Vote 'a chance to restore democracy'

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Vote 'a chance to restore democracy'
The Nation


Nuttawut, no need to fight Suthep.

Nuttawut urges Democrat Party to take part; denies red-shirt revamp prompted by Suthep

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Deputy Commerce Minister Nuttawut Saikuar believes the Constitutional Court ruling nullifying the February 2 election can be the starting point to bring the country back on the democratic path.

He said if the Democrat Party agreed to take part in a new election, it could bring about a government that could kick-start reform and which served only one year before another election under the new reform was called.

"Suthep Thaugsuban [People's Democratic Reform Committee chief] can continue with his rally but do not block the election," he said.

"If we fight within the rule of law, a war will not break out."

With the red shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship's (UDD) change at the helm and to its structure, and the establishment of the red shirt Democracy Protection Volunteers (DPV), critics believe the red shirts are now on the offensive.

The UDD's former chairwoman, retired academic Thida Thavornseth, was replaced by a more aggressive leader, Jatuporn Prompan.

DPV leader Suporn Atthawong, who is also the PM's deputy secretary general, vowed to recruit hundreds of thousands of youths to fight for their cause.

Political observers fear such moves will bring about civil strife and bloodshed. Nuttawut, however, downplayed the red shirt moves, saying a bloodbath can be avoided.

"We must help prevent it. If we are united we can avoid it,'' he said.

Nuttawut, who has taken the post of UDD secretary-general, denied that the UDD's leadership changes had anything to do with the fact that Suthep had consolidated his rally and the increasing activities by independent agencies to allegedly bring down the caretaker Yingluck government.

"We do not need to fight Suthep," he said.

"Suthep is struggling with an internal battle - [there has been a decrease] from hundreds of thousand protesters down to thousands," he said.

"If the PM is indicted by independent agencies and suspended from duty, there will be others to replace her."

What the UDD is fighting is the conspiracy move to challenge the state and people's power by toppling an elected government and establishing a new government by bypassing the people, he said.

Nuttawut said if the UDD gained victory, it would reform independent agencies, especially on their power to remove political office holders.

"It is not practical, even though it is lawful, because the Senate gives birth to independent agencies and that is why impeachment is not easy,'' he said.

"The independent agencies' roles, such as those of the Constitutional Court, have driven us to confront each other.

"As long as the justice system is not fair, there will be upheaval and street fights. We have to help keep the present system and not destroy it by claiming that the new system is better.''

When Jatuporn took the UDD helm he said he would lead the battle in a democratic way, and not act like a courtier.

Nuttawut said courtiers control the country's structure and mechanisms and used Suthep to lead the fight.

"Suthep is not our rival. We are fighting the bad structure and mechanisms that suppress the people's structure,'' he said.

Nuttawut defended the red shirt against claims they were attempting to divide the country.

"You cannot say that it is the red shirt's mindset to divide the state," he said.

"It is actually the explosion of frustration against injustice. Our movement will not lead to separation of the state."

He said the fact that the red shirts had been under attack for allegedly attempting to provoke separatism did not worry him.

"This will be the height of nonsense in the country's history, like when we were accused of plotting to topple the monarchy in 2010,'' he said.


-- The Nation 2014-03-24

[Ricardo]

When Jatuporn took the UDD helm he said he would lead the battle in a democratic way, and not act like a courtier."

One in the eye, for the UDD's former-leader, Khun Thida ?

Nuttawut urges Democrat Party to take part; denies red-shirt revamp prompted by Suthep

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Deputy Commerce Minister Nuttawut Saikuar believes the Constitutional Court ruling nullifying the February 2 election can be the starting point to bring the country back on the democratic path.

He said if the Democrat Party agreed to take part in a new election, it could bring about a government that could kick-start reform and which served only one year before another election under the new reform was called.

Something must be wrong, something Nuttawat says actually seems sensible, although of course he then backs it up with what might be taken as a threat !

