Thai agencies offer to mediate end to political conflict

[webfact]

Agencies offer to mediate end to conflict
The Nation


Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra inspects the country

Seven independent bodies discuss 'road map' out of political crisis

BANGKOK: -- Seven independent agencies met yesterday to look for ways to pull Thailand out of the political conflict, a member of one of the organisations said.

At the meeting, the agencies came up with a "road map" and framework of talks between the two conflicting sides, Election Commission member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said yesterday.

He added that the chiefs of those agencies would hold a joint press conference on Monday about their proposal at the Office of the Ombudsman in the Government Complex.

This was the latest in a series of efforts from different organisations and social sectors, including private businesses, to end the conflict that has continued for more than three months.

The seven independent agencies are the EC, Office of the Ombudsman, National Anti-Corruption Commission, Office of the Auditor-General, Office of the Attorney-General, National Human Rights Commission, and National Economic and Social Advisory Council.

The agencies are getting ready to mediate negotiations between the two sides in a bid to end the feud, which has had a severe impact on the country's economy, Chalermsak Chantaratim, secretary-general of the Ombudsman's Office, said yesterday. He said the move came after recent public opinion polls showed that people wanted both sides to talk.

"We [the seven agencies] agree that we have to do something to cut down on the confrontation and violence," Chalermsak said yesterday.

"We were not inactive earlier and today's discussion wasn't the first one. Previously, we didn't offer to mediate negotiations because other groups had made that

offer. However, since the problems have continued, we have to make our stance known."

Chalermsak said the group would listen to views and proposals from both sides, one at a time, and would also mediate in face-to-face talks between both sides.

Leaders or senior officials, such as Somchai from the EC, represented their respective agencies at yesterday's meeting.

Ombudsman Siracha Charoenpanij, who chaired the meeting, said they wanted to see the conflicting sides come to a compromise for the sake of the country. He said the agencies would warn the two sides that a lingering feud would only send the country's economy into a nosedive.

A government led by a politically neutral person would be suggested in order to allow reforms to be carried out for a year before general elections are held, he said.

However, some participants expressed concern that an unelected prime minister might not be widely accepted, a source said, who also pointed out that a complete Parliament would be needed before reforms could be carried out.

Siracha also said yesterday that if each side accepted the other's proposals, then an agreement could be achieved as early as the end of this month or mid-April, or at least no later than Songkran.

Meanwhile, Akanat Promphan, spokesman for the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), said the group would reserve its stance about the proposal at the moment.

"Independent agencies have their own duties. They are obliged to check and balance [other agencies and mechanisms], they must take action according to what is right and what is wrong, who is right and who is wrong. But for their offered role as a mediator or facilitator of talks, we are not accepting or refusing at the moment," he said.

Pheu Thai Party leader Charupong Ruangsuwan said his party welcomed the offer and would agree to whatever brings peace to the country. However, he said, he did not have high expectations.

In a related development, the Civil Court yesterday issued an injunction suspending an Interior Ministry order to deport Indian-born businessman Satish Sehgal pending a ruling in the case.

The ministry had earlier issued an order to have Sehgal deported as he had allegedly led a violent protest. However, he appealed to the Civil Court and sought an injunction against the order pending a review.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, meanwhile, recently lamented what she described as unfair treatment against her and her government. The complaint came after a series of legal actions were filed with courts and the anti-graft agency in relation to some of her government policies.


-- The Nation 2014-03-15

[chainarong]

Keep meeting fella's, you're well and truly in over your head, the problem is the PTP, for without them this problem would never have presented itself, the beginning started with the wonderful dear leader Thaskin , start their, then work your way forward, it then becomes a nightmare, as I said , you're in over your head.

[noitom]

Why do Thais continue to deny the reality that you have to have "qualified" leaders running on "platforms" which include their method of establishing reforms. Then you have an election of the 2-3 "qualified" leaders who were delegated by their respective parties. Then the population of all Thais votes for their choice of leader to implement its reform platform.

