We deserve better: it's time to restart Thailand

[Thai at Heart]

Generally a pretty good screed from Abhisit, showing the benefits of his Eton - Oxford education and political nous on the international front. Where he fails, is pushing the right buttons on the domestic front to rise above the fray and show himself to be a statesman who can heal over the festering sores that have formed in Thailand these past few years. The partial use of Lincoln's address on "government of the people, for the people, by the people" rings kind of hollow in this case, especially given his mention in the first paragraph that "our future lies in the hands of the few" and the Democrats continual defence of a system of governance that benefits the few and at the expense of the masses. All the same, he is streaks ahead Thaksin (and entire PTP party) in terms of demonstrating intelligence and insight through his writing (surely they would have to rely on the paid services of Robert Amsterdam to come up with a similar opinion piece), and in an unedifying field, he still stands out as the only respectable candidate for future PM. Would that there be someone better standing up to the plate, but there ain't, so Abhisit scrapes through by default.

Its such a shame he lacks any political principles whatsoever. Although its good to see that he has been laid bare for all to see.

He is the worst type of politician. The flip flopper, the wolf in lambs clothing, the fibber. He has no idea what he wants Thailand to become, other than he knows that Thaksin threatens him and his position.

He is the champagne socialist, the compassionate conservative, the undemocratic democrat. All ghastly concepts.

I don't know where he learnt to behave like this, but Eton would probably like to disown him.

You people are too quick to condemn. And you condemn from a prejudiced point of view. If you studied this man a little bit more and opened your heart to different possibilities and got rid of your inner prejudices and ideology then you would probably see that Abhisit is a good man who has been demonised by the self-exiled sociopaths in order to serve his own interests. You've got to hand it Abhisit - all the sh"" he has been put through by the Shins and their reds - and he i still willing to stand up and be counted. This man needs support, not stupid, blind criticism.

Well I have a few mates who went to schools with him. I am removed from the political equation by virtue of being a farang. He needs to get support from thais and he isn't particularly successful at that.

[kikoman]

Generally a pretty good screed from Abhisit, showing the benefits of his Eton - Oxford education and political nous on the international front. Where he fails, is pushing the right buttons on the domestic front to rise above the fray and show himself to be a statesman who can heal over the festering sores that have formed in Thailand these past few years. The partial use of Lincoln's address on "government of the people, for the people, by the people" rings kind of hollow in this case, especially given his mention in the first paragraph that "our future lies in the hands of the few" and the Democrats continual defence of a system of governance that benefits the few and at the expense of the masses. All the same, he is streaks ahead Thaksin (and entire PTP party) in terms of demonstrating intelligence and insight through his writing (surely they would have to rely on the paid services of Robert Amsterdam to come up with a similar opinion piece), and in an unedifying field, he still stands out as the only respectable candidate for future PM. Would that there be someone better standing up to the plate, but there ain't, so Abhisit scrapes through by default.

Its such a shame he lacks any political principles whatsoever. Although its good to see that he has been laid bare for all to see.

He is the worst type of politician. The flip flopper, the wolf in lambs clothing, the fibber. He has no idea what he wants Thailand to become, other than he knows that Thaksin threatens him and his position.

He is the champagne socialist, the compassionate conservative, the undemocratic democrat. All ghastly concepts.

I don't know where he learnt to behave like this, but Eton would probably like to disown him.

You people are too quick to condemn. And you condemn from a prejudiced point of view. If you studied this man a little bit more and opened your heart to different possibilities and got rid of your inner prejudices and ideology then you would probably see that Abhisit is a good man who has been demonised by the self-exiled sociopaths in order to serve his own interests. You've got to hand it Abhisit - all the sh"" he has been put through by the Shins and their reds - and he i still willing to stand up and be counted. This man needs support, not stupid, blind criticism.

Did you open your heart to Yingluck ? Hell no

Abhisit does not deserve to be our Garbage man, let alone a position of Trust!.

[bigbamboo]

The only 'Thai' who has been in the international news this week is Vanessa Mae.

And she will be British again by the end of the Olympics.

[soalbundy]

Generally a pretty good screed from Abhisit, showing the benefits of his Eton - Oxford education and political nous on the international front. Where he fails, is pushing the right buttons on the domestic front to rise above the fray and show himself to be a statesman who can heal over the festering sores that have formed in Thailand these past few years. The partial use of Lincoln's address on "government of the people, for the people, by the people" rings kind of hollow in this case, especially given his mention in the first paragraph that "our future lies in the hands of the few" and the Democrats continual defence of a system of governance that benefits the few and at the expense of the masses. All the same, he is streaks ahead Thaksin (and entire PTP party) in terms of demonstrating intelligence and insight through his writing (surely they would have to rely on the paid services of Robert Amsterdam to come up with a similar opinion piece), and in an unedifying field, he still stands out as the only respectable candidate for future PM. Would that there be someone better standing up to the plate, but there ain't, so Abhisit scrapes through by default.

Its such a shame he lacks any political principles whatsoever. Although its good to see that he has been laid bare for all to see.

He is the worst type of politician. The flip flopper, the wolf in lambs clothing, the fibber. He has no idea what he wants Thailand to become, other than he knows that Thaksin threatens him and his position.

He is the champagne socialist, the compassionate conservative, the undemocratic democrat. All ghastly concepts.

I don't know where he learnt to behave like this, but Eton would probably like to disown him.

You people are too quick to condemn. And you condemn from a prejudiced point of view. If you studied this man a little bit more and opened your heart to different possibilities and got rid of your inner prejudices and ideology then you would probably see that Abhisit is a good man who has been demonised by the self-exiled sociopaths in order to serve his own interests. You've got to hand it Abhisit - all the sh"" he has been put through by the Shins and their reds - and he i still willing to stand up and be counted. This man needs support, not stupid, blind criticism.

Did you open your heart to Yingluck ? Hell no

Abhisit does not deserve to be our Garbage man, let alone a position of Trust!.

I rather like the man,he is one of the few public figures that has style,he always seems to show a form of quiet dignity ,how unlike Suthep, Jutaporn,Chalerm or Yinluck to name a few.

[soalbundy]

One correction. I don't think the world is watching. It's barely noticing. Turn on the news, and it's all Ukraine and Olympics. Whatever happens, here, goes right under the radar, for the most part.

You are 100% correct.

Who cares if Thailand is split into two (North & South).

Join rank with Sudan, Korea, Vietnam, Pakistan, Timor, Yugoslavian, Czechoslovakia, Germany, USSR, New Zealand, etc.

The people who will be affected will care, whereas you will most likely have moved on to pastures new as soon as the going gets tough, oblivious to those who will suffer. This is your prerogative. But kindly keep your stupid 'who cares' throw away remarks to yourself. There are many expats here who have either retired, or who are married with families, who love this fine country, and are here for the full innings, not just a couple of overs! I care about the future of my young son more than anything in the world!

I CARE !

Cut the pathos, Suriya4 isn't about to change the boarders with his remark. I CARE......reminds me of one of Al Bundy"s episodes

"A poem by Al Bundy,

When the ball is on the mound

and the wife is underground

i care"

[johnnytuc]

The world is watching?? The world is not interested!

Did any country try to colonize???

Educated work force cmon get real.

