Madam Prime Minister, please just quit: Thai opinion

[webfact]

TELL IT AS IT IS
Madam Prime Minister, please just quit
Pornpimol Kanchanalak
Special to The Nation

BANGKOK: -- You said two days ago that you were prepared to leave office should that be the wish of the "people". We do not know who the "people" you have in mind are, but millions of us who could legitimately be counted as "people" believe it is about time you matched your rhetoric with action.

The country has suffered enough under your stewardship, or rather lack thereof. Lest you have forgotten, the ultimate honour and dignity of a leader lies with her equally incomparable sense of responsibility and accountability. You have pointed the finger of blame at others for all of the country's woes enough now; it is about time you stopped. The country has failed because you failed in your duty. This is not to say you are evil, it is only to say that you have not done your job right.

We have become a nation of discord and lawlessness. Armed attacks, often involving bombs, against citizens of various political status and involvement have become increasingly common. The cowardly perpetrators are left loose, ready to carry out more dirty work.

You have said it is your duty to protect "democracy"; please spare the country this lofty yet empty notion, and stop treating us like morons. Democracy is not possible if laws are not indiscriminately applied across the board. Democracy is not possible when independent organisations come under armed threat and are subjected to both veiled and open intimidation and coercion by those who want to prevent them from doing their job as part of the check-and-balance mechanism necessary to a genuine democracy.

Democracy is not about elections in which ballot boxes are literally stuffed and technically rigged. Democracy is a mere pipe dream if voters are not equipped with real knowledge about their equal rights under the law and, by electing thieves to parliament, are the unwitting agents of the destruction of their own rights.

Your internal security arm - the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) - is a mockery of our sensibility. In Mafia jargon, Capo means a lieutenant who serves the family's boss - think Marlon Brando and Al Pacino in The Godfather movie series. It is perhaps an intended travesty. Nothing that CAPO has initiated and carried out is meant to serve the best interests of the country, only those of a certain few. The most outrageous suggestion came last week when CAPO declared it would seek royal intervention by asking His Majesty's advice regarding a new prime minister under Article 7 of the Constitution. Our plea to those scoundrels is, please leave your dirty hands off His Majesty. He has already suffered the absolute injustice of people who steal and cheat, of those who lie and distort truth and facts to serve their self-interest and their lust for money, power and self-aggrandisement. They are devoid of any moral scruples. His Majesty does not deserve such iniquity. He has, more than anybody, devoted his life and energy to the wellbeing of the Thai people. He is a righteous monarch, and he has given his all for the country and for us.

Madam Prime Minister, please stop your lieutenants from tampering any longer with our heart and soul. His Majesty is off-limits to both you and your people.

There must be a reason - not yet known to us, perhaps - as to why you, Madam Prime Minister, continue hanging on to your office in disgrace. The country cannot do any worse without you or your government. Whatever scares you, you should turn to face it squarely. That's the only way for you and for the country to move beyond the eclipse that has engulfed us all for too long. The country and the people have had enough of being held as political prisoners.

World history does not lack examples of leaders who have quit with honour by accepting the principle of ultimate accountability. They voluntarily left the office because they knew they had betrayed the trust of the people and thus were unfit to lead. A culture of lack of accountability for our actions is taking deeper root in our society. It is time we stop condoning such a culture.

When King Rama VII abdicated over his disagreement with certain articles in a draft constitution that promised enormous power to a small group of people, not the general public, he did so with honour and dignity intact. The then government was not kind to him and his family, but King Prajadhipok never complained. He left without fanfare, and lived thereafter without it. Trivial things do not interest the great and noble men. King Rama VII never made a single attempt to meddle in government affairs after he left the country. He led a simple life, humble in every respect, until his very last day. When his last remaining close aide asked for leave to join the Free Thai Movement during World War II, he gladly let him go, for he knew that a man's life is only worth living in service to the motherland.

During the Songkran holiday, many of us Thais closed our eyes and prayed for peace. We prayed that both the good and the good people prevail. But we must not close our eyes to the lack of accountability shown by our leader. We must not remain oblivious to the fraud that is being carried out every single day under our nose. Reform was never more needed or more relevant than now.

And quitting public office so that the reform process can start is not as scary as you think, Madam Prime Minister.

-- The Nation 2014-04-24

[trev666]

well written and to the point.good bye poo

[Mango Bob]

There are other millions who want her to stay. So who are you to made such a statement. That is why they have elections, in case you forgot.

[Dr Bruce]

These idiots continue to claim a majority of Thais hate the Shin family, yet they block elections which would show the massive support they have from the people..

The only way forward is an election, let the world know what the Thai people think

[Chupup]

Spoken from the heart. the to go poo

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[Chupup]

The definition of .insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different Result

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[somjitr]

The sooner an election can be held, the sooner she can quit. That's the only way out. A lot of us Thais won't tolerate a dubious reform process led by unelected elites who do not respect the rights of Thai citizens.

