Suthep vows to end regime

[Lite Beer]

Suthep vows to end regime
The Sunday Nation

An aerial view, taken with a camera-fitted drone, shows a large gathering of anti-government protesters at the Royal Plaza yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- Leading a huge rally, PDRC chief takes oath in front of past kings, insists that Parliament will remain shut until reforms are carried out

The leader of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), Suthep Thaugsuban, led a big demonstration yesterday and vowed in front of the statues of King Chulalongkorn and King Prajadhipok to overthrow the so-called Thaksin regime and push for national reform.

Bangkok streets along the route from Lumpini Park were jammed with tens of thousands of PDRC protesters yesterday, as Suthep led a massive march from the park to the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn at the Royal Plaza and the statue of King Prajadhipok at Parliament.

Parallel rallies were also organised yesterday in many other provinces, mostly in the South. These included Songkhla, Phuket, Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Krabi, Yala, Phang-nga and Buri Ram.

Nine types of fruits and deserts were offered to the statue of King Chulalongkorn, as Suthep made a vow, saying: "No matter how hard [it will be], the great mass of the people vow to put all efforts to free the country from [the yoke] of the Thaksin regime. We shall reform [the country] with the hands of the Thai people, not through the hands of politicians or political parties any longer and we will do everything while adhering to the principle of non-violence… May we ask for the reserved power of the King to protect the great mass of the Thai people and enable us to win. Victory shall be with the people."

Later, in front of the statue of King Prajadhipok, Suthep presented pink roses and trays of offerings and led the demonstrators to observe silence for five minutes. Suthep vowed to make good the wish of King Prajadhipok who stated when granting Thailand's first constitution eight decades ago that he bestowed the sovereign power to all citizens and not to any group of people in particular. Suthep said he would make sure that Parliament remains shut until reforms are carried out.

The protest's march from Lumpini Park began with the paying of respects to the statue of yet another past king, King Vajiravudh, at the park. The procession was led by a marching band of musicians with Suthep, with his wife Srisakul Promphan walking alongside. The areas around Lumpini Park and BTS Saladaeng Skytrain station and MRT subway's Lumpini Station were congested and full of PDRC supporters yesterday morning.

Two explosions occurred near the Royal Plaza, damaging two vehicles, but no one was injured and it didn't lead to a change of route by the PDRC.

In a related development, leaders of the Students and People Network for Reforming Thailand (NRT), an alliance of the PDRC, held its own ceremony at Government House to thwart black magic aimed at them. Three Buddha statues were placed at the Thai Khu Fah Building inside Government House and a brand new Thai national flag was raised, replacing the old one. Two companies of police were deployed to ensure security as the ceremony took place and there was no confrontation.

Suriyand Thongnuiad, a leader of the group, said the objective of the ceremony and the placing of three Buddha statues was meant to destroy the black magic against them by the caretaker government of Yingluck Shinawatra and to defeat the government, which is akin to evil.

In a related development, a spokesman of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, Anusorn Iamsaard, warned that the next seven days could be dangerous and accused the PDRC of preparing for a violent clash in order to set the stage for a military coup.

-- The Nation 2014-03-30

[affen02]

Suthep is doing more than destroying the regime, he is bringing the country down, what a farce this had become. Go home and get to work

[kriswillems]

Right, it's because of the black magic. Now, good luck with getting your masters degree.

[Mentors]

Regime? This dangerous guy has no idea was a regime is. But he trying hard to build one.

Edited March 30, 2014 by Mentors

[Yunla]

Suthep made a vow, saying: "No matter how hard [it will be], the great mass of the people vow to put all efforts to free the country from [the yoke] of the Thaksin regime. We shall reform [the country] with the hands of the Thai people, not through the hands of politicians or political parties any longer and we will do everything while adhering to the principle of non-violence

