Thai minister lashes out at Democrats, election opponents

[webfact]

Thai minister lashes out at Democrats, election opponents
By English News



BANGKOK, Dec 30 – Minister of the PM’s Office Varathep Ratanakorn said the majority of the Thai people will oppose ongoing attempts to disrupt the February 2 general elections.

He was referring to obstructions against election registrations in a number of provinces, particularly in Thailand’s South – the stronghold of the opposition Democrat Party.

The Democrats have announced a boycott of the election.

He charged the Democrats with lying, that they have abandoned their promise not to disrupt the elections.

The minister said the Democrat Party, Thailand’s oldest political grouping, had made a mistake in deciding not to run the snap elections, insisting that the government will proceed with the polls and giving assurances that it the election process will be carried out smoothly.

Opponents who continue creating unrest and damage should stop breaking the law and cease obstructing the elections for the sake of the country, said Mr Varathep.

He said anti-election activities are allowed under the democratic system but they must not affect other people’s rights or result in violence.

He extended moral support to the Election Commission and election officials in organising the elections nationwide. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-12-30

[ginjag]

This minister, accused the Democrats of lying ??? and he is in the PM office what a joke, Glasshouses come to mind and said " they should stop breaking the law for the sake of the country" Who the heck is he to say that when directly from his office the sake of the country has rarely been given a thought.

Even when people act (wrongly) better these ministers shut up. Every one of them that makes statements does not believe they are doing wrong in their capacity---never.

[lovetotravel]

This minister, accused the Democrats of lying ??? and he is in the PM office what a joke, Glasshouses come to mind and said " they should stop breaking the law for the sake of the country" Who the heck is he to say that when directly from his office the sake of the country has rarely been given a thought.

Even when people act (wrongly) better these ministers shut up. Every one of them that makes statements does not believe they are doing wrong in their capacity---never.

As has been mentioned a thousand times (or more), this could have all been avoided if they hadn't lied and tried to ram that amnesty bill through. Easy.

[bigbamboo]

For the good of the country two things need to happen. The 'caretaker' government need to implement some reforms and then the Dems need to contest the elections on Feb 2. It's a tall order but if our parliamentarians on all sides really love Thailand they should be prepared to do it or else get off the pot.

[soi41]

Maybe the dear minister needs to do a little homework??

The Democrats and PDRC are not the same!!

[Local Drunk]

The situation at the polls has nothing to do with being a democrat or lying for that matter. It's about ending a decade old battle of corruption between two self serving factions. What does one say at this point? "Good luck! and may the most corrupt win!"

[Bluespunk]

"Thai minister lashes out at Democrats, election opponents"

Boo hoo hoo, they won't do what I want them to do. They're not allowing me and my friends to carry on looting the country.

I have no time for suthep or his plans, but what does this guy think people are going to do when his party has ruled in such an appalling manner for the last three years. You reap what you sow.

[Scamper]

The Thaksin strategy to tie the Democratic party with the PDRC will only work with the party faithful and therefore only succeed in polarizing the country further. The Democratic party shares the same criticism of the administration as the PDRC, and has expressed the opinion that the election should be delayed. But Abhisit has repeatedly and emphatically distanced himself with the obstruction tactics. Although the Democratic party has boycotted their participation in the election, they have never advocated blockage of the vote. Thaksin knows that, because if Abhisit had actually made a statement like that, to be sure it would be emblazoned on every Pheu Thai campaign billboard. So they just have to make do with fantasy. In the meantime, the administration is all over the map. It's nice of the prime minister's office to lend " moral support " to the EC, but the EC is an independent body that does not need the administration's moral support. They need it's cooperation. They need the administration to listen to it. If the EC says - and it has said repeatedly - that this election cannot not be peacefully held - it is the duty of the administration to listen. It is the EC's responsibility, and the EC's responsibility alone, to oversee this election. And it is the EC alone that should be making statements regarding the election, not the administration. And certainly bizarre public statements against a party that is not even participating will likely not assuage the situation.

[TVGerry]

Wow the PTP crony minister who banned from politics for corruption just called the opposition 'liars'.

How ironic.

[binjalin]

Maybe the dear minister needs to do a little homework??

