Suthep: Poll disruptions will be repeated

[tezzainoz]

Most of the democratic nation's outside Thailand are amazed that this criminal suthep can violate voting laws with impunity , why are there any election's in Thailand if the loser can keep changing the rule's , if the corrupt court's wont stop this madness then some one should invalidate the court's and install a court that believes in democracy and the rule of law , this Suthep gang is making Thailand look really bad like a banana republic its sad to see and what of the economy ? this Suthep is a criminal and should be treated as such , my prayers are for the good honest people of the land of smile's .

The trouble her eis we must live in different worlds

I listen to open radio and talk back in Australia. and Thailand hardly gets a single word said about this current politics when ever there is any word it is about a corrupt government faceing the people

Maybe you only hear what you want to hear

In Australia and England the courts have the final say

and the Govenment obey the law of the Land

Edited March 22, 2014 by Scott

[tomacht8]

The old leaders of both sides suck.

The planning weakness on both sides is evident.

Too bad that both sides (and here predominantly are only the established screamers) are too stupid
and did not have taken up the proposal of the six independent agencies.

Each side proposing a list of 10 neutral persons from the government and the PDRC.

The list will be opened publicly at the same time.

These people could then discuss necessary reforms and develop a clear list of measures.

This could then be adopted in an election or in a referendum.

It is time that these establish loudmouths start thinking for the benefit of the country and its people, rather less for themselves.

I wonder if these are really adults.

[Tarric]

To be completely frank I am tired of both sides and their cheerleaders championing the righteousness of their respective causes. At the end of the day the country is slowly falling apart socially and economically while the PTP/Thaksin/UDD and the Democrats/Suthep/PDRC continue with their political brinksmanship.

Both sides need to accept that they are not going to get what they want, there is not going to be any rousing victory for either side without the blood of the Thai people on the street. If large scale violence does occur Thailand can kiss any chance of prosperity and continued economic growth goodbye.

The Democrats need to contest this next election and push for reform through traditional channels, even if they lose they can be an effective opposition holding the government to account on spending. With strong oversight they could reduce corruption at the highest levels and show the people that they have their best interests at heart.

And you really think that the Democrats want Reform??? All that they want is to be back in power so that they can take advantage of the Corruption that is rampent on both sides, and without having to share the wealth / spoils with the poor as Thasksin was doing...

Pianoman

No I don't think the Democrats truly want real reform any more the PTP, they merely want reform that makes it easier for them to gain power and maintain their share of the corruption pie. I was speaking from the point of an ideal world where the Democrats actually mean what they say rather than saying it merely as a political tool. It was more of a point of what the Democrats could and should do for the good of the country, rather than what they will do.

To be completely frank I am tired of both sides and their cheerleaders championing the righteousness of their respective causes. At the end of the day the country is slowly falling apart socially and economically while the PTP/Thaksin/UDD and the Democrats/Suthep/PDRC continue with their political brinksmanship.

Both sides need to accept that they are not going to get what they want, there is not going to be any rousing victory for either side without the blood of the Thai people on the street. If large scale violence does occur Thailand can kiss any chance of prosperity and continued economic growth goodbye.

The Democrats need to contest this next election and push for reform through traditional channels, even if they lose they can be an effective opposition holding the government to account on spending. With strong oversight they could reduce corruption at the highest levels and show the people that they have their best interests at heart.

Totaly agree with you, But then you said!

With strong oversight they could reduce corruption at the highest levels and show the people that they have their best interests at heart.

wasn't that part of the problem in the last Parliament? PTP wouldn't give the dems the time to debate any of the constitutional changes proposed and they sneaked the vote through at 4am in the morning.

surely they've been there and done that!

I agree that the PTP have hindered any attempt at transparency, however that is no reason to stop trying to hold the government of the day to account. When the Thai people came out in the hundreds of thousands against the amnesty bill they showed the potential of Thai people power. With the future potential of further anti-government protests the Democrats have a unique opportunity to press the issue on anti-corruption issues and government transparency. Edit: Press the issue in parliarment as part of the normal political process, not with more political brinksmanship.

The Thai people have every right to know where every satang of their taxes goes rather than vague figures that everybody knows are doctored at absolute best.

