Thai opposition urges PM to resign, refuses to back poll

[BlueNoseCodger]

Where is the verifiable evidence that you base your observation of there being increased corruption?

Welcome to Thailand, though I assume you are overseas from your posting times.

2 TRILLION BAHT spending bill, big enough to ruin the nation's economy, with provisions to keep the spending secret. By a Thaksin led puppet government as Thaksin wants his money back. He already mysteriously received 1 billion dollars just last year, according to Forbes, go check it out.

Where is the verifiable evidence that there has been equal or decreased corruption?

Lots of false accusations, but its worth trying to understand how this stuff works.

Firstly money, please watch the videos and understand the basis for fiat currencies. It's all essentially debt financing.

Thailand GDP is US$366 billion

The mega projects bill would be $68 billion of spending, across 7 years in 4 major chunks.

So the Thai government finances debt at about 3.5%, so the debt finance costs on this is about 0.65% of GDP. For an 18.5% increase in GDP minimum. The money cycles in the economy, and given the need for infrastrature improvements, its not wasted spending. So we can comfortably look at substantially more of an increase. (30%+).

Democrats argued that nobody would use high speed trains, that a long trip would be 2000 baht similar to a budget airline. etc etc. which is similar to the arguments against Skytrain, (that nobody would use the expensive skytrain instead of the dirt cheap buses). But conversely claim the roads would be used, and the road budget is in that.

The spending is not all super secret and stolen and so on. A billion$ did not go to Thaksin (the money has not even been borrowed yet !). It was all carefully laid out and is given the economy is currently house building, tourism and manufacturing, a decent road and rail network is a must.

Now Korn claims it should be financed under budget law not as a infrastructure bill, claiming it was off budget is unconstitutional. But that's disingenuous given their Thai Kem Kaeng fund is off budget, TKK is a Democrat Bt1.44 trillion cash pot to buy equipment and infrasture like police stations, flag poles and even some small rail projects and road projects.

So you've been pumped with the Bluesky versions of this: "Thaksin stole our money". Which is just gibberish. and 2.2 trillion over 7 years is 314 billion a year while the Democrats 1.44 trillion over 4 years is 360 billion a year (i.e. Democrats spending on infrastructre was at a higher rate). And it's not financed in an illegal way via a bill rather than the budget, because the infrastructure bill it replaces, the democrat one, was also done by a bill in the house too.

Edited May 4, 2014 by BlueNoseCodger

[Melyn]

So we will boicot the election, and if you not agree we will boicot the elections...

Thailand need an election. And a majority government formed from that election.

There is no legal basis for a neutral government. And good luck finding anyone neutral. Until the traditionalist nationalists can accept that they are a minority in Thailand as of the last 20 years, I dont see any way out of this that does not end in political chaos. The Democrats "solution" is not one, its just a promise to block the july election and plunging Thailand into recession. If after half a year of owning the media spotlight bashing the PT government for various schemes and "corruption", they still can not win a national election, that says something about how far from mass appeal the democrats really is.

What Thailand needs is a government that is free from corruption and external influences coupled with an armed forces that keeps out of politics and a police force that both upholds the law and keeps out of politics.

What it will waste countless decades and innumerable lives on will be getting there the hard way

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[Tatsujin]

Reforms first, then elections. Nothing else is acceptable.

Absolutists proclaiming absolute demands on everyone else = disaster, guaranteed.

Certainly in the present and ongoing context.

Abhisit, the DP, Suthep, PDRC issuing only absolute diktats and demands absolutely create a worse problem than had existed before they came along with their already dictatorial purposes and designs. Absolutists have only absolute contempt and absolute disrespect of others, neither of which is a basis of any balanced resolution or compromise agreement.

That's why the world of democracies have lined up against the ammart and are pressuring it. The ammart's response to put Suthep's words on paper in the sweaty hands of Abhisit doesn't cut it either. You people need to break off from the gods of the caves to come down to join the rest of us in civil society.

Wow, lots of "absolutes" in your statement and I'm amazed you don't see the hypocrisy.

Everything you've stated applies equally to PT/Thaksin, especially the contempt, disrespect and dictatorial aspects.

[Tatsujin]

In my opinion, proven to be a totally ineffective leader with nothing new to offer and certainly not the ability to deliver anything of substance. All this parading is just a complete nonense.