"If we fight within the rule of law, a war will not break out."

Edited March 24, 2014 by Ricardo

[Fryslan boppe]

Wow, that's a change.

Instead of laughably quoting seminars, forums, raising money for who they call buffalo's, from a coup-monger stage, finally we get some input from those on the electoral majority and pro-democracy side of things.

Also good not to see other misleading characterizations by the media.

Such as calling a power-grab attempt outside elections a 'protest'. Using Parliamentary issues as self-serving cover for coupist intentions. Calling attempts to 'cook the electoral books" before an election in order to improve their electability, so that they do not need to transform themselves...... "Reform".

Coup-mongers are not protesters and are not reformers.

Edited March 24, 2014 by Fryslan boppe

[Dr Bruce]

In any other country a man who stands up and demands free elections would be a hero.

[Roadman]

Nuttawut said if the UDD gained victory, it would reform independent agencies, especially on their power to remove political office holders.

Nuttawut and the UDD!!! And this is different from Suthep and the PDRC in what way?

Different day but same nutters with their own agenda's. The reason why Thailand's democracy is not going anywhere until its political arm is disconnected, reformed and safe guarded against the lot of them.

[binjalin]

I like the idea of a one year government and then national discussion on reform then vote again under a new constitution (i.e. no les majeste law etc.)

[Thait Spot]

Very rational from Khun Den

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Bocking]

At long last, are we hearing the voice of reason? .....

''He said if the Democrat Party agreed to take part in a new election, it could bring about a government that could kick-start reform and which served only one year before another election under the new reform was called''.

No celebrating the murder of innocent children, no threats of gunfire across Bangkok or a million 750cc petrol bombs to burn down Bangkok. I can only hope that this is a genuine change in stance by the UDD and not just an empty statement designed by Amsterdam et al in order to garner international sympathy and of course, to be used as reference on forums such as this in order to demonstrate a 'reasonable' position.

Fingers crossed ... But breath not held

Edited March 24, 2014 by Bocking

[lemonjelly]

When the UDD leader (how can that be after encouraging a bunch of burked-up apes to burn BKK to the ground?) wears a shirt with an image of Thaksin Shinawatra, (why do the Thais insist on putting the letter 'h' everywhere?) one wonders if the UDD leader and his audience are following a person or an ideology.

[Ricardo]

I like the idea of a one year government and then national discussion on reform then vote again under a new constitution (i.e. no les majeste law etc.)

Agreed, especially if all parties concerned would commit to the constitutional-changes being ratified (preferably change-by-change), by a national-referendum ?

Not sure that the L.M. law will ever be removed, bit of a 'hot potato' or 'red rag to a bull', that one. Perhaps try to have it watered-down slightly instead ?

[Thait Spot]

When the UDD leader (how can that be after encouraging a bunch of burked-up apes to burn BKK to the ground?) wears a shirt with an image of Thaksin Shinawatra, (why do the Thais insist on putting the letter 'h' everywhere?) one wonders if the UDD leader and his audience are following a person or an ideology.

I might be wrong but I don't recall him calling for violence or arson

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[WinnieTheKhwai]

It's somewhat worrying when one of the most sensible statements these days is made by a UDD leader. :/

I wish the Democrat party would quit being AWOL and go campaign, win votes, present a clear vision and hopefully win an election. (Or, do well enough to be part of a government that will accomplish reform.)

[pedro01]

When the UDD leader (how can that be after encouraging a bunch of burked-up apes to burn BKK to the ground?) wears a shirt with an image of Thaksin Shinawatra, (why do the Thais insist on putting the letter 'h' everywhere?) one wonders if the UDD leader and his audience are following a person or an ideology.

Yet we are where we are today.

Crimes committed by both sides.

People (like you) can continue to forment hatred OR they can look to bury the past and move Thailand forward.

Continually banging this drum every time Nattawut speaks makes you part of the problem, not the solution.