Edited March 22, 2014 by Tarric

[crazykopite]

Yawn Yawn Yawn the only people who suffer are those who have to work for a living the corrupt wealthy such as Suthep and his cronies sit at home working on there distasteful tactics to get into government via the "Back Door" they are no better than the man sitting in Dubia !!!!

[xminator]

Well, just what are the reforms Suthep keeps screaming about? Why do I get the feeling that he wants to disenfranchise voters unlikely to vote for him. If not, then reveal the reforms. Agreeing to implement unknown reforms would be the height of folly and stupidity. So come on, Suthep. Tell us what your reforms are! Somehow he never does...

Near anything opposite to what has transpired over 2 years. rid the country of in your face corruption, for starters, ANYONE caught in any government capacity charged and convicted. NO to inactive posts---sacking. Audits for any contracts/work carried out. Complete re-structure of the Bib

Independent courts to be set up, one normal---one high court for appeals etc.

No coloured declared villages--- illegal. Let the experts sort out the rest---these are mega reform tasks---(to my thinking)

Problem is, the champion of this cause have been caught red handed so many times everyone KNOWS the whole protest thing is just a front for what really matters. Power and hand back in honey pot.

[Khonper]

Well, just what are the reforms Suthep keeps screaming about? Why do I get the feeling that he wants to disenfranchise voters unlikely to vote for him. If not, then reveal the reforms. Agreeing to implement unknown reforms would be the height of folly and stupidity. So come on, Suthep. Tell us what your reforms are! Somehow he never does...

+1

[ginjag]

Yawn Yawn Yawn the only people who suffer are those who have to work for a living the corrupt wealthy such as Suthep and his cronies sit at home working on there distasteful tactics to get into government via the "Back Door" they are no better than the man sitting in Dubia !!!!

Don't be afraid---the courts are going in through the FRONT door, Get you order of merit re wealth is concerned and wrongs.

Most government-and it's employees and followers are guilty of corruption these are number 2, number one HAS to be Thaksin, encouraging corrupt government polices , after that you can name other persons that are problematic.

[ginjag]

Well, just what are the reforms Suthep keeps screaming about? Why do I get the feeling that he wants to disenfranchise voters unlikely to vote for him. If not, then reveal the reforms. Agreeing to implement unknown reforms would be the height of folly and stupidity. So come on, Suthep. Tell us what your reforms are! Somehow he never does...

Near anything opposite to what has transpired over 2 years. rid the country of in your face corruption, for starters, ANYONE caught in any government capacity charged and convicted. NO to inactive posts---sacking. Audits for any contracts/work carried out. Complete re-structure of the Bib

Independent courts to be set up, one normal---one high court for appeals etc.

No coloured declared villages--- illegal. Let the experts sort out the rest---these are mega reform tasks---(to my thinking)

Problem is, the champion of this cause have been caught red handed so many times everyone KNOWS the whole protest thing is just a front for what really matters. Power and hand back in honey pot.

There should be no honey pot, that pot is for Thai people not individuals,, that's what the protests are about, Who led the protests I do not care as long as they rid the country of evil. Then they should be accountable, but get the instigators first the bad governance.

[ginjag]

Well, just what are the reforms Suthep keeps screaming about? Why do I get the feeling that he wants to disenfranchise voters unlikely to vote for him. If not, then reveal the reforms. Agreeing to implement unknown reforms would be the height of folly and stupidity. So come on, Suthep. Tell us what your reforms are! Somehow he never does...

+1

How about the said government come clean. Yingluck chair the cabinet, and all hold their hands up in the air and shout out loud we did very wrong, and want to repent our sins.

We will uncover what we did and produce the BOOKS.

[Scott]

Off-topic and inflammatory posts removed along with replies removed.

Please keep your remarks civil and on topic.

[Scamper]

The cul-de-sac that has now emerged was inevitable. This is the " wall ", so to speak - the point by which all political participants have found themselves. It has been formed through a complete and utter lack of trust - on all sides. It is for want of a better phrase - a Mexican standoff. No one dares stand down, because they fear that the other side will take advantage. This is how each of the participants likely view this moment :

Thaksin : He wants an election to take place, so that he can perpetuate his influence and power, and to reap the spoils of corruption for himself, his family, and his henchmen. He isn't interested in any reform that will limit or take away his power to control the political landscape. His idea of reform - once a proxy government is established - will be to return to Thailand exonerated of all charges, and for over one billion dollars U.S. to be returned to him. This will of course mean another amnesty bill and other changes to the charter. Why do we know that this is what Thaksin wants to do ? Because that has been what be has been trying to do all along. But Thaksin has a dilemma. He wants an election, but he cannot secure a quorum without the Democratic party's participation. This is something for which Thaksin has no idea how to solve. For many, this is the ultimate poetic irony.

