Madam Prime Minister, please just quit: Thai opinion

[Scamper]

Powerful article. There is no question that if Yingluck stepped down, and in so doing asked her supporters to accept the decisions of the courts and asked for peace so that a process of reform engagement could take place - among all parties and all participants - not only would be tension be defused, but a real path would have been charted. It would also be regarded as a heroic act. She will have placed the country above her interests and those of her brother. She doesn't need Thaksin's permission to do this. She could do this on her own.

Edited April 24, 2014 by Scamper

[smutcakes]

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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.

The problem is that know one has even mentioned this. I don't believe that the PDRC have even addressed what their reforms are or who will carry them out. How can they get rid of all corruption and vote buying in 1 year when the very people who police it and make policies and laws are the very people who benefit the most from them?

Who is going to make the reforms?What is the point in reforming one thing when the persons expected to police it i.e the police are also corrupt to the core?

What makes you think those people who are going to amend the constitution would do a better job than the other numerous groups have done it over the years?

Who gives them the mandate to do it? who empowers them and approves their amendments? Reforms are definitely needed but as yet there are no details as to how, what, whom and legally they can be done.

[billd766]

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.

She CAN quit at any time she wants to, with or without her brothers permission, Thais permissions but as you are not Thai as I am not, nobody in Thailand will take any notice of what you say anyway.

[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.

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.

For every proffesor all over the wold that says that Climate change is killing the planet

their is one who days that this is all BS

so I guess the same is true of this person

she has the right her opinion

But that doe not make it right

[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.

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.

Good questions. These issues are very complicated and I won't pretend I have answers to them.

My personal belief is that sometimes trials and errors are necessary and we may have to suffer through a few more bad governments for democracy to develop. If, say, the PTP becomes government again but receives fewer votes, then they might have to think twice before trying to pass something like the blanket Amnesty Bill. People learn, and small changes like that might bring about democracy in the long run. Of course, it's just my opinion, but I find it more reasonable than the notion that some noble-minded unelected body will implement a reform and fix this country in a year.

This is not to say that the PDRC is all trash. I respect them for expressing dissent and bringing about some changes, but I very much oppose their proposals and I think that they have gone too far.

[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.

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.

Instead of all this mumbo jumbo talk

Please tell us what reform you would like to see

Be constructive and stop pull every on down

[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.

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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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!!!

mmmmmhhhhh what what there policies are do not matter, as long as they are the government

[rreddin]

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

This opinion peice is nothing more than propoganda to support The Nation's political views. A critical and open mind is needed when reading such pieces.

[billd766]

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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My my, such arrogance from someone who is an alien with few rights in the country.

It seems however that you believe that somehow you are superior to her and that your trash is far more worthy.

Outside of Thai Visa your opinion is actually worth nothing and will not meet as many Thais as her words do.

[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.

For every proffesor all over the wold that says that Climate change is killing the planet

their is one who days that this is all BS

so I guess the same is true of this person

she has the right her opinion

But that doe not make it right

It's not just her opinion. It's academic research and so far I have not seen a convincing rebuttal to it.

You should use a web browser that has an automatic spell-check.

[fcbkk]

Powerful article. There is no question that if Yingluck stepped down, and in so doing asked her supporters to accept the decisions of the courts and asked for peace so that a process of reform engagement could take place - among all parties and all participants - not only would be tension be defused, but a real path would have been charted. It would also be regarded as a heroic act. She will have placed the country above her interests and those of her brother. She doesn't need Thaksin's permission to do this. She could do this on her own.

Thanks for the good post, it's refreshing to see positive constructive options highlighted.

She could set a truly positive example and earn some respect back. She could even ask Suthep and Abhisit to join her - to remove ignition points and conflict from the positive constructive process that needs to follow for Thailand.

She had many chances to show if she can put the interest of the country before others, and she still has a chance even now, ...but will she use the chance?

[bigbamboo]

Given the comments from Number One recently shouldn't the OP be addressing this article to the organ grinder not his cute little monkey?

