PDRC deluded in thinking it has the upper hand

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
PDRC deluded in thinking it has the upper hand
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- THE PEOPLE'S Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leaders and their supporters seem to be under the illusion that they have gained the upper hand and are on the way to victory in the lengthy struggle to oust the caretaker Yingluck Shinawatra government.

The PDRC is confident that it will soon achieve its mission to have a PM appointed under the Constitution's Article 7, as it believes the government is going to be dealt heavy blows by independent organisations. It also believes the caretaker government has lost the support of the international community.

The PDRC's conceit is not surprising as courts and independent agencies have not done anything that could benefit the government camp. On the contrary, strictures have been passed against the government, starting with the Civil Court which may have ruled against the lifting of the state of emergency but still slapped nine restrictions on the government's imposition of the harsh law. The restrictions, which render the emergency decree meaningless, may force the government to replace the harsh law with the Internal Security Act.

The public perception is that the Constitutional Court is an adversary of the government, especially after several rulings on charter amendment were not in favour of the government camp. Furthermore, the court also ruled that the PDRC rally was a peaceful protest, leading to the Civil Court's clamping of nine restrictions on the government.

Soon to come is the National Anti-Corruption Commission's decision on pressing dereliction of duty charges against caretaker PM Yingluck over the corruption plagued rice-pledging scheme that has led to a massive financial loss to the state.

Judging from the severity of the charges, it is likely that the agency will indict her, which would result in the caretaker PM being suspended from duty, pending legal procedures.

The PDRC believes this will cause the government's demise, leading to a political vacuum and paving the way for a government appointed by the People's Council.

However, deeper scrutiny of the issues will show that the rice-pledging scheme may not bring down the government as believed by the PDRC.

If Yingluck is suspended from duty so what? Even if she is impeached in the rice-pledging scheme, how is that going to bring about political changes, as her legal issues have nothing to do with the caretaker government?

Even though Yingluck may not be able to carry out her duties, she has deputies to replace her, unlike in normal circumstances where the whole Cabinet would face dismissal when the PM is removed from the post.

Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul is likely to take over as caretaker PM if that is the case.

If the whole Cabinet has to go because of legal complications as interpreted by some legal experts, it still will not pave the way for an appointed government.

The Administrative Directives Act has plugged such legal loopholes by stipulating that permanent secretaries can carry out the duties of the caretaker government.

There is no legal avenue for an appointed government under Article 7, unless the law is interpreted differently.

Although the PDRC believes that the military does not back the government, the truth is the military is not siding with it either.

Besides, the world community has continuously voiced support for the election and may not be in favour of the PDRC as it tries to convince other people.

In addition, the number of anti-government protesters has also dropped dramatically, as the rally has become a long drawn out battle.

PDRC chief Suthep Thaugsuban should stop deceiving himself and seize the opportunity to urgently hold talks with the government to iron out their differences.


-- The Nation 2014-03-13

[Spalpeen]

Amazing! The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

[Now or Never]

Red Shirt ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM is wrong again.

[noitom]

More conflict coming.

[jayjayjayjay]

Amazing! The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

A rare factually correct piece of journalism from The Nation!

[chainarong]

The PDRC have never had the upper hand, what they have shown is that a lot of people do not like either the PTP or the Shinawatra family, there are also the silent ones who don't wish to be shot , blown up or bashed , that sit a home and say nothing,as that could lead to repercussions , , the PTP track record indicates that they will dig their own grave eventually and become a spent force within Thailand , there followers just have to wake up , people do get pissed off eventually at being ripped of, including Rice Farmers.

[billsmart]

I hope this article is accurate...

[tonbridgebrit]

The PDRC have never had the upper hand, what they have shown is that a lot of people do not like either the PTP or the Shinawatra family, there are also the silent ones who don't wish to be shot , blown up or bashed , that sit a home and say nothing,as that could lead to repercussions , , the PTP track record indicates that they will dig their own grave eventually and become a spent force within Thailand , there followers just have to wake up , people do get pissed off eventually at being ripped of, including Rice Farmers.

Yes, there's a lot of people who don't like the Thaksin party and don't like Thaksin, but a lot of those very people don't actually love or like Abhisit and the Democrats !

