Thailand awaits crunch court ruling on election

[webfact]

Thailand awaits crunch court ruling on election
by Daniel ROOK, Thanaporn PROMYAMYAI

BANGKOK, January 24, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's embattled government faces a key court ruling Friday on whether it can go ahead with a fiercely disputed election despite threats by opposition protesters to block the vote.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is under intense pressure to step down after nearly three months of street rallies aimed at ousting her elected government and installing an unelected "people's council".

The kingdom has been periodically rocked by political bloodshed since her older brother, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was overthrown by royalist generals in a coup more than seven years ago.

The main opposition party is boycotting the February 2 election while protesters have vowed to disrupt voting, saying reforms are needed to tackle corruption and vote-buying before polls are held in around a year to 18 months.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban threatened on Thursday to "close every route" to polling stations, saying the election would not be allowed to take place.

Some constituencies have no candidates because demonstrators blocked registrations, so even if Yingluck's party wins it may not have enough MPs to appoint a government.

The Constitutional Court is due to consider a plea from the Election Commission to postpone the polls, a move that could leave the kingdom in protracted political limbo.

The judges have also been asked to rule on whether the power to delay the election lies with the commission or the government, which has insisted that the vote should proceed.

The same court dealt a major setback to the government in November when it ruled that a ruling party bid to make the upper house of parliament fully elected was in breach of the constitution.

Dozens of Yingluck's MPs face a possible five-year ban from politics over that failed bill.

"The status of the Constitutional Court is very controversial," said Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher with New York-based Human Rights Watch.

"It is a product of a coup in 2006 and acts mainly as a tribunal not a court of justice per se," he said, noting that the government had been "badly crippled" by its rulings.

The demonstrators have staged a self-styled "shutdown" of Bangkok since January 13, erecting roadblocks and rally stages at several main intersections including in the main hotel and shopping districts, although attendance has gradually fallen since last week.

Nine people have been killed and hundreds injured in grenade attacks, drive-by shootings and street clashes since the protests began at the end of October.

The government on Tuesday declared a 60-day state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas to deal with the unrest.

The decree gives the authorities the power to ban public gatherings of more than five people, prohibit protesters using certain routes and forbid media spreading misinformation.

But the government has not yet used any of those measures, and has ruled out using force to end the rallies.

When a state of emergency was last imposed in 2010 during pro-Thaksin protests, the previous government cracked down with armoured vehicles and soldiers firing live rounds. More than 90 people were killed and nearly 1,900 injured.

The military, traditionally a staunch supporter of the anti-Thaksin establishment, has said it wants to remain neutral during the current standoff, although the army chief has refused to rule out another coup to seize power from Yingluck.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-01-24

[pipkins]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

Edited January 24, 2014 by pipkins

[bubblegum]

@pipkins Whatever you're taking it has disastrous effects on your brain

[soi41]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

Spot on

Sad to see how the institutions, who officially are unpolitical, clearly siding with the elite, now that the winds have changed! In the interest of the country?? No to keep their "rightful" place at the trough!!

If might take some time, but the existing feudal system have to give way for something more democratic!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

[northernjohn]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

Suthep is sure to be the winner in this go round if all Yingluck's supporters are as ill informed as you are.

Even the rice farmers are turning against her. She no longer has the backing of all the red shirts. The ones she does have are resorting to their usual form of support. Genades and drive by shootings. She is discovering as Abhist did that calling an emergency decree is not going to be enforced by the police. Fortunately for her it is unarmed peaceful protestors not the armed and fortified ones Abhist had to face.

This one has a leader right up on the stage and leading parades she can just arrest. Not like the one Abhist had to face with a leader out of country calling in long distance to urge his minions on.

To top it all off. With out opposition she still would not have a clue as to how to run the country. She has two and a half years of experience at flying around the world on shopping trips at the governments expense. the occasional speeches she gave were jokes. But she is good at Photo Op's got to give credit where credit is due.

[webfact]

Government willing to accept outcome of court ruling on election

BANGKOK, 24 January 2014 (NNT) - The Ministry of Interior has said that the government is willing to abide by the Constitution Court’s ruling on the proposed postponement of the election date.

After meetings with other ministers, Minister of Interior Charupong Reungsuwan the administration will accept the outcome of the ruling whether the court sides with the Election Commission or the government.

He noted that if the EC was granted authority to delay the general election scheduled for February 2, the government would continue to carry out its duty the best it possibly could. He expressed concerns, however, that the postponement will severely impact Pheu Thai candidates who have already been campaigning for the race.

