Suthep rejects proposed talk on election postponement

[MaiChai]

It seems Taksin bullied Yingluck into not resigning. She was ready to resign on Sunday but Taksin told her she could go to jail for abandoning her position. What a nice man; who needs family like that?

[Thailand]

Well, there you have it. The Dear Leader has no intention of talking to anybody, he is above all that nonsence about dialogue, dscussion, give and take and all the other silly trapings of civilised life. Total surrender and total subservience to His demands, or else!

I'm relatively new here in Thailand (4.5 years) can somebody please tell me who is pulling "his" strings. I've asked Suthep supporters and no one will give me an answer.

Very very high up.

[jsnho]

Nevermind, just let more thai people kill themselves until civil war break out and kill suthep himself, while everyone won't have a enjoyable cny and songkran. Suthep want the supporter to die together with him and supporter prepare a large amount of money to back him and his family

No neg = dead end

[Mystory]

No surrender you can't negotiate withl a scorpion or snake

Well done Suphet. Notice difference between red shirt thugs in 2010 and this protest. So fat totally peaceful no burnings no guns with protestors just a very large group of determined people who are totally sick and tired of Taksin and his lot just doing whatever they want.

I never thought Suphet it stood a chance but whatever Taksin supporters here say just going by crowds he obviously has massive support. And before we get a barrage of BS about elected government democracy elections and rest it is obvious to anyone not blind that Taksin and his vile government are not wanted by a very large section of Thais of all walks of life.

To hold an election on 2^nd feb is pointless and will achieve nothing. It would not even result in a government even if Taksin got 100% of vote since os many wont vote and their cant be enough MPs anyway. Even if Taksin managed to disregard rules again and try ot form a parliament it simply would not be accepted by so many it oculd not function and Army will not intervene.

So only way pout is for Yingluk to resign and a interim new caretaker government not linked to Taksin take over for a few months while reforms are put in place. Then have an election without Taksin (or it simply wont work) and most would accept a voted government even one most red shirts would want provided Taksin was not involved.

The only other way out is an army coup or Taksin pays enough to start a real civil war which in his desperation he could well try however I dont think that will work and I cant see cowardly reds supporting in enough numbers and so hell have to rely on paid mercenaries.

Before Taksin tries to turn Thailand into a sort of Syria he should but wont do decent thing for sake of Thailand. Being vile coward he is and fact all he cares for is his own then that is not going to happen.

Nibbles is back again with another user name.

Unless you are born an elite you will never understand them.

The Born Elite do what they do because they can.

The Unborn Elite or Poor do what they do because they have to.

[EricBerg]

Eventually both sides will have to talk. Nothing wrong in setting a new election date later. The dems then have to work hard. They must beat the reds on their home ground, in the north. Suthep should go meet the other side and negotiate an election date. Then step back and let others make strategy.

When they do the job well it should be easy for the voters in the north to see what the shinaclan really is about: pillaging and plundering on a scale comparable with the old war with the burmese, when Ayutthaya was burnt.

You're absolutely right but I'm afraid that the voters in the North have been aware for years how the Bangkok elite has been plundering the resources of the country. Now that they want their piece of the cake, Bangkok isn't happy and wants to pretend that it is Thailand. Unfortunately, although the high rise hairdos and stiff-necked Dems will tell you of the poor education in the provinces (which in the past has benefitted them by providing them with a passive populous who voted against their own interests) the rural populous to the north and north east are not as stupid as Bangkok thinks. Because now they understand the power of their vote, they will never again give it to the patronising bigots who are still deluded enough to think they can keep things firmly stuck in the 1960s.

This is why getting rid of the Shinawatras (however nice that will be) will make no difference to the Dems & their ilk long term. Though Thaksin courted the rural vote for selfish purposes, he has changed the country and there's no going back.

The future of this country will no longer be decided by the minority in Bangkok.

That's a pretty accurate summary of the real situation !!!! But who else will believe it ??P

It's a choice between bad (democrats) and superbad (shinaclan).

If the shina's can be the government for a few more years they will complete the plundering. They will get their two (or three or four) trillion loan for the silly highspeed train to China. Billions will disappear in their pockets. The rice scheme will continue for two more years. That means more billions thrown away. Healthcare, education, infrastructure and many more will not be dealt with. The country will be paying for those huge debts for decades.

Letting the shinaclan stay on means letting them rob clean Thailand. Then the red shirt voters in the north cannot go knocking on the door of their hero in Dubai for help. He will kick them out without blinking an eye.

It will be a slow road to a corruption free society. The democrats can be exchanged for new, less corrupt politicians. But allowing the shinaclan to stay on top will be disastrous for beautiful Thailand.

The dems must convince the voters from this and thus win the election and kick out the plunderers.

[webfact]

UPDATE:
POLITICS
Suthep turns down PM's call for talks on poll delay
The Nation



Yingluck asks Phongthep to set up meet involving all sides; EC wary of the idea

BANGKOK: -- The caretaker government, having repeatedly ignored calls for postponement of the February 2 election, yesterday softened its stance as pressure for a delay in holding the poll increased.

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has assigned caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana to hold meetings with all sides regarding the Election Commission's proposal for the election to be postponed, PM’s secretary general Suranand Vejjajiva said yesterday.