[soalbundy]

Firstly, I’m no fan of Abhisit or the Democrats. Also, I personally believe that Suthep is a blustering fool who’s enjoying his time in the spotlight, perhaps quite dangerously, but it’s a spotlight that ought to have been extinguished following the demise of the Amnesty Bill back in 2013. Politically speaking, I dress to the left and would naturally gravitate towards the principles of the Pheu Thai Party, BUT, it’s the details within their final policies, and their unguarded execution, that disgusts me. At almost every turn, the current Pheu Thai government has somehow managed to transform the potentially beneficial into the totally disastrous: Flood response, first car scheme, one tablet per child, rice pledging scheme, amnesty bill.

It’s not an enviable record, and of course there’s more mud to sling at PTP because they’ve been the party in power, but what really disturbs me and makes me hope for a third and better way forward, is their constant barrage of lies and denial of responsibility and accountability.

I fully understand that Thailand’s political and social problems didn’t begin with Thaksin Shinawatra, but I also now believe that real progress will not happen until the Shinawatra Family and Friends are gone from Thai politics for ever.

What I do respect about Abhisit’s article, is a move towards an admission of failure. He seems to admit that at this present time, the Democrats are not the answer, and while it’s a small step that he seems to have taken, in comparison to PTP’s avoidance of ALL responsibility and denial of obvious facts, I see it as a giant leap in the right direction for Thailand.

In response to his/her own question in post #33: ‘The amnesty bill has stopped, why hasn’t the protest’, Fab4 answers: “because it has been hijacked by those who want to ensure that the ‘right’ people are in ‘charge’ when ‘something’ happens’’. Personally, I think it’s more that the protesters don’t want the ‘wrong’ people in charge.

As a former passive supporter of PHP principles, I’ll actually raise a Leo when the Shinawatra family are finally divorced from politics in Thailand. The subsequent healing process will be slow and painful, and the country will probably heal in a very tenuous ‘Thai way’, but if Abhisit can become a catalyst for the beginning of that process, then I for one will vicariously support him.

I liked your post but i think you used the word vicariously in the wrong context. i had to look that word up (it impressed me) i am a great fan of long words myself , like jockstraps, they give one dignity.

[I knew this would happen]

The world is watching?? The world is not interested!

Did any country try to colonize???

Educated work force cmon get real.

Once more the world watches Thailand

a revolution of development

We have an educated, professional workforce.

a determination to succeed

the will and ability to continue to grow, develop and perform, both nationally and globally

Our country is a hub for automotive manufacturing, technology, services, leisure and the creative industries.

Yep

[icommunity]

It really is time to restart Thailand.
Can we trust the DEM again? Will the people be fooled and taken hostage again? Shall we give them the benefit for doubt?

Thailand cannot restart when he uses holier than thou attitude and talk self-righteously, uses all the excuses and accusations mentioned here to block the restart button.

Thailand needs to forgive (first on oneself and then to others), then move on to reconciliation (First on self and others) then unity and healing and recovery will take place. A broken bone responded to healing process and when recovered becomes stronger.

With the reconciliation bill and its intention smeared and murdered, where do we go from here?

BANGKOK: -- Once more the world watches Thailand and what looks to be a never-ending stalemate: powerful protests, wanton random acts of violence, divisive and hateful content in our press and social media. The Thai people have been through this cycle of failed government for too long. Our future lies in the hands of the few, whilst the many continue to question where this will lead us. We deserve better.
Who are these few?

Our country has tremendous potential. With our unique history in Southeast Asia as being a country that was never colonised, we have undergone a revolution of development, teetering on the edge of being a "developed market". The second largest economy in Asean after Indonesia and geographically at the centre of continental Asean, we have much to gain from the establishment of the Asean economic community next year.

We have an educated, professional workforce. Our country is a hub for automotive manufacturing, technology, services, leisure and the creative industries. It is an agricultural tour de force. Behind our famous Thai smile, there is a strong sense of national pride, a determination to succeed, a passion to preserve what we call "Thai-ness", and the will and ability to continue to grow, develop and perform, both nationally and globally.

Yet it is the politics that has failed us. What is happening on the streets of Bangkok today is an irrefutable demonstration that the Thai people believe they deserve a better system. As the leader of the Democrat Party, I must share the blame for the failed politics, but at the same time I cannot shy away from my responsibilities to help lead the country from the current stalemate
You lost your credibility, legitimacy and authority to lead the country from the current stalemate you and your ‘masters’ created.

and I urge all political leaders including the current prime minister and all the political parties to do likewise. We must never forget that our claim to be "by the people and for the people" means our first duty is to serve the Thai people. We have a moral duty to "do the right thing".
We have a moral duty to "do the right thing".

You and the DEM have lost the credibility and authority to talk about “Moral Duty”. What is this “Right Thing”. Talk, talk, talk, and doing the opposite has been the hallmark of AV and the DEM.

Despite our differences, we should all agree on some key principles. We want to preserve our democracy, so there must be no coups and all violence must be condemned and stopped. We must all demand progress in bringing to account the perpetrators of over 30 incidents of violence against protesters and opposition leaders in the last few months.
He is now trying to evade responsibilities and attempting to shift ‘goal posts’ here. It is not just the last few months. It should go back to pre-coup and after coup. Many are still in prisons without trial. Also, many criminal cases got postponing for at least six years by now.

And while we can agree on condemning voter obstruction, we must also protect the right of Thais to protest peacefully, for such a right is surely one of the hallmarks of democracy.
Who against Thais the right protest peacefully? Who challenged that constitutional right of the people? On the protests over the last two years, they were violation of civil and individual rights. Law and order enforcement officers were obstructed from carrying up their duties to protect public interests and safety. The constitutional right to protest peacefully were violated and abused.

The current demonstrations/rallies/marches/protests were not peaceful. Speeches from the stages were that of inciting people to overthrow a democratically people elected government. Seizing of government offices, buildings, intimidating workers stopping works – against their will, to join protests. Police were prevented from violence sites to carry up their investigations – obstruction of police works and covering up of evidence.

For the country to move ahead, we need to understand the grievances of the people protesting on the streets and those whose protest is registered with a no-vote or by simply not voting in the recent snap election. Only then can we draw up a roadmap for the future of the country.
AV is not talking about moving ahead. He is trying to wriggle out of the mess he, the dem and its PDRC/PCAD created for the country and the people. Who are protesting on the streets now? Employed guards and grannies and exploited, and intimidated rice, rubber and oil palm farmers? The country will not move ahead when the real grievances is that of the alleged crimes hanging over the heads of the DEM.

Who knows who are those protested with a no-vote or by simply not voting. The reality is that they were also voters exercise they voting right while many were criminally prevented. The candidate right to register was also criminally violated. These activities are anti-democracy

Such a roadmap must include a return to free and fair elections, accepted by all sides,
He is setting conditions. He is trying to shift the ‘goal posts’ again. The 2 Feb was conducted and now continuing under the same rules, he and his coalition partners set by amending the election section of the 2007 Constitution.

and a clear, credible commitment to irreversible and comprehensive reforms.
The government together with the business communities, academics and various institutions had come together to initiate reform but the DEM not only boycotted them but went around Thailand criticizing the government’s initiatives.