The Pheu Thai party will hold a party meeting today to assess the outcome of the ruling and the party's possible responses.

The EC yesterday petitioned the court to rule on whether it had the power to delay the poll, saying the country was too volatile to hold a general election, and that it was bound to result in a parliament with too few MPs to form a quorum.


-- NNT 2014-01-24

[gemini81]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

The outrage occurred when she stepped in as inept puppet for her brother, after they bought up votes on the backs of the uneducated. Everything they touched failed and is an outrage. The worst outrage is foreign posters who are thicker than a plank not to see this little oligarchy of ineptitude crumbling as a result of ill deeds; with even farmers taking a stand.

[up-country_sinclair]

I thought the ruling was supposed to come at 9:30. Has it been delayed?

[pedro01]

I thought the ruling was supposed to come at 9:30. Has it been delayed?

TiT

[northernjohn]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

Spot on

Sad to see how the institutions, who officially are unpolitical, clearly siding with the elite, now that the winds have changed! In the interest of the country?? No to keep their "rightful" place at the trough!!

If might take some time, but the existing feudal system have to give way for something more democratic!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Well I am an American and I agree with you on that point. But in two and a half years I have not seen that happening here. That is one of the reasons I back Suthep in his bid to create a council to reform the government and put in some checks and balances. To take steps towards eliminating corruption and election fraud. Then hold an election. It would be one that would not be as attractive to the in it for the money that they can take through corruption. It would make room for more honest candidates. Corruption and fraud can not be wiped out but they can certainly be cut way back.

Some times we have to sit back and take an honest look at what is going on and this is one of them. It will not stop Democracy it will just give Thailand time to take a look at it and what the type of government they have is doing to the country. Then an election will be held and people will be much more aware of what the governments function are.

There are and will be those who refuse to change or even look at what is happening but there will be far fewer of them. I of course am presuming the council will be transparent in it's dealings and all sessions open to the public. The only reason I back the one side is because I am more concerned about Thailand than I am a family holding on to power just for the sake of it and the money they can bleed out of it.

[SamMunich]

If might take some time, but the existing feudal system have to give way for something more democratic!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Congrats, Soi 41, that's the first sensible post I have read from you so far. The SocDems might not be everybody's favourite, but that would certainly be better than Taksinism, Cronyism and Corruptism (grin), that we have since 2001.

The days of the confucian style rulers are over, but Taxin never accepted that.

So lets go for reform and then elections. And into a bright future for this country.

Edited January 24, 2014 by SamMunich

[KimoMax]

Ramblings of a caretaker Inetrior Minister without having first gotten "the Word from Big Bro in Dubai" to ok not challenging the ruling if it goes against holding eeercetions on the 2nd.

Edited January 24, 2014 by KimoMax

[pipkins]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

The outrage occurred when she stepped in as inept puppet for her brother, after they bought up votes on the backs of the uneducated. Everything they touched failed and is an outrage. The worst outrage is foreign posters who are thicker than a plank not to see this little oligarchy of ineptitude crumbling as a result of ill deeds; with even farmers taking a stand.

Another well crafted post. So all the 18 coups, the hundreds shot dead by the army in support of the elites, inc' all the students they shot dead in the 70s and 90's thats ok.

If I I ever meet with the approval of jaded cliche throwing expats, I'll know I have lost my way in life.

Just make sure you never read any foreign media or you'll be horrified at the massive corruption level of your aspiring dictator. I know you won't read or google anything as knowledge is a bar to supporting this fascist mob. He is relying on the unthinking and has screamed abuse at all the media portraying him for what he is...

He is now left with a rump stock of disgraced homegrown media (not all of them by any means) one or 2 cranks on blog rolls and the resident know-nowt expats who would love to see the old corrupt ways continue apace.

[chadintheusa]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

So the problem is that Thaksin has not been able to buy the loyalty of the army yet? An unelected fugative that controls a series of governments for his own personal benefit. Now that sounds like a dictator. I'm sure that Thaksin would like to be rid of the EC and the constitution court and the NACC and any institution that prevents him from exercising complete control. The world isn't as stupid as you think and they can see Yingluck for what she is, a puppet that is in over her head.

[casualbiker]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

The outrage occurred when she stepped in as inept puppet for her brother, after they bought up votes on the backs of the uneducated. Everything they touched failed and is an outrage. The worst outrage is foreign posters who are thicker than a plank not to see this little oligarchy of ineptitude crumbling as a result of ill deeds; with even farmers taking a stand.