He said Yingluck had consulted Phongthep, a legal expert, and some other Cabinet members on the EC's proposal, which she felt was still unclear. She has assigned Phongthep to hold discussions with all the sides concerned.

Phongthep will invite representatives of five groups - the EC, political parties, people who want the election to go ahead, people who are against the February 2 election, and the Cabinet, according to Suranand. The discussion would be held tomorrow morning at a place to be confirmed later, he added.

Suranand said the government hoped the five EC commissioners, political party representatives - including Democrat leaders - as well as representatives of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), would also attend the meeting.

However, PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday ruled out his attendance at any talks on a possible postponement of the election. He insisted his group would not engage in any such talks with the government until the protesters had "won the fight". He repeatedly said earlier that his group wanted nothing less than the mass resignation of the caretaker Cabinet, including Yingluck.

Protest leader Suriyasai Katasila said yesterday in a Twitter message that the PDRC was still firm in its demand that Yingluck step down to pave the way for national reform. "Election postponement is not our main goal," he tweeted.

Pichit Chuenban, a legal expert for the ruling Pheu Thai Party, said yesterday that legally speaking the election could not be postponed. However, the party wanted to hear views from those who were pushing for election postponement.

EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn expressed dissatisfaction yesterday at the government move to hold a multiparty meeting without first responding to the EC's written call for postponement. "This is not the right thing for the government to do," he said, adding that the prime minister should have a meeting urgently with the EC chairman to discuss any election postponement proposal.

He said if there was no such discussion between the PM and the EC chairman, it was likely the EC would not join the multiparty meeting to be held by the government.

Meanwhile, caretaker Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who is also in charge of the government's Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order, yesterday suggested the government bring the case to the Constitutional Court to rule on whether the February 2 election could be delayed. He said he believed the Constitution does not empower the government to postpone an election.

In a related development, the EC is setting up a temporary office in Chon Buri in preparation for the next election, according to a source in the agency.

The move came after protesters gathered outside the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road, which houses the EC head office.

Twenty-two Thai embassies and consulate offices in 21 countries around the world yesterday held advance voting for Thai expatriates, Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said.

The Election Commission designated 92 Thai missions in 67 countries to hold the election outside the Kingdom as 143,800 eligible voters registered to cast their ballot, he said. More than one million Thai citizens live abroad, according to Sek.


-- The Nation 2014-01-14

[noitom]

They've closed government office, broken through government offices and facilities with trucks. They've pried off gates to government buildings. It is a serious Thai breach of security. The police should be stepping in, and if they can't handle it, then the PM should order the army in to retake government facilities. The world stands by and watches this without understanding the serious breach of security, danger, and risk.

[poisonus]

Suranand said the government hoped the five EC commissioners, political party representatives - including Democrat leaders - as well as representatives of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), would also attend the meeting.

This is nothing to do with the Dems or the PDRC, it is not their election. Yingluck is trying to postpone it knowing full well the election is a waste of time and was yet again another mistake. Then trying to use a postponement as a way of telling the world that 'she is trying to compromise'.

What a joke.

[waza]

What if Yingluck held a party and no one came?

[ginjag]

No surrender you can't negotiate withl a scorpion or snake

Well done Suphet. Notice difference between red shirt thugs in 2010 and this protest. So fat totally peaceful no burnings no guns with protestors just a very large group of determined people who are totally sick and tired of Taksin and his lot just doing whatever they want.

I never thought Suphet it stood a chance but whatever Taksin supporters here say just going by crowds he obviously has massive support. And before we get a barrage of BS about elected government democracy elections and rest it is obvious to anyone not blind that Taksin and his vile government are not wanted by a very large section of Thais of all walks of life.

To hold an election on 2^nd feb is pointless and will achieve nothing. It would not even result in a government even if Taksin got 100% of vote since os many wont vote and their cant be enough MPs anyway. Even if Taksin managed to disregard rules again and try ot form a parliament it simply would not be accepted by so many it oculd not function and Army will not intervene.

So only way pout is for Yingluk to resign and a interim new caretaker government not linked to Taksin take over for a few months while reforms are put in place. Then have an election without Taksin (or it simply wont work) and most would accept a voted government even one most red shirts would want provided Taksin was not involved.

The only other way out is an army coup or Taksin pays enough to start a real civil war which in his desperation he could well try however I dont think that will work and I cant see cowardly reds supporting in enough numbers and so hell have to rely on paid mercenaries.

Before Taksin tries to turn Thailand into a sort of Syria he should but wont do decent thing for sake of Thailand. Being vile coward he is and fact all he cares for is his own then that is not going to happen.

Negotiation is the ONLY way forward, like it or not nothing will change until all sides are considered and included in how to move forward.

Suthep can sound like a broken record all he wants and the few thousand people with him, the truth is it dosnt represent more than a few % of the people however much youd like it to.

Respect the vote and go work on a real opposition party, if things are to be changed you do it only by respecting all sides and the right to vote.

Dems go away and get some decent policies and pitch it to the people like any other decent party, until then they are just unelectable and politically youll get what Thailand deserves.

Sutheps demands of instilling a peoples China bureau has absolutely no international support and hardly any from the people, they are so out of touch with what people want its laughable.