[smutcakes]

Powerful article. There is no question that if Yingluck stepped down, and in so doing asked her supporters to accept the decisions of the courts and asked for peace so that a process of reform engagement could take place - among all parties and all participants - not only would be tension be defused, but a real path would have been charted. It would also be regarded as a heroic act. She will have placed the country above her interests and those of her brother. She doesn't need Thaksin's permission to do this. She could do this on her own.

Thanks for the good post, it's refreshing to see positive constructive options highlighted.

She could set a truly positive example and earn some respect back. She could even ask Suthep and Abhisit to join her - to remove ignition points and conflict from the positive constructive process that needs to follow for Thailand.

She had many chances to show if she can put the interest of the country before others, and she still has a chance even now, ...but will she use the chance?

Not saying your idea is poor, but practically it is very unlikely that Suthep/Abhisit would agree to work together with YS and vice versa. The divide and wants of the groups are just so inclusive to their own needs and wants. To many snouts to feed. Neither party wants reform of the system, they both just want to be in charge of the corruption. (any reform would be done to their own ends)

I would also ask whether having a mob of people succeeding in bringing down a Government does set a very dangerous precedent, in a country where rent a mobs can be bought fairly easily if the prize is large enough. In my view the ruling on the election nullifying has probably already trumped this precedent though, they dont even need a large mob to do it.

Would you not also see from the other side of the coin and say why dont the protesters also put the countries interests first and participate in an election?

[ramrod711]

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.

I believe she may be talking to you DR. Bruce, there is no democracy without law and order.

[smutcakes]

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.

I believe she may be talking to you DR. Bruce, there is no democracy without law and order.

Coercion and intimidation does not just come from open or implied threats.

It can also be done much more subtlety than that.

[Morch]

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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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!

As for 'So who are you to made such a statement'

The OP happens to be Thai.... Mango Bob isn't.... So who the hell does he think he is trying to tell a Thai in Thailand that he has no business making a political comment concerning his own country????

What a deluded and disgraceful little man you are Bob.

No official election results were published, as far as I'm aware.

The only figures available are voter turn out, making definite statements based on these, is flawed.

The PTP did not get popular majority vote on the 2011 elections (48%), therefore had no majority to lose.

That said, the Democrat party got even less votes (35%) on the 2011 elections.

People not voting for one party does not necessarily vote for the rival party - this is not a zero-sum game.

[Morch]

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.

Democrat leaders admitted that vote buying was not a major factor in losing the 2011 elections, and that their party was at it as well. Seems like Suthep has the same trouble fronting numbers, by the way.

Edited April 24, 2014 by Morch

[Morch]

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.

There were quite a lot of red-shirts who were opposed to the amnesty bill, and even demonstrated against it.

The bill was rejected before the government stepped down.

The annulled February elections were not "about" the amnesty bill.

[smedly]

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.

you are talking rubbish, nothing will happen without a referendum

Reforms

Referendum

Elections

Which part of this process is removing the rights of anyone ?

You are just another opportunist that is milking the Thai people dry and through your greed corruption and dishonesty want it to continue and remain hidden, well I have news for you - the Thai people have wakened up to thieves and criminals, your days are numbered

The OP is another rare accurate and well written article that hits right at the heart of the issues here and the overwhelming majority of Thai people agree - the reds - the PT thieves - the lies - the corruption - the open dishonesty - the abuse of power.....................the list goes on - is finished, Thailand is entering a new age of responsibility and maturity - I say again - YOUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED AND FEW

[Morch]

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.

you are talking rubbish, nothing will happen without a referendum

Reforms

Referendum

Elections

Which part of this process is removing the rights of anyone ?

You are just another opportunist that is milking the Thai people dry and through your greed corruption and dishonesty want it to continue and remain hidden, well I have news for you - the Thai people have wakened up to thieves and criminals, your days are numbered

The OP is another rare accurate and well written article that hits right at the heart of the issues here and the overwhelming majority of Thai people agree - the reds - the PT thieves - the lies - the corruption - the open dishonesty - the abuse of power.....................the list goes on - is finished, Thailand is entering a new age of responsibility and maturity - I say again - YOUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED AND FEW

What reforms are proposed, specifically?