So why are we in this political deadlock? Why have millions taken to the streets?
Millions??? He is distorting, misleading and treating Thais and world communities like a fool.

Why was there a boycott of the elections
Because the DEM is afraid of the people’s mandate and wanted to seize power unconstitutionally. There was no boycotting from at least 50 other political parties.

and why did an overwhelming majority of eligible voters who could go to vote unimpeded refuse to do so
There was an overwhelming majority voter who wanted to vote. They were scared by the EC scare mongering before the election. Voters were also scared of their safety because of violence before the election – violence in blocking the distribution of ballot boxes and papers. Candidates were denied the right to registered. Voting centres closed thus denied voters’ right who turned up. Voting centres were closed early and thus denied people the right to vote. Physical violence against voters.

or actively submitted a no-vote?
Most of those submitted to no-vote are mainly from DEM dominated areas.

The answers to these questions will enable us to identify the needed components for the roadmap.

The trigger for the unrest was the government's attempt to pass an amnesty bill that permitted the return of a fugitive, self-exiled former prime minister, whitewash his crimes of corruption and return Bt46 billion of assets to him.
The government did not attempt to pass the amnesty bill as accused. It was the legislators. Even if the accusations were true, it serves more interests to the country especially to the AV, Suthep, PAD, the military and the coup makers, supporters and financiers.

Many RS/UDD were still in jails without trial. Some were jailed and now on bail conditions awaiting trials. Whilst many criminal cases of PAD leaders get postponing for about six years by now. None of them has ever step into jail a single day.

This same administration was subsequently found guilty of manipulating votes and of fraud in Parliament.
Which cabinet minister found guilty of manipulating vote in parliament? How many of them? A group of appointed senators were in violation of constitution – a violation of conflict of interests and independence.

When the courts announced the verdict, the administration refused to accept it.
It was the legislator, not the government who refused to accept it. The legislators wanted to impeach the judges for violating their constitutional rights, abused of power and conflict of interests.

Adding to these woes now is the failure of the rice-pledging scheme. At least one million Thai farmers are waiting for payment for their last crop, with many payments outstanding from October last year.

The EC disallowed a loan arrangement to pay the LAST CROP. The dem’s PDRC/PCAD also threatened banks if they entered into arrangement that will pay the rice farmers.

The policy, which promised to pay farmers far above the market price for their rice, was doomed from the start.
The DEM using disruptive and obstructionist politics to put obstacles on the implementation of the scheme.

We Democrats said then and we see now that it would not and has not worked - as the IMF, respected academics and many others did.
IMF and many respected academics have often been proved wrong on many occasions and issues

Costing over Bt200 billion a year in losses, less than half of which benefits farmers,
The scheme was never meant to be a direct profit-making scheme. It is to raise the living standard of the farmer and thus boost domestic consumptions and ensure food security

as well as losing the country's status as the world's top rice exporter,
This is a bad argument. Changing world situation and large migration of workers from rice exporting countries to various rice importing countries is a challenge faced by all governments. Increasingly, many countries treat food security as part of national security. Negotiation and statistics are held in confidential. Information can only be accessed through correct and appropriate legal channels and security scrutiny.

the scheme is also full of corruption
So far, how many government officials and ministers were convicted of corruption and irregularities? If AV is fighting corruption, then target corruption not the policy.

and the National Anti-Corruption Commission is now expected to bring formal charges against caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for her role in the scheme later this month.
Caretaker PM has always has a role in the scheme. It is a policy of the government. AV should allowed NACC to conduct investigation without putting pressure. Everyone is looking forward to the investigation - cross-examining witnesses and evidence and the overall social impact and of the economy.

Failure to pay the farmers due to the lack of proceeds from the sale of the government rice stock
I already mentioned above that it is not meant to be a direct money making scheme.

adds to the economic woes caused by the failure of the subsidised first car scheme,
What failure?

the drop in exports
a problem not just of Thailand.

and, most recently, the drop in tourism after the declaration of the state of emergency.
He is trying to exonerate from his responsibilities and the activities of overthrowing a people elected government.

People protest because they are unsure their needs will be acknowledged. Thais are protesting against corruption. They are protesting against abuses of power. They are protesting against failed populist policies.
AV is using smear, untruth, and distortion to misinform and mislead people. The truth is that the DEM has consistently failed to win an election for the last twenty years. Just look at their own corruption and abused of power records.

They no longer trust politicians and the political process, including elections which they do not believe can be free and fair,
That is the reason the DEM could not win an election consistently for the last twenty years and their performance getting worse each time.

given the intimidation against political opposition,
How were they intimidated?

the courts and all institutions that provide checks and balance over the last few years by government supporters, the police and the Department of Special Investigations.
The truth is that the officials of the institutions and judges of courts corrupted check and balance. No one in the government or PTP deny the need to have check and balance. The truth is also that DSI and police are investigating the alleged wrong doings committed by the DEM led administration and BMA.

They can no longer tolerate "politics as usual" where an elected government abuses the democratic process and institutions to put itself above the law. Where else in the world have we seen a democratically elected government attempt to pass a law to whitewash corruption crimes of members of the leader's family?
He is using smear and distortion again. Did PM YS directly involvement in the legislating process of passing the amnesty bill? What were the corruption crimes of members of the leader's family?

Where else in the world that a government was arranged and installed by the coup makers, supporters and financiers. These people wrote their own law that pardoned themselves. These people wrote their constitution without the participation of the people. They even passed a law before the referendum that made opposing and the discussing of the constitution a criminal offense.

Where else can we find a government that publicly says it refuses to help people, denying them access to government programmes because they did not vote for the parties in power?
Who said that? Distortion, smear and untruth again

That is why we and an overwhelming majority refused to participate in elections designed to legitimise the continuation of these abusive practices.
Overwhelming majority? Did not the DEM chicken out of the election? Distortion and untruth again.

The current protest is not a Democrat Party protest.
So, the DEM is not protesting. Why did their MPs resign en masse to join the PDRC/PCAD?

An Asia Foundation survey found that two-thirds of protesters have never participated in political demonstrations before. It is a protest of the people and they deserve the right to reform. We in the Democrat Party agree with their right to protest and their right to reform.
Of course, two-third never participated political demonstration before. It is a protest of the misguided, misled, intimidated, manipulated and the maneuvered.

We may not agree with their proposed means to achieve reform and we do not wish to see democracy suspended.
Is he saying that the means of PDRC/PCAD are unconscionable and violated section 68?

But we wholeheartedly agree with the need for comprehensive reform to rid the system of corruption and abuses, to give the people honest and effective governments from democratic elections, governments who remain democratically accountable after elections.
He only know how to talk these issues. He did not put what he preaches when had the opportunity after being arranged to be the PM.

Only such reforms can guarantee responsible national, social and effective economic management that does not jeopardise the country's and our children's future. This is what Thailand and the Thai people deserve.
He is still unclear about the reforms he was talking. Reforms and its transparency and clarity can only happened when he takes part in the reform initiative. Unfortunately, he rejected all reform initiatives

Yet reforms cannot begin with this government's plan to continue with these sham elections.
What sham elections. Organizing a clean and fair election is the job of the EC. Is he accusing the EC?

This will take months and may lead to further violence and ultimately fail to fill a quorum for Parliament or even be unlawful.
Of course, if election being part of democratic process cannot solve problem, there will be further violence. It sounds like he is trying to block election rather than making it a success.

