Thai Army Chief denounces new UDD Chairman Jatuporn

[metisdead]

Off topic posts and replies have been removed.

[Publicus]

Jutaporn has been duly warned as to the contempt that he and his ilk are held in by the Thai Military and he would be wise beyond his years to take this most seriously.

And well done to Khun General Prayuth Chan-Ocha for spelling it out to this piece of garbage.

I have a feeling that this time around if it needs to come to it (which sadly is looking more likely by the day and with this sort of continued UDD Khwai dueng level of intelligence) that Khun Prayuth and the Army has learnt from 2010 that instead of engaging with the the sacrificial front line pawns that they will go after those at the top.

Pleasing also to see the latest Army appointments with the senior ranks boasted by those who lost their comrade Colonel Romklao Thuwatham murdered by Thaksins treacherous lackies in 2010, and also that those Army appointments again strongly display loyalty to His Most Royal and Revered Highness, Thailand and the thai people above the garbage that pass for thai politicians. The puppet PM and her fugitive peoples court convicted criminal brother's diminishing hold on power is thankfully trumped by the Army appointments, and their inability to do anything about Army control and appointments. The sooner the courts deal to the Thaksin proxies the sooner that the real issue of Thailand's progression towards democracy can be investigated.

And for those that are frothing over The Army deaths over the last few years it is not the Army that is murdering people including children in the streets of Bangkok today it is the low life of both sides of the political scum that disgrace Thailand, and not the Army.

This is an interesting revelation of a group mindset and attitude and of how it weaves and interconnects the basic forces at work that pretend to democracy, constitutionalism, a superior morality.

Scary.

[daboyz1]

For me, a man in charge of an army that would happily shoot its own citizens, a man that leads an army that rules the country with an iron fist, should not be speaking of honour. What we are talking about here is power, raw and naked...

That's what happens when Thaksin's RTP wont do their job. The Army has to do it for them.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Jutaporn has been duly warned as to the contempt that he and his ilk are held in by the Thai Military and he would be wise beyond his years to take this most seriously.

And well done to Khun General Prayuth Chan-Ocha for spelling it out to this piece of garbage.

I have a feeling that this time around if it needs to come to it (which sadly is looking more likely by the day and with this sort of continued UDD Khwai dueng level of intelligence) that Khun Prayuth and the Army has learnt from 2010 that instead of engaging with the the sacrificial front line pawns that they will go after those at the top.

Pleasing also to see the latest Army appointments with the senior ranks boasted by those who lost their comrade Colonel Romklao Thuwatham murdered by Thaksins treacherous lackies in 2010, and also that those Army appointments again strongly display loyalty to His Most Royal and Revered Highness, Thailand and the thai people above the garbage that pass for thai politicians. The puppet PM and her fugitive peoples court convicted criminal brother's diminishing hold on power is thankfully trumped by the Army appointments, and their inability to do anything about Army control and appointments. The sooner the courts deal to the Thaksin proxies the sooner that the real issue of Thailand's progression towards democracy can be investigated.

And for those that are frothing over The Army deaths over the last few years it is not the Army that is murdering people including children in the streets of Bangkok today it is the low life of both sides of the political scum that disgrace Thailand, and not the Army.

This is an interesting revelation of a group mindset and attitude and of how it weaves and interconnects the basic forces at work that pretend to democracy, constitutionalism, a superior morality.

Scary.

I think that it an excellent piece - if I could choose one person who was born on this earth (that had never existed, then it would be Hitler obviously) however, Thaksin would be in my top 10 list of murderous felons.

[Publicus]

Jutaporn has been duly warned as to the contempt that he and his ilk are held in by the Thai Military and he would be wise beyond his years to take this most seriously.

And well done to Khun General Prayuth Chan-Ocha for spelling it out to this piece of garbage.

I have a feeling that this time around if it needs to come to it (which sadly is looking more likely by the day and with this sort of continued UDD Khwai dueng level of intelligence) that Khun Prayuth and the Army has learnt from 2010 that instead of engaging with the the sacrificial front line pawns that they will go after those at the top.

Pleasing also to see the latest Army appointments with the senior ranks boasted by those who lost their comrade Colonel Romklao Thuwatham murdered by Thaksins treacherous lackies in 2010, and also that those Army appointments again strongly display loyalty to His Most Royal and Revered Highness, Thailand and the thai people above the garbage that pass for thai politicians. The puppet PM and her fugitive peoples court convicted criminal brother's diminishing hold on power is thankfully trumped by the Army appointments, and their inability to do anything about Army control and appointments. The sooner the courts deal to the Thaksin proxies the sooner that the real issue of Thailand's progression towards democracy can be investigated.

