Drop poll if too dangerous: Thai Army

[webfact]

ELECTION
Drop poll if too dangerous: Army
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Election Commission (EC) secretary general Puchong Nutrawong said the Army had told him that if the next general election was likely to result in bloodshed, or would be too difficult to arrange, the EC should drop it.

Puchong was speaking after attending a meeting with Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha together with many senior bureaucrats yesterday.

Earlier, EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said the caretaker government had submitted a request to the EC asking for the general election to be postponed to August 3, from an original schedule of July 2.

Puchong said the EC would call a meeting of its own today to discuss what to do next after martial law took effect. He said he regarded the law as a tool to constitute peace and order. He said it would also be taken into consideration along with other laws regarding arrangements for the next general election.

In a message received from the government, Somchai said interim government leader Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan had also submitted requests for other conditions. They included that Niwattumrong was legitimate in operating as the interim prime minister to submit to or receive from His Majesty the King any command. Niwattumrong had also asked the EC to give a reply to his requests by Friday, said Somchai.

Somchai, speaking before the meeting between Prayuth and the senior officials, said that under the current political situation, the EC would also need to discuss the general election with the military. "Discussing the election [date] between the EC and the [caretaker] government alone would not be sufficient, without the military being involved," he added.


-- The Nation 2014-05-21

[EricBerg]

No use organising an election if it will be nullified same the last one. It would only mean throwing away more billions. When one is being held however, the military must see to it that all voters can vote in safety.

Before a new election the stalemate between the two rivals must be broken. That can not be done by force. Talks between the parties are needed for that.

[Mango Bob]

The Army should be supporting elections not trying to stop them from happening. You the Army gave their support and did something we would have elections. However, is that is real goal?

[TVGerry]

If they decide to push ahead with elections that will fail again, make sure the PTP agree to pay for waste of taxpayer money first.

These people are ridiculous.

[winstonc]

and whats your solution enzo more of the same...

[MaxLee]

"Puchong said the EC would call a meeting of its own today to discuss what to do next after martial law took effect. He said he regarded the law as a tool to constitute peace and order. He said it would also be taken into consideration along with other laws regarding arrangements for the next general election."

So in other words what he means: "We want Election-Collection by all means, no matter what. The unrest will not be our problem,..."

Edited May 20, 2014 by MaxLee

[Dr Bruce]

It is only a Coup if they cancel elections

[englishoak]

Interesting advice to drop it.

Does the army fear they cannot provide security even though that is the claim they are here and their role ?

The army are responsible for security now, if they cannot arrange appropriate security for the EC and an election to protect the voters rights to caste then what use are the army or this act of martial law ?.

[millwall_fan]

.......But now the army are in charge of security, there should be no risk of bloodshed. It would not be dangerous at all. The army is there to ensure security.

Disrupting the registration of candidates or the delivery of ballot boxes or the counting the votes can be made illegal under the military's sweeping powers and they can use their Humvees and APC's to provide safe passage for all. Hopefully they can also ensure that there is no vote buying

The free will of the Thai people can now be expressed in the tender embrace of the Thai army.

[Civil War]

This is all very sensible and logical.

The army can not be effective when spread across tens of thousands of polling stations, and the police are about as useful as an ashtray on a motorcycle.

The most important thing to consider is that if the election process is NOT free and fair, then there will be problems and peacekeeping required at the ballot box, we already established it is not going to be easy when you have say 500 protesters at a polling station blocking it. What they going to do?... start shooting the protesters?

So the only way is to set up for free and fair elections, so there is never a need to come to a situation where an election is protested against.

It also restores democracy, up to now, Thaksin has made sure EVERY past elect he has been involved with was completely undemocratic with bullying, intimidation and vote buying/rigging.

What chance does an opposition have when one party owns the police force in its entirety?

[englishoak]

This is all very sensible and logical.

The army can not be effective when spread across tens of thousands of polling stations, and the police are about as useful as an ashtray on a motorcycle.

