Cabinet to discuss EC's proposal on new poll date

[Lite Beer]

Cabinet to discuss EC's proposal on new poll date
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Sunday Nation:

BANGKOCK: -- THE YINGLUCK CABINET will next week discuss a proposal by the election agency for rescheduling of the February 2 poll date, according to a source from the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said yesterday that the agency would likely suggest to the government that the election be postponed to May 4, which is within the 180-day deadline set by the Constitution for a new election to be held after dissolution of the House of Representatives. He said the EC would invite all the political parties including the Democrat Party, which opted not to contest the February 2 election, to discuss the matter for an agreement.

The Election Commission (EC) on Friday suggested that the government start a new election process through a Royal Decree because of many problems in the run-up to the polls.

The source, who asked not to be named, told The Nation yesterday that after the government received an official letter from the EC, the Cabinet would invite EC representatives to explain their suggestion at the meeting and put it as a meeting record.

However, the Cabinet does not need to follow the EC's suggestion but will instead follow the opinion of the Council of State, which acts as the government's legal counsellor, the source said.

The source said election commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn on Thursday phoned some key Pheu Thai Party men, including PM's secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva, to discuss the concerns of the Office of the Auditor-General. The Office suggested to the EC that it review the election plan as it could end up being a waste of Bt3.8 billion state funds.

The source, who was among those who had talked to the EC, said the EC feared that the commissioners might take legal action if they did not follow the advice of the Office. The key men, who talked to the EC, had told the poll agency to submit an official letter with the reasons for the suggestion and send it to the government.

In the conversation between Somchai and Pheu Thai's key men, the latter refused to reschedule the poll date as the Royal Decree to call the snap election has not been revoked.

The source said if the caretaker government follows the EC's proposal, Yingluck could risk violating the law, as she is responsible for both the existing Royal Decree and the new one rescheduling the poll date if it is submitted to His Majesty the King.

"We don't have the authority to manage the election. All the powers [to manage the election] belong to you [the EC]. We are merely players waiting to play by the rules you [the EC] designate. You may fear there is a chance of being jailed, so do we," said the source - relaying the conversation he had with the EC.

-- The Nation 2014-01-12

[Robby nz]

Skype will be turned up to full volume and they will do exactly what they are told.

[noitom]

Thai "key men."

[chainarong]

Well, as I stated the other day, caretaker P.M. Yingluck could pull a great political trick on the democrats, who whinged that the time factor was to short, so they boycott the elections , the PTP could opt out for August/ Sept elections thus putting the democrats on the back foot and a case for put up or shut up could be the slogan for the PTP, this turns the tables on the Democrats and they will have to move one way or the other , saving face comes to mind for both sides.

[WitawatWatawit]

In the meantime "Operation Bangkok shutdown" is going to go full steam ahead. Despite Prayuth's protestations to the contrary, a coup is looming larger and larger. Which means PT's meeting next week might not happen.

[h90]

Well, as I stated the other day, caretaker P.M. Yingluck could pull a great political trick on the democrats, who whinged that the time factor was to short, so they boycott the elections , the PTP could opt out for August/ Sept elections thus putting the democrats on the back foot and a case for put up or shut up could be the slogan for the PTP, this turns the tables on the Democrats and they will have to move one way or the other , saving face comes to mind for both sides.

But it would violet the constitution (there is a time limit when the elections must be hold) and the care taker government would expire.

So she wouldn't be premier anymore, Thailand wouldn't have any government. Don't know what the constitution has in stock for that problem.

Most probably to inform the King who can appoint a government. But I don't know....anyone has read the constitution?

[Fryslan boppe]

There is not an election delay scenario, which does not equate to a coup........No matter how a delay is spun by the unelectable coup-mongers, it is effectively a coup....Trying to sugar-coat or otherwise make a coup not appear to be a coup, doesn't fool anyone...One needs to simply conclude who would benefit from a delay and who is instigating one, to see it is not Democratic pro-electoral forces....it is coup-intentioned ones who are the cause, regardless who they work through, be it the military, politicized judiciary and EC or simply gridlocked streetstuff ....Feb. 2nd Election or Coup....Whether one agrees with this or not, at least that is the way it is perceived by the UDD/RS and the voters who selected this Govt.

