PDRC's make-or-break bid

[rickirs]

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Theres a good translation of an interview from Nation Channel’s Kom Chud Luek‘s political news program by prof Likhit, for one hour he outlines why Suthep has no authority to claim sovereignty based on section 7

http://asiancorrespondent.com/122379/likhit-dhiravegin-interview-part-1-on-sutheps-sovereign-power-grab/

And where did he get that power? Is it not in violation of Article 2? It also violates Article 68—which is toppling the democratic system. It’s in violation of Article 70: the duty to protect democracy, and Article 71: the duty to obey the law. And blocking elections violates Article 3: the people’s rights, and Article 72: the citizens’ duty to exercise their right to vote in elections. And after 20 million people have voted, the election is ruled unconstitutional. That’s a violation of 20 million people’s rights. All wrong. Those without knowledge keep talking and people get confused. Sovereignty can’t be claimed in this way.

And yet the Constitutional Court has never found Suthep/PDRC's action in violation of the Constitution. And that has been the frustration of the Government following to the letter the Constitution and being ruled repeatedly for violating it. The Senate interim speaker states unabasedly that laws will have to be broken to impliment Suthep's reforms for political resolution; Suthep has repeatedly stated that the Constitution will need to be suspended (as it was in 2006) to implement his reforms. Suthep has proclaimed the nation's sovereignty must be placed into his hands for there to be peace and reform; and he just ordered top ministry officials and provincial governors to attend the PDRC meeting on May 23, 2014. And not once has Suthep been held accountable for inciting overthrow of the Constitution and elected government. B y his actions he has shown there are many faults and shortcomings in the checks and balances that would serve to PROTECT the Constitution and the Rule of Law.

[Eric Loh]

"PDRC to pursue acting PM and 11 ministers to force them to resign"

Suthep "Bully" Thug Suban

I don't see anything democratic in bullying.

Please what the Japanese write about this situation.

"Antidemocratic elements and there is no other word for them in Thai society refuse to tolerate a government that they do not control, the sentiments of the majority of the Thai people be damned.

This is the third time that judges have removed a prime minister they did not like and this indifference to the popular will is hardening sentiment in Thailand and pushing the country closer to civil war."

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/05/15/editorials/short-circuiting-thai-democracy/#.U3Zr_V6WG0s

Said many times in the last few weeks...the above is what the whole world sees. Why cant the deluded anti democratic whack jobs supporters on Thai Visa see it

Or perhaps people should consider just WHY judges remove people that continually break the law . . . but then that ruins the fantasy that Thaksin is whiter than white and only has "the good of the people" at heart.

Because of a cooking show ?? I mean really ??

Did he break the law or not? The simple answer is yes . . . and he got kicked out for doing it . . . same with every other Thaksin affiliated party . . . they simply cannot follow/abide by the law . . . if the laws are stupid, change them, that's what reforms are all about you know.

Was a cooking show violation warrant a dismissal of a prime minister? Similarly, is a transfer of a civil servant warrant the dismissal of the prime minister and the cabinet? Seem much overdone and with motives.

[Mr Yim]

Looks like it's all over for the mad little evil lunatic. Oh wait he will probably plan another final push if he loses this final push. Be a man of your word you little turd and call it quits, give the country back and bugger off for good. There is a nice cell waiting for you and should be home for the next 20 yrs.

Suthep has already won.

He is merely removing the people from harm's way before the final axe from the constitutional court and the senate takes its final swing.

The reds will rise up and be blown away by the army as they march on Bangkok 2010 fashion with no PDRC to confront, they only have the army and violence.

They will be crushed and the UDD will be no more.

If you can't see that, then you are as blind as can be.

Unless of course you have 'contacts' behind all the closed doors that have told you otherwise.

Suthep is not just going to walk away and let the UDD/REDS/CAPO claim victory and neither will he let down all the people who supported the movement for the past 7 months, and he is especially NOT going to suffer the biggest face loss in Thai political history when the job is 90% complete.

But you lot who support the Thaksin regime can cling to your own delusions that Suthep has failed and enjoy the last 2 weeks of your god's power in Thai politics.

He who laughs last, laughs longest.