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You are quite correct, Yingluck IS terrible at her job

[Tatsujin]

Where is the verifiable evidence that you base your observation of there being increased corruption?

Well, you could start here: http://www.heritage.org/index/country/thailand ( interesting graphs and things to look at for the dyslexic or brainwashed )

or

THAILAND'S corruption-perception index in Thailand increased to 74 per cent in June from 63 per cent in December 2012, according to a survey of 2,400 respondents conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

Based on the UTCC's calculation, corruption in 2013 is expected to cost the nation more than Bt235 billion, compared to an overall investment and disbursement budget of Bt2.4 trillion. The figure is based on claims by surveyed business operators, who say they have to pay kickbacks equivalent to 25 per cent of their projects' cost in order to win government contracts. At a minimum, the cost of corruption is put at the equivalent of 1.88 per cent of GDP this year.

Saowanee Thairungroj, president of the UTCC, said yesterday that the wasteful siphoning off of bribes to corrupt figures was greater than the national budget for research and development.

[Eric Loh]

Where is the verifiable evidence that you base your observation of there being increased corruption?

Welcome to Thailand, though I assume you are overseas from your posting times.

2 TRILLION BAHT spending bill, big enough to ruin the nation's economy, with provisions to keep the spending secret. By a Thaksin led puppet government as Thaksin wants his money back. He already mysteriously received 1 billion dollars just last year, according to Forbes, go check it out.

Where is the verifiable evidence that there has been equal or decreased corruption?

Wow you sure can pull something out of thin air. The 2T Baht bill has not even get off first base and you already qoute as corruption. It has been stopped by the CC, remember?? And the Forbes 1B Baht (not dollar) is the balance of the Supreme Court confiscation of 1.4 B out of Taksin 2.3 B Baht and rightfully returned back to him. Balance plus interest equates to 1B Baht. You are busted big time.

[rubl]

Lets have an election.

Because there is nothing to fix, political division is what democracy is. If you had no political division, then there would be no choice, no opposing views to choose from and no options. The idea that we all live in a harmony where we skip and dance and play and all think alike, is utter rubbish fantasyland thinking.

Abhisit and Suthep cannot agree on the way to choose a PM. Abhisit says he wants the Senate Leader to pick a PM, Suthep says he wants Suthep to pick a PM. It's normal for people to disagree. Even these two sock puppets for the general cannot agree!

And from your words you seem to refuse to accept that an election is the cure. If you had an infection, would you be saying "and please don't tell me antibiotics is your only fix" and then refuse the medicine?

As I thought, the ONLY answer you have is "elections".

How about making some proper changes to the law and the constitution to make them more meaningful, enforceable and to remove the grey areas and loopholes for a start? How about some meaningful punishments for corruption? How about some laws in place (that are actually enforced) to limit how many and whete and how people can "protest"? How about making the Police do their jobs and be truly independent? How about trying to curb cronyism and nepotism? How about ... the list goes on.

But you only see elections as the answer. What next, after elections? Cos right now, whoever wins the next election, the ONLY thing that will happen is more street protests and the cycle continues. Pointless.

Yes, but only those who have been elected by the people should be making/changing the law. Try as you might you can't take the elections out of democracy.

As Thailand is not a functioning democracy just demanding having elections doesn't make much sense. We would only have more of the "respect your vote till it's counted; we have a mandate; please go home and let us do our work"

Now if only we could agree on the reforms needed. Now that's a different kettle of fish. Bound to upset both those for and those against reforms. Imagine steps to abolish the age old patronage system. That alone is enough to get both Bangkok and local elite and headmen in an uproar.

[rubl]

Where is the verifiable evidence that you base your observation of there being increased corruption?

Welcome to Thailand, though I assume you are overseas from your posting times.

2 TRILLION BAHT spending bill, big enough to ruin the nation's economy, with provisions to keep the spending secret. By a Thaksin led puppet government as Thaksin wants his money back. He already mysteriously received 1 billion dollars just last year, according to Forbes, go check it out.

Where is the verifiable evidence that there has been equal or decreased corruption?

Wow you sure can pull something out of thin air. The 2T Baht bill has not even get off first base and you already qoute as corruption. It has been stopped by the CC, remember?? And the Forbes 1B Baht (not dollar) is the balance of the Supreme Court confiscation of 1.4 B out of Taksin 2.3 B Baht and rightfully returned back to him. Balance plus interest equates to 1B Baht. You are busted big time.