The Democrats and PDRC are not the same!!

so let them stand at the election - you can't have it BOTH ways

[fab4]

This minister, accused the Democrats of lying ??? and he is in the PM office what a joke, Glasshouses come to mind and said " they should stop breaking the law for the sake of the country" Who the heck is he to say that when directly from his office the sake of the country has rarely been given a thought.

Even when people act (wrongly) better these ministers shut up. Every one of them that makes statements does not believe they are doing wrong in their capacity---never.

As has been mentioned a thousand times (or more), this could have all been avoided if they hadn't lied and tried to ram that amnesty bill through. Easy.

It should have been all over when the Senate blocked the passing of the Amnesty Bill, and the dems sponsored rally supporters should have all gone home.

Easy.

Instead it was whipped up into a amnesty blocking/preah vihear whinging/anti corruption/anti democracy/anti thaksin/UDD/yingluck/PTP hatefest by suthep and his well heeled backers.

[Bignose]

To be fair the lies, innuendo, half truths and spin are not reserved solely for Thai elections, some of the rhetoric and drivel spouted during the recent Australian election puts anything said in Thailand in the shade. Some of the comments made by senior members, of what is now the new government, were strictly shameful and unworthy of what we consider to be a 1st class democracy.

What stands Thailand apart is the unsavory (choosing my words carefully here) side of the political system, what other developing country in the world would allow the governing party to be remotely controlled from abroad? I have no idea how this present situation can be resolved, the ruling party seems content to play the numbers game, no matter what the cost to the economy. The opposition seems driven by ego with no indication that is can "guide" the country into a new and modern era should it miraculously win power.

Democracy itself needs to be nurtured and developed, it is not a naturally recurring entity. If the conditions for this to happen are not currently present then a caretaker solution may be required, abhorrent though it may be a government with uniforms may not be a bad thing.

[soi41]

This minister, accused the Democrats of lying ??? and he is in the PM office what a joke, Glasshouses come to mind and said " they should stop breaking the law for the sake of the country" Who the heck is he to say that when directly from his office the sake of the country has rarely been given a thought.

Even when people act (wrongly) better these ministers shut up. Every one of them that makes statements does not believe they are doing wrong in their capacity---never.

As has been mentioned a thousand times (or more), this could have all been avoided if they hadn't lied and tried to ram that amnesty bill through. Easy.

It should have been all over when the Senate blocked the passing of the Amnesty Bill, and the dems sponsored rally supporters should have all gone home.

Easy.

Instead it was whipped up into a amnesty blocking/preah vihear whinging/anti corruption/anti democracy/anti thaksin/UDD/yingluck/PTP hatefest by suthep and his well heeled backers.

And we should just have accepted their word for not bringing the bill back in 180 days??

[lovetotravel]

This minister, accused the Democrats of lying ??? and he is in the PM office what a joke, Glasshouses come to mind and said " they should stop breaking the law for the sake of the country" Who the heck is he to say that when directly from his office the sake of the country has rarely been given a thought.

Even when people act (wrongly) better these ministers shut up. Every one of them that makes statements does not believe they are doing wrong in their capacity---never.

As has been mentioned a thousand times (or more), this could have all been avoided if they hadn't lied and tried to ram that amnesty bill through. Easy.

It should have been all over when the Senate blocked the passing of the Amnesty Bill, and the dems sponsored rally supporters should have all gone home.

Easy.

Instead it was whipped up into a amnesty blocking/preah vihear whinging/anti corruption/anti democracy/anti thaksin/UDD/yingluck/PTP hatefest by suthep and his well heeled backers.

And we should just have accepted their word for not bringing the bill back in 180 days??fingers-crossed.jpg

Exactly. After 180 days it can be passed with NO debate and NO vote. The bill was never killed, just not passed into law. Again, an easy way to diffuse the situation - 100% kill the amnesty bill. Easy to do, but the government won't do this.

Edited December 30, 2013 by lovetotravel

[siampolee]

The Democrats have announced a boycott of the election.

He charged the Democrats with lying, that they have abandoned their promise not to disrupt the elections.

Since when was an abstention of voting considered disruptive?

Oh of course if one abstains from a Thaksin ordered vote.

He extended moral support to the Election Commission and election officials in organising the elections nationwide. (MCOT online news)

Now the boy is well out of his depth using a word like ''moral.'' That particular quality does not exist in or is even understandable within Thaksins world nor his P.T.P. either.

