Thai protesters defiant as US warns against coup
by Apilaporn VECHAKIJ

BANGKOK, February 4, 2014 (AFP) - The United States warned Monday against moves to stage a military coup in Thailand as anti-government protesters vowed to press on with their fight after a disrupted weekend election.

With defiant demonstrators pledging to continue weeks-long street rallies aimed at ousting Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the US said it was "concerned that political tensions" were challenging the divided kingdom's democracy.

Thailand's protest-plagued elections have ushered in a new chapter of political uncertainty that experts say leaves the embattled government increasingly vulnerable to court intervention or a military coup.

"We certainly do not want to see a coup or violence," US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said after opposition protesters prevented voting at thousands of polling stations on Sunday, prompting election authorities to withhold results until ballots are cast in all constituencies.

"We are speaking directly to all elements in Thai society to make clear the importance of using democratic and constitutional means to resolve political differences," Psaki added.

There is little sign of an end to the deadlock, with the ruling Puea Thai party braced for court challenges against the poll -- which was boycotted by the main opposition Democrat Party -- as well as other legal moves against Yingluck.

The Thai premier's opponents say she is a mere puppet for her elder brother Thaksin, who was ousted by the military in 2006 and lives in Dubai to avoid prison for a corruption conviction.

Hundreds of protesters began another march across the capital Bangkok on Monday to raise support and funds for their three-month campaign to topple the government.

The demonstrators want Yingluck to step down and make way for an unelected "people's council" to oversee reforms to tackle corruption and alleged vote-buying.

With no official figures for voter turnout, both sides claimed success in the election, which passed in relative peace after a gunfight on Saturday in a Bangkok suburb stoked fears of serious clashes between the rival sides.

"According to the constitution, the election must be held on the same day. It was impossible to do it," protest spokesman Akanat Promphan told reporters at the start of the march.

"It's clear that this election must be nullified," he said.

The group said it would dismantle a number of protest stages in the capital but maintain its self-styled "shutdown" of the city.

'Victory for the people'

A defiant ruling party said ballots were cast by more than half of the 44 million Thais who were able to vote. Disruption was mostly in Bangkok and southern opposition strongholds.

"That shows that half of the population wants democracy and wants a parliament formed by the majority," said Puea Thai party spokesman Prompong Nopparit.

"It is not a victory for Puea Thai but a victory for the people who love democracy and love peace," he added.

Labour Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, who is overseeing the government's security response to the protests, predicted Puea Thai would claim "between 265 and 289 seats" at the polls.

At the last election in 2011, Yingluck's party won more than half of the available 500 parliamentary seats.

The leader of the Democrats, Abhisit Vejjajiva, confirmed they would mount a legal challenge to the "illegitimate" poll because it "did not reflect the intention of the constitution or the people".

Thailand's Election Commission has said 10,000 out of nearly 94,000 polling stations were unable to open, affecting millions of people, although it was unclear how many had planned to vote.

Even if Yingluck wins she will remain in a caretaker role with limited power over government policy until elections are held in enough constituencies to have a quorum in parliament.

"We remain concerned that political tensions in Thailand are posing challenges to the democratic institutions and processes of Thailand," the US State Department's Psaki told reporters in Washington.

"We certainly don't take sides, as you know, in Thailand's political disputes, but we continue to urge all sides to commit to sincere dialogue to resolve political differences peacefully and democratically."


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-02-04

Get a grip. It's the same thing many other countries are saying.

'run their country' ? Try to think this through. The 'warning' is about avoiding a military coup....

Don't see any lecture just an opinion that the current route and any coup will only serve to destabilise the country further.

It is of course Thailand's right to run its own country, it is also its right to ruin it which imo and many others both here and international believe it is currently flirting with doing.

Edited February 3, 201412 yr by englishoak

Get a grip. It's the same thing many other countries are saying.

It's strange the same countries don't take the same stance when it comes to Russia and Kiev.

More than half voted says Nopadon.

45% says EC

US believes Nopadon - a man with a criminal record.

Embassy not doing its job

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I love the language the US likes to use in reference to other countries-' deeply concerned', 'deeply disappointed'.

Patronising nonsense, stop worrying US and learn to enjoy life.

I wonder what US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki would say if Yingluck started lecturing the USA on how to run their country? I suspect she'd extend the big red, white and blue finger.

It's not appropriate for the employee to lecture the boss. The USA provides military protection & huge economic support to Thailand, without which they would long ago have been history.

The Americans have played a very positive role in this situation so far. As the major supplier to the Thai military (who want not just the latest American hardware and gizmos, but also of course, all the bungs that go with each deal.) The Americans are one of the few foreign countries the Thais listen to.

Uncle Sam doesn't have to worry anyway, there isn't going to be a military coup, there's going to be a judicial coup - just as in 2008.

If there was any threat to Chinas interest and they said "we don't want to see violence", would everyone be on here saying "bog off china, mind ur own business".

