Thai Senate ducks call to pick unelected PM

[Lite Beer]

Thai Senate ducks call to pick unelected PM

BANGKOK, May 16, 2014 (AFP) - Thai opposition protesters suffered a setback Friday in their long-running battle to topple the government as the upper house of parliament shunned their call to pick an unelected premier.

The dismissal of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra last week in a controversial court ruling has sent tensions soaring in the kingdom, which has endured years of political turmoil.

Her "Red Shirt" supporters have warned of the threat of civil war if power is handed to an unelected leader, as demanded by the opposition.

Anti-government protesters had urged the upper house of parliament, the Senate, to invoke a vaguely worded clause in the constitution to remove the government and appoint a new premier.

Critics say such a move has no legal basis.

After several days of talks among some, mostly unelected members of the upper house, acting

Senate speaker Surachai Liangboonlertchai on Friday unveiled his hotly-anticipated "roadmap" out of the crisis.

But it stopped short of proposing an unelected interim premier, and instead made a general call for all parties to come together to help solve the crisis.

Surachai did, however, hint that the Senate might intervene in the future, saying that if necessary it would hold a special meeting "in order to have a prime minister under the constitution" and in line with democratic and international standards.

A frustrated protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban called for leaders of the anti-government movement to gather on Saturday to discuss their next move, saying the Senate "has no guts".

The protesters refuse to back new elections without vaguely-defined reforms first to tackle alleged corruption and curb the long-standing political dominance of Yingluck's billionaire family.

The demonstrators appear to be running out of options after six months of civil disobedience that has failed to unseat the government.

The Red Shirts welcomed the acting Senate speaker's remarks as a sign that the anti-government push is failing.

"The Senate does not hold any hope for Suthep anymore," one of their leaders, Nattawut Saikuar, told Red Shirts who have been massed on the outskirts of Bangkok since last weekend.
He said that the opposition's only hope now for toppling the government was to provoke a coup.

A grenade and gun attack on anti-government protesters in Bangkok on Thursday that left three people dead has added to fears that the unrest could spiral, with the coup-prone military warning that it might have to intervene to quell the violence.

The deaths took the toll from six months of unrest to 28, with hundreds of others wounded in attacks mostly targeting opposition protesters.

The Election Commission said Thursday that a vote scheduled for July 20 was "no longer possible" as polls could not be held without the support of the protesters.
An election held in February was annulled after demonstrators blocked voting.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-16

[smutcakes]

Sure we will see a sudden spike in violence in the coming days, seems they need that coup more than ever.

[See the bears]

Suthep: You proclaimed on stage that if the senate did not appoint a interim PM you & your mass of people would do it. Come on then, we are waiting.

[Lite Beer]

Senate Refuses To Appoint Unelected PM — For Now

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — The Speaker of the Senate has postponed a decision on whether or not the Senate will appoint an unelected Prime Minister as anti-government protesters have demanded.

Speaking at a highly-anticipated press conference this evening, Senate Speaker Surachai Liangboonlertchai said the Senate is willing to convene a parliamentary session to appoint a non-elected "neutral" Prime Minister “if necessary,” but did not elaborate on what conditions are.

He also urged the interim government to immediately undertake national reforms "in every aspect," and suggested that Thailand needs a fully-functioning government as soon as possible.

Mr. Surachai's statement disappointed many anti-government protesters who expected the Senate to announce plan for an unelected Prime Minister today.

The statement came after Mr. Surachai's week of meetings with different agencies and organisations to seek input on how to resolve the political conflict that pits the embattled government of acting Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisarn against anti-government protesters and their backers in the establishment.

Pro-government supporters have denounced the meetings as a transparent effort by the pro-establishment faction of the Senate to create legitimacy around anti-government protesters' proposal to replace Mr. Niwatthamrong with an unelected PM.

Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), also met with Mr. Surachai this week and urged him to "listen to the Great Mass of the People" by invoking Article 7 of the Thai Constitution.

According to Mr. Suthep, Article 7 enables the Senate to appoint a Prime Minister of their choice with royal approval from His Majesty the King.