The army will not confront the reds, because the army knows it does not have full support within the army. Why do you think the General is so reluctant to have a coup?

[Estrada]

The legitimate opposition and Suthep do not want any election they will lose. Further, the "reforms" are all about redistricting the country so they win elections. It has nothing to do with corruption -- both sides benefit a lot from that -- nonetheless, they will make it their battle cry while redistricting is the goal. If there are continued general elections, they will never again hold power. They need to carve the country up into pieces that make easy wins for their minority.

Everyone seems baffled about this impasse, but it is perfectly logical -- and infuriating.

Wah! Wah!

I haven't spent any time research how things currently work, but I should think that if the seats won are proportional to the population that elected them, redistricting would be a tough sell.

However, if the seats won are not proportional to the population that elected them, would you agree there is a problem?

One of the major democratic reforms that are needed is to allow all Thais that live and work in Bangkok to elect their local MP. Currently Thais born up country, but have lived and worked in Bangkok for years but can only afford to rent accommodation in Bangkok are not allowed to vote here. The Democrats have always opposed giving these Thais the right to vote where they live and work. They, like Jesus 2000 years ago, must return to their place of birth in order to vote. I will believe that the Democrats want real reform for the good of the Country if they allow these people to vote in Bangkok. Of course they will never agree to that otherwise they will finish up with a lot less MPs and Governors in Bangkok.

[harada]

PDRC to pursue acting PM and 11 ministers to force them to resign

BANGKOK: -- The People’s Democratic Reform Committee will set up teams to pursue acting caretaker prime minister Niwatthamrong Bunsongphaisan and his 11 ministers “everywhere they are” to demand them to quit.

“Find them then hand them the resignation letters to be signed and bring them back so that they won’t be able to obstruct our attempt to form a new government. There will be rapid mobile teams and teams to coordinate with neighbours of these ministers or government officials who may provide tipoffs about their whereabouts.

Find them in three days but there will be no body touching, we will be lenient,” said Mr Suthep Thaugsuban as he addressed supporters Saturday night at Ratchadamnoen Nai protest stage.

Besides Mr Niwatthamrong, the rest of the ministers targeted to be pursued by the PDRC are caretaker deputy prime minister Pongthep Thepkanchana, caretaker energy minister Pongsak Rattapongphaisan, caretaker interior minister Charupong Ruangsuwan, caretaker justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri, caretaker transport minister Chatchart Sitthiphan, caretaker deputy commerce minister Natthawut Saikua, caretaker deputy finance minister Mrs Benja Louicharoen, caretaker commerce minister Yanyong Puangrach, caretaker PM’s Office Minister Varathep Rattanakorn, caretaker deputy finance minister Thanu Lek-uthai and caretake education minister Chaturon Chaisaeng.

Mr Suthep said that on Sunday he would hold a meeting with union leaders of state enterprises to discuss plans for the last round of battle. He assured that there won’t be power blackout or disruption of water supply to households.

Later on, also on Sunday, the PDRC core members will meet with top-ranking bureaucrats such as governors and department chiefs for discussion.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pdrc-pursue-acting-pm-11-ministers-force-resign/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pdrc-pursue-acting-pm-11-ministers-force-resign

-- Thai PBS 2014-05-18

Where have all the smiles gone ?

[Piichai]

Looks like it's all over for the mad little evil lunatic. Oh wait he will probably plan another final push if he loses this final push. Be a man of your word you little turd and call it quits, give the country back and bugger off for good. There is a nice cell waiting for you and should be home for the next 20 yrs.

Suthep has already won.

He is merely removing the people from harm's way before the final axe from the constitutional court and the senate takes its final swing.

The reds will rise up and be blown away by the army as they march on Bangkok 2010 fashion with no PDRC to confront, they only have the army and violence.

They will be crushed and the UDD will be no more.

If you can't see that, then you are as blind as can be.

Unless of course you have 'contacts' behind all the closed doors that have told you otherwise.

Suthep is not just going to walk away and let the UDD/REDS/CAPO claim victory and neither will he let down all the people who supported the movement for the past 7 months, and he is especially NOT going to suffer the biggest face loss in Thai political history when the job is 90% complete.