Edited January 12, 2014 by Fryslan boppe

[whybother]

There is not an election delay scenario, which does not equate to a coup........No matter how a delay is spun by the unelectable coup-mongers, it is effectively a coup....Trying to sugar-coat or otherwise make a coup not appear to be a coup, doesn't fool anyone...One needs to simply conclude who would benefit from a delay and who is instigating one, to see it is not Democratic pro-electoral forces....it is coup-intentioned ones who are the cause....Feb. 2nd Election or Coup....Not complicated.

The 2006 election didn't produce a result, and new elections were planned for about 6 months later. This election can not produce a result, so new elections will need to be organised within 6 months.

Sent from my phone ...

[poisonus]

I have had a feeling all along the past 2 weeks since the BKK shutdown was announced that it would be resisted right up to the final day and Thaksin and his puppets would pull an 11th hour stunt to take the wind out of the protester's sails.

This 'executive decree' to set up a national reform committee being proposed will likely be it, hoping that they are being seen as giving a bit of leeway.

But that won't cut it with the protesters. So I presume Monday will bring violence on the streets, that could equally be possible by nightfall today. Then postponement of the election will be a last chance effort. If violence tonight, I think an emergency cabinet meeting will be arranged and the election stopped.

Then the government can say, we have started the reform process and delayed elections. This will serve to make any refusal to stop the protests bu Suthep and his people seem as the government are being reasonable while the protesters are not. This is the cynical way this government moves.

It won't work though. The protests won't stop and the WILL be a coup. Then the PTP will look like the wronged party in the eyes of the world.

[Fryslan boppe]

"Thaksin and his puppets..."

Presumably also the 'puppets' of the electoral majority, who selected them and will do so again...That makes for a lot of 'puppeteers'.... For perspective, one must understand that these are not protesters against a "govt", but against those millions whose votes they are self-servingly trying to invalidate...Those voters are not dissatisfied with the PTP, and will demonstrate that in the next election...Hence the urgency by the protesters to avoid those elections...Not complicated.

Edited January 12, 2014 by Fryslan boppe

[JRSoul]

PTP might gain some credibility if they proposed a date after their amnesty bill has expired. Up until then, we have only Yingluk's word that it will not be enacted, and her word is worthless.

[Emptyset]

PTP might gain some credibility if they proposed a date after their amnesty bill has expired. Up until then, we have only Yingluk's word that it will not be enacted, and her word is worthless.

The amnesty bill had a 180 day "quarantine" before it could be reaffirmed, not a 180 day time limit. If it's not automatically killed by house dissolution, then it seems that it's reaffirmable and unkillable. Or at least I haven't seen a mechanism proposed that would ensure it can't be reaffirmed. However, I'm not totally sure that house dissolution doesn't automatically void this process. Perhaps that's why no one's really mentioned the bill since then. I will try to ask someone who is likely to know.

[slapout]

There is not an election delay scenario, which does not equate to a coup........No matter how a delay is spun by the unelectable coup-mongers, it is effectively a coup....Trying to sugar-coat or otherwise make a coup not appear to be a coup, doesn't fool anyone...One needs to simply conclude who would benefit from a delay and who is instigating one, to see it is not Democratic pro-electoral forces....it is coup-intentioned ones who are the cause, regardless who they work through, be it the military, politicized judiciary and EC or simply gridlocked streetstuff ....Feb. 2nd Election or Coup....Whether one agrees with this or not, at least that is the way it is perceived by the UDD/RS and the voters who selected this Govt.

The "coup-mongers" as you call them are playing the game of chess that the 'Shin family',caretaker government has defined through action, inaction, finger pointing, and quoting their interperation of the articles of law as fact, in their quest to continue in power.

You take authority (self appointed expert) to speak for the way the present caretaker government and their supporter preceive the situation, many of whom seem to be having second thoughts, (farmers, civil servants, some red shirts, etc.) about the pie in the sky promises, illegal actions, attempts at miscarriage of justice, etc. If you arr the designated spokesman, OK.