I actually found this speech somewhat refreshing considering the source.

Reform though cannot just be about independent agencies, Nattawut must also have fighting corruption as a top priority.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[gabruce]

Wow, that's a change.

Instead of laughably quoting seminars, forums, raising money for who they call buffalo's, from a coup-monger stage, finally we get some input from those on the electoral majority and pro-democracy side of things.

Also good not to see other misleading characterizations by the media.

Such as calling a power-grab attempt outside elections a 'protest'. Using Parliamentary issues as self-serving cover for coupist intentions. Calling attempts to 'cook the electoral books" before an election in order to improve their electability, so that they do not need to transform themselves...... "Reform".

Coup-mongers are not protesters and are not reformers.

On the other hand he still seems focused on doing away with the independent agencies and courts (or rather restricting them so they cannot touch the government). Checks and balances are crucial to society as is the rule of law. He also seems to dislike the Senate.

[gabruce]

Wow, that's a change.

Instead of laughably quoting seminars, forums, raising money for who they call buffalo's, from a coup-monger stage, finally we get some input from those on the electoral majority and pro-democracy side of things.

Also good not to see other misleading characterizations by the media.

Such as calling a power-grab attempt outside elections a 'protest'. Using Parliamentary issues as self-serving cover for coupist intentions. Calling attempts to 'cook the electoral books" before an election in order to improve their electability, so that they do not need to transform themselves...... "Reform".

Coup-mongers are not protesters and are not reformers.

Enjoy name-calling much?

[h90]

Wow, that's a change.

Instead of laughably quoting seminars, forums, raising money for who they call buffalo's, from a coup-monger stage, finally we get some input from those on the electoral majority and pro-democracy side of things.

Also good not to see other misleading characterizations by the media.

Such as calling a power-grab attempt outside elections a 'protest'. Using Parliamentary issues as self-serving cover for coupist intentions. Calling attempts to 'cook the electoral books" before an election in order to improve their electability, so that they do not need to transform themselves...... "Reform".

Coup-mongers are not protesters and are not reformers.

I think the last huge demonstration of your electoral majority was below 10.000...some speak about 3000-4000 with all kinds of free things.

On the demonstration before people started to leave during a speech because the time they were paid for was finished.

If you would have learned any history than you would know that almost all reforms came after coups, revolutions or similar upraising. Without that USA would be still a part of UK and Europe would be ruled by absolute monarchies.....The corrupt people in power will never make a reform that cut their own share of power and money.

So a non elected reform government with the person banned from politics for the next 5 years after to avoid any conflict of interest would be the best solution for Thailand.

[kerrysum]

In any other country a man who stands up and demands free elections would be a hero.

Agreed,

But, hey what do we know at this point?

Just hope that the Thai people have an ideal to restore Tradition.....

Kerry

Too many sides, with no real ????

you fill in the blanks.....

[rickirs]

Will anyone challenge the results of any new election as being held in violation of the constitution? The Constitution requires the elections to be held within 60 days of dissolution of the parliament house. In fact the election was held in February much later than 60 days and would seem to be unconstitutional. No one has challenged the constitutionality of the Feb. election.

Will the Constitutional Court allow EC and the Government to deviate from the constitution without amending the constitution based on precedent of already having an election held past the 60-day deadline? Wouldn't both the EC and the Government need either a royal decree from the King to hold a new national election and/or a ruling from the Constitutional Court that a new election is legal. Otherwise any further elections are futile.

[h90]

In any other country a man who stands up and demands free elections would be a hero.

He isn't demanding free elections......I complete missed where he ever complained about the vote buying or why he is ranting against the attempts from Thaksin to rig the elections in the past (boots that can be seen in, rubber stamps, transporting the boxes unattended by Taxi driver, etc etc).

He is demanding un-free elections. While Suthep wants a framework to make free elections possible in future.

