Emergency decree would be a last resort: Yingluck

[webfact]

POLITICS
Emergency decree would be a last resort: Yingluck
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung,
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday that invoking an emergency decree would be the last option in dealing with the current protests.

Yingluck, who is also caretaker defence minister, expressed concern over a call by the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) to shut down Bangkok next Monday.

She said the plan to cut power and water supply at state agencies would worsen the situation and cause trouble for residents in the capital, in addition to reducing confidence in the country's political system and economy.

"That will be the last option. We will try to avoid using it," Yingluck said, adding that the Internal Security Act would still be in effect.

Yingluck visited Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday to provide moral support to security officials. Some 12 companies of police and two companies of troops were deployed to ensure security at the airport.

While Yingluck was making the inspection, police applauded and shouted "PM, fight on", prompting her eyes to brim with tears.

The troops applauded only when instructed to do so by a police spokesman over the public address system.

There have been suggestions for Yingluck to impose an emergency decree to deal with the "Bangkok shutdown", according to a Pheu Thai Party source.

With a state of emergency in effect, the military would have to take charge and oversee operations to deal with the protesters. But key military figures have allegedly opposed the move and said would prefer to play a back-up role to the police.

The source, who is a key Pheu Thai figure, said certain military leaders appeared sympathetic with the anti-government PDRC.

"Now is the right time to test the Army's willingness" to help the government deal with the situation, the source said.

"If the Army does not comply with the government's request for it to be involved, the prime minister has the right to remove the military leaders." But PM Yingluck has not responded to that idea.

The source said leaders of the military had promised to persuade PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban to end the protest if she dissolved the House of Representatives. But when the PM did so, they failed to persuade Suthep because he was backed by a powerful figure that once created trouble for the Thaksin government.

Shutdown 'illegal, dangerous'

Meanwhile, caretaker Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri yesterday warned against joining the Bangkok shutdown protest, claiming it was illegal and dangerous.

Chaikasem said PDRC secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban was facing a sedition charge, which carried a maximum penalty of death. So if people chose to support Suthep by joining the shutdown protest, they would also be regarded as committing a wrongdoing, Chaikasem said.

He cautioned that protesters could also be injured in clashes with the PDRC's opponents. The minister said people who joined the simultaneous rallies on Monday would violate Articles 116 and 215 of the Criminal Code for unlawfully assembling to cause turmoil in the capital.

"Those who already know but still join the protest will be deemed as engineering or supporting sedition," Chaikasem said on TV.

"The government would like to tell the people to use their judgement and be aware that if they join in the Bangkok Shutdown, they will be breaking the law and cause damage to the country.

"Besides, there is a risk that they will be hurt as there might be clashes with those who have different opinions and groups of people with malicious intent."

In a related development, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is due to decide today whether to pursue a case against Yingluck and 382 other parliamentarians accused of violating the Constitution, for voting in support of a bill to amend the Constitution to try to change the composition of the Senate.

Even if the NACC resolved to pursue a case against her, the PM would not need to stand down as caretaker prime minister, a legal expert claimed. The case was filed against her as an MP, a position she no longer holds after the House was dissolved in early December.

Meanwhile, a close friend of Thaksin who served in the Yingluck government, suggested that Yingluck step down before the shutdown on January 13. "In a war when you can't make an advance, the commander has to order a retreat. Yingluck should leave her post and announce that she will not return to power," said the source, who was Thaksin's former classmate from the Armed Forces Preparatory School.


-- The Nation 2014-01-07

[Thait Spot]

She should retreat to the desserts of Dubai. Camel ice cream

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[wimpey1946]

She should retreat to the desserts of Dubai. Camel ice cream Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

kid talk

[Cricketnut]

So she resigns and then Somchai fills her shoes. He was not involved in the voting or proposal. Should it not be Suthep that be locked up, 200 Billion down the drain, nice wad of cash that, well done Suthep, oh and by the way, by brainwashing the people who support this march, your going to have a lot of them killed.

Yingluck has yielded enough, she has been restrained in her actions and patient. Kaos to come I should think. Just think of all the dead and their loved ones. Would and could this happen in England, USA, America? No.... Shame on Suthep, reform and democracy hasnt a chance with him ranting and causing havoc every day. Democrats, get your crap together, make your reforms and go to the polls to end this thing.

[Mosha]

So she resigns and then Somchai fills her shoes. He was not involved in the voting or proposal. Should it not be Suthep that be locked up, 200 Billion down the drain, nice wad of cash that, well done Suthep, oh and by the way, by brainwashing the people who support this march, your going to have a lot of them killed.