Thais deny the logical process of moving to reform and national leadership. This whole Thai turmoil about corruption is a prime example of the pervasiveness of Thai denial. They are either dimwitted or just plain stubborn and obstinate and refuse to recognize easily understood steps to achieve reform and leadership.

[tezzainoz]

MMMMhhhh

Interesting their was alot deleated from this posting

For instance Noppando Pattama the legal aid to Thaskin made comments about the idea

Please someone explain to me how Thaskin is involved with Thailand Politics any more

(this is a tongue in cheek comment

Jattuporn Prompan also said the red shirts would never except this as the elite had used the same idea in the past to bring down Thai governments

Nattawut Saikuar who is the caretaker deputy commerce minister said they had no right to do these

Plus many many more that have been edited out of the full article

This posting will achieve only 1 thing

arguments abound on TVF

Edited March 15, 2014 by tezzainoz

[millwall_fan]

The Nation is trying to push the PDRC agenda even at this late stage. The way out of the impasse is simple: An election took place on 2nd Feb and most MP's were duly and fairly elected. This process needs to be completed and a duly elected government formed according to the wishes of the Thai people. That democratically elected government can then decide on the country's priorities.

[Tatsujin]

The Nation is trying to push the PDRC agenda even at this late stage. The way out of the impasse is simple: An election took place on 2nd Feb and most MP's were duly and fairly elected. This process needs to be completed and a duly elected government formed according to the wishes of the Thai people. That democratically elected government can then decide on the country's priorities.

You're obviously not keeping up with and comprehending events very well, which are unfolding on a daily basis.

The election on the 2nd will be declared invalid. Simple as that. It resets soon and starts all over again. Prior to that however, Barbie and her MP's will all have been kicked out and the party disbanded and banned for corruption.

As for your comment about PDRC and their agenda, where in the article did you see that? The only thing I saw was a minor byline saying "the group (PDRC) would reserve its stance about the proposal at the moment" . . . how on earth is that pushing their agenda? Everything else related to other independent organisations and what they proposed.

[JesseFrank]

Can someone tell me what Yingluck is looking at in the OP picture ? Can't be a source of drinking water.

[PepperMe]

Good luck with that one... with a with a super corrupt government undemocratically installed and controlled by a middle eastern criminal with lots to hide and won't budge lest all will be exposed and many will have to live in the middle east in exile from their homeland (for life).... Yep... Good luck with that one.

[rickirs]

"...chiefs of those agencies would hold a joint press conference on Monday about their proposal at the Office of the Ombudsman in the Government Complex." Do they have PDRC's permission to use the Government Center or will PDRC lock the gates and/or invade the permises to dusrupt "peacefully" such a meeting? I would imagine that if Suthep thought he had a lock on an agenda (no doubt already leaked to the PDRC) that would put him back into power either directly or indirectly, he would support the meeting. But as the article says, PDRC reserves the right to veto any agency agreements with the government. Can't let power slip away.

[JoeThePoster]

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra inspects the country

Is it already down the drain?

[Fat Haggis]

Come now Pepper, you really think that a man palm oil deep in corruption should be the man championing an anti corruption movement??

I wish Abhisit would start to open his mouth more and start projecting himself he's not doing enough to enhance the democrats position, is this a calculated move on his part, or is he just not the man to lead the democrats into the future, with the PTP getting a political kicking and the "alleged" decline of their support, this is an ideal time for the Dems to capitalize this, and win the entire Nation over.

Hold another snap election and see IF all that's being said here in that the PTP are a spent force, then let the population decide if they are, or not, and if they get beaten by the majority vote, then that's the positive side and then the reforms can begin, by the ones who have been elected..

IF however the PTP win, then the losing side have to accept it, and start moving forwards too..you can't keep taking your ball away from the game just because it's not going in your favour.

[JoeThePoster]

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra inspects the country

Is it already down the drain?

[PepperMe]

Also....

Why are agencies involved in these talks to come up with an agreeable way to move forwards while said agencies are actually in the process with cases already leveled at this administration which will ultimately remove them from office anyway?

Or is the NACC for example hinting that the corruption in the rice scheme will not even be enough to get rid of this rabble?