[toybits]

I believe Nuttawut has got it right - that Suthep really is not the problem. Suthep is merely a puppet of some unseen power....

Quote from OP

Nuttawut said courtiers control the country's structure and mechanisms and used Suthep to lead the fight.

"Suthep is not our rival. We are fighting the bad structure and mechanisms that suppress the people's structure,'' he said.

[fab4]

Nuttawut said if the UDD gained victory, it would reform independent agencies, especially on their power to remove political office holders.

Nuttawut and the UDD!!! And this is different from Suthep and the PDRC in what way?

Different day but same nutters with their own agenda's. The reason why Thailand's democracy is not going anywhere until its political arm is disconnected, reformed and safe guarded against the lot of them.

Can you not see the difference between a group of people wanting to hold an election and another group whose very being is to stop an election taken place? And that is at the most simple level.

[chotthee]

Thai people should vote about whether Thailand should have an election or not.

[Baerboxer]

In any other country a man who stands up and demands free elections would be a hero.

Read what he says carefully.

Sure he wants elections, But only if the side he supports win. Would he be so enthusiastic if they lost - I doubt it. More like squealing unfair and trying to organize a rebellion again,

He also makes it clear if they are returned to office they will "reform" the independent agencies and restrict their authority over illegal government activities. They want a government that once elected really can do just as they please. The you'll see the real intentions come out, with no one to hold them in check.

How's his transport company doing these days? Still making money moving lots of rice around? Has his company been paid by the government for all the work carried out in the rice scheme?

In any other country a man who stands up and demands the farmers be paid as promised, and demands full transparency on where all the money has gone would be a hero.

[h90]

I believe Nuttawut has got it right - that Suthep really is not the problem. Suthep is merely a puppet of some unseen power....

Quote from OP

Nuttawut said courtiers control the country's structure and mechanisms and used Suthep to lead the fight.

"Suthep is not our rival. We are fighting the bad structure and mechanisms that suppress the people's structure,'' he said.

And who would these unseen powers to be?

Some super rich?

beer families....Singha/Chang...no

bank families....no

CP....no

royal family no

army no

so he can be only a puppet of the wealthy middle class, southern people and now increasingly rice farmer....Mostly southern and central people but increasing but still less Northern and North Eastern. (as longer as the rice farmer don't get paid as more they will support Suthep). But that is hardly surprising.

[fab4]

Wow, that's a change.

Instead of laughably quoting seminars, forums, raising money for who they call buffalo's, from a coup-monger stage, finally we get some input from those on the electoral majority and pro-democracy side of things.

Also good not to see other misleading characterizations by the media.

Such as calling a power-grab attempt outside elections a 'protest'. Using Parliamentary issues as self-serving cover for coupist intentions. Calling attempts to 'cook the electoral books" before an election in order to improve their electability, so that they do not need to transform themselves...... "Reform".

Coup-mongers are not protesters and are not reformers.

On the other hand he still seems focused on doing away with the independent agencies and courts (or rather restricting them so they cannot touch the government). Checks and balances are crucial to society as is the rule of law. He also seems to dislike the Senate.

Nothing wrong with checks and balances and independant agencies when you can rely on them to be non partisan.

[Baerboxer]

When the UDD leader (how can that be after encouraging a bunch of burked-up apes to burn BKK to the ground?) wears a shirt with an image of Thaksin Shinawatra, (why do the Thais insist on putting the letter 'h' everywhere?) one wonders if the UDD leader and his audience are following a person or an ideology.

Because the Thai language has its own script. So when someone writes Thai words using the Roman alphabet they try to reflect the sounds. The vowel has a "hha" sound rather than a flat 'a" in this name. If it worries you learn to speak, read and write Thai.

I do agree with you regarding this violent terrorist who has the same ideas of democracy as Mao or Franco. One party, above the law, and he's part of it.

[h90]

In any other country a man who stands up and demands free elections would be a hero.

Read what he says carefully.