But please try to refrain from taking the same liberty with the motives, plans, thinking of the anti government protestors, in the same post. There are enough self proclaimed "chiefs" it seems its more indians that are being solicited by all those concerned.

[Emptyset]

There is not an election delay scenario, which does not equate to a coup........No matter how a delay is spun by the unelectable coup-mongers, it is effectively a coup....Trying to sugar-coat or otherwise make a coup not appear to be a coup, doesn't fool anyone...One needs to simply conclude who would benefit from a delay and who is instigating one, to see it is not Democratic pro-electoral forces....it is coup-intentioned ones who are the cause....Feb. 2nd Election or Coup....Not complicated.

The 2006 election didn't produce a result, and new elections were planned for about 6 months later. This election can not produce a result, so new elections will need to be organised within 6 months.

Sent from my phone ...

It can't produce a result which meets necessary quorum in the first round, no, but that will result in further by-elections. They have 180 days to fill the seats. I think they need 490. But of course, Suthep will probably always be able to disrupt those constituencies in the South and make sure seats aren't filled. Only way that I can see the seats being filled is if soldiers are ordered to protect registration and polling stations.

I think it would benefit the government if they could delay the election for two months or so, because there's only so long Suthep can maintain his head of steam in Bangkok. For Feb 2nd these protesters might still be there, fully committed to preventing it from going ahead. April the 2nd though, would be a different prospect. Can Suthep keep people out on the streets for another two or three months? Does he need to?

Personally though, I think the election should go ahead for symbolic purposes, despite the fact that it won't solve any real problems. Also because, as has been pointed out, there's no legal basis for delaying it. And because there's no guarantee that delaying it will solve anything either.

[WitawatWatawit]

There is not an election delay scenario, which does not equate to a coup........No matter how a delay is spun by the unelectable coup-mongers, it is effectively a coup....Trying to sugar-coat or otherwise make a coup not appear to be a coup, doesn't fool anyone...One needs to simply conclude who would benefit from a delay and who is instigating one, to see it is not Democratic pro-electoral forces....it is coup-intentioned ones who are the cause....Feb. 2nd Election or Coup....Not complicated.

The 2006 election didn't produce a result, and new elections were planned for about 6 months later. This election can not produce a result, so new elections will need to be organised within 6 months.

Sent from my phone ...

Let's also not forget that in 2006, the Thaksin govt was retained in the interim until ousted by the coup. If the Yingluck govt stays on, that will only exacerbate an already bad situation. But anyway, we'll all know very shortly if Prayuth decides the situation has gone too far.

[Ozymandias]

I have had a feeling all along the past 2 weeks since the BKK shutdown was announced that it would be resisted right up to the final day and Thaksin and his puppets would pull an 11th hour stunt to take the wind out of the protester's sails.

This 'executive decree' to set up a national reform committee being proposed will likely be it, hoping that they are being seen as giving a bit of leeway.

But that won't cut it with the protesters. So I presume Monday will bring violence on the streets, that could equally be possible by nightfall today. Then postponement of the election will be a last chance effort. If violence tonight, I think an emergency cabinet meeting will be arranged and the election stopped.

Then the government can say, we have started the reform process and delayed elections. This will serve to make any refusal to stop the protests bu Suthep and his people seem as the government are being reasonable while the protesters are not. This is the cynical way this government moves.

It won't work though. The protests won't stop and the WILL be a coup. Then the PTP will look like the wronged party in the eyes of the world.

"This will serve to make any refusal to stop the protests bu Suthep and his people seem as the government are being reasonable while the protesters are not."

I agree with much of what you've written here. The above statement, however, neglects the possibility that many people in Bangkok (and obviously many more beyond) ALREADY think the protests are unreasonable, given that they disrupt the lives of ordinary working people. From Monday, they will also endanger the lives of people in Bangkok, as anybody that needs emergency services when they are close to a protest site may die due to lack of access. They will also make it very difficult for some to make a living and - wherever their political sympathies may lie - those not financially comfortable enough to participate or take a holiday (as Suthep has generously suggested) will become increasingly angry.

