No resolution reached in national reform forum: Thailand

[webfact]

No resolution reached in national reform forum
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 17 – The government-sponsored forum on national reform failed to reach any resolution yesterday as caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra insisted on staying in power to hand over democracy to the next administration.

Representatives from various sectors including Cabinet members, state officials, businessmen, academics and civil society groups attended the meeting.

Ms Yingluck said all sectors in Thai society have agreed that the time is ripe for a national reform and “it will materialise as soon as possible at this forum.”

“All reform-related plans will be merged into one big plan. This is just the start,” she said and added that the government will not make any proposals but take the role of compiling information from the discussion.

She said political conflicts should not disrupt efforts to find resolutions for the country, calling on all sectors to come up with a blueprint for national reform with the people’s participation.

A representative of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) said proposals from the forum must go through a public referendum before implementation.

“An election may not be the best solution. In the present circumstances, it’s necessary to have an election. The people’s right must be respected despite different opinions,” he said.

He proposed the formation of a ‘central committee’ to search and select a group of people acceptable to both conflicting factions.

“The committee will select qualified people to provide realistic proposals for national reform under a democratic system after which a referendum is to be conducted. The House will then be dissolved for a new election,” he said.

Teerapat Serirangsan, chairman of the Political Development Council, urged the government to postpone the February 2 election as proposed by the Election Commission.

The government should sacrifice to end the political conflicts, he said, adding that the caretaker government must resign and anti-government protesters stop their movement to pave the way for a people’s council and an interim government.

Yuthaporn Issarachai, dean of the Sukhothai Thammathirat University Faculty of Political Science, said the government’s blueprint must be clear to ensure people and protesters that a national reform will take place after an election.

Political institutes at national and local levels must be reformed and decentralisation is needed, he said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-01-17

[473geo]

Meanwhile the catalyst is out walking the streets providing a fair immitation of an eccentric bag lady, refusing to take part

[focus27]

No surprises there!

However, this is the time to set down clearly in party manifestos (do they have manifestos?) the steps to reform. The very last sentence might work, to set up regional councils - tantamount to building a few more troughs.

[newcomer71]

Some good ideas came from the forum...

He proposed the formation of a ‘central committee’ to search and select a group of people acceptable to both conflicting factions.

“The committee will select qualified people to provide realistic proposals for national reform under a democratic system after which a referendum is to be conducted. The House will then be dissolved for a new election,” he said.

This is the most smart thing I ever listen in 2 months and half...

[Centrum]

"Ms Yingluck said all sectors in Thai society have agreed that the time is ripe for a national reform and “it will materialise as soon as possible at this forum.”"

or shortly after big brother gets his money back.

[gerry1011]

Some good ideas came from the forum...

He proposed the formation of a ‘central committee’ to search and select a group of people acceptable to both conflicting factions.

“The committee will select qualified people to provide realistic proposals for national reform under a democratic system after which a referendum is to be conducted. The House will then be dissolved for a new election,” he said.

The most interesting is: "realistic proposals".

Until now there has been only rhetoric, vague, unrealistic, or totally irrational demands made by the protesters.

This is why Suthep's movement can't get anywhere and can only deceive his naive supporters.

"Reforms" can only be achieved if the country is unified to implement them, while Suthep and the Dems are doing everything to devide the people.

They have done it this way because they only want reforms that can benefit the minority and bring them to power.

In this conflict, only Yingluck has been calling for dialogue and unity. Praise on her.

Sent from my iPhone...

Edited January 17, 2014 by gerry1011

[kurtgruen]

So far, she has not brought anything to the table, that she is willing to negotiate on. When in power, with a majority Government, she ignored the opposition, pulled several illegal stunts and tried to get her brother full amnesty. There is nothing trustworthy about Pheua Thai and the Shinatwa Clan. Why would anybody trust their word now?