Sure he wants elections, But only if the side he supports win. Would he be so enthusiastic if they lost - I doubt it. More like squealing unfair and trying to organize a rebellion again,

He also makes it clear if they are returned to office they will "reform" the independent agencies and restrict their authority over illegal government activities. They want a government that once elected really can do just as they please. The you'll see the real intentions come out, with no one to hold them in check.

How's his transport company doing these days? Still making money moving lots of rice around? Has his company been paid by the government for all the work carried out in the rice scheme?

In any other country a man who stands up and demands the farmers be paid as promised, and demands full transparency on where all the money has gone would be a hero.

All that go back to the 1997 constitution is just about to restrict the power of independent agencies, because that is what changed in the new constitution.

There is nothing in the 1997 c over the current c that would benefit the ordinary people.

Since the amnesty bill even the slowest thinker should know what this is all about.

[Baerboxer]

Wow, that's a change.

Instead of laughably quoting seminars, forums, raising money for who they call buffalo's, from a coup-monger stage, finally we get some input from those on the electoral majority and pro-democracy side of things.

Also good not to see other misleading characterizations by the media.

Such as calling a power-grab attempt outside elections a 'protest'. Using Parliamentary issues as self-serving cover for coupist intentions. Calling attempts to 'cook the electoral books" before an election in order to improve their electability, so that they do not need to transform themselves...... "Reform".

Coup-mongers are not protesters and are not reformers.

On the other hand he still seems focused on doing away with the independent agencies and courts (or rather restricting them so they cannot touch the government). Checks and balances are crucial to society as is the rule of law. He also seems to dislike the Senate.

Nothing wrong with checks and balances and independant agencies when you can rely on them to be non partisan.

Of course. But that doesn't mean that if you persistently break the law, ignore the rules and act illegally, that they should look the other way.

"We are the elected government now, can do what we want" - well no, they can't actually, Not in any democracy.

PTP think the law is there to be used by them to control others, but doesn't apply to themselves of course.

[diehard60]

When Jatuporn took the UDD helm he said he would lead the battle in a democratic way, and not act like a courtier."

One in the eye, for the UDD's former-leader, Khun Thida ?

Nuttawut urges Democrat Party to take part; denies red-shirt revamp prompted by Suthep

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Deputy Commerce Minister Nuttawut Saikuar believes the Constitutional Court ruling nullifying the February 2 election can be the starting point to bring the country back on the democratic path.

He said if the Democrat Party agreed to take part in a new election, it could bring about a government that could kick-start reform and which served only one year before another election under the new reform was called.

Something must be wrong, something Nuttawat says actually seems sensible, although of course he then backs it up with what might be taken as a threat !

"If we fight within the rule of law, a war will not break out."

He makes more sense then suthep does.

[diehard60]

Wow, that's a change.

Instead of laughably quoting seminars, forums, raising money for who they call buffalo's, from a coup-monger stage, finally we get some input from those on the electoral majority and pro-democracy side of things.

Also good not to see other misleading characterizations by the media.

Such as calling a power-grab attempt outside elections a 'protest'. Using Parliamentary issues as self-serving cover for coupist intentions. Calling attempts to 'cook the electoral books" before an election in order to improve their electability, so that they do not need to transform themselves...... "Reform".

Coup-mongers are not protesters and are not reformers.

On the other hand he still seems focused on doing away with the independent agencies and courts (or rather restricting them so they cannot touch the government). Checks and balances are crucial to society as is the rule of law. He also seems to dislike the Senate.

Nothing wrong with checks and balances and independant agencies when you can rely on them to be non partisan.

Of course. But that doesn't mean that if you persistently break the law, ignore the rules and act illegally, that they should look the other way.

"We are the elected government now, can do what we want" - well no, they can't actually, Not in any democracy.

PTP think the law is there to be used by them to control others, but doesn't apply to themselves of course.

so it is ok for suthep and his thugs to do what they are doing????????????