Another well crafted post. So all the 18 coups, the hundreds shot dead by the army in support of the elites, inc' all the students they shot dead in the 70s and 90's thats ok.

If I I ever meet with the approval of jaded cliche throwing expats, I'll know I have lost my way in life.

Just make sure you never read any foreign media or you'll be horrified at the massive corruption level of your aspiring dictator. I know you won't read or google anything as knowledge is a bar to supporting this fascist mob. He is relying on the unthinking and has screamed abuse at all the media portraying him for what he is...

He is now left with a rump stock of disgraced homegrown media (not all of them by any means) one or 2 cranks on blog rolls and the resident know-nowt expats who would love to see the old corrupt ways continue apace.

Unless they are dead (Samak) it's the same politicians now as then.

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[pipkins]

@pipkins Whatever you're taking it has disastrous effects on your brain

Come on then follow up the flame. Lets see some insightful articles from repected sources that dont' say this.

You have obviously never read anything other than Nation propaganda and Sutheps dictats.

You guys are living in dreamland if you think the Governments and media of the world think anything other than the Army is in league with the courts and Suthep and the Dems.

You really do show yourselves up. But we love you.

[BlueNoseCodger]

They are so terrified of elections!

If the Constitutional Court gives the EC power to delay elections, it's really giving them the power to cancel elections. Once we're outside the Constitution 60 day limit, we're outside any legal boundary.

So when EC doesn't hold election for a year, two years, three years, what then?

[scorecard]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

Spot on

Sad to see how the institutions, who officially are unpolitical, clearly siding with the elite, now that the winds have changed! In the interest of the country?? No to keep their "rightful" place at the trough!!

If might take some time, but the existing feudal system have to give way for something more democratic!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Well I am an American and I agree with you on that point. But in two and a half years I have not seen that happening here. That is one of the reasons I back Suthep in his bid to create a council to reform the government and put in some checks and balances. To take steps towards eliminating corruption and election fraud. Then hold an election. It would be one that would not be as attractive to the in it for the money that they can take through corruption. It would make room for more honest candidates. Corruption and fraud can not be wiped out but they can certainly be cut way back.

Some times we have to sit back and take an honest look at what is going on and this is one of them. It will not stop Democracy it will just give Thailand time to take a look at it and what the type of government they have is doing to the country. Then an election will be held and people will be much more aware of what the governments function are.

There are and will be those who refuse to change or even look at what is happening but there will be far fewer of them. I of course am presuming the council will be transparent in it's dealings and all sessions open to the public. The only reason I back the one side is because I am more concerned about Thailand than I am a family holding on to power just for the sake of it and the money they can bleed out of it.

Some nice points however many many folks simply don't trust the pt party (the 'get very rich very quickly club', no capabilities or valid experience needed nor morals needed, guaranteed spot at the trough club) to organize or conduct credible debate which includes various opportunities for open / public input and debate, etc. (with no requirement to register in advance) on what reform is needed, a clear picture of the aim / outcome of any reforms, and implementation of reforms.

Edited January 24, 2014 by scorecard

[chadintheusa]

If might take some time, but the existing feudal system have to give way for something more democratic!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Congrats, Soi 41, that's the first sensible post I have read from you so far. The SocDems might not be everybody's favourite, but that would certainly be better than Taksinism, Cronyism and Corruptism (grin), that we have since 2001.

The days of the confucian style rulers are over, but Taxin never accepted that.

So lets go for reform and then elections. And into a bright future for this country.

It's foolish to assume that a western system can be cut and pasted over Thailand's feudal class system and succeed. The reality is that corruption is so ingrained that it will not be stamped out. Politicians are not outraged that Thaksin was corrupt, it was that he was so blatant about it and not willing to cut them in. The army and the police are businesses in Thailand. I believe that reforms are necessary before any election can have a chance of success. Unfortunately the people tasked with making the reforms will not go far enough, they will only seek to stack the deck in their favor.

[Cricketnut]

@pipkins Whatever you're taking it has disastrous effects on your brain

Just keep chewing that bubblegum Bubba, as the only thing that is blowing from some mouths is bubbles...

[chadintheusa]

They are so terrified of elections!

If the Constitutional Court gives the EC power to delay elections, it's really giving them the power to cancel elections. Once we're outside the Constitution 60 day limit, we're outside any legal boundary.

So when EC doesn't hold election for a year, two years, three years, what then?