Edited April 24, 2014 by somjitr

[jayboy]

Perhaps it's just a concidence that someone, also named (Pauline) Pornpimol Kanchanalak like this article's author, faced criminal charges in the US.

http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-dc-circuit/1277609.html

[thesetat2013]

There are other millions who want her to stay. So who are you to made such a statement. That is why they have elections, in case you forgot.

Actually is it you that seem to forget. Last election YL was below half of the majority of those who voted. It would have been even less if they voted at all in the south which was blocked. She lost her majority. So get your facts straight.

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[slapout]

These idiots continue to claim a majority of Thais hate the Shin family, yet they block elections which would show the massive support they have from the people..

The only way forward is an election, let the world know what the Thai people think

The intimdation, used to shut down the farmers protest on rice payment, is also very much a part of the election process, in this country. The village funds alloted can and will be discountinued if the ballot count does not come up to scratch.The system is set up to either pay for the vote outright, or through gimmes that come from the party/coalition in power.

This is nothing new, which you are already aware, as is PTP, thus the clamor for immediate elections. The big problem PTP has is their playhouse is crumbling and their support, eroding, and they and their methods and shannigans are being exposed faster than they can cover them up.

As the author suggested, the solution is there, but it requires a change in attitude and national concern by the caretaker PM and the majority of the coalition government, and especially the vast majority of the cabinet.

[Dr Bruce]

There are other millions who want her to stay. So who are you to made such a statement. That is why they have elections, in case you forgot.

Actually is it you that seem to forget. Last election YL was below half of the majority of those who voted. It would have been even less if they voted at all in the south which was blocked. She lost her majority. So get your facts straight.

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Were the real results ever released for the flawed election? There were some guesses and some leaks but no results.

If what you say is true it would be really easy to get rid of the Prime Minister, just allow an election.

[MaxLee]

"There must be a reason - not yet known to us, perhaps - as to why you, Madam Prime Minister, continue hanging on to your office in disgrace"

Because she cannot let big brother in Dubai and his goons lose face...

And it is not up to her to just quit the job. Thaksin controls everybody in Pheu Thai. And such a legend and Pheu Thai legacy will just never die...

... Unfortunately the more delays little sis can buy out, the better for big brother to stage a backstabbing ambush plot of hired red shirt thugs... Delays and times are unfortunately working in Thaksin's favors, it seems as the re introduction of the amnesty bill is just around the corner...

[NongKhaiKid]

Didn't big brother say " I don't know how to spell lose " ?

He's hardly likely to tell his puppet to step down as by extension it's a blow to him. It's very easy to make the grand but totally insincere gesture of " we will all quit politics IF ... " because there's no intent of taking it any further but of course it will be the fault of those who couldn't see things his way for doing so.

[Mango Bob]

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There are other millions who want her to stay. So who are you to made such a statement. That is why they have elections, in case you forgot.

Actually is it you that seem to forget. Last election YL was below half of the majority of those who voted. It would have been even less if they voted at all in the south which was blocked. She lost her majority. So get your facts straight.

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Get you facts straight. I said there are millions who want her to stay. What the hell does it have to do with any election.

[tezzainoz]

There are other millions who want her to stay. So who are you to made such a statement. That is why they have elections, in case you forgot.

we all want elections

but we want fair elections

I see you closed your eyes when you got to this part of his writing

[tezzainoz]

The sooner an election can be held, the sooner she can quit. That's the only way out. A lot of us Thais won't tolerate a dubious reform process led by unelected elites who do not respect the rights of Thai citizens.

But will will allow a rigged election where Yingluck and her criminal cabinet who do not respect the rights of Thai citizens to say

we can do what we want

we can line our pockets with gold

we can treat rice farm how we like

because we achived a mandate from the people

fair or not does not matter, we did it remember

[chainarong]

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There are other millions who want her to stay. So who are you to made such a statement. That is why they have elections, in case you forgot.

Actually is it you that seem to forget. Last election YL was below half of the majority of those who voted. It would have been even less if they voted at all in the south which was blocked. She lost her majority. So get your facts straight.

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And if we could just stop the stand over , intimidation , physical violence to people, from village elders and others, on how to vote plus of course the bribe money

[tezzainoz]

Now if only we could find some one like this to take the temporary job as Caretaker

I like the basic meaning of the word Caretaker ......... a person who cares for a property

That definatly does not apply to the PTP party

[notmyself]

The sooner an election can be held, the sooner she can quit. That's the only way out. A lot of us Thais won't tolerate a dubious reform process led by unelected elites who do not respect the rights of Thai citizens.

Yet happy for it to be sold to the highest bidder. To consider Thailand a Democracy is an insult to any thinking person.. Should be called an auctionocracy.

[Eric Loh]

Khun Pornpinol, your point noted thank you. Please to see Thaivisa carries your concern. Now give a listen to the others and hope Thaivisa will be fair to publish that different view. Oh, an election would have settle the your sentiment on whether Yingluck should go. Now try asking why your side refuse an election.

