New role eyed for Prem

[mrtoad]

Dr Thaksin ???? Is he a doctor also now ? I what field ?

I believe it is in a field that he is very knowledgeable, criminality.

[geovalin]

The 10 ways of "How to make a coup d'état"

Today lesson 7

[sweatalot]

Dr Thaksin ???? Is he a doctor also now ? I what field ?

Criminology!!!!! Yes, it's true!!

Does that mean he graduated as criminal?

[BlueNoseCodger]

Prem has retired for 33 years, which is more than 1 generation. The people he appointed in turn have also retired (the people listed in the article as suggesting Prem as a mediator). So his hold on power is waning. It's not clear how many of the independent agencies he still influences, but it was clear from General Prayuths comments, that Prem's influence on the military has waned, so how many independent agencies want to face down the people without the backing of the military? Not many I think. They must be aware of Prems advancing years, and be looking to their own future.

Suthep couldn't save his power base, the military didn't, and now we're left with the independent agencies.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Dr Thaksin ???? Is he a doctor also now ? I what field ?

Criminology!!!!! Yes, it's true!!

Does that mean he graduated as criminal?

I would say that was pretty accurate in how he turned out!!!

I think that he should be made a professor as he is an acknowledged leader in the field!!!

[rametindallas]

"....can we finally put one thing to bed, who is actually running this country currently, it's Thaksin from afar..."

And is that a problem?....Either him and his electorally-based political elements are running the country, or the 2006 coup-makers are. They were rejected by the electorate, in spite of their best efforts to justify their power grab by demonizing Thaksin.

One side has electoral legitimacy, the other does not. What is it about that, which people don't understand?

There, we put it to bed.

Thank you for agreeing that Thaksin is actually running this country, finally.

The problem is, he's a convicted criminal on the run, and no one voted for him.

You don't see a problem in that?

"The problem is, he's a convicted criminal on the run, and no one voted for him.

You don't see a problem in that?"

Not the least bit.

The only crowd who sees that Thaksin court thing as anything other than politically motivated, and part of the Thaksin demonization campaign I referenced, are those trying to 'normalize the abnormal" today, with respect to the judiciary and Ind. Org's.

There is an attempt to reprise this whole thing now, using many of the same tactics as were used in 2006.....Although they are trying to be more subtle now......By not using the military, they hope to obscure their intentions from an International audience.

That little add-on via edit, about no-one voting for Thaksin is folderol....He was duly elected until the unelectable Elites "unelected him" in 2006....His association with the last election was huge and transparent...The electorate governed themselves accordingly.....They are quite happy to see his influence, and voted for it....Only the electorally-challenged PAD-Dem's are unhappy......But blinded to the need to "reform themselves before an election".

You don't see a problem in someone running a country that wasn't elected, interesting, and I love your attempts to rewrite history once again. So blind. So sad. I'll let all the other convicted criminals on the run worldwide know that it's not a problem, you can rape and pillage to your hearts content, be convicted, but still run a country even though they weren't on the ballot. They'll be so happy.

So, did Thaksin do ANYTHING illegal prior to his conviction in your blinkered tiny little mind? Or is he completely innocent of all charges?

By the way, the only attempt to reprise/rewrite anything just now are your attempts to whitewash Thaksin and PT of any wrongdoing and your attempts to legitimize his criminal actions. Thankfully, the "majority" of the sane people in Thailand can see through it.

Give it up. 'Bob', can't and won't be reasonable. He has a mission and he will let neither logic nor the facts stand in his way. He seems to have no moral compass nor pride. Sad, really.

Edited April 15, 2014 by rametindallas

[Baerboxer]

Call for Thai senior statesman to help resolve political stalemate

By English News

BANGKOK, April 15 A group of respected older Thai citizens has called on Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda to take the leading role in seeking a royal command to resolve Thailands months-long political impasse.

Former supreme commander Saiyud Kerdpol said the current political crisis could be resolved by the power of His Majesty the King as in cases in the past, including the October 14, 1973 student uprising and the 1992 Black May events.

