PDRC struggle may take three to six months, predicts key member

[webfact]

MASS RALLY
PDRC struggle may take three to six months, predicts key member
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE STRUGGLE between the caretaker administration and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) will last another three to six months, PDRC key member Anek Nakabut predicted yesterday.

A decisive moment will only come in three to six months," Anek, who played a part in the 1973 revolt, said.

Anek, speaking at a symposium on "learning from the great mass of people", organised by the Rung Arun School, blamed foreign powers for being behind the ills of Thai politics - not just the incumbent administration and fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. However, he did not elaborate on what role these foreign powers play in Thai politics.

"We're going to make new history! This is the decisive point of Thai history. We came out because our hearts called for it, because we love Thailand and the King," he said in a voice choked with emotion.

He warned that if the PDRC did not win, Thailand would become more corrupt than African countries.

"Are we not a majority today?" he asked the rapturous audience, which included students at the alternative school in southern Bangkok known for its method of teaching through nature, and for its exorbitant tuition fees. Anek said he believed the decisive battle would be fought via the social media.

Speaking in a personal capacity, the school's founder Prapapat Niyom said this was the perfect time for Thailand to push for reform. Citing a respondent to a survey on why people were joining the PDRC rally, she said: "He came because he couldn't bear people defaming the monarchy."

Veteran TV journalist Somkiat Onwimon, who has spoken on the PDRC stage several times, also said this was the last hope for Thailand and protesters need to persevere.

Gawin Chutima, a veteran NGO worker, said: "No matter who wins, you will have to coexist with those who have lost. You can't change their views. We must think ahead, as to how we can coexist in a friendly manner."

He confessed that he was not even able to discuss some aspects of politics with his own wife and mother. "The situation is becoming more constrained. People who think differently are viewed as the enemy."


-- The Nation 2014-01-30

[jollyman]

No one will win, if you are lucky to avoid a civil war, give it a 100 years, maybe you might then have your reforms.

[CelticBhoy]

Three to six months. There's going to

be a hell of a lot more D-Days then.

[Fryslan boppe]

"THE STRUGGLE between the caretaker administration and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) will last another three to six months, PDRC key member Anek Nakabut predicted yesterday"

This is not a struggle between the PDRC coup-mongers and a "Caretaker Administration"...It is a struggle between the PDRC coup-mongers and the electoral majority.

In all their utterances, these people try to separate the Govt. from its roots....As if they are fighting a small, self-contained entity made up if the Prime Minister, her Cabinet and Govt.......

That is not the way it is seen at all outside PAD-Dem circles....It is the PDRC coup-mongers up against an electoral majority....And comparatively, they are a gross minority seeking to impose its' will, or at the very least, invalidate the votes of that majority and have a do-over of the last election.

This is not appreciated by that majority, and it will be interesting to see how that is manifested on Sunday.

[EricBerg]

"No matter who wins, you will have to coexist with those who have lost. You can't change their views. We must think ahead, as to how we can coexist in a friendly manner."

He confessed that he was not even able to discuss some aspects of politics with his own wife and mother. "The situation is becoming more constrained. People who think differently are viewed as the enemy."

Ousting the shinamafia is the first target. Building a new conscensus in Thailand and strive for a corruption-free society will be next. Reconciliation is an absolute must for any future situation in Thailand. Luckily now only a small group turns to violence and hatred. But those too have to take part in future society and should not carry on as an irreconcilable cancer.

Forgiveness is an integral part of justice. Both sides in the conflict will face a heavy task in the aftermath of this conflict. They both must win equally in the long run: a better society than the present one.