Not that it has anything to do with this topic, but the courts had blocked 2.3 billion US$ (76 billion Baht) of the Shinawatra family with a February 2010 decision to return 0.9 billion US$

"Responding to this outcome via a video link, Thaksin living in exile said he will accept the verdict but claimed the court ruling is "unjust"."

http://english.eastday.com/e/100227/u1a5045139.html

"A tycoon himself prior to gaining office in Thailand in 2001, Thaksin remains one of that nation’s richest. Forbes conservatively estimated his family’s holdings at $600 million this summer, but he told us he’s had $1 billion of the funds seized by a succeeding government returned to him. That would substantially increase the wealth estimate."

http://www.forbes.com/sites/timferguson/2012/10/29/thaksin-in-exile-advising-sister-digging-for-gold/

[Robby nz]

Where is the verifiable evidence that you base your observation of there being increased corruption?

Well, you could start here: http://www.heritage.org/index/country/thailand ( interesting graphs and things to look at for the dyslexic or brainwashed )

or

THAILAND'S corruption-perception index in Thailand increased to 74 per cent in June from 63 per cent in December 2012, according to a survey of 2,400 respondents conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

Based on the UTCC's calculation, corruption in 2013 is expected to cost the nation more than Bt235 billion, compared to an overall investment and disbursement budget of Bt2.4 trillion. The figure is based on claims by surveyed business operators, who say they have to pay kickbacks equivalent to 25 per cent of their projects' cost in order to win government contracts. At a minimum, the cost of corruption is put at the equivalent of 1.88 per cent of GDP this year.

Saowanee Thairungroj, president of the UTCC, said yesterday that the wasteful siphoning off of bribes to corrupt figures was greater than the national budget for research and development.

If that's not enough he could try starting here : http://www.transparency.org/cpi2013/infographic

Then search the rest of that site which will show how Thailand improved during the Dems term in power and has taken a lose dive since.

[binjalin]

Abhisit has waste the time of many people. His plan is unconstitutional. His plan is so close to Suthep plan of an unelected government. You want reforms it must be reforms from the people not from a few selected. The people have a right to vote for the government and the reforms they want. Not accept what the elite want it to be. Abhisit better you boycott the elections. Elections first then reforms and the people vote for the reforms then a new election. Nothing else is acceptable.

Reforms first, then elections. Nothing else is acceptable.

Election first, then Reforms. Nothing else is acceptable

When PT was elected in 2011 they promised reforms.

They only reform they made was that the backhanders weren't shared anymore with strangers to PT.

the Dems were in power for years... put there by the Court - what reforms did they implement? wasn't your hero DPM ???

[Melyn]

So, the other nutshell that Abhisit hinted at was that resigning would give YS an escape from the indictments with an opportunity to step back into politics in a few months.

The gamble is with her now

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Tatsujin]

Election first, then Reforms. Nothing else is acceptable

When PT was elected in 2011 they promised reforms.

They only reform they made was that the backhanders weren't shared anymore with strangers to PT.

the Dems were in power for years... put there by the Court - what reforms did they implement? wasn't your hero DPM ???

In the last 10-15 years, how many years have the "Democrats" been in power and then compare that with how many years a Thaksin-led party has been in power . . . what's the answer oh fount of (no) knowledge . . . ?

[SICHONSTEVE]

Nothing original here. It just puts Suthep plan on paper.

It is a little like the 2007 referendum. If the people don't vote for the reforms, then what happens next?

So, it is not a democratic solution, but once again, something that will be delivered as a fait accompli. They have made a pigs ear of this.

It is now the case that only a committee.is allowed to modify the constitution. The parliament can't do it but a committee can. What an unholy mess. Thailand democracy is like some still born abomination on the floor.

"Thailand democracy is like some still born abomination on the floor."

For many years already. Actually this is one of the reasons why demanding that the opposition or even the government behaves as if Thailand had a democracy as in some countries in the Western World is so inherently hilareous and sad as well.

I didn't see Abhisit jumping around asking for reform when he was jerry manderd into power.

No one acts for the country. Everyone acts for themselves short term. I don't expect too many politicians to do so, but the leaders should have some principles. Abhisit apparently is just discovering his.

I means after being in bed with Newin and Suthep for 10 years, I guess you get tired of being everyone's b***h. He's too late to the party.