Gen Saiyud gave a press conference on Resolutions for Thailand together with Pramote Nakornthap, independent academic, Terdsak Sajjaraksa, former deputy air force commander, and Prasai Songsuravej, former governor of the National Housing Authority.

They identified themselves as members of the State Individual Group.

Gen Saiyud said the Kings charisma will lead Thailand through the political crisis but His Majesty has to stay away from politics.

In this case, Gen Prem who is in the prestigious position of Thailands senior statesman should be the pillar for the judiciary, military and society by presenting a royal command for HM the Kings endorsement, he said.

Gen Saiyud said he believed that Thai society will accept a royal command as in the past, adding that the royal command is different to that proposed in accord with Section 7 of the Constitution.

Caretaker Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri earlier proposed that His Majesty could be asked to exercise his power as stipulated in Section 7 of the Constitution in case of a political vacuum.

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is currently awaiting two crucial rulings one from the National Anti-Corruption Commission concerning her role in the rice pledging scheme and the other from the Constitutional Court on the transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri. If found guilty, she could be removed from power.

Mr Pramote said the older citizens proposal was by no means a move to disturb HM the King.

Bancherd Singkaneti, rector of the Faculty of Law, National Institute for Development Administration, described it as one of several proposed resolutions for the country.

Whether the group should wait until the country is plunged into a political vacuum or not before making the proposal, he said, is subject, a matter of opinion. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-04-15

Why not just let the Thai people work out their political differences in a democratic manner through elections. There is no need to tread them like children, and be lead around like children by Prem or any other "elder statesmen."

Tried that..........didn't work!!!!

It was working fine, thank you.

Well yes, if you're o k with a government lying,cheating, acting illegally,refusing transparency or audit, refusing debate or open explanation, being controlled by an unelected criminal fugitive who issues orders, etc etc.

That's the thing about democracy, it's a little bit more than rigging holding elections.

Many African, Asian and South American countries sadly "enjoy' similar forms of democracy as that practiced by PTP.

[clockman]

Dr Thaksin ???? Is he a doctor also now ? I what field ?

Supposedly a Phd in law - but like everything the fugitive does or wants done -- probably paid for.

Well, he is an ex policeman!

[Tatsujin]

"....or whether his group's proposal was in support of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), which is pushing an agenda of reform prior to the next general election"

Wow, don't these people realize this guy is a "red flag walking" to an electoral majority who accuse him of having a major role in the 2006 coup caper, and of political interference the last 10 years that has severely curtailed development of Democracy.....No amount of Elitist aggrandizement changes that...It just pee's them off when they see it......Additionally, are there only so-called "Statesmen" on one side of the political divide?

Amazing how out-of-touch and insulated these people are, to propose such a thing....Obviously insulated within their own Elitist circles......

To even float any political notion related to governance that isn't electorally rooted, is a coup.......When will these people realize their un-Democratic musings just inflames the majority electorate more. ...Catering to their minority is a losing proposition.

Also, suggesting this is some sort of unknown grouping suggesting this thing, is just some more phony DP segmentation effort...But in reality, different groups-same faces.

They are probably among the crowd who can only demonize major swaths of the electorate as not being of their station, and therefore not given credit for any degree of Politicization. By denigrating them as being uni-dimensionally attached to Thaksin and or only 'moved' to political stuff for money, they diminish any hope of electoral success anytime soon.

That said, the quote "(PDRC), which is pushing an agenda of reform prior to the next general election"....really ought to be "reform themselves, before the next election" if they have any hope of making electoral progress.

But their Elitist arrogance prevents them from seeing beyond their nose in this regard.

Wow, you should write for Khaosod or another paper . . . love that political rhetoric, and in this case I (kind of) agree, Prem is NOT the best choice as he is NOT independent and doesn't have a great track history.

However, putting that aside for one moment, can we finally put one thing to bed, who is actually running this country currently, it's Thaksin from afar:

Pheu Thai sources said earlier that fugitive de-facto party leader Thaksin Shinawatra had instructed party legal advisers to fight to ensure that even if future rulings are made against caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra or the party's policies, Pheu Thai could remain in power with a deputy premier or another cabinet member carrying on the government's caretaker status.