The most important thing to consider is that if the election process is NOT free and fair, then there will be problems and peacekeeping required at the ballot box, we already established it is not going to be easy when you have say 500 protesters at a polling station blocking it. What they going to do?... start shooting the protesters?

So the only way is to set up for free and fair elections, so there is never a need to come to a situation where an election is protested against.

It also restores democracy, up to now, Thaksin has made sure EVERY past elect he has been involved with was completely undemocratic with bullying, intimidation and vote buying/rigging.

What chance does an opposition have when one party owns the police force in its entirety?

Do I detect a whine ? a grumble ? a bleat ?

You are mistaken, Military Law is in force now, they cannot be prosecuted they are effectively untouchable by law, the army has sweeping powers and can do whatever they need to do to ensure peoples safety. They can order Suthep not to obstruct election points, they can blockades checkpoints to the polls np all that they have they can use, including the help of the police and or other forces or indeed citizens.

The RTA are more than capable of having a bloodless and seamless installing of military law they can deal with an election security in 3 mths,no problem.

Really to pretend the armed forces cant keep polling stations clear when they will know exactly where they are and can use military bases and also recruit any other groups they wish to help with 3 mths notice then it should be a doddle,

Besides there wouldnt be many polling stations to worry about only some in the south and bangkok, a bit in the central plains but none in the north would be a problem... very little concern in most areas really when you think about it...

Edited May 21, 2014 by englishoak

[Civil War]

This is all very sensible and logical.

The army can not be effective when spread across tens of thousands of polling stations, and the police are about as useful as an ashtray on a motorcycle.

The most important thing to consider is that if the election process is NOT free and fair, then there will be problems and peacekeeping required at the ballot box, we already established it is not going to be easy when you have say 500 protesters at a polling station blocking it. What they going to do?... start shooting the protesters?

So the only way is to set up for free and fair elections, so there is never a need to come to a situation where an election is protested against.

It also restores democracy, up to now, Thaksin has made sure EVERY past elect he has been involved with was completely undemocratic with bullying, intimidation and vote buying/rigging.

What chance does an opposition have when one party owns the police force in its entirety?

Do I detect a whine ? a grumble ? a bleat ?

You are mistaken, Military Law is in force now, they cannot be prosecuted they are effectively untouchable by law, the army has sweeping powers and can do whatever they need to do to ensure peoples safety. They can order Suthep not to obstruct election points, they can blockades checkpoints to the polls np all that they have they can use, including the help of the police and or other forces.

the RTA are more than capable of having a bloodless and seamless installing of military law they can deal with an election security in 3 mths,no problem.

Really to pretend the armed forces cant keep polling stations clear when they will know exactly where they are and can use military bases and also recruit any other groups they wish to help with 3 mths notice then it should be a doddle,

Do I detect a whine ? a grumble ? a bleat ?

A logical commentary is all that I have provided and with zero whining, as a matter of fact I typed it with a feeling of positivity and celebration that we were now moving in a positive direction.... That comment of yours is just an attempt to flame a response and create bad feeling between members and also to undermine my right as a thaivisa member to have an opinion.

You deserve a suspension, but I will put it down to the possibility you are still feeling the effects of last nights low khao session with your red mates down the local corrugated iron hut.

The rest of your post is totally unrelated to anything I posted. Apart from maybe...

They can order Suthep not to obstruct election points

But they can't stop the people from obstructing them off their own backs or via underground movements to disrupt... The people can still turn up and block the approaches and like I said... they will shoot these people? Even if the elections went through with a massive amount of no shows and no votes, the result will be rejected, and protests will continue and we will be no further forward.

Ask yourself this.... how many polling stations?.... how many soldiers?

Doddle?????

[englishoak]

Ahh i did detect a whine, sweet.

Yup doddle if they wanted to.

it will be interesting to see where it goes i doubt the PDRC and co would attempt to disrupt an election under the gaze of the army. .

Edited May 21, 2014 by englishoak

[Civil War]

Ahh i did detect a whine, sweet.

Yup doddle if they wanted to.

it will be interesting to see where it goes i doubt the PDRC and co would attempt to disrupt an election under the gaze of the army. .