He couldn't put in the reforms that he wanted to as his coalition was a myriad of different smaller parties and it would be impossible for him to implement reforms!!

[SICHONSTEVE]

Where is the verifiable evidence that you base your observation of there being increased corruption?

Welcome to Thailand, though I assume you are overseas from your posting times.

2 TRILLION BAHT spending bill, big enough to ruin the nation's economy, with provisions to keep the spending secret. By a Thaksin led puppet government as Thaksin wants his money back. He already mysteriously received 1 billion dollars just last year, according to Forbes, go check it out.

Where is the verifiable evidence that there has been equal or decreased corruption?

Wow you sure can pull something out of thin air. The 2T Baht bill has not even get off first base and you already qoute as corruption. It has been stopped by the CC, remember?? And the Forbes 1B Baht (not dollar) is the balance of the Supreme Court confiscation of 1.4 B out of Taksin 2.3 B Baht and rightfully returned back to him. Balance plus interest equates to 1B Baht. You are busted big time.

Very poor post!! You are wrong on both accounts.

The 2 trillion baht scam was stopped because it would have been a massive corruption honeypot had it not been. The amount seized from him was 1,4 billion dollars and not baht as you wrongly insist!!!

Boy!!! you are busted ultra big time matey!!

[Old Man River]

An appointed interim administration? No thanks. Doesn't matter if Yingluck agrees or not. It's not up to Abhisit or Yingluck to decide -- it's up to the electorate.

Also, there seem to be a lot of constitutional problems with his proposal. How would Yingluck's accpetance make it legal?

It wouldn't, he wants her to resign so he can do a section 180 and remove the interim government. The so called "create a power vacuum" demand from Suthep.

Section 180. Ministers vacate office en masse upon:

(1) the termination of ministership of the Prime Minister under section 182;

The Senate is half appointed and in power. The appointment committee for the senate is controlled by their man. Giving them a rigged Senate.

And the Independent agencies are chosen by this rigged senate.

While the elected half of the Senate were out for election, (leaving only the unelected half), they impeached the Senate Leader. Who had the temerity to vote for a fully elected Senate! So that gave them control of the Senate Leadership.

So without a government in power, who would appoint an interim PM? The only people around are the Senate, and now they control the Senate leader Abhisit says Senate Leader will choose (based on no legal basis at all). i.e. their man chooses the PM with a fake veneer of independence.

It's clear when he says that after she's resigned and they have power, only then will they discuss what reforms to do. The big thing that power gives them is control of the military. The problem with this coup, is the generals just don't want to go on a kill spree like 2010. So they've been reluctant all along. With Prayuth being the man on the fence. Abhisit/Suthep backer lost influence over the military.

The independent agencies are afraid of removing a government of the people on the excuse of "they moved a civil servant", or "they voted to make the senate elected" etc. Without the military to protect them, they are afraid their lies will land them in jail or worse.

So Abhisit wants control of the military, and that re-establishes control of the independent agencies, and have enough fire power to support a judicial coup. He will have to rig the Parliament and Government to regain power in any future elected government, that will inevitably lead to large scale protests, and in turn he needs to be able to do a military crackdown.

I'm mentioned this before, a coup of a minority over a majority requires the minority have enough weapons to cover the kill ratio. So a coup of 10k people can overpower a population of 100k, but only if they have 10 times or greater the killing power. That needs a well armed army, with willing soldiers and in turn that needs him to grab power and control of that army.

This is a comment vis a vis the rigged senate:

As it relates to independent agencies like the NACC, they cannot convict without senate approval. Your understanding seems to be that the opposition controls the senate. I am not sure how you come to this conclusion.

Elected senators do not run under Party banners. However, as elections go, elected senators normally conform with elected governments. That would make the elected senators pro PTP. This is how they have been voting so no surprise. Of the appointed senators, 100% don't vote for the opposition. Bangkok Pundit (note, I am giving a source - you haven't) views that approx. 82% of the appointed senators have been voting for the opposition.

To carry a vote, 60% is majority. Few analysts believe the opposition can reach this. Hence, the view is that YL et. al. controls the senate.

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[Publicus]

So, the other nutshell that Abhisit hinted at was that resigning would give YS an escape from the indictments with an opportunity to step back into politics in a few months.

The gamble is with her now

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Blackmail.

And I won't hit you over the head if you don't post again. Oops, there you posted again so I'll have to bonk you over the head. Your fault. Guilty.