And this is democracy, you've got to vote for one of the parties that exists, and that party has to actually be there at the next election. All of us bang on about democracy, but some people (I'm not saying you're one of them) don't want to accept that the number of Thais who love Thaksin is greater than the number of Thais who love Abhisit and the Democrats. That's why, I reckon, Thaksin will be in power for as long as we see elections in Thailand.

[Yunla]

It also believes the caretaker government has lost the support of the international community.

I don't see the international community dancing for joy when PDRC members blocked voting booths and beat-up citizens who were just trying to cast their votes. Or when they beat up taxi-drivers and abduct shoppers, and threatened to kidnap the PM and her family.

This quote above is just desperation masked by bravado, in this case. Mostly the international community wants to see democracy, with voting-rights for all, and an end to mob-rule. This is just good for business, and the international community values a stable peaceful business environment above just about anything.

[ginjag]

This topic brings out a few of the ones that have kept a low profile of late, so to show some solidarity to a lost cause, keep believing safety in numbers ---say 12 out of 3,000.

I have a feeling that the Y/PTP are in a crisis situ., together with all those that truly think that bent governments are good.

Edited March 13, 2014 by ginjag

[ginjag]

It also believes the caretaker government has lost the support of the international community.

I don't see the international community dancing for joy when PDRC members blocked voting booths and beat-up citizens who were just trying to cast their votes. Or when they beat up taxi-drivers and abduct shoppers, and threatened to kidnap the PM and her family.

This quote above is just desperation masked by bravado, in this case. Mostly the international community wants to see democracy, with voting-rights for all, and an end to mob-rule. This is just good for business, and the international community values a stable peaceful business environment above just about anything.

I do not condone airport shutdowns, but I did not see too much thugs in operation re yellows in their fling.

I have seen in this sporadic violations during these protests.

Nothing compares to the RED mob intimidating rule starting with the 2010 burning, they themselves brought out the army to uproot and look what they did in retreat.

Look at the whole picture, would you like this regime to carry on--or a fresh start ??? reforms before an election to rid the election of cancerous elements.

[kurtgruen]

One thing, that I like about the Nation, that it allows it's reporters different opinions, which makes it a more balanced Newspaper.

I still think, that Thaksin and his family, cronies, etc. will be history soon. It only depends on the method. If the opposition fails in Court, it will most likely be followed by military intervention. For the sake of all Thai People (and their personal safety), I hope that the courts will rule against Thaksin's puppet Government and that eventually the Senate gets to appoint a new, intern Government.

Following that, I would like to see some major reforms against corruption and a Referendum, to strengthen the Charter, before holding fresh elections.

Anyways, I applaud the Nation Newsgroup, for allowing articles of opposing views.

[BirdsandBooze]

As distasteful as it might be to both tribes the sooner they talk face to face without inflammatory rhetoric the sooner the present impasse will be resolved. The real challenge will be finding people from each side who aren't going to reduce a meeting to a petty slanging match.

[Thailand]

It also believes the caretaker government has lost the support of the international community.

I don't see the international community dancing for joy when PDRC members blocked voting booths and beat-up citizens who were just trying to cast their votes. Or when they beat up taxi-drivers and abduct shoppers, and threatened to kidnap the PM and her family.

This quote above is just desperation masked by bravado, in this case. Mostly the international community wants to see democracy, with voting-rights for all, and an end to mob-rule. This is just good for business, and the international community values a stable peaceful business environment above just about anything.

I do not condone airport shutdowns, but I did not see too much thugs in operation re yellows in their fling.

I have seen in this sporadic violations during these protests.

Nothing compares to the RED mob intimidating rule starting with the 2010 burning, they themselves brought out the army to uproot and look what they did in retreat.

Look at the whole picture, would you like this regime to carry on--or a fresh start ??? reforms before an election to rid the election of cancerous elements.

Ridiculous thought but why not let the people decide?

[animatic]

There is no upper or lower hand.

The government will fall from it's own ineptitude and perfidy, the PDRC has just sped the plow a bit.

It is only a question of when and how far.

[WhizBang]

Amazing! The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Where? All I read was red dillusion.

