Thailand on the brink

[hellodolly]

I cannot hear this shit with "democratically elected government"anymore!

They paid the rural volks to vote for them and the undereducated rural volk did not know better...cross here and the next bottle of thai wiskey on the new government.

Who are you calling uneducated, Mr Maseratiman? I live in the North and graduated from university, as did a lot of other people. I may or may not like Thaksin, that is for me to know, but don't call people names unless you want to be called some yourself.

Oh, and I drive a Porsche, not a bunch of nuts and bolts that's as likely to fall to bits as it is to reach 100kph.

I've got a porsche.... and it's got a swing.

Well, I've got a pile of nuts and bolts that will fall apart at 100 kph and that makes for a far more thrilling ride than any sports car.

On topic . . . civil war is highly unlikely. As mad as they can get, the Thai's do know when to stop, it's like a safety valve. Also, rent-a-mobs will only go so far before they can't be bothered, made enough money to go back to the hammock and the whiskey white.

The south, Pattani, Yala is another matter. That's where there's real problems.

And the PTP have no intention of doing any thing about it. If they did make an honest effort they would have to admit Thaksin threw gas on a few coals to get the fire really going. Not in are life time with the PTP in power.

[PlastikbinLina]

A well-written piece. It makes me wish Thailand could reform, but not Suthep's way. They need to find a way go sweep away the main protagonists and try to elect those who might engage in non-confrontational politics (at least for a while!) to give the country some time to recover from this turmoil.

But that is western-style thinking..... TiT. ?

you don't get fair elections without reforms first.

And where do you find a non partisan committee to set the reforms? No you need an election first by the people and for the people to elect who they think is best fit to run the country.

[mojorison]

. . but you can't get reforms by disbanding the democratic process. Yes the article is well written and to me this has been spelling coup signs for weeks.

There is no fall back position other than relying on the democratic constitution. Thailand has to educate itself as to how government works and how to use the court system.

I think the army is internally paralyzed. Otherwise, they would have made their move already. The majority of officers and some elite units might support the yellows but they very well know the majority of conscripts support the reds. If they started a coup today, it would start a civil war or at least IRA style but much more widespread bombing campaign by the reds.

All out civil war would turn Bangkok to a big Sarajevo, artillery barrages and sniper fire from multiple sides. It could be much more vicious war than in Yugoslavia. It would be the 2nd, 3rd and part of the 4th Thai Armies (Muslim conscripts) going after the 1st Army in Bangkok. About 9-10 divisions against the 7 in Bangkok area. The 2nd and 3rd both just got one new division in 2012 . That is the best case for the yellows with all divisions in Bangkok area staying loyal to them.

The situation in the south would explode out of control because of weakening Thai army. That is probably also one of the reasons the army (the yellow supporters of the 1st) is reluctant to move. They would be fighting to save Bangkok and the south.

It is even worse for the yellows if you count the civilian populations, the reds would eventually decimate Bangkok with overwhelming numbers. The yellows simply do not have enough men and material to support the fight for long. The harbour access is nice but from where the support would come for the yellows for a city in partially siege?

The Chinese are lukewarm but might even support the reds instead via Laos. USA does not want to even hear about another war abroad. Russia is neutral. Neighboring countries are poor or/and not interested. There is no vital strategic interest for anybody else to join in the war.

You've hit the nail on the head. My concern is the punishment that will be meted out to business/tourist interests in the south. Specifically Samui, and Phuket. This will be a hard pill for the yellows to accept. I'm curious too as to where the dmz, or the transitional line between the forces would lie. Somewhere around Kanchanaburi, or further north?

[marko kok prong]

the most worrying thing in the article touched on how the army may be split between those who support sutehp and those who may support the govt,worse case scenario then is that it could lead to a shooting war.

[fab4]

Actually the movement started when the dems set up a stage to complain about the amnesty bill. So you're right, a lot of people have forgotten what this was about and will no doubt be flocking like sheep on the 13th following sutheps bidding - though they know not where they go.

It's painfully obvious what the gameplan is, and it's got eff all not a lot to do with corruption or the amnesty bill.

All could've been avoided if Yingluck's government scheduled the election for some time in May 2014. But no, they scheduled for February 2014 knowing well that that would aggravate the situation further because it falls within 180 days, and the amnesty bill would be still very much alive. The blood is on Yingluck's government hands. All because of their selfishness and stubbornness. Is it worth dragging country to the brink of a civil war once again just because of a megalomaniac in Dubai?