And for those that are frothing over The Army deaths over the last few years it is not the Army that is murdering people including children in the streets of Bangkok today it is the low life of both sides of the political scum that disgrace Thailand, and not the Army.

This is an interesting revelation of a group mindset and attitude and of how it weaves and interconnects the basic forces at work that pretend to democracy, constitutionalism, a superior morality.

Scary.

I think that it an excellent piece - if I could choose one person who was born on this earth (that had never existed, then it would be Hitler obviously) however, Thaksin would be in my top 10 list of murderous felons.

My list of top ten murderers in Thailand of Thais would be the names of only army commanders (not every, but only).

Thaksin would be outside of the top ten of Thailand, well behind a lot of fascist militarists.

[Dogmatix]

Kinda crazy that they put a controvertial person as leader. NOT a smart move politically. They are a political party, correct? Amazing.

You've got to place yourself inside the mind of the high stakes poker player in Dubai who is orchestrating these moves. He sees a high probability of the 2 Feb election being annulled and a virtual certainty that his sister will be indicted and have to suspend her duties pending impeachment proceedings which may take some time due to the Senate elections coming up on 30 March (although after the new Senate is installed the chances of a 60% vote needed to impeach her are her are slim). Removal of his girl as PM removes much of his control over the caretaker administrative which is also vulnerable to being forced out completely due to the case of the B2.2trn borrowing bill.

Rallying international support, which these days seems very important to him even tho it didn't when he was in power, will be much more difficult when his govt is ejected due to corruption charges and other murky legal issues. But in 2006 rallying support after a coup was easy and, if you have to choose between the courts and the coup it is a no brainer that a coup is best. So Jatuporn, who is hated by the military and highly provocative is the man for the job now.

What cloud the issue now is that the US is now actively supporting an interim unelected administration in Ukraine that came to power after ousting a popularly elected but grossly corrupt president. Times have changed and Thailand is no longer of significant strategic importance to the US.

[rametindallas]

General Prayuth: "It's not appropriate for an official [like me] to argue with bandits"

Reporter: Asked by a reporter whether he would seek dialogue with Mr. Jatupon, Gen. Prayuth gave a emphatic no. "He doesn't have enough honour for me to correspond with, and he never shows any honour for anyone".

Conclusion: Reporters are not so bright.

Khoasod writer of the OP: 'thereby repeating anti-government protesters' accusation that the UDD intends to secede some parts of Thailand, and that the Redshirts harbour anti-monarchy attitude.'

Actuality: It was the Army that initiated charges against the separatists in CM not PDRC

Conclusion: Reporters are not very well informed nor do they bother to inform themselves.

Summary: I can only hope that Gen. Prayuth was quoted correctly and in context. Reporting in Thailand is abysmal.

[kuthow]

My list of top ten murderers in Thailand of Thais would be the names of only army commanders (not every, but only).

Thaksin would be outside of the top ten of Thailand, well behind a lot of fascist militarists.

If one considers body count as a factor and longevity of continuous disruption, as an individual, he tops the list for the last century.

[bushwacker]

Is anybody else getting tired of this same old shit!

[rametindallas]

Of course the Army Pooh Bah is impartial and above politics.

The army chief also claimed he had no intention to take side in politics

Presumably a wink-wing, nudge-nudge accompanied this massive prevarication? Yes he speaks daily about political issues? Go figure.

So the new UDD leader is bandit, has committed unspecified illegal actions, has no honor.

I thought there were libel/slander laws here? But maybe those only apply to the "other side".

Since it is well-known, though denied by some, that Jatuporn and the UDD are proxies for Dr. Thaksin, in reality, General Prayuth was speaking to Thaksin Shinawatra. It's as clear a warning as he is likely to get before the gloves really do come off. Gen. Prayuth has shown he is a patient and tolerant man but he can see the machinations of Thaksin in the battle to retain his grip on government and has let it be known that there IS a tipping point.

[Artisi]

Not surprising he did that. I mean Jatuporn! Really?!

As bad as Thida was, she was still considered a moderate red shirt, which isn't saying much. But Jatuporn is an extremist. He's only one step below Ko Tee. For the army chief to come out and directly denounce him shows how bad the situation is. Things are going to get bad.