Suthep : He knows what Thaksin wants. He operates under no illusions regarding Thaksin. He wants reform that takes Thaksin' s influence completely out of the equation, and he wants to reform the system so that corruption on the scale reached in recent years never is allowed to happen again. He is committed to this belief. He believes that an election will only break the cycle of Thaksin's influence if it is preceded by a period of reform that will make it impossible for a man of means to subvert the political system ever again. He privately knows that he will not be able to bring about a period of reform himself. He is counting on the courts to proceed, and he is counting on the army. Suthep does not see himself as the endgame. He sees himself as an enabler of reform.

Abhisit : He is similarly convinced of Thaksin's ever-increasing threat to overwhelm the political system and to the rule of law. He has been privately disgusted by the unilateral motions and actions of Thaksin's greed, and he is convinced also that an election without reforms in place will simply perpetuate Thaksin's stifling grip on the system. He privately thinks Suthep is way over the top, but he keeps that largely to himself. He prefers a middle road, but is increasingly convinced that Thaksin does not. He doesn't want to see another election blocked at the polling booths. But he fervently hopes the EC will conclude as they had before - that an election will not ease the tensions of the country without a period of reform. It is Abhisit's hope that cooler heads will prevail, but he has put his greatest hope and faith in the judicial system and is confident that that will continue to squeeze Thaksin's interests out. He also is aware of the presence of the army.

Jatuporn, Ko Tee, Thida, Nuttawut and the UDD : They want Thaksin's influence in permanently, and are prepared to take combat to the streets. They believe in their numbers and they believe in their influence over them. They do not believe in homogeneity. They believe in uniformity.They bristle at opposing views, and regard them as poison. They want the independent agencies out, and they want to appoint judges that will concur with their desires.

The question everyone has been asking - politicians, academics, laypersons - is the same. Is it truly possible for any consensus to be forged between all these participants ? And the honest answer is no - there isn't. And that's why we have a Mexican standoff. What we have right now, however, is an administration that has so legislative power. What we have right now is an administration that is being encircled with legal challenges and imminent impeachment proceedings. As long as the constitutional process - through the rule of law - continues unabated, the options Thaksin has will become less and less. The wild card of course is the army. The army will only be activated under certain conditions. The UDD running riot and going after the independent agencies would certainly do it. But given the present dynamics, it will not by itself heal these wildly incongruent divisions. The army does not want a coup, but they are prepared to impose martial law temporarily if the judicial system is perceived to be threatened. The army hopes - more than anyone - that cooler heads will prevail - and privately thinks that reform should precede a national election.

[Donnie Brasco]

The cul-de-sac that has now emerged was inevitable. This is the " wall ", so to speak - the point by which all political participants have found themselves. It has been formed through a complete and utter lack of trust - on all sides. It is for want of a better phrase - a Mexican standoff. No one dares stand down, because they fear that the other side will take advantage. This is how each of the participants likely view this moment :

Thaksin : He wants an election to take place, so that he can perpetuate his influence and power, and to reap the spoils of corruption for himself, his family, and his henchmen. He isn't interested in any reform that will limit or take away his power to control the political landscape. His idea of reform - once a proxy government is established - will be to return to Thailand exonerated of all charges, and for over one billion dollars U.S. to be returned to him. This will of course mean another amnesty bill and other changes to the charter. Why do we know that this is what Thaksin wants to do ? Because that has been what be has been trying to do all along. But Thaksin has a dilemma. He wants an election, but he cannot secure a quorum without the Democratic party's participation. This is something for which Thaksin has no idea how to solve. For many, this is the ultimate poetic irony.

Suthep : He knows what Thaksin wants. He operates under no illusions regarding Thaksin. He wants reform that takes Thaksin' s influence completely out of the equation, and he wants to reform the system so that corruption on the scale reached in recent years never is allowed to happen again. He is committed to this belief. He believes that an election will only break the cycle of Thaksin's influence if it is preceded by a period of reform that will make it impossible for a man of means to subvert the political system ever again. He privately knows that he will not be able to bring about a period of reform himself. He is counting on the courts to proceed, and he is counting on the army. Suthep does not see himself as the endgame. He sees himself as an enabler of reform.

