PM asked to step down

[Morch]

The Cabinet's resignation would pave the way for an unelected interim government to be in charge while civil society, including the Reform Now Network and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), jointly work on guidelines and the plan for national reforms.

So he is basically asking her to hand power and control of the country to Suthep and the PDRC. I don't like the shins but simply handing power to these bunch of morons would be extremely dangerous.

Agreed that Abhisit's plan is both silly and disappointing.

Not that I had any real hope he'll come up with a magic solution, but though he could do a little better than this.

The offer does not include outright handing of "power and control of the country to Suthep and the PDRC", as the interim government will not be able to set any permanent rules and policies. Somewhat less than what Suthep and the PDRC were shooting for. It does, however, gives them a disproportional position on shaping the reforms.

Of course, still hazy regarding details on said reforms and on how the interim government is to be set up.

Reads more like a failed PR effort or a play for time.

[casualbiker]

How many more times are we going to be fed the abhisit doctrine? He's been busy hawking himself around hasn't he.

Are we EVER going to see PTP's reform proposal from December /January time come to fruition?

All we get from PTP is rubbish like this

" Pheu Thai has asked all parties to come up with clear reform plans and use them in their campaigns in the next election so voters can decide. ."

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[saltandpepper]

Curious that we havnt heard any comment from YL on this proposal yet.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

She has not received the script yet! Then it will take a few days for her to repeat it so that she can try to give a speech without stuttering on every single word

[mikemac]

Abhisit, back to his usual tricks, has just cemented his place as the worst opposition leader in Thai political history.

...and there you have it folks, history has just been rewritten by the most respected political commentator in the country.

Don't you mean that history has been rewritten by the second most annoying troll in TV history ?

Why, would her safety be threatened in Bangkok or the south, why would that be? The PDRC goons are all cuddly peace loving citizens aren't they?

[rabas]

I do not know if true or not but heard she was visiting in the north today.

She stays there for her own good. Visits safe havens to buy from OTOP shops for photo sessions.

Why, would her safety be threatened in Bangkok or the south, why would that be? The PDRC goons are all cuddly peace loving citizens aren't they?

Talk about insinuation. No one is going to harm her, she just bursts into tears whenever she is whistled at.

I certainly do not dislike her, but I'm sure it is emotionally trying to come to terms with what her brother led her into. Remember, she had never been in politics then shazam! she's a PM, or PPM.

Besides, according to one group of posters the PDRC guards are busy killing those they protect.

[PatOngo]

Abhisit, back to his usual tricks, has just cemented his place as the worst opposition leader in Thai political history.

...and there you have it folks, history has just been rewritten by the most respected political commentator in the country.

Don't you mean that history has been rewritten by the second most annoying troll in TV history ?

Why, would her safety be threatened in Bangkok or the south, why would that be? The PDRC goons are all cuddly peace loving citizens aren't they?

The brain power and talent of the cuddly,peace loving Fab Four was reduced by 50% some time ago.

[noni99]

This is the plan.

Just give power to Suthep and the PDRC because they are poo dee and will do the right thing?

Has anyone ever heard anything quite so stupid in all their life?

Yes, I did see much more stupid things than that - your post above for instance ...

No matter who will be the next PM - as long as it's nobody from Thaksins's clan or on of the red zombies.

Everyone would do a better job than the current government of Mr. T., his smiling sister and the red terrorists.

[WoopyDoo]

The Cabinet's resignation would pave the way for an unelected interim government to be in charge while civil society, including the Reform Now Network and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), jointly work on guidelines and the plan for national reforms.

So he is basically asking her to hand power and control of the country to Suthep and the PDRC. I don't like the shins but simply handing power to these bunch of morons would be extremely dangerous.

You really don't understand much about what is going on do you?

He is basically telling them to step down and the senate will replace them for 5 to 6 months... The senate is composed of 150 senators and a lot of those senators are aligned with the Shin clan and they all have to debate among themselves who the interim government will be for that few months..

The alternative is that they are removed anyway by the constitutional court... meaning it will lead to trouble from the red terror movement, and nobody apart from red supporters want to see that.

