Thai Govt proposes new poll on 3 Aug

[webfact]

Govt proposes new poll on 3 Aug

BANGKOK, 20 May 2014 (NNT) - The government proposes a new general election on 3 August 2014 while the Election Commission (EC) says only the government and itself are not enough to set the election date.

Election Commission Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said the government had informed the EC that it allowed for the new general election being delayed if a force majeure event took place. The government suggested that the election should be organized on 3 August and confirmed acting premier Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisarn had power to authorize the election, Mr Somchai said.

The election commissioner stated that under the present circumstances the EC had to first discuss the new election date with national security units since they had a good understanding of the situation.

He also predicted that the EC’s meeting on Wednesday would see some clarity on the election matter.


-- NNT 2014-05-20

[uty6543]

Unbelievable. Martial law has just been imposed without the governments prior knowledge and they want to carry on as if they still hold all the aces.

Edited May 20, 2014 by uty6543

[In Town]

Its important that the government push ahead to test the statement that this is not a coup. If it is not a coup, then elections can be held, and can be called by the government. If the EC and the military refuse, it will be clear it is a coup. This distinction is not so important in Thailand, but will be important in shaping international response to events here.

[Gweiloman]

Unbelievable. Martial law has just been imposed without the governments prior knowledge and they want to carry on as if they still hold all the aces.

What difference does it make? The imposition of martial law is to bring law and order to the country, to prevent violence on the streets and not the administrative governance of the country. If anything, this is the perfect time to "carry on" as you put it and set a firm date for elections.

[smedly]

PTP are now almost manic, this constant obsession for an election is just insane

The must have some serious sh it to hide from any sort of investigation if they were forced to stand down

I honestly think that they are going to have the decision made for them very very soon

The turning point will be when the Constitutional Court rules that the supposed nominated acting CTPM has no authority to sign a Royal Decree and he is not officially any sort of CTPM PM or anything other than a leader of PTP which they have every right to have but that's as far as it goes - that single decision ends the stalemate as PTP will have absolutely nothing else they can do

- not having the authority to call an election will end this debacle and force PTP to step down and join the process that will follow - all inclusive talks and reforms

[seajae]

shouldnt someone point out that they are no longer the govt but only temporary ministers and as such dont have the power to do diddly squat. They are taking their advice from the man that was found guilty of corruption /offering bribes to judges and seriously think this idiot knows what he is talking about, how stupid can the ptp get.

[Asiantravel]

Unbelievable. Martial law has just been imposed without the governments prior knowledge and they want to carry on as if they still hold all the aces.

What difference does it make? The imposition of martial law is to bring law and order to the country, to prevent violence on the streets and not the administrative governance of the country. If anything, this is the perfect time to "carry on" as you put it and set a firm date for elections.

touché

[Sunderland]

I don't think those in the know really know what they thought they know now, just to add to the general chaos and confusion that has escalated in recent days.

[chotthee]

Thai don't need election.

Thai love appointment.

[smedly]

Unbelievable. Martial law has just been imposed without the governments prior knowledge and they want to carry on as if they still hold all the aces.

What difference does it make? The imposition of martial law is to bring law and order to the country, to prevent violence on the streets and not the administrative governance of the country. If anything, this is the perfect time to "carry on" as you put it and set a firm date for elections.

wrong, that fact that there is now martial law indicates that Thailand is a very troubled country right now, it is hardly the landscape to carry out an election campaign when the country is almost at boiling point and the military had to step in

There will be no elections until both sides have proven that they can move forward and resolve their differences without violence - that is fact

PTP have another agenda - they don't want to be investigated at all costs

[Bkungbank]

An election must be held a country cannot without a government, country budget and other needs parliament to approved if reform will delay the progress of the whole nation. Hope PDRC will listen to the army for a new election.

[Old Man River]

Unbelievable. Martial law has just been imposed without the governments prior knowledge and they want to carry on as if they still hold all the aces.

More unbelievable is that the EC publicly confirmed that, in it's view, Caretaker MP Niwattumrong has the authority to request this. If he has this authority, then he is obligated to present Surachai for Royal approval as Deputy Senate speaker, allowing the senate to open and vote whether YL and Niwattamrong, among others, should be banned from politics for 5 years!

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[citizen33]

Mad to expect to move past a political deadlock by holding an election? Such an extreme demand is clearly a sign of mental illness! Sounds to me as though the inmates have taken over the TVF asylum.

[Scamper]

This is called denial on a cosmic scale. The levers of Pheu Thai have been severely compromised. Why ?

1. Niwattumrong wasn't informed of the imposition of martial law. Big clue.

2. CAPO - which has been unquestionably loyal to Pheu Thai - has been disbanded. Big clue.

3. Jatuporn's UDD rally has been surrounded and contained. Big clue.

4. UDD stations have been shut down. Big clue.

5. The army recognizes the authority of the National Election Commission. Their opinion is the same today as it was yesterday - Niwattumrong's constitutional legitimacy has been questioned. He's not even an MP, Pheu Thai got him in the cabinet, and now Phue Thai call him a prime minister after two hours deliberation, even though there is completely no precedent for it. There hasn't been an administration with the power of the purse since December 9. The Yingluck administration lost it's public mandate on March 5 when the 30 day period to convene parliament had elapsed. The Yingluck administration no longer exists. There has been no constitutionally recognized administration to replace it, certainly not with public sanction, and Pheu Thai spends two hours nominating a prime minister out of a impeachment battered cabinet who wasn't even an PM. Savvy ?