The courts won't act soon enough to delay the vote. The election will result in a parliament with less than 95% of seats filled and thus under the constitution unable to function. Face it on Feb 3 Thailand will be outside the legal boundaries. Who is going to be making decisions then? YS will not be able to claim to be even the Caretaker at that point. The results will have to be scrapped. Who is going to be running the show after groundhog day?

Feb 2 in America is groundhog day, Bill Murray starred in a movie of the same name in which he was stuck in a cycle of reliving the same day over and over and no matter what he did he would wake up and relive groundhog day again. Sounds like Thai politics, a never ending cycle of the same old thing.

[chadintheusa]

Sutheps fan club continually bang on about how Lingyuck no longer has the support of the rice farmers, many red shirts etc. There is only one way to find out, isnt there?

You could listen to them protest, they have been pretty clear that they are not happy. Oh I get it, you meant let them vote in a one party election and if the only party that can win does win it means that everyone is behind the PT. Dictators have been using that kind of electoral logic very successfully in some pretty awful places.

[scorecard]

I comment on just one word in your post 'politicians'

If might take some time, but the existing feudal system have to give way for something more democratic!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Congrats, Soi 41, that's the first sensible post I have read from you so far. The SocDems might not be everybody's favourite, but that would certainly be better than Taksinism, Cronyism and Corruptism (grin), that we have since 2001.

The days of the confucian style rulers are over, but Taxin never accepted that.

So lets go for reform and then elections. And into a bright future for this country.

It's foolish to assume that a western system can be cut and pasted over Thailand's feudal class system and succeed. The reality is that corruption is so ingrained that it will not be stamped out. Politicians are not outraged that Thaksin was corrupt, it was that he was so blatant about it and not willing to cut them in. The army and the police are businesses in Thailand. I believe that reforms are necessary before any election can have a chance of success. Unfortunately the people tasked with making the reforms will not go far enough, they will only seek to stack the deck in their favor.

Some nice points.

I comment on just one word in your post 'politicians'. The reality is that right now Thailand probably has no more than 2 or 3 people in government (all parties) who genuinely fit a proper / desirable definition of a politician.

All the rest are not much more than low life thieves with no conscience and no desire let alone capability to contribute to building a civil society with a good quality of life.

But in reality there are many very capable Thais who could and would like to contribute genuinely and with no hidden agenda of personal gain, but right now they don't join the existing parties because of one very simple point - they don't want to be associated with the current gangs of thieves politicians we see today.

Edited January 24, 2014 by scorecard

[scorecard]

@pipkins Whatever you're taking it has disastrous effects on your brain

Be careful or pipkins will send you a nasty pm.

[bkkfaranguy]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

Spot on

Sad to see how the institutions, who officially are unpolitical, clearly siding with the elite, now that the winds have changed! In the interest of the country?? No to keep their "rightful" place at the trough!!

If might take some time, but the existing feudal system have to give way for something more democratic!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Well I am an American and I agree with you on that point. But in two and a half years I have not seen that happening here. That is one of the reasons I back Suthep in his bid to create a council to reform the government and put in some checks and balances. To take steps towards eliminating corruption and election fraud. Then hold an election. It would be one that would not be as attractive to the in it for the money that they can take through corruption. It would make room for more honest candidates. Corruption and fraud can not be wiped out but they can certainly be cut way back.

Some times we have to sit back and take an honest look at what is going on and this is one of them. It will not stop Democracy it will just give Thailand time to take a look at it and what the type of government they have is doing to the country. Then an election will be held and people will be much more aware of what the governments function are.

There are and will be those who refuse to change or even look at what is happening but there will be far fewer of them. I of course am presuming the council will be transparent in it's dealings and all sessions open to the public. The only reason I back the one side is because I am more concerned about Thailand than I am a family holding on to power just for the sake of it and the money they can bleed out of it.

Wow you are the first American that I have heard that supports a party that wants to only allow only the educated the right to vote so they may have a chance to get elected. Is that because Obama got elected twice?

[BlueNoseCodger]

It's foolish to assume that a western system can be cut and pasted over Thailand's feudal class system and succeed. The reality is that corruption is so ingrained that it will not be stamped out. Politicians are not outraged that Thaksin was corrupt, it was that he was so blatant about it and not willing to cut them in. The army and the police are businesses in Thailand. I believe that reforms are necessary before any election can have a chance of success. Unfortunately the people tasked with making the reforms will not go far enough, they will only seek to stack the deck in their favor.