We have quite a stalemate and I think it's time, to take it to the next level. How do the Unions feel? Are they prepared to shut down the ports and container rail traffic? That would be the nail in the coffin for Ms Yingluck's Caretaker Government.

There are ways to do this peacefully and effectively, if it is supported by most public servants and/or Unions.

Yingluck and her puppet master, haven't made any real effort to resolve this situation. All this talk about Reform, was borrowed from the Protesters and is only being used to try to con the masses, to back off.

Let's see what Monday brings. I have a feeling, she will find the money, to pay the rice farmers. (at least the ones, who plan on shutting down the highways). Of course it's our, the tax payers money, not hers, that gets wasted on her vote buying scams.

Meanwhile, Thaksin's buddies, line their pockets with money that is supposed to be spend on infrastructure, road construction, etc.

[Publicus]

This is a broad based cross section whose deliberations are public and open. The vast majority support elections and a democratic process, to include a public referendum on specific reform proposals developed in an open forum led by and including elected officials. Under discussion is devolution to the provinces and regions of Thailand in order to broaden the range of the open discussion and the ultimate specific reform proposals to be presented at referendum.

Suthep can go home now.

It's over for him.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

[whybother]

I would be worried if there were resolutions after one day.

[icommunity]

I am sure the government is willing to postpone the election if it is legally possible. We should remember that majority of other smaller political parties and many segment of the society do not want a postponement. The EC commissioners failed to attend the meeting initiated by the caretaker government so that they can hear the voices of the societies and also allowed them to hear from the commissioners how postponement is legally possible. The government choose not to meet the commissioners first because an unconstitutional matter cannot be settled by the two parties only and then go to talk to the DEM. The DEM is not the only political party in Thailand even though they are the oldest and a big branded name party. Furthermore, they lost the legitimacy to be called a political party. The EC's registrar of political party should know why.

It seems to me that EC commissioners were either threatened or intimidated to rescue the DEM from the pit they dug. If they don't, that pit will be the DEM's grave.

[smedly]

so PTP have replaced the word reconciliation with reform - first thing on the agenda will be Amnesty Bill followed by 2 trillion baht loan as they cannot afford any reforms without a huge amount of money

[bigbamboo]

so PTP have replaced the word reconciliation with reform - first thing on the agenda will be Amnesty Bill followed by 2 trillion baht loan as they cannot afford any reforms without a huge amount of money

I'm beginning to see why Sooty was voted Asia's Man of the Year. He's already got the Thai ruling party speaking his language!

[ggold]

Meanwhile the catalyst is out walking the streets providing a fair immitation of an eccentric bag lady, refusing to take part

It really isn't nice to be calling Yingluck an eccentric bag lady! She can't help it if she doesn't know what she is doing, that's why she never attends meetings when she should>

[icommunity]

"Ms Yingluck said all sectors in Thai society have agreed that the time is ripe for a national reform and “it will materialise as soon as possible at this forum.”"

or shortly after big brother gets his money back.

I don't think this attitude of yours will bring about reform.

[tomacht8]

"Ms Yingluck said all sectors in Thai society have agreed that the time is ripe for a national reform and “it will materialise as soon as possible at this forum.”"

or shortly after big brother gets his money back.

He got his money back already.

From 400 Mio $US now over 1 $Billion US in the last 2 years.

But he is greedy and wants more.

Edited January 17, 2014 by tomacht8

[ggold]

This is a broad based cross section whose deliberations are public and open. The vast majority support elections and a democratic process, to include a public referendum on specific reform proposals developed in an open forum led by and including elected officials. Under discussion is devolution to the provinces and regions of Thailand in order to broaden the range of the open discussion and the ultimate specific reform proposals to be presented at referendum.

Suthep can go home now.

It's over for him.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

Nothing like burying you're head in the sand! There is only one reason this forum was organised, and it wasn't about constitutional change, it is about a government desperately trying to hang on at all costs to the nation's detriment. Even the rice farmers have had enough!