[englishoak]

They could start by allowing the elections to take place without alienating more of the electorate, and thereby proving they are indeed in favour of democracy and build some trust .... just a thought

[Yunla]

They are making small businesses go bust already, it is the taxi-drivers, smallest hotels, shops and stall-holders who cater to the casual family-tourist market who are suffering the most because of Suthep. Family-tourists spend big at small shops and enjoy the experience of buying authentic Thai products from normal Thai vendors instead of big corporate shops. And family-tourism is already and will be the hardest hit by violent drawn-out revolutionary actions. Families go on holiday with kids, to relax and not worry about stuff, this is off the menu in Bangkok until this whole sorry event ends. And probably for quite a long time afterwards. Thats to say nothing of all the other businesses and industries affected by this shutdown. And of course the action of removing democratic voting, will have a backlash. Don't think you will just get an assembly and the whole nation will leave it at that. Now is the time for Suthep to back down, because this six months carnage they are offering will just be the aperitif, with a full twelve course meal to follow. And in the meantime small businesses go down the pan, the lower-middle and working classes suffer. Its a no-win.

Edited January 30, 2014 by Yunla

[noitom]

This is a preposterous drum beating by the newspaper for the protester group that seeks to proliferate decades of Thai corruption and abuse of authority and power by the elite establishment. Unlike African nations which struggled to overcome Imperialism and colonialism, his comparison with African nations is noteworthy.

Thais are always quick to point out that Thailand has never been colonized. So we can safely say then that Thailand is the most corrupt nation never to have been colonized. Thais corrupted themselves. No colonization, no imperialism all on their own, the most corrupt never colonized nation in the world.

[alant]

"Anek, speaking at a symposium on "learning from the great mass of people", organised by the Rung Arun School, blamed foreign powers for being behind the ills of Thai politics - not just the incumbent administration and fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. However, he did not elaborate on what role these foreign powers play in Thai politics."

Dangerous?

Sounds like the type of talk you hear from Islamic fundamentalist organisations.

​Make Johnnie foreigner the bad boy and unite all against them?

[Cnxforever]

lets think 6 month that's 1800 million Baht if a day costs them 10 million - that is a lot of money to recoup through corruption after Sutheps "final victory"!

And that's only to cover the costs! His backers want to see profits - they do not invest for nothing!

[Cnxforever]

"We're going to make new history! This is the decisive point of Thai history. We came out because our hearts called for it, because we love Thailand and the King," he said in a voice choked with emotion.

I am sick and tired of this nut cases who want to take the moral high ground involving the monarchy!

If he would love Thailand and the King - he would adhere to HM advise and listen carefully when he speaks - not just use empty phrases when it suits them!

[MaxLee]

PDRC struggle may take three to six months, predicts key member

Nope, it will take a life time,... because neither side can afford to lose face...

[simondan]

Of course Anek, Thais are never responsible for their own mess and corruption. How weak! How truly gormless. We all live in an increasingly international world where our fates are tied to the decisions and policies of other nations. That is the reality - it is not unique to Thailand.

But we dont all accept corruption as a basic tenet of life as most Thais do.

I wonder how many so called anti corruption protestors prefer to pay bribes to police than face the legal consequences if speeding or drink driving or some other legal matter? Id hazard a guess it would be most of them.

The old saying 'be the change you want to see in the world' comes to mind.

Thai corruption is endemic because Thais at all levels of society accept it as such and willingly participate. Its got nothing to do with foreigners.

Anek (and the rest who want to blame shift), grow a couple will you!

[pipkins]

Not only is it a struggle against democracy, it is totally reliant on the Army coming in.

Here are a few reason they won't, and why it is impossible they could prevail

They have been promised a major uprising and insurection from the North and this is no idle threat.

Add to the insurection the army is split and the Air Force once bombed an army post in a coup, so there is no love lost there and they could have interforces fighting. 3 way fight between thai forces. Didn't know that did you, 2010 historians.

Read this is you think Thai armed forces are united. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan_Rebellion

Meanwhile today in the South, 2 more Soldiers killed in the 3 provinces of Pattanai. thats 7 bombs this week and 7 deaths. They have completely lost control of an are that is less than 5% the size of Issaan. 7 days a week year in year out, they are shot at, people killed.