But you lot who support the Thaksin regime can cling to your own delusions that Suthep has failed and enjoy the last 2 weeks of your god's power in Thai politics.

He who laughs last, laughs longest.

The army will not confront the reds, because the army knows it does not have full support within the army. Why do you think the General is so reluctant to have a coup?

Perhaps he too sees the need for reforms.

But don't fool yourself, if the Reds cause enough problems, they'll be dealt with appropriately.

[city]

"PDRC to pursue acting PM and 11 ministers to force them to resign"

Suthep "Bully" Thug Suban

I don't see anything democratic in bullying.

Please what the Japanese write about this situation.

"Antidemocratic elements — and there is no other word for them — in Thai society refuse to tolerate a government that they do not control, the sentiments of the majority of the Thai people be damned.

This is the third time that judges have removed a prime minister they did not like and this indifference to the popular will is hardening sentiment in Thailand and pushing the country closer to civil war."

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/05/15/editorials/short-circuiting-thai-democracy/#.U3Zr_V6WG0s

Said many times in the last few weeks...the above is what the whole world sees. Why cant the deluded anti democratic whack jobs supporters on Thai Visa see it

Has it ever occurred to you that actual illegitimate care taker government is totally antidemocratic in whatever they do. Autocratic rule. Nothing happens without one man's permission. Nothing. Not to mention paramilitary formations which killed almost 30 people and injured few hundreds so far. Bullying people into submission by unleashing UDD/Red shirts terror cells on them. Aren't you a bit deluded?

Straight from the terrorist handbook 2013-14.... Did you write that for a bet

[city]

Suthep To Surrender if Final "Last Battle" Fails

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — Leader of the anti-government protest movement Suthep Thaugsuban has said he will turn himself in to the police if his upcoming "final fight" against the government fails.

"It will have to end by 26 May," said Mr. Suthep, the leader of the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD). Mr Suthep announced last night that “victory” will be achieved by a massive "operation" to be launched next week.

Although Mr. Suthep is known to have announced numerous "final fights" in the past — a report by Prachatai places the number at 11 — the PCAD leader insisted that next week's campaign will truly be the final struggle against the government of acting Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisarn.

In fact, Mr. Suthep said that if next week’s “final fight” is not victorious, he will accept defeat and turn himself to the police.

It is the first time that Mr. Suthep, who is wanted on charges of insurrection and other related offences, has expressed a willingness to turn himself in since the PCAD began its protests in November 2013.

Anti-government protesters accuse the current government of being a proxy for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whom the protesters view as a corrupt, anti-monarchy tyrant who continues to meddle with Thai politics from his self-imposed exile in Dubai.

Mr. Suthep announced last night that on 19 May PCAD demonstrators will begin "hunting down" the government’s Cabinet members and force them to resign.

"Those who know about the houses and safehouses of each Minister should report these home addresses to us." Mr. Suthep said, "We will organise rapid-moving units, and units that coordinate with neighbours and bureaucrats to determine where those Ministers are hiding."

He said he expects all of the 25 Ministers to be "found" within three days.

Mr. Suthep also said that the PCAD will encourage all state workers and bureaucrats to "rebel" against the government and hang banners proclaiming their loyalty to the "Great Mass of the People" in front of their offices.

Mr. Suthep said he plans to convene a meeting on 22 May with the leadership of every ministry, department, and state agency to "purge" those who are sympathetic to "Thaksin Regime."

"It does not mean we want to get rid of anyone. We will discuss how to re-educate the mind of those who serve Thaksin Regime," Mr. Suthep explained.

Finally, the "Great Popular Uprising" will reach its climax on 26 May, when "millions of people" are expected to pour into the streets across Thailand, said Mr. Suthep.

"The operation to return Sovereign Power to the people will commence on 19 May. It will wrap up by 26 May, and 27 May will be the day we celebrate the victory of the people," Mr. Suthep said, "This is the last roll of the film. 27 May has to be the Day of Victory of the Great Mass of the People."

"If the people do not come out in millions [by 26 May], I will cease all struggles, because I cannot fight more than this," Mr. Suthep said. "We have to prepare our hearts for either victory or defeat. We have done our best. Therefore, we will dedicate all we have to our missions from 18-26 May."