Also, they woun't be handing ANY power over, just their positions for keeping the country running and solving a few problems such as, paying the remaining rice debts out immediately.... Which in comparison to red violence 'is good for the country'.

All sides will have their say and opinions on reforms while a public referendum will see that the ultimate decision is by 'the word of the people'... Also the new one year government will be chosen by a TRUE free and fair election, something Thailand has never witnessed in its history... this is also good for the people, as it allows their vote to be respected 'for real'.

Also, the PDRC are going to have to suck up some pride for this to move ahead and will see all the protests come to an end, which is also good for the country.

I really can't see what the problem with this is, apart from it does not allow the reds to have it ALL their own way. Which is why it is being rejected without even thinking properly about it first.

Well if that is the agenda they want to stick to, then there will be no other choice than for the country to spiral even more into the crapper, and that seems to be coming apparent that that is the alternative of choice for the red brigade.

It's not like Abhisit's proposals are not flexible for mutual compromise.... It is a very good starting point.

"But if the government sees this plan as interesting - not necessarily accepting it - it must come and make it happen," he said.

I really can't see how you are able to write into this.....

'So he is basically asking her to hand power and control of the country to Suthep and the PDRC.'

Where does it say that, anywhere in the proposal??????

Edited May 4, 2014 by WoopyDoo

[Scamper]

Abhisit's proposal looks entirely reasonable. And it will look even more reasonable six months from now, after its long been rejected. It's a way out of the current dilemma. It actually concedes a Yingluck Pheu Thai victory in November. By resigning now before the Constitutional Court's ruling, she retains her future options. Abhisit is actually providing her with not only a path out of the current dilemma, but a chance for a future PM bid. This is really an enormous gift for Pheu Thai, though they - and their supporters - are too blinded by hate to see it. If the Constitutional Court removes her from her position, her future as PM is finished. If the Constitutional Court removes her cabinet, the Pheu Thai administration is finished. Life would therefore look very different after such a ruling than before. Abhisit explicitly says that Pheu Thai will be happy with the election six months from now. He says that because he knows, Pheu Thai knows, Pheu Thai supporters know, and most everyone else concedes - that the next administration would likely be a Pheu Thai administration. What else is offered here ? Abhisit would step down. That is something Pheu Thai have wanted for ages. The Democratic party would contest the election. That is also something Pheu Thai has wanted, because it means that a quorum for a Pheu Thai administration would be enabled. Pheu Thai gets all of that. And yet still they sling verbal hate at Abhisit - without discussing any - any - of his ideas. Pheu Thai are throwing out an enormous opportunity here - for themselves. The concession that Abhisit suggests are a six month voluntary abdication from power. In actual fact, Pheu Thai are already without power because they do not have a parliamentary quorum. They can't do anything. Is that so big a concession ? Abhisit's proposal includes no wish to ban the Shinawatra family from prime ministerial office. Does Pheu Thai realize how difficult it will be for Democrats to swallow that ? Have they any conception ? Also part of Abhisit's plan is that there would be no laws enacted in the next six months - because there is no parliamentary quorum. Does Pheu Thai realize how far this is from Suthep's wild proposal ? Those who say that Abhisit and Suthep are joined at the hip are flying in the face of logic over this profound difference.

The concession - and this is the part that Thaksin won't like - and the reason why this outreach will be scuttled - is that the reform process during the next six months would likely include provisions that would make it illegally impossible to yield the kind of influence Thaksin has been practicing. Therefore - like the amnesty bill - everything will be funneled through the wishes of what Thaksin wants, and will be rejected as such. In the meantime, Pheu Thai will never see an offer this good. Ever. They have decided - which means that Thaksin has decided - to let the conflict and divisions escalate. But what Thaksin, Pheu Thai, and their supporters don't realize - is that that will yield them nothing of what they want. But they will still manage to take everyone else down with them in the process.

[Morch]

Abhisit, back to his usual tricks, has just cemented his place as the worst opposition leader in Thai political history.

