Pheu Thai smells a 'trap' in EC bid for new decree

[Lite Beer]

Pheu Thai smells a 'trap' in EC bid for new decree
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- The ruling Pheu Thai Party yesterday expressed suspicion that a move by the Election Commission (EC) to get the government to issue a new Royal Decree for a new voting date may be a "political trap".

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said that the Cabinet no longer has the power to issue such a decree, as it is now in a caretaker role following the dissolution of the House of Representatives in December.

"This is the duty of the EC. Their attempt to pass the duty to the government may have some political implication. This could be a trap. The government's political rivals may sue the prime minister," the spokesman said.

The EC on Friday resolved to propose that the caretaker government seek a new Royal Decree for a new poll date for 28 constituencies in eight southern provinces that had no candidates in the February 2 election.

Pheu Thai's legal experts asserted yesterday that the government has no legal power to seek the proposed decree.

Legal expert Bhokin Balakula, who is also a member of the party's strategic committee, blamed the EC for the problem involving the absence of registered candidates in the 28 constituencies. He said the EC had the power and the time to extend the candidacy registration period but it failed to do so before last Sunday's election.

"The prime minister and the Cabinet have no power or duty regarding the election after issuing the Royal Decree to set the election date. The current decree is still completely effective. To issue a new decree, which is not empowered by the Constitution, could risk violating the law and that is inappropriate," Bhokin said.

He also said that issuing a new decree could put the government at risk of facing legal action. He added that someone might petition the Constitutional Court asking for the February 2 election and the new decree be declared void. "There will be a lot of negative consequences after that," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana said yesterday that the government has no duty to issue a new decree. He added that he believed the current decree was still effective, so the EC should go on with scheduling a date for new voting in the 28 problematic constituencies.

Opposition Democrat Party spokesman Chavanont Intarakomalyasut yesterday urged the government to bring the case to the Constitutional Court for a ruling whether the February 2 election was void. This would allow a new election process to start, he added.

"Yingluck Shinawatra, as the caretaker prime minister, and her Cabinet must take responsibility. They should determine if a new Royal Decree is required for new voting," the spokesman said.

EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said yesterday that a new voting for the MPs would not be held next month, as it would be too close to the senatorial election tentatively scheduled for March 30.

-- The Nation 2014-02-09

[mightyatom]

Yet again, a classic example of paranoia from someone with it's back firmly up against the wall.

This government declared the elections themselves back in December and have basically fought the EC every step of the way. They have gone against every opinion the EC ever had even when the EC were trying to be reasonable.

Even when it went to the constitutional court for opinion to defer the elections, and were told they could do it as long as it was agreed between the EC and the government. So obviously the EC wanted it deferred, and then the gov refused. Another waste of time.

It is now clear that the government does not want the elections to complete. It has been an almighty embarrassment to them with their scrawny 8 million votes and thinly diluted mandate, with a continuation of elections just watering that mandate down further and no parliament able to convene.

They are better off as a caretaker government because they have a built in excuse not to have the power to give the farmers their money.

This has to be about the worst and most corrupt government I have ever known of in modern political times.

They should be all put under house arrest, have all their assets frozen and their passports taken away. If found guilty of what we all know to be true, then 20 year prison sentences will all assets seized and all family members to have their assets frozen and investigated also.

Time for a big clean up...... PRIOR TO REFORMS.

[robenroute]

Time for a big clean up......

And you know, that is the one thing that's not going to happen. Not now, not tomorrow, not in the next few years.

Perhaps it's not bad, this clean-up not happening. Your idea of clean might not be my idea of clean.

It's a process. It's all part of growing up. You can't force change. Change needs to come from within. Only when enough people really want change can a certain change momentum arise.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

Edited February 8, 2014 by robenroute

[Robby nz]

The trap is of their own making and they are firmly caught in it now.

No matter how much they twist, turn, threat or intimidate there is no way out.

[Habs]

What a sad state of affairs, He said She said a round and a round it goes where it stop God only knows.

[noitom]

Thailand's MO is trap the other guy in mumbo jumbo and double speak. If that doesn't work, then double cross. If the double cross doesn't work, then circle back and lay another trap.

[Crushdepth]

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said that the Cabinet no longer has the power to issue such a decree, as it is now in a caretaker role following the dissolution of the House of Representatives in December.

