Feb 2 election goes ahead as planned: PM Yingluck

[webfact]

2 Feb Election Goes Ahead As Planned: PM Yingluck
By Khaosod Online


Anti-government protesters rallying in front of PM Yingluck Shinawatra's residence, 26 December 2013

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has insisted today that the general election on 2 February 2014 will proceed as planned, Royal Thai Army spokesperson said.

Col. Thanathip Sawangsaeng said Ms. Yingluck has expressed her concerns about the incident yesterday in which anti-government protesters attempted to disrupt the election registration at Thai-Japanese stadium, leading to a deadly clash between anti-government protesters and the police.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister would not cancel the election and has requested the presence of military personnel to help oversee election units on the appointed election date to ensure the safety of the public, Col. Thanathip added.

The remark came a day after Mr. Suphachai Somcharoen, president of the Election Commission (EC), spoke in a press conference that the government must postpone the poll indefinitely.

As long as the conflict between different parties still exist in the society, Mr. Suphachai said, his commission may not be able to proceed with the general election in a peaceful and transparent manner according to the Constitution.

The EC President then demanded the postponement of the election until the situation is secured.

But Mr. Pongthep Thepkanchana, deputy prime minister, stated in a press conference on the same day that the government cannot suspend the election indefinitely, as the constitution rules that the caretaker government must arrange for general election after 60 days of the dissolution of the parliament.

“if [the election] is postponed, the domestic dispute will be strengthen and become more harmful to the country. If the new cabinet takes the office, the situation shall be eased”, said Mr. Pongthep in a statement.

Col. Thanathip also told reporters that Ms. Yingluck is concerned by the safety of the people in the violent Deep South.

“The Royal Thai Army, as a unit who is responsible for the safety and security, had coordinated with the security units in the Deep South”, said Gen.Thnathip, “the police force in the provinces had been working collaboratively with the provincial EC units.”

“We are here to facilitate and arrange units to retain the security in the election centre to create trusts and security for those who wish to vote on the date [2 February]”, added the Royal Thai Army Spokesperson.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNE9ERTBOVEkwT0E9PQ==


-- Khaosod English 2013-12-28

[pumpuiman]

Wow. So the Army is backing the govt?

I guess we wait and see.

And How could the news of the armies support not make the headline?

Edited December 27, 2013 by pumpuiman

[pumpuiman]

Well, now of course we have Sutheps response to look forward to.

An insane threat I imagine...probably fire..my guess.

[jcb2001]

Sounds like PM Yingluck has a mind of her own and will overrule the gov't Election Commission's decision.

Those Shinawatwa's are a feisty bunch!

[Thailand]

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692375-thai-army-chief-prayuth-refuses-to-rule-out-a-military-coup/

This may well be the military's response to her request to allow the elections to proceed with their protection.

Can't see any way they will agree if half the stories of Sutheps"s backers are true

[oldthaihand99]

Election plan goes ahead...barring an imminent coup & reforms.

[soi41]

Well done darling Yingluck!!

Glad to see that you haven't been intimidated by the rent-a-mob and their nutcase leader!!

And isn't the army of any country supposed to back an elected government??

Edited December 28, 2013 by soi41

[TVGerry]

Good job, Poo. Let's escalate this situation even further. With your brother's insistence that elections go on ahead and the protestors getting shot at, you're just itching for another coup. As more people die coming towards Feb 2 and the military stages a coup, Dubai will have the privilege to host 2 fugitive ex PMs.

[phitsanulokjohn]

Oh well by February 3rd,after Ladyluck comes marching in again,we'll have the yellow shirts back on the street.If the yellow shirts should get in,that is if they choose not to boycott the election,the red shirts will be on the street.When will this childish behavior,that is costing people their lives ever stop?

[englishoak]

Col. Thanathip also told reporters that Ms. Yingluck is concerned by the safety of the people in the violent Deep South.

“The Royal Thai Army, as a unit who is responsible for the safety and security, had coordinated with the security units in the Deep South”, said Gen.Thnathip, “the police force in the provinces had been working collaboratively with the provincial EC units.”

This would make sense, the deep south has an ongoing problem and IF the election takes place then polling booths and the like would be an obvious target for the southern insurgents, clearly the army already understands that the south will need its presence for security in that region.. I didnt see any mention of the rest of the country tho only specifically the deep south. ergo i do not take that to mean the Army has thrown its support behind the government just yet

[culicine]

Sadly, a coup could be the only short term solution. This puts both Suthep and PTP/Yingluck/Thaksin out of the loop for a couple of years at least. Only during that time can reforms take place as it looks like this stalemate is not going away.

[GeorgeO]

Sadly, a coup could be the only short term solution. This puts both Suthep and PTP/Yingluck/Thaksin out of the loop for a couple of years at least. Only during that time can reforms take place as it looks like this stalemate is not going away.

This seems to be the only real way out right now.