No it can't be pasted over it. It's needs to replace it completely! The casts system that underlies a feudal system, needs to end. No more 'elites' grabbing power from the majority. Democracy must replace this.

Another thing, you yellows that are obsessed with Thaksin, get over it! If you feel guilty because you kicked him out in 2006, then go visit a therapist or something! All you ever do is drone on about Thaksin.

What is your education policy?... Get Thaksin out of education.

What is your food security policy?.... We want to remove all the evil Thaksin food subsidies.

What is your job creation policys?.... We'll cancel the evil Thaksin minimum wage and give 20 lash the serfs to work harder!

What is your export policy?.... We will deport all Thaksin supporters from the country!

Half of the reason the Dems are so unelectable is because they have to wait around for Thaksin to say something on a Facebook page to know what they are against today!

He broke your heart, so get over it and move on! It's been 7 or 8 years already.

Edited January 24, 2014 by BlueNoseCodger

[ianf]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

What a load of nonsense.

[Jawnie]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

Spot on

Sad to see how the institutions, who officially are unpolitical, clearly siding with the elite, now that the winds have changed! In the interest of the country?? No to keep their "rightful" place at the trough!!

If might take some time, but the existing feudal system have to give way for something more democratic!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Well I am an American and I agree with you on that point. But in two and a half years I have not seen that happening here. That is one of the reasons I back Suthep in his bid to create a council to reform the government and put in some checks and balances. To take steps towards eliminating corruption and election fraud. Then hold an election. It would be one that would not be as attractive to the in it for the money that they can take through corruption. It would make room for more honest candidates. Corruption and fraud can not be wiped out but they can certainly be cut way back.

Some times we have to sit back and take an honest look at what is going on and this is one of them. It will not stop Democracy it will just give Thailand time to take a look at it and what the type of government they have is doing to the country. Then an election will be held and people will be much more aware of what the governments function are.

There are and will be those who refuse to change or even look at what is happening but there will be far fewer of them. I of course am presuming the council will be transparent in it's dealings and all sessions open to the public. The only reason I back the one side is because I am more concerned about Thailand than I am a family holding on to power just for the sake of it and the money they can bleed out of it.

Are you serious??? I am American also but what you are saying sounds like you are from Fantasy Island. Thailand end corruption first and get the money out of politics before the election...what a joke. Thailand has never dealt with its corruption and your saying they'll change overnight. Nonsense. And what's this about open and transparent meetings? When was the last time you heard of a public hearing or public comment in Thailand? It's a top down system. Sessions open to the public? You are definitely from Fantasy Island. If you think Suthep and crew are so malleable, why isn't he talking to the government now? Why couldn't process start now? Why does PM YL need to leave office since, as you wish, the process will be public and open? Go back to Fantasy Island.

[casualbiker]

I have to ask WHEN did Yingluck say there would be another election in1 year

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[northernjohn]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

The outrage occurred when she stepped in as inept puppet for her brother, after they bought up votes on the backs of the uneducated. Everything they touched failed and is an outrage. The worst outrage is foreign posters who are thicker than a plank not to see this little oligarchy of ineptitude crumbling as a result of ill deeds; with even farmers taking a stand.

Another well crafted post. So all the 18 coups, the hundreds shot dead by the army in support of the elites, inc' all the students they shot dead in the 70s and 90's thats ok.

If I I ever meet with the approval of jaded cliche throwing expats, I'll know I have lost my way in life.

Just make sure you never read any foreign media or you'll be horrified at the massive corruption level of your aspiring dictator. I know you won't read or google anything as knowledge is a bar to supporting this fascist mob. He is relying on the unthinking and has screamed abuse at all the media portraying him for what he is...

He is now left with a rump stock of disgraced homegrown media (not all of them by any means) one or 2 cranks on blog rolls and the resident know-nowt expats who would love to see the old corrupt ways continue apace.

Now I am seriously concerned for you.

Here we are in 2014 and you are basing all your decisions on the 70s and the 90s Three completely different events with different backgrounds leading up to them. Perhaps you should read the foreign media about Thailand if you can find some. Compare what it has to say with what is really happening here. Speaking of foreign media and massive corruption level.

 
the resident know-nowt expats who would love to see the old corrupt ways 
continue apace.

Have you seen the latest ratings on the current government in the corruption ratings. They have increased 2% since taking office from Abhist and bringing in there own people and some recycled from a government that took corruption to new heights.

Perhaps you might listen to some of those jaded cliché throwing expats and you may find your way in 2014. You certainly won't find it living in the 70s and the 90s.