Pheu Thai: Why delay vote till May 4?

[webfact]

POLITICS
Pheu Thai: Why delay vote till May 4?
The Nation


Anti-government protesters march to the house of caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yubumrung in Bangkok
Party wants EC to explain why later poll date would be preferable

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party leader and caretaker Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan said the government was ready to consider the Election Commission (EC)'s proposal that the election be postponed, but said the agency should state why it believed the election would go smoothly if it was held on May 4.

"Has the EC gone to soothsayers, such as ET?" Charupong said in a reference to E Thi, Myanmar's most famous fortune-teller.

Charupong said that legally, the election could not be postponed beyond February 6, as the election law stated it must be held within 60 days of a House dissolution. The only exceptions are in cases of disasters or riots, and only in the affected areas, not nationwide.

"If we postpone because of fears that there would be violence, it would set a bad precedent for future elections,'' he said.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit yesterday submitted a letter to the EC to show the party's stance that the poll must be held on Feb 2, since a budget of over Bt3.8 billion has been allocated for the agency to do this.

"The EC has continuously expressed reluctance to carry out its duty as if to respond to the [anti-government] People's Democratic Reform Committee's demands. The Royal decree to hold the general election has been endorsed by the King. If the EC does not carry out its duty, it will bring about disaster to the country and it must be held responsible,'' he said.

EC secretary-general Puchong Nutrawong said yesterday the February 2 election would go ahead if the government did not back the idea that it be postponed to May 4.

Puchong was responding to reports that EC chairman Supachai Somcharoen on Friday requested the government issue a Royal decree to postpone the election, citing six reasons contributing to the possibility that the February 2 election might face disputes and obstacles.

Puchong said Supachai had already signed and sent the letter to caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra formally requesting the government postpone the election.

Yingluck told reporters she had not yet received the letter.

The EC has prepared reserve offices in Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Chon Buri since its office at the government complex on Chaeng Wattana Road was taken over as one of seven protest sites of the PDRC.

The five commissioners will hold meetings in a safe house if necessary.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party deputy leader Sathit Pitutecha said he would tomorrow submit a request to the EC to investigate Yingluck.

Sathit sought an investigation into whether Yingluck violated Article 181 of the Constitution and Article 53 of the Election Act by abusing state funds in holding seminars and awarding police with cash, allegedly in order to buy votes.

He said there were witnesses and circumstantial evidence such as documents supporting the claim, which could cause Yingluck to be banned from politics if found guilty.


-- The Nation 2014-01-13

[noitom]

Millions of poor dirt farmers working off non owned land haven't got a clue what's going on. They stand in front of their huts with metal siding for roofs with satellite dishes, 52 inch TVs and no teeth. It's no wonder that Thailand is in a constant state of chaos when no one in government truly represents them and the establishment (the protesters) couldn't care less about them. Unfortunately for the protesters, they represent a majority in Thailand and they will have a vote.

[Cricketnut]

Well, they are right, also endorsed by the Monarch and real Head of State in this land so, so be it. PTP, will come back in to power until the democrats can learn to connect with the majority of Thailand which they have not and dont seem capable of doing. Stalling democaracy by deciding not to participate for me it only shows the Dems fear. They need Suthep and big time, though that not democratic either, as the majority of the population and now even more in Bangkok dont want him and his march either.

Sabai Sabai, people, it will all come together one day. Until then, just hope parties on both sides use restraint and can someone lock up some ill disciplined students? Might help matters slightly.

[Cricketnut]

Millions of poor dirt farmers working off non owned land haven't got a clue what's going on. They stand in front of their huts with metal siding for roofs with satellite dishes, 52 inch TVs and no teeth. It's no wonder that Thailand is in a constant state of chaos when no one in government truly represents them and the establishment (the protesters) couldn't care less about them. Unfortunately for the protesters, they represent a majority in Thailand and they will have a vote.

A slight "balnket statement, but they are better off under the PTP if that is your concern then the Democrats. If you look at history so far, there is a reason why the PTP is so loved in some of these affected areas, and dont believe the tripe that it is all just money.

The Democrats have certainly not seen to help these people, thats for sure. Just go ask them. People in Bangkok certainly dont appreciate the backbone of this country and where their food is coming from. Havent seen any fruit and rice growing in the Klong outside.

[poisonus]

Have Charupong and the PTP got severe learning difficulties?

All the reasons have been repeated over the past 3 weeks from the EC, and they can see what is happening with their own bloody eyes what the problems are. So why do they need to ask what the reasons are 'yet again'??