Forget the red shirts and the yellow shirts - some of the violence next week may just come from people who don't think anybody has the right to prevent them from accessing a hospital or going to work and earning the money they need to take care of their families. They may just expect the kind of ordered, considerate demonstrations that occur in states which have rule of law and true democracy, where inconvenience is minimal and brief.

I'd be furious.

[Scamper]

Fascinating that the Yingluck administration alternately feigns impotence and bullying assertiveness when convenient. Now - after weeks of challenging the authority of the EC - culminating in a direct challenge to the Supreme Court, before and after their ruling - suddenly everything is up to the EC. The EC has been clear that this election cannot be held in a functional way. It has also suggested that the administration take out their abacus and start counting parliamentary constituencies. One wonders when light will finally dawn on the Yingluck administration - as it strains to make sure the frequencies of their skype connection are still functioning with crystal clarity.

[fab4]

Fascinating that the Yingluck administration alternately feigns impotence and bullying assertiveness when convenient. Now - after weeks of challenging the authority of the EC - culminating in a direct challenge to the Supreme Court, before and after their ruling - suddenly everything is up to the EC. The EC has been clear that this election cannot be held in a functional way. It has also suggested that the administration take out their abacus and start counting parliamentary constituencies. One wonders when light will finally dawn on the Yingluck administration - as it strains to make sure the frequencies of their skype connection are still functioning with crystal clarity.

Of course it is the governments fault........

Now lets read what the OP actually said before firing off knee jerk posts

"EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said yesterday that the agency would likely suggest to the government that the election be postponed to May 4, which is within the 180-day deadline set by the Constitution for a new election to be held after dissolution of the House of Representatives.

So, Somchai, who is only named as an EC Member now as opposed to yesterdays press that he was "EC Member in Charge" said that the agency may, probably? suggest to the government etc.

Whereas yesterday he was definite, as he stated;

"after an urgent meeting yesterday that the five-member EC agreed to submit a letter to the government, asking it to issue a royal decree to set a new election date."

Despite EC Secretary-General (the real person in charge) Puchong Nutrawong denying it happened;

"He reaffirmed that the EC commissioners neither discussed postponing the election nor drafted such a letter."

http://www.mcot.net/...37#.UtDAjPQW2NV

So we have to rely on The Nation's favourite journalist, "the unamed source" for the "inside story" on which this entire article is based;

"The source, who asked not to be named, told The Nation yesterday that after the government received an official letter from the EC, the Cabinet would invite EC representatives to explain their suggestion at the meeting and put it as a meeting record."

If The Nation had to be accused of anything other than bias and lazy journalism, in internet terms, it would be Trolling.

[whybother]

There is not an election delay scenario, which does not equate to a coup........No matter how a delay is spun by the unelectable coup-mongers, it is effectively a coup....Trying to sugar-coat or otherwise make a coup not appear to be a coup, doesn't fool anyone...One needs to simply conclude who would benefit from a delay and who is instigating one, to see it is not Democratic pro-electoral forces....it is coup-intentioned ones who are the cause....Feb. 2nd Election or Coup....Not complicated.

The 2006 election didn't produce a result, and new elections were planned for about 6 months later. This election can not produce a result, so new elections will need to be organised within 6 months.

Sent from my phone ...

It can't produce a result which meets necessary quorum in the first round, no, but that will result in further by-elections. They have 180 days to fill the seats. I think they need 490. But of course, Suthep will probably always be able to disrupt those constituencies in the South and make sure seats aren't filled. Only way that I can see the seats being filled is if soldiers are ordered to protect registration and polling stations.

I think it would benefit the government if they could delay the election for two months or so, because there's only so long Suthep can maintain his head of steam in Bangkok. For Feb 2nd these protesters might still be there, fully committed to preventing it from going ahead. April the 2nd though, would be a different prospect. Can Suthep keep people out on the streets for another two or three months? Does he need to?