[Bluespunk]

Anyone who thinks they have the upper hand in this mess is delusional. PT's misrule and Suthep's lunacy have been a disaster for Thailand. No winners at all. Plenty of losers though.

Edited March 13, 2014 by Bluespunk

[ginjag]

It also believes the caretaker government has lost the support of the international community.

I don't see the international community dancing for joy when PDRC members blocked voting booths and beat-up citizens who were just trying to cast their votes. Or when they beat up taxi-drivers and abduct shoppers, and threatened to kidnap the PM and her family.

This quote above is just desperation masked by bravado, in this case. Mostly the international community wants to see democracy, with voting-rights for all, and an end to mob-rule. This is just good for business, and the international community values a stable peaceful business environment above just about anything.

I do not condone airport shutdowns, but I did not see too much thugs in operation re yellows in their fling.

I have seen in this sporadic violations during these protests.

Nothing compares to the RED mob intimidating rule starting with the 2010 burning, they themselves brought out the army to uproot and look what they did in retreat.

Look at the whole picture, would you like this regime to carry on--or a fresh start ??? reforms before an election to rid the election of cancerous elements.

Ridiculous thought but why not let the people decide?

The courts have to decide for the people, because most do not understand right from wrong. Not so ridiculous, are you are amongst the populous that fall into this section. ????

[Goat Roper]

It also believes the caretaker government has lost the support of the international community.

I don't see the international community dancing for joy when PDRC members blocked voting booths and beat-up citizens who were just trying to cast their votes. Or when they beat up taxi-drivers and abduct shoppers, and threatened to kidnap the PM and her family.

This quote above is just desperation masked by bravado, in this case. Mostly the international community wants to see democracy, with voting-rights for all, and an end to mob-rule. This is just good for business, and the international community values a stable peaceful business environment above just about anything.

I do not condone airport shutdowns, but I did not see too much thugs in operation re yellows in their fling.

I have seen in this sporadic violations during these protests.

Nothing compares to the RED mob intimidating rule starting with the 2010 burning, they themselves brought out the army to uproot and look what they did in retreat.

Look at the whole picture, would you like this regime to carry on--or a fresh start ??? reforms before an election to rid the election of cancerous elements.

Ridiculous thought but why not let the people decide?

FYI, the people did decide and look at the mess the country is in.

[Thailand]

So better not to give them another chance then.

What would you recommend?

[ginjag]

So better not to give them another chance then.

What would you recommend?

Give them the chance when the courts have done their bit, a chance the 48% or some of it will get the message.

Get reforms underway once the courts have cleaned the path, with ANY guilty members done.

Until then you could get a more balanced vote WITHOUT the Shins being around to intimidate.

[Goat Roper]

So better not to give them another chance then.

What would you recommend?

. Sure they can have another chance after eradicating the country of all of the Shinawattra's influence, IMO that will go a long way to righting Thailand. This group of thieves is the reason the country is in such a mess and there is no denying that. The low information paid for voters that blindly elected this bunch is as guilty as the Shins. Education education and education is the only way out, but there again it is not my place to criticize or to educate the Thai people.

[ginjag]

So better not to give them another chance then.

What would you recommend?

. Sure they can have another chance after eradicating the country of all of the Shinawattra's influence, IMO that will go a long way to righting Thailand. This group of thieves is the reason the country is in such a mess and there is no denying that. The low information paid for voters that blindly elected this bunch is as guilty as the Shins. Education education and education is the only way out, but there again it is not my place to criticize or to educate the Thai people.

Hopefully the courts can shortcut the education bit a little by highlighting the guilty, some will never believe as they are far gone past thinking normal.

Others among the 48% may well have already seen the light.

One of the things lacking in the protest is highlighting the coalition part in the PTP government, if these leech parties were more exposed, and split then the PTP would have collapsed earlier.

[billd766]

Amazing! The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

But that is just your perception.

I would tend to assume that like me you are a farang, perhaps married to a Thai lady or not.

However your perception and mine, which are 180 degrees apart are totally meaningless except to ourselves, and are worth nothing in Thailand.

If however you are Thai then it does mean something.

