Pheu Thai move aimed at a coalition govt, sources say

[Lite Beer]

Pheu Thai move aimed at a coalition govt, sources say
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai,
Anapat Deechuay
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The warning issued by the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) on Thursday to the Constitutional Court and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) was an attempt by the ruling Pheu Thai Party to push for the creation of a coalition government in case caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Cabinet are disqualified by either of the two organisations, sources within CAPO and the government said.

Sources said caretaker Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri was instrumental in drafting the statement, which he introduced in a television broadcast. He suggested that if the court removes Yingluck and the Cabinet, the government should invoke Article 7 of the Constitution and ask His Majesty the King whether or not they should step down as caretaker administrators if a court ruling orders that.

The drafters of the statement, which included CAPO director Chalerm Yoobamrung and CAPO secretary Tarit Pengdith, believe that the Constitutional Court has no authority to remove the Cabinet, as it is endorsed by HM the King and thus only the King has such authority.

While waiting for a royal judgement, the Cabinet would continue to function under Article 181 of the charter.

Meanwhile, government sources said the move was aimed at forcing the formation of a coalition government, with the Pheu Thai Party nominating the next prime minister and ensuring that no sides achieve a decisive victory. The sources claimed that if the move "failed", violence might be inevitable.

-- The Nation 2014-04-19

[Thaddeus]

Meanwhile, government sources said the move was aimed at forcing the formation of a coalition government, with the Pheu Thai Party nominating the next prime minister and ensuring that no sides achieve a decisive victory. The sources claimed that if the move "failed", violence might be inevitable.

Do as we say, or else.

Just lock them all up, the country would be far better off.

[chainarong]

Like going to bed with the devil, fancy trusting your PTP partners, lets see if this happens, what power hungry, lack of morals, elite party go's for the PTP trap.

[ChrisY1]

"The drafters of the statement, which included CAPO director Chalerm Yoobamrung and CAPO secretary Tarit Pengdith,"

Says it all......!

Says even less of people who listen and take notice to these 2 goons.....obviously cowardice plays a huge role in PTP......do not speak ill of those in favoured seats!!

[Artisi]

Like going to bed with the devil, fancy trusting your PTP partners, lets see if this happens, what power hungry, lack of morals, elite party go's for the PTP trap.

I'm sure there will be a number of "partners" with the participation decision based on the up-front and ongoing payments

[Rich teacher]

Like going to bed with the devil, fancy trusting your PTP partners, lets see if this happens, what power hungry, lack of morals, elite party go's for the PTP trap.

[WoopyDoo]

So they have basically declared that they will not move and will continue in their roles as a cabinet until the King actually removes them....

So they are daring the king to make a decision that they say can end up causing massive violence?

I don't think that is going to sit well with the masses to be quite honest, and I would say that this is now the PTP showing that they have now reached the lowest point possibly that can be reached by any human in Thailand and they will feel the wrath if they dare to go ahead with it.

The people will storm the offices and homes of every cabinet minister and remove them by force and no amount of red shirts will stop it.

This could be seen as a huge abuse of the king.

[ginjag]

Like going to bed with the devil, fancy trusting your PTP partners, lets see if this happens, what power hungry, lack of morals, elite party go's for the PTP trap.

This photo whoever they belong to look more responsible than the red rabble, Jutaporn et..... if your trained to pick out an undesirable, suspect persons, on looks alone you only have to take a look at some of the PTP photo's--there's your answer. ( there are some others from other parties that I would have doubts about).

In the UK we were always on the look out for suspect looking people, we were trained in government to spot anyone that didn't fit in with the norm.

That's not to say we were right all the time BUT it was useful in security situations.

This is why when we see these reds-at gatherings there is something about a big % of them that doesn't look on song. (also I notice a few at other gatherings)

I wonder why the PTP seems to fit the bill in general on this subject, there record tells us that. TRUST again no way. Not a lot to choose from the others either.