Personally though, I think the election should go ahead for symbolic purposes, despite the fact that it won't solve any real problems. Also because, as has been pointed out, there's no legal basis for delaying it. And because there's no guarantee that delaying it will solve anything either.

They need 475 (95%). They can't convene parliament without it. Therefore they can't elect a PM and then form government.

Sent from my phone ...

[rubl]

It can't produce a result which meets necessary quorum in the first round, no, but that will result in further by-elections. They have 180 days to fill the seats. I think they need 490. But of course, Suthep will probably always be able to disrupt those constituencies in the South and make sure seats aren't filled. Only way that I can see the seats being filled is if soldiers are ordered to protect registration and polling stations.

I think it would benefit the government if they could delay the election for two months or so, because there's only so long Suthep can maintain his head of steam in Bangkok. For Feb 2nd these protesters might still be there, fully committed to preventing it from going ahead. April the 2nd though, would be a different prospect. Can Suthep keep people out on the streets for another two or three months? Does he need to?

Personally though, I think the election should go ahead for symbolic purposes, despite the fact that it won't solve any real problems. Also because, as has been pointed out, there's no legal basis for delaying it. And because there's no guarantee that delaying it will solve anything either.

To have an election for 'symbolic' purposed even if it 'really' doesn't solve the current differences seems just a waste of time and money. Better to spent time on discussing reform and what is needed to solve the current problems.

If delaying elections doesn't solve anything, I really doubt having elections will solve anything.

[Emptyset]

There is not an election delay scenario, which does not equate to a coup........No matter how a delay is spun by the unelectable coup-mongers, it is effectively a coup....Trying to sugar-coat or otherwise make a coup not appear to be a coup, doesn't fool anyone...One needs to simply conclude who would benefit from a delay and who is instigating one, to see it is not Democratic pro-electoral forces....it is coup-intentioned ones who are the cause....Feb. 2nd Election or Coup....Not complicated.

The 2006 election didn't produce a result, and new elections were planned for about 6 months later. This election can not produce a result, so new elections will need to be organised within 6 months.

Sent from my phone ...

It can't produce a result which meets necessary quorum in the first round, no, but that will result in further by-elections. They have 180 days to fill the seats. I think they need 490. But of course, Suthep will probably always be able to disrupt those constituencies in the South and make sure seats aren't filled. Only way that I can see the seats being filled is if soldiers are ordered to protect registration and polling stations.

I think it would benefit the government if they could delay the election for two months or so, because there's only so long Suthep can maintain his head of steam in Bangkok. For Feb 2nd these protesters might still be there, fully committed to preventing it from going ahead. April the 2nd though, would be a different prospect. Can Suthep keep people out on the streets for another two or three months? Does he need to?

Personally though, I think the election should go ahead for symbolic purposes, despite the fact that it won't solve any real problems. Also because, as has been pointed out, there's no legal basis for delaying it. And because there's no guarantee that delaying it will solve anything either.

They need 475 (95%). They can't convene parliament without it. Therefore they can't elect a PM and then form government.

Sent from my phone ...

Yes, you're right, 475. Don't know where I got 490 from. But by-elections for unfilled seats would take place. In the meantime, the caretaker govt would stay on. Could PDRC block 25 + constituencies for the 6 months that is allowed for forming of new parliament? I'm not so sure. Not if electoral commission is willing to co-operate with the government, anyway (i.e. hold candidate registration in a secure place like a military base, as govt requested previously).

[Emptyset]

It can't produce a result which meets necessary quorum in the first round, no, but that will result in further by-elections. They have 180 days to fill the seats. I think they need 490. But of course, Suthep will probably always be able to disrupt those constituencies in the South and make sure seats aren't filled. Only way that I can see the seats being filled is if soldiers are ordered to protect registration and polling stations.

I think it would benefit the government if they could delay the election for two months or so, because there's only so long Suthep can maintain his head of steam in Bangkok. For Feb 2nd these protesters might still be there, fully committed to preventing it from going ahead. April the 2nd though, would be a different prospect. Can Suthep keep people out on the streets for another two or three months? Does he need to?