[shiok]

Red Shirt ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM is wrong again.

you are so correct!!

[Jonmarleesco]

'Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul is likely to take over as caretaker PM.' I didn't think it possible to find someone more prone to blunders than Yingluck.

[Cricketnut]

It also believes the caretaker government has lost the support of the international community.

I don't see the international community dancing for joy when PDRC members blocked voting booths and beat-up citizens who were just trying to cast their votes. Or when they beat up taxi-drivers and abduct shoppers, and threatened to kidnap the PM and her family.

This quote above is just desperation masked by bravado, in this case. Mostly the international community wants to see democracy, with voting-rights for all, and an end to mob-rule. This is just good for business, and the international community values a stable peaceful business environment above just about anything.

I do not condone airport shutdowns, but I did not see too much thugs in operation re yellows in their fling.

I have seen in this sporadic violations during these protests.

Nothing compares to the RED mob intimidating rule starting with the 2010 burning, they themselves brought out the army to uproot and look what they did in retreat.

Look at the whole picture, would you like this regime to carry on--or a fresh start ??? reforms before an election to rid the election of cancerous elements.

Ridiculous thought but why not let the people decide?

The courts have to decide for the people, because most do not understand right from wrong. Not so ridiculous, are you are amongst the populous that fall into this section. ????

One also has to question the courts bias does one not and not just in this case but cases in the past and cases to come. IMO just as corrupt as other governmental agencies. Yes, this decision will benefit me, let's say guilty as charged!

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[The Deerhunter]

As distasteful as it might be to both tribes the sooner they talk face to face without inflammatory rhetoric the sooner the present impasse will be resolved. The real challenge will be finding people from each side who aren't going to reduce a meeting to a petty slanging match.

But the Caretaker PM does not want to talk to Suthep unless the electorate cannot see/hear what she says. He asked. She said NO! The electorate after all this mutual name calling wants to hear for themselves what the truth is, and I do not blame them This is the digital democratic age. Something this important to Thailand should NOT be behind closed doors. 3 x 1.5 hour debated between the two of them Monday Weds & Friday nites 8pm next week on National TV. And if either of them is asked for information they do not have with them, that nite, they have 48 hours to produce it on Weds or Fri or the electorate will draw it's own conclusions.

Oh. I just answered my own conundrum. That is why she won't do it!

[northernjohn]

Amazing! The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

A rare factually correct piece of journalism from The Nation!

That it is but a very poor true representation of the existing situation.

Once Yingluck is gone the public displeasure will defiantly bring about a change in the people. They will insist on a new council to take over the reins of government in addition to reforming it so as the country can never again be raped such as the present government is doing.

[ginjag]

It also believes the caretaker government has lost the support of the international community.

I don't see the international community dancing for joy when PDRC members blocked voting booths and beat-up citizens who were just trying to cast their votes. Or when they beat up taxi-drivers and abduct shoppers, and threatened to kidnap the PM and her family.

This quote above is just desperation masked by bravado, in this case. Mostly the international community wants to see democracy, with voting-rights for all, and an end to mob-rule. This is just good for business, and the international community values a stable peaceful business environment above just about anything.

I do not condone airport shutdowns, but I did not see too much thugs in operation re yellows in their fling.

I have seen in this sporadic violations during these protests.

Nothing compares to the RED mob intimidating rule starting with the 2010 burning, they themselves brought out the army to uproot and look what they did in retreat.

Look at the whole picture, would you like this regime to carry on--or a fresh start ??? reforms before an election to rid the election of cancerous elements.

Ridiculous thought but why not let the people decide?

The courts have to decide for the people, because most do not understand right from wrong. Not so ridiculous, are you are amongst the populous that fall into this section. ????

One also has to question the courts bias does one not and not just in this case but cases in the past and cases to come. IMO just as corrupt as other governmental agencies. Yes, this decision will benefit me, let's say guilty as charged!

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Follow the money---the courts are doing that, what are you afraid of ???? you are afraid of them finding out who got what out the deal ???

Of course they will be Biased finding out who's fingers were in the till. to your mind no one is guilty and no money missing, so we will be better going back to the time before the protests ???? why did you not have the name cricket.