[Publicus]

This is a broad based cross section whose deliberations are public and open. The vast majority support elections and a democratic process, to include a public referendum on specific reform proposals developed in an open forum led by and including elected officials. Under discussion is devolution to the provinces and regions of Thailand in order to broaden the range of the open discussion and the ultimate specific reform proposals to be presented at referendum.

Suthep can go home now.

It's over for him.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

Nothing like burying you're head in the sand! There is only one reason this forum was organised, and it wasn't about constitutional change, it is about a government desperately trying to hang on at all costs to the nation's detriment. Even the rice farmers have had enough!

The vast majority of the Thais, to include all socioeconomic and political and cultural classes do not want to see the country in the hands of a fascist feudal council that is the concoction of the boiling mind of the Mussolini figure Suthep, and which remains anonymous, whose agenda remains secret, that is unaccountable and whose tenure is vaguely outlined into some remote future time.

Suthep and his people are extremists who are not of a fit temperament or a stable mind to rule over the country. The evidence is overwhelming - a failed insurrection, seeking arbitrarily to cancel a legitimate democratic election, wanting to summarily nullify the extant constitution, trying to cause and provoke a military coup d'état, all in the process of pursuing a family blood feud Shakespeare could not have conceived of in the farthest reaches of his fertile imagination.

The Democrat party has lost any modicum of confidence anyone may once have had in it and has ceased to be a politically viable entity. Abhisit has no party to lead. Perhaps Abhisit could organize a new party but I doubt many would follow and I really doubt he has the personal intellectual or cultural resources to devise new concepts of political economy and new paradigms of sociocultural revitalization. I personally have lost all respect of Abhisit for not directly challenging the madman Suthep.

Suthep and Abhisit have damaged the nation because they have destroyed the Democrat party as an official opposition, thereby removing it as a check and balance that might keep honest a vigorous PTP governing majority that shows no signs of abating. The miserable and catastrophic failings of the Democrat party the past few months to both itself and to the country now require a new political party to organize that can and does step up to the needs and demands of a modern and developing, progressive Thailand.

Edited January 17, 2014 by Publicus

[ggold]

This is a broad based cross section whose deliberations are public and open. The vast majority support elections and a democratic process, to include a public referendum on specific reform proposals developed in an open forum led by and including elected officials. Under discussion is devolution to the provinces and regions of Thailand in order to broaden the range of the open discussion and the ultimate specific reform proposals to be presented at referendum.

Suthep can go home now.

It's over for him.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

Nothing like burying you're head in the sand! There is only one reason this forum was organised, and it wasn't about constitutional change, it is about a government desperately trying to hang on at all costs to the nation's detriment. Even the rice farmers have had enough!

The vast majority of the Thais, to include all socioeconomic and political and cultural classes do not want to see the country in the hands of a fascist feudal council that is the concoction of the boiling mind of the Mussolini figure Suthep, and which remains anonymous, whose agenda remains secret, that is unaccountable and whose tenure is vaguely outlined into some remote future time.

Suthep and his people are extremists who are not of a fit temperament or a stable mind to rule over the country. The evidence is overwhelming - a failed insurrection, seeking arbitrarily to cancel a legitimate democratic election, wanting to summarily nullify the extant constitution, trying to cause and provoke a military coup d'état, all in the process of pursuing a family blood feud Shakespeare could not have conceived of in the farthest reaches of his fertile imagination.

The Democrat party has lost any modicum of confidence anyone may once have had in it and has ceased to be a politically viable entity. Abhisit has no party to lead. Perhaps Abhisit could organize a new party but I doubt many would follow and I really doubt he has the personal intellectual or cultural resources to devise new concepts of political economy and new paradigms of sociocultural revitalization. I personally have lost all respect of Abhisit for not directly challenging the madman Suthep.