[Fryslan boppe]

Millions of poor dirt farmers working off non owned land haven't got a clue what's going on. They stand in front of their huts with metal siding for roofs with satellite dishes, 52 inch TVs and no teeth. It's no wonder that Thailand is in a constant state of chaos when no one in government truly represents them and the establishment (the protesters) couldn't care less about them. Unfortunately for the protesters, they represent a majority in Thailand and they will have a vote.

"Millions of poor dirt farmers off non-ownd land haven't got a clue what's going on"....Other than this being a somewhat derogatory characterization, don't kid yourself...These people have been politicized...The Elitists arrogantly inflate their own Political awareness by emphasizing their education, but that is misplaced...Education is not politicization....If the UDD/RS have done anything since 2006, they have politicized the majority electorate so maligned in this quote...What may be unfortunate for the coup-mongers, is fortunate for the Electorate and country as a whole...The politicization of this electoral majority is now preventing the eradication of Electoral democracy by minority unelectables creating havoc in BKK. as with their 2006 coup caper, trying to avoid elections....And who can blame them, considering how they were turfed out on their ear the first election to follow.

Edited January 13, 2014 by Fryslan boppe

[LuckyLew]

Millions of poor dirt farmers working off non owned land haven't got a clue what's going on. They stand in front of their huts with metal siding for roofs with satellite dishes, 52 inch TVs and no teeth. It's no wonder that Thailand is in a constant state of chaos when no one in government truly represents them and the establishment (the protesters) couldn't care less about them. Unfortunately for the protesters, they represent a majority in Thailand and they will have a vote.

A slight "balnket statement, but they are better off under the PTP if that is your concern then the Democrats. If you look at history so far, there is a reason why the PTP is so loved in some of these affected areas, and dont believe the tripe that it is all just money.

The Democrats have certainly not seen to help these people, thats for sure. Just go ask them. People in Bangkok certainly dont appreciate the backbone of this country and where their food is coming from. Havent seen any fruit and rice growing in the Klong outside.

Are they really better off with the PTP? PTP and Thaksin give them a bit of money but that is is. PTP want them to be solely reliant on them to represent them. It is well and fine to give someone 500 baht so they can eat today ... but what about tomorrow.

If the PTP spent more up north on education then perhaps the people will be better off and they could make better informed decisions and would be able to learn and earn, but if the people up north were educated would they still vote for PTP?

Give a person a fish and he eats today. teach him to fish and he can eat everyday

IMO PTP is suppressing the people of the north with small treats and they are not really improving the lives of most northerners

[Yunla]

Millions of poor dirt farmers working off non owned land haven't got a clue what's going on. They stand in front of their huts with metal siding for roofs with satellite dishes, 52 inch TVs and no teeth. It's no wonder that Thailand is in a constant state of chaos when no one in government truly represents them and the establishment (the protesters) couldn't care less about them. Unfortunately for the protesters, they represent a majority in Thailand and they will have a vote.

Yes, if all you own is your boots and your vote, and somebody tells you that your vote is now being nulled because you voted for the wrong party, you are left with only your boots.

Thailand puts too much emphasis on pre-election nonsense, rather than post-election regulation and duty. And ignores the highly sensitive and emotional nature of cast votes, they represent a citizen's feelings of personal empowerment, and also a perceived connection to the instruments of high State. Votes are more important to the person, than to the smooth functioning of Govt, which is all about post-election constraints and standards. Taking away the former will not magically fix the latter.

[JoeThePoster]

Why delay vote till May 4?

Because by then rice farmers around the country will be willing to vote for an electric pole.

Edited January 13, 2014 by JoeThePoster

[JRSoul]

I guess Thaksin said NO.

[Fryslan boppe]

Wow, a lot of arrogant, denigration of the Thai majority electorate in these Posts.....Is it any wonder the Elitists are so despised by that majority...Like a regional Red Shirt leader said recently about the Bkk shenanigans...."Those people will not control us".....

[Soi Sauce]

So they can use the Force.

May the Fourth be with you.

[Spare]

So that Mark have a chance to register.

[fleeing]

Because the 3.8 billion baht, that elections that won't change anything anyway, would cost could better be used to at least pay some of the rice farmers their money?

[Mackie]

Why delay a vote until May 4th?