Doing everything through the hands of the people, and not political parties [paraphrased] is more vague sketchyness from Suthep, he does not answer many important questions. What exactly are his policies and timeline for his Committee's reforms, and timeline for the return of democratic elections. How long does he propose to rule autocratically, and what specific actions does he plan to take during this period. Has he considered the huge and ugly backlash that will accompany the toppling of PTP, and the temporary 'holiday' of the voting system. How does he propose to deal with this future dissent. Why has he not endeavoured to make the Dems electable, by reforming their policy package and sprucing up their image in the eyes of normal working people. Would it not be better to improve his party's electoral chances by party agenda reforms, than to shutdown the voting process for an unspecified length of time. This last question is the crux of the matter and is also the question I would most like to have answered. We don't like the PTP, but we do like democratic voting for a range of moderate progressive parties. Why has he not formed such a party himself, and why is he denying the opportunity for other such parties to run.

[chooka]

Suthep made a vow, saying: "No matter how hard [it will be], the great mass of the people vow to put all efforts to free the country from [the yoke] of the Thaksin regime. We shall reform [the country] with the hands of the Thai people, not through the hands of politicians or political parties any longer and we will do everything while adhering to the principle of non-violence

Doing everything through the hands of the people, and not political parties [paraphrased] is more vague sketchyness from Suthep, he does not answer many important questions. What exactly are his policies and timeline for his Committee's reforms, and timeline for the return of democratic elections. How long does he propose to rule autocratically, and what specific actions does he plan to take during this period. Has he considered the huge and ugly backlash that will accompany the toppling of PTP, and the temporary 'holiday' of the voting system. How does he propose to deal with this future dissent. Why has he not endeavoured to make the Dems electable, by reforming their policy package and sprucing up their image in the eyes of normal working people. Would it not be better to improve his party's electoral chances by party agenda reforms, than to shutdown the voting process for an unspecified length of time. This last question is the crux of the matter and is also the question I would most like to have answered. We don't like the PTP, but we do like democratic voting for a range of moderate progressive parties. Why has he not formed such a party himself, and why is he denying the opportunity for other such parties to run.

He doesn't have any policies and the only plan he has is to take the country for himself. There will never be another election when the country is his.

[MaiChai]

It seems pretty clear the current government wont be around long. Everyone i talk to is complaining about this government, irrespective of their politics. Most of the business and academic people are now talking the same thing as Suthep: reform then elections. I would also like to hear from red supporters out there what good things this government has achieved. Keep your responses objective! No matter how you look at it Yingluck is inept and totally out of her depth?

[tullynagardy]

Who writes this nonsense?? Annoying TV insists on repeating it daily for nearly 6 months so the same dozen posters can write the same pish ad nauseam under it.

I mean seriously, is that huge in anyones eyes? There was more people at Buriram v Rayong last week. Can we have some real news please????

[tullynagardy]

It seems pretty clear the current government wont be around long. Everyone i talk to is complaining about this government, irrespective of their politics. Most of the business and academic people are now talking the same thing as Suthep: reform then elections. I would also like to hear from red supporters out there what good things this government has achieved. Keep your responses objective! No matter how you look at it Yingluck is inept and totally out of her depth?

aaaaaaaaaa how many ******* times????

Disagreeing with the moron that is Suthep does not automatically translate into support for PTP or Thaskin.

The better read and more intelligent posters on here see past tribal division and envisage something better for their adopted home.

[Mentors]

Who writes this nonsense?? Annoying TV insists on repeating it daily for nearly 6 months so the same dozen posters can write the same pish ad nauseam under it.

I mean seriously, is that huge in anyones eyes? There was more people at Buriram v Rayong last week. Can we have some real news please????

walked on Friday along Chitlom, Sukhmv. when the Wistle mob came along the streets.

I look into the thai faces in shops, at vendors and people on skywalk.

No one seems to like this Yellow fools any more.

[smutcakes]

It seems pretty clear the current government wont be around long. Everyone i talk to is complaining about this government, irrespective of their politics. Most of the business and academic people are now talking the same thing as Suthep: reform then elections. I would also like to hear from red supporters out there what good things this government has achieved. Keep your responses objective! No matter how you look at it Yingluck is inept and totally out of her depth?

I agree the current Government have done little good, and a lot wrong, and that the country needs reforming of many areas, not just politics.