As soon as the date for the proposed elections was mooted, I predicted that such elections would not take place unless reforms were put in place beforehand. I stand by that prediction, and my view of the situation seems to be getting strong support from the business community, the EC, and now it seems, the Army.

There is no way that elections without prior reforms will sit well with the people of Thailand. The days of Thaksin calling the shots and extracting the country's wealth are done. Those who continue to show their strong support for this corrupt regime clearly demonstrate that there is nothing that can be said that will change their minds. However, they are the very people who will be complaining vehemently when it turns out they are not getting paid for their rice...!

Prayuth's comments send out a clear warning to YL (Thaksin) to let go of the reins. If she (and he) refuse to do so, then they will receive one final warning. If they ignore that, then we can look forward once again to tanks on the streets.

Let's be clear about it, the Army is just as strong as Suthep in its recognition of the need to get rid of this corrupt regime once and for all, and the necessary reforms that will then be pursued will ensure that no such regime is allowed to rise again in Thailand.

Once the country has been audited, we will have a clear idea of just how much the PTP and Thaksin have raped and pillaged this economy, and you can be sure that efforts will subsequently be pursued to get all of those responsible out of their worldwide hiding places and back into Thailand to be brought to book for their greed.

[englishoak]

Sadly, a coup could be the only short term solution. This puts both Suthep and PTP/Yingluck/Thaksin out of the loop for a couple of years at least. Only during that time can reforms take place as it looks like this stalemate is not going away.

This seems to be the only real way out right now.

As soon as the date for the proposed elections was mooted, I predicted that such elections would not take place unless reforms were put in place beforehand. I stand by that prediction, and my view of the situation seems to be getting strong support from the business community, the EC, and now it seems, the Army.

There is no way that elections without prior reforms will sit well with the people of Thailand. The days of Thaksin calling the shots and extracting the country's wealth are done. Those who continue to show their strong support for this corrupt regime clearly demonstrate that there is nothing that can be said that will change their minds. However, they are the very people who will be complaining vehemently when it turns out they are not getting paid for their rice...!

Prayuth's comments send out a clear warning to YL (Thaksin) to let go of the reins. If she (and he) refuse to do so, then they will receive one final warning. If they ignore that, then we can look forward once again to tanks on the streets.

Let's be clear about it, the Army is just as strong as Suthep in its recognition of the need to get rid of this corrupt regime once and for all, and the necessary reforms that will then be pursued will ensure that no such regime is allowed to rise again in Thailand.

Once the country has been audited, we will have a clear idea of just how much the PTP and Thaksin have raped and pillaged this economy, and you can be sure that efforts will subsequently be pursued to get all of those responsible out of their worldwide hiding places and back into Thailand to be brought to book for their greed.

DUDE !!!

You need to take a reality check, whatever else happens that will certainly not, the army is just as corrupt as the rest and there is NO WAY the details will be released let alone an audit or bringing to justice of anyone of any note whatsoever. Remember where you are and the system for what it is, thaksin didnt invent corruption and believe me no one will want that pandoras box opened ... not now not in a reform and not after.

PS the farmers will have to be paid as whatever government does pick up the bill they are going to have to balance accounts outstanding. You do understand that even when a government changes the new are obligated to settle its predecessors agreements and bills right ? thats what schemes and investments are all about .. its a contract and once into it they can only be stopped or cancelled they cant just not pay for what has already been done if they didnt it would'nt last 5 mins in power and lose all credibility and support immediately ...

[tezzainoz]

Well, now of course we have Sutheps response to look forward to.

An insane threat I imagine...probably fire..my guess.

"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."

[tezzainoz]

Well done darling Yingluck!!

Glad to see that you haven't been intimidated by the rent-a-mob and their nutcase leader!!

And isn't the army of any country supposed to back an elected government??

An elected government

I was under the understanding thats what the election is for

so you have already made up your mind

so why do we need an election ???

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt

[Thait Spot]

Thaksin plods blindly on......

There are so many ways this can hurt YS

NACC bans her for cheating on Senate bill

NACC bans her for cheating on Loan Bill

EC bans her for cheating on Loan Bill

EC resigns and elections deferred

Army steps in

All hell breaks loose

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[pumpuiman]

Well, now of course we have Sutheps response to look forward to.

An insane threat I imagine...probably fire..my guess.

"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."

Exactly.

[pxlgirl]

either the news that one of the military dudes doesn't exclude a coup is false, or crybaby is doing yet another PR-BS story

[Toscano]

Thaksin's crime is taking the power to govern away from the elite .

Who governs the country can rape it in every way they know how .

Being a member of parliament is joining the get rich quick club , pocketing percentages from major industries .

Talk of reform is how to change elections to insure that a party other the Puea Thai can win .

That will only happen when another party has more popular future policies than the present government .

The election has to go ahead , Thailand cannot be left without a government . Suthep's proposed PDRC will never be accepted .

The military appointed government of 2006 was really a failure and has played a large part in the stalemate situation today .

The elected government of the day has to have the power to govern , they should have the power to put a constitution to the people .