Wonder where Varathep Ratanakorn buys his mind blocking pills and his man pills from?,

interesting to how many times the word ''rat'' appears in the spokesman's name . Seems to indicate that possibly the word ''rat'' is a required attribute to become a Thaksin puppet.

[englishoak]

Maybe the dear minister needs to do a little homework??

The Democrats and PDRC are not the same!!

Unfortunately that is like saying in the UK the NF national front isnt the same as the BNP British nazi National Party. No one believes they arnt, because the links are too close.

They are tied at the hip and the Dems have hitched their cart to an ass.

you try and tell people they arnt the same in the rest of the country .... you get tagged by association and sharing the limelight is about as close as it gets.

Right now its moving from red and yellow into north vs the south ...with Bangkok as the anointed battle ground ... it isnt good, not good at all.

Edited December 30, 2013 by englishoak

[chainarong]

Dishing out rep-remands and your moral crusade minister is an art , you only have to look at the morals in the PTP and a joke it has become, how many Ministers or members are convicted of criminal activity or facing convictions , electoral reform is sorely needed Minister, no person should hold the position of influence in any political party with a criminal conviction, all persons jumping Bail should have the statute of limitations time set at twenty five years , this will then circumvent your leader and founder Thaskin from returning to stir up more trouble in four years time, although he seems to do enough from Dubai

[whybother]

Maybe the dear minister needs to do a little homework??

The Democrats and PDRC are not the same!!

That's a bit like saying the PTP and red shirts are not the same.

[ChrisY1]

These people are really too stupid to hold such a high position.....janitor comes to mind!

[Mampara]

For the good of the country two things need to happen. The 'caretaker' government need to implement some reforms and then the Dems need to contest the elections on Feb 2. It's a tall order but if our parliamentarians on all sides really love Thailand they should be prepared to do it or else get off the pot.

Actually only one thing needs to happen 'Ban all political parties for the next 2 years as a cooling off period' this can only be achieved by one method, i think u all know what i mean.

[fab4]

As has been mentioned a thousand times (or more), this could have all been avoided if they hadn't lied and tried to ram that amnesty bill through. Easy.

It should have been all over when the Senate blocked the passing of the Amnesty Bill, and the dems sponsored rally supporters should have all gone home.

Easy.

Instead it was whipped up into a amnesty blocking/preah vihear whinging/anti corruption/anti democracy/anti thaksin/UDD/yingluck/PTP hatefest by suthep and his well heeled backers.

And we should just have accepted their word for not bringing the bill back in 180 days??fingers-crossed.jpg

Exactly. After 180 days it can be passed with NO debate and NO vote. The bill was never killed, just not passed into law. Again, an easy way to diffuse the situation - 100% kill the amnesty bill. Easy to do, but the government won't do this.

OK So say they kill the amnesty bill stone dead, never to be resurrected, what then?

suthep has still whipped up the preah vihear whinging/anti corruption/anti democracy/anti thaksin/UDD/yingluck/PTP crowd into a hatefest.

And you reckon suthep will be satisfied with that? He doesn't care about amnesty, he has bigger plans ahead though just what they are, nobody knows.

Conclusion, you were/are being very naive if you think that killing off the amnesty bill would have avoided the troubles that are occurring now.

[Thailand]

Maybe the dear minister needs to do a little homework??

The Democrats and PDRC are not the same!!

That's a bit like saying the PTP and red shirts are not the same.

Amazing, I agree with you!

[englishoak]

Maybe the dear minister needs to do a little homework??

The Democrats and PDRC are not the same!!

That's a bit like saying the PTP and red shirts are not the same.

Amazing, I agree with you!

TIT anything can happen

[Emptyset]

Exactly. After 180 days it can be passed with NO debate and NO vote. The bill was never killed, just not passed into law. Again, an easy way to diffuse the situation - 100% kill the amnesty bill. Easy to do, but the government won't do this.

OK So say they kill the amnesty bill stone dead, never to be resurrected, what then?

suthep has still whipped up the preah vihear whinging/anti corruption/anti democracy/anti thaksin/UDD/yingluck/PTP crowd into a hatefest.

And you reckon suthep will be satisfied with that? He doesn't care about amnesty, he has bigger plans ahead though just what they are, nobody knows.

Conclusion, you were/are being very naive if you think that killing off the amnesty bill would have avoided the troubles that are occurring now.