Article 7 states, "Whenever no provision under this Constitution is applicable to any case, it shall be decided in accordance with the constitutional tradition in the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State."

Mr. Suthep told the Senate that they had until the end of this week to do his bidding.

Upon learning that Mr. Surachai refused to install an unelected PM immediately, Mr. Suthep, who was leading a large PCAD rally just outside the Parliament, expressed outrage and claimed that he would no longer associate himself with the Senate Speaker.

"We have heard his answer, that we have to wait," Mr. Suthep told the crowd. "The second I heard it, I felt happy to say that I will never meet him again in Parliament. I am happy to quit politics for lifetime because I am tired of this kind of talking."

Mr. Suthep also scolded Mr. Surachai for telling reporters that there is no need for the Senate to personally explain their decision to the PCAD.

"Fine, we don't want to talk to you either!" Mr. Suthep said to a loud cheer from his supporters.

Mr. Surachai's announcement came as a setback for the PCAD, who have adopted the invocation of Article 7 as the centrepiece of their campaign.

Following the announcement, Mr. Suthep appeared to be at a loss of what to do next. After a short rant directed at Mr. Surachai, the PCAD leader unceremoniously ordered the demonstrators to march back to Democracy Monument and contemplate their next move "over dinner."

Although Mr. Surachai did not rule out the possibility of appointing an unelected Prime Minister, his decision today nevertheless eased pro-government supporters' fears that the Senate is committed to Mr. Suthep's plan.

The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has previously threatened to escalate their protests if the Senate proceeds with invoking Article 7.

Earlier today, a group of activists staged a protest against Mr. Suthep's quest for an unelected Prime Minister in the shopping district of Bangkok . Holding up signs that read "The People are the Neutral Party," the activists called the effort to install a "neutral" PM misguided, and insisted that an election be organised as soon as possible.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1400247809&section=11&typecate=06

-- Khaosod English 2014-05-16

[winstonc]

Suthep: You proclaimed on stage that if the senate did not appoint a interim PM you & your mass of people would do it. Come on then, we are waiting.

whose we....you and your fellow thais...no pipkins...not you...stick to your keyboard theres a good lad.. they could go home tomorrow there still wont be an election as you well know..i think hes just worried about losing face more than anything..

[Thailand]

Unfortunate reversal of fortune for Suthep,again!

Back to the old plan, kick up a stir and try to get the military involved in a coup.

Or, pack up and go home.

[xminator]

"We have heard his answer, that we have to wait," Mr. Suthep told the crowd. "The second I heard it, I felt happy to say that I will never meet him again in Parliament. I am happy to quit politics for lifetime because I am tired of this kind of talking."

So does that mean he is ready to face the courts now? Or just to go back on stage sulking and ranting some more?

[Scamper]

The Senate has reached a consensus and that is the process that should be respected. Having said that, it is but the current view of the Senate. As with many things connected to this drama, that could change. And if the present political stalemate continues with no prospect of a settlement or consensus among the parties, a change in the Senate's position would become more likely. The thing that both Suthep and the PDRC and Jatuporn and the UDD must keep uppermost in their minds is that non-violence is the only acceptable route. Talking must be encouraged, not discouraged. And it seems the talking will continue. Which is healthy.

[ramrod711]

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

[apiwan]

Thank god for that.

Although they did say they would intervene later if nessecerry.

The best way out has to be elections.

And for the outside bodies to act within their remit and enforce. IE anti corruption .etc

This weekend looks critical .

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Piichai]

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

Coming soon...

[Asiantravel]

Suthep: You proclaimed on stage that if the senate did not appoint a interim PM you & your mass of people would do it. Come on then, we are waiting.

Oh it's much more interesting than that.

Suthep has said that if the Senate doesn't act he is going to assume "sovereign power" on behalf of "the people".