"This is the duty of the EC. Their attempt to pass the duty to the government may have some political implication. This could be a trap. The government's political rivals may sue the prime minister," the spokesman said.

The constitution court has already ruled that the government *could* delay the elections by seeking a new decree. But Phuea Thai now claims that they don't have the power to request new decrees?

Very credible. Tell me again, when does his jail term start?

[Suriya4]

Yingluck and PT govt should not interfer with the election.

Just like EC do what ever EC want, with a disclaimer: "EC will be help responsible for what EC does."

Then get the lawyers to sue EC for what ever wrong step EC took.

[mightyatom]

Time for a big clean up......

And you know, that is the one thing that's not going to happen. Not now, not tomorrow, not in the next few years.

Perhaps it's not bad, this clean-up not happening. Your idea of clean might not be my idea of clean.

It's a process. It's all part of growing up. You can't force change. Change needs to come from within. Only when enough people really want change can a certain change momentum arise.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

What an absolute crock.

My idea of a clean up is the same idea that the majority of the people want, it is just YOU that doesn't want it.

Stop being a pessimist, when others are trying to be optimists... It is thinkers like you that are responsible for holding back progress everywhere.

This is change that benefits 90% of the population, you don't need to FORCE it onto them. What do you think we are talking about here?... a new religion????

The only people who will be having change forced on them are the corrupt people bleeding everything they can out of Thailand.

Geez, some people on this forum mare totally out of touch.

Edited February 9, 2014 by mightyatom

[Publicus]

"They have gone against every opinion the EC ever had even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

Thanks for that "even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

The EC is not reasonable, hasn't ever tried to be reasonable with this government, nor is it trying to be reasonable. The EC wouldn't know how to try to be reasonable even if the future of democracy depended on them and it, which, fortunately, it does not.

The EC is a part of the institutional obstructionism and institutional resistance to, of all things, elections, democracy, having an election and conducting a safe election by democratic processes.

It's clear the resistance has basically moved out of the streets and into the institutions established in the 2007 constitution written by the military coup makers. The RS will not accept any kind of institutional coups.

Good on the government for directly and openly calling out the EC on this one.

Yet another one.

[mightyatom]

"They have gone against every opinion the EC ever had even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

Thanks for that "even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

The EC is not reasonable, hasn't ever tried to be reasonable with this government, nor is it trying to be reasonable. The EC wouldn't know how to try to be reasonable even if the future of democracy depended on them and it, which, fortunately, it does not.

The EC is a part of the institutional obstructionism and institutional resistance to, of all things, elections, democracy, having an election and conducting a safe election by democratic processes.

It's clear the resistance has basically moved out of the streets and into the institutions established in the 2007 constitution written by the military coup makers. The RS will not accept any kind of institutional coups.

Good on the government for directly and openly calling out the EC on this one.

Yet another one.

I will leave this delusional cherry picker to the rest of you to pull apart.

It is an easy task.

Edited February 9, 2014 by mightyatom

[Publicus]

"They have gone against every opinion the EC ever had even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

Thanks for that "even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

The EC is not reasonable, hasn't ever tried to be reasonable with this government, nor is it trying to be reasonable. The EC wouldn't know how to try to be reasonable even if the future of democracy depended on them and it, which, fortunately, it does not.

The EC is a part of the institutional obstructionism and institutional resistance to, of all things, elections, democracy, having an election and conducting a safe election by democratic processes.

It's clear the resistance has basically moved out of the streets and into the institutions established in the 2007 constitution written by the military coup makers. The RS will not accept any kind of institutional coups.

Good on the government for directly and openly calling out the EC on this one.

Yet another one.

I will leave this delusional cherry picker to the rest of you to pull apart.

It is an easy task.

[moonao]

the EC are as rotten as you can get. EC should be working on behalf of the people, not Suthep.

When all the dust settles, open a public investigation into the behavior of the EC and bring these sneaky rats to account.

[Yunla]

Pheu Thai smells

[jcb2001]

"They have gone against every opinion the EC ever had even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

Thanks for that "even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

The EC is not reasonable, hasn't ever tried to be reasonable with this government, nor is it trying to be reasonable. The EC wouldn't know how to try to be reasonable even if the future of democracy depended on them and it, which, fortunately, it does not.

The EC is a part of the institutional obstructionism and institutional resistance to, of all things, elections, democracy, having an election and conducting a safe election by democratic processes.