Because, its a sign that they care at least. One day, maybe the USA might just make best new friends with Burma and Cambodia and say "hey, we bogged off, don't choke on Beijing's schlong".

Edited February 4, 201412 yr by Thai at Heart

I don't think coup will be the issue. I heard a rumor from some Thai people that Thaksin paid the army.

So far, this protest by Suthep has been more peaceful than the one in 2010 by the Red.

One of the possible ways to peacefully end this conflict is that Thaksin clan are completely removed from Thai politics.

Obviously, the PM and Thaksin want to stay in power to pursue their own agenda.

If they want peace, they can step down to end this crazy situation. Can they do it? Probably not.

Don't see any lecture just an opinion that the current route and any coup will only serve to destabilise the country further.

It is of course Thailand's right to run its own country, it is also its right to ruin it which imo and many others both here and international believe it is currently flirting with doing.

Flirting? Not how I would describe being in bed with criminals for 3 years. Guess who's been shafting whom.

Edited February 4, 201412 yr by JRSoul

I don't think coup will be the issue. I heard a rumor from some Thai people that Thaksin paid the army.

So far, this protest by Suthep has been more peaceful than the one in 2010 by the Red.

One of the possible ways to peacefully end this conflict is that Thaksin clan are completely removed from Thai politics.

Obviously, the PM and Thaksin want to stay in power to pursue their own agenda.

If they want peace, they can step down to end this crazy situation. Can they do it? Probably not.

Do u seriously believe the army is going to come out against Suthep, the establishment and the amart. Lol

I would believe better that the backers of the protest paid the army off.

The Americans have played a very positive role in this situation so far. As the major supplier to the Thai military (who want not just the latest American hardware and gizmos, but also of course, all the bungs that go with each deal.) The Americans are one of the few foreign countries the Thais listen to.

Uncle Sam doesn't have to worry anyway, there isn't going to be a military coup, there's going to be a judicial coup - just as in 2008.

The article suggests the USA doesn't want any kind of coup:

"Thailand's protest-plagued elections have ushered in a new chapter of political uncertainty that experts say leaves the embattled government increasingly vulnerable to court intervention or a military coup.

"We certainly do not want to see a coup or violence," US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said..."

Edited February 4, 201412 yr by oldthaihand99

The Americans have played a very positive role in this situation so far. As the major supplier to the Thai military (who want not just the latest American hardware and gizmos, but also of course, all the bungs that go with each deal.) The Americans are one of the few foreign countries the Thais listen to.

Uncle Sam doesn't have to worry anyway, there isn't going to be a military coup, there's going to be a judicial coup - just as in 2008.

The article suggests the USA doesn't want any kind of coup:

"Thailand's protest-plagued elections have ushered in a new chapter of political uncertainty that experts say leaves the embattled government increasingly vulnerable to court intervention or a military coup.

"We certainly do not want to see a coup or violence," US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said..."

You could read that as the US being in favour of court intervention.

'run their country' ? Try to think this through. The 'warning' is about avoiding a military coup....

Which is none of the USA's business.

The world's policeman has spoken. I suppose storming the beaches of Pattaya would be popular with the Marines, probably be more casualties from disease than wounds.

fter reading your reply, I read the article a couple of times to make sure I was not missing something.

Jen Psaki said and I quote:

"concerned that political tensions, were challenging the divided kingdom's democracy."

Do you know of any country in the world that would not be????

then she was quoted of saying:

"We certainly do not want to see a coup or violence,"

do you now of any country that would? other than any country that bared ill will towards Thailand?????

Followed by:

"We are speaking directly to all elements in Thai society to make clear the importance of using democratic and constitutional means to resolve political differences,"

Good advise if you would ask me, Would you advise them differently????

The rest of the article was "Hamburger helper" nothing really to do with the American statement.

Where in the Statement was any Warnings?????????????????

Where from this statement you and the people that clicked "Like" on your rely , discerned any direct or implied threat of intervention.

How did you and your buddies, go from a plain concern to the Marines??

Jai Yen Yen

'run their country' ? Try to think this through. The 'warning' is about avoiding a military coup....

Which is none of the USA's business.

Considering that the thai army is armed and trained by the USA, and a military ally of the USA, it is their business.

Don't see any lecture just an opinion that the current route and any coup will only serve to destabilise the country further.

It is of course Thailand's right to run its own country, it is also its right to ruin it which imo and many others both here and international believe it is currently flirting with doing.

The army knows this, it's the reason they haven't staged the coup already.

The Americans have played a very positive role in this situation so far. As the major supplier to the Thai military (who want not just the latest American hardware and gizmos, but also of course, all the bungs that go with each deal.) The Americans are one of the few foreign countries the Thais listen to.

Uncle Sam doesn't have to worry anyway, there isn't going to be a military coup, there's going to be a judicial coup - just as in 2008.

The article suggests the USA doesn't want any kind of coup:

"Thailand's protest-plagued elections have ushered in a new chapter of political uncertainty that experts say leaves the embattled government increasingly vulnerable to court intervention or a military coup.