Suthep and Abhisit have damaged the nation because they have destroyed the Democrat party as an official opposition, thereby removing it as a check and balance that might keep honest a vigorous PTP governing majority that shows no signs of abating. The miserable and catastrophic failings of the Democrat party the past few months to both itself and to the country now require a new political party to organize that can and does step up to the needs and demands of a modern and developing, progressive Thailand.

They would rather have the corruption and graft PTP? you loose the argument when purely out of dislike you compare Suthep with Mussolini it sounds like a rant all of it! All this talk of Fascism when PTP are the last ones interested in any real type of democracy. But I guess with head in sand you wouldn't have noticed any of that!

Edited January 17, 2014 by ggold

[Scamper]

" Ms Yingluck said all sectors in Thai society have agreed that the time is ripe for a national reform and “it will materialize as soon as possible at this forum. "

I thought that's what she said in 2011. And her idea of " reform " was to get her brother a passport - because he wanted one. Her idea of " reform " was to appoint relatives and persons he trusted - because he wanted that. Her idea of " reform " was to implement policies of graft to enrich himself, his friends, and buy votes - because he wanted that. Her idea of " reform " was to push an amnesty bill that would exonerate him - along with over 25,000 other people convicted of corruption - and return his assets, and allow him to return - because he wanted that.

Ms. Yingluck - with all due respect - the Thai people are no longer interested in your idea of " reform ".

[Publicus]

This is a broad based cross section whose deliberations are public and open. The vast majority support elections and a democratic process, to include a public referendum on specific reform proposals developed in an open forum led by and including elected officials. Under discussion is devolution to the provinces and regions of Thailand in order to broaden the range of the open discussion and the ultimate specific reform proposals to be presented at referendum.

Suthep can go home now.

It's over for him.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

Nothing like burying you're head in the sand! There is only one reason this forum was organised, and it wasn't about constitutional change, it is about a government desperately trying to hang on at all costs to the nation's detriment. Even the rice farmers have had enough!

The vast majority of the Thais, to include all socioeconomic and political and cultural classes do not want to see the country in the hands of a fascist feudal council that is the concoction of the boiling mind of the Mussolini figure Suthep, and which remains anonymous, whose agenda remains secret, that is unaccountable and whose tenure is vaguely outlined into some remote future time.

Suthep and his people are extremists who are not of a fit temperament or a stable mind to rule over the country. The evidence is overwhelming - a failed insurrection, seeking arbitrarily to cancel a legitimate democratic election, wanting to summarily nullify the extant constitution, trying to cause and provoke a military coup d'état, all in the process of pursuing a family blood feud Shakespeare could not have conceived of in the farthest reaches of his fertile imagination.

The Democrat party has lost any modicum of confidence anyone may once have had in it and has ceased to be a politically viable entity. Abhisit has no party to lead. Perhaps Abhisit could organize a new party but I doubt many would follow and I really doubt he has the personal intellectual or cultural resources to devise new concepts of political economy and new paradigms of sociocultural revitalization. I personally have lost all respect of Abhisit for not directly challenging the madman Suthep.

Suthep and Abhisit have damaged the nation because they have destroyed the Democrat party as an official opposition, thereby removing it as a check and balance that might keep honest a vigorous PTP governing majority that shows no signs of abating. The miserable and catastrophic failings of the Democrat party the past few months to both itself and to the country now require a new political party to organize that can and does step up to the needs and demands of a modern and developing, progressive Thailand.

They would rather have the corruption and graft PTP? you loose the argument when purely out of dislike you compare Suthep with Mussolini it sounds like a rant all of it! All this talk of Fascism when PTP are the last ones interested in any real type of democracy. But I guess with head in sand you wouldn't have noticed any of that!

People now are running in all directions to separate themselves from Suthep and his feudal council except for the battery of hard core reactionaries and Carlyle Group conspiracists here at TVF.

The supporters of Suthep and his actively anti-democracy platform and illegal activities certainly do have their heads somewhere and it isn't in the sand.