...and there you have it folks, history has just been rewritten by the most respected political commentator in the country.

Abhisit has been tossed both domestically by the people and globally by the principal democracies and deservedly so.

Abhisit has really sh*t the bed.

I see however Abhisit still can't stop destroying himself because now he's trying blackmail, fear, outright threats.

Abhisit is determined to do everything he can to install a dictatorship and there's just no compromising about it.

Abhisit is dictating absolute demands absolutely, which an honorable leader does not do. If he's better than the people he opposes, then he certainly hasn't shown anything of it.

Abhisit and Suthep have in fact made matters much worse than things were 180 daze ago. Suthep is a loud fanatic but Abhisit is a petulant and secretive obsessive.

Not that Abhisit's plan (if one can even call it that) is a work of great merit, nor is he the leader some people hoped he would become.

That said, where did he blackmail or made outright threats? To blackmail one needs leverage, which he doesn't seem to have.

Outright threats as in predicting an outcome if his proposal is not embraced? Seemed rather vague, actually, not on par with detailed doom and brimstone prophecies from other players.

Honorable leaders do not dictate absolute demands absolutely? Might be a good overall approach, yes. Could have pitched a more compromising offer, yes. But again, he's not in a position to dictate, nor was he doing so. He just put a bad offer on the table, doesn't have much to do with "honor", more with being unable or unwilling to make a decent offer.

Matters are worse on some fronts, better on others - in another scenario Thailand could have been dealing with some of the government's follies.

[binjalin]

Abhisit's proposal looks entirely reasonable. And it will look even more reasonable six months from now, after its long been rejected. It's a way out of the current dilemma. It actually concedes a Yingluck Pheu Thai victory in November. By resigning now before the Constitutional Court's ruling, she retains her future options. Abhisit is actually providing her with not only a path out of the current dilemma, but a chance for a future PM bid. This is really an enormous gift for Pheu Thai, though they - and their supporters - are too blinded by hate to see it. If the Constitutional Court removes her from her position, her future as PM is finished. If the Constitutional Court removes her cabinet, the Pheu Thai administration is finished. Life would therefore look very different after such a ruling than before. Abhisit explicitly says that Pheu Thai will be happy with the election six months from now. He says that because he knows, Pheu Thai knows, Pheu Thai supporters know, and most everyone else concedes - that the next administration would likely be a Pheu Thai administration. What else is offered here ? Abhisit would step down. That is something Pheu Thai have wanted for ages. The Democratic party would contest the election. That is also something Pheu Thai has wanted, because it means that a quorum for a Pheu Thai administration would be enabled. Pheu Thai gets all of that. And yet still they sling verbal hate at Abhisit - without discussing any - any - of his ideas. Pheu Thai are throwing out an enormous opportunity here - for themselves. The concession that Abhisit suggests are a six month voluntary abdication from power. In actual fact, Pheu Thai are already without power because they do not have a parliamentary quorum. They can't do anything. Is that so big a concession ? Abhisit's proposal includes no wish to ban the Shinawatra family from prime ministerial office. Does Pheu Thai realize how difficult it will be for Democrats to swallow that ? Have they any conception ? Also part of Abhisit's plan is that there would be no laws enacted in the next six months - because there is no parliamentary quorum. Does Pheu Thai realize how far this is from Suthep's wild proposal ? Those who say that Abhisit and Suthep are joined at the hip are flying in the face of logic over this profound difference.

The concession - and this is the part that Thaksin won't like - and the reason why this outreach will be scuttled - is that the reform process during the next six months would likely include provisions that would make it illegally impossible to yield the kind of influence Thaksin has been practicing. Therefore - like the amnesty bill - everything will be funneled through the wishes of what Thaksin wants, and will be rejected as such. In the meantime, Pheu Thai will never see an offer this good. Ever. They have decided - which means that Thaksin has decided - to let the conflict and divisions escalate. But what Thaksin, Pheu Thai, and their supporters don't realize - is that that will yield them nothing of what they want. But they will still manage to take everyone else down with them in the process.

how is it 'reasonable' to include the PDRC but not the government side? it's moronic and doomed to failure (as is Abhisit/Suthep)

the judicial coup will force Yingluck out but Thais will be furious and it solves NOTHING

[Thai at Heart]

This is the plan.