Likewise, we need to face the reality that only someone credible and accepted by all sides can lead the reform process and manage the short transition to new elections in which everyone participates. That someone is clearly not the current government, the protest leaders nor the Democrat Party.
What did he means by “…..manage the (1) SHORT TRANSITION (2) to new elections (3) in which everyone participates.

Only someone credible and accepted by all sides can lead the reform process and manage the short transition to new elections in which everyone participates
Does he has a name of someone someone credible and accepted by all sides?

The country cannot afford to lose more time.
To not waste more time is to stop playing political games and keep shifting goal posts. Start taking part in all democratic processes. To get out of the victim mentality world.

Every day the stalemate continues means a loss of opportunity for the economy, the country and the people. It's time to chart an alternative course. Thailand has proved resilient in the past, bouncing back from economic and political crises. The country can surely turn the new-found energy and unprecedented level of political awareness and engagement into strong foundations for a stronger and better system.
So stop playing political games and keep shifting goal post. Start taking part in all democratic processes. To get out of the victim mentality world.

Political leaders must be the first to move. It is time for the government to engage others.
The government has been trying to engage others, but the others keep playing political games and disruptive politics

So many groups have been working on reforms - the business community, NGOs, the Political Development Council, to mention a few.
Why the DEM rejected these initiatives?

[soalbundy]

@icommunity

Why the choice of red print..........silly question.

all in all though an informative post,full of passion but rather tedious.

I have to ask you though, for you,me and for the many thousands of other farangs living here,does it really matter to us ?

Edited February 20, 2014 by soalbundy

[Bocking]

Firstly, I’m no fan of Abhisit or the Democrats. Also, I personally believe that Suthep is a blustering fool who’s enjoying his time in the spotlight, perhaps quite dangerously, but it’s a spotlight that ought to have been extinguished following the demise of the Amnesty Bill back in 2013. Politically speaking, I dress to the left and would naturally gravitate towards the principles of the Pheu Thai Party, BUT, it’s the details within their final policies, and their unguarded execution, that disgusts me. At almost every turn, the current Pheu Thai government has somehow managed to transform the potentially beneficial into the totally disastrous: Flood response, first car scheme, one tablet per child, rice pledging scheme, amnesty bill.

It’s not an enviable record, and of course there’s more mud to sling at PTP because they’ve been the party in power, but what really disturbs me and makes me hope for a third and better way forward, is their constant barrage of lies and denial of responsibility and accountability.

I fully understand that Thailand’s political and social problems didn’t begin with Thaksin Shinawatra, but I also now believe that real progress will not happen until the Shinawatra Family and Friends are gone from Thai politics for ever.

What I do respect about Abhisit’s article, is a move towards an admission of failure. He seems to admit that at this present time, the Democrats are not the answer, and while it’s a small step that he seems to have taken, in comparison to PTP’s avoidance of ALL responsibility and denial of obvious facts, I see it as a giant leap in the right direction for Thailand.

In response to his/her own question in post #33: ‘The amnesty bill has stopped, why hasn’t the protest’, Fab4 answers: “because it has been hijacked by those who want to ensure that the ‘right’ people are in ‘charge’ when ‘something’ happens’’. Personally, I think it’s more that the protesters don’t want the ‘wrong’ people in charge.

As a former passive supporter of PHP principles, I’ll actually raise a Leo when the Shinawatra family are finally divorced from politics in Thailand. The subsequent healing process will be slow and painful, and the country will probably heal in a very tenuous ‘Thai way’, but if Abhisit can become a catalyst for the beginning of that process, then I for one will vicariously support him.

I liked your post but i think you used the word vicariously in the wrong context. i had to look that word up (it impressed me) i am a great fan of long words myself , like jockstraps, they give one dignity.

Good point Soalbundy ... I may have stretched the meaning a little, but on a board as polarised as this, I thought I'd better 'qualify' the kind of 'support' that I was referring to. Otherwise, I have no doubt that I'd receive swift replies questioning my ability/legality to vote or be politically involved here in Thailand.

Edited February 20, 2014 by Bocking

[gemini81]

It really is time to restart Thailand.

Can we trust the DEM again? Will the people be fooled and taken hostage again? Shall we give them the benefit for doubt?

Thailand cannot restart when he uses holier than thou attitude and talk self-righteously, uses all the excuses and accusations mentioned here to block the restart button.

Thailand needs to forgive (first on oneself and then to others), then move on to reconciliation (First on self and others) then unity and healing and recovery will take place. A broken bone responded to healing process and when recovered becomes stronger.

With the reconciliation bill and its intention smeared and murdered, where do we go from here?

BANGKOK: -- Once more the world watches Thailand and what looks to be a never-ending stalemate: powerful protests, wanton random acts of violence, divisive and hateful content in our press and social media. The Thai people have been through this cycle of failed government for too long. Our future lies in the hands of the few, whilst the many continue to question where this will lead us. We deserve better.

Who are these few?

Our country has tremendous potential. With our unique history in Southeast Asia as being a country that was never colonised, we have undergone a revolution of development, teetering on the edge of being a "developed market". The second largest economy in Asean after Indonesia and geographically at the centre of continental Asean, we have much to gain from the establishment of the Asean economic community next year.

We have an educated, professional workforce. Our country is a hub for automotive manufacturing, technology, services, leisure and the creative industries. It is an agricultural tour de force. Behind our famous Thai smile, there is a strong sense of national pride, a determination to succeed, a passion to preserve what we call "Thai-ness", and the will and ability to continue to grow, develop and perform, both nationally and globally.

Yet it is the politics that has failed us. What is happening on the streets of Bangkok today is an irrefutable demonstration that the Thai people believe they deserve a better system. As the leader of the Democrat Party, I must share the blame for the failed politics, but at the same time I cannot shy away from my responsibilities to help lead the country from the current stalemate

You lost your credibility, legitimacy and authority to lead the country from the current stalemate you and your ‘masters’ created.

and I urge all political leaders including the current prime minister and all the political parties to do likewise. We must never forget that our claim to be "by the people and for the people" means our first duty is to serve the Thai people. We have a moral duty to "do the right thing".

We have a moral duty to "do the right thing".

You and the DEM have lost the credibility and authority to talk about “Moral Duty”. What is this “Right Thing”. Talk, talk, talk, and doing the opposite has been the hallmark of AV and the DEM.

Despite our differences, we should all agree on some key principles. We want to preserve our democracy, so there must be no coups and all violence must be condemned and stopped. We must all demand progress in bringing to account the perpetrators of over 30 incidents of violence against protesters and opposition leaders in the last few months.

He is now trying to evade responsibilities and attempting to shift ‘goal posts’ here. It is not just the last few months. It should go back to pre-coup and after coup. Many are still in prisons without trial. Also, many criminal cases got postponing for at least six years by now.

And while we can agree on condemning voter obstruction, we must also protect the right of Thais to protest peacefully, for such a right is surely one of the hallmarks of democracy.

Who against Thais the right protest peacefully? Who challenged that constitutional right of the people? On the protests over the last two years, they were violation of civil and individual rights. Law and order enforcement officers were obstructed from carrying up their duties to protect public interests and safety. The constitutional right to protest peacefully were violated and abused.