I would like to know the answer on that one?

Seems to me that certain agencies are now showing their hand regarding intimidation from the UDD and CMPO that have warned them of horrific consequences should they rule against this government, no matter what their crimes.

[PepperMe]

Come now Pepper, you really think that a man palm oil deep in corruption should be the man championing an anti corruption movement??

I wish Abhisit would start to open his mouth more and start projecting himself he's not doing enough to enhance the democrats position, is this a calculated move on his part, or is he just not the man to lead the democrats into the future, with the PTP getting a political kicking and the "alleged" decline of their support, this is an ideal time for the Dems to capitalize this, and win the entire Nation over.

Hold another snap election and see IF all that's being said here in that the PTP are a spent force, then let the population decide if they are, or not, and if they get beaten by the majority vote, then that's the positive side and then the reforms can begin, by the ones who have been elected..

IF however the PTP win, then the losing side have to accept it, and start moving forwards too..you can't keep taking your ball away from the game just because it's not going in your favour.

Come now Pepper, you really think that a man palm oil deep in corruption should be the man championing an anti corruption movement??

I didn't say that anywhere in my post, I said it was going to be impossible to get this government to step aside when they have so much to hide.... They would have to be FORCED out..... too much to incriminate them once all the numbers can be crunched regarding various schemes, and I am sure you know what I mean by that.

While you mention it... AV and the Dems are deffo sitting on the sidelines, they are not stupid, they don't want to (or even need to) undermine the PDRC, it would only work against them to be seen swinging around.

They have already leaked out hints that they are more than happy to contest a fresh election so long as there can first be some type of reforms that will lead to dire consequences for any party caught in breech of rules that give them an advantage.

Offering money for votes.

Offering financial bonuses to village chiefs or village funds in return for pressuring village voters which way to vote.

Populist policies to acquire votes from a certain sector of the electorate (eg.. rice farmers) where only 'non-financial' assistance can only be promoted, 'financial' assistance should be banned in a campaign. (eg.. we will give you lots of money for your crop).

Intimidation in the form of, 'if you don't vote for us, this will happen to you (insert very negative consequence)'.

Any party in breech should have their candidate immediately suspended and charged 'criminally'.

Basically in a week the EC can have these new conditions rammed into place and nobody can really argue against them without revealing their intention to campaign in an undemocratic way.

If the Dems came into an election that was truly 'free and fair' they would win by a country mile. They would certainly have a massive popular voted majority.

Don't worry about the Dems, they know what they are doing.

[Benmart]

Seems to be a Thai problem for Thai people to work out. I'm not Thai, so I will sit and watch from the sidelines,

[fab4]

Shouldn't the EC be concentrating on organising an election? They appear to have a lot of time on their hands lately, I'd hate to think they were deliberately wasting time on other "ventures"

[northernjohn]

The Nation is trying to push the PDRC agenda even at this late stage. The way out of the impasse is simple: An election took place on 2nd Feb and most MP's were duly and fairly elected. This process needs to be completed and a duly elected government formed according to the wishes of the Thai people. That democratically elected government can then decide on the country's priorities.

Are you new to Thailand or some thing. The Thai people never get a chance to vote for what they want. They are given false promises and money to vote for certain people. They are never told the truth about what these people are really going to do.

Ask the rice farmers the new car buyers the kids in school.

What is needed is a reform that if these type of people do run they carry out there promises if the government can not pay the money they dig it out of their own pockets.

If you want to have an honest government you need to have honest candidates and an informed public. Most of the population has not received an education that can understand how easy it is for the politicians to say one thing do another and blame it on a third party. They are in short not being informed just lied to.

I thought Yingluck was the chair of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. I could be wrong on that. But I am not wrong in saying that while they have been in existence corruption in Thailand during the year 2013 has increased 2%. Not to sure I would trust them to be looking for the best solution to the impasse here in Thailand. More like covering their ass.

In short your idea of the people getting what they wish for in an election is pie in the sky. They would have a better chance of getting 10 baht under their pillow by leaving a tooth they lost for the tooth fairy to exchange it. Or getting what they want under the Christmas tree.