Just give power to Suthep and the PDRC because they are poo dee and will do the right thing?

Has anyone ever heard anything quite so stupid in all their life?

Yes, I did see much more stupid things than that - your post above for instance ...

No matter who will be the next PM - as long as it's nobody from Thaksins's clan or on of the red zombies.

Everyone would do a better job than the current government of Mr. T., his smiling sister and the red terrorists.

And when do you think Mr. Suthep and the PDRC will give u an election. Beyond that, the entire proposal is ILLEGAL.

So both, stupid and illegal. Whoopee.

God forbid he might suggest something illegal and unconstitutional. People get kicked out of being PM for having such bad ideas.

[h90]

Abhisit's proposal looks entirely reasonable. And it will look even more reasonable six months from now, after its long been rejected. It's a way out of the current dilemma. It actually concedes a Yingluck Pheu Thai victory in November. By resigning now before the Constitutional Court's ruling, she retains her future options. Abhisit is actually providing her with not only a path out of the current dilemma, but a chance for a future PM bid. This is really an enormous gift for Pheu Thai, though they - and their supporters - are too blinded by hate to see it. If the Constitutional Court removes her from her position, her future as PM is finished. If the Constitutional Court removes her cabinet, the Pheu Thai administration is finished. Life would therefore look very different after such a ruling than before. Abhisit explicitly says that Pheu Thai will be happy with the election six months from now. He says that because he knows, Pheu Thai knows, Pheu Thai supporters know, and most everyone else concedes - that the next administration would likely be a Pheu Thai administration. What else is offered here ? Abhisit would step down. That is something Pheu Thai have wanted for ages. The Democratic party would contest the election. That is also something Pheu Thai has wanted, because it means that a quorum for a Pheu Thai administration would be enabled. Pheu Thai gets all of that. And yet still they sling verbal hate at Abhisit - without discussing any - any - of his ideas. Pheu Thai are throwing out an enormous opportunity here - for themselves. The concession that Abhisit suggests are a six month voluntary abdication from power. In actual fact, Pheu Thai are already without power because they do not have a parliamentary quorum. They can't do anything. Is that so big a concession ? Abhisit's proposal includes no wish to ban the Shinawatra family from prime ministerial office. Does Pheu Thai realize how difficult it will be for Democrats to swallow that ? Have they any conception ? Also part of Abhisit's plan is that there would be no laws enacted in the next six months - because there is no parliamentary quorum. Does Pheu Thai realize how far this is from Suthep's wild proposal ? Those who say that Abhisit and Suthep are joined at the hip are flying in the face of logic over this profound difference.

The concession - and this is the part that Thaksin won't like - and the reason why this outreach will be scuttled - is that the reform process during the next six months would likely include provisions that would make it illegally impossible to yield the kind of influence Thaksin has been practicing. Therefore - like the amnesty bill - everything will be funneled through the wishes of what Thaksin wants, and will be rejected as such. In the meantime, Pheu Thai will never see an offer this good. Ever. They have decided - which means that Thaksin has decided - to let the conflict and divisions escalate. But what Thaksin, Pheu Thai, and their supporters don't realize - is that that will yield them nothing of what they want. But they will still manage to take everyone else down with them in the process.

Even if the court removes her and her cabinet, the worst can be a 5 year ban. While Somchai, Yaowapa or someone else from the Shinawatra clan (there would be a couple of other persons) could take over immediately after the next rigged elections.

So here the Abhisit plan doesn't help. But every kind of reform bears the risk that something happens that really kills of the power like harsh responds to vote buying or money laundry.

[Bluespunk]

"You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go."

Leo Amery 1940.

Timeless.

Edited May 4, 2014 by Bluespunk

[mikemac]

And when do you think Mr. Suthep and the PDRC will give u an election. Beyond that, the entire proposal is ILLEGAL.