The army are on THEIR side...... can't you see that?

You think the army want another Thaksin government??

Seriously???

[casualbiker]

Englishoak said : " The RTA are more than capable of having a bloodless and seamless installing of military law they can deal with an election security in 3 mths,no problem. "

Obvious problem there is that the election is supposed to be 3rd August .. just over 2 months

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[smedly]

No use organising an election if it will be nullified same the last one. It would only mean throwing away more billions. When one is being held however, the military must see to it that all voters can vote in safety.

Before a new election the stalemate between the two rivals must be broken. That can not be done by force. Talks between the parties are needed for that.

you are right it cannot be done by force but certain demands can be removed from the agenda of such a meeting to ensure that progress can be made

The first demand that should be removed is the call for immediate elections

That does not mean elections will not take place as that would be undemocratic but they may be delayed to allow time for other items on the agenda to proceed with all sides included - RREP

Reform

Referendum

Election

Peace

[craigt3365]

Just a quick warning, please abide by our new rule:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727616-zero-tolerance-for-disruptive-behaviour-during-the-present-crisis/

And of course our standing rule:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/479383-no-discussion-of-the-monarchy-in-political-context/

We appreciate your support.

[tezzainoz]

The Army should be supporting elections not trying to stop them from happening. You the Army gave their support and did something we would have elections. However, is that is real goal?

Having any elections with out solving the real problems of having free elections is a wast of money and time

election in name only

better to wait till free elections can be held, than rush into another biased election

Edited May 21, 2014 by tezzainoz

[smedly]

Ahh i did detect a whine, sweet.

Yup doddle if they wanted to.

it will be interesting to see where it goes i doubt the PDRC and co would attempt to disrupt an election under the gaze of the army. .

I don't think this is the issue, I think a bit of forward thinking is needed to stop this cycle of political destruction ever happening again, a snap election resolves nothing in what is very obviously a broken system

I mean lets face the truth here - in what part of the world would a convicted criminal billionaire on the run be in control of a government - the issue has remained uninvestigated for nearly 3 years because he has bought off officials or placed key loyal individuals in office that protected his actions from exposure

all you have to do is look at the key placement of people in key jobs shortly after the last election all part of the Shin administration to avoid investigation into wrong doings

Do you honestly think that the DSI doesn't have the ability to investigate Skype calls and telephone conversations between various groups and expose it - the simple truth is they have all been silenced by either money - intimidation - loyalty (family members) or a mixture of all these - and we're not even talking about the billions of tax payer money that has been stolen in the process as yet to be investigated and those responsible jailed

[smutcakes]

This is all very predictable- PDRC wont go home, army conveniently cannot hold elections because of this and will stay on in the current situation until the thing happens that this fight is really about.

Then the good army can make sure good people succeed. Voila job done.

[ginjag]

Interesting advice to drop it.

Does the army fear they cannot provide security even though that is the claim they are here and their role ?

The army are responsible for security now, if they cannot arrange appropriate security for the EC and an election to protect the voters rights to caste then what use are the army or this act of martial law ?.

Come on see sense, the voters are in no state of mind to go and vote. Your expecting Thais to go and vote when the situation is like this. Again the government should NOT be included in a vote, they have violated enough during the 3 years in office --no second survival kit. get out.

If a mayor of a local town in UK cheats and violates the law he is thrown out, NOT put up for elections again.

Your bad police record is in the books for a long time---A dog is vicious it has to be put down or curtailed.

R Biggs the great train robber, when caught was not allowed to rob again.

Any politician that has a record of corruption/bad governing etc, should NEVER be allowed to stand again.

[smutcakes]

No use organising an election if it will be nullified same the last one. It would only mean throwing away more billions. When one is being held however, the military must see to it that all voters can vote in safety.