The PTP wanting to round up some gullible parties ?? why when they have such a massive following they would not need others ( as it has been mentioned by the pro-posters massive majority cannot help but win again)

[Scamper]

Completely inappropriate, and a clear signal to the Constitutional Court that Pheu Thau does not intend to respect their ruling. Suthep's public views of Article 7 were similarly inappropriate. Only the Constitutional Court can suggest Article 7, and if they were to do so, they would certainly spell out the proper path for it - as they see it - as that is their constitutional duty - to interpret constitutional law. Thaksin and Pheu Thai are making a concerted effort to undercut the legitimacy of their ruling in order to hold on at all costs, but by attempting to undercut the ruling of the Constitutional Court before it is even given is outrageous, and gives the impression that they've already chosen to ignore the ruling, and are subsequently already planning the next steps, regardless as to what the court's opinion is. They are publicly trying to box the court in and place as much pressure as possible - which is illegal in any Western country, and probably is illegal here if ever it was enforced. CAPO's message to the Constitutional Court and the National Corruption Commission were similarly very close to contempt of court. These are unprecedented acts for any sitting administration - caretaker or otherwise. They are interference with the judicial process.

Edited April 19, 2014 by Scamper

[rametindallas]

The drafters of the statement, which included CAPO director Chalerm Yoobamrung and CAPO secretary Tarit Pengdith, believe that the Constitutional Court has no authority to remove the Cabinet, as it is endorsed by HM the King and thus only the King has such authority.

Let me see if I understand their position. The highest court in the land has absolutely no authority to pass judgment on any member of the cabinet because the cabinet is royally endorsed. No matter what crime they commit and no matter the circumstances, they cannot be removed except by HM. Since there is no place in the Constitution giving the king the power to remove cabinet members, then they are untouchable and can rule forever if they so choose. (If you follow this line of reasoning)

This is delusional thinking and maybe it is said so that some to their followers will take up the fight for the 'injustice' and 'illegality' of the Constitutional Court's decision. First, in the course of modern Thai history, there have been many who have been BOTH royally endorsed AND removed from office; they won't be the first. Second, being royally endorsed is not a gift of perpetual immunity. These pitiful Thaksin puppets have painted themselves into a corner and now they claim that paint won't stick to their feet so it is OK for them to walk on it.

Nowhere in Article 7 http://www.isaanlawyers.com/constitution%20thailand%202007%20-%202550.pdf does it say the Constitutional Court cannot remove lawbreaking, caretaker, cabinet ministers from office. The term 'grasping at straws' comes to mind. Also, 'stick a fork in them; they're done'.

[lostinsurin]

Why all this anger? this has been on the cards for the past 3-4 weeks,

Why did you think the reds called off their protest?

Why has the nation newspaper started writing more positive articles?

The Thais will always surprise you, and what a few farang think don't bother them.

It's why I love this country! Total chaos then everything falls into place,until the next time.

[smedly]

Completely inappropriate, and a clear signal to the Constitutional Court that Pheu Thau does not intend to respect their ruling. Suthep's public views of Article 7 were similarly inappropriate. Only the Constitutional Court can suggest Article 7, and if they were to do so, they would certainly spell out the proper path for it - as they see it - as that is their constitutional duty - to interpret constitutional law. Thaksin and Pheu Thai are making a concerted effort to undercut the legitimacy of their ruling in order to hold on at all costs, but by attempting to undercut the ruling of the Constitutional Court before it is even given is outrageous, and gives the impression that they've already chosen to ignore the ruling, and are subsequently already planning the next steps, regardless as to what the court's opinion is. They are publicly trying to box the court in and place as much pressure as possible - which is illegal in any Western country, and probably is illegal here if ever it was enforced. CAPO's message to the Constitutional Court and the National Corruption Commission were similarly very close to contempt of court. These are unprecedented acts for any sitting administration - caretaker or otherwise. They are interference with the judicial process.