[huanga]

They can propose the heck they want and they probably will Not get it. Democrats will not contest the poll under the current condition and they the quorum will not be filled! Secondly, I also believe that this care-taking government's days are numbered. Very soon we will have an interim PM installed by the military. Imposition of martial law is just to keep everyone in line, then the announcement will be made on the interim PM, after the meeting from both sides called By Prayuth comes to another stalemate. The interim PM will likely be either Prayuth or some big-shot military person like him.

Edited May 20, 2014 by huanga

[Gweiloman]

Mad to expect to move past a political deadlock by holding an election? Such an extreme demand is clearly a sign of mental illness! Sounds to me as though the inmates have taken over the TVF asylum.

What political deadlock? There was no political deadlock. There was only a man backed by a group of rich and powerful people who wanted to overthrow an elected government by civil disruption and not at the polls where it would have more credibility and validity.

The reason that this has been allowed to progress to this day is because this group of rich and powerful people have a lot of influence over many so called independent agencies (for all we know, they may even be part of these agencies).

There is a deadlock for sure - but it's about a wealth and power grab.

[mrtoad]

PTP is finished, and the current proxy caretaker PM has no influence at all.

Reforms first now, before the elections.

[Gweiloman]

I'm surprised the following piece has not made it to TV:

Acting Senate speaker Surachai Liangboonlertchai announced today (Tuesday) that the Senate would press ahead with its attempt to find a solution to the country’s political stalemate.

However, he said he would wait for 1-2 days to wee if the military would take any action to find a way out of the conflict. If not, he added that the Senate would go it alone without having to coordinate with the military.

The proposed solution or way out of the political impasse will be based on the views and recommendations gathered from the informal discussion staged by the Senate, said Mr Surachai who then pleaded with the opposing parties in the conflict to remain peaceful and to each take a step back from their uncompromising positions.

The acting Senate speaker asked for sympathy for the conflicting parties saying that it was not possible for the Senate to please everyone.

He pleaded with all parties in the conflict to make sacrifice saying that good politicians must be sacrificial and ethical.

Thai PBS

[citizen33]

Mad to expect to move past a political deadlock by holding an election? Such an extreme demand is clearly a sign of mental illness! Sounds to me as though the inmates have taken over the TVF asylum.

What political deadlock? There was no political deadlock. There was only a man backed by a group of rich and powerful people who wanted to overthrow an elected government by civil disruption and not at the polls where it would have more credibility and validity.

The reason that this has been allowed to progress to this day is because this group of rich and powerful people have a lot of influence over many so called independent agencies (for all we know, they may even be part of these agencies).

There is a deadlock for sure - but it's about a wealth and power grab.

Read my post again - and please refrain from blue on blue attacks! As you say, there is a deadlock, and it could be described as political in nature (i.e. about power), even if it has been engineered by underhand means.

Edited May 20, 2014 by citizen33

[Thailand]

Thai don't need election.

Thai love appointment.

Is that you Suthep?

[ChrisY1]

PTP.....They have absolutely no idea what's happening at all........Thaksin must be beside himself....Yingluck wouldn't have a clue.......it's all quite comical really.....

More stupid, is that there are so many people in Thailand...both Thai and Farang, that think the sun shines out of PTP' rear end......

[Thailand]

Unbelievable. Martial law has just been imposed without the governments prior knowledge and they want to carry on as if they still hold all the aces.

What difference does it make? The imposition of martial law is to bring law and order to the country, to prevent violence on the streets and not the administrative governance of the country. If anything, this is the perfect time to "carry on" as you put it and set a firm date for elections.

wrong, that fact that there is now martial law indicates that Thailand is a very troubled country right now, it is hardly the landscape to carry out an election campaign when the country is almost at boiling point and the military had to step in

There will be no elections until both sides have proven that they can move forward and resolve their differences without violence - that is fact

PTP have another agenda - they don't want to be investigated at all costs

PTP have been investigated almost on a daily basis for the last few months so what are you talking about?

[Estrada]

I'm surprised the following piece has not made it to TV:

Acting Senate speaker Surachai Liangboonlertchai announced today (Tuesday) that the Senate would press ahead with its attempt to find a solution to the country’s political stalemate.

However, he said he would wait for 1-2 days to wee if the military would take any action to find a way out of the conflict. If not, he added that the Senate would go it alone without having to coordinate with the military.

The proposed solution or way out of the political impasse will be based on the views and recommendations gathered from the informal discussion staged by the Senate, said Mr Surachai who then pleaded with the opposing parties in the conflict to remain peaceful and to each take a step back from their uncompromising positions.