Yingluck has yielded enough, she has been restrained in her actions and patient. Kaos to come I should think. Just think of all the dead and their loved ones. Would and could this happen in England, USA, America? No.... Shame on Suthep, reform and democracy hasnt a chance with him ranting and causing havoc every day. Democrats, get your crap together, make your reforms and go to the polls to end this thing.

So using your logic, you must accept Thaksin had the 92 killed in 2010

[kutjebu]

She should retreat to the desserts of Dubai. Camel ice cream Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

kid talk

Fool talk.

[Thait Spot]

She should retreat to the desserts of Dubai. Camel ice cream Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

kid talk

What have goats got to do with it?

[JRSoul]

Last resort, but still before resignation?

[AloisAmrein]

Thailand on his way to fascism, with Suthep as the "Führer"

[Local Drunk]

"Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday that invoking an emergency decree would be the last option in dealing with the current protests."

She may have no option but to say that, as I don't think the Military will go along with it. The term "last option" suggests there are other options of dealing with and ending the protests.

Resignation is the first that comes to my mind. She's no longer welcome in Bkk. She may be the darling of Issan, but if she can't control the military, the capital and never mind the South, she hasn't a chance of staying in power.

[Baerboxer]

So she resigns and then Somchai fills her shoes. He was not involved in the voting or proposal. Should it not be Suthep that be locked up, 200 Billion down the drain, nice wad of cash that, well done Suthep, oh and by the way, by brainwashing the people who support this march, your going to have a lot of them killed.

Yingluck has yielded enough, she has been restrained in her actions and patient. Kaos to come I should think. Just think of all the dead and their loved ones. Would and could this happen in England, USA, America? No.... Shame on Suthep, reform and democracy hasnt a chance with him ranting and causing havoc every day. Democrats, get your crap together, make your reforms and go to the polls to end this thing.

No it wouldn't happen in England or the US (possibly in the other America you refer to?).

The reason it wouldn't happen is because a government openly run by a convicted criminal fugitive who dictated policy and made all the decisions, would not be tolerated. A government as openly arrogant and contemptuous of the law and accountability, that acted illegally and in its own interests would be removed and those found guilty imprisoned.

[tingtongteesood]

So she resigns and then Somchai fills her shoes. He was not involved in the voting or proposal. Should it not be Suthep that be locked up, 200 Billion down the drain, nice wad of cash that, well done Suthep, oh and by the way, by brainwashing the people who support this march, your going to have a lot of them killed.

Yingluck has yielded enough, she has been restrained in her actions and patient. Kaos to come I should think. Just think of all the dead and their loved ones. Would and could this happen in England, USA, America? No.... Shame on Suthep, reform and democracy hasnt a chance with him ranting and causing havoc every day. Democrats, get your crap together, make your reforms and go to the polls to end this thing.

Pointless drivel as ever from the red idiots. I think the government is going to have to build a few hundred extra prisons to hold all the new inmates. The more this bunch of idiots tries to up the ante, the more people will protests because they start to understand the Shin regime tries to rule through force and intimidation. When will the riot leaders from 2010 who incited violence and the burning down of Bangkok be arrested ? They won't while PT are in power. If PT lose power then all this rhetorical 'they are breaking the law' crap goes away. Of course what the reds did in 2010 was perfectly good and justiffied since it helped Thaksin get his power back ( even if it was by proxy puppet ). What a bunch of........!

[Baerboxer]

Thailand on his way to fascism, with Suthep as the "Führer"

Silly nonsense.

[Maggusoil]

I doubt there's a politician in Thailand that can deal with this bunfight.

Massive government corruption. The highest alcohol consumption in SEA, the highest road tolls, the highest violent crime and murder rates

in SEA.

It makes you wonder where the checkpoint is.

[JRSoul]

So she resigns and then Somchai fills her shoes. He was not involved in the voting or proposal. Should it not be Suthep that be locked up, 200 Billion down the drain, nice wad of cash that, well done Suthep, oh and by the way, by brainwashing the people who support this march, your going to have a lot of them killed.

Yingluck has yielded enough, she has been restrained in her actions and patient. Kaos to come I should think. Just think of all the dead and their loved ones. Would and could this happen in England, USA, America? No.... Shame on Suthep, reform and democracy hasnt a chance with him ranting and causing havoc every day. Democrats, get your crap together, make your reforms and go to the polls to end this thing.

A Max Smart fan?

"Democrats, get your crap together, make your reforms and go to the polls to end this thing." Isn't that what Suthep is saying?

[thaidel48]

In a democracy you dont throw your toys out of the pram .. so to speak if you lose. The correct course of action is to campaign and try to win the next time there is an election.