People want fair and fully represented reforms, that means it has to include ALL including the reds and yellows around a table and all working towards a positive change. Suthep has missed the wave of support in the beginning to drive this support into a brick wall by making demands that border on the insane. In short the dems have totally blown any credibility by hitching its coat to the madman.

Internationally this whole attempt to be undemocratic is seen as a massive step backwards and Thailand's image has suffered more in the last decade simply because it has deviated from the democratic process. This is the fault of the elite making demands when they dont win in elections and has set a bad example how to gain control. This time it has totally missed the opportunity and sympathy of the people by continuing to demonstrate the lack of willingness to negotiate and being the healing process.

Im not a red supporter but image wise this government have not reacted the way the dems did and that is what is important, they are also asking for talks, only an imbecile refuses to take part and Suthep is playing his part perfectly being one. He had the time he had the chance and threw it away with excessive demands and claims, just like now by refusing to talk.

In short he is now

When the PM did not have any threat to her it was all the PTP way, there was never any thought of talking to any opposition, only avoiding discussion.

Sailing along with complete dictatorial control, THEN really over stepping the mark, abuse of power.

We then get all this protesting and a serious threat to her own job mega protests get underway and mass disruption she starts all this "can we talk" business, the PTP did all this damage over 3 years and now say oh come on we are trying to help by dialog.

TOO LATE.....you cooked your goose. You brought the country to it's knees and by doing so showed no concern or remorse. ONLY NOW, I for one do not believe your intentions to talk are genuine for Thai people, it's a get out for you, to plunder more.

[JHenry]

The protest numbers are small. The crowds are just not large enough. Look at the pictures, visit the protest sites (if you do not sit under the blanket with the stock of food for 2 months). I do not see how Suthep is going to achieve what he wants. Actually, the postponed elections was a good chance to save face.

[ginjag]

The protest numbers are small. The crowds are just not large enough. Look at the pictures, visit the protest sites (if you do not sit under the blanket with the stock of food for 2 months). I do not see how Suthep is going to achieve what he wants. Actually, the postponed elections was a good chance to save face.

Suppose it all depends on what pictures you view and where you have visited to see for yourself.

Maybe you don't want Suthep to achieve anything. Carry on as normal everything in the garden is blooming---(blooming stupid)

[waza]

The protest numbers are small. The crowds are just not large enough. Look at the pictures, visit the protest sites (if you do not sit under the blanket with the stock of food for 2 months). I do not see how Suthep is going to achieve what he wants. Actually, the postponed elections was a good chance to save face.

Henry, numbers don't matter, Suthep has already achieved his objectives, he has shut down Bangkok without incident. While the military provide security, BMA provides logistics and the government remains paralysed he can keep it closed with a skeleton crew til the election.

Edited January 14, 2014 by waza

[JHenry]

The protest numbers are small. The crowds are just not large enough. Look at the pictures, visit the protest sites (if you do not sit under the blanket with the stock of food for 2 months). I do not see how Suthep is going to achieve what he wants. Actually, the postponed elections was a good chance to save face.

Suppose it all depends on what pictures you view and where you have visited to see for yourself.

Maybe you don't want Suthep to achieve anything. Carry on as normal everything in the garden is blooming---(blooming stupid)

Visited personally: Victory Monument 5-7K, may be 10K with lookers, WTC- 10K tops. What is blooming in your garden I do not know, but I do not see anything blooming in Suthep's garden. I am neutral, just telling what I see does not look impressive, that is it.

[Mr Yim]

No surrender you can't negotiate withl a scorpion or snake

Well done Suphet. Notice difference between red shirt thugs in 2010 and this protest. So fat totally peaceful no burnings no guns with protestors just a very large group of determined people who are totally sick and tired of Taksin and his lot just doing whatever they want.

I never thought Suphet it stood a chance but whatever Taksin supporters here say just going by crowds he obviously has massive support. And before we get a barrage of BS about elected government democracy elections and rest it is obvious to anyone not blind that Taksin and his vile government are not wanted by a very large section of Thais of all walks of life.

To hold an election on 2^nd feb is pointless and will achieve nothing. It would not even result in a government even if Taksin got 100% of vote since os many wont vote and their cant be enough MPs anyway. Even if Taksin managed to disregard rules again and try ot form a parliament it simply would not be accepted by so many it oculd not function and Army will not intervene.

So only way pout is for Yingluk to resign and a interim new caretaker government not linked to Taksin take over for a few months while reforms are put in place. Then have an election without Taksin (or it simply wont work) and most would accept a voted government even one most red shirts would want provided Taksin was not involved.

The only other way out is an army coup or Taksin pays enough to start a real civil war which in his desperation he could well try however I dont think that will work and I cant see cowardly reds supporting in enough numbers and so hell have to rely on paid mercenaries.

Before Taksin tries to turn Thailand into a sort of Syria he should but wont do decent thing for sake of Thailand. Being vile coward he is and fact all he cares for is his own then that is not going to happen.

Negotiation is the ONLY way forward, like it or not nothing will change until all sides are considered and included in how to move forward.

Suthep can sound like a broken record all he wants and the few thousand people with him, the truth is it dosnt represent more than a few % of the people however much youd like it to.