Personally though, I think the election should go ahead for symbolic purposes, despite the fact that it won't solve any real problems. Also because, as has been pointed out, there's no legal basis for delaying it. And because there's no guarantee that delaying it will solve anything either.

To have an election for 'symbolic' purposed even if it 'really' doesn't solve the current differences seems just a waste of time and money. Better to spent time on discussing reform and what is needed to solve the current problems.

If delaying elections doesn't solve anything, I really doubt having elections will solve anything.

How can reform be discussed if Suthep is unwilling to negotiate? Many people want to vote judging by pre-registration numbers (similar to 2007/2011) so why not allow them? If having an election now doesn't work, it's not clear postponing will either.

[Ulic]

First of all fire the EC for gross incompetence for not being able to provide a safe location for candidates to register.

Then get a royal decree to extend the registration of candidates. Then proceed with the election. There is no use

in delaying the election as nothing will change in Suthep position. There is no date that is acceptable to holding

an election as far as he is concerned. All you can do is move ahead with the election and wait for the coup.

Then all those that support Suthep can see how honest he is and if he is really interested in cleaning up political

corruption. His track record indicates zero desire to do so. Only to line his pockets as quickly as possible.

[northernjohn]

There is not an election delay scenario, which does not equate to a coup........No matter how a delay is spun by the unelectable coup-mongers, it is effectively a coup....Trying to sugar-coat or otherwise make a coup not appear to be a coup, doesn't fool anyone...One needs to simply conclude who would benefit from a delay and who is instigating one, to see it is not Democratic pro-electoral forces....it is coup-intentioned ones who are the cause....Feb. 2nd Election or Coup....Not complicated.

The 2006 election didn't produce a result, and new elections were planned for about 6 months later. This election can not produce a result, so new elections will need to be organised within 6 months.

Sent from my phone ...

It can't produce a result which meets necessary quorum in the first round, no, but that will result in further by-elections. They have 180 days to fill the seats. I think they need 490. But of course, Suthep will probably always be able to disrupt those constituencies in the South and make sure seats aren't filled. Only way that I can see the seats being filled is if soldiers are ordered to protect registration and polling stations.

I think it would benefit the government if they could delay the election for two months or so, because there's only so long Suthep can maintain his head of steam in Bangkok. For Feb 2nd these protesters might still be there, fully committed to preventing it from going ahead. April the 2nd though, would be a different prospect. Can Suthep keep people out on the streets for another two or three months? Does he need to?

Personally though, I think the election should go ahead for symbolic purposes, despite the fact that it won't solve any real problems. Also because, as has been pointed out, there's no legal basis for delaying it. And because there's no guarantee that delaying it will solve anything either.

I agree with your first two paragraphs. But I do not see any improvement in Thailand coming out of them. Just a get me out of this scrape with out me having to change anything. As for the last paragraph. It reads more like a don't even try to change any thing. Speaking only for my self I believe that there should be changes made in the government no matter what party is in power. I am against throwing up my hands and saying o well with out even trying.

As for legal basis. Who knows I was under the assumption and it was backed up by most posters that they had to have the election with in 90 days now I see in this opening post that it is 180 days. Who really knows? I wish I could figure out a way to have a poll on who wants to see changes in the government and who doesn't want to see them. Probably have to have some different levels percentage wise. It defiantly is not a black and white question for most people. It would not mention what changes just the percentage of people who agree it needs changing and how much of it needs changing.

I also wish I was rich.

[pkspeaker]

The important thing, for the sake of protecting this country's democracy; is that if the election is delayed, Yingluck and her cabnet must stay in place as a caretaker government until she is voted out. She was elected to serve a 4 year term by an overwhelming majority, she should be PM until she is voted out, not by judicial/bureaucratic dirty triks, so delaying the election for another few months would be fine.. There can't be a situation where her administration "expires" so that "an appointed" government takes over.