[ratcatcher]

In a democracy you dont throw your toys out of the pram .. so to speak if you lose. The correct course of action is to campaign and try to win the next time there is an election.

In a democracy.................

Thailand isn't a democracy, it's a plutocracy.

A government of the Shinawatras, by the Shinawatras, for the Shinawatras.

[ginjag]

She should retreat to the desserts of Dubai. Camel ice cream Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

kid talk

What have goats got to do with it?

His nanny taught him.

[kirk0233]

he was backed by a powerful figure that once created trouble for the Thaksin government

I think Suthep's plan to bring down PTP was planned as early as 31-7-2013; just waiting for the appropriate time. It is unfortunate that some respected figures within Thailand view democracy as a threat and are aligned with the military to ensure their view prevails.

[mettech]

It is a bit too early to say (she should resign) a government was elected and some trouble maker want to change all of that, well let the Army take care of Suthep and be done with him.

[Scamper]

Make no mistake, the government desperately wants to impose an emergency decree in a final push to get the army involved. But the army has already sent the signals that they will decline the order. No problem, the government is now signaling to the army they know how to deal with that - sack the army leaders. That is a sure-fire way to induce a coup ! But it is also highly consistent with the Pheu Thai administration's methods - speak first, think later. And the continual threats of the administration against those Thai people who wish to peacefully roam the streets of their own country - as in the form of Chaikasam - chief champion of the amnesty bill that was to exonerate Thaksin and over 25,000 people convicted of corruption - apparently is informing the Thai people that some laws ( that is Thaksin-inspired ) are apparently worth a lot more than free, peaceful expression. And people wonder why there are people on the street to begin with.

[rickirs]

So she resigns and then Somchai fills her shoes. He was not involved in the voting or proposal. Should it not be Suthep that be locked up, 200 Billion down the drain, nice wad of cash that, well done Suthep, oh and by the way, by brainwashing the people who support this march, your going to have a lot of them killed.

Yingluck has yielded enough, she has been restrained in her actions and patient. Kaos to come I should think. Just think of all the dead and their loved ones. Would and could this happen in England, USA, America? No.... Shame on Suthep, reform and democracy hasnt a chance with him ranting and causing havoc every day. Democrats, get your crap together, make your reforms and go to the polls to end this thing.

No it wouldn't happen in England or the US (possibly in the other America you refer to?).

The reason it wouldn't happen is because a government openly run by a convicted criminal fugitive who dictated policy and made all the decisions, would not be tolerated. A government as openly arrogant and contemptuous of the law and accountability, that acted illegally and in its own interests would be removed and those found guilty imprisoned.

In America any reaction to an alleged criminal act or acts by Government or Congressional leaders would be dealt with through the Rule of Law with all Rights of the defendetns consistent with the US Constitution. Unlike the process Suthep wants to follow that is to suspend the constitution and to follow the Rule of the Mob.

[Mosha]

So she resigns and then Somchai fills her shoes. He was not involved in the voting or proposal. Should it not be Suthep that be locked up, 200 Billion down the drain, nice wad of cash that, well done Suthep, oh and by the way, by brainwashing the people who support this march, your going to have a lot of them killed.

Yingluck has yielded enough, she has been restrained in her actions and patient. Kaos to come I should think. Just think of all the dead and their loved ones. Would and could this happen in England, USA, America? No.... Shame on Suthep, reform and democracy hasnt a chance with him ranting and causing havoc every day. Democrats, get your crap together, make your reforms and go to the polls to end this thing.

No it wouldn't happen in England or the US (possibly in the other America you refer to?).

The reason it wouldn't happen is because a government openly run by a convicted criminal fugitive who dictated policy and made all the decisions, would not be tolerated. A government as openly arrogant and contemptuous of the law and accountability, that acted illegally and in its own interests would be removed and those found guilty imprisoned.

In America any reaction to an alleged criminal act or acts by Government or Congressional leaders would be dealt with through the Rule of Law with all Rights of the defendetns consistent with the US Constitution. Unlike the process Suthep wants to follow that is to suspend the constitution and to follow the Rule of the Mob.

Can you imagine the scene here. With the red mob surrounding the judges homes, because someone gave out their home addresses?

[JRSoul]

In America any reaction to an alleged criminal act or acts by Government or Congressional leaders would be dealt with through the Rule of Law with all Rights of the defendetns consistent with the US Constitution. Unlike the process Suthep wants to follow that is to suspend the constitution and to follow the Rule of the Mob.

If the US house leader committed perjury, would the FBI Director change the definition of the crime? TIT.