Do you think he is expecting us to address him as his Excellency

Edited May 16, 2014 by Asiantravel

[pkspeaker]

well i must say that's a releif , they really had me goin there, maybe surchai aint so bad as i thought

[pkspeaker]

its not the amnesty bill, that was abandoned but it wasn't deemed illegal by anyone, it was the supporting of an amendment to the constitution that would have made the upperhouse fully elected, but that will take time and each MP has to be impeached by the senate and then he will be replaced by another.. it does not seem like that path can help suthep, but if the democrats want any chance at that they'll have to run in the election,

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

[moonao]

poor suthep, he seems to be unravelling... its only a matter of days before he will be off to the loony bin

[Piichai]

Am pretty sure there are 300 or PTP members that are twisting in the wind because of it.

its not the amnesty bill, that was abandoned but it wasn't deemed illegal by anyone, it was the supporting of an amendment to the constitution that would have made the upperhouse fully elected, but that will take time and each MP has to be impeached by the senate and then he will be replaced by another.. it does not seem like that path can help suthep, but if the democrats want any chance at that they'll have to run in the election,

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

[In Town]

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

Coming soon...

Hmm... The yellow generals backed down from the coup when they realised they might not have some divisions or the rank and file with them, as they did in 2006.

The CC backed down when they got rid of Yingluck and a few of her staff, but left a PT government in power. They realised that they could only go so far before the backlash swept them up.

Now the Senate has backed down in the face of an increasingly vocal and increasingly Bangkok-based majority insisting that only elections are an acceptable mean of installing a government, and an increasingly skeptical and increasingly amused international community.

Doesn't bode well for Suthep and the Cone Gang.

[Piichai]

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

Coming soon...

Hmm... The yellow generals backed down from the coup when they realised they might not have some divisions or the rank and file with them, as they did in 2006.

The CC backed down when they got rid of Yingluck and a few of her staff, but left a PT government in power. They realised that they could only go so far before the backlash swept them up.

Now the Senate has backed down in the face of an increasingly vocal and increasingly Bangkok-based majority insisting that only elections are an acceptable mean of installing a government, and an increasingly skeptical and increasingly amused international community.

Doesn't bode well for Suthep and the Cone Gang.

When something happens, it probably won't happen on a Friday. Do you know why?

[kratiam]

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

Coming soon...

Hmm... The yellow generals backed down from the coup when they realised they might not have some divisions or the rank and file with them, as they did in 2006.

The CC backed down when they got rid of Yingluck and a few of her staff, but left a PT government in power. They realised that they could only go so far before the backlash swept them up.

Now the Senate has backed down in the face of an increasingly vocal and increasingly Bangkok-based majority insisting that only elections are an acceptable mean of installing a government, and an increasingly skeptical and increasingly amused international community.

Doesn't bode well for Suthep and the Cone Gang.

When something happens, it probably won't happen on a Friday. Do you know why?

No............... ...........what?

[Fat Haggis]

Because Fridays belong to the PDRC for final pushes?

[Sunderland]

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

Coming soon...

Hmm... The yellow generals backed down from the coup when they realised they might not have some divisions or the rank and file with them, as they did in 2006.

The CC backed down when they got rid of Yingluck and a few of her staff, but left a PT government in power. They realised that they could only go so far before the backlash swept them up.

Now the Senate has backed down in the face of an increasingly vocal and increasingly Bangkok-based majority insisting that only elections are an acceptable mean of installing a government, and an increasingly skeptical and increasingly amused international community.

Doesn't bode well for Suthep and the Cone Gang.

When something happens, it probably won't happen on a Friday. Do you know why?

Mmmm ... traffic jams? Appointment at the hair salon? Golf? Someone's birthday?

[Publicus]

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

Coming soon...

Hmm... The yellow generals backed down from the coup when they realised they might not have some divisions or the rank and file with them, as they did in 2006.

The CC backed down when they got rid of Yingluck and a few of her staff, but left a PT government in power. They realised that they could only go so far before the backlash swept them up.

Now the Senate has backed down in the face of an increasingly vocal and increasingly Bangkok-based majority insisting that only elections are an acceptable mean of installing a government, and an increasingly skeptical and increasingly amused international community.

Doesn't bode well for Suthep and the Cone Gang.

Yes, time has always been on the side of the government.

Time and time again Suthep and the PDRC have gone bust. The clock continues to run for the government but Suthep's time is up, over, kaput. His only hope is to finally provoke the military.