Respect the vote and go work on a real opposition party, if things are to be changed you do it only by respecting all sides and the right to vote.

Dems go away and get some decent policies and pitch it to the people like any other decent party, until then they are just unelectable and politically youll get what Thailand deserves.

Sutheps demands of instilling a peoples China bureau has absolutely no international support and hardly any from the people, they are so out of touch with what people want its laughable.

People want fair and fully represented reforms, that means it has to include ALL including the reds and yellows around a table and all working towards a positive change. Suthep has missed the wave of support in the beginning to drive this support into a brick wall by making demands that border on the insane. In short the dems have totally blown any credibility by hitching its coat to the madman.

Internationally this whole attempt to be undemocratic is seen as a massive step backwards and Thailand's image has suffered more in the last decade simply because it has deviated from the democratic process. This is the fault of the elite making demands when they dont win in elections and has set a bad example how to gain control. This time it has totally missed the opportunity and sympathy of the people by continuing to demonstrate the lack of willingness to negotiate and being the healing process.

Im not a red supporter but image wise this government have not reacted the way the dems did and that is what is important, they are also asking for talks, only an imbecile refuses to take part and Suthep is playing his part perfectly being one. He had the time he had the chance and threw it away with excessive demands and claims, just like now by refusing to talk.

In short he is now

When the PM did not have any threat to her it was all the PTP way, there was never any thought of talking to any opposition, only avoiding discussion.

Sailing along with complete dictatorial control, THEN really over stepping the mark, abuse of power.

We then get all this protesting and a serious threat to her own job mega protests get underway and mass disruption she starts all this "can we talk" business, the PTP did all this damage over 3 years and now say oh come on we are trying to help by dialog.

TOO LATE.....you cooked your goose. You brought the country to it's knees and by doing so showed no concern or remorse. ONLY NOW, I for one do not believe your intentions to talk are genuine for Thai people, it's a get out for you, to plunder more.

"brought the country to it's knees". If I did not read Thaivisa I would not know there is a political crisis on. Life has not changed one bit here in Isaan. Bangkok is not Thailand. Perhaps if the Democratic Party appreciated that they would have a better chance of being elected,

[JHenry]

The protest numbers are small. The crowds are just not large enough. Look at the pictures, visit the protest sites (if you do not sit under the blanket with the stock of food for 2 months). I do not see how Suthep is going to achieve what he wants. Actually, the postponed elections was a good chance to save face.

Henry, numbers don't matter, Suthep has already achieved his objectives, he has shut down Bangkok without incident. While the military provide security, BMA provides logistics and the government remains paralysed he can keep it closed with a skeleton crew til the election.

Numbers matter and he knows it. Otherwise it means that anybody with 20,000 supporters can do whatever he/she wants in the capital of Thailand. This applies to Suthep if he comes to power. And by the way he did not shut down Bangkok. Life goes on. There will be routes around the 7 sites and lots of traffic that is about it.

[englishoak]

No surrender you can't negotiate withl a scorpion or snake

Well done Suphet. Notice difference between red shirt thugs in 2010 and this protest. So fat totally peaceful no burnings no guns with protestors just a very large group of determined people who are totally sick and tired of Taksin and his lot just doing whatever they want.

I never thought Suphet it stood a chance but whatever Taksin supporters here say just going by crowds he obviously has massive support. And before we get a barrage of BS about elected government democracy elections and rest it is obvious to anyone not blind that Taksin and his vile government are not wanted by a very large section of Thais of all walks of life.

To hold an election on 2^nd feb is pointless and will achieve nothing. It would not even result in a government even if Taksin got 100% of vote since os many wont vote and their cant be enough MPs anyway. Even if Taksin managed to disregard rules again and try ot form a parliament it simply would not be accepted by so many it oculd not function and Army will not intervene.

So only way pout is for Yingluk to resign and a interim new caretaker government not linked to Taksin take over for a few months while reforms are put in place. Then have an election without Taksin (or it simply wont work) and most would accept a voted government even one most red shirts would want provided Taksin was not involved.

The only other way out is an army coup or Taksin pays enough to start a real civil war which in his desperation he could well try however I dont think that will work and I cant see cowardly reds supporting in enough numbers and so hell have to rely on paid mercenaries.

Before Taksin tries to turn Thailand into a sort of Syria he should but wont do decent thing for sake of Thailand. Being vile coward he is and fact all he cares for is his own then that is not going to happen.

Negotiation is the ONLY way forward, like it or not nothing will change until all sides are considered and included in how to move forward.

Suthep can sound like a broken record all he wants and the few thousand people with him, the truth is it dosnt represent more than a few % of the people however much youd like it to.

Respect the vote and go work on a real opposition party, if things are to be changed you do it only by respecting all sides and the right to vote.

Dems go away and get some decent policies and pitch it to the people like any other decent party, until then they are just unelectable and politically youll get what Thailand deserves.

Sutheps demands of instilling a peoples China bureau has absolutely no international support and hardly any from the people, they are so out of touch with what people want its laughable.