They are as inept as the Police, but it's only when they act (The South and The Temple with Cambodia and the Redshirts) that people see this. People critisice the police, but they have better rectruting and are probaly more professional than the Army that relys on Conscripts (many who try to dodge it!!! Remember Abhisit) so have no control over their rank and file.

Generally speaking, anybody with brains, or rich connections dodge the draft through going to colleges abroad or buying their way out. They really do this and any Thai will tell you that your kids can do their natinoal service on paper only... for a fee!!!!

So with the Police, smarter, more professional, better staffed etc. You can see the Army is in a hole. They might order troops to fight and be surprised which way they point their guns!!!

They struggled in 2010 to find Units they could trust to kill the redshirts. This will be much harder this time.

They will be ousted. By santions, uprising Civil war, they will not be able to Govern and nobody is interested in another Constitusion with more laws designed to keep the Status Quo within the Elites.

A Coup is really the start of Civil War and anybody wishing it needs to be prepared for dissapointement... They CAN'T do it!!!

[Spalpeen]

So now it's six months. They should cordon off part of a car park somewhere in Bangkok and leave the PDRC to carry on their whistle blowing there while the rest of the country gets back to work. How's that for compromise?

[icommunity]

Only PDRC/PAD, yellow, and all anti people's government love the King? IMO, they insulted and their activities using the King inappropriately are humiliating the King and the people who truly love the King.

Send from my Mobile

[focus27]

Am glad this article was finally posted; seemed to me it has a few interesting points.

Assuming Anek still has some 'friends', he seems to indicate that the establishment may be willing to wait for all the by-elections to take place so that the House can sit and form a new Council of Ministers. I thought a lame-duck caretaker government in place for that length of time would be replaced sooner rather than later. We shall see. Perhaps the aim is to disrupt those by-elections too and finally bring to a head the lack of a fully-functioning government - over to the Senate then.

Anek also continues this blatant Thai tradition of blaming foreigners for every ill in Thailand. What is it that combines a puffed-up nationalism with a whingeing xenophobia? The country that cries wolf. Anek fails to elaborate on this and without spitting out who he is actually talking about, it is a simple straw-man argument. There are foreign interests but nobody wants to speak openly about this. And for those who cling onto the superiority of a state that was not territorially invaded, read the terms of the Bowring Treaty (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowring_Treaty) and figure out who was in control. What saved Thailand was the onset of the First World War.

If there is one institution with a shred of respect left from the majority of Thais then it is the Buddhist sangha. I know, the Dharma Army collapsed, but it was born from a minor sect - long story, but the role of Buddhism within Thailand has not always been politically or administratively hands-off, with examples from other Buddhist states too.

A country may well get the government it deserves, but it may also get the religion that it needs.

[fab4]

So now it's six months. They should cordon off part of a car park somewhere in Bangkok and leave the PDRC to carry on their whistle blowing there while the rest of the country gets back to work. How's that for compromise?

“I don’t want you to risk facing tear gas and rubber bullets anymore,” Suthep said yesterday. “Victory is not based on how many people die. It is time to fix the end of this. On Monday, Dec. 9, all of this should end,” he said. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-12-06/thailand-protest-leader-sets-dec-dot-9-deadline-for-rallies-to-end

[englishoak]

Not only is it a struggle against democracy, it is totally reliant on the Army coming in.

Here are a few reason they won't, and why it is impossible they could prevail

They have been promised a major uprising and insurection from the North and this is no idle threat.

Add to the insurection the army is split and the Air Force once bombed an army post in a coup, so there is no love lost there and they could have interforces fighting. 3 way fight between thai forces. Didn't know that did you, 2010 historians.

Read this is you think Thai armed forces are united. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan_Rebellion

Meanwhile today in the South, 2 more Soldiers killed in the 3 provinces of Pattanai. thats 7 bombs this week and 7 deaths. They have completely lost control of an are that is less than 5% the size of Issaan. 7 days a week year in year out, they are shot at, people killed.

They are as inept as the Police, but it's only when they act (The South and The Temple with Cambodia and the Redshirts) that people see this. People critisice the police, but they have better rectruting and are probaly more professional than the Army that relys on Conscripts (many who try to dodge it!!! Remember Abhisit) so have no control over their rank and file.