I also believe that many people who do not support the PDRC, also want reform like myself.

However what is being asked is that the country hands itself over into the hands of one dangerous/corrupt person, and takes him on his word that reforms will be implemented neutrally for the benefit of the country, and then an election will be held.

Do you not see why so many people are so skeptical about this? Why should people believe Suthep? He obviously has support, but i do not think the majority, how can you basically hand over power to a single person who does not have majority support? Why is Suthep or no one else giving details of what the plan is?

I am all for reform, but simply demanding that the power be transferred to him with no assurances, explanation, plan etc is simply insane. Why does Suthep not tell us the reform he plans of politics, elections, the judiciary, the army, the police etc?? Is it perhaps because he knows as well as anyone that any attempt to actually do proper reforms would see him in a ditch sharpish?

There are just to many vested interests in to many powerful areas which would allow wide sweeping reforms in the country. Suthep knows this and is why he cannot specify anything. His only reform is basically get away the opposition, so his people can enjoy the spoils of the country as they have done until TS came along.

[smutcakes]

It seems pretty clear the current government wont be around long. Everyone i talk to is complaining about this government, irrespective of their politics. Most of the business and academic people are now talking the same thing as Suthep: reform then elections. I would also like to hear from red supporters out there what good things this government has achieved. Keep your responses objective! No matter how you look at it Yingluck is inept and totally out of her depth?

Also, why does he not set up the PDRC as a political party and run in an election. He could set a platform that would spell out the reforms, timescale, how they would be done, and when completed they would hold an election? and after which disband.

If what the media, and many other people are trying to portray, they would win an election by a landslide.

[Just1Voice]

It seems pretty clear the current government wont be around long. Everyone i talk to is complaining about this government, irrespective of their politics. Most of the business and academic people are now talking the same thing as Suthep: reform then elections. I would also like to hear from red supporters out there what good things this government has achieved. Keep your responses objective! No matter how you look at it Yingluck is inept and totally out of her depth?

Also, why does he not set up the PDRC as a political party and run in an election. He could set a platform that would spell out the reforms, timescale, how they would be done, and when completed they would hold an election? and after which disband.

If what the media, and many other people are trying to portray, they would win an election by a landslide.

THAT is exactly what I have been thinking and wondering about. If Suthep is SO SURE he speaks for the "majority", register the PDRC as a political party, lay out what you stand for, what your goals are, name your candidates and then TAKE IT TO THE POLLS!!

If you win with your "majority", then you have the mandate to make the necessary reforms. If you don't win, then you still have the obligation of being an effective opposition to keep pressure on the winner to implement the reforms and do the things they promises to achieve victory.

Street mobs (of any color), abolishing the right to vote, for ANY length of time, doing away with a government and installing a hand picked "council" is NOT the way to do it.

[expat888]

I'm not sure how that qualifies as news. This has been his intent all along for how many months?

[gabruce]

Right, it's because of the black magic. Now, good luck with getting your masters degree.

This is Thailand, and in my experience this seems to be part of Thai culture. So show a little respect for the country and it's people.

[GunterChiangMai]

The short tanned Jesus has spoken. Please SOS

[Baerboxer]

YL promises this and that .......... never delivers.

Suthep promises this and that ...................... never delivers

YL makes vows............. not kept and no comment when broken.

Suthep makes vows.................. not kept and just changed the deadline.

Seem quite the same. Perhaps they could promise to do something, like cut their heads off, if they don't keep a promise? Oh no, that's been said before too, and we're still waiting.

[bigbamboo]

It seems pretty clear the current government wont be around long. Everyone i talk to is complaining about this government, irrespective of their politics. Most of the business and academic people are now talking the same thing as Suthep: reform then elections. I would also like to hear from red supporters out there what good things this government has achieved. Keep your responses objective! No matter how you look at it Yingluck is inept and totally out of her depth?

What has this government achieved? That's a difficult one.

Got it! They've raised wheelchair use awareness.