People want fair and fully represented reforms, that means it has to include ALL including the reds and yellows around a table and all working towards a positive change. Suthep has missed the wave of support in the beginning to drive this support into a brick wall by making demands that border on the insane. In short the dems have totally blown any credibility by hitching its coat to the madman.

Internationally this whole attempt to be undemocratic is seen as a massive step backwards and Thailand's image has suffered more in the last decade simply because it has deviated from the democratic process. This is the fault of the elite making demands when they dont win in elections and has set a bad example how to gain control. This time it has totally missed the opportunity and sympathy of the people by continuing to demonstrate the lack of willingness to negotiate and being the healing process.

Im not a red supporter but image wise this government have not reacted the way the dems did and that is what is important, they are also asking for talks, only an imbecile refuses to take part and Suthep is playing his part perfectly being one. He had the time he had the chance and threw it away with excessive demands and claims, just like now by refusing to talk.

In short he is now

When the PM did not have any threat to her it was all the PTP way, there was never any thought of talking to any opposition, only avoiding discussion.

Sailing along with complete dictatorial control, THEN really over stepping the mark, abuse of power.

We then get all this protesting and a serious threat to her own job mega protests get underway and mass disruption she starts all this "can we talk" business, the PTP did all this damage over 3 years and now say oh come on we are trying to help by dialog.

TOO LATE.....you cooked your goose. You brought the country to it's knees and by doing so showed no concern or remorse. ONLY NOW, I for one do not believe your intentions to talk are genuine for Thai people, it's a get out for you, to plunder more.

That is entirely the point, you get them to the table and it was working, but if you don't sit down at the table you get nowhere. That leaves everyone nowhere and risks conflict which isnt the way to go.

I Maintain Suthep and the PDRC are dead in the water. through its own unreasonable and stubborn demands, Negotiation is the only way forward but to do it you must enter into talks or you arnt in it for the right reasons.

[Amavel]

Suthep has committed the ultimate sin. He has become boring and undiplomatic. His true Sociopathic nature is becoming evident. Nothing worse than boring your people. That and pushing them into economic ruin. He is causing great loss of face for Thailand.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[wave]

The protest numbers are small. The crowds are just not large enough. Look at the pictures, visit the protest sites (if you do not sit under the blanket with the stock of food for 2 months). I do not see how Suthep is going to achieve what he wants. Actually, the postponed elections was a good chance to save face.

Henry, numbers don't matter, Suthep has already achieved his objectives, he has shut down Bangkok without incident. While the military provide security, BMA provides logistics and the government remains paralysed he can keep it closed with a skeleton crew til the election.

Well being here in central Bangkok I can tell you that the city is not shutdown, shops are open, traffic is still flowing and the vast majority of businesses continue to trade.

According to Suthep he has yet to achieve his objectives of removing Yingluck from her premiership and installing a "peoples council"

The military and police are both conspicuous by their absence.

The caretaker Governments policy of non confrontation and continuing offers of dialogue present them as moderate, conciliatory and will only increase their legitimacy in the eyes of many.

I fear that Sutheps may have missed an opportunity to join negotiations.

His constant refusal to negotiate and compromise maybe seen in a similar light as the red shirts rebuttal of Abisihts offer to dissolve parliament and hold elections back in 2010 by the vast majority.

[ginjag]

No surrender you can't negotiate withl a scorpion or snake

Well done Suphet. Notice difference between red shirt thugs in 2010 and this protest. So fat totally peaceful no burnings no guns with protestors just a very large group of determined people who are totally sick and tired of Taksin and his lot just doing whatever they want.

I never thought Suphet it stood a chance but whatever Taksin supporters here say just going by crowds he obviously has massive support. And before we get a barrage of BS about elected government democracy elections and rest it is obvious to anyone not blind that Taksin and his vile government are not wanted by a very large section of Thais of all walks of life.

To hold an election on 2^nd feb is pointless and will achieve nothing. It would not even result in a government even if Taksin got 100% of vote since os many wont vote and their cant be enough MPs anyway. Even if Taksin managed to disregard rules again and try ot form a parliament it simply would not be accepted by so many it oculd not function and Army will not intervene.

So only way pout is for Yingluk to resign and a interim new caretaker government not linked to Taksin take over for a few months while reforms are put in place. Then have an election without Taksin (or it simply wont work) and most would accept a voted government even one most red shirts would want provided Taksin was not involved.

The only other way out is an army coup or Taksin pays enough to start a real civil war which in his desperation he could well try however I dont think that will work and I cant see cowardly reds supporting in enough numbers and so hell have to rely on paid mercenaries.

Before Taksin tries to turn Thailand into a sort of Syria he should but wont do decent thing for sake of Thailand. Being vile coward he is and fact all he cares for is his own then that is not going to happen.

Negotiation is the ONLY way forward, like it or not nothing will change until all sides are considered and included in how to move forward.

Suthep can sound like a broken record all he wants and the few thousand people with him, the truth is it dosnt represent more than a few % of the people however much youd like it to.

Respect the vote and go work on a real opposition party, if things are to be changed you do it only by respecting all sides and the right to vote.

Dems go away and get some decent policies and pitch it to the people like any other decent party, until then they are just unelectable and politically youll get what Thailand deserves.

Sutheps demands of instilling a peoples China bureau has absolutely no international support and hardly any from the people, they are so out of touch with what people want its laughable.