Typical blinkered misinformed post.

The dems and suthep were clamouring for Yingluck and the PTP to step down. This she did and scheduled a new election within 60 days of the dissolution as required by the Constitution.

Parliament was dissolved on the 9th December. The new Election is scheduled for 2nd February, 56 days after the dissolution.

It's got %$ all to do with trying to revive the amnesty bill - it's the constitution.

Temper Temper fabby.

You started the ball rolling with false information. Got your thingy whaked and lost control The Democrats did not set up the stage they came to the party late. It was the people with no official leaders rising up against a corrupt government who was ignoring them in it's drive to white wash the Prime Minister's brother.

It actually could have been avoided if the PTP had acted like an honest government and let the democrats have their say in the house. Of course when I say this I mean also listened to what they had to say and used their head in voting for or against it.

But no they refused to listen to any one and pushed it to the point where people started looking at the other things they were doing that they shouldn't be doing and things they should be doing but weren't.

In their arrogance they pushed the people to far. All they had to do was stop half way.

You and I both know that they have every intention of reviving the amnesty bill after the 180 days. But you are correct (hard to believe) that is not what this is about. This is about bringing in a more honest government. Yingluck did rite in dissolving the house but so far there is no clear cut answer as to if they have to have the election in 60 days as this time around there are extenuating circumstances. I believe once in the past they extended the 60 days. But that is not what people are demanding now it is just a tool to achieve a more honest Government. Even if and there is a good possibility the PTP wins the next election when ever it may be. They will come in like a puppy with it's tail between it's legs. They know that the people are now watching them.

What did you think of http://cpi.transparency.org/cpi2013/results/

Did you see the chart where starting with the army turning the government over to the Thaksin led parties corruption took off like a sky rocket. Only to be held back for the time Abhist term was in and as soon as he was out off it went again. Why in the last year alone it went from 65% corrupt to 67% corrupt under the watchful eye of Yingluck's anti corruption commission.

It is things like that being true that have the people so riled up. Have a good night

I've told you what I think of that link of yours that you believe is the answer to everything. I'll paraphrase as you obviously did not read any of my replies wrt to your mantra: basically that link shiows that there is a slight downward trend of two places on a corruption perception index in the years 2012 - 2013, hardly stellar.

Oh and please point out where I posted false information - I'll gladly put you right.

[indyuk]

Thailand on the brink
Mark Fenn

Well written and as balanced a view of the Thai political maelstrom as I have seen to date. Thank you so much.

[hawker9000]

A well-written piece. It makes me wish Thailand could reform, but not Suthep's way. They need to find a way go sweep away the main protagonists and try to elect those who might engage in non-confrontational politics (at least for a while!) to give the country some time to recover from this turmoil.

But that is western-style thinking..... TiT. ?

you don't get fair elections without reforms first.

Just dont forget that reform is not an overnight process. For the Thais it will possibly take years or even decades to eradicate the corruption and fuedal system. So what are they suppossed to do in the meantime? Live in a failed state, run by the military? H90, you know better then this..... Democracy takes years to foster, just look at England, America, Germany, Spain, the Greeks, and many other countries. Nothing is fair in this world, would the average person not agree? In Americas case it took Millions of peoples lives before democracy was even entrenched in society. one could even argue that today, is this country in particular a democratic state??? Depends on your opinion, for me though I would say it is sliding backwards.... Just look at the NSA as an example, the lack of freedom of speech. One cannot simply say that in Thailand reforms must come first, reform is an evolving process that is hastened by rational dialogue by all parties involved. Another one line post with out thought.....

Oh, I don't know why it would have to take so long to do something about the lethal tumor in all this... Revoke the man's passport, actively seek his extradition, actually see to it that he serves his time, and in the meantime criminalize ANY contact with him by ANY elected or appointed official. If he has any individually or jointly held assets in Thailand, freeze them. Formally investigate the Yingluck government's contacts with him and the degree to which it allowed its policies to be influenced by him. Publish the findings. Once Thaksin has been properly dealt with, I expect the road to recovery might be open for Thailand.

Obviously substantial reforms are needed. For one, a constitution that can't be manipulated at will by the majority party and which clearly limits the power of the legislative branch to issue pardons under the guise of "amnesty".

