Madam Prime Minister, please just quit: Thai opinion

[harkish]

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.

PTP has no monopoly on outright vote buying, and no doubt the richer party here would buy the votes if that was possible. But people aren't stupid and will happily take money from any party then secretly vote their interests. DP and others know this. What PTP does do best is implement popular policies with poor folk. Some foolishly refer to this as vote buying. It is just basic democratic government. Some policies may be economically foolish, but then the opposition should come up with better policies and sell them. DP has spectacularly failed to do so, as its core constituency - the wealthier and more powerful centered in Bangkok - doesn't want it to.

Reform that makes this whole system more transparent, representative and accountable would be fine. Reform away! But I suspect the primary reform PDRC and its allies would like to see is a less representative, less democratic system.

[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.

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.

There's no venue for such discussion. The PDRC leaders only want it their way. If I, for example, suggested a repeal of lese majeste in the reform, they would banish me. Even the old democratic idea of civilian control of the military would not fly so well. People who want to be in charge of the reform have repeatedly expressed fascist, sexist, and racist ideas on stage. That's enough for me to distrust them.

If, however, someone could offer a democratically legitimate reform that respects everyone's rights and voices, I wouldn't oppose it.

[Eric Loh]

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.

Famous words from Suterp in the 2010 election when he was deputy Prime Minister. Qoute " it's inappropriate to allow outside involvement in polls. We does not respect Westerners". Was he afraid be because the election was rigged? Moot point for those who complained about vote buying and rigged election.

[Maroon Watcher]

In the history world of democracy millions of people have died, been mutilated,
suffered and rebelled for the sake of

the Right to Vote.

If there is no vote of the people, there is NO Democracy.

If the reason is - votes can be bought. Campaign and educate against this.

If you are the next best thing - tell people (Inform/educate) why they should vote for you.

If you are afraid of vote rigging - campaign/ask the world for help.

In the history of Thailand Kings have negotiated with all peoples for a peaceful solution.

But in modern Thailand you have the right to chose your politicians...

There are people in other countries that are demanding a change to world "order"

they corrupt, murder, persecute, mutilate, make all people suffer...

and REFUSE them the right to Vote - by any means

Why do they do this Undemocratic action -

Because THEY want POWER (Money, Resources, Avarice)

They tell poor people they will be better off and have a better life -

that's what the Nazis and "Muslim" terrorists say too.

Demand you Right to Vote:
Or the next thing will be NO vote for "uneducated poor people". (As was tried in USA,UK, Russia...)

[ginjag]

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.

Famous words from Suterp in the 2010 election when he was deputy Prime Minister. Qoute " it's inappropriate to allow outside involvement in polls. We does not respect Westerners". Was he afraid be because the election was rigged? Moot point for those who complained about vote buying and rigged election.

Old hat reply, rubbish twist to the story, nothing new here to discuss no government funny business no Suthep--easy.

You will argue the hind leg off a donkey.

[sonar6ca]

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.

I guess you need a few more lessons about Thai elections.

[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.

There's no venue for such discussion. The PDRC leaders only want it their way. If I, for example, suggested a repeal of lese majeste in the reform, they would banish me. Even the old democratic idea of civilian control of the military would not fly so well. People who want to be in charge of the reform have repeatedly expressed fascist, sexist, and racist ideas on stage. That's enough for me to distrust them.

If, however, someone could offer a democratically legitimate reform that respects everyone's rights and voices, I wouldn't oppose it.

Thanks for your sincere response.

i agree with everything you wrote.

but...

You think elections are the way forward, and i respect that fully, but how would you prevent an elected elite from abusing citizen's rights?

Provided there was a way we can ensure truly free elections without intimidation, for which there is also no simple mechanism.

The same is true for reforms, there is no existing simple mechanism. So how to make that happen - and prevent extremists (from both ends) from dictacting the narrative - that is the question that should be discussed and worked out in public.

[smutcakes]

I would be happy if she quit if someone could give a viable idea on how or who or what reforms would take place.

Say she quit tomorrow, what would happen? Who would be empowered to undertake reforms and what powers would they have?

So many unanswered questions after so much talk of 'reform'.

I would envisage if she did quit then some persons would be put in charge. They would set up many 'committees' to advise on reform, and true to form after about 5 years a few reforms would be put forward and not adopted or opposed by many.

In such a divided country i find it difficult to believe that any reforms put forward would be accepted by a referendum. If the reforms were put in without a referendum we would just be going around in the same circle again over and over.