Who gets to have a say about these reforms and referendum?

Is there any realistically acceptable forum to discuss ideas? One which wouldn't leave a large portion of the country feeling ignored?

Not against reforms, referendums or elections, and no strong opinion on what should take place first - just wondering how is this going to work, if at all.

[Cuchulainn]

Hear hear!!

Get out!!

[Just1Voice]

For all you "vote buying" fanatics....GIVE IT A REST! All parties engage it, and always have. Even Korn, one of the leading Dems flatly admitted that in the last General Election that the PTP won, the Dem actually spent MORE MONEY IN VOTE BUYING THAN THE PTP. and they STILL LOST, and then he stated that vote buying had "no relation to the outcome of the vote". When are you brainless idiots ever going to accept the fact that ALL parties do it, the people take the money offered and then vote for who they want! So your excuse of "they bought the votes" is worthless B.S. whining.

Edited April 24, 2014 by Just1Voice

[Siripon]

Yingluck's transfer of Thawil is going to cost her her job, it was an obvious case of nepotism. The problem for the Shinawats is who to replace her with.

Surapong,-deeply unphotogenic and positively lacking in charm

Pongthep, much more photogenic, a pleasant nature, an extremely rich wife, but not a man to galvanise, electrify the population.

Chalerm-a journalist's dream, talks nonsense, loves the cameras, never boring unlike Yingluck, but a loose cannon as PM? Very risky.

Such low quality in Pheua Thai.

[DirtFarmer]

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.

Well said...and representative of what I have been hearing over the last two weeks as well...

For this convicted criminal author Kuhn Pornpimol Kanchanalak to even attempt to coax an elected PM ( now caretaker, fulfilling her duties as such) to ( from the above piece_ reflect on this..."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." ... Is indeed very revealing. This author represented CP group and others in attempting to funnel illegal contributions into a Presidential campaign in America... and was convicted and fined.,.,. and she has the audacity to want the Caretaker PM to step aside the same as a Monarch who "...over his disagreement with certain articles in a draft constitution that promised enormous power to a small group of people, not the general public, " What...? AMAZING!

Don't stay in office anymore Yingluck we want certain " enormous powers given to a small group of people, not the general public and we need you out of the way... with your honor and dignity intact of course...

Kuhn Pornpimol Kanchanalak YOu and your cronies are part of the elite that the general populous does NOT want to continue to run things from the back rooms of Bangkok..

As somjitr so eloquently said... "Thais won't tolerate a dubious reform process led by un-elected elites who do not respect the rights of Thai citizens."

So even the whiff of " step down , with your honor and dignity intact but let us have the enormous power" is a bucket full of holes and and doesn't carry water... by even referencing the above she shows her true color and the true intent of this power grab...

I say Quit your job Pornpimol, quit writing dubious opinions as you are part of the problem not the solution let the election process start. It is not as scary as you think, (Elite) Madam Kanchanalak.

.

Edited April 24, 2014 by DirtFarmer

[Just1Voice]

This woman makes about as much sense as Turkey's voting for the continuation of the Thanksgiving Holiday

[Siripon]

This woman makes about as much sense as Turkey's voting for the continuation of the Thanksgiving Holiday

Absolutely, Yingluck rarely makes sense, like the turkeys she should escape before her own Thanksgiving day comes around.

[Pochana]

Elections or not, old wine in new bottles.

[ikke]

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.

He or she did not forget that... they are against elections, because we would know that the millions are only a few thousand.

[Torkmada]

well written and to the point.good bye poo

6 months in and she's still in the big chair.

Unfortunately for you my fascist friend, Poo is here to stay.

BTW - want to know what the real Thai opinion is - hold an election, I'm quite positive the result would be clear and resounding.

[GunterChiangMai]

well written and to the point.good bye poo

Again this educated insider talk. Please gentlemen tell me, who is poo? Or are you playing toilet games? That would be weird!

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