People want fair and fully represented reforms, that means it has to include ALL including the reds and yellows around a table and all working towards a positive change. Suthep has missed the wave of support in the beginning to drive this support into a brick wall by making demands that border on the insane. In short the dems have totally blown any credibility by hitching its coat to the madman.

Internationally this whole attempt to be undemocratic is seen as a massive step backwards and Thailand's image has suffered more in the last decade simply because it has deviated from the democratic process. This is the fault of the elite making demands when they dont win in elections and has set a bad example how to gain control. This time it has totally missed the opportunity and sympathy of the people by continuing to demonstrate the lack of willingness to negotiate and being the healing process.

Im not a red supporter but image wise this government have not reacted the way the dems did and that is what is important, they are also asking for talks, only an imbecile refuses to take part and Suthep is playing his part perfectly being one. He had the time he had the chance and threw it away with excessive demands and claims, just like now by refusing to talk.

In short he is now

When the PM did not have any threat to her it was all the PTP way, there was never any thought of talking to any opposition, only avoiding discussion.

Sailing along with complete dictatorial control, THEN really over stepping the mark, abuse of power.

We then get all this protesting and a serious threat to her own job mega protests get underway and mass disruption she starts all this "can we talk" business, the PTP did all this damage over 3 years and now say oh come on we are trying to help by dialog.

TOO LATE.....you cooked your goose. You brought the country to it's knees and by doing so showed no concern or remorse. ONLY NOW, I for one do not believe your intentions to talk are genuine for Thai people, it's a get out for you, to plunder more.

That is entirely the point, you get them to the table and it was working, but if you don't sit down at the table you get nowhere. That leaves everyone nowhere and risks conflict which isnt the way to go.

I Maintain Suthep and the PDRC are dead in the water. through its own unreasonable and stubborn demands, Negotiation is the only way forward but to do it you must enter into talks or you arnt in it for the right reasons.

I do agree with you re talks, but without the Thaksins in the picture.

Enough damage has been done to warrant any of this family entering negotiations. Who wants one sided negotiations ??? with them in the picture we will get the exact corrupt repetition.

You cannot get away with bankrupting your country and expect to sit down at the table and have a say in the running of it.

Recent reports said Thaksin has ordered Yingluck to stay put. <deleted> sorry he has to serve jail term and all contact should be cut.

[plazot11]

No surrender you can't negotiate withl a scorpion or snake

Well done Suphet. Notice difference between red shirt thugs in 2010 and this protest. So fat totally peaceful no burnings no guns with protestors just a very large group of determined people who are totally sick and tired of Taksin and his lot just doing whatever they want.

I never thought Suphet it stood a chance but whatever Taksin supporters here say just going by crowds he obviously has massive support. And before we get a barrage of BS about elected government democracy elections and rest it is obvious to anyone not blind that Taksin and his vile government are not wanted by a very large section of Thais of all walks of life.

To hold an election on 2^nd feb is pointless and will achieve nothing. It would not even result in a government even if Taksin got 100% of vote since os many wont vote and their cant be enough MPs anyway. Even if Taksin managed to disregard rules again and try ot form a parliament it simply would not be accepted by so many it oculd not function and Army will not intervene.

So only way pout is for Yingluk to resign and a interim new caretaker government not linked to Taksin take over for a few months while reforms are put in place. Then have an election without Taksin (or it simply wont work) and most would accept a voted government even one most red shirts would want provided Taksin was not involved.

The only other way out is an army coup or Taksin pays enough to start a real civil war which in his desperation he could well try however I dont think that will work and I cant see cowardly reds supporting in enough numbers and so hell have to rely on paid mercenaries.

Before Taksin tries to turn Thailand into a sort of Syria he should but wont do decent thing for sake of Thailand. Being vile coward he is and fact all he cares for is his own then that is not going to happen.

You write like a member of the Communist Party or Kampuchea or Mohamed Morsi's Muslim brotherhood and both were losers.

Suggest all contributors are a little more careful in what they write in view of the Thai immigration warnings for foreigners not to become involved in protests.

[waza]

The protest numbers are small. The crowds are just not large enough. Look at the pictures, visit the protest sites (if you do not sit under the blanket with the stock of food for 2 months). I do not see how Suthep is going to achieve what he wants. Actually, the postponed elections was a good chance to save face.

Henry, numbers don't matter, Suthep has already achieved his objectives, he has shut down Bangkok without incident. While the military provide security, BMA provides logistics and the government remains paralysed he can keep it closed with a skeleton crew til the election.

Well being here in central Bangkok I can tell you that the city is not shutdown, shops are open, traffic is still flowing and the vast majority of businesses continue to trade.

According to Suthep he has yet to achieve his objectives of removing Yingluck from her premiership and installing a "peoples council"

The military and police are both conspicuous by their absence.

The caretaker Governments policy of non confrontation and continuing offers of dialogue present them as moderate, conciliatory and will only increase their legitimacy in the eyes of many.

I fear that Sutheps may have missed an opportunity to join negotiations.

His constant refusal to negotiate and compromise maybe seen in a similar light as the red shirts rebuttal of Abisihts offer to dissolve parliament and hold elections back in 2010 by the vast majority.