He added that he did not choose the date of 27 May as the Day of Victory based on any astrological calculation.

"I see that it is the time when the movies will have been playing for too long. It has to end,” said Mr. Suthep. Whether it will be a happy ending is up to the people throughout the country."

Mr. Suthep also suggested that Prime Minister Niwatthamrong resign before the PCAD attempts to unilaterally seize power on their own. For months, the PCAD has called for the creation of of an unelected "People's Council" headed by an appointed PM tasked with implementing a series of unspecified "national reforms.”

The PCAD had previously demanded the Senate appoint an unelected Prime Minister to replace Mr. Niwatthamrong in accordance with Mr. Suthep's interpretation of Article 7 of the Thai Constitution, but Senate Speaker Surachai Liangboonlertchai indicated on Friday that he would not comply with Mr. Suthep's demand for the time being.

Although Mr. Surachai did not rule out the possibility of an invocation of Article 7, the Senate's lack of action is considered to be a major setback for the PCAD.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1400398979&section=11&typecate=06

-- Khaosod English 2014-05-18

Smacks of Pol Pot.......Somebody put some lead behind this whacko's ear

[gabruce]

"Find them then hand them the resignation letters to be signed and bring them back so that they won’t be able to obstruct our attempt to form a new government"

So He is sending out his thugs to kidnap ministers and then force them to sign pre written resignation letters. What if they don't sign will they be tortured until the do.

This evil piece of excrement in Suthep has to be stopped now. Nothing but pure evil running through his veins and he will definitely take his rightful seat beside the devil.

I'm certainly glad that you aren't a judge.

I think in the wild west you might have been turned a hanging judge who believes that where there is smoke there is fire (ie if someone accuses you of something, you must be guilty).

PS. Torture will probably consist of forcing them to eat som tum and remember that they should be there to serve the country and it's people. They will talk over and over again until the minister is so desparate to leave politics for ever that they will sign.

[Mot Leei]

As for the "cooking show" incident, you obviously have been spoonfed the usual red propaganda. He was in trouble for LYING ABOUT BEING PAID ... simple as that. You cant conceal assets or paid positions whilst PM or indeed any other MP. He knew the law and he chose to break it and paid the price. As should any and all who break the law. Including Suthep.

You make it sound like he deliberately tried to hide something vile and villianous ... this is what I take exception to! Anyone in their right mind, knowing how spiteful, vengeful and biased the yellow Court system is would have denied being paid such a trivial amount of they had aftet the fact realised that it might be misconstrued ... which history had shown was EXACTLY the case.

You need to be realistic ... he would have been hung out to dry at any opportunity the yellows could find ... and was. Impeachment was a completely inappropriate punishment for the crime ... and in any other unbiased and reasonable country he would have got a bit of humiliation in the press, paid back the money and that'd be the end of the problem .... but not in the yellow courts of Thailand .... if they had been allowed to execute him for lying they would equally have jumped at the chance to do that.

Punishments should fit the crime ... so I'll repeat, being kicked out for being paid a meager amount for appearing on a cooking show is indicative of the EXTREME level of bias in the yellow courts ... they could have been far more reasonable ... but they chose to go as far as they could.

The issue then comes that they don't throw the book at their own colours for worse offences. Herein less the problem with allowing the yellows to control the reforms in this country ... Such reforms have a history of electoral, judicial and political bias ... I would prefer to see

- A FULLY elected senate.

- complete judicial overhaul in which rulings are validated for lack of bias and if it exists then out they go.

- military leaders selected based on service to the country, experience and a history of zero political involvement.

- a complete overhaul of the Electoral system returning to a basic one person one vote equality with District reps and regional senators.

- a review of all past Court decisions in political cases and have the case reheard if evidence of bias can be shown. This is essential for fairness and to remove intimidation from those wanting to participate in politics ... ie; get some better quality people into politics

- a validation of populist policies ... the concept of making popular policies automatically appear evil goes towards making it very difficult to appeal to the desires of the people ... politicians MUST have the freedom to present their ideas for running the country (be they good or bad in hindsight) and the people them having the freedom to give our deny such a mandate ... this is the point of democracy. If an opposition politician can't convince the majority it's a bad policy then thats just too bad.