The problem remains that the main areas needed for reform like the army, police etc are simply untouchable by anyone.

[empireboy]

Being able to craft a great piece of prose doesn't make the underlying values any more correct... just well written.

Democracy is still the best way we know of for governance and clearly this missive does not support that fully...

[TimCM]

This whole issue goes well beyond election reform and into reform of the country as a whole. By this I mean the thinking of the people who need to be educated (not just qualified) as to their long term interests. The author says PT should just step down without continuing to the real wish, that her political party should be given power. Wouldn't this also go against the wishes of millions of Thai citizens, or do they not matter as they don't grovel to the elites.

How would giving power to the yellows (can't say Dem's as no interest in democratic values) fix the issues she raises? When in power via coup, they were corrupt as was Thai society, so should they also be in jail? If you want real reform, then state what these reforms are and let the people decide.

[gabruce]

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.

and who are you to say the opposite. You both have opinions. Pornpimol Kanchanalak was just more eloquent. I also happen to agree with Pornpimol Kanchanalak statements (mostly).

Something to think about. When the leadership of a company doesn't take responsibility (real responsibility), the company fails. As Thailand is showing now, when the leadership of the country doesn't take responsibility, the country fails. What's going on now is, in my opinion, directly due to the lack of leadership and rampant, enthusiastic avoidance of responsiblity by the government. Everyone else just follows their example.

[toybits]

As it is forbidden to comment about certain institutions in Thailand, I will respect that boundary. The author of the original post is entitled to her opinion even if she cherry-picked her facts. But honestly, how can you respond to a trashy article - except to say that it really is just TRASH.

[northernjohn]

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.

Read the article. It is not about how many want her to stay it is about the complete flop she has been.

Lets face it when you have a organization like the CAPO led by a man who once volunteered to cut his own head if he could not get a convicted criminal free of his convictions you have to be playing with loose marbles.

Apparently their are a lot more looser marbles willing to follow that kind of thinking.

The article was well written you missed a great piece of advice in not reading it. the only problem with it was it was not written out in four letter words for her and her followers to understand it.

[northernjohn]

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

Perhaps instead of playing parrot you could explain how the last election was perfectly legal and elected a New Prime Minister who proceeded to make such a mess of things she had to dissolve the house.

Now you think that doing the same thing will solve all the countries problems brought on by her administration. I am having a hard time following the logic in that type thinking.

Then again my concern is for the people not lining my own pockets and those of my friends with ill gotten money.

[northernjohn]

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.

If you have some thing to say, say it don't try to drag in a bunch of unknown people. Deal with the people who are on the field.

All you do when you try to drag in the unknown group of people is admit you are completely clueless but biased enough to not admit the other side has good ideas.

[Melyn]

The article did exactly as it said on the tin.

Thaksin sponsored organs do the same

The big difference is that violence and intimidation will follow

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[hidavey]

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

Do you really know the whole story behind the election and why these people are aginst it ? They're not as dumb as you think, maybe you should do some research about this whole situation before posting your opinion....

[Mango Bob]

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

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.

Read the article. It is not about how many want her to stay it is about the complete flop she has been.

Lets face it when you have a organization like the CAPO led by a man who once volunteered to cut his own head if he could not get a convicted criminal free of his convictions you have to be playing with loose marbles.

Apparently their are a lot more looser marbles willing to follow that kind of thinking.

The article was well written you missed a great piece of advice in not reading it. the only problem with it was it was not written out in four letter words for her and her followers to understand it.

Why don't you find something better to do with your time. Your comments are worthless to me.

[smutcakes]

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.

If you have some thing to say, say it don't try to drag in a bunch of unknown people. Deal with the people who are on the field.

All you do when you try to drag in the unknown group of people is admit you are completely clueless but biased enough to not admit the other side has good ideas.

Which other side has good ideas? If you know what their ideas are perhaps you can let everyone know. You might want to give a heads up to the PDRC to as they dont seem to know these good ideas either.

I think a huge amount of people want reform, but no one has provided any viable details of how it can be done.

[ginjag]

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

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.

Read the article. It is not about how many want her to stay it is about the complete flop she has been.

Lets face it when you have a organization like the CAPO led by a man who once volunteered to cut his own head if he could not get a convicted criminal free of his convictions you have to be playing with loose marbles.

Apparently their are a lot more looser marbles willing to follow that kind of thinking.

The article was well written you missed a great piece of advice in not reading it. the only problem with it was it was not written out in four letter words for her and her followers to understand it.