[hellodolly]

you don't get fair elections without reforms first.

You advocate destroying the democratic process, flawed as it may be, so that an unelected panel, with unlimited decision-making powers and an an open-ended timeframe, can set up 'reforms' and decide when the country is ready for democracy?

What utter nonsense.

So what we have now is better?When a crim starts. running the country from afar something radical needs to be done.

What would you advocate then?

I don't know about you but I would suggest reform the current election system that allows the party with the most money to win.

Do you have a problem with that and if so please tell us why you feel it is better to continue to let the elections continue the way they have been going. Remember the changes will be for all the parties. It will be an even across the board policy. One where all the money in the world will not help it will be based on issues.

You may call the group of protesters what you want but it is for sure that Thailand is waking up and the people will be asking questions when promises are made. They will want answers why they did not get them or why all they do is benefit certain people

Not sure what they would come up with but I am sure a group of ten year old's could come up with a better plan than the one you seem to be defending. Please note I am not accusing you just stating that you seem to be defending the current system.

Edit

I just remember I forgot to point out the difference between the current protestors and the red shirts.

The current protestors started up with different groups of people it was only after they had grown that the different groups united as one. Then in need of a Leader Suthep resigned his government position so as to not be compromising it (the honest thing to do) and took over the role as leader. After it had been going a while the Democrats saw it was for real the people really wanted a better Government and joined forces with them. The remnants of the yellow shirts had already done that.

Now for the red shirts Thaksin Shinawatra wanted to be prime minister again so he hired some thugs opened up his check book and told them to go get them. Had he kept his check book closed the red shirts would have been history long ago.

Yes he did hire Jatuporn for the position of court jester. As he knew that would attract a lot of the uneducated.

So you see the current protestors were built from the ground up where as the red shirts were built from the top down.

Edited January 9, 2014 by hellodolly

[Nickymaster]

What the Shins are doing is unacceptable in any modern democracy.

-800 billion spend on rice and still no money to pay the farmers (no figures released since 2.5 years),

-amnesty for family criminals

-laws to bypass scrutiny

-Thailand lost 18 positions on the global corruption index last year (84-102).

-everything is done to enrich themselves and their friends

-Yingluck answered 2 out of 120 questions the opposition have asked her since she took office.

That's democracy for you folks!

Yingluck is the facilitator for all these illegal activities.

It really amazes me that there are people who support this bunch.

If PT had done their work in a fair, good and transparent way, there wouldn't be so many people on the street today. Trust me. I have spoken to many protestors. They basically told me that they don't care who is the government, as long as it does its job.

Edited January 9, 2014 by Nickymaster

[PREM-R]

What the Shins are doing is unacceptable in any modern democracy.

-800 billion spend on rice and still no money to pay the farmers (no figures released since 2.5 years),

-amnesty for family criminals

-laws to bypass scrutiny

-Thailand lost 18 positions on the global corruption index last year (84-102).

-everything is done to enrich themselves and their friends

-Yingluck answered 2 out of 120 questions the opposition have asked her since she took office.

That's democracy for you folks!

Yingluck is the facilitator for all these illegal activities.

It really amazes me that there are people who support this bunch.

And in any modern democracy the opposition party would highlight these faults and the electorate would make a decision at the ballot box to vote for or against them. By failing to register any candidates, the Dems have denied a substantial minority of the voters of Thailand the option to vote against PTP.

[Nickymaster]

What the Shins are doing is unacceptable in any modern democracy.

-800 billion spend on rice and still no money to pay the farmers (no figures released since 2.5 years),

-amnesty for family criminals

-laws to bypass scrutiny

-Thailand lost 18 positions on the global corruption index last year (84-102).

-everything is done to enrich themselves and their friends

-Yingluck answered 2 out of 120 questions the opposition have asked her since she took office.

That's democracy for you folks!

Yingluck is the facilitator for all these illegal activities.

It really amazes me that there are people who support this bunch.

And in any modern democracy the opposition party would highlight these faults and the electorate would make a decision at the ballot box to vote for or against them. By failing to register any candidates, the Dems have denied a substantial minority of the voters of Thailand the option to vote against PTP.

The fact that PT can get away with what I wrote already proofs that there is something wrong. So you are saying, if they win the election, everybody should shut up and accept whatever they are doing?

-Yingluck answered 2 out of 120 questions the opposition have asked her since she took office. Doesn't this say enough about that there is something very wrong with Thai democracy?