Hell I could go on forever, but while you persecute a person to such extremes for such a simple problem, there can never be a fair democracy ... and seeing your determination for making it seem so much more evil than it really is DOES show your priories clearly ... you like a yellow biased, corrupt Court. But hey if you support the yellows, then abuse and bias is the ONLY way they can have any power because they simply don't have the numbers to get power fairly .... As history had shown repeatedly

Peace

Sent from my GT-N5100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[chooka]

Looks like it's all over for the mad little evil lunatic. Oh wait he will probably plan another final push if he loses this final push. Be a man of your word you little turd and call it quits, give the country back and bugger off for good. There is a nice cell waiting for you and should be home for the next 20 yrs.

Suthep has already won.

He is merely removing the people from harm's way before the final axe from the constitutional court and the senate takes its final swing.

The reds will rise up and be blown away by the army as they march on Bangkok 2010 fashion with no PDRC to confront, they only have the army and violence.

They will be crushed and the UDD will be no more.

If you can't see that, then you are as blind as can be.

Unless of course you have 'contacts' behind all the closed doors that have told you otherwise.

Suthep is not just going to walk away and let the UDD/REDS/CAPO claim victory and neither will he let down all the people who supported the movement for the past 7 months, and he is especially NOT going to suffer the biggest face loss in Thai political history when the job is 90% complete.

But you lot who support the Thaksin regime can cling to your own delusions that Suthep has failed and enjoy the last 2 weeks of your god's power in Thai politics.

He who laughs last, laughs longest.

The army will not confront the reds, because the army knows it does not have full support within the army. Why do you think the General is so reluctant to have a coup?

I think Civil War is praying for a Civil War

[chooka]

"Find them then hand them the resignation letters to be signed and bring them back so that they won’t be able to obstruct our attempt to form a new government"

So He is sending out his thugs to kidnap ministers and then force them to sign pre written resignation letters. What if they don't sign will they be tortured until the do.

This evil piece of excrement in Suthep has to be stopped now. Nothing but pure evil running through his veins and he will definitely take his rightful seat beside the devil.

I'm certainly glad that you aren't a judge.

I think in the wild west you might have been turned a hanging judge who believes that where there is smoke there is fire (ie if someone accuses you of something, you must be guilty).

PS. Torture will probably consist of forcing them to eat som tum and remember that they should be there to serve the country and it's people. They will talk over and over again until the minister is so desparate to leave politics for ever that they will sign.

This was Sutheps orders/statement not mine. I totally disagree with this course of action.

"Find them then hand them the resignation letters to be signed and bring them back so that they won’t be able to obstruct our attempt to form a new government"

I totally disagree with thugs turning up with pre written resignation letters and "convincing" people to sign them.

He doesn't have to send his thugs out to find them, bring them to him and sign resignation papers. If they want to do of their own accord simply ask them to do so and forward the resignation to him.

A non violent, non confrontational peaceful way of doing things.

If Suthep has to send thugs around and force them to obey then that is violent and any resignation would be under duress

[See the bears]

Turn over to Blue Sky & see their pitiful numbers. Really Suthep & others, are you really that blind?

[Acharn]

If this idiot is as honest and pure that many claim then he will stick to his word and will be sitting in a cell on the 27th.

<snip>

I don't think you understand how the Thai legal system works. If he turns himself in on the 27th he will be released on bail within hours, if not a few minutes. Then the Prosecutor's office will have to spend six months or so preparing a statement of the case against him and a list of the six or seven hundred witnesses he proposes to call. Then the defense attorneys will request a continuance of six months to prepare a reply, which the court will grant. After five or six years of this back and forth, the trial will start, and the first witness for the prosecution will be excused because he has urgent business and the court will reconvene next month. They keep doing that until all the prosecution witnesses have been heard, and then the defense starts presenting their witnesses. Well, of course it depends on whether you've been condemned by the elite or not. If you have been, like Yingluck, then the Prosecutor and the Court moves much faster.