Jatuporn was so well thought of by YL and the PTP, that they refused to put him in their Cabinet. Given they found places for Chalerm and Nattawut, it says very little about this guy.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Think it actually says a lot about this guy.

[rametindallas]

Jutaporn the Terrorist is in charge of the UDD now... thats a scarey thought... The Head of the Army is now denoucing this guy and the other red nutter (Kho Tee?) is threatening civil war if the courts remove Yingluck.

This is the end game guys, there will be much blood on the streets of thailand by the time these two have butted heads... and thailand will become either a Democratic country free from the Dictorial clutches of Thaksin, or will become a Republic with Thaksin in total control of the country.

Red, Yellow, Black, Blue, Green, pink or no colour... hold onto your hats, Ladies and Gentlemen, war is coming.

My money is on the army and I am not hedging my bet. They have the guns, logistics, training, discipline, and most of all, the authority to do what needs to be done, There will be no resistance and, therefore, little or no bloodshed. The worst that will happen is a low-level insurgency with occasional bombs and shootings until Thaksin becomes an old, old man.

[Artisi]

Jutaporn the Terrorist is in charge of the UDD now... thats a scarey thought... The Head of the Army is now denoucing this guy and the other red nutter (Kho Tee?) is threatening civil war if the courts remove Yingluck.

This is the end game guys, there will be much blood on the streets of thailand by the time these two have butted heads... and thailand will become either a Democratic country free from the Dictorial clutches of Thaksin, or will become a Republic with Thaksin in total control of the country.

Red, Yellow, Black, Blue, Green, pink or no colour... hold onto your hats, Ladies and Gentlemen, war is coming.

My money is on the army and I am not hedging my bet. They have the guns, logistics, training, discipline, and most of all, the authority to do what needs to be done, There will be no resistance and, therefore, little or no bloodshed. The worst that will happen is a low-level insurgency with occasional bombs and shootings until Thaksin becomes an old, old man.

He is already an old bitter excuse for a man.

[Publicus]

Kinda crazy that they put a controvertial person as leader. NOT a smart move politically. They are a political party, correct? Amazing.

You've got to place yourself inside the mind of the high stakes poker player in Dubai who is orchestrating these moves. He sees a high probability of the 2 Feb election being annulled and a virtual certainty that his sister will be indicted and have to suspend her duties pending impeachment proceedings which may take some time due to the Senate elections coming up on 30 March (although after the new Senate is installed the chances of a 60% vote needed to impeach her are her are slim). Removal of his girl as PM removes much of his control over the caretaker administrative which is also vulnerable to being forced out completely due to the case of the B2.2trn borrowing bill.

Rallying international support, which these days seems very important to him even tho it didn't when he was in power, will be much more difficult when his govt is ejected due to corruption charges and other murky legal issues. But in 2006 rallying support after a coup was easy and, if you have to choose between the courts and the coup it is a no brainer that a coup is best. So Jatuporn, who is hated by the military and highly provocative is the man for the job now.

What cloud the issue now is that the US is now actively supporting an interim unelected administration in Ukraine that came to power after ousting a popularly elected but grossly corrupt president. Times have changed and Thailand is no longer of significant strategic importance to the US.

"What cloud the issue now is that the US is now actively supporting an interim unelected administration in Ukraine that came to power after ousting a popularly elected but grossly corrupt president. Times have changed and Thailand is no longer of significant strategic importance to the US."

Thailand is a formal defense and security treaty ally of the United States so the two countries have an interactive and reciprocal relationship of significant geostrategic importance. A coup d'état military mutiny in Thailand will get its day of due attention in the Oval Office then Thailand will suffer the consequences for a long time after that.

Don't you know there is an assistant secretary of state in Washington for Asia-Pacific Affairs, which is a full time policy position appointed by the president and confirmed by the Congress? Or that there is a full time deputy assistant secretary for South East Asia affairs under the assistant secretary? These officials work every day with the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok so are more than up to speed concerning events here.

The European Union will come down on Thailand, as will Japan, and Thailand will suffer significantly in its Asean standing as the Asean EC enters its final preparations to come online January next.

If what you say might be accurate -- if -- then it would mean Thaksin is still three steps ahead of the people in Thailand who write the rules.

[Morch]

"Gen. Prayuth gave a emphatic no. "He doesn't have enough honour for me to correspond with, and he never shows any honour for anyone".....Gen. Prayuth also expressed his "pity" for the Redshirts to have "an immoral man" as their leader."