Generally speaking, anybody with brains, or rich connections dodge the draft through going to colleges abroad or buying their way out. They really do this and any Thai will tell you that your kids can do their natinoal service on paper only... for a fee!!!!

So with the Police, smarter, more professional, better staffed etc. You can see the Army is in a hole. They might order troops to fight and be surprised which way they point their guns!!!

They struggled in 2010 to find Units they could trust to kill the redshirts. This will be much harder this time.

They will be ousted. By santions, uprising Civil war, they will not be able to Govern and nobody is interested in another Constitusion with more laws designed to keep the Status Quo within the Elites.

A Coup is really the start of Civil War and anybody wishing it needs to be prepared for dissapointement... They CAN'T do it!!!

They can do it pip but they would be ill advised to.Yes the army are in a hole, yes the RTP are better trained and organised ..... omg as if thats an achievement.

All parties have this time thrown out the pretence and are visibly desperate to get their own way, even those in the shadows are being blatant and conspicuous. This is unprecedented and the pressure to do a coup either by Military or Judicial is as great as ive ever seen or read up on.

Cant really say here much more about that but we should remember mai nois of some amarts numbered in the dozens not so long ago and the offspring are everywhere in positions and areas of influence. We can see this blatantly every day as depts break their remit or refuse to pass warrants.

Desperate people do desperate things and id not bet against an all or nothing bid if all else fails.... which it has almost already.

[DirtFarmer]

here we go loop-de-loop- here we go loop-de-lie....Yes it is the foreigners... they are the root of all evil ( blah blah blah...) very few of these mouthpieces will ever take any responsibility for the pablum they spew, or the constructs they devise...and rarely is founded in any kind of cognitive thought.... it is always someone else's fault... ...meanwhile back at the ranch...while Jim is downstream wrestling alligators... all the PDRC Deadlines for capitulation have come and gone without much, if any, success... and of course they are going to push the new deadlines back as far as they can... hoping against hope that any of the specious claims and any of the meritorious ones can and will have a favorable outcome for them... and that somehow publicizing such ( if any) outcomes would help their cause...? ..on a daily basis we are shown who, if anybody, has the guts to stand for what they actually believe in to the finish... we also see who has caved in... and it may be interesting to note where and how these folded ones end up down the road... I recall Korn not agreeing with Sutheps methods early on till he was admonished by his lordship and could expect " a very uncomfortable life' or something of that nature... and that He (Sighep) was glad he had not chosen Korn to head up the PDRC " a very uncomfortable life"...a phrase he used often in the first few weeks of the insurrection to anybody that did not adhere to his way of thinking... Korn hastily joined the bandwagon and did the goosestep with his Brother Mark at the earliest convenience at a protest site... SIghep made claims early on how quickly this was all gonna be over ad nauseum..but even he must see now that it will not be a slam dunk... if only he was able to see that real reform.. also is something that takes along long time... and with Oligarchy you can and must expect civil disobedience and violence because no one wants that version of Democracy ... so now let's see so far we have 1)Thaksin...the dead horse...the root of all corruption ( Though SIghep was personally responsible for the dissolution of the Leepai Govt because of his corruption years before Thaksin entered the political scene) ...and.... 2) we have the foreigners responsible for the ills of Thai Politics... poor Anek...( I wonder if he knows the chief ingredient in hot dogs is cancer...?) naw prolly not... (my bad) okay whose gonna pop the next batch of popcorn...? we will continue with another episode in "As the Stomach Turns" after these words from our sponsor....

Edited January 30, 2014 by DirtFarmer

[Ned]

"....blames foreign powers for being behind the ills of Thai politics"...

At least he's saying stuff which the PDRC/PAD have been saying privately for years. But don't worry you farang who support them. Keep singing their praises.

[englishoak]

blamed foreign powers for being behind the ills of Thai politics - Anek said he believed the decisive battle would be fought via the social media.

