Thai govt ignores Abhisit's offer

[webfact]

POLITICS
Govt ignores Abhisit's offer
The Nation

But whether or not he runs in election, Pheu Thai wants to see his peace proposal

BANGKOK: -- The government and the ruling Pheu Thai Party yesterday gave the cold shoulder to an offer from Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva that would see him take a political break if his proposal to get the country out of the political crisis is accepted by all the parties involved.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she was looking forward to seeing details of Abhisit's proposal, which is supposed to be unveiled tomorrow.

"I hope that Abhisit and the Democrat Party will not set any conditions," she said. "I believe that society is waiting patiently for the problems to be over. We are trying to find common ground, as Abhisit has said, so that we can move forward."

Abhisit, Yingluck's predecessor as prime minister, said yesterday that he would by tomorrow unveil his proposal, the result of his recent meetings with key political players.

"If all the parties involved accept my proposal, I will not contest the next election and will not assume any political position," he said. "This is to make sure that I will not derive any benefits if my proposal is implemented.

"I will just be an ordinary citizen who supports a reform that will be carried out in line with my proposal."

Abhisit served as the opposition leader before the dissolution of the House of Representatives in December.

Pheu Thai secretary-general Phumtham Vechayachai said he was more interested in Abhisit's proposal than whether he would or would not contest the next election.

"It's no problem if Abhisit runs in the election or not," Phumtham said. "It's more important whether Abhisit's proposal will benefit the country.

"If his proposal really offers a way out for the country, it's no problem if Abhisit contests [the election] or does not."

Deputy Pheu Thai spokesman Anusorn Eamsa-ard said he viewed Abhisit's offer to skip the election as a ploy by the Democrat Party to pressure Pheu Thai to skip the election as well.

Anusorn said Abhisit was trying to find an excuse not to contest the next poll and when he made the offer, Pheu Thai would come under pressure to sacrifice itself too.

The anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee said Abhisit's offer to take a political break would not affect the group's rally for national reforms before an election is held. The rally has dragged on for more than six months.

PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan said he believed Abhisit had good intentions towards the country, and the PDRC leaders would discuss whether to agree to Abhisit's proposal.

He insisted there was no conflict between the Democrat Party and the PDRC, which has many leaders who are former Democrat MPs. He said the PDRC's enemies were attempting to create such a perception.

But Buddhist monk Buddha Issara, a PDRC leader, shrugged off Abhisit's offer, saying that if the ex-prime minister agreed to have an election before reform, that meant he was against the PDRC's standpoint.

"It's politicians' nature to play some role that makes them look like a hero," he said. The monk said he planned to bring his followers to travel to Hua Hin between May 16 and 18 to "return the royal power to His Majesty the King", who has stayed there after leaving Siriraj Hospital last August.

Meanwhile, another PDRC source said small groups of anti-government protesters would fan out to secure strategic spots on May 14, when a "people's revolution" is scheduled to rise up. By then, the rulings of the Constitutional Court and the National Anti-Corruption Commission for or against the prime minister are expected to be known, the source said.

The PDRC would move its rally base from Lumpini Park back to Democracy Monument the day before, on May 13.

"The military will be pressured to take some action," the source said.

"The game will be over although the fight will continue after that," the source said without elaborating.

Regarding Abhisit's proposal, Democrat deputy leader Nipit Intharasombat said he had made a sacrifice to try to get the country out of the political deadlock. But Abhisit is still the party leader because he has not resigned from the position.

Some military commanders expressed hope that the election would help ease the political conflict.

Air Force Commander-in-Chief Air Chief Marshal Prajin Jantong backed Abhisit's effort to help find a solution to the political deadlock. He said politicians should take part in the next election, tentatively scheduled for July 20, adding that doing so would provide a way out to the country.

The Defence Ministry permanent secretary, General Nipat Thonglek, said that the election would provide a "light of hope in the darkness".

Meanwhile, a Bangkok University survey conducted on economists from the country's 32 top institutions showed that more than 73 per cent of respondents want every sector to come to agreement on "reform" before a general election is held.

Election Commission member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said the EC would work with the Council of State to draft an amendment to the Royal Decree calling for a new election.