Thaksin cronies know the answer very well. Having elections in May 2014 would definitely kill the amnesty bill off. If this current caretaker government was honest about their intentions and really wanted a peaceful solution and compromise they would simply schedule the election for 04/05/2014. But I guess they have not given up on the amnesty bill hence prolonged demonstrations. As I said numerous times, by scheduling the election in May 2014 the amnesty bill would definitely be off the table, and people would be off the streets. Back to normalcy.

[tomacht8]

Bit lame.

The Constitution allows the shift of the elections.

No riots?

This is probably a matter of opinion.

- 45 countries provide travel warnings for Thailand

- The UN offers to mediate.

- In the north, rice farmers block the highway

- In the south are the polling stations blocked.

- In Bangkok government buildings are occupied.

- In clashes there have been deaths and injuries.

- In recent days, daily messages of shootings on the streets.
- A call that the daughters of the army general to be kidnapped.

- There are arrest warrants for several individuals which are not enforced.

- etc.

They fear apparently the reforms.

Indeed, if reforms would lead, beside other measures, to

exclude from now on, all persons from the Parliament and from electoral lists which

a have criminal records.

b running free on bail.

c were already banned from parliament in the past.

d against are corruption or crime cases opened.

Then not many established politicians would remain.

About that, they are afraid and that is the real problem.

Edited January 13, 2014 by tomacht8

[GeorgeO]

Wow, a lot of arrogant, denigration of the Thai majority electorate in these Posts.....Is it any wonder the Elitists are so despised by that majority...Like a regional Red Shirt leader said recently about the Bkk shenanigans...."Those people will not control us".....

... because we are already under the total control of the beloved fugitive criminal"...!!

[Scamper]

Charupong would have been immensely effective during the Earth is flat controversy way back when, talking down to the scientists. " Yes, yes. I see the facts. But I'm still waiting for the big picture. When are you going to show me the big picture ? And why didn't my secretary receive your report ? You're showing it to me now, but I can't see it until it comes from my secretary. " No, this isn't a scene from the Mikado. It's the Pheu Thai administration in stellar form.

[Bkungbank]

Reasons:

1) 3.8 Billions Baht wasted if have re-election again

2) 500 MP fill in constitution but the number are still short , cannot form government less then that

3) More then 80 seats are only 1 candidate register and no contestant , this is not election on democratic way like more communist.

A doctor have stop internal bleeding before swore the wound..

[tingtongteesood]

If there was decent education up north then people wouldn't have to farm as they would have other useable skills they could use to find a better job and a better life if they so chose.

[ratcatcher]

I think in my humble opinion that its all very easy to understand.

The Caretaker government has to comply fully with the constitution.

Which means elections must proceed before Feb 6th. They cannot be postponed or delayed or this will breach the constitution and therefore a ruling will be sought from the Constitution Court (CC)- and we all pretty much know what they will do.

This is why Suthep and the protestors keep pushing for the caretaker government to do something which breaches the constitution and would allow a legal challenge - meaing the CC comes in and therefore its all over. This is a 2 pronged attack by Suthep's mob, 1st attack is to get the government to breach the constitution (so YL to step down = breach = CC into ruling / or no election by Feb 6th = breach = CC into ruling). The 2nd attack is via potential violence to bring the army to stage a coup.

There is a simple way out, if the EC thinks that it is ok to delay THEY (the EC) should go to the CC and get a ruling from the CC that the government can postpone - once the CC agrees then the polls can be delayed.

It is therefore strange the EC wants the government to breach the constitution and leave themselves wide open to the Democrats filing a complaint with the CC that no elections were held by Feb 6th and so the CC must appoint a committee to take over as caretaker = Suthep wins.

It is almost as if the EC and the CC and the Democrats and the Sutheps mobs are all working in unison to get PTP out of power - but of course, that is not the case is it.............. ?

On the governments side is of course the changes to election law, which means that the EC must keep holding byelections until a successful election result is had in each constituency - and the 20% rule only applies to the initial poll - if 20% is not acheived then a byelection is held and the 20% voter turnout no longer applies.

So all the government has to do is proceed with the election on Feb the 2nd, fill as many seats as possible with winners, stay in power as caretaker government (as per the constitution) and tell the EC to run byelections, as many as needed, until the 95% figure of election winners is done at which point a new parliament can convene.

I personally am quite amazed at the Thai media which seems to ignore the byelections do not need 20% voter turnout. ignore that the EC has to keep running byelections until all seats are filled and ignore that this is the Thai Constitution and ignore that if elections are not held by the 6th of Feb that the caretaker government will be legally challenged in the CC.

They mostly seem to report things that break the constitution - like delaying the poll past Feb 6th.