Yet the military is only willing to interpose itself by declaring martial law under the present government, which would make things pretty quiet with the government still in place. Martial law under such circumstances would shut down the PDRC and their insurrection.

Suthep really believed the senate was going to do what had been absolutely ruled out over the previous weekend. Suthep sooner or later is going to have to throw in the towel and give up plans to disrupt another election. .

[shigoxin]

Dear wannabe-dictator,

Just address another final day, as usual

Edited May 16, 2014 by shigoxin

[rubl]

Sure we will see a sudden spike in violence in the coming days, seems they need that coup more than ever.

Who needs that coup?

Anyway it would seem that the senate might

- having in to threat by the UDD

- having given in to threats by CAPO

- have decided to enrage the protesters to force their hand

- have a wait-and-see attitude with option to intervene

- are studying the constitution once more for loopholes

- have other plans for the weekend

Anyway, Monday the temporary interim caretaker PM is back in town and might have time to provide input to the senate as to government ideas.

Edited May 16, 2014 by rubl

[noitom]

Look at them. A room full of Thai "leaders." Surely there must be one among them willing and able to step up to lead the Thai nation out of its dark hour. Does anyone see him?

[rubl]

Hmm... The yellow generals backed down from the coup when they realised they might not have some divisions or the rank and file with them, as they did in 2006.

The CC backed down when they got rid of Yingluck and a few of her staff, but left a PT government in power. They realised that they could only go so far before the backlash swept them up.

Now the Senate has backed down in the face of an increasingly vocal and increasingly Bangkok-based majority insisting that only elections are an acceptable mean of installing a government, and an increasingly skeptical and increasingly amused international community.

Doesn't bode well for Suthep and the Cone Gang.

Backed down from a coup? I think only Jatuporn and Nattawut have warned against coups a dozen or so times. The army has regularly been asked to confirm they will not and every time they confirmed.

The C.C. ruled according to the constitution. Is that backing down?

Now the senate has choosen to wait-and-see with option to intervene. If that's backing down it's probably because the CAPO warned them a wrong decision could lead to violence. The Pheu Thai threatened them, the UDD threatened them.

Democratically of course, those threats that is.

[rreddin]

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

Coming soon...

Not so quick. Read your Thai history. Amnesty bills were passed in 1978, 1988 (granting amnesty to for those involved in the failed 1985 coup attempt), and after the 2006 coup. The last of which absolved the coup makers of all liability. Incidentally, Suthep and Abhisit would also benefit from the current amnesty bill.

[rubl]

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

Coming soon...

Not so quick. Read your Thai history. Amnesty bills were passed in 1978, 1988 (granting amnesty to for those involved in the failed 1985 coup attempt), and after the 2006 coup. The last of which absolved the coup makers of all liability. Incidentally, Suthep and Abhisit would also benefit from the current amnesty bill.

The blanket amnesty bill include political motivated wrongdoings including corruption. Plus it had an extended coverage period to include Thaksin's last two years in/out of office and the Yingluck administrations first two years. None of the other amnesties had such broad coverage.

BTW Abhisit/Suthep didn't and don't want amnesty. Interestingly the coup leader turned politician MP Gen Sonthi joined the Pheu Thai coalition government and voted for the amnesty bill. It would seem once in the constitution was not enough for hime. Better to be double sure.

[Arkady]

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

There is no case on the Amnesty Bill with the CC or NACC because the bill was suspended by the Senate and is dormant till the next government decides what to do with it. The Infrastructure Borrowing Bill has prior potential for indictments .

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[casualbiker]

When is the constitutional court going to rule on the amnesty bill and throw each and every one of the bums that voted for it out of office?

Coming soon...

Not so quick. Read your Thai history. Amnesty bills were passed in 1978, 1988 (granting amnesty to for those involved in the failed 1985 coup attempt), and after the 2006 coup. The last of which absolved the coup makers of all liability. Incidentally, Suthep and Abhisit would also benefit from the current amnesty bill.

I do love it when people talk about the amnesty bill and state

"Suthep and Abhisit would also benefit from the current amnesty bill." Without going on to say 'although they are on record as stating they do not want amnesty via the bill '

Shameful twisting of the facts!

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