Abhisit : He is similarly convinced of Thaksin's ever-increasing threat to overwhelm the political system and to the rule of law. He has been privately disgusted by the unilateral motions and actions of Thaksin's greed, and he is convinced also that an election without reforms in place will simply perpetuate Thaksin's stifling grip on the system. He privately thinks Suthep is way over the top, but he keeps that largely to himself. He prefers a middle road, but is increasingly convinced that Thaksin does not. He doesn't want to see another election blocked at the polling booths. But he fervently hopes the EC will conclude as they had before - that an election will not ease the tensions of the country without a period of reform. It is Abhisit's hope that cooler heads will prevail, but he has put his greatest hope and faith in the judicial system and is confident that that will continue to squeeze Thaksin's interests out. He also is aware of the presence of the army.

Jatuporn, Ko Tee, Thida, Nuttawut and the UDD : They want Thaksin's influence in permanently, and are prepared to take combat to the streets. They believe in their numbers and they believe in their influence over them. They do not believe in homogeneity. They believe in uniformity.They bristle at opposing views, and regard them as poison. They want the independent agencies out, and they want to appoint judges that will concur with their desires.

The question everyone has been asking - politicians, academics, laypersons - is the same. Is it truly possible for any consensus to be forged between all these participants ? And the honest answer is no - there isn't. And that's why we have a Mexican standoff. What we have right now, however, is an administration that has so legislative power. What we have right now is an administration that is being encircled with legal challenges and imminent impeachment proceedings. As long as the constitutional process - through the rule of law - continues unabated, the options Thaksin has will become less and less. The wild card of course is the army. The army will only be activated under certain conditions. The UDD running riot and going after the independent agencies would certainly do it. But given the present dynamics, it will not by itself heal these wildly incongruent divisions. The army does not want a coup, but they are prepared to impose martial law temporarily if the judicial system is perceived to be threatened. The army hopes - more than anyone - that cooler heads will prevail - and privately thinks that reform should precede a national election.

100% Bangkok elite Propaganda

Reform what exactly . . . . . everyone's understanding of WHAT democracy is ?. . . . . . everyone's understanding of what "one man - one vote and respect my vote mean ?

It's ALWAYS entertaining when a gaggle of expats opine on the deep politics of their host country.

"Sometimes, 'fuggedabowdit' just means fuggedabowdit."

[drand11]

Like I said. Constitutional court sucks. If Suthep blocks just a few polling sites, next election will be voided AGAIN!! Thailand makes no sense! Reward a scum bag and penalize voters??

[drand11]

Like I said. Constitutional court sucks. If Suthep blocks just a few polling sites, next election will be voided AGAIN!! Thailand makes no sense! Reward a scum bag and penalize voters??

[drand11]

Suthep can do as he wishes. Constirutional court, military and NACC are all in the hands of the Dems. Thailand, your 3 top independent groups are corrupted, so you want Suthep to fix it?? REALLY??

[ginjag]

Like I said. Constitutional court sucks. If Suthep blocks just a few polling sites, next election will be voided AGAIN!! Thailand makes no sense! Reward a scum bag and penalize voters??

No good trying to kill cockroaches that are running freestyle, Suthep was brave enough to go for the nest, The 2 years have proved that.

[473geo]

So many here are distracted by the waves on the surface where there is much commotion but little long term effect, the system is in place for control of any 'government' and to nullify any anticipated change to this system. So yes reform is required.

What is the real issue in Thailand?

Well for years the insular nature of Thailand has allowed the country to be run as a business

There are stakeholders who for decades have been taking profits (Not talking governments here)

The profits have not been returned to the 'workers' aka the electorate in enhancements of lifestyle or improved infrastructure

It would appear there are many misguided who believe Thaksin is the sole person responsible for the disenchantment of the 'workforce' because he opened their eyes to the fact those in charge had the capability to provide benefits

There is also steady rise in opinion that external interests should be allowed to assist and speed the development of Thailand. Example government loans that are not funded from within. In this scenario there is potential for an element of 'profit' generated by business 'Thailand' to escape the clutches of the stakeholders.