The sources said Thaksin ordered that a general election had to be held as quickly as possible, with a member of the Shinawatra family as the candidate of Pheu Thai party. The sources visited Thaksin in Hong Kong last week, but only told reporters of Thaksin's orders yesterday.

Interesting. Can the source be named?

Otherwise I have to consider this just fiction

Yes, it's always "fiction" when it doesn't suit the Thaksin/PT agenda. How about asking The Nation for the sources, or give your boss a call and ask who it was that was authorized to release this statement/information.

[Tatsujin]

Dr Thaksin ???? Is he a doctor also now ? I what field ?

Supposedly a Phd in law - but like everything the fugitive does or wants done -- probably paid for.

Well, he is an ex policeman!

That pretty much says it all . . .

[Baerboxer]

"The problem is, he's a convicted criminal on the run, and no one voted for him.

You don't see a problem in that?"

Thank you for agreeing that Thaksin is actually running this country, finally.

The problem is, he's a convicted criminal on the run, and no one voted for him.

You don't see a problem in that?

Not the least bit.

The only crowd who sees that Thaksin court thing as anything other than politically motivated, and part of the Thaksin demonization campaign I referenced, are those trying to 'normalize the abnormal" today, with respect to the judiciary and Ind. Org's.

There is an attempt to reprise this whole thing now, using many of the same tactics as were used in 2006.....Although they are trying to be more subtle now......By not using the military, they hope to obscure their intentions from an International audience.

That little add-on via edit, about no-one voting for Thaksin is folderol....He was duly elected until the unelectable Elites "unelected him" in 2006....His association with the last election was huge and transparent...The electorate governed themselves accordingly.....They are quite happy to see his influence, and voted for it....Only the electorally-challenged PAD-Dem's are unhappy......But blinded to the need to "reform themselves before an election".

You don't see a problem in someone running a country that wasn't elected, interesting, and I love your attempts to rewrite history once again. So blind. So sad. I'll let all the other convicted criminals on the run worldwide know that it's not a problem, you can rape and pillage to your hearts content, be convicted, but still run a country even though they weren't on the ballot. They'll be so happy.

So, did Thaksin do ANYTHING illegal prior to his conviction in your blinkered tiny little mind? Or is he completely innocent of all charges?

By the way, the only attempt to reprise/rewrite anything just now are your attempts to whitewash Thaksin and PT of any wrongdoing and your attempts to legitimize his criminal actions. Thankfully, the "majority" of the sane people in Thailand can see through it.

Give it up. 'Bob', can't and won't be reasonable. He has a mission and he will let neither logic nor the facts stand in his way. He seems to have no moral compass nor pride. Sad, really.

Does anyone believe Boppe's rhetoric extolling the complete innocence of the convicted criminal fugitive, ignoring the 15 charges waiting trial. All written off as "politically motivated" eh, even before any evidence is presented? The hidden assets really was an honest mistake after all eh Bop? Just a misunderstood self proclaimed genius who should be above all this law and elections nonsense.

He wasn't elected, or even dares to come back and face the music, but it's still o k for him to run the country? Very democratic indeed! Just like his attempts to stifle critics and free speech with his threats of law suits, and use of the top cyber policeman to threaten social media posters. Laughable that a convicted criminal on the run can order the government and police what to do, Clearly, he's above the law and that's perfectly o k with Boppe.

Does anyone really believe these Fresian Boppe posts are written by an aged expat from a rural region of the Netherlands?

[BlueNoseCodger]

Interesting, this bit about "this could be actioned even without a power vacuum", that suggests to me they don't think they've got their judicial coup. Their claims are false, if Prem's control of the military is weak, then I assume his influence on the independent agencies is also weak, and the cases themselves are a joke. So it looks like they're trying for a coup without first ejecting Yingluk.

Hence this group has been formed from the loyal but now retired, Prembots and trying for the coup via Section 7 while Yingluk is still in power.