It's clear the resistance has basically moved out of the streets and into the institutions established in the 2007 constitution written by the military coup makers. The RS will not accept any kind of institutional coups.

Good on the government for directly and openly calling out the EC on this one.

Yet another one.

And your point seems to be: Any agency (Constitutional Court, Election Commission, anti-gov't protesters, etc.) who are against pheu thai are wrong and should not be listened to. Only if these groups agree with pheu thai, are they considered rational and important ideas. Such a double standard they live by!

[focus27]

Is the Nation copying my headlines?! http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702924-no-second-poll-decree-required-thai-govt-says/?view=findpost&p=7410234

Section 181 describes what a caretaker government can do. Effectively, it can only do what the EC allows it to do. However, the EC can't unilaterally do it for them. So, the gov can issue a new decree but it just isn't necessary.

"EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said yesterday that a new voting for the MPs would not be held next month, as it would be too close to the senatorial election tentatively scheduled for March 30."

What's wrong with having the elections on the same day? Would save some money and screw up the Suthepistas.

The EC is obviously going to drag this out for the 180 days so the PTP have to start attacking the agencies - I don't think they have much to lose anymore.

Issue a new Royal Decree for the 30 March! The EC will reject this but watch for the reasoning.

[Publicus]

"They have gone against every opinion the EC ever had even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

Thanks for that "even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

The EC is not reasonable, hasn't ever tried to be reasonable with this government, nor is it trying to be reasonable. The EC wouldn't know how to try to be reasonable even if the future of democracy depended on them and it, which, fortunately, it does not.

The EC is a part of the institutional obstructionism and institutional resistance to, of all things, elections, democracy, having an election and conducting a safe election by democratic processes.

It's clear the resistance has basically moved out of the streets and into the institutions established in the 2007 constitution written by the military coup makers. The RS will not accept any kind of institutional coups.

Good on the government for directly and openly calling out the EC on this one.

Yet another one.

And your point seems to be: Any agency (Constitutional Court, Election Commission, anti-gov't protesters, etc.) who are against pheu thai are wrong and should not be listened to. Only if these groups agree with pheu thai, are they considered rational and important ideas. Such a double standard they live by!

" Any agency...who are against pheu thai..."

You and the other guy I quoted seem to have the same foot in mouth problem as is also clearly shown in your full post above.

The independent government agencies reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution written by the coup makers and their shady agents are not independent.

The neutral administrative agencies of the government reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution of the coup makers and their puppet operatives are not neutral.

The systems of checks and balances reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution by the coup makers are designed to check democracy, to obstruct elections and voting, and as you point out are 100% unbalanced against the legitimately elected democratic government, the voters, the people.

Suthep is fast fading and now the anonymous elites behind heavy doors and marble walls are, in empty suits, scrambling into duplicitous and cynical action.

[mightyatom]

"They have gone against every opinion the EC ever had even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

Thanks for that "even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

The EC is not reasonable, hasn't ever tried to be reasonable with this government, nor is it trying to be reasonable. The EC wouldn't know how to try to be reasonable even if the future of democracy depended on them and it, which, fortunately, it does not.

The EC is a part of the institutional obstructionism and institutional resistance to, of all things, elections, democracy, having an election and conducting a safe election by democratic processes.

It's clear the resistance has basically moved out of the streets and into the institutions established in the 2007 constitution written by the military coup makers. The RS will not accept any kind of institutional coups.

Good on the government for directly and openly calling out the EC on this one.

Yet another one.

And your point seems to be: Any agency (Constitutional Court, Election Commission, anti-gov't protesters, etc.) who are against pheu thai are wrong and should not be listened to. Only if these groups agree with pheu thai, are they considered rational and important ideas. Such a double standard they live by!

" Any agency...who are against pheu thai..."

You and the other guy I quoted seem to have the same foot in mouth problem as is also clearly shown in your full post above.

The independent government agencies reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution written by the coup makers and their shady agents are not independent.

The neutral administrative agencies of the government reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution of the coup makers and their puppet operatives are not neutral.

The systems of checks and balances reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution by the coup makers are designed to check democracy, to obstruct elections and voting, and as you point out are 100% unbalanced against the legitimately elected democratic government, the voters, the people.

Suthep is fast fading and now the anonymous elites behind heavy doors and marble walls are, in empty suits, scrambling into duplicitous and cynical action.

the legitimately elected democratic government

Thought they were a caretaker government myself.