So both, stupid and illegal. Whoopee.

God forbid he might suggest something illegal and unconstitutional. People get kicked out of being PM for having such bad ideas.

....................."People get kicked out of being PM for having such bad ideas.".............................................

As we are just about to witness !

[Morch]

The Cabinet's resignation would pave the way for an unelected interim government to be in charge while civil society, including the Reform Now Network and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), jointly work on guidelines and the plan for national reforms.

So he is basically asking her to hand power and control of the country to Suthep and the PDRC. I don't like the shins but simply handing power to these bunch of morons would be extremely dangerous.

You really don't understand much about what is going on do you?

He is basically telling them to step down and the senate will replace them for 5 to 6 months... The senate is composed of 150 senators and a lot of those senators are aligned with the Shin clan and they all have to debate among themselves who the interim government will be for that few months..

The alternative is that they are removed anyway by the constitutional court... meaning it will lead to trouble from the red terror movement, and nobody apart from red supporters want to see that.

Also, they woun't be handing ANY power over, just their positions for keeping the country running and solving a few problems such as, paying the remaining rice debts out immediately.... Which in comparison to red violence 'is good for the country'.

All sides will have their say and opinions on reforms while a public referendum will see that the ultimate decision is by 'the word of the people'... Also the new one year government will be chosen by a TRUE free and fair election, something Thailand has never witnessed in its history... this is also good for the people, as it allows their vote to be respected 'for real'.

Also, the PDRC are going to have to suck up some pride for this to move ahead and will see all the protests come to an end, which is also good for the country.

I really can't see what the problem with this is, apart from it does not allow the reds to have it ALL their own way. Which is why it is being rejected without even thinking properly about it first.

Well if that is the agenda they want to stick to, then there will be no other choice than for the country to spiral even more into the crapper, and that seems to be coming apparent that that is the alternative of choice for the red brigade.

It's not like Abhisit's proposals are not flexible for mutual compromise.... It is a very good starting point.

"But if the government sees this plan as interesting - not necessarily accepting it - it must come and make it happen," he said.

I really can't see how you are able to write into this.....

'So he is basically asking her to hand power and control of the country to Suthep and the PDRC.'

Where does it say that, anywhere in the proposal??????

It is not about outright handing over of power and control to the PDRC.

Unless I missed something (quite possible) Abhisit's offer does not really get into detail about how the interim government will be set up. This could have been deliberately left out for negotiations or a made back-room deal, but so far it does seem vague. The Senate efficiently (don't know about the legal side) act as a replacement for government.

Same goes for deciding on reforms -What reforms are considered, other than a blanket term? who, exactly, gets a say? How will it be decided which reforms make it to the referendum? It does seem like the offer is setting up the PDRC as a main decision maker (if not The Main) regarding reforms - not sure that this is either wise nor represents the general wishes of the voters.

[ratcatcher]

Curious that we havnt heard any comment from YL on this proposal yet.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

STRAD, she and PTP have been too busy thinking how they can wrangle another term ON THE FIDDLE.

While at the same time trying to silence the AMATI they so hate.

[ginjag]

Lots of people have been asking this to happen since day one , Thaskin secret plan was to be back here in-charge by now , hence all those junket trips to keep Yingluck out of the way, finally in desperation, up popped a Amnesty Bill to push this agenda along a bit more quicker , however history shows that did not happen , the sister is the scape goat for Thaskin's dirty tricks department , side-lining with brother Thaskin will only ruin the good name of Yingluck Shinawatra , plus the family.

I agree with near all, apart from "the good name of the Shinawatra family"

Name any of them that hasn't had a mega brush with the law, convicted or otherwise, true class NOT. Money making regime, not dissimilar to the UK royal mint. problem being that machine never put that into the coffers here only into corrupt polices, to line pockets.

If you do not agree to my post anyone --then you condone corruption.

[Thaddeus]

So he is basically asking her to hand power and control of the country to Suthep and the PDRC. I don't like the shins but simply handing power to these bunch of morons would be extremely dangerous.