The acting Senate speaker asked for sympathy for the conflicting parties saying that it was not possible for the Senate to please everyone.

He pleaded with all parties in the conflict to make sacrifice saying that good politicians must be sacrificial and ethical.

Thai PBS

"However, he said he would wait for 1-2 days to wee"..... Blimey I couldn't hold it that long!

[FangFerang]

PTP are now almost manic, this constant obsession for an election is just insane

The must have some serious sh it to hide from any sort of investigation if they were forced to stand down

I honestly think that they are going to have the decision made for them very very soon

The turning point will be when the Constitutional Court rules that the supposed nominated acting CTPM has no authority to sign a Royal Decree and he is not officially any sort of CTPM PM or anything other than a leader of PTP which they have every right to have but that's as far as it goes - that single decision ends the stalemate as PTP will have absolutely nothing else they can do

- not having the authority to call an election will end this debacle and force PTP to step down and join the process that will follow - all inclusive talks and reforms.

Reforms? Reforms? What reforms? Not one single reform has been described. Not one single change has been proposed for consideration, and this has been going on for m o n t h s . NOT ONE SINGLE CHANGE HAS BEEN SUGGESTED! "Reforms" mumble mumble...."puppet government" mumble mumble. And I don't even like the Shimnawatras, but this intolerable hypocrisy is so amazing that Einstein would have an anuerism.

Why? That's a better question. Why not any actual 'reform suggestions'?

Get a clue. There are no concrete reforms being proposed because anything that limits the current (non) government will limit the next one.

Enter circular reasoning here.

Yay reforms! -- the parliament will have to wear respectable ties and actually speak ASEAN English. NOT. There are no reforms. Reforms are a lie. No one will ever suggest a viable reform. No one.

[tullynagardy]

PTP is finished, and the current proxy caretaker PM has no influence at all.

Reforms first now, before the elections.

Unless the "reforms" consist of gerrymandering the election will then be won by PTP.

What do we do then? Call a Final Push?

[haroldc]

So PTP wants an quick election and Jatuporn is calling for a referendum on quickly holding an election. OK, just enact a few laws first...

1) Disruption/intimidation/fraud of the election process - 20 years minimum in prison with no parole, THB 100,000,000 fine, loss of right to vote or hold elected or appointed office for life.

2) Vote-buying - 10 years minimum in prison with no parole, THB 50,000,000 fine, loss of right to vote or hold elected or appointed office for life.

3) Vote-selling - 5 years minimum in prison with no parole, THB 25,000,000 fine, loss of right to vote or hold elected or appointed office for life.

[chainarong]

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This is called denial on a cosmic scale. The levers of Pheu Thai have been severely compromised. Why ?

1. Niwattumrong wasn't informed of the imposition of martial law. Big clue.

2. CAPO - which has been unquestionably loyal to Pheu Thai - has been disbanded. Big clue.

3. Jatuporn's UDD rally has been surrounded and contained. Big clue.

4. UDD stations have been shut down. Big clue.

5. The army recognizes the authority of the National Election Commission. Their opinion is the same today as it was yesterday - Niwattumrong's constitutional legitimacy has been questioned. He's not even an MP, Pheu Thai got him in the cabinet, and now Phue Thai call him a prime minister after two hours deliberation, even though there is completely no precedent for it. There hasn't been an administration with the power of the purse since December 9. The Yingluck administration lost it's public mandate on March 5 when the 30 day period to convene parliament had elapsed. The Yingluck administration no longer exists. There has been no constitutionally recognized administration to replace it, certainly not with public sanction, and Pheu Thai spends two hours nominating a prime minister out of a impeachment battered cabinet who wasn't even an PM. Savvy ?

Correct

[rickirs]

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Unbelievable. Martial law has just been imposed without the governments prior knowledge and they want to carry on as if they still hold all the aces.

The Constitution is usually the ace-in-the-hole for a democratic society. Sorry if you find that inconvenient.

[espinoza]

PTP are now almost manic, this constant obsession for an election is just insane

The must have some serious sh it to hide from any sort of investigation if they were forced to stand down

I honestly think that they are going to have the decision made for them very very soon

The turning point will be when the Constitutional Court rules that the supposed nominated acting CTPM has no authority to sign a Royal Decree and he is not officially any sort of CTPM PM or anything other than a leader of PTP which they have every right to have but that's as far as it goes - that single decision ends the stalemate as PTP will have absolutely nothing else they can do

- not having the authority to call an election will end this debacle and force PTP to step down and join the process that will follow - all inclusive talks and reforms

I think PTP are the most democratic part here, they want an election. What`s wrong with an democratic process called election ? Some parties do not want to attend, but tahts their democratic rights. OK.

[espinoza]

PTP is finished, and the current proxy caretaker PM has no influence at all.

Reforms first now, before the elections.

Wrong, PTP still has the government of Thailand. Facist movements will not be tolerated, is that not clear for you by now ?

Edited May 20, 2014 by espinoza