There you have it, the whole scenario is about who takes the 'profit' from business Thailand, just to be clear those in government are respresentational of a very small part of the equation, you will see if you carry the ability to analyse, look in depth at the situation.

Sutheps reforms....workforce for Business 'Thailand' needs to be brought back under control, insular nature and influence retained, stakeholders profits ensured.

Thaksin, introduce global players and investors, which will speed the progression of Thailand and the people into the modern age, carries the downside of less control and profit for the long established stakeholders

It would appear the electorate prefer at the very least a more balanced and aligned version of the two, so which side is stopping the electorate from having a say?

[Thai at Heart]

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

Now this is where, someone either steps in and stops this nonsense or Thailand reduces itself to an international laughing stock.

Not much hope when you look at the material you have to work with, on both sides of the road.

Well allowing Suthep to continue to block elections with a few hundred thousand operatives is really ridiculous. It shows the world how bent the system is here.

Protests against people can understand. But a democratic system allowing a small reactionary force to prevail shows the people and the world that a new sinister event is under way. The votes must be allowed to occur, or Thailand is really no better than a banana republic.

He is reducing the system to a laughing stock.

[Thai at Heart]

So many here are distracted by the waves on the surface where there is much commotion but little long term effect, the system is in place for control of any 'government' and to nullify any anticipated change to this system. So yes reform is required.

What is the real issue in Thailand?

Well for years the insular nature of Thailand has allowed the country to be run as a business

There are stakeholders who for decades have been taking profits (Not talking governments here)

The profits have not been returned to the 'workers' aka the electorate in enhancements of lifestyle or improved infrastructure

It would appear there are many misguided who believe Thaksin is the sole person responsible for the disenchantment of the 'workforce' because he opened their eyes to the fact those in charge had the capability to provide benefits

There is also steady rise in opinion that external interests should be allowed to assist and speed the development of Thailand. Example government loans that are not funded from within. In this scenario there is potential for an element of 'profit' generated by business 'Thailand' to escape the clutches of the stakeholders.

There you have it, the whole scenario is about who takes the 'profit' from business Thailand, just to be clear those in government are respresentational of a very small part of the equation, you will see if you carry the ability to analyse, look in depth at the situation.

Sutheps reforms....workforce for Business 'Thailand' needs to be brought back under control, insular nature and influence retained, stakeholders profits ensured.

Thaksin, introduce global players and investors, which will speed the progression of Thailand and the people into the modern age, carries the downside of less control and profit for the long established stakeholders

It would appear the electorate prefer at the very least a more balanced and aligned version of the two, so which side is stopping the electorate from having a say?

Finally someone else sees what is going on here.

[ginjag]

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

Now this is where, someone either steps in and stops this nonsense or Thailand reduces itself to an international laughing stock.

Not much hope when you look at the material you have to work with, on both sides of the road.

Well allowing Suthep to continue to block elections with a few hundred thousand operatives is really ridiculous. It shows the world how bent the system is here.

Protests against people can understand. But a democratic system allowing a small reactionary force to prevail shows the people and the world that a new sinister event is under way. The votes must be allowed to occur, or Thailand is really no better than a banana republic.

He is reducing the system to a laughing stock.

The said government have reduced the system to a laughing stock. follow the money, We need elections when the courts have rid the vermin out of office.

[drand11]

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

Now this is where, someone either steps in and stops this nonsense or Thailand reduces itself to an international laughing stock.

Not much hope when you look at the material you have to work with, on both sides of the road.

Well allowing Suthep to continue to block elections with a few hundred thousand operatives is really ridiculous. It shows the world how bent the system is here.

Protests against people can understand. But a democratic system allowing a small reactionary force to prevail shows the people and the world that a new sinister event is under way. The votes must be allowed to occur, or Thailand is really no better than a banana republic.

I think we are now at an endless abyss. The "Constitutional Courts" say that if everyone don't have the option to vote on same day, regardless of illegal acts, then the election is void.

Seems like they chose to ignore the fact that the nation was being rampaged by the Dems/PDRC and that illegal acts were the cause of the Non Voting providences.

so now, what happens. Next election, 2 voting booths can't vote due to Suthep Mob, and the election is cancelled again? I guess the Constitutional court doesn't care about reasonable fact, they wish to read a constitution that obviously doesn't ASSUME Illegal acts when setting rules. Amazing. Can only happen in Thailand. Ignorance is Bliss in Thailand.