The EC is expected to complete the draft and submit it for Cabinet approval before the May 8 deadline. The EC and the government on Wednesday reached an agreement to hold a new election on July 20.

The Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order proposed that the EC establish a committee to ensure the election is held fairly and peacefully and without being disrupted or blocked by protests, CAPO official Sirima Sunawin said.

Caretaker Deputy PM Surapong Tovichakchaikul said the committee, comprising military and police officials, would be empowered to arrest anyone trying to block the election.


-- The Nation 2014-05-02

[smutcakes]

So they dont ignore his proposal, they simply have not been given it to consider it yet.

Why all the cloak and dagger stuff on this proposal? I thought we were looking for an era of transparency and good governance, not back room deals and political wrangling.

[Scamper]

Once Abhisit has finalized his discussions with party leaders, whatever consensus he will have been able to reach will become apparent. The announcement is expected tomorrow, but once it has it will cease to be exclusively Abhisit's proposal, as it will already have received backing from some other parties. Needless to say, Pheu Thai supporters will reject it immediately out of hand. But we are aware of one key aspect of the proposal already, and that is that Abhisit has offered to step down if it is accepted. It is an extraordinary offer. There is no question that that gives it real impetus and credibility to the conviction behind it, because Abhisit would not benefit from it. It's a selfless act. Of course, Pheu Thai already suspects that Thaksin's withdrawal might be a part of this arrangement. If it was, it would be a brilliant gambit on the part of Abhisit, as it would crystallize the argument which divides the country - and that is, is it acceptable for a man who has not been elected to administer an administration through his sister ? That is the central argument of the protests. That argument erupted after the passing of the amnesty bill, but in fact has been present for years. Thaksin's involvement is a circumstance that most Pheu Thai supporters find acceptable, but for much of the country it's not. And that's the big divide. If Abhisit's proposal does indeed include such a provision, it would crystallize the argument to a degree it's never been crystallized before.

[rebelplatoon]

Any self respecting politician from the Sae Khu clan would understand that doing the same would be good for the country. But since when have they done whats good for the country? ! Abhisit is still putting the plan together, he needed to talk to all sides first. I hope there is a way out but judging by the fact they have already ordered their red militia towards opposing independent court decisions, I strongly doubt it.

[The Deerhunter]

and............ Meanwhile, a Bangkok University survey conducted on economists from the country's 32 top institutions showed that more than 73 per cent of respondents want every sector to come to agreement on "reform" before a general election is held......... Actually, that's probably not too far from an accurate figure. Most thinking Thai voters want a permanent solution to the problem of a convicted felon who fled the country before his conviction was announced, won't argue his conviction properly throught the courts and controls this country from another country through his family & personallly loyal voters.

As Spock would say. "It's meant to be democracy Jim, but not as we recognoise it."

Pity George Orwell isn't around to comment on this brave new world. Wait , Maybe he did already. I must re-read Animal Farm!!

Edited May 2, 2014 by The Deerhunter

[Publicus]

Abhisit for Thaksin - removing both from politics - would be the proverbial deal made in Heaven, however, it is nowhere near a big enough deal for anyone to accept. It just doesn't move the archangels to reach for their herald trumpets.

That's because Thaksin is the Godfather while Abhisit is but a piddling soldier of the Bangkok and southern ammarts who already see AV as expendable because he's unelectable and due to AV's precipitous fall from grace the past 180 daze. AV has made a series of catastrophic strategic decisions over the past six months that have exposed his feeble judgement in crises situations.

Neither does Thaksin out of politics contain or neutralize the voting clout of the red rabble the ammart see as the revolting masses being their revolting selves. The ammart would thus continue to need Suthep.

It's a stillborn deal because Thaksin's burning purpose is to return to Thailand, which is another reason Suthep would grab onto to self-justify his insurrection against anything red in government. Thaksin would give his left nut to get back into Thailand peacefully.

The one thing Abhisit can do to most effectively neutralize and reverse the ongoing crisis, Abhisit won't do, which is to confront Suthep to get him off the streets. AV doesn't and won't do this because AV knows Suthep will squash him like the bug he is.

[Terry McEjut]

"If his proposal really offers a way out for the country, it's no problem if Abhisit contests [the election] or does not."