[PREM-R]

What the Shins are doing is unacceptable in any modern democracy.

-800 billion spend on rice and still no money to pay the farmers (no figures released since 2.5 years),

-amnesty for family criminals

-laws to bypass scrutiny

-Thailand lost 18 positions on the global corruption index last year (84-102).

-everything is done to enrich themselves and their friends

-Yingluck answered 2 out of 120 questions the opposition have asked her since she took office.

That's democracy for you folks!

Yingluck is the facilitator for all these illegal activities.

It really amazes me that there are people who support this bunch.

And in any modern democracy the opposition party would highlight these faults and the electorate would make a decision at the ballot box to vote for or against them. By failing to register any candidates, the Dems have denied a substantial minority of the voters of Thailand the option to vote against PTP.

The fact that PT can get away with what I wrote already proofs that there is something wrong. So you are saying, if they win the election, everybody should shut up and accept whatever they are doing?

-Yingluck answered 2 out of 120 questions the opposition have asked her since she took office. Doesn't this say enough about that there is something very wrong with Thai democracy?

"So you are saying, if they win the election, everybody should shut up and accept whatever they are doing?"

No I am saying that the Dems, by failing to field any candidates have removed any chance, for those who do not wish to vote for PTP, to have a say.

[philw]

What the Shins are doing is unacceptable in any modern democracy.

-800 billion spend on rice and still no money to pay the farmers (no figures released since 2.5 years),

-amnesty for family criminals

-laws to bypass scrutiny

-Thailand lost 18 positions on the global corruption index last year (84-102).

-everything is done to enrich themselves and their friends

-Yingluck answered 2 out of 120 questions the opposition have asked her since she took office.

That's democracy for you folks!

Yingluck is the facilitator for all these illegal activities.

It really amazes me that there are people who support this bunch.

And in any modern democracy the opposition party would highlight these faults and the electorate would make a decision at the ballot box to vote for or against them. By failing to register any candidates, the Dems have denied a substantial minority of the voters of Thailand the option to vote against PTP.

Quite correct of course and additionally, they ( the Dems ) have shown their utter contempt for the Thai people and the democratic system.

This will no doubt be reflected in their results if they ever bother to contest another election.

They have probably gone from 2nd place party to totally unelectable, deservedly so.

[Sing_Sling]

What the Shins are doing is unacceptable in any modern democracy.

-800 billion spend on rice and still no money to pay the farmers (no figures released since 2.5 years),

-amnesty for family criminals

-laws to bypass scrutiny

-Thailand lost 18 positions on the global corruption index last year (84-102).

-everything is done to enrich themselves and their friends

-Yingluck answered 2 out of 120 questions the opposition have asked her since she took office.

That's democracy for you folks!

Yingluck is the facilitator for all these illegal activities.

It really amazes me that there are people who support this bunch.

And in any modern democracy the opposition party would highlight these faults and the electorate would make a decision at the ballot box to vote for or against them. By failing to register any candidates, the Dems have denied a substantial minority of the voters of Thailand the option to vote against PTP.

The fact that PT can get away with what I wrote already proofs that there is something wrong. So you are saying, if they win the election, everybody should shut up and accept whatever they are doing?

-Yingluck answered 2 out of 120 questions the opposition have asked her since she took office. Doesn't this say enough about that there is something very wrong with Thai democracy?

"So you are saying, if they win the election, everybody should shut up and accept whatever they are doing?"

No I am saying that the Dems, by failing to field any candidates have removed any chance, for those who do not wish to vote for PTP, to have a say.

Though you'd be quite right in saying just that, except for no-one is asking anon to shut up . . . except for Abisith and Suthep, of course.

I am baffled at what the the Dems are doing, simply baffled. Elections in Feb (were they against that from the start?) or in a few months time . . .

I guess I am looking at it through eyes that are not closed - and I really don't give a toss about Thaksin except that he should be in jail - the Dems simply can't have their cake and eat it, too.

Work hard to appeal to more voters - and continue bribing people just like the other parties - and try to get the majority. If you can't get the majority then wheel and deal to form a valid opposition.

What the Dems are doing is pi$$-weak and it is no wonder they haven't had a majority vote for them in . . . how many years?

[NHT]

Farang not know thainess....

No offense, but, and I only cite what is being said so many times - is there a chance that you stem from the North East of Thailand and are perhaps among those with a little less education?