Not forgetting also that they don't seem to be able to make a statement without the veiled threat if violence quote - violence might be inevitable

How much longer does Thailand have to endure these thugs - it is an utter disgrace

[mrtoad]

How can Tarit as head of DSI be involved in this? What a total farce

[Lupatria]

Like going to bed with the devil, fancy trusting your PTP partners, lets see if this happens, what power hungry, lack of morals, elite party go's for the PTP trap.

power hungry, lack of morals, elite

They have quite a number of members in this club here

[renaissanc]

So they have basically declared that they will not move and will continue in their roles as a cabinet until the King actually removes them....

So they are daring the king to make a decision that they say can end up causing massive violence?

I don't think that is going to sit well with the masses to be quite honest, and I would say that this is now the PTP showing that they have now reached the lowest point possibly that can be reached by any human in Thailand and they will feel the wrath if they dare to go ahead with it.

The people will storm the offices and homes of every cabinet minister and remove them by force and no amount of red shirts will stop it.

This could be seen as a huge abuse of the king.

The farmers are so easily manipulated that they will believe anything they're told. If you tell them that it's not raining because of Aphisit and Suthep, or it is A & S's idea to contact the King, they'll probably believe it. They're not allowed to disagree with Thaksin's people. It's noticeable that the farmers are not out on the streets anymore about not being paid.

[Baerboxer]

Perhaps this weekends meeting is the firming of all these plans. PTP and their leader have shown, many time, they couldn't give two hoots for the law. They must have alternative plans, although how realistic is another matter.

Thaksin at the head of millions of armed red shirts marching on Bangkok - he ain't no Garibaldi. Last time their was bother here he was in Paris (that sales time shopping must be hell!).

How much of this is rhetoric and bluff - guess we'll just have to wait and see,

[rickirs]

The audacity of the PTP using the constitution and the King's authority to retain some control of the Government. Hasn't it learned yet that one must tear apart the constitution and conduct unending, disruptive protests leading to final victory by overthrow of the government to take control of the government. PTP just doesn't get it. Such tactics are the monopoly of the PDRC/Democrats.

I have no doubt Suthep will bring more charges against the PTP for their strategies in hopes of preserving his insurrection trademark. But he must learn this is Thailand; everything can be and is copied.

[givenall]

Why all this anger? this has been on the cards for the past 3-4 weeks,

Why did you think the reds called off their protest?

Why has the nation newspaper started writing more positive articles?

The Thais will always surprise you, and what a few farang think don't bother them.

It's why I love this country! Total chaos then everything falls into place,until the next time.

It's so funny that even the PM party thinks she is guilty and will be removed. Like a sinking ship the rats are taking refuge.

Sent from my C1904 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Mark Thaiford]

The Thais will always surprise you, and what a few farang think don't bother them.

I hope they pay no attention to the shrill sound of farang posters in this thread who seem to back a more and more extreme version of authoritarianism - I guess that is what happens to middle-aged male expats after a while - their love of fascism cannot be suppressed.

[rebelplatoon]

So...this talk of respecting the verdict and taking responsibility? Is that out of the window now? Another pathetic attempt to cling to power. Change the election laws and there would be a new Government in a jiffy.

[Mark Thaiford]

Change the election laws and there would be a new Government in a jiffy.

You mean deprive the majority of the Thai population of their right to vote so the elite and their cronies can obtain power "legitimately"? There is no point in you trying to be coy about wanting fascism instead of democracy - speak plainly ....

Your views should be abhorrent to most westerners except of course those westerners on TV who seem to have come to Thailand in search of a fascist paradise.

[Robby nz]

Change the election laws and there would be a new Government in a jiffy.

You mean deprive the majority of the Thai population of their right to vote so the elite and their cronies can obtain power "legitimately"? There is no point in you trying to be coy about wanting fascism instead of democracy - speak plainly ....

Your views should be abhorrent to most westerners except of course those westerners on TV who seem to have come to Thailand in search of a fascist paradise.

Another reincarnation perhaps ?

Whatever, you should note that the forum rules have something to say about posting insulting and baiting posts.

The reason for changes to electoral law is to make it fair for every voter to have a fair chance to vote without intimidation or bribery.