So in summary unless the EC is working with the Democrats and Suthep - the EC should go to the CC now and get a clear and concise ruling that the elections can be delayed - and once they have this they can go to the PTP caretaker government and say it can be delayed. Whilst the EC sits there saying delay it, knowing full well that on Feb 7th the Democrats would be straight to the CC to rule it a breach of the constitution and the caretaker government must be kicked out - they are all looking rather silly and....... well......... what more can you say ?

"-they are all looking rather silly and..................." Say no more!

[scorecard]

Millions of poor dirt farmers working off non owned land haven't got a clue what's going on. They stand in front of their huts with metal siding for roofs with satellite dishes, 52 inch TVs and no teeth. It's no wonder that Thailand is in a constant state of chaos when no one in government truly represents them and the establishment (the protesters) couldn't care less about them. Unfortunately for the protesters, they represent a majority in Thailand and they will have a vote.

A slight "balnket statement, but they are better off under the PTP if that is your concern then the Democrats. If you look at history so far, there is a reason why the PTP is so loved in some of these affected areas, and dont believe the tripe that it is all just money.

The Democrats have certainly not seen to help these people, thats for sure. Just go ask them. People in Bangkok certainly dont appreciate the backbone of this country and where their food is coming from. Havent seen any fruit and rice growing in the Klong outside. alt=coffee1.gif pagespeed_url_hash=2220208811 width=32 height=24>

Are they really better off with the PTP? PTP and Thaksin give them a bit of money but that is is. PTP want them to be solely reliant on them to represent them. It is well and fine to give someone 500 baht so they can eat today ... but what about tomorrow.

If the PTP spent more up north on education then perhaps the people will be better off and they could make better informed decisions and would be able to learn and earn, but if the people up north were educated would they still vote for PTP?

Give a person a fish and he eats today. teach him to fish and he can eat everyday

IMO PTP is suppressing the people of the north with small treats and they are not really improving the lives of most northerners

Sure lots of small handouts, all at the right / opportune time.

But can someone share any details of one, just one, policy from pt (or their banned historical groups - in power for most of the last 10 years) or one project that has had any impact whatever in regard to getting large numbers of Thais (rural or otherwise - all Thais have a right to equally share any form of development / opportunities etc.) into a better quality of life through their own productivity.

Edited January 13, 2014 by scorecard

[ggold]

Well, they are right, also endorsed by the Monarch and real Head of State in this land so, so be it. PTP, will come back in to power until the democrats can learn to connect with the majority of Thailand which they have not and dont seem capable of doing. Stalling democaracy by deciding not to participate for me it only shows the Dems fear. They need Suthep and big time, though that not democratic either, as the majority of the population and now even more in Bangkok dont want him and his march either.

Sabai Sabai, people, it will all come together one day. Until then, just hope parties on both sides use restraint and can someone lock up some ill disciplined students? Might help matters slightly.

I wonder if PTP have done such a good job of connecting with the majority of Thailand as well, as they only got about 13 million votes out of a possible 50million voters or so! If everyone had voted. I think the total vote for all parties was about 30 million last election.

Maybe both of the main parties don't really connect with the majority of people!

Edited January 13, 2014 by ggold

[ggold]

I think in my humble opinion that its all very easy to understand.

The Caretaker government has to comply fully with the constitution.

Which means elections must proceed before Feb 6th. They cannot be postponed or delayed or this will breach the constitution and therefore a ruling will be sought from the Constitution Court (CC)- and we all pretty much know what they will do.

This is why Suthep and the protestors keep pushing for the caretaker government to do something which breaches the constitution and would allow a legal challenge - meaing the CC comes in and therefore its all over. This is a 2 pronged attack by Suthep's mob, 1st attack is to get the government to breach the constitution (so YL to step down = breach = CC into ruling / or no election by Feb 6th = breach = CC into ruling). The 2nd attack is via potential violence to bring the army to stage a coup.

There is a simple way out, if the EC thinks that it is ok to delay THEY (the EC) should go to the CC and get a ruling from the CC that the government can postpone - once the CC agrees then the polls can be delayed.

It is therefore strange the EC wants the government to breach the constitution and leave themselves wide open to the Democrats filing a complaint with the CC that no elections were held by Feb 6th and so the CC must appoint a committee to take over as caretaker = Suthep wins.

It is almost as if the EC and the CC and the Democrats and the Sutheps mobs are all working in unison to get PTP out of power - but of course, that is not the case is it.............. ?