If that is not the most accurate and independent analysis written, then I assign myself to the ... you know.

It is sad to say, but it is people like you, that make Thailand sink deeper into the mud, day by day.

Even though i am a Farang, too, I am not a racist nor do I discriminate and as such, I pray fro Thailand that its people come to their senses and see start seeing and "accepting" the real color their country is overshadowed with ... can you guess?

Although this country had done worst to myself, one would not even wish to dream of, I have only good wishes for Thailand.

[Timwin]

What the Shins are doing is unacceptable in any modern democracy.

-Thailand lost 18 positions on the global corruption index last year (84-102).

-everything is done to enrich themselves and their friends

During the yellow rule of 2006-2008 Thailand lost 22 positions from 62 to 84. It has stayed around 100 ever since 2010 regardless which side is in power...

[fish fingers]

the most worrying thing in the article touched on how the army may be split between those who support sutehp and those who may support the govt,worse case scenario then is that it could lead to a shooting war.

think you touched on something very real

for example the marines are very loyal to the King and the protesters, but many of the generals are paid off - if it gets really serious I expect the commanders and a few generals to break ranks.

[fish fingers]

Thailand's economy has been on borrowed time for a while, its so badly managed, plus the condo market will pop at some point. The country relies so heavily on tourism that most of the beautiful islands have been trashed. Greedy developers have ruined the country in the last 10 yrs.

So I'm quite glad that these protests are taking place, and it will be good to be in bangkok sans tourists this season.

[DocN]

Farang not know thainess....

No offense, but, and I only cite what is being said so many times - is there a chance that you stem from the North East of Thailand and are perhaps among those with a little less education?

If that is not the most accurate and independent analysis written, then I assign myself to the ... you know.

It is sad to say, but it is people like you, that make Thailand sink deeper into the mud, day by day.

Even though i am a Farang, too, I am not a racist nor do I discriminate and as such, I pray fro Thailand that its people come to their senses and see start seeing and "accepting" the real color their country is overshadowed with ... can you guess?

Although this country had done worst to myself, one would not even wish to dream of, I have only good wishes for Thailand.

...<deleted> are you on about?

[SpoliaOpima]

Climate of fear

Full story: http://wagingnonviol...thailand-brink/

-- WAGGING NON VIOLENCE 2014-01-08

Written by a Red Setter then?

Does it really matter when the article looks to be balanced, pointing out both sides predicaments, not so good points and paints a real picture of what Thailand is facing..... Why does it have to be a red setter? Could it not simply be an article written from a non biased point of view (as far as humans can be unbiased) and a well informed person? Noo that could never be the case.

Balanced? Hardly. It's an opinion piece disguised as a news report, as any qualified reporter will notice immediately.

A few examples:

"The conflict is being waged between rival factions of the elite, but also on class, ethnic and regional fronts." A bold claim with zero evidence provided to back it up.

"The protesters are backed by the ineffectual and misnamed Democrat Party" Opinion

"Frustrated at the inability of the Democrats to win elections, they say the country is not ready for democracy," That is not what they say. They say that the current administration is disregarding the Constitution, the Constitutional Court and other checks and balances and the country is moving towards a legistlative/executive dictatorship. Whether one agrees with that position or not, at least get it right.

[Thaddeus]

Climate of fear

Full story: http://wagingnonviol...thailand-brink/

-- WAGGING NON VIOLENCE 2014-01-08

Written by a Red Setter then?

Does it really matter when the article looks to be balanced, pointing out both sides predicaments, not so good points and paints a real picture of what Thailand is facing..... Why does it have to be a red setter? Could it not simply be an article written from a non biased point of view (as far as humans can be unbiased) and a well informed person? Noo that could never be the case.

Wagging....... it's what a dog does.

This article is far from well balanced, it is an opinion piece, written by a faithful hound.

[SpoliaOpima]

Mr Fenn's journalism experience, from his public profile on LinkedIn.com

Freelance journalist Freelance May 2013– Present(9 months)

Executive sub-editor The Straits Times May 2010– May 2013(3 years 1 month)

Edited January 10, 2014 by SpoliaOpima

[thaibeachlovers]

It's worth while reading the full article. The very last paragraph is a perfect summary of the real situation.