He is reducing the system to a laughing stock.

[HonestQuietBob]

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

Now this is where, someone either steps in and stops this nonsense or Thailand reduces itself to an international laughing stock.

Not much hope when you look at the material you have to work with, on both sides of the road.

Well allowing Suthep to continue to block elections with a few hundred thousand operatives is really ridiculous. It shows the world how bent the system is here.

Protests against people can understand. But a democratic system allowing a small reactionary force to prevail shows the people and the world that a new sinister event is under way. The votes must be allowed to occur, or Thailand is really no better than a banana republic.

He is reducing the system to a laughing stock.

The said government have reduced the system to a laughing stock. follow the money, We need elections when the courts have rid the vermin out of office.

And in those elections the people will return the "vermin" to office - then what?

[JAG]

The cul-de-sac that has now emerged was inevitable. This is the " wall ", so to speak - the point by which all political participants have found themselves. It has been formed through a complete and utter lack of trust - on all sides. It is for want of a better phrase - a Mexican standoff. No one dares stand down, because they fear that the other side will take advantage. This is how each of the participants likely view this moment :

Thaksin : He wants an election to take place, so that he can perpetuate his influence and power, and to reap the spoils of corruption for himself, his family, and his henchmen. He isn't interested in any reform that will limit or take away his power to control the political landscape. His idea of reform - once a proxy government is established - will be to return to Thailand exonerated of all charges, and for over one billion dollars U.S. to be returned to him. This will of course mean another amnesty bill and other changes to the charter. Why do we know that this is what Thaksin wants to do ? Because that has been what be has been trying to do all along. But Thaksin has a dilemma. He wants an election, but he cannot secure a quorum without the Democratic party's participation. This is something for which Thaksin has no idea how to solve. For many, this is the ultimate poetic irony.

Suthep : He knows what Thaksin wants. He operates under no illusions regarding Thaksin. He wants reform that takes Thaksin' s influence completely out of the equation, and he wants to reform the system so that corruption on the scale reached in recent years never is allowed to happen again. He is committed to this belief. He believes that an election will only break the cycle of Thaksin's influence if it is preceded by a period of reform that will make it impossible for a man of means to subvert the political system ever again. He privately knows that he will not be able to bring about a period of reform himself. He is counting on the courts to proceed, and he is counting on the army. Suthep does not see himself as the endgame. He sees himself as an enabler of reform.

Abhisit : He is similarly convinced of Thaksin's ever-increasing threat to overwhelm the political system and to the rule of law. He has been privately disgusted by the unilateral motions and actions of Thaksin's greed, and he is convinced also that an election without reforms in place will simply perpetuate Thaksin's stifling grip on the system. He privately thinks Suthep is way over the top, but he keeps that largely to himself. He prefers a middle road, but is increasingly convinced that Thaksin does not. He doesn't want to see another election blocked at the polling booths. But he fervently hopes the EC will conclude as they had before - that an election will not ease the tensions of the country without a period of reform. It is Abhisit's hope that cooler heads will prevail, but he has put his greatest hope and faith in the judicial system and is confident that that will continue to squeeze Thaksin's interests out. He also is aware of the presence of the army.

Jatuporn, Ko Tee, Thida, Nuttawut and the UDD : They want Thaksin's influence in permanently, and are prepared to take combat to the streets. They believe in their numbers and they believe in their influence over them. They do not believe in homogeneity. They believe in uniformity.They bristle at opposing views, and regard them as poison. They want the independent agencies out, and they want to appoint judges that will concur with their desires.

The question everyone has been asking - politicians, academics, laypersons - is the same. Is it truly possible for any consensus to be forged between all these participants ? And the honest answer is no - there isn't. And that's why we have a Mexican standoff. What we have right now, however, is an administration that has so legislative power. What we have right now is an administration that is being encircled with legal challenges and imminent impeachment proceedings. As long as the constitutional process - through the rule of law - continues unabated, the options Thaksin has will become less and less. The wild card of course is the army. The army will only be activated under certain conditions. The UDD running riot and going after the independent agencies would certainly do it. But given the present dynamics, it will not by itself heal these wildly incongruent divisions. The army does not want a coup, but they are prepared to impose martial law temporarily if the judicial system is perceived to be threatened. The army hopes - more than anyone - that cooler heads will prevail - and privately thinks that reform should precede a national election.