Hey everyone I think he just referred to us, how cute

check your proxy server is on

Edited January 30, 2014 by englishoak

[spirit47]

Its good, it must grow up and this need a time. North and South, rich and poor, they able to live together in Thailand. The people are not the problem, politicans are the problem. Its not a question about winners and loosers, the loosers are only a few thugs.

Some years ago, Taksin was helpful and give the rurals selfrespect. Now its time to say thanks, but we cant support all your wrongdoings longer, we want a honest Goverment we can respect...

[TomAikins]

This guy is a bigger moron than Suthep. Foreign powers, huh?

[mimithewoof]

Wikepedias Bowring Treaty is an interesting some might say amusing read, especially the final sentence, given the times in which it was written and signed. Thanks for the link, Focus27.

Times change, and its much easier to blame outsiders for negative developments within ones own country as Hitler did with the Jewish race. However, Id like to think that the vast majority of posters on this forum know full well that prejudice and violence isnt ever the answer, however insurmountable the problems.

"Anek, speaking at a symposium on "learning from the great mass of people", organised by the Rung Arun School, blamed foreign powers for being behind the ills of Thai politics - not just the incumbent administration and fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. However, he did not elaborate on what role these foreign powers play in Thai politics."

Admittedly, foreign powers (including Wall Street and 9/11) have played a major part in destabilizing our world over the last decade or so, and the desperate tactics used by various unsavory elites in various countries bear witness to the wind of change. But, and its a big BUT, the present chaos in Thailand isnt as unique as the so-called Democrats and the protestors believe it is, its part of the whole and is the result of the widening gap between the haves and have-nots. A gap which morals suggest is unethical, to put it mildly, but morals are unfashionable these days and cash is king.

Back in the day, I spent a deal of time around town attending expat functions and talking to a wide selection of Chiang Mais expat community, the majority of whom loved Thailand and had genuine affection for its King. Us Brits, of course, have our own respected and, to some, much-loved Queen perhaps that made it easier for us to understand and support the Thai love of their monarch.

Now, it seems, everything is our fault, both as individuals and as part of the Western powers and, as Ive mentioned before, those posters who support Suthep and his cronies are doing nothing to bridge the ever-widening gap between our acceptance here and our being seen as legitimate victims for those who believe violence is the key to success.

Perhaps it's time to point out that we're not 'foreign powers' and may not agree with the way the world is run by those with untold wealth and no consciences. Neither are we guests in this country, we're contributors to its economy.

[visionchaser45]

Their "struggle" can go on as long as they have enough money and can rally a few thousand protesters to come out. As for their, still largely unspecified, goals; well, that could be a very, very, very long time.

[bigbamboo]

how come the owner of the country did not speak up yet?

"Be patient Grasshopper. The Middle Kingdom will speak when time is right and railway to Singapore is complete."

[Time Traveller]

This is confusing. Suthep declared victory in November. The PDRC should all be home celebrating now. Or are they now referring to the time needed to destroy the economy?

[LomSak27]

blamed foreign powers for being behind the ills of Thai politics - not just the incumbent administration and fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

Actually that is what soured me on the Dems, yellows PDRC, back in Sondhi's day. They keep it real tight, in their thai language papers and speeches, so as not to upset all the poor expats and tourists, but they need to blame somebody. In a shame culture blame cannot be internal. So yes Thaksin but other terrible things that befall the Nation must come from OUTSIDE. Guess who that means ...

You can hope they will change, but they never have. They might get Thaksin and crowd out, but they are not my friends and never will be. You are a fool if you think they are your friends

"the biggest lies told in thailand are the ones expats tell themselves"

[manfrommanteo]

how come the owner of the country did not speak up yet?

Who is it you refer to as "the owner of the country"? From my conversations with several Thai's, a certain dynasty family "owns" the country, and has for 9 generations. Is it that owner you speak of, or the person in Dubai who wishes to own it? Please, if you can, without violating the lack of freedom of speech, specify.