[poisonus]

Teerapat Serirangsan, chairman of the Political Development Council, urged the government to postpone the February 2 election as proposed by the Election Commission.

The government should sacrifice to end the political conflicts, he said, adding that the caretaker government must resign and anti-government protesters stop their movement to pave the way for a people’s council and an interim government.

Yet another stunning backfire that Yingers and bro were not expecting.

[siampolee]

473geo post # 2.

Meanwhile the catalyst is out walking the streets providing a fair immitation of an eccentric bag lady, refusing to take part

You mean to say that Yingluck is actually walking among the lower orders of the great unwashed.

[Baerboxer]

This is a broad based cross section whose deliberations are public and open. The vast majority support elections and a democratic process, to include a public referendum on specific reform proposals developed in an open forum led by and including elected officials. Under discussion is devolution to the provinces and regions of Thailand in order to broaden the range of the open discussion and the ultimate specific reform proposals to be presented at referendum.

Suthep can go home now.

It's over for him.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

PTP hold a forum and select the attendees. The outcome supports their agenda - election then reform "as soon as possible" - maybe the 12th of Never as my Dutch friends would say.

Why would anybody be naieve enough to trust a proven liar backed into a corner with a track record of ignoring the law, cheating and avoiding accountability and transparency.

[Baerboxer]

This is a broad based cross section whose deliberations are public and open. The vast majority support elections and a democratic process, to include a public referendum on specific reform proposals developed in an open forum led by and including elected officials. Under discussion is devolution to the provinces and regions of Thailand in order to broaden the range of the open discussion and the ultimate specific reform proposals to be presented at referendum.

Suthep can go home now.

It's over for him.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

Nothing like burying you're head in the sand! There is only one reason this forum was organised, and it wasn't about constitutional change, it is about a government desperately trying to hang on at all costs to the nation's detriment. Even the rice farmers have had enough!

The vast majority of the Thais, to include all socioeconomic and political and cultural classes do not want to see the country in the hands of a fascist feudal council that is the concoction of the boiling mind of the Mussolini figure Suthep, and which remains anonymous, whose agenda remains secret, that is unaccountable and whose tenure is vaguely outlined into some remote future time.

Suthep and his people are extremists who are not of a fit temperament or a stable mind to rule over the country. The evidence is overwhelming - a failed insurrection, seeking arbitrarily to cancel a legitimate democratic election, wanting to summarily nullify the extant constitution, trying to cause and provoke a military coup d'état, all in the process of pursuing a family blood feud Shakespeare could not have conceived of in the farthest reaches of his fertile imagination.

The Democrat party has lost any modicum of confidence anyone may once have had in it and has ceased to be a politically viable entity. Abhisit has no party to lead. Perhaps Abhisit could organize a new party but I doubt many would follow and I really doubt he has the personal intellectual or cultural resources to devise new concepts of political economy and new paradigms of sociocultural revitalization. I personally have lost all respect of Abhisit for not directly challenging the madman Suthep.

Suthep and Abhisit have damaged the nation because they have destroyed the Democrat party as an official opposition, thereby removing it as a check and balance that might keep honest a vigorous PTP governing majority that shows no signs of abating. The miserable and catastrophic failings of the Democrat party the past few months to both itself and to the country now require a new political party to organize that can and does step up to the needs and demands of a modern and developing, progressive Thailand.

It would seem the vast majority of Thais also don't want a criminal fugitive whitewashed of his fraud conviction and outstanding criminal charges, allowed back into a position of power in Thailand. Nor do they want a continuance of his running the government via skype. They've also had enough of the arrogant in your face lies and corruption that became a hallmark of his proxy parties.

PTP has its share of extremists and are a feudal clan based hierarchy who have new wealth and are prepared to challenge the older feudal hierarchies, To suggest they have any interest in democracy, justice and a fair society for all is ludicrous regardless of your opinions of the opposition and its leaders, who may very well be no better, but hardly worse.