Think about it for a second, Suthep has been visiting *non-retired* permanent secretaries. Yet they could only get *retired* Prembots, meaning the second generation appointed beaurocrats couldn't be brought into this group. They weren't directly appointed and don't share the loyalty of their retired elders.

Edited April 15, 2014 by BlueNoseCodger

[MaxLee]

Call for Thai senior statesman to help resolve political stalemate

By English News

BANGKOK, April 15 A group of respected older Thai citizens has called on Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda to take the leading role in seeking a royal command to resolve Thailands months-long political impasse.

Former supreme commander Saiyud Kerdpol said the current political crisis could be resolved by the power of His Majesty the King as in cases in the past, including the October 14, 1973 student uprising and the 1992 Black May events.

Gen Saiyud gave a press conference on Resolutions for Thailand together with Pramote Nakornthap, independent academic, Terdsak Sajjaraksa, former deputy air force commander, and Prasai Songsuravej, former governor of the National Housing Authority.

They identified themselves as members of the State Individual Group.

Gen Saiyud said the Kings charisma will lead Thailand through the political crisis but His Majesty has to stay away from politics.

In this case, Gen Prem who is in the prestigious position of Thailands senior statesman should be the pillar for the judiciary, military and society by presenting a royal command for HM the Kings endorsement, he said.

Gen Saiyud said he believed that Thai society will accept a royal command as in the past, adding that the royal command is different to that proposed in accord with Section 7 of the Constitution.

Caretaker Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri earlier proposed that His Majesty could be asked to exercise his power as stipulated in Section 7 of the Constitution in case of a political vacuum.

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is currently awaiting two crucial rulings one from the National Anti-Corruption Commission concerning her role in the rice pledging scheme and the other from the Constitutional Court on the transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri. If found guilty, she could be removed from power.

Mr Pramote said the older citizens proposal was by no means a move to disturb HM the King.

Bancherd Singkaneti, rector of the Faculty of Law, National Institute for Development Administration, described it as one of several proposed resolutions for the country.

Whether the group should wait until the country is plunged into a political vacuum or not before making the proposal, he said, is subject, a matter of opinion. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-04-15

Why not just let the Thai people work out their political differences in a democratic manner through elections. There is no need to tread them like children, and be lead around like children by Prem or any other "elder statesmen."

Tried that..........didn't work!!!!

Yep, money talks beyond any common sense social behavior reason...

[xminator]

A group of you thai voters called upon the elder statesman to enjoy their retirement better.

[Scamper]

" Pheu Thai sources said earlier that fugitive de-facto party leader Thaksin Shinawatra had instructed party legal advisers to fight to ensure that even if future rulings are made against caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra or the party's policies, Pheu Thai could remain in power with a deputy premier or another cabinet member carrying on the government's caretaker status.The sources said Thaksin ordered that a general election had to be held as quickly as possible, with a member of the Shinawatra family as the candidate of Pheu Thai party. "

While Thaksin is having his photo taken dining in a Hong Kong restaurant, and sending an odd " greeting " that bizarrely mixes good wishes with dire words for the judicial process, this is what goes on behind the scenes. Don't expect a single Pheu Thai supporter to refer to Thaksin's words here. Not even passively. It won't happen even once. Why ? Because what is obvious to everyone is actually obvious to them, as well. They're embarrassed. And who could blame them ? Most politicians need other politicians to counter what they say. Not Thaksin. He manages to capsize himself with every phrase he utters. He doesn't seem to require any help. It's a fact that he has always been the greatest blessing to the Democratic party. He's the gift that just keeps on giving.

All this talk concerning the upcoming Constitutional Court ruling should cease. Let the court do it's work. And when it rules, accept the ruling. Period.

[rickirs]

First a history of military coups. Then a Court coup. Now a Covenant coup? Thailand politics seem to have an unlimited imagination when it comes to obstructing or destroying democracy but mindless when it comes to preserving it. Hopefully the EC will see to its responsibility to cease obstructing new elections and cooperate with the Government to get the country moving forward once again to the re-establishment of a democratically elected administraion.

[fab4]

Why not just let the Thai people work out their political differences in a democratic manner through elections. There is no need to tread them like children, and be lead around like children by Prem or any other "elder statesmen."