That's Thai Ethics, Law, Reasoning, Logic 1001 which everyone learns in school. Where'd you pick it up.

Never mind, thx, I'd rather not

[djjamie]

Which referendum was without campaigning against it?

If you mean the 2007 constitution: there was campaigning against it.

And if people would have voted against it, they would have got a slight modified 1997 constitution and the reform government would have made elections as well....they told that several times.

And on the 1997 constitution which Thaksin loves because there are less checks and balances there was no referendum at all.....

You are incorrect. It was ILLEGAL to campaign against the referendum.

The military dictatorship passed a law and enforced it arresting people who sought to campaign against the forced constitution.

You are posting false information.

The military dictatorship said that there would be no elections until the new constitution was selected. The military dictatorship also stated that unless its constitution was selected it would take one of the prior constitutions and amend it and implement it as it saw fit. Those were the choices. The 57% vote in favour was made up in large part by people who wanted elections due to the forced conditions appointed by the military dictatorship.

All of the above is established fact.

Thanks again for highlighting why reform is needed.

A majority voted for a referendum. 59% voted for it and you make excuses why THAT majority should not be respected yet you ardently defend a 43% vote for the PTP in 2011.

With that logic I cant wait to see the excuses for why the majority did not vote for the PTP at the next election if in fact it happens.

North Korean Supreme Leader

[ ] Kim Jong Un

[ ] I want to die

A hobsons choice as they're called, a take it or leave it option, that presents fake choice. A standard trick of despots.

Thanks again. The excuses and explanations are varied and colorful.

Classic stuff for ignoring that majority.

[rubl]

So, the other nutshell that Abhisit hinted at was that resigning would give YS an escape from the indictments with an opportunity to step back into politics in a few months.

The gamble is with her now

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Blackmail.

And I won't hit you over the head if you don't post again. Oops, there you posted again so I'll have to bonk you over the head. Your fault. Guilty.

That's Thai Ethics, Law, Reasoning, Logic 1001 which everyone learns in school. Where'd you pick it up.

Never mind, thx, I'd rather not

I thought you'd said 'duplicity' before.

Mind you I'm sure that if Ms. Yingluck doesn't understand her legal team or the Pheu Thai legal advisors will explain to her that she will still be under investigation by the NACC, subject to CC rulings etc., etc. Same as k. Abhisit is still being investigated by the NACC and charged with 'premeditated murder'.

[fab4]

Nothing original here. It just puts Suthep plan on paper.

It is a little like the 2007 referendum. If the people don't vote for the reforms, then what happens next?

So, it is not a democratic solution, but once again, something that will be delivered as a fait accompli. They have made a pigs ear of this.

It is now the case that only a committee.is allowed to modify the constitution. The parliament can't do it but a committee can. What an unholy mess. Thailand democracy is like some still born abomination on the floor.

"Thailand democracy is like some still born abomination on the floor."

For many years already. Actually this is one of the reasons why demanding that the opposition or even the government behaves as if Thailand had a democracy as in some countries in the Western World is so inherently hilareous and sad as well.

I didn't see Abhisit jumping around asking for reform when he was jerry manderd into power.

No one acts for the country. Everyone acts for themselves short term. I don't expect too many politicians to do so, but the leaders should have some principles. Abhisit apparently is just discovering his.

I means after being in bed with Newin and Suthep for 10 years, I guess you get tired of being everyone's b***h. He's too late to the party.

He couldn't put in the reforms that he wanted to as his coalition was a myriad of different smaller parties and it would be impossible for him to implement reforms!!

abhisit managed to amend the organic act on election of MP's in 2011 to change multi seat constituencies to single seat constituencies and increase the number of party list seats.

He changed the multi seat constituencies to single seat constituencies to keep his coalition partners sweet, yet coincidentally the number of seats in the North and North East were reduced by 16 and only 2 in the south, for obvious reasons.

He also increased the number of party list MP's (being one himself) from 80 to 125 as historically the dems gain more party list seats than constituency seats.

After having loaded the bases via the constitution he still lost.

[h90]

Reforms first, then elections. Nothing else is acceptable.

Election first, then Reforms. Nothing else is acceptable

When PT was elected in 2011 they promised reforms.

They only reform they made was that the backhanders weren't shared anymore with strangers to PT.

the Dems were in power for years... put there by the Court - what reforms did they implement? wasn't your hero DPM ???