There is also the element of keeping undesirable types who have committed crimes in the past or on bail waiting charges to be heard against them from standing for political office.

Then there are those who have already been banned from politics for a time, mostly 5 years, for corrupt or illegal practices, do we really want those people in a position of power so they have a chance to swindle or exercise corruption again ?

This of course applies to all persons who would stand for political office regardless of party or affiliation.

[ikke]

So they have basically declared that they will not move and will continue in their roles as a cabinet until the King actually removes them....

So they are daring the king to make a decision that they say can end up causing massive violence?

I don't think that is going to sit well with the masses to be quite honest, and I would say that this is now the PTP showing that they have now reached the lowest point possibly that can be reached by any human in Thailand and they will feel the wrath if they dare to go ahead with it.

The people will storm the offices and homes of every cabinet minister and remove them by force and no amount of red shirts will stop it.

This could be seen as a huge abuse of the king.

Lucky for Thailand, you are not a yellow leader.

[Mark Thaiford]

Change the election laws and there would be a new Government in a jiffy.

You mean deprive the majority of the Thai population of their right to vote so the elite and their cronies can obtain power "legitimately"? There is no point in you trying to be coy about wanting fascism instead of democracy - speak plainly ....

Your views should be abhorrent to most westerners except of course those westerners on TV who seem to have come to Thailand in search of a fascist paradise.

Another reincarnation perhaps ?

Whatever, you should note that the forum rules have something to say about posting insulting and baiting posts.

The reason for changes to electoral law is to make it fair for every voter to have a fair chance to vote without intimidation or bribery.

There is also the element of keeping undesirable types who have committed crimes in the past or on bail waiting charges to be heard against them from standing for political office.

Then there are those who have already been banned from politics for a time, mostly 5 years, for corrupt or illegal practices, do we really want those people in a position of power so they have a chance to swindle or exercise corruption again ?

This of course applies to all persons who would stand for political office regardless of party or affiliation.

So saying that some posters on this forum have a preference for fascism is not allowed? Calling a spade a spade is not allowed?

You are trying to defend the virtual abolition of democracy in Thailand. You try to defend it by saying "criminals" will be barred from office etc. Anyone who is not totally biased will know anyone can be branded a "criminal" in Thailand nowadays. The widespread use of the lese majeste laws are evidence of this. And if "criminals" are barred from office it of course will not include criminals from the Democratic party who have taken bribes or are responsible for other illegal acts. The ones who will be barred from office will be exclusively those the elite will want to deprive of influence.

The problem in Thailand is the inability of an entrenched elite to adapt to the social changes that have to take place. Thailand cannot be brought back to feudal times again and trying to do so will lead to never-ending strife. it would be much better if a compromise solution was sought instead of this war where each side tries to win outright victory. The yellow shirts cannot win because the populace is not behind them ...

[tingtongteesood]

So they have basically declared that they will not move and will continue in their roles as a cabinet until the King actually removes them....

So they are daring the king to make a decision that they say can end up causing massive violence?

I don't think that is going to sit well with the masses to be quite honest, and I would say that this is now the PTP showing that they have now reached the lowest point possibly that can be reached by any human in Thailand and they will feel the wrath if they dare to go ahead with it.

The people will storm the offices and homes of every cabinet minister and remove them by force and no amount of red shirts will stop it.

This could be seen as a huge abuse of the king.

Sad to say that despite their protestation to the contrary, PT in general seem to be in agreement with what Ko Tee said that got him in trouble, their actions are speaking louder than words could....

[Dogmatix]

Weaknesses here seem to be:

1) If the cabinet is removed from office by the Constitutional Court, that means the court will have ruled that they can't stay on under Article 181 because they have been dismissed. That would leave them as private citizens with no basis to request a royal audience to reinstate them in office.

2) CAPO is only temporarily in charge of security in Bkk and a few surrounding districts. It has no authority to get involved in the Constitutional Court's work. It is also appointed by and reports to the PM, so its status may be in question if she goes.