My scenario applies to people like Pol. General Salang Bunnag. The Prosecutor really didn't want to prosecute him, but the case was too public and there was too much evidence, as well as his own assertion that he was responsible and would do it again. I could be wrong, but I believe it took twelve years before the court acquitted him. Anybody have the detaile? Back in November or December 1996.

[Stan7444]

When Suthep turns himself into the police, I will stop posting on this forum and I expect the same from other who seem to spend many hours posting here. I say this because it never going to happen. Suthep is all talk.

Waiting for the next PUSH in June.

[Stan7444]

Looks like it's all over for the mad little evil lunatic. Oh wait he will probably plan another final push if he loses this final push. Be a man of your word you little turd and call it quits, give the country back and bugger off for good. There is a nice cell waiting for you and should be home for the next 20 yrs.

Suthep has already won.

He is merely removing the people from harm's way before the final axe from the constitutional court and the senate takes its final swing.

The reds will rise up and be blown away by the army as they march on Bangkok 2010 fashion with no PDRC to confront, they only have the army and violence.

They will be crushed and the UDD will be no more.

If you can't see that, then you are as blind as can be.

Unless of course you have 'contacts' behind all the closed doors that have told you otherwise.

Suthep is not just going to walk away and let the UDD/REDS/CAPO claim victory and neither will he let down all the people who supported the movement for the past 7 months, and he is especially NOT going to suffer the biggest face loss in Thai political history when the job is 90% complete.

But you lot who support the Thaksin regime can cling to your own delusions that Suthep has failed and enjoy the last 2 weeks of your god's power in Thai politics.

He who laughs last, laughs longest.

The army will not confront the reds, because the army knows it does not have full support within the army. Why do you think the General is so reluctant to have a coup?

I think Civil War is praying for a Civil War

How delusional !!!

[Old Man River]

If this idiot is as honest and pure that many claim then he will stick to his word and will be sitting in a cell on the 27th.

I don't think you understand how the Thai legal system works. If he turns himself in on the 27th he will be released on bail within hours, if not a few minutes. Then the Prosecutor's office will have to spend six months or so preparing a statement of the case against him and a list of the six or seven hundred witnesses he proposes to call. Then the defense attorneys will request a continuance of six months to prepare a reply, which the court will grant. After five or six years of this back and forth, the trial will start, and the first witness for the prosecution will be excused because he has urgent business and the court will reconvene next month. They keep doing that until all the prosecution witnesses have been heard, and then the defense starts presenting their witnesses.

Or he can go to Dubai.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[icare999]

Suthep is a self parody who cares nothing for Thailand (and before the Suthep supporters club members gag on their morning Chang, responding and inserting "man from Dubai" here is long past its sell-by date) and everything for himself and his puppet masters. Time to put the mad dog down (figuratively of course).

most off us aren't gagging as you put it just totally fed up with Taksin

What will be will be but at least he's put a brake on Plan to give amnesty to person whose caused more problems here than anyone and if he gets his way will turn Thailand into a Zimbabwie if lucky or North Korea if not

[Publicus]

Interesting article in the Bangkok Post - search for "senate plan to appoint interim premier on track" . . . some highlights:

With reference to installing an interim PM: the process is already "80% complete.

Sounds like there's more to the OP story.

Suthep meets with the Senate. Then Suthep aligns with the Senate. Then Suthep mentions end dates.

Maybe Suthep has an understanding of the Senate's time line.

i also was thinking this..something guna happen this week i think..a lot of behind the scenes activity going on ..

Yes, I get the same word from my Thai associates and friends across several professions. You hold no secrets as there are no secrets to hold in Thailand.

Time has always been on the side of the government and it continues to be on the government's side, which is why the establishment is scurrying to speed up and redefine the course of events regardless of any obstacles, either legal or moral, not to mention ethical.

So, intensive and extensive counter measures are being devised and organized as well. The military maxim applies here that as a rule it is easier to defend a position against attack than it is to attack it. Remember the lawyer in the movie the Rainmaker, "Bruiser" Stone? Amsterdam is a believer in pre-emptive action, which makes matters all the more interesting.

Remember the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam war? I'm confident I'm not saying too much to note that the Viet Cong, who were South Vietnamese fighting with Ho Chi Minh and the North, were able to infiltrate Siagon (Ho Chi Minh City) freely cause they too were Vietnamese. At the launch of Tet the VC made it all the way into the US Embassy building before the US Army killed 'em all.