While the first part of the last paragraph is probably true, I would disagree with < prevent the county moving forward into the 21st century>. Thailand is, on the whole, just as 21st century as the western country I am currently in.

< the growing pains of an emerging democracy.>

There is no democracy at all when votes go to whomever pays the most.

[Roadman]

Climate of fear

Full story: http://wagingnonviol...thailand-brink/

-- WAGGING NON VIOLENCE 2014-01-08

Written by a Red Setter then?

Does it really matter when the article looks to be balanced, pointing out both sides predicaments, not so good points and paints a real picture of what Thailand is facing..... Why does it have to be a red setter? Could it not simply be an article written from a non biased point of view (as far as humans can be unbiased) and a well informed person? Noo that could never be the case.

Wagging....... it's what a dog does.

This article is far from well balanced, it is an opinion piece, written by a faithful hound.

Correct...and a Red hound opinion at that.

[Publicus]

There's quite a sudden campaign going on at this point of this thread to try to discredit an excellent piece of journalism written from a point of view by an excellent journalist who writes very well.

And the still anonymous feudal council, its specific remit and term of absolute rule make clear that the ammat consider the country is not ready for democracy, that feudalism remains the order of the day no matter what.

The ammat cannot produce a journalist of such fine quality as the OP, and what able or respectable journalist would anyway want to write a persuasive piece in favor of cancelling a constitutionally scheduled election, summarily appointing a still anonymous feudal council to rule absolutely and advocating violence so a coup d'état could occur.

The OP's piece is persuasive, convincing, definitive.

Powerfully definitive.

[tilac2]

I found the article very informative and feel the same - Thailand on the brink - it is different this time to the others. I was here for the 1991 event and remember Suchinda on his face before the King for being responsible for the many deaths. The yellow shirt mob were responsible for many businesses collapsing because of the airport shut down - I had a Guest House and tourists stopped coming. The red shirts had the idea that there could be FAIRNESS for ALL, not just the elite in BKK - the elite still don't understand that BKK isn't Thailand - it's just a small part of the whole which includes the north and the north east with its multi millions.

The 'brink' is nearly here when those southern provinces could easily 'break away' and even the northern provinces could be thinking the same way - I know many who talk this way in the area I live in.

I was with an Indonesia journalist when he interviewed Dr Weng at the red shirt event and was impressed with his answers to every question. The jounalist was from Tempo magazine - highly respected in Indonesia - similar to Time magazine. The theme hasn't changed, FAIRNESS to ALL.

I've followed Thai Visa for years and years but only recently decided to come out of the silent majority to speak because I have found many of the posts offensive, childish, arrogant, pitiful, hurtful, senseless, uninformed and particularly obnoxious those posts that snear at how a person looks - reptilian etc -. This forum is read by thousands and thousands so civility is to be remembered in your public comments.

On the brink and less than a week to go - I love being here and I hope I can say the same in 10 days time

I think most of us would like fairness for all but to suggest that there are eleven million 'elite' voters in Thailand who voted for the Dems last time is pushing it a bit don't you think? And judging from the double digit swing away from PTP in the election for the Bangkok governor if that were to be repeated in a national election the PTP's 4 million vote margin would be compromised even further.

The kingdom has many issues and sadly none of the current politicians have shown any indication that they have the ability to solve them. That is Thailand's dilemma.

You say:

"judging from the double digit swing away from PTP in the election for the Bangkok governor if that were to be repeated in a national election".

But it wouldn't be. Bangkok is not Thailand/Siam. Have you ever been to Isaan or to the North? Ever been to Phayao, Mae Hong Son, Khon Kaen? Talked to the people there?

[Roadman]

What the Shins are doing is unacceptable in any modern democracy.

-800 billion spend on rice and still no money to pay the farmers (no figures released since 2.5 years),

-amnesty for family criminals

-laws to bypass scrutiny

-Thailand lost 18 positions on the global corruption index last year (84-102).

-everything is done to enrich themselves and their friends

-Yingluck answered 2 out of 120 questions the opposition have asked her since she took office.

That's democracy for you folks!

Yingluck is the facilitator for all these illegal activities.

It really amazes me that there are people who support this bunch.

And in any modern democracy the opposition party would highlight these faults and the electorate would make a decision at the ballot box to vote for or against them. By failing to register any candidates, the Dems have denied a substantial minority of the voters of Thailand the option to vote against PTP.