From the OP

The interim government would run the country and solve immediate problems but would not have a mandate to pass laws because there would be no elected House of Representatives.

Does that sound like handing over power?

Sounds to me like just keeping the country ticking over, rooting out the worst parts and making proposals for future change.

N.B. making proposals, that need to go to a referendum.

That doesn't sound like a power-grab to me, it sound like a rather sensible approach to remove the cancer destroying the country, and that is why PTP and parts of the PDRC do not like it.

[Morch]

I do not know if true or not but heard she was visiting in the north today.

She stays there for her own good. Visits safe havens to buy from OTOP shops for photo sessions.

Why, would her safety be threatened in Bangkok or the south, why would that be? The PDRC goons are all cuddly peace loving citizens aren't they?

Talk about insinuation. No one is going to harm her, she just bursts into tears whenever she is whistled at.

I certainly do not dislike her, but I'm sure it is emotionally trying to come to terms with what her brother led her into. Remember, she had never been in politics then shazam! she's a PM, or PPM.

Besides, according to one group of posters the PDRC guards are busy killing those they protect.

"No one is going to harm her".

To be fair, her house did came under siege from demonstrators. In addition, at least one time during the demonstrations she was almost cornered by them - I think it's a good thing she did not confront them in person under such conditions, as it is very hard to predict how such incidents will develop.

While it isn't very likely that PDRC guards as such are a major threat to her, I don't think that you can entirely discredit the notion that some would take the opportunity to harm her under heat of the moment and/or if opportunity presents itself.

Just saying that it is not something anyone can 100% guarantee. Got extremists on both sides.

Personally I think that her staying away got less to do with security issues, more with unwillingness to face reality.

[Morch]

Abhisit's proposal looks entirely reasonable. And it will look even more reasonable six months from now, after its long been rejected. It's a way out of the current dilemma. It actually concedes a Yingluck Pheu Thai victory in November. By resigning now before the Constitutional Court's ruling, she retains her future options. Abhisit is actually providing her with not only a path out of the current dilemma, but a chance for a future PM bid. This is really an enormous gift for Pheu Thai, though they - and their supporters - are too blinded by hate to see it. If the Constitutional Court removes her from her position, her future as PM is finished. If the Constitutional Court removes her cabinet, the Pheu Thai administration is finished. Life would therefore look very different after such a ruling than before. Abhisit explicitly says that Pheu Thai will be happy with the election six months from now. He says that because he knows, Pheu Thai knows, Pheu Thai supporters know, and most everyone else concedes - that the next administration would likely be a Pheu Thai administration. What else is offered here ? Abhisit would step down. That is something Pheu Thai have wanted for ages. The Democratic party would contest the election. That is also something Pheu Thai has wanted, because it means that a quorum for a Pheu Thai administration would be enabled. Pheu Thai gets all of that. And yet still they sling verbal hate at Abhisit - without discussing any - any - of his ideas. Pheu Thai are throwing out an enormous opportunity here - for themselves. The concession that Abhisit suggests are a six month voluntary abdication from power. In actual fact, Pheu Thai are already without power because they do not have a parliamentary quorum. They can't do anything. Is that so big a concession ? Abhisit's proposal includes no wish to ban the Shinawatra family from prime ministerial office. Does Pheu Thai realize how difficult it will be for Democrats to swallow that ? Have they any conception ? Also part of Abhisit's plan is that there would be no laws enacted in the next six months - because there is no parliamentary quorum. Does Pheu Thai realize how far this is from Suthep's wild proposal ? Those who say that Abhisit and Suthep are joined at the hip are flying in the face of logic over this profound difference.