Well its certainly closed for Yingluck and her government.

[DocN]

As far as I see it, Suthep failed at 2 points.

a) he didn't get the numbers he hoped for eg. he spouted everywhere about!

b ) so far, he didn't get the reaction he hoped for eg. the Reds going rogue and the Army stepping in.

for b ) yes...that is hwat he aimed for and we ALL know it!

So what is next for him?

He doesn't want to talk ...and we ALL knew that, didn't we?!

Where can he go to get the reaction, he wants.

...and we ALL also know, where that is, don't we?!

[moonao]

Suthep may have been a great politician 2000 years ago, 1000 years ago, even 500 years ago.

But his stubborn, boneheaded style has no place in todays age.

Edited January 14, 2014 by moonao

[ginjag]

No surrender you can't negotiate withl a scorpion or snake

Well done Suphet. Notice difference between red shirt thugs in 2010 and this protest. So fat totally peaceful no burnings no guns with protestors just a very large group of determined people who are totally sick and tired of Taksin and his lot just doing whatever they want.

I never thought Suphet it stood a chance but whatever Taksin supporters here say just going by crowds he obviously has massive support. And before we get a barrage of BS about elected government democracy elections and rest it is obvious to anyone not blind that Taksin and his vile government are not wanted by a very large section of Thais of all walks of life.

To hold an election on 2^nd feb is pointless and will achieve nothing. It would not even result in a government even if Taksin got 100% of vote since os many wont vote and their cant be enough MPs anyway. Even if Taksin managed to disregard rules again and try ot form a parliament it simply would not be accepted by so many it oculd not function and Army will not intervene.

So only way pout is for Yingluk to resign and a interim new caretaker government not linked to Taksin take over for a few months while reforms are put in place. Then have an election without Taksin (or it simply wont work) and most would accept a voted government even one most red shirts would want provided Taksin was not involved.

The only other way out is an army coup or Taksin pays enough to start a real civil war which in his desperation he could well try however I dont think that will work and I cant see cowardly reds supporting in enough numbers and so hell have to rely on paid mercenaries.

Before Taksin tries to turn Thailand into a sort of Syria he should but wont do decent thing for sake of Thailand. Being vile coward he is and fact all he cares for is his own then that is not going to happen.

Negotiation is the ONLY way forward, like it or not nothing will change until all sides are considered and included in how to move forward.

Suthep can sound like a broken record all he wants and the few thousand people with him, the truth is it dosnt represent more than a few % of the people however much youd like it to.

Respect the vote and go work on a real opposition party, if things are to be changed you do it only by respecting all sides and the right to vote.

Dems go away and get some decent policies and pitch it to the people like any other decent party, until then they are just unelectable and politically youll get what Thailand deserves.

Sutheps demands of instilling a peoples China bureau has absolutely no international support and hardly any from the people, they are so out of touch with what people want its laughable.

People want fair and fully represented reforms, that means it has to include ALL including the reds and yellows around a table and all working towards a positive change. Suthep has missed the wave of support in the beginning to drive this support into a brick wall by making demands that border on the insane. In short the dems have totally blown any credibility by hitching its coat to the madman.

Internationally this whole attempt to be undemocratic is seen as a massive step backwards and Thailand's image has suffered more in the last decade simply because it has deviated from the democratic process. This is the fault of the elite making demands when they dont win in elections and has set a bad example how to gain control. This time it has totally missed the opportunity and sympathy of the people by continuing to demonstrate the lack of willingness to negotiate and being the healing process.

Im not a red supporter but image wise this government have not reacted the way the dems did and that is what is important, they are also asking for talks, only an imbecile refuses to take part and Suthep is playing his part perfectly being one. He had the time he had the chance and threw it away with excessive demands and claims, just like now by refusing to talk.

In short he is now

When the PM did not have any threat to her it was all the PTP way, there was never any thought of talking to any opposition, only avoiding discussion.

Sailing along with complete dictatorial control, THEN really over stepping the mark, abuse of power.

We then get all this protesting and a serious threat to her own job mega protests get underway and mass disruption she starts all this "can we talk" business, the PTP did all this damage over 3 years and now say oh come on we are trying to help by dialog.

TOO LATE.....you cooked your goose. You brought the country to it's knees and by doing so showed no concern or remorse. ONLY NOW, I for one do not believe your intentions to talk are genuine for Thai people, it's a get out for you, to plunder more.

"brought the country to it's knees". If I did not read Thaivisa I would not know there is a political crisis on. Life has not changed one bit here in Isaan. Bangkok is not Thailand. Perhaps if the Democratic Party appreciated that they would have a better chance of being elected,

I live in the heartland of Issan, and I am the same as you, you do not get much of the feeling there is a crisis on.

BUT if you look at the bigger picture as my post points out it is there for you to see. but with your blinkers on with a few posters with your thinking all is WELL HERE. Life will change in Issan if this regime does not get out. ( but more slowly here )

[aussieinthailand]

I'm shocked he rejected the proposed talks. I'm sure no-one expected such a response...