On the governments side is of course the changes to election law, which means that the EC must keep holding byelections until a successful election result is had in each constituency - and the 20% rule only applies to the initial poll - if 20% is not acheived then a byelection is held and the 20% voter turnout no longer applies.

So all the government has to do is proceed with the election on Feb the 2nd, fill as many seats as possible with winners, stay in power as caretaker government (as per the constitution) and tell the EC to run byelections, as many as needed, until the 95% figure of election winners is done at which point a new parliament can convene.

I personally am quite amazed at the Thai media which seems to ignore the byelections do not need 20% voter turnout. ignore that the EC has to keep running byelections until all seats are filled and ignore that this is the Thai Constitution and ignore that if elections are not held by the 6th of Feb that the caretaker government will be legally challenged in the CC.

They mostly seem to report things that break the constitution - like delaying the poll past Feb 6th.

So in summary unless the EC is working with the Democrats and Suthep - the EC should go to the CC now and get a clear and concise ruling that the elections can be delayed - and once they have this they can go to the PTP caretaker government and say it can be delayed. Whilst the EC sits there saying delay it, knowing full well that on Feb 7th the Democrats would be straight to the CC to rule it a breach of the constitution and the caretaker government must be kicked out - they are all looking rather silly and....... well......... what more can you say ?

"-they are all looking rather silly and..................." Say no more!

IMO it all seems a bit of a red herring. I find it hard to believe that there isn't a mechanism in the constitution to allow for the resignation of the caretaker PM and allow a transitional period for the constitution to be re written prior to any elections. I think they are playing semantics with the constitution, all knowing exactly what is or isn't allowed. Even the threats against the EC seem to be putting them into a corner if they resign they are wrong and going against the constitution, if they fail to hold an election they could face prosecution as well. Hardly the way for a caretaker government to behave?

[fab4]

I think in my humble opinion that its all very easy to understand.

The Caretaker government has to comply fully with the constitution.

Which means elections must proceed before Feb 6th. They cannot be postponed or delayed or this will breach the constitution and therefore a ruling will be sought from the Constitution Court (CC)- and we all pretty much know what they will do.

This is why Suthep and the protestors keep pushing for the caretaker government to do something which breaches the constitution and would allow a legal challenge - meaing the CC comes in and therefore its all over. This is a 2 pronged attack by Suthep's mob, 1st attack is to get the government to breach the constitution (so YL to step down = breach = CC into ruling / or no election by Feb 6th = breach = CC into ruling). The 2nd attack is via potential violence to bring the army to stage a coup.

There is a simple way out, if the EC thinks that it is ok to delay THEY (the EC) should go to the CC and get a ruling from the CC that the government can postpone - once the CC agrees then the polls can be delayed.

It is therefore strange the EC wants the government to breach the constitution and leave themselves wide open to the Democrats filing a complaint with the CC that no elections were held by Feb 6th and so the CC must appoint a committee to take over as caretaker = Suthep wins.

It is almost as if the EC and the CC and the Democrats and the Sutheps mobs are all working in unison to get PTP out of power - but of course, that is not the case is it.............. ?

On the governments side is of course the changes to election law, which means that the EC must keep holding byelections until a successful election result is had in each constituency - and the 20% rule only applies to the initial poll - if 20% is not acheived then a byelection is held and the 20% voter turnout no longer applies.

So all the government has to do is proceed with the election on Feb the 2nd, fill as many seats as possible with winners, stay in power as caretaker government (as per the constitution) and tell the EC to run byelections, as many as needed, until the 95% figure of election winners is done at which point a new parliament can convene.

I personally am quite amazed at the Thai media which seems to ignore the byelections do not need 20% voter turnout. ignore that the EC has to keep running byelections until all seats are filled and ignore that this is the Thai Constitution and ignore that if elections are not held by the 6th of Feb that the caretaker government will be legally challenged in the CC.

They mostly seem to report things that break the constitution - like delaying the poll past Feb 6th.

So in summary unless the EC is working with the Democrats and Suthep - the EC should go to the CC now and get a clear and concise ruling that the elections can be delayed - and once they have this they can go to the PTP caretaker government and say it can be delayed. Whilst the EC sits there saying delay it, knowing full well that on Feb 7th the Democrats would be straight to the CC to rule it a breach of the constitution and the caretaker government must be kicked out - they are all looking rather silly and....... well......... what more can you say ?

Completely Right, but be prepared for people to ignore your post and come up with some ridiculous reason why the PTP are holding elections "early". They asked for the government to dissolve parliament and when they do and call new elections in the timeframe dictated by the constitution the bleating starts.