I won't even mention that their 15.74 million populist policy acquired voters have dwindled to post populist policy failure 8 million votes and probably dropping at a rate of a million a week.... oops I mentioned it.

Strange how a certain set of TVF members who were screaming for elections, are now no longer interested in seeing this election completed.

Edited February 9, 2014 by mightyatom

[fab4]

"They have gone against every opinion the EC ever had even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

Thanks for that "even when the EC were trying to be reasonable."

The EC is not reasonable, hasn't ever tried to be reasonable with this government, nor is it trying to be reasonable. The EC wouldn't know how to try to be reasonable even if the future of democracy depended on them and it, which, fortunately, it does not.

The EC is a part of the institutional obstructionism and institutional resistance to, of all things, elections, democracy, having an election and conducting a safe election by democratic processes.

It's clear the resistance has basically moved out of the streets and into the institutions established in the 2007 constitution written by the military coup makers. The RS will not accept any kind of institutional coups.

Good on the government for directly and openly calling out the EC on this one.

Yet another one.

And your point seems to be: Any agency (Constitutional Court, Election Commission, anti-gov't protesters, etc.) who are against pheu thai are wrong and should not be listened to. Only if these groups agree with pheu thai, are they considered rational and important ideas. Such a double standard they live by!

" Any agency...who are against pheu thai..."

You and the other guy I quoted seem to have the same foot in mouth problem as is also clearly shown in your full post above.

The independent government agencies reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution written by the coup makers and their shady agents are not independent.

The neutral administrative agencies of the government reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution of the coup makers and their puppet operatives are not neutral.

The systems of checks and balances reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution by the coup makers are designed to check democracy, to obstruct elections and voting, and as you point out are 100% unbalanced against the legitimately elected democratic government, the voters, the people.

Suthep is fast fading and now the anonymous elites behind heavy doors and marble walls are, in empty suits, scrambling into duplicitous and cynical action.

the legitimately elected democratic government

Thought they were a caretaker government myself.

I won't even mention that their 15.74 million populist policy acquired voters have dwindled to post populist policy failure 8 million votes and probably dropping at a rate of a million a week.... oops I mentioned it.

Strange how a certain set of TVF members who were screaming for elections, are now no longer interested in seeing this election completed.

Having been elected in a legitimate Election, won enough seats to form a government (that's for you whybother), they do not lose legitimacy just because they are a caretaker government.

[Publicus]

" Any agency...who are against pheu thai..."

You and the other guy I quoted seem to have the same foot in mouth problem as is also clearly shown in your full post above.

The independent government agencies reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution written by the coup makers and their shady agents are not independent.

The neutral administrative agencies of the government reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution of the coup makers and their puppet operatives are not neutral.

The systems of checks and balances reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution by the coup makers are designed to check democracy, to obstruct elections and voting, and as you point out are 100% unbalanced against the legitimately elected democratic government, the voters, the people.

Suthep is fast fading and now the anonymous elites behind heavy doors and marble walls are, in empty suits, scrambling into duplicitous and cynical action.

the legitimately elected democratic government

Thought they were a caretaker government myself.

I won't even mention that their 15.74 million populist policy acquired voters have dwindled to post populist policy failure 8 million votes and probably dropping at a rate of a million a week.... oops I mentioned it.

Strange how a certain set of TVF members who were screaming for elections, are now no longer interested in seeing this election completed.

PTP won election in 2011 and by all reports won this one too despite militant fascists in the streets and at polling stations throughout Bangkok menacing and violently attacking innocent Thai voters.

The DP very likely could have made gains had they contested the February 2nd poll, which could then have nicely positioned the DP to more effectively contest the next general election, in the meantime working for the "reforms" it and Suthep clamor for.

The "reform" campaign of rigged elections and voting is faltering as the DP did not contest the election and because Ultraman Suthep has become the incredible shrinking man of Bangkok trying to count his incredibly invisible mass of supporters..

Your campaign to try to rehash settled points is wasting everyone's time.

[Ricardo]

the EC are as rotten as you can get. EC should be working on behalf of the people, not Suthep.

When all the dust settles, open a public investigation into the behavior of the EC and bring these sneaky rats to account.

But wouldn't that look like further intimidation, by PTP ?

