Acting Thai Prime Minister Niwatthamrong insists on elections

[webfact]

POLITICS
Acting prime minister insists on elections


File photo : Niwatthamrong

BANGKOK: -- Acting prime minister insisted Monday that new elections are the only way to resolve to the protracted political crisis.

Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan said the caretaker government was willing to work with all sides to end the impasse, but stressed thatit must be done "within the framework of the constitution."

"Any attempt by the courts (to launch a judicial coup) is done so at their own risk," he said. "We have legal mandate."

Niwatthamrong will meet with the Election Commission Tuesday to find a possible date for new elections. He said he would not be a candidate. He also insisted that the government has a good working relationship with the army and maintains constant communication.

Anti-government protesters moved their rally site in central Bangkok to the area surrounding parliament on Monday, hoping to pressure the Senate to appoint an interim government to institute reforms before any new elections.

But key Thai institutions are resisting demands to install an appointed government to make political reforms.

Analysts said the Senate, the Electoral Commission and various courts were unlikely to implement such a plan because it would put them at risk of breaking the law and exacerbating the conflict. The government’s emergency response agency also vowed to arrest those who have been leading the protests in the capital since November.


-- The Nation 2014-05-12

[moonao]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

Edited May 12, 2014 by moonao

[Bangmod]

I insist on election as well, but not before that all rotten elements from both sides are removed.

Each and every politician, who faces any charge PT or Dems. alike should not be able to run in elections (even better ban all parties involved in corruption)

And then call elections and let more all day life Thais participate in politics, not only the wealthy once who are out to even enrich themselves more

[winstonc]

we have legal mandate ..mmmmm..

[Bangmod]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to Burma. Thailand doesn't need you.

yellow shirts, that means you.

If there would be a fair voting and running campaign then it would not matter, I think both parties and their politicians should be excluded from the elections.

[terryp]

"Democracy? I want nothing to do with a system which operates on the premise that my rights don't exist simply because I am outnumbered." -

R. Lee Wrights

[rubl]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

Those who like winning elections and talk about mandates should move to North Korea.

BTW still unclear if this 'interim' PM indeed is legal, but anyway he seems to be a wee bit too busy to think about possible reforms before those elections.

Edited May 12, 2014 by rubl

[Scamper]

" Any attempt by the courts (to launch a judicial coup) is done so at their own risk," he said. "We have legal mandate." "

This mixture of messages is a common feature of Pheu Thai's announcements. So this man brings nothing new to the table. The suggestion - as always - is that the courts are a force to be regarded with suspicion - is of course a common refrain of Pheu Thai, and the very bread and butter of the UDD. So this warning is not new. What is new is the insistence that Pheu Thai currently has a mandate. Clearly they are referring to the 2011 election, so this statement would be most appropriate then. But by dissolving parliament they no longer had a mandate - but instead - as any caretaker administration that dissolved parliament - were in search of it in the hope of a confirmation by the public in newly arranged polls. But the election was incomplete. And when March 5 arrived and there was no meeting of a quorum-filled parliament after the 30 day required period - the Yingluck administration had lost any and every semblance of a mandate. And most certainly every semblance of a legal mandate. The correct phrase " We had a legal mandate " is the one this man should have adopted, rather than the one he just released - which is as outdated as the file photo itself. And in its stead this man should drop the courts rhetoric. That rhetoric is most definitely illegal. Unless of course we're back to the Pheu Thai/UDD world of " what we think is legal, is legal. What the courts think is legal, isn't, unless they agree with us ". Sadly, we're back to that.

[chainarong]

Perhaps the Prime Minister should take a step back , stop repeating Thaskins instructions and have a cup of coffee , half of Thailand don't trust or believe your intentions are honourable , that's the stumbling block that you need to circumnavigate. Try to think Prime Minister outside of the box .

Edited May 12, 2014 by chainarong

[See the bears]

Good to see the PM coming out with a positive and firm statement in accordance with democratic principles.

[h90]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

The yellow shirts????

If you mean the PDRC, they are for elections.

[love1012]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

yeah.......then you can bring your fascist tinpot dictator back from `Dubai .......Ive got a better idea - YOU go and find somewhere that accepts that!!!

[love1012]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

By the way........do you mean a fair election where democrat candidates are not allowed to stand in Isan and the `north??? That fair election>>?

[ratcatcher]

Good to see the PM coming out with a positive and firm statement in accordance with democratic principles.

Just to be pedantic, he's the acting caretaker P.M. and thus somewhat limited in what he can do. Plus more announcements later this week.

Just because Yingluck has gone shopping, doesn't mean everything is back to the way PTP would like it.

[h90]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

By the way........do you mean a fair election where democrat candidates are not allowed to stand in Isan and the `north??? That fair election>>?

and without vote buying that only someone super rich can afford

[bigbamboo]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

Zimbabwe do have elections and is ostensibly a democracy albeit ruled by one very rich man...... just like Thailand in fact. Cambodia is another where KT's good friend and former employer, Hun Sen enjoys similar wealth and status. And I seem to remember there was someone who was willing to deal with Burma's pariahs when no one else would touch them. Any ideas who that was again?

[Chang_paarp]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

The yellow shirts????

If you mean the PDRC, they are for elections.

Only after they have an appointed (their own) PM, and a dramatic reformation to the electoral process, to ensure they get the correct result. Preferably not allowing the the ignorant and uneducated to vote.