The concession - and this is the part that Thaksin won't like - and the reason why this outreach will be scuttled - is that the reform process during the next six months would likely include provisions that would make it illegally impossible to yield the kind of influence Thaksin has been practicing. Therefore - like the amnesty bill - everything will be funneled through the wishes of what Thaksin wants, and will be rejected as such. In the meantime, Pheu Thai will never see an offer this good. Ever. They have decided - which means that Thaksin has decided - to let the conflict and divisions escalate. But what Thaksin, Pheu Thai, and their supporters don't realize - is that that will yield them nothing of what they want. But they will still manage to take everyone else down with them in the process.

how is it 'reasonable' to include the PDRC but not the government side? it's moronic and doomed to failure (as is Abhisit/Suthep)

the judicial coup will force Yingluck out but Thais will be furious and it solves NOTHING

Does the proposal stipulate that either government/PTP/UDD is barred from the decision making process regarding reforms?

It does seem unclear who will participate and who will have a say, but did not notice in includes an direct exclusion.

[rubl]

This is the plan.

Just give power to Suthep and the PDRC because they are poo dee and will do the right thing?

Has anyone ever heard anything quite so stupid in all their life?

So, where did k. Abhisit say to hand over power to k. Suthep and the PDRC ?

[Bluespunk]

This is the plan.

Just give power to Suthep and the PDRC because they are poo dee and will do the right thing?

Has anyone ever heard anything quite so stupid in all their life?

So, where did k. Abhisit say to hand over power to k. Suthep and the PDRC ?

He didn't. He won't.

[binjalin]

Abhisit's proposal looks entirely reasonable. And it will look even more reasonable six months from now, after its long been rejected. It's a way out of the current dilemma. It actually concedes a Yingluck Pheu Thai victory in November. By resigning now before the Constitutional Court's ruling, she retains her future options. Abhisit is actually providing her with not only a path out of the current dilemma, but a chance for a future PM bid. This is really an enormous gift for Pheu Thai, though they - and their supporters - are too blinded by hate to see it. If the Constitutional Court removes her from her position, her future as PM is finished. If the Constitutional Court removes her cabinet, the Pheu Thai administration is finished. Life would therefore look very different after such a ruling than before. Abhisit explicitly says that Pheu Thai will be happy with the election six months from now. He says that because he knows, Pheu Thai knows, Pheu Thai supporters know, and most everyone else concedes - that the next administration would likely be a Pheu Thai administration. What else is offered here ? Abhisit would step down. That is something Pheu Thai have wanted for ages. The Democratic party would contest the election. That is also something Pheu Thai has wanted, because it means that a quorum for a Pheu Thai administration would be enabled. Pheu Thai gets all of that. And yet still they sling verbal hate at Abhisit - without discussing any - any - of his ideas. Pheu Thai are throwing out an enormous opportunity here - for themselves. The concession that Abhisit suggests are a six month voluntary abdication from power. In actual fact, Pheu Thai are already without power because they do not have a parliamentary quorum. They can't do anything. Is that so big a concession ? Abhisit's proposal includes no wish to ban the Shinawatra family from prime ministerial office. Does Pheu Thai realize how difficult it will be for Democrats to swallow that ? Have they any conception ? Also part of Abhisit's plan is that there would be no laws enacted in the next six months - because there is no parliamentary quorum. Does Pheu Thai realize how far this is from Suthep's wild proposal ? Those who say that Abhisit and Suthep are joined at the hip are flying in the face of logic over this profound difference.

The concession - and this is the part that Thaksin won't like - and the reason why this outreach will be scuttled - is that the reform process during the next six months would likely include provisions that would make it illegally impossible to yield the kind of influence Thaksin has been practicing. Therefore - like the amnesty bill - everything will be funneled through the wishes of what Thaksin wants, and will be rejected as such. In the meantime, Pheu Thai will never see an offer this good. Ever. They have decided - which means that Thaksin has decided - to let the conflict and divisions escalate. But what Thaksin, Pheu Thai, and their supporters don't realize - is that that will yield them nothing of what they want. But they will still manage to take everyone else down with them in the process.

how is it 'reasonable' to include the PDRC but not the government side? it's moronic and doomed to failure (as is Abhisit/Suthep)

the judicial coup will force Yingluck out but Thais will be furious and it solves NOTHING

Does the proposal stipulate that either government/PTP/UDD is barred from the decision making process regarding reforms?

It does seem unclear who will participate and who will have a say, but did not notice in includes an direct exclusion.