[tezzainoz]

The Nation is trying to push the PDRC agenda even at this late stage. The way out of the impasse is simple: An election took place on 2nd Feb and most MP's were duly and fairly elected. This process needs to be completed and a duly elected government formed according to the wishes of the Thai people. That democratically elected government can then decide on the country's priorities.

Disagree

what you want is a one party government, that has never worked before in any country and would bring total caos to Thailand

The way out of the impasse is simple: An election took place on 2nd Feb and was not successful

Make it null and void and call another elections, the democrates must take part as to miss 2 elections we see their party discontinued

The winner takes the spoils

Try and be a little unbiased if you can

[tezzainoz]

Come now Pepper, you really think that a man palm oil deep in corruption should be the man championing an anti corruption movement??

I wish Abhisit would start to open his mouth more and start projecting himself he's not doing enough to enhance the democrats position, is this a calculated move on his part, or is he just not the man to lead the democrats into the future, with the PTP getting a political kicking and the "alleged" decline of their support, this is an ideal time for the Dems to capitalize this, and win the entire Nation over.

Hold another snap election and see IF all that's being said here in that the PTP are a spent force, then let the population decide if they are, or not, and if they get beaten by the majority vote, then that's the positive side and then the reforms can begin, by the ones who have been elected..

IF however the PTP win, then the losing side have to accept it, and start moving forwards too..you can't keep taking your ball away from the game just because it's not going in your favour.

"I wish Abhisit would start to open his mouth more"

It seems from what I read this is what is really getting Thaskin mad, Abhisit is just sitting on the side lines giving Yingluck more and more rope to hang her self

Thaskin needs to get Abhisit back on the front page again so he can swing the cameras away you his sister

[northernjohn]

Shouldn't the EC be concentrating on organising an election? They appear to have a lot of time on their hands lately, I'd hate to think they were deliberately wasting time on other "ventures"

It would be nice if they could arrange an honest election. One looking to serve the people in the most efficient way they could. I believe the PTP is not cooperating with them on this.

Not sure if an election under the present circumstances would help any thing. They do not have enough representatives to fill the seats and the last election with less than 20% voting did not produce any more members so would they be able to get enough out of the next election. Money down the tube that could go to pay the farmers.

And the PTP knows this. But doesn't care as long as they Thaksin can hold on to a vestige of power they are happy.\

Are you?

[tezzainoz]

Shouldn't the EC be concentrating on organising an election? They appear to have a lot of time on their hands lately, I'd hate to think they were deliberately wasting time on other "ventures"

on the other hand why are you in so much of a hurry

Thaskins time is running out fast for him to get his

"get out of Jail Free Card"

are we seeing which side you on in this debate ?

[fab4]

Come now Pepper, you really think that a man palm oil deep in corruption should be the man championing an anti corruption movement??

I wish Abhisit would start to open his mouth more and start projecting himself he's not doing enough to enhance the democrats position, is this a calculated move on his part, or is he just not the man to lead the democrats into the future, with the PTP getting a political kicking and the "alleged" decline of their support, this is an ideal time for the Dems to capitalize this, and win the entire Nation over.

Hold another snap election and see IF all that's being said here in that the PTP are a spent force, then let the population decide if they are, or not, and if they get beaten by the majority vote, then that's the positive side and then the reforms can begin, by the ones who have been elected..

IF however the PTP win, then the losing side have to accept it, and start moving forwards too..you can't keep taking your ball away from the game just because it's not going in your favour.

Come now Pepper, you really think that a man palm oil deep in corruption should be the man championing an anti corruption movement??

I didn't say that anywhere in my post, I said it was going to be impossible to get this government to step aside when they have so much to hide.... They would have to be FORCED out..... too much to incriminate them once all the numbers can be crunched regarding various schemes, and I am sure you know what I mean by that.

While you mention it... AV and the Dems are deffo sitting on the sidelines, they are not stupid, they don't want to (or even need to) undermine the PDRC, it would only work against them to be seen swinging around.