I think 2 years and I think Abhisit got voted in as PM by the parliament not the courts.....

[Amavel]

Vote first, reform later. Anything else is not a Democracy.

[rubl]

"Thailand democracy is like some still born abomination on the floor."

For many years already. Actually this is one of the reasons why demanding that the opposition or even the government behaves as if Thailand had a democracy as in some countries in the Western World is so inherently hilareous and sad as well.

I didn't see Abhisit jumping around asking for reform when he was jerry manderd into power.

No one acts for the country. Everyone acts for themselves short term. I don't expect too many politicians to do so, but the leaders should have some principles. Abhisit apparently is just discovering his.

I means after being in bed with Newin and Suthep for 10 years, I guess you get tired of being everyone's b***h. He's too late to the party.

He couldn't put in the reforms that he wanted to as his coalition was a myriad of different smaller parties and it would be impossible for him to implement reforms!!

abhisit managed to amend the organic act on election of MP's in 2011 to change multi seat constituencies to single seat constituencies and increase the number of party list seats.

He changed the multi seat constituencies to single seat constituencies to keep his coalition partners sweet, yet coincidentally the number of seats in the North and North East were reduced by 16 and only 2 in the south, for obvious reasons.

He also increased the number of party list MP's (being one himself) from 80 to 125 as historically the dems gain more party list seats than constituency seats.

After having loaded the bases via the constitution he still lost.

We had this discussion before. I'm not going to dig up all arguments again.

So, let's just provide a pointer for people to do their own reading

http://www.asean-cn.org/Item/1944.aspx

[rubl]

Blanked on purpose, duplicate posts

Edited May 4, 2014 by rubl

[geoman1976]

call me crazy, seeing how the political unrest has caused the initiation of a hairy economic situation and the AEC right around the corner, wouldn't any responsible leader who trluy cares about the well being of the Thais and the future role of Thailand in the AEC find new and more civil ways of making their points, no matter what color shirt you are wearing? I do think that Yinglock's time is short at this point so why the attitude by the democratic party to only support polls their terms if this is going to be a democratic system in nature? And if there are schemes or actions to bribe people for votes, shouldn't that also be punishable instead of just a voided election? If the rice scheme was just to round up rural votes, Yinglock is about to feel it. The whole thing seems hokie to me, no matter what color of the rainbow you like the best. At this point it just seems like politics back home, disregard the information of the issues at hand and route for your favorite team. Maybe we should just throw them all in a stadium and let them play football...winner take all. At least it would be over and we could all move on with our lives. Until the the infamously corrupt nature of thai politics is curtailed in some way, will we ever have a truly legitimate government here? I am not schooled on the Thai Parliament as much as other systems around the world, but I knwo the British have a shadow cabinet and a vote of confidence which seems to do a pretty good job of keeping the politicians some what honest.

Edited May 4, 2014 by geoman1976

[Thai at Heart]

Nothing original here. It just puts Suthep plan on paper.

It is a little like the 2007 referendum. If the people don't vote for the reforms, then what happens next?

So, it is not a democratic solution, but once again, something that will be delivered as a fait accompli. They have made a pigs ear of this.

It is now the case that only a committee.is allowed to modify the constitution. The parliament can't do it but a committee can. What an unholy mess. Thailand democracy is like some still born abomination on the floor.

"Thailand democracy is like some still born abomination on the floor."

For many years already. Actually this is one of the reasons why demanding that the opposition or even the government behaves as if Thailand had a democracy as in some countries in the Western World is so inherently hilareous and sad as well.

I didn't see Abhisit jumping around asking for reform when he was jerry manderd into power.

No one acts for the country. Everyone acts for themselves short term. I don't expect too many politicians to do so, but the leaders should have some principles. Abhisit apparently is just discovering his.

I means after being in bed with Newin and Suthep for 10 years, I guess you get tired of being everyone's b***h. He's too late to the party.

He couldn't put in the reforms that he wanted to as his coalition was a myriad of different smaller parties and it would be impossible for him to implement reforms!!

He never mentioned it once. Not once.

As far as he was concerned the system was just fine and dandy. He mentioned for a moment land reform and stopped the moment someone told him to wind his neck in

He believes in nothing. He is neither right or left, neither pro or anti, he is just there. The opposition. Forever. Waiting ....