And any modern functional democracy would not have a peoples court fugitive convicted criminal running the country from abroad just for a starter let alone all the other garbage that this lot are getting away with. Thailand is not a democracy let alone a modern democracy, it is going through the pains to try to be one and as such it is up to Thailand to script what it's rules of democracy are and not following some fantasy democracy rules (I am not aware they were written into the Ten Commandments) that westerners dream or demand onto them.

The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing (elections in this case) over and over and expecting a different result. Thailand politicians need to be stood down and Thailand as a whole needs to work out a process that will work for them. And that is certainly not the responsibility of a politicial party that cannot abide to the constitution or the rule of law. And yes that applies to the lot of them even the buy my party low life that are the minor parties.

Edited January 10, 2014 by Roadman

[Roadman]

There's quite a sudden campaign going on at this point of this thread to try to discredit an excellent piece of journalism written from a point of view by an excellent journalist who writes very well.

And the still anonymous feudal council, its specific remit and term of absolute rule make clear that the ammat consider the country is not ready for democracy, that feudalism remains the order of the day no matter what.

The ammat cannot produce a journalist of such fine quality as the OP, and what able or respectable journalist would anyway want to write a persuasive piece in favor of cancelling a constitutionally scheduled election, summarily appointing a still anonymous feudal council to rule absolutely and advocating violence so a coup d'état could occur.

The OP's piece is persuasive, convincing, definitive.

Powerfully definitive.

Totally agree with you that it is an excellent written item. I wish I could write as good as that. But as you said yourself in your opening sentence "written from a point of view" which in this case is a Red tinted view. With that bias it is an opinion.

[tilac2]

****

Hello Dolly wrote: "You and I both know that they have every intention of reviving the amnesty bill after the 180 days." How could you possibly know what their intentions are? Do you have special access to their minds? You can have no idea of that. It is simply not possible.

What about the legal point about the 60 days / 56 days? That is the constitutional requirement, no?

Edited January 10, 2014 by tilac2

[bigbamboo]

I found the article very informative and feel the same - Thailand on the brink - it is different this time to the others. I was here for the 1991 event and remember Suchinda on his face before the King for being responsible for the many deaths. The yellow shirt mob were responsible for many businesses collapsing because of the airport shut down - I had a Guest House and tourists stopped coming. The red shirts had the idea that there could be FAIRNESS for ALL, not just the elite in BKK - the elite still don't understand that BKK isn't Thailand - it's just a small part of the whole which includes the north and the north east with its multi millions.

The 'brink' is nearly here when those southern provinces could easily 'break away' and even the northern provinces could be thinking the same way - I know many who talk this way in the area I live in.

I was with an Indonesia journalist when he interviewed Dr Weng at the red shirt event and was impressed with his answers to every question. The jounalist was from Tempo magazine - highly respected in Indonesia - similar to Time magazine. The theme hasn't changed, FAIRNESS to ALL.

I've followed Thai Visa for years and years but only recently decided to come out of the silent majority to speak because I have found many of the posts offensive, childish, arrogant, pitiful, hurtful, senseless, uninformed and particularly obnoxious those posts that snear at how a person looks - reptilian etc -. This forum is read by thousands and thousands so civility is to be remembered in your public comments.

On the brink and less than a week to go - I love being here and I hope I can say the same in 10 days time

I think most of us would like fairness for all but to suggest that there are eleven million 'elite' voters in Thailand who voted for the Dems last time is pushing it a bit don't you think? And judging from the double digit swing away from PTP in the election for the Bangkok governor if that were to be repeated in a national election the PTP's 4 million vote margin would be compromised even further.

The kingdom has many issues and sadly none of the current politicians have shown any indication that they have the ability to solve them. That is Thailand's dilemma.

You say:

"judging from the double digit swing away from PTP in the election for the Bangkok governor if that were to be repeated in a national election".

But it wouldn't be. Bangkok is not Thailand/Siam. Have you ever been to Isaan or to the North? Ever been to Phayao, Mae Hong Son, Khon Kaen? Talked to the people there?

I live in CM and do meet people from other parts of Thailand and the Shin spell has already lost his power for many. And do you really believe that everyone in BKK is elite? In the previous governor's election the ratio was something like 5:4 in favour of the Dems, nationally it was 4:3 in favour or PT and the Dems never promised to make everyone rich in six months!

There are plenty of disaffected previous PT voters up country. It just depends on how many.