They have already leaked out hints that they are more than happy to contest a fresh election so long as there can first be some type of reforms that will lead to dire consequences for any party caught in breech of rules that give them an advantage.

Offering money for votes.

Offering financial bonuses to village chiefs or village funds in return for pressuring village voters which way to vote.

Populist policies to acquire votes from a certain sector of the electorate (eg.. rice farmers) where only 'non-financial' assistance can only be promoted, 'financial' assistance should be banned in a campaign. (eg.. we will give you lots of money for your crop).

Intimidation in the form of, 'if you don't vote for us, this will happen to you (insert very negative consequence)'.

Any party in breech should have their candidate immediately suspended and charged 'criminally'.

Basically in a week the EC can have these new conditions rammed into place and nobody can really argue against them without revealing their intention to campaign in an undemocratic way.

If the Dems came into an election that was truly 'free and fair' they would win by a country mile. They would certainly have a massive popular voted majority.

Don't worry about the Dems, they know what they are doing.

Ho hum, there was I thinking that the dems have to participate in the next election, whatever happens, or the party will be dissolved. Whereas, all along it was just part of their cunning plan.

Of course the dems have never been involved in vote buying. Ahem, Korn at the FCCT in 2008:

Question by Jonathan Head of BBC to Korn: Why are the Democrats always unable to win more votes in the Northeast?

Answer by Korn: …I can tell you what is not the issue. People like to divide the camps into rural and urban. The majority of the southern voters are rural. The popularity of Thaksin in the Northeast and to a lesser degree in the North is undeniable. It is also undeniable that traditionally they have been less politically active then southerners. It is also undeniable that money politics is less prevalent in the South. We we have less money than PPP. However I agree with Chris [baker], money “is the price you pay to play the game but it doesn’t dictate whether you win or lose”. “If a candidate today in Loei runs under the Democrat banner for him to try to win he would need to spend two or three times more than his PPP opponent in order to win and even then he still might lose.

http://asiancorrespondent.com/116697/vote-buying-thaksin-and-the-democrats/

[northernjohn]

Come now Pepper, you really think that a man palm oil deep in corruption should be the man championing an anti corruption movement??

I wish Abhisit would start to open his mouth more and start projecting himself he's not doing enough to enhance the democrats position, is this a calculated move on his part, or is he just not the man to lead the democrats into the future, with the PTP getting a political kicking and the "alleged" decline of their support, this is an ideal time for the Dems to capitalize this, and win the entire Nation over.

Hold another snap election and see IF all that's being said here in that the PTP are a spent force, then let the population decide if they are, or not, and if they get beaten by the majority vote, then that's the positive side and then the reforms can begin, by the ones who have been elected..

IF however the PTP win, then the losing side have to accept it, and start moving forwards too..you can't keep taking your ball away from the game just because it's not going in your favour.

Come now Pepper, you really think that a man palm oil deep in corruption should be the man championing an anti corruption movement??

I didn't say that anywhere in my post, I said it was going to be impossible to get this government to step aside when they have so much to hide.... They would have to be FORCED out..... too much to incriminate them once all the numbers can be crunched regarding various schemes, and I am sure you know what I mean by that.

While you mention it... AV and the Dems are deffo sitting on the sidelines, they are not stupid, they don't want to (or even need to) undermine the PDRC, it would only work against them to be seen swinging around.

They have already leaked out hints that they are more than happy to contest a fresh election so long as there can first be some type of reforms that will lead to dire consequences for any party caught in breech of rules that give them an advantage.

Offering money for votes.

Offering financial bonuses to village chiefs or village funds in return for pressuring village voters which way to vote.

Populist policies to acquire votes from a certain sector of the electorate (eg.. rice farmers) where only 'non-financial' assistance can only be promoted, 'financial' assistance should be banned in a campaign. (eg.. we will give you lots of money for your crop).

Intimidation in the form of, 'if you don't vote for us, this will happen to you (insert very negative consequence)'.

Any party in breech should have their candidate immediately suspended and charged 'criminally'.