The current referendum on the constitution , was approved as a condition to have an election , but in reallity not approved .

There will be trouble ahead , but I believe an election and government will be the lesser of evils .

Other options could lead to civil war or a division of the country between north and south .

[waza]

To hell with everyone, Thaksin wants his amnesty

[Rinrada]

Well done Khun PM Yingluck....decision made ......stick to your guns........

err ....will rephrase that......stick to your Principals.....

Edited December 28, 2013 by Rinrada

[Scamper]

In no other country does one see the prime minister having to make daily announcements that an election called is still taking place. The repetition is apparently necessary. No one seems to be listening.

[oldthaihand99]

Well done Khun PM Yingluck....decision made ......stick to your guns........

err ....will rephrase that......stick to your Principals.....

Suthep wants to stick it to her guns.

[ginjag]

Well done darling Yingluck!!

Glad to see that you haven't been intimidated by the rent-a-mob and their nutcase leader!!

And isn't the army of any country supposed to back an elected government??

The pm will not be intimidated, because she is immune to all the fuss, hence inspecting road repairs in the North.

I wonder if she would be intimidated by her red brigade if they turned on her ??? Pay them madam, Floods-rice BUT maybe she don't care anyway.

The army would normally back the said government but it does draw a line on some things, (too many to mention) hence the protests. AND MAYBE ???

Quote "darling" if you ever met her she would not give you a glance--your not in her class--(money)

Edited December 28, 2013 by ginjag

[Baerboxer]

Well done darling Yingluck!!

Glad to see that you haven't been intimidated by the rent-a-mob and their nutcase leader!!

And isn't the army of any country supposed to back an elected government??

Yes, she's not wavering from sticking to the instructions her brother gave her - regardless of any consequences. (Notice he's safe and sound again, just like in 2010).

The army is supposed to back an elected government - providing that government isn't acting illegally and openly defying the courts and parliamentary procedure.

[Baerboxer]

Well done Khun PM Yingluck....decision made ......stick to your guns........

err ....will rephrase that......stick to your Principals.....

Principals - rob, cheat, lie, - all's fair in love, war and politics!

[cbluck58]

Well done darling Yingluck!! width=20 alt=giggle.gif pagespeed_url_hash=1819233433>

Glad to see that you haven't been intimidated by the rent-a-mob and their nutcase leader!!

And isn't the army of any country supposed to back an elected government?? width=32 alt=coffee1.gif pagespeed_url_hash=2220208811>

Apart from the 'darling' bit , you are absolutely right mate !!

[siampolee]

Survival: Thailands Thaksin puppet government political style.

http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com

Day 1, they elect a dictator to think for them because they don't know how to think for themselves.

Day 2, the dictator says the sky is green, everybody believes him except for one person who thinks the sky is blue. Everybody is angry at him because they think he is wrong, and they kill him.

Day 3, the dictator eats everybody's food. The people ask what happened to the food? The dictator says it's still there, it's just invisible. Then the dictator says he will give them food to eat. They all have a parade.

A week later everyone is starving to death yet don't notice it. They're too busy having a parade because they are so happy the dictator said he will give them food a week ago.

The next day, the dictator pretends to hold an imaginary hamburger. He says who wants some food! Everybody actually thinks he is actually giving them food. Everybody just gulps down air thinking it really is food.

The last day, everyone dies of starvation despite being on a tropical island full of fruits. All except for the dictator who kills himself for no reason.

Above Yinglucks puppet masters strategies. Hopefully the final line is true regarding the fate of the puppet master

[mumjokmok]

Reds play politricks and use their PR far better than Yellow. Think the deep south insurgency is the perfect reason why the armed forces need to stand firm with the elected officials, at least on the public stage anyway. Probably what any large Western military would do too, support those that can provide stronger government and justify their moves with some sort of internationally-recognised tactics.

Ms. Yingluck is quite clever to bring this up and again the Reds produce the acceptable statement for a Western media audience, no matter how contrived. Also sets the stage for a security presense for the elections down South, which can in turn lead to other incidents/ crises that may see the tables turned and the Yellows image irreparably damaged internationally as the Reds enjoy an image sponsored by a bit of media ignorance on the world stage. Watching with baited breath, however I think one bloke holds most of the cards, probably with four red face cards and the ace of hearts making up his hand. The opposition lacks a real manageable united front and has no way of playing the underdog card at all or the nation would fall down laughing at them. Progre$$ is coming, and sadly progre$$ takes no prisoners...just chews up and spits out the naive amongst us.

[mudscrubber]

 

In no other country does one see the prime minister having to make daily announcements that an election called is still taking place. The repetition is apparently necessary. No one seems to be listening.

The majority of the country - those who plan to vote for the PM's party or an allied party - has no need to hear what the PM says again and again. Her words are directed at the savage and obdurate minority that seeks to obtain by violence what it can not obtain by the vote.

Edited December 28, 2013 by mudscrubber