"We certainly do not want to see a coup or violence," US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said..."

You could read that as the US being in favour of court intervention.

It's plausible, but i've heard the last court coup led to the USA withdrawing economic support from Thailand.

'run their country' ? Try to think this through. The 'warning' is about avoiding a military coup....

Which is none of the USA's business.

Considering that the thai army is armed and trained by the USA, and a military ally of the USA, it is their business.

Exactly and for the past 50 years or so too. Im sure the Thai military would crap itself if the US were to start investing in other options within the region as a contingency plan ... just in case

And yes it sent a signal the last time by withdrawing aid after the last coup.

Edited February 4, 201412 yr by englishoak

Thailand cares. A lot. Why do you think Suthep wrote that letter to Obama?

Continue on with USA bashing. I would gladly see you all enslaved by the Chinese.

Several off topic posts have been removed from view. This is not about Iraq nor English teachers. Please stay on topic and avoid rants.

If there was any threat to Chinas interest and they said "we don't want to see violence", would everyone be on here saying "bog off china, mind ur own business".

Because, its a sign that they care at least. One day, maybe the USA might just make best new friends with Burma and Cambodia and say "hey, we bogged off, don't choke on Beijing's schlong".

Beijing is already in control...... Uncle Sam can be as disappointed as he wants.

Get a grip. It's the same thing many other countries are saying.

They repeat the US comments, all on the line, online, online, online, online, piep. In the whole western press, you read the same, same, same...Bet the NSA help the Taksin regime to bribe officials. More and more I ask myself who are the bad...

If there was any threat to Chinas interest and they said "we don't want to see violence", would everyone be on here saying "bog off china, mind ur own business".

Because, its a sign that they care at least. One day, maybe the USA might just make best new friends with Burma and Cambodia and say "hey, we bogged off, don't choke on Beijing's schlong".

Beijing is already in control...... Uncle Sam can be as disappointed as he wants.

Beijing doesn't run Thailand. A bunch of thai Chinese run it, and they love to get paid by whoever.

That so far on average has been the USA, Japan and others. China is still a new kid on the block here. The USA still has sway with the politicos on all sides the army and a lot of the old farts.

If there was any threat to Chinas interest and they said "we don't want to see violence", would everyone be on here saying "bog off china, mind ur own business".

Because, its a sign that they care at least. One day, maybe the USA might just make best new friends with Burma and Cambodia and say "hey, we bogged off, don't choke on Beijing's schlong".

Beijing is already in control...... Uncle Sam can be as disappointed as he wants.

In control of what? Air pollution?

The world's policeman has spoken. I suppose storming the beaches of Pattaya would be popular with the Marines, probably be more casualties from disease than wounds.

fter reading your reply, I read the article a couple of times to make sure I was not missing something.

Jen Psaki said and I quote:

"concerned that political tensions, were challenging the divided kingdom's democracy."

Do you know of any country in the world that would not be????

then she was quoted of saying:

"We certainly do not want to see a coup or violence,"

do you now of any country that would? other than any country that bared ill will towards Thailand?????

Followed by:

"We are speaking directly to all elements in Thai society to make clear the importance of using democratic and constitutional means to resolve political differences,"

Good advise if you would ask me, Would you advise them differently????

The rest of the article was "Hamburger helper" nothing really to do with the American statement.

Where in the Statement was any Warnings?????????????????

Where from this statement you and the people that clicked "Like" on your rely , discerned any direct or implied threat of intervention.

How did you and your buddies, go from a plain concern to the Marines??

Jai Yen Yen

They are sat on the fence and will stay put until they are sure exactly which side to fall off on. Don't be fooled by their rhetoric, their disappointment, or their concern. Their primary goal is to still have a seat at the table when this is all over... If they are lucky!

If there was any threat to Chinas interest and they said "we don't want to see violence", would everyone be on here saying "bog off china, mind ur own business".

Because, its a sign that they care at least. One day, maybe the USA might just make best new friends with Burma and Cambodia and say "hey, we bogged off, don't choke on Beijing's schlong".

Beijing is already in control...... Uncle Sam can be as disappointed as he wants.

Beijing doesn't run Thailand. A bunch of thai Chinese run it, and they love to get paid by whoever.

That so far on average has been the USA, Japan and others. China is still a new kid on the block here. The USA still has sway with the politicos on all sides the army and a lot of the old farts.

With respect the Chinese geo political influence in this whole region is far stronger than any western media would have you believe. Be careful you don't miss the crucial signs by watching too much CNN. Uncle Sam is no longer the force he once was. Their failed military incursions across Asia have relegated them to nothing more than a cash cow. And once DPRK has been brought into line by the Chinese (in a similar fashion as Myanmar) Uncle Sam's presence will become irrelevant. Don't worry this is another what maybe10 years down the road, but the dragon is gaining strength day by day by day..... Globally not just in SEAsia.

Don't get your hopes up.