Tried that..........didn't work!!!!

It was working fine, thank you.

Is it really??

Who won the Feb 2nd election then??

The Constitutional Court......................for now

Edited April 15, 2014 by fab4

[northernjohn]

now 6 letters ... starts with an 'A' and ends in a 'T'

Yes I whole heartedly agree he would be the answer. The one thing holding him back is honesty.

He can not get himself to sink low enough to make populace promises to the voters that are doomed from the word go.

He continues to insist on policies that will have a positive lasting effect.

Look at his record. Even with a minority government he managed to stop the soaring rise in corruption that had been running wild under the previous governments. He also managed to defeat an armed attempt at over throwing the Government. All this with the need of support from other parties some of whom were not happy with it but realized that to go any other way would be to further harm Thailand while only enriching one man.

Think of it enriching only one man out of 66 million people.

Good choice binjalin

Proud to see you come away from the dark side.

[SICHONSTEVE]

First a history of military coups. Then a Court coup. Now a Covenant coup? Thailand politics seem to have an unlimited imagination when it comes to obstructing or destroying democracy but mindless when it comes to preserving it. Hopefully the EC will see to its responsibility to cease obstructing new elections and cooperate with the Government to get the country moving forward once again to the re-establishment of a democratically elected administraion.

So you think that repeating mistakes by holding new elections is the way to go??

I fail to see the logic of that.

[northernjohn]

Well is it a good idea or is it not a good Idea.

I think it is a good idea. My reason may sound strange but it is what I believe

 
BANGKOK: -- Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda should act as a 
mediator to broker between authorities in all sectors to draft a covenant under 
Royal command on how the country is to be ruled in times of crisis, a group of 
retired prominent bureaucrats proposed yesterday.

Notice it is retired prominent bureaucrats who no longer have any thing to gain and probably a better working knowledge of how the government operates no matter what party is in power.

[Thai at Heart]

Call for Thai senior statesman to help resolve political stalemate

By English News

BANGKOK, April 15 A group of respected older Thai citizens has called on Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda to take the leading role in seeking a royal command to resolve Thailands months-long political impasse.

Former supreme commander Saiyud Kerdpol said the current political crisis could be resolved by the power of His Majesty the King as in cases in the past, including the October 14, 1973 student uprising and the 1992 Black May events.

Gen Saiyud gave a press conference on Resolutions for Thailand together with Pramote Nakornthap, independent academic, Terdsak Sajjaraksa, former deputy air force commander, and Prasai Songsuravej, former governor of the National Housing Authority.

They identified themselves as members of the State Individual Group.

Gen Saiyud said the Kings charisma will lead Thailand through the political crisis but His Majesty has to stay away from politics.

In this case, Gen Prem who is in the prestigious position of Thailands senior statesman should be the pillar for the judiciary, military and society by presenting a royal command for HM the Kings endorsement, he said.

Gen Saiyud said he believed that Thai society will accept a royal command as in the past, adding that the royal command is different to that proposed in accord with Section 7 of the Constitution.

Caretaker Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri earlier proposed that His Majesty could be asked to exercise his power as stipulated in Section 7 of the Constitution in case of a political vacuum.

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is currently awaiting two crucial rulings one from the National Anti-Corruption Commission concerning her role in the rice pledging scheme and the other from the Constitutional Court on the transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri. If found guilty, she could be removed from power.

Mr Pramote said the older citizens proposal was by no means a move to disturb HM the King.

Bancherd Singkaneti, rector of the Faculty of Law, National Institute for Development Administration, described it as one of several proposed resolutions for the country.

Whether the group should wait until the country is plunged into a political vacuum or not before making the proposal, he said, is subject, a matter of opinion. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-04-15

This just sums up the power struggle that is going on in Thai society perfectly.

There is a lot on the table in this game for the future, and the old respected "senior statesmen" aren't giving up easily.

[SICHONSTEVE]

One too many words fab4 - the 'Constitution' won the day!!