[Mr Yim]

The sooner an election can be held, the sooner she can quit. That's the only way out. A lot of us Thais won't tolerate a dubious reform process led by unelected elites who do not respect the rights of Thai citizens.

Great post Somjitr

[scorecard]

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

Perhaps it's just a concidence that someone, also named (Pauline) Pornpimol Kanchanalak like this article's author, faced criminal charges in the US.

http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-dc-circuit/1277609.html

Look at the message jayboy.

[somjitr]

The sooner an election can be held, the sooner she can quit. That's the only way out. A lot of us Thais won't tolerate a dubious reform process led by unelected elites who do not respect the rights of Thai citizens.

But will will allow a rigged election where Yingluck and her criminal cabinet who do not respect the rights of Thai citizens to say

we can do what we want

we can line our pockets with gold

we can treat rice farm how we like

because we achived a mandate from the people

fair or not does not matter, we did it remember

There are many ways to ensure a fair election without subverting democracy. Call on international observers? You PDRC folks can even volunteer to monitor the election.

Can Suthep's reform guarantee a fair election? Can Suthep's reform even guarantee that an election will occur? What recourse do people have if the reform process goes terribly wrong? Do we have to rally another group of "super people" to kick the reform committee out? Luckily I don't have to seriously consider these questions because Suthep will most likely fail.

Also, the government is not unaccountable like you said. Otherwise, it wouldn't have had to dissolve the parliament in the first place.

[fcbkk]

The sooner an election can be held, the sooner she can quit. That's the only way out. A lot of us Thais won't tolerate a dubious reform process led by unelected elites who do not respect the rights of Thai citizens.

An elected elite has been abusing the rights of all Thai citizens, so why not join a discussion for reforms, for example to ensure there can be free and fair elections without intimidation.

so i would say the sooner she quits the sooner the country can return to a peaceful process, including elections.

[ginjag]

There are other millions who want her to stay. So who are you to made such a statement. That is why they have elections, in case you forgot.

Quite a normal thing to do is have elections, WHEN the government has lost it's way a little. BUT it hasn't it has messed things up BIG TIME by it turning it's back against the law, it's promised polices, Amnesty bill, rice scam. Water management--old but true---follow the money----

Total lack of leadership when needed at meetings, for interviews, evading questions in the house but most of all missing from most important debates, Foreign visits over and above the norm in 2 years, delegating most of her role because of the lack of experience.

Because of all this the P.M. tried to push through quickly early elections to get the chance to return to office. With all that is being investigated this is a no go.

What has happened in the 3 years HAS to be investigated BEFORE any elections take place.

True they were democratically elected, BUT did not rule democratically. NO ONE ELSE IS TO BLAME and it's no good replying about Suthep or the Dems as they were not in the fray at the time of gross mismanagement.

This is nothing to do with my political preference, I am no colour person -it is my observation from the onset of this government.

Had the Shins not been involved it could have been a different story, but I still doubt that as it was the PTP /cabinet that approved what has happened.

[jayboy]

Perhaps it's just a concidence that someone, also named (Pauline) Pornpimol Kanchanalak like this article's author, faced criminal charges in the US.

http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-dc-circuit/1277609.html

Look at the message jayboy.

The message of the article, if that's what you mean, is just the usual reactionary trash typical of the semi educated Sino Thai plutocracy.Thus not worthy of serious consideration.

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[somjitr]

The sooner an election can be held, the sooner she can quit. That's the only way out. A lot of us Thais won't tolerate a dubious reform process led by unelected elites who do not respect the rights of Thai citizens.

Yet happy for it to be sold to the highest bidder. To consider Thailand a Democracy is an insult to any thinking person.. Should be called an auctionocracy.

How did you come to the conclusion that the election was sold? A Thai professor at Chula conducted a research study on vote buying and concluded that it has little effect in determining the winner. Have you looked at her research? You can question it but so far I haven't seen a serious refutation yet.

And please no "she's in Thaksin's pocket" argument without evidence. It really kills sensible discussions.

[metisdead]

Removed a post (and responses) that claimed others were paid to post. If you have any actual evidence please forward it to support. If it's just a lame debating tactic, further references like that may find you without posting rights.

An inflammatory post has been removed.

[harkish]

In large democratic countries, it is pretty typical that millions support the elected government and millions don't. Lack of support from millions in the minority is no reason for a government to have to step down. This is a rather useless opinion piece which highlights the rather light argument on the anti-government side, other than stating the view of the ammart / Bangkok folk that the Shin dominated government has to go. OK, we know that they feel this way, particularly those of us suffering through what has taken place in Bangkok over the last months. So what exactly does this editorial add to that discussion?

[Old Man River]

Something's going on. Suthep has been visiting the electrical authorities, and they support him. He said April 30th he would have an announcement that would turn this around and it had nothing to do with the CC.

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