The Thai Army ain't the US Army however. And the US Army is green whereas the Thai Army is watermelon in its colors.

Yes, there's a bad moon rising.

For everyone.

[Publicus]

Looks like it's all over for the mad little evil lunatic. Oh wait he will probably plan another final push if he loses this final push. Be a man of your word you little turd and call it quits, give the country back and bugger off for good. There is a nice cell waiting for you and should be home for the next 20 yrs.

Suthep has already won.

He is merely removing the people from harm's way before the final axe from the constitutional court and the senate takes its final swing.

The reds will rise up and be blown away by the army as they march on Bangkok 2010 fashion with no PDRC to confront, they only have the army and violence.

They will be crushed and the UDD will be no more.

If you can't see that, then you are as blind as can be.

Unless of course you have 'contacts' behind all the closed doors that have told you otherwise.

Suthep is not just going to walk away and let the UDD/REDS/CAPO claim victory and neither will he let down all the people who supported the movement for the past 7 months, and he is especially NOT going to suffer the biggest face loss in Thai political history when the job is 90% complete.

But you lot who support the Thaksin regime can cling to your own delusions that Suthep has failed and enjoy the last 2 weeks of your god's power in Thai politics.

He who laughs last, laughs longest.

The army will not confront the reds, because the army knows it does not have full support within the army. Why do you think the General is so reluctant to have a coup?

I think Civil War is praying for a Civil War

Prayer is not necessary.

Civil War knows his baby is being wrapped as we speak.

So do the government and the reds.

[Mentors]

Good to see that many international medias no longer fall into the sweet trap made by the Yellows and Old guards.

Since a couple of days even some Thai medias start to write about what is really going on.

The clock is ticking. There is hope

[anteater]

Well, the only good result will be if Suthep and his gangsters get prosecuted, but that's unlikely in this benighted country.

Here's another good piece from Aljazeera:

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2014/05/time-out-thailand-elites-201451863547502357.html

I particularly like this phrase to describe what is happening in Thailand: "the elites are using state institutions as barbed wire to keep out the popular voice". In the article Duncan McCargo also makes some excellent points, noting for example that richer Thais believe that their "uneducated" countrymen aren't ready to vote. Tell that to the Indians or Indonesians!

So everyone in the world seems to get it about the scandalous theft of democracy by Suthep and his elite cronies in Thailand. All the newspapers and commentators get it, such as Time, Independent, Guardian, NY Times, Washington Post, the BBC, ATV, CNN, Aljazeera - plus the the Australian, Canadian, French and German newspapers. So it's only the fascist Suthep, the ammart and their sympathisers and naiive southerners, plus a handful of tea-party sympathisers here on ThaiVisa, who don't get it.

[Publicus]

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Theres a good translation of an interview from Nation Channel’s Kom Chud Luek‘s political news program by prof Likhit, for one hour he outlines why Suthep has no authority to claim sovereignty based on section 7

http://asiancorrespondent.com/122379/likhit-dhiravegin-interview-part-1-on-sutheps-sovereign-power-grab/

And where did he get that power? Is it not in violation of Article 2? It also violates Article 68—which is toppling the democratic system. It’s in violation of Article 70: the duty to protect democracy, and Article 71: the duty to obey the law. And blocking elections violates Article 3: the people’s rights, and Article 72: the citizens’ duty to exercise their right to vote in elections. And after 20 million people have voted, the election is ruled unconstitutional. That’s a violation of 20 million people’s rights. All wrong. Those without knowledge keep talking and people get confused. Sovereignty can’t be claimed in this way.

And yet the Constitutional Court has never found Suthep/PDRC's action in violation of the Constitution. And that has been the frustration of the Government following to the letter the Constitution and being ruled repeatedly for violating it. The Senate interim speaker states unabasedly that laws will have to be broken to impliment Suthep's reforms for political resolution; Suthep has repeatedly stated that the Constitution will need to be suspended (as it was in 2006) to implement his reforms. Suthep has proclaimed the nation's sovereignty must be placed into his hands for there to be peace and reform; and he just ordered top ministry officials and provincial governors to attend the PDRC meeting on May 23, 2014. And not once has Suthep been held accountable for inciting overthrow of the Constitution and elected government. B y his actions he has shown there are many faults and shortcomings in the checks and balances that would serve to PROTECT the Constitution and the Rule of Law.

