Suthep calls for live TV talks with Yingluck

[webfact]

YINGLUCK VS SUTHEP
Suthep calls for live TV talks with Yingluck
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has challenged Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to one-on-one talks broadcast live on television in a bid to end the political deadlock.

The caretaker PM responded to yesterday's challenge with a condition - she would meet with Suthep if he ended anti-government protests and allowed the uncompleted national election to go ahead.

"If Khun Yingluck really wants to find a solution through talks, I ask her to make an appointment for a one-on-one meeting with me in an open setting," Suthep told reporters. "The talks should be broadcast live on TV so that the people know what is going on."

Suthep, secretary general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee, said the talks should be for the good of the country and not for personal benefit.

He said he would not take part in them if former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra benefited.

The veteran politician had earlier said he would only talk to Thaksin, Yingluck's elder brother, whom he accused of being behind rampant corruption and abuse of power.

Suthep leads a protest movement that aims to bring down the so-called Thaksin regime.

Yingluck said she was in favour of negotiations if they were constitutional.

She asked Suthep whether he was ready to end the protest to pave the way for the election.

"Something important that everyone wants is an end to the protests and the election to go ahead," she said from Chiang Mai.

"If not, we can't tell the world community how we will maintain democracy.

"This is the main point we have to stick to. I agree in principle to peaceful negotiation."

PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan said the prime minister should not have placed a condition on the talks going ahead if she was sincere. "It seems she does not want the talks to happen," he said.

The ruling Pheu Thai Party accused Suthep of having ulterior motives for demanding one-on-one talks broadcast live.

"In principle, such talks must be held in secret," Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said.

"Suthep's offer looks as though he wants to have a political debate broadcast live on TV. This would create more problems than lead to a solution."

International organisations yesterday voiced support for talks between both sides.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon again offered to help find a solution to the political crisis. He "expresses his readiness to assist Thailand and the Thai people in any way possible", his spokesman said.

Ban's statement came shortly after caretaker Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said he would seek the UN secretary-general's assistance. Surapong said he had spoken with Ban to discuss ways out of the political crisis.

Ban has offered his assistance to Thailand on several occasions - including during separate talks with Yingluck and former opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva - to end the worsening political violence, which has claimed at least 22 lives including four children.

His spokesman quoted Ban as urging the warring parties to engage in dialogue as soon as possible in a meaningful and inclusive way while advancing genuine reform.

Meanwhile, the European Union joined other international bodies in expressing deep concern over the situation in Thailand, saying the death of young children was particularly disturbing.

Catherine Ashton, the EU's high representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, expressed her deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.

She called on all stakeholders involved in the conflict to act with the utmost restraint to prevent any further violence.

"She reiterates her urgent call for a dialogue leading to a lasting political solution based on democratic principles," Ashton's spokesman said.


-- The Nation 2014-02-28

[webfact]

PM willing to talk to Suthep under constitutional framework

BANGKOK, 28 February 2014 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has affirmed she is open to negotiations with Secretary-General of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) Suthep Thaugsuban as long as he complies with the Constitution.

Following Mr Suthep’s challenge for Ms Yingluck to join him in a televised one-on-one negotiation, the Prime Minister has expressed her willingness to show up for the occasion. Nonetheless, she stressed that the discussion must have a clear direction and adhere to the framework of the charter.

If the protest leader’s demands were beyond her constitutional power, the premier said a team of experts must also be present in order to help suggest useful ideas for the benefit of the whole country. As for her demands, she reiterated that Mr Suthep must end the protests and allow the election process to move forward.

Regarding a plan of the Center for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) to invite the United Nations to help find solutions for Thailand, Ms Yingluck insisted she was looking forward to hearing the advice although she believed Thai people would eventually need to solve the political problems by themselves.


-- NNT 2014-02-28

[soundman]

One on one debate. Nah, will not happen. Suthep is dreaming.

the premier said a team of experts must also be present

I will always remember Somchai Wongsawat's earpiece more or less falling out when he was trying to listen to instructions over a vocal crowd.

Couldn't imagine any debate with Yingluck will be any different.

[Curt1591]

I think all his other talks, like the ones with generals, should also be broadcast live.

[Dr Bruce]

Suthep's pre-conditions for talks.