The current demonstrations/rallies/marches/protests were not peaceful. Speeches from the stages were that of inciting people to overthrow a democratically people elected government. Seizing of government offices, buildings, intimidating workers stopping works – against their will, to join protests. Police were prevented from violence sites to carry up their investigations – obstruction of police works and covering up of evidence.

For the country to move ahead, we need to understand the grievances of the people protesting on the streets and those whose protest is registered with a no-vote or by simply not voting in the recent snap election. Only then can we draw up a roadmap for the future of the country.

AV is not talking about moving ahead. He is trying to wriggle out of the mess he, the dem and its PDRC/PCAD created for the country and the people. Who are protesting on the streets now? Employed guards and grannies and exploited, and intimidated rice, rubber and oil palm farmers? The country will not move ahead when the real grievances is that of the alleged crimes hanging over the heads of the DEM.

Who knows who are those protested with a no-vote or by simply not voting. The reality is that they were also voters exercise they voting right while many were criminally prevented. The candidate right to register was also criminally violated. These activities are anti-democracy

Such a roadmap must include a return to free and fair elections, accepted by all sides,

He is setting conditions. He is trying to shift the ‘goal posts’ again. The 2 Feb was conducted and now continuing under the same rules, he and his coalition partners set by amending the election section of the 2007 Constitution.

and a clear, credible commitment to irreversible and comprehensive reforms.

The government together with the business communities, academics and various institutions had come together to initiate reform but the DEM not only boycotted them but went around Thailand criticizing the government’s initiatives.

So why are we in this political deadlock? Why have millions taken to the streets?

Millions??? He is distorting, misleading and treating Thais and world communities like a fool.

Why was there a boycott of the elections

Because the DEM is afraid of the people’s mandate and wanted to seize power unconstitutionally. There was no boycotting from at least 50 other political parties.

and why did an overwhelming majority of eligible voters who could go to vote unimpeded refuse to do so

There was an overwhelming majority voter who wanted to vote. They were scared by the EC scare mongering before the election. Voters were also scared of their safety because of violence before the election – violence in blocking the distribution of ballot boxes and papers. Candidates were denied the right to registered. Voting centres closed thus denied voters’ right who turned up. Voting centres were closed early and thus denied people the right to vote. Physical violence against voters.

or actively submitted a no-vote?

Most of those submitted to no-vote are mainly from DEM dominated areas.

The answers to these questions will enable us to identify the needed components for the roadmap.

The trigger for the unrest was the government's attempt to pass an amnesty bill that permitted the return of a fugitive, self-exiled former prime minister, whitewash his crimes of corruption and return Bt46 billion of assets to him.

The government did not attempt to pass the amnesty bill as accused. It was the legislators. Even if the accusations were true, it serves more interests to the country especially to the AV, Suthep, PAD, the military and the coup makers, supporters and financiers.

Many RS/UDD were still in jails without trial. Some were jailed and now on bail conditions awaiting trials. Whilst many criminal cases of PAD leaders get postponing for about six years by now. None of them has ever step into jail a single day.

This same administration was subsequently found guilty of manipulating votes and of fraud in Parliament.

Which cabinet minister found guilty of manipulating vote in parliament? How many of them? A group of appointed senators were in violation of constitution – a violation of conflict of interests and independence.

When the courts announced the verdict, the administration refused to accept it.

It was the legislator, not the government who refused to accept it. The legislators wanted to impeach the judges for violating their constitutional rights, abused of power and conflict of interests.

Adding to these woes now is the failure of the rice-pledging scheme. At least one million Thai farmers are waiting for payment for their last crop, with many payments outstanding from October last year.

The EC disallowed a loan arrangement to pay the LAST CROP. The dem’s PDRC/PCAD also threatened banks if they entered into arrangement that will pay the rice farmers.

The policy, which promised to pay farmers far above the market price for their rice, was doomed from the start.

The DEM using disruptive and obstructionist politics to put obstacles on the implementation of the scheme.

We Democrats said then and we see now that it would not and has not worked - as the IMF, respected academics and many others did.

IMF and many respected academics have often been proved wrong on many occasions and issues

Costing over Bt200 billion a year in losses, less than half of which benefits farmers,

The scheme was never meant to be a direct profit-making scheme. It is to raise the living standard of the farmer and thus boost domestic consumptions and ensure food security

as well as losing the country's status as the world's top rice exporter,

This is a bad argument. Changing world situation and large migration of workers from rice exporting countries to various rice importing countries is a challenge faced by all governments. Increasingly, many countries treat food security as part of national security. Negotiation and statistics are held in confidential. Information can only be accessed through correct and appropriate legal channels and security scrutiny.

the scheme is also full of corruption

So far, how many government officials and ministers were convicted of corruption and irregularities? If AV is fighting corruption, then target corruption not the policy.

and the National Anti-Corruption Commission is now expected to bring formal charges against caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for her role in the scheme later this month.

Caretaker PM has always has a role in the scheme. It is a policy of the government. AV should allowed NACC to conduct investigation without putting pressure. Everyone is looking forward to the investigation - cross-examining witnesses and evidence and the overall social impact and of the economy.

Failure to pay the farmers due to the lack of proceeds from the sale of the government rice stock

I already mentioned above that it is not meant to be a direct money making scheme.

adds to the economic woes caused by the failure of the subsidised first car scheme,

What failure?

the drop in exports

a problem not just of Thailand.

and, most recently, the drop in tourism after the declaration of the state of emergency.

He is trying to exonerate from his responsibilities and the activities of overthrowing a people elected government.

People protest because they are unsure their needs will be acknowledged. Thais are protesting against corruption. They are protesting against abuses of power. They are protesting against failed populist policies.

AV is using smear, untruth, and distortion to misinform and mislead people. The truth is that the DEM has consistently failed to win an election for the last twenty years. Just look at their own corruption and abused of power records.

They no longer trust politicians and the political process, including elections which they do not believe can be free and fair,

That is the reason the DEM could not win an election consistently for the last twenty years and their performance getting worse each time.

given the intimidation against political opposition,

How were they intimidated?

the courts and all institutions that provide checks and balance over the last few years by government supporters, the police and the Department of Special Investigations.

The truth is that the officials of the institutions and judges of courts corrupted check and balance. No one in the government or PTP deny the need to have check and balance. The truth is also that DSI and police are investigating the alleged wrong doings committed by the DEM led administration and BMA.

They can no longer tolerate "politics as usual" where an elected government abuses the democratic process and institutions to put itself above the law. Where else in the world have we seen a democratically elected government attempt to pass a law to whitewash corruption crimes of members of the leader's family?

He is using smear and distortion again. Did PM YS directly involvement in the legislating process of passing the amnesty bill? What were the corruption crimes of members of the leader's family?

Where else in the world that a government was arranged and installed by the coup makers, supporters and financiers. These people wrote their own law that pardoned themselves. These people wrote their constitution without the participation of the people. They even passed a law before the referendum that made opposing and the discussing of the constitution a criminal offense.

Where else can we find a government that publicly says it refuses to help people, denying them access to government programmes because they did not vote for the parties in power?

Who said that? Distortion, smear and untruth again

That is why we and an overwhelming majority refused to participate in elections designed to legitimise the continuation of these abusive practices.