So much for nuetrality of the military, back to 2010 in deciding who he will protect (PDRC) and not protect (PTP). A military commander is not required nor is it appropriate to publicly like any politician. For Prayuth to show clear hostility towards the PTP and its leadership in the absence of any hostilities is corruption of leadership and he should resign.

No PDRC back in 2010, and the UDD are not the same as PTP...right?

As for "absence of any hostilities", this sounded pretty hostile, not to mention personal:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Threat-to-Prayuths-daughters-30224108.html

Now if this threat was to appear in this forum without political context, I'm pretty sure we'd have dads of all shirt colors beating their chests with promises of what they would do if it was their kids.

[rametindallas]

From the book "Examples of what an army chief in a civilized and democratic country should say nothing about"

This is Thailand, not a western "civilized and democratic country". Military has ruled the country as long as it's been called Thailand, including the current constitution. It's good that the ones in power speak up.

Prayuth seems to be the only one with brains in this circus act called "Thai democracy".

Yes, Thailand has been ruled by the military forever, and look what that "rule" has lead too. A backward, underdeveloped country with no proper rule of law, failed education system, poverty, huge political problems and massive corruption. "Great" rule, I must say.

Yes, Thailand is so underdeveloped that the EU is changing its trade agreement with Thailand because Thailand has moved into the 'middle-class' and doesn't deserve special help. Your perceptions aren't fact so please stop posting your ignorance as fact. Thailand is a leader in stem-cell technology.

Thailand is currently the 17^th largest global manufacturer. It is the second largest producer of light pick-up trucks as part of it's #14 ranking in auto production. In other areas of manufacturing it ranks #2 in production of hard disk drives and occups the top spot globally in the production of natural and synthetic rubber. http://www.industryweek.com/thailand

Not too shabby for a 'backwards' country is it, Mr. Propagandist? BTW, are you blaming the last ten years of Shinawatra corruption on the military? Hey, BBP, your ignorance of Thai history is showing.

[Artisi]

From the book "Examples of what an army chief in a civilized and democratic country should say nothing about"

This is Thailand, not a western "civilized and democratic country". Military has ruled the country as long as it's been called Thailand, including the current constitution. It's good that the ones in power speak up.

Prayuth seems to be the only one with brains in this circus act called "Thai democracy".

Yes, Thailand has been ruled by the military forever, and look what that "rule" has lead too. A backward, underdeveloped country with no proper rule of law, failed education system, poverty, huge political problems and massive corruption. "Great" rule, I must say.

Yes, Thailand is so underdeveloped that the EU is changing its trade agreement with Thailand because Thailand has moved into the 'middle-class' and doesn't deserve special help. Your perceptions aren't fact so please stop posting your ignorance as fact. Thailand is a leader in stem-cell technology.

Thailand is currently the 17^th largest global manufacturer. It is the second largest producer of light pick-up trucks as part of it's #14 ranking in auto production. In other areas of manufacturing it ranks #2 in production of hard disk drives and occups the top spot globally in the production of natural and synthetic rubber. http://www.industryweek.com/thailand

Not too shabby for a 'backwards' country is it, Mr. Propagandist? BTW, are you blaming the last ten years of Shinawatra corruption on the military? Hey, BBP, your ignorance of Thai history is showing.

Just imagine where this country would be with a proper rule of law, a better education system, and a major reduction in corruption - especially at government level. It probably wouldn't be 17th largest global manufacturer but probably well into the top 10, back to being the largest exporter of rice, and in the top ranking in many other areas.

But you are correct - without the Shinawatra corruption, manipulation by Thaksin and his band of thieves with fingers into every conceivable thing to do with money - Thailand as a country would be streets ahead of where they are currently.

[mikemac]

Yes, Thailand has been ruled by the military forever, and look what that "rule" has lead too. A backward, underdeveloped country with no proper rule of law, failed education system, poverty, huge political problems and massive corruption. "Great" rule, I must say.

Interesting, most of the problems he listed are probably thanks to the Shinawatra regime and their evil puppet show the PTP, and yet I would not mind betting he is a PTP fan.

But I also believe this horrid place he describes is only in his mind, thank God.

[HonestQuietBob]

Jutaporn the Terrorist is in charge of the UDD now... thats a scarey thought... The Head of the Army is now denoucing this guy and the other red nutter (Kho Tee?) is threatening civil war if the courts remove Yingluck.