Perhaps better to send round the bully-boys UDD, to throw a few things, or spill some blood ?

Then the caretaker-government can deny any formal responsibility, blaming 'fake Reds' or 'third hands' or whatever.

Or they could help the EC out, by asking for what the EC want, to request a further decree from the Head-of-State, so that they can try to complete the election & get to the required 95% of MPs, so that PTP and the caretaker-PM can form a government & get on with ruining running the country once again ?

Or is that too much to ask ?

[binjalin]

" Any agency...who are against pheu thai..."

You and the other guy I quoted seem to have the same foot in mouth problem as is also clearly shown in your full post above.

The independent government agencies reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution written by the coup makers and their shady agents are not independent.

The neutral administrative agencies of the government reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution of the coup makers and their puppet operatives are not neutral.

The systems of checks and balances reconstituted in the 2007 "reform" constitution by the coup makers are designed to check democracy, to obstruct elections and voting, and as you point out are 100% unbalanced against the legitimately elected democratic government, the voters, the people.

Suthep is fast fading and now the anonymous elites behind heavy doors and marble walls are, in empty suits, scrambling into duplicitous and cynical action.

the legitimately elected democratic government

Thought they were a caretaker government myself.

I won't even mention that their 15.74 million populist policy acquired voters have dwindled to post populist policy failure 8 million votes and probably dropping at a rate of a million a week.... oops I mentioned it.

Strange how a certain set of TVF members who were screaming for elections, are now no longer interested in seeing this election completed.

PTP won election in 2011 and by all reports won this one too despite militant fascists in the streets and at polling stations throughout Bangkok menacing and violently attacking innocent Thai voters.

The DP very likely could have made gains had they contested the February 2nd poll, which could then have nicely positioned the DP to more effectively contest the next general election, in the meantime working for the "reforms" it and Suthep clamor for.

The "reform" campaign of rigged elections and voting is faltering as the DP did not contest the election and because Ultraman Suthep has become the incredible shrinking man of Bangkok trying to count his incredibly invisible mass of supporters..

Your campaign to try to rehash settled points is wasting everyone's time.

I do agree that the Un-Dem Party could have made gains but instead took the "throw toys out of pram" strategy

[Publicus]

the EC are as rotten as you can get. EC should be working on behalf of the people, not Suthep.

When all the dust settles, open a public investigation into the behavior of the EC and bring these sneaky rats to account.

But wouldn't that look like further intimidation, by PTP ?

Perhaps better to send round the bully-boys UDD, to throw a few things, or spill some blood ?

Then the caretaker-government can deny any formal responsibility, blaming 'fake Reds' or 'third hands' or whatever.

Or they could help the EC out, by asking for what the EC want, to request a further decree from the Head-of-State, so that they can try to complete the election & get to the required 95% of MPs, so that PTP and the caretaker-PM can form a government & get on with ruining running the country once again ?

Or is that too much to ask ?

The two sides pitching in to help one another out is a sweet idea so thanks for presenting that conciliatory and well motivated solution to the current lover's spat between the rightists and the PTP. I among many agree with you and would love to see the two sides kiss and make up, let bygones be bygones, unite arm and arm in brotherhood for the future of Thailand and for democracy everywhere.

So it's good that you ask whether it might be possible, whether it might be too much to ask.

[Melyn]

Does the PTP not realise how daft they sound?

Is Yingluck still hiding under her bed?

Where is the leadership?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[chainarong]

The only thing that smells in Thailand is the PTP , the only trap is the PTP governing the country, everyone will be trapped and the sweet smell of corruption will be on every breeze across the country.

[Scamper]

It is ironic that the Pheu Thai administration has no problem inventing powers for itself when convenient, and ignoring reasonable strategies when inconvenient. They have no problem assuming they have the full power of government when it comes to raising cash for the rice scheme, or awarding new contracts in the lap-top debacle. But the overriding aspect of this is that Pheu Thai is not only refusing to talk to the EC - which is a constitutionally empowered committee - which just recently Pheu Thai was directed to convene with by the Constitutional Court - but they now disparage them through the media as being part of a conspiracy to bring down the administration. This is a lawless administration, that is intent on doing whatever it wants. And any other powers its in want of, they can mask through the emergency decree.

[Ricardo]

the EC are as rotten as you can get. EC should be working on behalf of the people, not Suthep.