Overwhelming majority? Did not the DEM chicken out of the election? Distortion and untruth again.

The current protest is not a Democrat Party protest.

So, the DEM is not protesting. Why did their MPs resign en masse to join the PDRC/PCAD?

An Asia Foundation survey found that two-thirds of protesters have never participated in political demonstrations before. It is a protest of the people and they deserve the right to reform. We in the Democrat Party agree with their right to protest and their right to reform.

Of course, two-third never participated political demonstration before. It is a protest of the misguided, misled, intimidated, manipulated and the maneuvered.

We may not agree with their proposed means to achieve reform and we do not wish to see democracy suspended.

Is he saying that the means of PDRC/PCAD are unconscionable and violated section 68?

But we wholeheartedly agree with the need for comprehensive reform to rid the system of corruption and abuses, to give the people honest and effective governments from democratic elections, governments who remain democratically accountable after elections.

He only know how to talk these issues. He did not put what he preaches when had the opportunity after being arranged to be the PM.

Only such reforms can guarantee responsible national, social and effective economic management that does not jeopardise the country's and our children's future. This is what Thailand and the Thai people deserve.

He is still unclear about the reforms he was talking. Reforms and its transparency and clarity can only happened when he takes part in the reform initiative. Unfortunately, he rejected all reform initiatives

Yet reforms cannot begin with this government's plan to continue with these sham elections.

What sham elections. Organizing a clean and fair election is the job of the EC. Is he accusing the EC?

This will take months and may lead to further violence and ultimately fail to fill a quorum for Parliament or even be unlawful.

Of course, if election being part of democratic process cannot solve problem, there will be further violence. It sounds like he is trying to block election rather than making it a success.

Likewise, we need to face the reality that only someone credible and accepted by all sides can lead the reform process and manage the short transition to new elections in which everyone participates. That someone is clearly not the current government, the protest leaders nor the Democrat Party.

What did he means by “…..manage the (1) SHORT TRANSITION (2) to new elections (3) in which everyone participates.

Only someone credible and accepted by all sides can lead the reform process and manage the short transition to new elections in which everyone participates

Does he has a name of someone someone credible and accepted by all sides?

The country cannot afford to lose more time.

To not waste more time is to stop playing political games and keep shifting goal posts. Start taking part in all democratic processes. To get out of the victim mentality world.

Every day the stalemate continues means a loss of opportunity for the economy, the country and the people. It's time to chart an alternative course. Thailand has proved resilient in the past, bouncing back from economic and political crises. The country can surely turn the new-found energy and unprecedented level of political awareness and engagement into strong foundations for a stronger and better system.

So stop playing political games and keep shifting goal post. Start taking part in all democratic processes. To get out of the victim mentality world.

Political leaders must be the first to move. It is time for the government to engage others.

The government has been trying to engage others, but the others keep playing political games and disruptive politics

So many groups have been working on reforms - the business community, NGOs, the Political Development Council, to mention a few.

Why the DEM rejected these initiatives?

Retired, unemployed, lacking friends, no life, or all of the above? One would have to be a super ultra mega tosser to waste such time with long winded posts.

The dem party had a lot of programs going to initiate the development of the country.

Spend your loads of time doing proper research of what occurred here in 2008 onward to 2010, before you arrived.

Edited February 20, 2014 by gemini81

[icommunity]

@icommunity

Why the choice of red print..........silly question.

all in all though an informative post,full of passion but rather tedious.

I have to ask you though, for you,me and for the many thousands of other farangs living here,does it really matter to us ?

It matters to me a Thai even though living in Thailand about half of the time in a year. I am sure those farangs who choose to live in Thailand want to see a peaceful, harmonious, progressive, prosperous Thailand. Whether for business or other personal reasons, Thailand deserve to be a Nation of choice. However, during this 'transition' we have to endure and accept the 'pain of gestation.' They are process and procedure to follow before a successful delivery.

Edited February 20, 2014 by icommunity

[soalbundy]

@icommunity

Why the choice of red print..........silly question.

all in all though an informative post,full of passion but rather tedious.

I have to ask you though, for you,me and for the many thousands of other farangs living here,does it really matter to us ?

It matters to me a Thai even though living in Thailand about half of the time in a year. I am sure those farangs who choose to live in Thailand want to see a peaceful, harmonious, progressive, prosperous Thailand. Whether for business or other personal reasons, Thailand deserve to be a Nation of choice. However, during this 'transition' we have to endure and accept the 'pain of gestation.' They are process and procedure to follow before a successful delivery.

Words like gestation and delivery call down visions of a birth whereas i have the impression Thailand is in a situation that more resembles a process of death or shall we say Thailand is in the ICU. Nobody deserves a good government it has to be earned. Thais will have to change their mindset, "Thainess", which i associate with all things negative about Thailand, is getting in the way.

[VINCENT2012]

This article first appeared in The Financial Times.

When ? I'm a subscriber to the FT and havn't seen that article there.

Our country has tremendous potential. With our unique history in Southeast Asia as being a country that was never colonised, we have undergone a revolution of development, teetering on the edge of being a "developed market". The second largest economy in Asean after Indonesia and geographically at the centre of continental Asean, we have much to gain from the establishment of the Asean economic community next year.

Modesty would be a good start Mark .... interesting that hes citing much to gain from rather than much to give the Asean economic community as a partner.Teetering on the edge is a good description of where the country is at the moment though, but its on the edge of stability rather than a developed market right now.

We have an educated, professional workforce. Our country is a hub for automotive manufacturing, technology, services, leisure and the creative industries. It is an agricultural tour de force. Behind our famous Thai smile, there is a strong sense of national pride, a determination to succeed, a passion to preserve what we call "Thai-ness", and the will and ability to continue to grow, develop and perform, both nationally and globally

Such a hub of everything here wow,the passion of preserving Thai-ness part is interesting, just what could that mean i wonder ?

i agree with that ..how do we know this is from the journal it says? where is the link?

second...for an educated, professional workforce....well in my opinion it is not enough , they need ingeneers and.thats exeactly what thailand hasn't got a lot........without the farang ingeneers every where, i would like to know how they could have made the new motor way, the new airport, the underground , etc etc ...

to resume a lot of proud ...perhaps ....but a very litle bit of "savoir faire" that's for sure

my note is :

could do better

[soalbundy]

This article first appeared in The Financial Times.

When ? I'm a subscriber to the FT and havn't seen that article there.

Our country has tremendous potential. With our unique history in Southeast Asia as being a country that was never colonised, we have undergone a revolution of development, teetering on the edge of being a "developed market". The second largest economy in Asean after Indonesia and geographically at the centre of continental Asean, we have much to gain from the establishment of the Asean economic community next year.

Modesty would be a good start Mark .... interesting that hes citing much to gain from rather than much to give the Asean economic community as a partner.Teetering on the edge is a good description of where the country is at the moment though, but its on the edge of stability rather than a developed market right now.