No sharing power with the elected Government.

No talking about Elections.

And the obvious no Taksin coming home or getting his money.

What will he talk about?

Maybe he will tell us about his reforms at last.

[chooka]

Now he wants to talk, Yingluk has been pleading with him to talk. Don't turn it into a media circus where he can rant and rave like he does on stage with the other clowns.

[Thai at Heart]

They both said this in English?

[TheClog]

Better if runner suthep had face to face talks with the police per his arrest warrant

[RockyBeerbelly]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Better if runner suthep had face to face talks with the police per his arrest warrant

....and better Yingluck had face-to-face meetings with the rice farmers and explain why they aren't paid yet

[RockyBeerbelly]

How about Yinglucks' conditions? Suthep has to adhire to the constitution, BUT he must stop his peaceful demonstration. Isn't that in conflict?

[aussieinthailand]

Amazing, This guy changes his mind more than his underwear, first he will talk then he wont then he wont talk with any government challenges to fist fights,

then back again to talks only with Thaksin, now talks only to Yingluk but only if it wont benefit Thaksin, &lt;deleted&gt;???

I think his strategy is if he can't dazzle them with brains, baffle them with bullsh*t

your hero has all the commitment of a sponge

Let the talks go ahead

[Scamper]

It didn't long for Phue Thai to turn this down, as it would have been disastrous for Yingluck.

[CockneyGit]

If this was to be a genuine political debate, surely it should be Yingluck v Abhisit..??

[Hawkman]

I think Suthep and Yingluck's pre demands are pathetic. Just both of them do the live debate, get them to discuss all topics; let's hear it from the horse's mouth on live tv that the Bill won't resurface and that the Government will learn from it's mistakes and rid the corruption and change the rice scheme. Likewise, let's hear your reforms, Suthep! Then come next election time we have video evidence.

The only reason she wants the election is to pass the bill through so she and her brother can get off scott free, she doesn't give one monkeys about democracy.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[Baerboxer]

Now he wants to talk, Yingluk has been pleading with him to talk. Don't turn it into a media circus where he can rant and rave like he does on stage with the other clowns.

Wrong. Yingluck has been pleading for him to listen. She wants any meeting under her rules and and to be with her supporting cast and in private.

Shin transparency at its best.

[Baerboxer]

Amazing, This guy changes his mind more than his underwear, first he will talk then he wont then he wont talk with any government challenges to fist fights,

then back again to talks only with Thaksin, now talks only to Yingluk but only if it wont benefit Thaksin, &lt;deleted&gt;???

I think his strategy is if he can't dazzle them with brains, baffle them with bullsh*t

your hero has all the commitment of a sponge

Let the talks go ahead

Of course YL and TL never do this

There won't be a cabinet re-shuffle

We won't dissolve the house

the Amnesty bill has been killed, well it won't be brought back, well ......... we'll see

Let's talk. no talk. let's talk, no talk, let's talk etc etc ad infinity.

YL can't do a debate on her own because she hasn't got a clue. She's a good actress at times, and can sort of read from a script. She certainly doesn't make any decisions.

[saltandpepper]

Now he wants to talk, Yingluk has been pleading with him to talk. Don't turn it into a media circus where he can rant and rave like he does on stage with the other clowns.

Where he would be able to expose to the world who the PM really is......a puppet, with no ability to discuss anything without a script!

[Tatsujin]

Now he wants to talk, Yingluk has been pleading with him to talk. Don't turn it into a media circus where he can rant and rave like he does on stage with the other clowns.

Again, you misrepresent the facts.

Yingluck has been calling for talks, yes . . . but only on the condition that the protests are ended immediately and then she will talk.

Both sides have "conditions", so stop trying to make out that Yingluck/PT are as pure and honest as the driven snow, it's just not true and anyone with half a brain can see that.

[aussieinthailand]

It didn't long for Phue Thai to turn this down, as it would have been disastrous for Yingluck.

When did YL turn down talks? would you like to show us your inside information?

[toybits]

The way this article is written makes it look like the PM has set preconditions before agreeing to the one-on-one. It did not even mention that Mr. Suthep had his own preconditions as well. Well, you gotta leave it to The Nation to do the Sheep management.

