep is nuts now......but....they want change and do not have any confidence in the current administration to implement change.

If they have no confidence in the current administration then perhaps they should vote the Dems in to power?

[scorecard]

Thailand needs some reasonable, level headed people to be part of this reform process, Suthep and his bloodthirsty zombie sheep are the most unbalanced segment of Thai political society, they should be banned from any politcal contribution until they can calm down and behave like adults.

I have quite a few friends attending the current protests. They are not fans of Suthep, but want changes. And they are hardly bloodthirsty nor zombie sheep.

Ask your friends how they would feel if Thaksin took a bullet. Most Suthep supporters I have talked to (despite their good education) would celebrate. Sickening but true. Does this make them bloodthirsty ? Perhaps.

The only change they want is to get rid of Thaksin. It's not very sophisticated and its not a solution.

They have tried every trick in the book over the last 10 years without success, and now they are getting desperate and dangerous.

Ask some the family members of the young men from tak bai who suffocated to death if they would be sad if the paymaster took a bullet. You know the answer.

Same point in regard to the family members of innocent people, including children, who very shot on site during the paymasters war on drugs.

[whybother]

From the BBC

"

Defense spokesman Col Thanatip Sawangsaeng said the army "is ready to support the Election Commission in organising the elections when asked".

But a military source has told the BBC that privately the army believes it would be better for the election to be delayed - as sought by the opposition parties."

Privately the military are getting involved even more?

How are they getting involved?

It was a question based on an unknown military source talking to the BBC hence the clue-?

But they would have no involvement in Thai Politics would they?

You said they "are getting involved even more". How are they getting more involved?

Do you get that from a "military source" commenting on what they think should happen?