Didn't see that coming did you, new PR guys ?

[somjitr]

It seems to me that Abhisit knows he's done with politics and wants a clean exit. He hasn't been very consistent with his statements. Meanwhile, Suthep is acting all crazy to make Abhisit look reasonable. Just a speculation.

[kimamey]

Abhisit for Thaksin - removing both from politics - would be the proverbial deal made in Heaven, however, it is nowhere near a big enough deal for anyone to accept. It just doesn't move the archangels to reach for their herald trumpets.

That's because Thaksin is the Godfather while Abhisit is but a piddling soldier of the Bangkok and southern ammarts who already see AV as expendable because he's unelectable and due to AV's precipitous fall from grace the past 180 daze. AV has made a series of catastrophic strategic decisions over the past six months that have exposed his feeble judgement in crises situations.

Neither does Thaksin out of politics contain or neutralize the voting clout of the red rabble the ammart see as the revolting masses being their revolting selves. The ammart would thus continue to need Suthep.

It's a stillborn deal because Thaksin's burning purpose is to return to Thailand, which is another reason Suthep would grab onto to self-justify his insurrection against anything red in government. Thaksin would give his left nut to get back into Thailand peacefully.

The one thing Abhisit can do to most effectively neutralize and reverse the ongoing crisis, Abhisit won't do, which is to confront Suthep to get him off the streets. AV doesn't and won't do this because AV knows Suthep will squash him like the bug he is.

If Abhisit is expendable as you say why did they re elect him as leader when he resigned? I think it's because whatever his faults he's the one who can negotiate and debate. He's not the sort who can tell people what to do and necessarily have them do it. That's more Suthep's skill which is how he got people on to the street but he can't do the less aggressive bits. How exactly would Abhisit get Suthep off the streets bearing in mind the police can't manage it? It's not up to him. he can suggest but that's all as he has no authority over Suthep.

Abhisit's main problems in getting elected are the negative views of the Democrats which will be difficult to overcome as he doesn't own the party so he doesn't have the advantage that Thaksin has. He's also got the deaths in 2010 to contend with and the problem there is that even though on the current evidence he won't be found guilty many will believe the courts are biased. Fortunately most of those will be staunch PTP supporters who wouldn't vote for him anyway as they seem content to let the army get off so long as Abhisit and Suthep don't.

In many ways the protests have worked against him as without them the real cost of the PTP policies, or rather the excessiveness of the policies would be more likely to come to light.

As for Thaksin, well he's not here but seems to be controlling the government in many ways so I don't know how you'd get him out of the picture whilst he's still alive.

[kimamey]

So they dont ignore his proposal, they simply have not been given it to consider it yet.

Why all the cloak and dagger stuff on this proposal? I thought we were looking for an era of transparency and good governance, not back room deals and political wrangling.

Well he says he has been talking to other key players and then we'll all hear about it. Sometimes plans have to be made. I'm sure it will be a lot more transparent than the rice scheme figures. Once it's revealed do you really think there will be no political wrangling? What else are you expecting in politics? Of course you could call it negotiation instead.

His problem is he's not good at the typical Thai political methods of making announcements about things he has no intention of doing. Things like announcing the date of the final battle over and over again. Or I'll rid tourism of the Mafia and criminal gangs in 90 days. Not forgetting the continual announcements of crackdowns which never seem to happen.

Edited May 2, 2014 by kimamey

[RubbaJohnny]

I'll show you mine if you show me yours...?

[AleG]

Abhisit could come up with the perfect solution to the problem and write down the recipe to cure cancer at the back of the dossier and PTP would still reject it out of principle; the principle being that they are not in this for the good of the country but for the financial rewards.

[siampolee]

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she was looking forward to seeing details of Abhisit's proposal, which is supposed to be unveiled tomorrow.

"I hope that Abhisit and the Democrat Party will not set any conditions," she said. "I believe that society is waiting patiently for the problems to be over. We are trying to find common ground, as Abhisit has said, so that we can move forward."

No conditions........

Society is indeed awaiting for the Shinwatra clan and their corrupt nepotism crony crammed P.T.P. to move forward to the main exit thus then letting the greater majority of the Thai people to hopefully live in a far less corrupt system.