Basically in a week the EC can have these new conditions rammed into place and nobody can really argue against them without revealing their intention to campaign in an undemocratic way.

If the Dems came into an election that was truly 'free and fair' they would win by a country mile. They would certainly have a massive popular voted majority.

Don't worry about the Dems, they know what they are doing.

An election that was truly free and fair. The PTP would not have any idea how to campaign. I agree 100% with you let the Democrats sit on the side lines. Any thing they do or say right or wrong would be seen as a straw to the PTP to grasp on to and deflect attention from their wrong doings.

It is pretty bad when they have to sink to the PM crying and saying you are picking on me rather than defend her actions.

Her Caddy the clone brother is even admitting she is wrong but it is not her fault she has been given bad advice from bad advisor's.

[fab4]

Shouldn't the EC be concentrating on organising an election? They appear to have a lot of time on their hands lately, I'd hate to think they were deliberately wasting time on other "ventures"

on the other hand why are you in so much of a hurry

Thaskins time is running out fast for him to get his

"get out of Jail Free Card"

are we seeing which side you on in this debate ?

I'm not in a hurry. Unfortunately the EC does have a propensity for stating that they don't have enough time to organise elections.

What has the election got to do with Thaksin. I don't seem him mentioned anywhere in my post.

[Baerboxer]

Shouldn't the EC be concentrating on organising an election? They appear to have a lot of time on their hands lately, I'd hate to think they were deliberately wasting time on other "ventures"

Yeah, bit like the caretaker PM/DM wandering around the country inspecting water levels, drains and fresh market produce.

Lot of time on her hands now all the freebie foreign shopping trips have ended.

- paying the rice farmers, finding the slaughterers of innocent children and passers by, routing out corruption (not in her government of course), preparing a defense in answer to the NACC, bothering to answer the Ombudsman after nearly 3 years of asking, do anything about the South troubles etc etc etc

Shouldn't she be concentrating on actually running the country, managing the cabinet (like stopping some of them talking treason) and correcting some of the real issues threatening Thailand? Or has that simply been left to big brother aka the Caddy?

[bigbamboo]

The Nation is trying to push the PDRC agenda even at this late stage. The way out of the impasse is simple: An election took place on 2nd Feb and most MP's were duly and fairly elected. This process needs to be completed and a duly elected government formed according to the wishes of the Thai people. That democratically elected government can then decide on the country's priorities.

Are you new to Thailand or some thing. The Thai people never get a chance to vote for what they want. They are given false promises and money to vote for certain people. They are never told the truth about what these people are really going to do.

Ask the rice farmers the new car buyers the kids in school.

What is needed is a reform that if these type of people do run they carry out there promises if the government can not pay the money they dig it out of their own pockets.

If you want to have an honest government you need to have honest candidates and an informed public. Most of the population has not received an education that can understand how easy it is for the politicians to say one thing do another and blame it on a third party. They are in short not being informed just lied to.

I thought Yingluck was the chair of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. I could be wrong on that. But I am not wrong in saying that while they have been in existence corruption in Thailand during the year 2013 has increased 2%. Not to sure I would trust them to be looking for the best solution to the impasse here in Thailand. More like covering their ass.

In short your idea of the people getting what they wish for in an election is pie in the sky. They would have a better chance of getting 10 baht under their pillow by leaving a tooth they lost for the tooth fairy to exchange it. Or getting what they want under the Christmas tree.

I believe you are right. Yingluck heads both the National Anti Corruption Commission and the National Rice Committee..... not exactly a win double, more a double disaster.

If she were not well connected I doubt she'd still be allowed anywhere near either of those chairs.

[Fat Haggis]

I don't think there should be any amnesty for ANYONE, so if the shoe fits in this case, then all parties who have done wrong need to man up and face their detractors and be punished for their crimes and indiscretions.

As for using vote buying as an excuse, it's just that, by all accounts this practice is decades old, and was ongoing well before the PTP and Thaksin and co entered centre stage.