3) The National Reform Network and the People's Democratic Reform Committee must draft a master plan of reforms within 30 days.

​where are they mentioned? if this was TRULY a serious attempt why not bring all sides??? why include the UNELECTED PDRC but not the elected government?

it's a farce encased in a pathetic trickery

[binjalin]

This is the plan.

Just give power to Suthep and the PDRC because they are poo dee and will do the right thing?

Has anyone ever heard anything quite so stupid in all their life?

So, where did k. Abhisit say to hand over power to k. Suthep and the PDRC ?

He didn't. He won't.

3) The National Reform Network and the People's Democratic Reform Committee must draft a master plan of reforms within 30 days.

yes he did he mentioned his fascist mates the PDRC and the NRN and EXCLUDED all others so adds up to the same thing

[Bluespunk]

This is the plan.

Just give power to Suthep and the PDRC because they are poo dee and will do the right thing?

Has anyone ever heard anything quite so stupid in all their life?

So, where did k. Abhisit say to hand over power to k. Suthep and the PDRC ?

He didn't. He won't.

3) The National Reform Network and the People's Democratic Reform Committee must draft a master plan of reforms within 30 days.

yes he did he mentioned his fascist mates the PDRC and the NRN and EXCLUDED all others so adds up to the same thing

No it doesn't.

[pmugghc]

Thailand needs a compromise solution. At least Abhisit put a proposal on the table. It's obviously not perfect but neither is it the disaster that many reds here argue. Time is running out, we'll have a lot more unrest and probable violence unless someone come up with a better proposal.

Edited May 4, 2014 by pmugghc

[Lite Beer]

EC says may not need to consider Abhisit’s proposal

BANGKOK, 4 May 2014 (NNT) – The Election Commission (EC) says it may not be necessary to consider Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva’s political reform roadmap, explaining that it has already reached a conclusion with the government.

Election commissioner in charge of elections Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said the EC did not need to consider Mr. Abhisit’s request to have the election postponed as it had already reached an agreement with the government to hold an election of July 20th. However, he said if changes were to be made, the decision would have to come from the government side.

He also urged the government to make clear of its stance towards the proposed roadmap.

The EC will on May 6th convene a meeting to discuss the issuing of a royal decree for an election, while expressing belief that the election will be staged within the 60-day time frame.

-- NNT 2014-05-04

[smutcakes]

Thailand needs a compromise solution. At least Abhisit put a proposal on the table. It's obviously not perfect but neither is it the disaster that many reds here argue. Time is running out, we'll have a lot more unrest and probable violence unless someone come up with a better proposal.

How is it a proposal for christ sake. It is exactly what the PDRC have been saying for the past 6 months which has been laughed at as both unrealistic and illegal under their beloved constitution.

You really think this was a proper proposal by Abhisit!?? He is just trying to justify the Democrats non participation in the election. They knew full well it was a joke proposal!

[Lite Beer]

Pheu Thai willing to listen to Abhisit’s proposal

BANGKOK, 4 May 2014 (NNT) – The ruling Pheu Thai Party says it is willing to hear from Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva about his political roadmap, which is aimed at ending the ongoing political conflict.

In response to Mr. Abhisit’s nine-point political roadmap, Pheu Thai Deputy Spokesperson Anusorn Aimsaard said the Pheu Thai Party would be willing to study Mr. Abhisit’s proposal as long as it did not breach the Constitution, adding that the party would be supportive if Mr. Abhisit’s roadmap was really meant to solve the ongoing political unrest in the country.

However, he said that the Pheu Thai Party would announce whether or not it would take Mr. Abhisit’s advice after a thorough study.

The roadmap proposed by the Opposition party leader suggests that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra resign and that the election be postponed in order to avoid the possibility of future violence and a military coup d’etat. The proposal also calls for a neutral interim government, which will be in charge of a political reform.

According to Mr. Abhisit’s political roadmap, the reform process should take about 18 months while the election should be organized within 150-180 days upon the completion of the reform.

-- NNT 2014-05-04