[Roychua]

I am wondering why are so many poster here arguing who is right and who is wrong, it is obvious that Democracy will not work in Thailand. The basic foundation is not there to run a proper democratic system, no one respect the "Rules of Law", majority of the population is too uneducated to understand the value of their voting right, corruption is too rampant and deep-rooted, etc, etc.

The present majority elected government was trying to bend every rules and law to suit their interest, and the majority supported protester is doing whatever they think is right. Both side does not have the interest of Thailand as their priority, they are only interested in what benefit awaits them when they have the power to rule. (They are called "Politician" for a reason)

It would seem better that they are being rule by a higher institution who are respected by everyone and start by eradicating corruption and re-educating the population about how to differentiate between what is right and wrong before they should even consider about changing to the democratic system

[Ricardo]

She should retreat to the desserts of Dubai. Camel ice cream Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

kid talk

What have goats got to do with it?

His nanny taught him.

Baaa humbug ?

[Cricketnut]

So she resigns and then Somchai fills her shoes. He was not involved in the voting or proposal. Should it not be Suthep that be locked up, 200 Billion down the drain, nice wad of cash that, well done Suthep, oh and by the way, by brainwashing the people who support this march, your going to have a lot of them killed.

Yingluck has yielded enough, she has been restrained in her actions and patient. Kaos to come I should think. Just think of all the dead and their loved ones. Would and could this happen in England, USA, America? No.... Shame on Suthep, reform and democracy hasnt a chance with him ranting and causing havoc every day. Democrats, get your crap together, make your reforms and go to the polls to end this thing.

So using your logic, you must accept Thaksin had the 92 killed in 2010

Well in a sense yes! Are you surprised that I in part agree? There is one fundamental difference that I think we are all missing (actually more). Yingluck had yielded. On the other hand Suthep has broken promise after promise has he not? So who will be to blame this time. This in my humble opinion is a far more serious problem that we are facing then 3 and a bit years ago. This is potentially millions of people marching and the red shirts showing the upmost of restraint in not provoking the situation any further as of yet. Using this piece of logic, I disagree, Suthep will be responsible for any deaths caused. Simply put, Thais need to educated in how to be Democratic and then act in this same vein. Suthep is not doing this, even yourself can see this. Laying siege to a Capital City? Is this a throw back to the Burmese in the 17th century... ? Yes it is. The caretaker government has warned all that participate of the possible conseuences, they are breaking the law if Suthep does indeed proceed and they may face dire circumstances indeed if the military intervene on the side of the police. Dont forget there are other vested interests in Thailand that ASEAN countries and those aligned with them do not want to see and that is a failed state. Australia, who came up with the idea of ASEAN and helped implement this and the other party being the USA who fiscaly and economicaly speaking will be doing their upmost to support the current government. Sorry for the long dialogue, just more to this then meets the eye.

[Cricketnut]

So she resigns and then Somchai fills her shoes. He was not involved in the voting or proposal. Should it not be Suthep that be locked up, 200 Billion down the drain, nice wad of cash that, well done Suthep, oh and by the way, by brainwashing the people who support this march, your going to have a lot of them killed.

Yingluck has yielded enough, she has been restrained in her actions and patient. Kaos to come I should think. Just think of all the dead and their loved ones. Would and could this happen in England, USA, America? No.... Shame on Suthep, reform and democracy hasnt a chance with him ranting and causing havoc every day. Democrats, get your crap together, make your reforms and go to the polls to end this thing.

So using your logic, you must accept Thaksin had the 92 killed in 2010

Well in a sense yes! Are you surprised that I in part agree? There is one fundamental difference that I think we are all missing (actually more). Yingluck had yielded. On the other hand Suthep has broken promise after promise has he not? So who will be to blame this time. This in my humble opinion is a far more serious problem that we are facing then 3 and a bit years ago. This is potentially millions of people marching and the red shirts showing the upmost of restraint in not provoking the situation any further as of yet. Using this piece of logic, I disagree, Suthep will be responsible for any deaths caused. Simply put, Thais need to educated in how to be Democratic and then act in this same vein. Suthep is not doing this, even yourself can see this. Laying siege to a Capital City? Is this a throw back to the Burmese in the 17th century... ? Yes it is. The caretaker government has warned all that participate of the possible conseuences, they are breaking the law if Suthep does indeed proceed and they may face dire circumstances indeed if the military intervene on the side of the police. Dont forget there are other vested interests in Thailand that ASEAN countries and those aligned with them do not want to see and that is a failed state. Australia, who came up with the idea of ASEAN and helped implement this and the other party being the USA who fiscaly and economicaly speaking will be doing their upmost to support the current government. Sorry for the long dialogue, just more to this then meets the eye.