Before a new election the stalemate between the two rivals must be broken. That can not be done by force. Talks between the parties are needed for that.

you are right it cannot be done by force but certain demands can be removed from the agenda of such a meeting to ensure that progress can be made

The first demand that should be removed is the call for immediate elections

That does not mean elections will not take place as that would be undemocratic but they may be delayed to allow time for other items on the agenda to proceed with all sides included - RREP

Reform

Referendum

Election

Peace

You still really think this is about reform?? You really think the politicians of all sides want reform? cutting their gravy train?

You really think they can reform the police? the army? the civil servants?

You are living in cloud cuckoo land if you really believe the people who perhaps could at least try and implement reforms (perhaps the army are the only ones) are going to touch the most needed areas for reform. As was seen in 2006, the reforms then have not only proven to be ineffective, but were done without neutrality and were purely in an effort to bolster one side of the political spectrum. Until the army Generals decide to put the country first and make reforms that are neutral and benefit the Thai people as a whole rather than being focused on specific political objectives, the whole country will continue to go around in circles. Human nature dictates however, that this is unlikely to be done, especially in Thailand.

[edwinchester]

Englishoak said : " The RTA are more than capable of having a bloodless and seamless installing of military law they can deal with an election security in 3 mths,no problem. "

Obvious problem there is that the election is supposed to be 3rd August .. just over 2 months

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Has a Royal Decree been signed or even requested for an August 3rd election?

[whybother]

This is all very predictable- PDRC wont go home, army conveniently cannot hold elections because of this and will stay on in the current situation until the thing happens that this fight is really about.

Then the good army can make sure good people succeed. Voila job done.

The red shirts haven't gone home either, have they? It's the actions of the red shirts that caused the martial law.

[Crushdepth]

The Army should be supporting elections not trying to stop them from happening. You the Army gave their support and did something we would have elections. However, is that is real goal?

Their real and stated goal is to prevent bloodshed. Which part of this apparently simple concept don't you understand?

[smutcakes]

This is all very predictable- PDRC wont go home, army conveniently cannot hold elections because of this and will stay on in the current situation until the thing happens that this fight is really about.

Then the good army can make sure good people succeed. Voila job done.

The red shirts haven't gone home either, have they? It's the actions of the red shirts that caused the martial law.

28 people dead in 6 months is the reason for martial law? Behave. More people die on the roads everyday, why dont they impose martial law to combat pants driving if they are worried about the safety of the people.

[srsv1238]

No use organising an election if it will be nullified same the last one. It would only mean throwing away more billions. When one is being held however, the military must see to it that all voters can vote in safety.

Before a new election the stalemate between the two rivals must be broken. That can not be done by force. Talks between the parties are needed for that.

why can't the military provide security for the next elections? Are they that incompetent?

Sent from my SM-N900T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[srsv1238]

Interesting advice to drop it.

Does the army fear they cannot provide security even though that is the claim they are here and their role ?

The army are responsible for security now, if they cannot arrange appropriate security for the EC and an election to protect the voters rights to caste then what use are the army or this act of martial law ?.

Come on see sense, the voters are in no state of mind to go and vote. Your expecting Thais to go and vote when the situation is like this. Again the government should NOT be included in a vote, they have violated enough during the 3 years in office --no second survival kit. get out.

If a mayor of a local town in UK cheats and violates the law he is thrown out, NOT put up for elections again.

Your bad police record is in the books for a long time---A dog is vicious it has to be put down or curtailed.

R Biggs the great train robber, when caught was not allowed to rob again.

Any politician that has a record of corruption/bad governing etc, should NEVER be allowed to stand again.

Hogwash

Sent from my SM-N900T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[diehard60]

If the army can not control suthep and his thugs then they should just go home and say good night to thailand.

[srsv1238]

This is all very predictable- PDRC wont go home, army conveniently cannot hold elections because of this and will stay on in the current situation until the thing happens that this fight is really about.

Then the good army can make sure good people succeed. Voila job done.

The red shirts haven't gone home either, have they? It's the actions of the red shirts that caused the martial law.

Wrong, had the rebels not prevented Thais from voting in the Feb 2nd elections, we would have av governmentright now

Sent from my SM-N900T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app