This is the end game guys, there will be much blood on the streets of thailand by the time these two have butted heads... and thailand will become either a Democratic country free from the Dictorial clutches of Thaksin, or will become a Republic with Thaksin in total control of the country.

Red, Yellow, Black, Blue, Green, pink or no colour... hold onto your hats, Ladies and Gentlemen, war is coming.

My money is on the army and I am not hedging my bet. They have the guns, logistics, training, discipline, and most of all, the authority to do what needs to be done, There will be no resistance and, therefore, little or no bloodshed. The worst that will happen is a low-level insurgency with occasional bombs and shootings until Thaksin becomes an old, old man.

What about the "watermelon" issue?

Much to their chagrin, the military are just observers of politics in Thailand now, their playing days are over.

[HonestQuietBob]

From the book "Examples of what an army chief in a civilized and democratic country should say nothing about"

This is Thailand, not a western "civilized and democratic country". Military has ruled the country as long as it's been called Thailand, including the current constitution. It's good that the ones in power speak up.

Prayuth seems to be the only one with brains in this circus act called "Thai democracy".

Yes, Thailand has been ruled by the military forever, and look what that "rule" has lead too. A backward, underdeveloped country with no proper rule of law, failed education system, poverty, huge political problems and massive corruption. "Great" rule, I must say.

Yes, Thailand is so underdeveloped that the EU is changing its trade agreement with Thailand because Thailand has moved into the 'middle-class' and doesn't deserve special help. Your perceptions aren't fact so please stop posting your ignorance as fact. Thailand is a leader in stem-cell technology.

Thailand is currently the 17^th largest global manufacturer. It is the second largest producer of light pick-up trucks as part of it's #14 ranking in auto production. In other areas of manufacturing it ranks #2 in production of hard disk drives and occups the top spot globally in the production of natural and synthetic rubber. http://www.industryweek.com/thailand

Not too shabby for a 'backwards' country is it, Mr. Propagandist? BTW, are you blaming the last ten years of Shinawatra corruption on the military? Hey, BBP, your ignorance of Thai history is showing.

Cheap labour.

Cheaper than China.

Enough said.

[Old Man River]

Not surprising he did that. I mean Jatuporn! Really?!

As bad as Thida was, she was still considered a moderate red shirt, which isn't saying much. But Jatuporn is an extremist. He's only one step below Ko Tee. For the army chief to come out and directly denounce him shows how bad the situation is. Things are going to get bad.

Jatuporn was so well thought of by YL and the PTP, that they refused to put him in their Cabinet. Given they found places for Chalerm and Nattawut, it says very little about this guy.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Think it actually says a lot about this guy.

Same same.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Old Man River]

Jutaporn the Terrorist is in charge of the UDD now... thats a scarey thought... The Head of the Army is now denoucing this guy and the other red nutter (Kho Tee?) is threatening civil war if the courts remove Yingluck.

This is the end game guys, there will be much blood on the streets of thailand by the time these two have butted heads... and thailand will become either a Democratic country free from the Dictorial clutches of Thaksin, or will become a Republic with Thaksin in total control of the country.

Red, Yellow, Black, Blue, Green, pink or no colour... hold onto your hats, Ladies and Gentlemen, war is coming.

My money is on the army and I am not hedging my bet. They have the guns, logistics, training, discipline, and most of all, the authority to do what needs to be done, There will be no resistance and, therefore, little or no bloodshed. The worst that will happen is a low-level insurgency with occasional bombs and shootings until Thaksin becomes an old, old man.

Ramet, the issue is not whether the Army can take control, but what they do with the Country after.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[rametindallas]

Jutaporn the Terrorist is in charge of the UDD now... thats a scarey thought... The Head of the Army is now denoucing this guy and the other red nutter (Kho Tee?) is threatening civil war if the courts remove Yingluck.

This is the end game guys, there will be much blood on the streets of thailand by the time these two have butted heads... and thailand will become either a Democratic country free from the Dictorial clutches of Thaksin, or will become a Republic with Thaksin in total control of the country.

Red, Yellow, Black, Blue, Green, pink or no colour... hold onto your hats, Ladies and Gentlemen, war is coming.

My money is on the army and I am not hedging my bet. They have the guns, logistics, training, discipline, and most of all, the authority to do what needs to be done, There will be no resistance and, therefore, little or no bloodshed. The worst that will happen is a low-level insurgency with occasional bombs and shootings until Thaksin becomes an old, old man.