When all the dust settles, open a public investigation into the behavior of the EC and bring these sneaky rats to account.

But wouldn't that look like further intimidation, by PTP ?

Perhaps better to send round the bully-boys UDD, to throw a few things, or spill some blood ?

Then the caretaker-government can deny any formal responsibility, blaming 'fake Reds' or 'third hands' or whatever.

Or they could help the EC out, by asking for what the EC want, to request a further decree from the Head-of-State, so that they can try to complete the election & get to the required 95% of MPs, so that PTP and the caretaker-PM can form a government & get on with ruining running the country once again ?

Or is that too much to ask ?

The two sides pitching in to help one another out is a sweet idea so thanks for presenting that conciliatory and well motivated solution to the current lover's spat between the rightists and the PTP. I among many agree with you and would love to see the two sides kiss and make up, let bygones be bygones, unite arm and arm in brotherhood for the future of Thailand and for democracy everywhere.

So it's good that you ask whether it might be possible, whether it might be too much to ask.

Yes ... I think we both (not so secretly) suspect, that it won't be happening, any time soon.

Pity, as the country does need a government again sometime, rather than a seemingly-eternal caretaker-shambles instead.

The good news is that the traditional Re-Set button has still not been pushed, one wonders for how long, that can continue.

[bigbamboo]

the EC are as rotten as you can get. EC should be working on behalf of the people, not Suthep.

When all the dust settles, open a public investigation into the behavior of the EC and bring these sneaky rats to account.

I'm sure The Boss has already sent a message to Tart to that effect.

[djjamie]

I would like to see just one article about the PTP that does not have the word "blame" in it.

[Publicus]

the EC are as rotten as you can get. EC should be working on behalf of the people, not Suthep.

When all the dust settles, open a public investigation into the behavior of the EC and bring these sneaky rats to account.

But wouldn't that look like further intimidation, by PTP ?

Perhaps better to send round the bully-boys UDD, to throw a few things, or spill some blood ?

Then the caretaker-government can deny any formal responsibility, blaming 'fake Reds' or 'third hands' or whatever.

Or they could help the EC out, by asking for what the EC want, to request a further decree from the Head-of-State, so that they can try to complete the election & get to the required 95% of MPs, so that PTP and the caretaker-PM can form a government & get on with ruining running the country once again ?

Or is that too much to ask ?

The two sides pitching in to help one another out is a sweet idea so thanks for presenting that conciliatory and well motivated solution to the current lover's spat between the rightists and the PTP. I among many agree with you and would love to see the two sides kiss and make up, let bygones be bygones, unite arm and arm in brotherhood for the future of Thailand and for democracy everywhere.

So it's good that you ask whether it might be possible, whether it might be too much to ask.

Yes ... I think we both (not so secretly) suspect, that it won't be happening, any time soon.

Pity, as the country does need a government again sometime, rather than a seemingly-eternal caretaker-shambles instead.

The good news is that the traditional Re-Set button has still not been pushed, one wonders for how long, that can continue.

The question indeed.

I'd say until the army were ready to accept civil war as the absolutely necessary end game, as it were.

The last two coup d'état military mutiny governments of 1991-2 and 2006-7 ended in different kinds of disasters, but disastrous they were. Then in 2010 the army got burned badly in public opinion for fiercely besides going out to shoot to kill Thais, and it's long since been forgotten which color was right or wrong, the fact remains the Thai army went out very nastily to kill Thais. Public opinion turned very strongly against the army for it, and the army sorely knows this, so no more.

Given the army's new reality, the army might well be expected to assess developments as they may occur, may develop over several months or perhaps throughout 2014. It would come out of the barracks only if it sees developments appreciably down the road as giving it no alternative but to go ahead to fight a civil war. For the army to intervene, it would have to be that dire and only down the road.

The watermelon elements you, I and others know exist within pose yet another practical check, a loyalty factor and thus an operational effectiveness question the army can't yet afford to test, ie, line combat units commanded by an unknown number of force commanders joining a revolution to fight against the rest of the hard core army and its fiercest commanders.

I'd also have to wonder whether the army might be lobbying against a judicial coup because the army would know the RS would come out in full force, which would precipitate the sum of all fears right now and for certain rather than perhaps and possibly, not necessarily, some time later, depending.

A fog of war hasn't descended but the air continues to get increasingly dense.

Edited February 9, 2014 by Publicus