German party urges new election for Thailand

[webfact]

German party urges new election for the Kingdom
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand should resolve its political conflict by holding a new election, Germany's Social Democrat Parliamentary Group has said in a statement to the German parliament.

The group said it followed the "crisis in Thailand with great concern".

"It is our fundamental belief that political conflict needs to be resolved within the democratic constitutional order," it said.

"Therefore, we call upon the relevant authorities to organise new elections in line with Thailand's constitutional framework.

"As friends of the Thai people, we are profoundly saddened by the deaths and injuries over the past weeks. Violence is not an acceptable means of resolving political differences.

"We do not take sides in Thai politics. We believe in the power of dialogue to peacefully resolve differences. In the long run, social conflicts can only be resolved by social compromise between all sides."

The group also stressed that democracy was more than elections. It said rule of law and democratic values and processes were an integral part of democracy.

"However, there cannot be democracy without elections. We stand by the principle of 'one man, one vote'," the group said.

The statement was made online at the group's website (http://www.spdfraktion.de) on Thursday.


-- The Nation 2014-04-15

[Suriya4]

Another farang who don't understand Thai people.

Thai people don't want or need any election. Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand.

Unlike farang, Thai people respect and listen to our elder.

[MaxLee]

An election system doesn't really work here in Thailand for many years, 'cause the rest of Thailand is just either bought or terrorized to vote for their cruel, criminal masters in power,...

Besides, the people in power or even caretaker power can push the reset button as often as they like to manipulate the ABSOLUTE outcome in THEIR FAVOR at ANY time....

This is ELECTION-COLLECTION-STYLE, Thaksin-style

[Skint]

Another farang who don't understand Thai people.Thai people don't want or need any election. Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand.Unlike farang, Thai people respect and listen to our elder.

What a load of waffle, don't you want to see progression?

[zydeco]

Germans need to shut up and mind their own business.

[Skint]

Germans need to shut up and mind their own business.

Why?

[GeorgeO]

Okay, they are correct ... in part.

However, I see no comment from these "concerned" observers on reforming the current system prior to carrying out the necessary elections. An election right now, with the same potential for vote-buying, convicted criminals standing for positions, along with those who have been banned for various reasons, would just take Thailand back to where it was before the protests began.

A prime example of the current system is the negating of the Phuket Mayor elections based upon vote rigging, and yet the ones responsible are allowed to run for office again.

Until they have a fully transparent system in place, and unsuitable candidates are not allowed to stand for office, then any election will be a further waste of time and money.

[noitom]

Thais just don't get the idea that "candidates" should develop reform platforms and then run for election based on their platform. The people each one, are voting for that leader to deliver that platform for reform. That's how it works. Thais just don't seem to get this simple idea. Their thinking is not evolved, you can see by the news and the editorials and comments.

[Dr Bruce]

Another farang who don't understand Thai people. Thai people don't want or need any election. Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand. Unlike farang, Thai people respect and listen to our elder.

I believe that the majority of Thai people do want an election.

I am worried because I am hearing less people talking about about working together to find a solution and more talking about getting rid of the other side.

The people of Thailand are becoming more "information Savvy",

They will not stand by and allow the old guard to get rid of another elected government.

[soundman]

Inappropriate post removed from view.

[notmyself]

Another farang who don't understand Thai people.Thai people don't want or need any election. Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand.Unlike farang, Thai people respect and listen to our elder.

What a load of waffle, don't you want to see progression?

It's satire!

[soundman]

As to the OP, once again, outsiders are trying to impose their own idealogical society processes on something as complicated as Thai politics.

Absolutely no idea and hence should keep their traps shut on a situation they have little comprehension of.

"One man one vote." - Sure that means something in the West, but to many Thai's that idea is almost as foreign as a McDonald's cheeseburger.

[bulekee]

Another farang who don't understand Thai people. Thai people don't want or need any election. Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand. Unlike farang, Thai people respect and listen to our elder.

Are you the same suriya4 who lives in Cameron,Scotland.If you are then you should take your foot out of your mouth.

[binjalin]

Another farang who don't understand Thai people. Thai people don't want or need any election. Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand. Unlike farang, Thai people respect and listen to our elder.

Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand

[WhizBang]

The Germans should direct their comments to the hate monger living in Dubai.

Get rid of the Shinawatras and their money and you 'might' have something closer to a normal system.

[rametindallas]

Surprise, surprise. I'll bet most posters thought the US was the nosy Parker of the world and here we hear from some German group.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Democratic_Party_of_Germany

http://ostseeparlamentarierkonferenz.de/htdocs_e/bundestag/groups/index.html

[PatOngo]

Another farang who don't understand Thai people. Thai people don't want or need any election. Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand. Unlike farang, Thai people respect and listen to our elder.

...............That should read "respect and listen to the best offer"

[notmyself]

As to the OP, once again, outsiders are trying to impose their own idealogical society processes on something as complicated as Thai politics.

Absolutely no idea and hence should keep their traps shut on a situation they have little comprehension of.

"One man one vote." - Sure that means something in the West, but to many Thai's that idea is almost as foreign as a McDonald's cheeseburger.

What ARE you on about? Thailand is a democracy and democracy is a method, not something that can be attributed to ideology in any way, shape or form.

Rather than re-read after posting I have held off while having a spot of breakfast so as to consider what you have said. Oh right, you don't consider Thailand to be living under a Democracy and to that I fully agree, sorry.

[naboo]

The OP could not have said it better.

[chainarong]

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

Another farang who don't understand Thai people. Thai people don't want or need any election. Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand. Unlike farang, Thai people respect and listen to our elder.