[Thai at Heart]

Call for Thai senior statesman to help resolve political stalemate

By English News

BANGKOK, April 15 A group of respected older Thai citizens has called on Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda to take the leading role in seeking a royal command to resolve Thailands months-long political impasse.

Former supreme commander Saiyud Kerdpol said the current political crisis could be resolved by the power of His Majesty the King as in cases in the past, including the October 14, 1973 student uprising and the 1992 Black May events.

Gen Saiyud gave a press conference on Resolutions for Thailand together with Pramote Nakornthap, independent academic, Terdsak Sajjaraksa, former deputy air force commander, and Prasai Songsuravej, former governor of the National Housing Authority.

They identified themselves as members of the State Individual Group.

Gen Saiyud said the Kings charisma will lead Thailand through the political crisis but His Majesty has to stay away from politics.

In this case, Gen Prem who is in the prestigious position of Thailands senior statesman should be the pillar for the judiciary, military and society by presenting a royal command for HM the Kings endorsement, he said.

Gen Saiyud said he believed that Thai society will accept a royal command as in the past, adding that the royal command is different to that proposed in accord with Section 7 of the Constitution.

Caretaker Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri earlier proposed that His Majesty could be asked to exercise his power as stipulated in Section 7 of the Constitution in case of a political vacuum.

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is currently awaiting two crucial rulings one from the National Anti-Corruption Commission concerning her role in the rice pledging scheme and the other from the Constitutional Court on the transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri. If found guilty, she could be removed from power.

Mr Pramote said the older citizens proposal was by no means a move to disturb HM the King.

Bancherd Singkaneti, rector of the Faculty of Law, National Institute for Development Administration, described it as one of several proposed resolutions for the country.

Whether the group should wait until the country is plunged into a political vacuum or not before making the proposal, he said, is subject, a matter of opinion. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-04-15

Why not just let the Thai people work out their political differences in a democratic manner through elections. There is no need to tread them like children, and be lead around like children by Prem or any other "elder statesmen."

Tried that..........didn't work!!!!

Certainly not to the satisfaction of this lot . medical for the poor, otop, money for villages, subsidies here and there.

Outrageous.

I am instinctively very scared of retired armed forces people planning things like this. If this south america, everyone would be up in arms.

Why anyone gets a feeling to want to trust these fossils god only knows. Its a coup, no matter what spin is put on it.

[BlueNoseCodger]

First a history of military coups. Then a Court coup. Now a Covenant coup? Thailand politics seem to have an unlimited imagination when it comes to obstructing or destroying democracy but mindless when it comes to preserving it. Hopefully the EC will see to its responsibility to cease obstructing new elections and cooperate with the Government to get the country moving forward once again to the re-establishment of a democratically elected administraion.

They tried Suthep's 'peoples' coup... flopped... numbers don't add up.

They tried threats (threatening her son's safety and genital surgury against her), failed.

They tried to drag the military in via false flag attacks, also flopped, too many cameras recording their acts.

Direct pleas to the army? Flop, Prayuth says he can't just ignore the elected government.

They're trying for a judicial coup, but these judicial coup fronts opened up as Suthep's coup attempts were failing. It was a sign that Suthep had failed that they needed to open a new coup front.

Trying for a case based on Thawil while the senate is out for election? Likely flop, less than half of the appointed senators backed the case, so they couldn't even get a majority of appointees!

Now we have this new 'pensioners coup', but why would they open a new coup front if the judicial coup had succeeded? And to have to directly mention Prem, who normally stays hidden in the shadows, it suggests they don't have the people or the influence needed.

[Thai at Heart]

First a history of military coups. Then a Court coup. Now a Covenant coup? Thailand politics seem to have an unlimited imagination when it comes to obstructing or destroying democracy but mindless when it comes to preserving it. Hopefully the EC will see to its responsibility to cease obstructing new elections and cooperate with the Government to get the country moving forward once again to the re-establishment of a democratically elected administraion.

They are desperately trying not to use any tanks or guns this time. Its complicated but it keeps the country off the front pages.

[triffid]

Where's our greek flag friend? I enjoy his formulaic but enthusiastic posts.

