DPM Surapong: Thai Premier will not give up

[antimedia]

Grab the date roll, your starting to dribble again.

Edited March 26, 2014 by antimedia

[Lupatria]

Has she lost her voice again? Can't she speak for herself?

She was in tears and couldn't stop crying when she heard Surapong's honest heart-to-heart words.

[ianf]

Good Luck Yingluck, keep going, they are in the wrong! Only one way ahead "one man one vote"

That's not the only way ahead. After all despot regimes, such as North Korea, have one man one vote. But it does not mean they have achieved democracy. One day you people will understand that simply voting is not the be all and end all of democracy. Democracy means that once you have your majority, then you have to adhere to a whole raft of democratic principles which includes respecting the rule of law, giving your opponents a voice, running a transparent Government etc etc etc. This is something that Thaksin, the reds, Jaturporn, Yingluck etc do not understand. Neither, it appears, do you.

[Old Man River]

What are the achievements of this government?

The only one I can think of is the 300 baht daily wage,

Apart from that there is only failure- rice mortgage scheme, tablets for schoolkids, flood preventive measures, 2 trillion baht loan, amnesty bill.

The first thing they did was to lower the company taxes.

Siripon's post did send me back to check their 2011 campaign promises. They were also going to eradicate the narcotics problem in 12 months and eliminate poverty in Thailand in 4 years. Most are infrastructural related, predicated on the loan,but it does make interesting reading.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[bigbamboo]

Who better than a family relative to know what the PM is thinking and how things might pan out when between them they hold the three most important positions in the government of Thailand.

[Jonmarleesco]

'... the majority of Thais are still confident in Miss Yingluck and her cabinet, given their outstanding performances during the two-year administration.' Surapong missed his calling. He should have been selling second-hand cars. A more trust inspiring career choice, too.

[rubl]

'... the majority of Thais are still confident in Miss Yingluck and her cabinet, given their outstanding performances during the two-year administration.' Surapong missed his calling. He should have been selling second-hand cars. A more trust inspiring career choice, too.

The interesting part of Surapong's remark is that the Yingluck government seems to have had less confidence as the blanket amnesty bill they tried to push through had a coverage that was extended to include the first two years of Yingluck administration.

[JesseFrank]

I think with 29 March in sight it is rather about being allowed to stand in the next election.

Commenting on rumors of Miss YingluckI not wanting to stand in the next general election,

Edited March 26, 2014 by JesseFrank

[soalbundy]

sure a pong.jpg

Surapong, The Mouth That Roars.

He looks the way he speaks,very intelligent

[Mrgk]

The U.S. ambassador also takes the time to emphasize what John Kerry has said - that democracy is not only dependent on elections, but the rule of law, strong institutions, and an independent judiciary. You won't ever find Surapong saying that. In fact, he has just written to the U.N. asking it to admonish the Constitutional Court and the independent agencies !

Two points:

First, despite the constant mantra of the anti-democrats on TV, there is nothing particularly "democratic" about the rule of law, "strong institutions" or an "independent" judiciary. One can easily have an autocratic or oligarchic regime that respects the rule of law, and that has "strong institutions" and independent judges.

What sets a democracy apart is... free elections. Which just happens to be what the Thai oligarchy doesn´t want. Hence, they are anti-democrats, despite paying lip service to the "rule of law" (provided that they get to dictate the law without pesky popular influence, that is).

Second, the notion that the Thai judiciary is "independent" or, for that matter, keen on the "rule of law" (as concieved as most of the world) is just plain silly.

[Mrgk]

That's not the only way ahead. After all despot regimes, such as North Korea, have one man one vote. But it does not mean they have achieved democracy. One day you people will understand that simply voting is not the be all and end all of democracy. Democracy means that once you have your majority, then you have to adhere to a whole raft of democratic principles which includes respecting the rule of law, giving your opponents a voice, running a transparent Government etc etc etc. This is something that Thaksin, the reds, Jaturporn, Yingluck etc do not understand. Neither, it appears, do you.

The problem with North Korean elections is that they are a sham, that offer the people no real power whatsoever.

The problem that the Thai opposition has with elections is the opposite: That the people are able to pick alternatives not favored by the Thai oligarchy.

As for the "rule of law", we have been able to directly observe the achievents of the dream team of the PDRC and the Constitutional Court in the last few months. Let´s just say that watching the Thai opposition banging on about the "rule of law" is not just ironic, it´s almost beyond irony.

[daboyz1]

Surapong secret wish.... to be the next Prime minister....