No conditions..........

Part of the reconciliation process as proposed under the Shinwatra puppet government included a complete whitewash of their puppet masters wrongdoings and the wiping clean of the charge sheets on a number of currently outstanding matters concerning Thaksin and his P.T.P. puppets.

Common ground .......

Methinks , nay we all know the lady exists in a dream world. Any proposal that has been made that didn't emanate from the Shinwatra and Red Shirt snake pit has been totally ignored and always will be ignored.

The truth of the matter is that the Shinwatra clan and its cronies are being challenged to stand up and be counted and take responsibility politically and morally, two areas of which the Shinwatra clan along with their cronies have no interest in or knowledge off.

The Shinwatra clan would do well to examine their current support groups along with reviewing the history of the French Revolution along with the destiny of many of its leaders Maximilien de Robespierre, Jean-Paul Marat Remember too the power of the then Red Shirt style of democracy advocates, the Sans-culottes and their actions Indeed the subsequent Reign Of Terror was a dreadful lesson in which many innocent suffered needlessly.

This current janitor caretaker administration should take a lesson from history before it is too late for both them and the country.

There is an escape route open. He who fights and runs away nay live to fight another day.

All of the assorted political factions now have an escape route open irrespective of their political hue

That fight being a political fight as opposed to fisticuffs or worse.

The final outcome would be that in the long run the Thai people will benefit as a whole as opposed to the privileged and their families and cronies sitting in both Parliament and the Senate.

[WoopyDoo]

Abhisit is not stupid, he knows that there will be no agreement from PTP if it means a single sacrifice is to be made on their side. That is why it won't be part of the agreement purely based on the =fact he knows full well that the PTP and Thaksin regime are just far too stubborn for that.

The ONLY way to remove the Thaksin influence is for the party affiliated with him loses an election, which is entirely possible considering that people in the north are showing signs of being fed up with him which can be assessed from the 'No Votes' and the 'No Shows' which in a very large portion of the northern constituencies far outweighed the PTP vote.

If those no shows and no votes were won over by the Dems... It would likely be pretty much a landslide. That 5 million votes that never happened in the north where there were NO election obstructions is the crucial factor in the removal of Thaksin, once his majority is gone, then he has no other way back unless there is a separation of the country and for that to happen he needs no less than a full scale civil war to last for years so that a separation can be brokered as the only way back to peace.... I doubt that would happen, but there is nothing to say he won't try it.

Abhisit is doing a very good job indeed. He has stated he won't be involved at ANY political level, which coincidentally is what Sutheo wants for spearheading the main reforms... So I think it will likely end up with Abhisit and Suthep being in charge of the reform council under this interim government.

That is how i see things unfolding.

Yingluck and the PTP will be in no position to refuse anything..... If they do, they will be left in no doubt that the only chance for the way out of this political mess was in their hands and they and NOBODY ELSE will be responsible for its demise and the next election will also end up annulled and them and only them will shoulder the blame, no matter how much they embellish the facts... The people are now politically aware which will totally smash their chances of ever being considered electable in the future.... either way... The Dems and Suthep will eventually win the day.

Edited May 2, 2014 by WoopyDoo

[smutcakes]

So they dont ignore his proposal, they simply have not been given it to consider it yet.

Why all the cloak and dagger stuff on this proposal? I thought we were looking for an era of transparency and good governance, not back room deals and political wrangling.

Well he says he has been talking to other key players and then we'll all hear about it. Sometimes plans have to be made. I'm sure it will be a lot more transparent than the rice scheme figures. Once it's revealed do you really think there will be no political wrangling? What else are you expecting in politics? Of course you could call it negotiation instead.

His problem is he's not good at the typical Thai political methods of making announcements about things he has no intention of doing. Things like announcing the date of the final battle over and over again. Or I'll rid tourism of the Mafia and criminal gangs in 90 days. Not forgetting the continual announcements of crackdowns which never seem to happen.

Okay mate, i was just commenting that the headline said the proposal got the cold shoulder, when in fact they PTP have not even seen the proposal, nothing to do with the rice scheme or any other things going on, why so defensive?

No need to start talking about other useless politicians, why not just comment on the article.