[chotthee]

Prem should be the appointed as the permanent PM of Thailand because he is neutral and accepted by all parties as the non-bias true leader, and love the king.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Call for Thai senior statesman to help resolve political stalemate

By English News

BANGKOK, April 15 A group of respected older Thai citizens has called on Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda to take the leading role in seeking a royal command to resolve Thailands months-long political impasse.

Former supreme commander Saiyud Kerdpol said the current political crisis could be resolved by the power of His Majesty the King as in cases in the past, including the October 14, 1973 student uprising and the 1992 Black May events.

Gen Saiyud gave a press conference on Resolutions for Thailand together with Pramote Nakornthap, independent academic, Terdsak Sajjaraksa, former deputy air force commander, and Prasai Songsuravej, former governor of the National Housing Authority.

They identified themselves as members of the State Individual Group.

Gen Saiyud said the Kings charisma will lead Thailand through the political crisis but His Majesty has to stay away from politics.

In this case, Gen Prem who is in the prestigious position of Thailands senior statesman should be the pillar for the judiciary, military and society by presenting a royal command for HM the Kings endorsement, he said.

Gen Saiyud said he believed that Thai society will accept a royal command as in the past, adding that the royal command is different to that proposed in accord with Section 7 of the Constitution.

Caretaker Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri earlier proposed that His Majesty could be asked to exercise his power as stipulated in Section 7 of the Constitution in case of a political vacuum.

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is currently awaiting two crucial rulings one from the National Anti-Corruption Commission concerning her role in the rice pledging scheme and the other from the Constitutional Court on the transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri. If found guilty, she could be removed from power.

Mr Pramote said the older citizens proposal was by no means a move to disturb HM the King.

Bancherd Singkaneti, rector of the Faculty of Law, National Institute for Development Administration, described it as one of several proposed resolutions for the country.

Whether the group should wait until the country is plunged into a political vacuum or not before making the proposal, he said, is subject, a matter of opinion. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-04-15

Why not just let the Thai people work out their political differences in a democratic manner through elections. There is no need to tread them like children, and be lead around like children by Prem or any other "elder statesmen."

Tried that..........didn't work!!!!

Certainly not to the satisfaction of this lot . medical for the poor, otop, money for villages, subsidies here and there.

Outrageous.

I am instinctively very scared of retired armed forces people planning things like this. If this south america, everyone would be up in arms.

Why anyone gets a feeling to want to trust these fossils god only knows. Its a coup, no matter what spin is put on it.

This is for an interim PM to hold the fort whilst reforms are put in place so how can you call it a coup!!

Why are we in this dilemma? because Yingluck's gang couldn't behave properly and they all acted like spoilt children put in charge of the candy jar!! I can guarantee, as soon as they took office the first thing on their minds was 'what's the easiest way to make a tidy sum', I bet they were salivating at the time!!

[northernjohn]

Interesting, this bit about "this could be actioned even without a power vacuum", that suggests to me they don't think they've got their judicial coup. Their claims are false, if Prem's control of the military is weak, then I assume his influence on the independent agencies is also weak, and the cases themselves are a joke. So it looks like they're trying for a coup without first ejecting Yingluk.

Hence this group has been formed from the loyal but now retired, Prembots and trying for the coup via Section 7 while Yingluk is still in power.

Think about it for a second, Suthep has been visiting *non-retired* permanent secretaries. Yet they could only get *retired* Prembots, meaning the second generation appointed beaurocrats couldn't be brought into this group. They weren't directly appointed and don't share the loyalty of their retired elders.

How about thinking about what you have said?

Yingluk is still in power.

She is in power and look at what is happening in the nation. A group openly suggesting splitting Thailand in to two different countries children being killed with grenades old monks being attacked by groups of up to 30 attackers. The population being ignored in favor of her brother.

Yes she is in power but she does not choose to use it. She is to busy on Facebook. If the population wants to know what she has to say they have to get a computer. Just go farther in debt to hear her words of wisdom garbage. It's not like the people weren't far enough in debt now.

A real winner that one.

[metisdead]

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