He meets the main criteria. He's related to Thaksin. By marriage anyway.

[thesetat2013]

The U.S. ambassador also takes the time to emphasize what John Kerry has said - that democracy is not only dependent on elections, but the rule of law, strong institutions, and an independent judiciary. You won't ever find Surapong saying that. In fact, he has just written to the U.N. asking it to admonish the Constitutional Court and the independent agencies !

Two points:

First, despite the constant mantra of the anti-democrats on TV, there is nothing particularly "democratic" about the rule of law, "strong institutions" or an "independent" judiciary. One can easily have an autocratic or oligarchic regime that respects the rule of law, and that has "strong institutions" and independent judges.

What sets a democracy apart is... free elections. Which just happens to be what the Thai oligarchy doesn´t want. Hence, they are anti-democrats, despite paying lip service to the "rule of law" (provided that they get to dictate the law without pesky popular influence, that is).

Second, the notion that the Thai judiciary is "independent" or, for that matter, keen on the "rule of law" (as concieved as most of the world) is just plain silly.

Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens participate equally—either directly or indirectly through elected representatives—in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. It encompasses social, religious, cultural, ethnic and racial equality, justice, liberty and fraternity. The term originates from the Greek δημοκρατία (dēmokratía) "rule of the people

Democracy contrasts with forms of government where power is either held by one person, as in a monarchy, or where power is held by a small number of individuals, as in an oligarchy. Nevertheless, these oppositions, inherited from Greek philosophy,^[3] are now ambiguous because contemporary governments have mixed democratic, oligarchic, and monarchic elements. Karl Popper defined democracy in contrast to dictatorship or tyranny, thus focusing on opportunities for the people to control their leaders and to oust them without the need for a revolution.^[4

No consensus exists on how to define democracy, but legal equality, freedom and rule of law have been identified as important characteristics since ancient times.^[6][7] These principles are reflected in all eligible citizens being equal before the law and having equal access to legislative processes. For example, in a representative democracy, every vote has equal weight, no unreasonable restrictions can apply to anyone seeking to become a representative, and the freedom of its eligible citizens is secured by legitimised rights and liberties which are typically protected by a constitution.

Get your facts right before you come because most of your comment is wrong.

[Mrgk]

I don't think that you understood my point, nor do I think you understood your cut and paste from Wikipedia

[ramrod711]

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul believes Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra would not give up politics

Surapong just can't get with the program, it's "Acting" Prime Minister. The term suits her, she's been acting like she gives a sh-t for 3 years. She does have one very valuable asset, she can cry on demand, totally ruined her performance when she burst into laughter in the elevator though.

[Dogmatix]

Duplicate post deleted by Dog.

Edited March 26, 2014 by Dogmatix

[Dogmatix]

sure a pong.jpg

Surapong, The Mouth That Roars.

Looks like it could be a great before and after ad for a clinic specialising in reconstructive surgery for trauma victims. But where is the after bit?

[ianf]

That's not the only way ahead. After all despot regimes, such as North Korea, have one man one vote. But it does not mean they have achieved democracy. One day you people will understand that simply voting is not the be all and end all of democracy. Democracy means that once you have your majority, then you have to adhere to a whole raft of democratic principles which includes respecting the rule of law, giving your opponents a voice, running a transparent Government etc etc etc. This is something that Thaksin, the reds, Jaturporn, Yingluck etc do not understand. Neither, it appears, do you.

The problem with North Korean elections is that they are a sham, that offer the people no real power whatsoever.

The problem that the Thai opposition has with elections is the opposite: That the people are able to pick alternatives not favored by the Thai oligarchy.

As for the "rule of law", we have been able to directly observe the achievents of the dream team of the PDRC and the Constitutional Court in the last few months. Let´s just say that watching the Thai opposition banging on about the "rule of law" is not just ironic, it´s almost beyond irony.

Thank you for that piece of enlightenment MrGK. Another new poster on behalf of the reds rewriting history! If you had watched politics for longer than 44 posts, and especially through the red occupations, you would have understood my posts. But if you wish to post Thaksin's rhetoric here, please feel free ... Meanwhile, whilst Thaksin and his acolytes continue to twist the concept of democracy to fit their own agenda, what we will see is increasing violence from the reds. My wife reports that a friend of hers who lives in a quiet street in the south east, invited some locals to eat. Her mother made a throw-away remark lamenting the attack on the monk. This resulted in one of the guests going berserk, accusing her of being "Abhisit's lover", throwing her food at her and then drawing a knife. This is not hearsay, this is fact. The reds brook no opposition. That is not democracy. In the UK, Conservative and Labour can sit side by side over a dinner table and agree to differ. Unfortunately, the psychological control that your boss exerts over his reds results in a total lack of democracy. When they descend into attacking monks (or shooting them as in Burma) then you know what you are looking at is an autocratic dictatorship waiting to happen. No democracy at all.