I'M NOT,,,,

The arrogance of this man is nothing short of narcissistic and fascist to the extreme, but what is shocking is that he claims, he want's democracy but will not let people submit for candidacy, wont let people vote, but will decide who will hold which position in his rich boys club, but he and his will buddy's run the country for 2,3,4 years or who knows when? then give up all that power and money so the people can vote, especially those northern people that are so stupid, poor, low class, uneducated and should not have the same vote as south people, wait ,wait, before that, those pesky falangs that I have NO RESPECT FOR and foreign media I gotta some how get their money and get em out, wait wait I'm the big boss,,, I can do anything to anyone

Why do some here support this man, you can hate PTP, or DEM's what ever, but support this guy, YEAH THAT'S SHOCKING...

[aussieinthailand]

No surrender you can't negotiate withl a scorpion or snake

Well done Suphet. Notice difference between red shirt thugs in 2010 and this protest. So fat totally peaceful no burnings no guns with protestors just a very large group of determined people who are totally sick and tired of Taksin and his lot just doing whatever they want.

I never thought Suphet it stood a chance but whatever Taksin supporters here say just going by crowds he obviously has massive support. And before we get a barrage of BS about elected government democracy elections and rest it is obvious to anyone not blind that Taksin and his vile government are not wanted by a very large section of Thais of all walks of life.

To hold an election on 2^nd feb is pointless and will achieve nothing. It would not even result in a government even if Taksin got 100% of vote since os many wont vote and their cant be enough MPs anyway. Even if Taksin managed to disregard rules again and try ot form a parliament it simply would not be accepted by so many it oculd not function and Army will not intervene.

So only way pout is for Yingluk to resign and a interim new caretaker government not linked to Taksin take over for a few months while reforms are put in place. Then have an election without Taksin (or it simply wont work) and most would accept a voted government even one most red shirts would want provided Taksin was not involved.

The only other way out is an army coup or Taksin pays enough to start a real civil war which in his desperation he could well try however I dont think that will work and I cant see cowardly reds supporting in enough numbers and so hell have to rely on paid mercenaries.

Before Taksin tries to turn Thailand into a sort of Syria he should but wont do decent thing for sake of Thailand. Being vile coward he is and fact all he cares for is his own then that is not going to happen.

"Totally peaceful no burnings no guns"

I was just wondering if you get your information from that very balanced, non bias, media group Nation???

[ginjag]

I'm shocked he rejected the proposed talks. I'm sure no-one expected such a response...

I'M NOT,,,,

The arrogance of this man is nothing short of narcissistic and fascist to the extreme, but what is shocking is that he claims, he want's democracy but will not let people submit for candidacy, wont let people vote, but will decide who will hold which position in his rich boys club, but he and his will buddy's run the country for 2,3,4 years or who knows when? then give up all that power and money so the people can vote, especially those northern people that are so stupid, poor, low class, uneducated and should not have the same vote as south people, wait ,wait, before that, those pesky falangs that I have NO RESPECT FOR and foreign media I gotta some how get their money and get em out, wait wait I'm the big boss,,, I can do anything to anyone

Why do some here support this man, you can hate PTP, or DEM's what ever, but support this guy, YEAH THAT'S SHOCKING...

Failing to see the cause as usual the big T.

If you want it sorted you have to get rid of the cause of the problem not head hunt for another.

After you achieve the former and get the family out of the picture, then get a new format the PTP will be of no threat, and then have a fair election.

What is then to fear ???? what your saying therefore is-------- we want a democratic election with all the cancer involved.

Edited January 14, 2014 by ginjag

[blabth]

I think that Khun Y is a smart politician. With her step down, announcing snap election trying to be extreme moderate and careful in acting with the demonstrators, respecting S in her statements and now even offering talks to postponed the election she was and is able to get most of the international observes on her side. Khun S on the other side with his partly demagogic speeches, with non compromising behavior, with his personnel attacks towards Y and the Shin clan has exposed him as a fascistic power and money hungry person, who has no program for Thailand except to kick out the Shins. How any following government under the influence of Suthep and his followers will be ever able to conceal the gap between the groups, only God knows (he has any interest in Thailand).

The offer of talks may be not fully hearted but it would be a chance for a peaceful ending. A postponement of two to three month would bring the democrats into the pictures. A procedure for the election process could be drafted to ensure free election without vote buying. The result whatever it will be, could and have to be accepted.

Again it was not T who won the election in the north it was the democrats who lost the election in the north as they never ever in their program have any concern for the rural people.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[ggold]

I was only pointing out that if the protests were successful they would not be throwing an elected government out of office, even though they were elected prior to dissolution! I did notice how they got elected, I also noticed what they have done as a government, and what lead to the dissolution of government.

It also interesting to note that a peaceful demonstration is characterised as a mob, rather than a group of people practising their democratic right to protest. And yes I had noticed why they are protesting!

Of course demonstrating isn't the only democratic rights people can practice. Another one is voting, and yet another one is running for office. Yet the protestors seemed hell bent on denying people the right to run for office. That isn't peaceful by any stretch of the imagination. These people seem to believe their democratic rights are more important than those of others. That is something any true democrat could never support.

Did they use violence to stop these candidates from entering the registration offices? Did any of the candidates actually try to register, rather than using it as another way of discrediting the Protesters? what is a true democrat as opposed to a politician who believes in democracy?