[klauskunkel]

They could talk on Facebook, from "fiend" to "friend" in one click...

Edited February 28, 2014 by klauskunkel

[tezzainoz]

Suthep's pre-conditions for talks.

No sharing power with the elected Government.

No talking about Elections.

And the obvious no Taksin coming home or getting his money.

What will he talk about?

Maybe he will tell us about his reforms at last.

Mhh this is what the Thai people are protesting about

No sharing power with the elected Government. Yes

No talking about Elections. Yes we are taling about what need to be done so we can have an election

no Taksin coming home or getting his money. the reason this all started

What will he talk about? Thailand future and the polices to end corruption this includes both side

To be held on Live TV Yes The way is is done in Western democracies

Protestor leader Vs PM Yes The way is is done in Western democracies

Tasking not to be apart of the talks Yes Yingluck keeps says she is the PM

if you are yell ow red or white this seems to be the best way to start this country back on it feet

[Suriya4]

What's the TV going to be called?

Beauty and the Beast?

[tezzainoz]

Now he wants to talk, Yingluk has been pleading with him to talk. Don't turn it into a media circus where he can rant and rave like he does on stage with the other clowns.

you can always offer your self as a mediator so he can not do this

But do you really Believe Taksin will allow her to face the Thai people on her own

10,000 baht to any charity of you choice says she will not

[tezzainoz]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Better if runner suthep had face to face talks with the police per his arrest warrant

....and better Yingluck had face-to-face meetings with the rice farmers and explain why they aren't paid yet

Post 8 & 9 cancel each other out

[ginjag]

Yingluck will not meet anyone for live talks because in plain English she will "let her daft out" She also knows that her pre condition "elections first' will put a stop to it.

Why have pre conditions why not be on air and discuss any subject ??? I think Suthep would meet without having any pre conditions, it's only the P.M that would block anything with her --elections excuse.

Get BBC Hardtalk in on this with Steve S---or L.S--Janeab. I think Suthep would hold his own, the PM never in a million years -she would to my mind walk out crying.

Another twist, leave out Suthep, bring in Abhisit--if he is so bad a guy as some posters think--let them see this 1--to --1. OR anyone on air to talk to her---she would decline every invitation----on the condition elections first.

Edited February 28, 2014 by ginjag

[tezzainoz]

How about Yinglucks' conditions? Suthep has to adhire to the constitution, BUT he must stop his peaceful demonstration. Isn't that in conflict?

His protests have already been ruled legal

so as Usual if and court ruling is against her

This is an illegal ruling ha ha

[tezzainoz]

Amazing, This guy changes his mind more than his underwear, first he will talk then he wont then he wont talk with any government challenges to fist fights,

then back again to talks only with Thaksin, now talks only to Yingluk but only if it wont benefit Thaksin, &lt;deleted&gt;???

I think his strategy is if he can't dazzle them with brains, baffle them with bullsh*t

your hero has all the commitment of a sponge

Let the talks go ahead

Or did he know all the offers made by Yingluck where fake, like all the other words that come out of her mouth

In the end he got sick of it so agreed

and she proved him right

Her offers to talk where always fake, she never had any intention to talk to the Thai people about anything if was had to answer herself

Edited February 28, 2014 by tezzainoz

[BlueNoseCodger]

One on one debate. Nah, will not happen. Suthep is dreaming.

the premier said a team of experts must also be present

I will always remember Somchai Wongsawat's earpiece more or less falling out when he was trying to listen to instructions over a vocal crowd.

Couldn't imagine any debate with Yingluck will be any different.

She's can't debate him on TV anyway. The EC will try to ban her if she does. He's not a politician with a political party anymore, so they can't ban Suthep.

It's a pity he's not sincere, but it was worth offering talks.

It's more telling that Abhisit is all but gone from politics now. You almost never see him, what happened to all the Democrat MPs too? It's like they melted away like snowmen. So on the Democrat side there really isn't anyone who stands for them as a party seeking election now. They're 100% plutocratic power grab now.

[tezzainoz]

If this was to be a genuine political debate, surely it should be Yingluck v Abhisit..??

Looking at what you write

You are the 1st person to be totally correct

Her true counter part is Abhisit

But this would be worse the Suthep

Abhisit kept Thailand in the black during the world financial collapse