[Old Man River]

The U.S. ambassador also takes the time to emphasize what John Kerry has said - that democracy is not only dependent on elections, but the rule of law, strong institutions, and an independent judiciary. You won't ever find Surapong saying that. In fact, he has just written to the U.N. asking it to admonish the Constitutional Court and the independent agencies !

Two points:

First, despite the constant mantra of the anti-democrats on TV, there is nothing particularly "democratic" about the rule of law, "strong institutions" or an "independent" judiciary. One can easily have an autocratic or oligarchic regime that respects the rule of law, and that has "strong institutions" and independent judges.

What sets a democracy apart is... free elections. Which just happens to be what the Thai oligarchy doesn´t want. Hence, they are anti-democrats, despite paying lip service to the "rule of law" (provided that they get to dictate the law without pesky popular influence, that is).

Second, the notion that the Thai judiciary is "independent" or, for that matter, keen on the "rule of law" (as concieved as most of the world) is just plain silly.

Two points:

First, I was, unbelievably, happy that John Kerry stepped up for Americans living in Thailand. He said what should have been said at the outset.

Second, I am beginning to agree with a well respected friend of mine, who has many well respected friends in the US (although probably disagreeing with him), that democracy has failed in Thailand.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Gunna]

" as she has done nothing "

Just about sums up YS time as PM

Unless you count lying, cheating and grand theft as doing something for Thailand

[Smiles]

Has she lost her voice again? Can't she speak for herself?

Think her facebook is down 5555

[ratcatcher]

sure a pong.jpg

Surapong, The Mouth That Roars.

Looks like it could be a great before and after ad for a clinic specialising in reconstructive surgery for trauma victims. But where is the after bit?

Before and ..........................................................After.

No problem.

[pmugghc]

"Outstanding performance"! That is just a bizarre statement, they've staggered from one crisis to another.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[pmugghc]

Surapong secret wish.... to be the next Prime minister....

Just stand on line right behind Chalerm. I think Jatuporn and Nattawut are in that line too.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[pmugghc]

The U.S. ambassador also takes the time to emphasize what John Kerry has said - that democracy is not only dependent on elections, but the rule of law, strong institutions, and an independent judiciary. You won't ever find Surapong saying that. In fact, he has just written to the U.N. asking it to admonish the Constitutional Court and the independent agencies !

Two points:

First, despite the constant mantra of the anti-democrats on TV, there is nothing particularly "democratic" about the rule of law, "strong institutions" or an "independent" judiciary. One can easily have an autocratic or oligarchic regime that respects the rule of law, and that has "strong institutions" and independent judges.

What sets a democracy apart is... free elections. Which just happens to be what the Thai oligarchy doesn´t want. Hence, they are anti-democrats, despite paying lip service to the "rule of law" (provided that they get to dictate the law without pesky popular influence, that is).

Second, the notion that the Thai judiciary is "independent" or, for that matter, keen on the "rule of law" (as concieved as most of the world) is just plain silly.

Hmm, one examples of a country (SAR) with an autocratic regime BUT with an independent judiciary and strong respect & enforcement of the rule of law would be Hong Kong. In my opinion such a system would serve Thailand better. Free elections with a majoritarianism is not real democracy. It's more like Venezuela.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[GeorgeO]

He went on to say that the majority of Thais are still confident in Miss Yingluck and her cabinet, given their outstanding performances during the two-year administration.

...simply delusional....!!

[gemini81]

He went on to say that the majority of Thais are still confident in Miss Yingluck and her cabinet, given their outstanding performances during the two-year administration.

...simply delusional....!!

The peasant rogues should be clockin' this toad-look-alike instead of innocent monks.

Stating the high opinion of the majority over their stellar performance: just the need for him to feel compelled to have to say that shows he is insecure about public sentiment, knowing they are inept, corrupt and failed at everything.

[smedly]

BANGKOK, 26 March 2014 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul believes Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra would not give up politics, adding that the Premier has done nothing wrong.

Has she done anything right - has she done anything at all - there is one thing she and her DPM's could do that would actually be the first thing they have done right in nearly 3 years - get a one way ticket to Dubai and take a long vacation - problem solved

Otherwise they are all going to jail for the theft of billions of the Thai peoples money