All Politicians promise the earth when they're campaigning, it's what they do, but come the day they sit in that seat, it's all about self preservation, and how to get into more influential positions.. Corruption is such an over used word these days as well, the client that I work for also has anti corruption policies, but it hasn't stopped them from being fined a substantial amount of money recently for an act that was considers morally corrupt.

By accepting a gift, a free trip to the movies, to accepting free dinners by influential and prominent business persons, can be classed as a corrupt act, can Thailand ever be free from such acts? No I doubt it, corruption is very much a cultural thing, it's the same in the Middle East. It's the scale of it that's made huge headlines in Thailand, and what about all the on the spot fines dished out by the Police, that you pay, you're accepting it, you're part of the corruption, because you've "paid" instead of taking your chances and arguing your case in a court of law. Speeding fines being a prime example, 90% of the time you're not speeding, but when they stop you, 99% of the time, you cough up, even when you know it's a scam.. that's corrupt.

Buying counterfeit DVD's, and clothing, that's supporting corruption, but many still do it, so many people champion anti corruption when they're inadvertently part of why there is corruption in the first place.

Businessmen and women here on TVF, how many gave a nudge and wink when they were told by the unscrupulous agents that if they gave a "little extra" hey'd close the deals a lot quicker..?? I'm willing to bet quite a few, but they'd rather play down this, and I've bought the fakes just like many others, so I'm in no position to throw stones, but I accepted these things as it's part and parcel of the mindset and culture.

No form of corruption should be acceptable, no matter the scale it's on, but the realists realize that it is what it is... This is Thailand

[fab4]

An election that was truly free and fair. The PTP would not have any idea how to campaign. I agree 100% with you let the Democrats sit on the side lines. Any thing they do or say right or wrong would be seen as a straw to the PTP to grasp on to and deflect attention from their wrong doings.

It is pretty bad when they have to sink to the PM crying and saying you are picking on me rather than defend her actions.

Her Caddy the clone brother is even admitting she is wrong but it is not her fault she has been given bad advice from bad advisor's.

"The PTP would not have any idea how to campaign"

A curious concept -

the dems boycotted the election in April 2006, the October 2006 Election never happened due to the coup, the PPP won the election in 2007, Samak was removed by the CC, abhisit then lost the parliamentary vote to become PM by 163 votes to 298 for Somchai Wongsawat. After the CC (them again) dissolved the coalition party abhisit finally became PM (under dubious circumstances) in 2008 after a vote in parliament. The dems with abhisit as party list party leader lost again in 2011 by a landslide and then boycotted the most recent elections which are still ongoing.

So which of the two political parties do you think are most successful at campaigning?

[Scamper]

The process forward will only be achieved through constitutional means. That is what is happening now, and as long as the courts are allowed to proceed, that will forge a path forward. Having said that, the fact that all these agencies are having this kind of collected input is very encouraging. People are interested. The public is interested. The ones who don't want to see any change whatsoever have a vested interest in things remaining exactly as they are, and will drag their heals to whatever degree they can. For the rest, there is actually greater flexibility and even a sense of optimism. That will drive the public debate forward.

The photo with Yingluck inspecting water works is fascinating. Regardless as to whether she knows what to look for, she can always check out her reflection.

[SICHONSTEVE]

The Nation is trying to push the PDRC agenda even at this late stage. The way out of the impasse is simple: An election took place on 2nd Feb and most MP's were duly and fairly elected. This process needs to be completed and a duly elected government formed according to the wishes of the Thai people. That democratically elected government can then decide on the country's priorities.

You're obviously not keeping up with and comprehending events very well, which are unfolding on a daily basis.

The election on the 2nd will be declared invalid. Simple as that. It resets soon and starts all over again. Prior to that however, Barbie and her MP's will all have been kicked out and the party disbanded and banned for corruption.

As for your comment about PDRC and their agenda, where in the article did you see that? The only thing I saw was a minor byline saying "the group (PDRC) would reserve its stance about the proposal at the moment" . . . how on earth is that pushing their agenda? Everything else related to other independent organisations and what they proposed.

You must treat all of his so called facts as fiction - he will be claiming that Millwall are top of the Premier league soon (and believe it)!!!