Ramet, the issue is not whether the Army can take control, but what they do with the Country after.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Govern with less corruption.

[MunterHunter]

Jutaporn the Terrorist is in charge of the UDD now... thats a scarey thought... The Head of the Army is now denoucing this guy and the other red nutter (Kho Tee?) is threatening civil war if the courts remove Yingluck.

This is the end game guys, there will be much blood on the streets of thailand by the time these two have butted heads... and thailand will become either a Democratic country free from the Dictorial clutches of Thaksin, or will become a Republic with Thaksin in total control of the country.

Red, Yellow, Black, Blue, Green, pink or no colour... hold onto your hats, Ladies and Gentlemen, war is coming.

My money is on the army and I am not hedging my bet. They have the guns, logistics, training, discipline, and most of all, the authority to do what needs to be done, There will be no resistance and, therefore, little or no bloodshed. The worst that will happen is a low-level insurgency with occasional bombs and shootings until Thaksin becomes an old, old man.

Ramet, the issue is not whether the Army can take control, but what they do with the Country after.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Govern with less corruption.

Hold public referendums, reform the political system in the country, round up all the corrupt politicians (both sides) and jail them for a very long time then hold public elections...

[Old Man River]

Jutaporn the Terrorist is in charge of the UDD now... thats a scarey thought... The Head of the Army is now denoucing this guy and the other red nutter (Kho Tee?) is threatening civil war if the courts remove Yingluck.

This is the end game guys, there will be much blood on the streets of thailand by the time these two have butted heads... and thailand will become either a Democratic country free from the Dictorial clutches of Thaksin, or will become a Republic with Thaksin in total control of the country.

Red, Yellow, Black, Blue, Green, pink or no colour... hold onto your hats, Ladies and Gentlemen, war is coming.

My money is on the army and I am not hedging my bet. They have the guns, logistics, training, discipline, and most of all, the authority to do what needs to be done, There will be no resistance and, therefore, little or no bloodshed. The worst that will happen is a low-level insurgency with occasional bombs and shootings until Thaksin becomes an old, old man.

Ramet, the issue is not whether the Army can take control, but what they do with the Country after.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Govern with less corruption.

I don't disagree with you, but this is the big question.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Edited March 18, 2014 by Old Man River

[rametindallas]

Jutaporn the Terrorist is in charge of the UDD now... thats a scarey thought... The Head of the Army is now denoucing this guy and the other red nutter (Kho Tee?) is threatening civil war if the courts remove Yingluck.

This is the end game guys, there will be much blood on the streets of thailand by the time these two have butted heads... and thailand will become either a Democratic country free from the Dictorial clutches of Thaksin, or will become a Republic with Thaksin in total control of the country.

Red, Yellow, Black, Blue, Green, pink or no colour... hold onto your hats, Ladies and Gentlemen, war is coming.

My money is on the army and I am not hedging my bet. They have the guns, logistics, training, discipline, and most of all, the authority to do what needs to be done, There will be no resistance and, therefore, little or no bloodshed. The worst that will happen is a low-level insurgency with occasional bombs and shootings until Thaksin becomes an old, old man.

What about the "watermelon" issue?

Much to their chagrin, the military are just observers of politics in Thailand now, their playing days are over.

The Army General Staff know who is on which side at all times and those 'watermelon' regiments will be confined to barracks or sent on maneuvers to Sakhon Nowhere if need be. Army discipline will take care of the rest.

I have very good friends on both side of the political spectrum. Back in mid-Summer, 2006, I was dining with several Royalist friends and they were very upset with Dr. Thaksin and his failure to hold new elections, etc. I told them that soon, if Dr. Thaksin didn't make moves to pacify their grievances, that the Army would step in. They all told me that I was wrong and that the Army no longer behaved that way. I pointed to a few indicators I had noticed and left it at that. Less than three months later, tanks moved into the city and it was done.