[benny1616]

and again this criminel and political clown. he hardly can wait to instal his dictatorship.the good thing is only he will fail again, a born loser he is. by the way is really funny to see some farang from the usa, gb, australia and so on supporting him. shows how "democratic" this guys are, support somebody wich like to bring a dictatorship to thailand. for all of them my wish that the reds kick them out soon from thailand.

Edited March 30, 2014 by benny1616

[h90]

Suthep is doing more than destroying the regime, he is bringing the country down, what a farce this had become. Go home and get to work

new government and 2 weeks later no one will even remember that there were demonstrations.....

Think for the closed airport, now noone can remember it anymore....

[h90]

and again this criminel and political clown. he hardly can wait to instal his dictatorship.the good thing is only he will fail again, a born loser he is. by the way is really funny to see some farang from the usa, gb, australia and so on supporting him. shows how "democratic" this guys are, support somebody wich like to bring a dictatorship to thailand. for all of them my wish that the reds kick them out soon from thailand.

And the reds, your democratic heros, should kick out people with other opinions in the name of Democracy....

[h90]

It seems pretty clear the current government wont be around long. Everyone i talk to is complaining about this government, irrespective of their politics. Most of the business and academic people are now talking the same thing as Suthep: reform then elections. I would also like to hear from red supporters out there what good things this government has achieved. Keep your responses objective! No matter how you look at it Yingluck is inept and totally out of her depth?

What has this government achieved? That's a difficult one.

Got it! They've raised wheelchair use awareness.

They helped cleaning outer Bangkok 2011....with their great water management

[binjalin]

Yawnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn what a megalomaniacal loser

[binjalin]

Right, it's because of the black magic. Now, good luck with getting your masters degree.

This is Thailand, and in my experience this seems to be part of Thai culture. So show a little respect for the country and it's people.

don't be ridiculous he's just manipulating the superstitions of the uneducated - nothing to do with respecting Thailand

[Goat Roper]

and again this criminel and political clown. he hardly can wait to instal his dictatorship.the good thing is only he will fail again, a born loser he is. by the way is really funny to see some farang from the usa, gb, australia and so on supporting him. shows how "democratic" this guys are, support somebody wich like to bring a dictatorship to thailand. for all of them my wish that the reds kick them out soon from thailand.

And the reds, your democratic heros, should kick out people with other opinions in the name of Democracy....

benny, my guess is that you are from a formerly eastern block country? Is that a yes?

[GunterChiangMai]

Right, it's because of the black magic. Now, good luck with getting your masters degree.

This is Thailand, and in my experience this seems to be part of Thai culture. So show a little respect for the country and it's people.

Stupid is stupid nevermind which country. It has nothing to do with culture neither with religion. I hope they are only going for a Bachelor.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Scamper]

Pheu Thai refuses to let go of their favourite word " coup ". They issue it whenever they can, because they want to detract from the legitimacy of this protest. They want to detract from how they themselves have administered, from the corruption, from the nepotism, from the defiance of the checks and balances of the legal system. They have no excuse to fall back on. All they can do is hold up the weakest of all possible narratives. All eyes will be on Yingluck tomorrow as to whether she will show up at the NACC. The strongest bets ( based on past behavior ) is that she will not. The red shirts who were pushed out of the area near the NACC yesterday vow to come back, as they want to stop this investigation from going forward. That is what this has nakedly come down to. The detractors of the PDRC have no way they can address this objective of the UDD, because it privately causes them embarrassment, as well it should. There is no justification for the dismantling of the checks and balances. But that is precisely what the UDD is about. All see it, though some prefer to look the other way. Many, however, are not.

Edited March 30, 2014 by Scamper

[ianf]

Suthep is doing more than destroying the regime, he is bringing the country down, what a farce this had become. Go home and get to work

Well done Suthep. Decent people support you.

[Thaiready]

Suthep seems like Obama dead set on destorying a Country

[rijb]

Suthep is doing more than destroying the regime, he is bringing the country down, what a farce this had become. Go home and get to work

Well done Suthep. Decent people support you.

Decent people need to get off their ass and fix this country, instead of depending on a self-serving slime-bag.