Also worth pointing out is the fact that the "20% rule" was a change to the organic voting regulations of the constitution by abhisits goverment when they were in power. Ironic eh?

[rubl]

Wow, a lot of arrogant, denigration of the Thai majority electorate in these Posts.....Is it any wonder the Elitists are so despised by that majority...Like a regional Red Shirt leader said recently about the Bkk shenanigans...."Those people will not control us".....

did he add "we already have the Shin clan' ?

[rickirs]

Have Charupong and the PTP got severe learning difficulties?

All the reasons have been repeated over the past 3 weeks from the EC, and they can see what is happening with their own bloody eyes what the problems are. So why do they need to ask what the reasons are 'yet again'??

Pretty simple to undersatnd PTP position. If the EC feels there is danger now from the DPRC demonstrations, and Sutheps has made it clear Yingluck's abdication is non-negotiable, why would any future election be any safer? Suthep was repeatedly stated that the demonstrations will not be violent. So if believed, what is EC's rationale?

[kimamey]

Well, they are right, also endorsed by the Monarch and real Head of State in this land so, so be it. PTP, will come back in to power until the democrats can learn to connect with the majority of Thailand which they have not and dont seem capable of doing. Stalling democaracy by deciding not to participate for me it only shows the Dems fear. They need Suthep and big time, though that not democratic either, as the majority of the population and now even more in Bangkok dont want him and his march either.

Sabai Sabai, people, it will all come together one day. Until then, just hope parties on both sides use restraint and can someone lock up some ill disciplined students? Might help matters slightly.

I wonder if PTP have done such a good job of connecting with the majority of Thailand as well, as they only got about 13 million votes out of a possible 50million voters or so! If everyone had voted. I think the total vote for all parties was about 30 million last election.

Maybe both of the main parties don't really connect with the majority of people!

If your figures are correct then that's very interesting especially if I'm right in thinking voting is compulsory in Thailand.

[ggold]

Well, they are right, also endorsed by the Monarch and real Head of State in this land so, so be it. PTP, will come back in to power until the democrats can learn to connect with the majority of Thailand which they have not and dont seem capable of doing. Stalling democaracy by deciding not to participate for me it only shows the Dems fear. They need Suthep and big time, though that not democratic either, as the majority of the population and now even more in Bangkok dont want him and his march either.

Sabai Sabai, people, it will all come together one day. Until then, just hope parties on both sides use restraint and can someone lock up some ill disciplined students? Might help matters slightly.

I wonder if PTP have done such a good job of connecting with the majority of Thailand as well, as they only got about 13 million votes out of a possible 50million voters or so! If everyone had voted. I think the total vote for all parties was about 30 million last election.

Maybe both of the main parties don't really connect with the majority of people!

If your figures are correct then that's very interesting especially if I'm right in thinking voting is compulsory in Thailand.

There is a post on TV which gave the voting figure for the last election. It is compulsory to vote in the UK as well but I think the reality is they are not going to put people in jail for not voting, as that would mean that on average 25-40% of the voting population would be behind bars!

Edited January 13, 2014 by ggold

[SICHONSTEVE]

Millions of poor dirt farmers working off non owned land haven't got a clue what's going on. They stand in front of their huts with metal siding for roofs with satellite dishes, 52 inch TVs and no teeth. It's no wonder that Thailand is in a constant state of chaos when no one in government truly represents them and the establishment (the protesters) couldn't care less about them. Unfortunately for the protesters, they represent a majority in Thailand and they will have a vote.

A slight "balnket statement, but they are better off under the PTP if that is your concern then the Democrats. If you look at history so far, there is a reason why the PTP is so loved in some of these affected areas, and dont believe the tripe that it is all just money.

The Democrats have certainly not seen to help these people, thats for sure. Just go ask them. People in Bangkok certainly dont appreciate the backbone of this country and where their food is coming from. Havent seen any fruit and rice growing in the Klong outside.

They are not the backbone of the country at all - all they do is suck all of the money out of the national coffers.

My food comes from Tesco's and Oh!! how I wish that they had Indian Basmati rice there instead of this rubbish Jasmine rice.

They haven't been given the chance to help them because Thaksin has cheated and bribed his lot to victory on a false premis.

OK, which was better? The Democrat's rice mortgage scheme that gave the money directly to the farmers or Thaksin's ludicrous rice pledging scheme where the money has run out because it has been siphoned off by his mates and the millers and exporters?