Ladies and Gentlemen may I introduce to you , the "JUNTA" a newly formed political party lead by the ever popular Thaskin Shinawatra, the Thai way to Democracy , bring it on brother.

[monkey4u]

Who gives a toss what the Germans want

This is Thailand not Fritz land

[zydeco]

Germany, where wearing a clothing label is banned. Yes, the Germans have much to teach the world about freedom of speech and association.

[thaiguzzi]

Another farang who don't understand Thai people. Thai people don't want or need any election. Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand. Unlike farang, Thai people respect and listen to our elder.

Oh, really?

You mean YOU and YOUR lot don't want elections.

But your maid and gardener do, as does the bloke who puts petrol in your Benz at the forecourt, saving you from getting out of your air conned Benz, and your hands from smelling of petrol/benzin (like in most "Farang" countries). And the million myriad of other THAI citizens.

Your type really make me puke (look it up).

.

[Misterwhisper]

Germany, where wearing a clothing label is banned. Yes, the Germans have much to teach the world about freedom of speech and association.

Yes, Germany is a terrible place, because you cannot show off your designer labels. Furthermore, we...

...only have had a functioning democracy for almost 70 years now, in which governments typically complete two or more terms without a hitch;

...don't change our prime ministers (chancellors) every few months;

...wouldn't vote for politicians who hop from party to party as they please, because we wouldn't trust people who do not stand for clearly-defined principles; on which we could base our decision who to vote for and who to ignore;

...jail high-ranking politicians if they're caught breaking the law (no such thing as an "inactive post" in Germany);

...arrest and sent to jail canvassers and their political masters if they're found buying votes from the electorate;

...would have no qualms reporting a policeman or government official demanding a bribe from us;

...enjoy watching extensive live debates between politicians on TV to enable us to make a more informed choice when go to the ballot;

...likewise enjoy reading pages over pages of political analyses in newspapers and magazines prior to an election, and for the same reason to educate ourselves about our ballot choices;

...would let a storm break lose if our government would try to clandestinely push through a controversial law that absolves all former and active politicians of their wrongdoings;

...always question how the government spends OUR money and demand answers;

...have a military that is subjecting itself to the decisions made by the civilian government and does not threaten to carry out a coup d'etat every few years.

But hey, we all feel really really oppressed because we cannot wear clothing labels openly. It negatively affects our lives tremendously!

[soundman]

As to the OP, once again, outsiders are trying to impose their own idealogical society processes on something as complicated as Thai politics.

Absolutely no idea and hence should keep their traps shut on a situation they have little comprehension of.

"One man one vote." - Sure that means something in the West, but to many Thai's that idea is almost as foreign as a McDonald's cheeseburger.

What ARE you on about? Thailand is a democracy and democracy is a method, not something that can be attributed to ideology in any way, shape or form.

Rather than re-read after posting I have held off while having a spot of breakfast so as to consider what you have said. Oh right, you don't consider Thailand to be living under a Democracy and to that I fully agree, sorry.

So, after re-reading your post, you appear to think "democracy" should have an exact blueprint/formula that is to be used by every country/state/province/region around the world?

Democracy is what the participants make of it. Not something that is forced down their throat by others.

[geriatrickid]

Another farang who don't understand Thai people. Thai people don't want or need any election. Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand. Unlike farang, Thai people respect and listen to our elder.

LOL nice attempt at stirring up the floating feces. Tell you what. Start listening to your mummy and stop playing on the internet posting nonsense. OK?

[orosee]

Germany, where wearing a clothing label is banned. Yes, the Germans have much to teach the world about freedom of speech and association.

It would be useful to add that this label is worn only by skinhead/neo-nazi groups. I don't think it's "banned" unless it would openly display swastikas or the face of old Adolf.

There are many silly laws in Germany but not more or less than in most average western countries. Most people would gladly trade in their domestic speed limits for a "ban" of neo-nazi lingerie.

[geriatrickid]

Germans need to shut up and mind their own business.

They are. There is a sizeable german expat community in Thailand and Germany is one the EU's major investors in Thailand. Germany has funded multiple social services projects and in case you missed it, was quite generous with its assistance on the construction of the BTS. Germany has a vested interest in Thailand and Germany is a responsible member of the free world.

The german statement was in support of a fair election and you protest. Not everyone is willing to sit silently while basic freedoms are crushed. The germs an position is representative of much of the free world's sentiment in this matter.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Another farang who don't understand Thai people.Thai people don't want or need any election. Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand.Unlike farang, Thai people respect and listen to our elder.

What a load of waffle, don't you want to see progression?

Yes, but I don't want to see regression which is what an election now would bring.

They claim to be following events closely - I absolutely disagree with this, we on Thai visa understand it more, well the yellow side only actually!!!

[Bakseeda]

Another farang who don't understand Thai people. Thai people don't want or need any election. Election is a farang culture, not applicable or suitable for Thailand. Unlike farang, Thai people respect and listen to our elder.

I believe that the majority of Thai people do want an election.

I am worried because I am hearing less people talking about about working together to find a solution and more talking about getting rid of the other side.

The people of Thailand are becoming more "information Savvy",

They will not stand by and allow the old guard to get rid of another elected government.

The majority of Thai people ... Do Not Care..... Don't you get it Dr Bruce... Have you even been up-country here... Majority of these peoples cannot read or write, they don't know and don't care... Have you ever asked a Thai person to point out where Thailand is on a world map..? Or where Bangkok is on a Thailand map..... Why do Farang men live here..? its sure not because the women have brains..! and we sure do not want to make friends with Thai men.. unless you swing that way..!!