The bigger dirty trik I see on the horizon is this "anti-graft, anti-corruption" body-The NACC that is claiming that because 308 MPs voted to make the upper-house(senate) an all-elected body instead of a half appointed senate like it is now-they committed and act of graft or corruption..absolute non-sense, A court ruling striking down the bid to change the charter is one thing, but then to turn around and say that the attempt to change the charter was 'illegal' or is a form of 'corruption' is utterly ludicrous and this country would loose all credibility if 308 lawmakers are disqualified for such a reason.

Edited January 12, 2014 by pkspeaker

[rametindallas]

However, the Cabinet does not need to follow the EC's suggestion but will instead follow the opinion of the Council of State Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, which acts as the government's legal counsellor boss, the source said.

[rametindallas]

PTP might gain some credibility if they proposed a date after their amnesty bill has expired. Up until then, we have only Yingluk's word that it will not be enacted, and her word is worthless.

The amnesty bill had a 180 day "quarantine" before it could be reaffirmed, not a 180 day time limit. If it's not automatically killed by house dissolution, then it seems that it's reaffirmable and unkillable. Or at least I haven't seen a mechanism proposed that would ensure it can't be reaffirmed. However, I'm not totally sure that house dissolution doesn't automatically void this process. Perhaps that's why no one's really mentioned the bill since then. I will try to ask someone who is likely to know.

Pleas do. I clearly remember seeing a time line box in the 'other' English language newspaper, back in November, showing that house dissolution would kill it but many others have stated (with no links) that it is still viable. I had read that all bills that had not made the entire trip to become law were null and void so any new government would not have to deal with any old business of the old government. Of course, even if I could find that link, I couldn't use it on this forum.

[tingtongteesood]

First of all fire the EC for gross incompetence for not being able to provide a safe location for candidates to register.

Then get a royal decree to extend the registration of candidates. Then proceed with the election. There is no use

in delaying the election as nothing will change in Suthep position. There is no date that is acceptable to holding

an election as far as he is concerned. All you can do is move ahead with the election and wait for the coup.

Then all those that support Suthep can see how honest he is and if he is really interested in cleaning up political

corruption. His track record indicates zero desire to do so. Only to line his pockets as quickly as possible.

Dislike. Same old bs from the demo / Suthep bashers as usual.......

[tingtongteesood]

PTP might gain some credibility if they proposed a date after their amnesty bill has expired. Up until then, we have only Yingluk's word that it will not be enacted, and her word is worthless.

The amnesty bill had a 180 day "quarantine" before it could be reaffirmed, not a 180 day time limit. If it's not automatically killed by house dissolution, then it seems that it's reaffirmable and unkillable. Or at least I haven't seen a mechanism proposed that would ensure it can't be reaffirmed. However, I'm not totally sure that house dissolution doesn't automatically void this process. Perhaps that's why no one's really mentioned the bill since then. I will try to ask someone who is likely to know.

Pleas do. I clearly remember seeing a time line box in the 'other' English language newspaper, back in November, showing that house dissolution would kill it but many others have stated (with no links) that it is still viable. I had read that all bills that had not made the entire trip to become law were null and void so any new government would not have to deal with any old business of the old government. Of course, even if I could find that link, I couldn't use it on this forum.

After 180 days they can ram it through bypassing the senate and there isn't anything anyone can do to stop it. If however they are not in power I believe after the 180 days it dies and if they want to try it they have to start from scratch at stage 1 again. Could be wrong but this is how I understood it.

So the demonstrators want government suspended till after the bill dies, if it is rammed through and Thaksin and the criminals are all whitewashed, the protests will come back with a vengeance !....

As usual it is all about the wants of the fugitive in Dubai. Cut off his air supply and put Thailand out of his misery now.....

[whybother]

First of all fire the EC for gross incompetence for not being able to provide a safe location for candidates to register.

Then get a royal decree to extend the registration of candidates. Then proceed with the election. There is no use

in delaying the election as nothing will change in Suthep position. There is no date that is acceptable to holding

an election as far as he is concerned. All you can do is move ahead with the election and wait for the coup.

Then all those that support Suthep can see how honest he is and if he is really interested in cleaning up political

corruption. His track record indicates zero desire to do so. Only to line his pockets as quickly as possible.

Yingluck resigning and her family getting out of politics would change Suthep's position.