We have an educated, professional workforce. Our country is a hub for automotive manufacturing, technology, services, leisure and the creative industries. It is an agricultural tour de force. Behind our famous Thai smile, there is a strong sense of national pride, a determination to succeed, a passion to preserve what we call "Thai-ness", and the will and ability to continue to grow, develop and perform, both nationally and globally

Such a hub of everything here wow,the passion of preserving Thai-ness part is interesting, just what could that mean i wonder ?

i agree with that ..how do we know this is from the journal it says? where is the link?

second...for an educated, professional workforce....well in my opinion it is not enough , they need ingeneers and.thats exeactly what thailand hasn't got a lot........without the farang ingeneers every where, i would like to know how they could have made the new motor way, the new airport, the underground , etc etc ...

to resume a lot of proud ...perhaps ....but a very litle bit of "savoir faire" that's for sure

my note is :

could do better

Your post would have made a better impression if you had spelt "engineers (among other words) correctly or are you German in which case Ingenieure would have been correct.

[sawadee1947]

what a stupid article. This article is written by someone, who tried over many years to gain majority of voters and NEVER got it. He envys Yingluck at the end????or his role

Restart YES, but without criminals as Abhisit who has to go to court for his role 2006 and without terrorists as Suthep !

[bigbamboo]

This article first appeared in The Financial Times.

When ? I'm a subscriber to the FT and havn't seen that article there.

Our country has tremendous potential. With our unique history in Southeast Asia as being a country that was never colonised, we have undergone a revolution of development, teetering on the edge of being a "developed market". The second largest economy in Asean after Indonesia and geographically at the centre of continental Asean, we have much to gain from the establishment of the Asean economic community next year.

Modesty would be a good start Mark .... interesting that hes citing much to gain from rather than much to give the Asean economic community as a partner.Teetering on the edge is a good description of where the country is at the moment though, but its on the edge of stability rather than a developed market right now.

We have an educated, professional workforce. Our country is a hub for automotive manufacturing, technology, services, leisure and the creative industries. It is an agricultural tour de force. Behind our famous Thai smile, there is a strong sense of national pride, a determination to succeed, a passion to preserve what we call "Thai-ness", and the will and ability to continue to grow, develop and perform, both nationally and globally

Such a hub of everything here wow,the passion of preserving Thai-ness part is interesting, just what could that mean i wonder ?

i agree with that ..how do we know this is from the journal it says? where is the link?

second...for an educated, professional workforce....well in my opinion it is not enough , they need ingeneers and.thats exeactly what thailand hasn't got a lot........without the farang ingeneers every where, i would like to know how they could have made the new motor way, the new airport, the underground , etc etc ...

to resume a lot of proud ...perhaps ....but a very litle bit of "savoir faire" that's for sure

my note is :

could do better

Your post would have made a better impression if you had spelt "engineers (among other words) correctly or are you German in which case Ingenieure would have been correct.

More PR guff about never being colonised (is that really such an advantage now?), that famous smile (we've seen so little of recently) and of course bloody 'Thainess', that indefinable something which makes everything here better than anywhere else.

If it's leaders were so up themselves they might see the country the way the rest of the world sees it. That would be a good start.

[Thai at Heart]

This article first appeared in The Financial Times.

When ? I'm a subscriber to the FT and havn't seen that article there.

Our country has tremendous potential. With our unique history in Southeast Asia as being a country that was never colonised, we have undergone a revolution of development, teetering on the edge of being a "developed market". The second largest economy in Asean after Indonesia and geographically at the centre of continental Asean, we have much to gain from the establishment of the Asean economic community next year.

Modesty would be a good start Mark .... interesting that hes citing much to gain from rather than much to give the Asean economic community as a partner.Teetering on the edge is a good description of where the country is at the moment though, but its on the edge of stability rather than a developed market right now.

We have an educated, professional workforce. Our country is a hub for automotive manufacturing, technology, services, leisure and the creative industries. It is an agricultural tour de force. Behind our famous Thai smile, there is a strong sense of national pride, a determination to succeed, a passion to preserve what we call "Thai-ness", and the will and ability to continue to grow, develop and perform, both nationally and globally

Such a hub of everything here wow,the passion of preserving Thai-ness part is interesting, just what could that mean i wonder ?

i agree with that ..how do we know this is from the journal it says? where is the link?

second...for an educated, professional workforce....well in my opinion it is not enough , they need ingeneers and.thats exeactly what thailand hasn't got a lot........without the farang ingeneers every where, i would like to know how they could have made the new motor way, the new airport, the underground , etc etc ...

to resume a lot of proud ...perhaps ....but a very litle bit of "savoir faire" that's for sure

my note is :

could do better

Your post would have made a better impression if you had spelt "engineers (among other words) correctly or are you German in which case Ingenieure would have been correct.

More PR guff about never being colonised (is that really such an advantage now?), that famous smile (we've seen so little of recently) and of course bloody 'Thainess', that indefinable something which makes everything here better than anywhere else.

If it's leaders were so up themselves they might see the country the way the rest of the world sees it. That would be a good start.

Until they realise that the world doesn't look upon Thailand with any concept of exceptionalism, nothing will change

The world doesn't automatically believe Thailand to be superior to anyone.

[soalbundy]

what a stupid article. This article is written by someone, who tried over many years to gain majority of voters and NEVER got it. He envys Yingluck at the end????or his role

Restart YES, but without criminals as Abhisit who has to go to court for his role 2006 and without terrorists as Suthep !

That just about rules out all the politicians in Thailand.

[Jonmarleesco]

'Our country has ... unique history ... being a country that was never colonised.'

Reasonable to assume that no colonising country was that interested. A pity, given the resulting factionalism, feudalism, and overriding nationalism. And the current mish-mash of democracy that the country is going need to eventually clean up.

[icommunity]

@icommunity

Why the choice of red print..........silly question.

all in all though an informative post,full of passion but rather tedious.

I have to ask you though, for you,me and for the many thousands of other farangs living here,does it really matter to us ?

It matters to me a Thai even though living in Thailand about half of the time in a year. I am sure those farangs who choose to live in Thailand want to see a peaceful, harmonious, progressive, prosperous Thailand. Whether for business or other personal reasons, Thailand deserve to be a Nation of choice. However, during this 'transition' we have to endure and accept the 'pain of gestation.' They are process and procedure to follow before a successful delivery.

Words like gestation and delivery call down visions of a birth whereas i have the impression Thailand is in a situation that more resembles a process of death or shall we say Thailand is in the ICU. Nobody deserves a good government it has to be earned. Thais will have to change their mindset, "Thainess", which i associate with all things negative about Thailand, is getting in the way.

I don't think you know what I meant by the 'transition'. I hope and pray that the delivery will be successful. However, I don't know how to advice those who choose to continue the suffering of pain from victimised mentality. They don't take full responsibility of their 'failures'. They blame everything, circumstances and everyone except themselves. They talk a lot but no action. I suggest you study and compare the characters, behaviours and lifestyle of those who are successful and mediocre.

Send from my Mobile

[soalbundy]

@icommunity

Why the choice of red print..........silly question.

all in all though an informative post,full of passion but rather tedious.

I have to ask you though, for you,me and for the many thousands of other farangs living here,does it really matter to us ?

It matters to me a Thai even though living in Thailand about half of the time in a year. I am sure those farangs who choose to live in Thailand want to see a peaceful, harmonious, progressive, prosperous Thailand. Whether for business or other personal reasons, Thailand deserve to be a Nation of choice. However, during this 'transition' we have to endure and accept the 'pain of gestation.' They are process and procedure to follow before a successful delivery.