"The Senate interim speaker states unabasedly that laws will have to be broken to impliment Suthep's reforms for political resolution; Suthep has repeatedly stated that the Constitution will need to be suspended (as it was in 2006) to implement his reforms. Suthep has proclaimed the nation's sovereignty must be placed into his hands for there to be peace and reform; and he just ordered top ministry officials and provincial governors to attend the PDRC meeting on May 23, 2014."

Exact description of what it is now suddenly coming down to.

Surachai has made the rounds. The planning of a would-be end game is afoot.

The government and the reds would be well aware and are themselves planning accordingly.

Let's hope the feudalists stumble again but it can't be counted on.

2014, the year of living dangerously.

[Mackie]

It is really amusing how red lovers are clutching for straws on this particular thread. For heaven's sake, wake up and smell the coffee. It's over. The gig is up. The Shinawatra's governing of Thailand is over for the time being. Suthep's side is winning. The good news for all is that Suthep is not going to play any major role in the future government. However Thaksin's war against his own country is not over yet. Wait for the next move.

[Publicus]

It is really amusing how red lovers are clutching for straws on this particular thread. For heaven's sake, wake up and smell the coffee. It's over. The gig is up. The Shinawatra's governing of Thailand is over for the time being. Suthep's side is winning. The good news for all is that Suthep is not going to play any major role in the future government. However Thaksin's war against his own country is not over yet. Wait for the next move.

Suthep's side is desperate.

Betting the farm on the last roll of the dice is desperation, especially after an almost 8 month losing streak interrupted by only the default position of holding the constitutional and legal cards.

Big mistake, going for broke - catastrophic mistake to everything the Bangkok elites and ammart hold dear.

The Bangkok elites and ammart have leveled all the laws and now the devil is dashing across the open flatlands to stick 'em. If I can mix my religion metaphors, it's also called karma.

The people's justice.

[tullynagardy]

Suthep's side is winning.

Dear god I wouldnt want to see your idea of a defeat if this is victory

[englishoak]

What strikes me is how much and how far the old guard has had to go this time. Even should they succeed the next time will be even harder to engineer.

It seems to me they have pulled out all the stops and still not certain of getting their way. It really goes to show how precarious their position in the coming years.

I don't think there is anything much left in the tank for next time ( and there will be a next time ) should they get their way.

This week should be very interesting, it could well be by forcing things to go their way such as it is the price paid will be that much higher in the long run.

You cant turn back time and you cant de couple from the world. Most of all you cannot put back to sleep or silence a sector of society that has already awakened and found its voice.

Nothing is certain about this week but it is going to be interesting.

[Publicus]

This is like trying to outwit your mother in law.

[chooka]

Doesn't the mad man realize that a "forced resignation" would be worthless. Anyone who signs it can turn right around the next day and say they were forced or threatened to sign it, and that makes the whole thing invalid and now worth the paper it's written on.

Don't forget this is Suthep and his lunatic supporters we are talking about. The guy is an idiot.

[Publicus]

Doesn't the mad man realize that a "forced resignation" would be worthless. Anyone who signs it can turn right around the next day and say they were forced or threatened to sign it, and that makes the whole thing invalid and now worth the paper it's written on.

Don't forget this is Suthep and his lunatic supporters we are talking about. The guy is an idiot.

Your point is well taken and idiot is the starting point in discussing Suthep.

Suthep is a fascist through and through, a contemporary fascist in the long tradition of Mussolini during the 1920s, which is to say without the trappings of aggressive war against other nations. This is but one significant way in which contemporary fascism varies from the classical fascism, but fascism it is, through and through. Hitler varied from Mussolini so greatly that we can't compare Suthep to Hitler.

Suthep as a latter day Mussolini of the 1920s however, yes, positively so. Likewise for Suthep's PDRC and their types too.

2014, the year of living dangerously.