100% Bangkok elite Propaganda

Reform what exactly . . . . . everyone's understanding of WHAT democracy is ?. . . . . . everyone's understanding of what "one man - one vote and respect my vote mean ?

It's ALWAYS entertaining when a gaggle of expats opine on the deep politics of their host country.

"Sometimes, 'fuggedabowdit' just means fuggedabowdit."

Give him a break Donnie, he's posting propaganda yes, but at least he's started using paragraphs!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Thai at Heart]

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

Now this is where, someone either steps in and stops this nonsense or Thailand reduces itself to an international laughing stock.

Not much hope when you look at the material you have to work with, on both sides of the road.

Well allowing Suthep to continue to block elections with a few hundred thousand operatives is really ridiculous. It shows the world how bent the system is here.

Protests against people can understand. But a democratic system allowing a small reactionary force to prevail shows the people and the world that a new sinister event is under way. The votes must be allowed to occur, or Thailand is really no better than a banana republic.

He is reducing the system to a laughing stock.

The said government have reduced the system to a laughing stock. follow the money, We need elections when the courts have rid the vermin out of office.

Not this time ...not this time.

[than]

Suthep can do as he wishes. Constirutional court, military and NACC are all in the hands of the Dems. Thailand, your 3 top independent groups are corrupted, so you want Suthep to fix it?? REALLY??

Can you disclose your evidence about corruption in independent agencies ?

Your comment look like defamation !

[HonestQuietBob]

So no more elections in Thailand until Suthep says so.

No matter how evil, corrupt, demonic, villainous, sub-human (or whatever other adjective you want to use) you think Thakisn is, it still doesn't justify supporting the actions of this man.

[ginjag]

Well allowing Suthep to continue to block elections with a few hundred thousand operatives is really ridiculous. It shows the world how bent the system is here.

Protests against people can understand. But a democratic system allowing a small reactionary force to prevail shows the people and the world that a new sinister event is under way. The votes must be allowed to occur, or Thailand is really no better than a banana republic.

He is reducing the system to a laughing stock.

The said government have reduced the system to a laughing stock. follow the money, We need elections when the courts have rid the vermin out of office.

And in those elections the people will return the "vermin" to office - then what?

Not from the monkey cage impossible, when behind bars I think the law would not let you stand for office---get the gist or you love Disney land.

[ginjag]

So no more elections in Thailand until Suthep says so.

No matter how evil, corrupt, demonic, villainous, sub-human (or whatever other adjective you want to use) you think Thakisn is, it still doesn't justify supporting the actions of this man.

I support his action against evil--do not support him personally.

Is the jail not nice enough for the government, is that why you do not want them tried??? If you were to have got this government convicted earlier Suthep would not have appeared on the scene --easy to see where the problem lies. You do not chastise the boy when the mother is evil.

[Crushdepth]

unfortunately the CC has brought this upon itself - CHAOS!!!

Oh come on be fair about it - the government created this mess with their appalling amnesty bill and made it worse by insisting to push ahead with an election when the EC advised them it was not possible. They have no one but themselves and their own arrogance to blame.

[Asiantravel]

Suthep with the support of the military and the Democrat party will now hold Thailand hostage. Everyone is for reform. Who best to initiate the reform process? In any enlightened nation where there is a respect for democracy, the answer would be, the elected representatives of the people. The Suthep faction wants its form of reform to come from people it will appoint. That is not acceptable.

Thailand is at the crossroads. If it is in favour of democracy there must be free elections. The continued blackmail of Suthep must stop. The military must step aside and allow the civil authorities to proceed with their case against Suthep and that means an end to their protection of him.

Just as Suthep and his cronies keep insisting that there must be reforms before the next election, what's to stop Suthep spelling out a few more precise details NOW before the caretaker government would be asked to relinquish power such as

1. exactly who is going to a member of the People's Council -the full and complete list
2. the full extent of their wish list so that people of Thailand can adequately consider it and so that nothing unexpected can be added later
3. exactly how long it will be until the next election is held

as it is today the people of Thailand and particularly those in the rural heartland are completely in the dark about these issues. Only those associated with the elite are in the know and that is totally unacceptable