Furthermore how can the amnesty 'easily' be killed? I had assumed it was dead after dissolution of parliament, but if not then it's impossible to 'kill' by any govt mechanism (unless lovetotravel knows something i don't).

If it's not dead now, it could be resurrected at any point. But I doubt it would be, even if PT won the next election and were allowed to govern. Look how easily PT withdrew amnesty bill.

[Spartakos]

Dear minister let me give you some ideas on how to solve the suthep problem I believe that not giving people a reason to go to listen to suthep would save us a lot of trouble, governing the country for the benefit of thai people and not one criminal figutive would help reduce the protester's numbers, actually doing your jobs that you are being paid for wouldn't hurt the situation, not robbing the country's treasury sounds like a good idea, stop being arrogant #$%^s should help, quit listening to a rat in the desert on how to run the country etc. Now if all that would happen i believe Suthep would be a lone man on the protest listening to his own rants.

[bigbamboo]

This minister, accused the Democrats of lying ??? and he is in the PM office what a joke, Glasshouses come to mind and said " they should stop breaking the law for the sake of the country" Who the heck is he to say that when directly from his office the sake of the country has rarely been given a thought.

Even when people act (wrongly) better these ministers shut up. Every one of them that makes statements does not believe they are doing wrong in their capacity---never.

As has been mentioned a thousand times (or more), this could have all been avoided if they hadn't lied and tried to ram that amnesty bill through. Easy.

It should have been all over when the Senate blocked the passing of the Amnesty Bill, and the dems sponsored rally supporters should have all gone home.

Easy.

Instead it was whipped up into a amnesty blocking/preah vihear whinging/anti corruption/anti democracy/anti thaksin/UDD/yingluck/PTP hatefest by suthep and his well heeled backers.

Agree up to a point. The problem was that instead of clearing the table the Dems believed they were on a winning roll and the Thai gambler in them took over.

Now it looks as if they may have overplayed their hand.

[fab4]

The Democrats have announced a boycott of the election.

He charged the Democrats with lying, that they have abandoned their promise not to disrupt the elections.

Since when was an abstention of voting considered disruptive?

Oh of course if one abstains from a Thaksin ordered vote.

He extended moral support to the Election Commission and election officials in organising the elections nationwide. (MCOT online news)

Now the boy is well out of his depth using a word like ''moral.'' That particular quality does not exist in or is even understandable within Thaksins world nor his P.T.P. either.

Wonder where Varathep Ratanakorn buys his mind blocking pills and his man pills from?,

interesting to how many times the word ''rat'' appears in the spokesman's name . Seems to indicate that possibly the word ''rat'' is a required attribute to become a Thaksin puppet.

It's also interesting that the same three letters appear in the descriptive noun, Prat. That seems to a required attribute as well.

[northernjohn]

This minister, accused the Democrats of lying ??? and he is in the PM office what a joke, Glasshouses come to mind and said " they should stop breaking the law for the sake of the country" Who the heck is he to say that when directly from his office the sake of the country has rarely been given a thought.

Even when people act (wrongly) better these ministers shut up. Every one of them that makes statements does not believe they are doing wrong in their capacity---never.

Then he had the nerve to go on and say

Opponents who continue creating unrest and damage should stop breaking the law

Like the red shirts did in paving the way for him to get into office.

Typical PTP what is good for PTP is good for the nation but no one else is allowed to do it.

[chuang]

Maybe the dear minister needs to do a little homework??

The Democrats and PDRC are not the same!!

You need to do some homework or some brain scan...

[Yunla]

Suthep has handed PTP the moral high ground, at a point in time when the world and even PTP voters were starting to criticise PTP's many failed schemes and ploys and the absolutely gangster-like Amnesty process, and support was apparently ebbing in some PTP strongholds too. Right at this point comes Suthep, and launches incendiary rhetoric in public, plus impairs the function of the capital city, suggests what sounds like a communist regime, tell the whole Shinawatra family to leave the country immediately, and refuses the offered discussions from Yingluck, and the offered early elections. All of this makes the PTP look stronger and more democratic by comparison. They have kept largely quiet and subdued to let the points rack up. Inquiring minds wonder why Suthep did all this when the real benefit goes to PTP.

Edited December 30, 2013 by Yunla