A Shakespearean tragedy indeed - straight from medieval Europe with powerful families enriching themselves and fighting for control of the spoils. 500 years of of date!

[slapout]

Thaksin and PTP seem to have a similar mind set and even may be following the same road to ruin as Mike Tyson, as his career hit the skids.. Just remember he/they still have their teeth and when desperte or angered, there are no rules that they feel bound to follow. Then when caught out, they deny, deny.

Thaksin and his political organization, hopefully have reached their zenith and are fast approaching the point that they will become viewed as another washed up, failed political idea gone terribly bad. But be weary as until his chompers are extracted, he can still bite you in the arse.

[Artisi]

Thaksin and PTP seem to have a similar mind set and even may be following the same road to ruin as Mike Tyson, as his career hit the skids.. Just remember he/they still have their teeth and when desperte or angered, there are no rules that they feel bound to follow. Then when caught out, they deny, deny.

Thaksin and his political organization, hopefully have reached their zenith and are fast approaching the point that they will become viewed as another washed up, failed political idea gone terribly bad. But be weary as until his chompers are extracted, he can still bite you in the arse.

A good hard swift kick in the mouth should sort out the problem with his chompers. Hopefully this is coming in the next round of investigations into the past dealings of the fugitive and his brown-nosing hanger-on's.

[Publicus]

This is a broad based cross section whose deliberations are public and open. The vast majority support elections and a democratic process, to include a public referendum on specific reform proposals developed in an open forum led by and including elected officials. Under discussion is devolution to the provinces and regions of Thailand in order to broaden the range of the open discussion and the ultimate specific reform proposals to be presented at referendum.

Suthep can go home now.

It's over for him.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

PTP hold a forum and select the attendees. The outcome supports their agenda - election then reform "as soon as possible" - maybe the 12th of Never as my Dutch friends would say.

Why would anybody be naieve enough to trust a proven liar backed into a corner with a track record of ignoring the law, cheating and avoiding accountability and transparency.

The National Reform Commission is, as I'd noted, diverse, balanced, representative.

National Reform Commission member Thirapat Serirangsan, chairman of the Political Development Council, wants the Feb 2nd election "rescheduled" and told Yingluck she should resign now for the good of the country. In other words, the commission is not a collection of sycophants and has members who represent the opposition, which means all Thais can be sure YL's feet will be held to the fire throughout the processes of the commission's mission and charge.

Your "proven liar" YL already is under the watchful eyes and probing minds of her opposition right there at the conference table and in the meeting room.

Unlike with Suthep's feudal council, the government sponsored reform commission is operating out in the open, is diverse, balanced and democratically selected, is studious and absent a feudal agenda, will conduct its work under the auspices of a re-elected government and thus in accordance to a democratic framework, and will focus on a one person one vote resolution to political and socioeconomic divergences.

Alas, however, some people just can't calm down.

You do know you've lost on this?

I mean, Suthep has left the building.

Edited January 17, 2014 by Publicus

[shiok]

No resolution reached in national reform forum

By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 17 The government-sponsored forum on national reform failed to reach any resolution yesterday as caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra insisted on staying in power to hand over democracy to the next administration.

Representatives from various sectors including Cabinet members, state officials, businessmen, academics and civil society groups attended the meeting.

Ms Yingluck said all sectors in Thai society have agreed that the time is ripe for a national reform and it will materialise as soon as possible at this forum.

All reform-related plans will be merged into one big plan. This is just the start, she said and added that the government will not make any proposals but take the role of compiling information from the discussion.

She said political conflicts should not disrupt efforts to find resolutions for the country, calling on all sectors to come up with a blueprint for national reform with the peoples participation.

A representative of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) said proposals from the forum must go through a public referendum before implementation.

An election may not be the best solution. In the present circumstances, its necessary to have an election. The peoples right must be respected despite different opinions, he said.