Why don't you find something better to do with your time. Your comments are worthless to me.

Maybe ONLY TO YOU.

[Eric Loh]

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.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Actually the PTP got 8 million votes, and that is about 15% of the country... The rest want their asses gone already.

Mango Bob seems to think that if a single red shirt is left supporting YL, then she has a right to stay.

The MAJORITY is what counts and that majority clearly want them gone.

SO GO!

Still trying hard to massage the numbers. What counts is who eventually is the government. Get it!!!

[smutcakes]

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.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Actually the PTP got 8 million votes, and that is about 15% of the country... The rest want their asses gone already.

Mango Bob seems to think that if a single red shirt is left supporting YL, then she has a right to stay.

The MAJORITY is what counts and that majority clearly want them gone.

SO GO!

I know you are just wumming but, if that was the case why did the Democrats or the PDRC for that matter not run in the election for the good of the people. They could of run as the party of reform and would of won a landslide no?

[Commercial HEO2 Diver]

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.

What an absolutely worthless comment

[h90]

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

Well on all the elections the Shin family spent billions in vote buying. Who knows how it would be without vote buying.

When you look at the red protesters, they couldn't get any numbers lately. I guess a lot of the usual voter base are rice farmer who didn't get paid.

[h90]

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.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Actually the PTP got 8 million votes, and that is about 15% of the country... The rest want their asses gone already.

Mango Bob seems to think that if a single red shirt is left supporting YL, then she has a right to stay.

The MAJORITY is what counts and that majority clearly want them gone.

SO GO!

I know you are just wumming but, if that was the case why did the Democrats or the PDRC for that matter not run in the election for the good of the people. They could of run as the party of reform and would of won a landslide no?

Either they can't finance the vote buying.

Or if they do the same vote buying they need massive corruption to get the money in again. Than they aren't any better than the PTP. Therefor the idea to make a good constitution first and get rid of all the corruption and vote buying and than 1 year later hold free and fair elections. What is the problem with waiting one year. If Yingluck would have agreed half of that year would have passed already.

[h90]

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

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.

Read the article. It is not about how many want her to stay it is about the complete flop she has been.

Lets face it when you have a organization like the CAPO led by a man who once volunteered to cut his own head if he could not get a convicted criminal free of his convictions you have to be playing with loose marbles.

Apparently their are a lot more looser marbles willing to follow that kind of thinking.

The article was well written you missed a great piece of advice in not reading it. the only problem with it was it was not written out in four letter words for her and her followers to understand it.

Why don't you find something better to do with your time. Your comments are worthless to me.

Maybe ONLY TO YOU.

to me also

[smutcakes]

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

Well on all the elections the Shin family spent billions in vote buying. Who knows how it would be without vote buying.

When you look at the red protesters, they couldn't get any numbers lately. I guess a lot of the usual voter base are rice farmer who didn't get paid.

So did the Democrats when they gave key money making departments to the Bumjumthai party to try and buy Issan.

[TimCM]

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

Well on all the elections the Shin family spent billions in vote buying. Who knows how it would be without vote buying.

When you look at the red protesters, they couldn't get any numbers lately. I guess a lot of the usual voter base are rice farmer who didn't get paid.

So did the Democrats when they gave key money making departments to the Bumjumthai party to try and buy Issan.

A point ignored by those by those with vested interests. Both sides are as bad as each other but most Thai's and expat's with a political siding, choose to ignore their own sides failings.

Edited April 24, 2014 by TimCM

[Local Drunk]

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

Well on all the elections the Shin family spent billions in vote buying. Who knows how it would be without vote buying.

When you look at the red protesters, they couldn't get any numbers lately. I guess a lot of the usual voter base are rice farmer who didn't get paid.

So did the Democrats when they gave key money making departments to the Bumjumthai party to try and buy Issan.

Smutty, there is a function on this website to "edit" your posts when they don't make any sense.

Edited to show Smutty that it actually works.

Edited April 24, 2014 by Local Drunk

[jayjayjayjay]

I respect your point, but Miss YL does represent here electorate. She does not have to stand down for any sympathetic reason. You see, Suthep/ PDRC got upset at Amnesty Bill, YL retreated, pulled the bill and said let's see if the majority agree with the Amnesty Bill. Suthep/PDRC saw that the majority will win giving red the moral aithority to proceed with general amnesty(which by the way has been the case numerous times over the last half a century)... So although I understand your point, I do not agree with it.