Now, I'm not saying the Army will do that. In fact, I believe the Army will be much harder to push into staging a coup on the current government than they were in 2006, despite the pressure. General Prayuth is the most stable (non-power hungry) Army chief I can remember. This government is going down because of corruption charges and for falsifying a bill that was sent to the Senate. The party will be dissolved, the MPs will mostly be banned, and Dr. Thaksin will have to form another new party. His problem is that there is now a limited selection of future MPs for him to choose from. They must be loyal, connected, well-to-do, and corruptible. The loyalty one is the most difficult as he has thrown so many of his supporters under the bus, not many will take a chance with him. He is not to be underestimated, though, and most likely he will be able to form the next government. Some of my best friends depend on his largess to thrive so I don't hate the man. I like Thaksin, personally, but on this forum I think globally and Thaksin is not taking Thailand in the direction it needs to go. The Democrats will, though they will do it poorly. These are just one person's opinion so don't worry, I have no power to affect the future of Thailand.

[rametindallas]

My money is on the army and I am not hedging my bet. They have the guns, logistics, training, discipline, and most of all, the authority to do what needs to be done, There will be no resistance and, therefore, little or no bloodshed. The worst that will happen is a low-level insurgency with occasional bombs and shootings until Thaksin becomes an old, old man.

Ramet, the issue is not whether the Army can take control, but what they do with the Country after.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Govern with less corruption.

I don't disagree with you, but this is the big question.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Just so you know where I stand, I want the Army to stay out of politics and would rather officers would keep their opinions to themselves. This is Thailand, though and the Army holds a certain position in the society. I have to accept the reality as it is. If the Yingluck government had worked selflessly for ALL the people for the first two years without scandal, I'm positive that Dr. Thaksin would be forgiven by most and be allowed to return and even involve himself in politics as an 'elder statesman' figure. Impatience if one of Dr. Thaksin's flaws and corruption is a way of keeping all the varied parties on board the government train so that didn't happen. Dr. Thaksin is a very charismatic person and I believe he could have laid out a long-term strategy that would have kept corruption to a minimum until their power was more secure and still kept his backers on board. That didn't happen. Dr. Thaksin also suffers from over-confidence (he is very talented and intelligent) and he made a terrible mistake in Spring of 2006 by dissolving Parliament with the expectation of quickly forming a new government (mandate). He didn't expect the Democrats to boycott and put a monkey wrench in his plans. PM Yingluck, no doubt at Thaksin's request, also made a mistake dissolving Parliament last December in the expectation of quickly forming a new government (mandate again). Surprise, surprise, Democrats used the same tactic they used in 2006 and now the Yingluck government in in Limbo with care-taker status and little power to guide their own future. This kind of bungling cannot be rewarded. They have become much richer and it is time for them to move on and for a new bunch to govern/rip off Thailand. I doubt very much that Suthep's PDRC will actually effect a cleanup of corruption as ALL the powers that be have molded their business practices to that status quo and are more likely to sabotage any efforts in that direction. I hope we can find some common ground so we can debate, with rational positions, the pros and cons of certain individuals' actions.

[Mentors]

For me, a man in charge of an army that would happily shoot its own citizens, a man that leads an army that rules the country with an iron fist, should not be speaking of honour. What we are talking about here is power, raw and naked...

in how many countries on this planet the Army chief can talk to media and the people on a daily base...? That says all.

Edited March 18, 2014 by Mentors

[whybother]

For me, a man in charge of an army that would happily shoot its own citizens, a man that leads an army that rules the country with an iron fist, should not be speaking of honour. What we are talking about here is power, raw and naked...

in how many countries on this planet the Army chief can talk to media and the people on a daily base...? That says all.

Probably more than half of them.

Sent from my phone ...

[Fryslan boppe]

With this article yesterday, hanging on every word Prayuth said, shows Media links supporting the military, in whatever way one wants to characterize it. Where is the report outlining Jatuporn's lengthy response in his speech on AsiaUpdate?......Unless I missed it, and that could be.

I've heard some smatterings from the UDD/RS. One point Jatuporn made was accusing Prayuth of corruption. Something to the effect of questioning why he has all these military bunkers in BKK, and paying over 700.00 baht each soldier for this duty, at around 100 soldiers per bunker............In fact, they are manned by only around 10 soldiers.

And what is this thing about paying soldiers 250.00 Baht for southern duty, and 700.00 baht in BKK.

Anyway, that is what I am hearing......what is the truth here, and what about the rest of what Jatuporn spoke about........

Attacking Jatuporn is attacking a huge electoral block in Thailand, and not smart.....For Prayuth to get into a war of words with a Political leader, is a losing proposition for him..He will be out-of-his-depth, .especially when this political leader is independent of the military, not beholden to them, and not a "yes and Amen" element, like most other key elements of the political establishment.

There will be zilch reluctance for the UDD/RS's to expose all matters military and political in this instance.