Words like gestation and delivery call down visions of a birth whereas i have the impression Thailand is in a situation that more resembles a process of death or shall we say Thailand is in the ICU. Nobody deserves a good government it has to be earned. Thais will have to change their mindset, "Thainess", which i associate with all things negative about Thailand, is getting in the way.

I don't think you know what I meant by the 'transition'. I hope and pray that the delivery will be successful. However, I don't know how to advice those who choose to continue the suffering of pain from victimised mentality. They don't take full responsibility of their 'failures'. They blame everything, circumstances and everyone except themselves. They talk a lot but no action. I suggest you study and compare the characters, behaviours and lifestyle of those who are successful and mediocre.

Send from my Mobile

You wont get a transition or a successful birth because,,,,,,,,,,,,"They don't take responsibilities for their failures.They blame everything........." that's the "Thainess" i metioned.

Edited February 20, 2014 by soalbundy

[Just1Voice]

We have an educated, professional workforce.

Where does he think he is? Vietnam, Malaysia or Indonesia? This is THAILAND we're talking about.

[citizen33]

But that is not what this protest is about. That was abhisits deceit at the beginning of the protests when he said that it was.

If that was the case why is the protest still going on. The amnesty bill has stopped, why hasn't the protest?

Because it has been hijacked by those who want to ensure that the "right" people are in "charge" when "something" happens.

Of course we really can't talk about that, but I have been havering a bit about what is involved. To begin with I thought, yes, coup or judicial coup for the 'right people' to gain power and control future events. But I have begun to wonder if the divisions go higher than we thought and the stalemate we have seen for weeks reflects conflicting pressures from above. Unfinished ditty (you'll see I'm no poet):

If the powers want a boy, then Yingluck is their toy.

If tradition they eschew, then girl and Suthep will have their coup.

Just an idle thought arising from all that mindless gossip one hears! I don't expect any replies.

[icommunity]

Generally a pretty good screed from Abhisit, showing the benefits of his Eton - Oxford education and political nous on the international front. Where he fails, is pushing the right buttons on the domestic front to rise above the fray and show himself to be a statesman who can heal over the festering sores that have formed in Thailand these past few years. The partial use of Lincoln's address on "government of the people, for the people, by the people" rings kind of hollow in this case, especially given his mention in the first paragraph that "our future lies in the hands of the few" and the Democrats continual defence of a system of governance that benefits the few and at the expense of the masses. All the same, he is streaks ahead Thaksin (and entire PTP party) in terms of demonstrating intelligence and insight through his writing (surely they would have to rely on the paid services of Robert Amsterdam to come up with a similar opinion piece), and in an unedifying field, he still stands out as the only respectable candidate for future PM. Would that there be someone better standing up to the plate, but there ain't, so Abhisit scrapes through by default.

Read it again. He is meaning that the country's future as it currently sits is in the hands of a few. He indicated elsewhere in the article that it belongs in the hands of all and has accepted that the Democrats are as much as fault with the curent situation.

Agree thou it is a good reflection of the current situation.

And as for those who crucify him for his perceived past short comings I would defy any of them to run a rag tag minority team not only successfully but even scraping by where part of the team are only in for their own gains, and where those members of the team who are in there for the right reasons of the betterment of the nation and not their own pockets and family, their attention is being heavily averted by a systematic flank attack. I would suggest that if he had a house majority as enjoyed by any of the Thaksin clones then he would have been very successful in advancing Thailand.

Regardless I do not see anybody being able to resolve this mess and it is needing to play out. The reality is all the scum that pass for thai politicians need to carry on at the rate they are currently going to destroy their ever diminishing politicial face once and for all in the eyes of the thai public regardless of the cost to Thailand socially, economically and politically until such time as a power vaccum exists for the Army to finally step in under the instruction of a higher authority. Next time around hopefully the Army seeks assistance not from politicians but the third of thai's who have sufficent morals and values to be above accepting corruption to not only reset the constitution but also reform where once elections do occur again that politicians have a lawful consequence in plus for their corrupt and incompetent mafia family carry ons.

AV had a house majority. Beside that he has the support and protection of judges, officials of independence agencies, the appointed senators and the military. He is still enjoying their support and protection. Without which, his disruptive politics on the legislature and executives branch of democratic system will not work as it is now. Can't blame the voters for his failures.

Send from my Mobile

[icommunity]

This article first appeared in The Financial Times.

When ? I'm a subscriber to the FT and havn't seen that article there.

Our country has tremendous potential. With our unique history in Southeast Asia as being a country that was never colonised, we have undergone a revolution of development, teetering on the edge of being a "developed market". The second largest economy in Asean after Indonesia and geographically at the centre of continental Asean, we have much to gain from the establishment of the Asean economic community next year.

Modesty would be a good start Mark .... interesting that hes citing much to gain from rather than much to give the Asean economic community as a partner.Teetering on the edge is a good description of where the country is at the moment though, but its on the edge of stability rather than a developed market right now.

We have an educated, professional workforce. Our country is a hub for automotive manufacturing, technology, services, leisure and the creative industries. It is an agricultural tour de force. Behind our famous Thai smile, there is a strong sense of national pride, a determination to succeed, a passion to preserve what we call "Thai-ness", and the will and ability to continue to grow, develop and perform, both nationally and globally

Such a hub of everything here wow,the passion of preserving Thai-ness part is interesting, just what could that mean i wonder ?

I used google, yahoo, and bing but could not find the article in Financial Times. I search Financial Times online, I could not find the article either. was it on printed issue? May be we should ask AV.

Edited February 20, 2014 by icommunity

[ianf]

The Democrat party are not part of the Solution, They are the problem,

"No one can hide from that fact"!

1- All the original protest leaders are DEMOCRAT politicians,

2-The Democrats are the only political party that boycotted the election causing the problems that exist today,

3-The only consistencies to block the election completely were those that were in traditional Democrats stronghold

4-The run on the banks were again from Traditional Democrat dominated South and Bangkok

5-The Democrats actively participated in the street protest, and the illegal take over of state offices

The Democrats are in no position to point their finger at anyone else but themselves,

Abhisit has yet to face the corruption changes brought against him and his government!

Cheers

Kikoman has got it wrong again. Ahh well, better go back and study Mein Kampf Kiko!

[kikoman]

Those that Like Abhisit, great! make him a member of the family or your Best friend, but keep the idiot out of politics!

Cheers

[kikoman]

The Democrat party are not part of the Solution, They are the problem,

"No one can hide from that fact"!

1- All the original protest leaders are DEMOCRAT politicians,

2-The Democrats are the only political party that boycotted the election causing the problems that exist today,

3-The only consistencies to block the election completely were those that were in traditional Democrats stronghold

4-The run on the banks were again from Traditional Democrat dominated South and Bangkok

5-The Democrats actively participated in the street protest, and the illegal take over of state offices

The Democrats are in no position to point their finger at anyone else but themselves,

Abhisit has yet to face the corruption changes brought against him and his government!

Cheers

Kikoman has got it wrong again. Ahh well, better go back and study Mein Kampf Kiko!

Can you prove any one of those Five points are wrong and not factual!. do it.

I could never be allowed in the Mein Kampf movement, Herr ianf, I am the wrong color!

Cheers