He proposed the formation of a central committee to search and select a group of people acceptable to both conflicting factions.

The committee will select qualified people to provide realistic proposals for national reform under a democratic system after which a referendum is to be conducted. The House will then be dissolved for a new election, he said.

Teerapat Serirangsan, chairman of the Political Development Council, urged the government to postpone the February 2 election as proposed by the Election Commission.

The government should sacrifice to end the political conflicts, he said, adding that the caretaker government must resign and anti-government protesters stop their movement to pave the way for a peoples council and an interim government.

Yuthaporn Issarachai, dean of the Sukhothai Thammathirat University Faculty of Political Science, said the governments blueprint must be clear to ensure people and protesters that a national reform will take place after an election.

Political institutes at national and local levels must be reformed and decentralisation is needed, he said. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-01-17

Yes caretaker, the resolution is your resignation, that's all! easy as A B C, so stop pretending that your coward, evil brother/ father/whatever, gave you instructions for the academy award performance! You win, win the award but just vamoose! for peace in the country!!! thank you 3 times! ??? Edited January 17, 2014 by shiok

[shiok]

This is a broad based cross section whose deliberations are public and open. The vast majority support elections and a democratic process, to include a public referendum on specific reform proposals developed in an open forum led by and including elected officials. Under discussion is devolution to the provinces and regions of Thailand in order to broaden the range of the open discussion and the ultimate specific reform proposals to be presented at referendum.

Suthep can go home now.

It's over for him.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

The country has begun to move on positively, openly, democratically, substantially, significantly.

Nothing like burying you're head in the sand! There is only one reason this forum was organised, and it wasn't about constitutional change, it is about a government desperately trying to hang on at all costs to the nation's detriment. Even the rice farmers have had enough!

The vast majority of the Thais, to include all socioeconomic and political and cultural classes do not want to see the country in the hands of a fascist feudal council that is the concoction of the boiling mind of the Mussolini figure Suthep, and which remains anonymous, whose agenda remains secret, that is unaccountable and whose tenure is vaguely outlined into some remote future time.

Suthep and his people are extremists who are not of a fit temperament or a stable mind to rule over the country. The evidence is overwhelming - a failed insurrection, seeking arbitrarily to cancel a legitimate democratic election, wanting to summarily nullify the extant constitution, trying to cause and provoke a military coup d'état, all in the process of pursuing a family blood feud Shakespeare could not have conceived of in the farthest reaches of his fertile imagination.

The Democrat party has lost any modicum of confidence anyone may once have had in it and has ceased to be a politically viable entity. Abhisit has no party to lead. Perhaps Abhisit could organize a new party but I doubt many would follow and I really doubt he has the personal intellectual or cultural resources to devise new concepts of political economy and new paradigms of sociocultural revitalization. I personally have lost all respect of Abhisit for not directly challenging the madman Suthep.

Suthep and Abhisit have damaged the nation because they have destroyed the Democrat party as an official opposition, thereby removing it as a check and balance that might keep honest a vigorous PTP governing majority that shows no signs of abating. The miserable and catastrophic failings of the Democrat party the past few months to both itself and to the country now require a new political party to organize that can and does step up to the needs and demands of a modern and developing, progressive Thailand.

if only you can digest how absolutely far from the truth you are!! tsk! tsk! tsk!

[Publicus]

so PTP have replaced the word reconciliation with reform - first thing on the agenda will be Amnesty Bill followed by 2 trillion baht loan as they cannot afford any reforms without a huge amount of money

I'm beginning to see why Sooty was voted Asia's Man of the Year. He's already got the Thai ruling party speaking his language!

That's Asia's "Person" of the year.

We recall "Sooty's" social media website online vote campaign during the last two days of voting displaced the person who'd been holding down first place, the Pakistani teen Malala, who survives a shot to the head by the Taliban.

Your welcome.