[ggold]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

It seems the reds are as adverse to Democracy as they claim the yellows to be! you're idea won't leave any Thai People in the country they would all have to immigrate to Burma or Zimbabwe? Even saying they should migrate shows you're own democratic values = Zero

[heybruce]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

The yellow shirts????

If you mean the PDRC, they are for elections.

Only after they have an appointed (their own) PM, and a dramatic reformation to the electoral process, to ensure they get the correct result. Preferably not allowing the the ignorant and uneducated to vote.

Are you serious or is that a joke?

Edited May 12, 2014 by metisdead
15) Do not make changes to quoted material that changes the intended meaning of the quoted post

[millwall_fan]

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

"Democracy? I want nothing to do with a system which operates on the premise that my rights don't exist simply because I am outnumbered." - R. Lee Wrights

I can't really see how quoting extreme right-wing American politicians, helps to advance Thai democracy - although Mr. Suthep's puppeteers would probably be quite taken with his ideas of totally unfettered capitalism.

[heybruce]

I insist on election as well, but not before that all rotten elements from both sides are removed.

Each and every politician, who faces any charge PT or Dems. alike should not be able to run in elections (even better ban all parties involved in corruption)

And then call elections and let more all day life Thais participate in politics, not only the wealthy once who are out to even enrich themselves more

Yeah that would work. Every party and candidate files specious charges against every other party and candidate and then.....Oh wait, that wouldn't work, would it?

Edited May 12, 2014 by metisdead
15) Do not make changes to quoted material that changes the intended meaning of the quoted post

[The stuttering parrot]

Man these yellows are terrified of the ballot box.

And with good reason!

A great scenario would be yingy being found not guilty and reinstated as PM.Then an election.She would win by a country mile.

That probably won't happen but the 20th of July gives everyone plenty of time to get get their act together.

Bring it on with or without the yellows!

[GeorgeO]

Good to see the PM coming out with a positive and firm statement in accordance with democratic principles.

... "Any attempt by the courts (to launch a judicial coup) is done so at their own risk," he said.

[millwall_fan]

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

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

The yellow shirts????

If you mean the PDRC, they are for elections.

Only after they have an appointed (their own) PM, and a dramatic reformation to the electoral process, to ensure they get the correct result. Preferably not allowing the the ignorant and uneducated to vote.

Are you serious or is that a joke?

Sadly he is serious. Those are the exact words that many on Suthep's side of the fence use to describe their belief that the franchise should be based on their interpretation of intelligence,

and the PDRC's proposed 'reforms' are designed to make them win elections as they are unable to do so at the moment

[3NUMBAS]

sutheps thugs cant be seen to have ousted a legit gumment by force can they ,as thats a blueprint for more mayhem down the line when they dont like the next elected gumment and start their shenanigans again .

[heybruce]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

By the way........do you mean a fair election where democrat candidates are not allowed to stand in Isan and the `north??? That fair election>>?

Fair elections in which mobs do not prevent candidates from registering or campaigning and voters from voting anywhere in the country. If there are immediate, firm and effective crack-downs on anyone of any political persuasion who attempts to obstruct the elections, the elections will succeed.

Of course the losing side will then insist the elections weren't really fair, hidden forces were at play, etc.

[h90]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

By the way........do you mean a fair election where democrat candidates are not allowed to stand in Isan and the `north??? That fair election>>?

Fair elections in which mobs do not prevent candidates from registering or campaigning and voters from voting anywhere in the country. If there are immediate, firm and effective crack-downs on anyone of any political persuasion who attempts to obstruct the elections, the elections will succeed.

Of course the losing side will then insist the elections weren't really fair, hidden forces were at play, etc.

yes that is exactly what the PDRC wants and what Thaksin wants to avoid.

[Thaiisnotrequired]

Amazing this.. another idiot, totally out of depth unlawfully makes a committment, and we see all the frogs crawl out from under the stones they have been hiding under for a week, believing this is a new beginning of the old end.

Sorry guys, red pansies, but this is going nowhere. Don't build your hopes up too fast.... don't believe a word of your new ( ) PM's words.

What this is pushing for more is a real military coup, in his hindsight, and your so called buddies at the top won't be there for very long if such arises... that you can believe!

[Asiantravel]

Amazing this.. another idiot, totally out of depth unlawfully makes a committment, and we see all the frogs crawl out from under the stones they have been hiding under for a week, believing this is a new beginning of the old end.

Sorry guys, red pansies, but this is going nowhere. Don't build your hopes up too fast.... don't believe a word of your new ( ) PM's words.

What this is pushing for more is a real military coup, in his hindsight, and your so called buddies at the top won't be there for very long if such arises... that you can believe!

You really should try to keep up to speed

read the headline in the Bangkok Post (which is not allowed to be posted here) which refers to the opposition's plans being in tatters

Edited May 12, 2014 by Asiantravel

[ShannonT]

Those that don't like elections or democracy, or can't accept the results should migrate to a country more politically aligned to their thinking eg Burma or Zimbabwe. yellow shirts, that means you.

The yellow shirts????

If you mean the PDRC, they are for elections.

Only after they have an appointed (their own) PM, and a dramatic reformation to the electoral process, to ensure they get the correct result. Preferably not allowing the the ignorant and uneducated to vote.

You forgot one thing. Suthep also said he doesnt want Puea Thai or any of their members participating in elections anymore. In other words, he wants elections with no opposition. Kind of like North Korea. You get to vote, but you only have the choices they want you to have.