Thai army chief calls meeting of political rivals

[h90]

Will the person behind Suthep be attending too? Or will they only send the puppet Suthep?

That person doesn't travel often and especially if the likes of Jutaporn et. al. are attending.

Enlighten me. Who is the party behind Suthep?

Sure the same as the Ammart.....you can ask 100 times who.....the rich elite....but no one can name a single name, because it is just propaganda....

The party behind Suthep is Thailands middle class, some rubber farmer and increasingly rice farmer, most hospital staff, labor unions and most of the academics.

[Kripe]

Once people are no longer paid to vote on one particular party, the elections should be respected by everyone for a 4 year period - if you vote on the opposition you must accept the outcome of the elections. As it is now and has been for a long time in Thailand, we know that paid to vote is the reason people can't accept the results.

[webfact]

Gen Prayuth chairs meeting with 7 political conflict groups including PDRC, UDD, Pheu Thai, Democrats, Senate, EC to seek way out of crisis /MCOT

[trigger571]

Sounds like he's trying to cram an appointed dictator down everyone's throat, and he didn't invite the caretaker PM? Now we know for sure bthis is a coup. he's going to say an election is not possible because this big army he called out cannot secure a few election venues from 'protesters'.

Dude, cut the selective reading. He did invite the caretaker PM

"Caretaker Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, who replaced ousted premier Yingluck Shinawatra after a controversial court ruling earlier this month, was also invited."

[hgma]

Just the other day i was watching French politicians in discussion with Marie Le pen.

Opposite opinions but even for the on looker a debate as it should...face - face !

Rethoric will change even in le pen's case but opinions are matched and might even integrated in new French policies.

Isn't THAT what democracy is all about? Compromise?

[tamvine]

This is what Suthep has been wanting since beginning. Military mediating so everyone talks.....Hope works this time.

Elected Leader or an appointed one through consensus should be fine as far as tensions are reduced and new process of democracy starts.

[Fat Haggis]

Make them all eat shit sandwiches and the last one not to throw up gets the PM slot, after all they have ALL been feeding the Thai public shit for the past 7 months, so eat up if you want the job!!!!

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[Seastallion]

Sounds like he's trying to cram an appointed dictator down everyone's throat, and he didn't invite the caretaker PM? Now we know for sure bthis is a coup. he's going to say an election is not possible because this big army he called out cannot secure a few election venues from 'protesters'.

Unless the caretaker PM is a member of one of tthe involved parties that HAVE been invited, there is no need for him to attend as his position is titular only. This meeting involves the players, not the temporary newcomer.

[Baerboxer]

Will the person behind Suthep be attending too? Or will they only send the puppet Suthep?

All the PTP and UDD puppets will be there, hoping for Skype or a good SMS connection. Their puppet master can't attend - he's a wanted convicted criminal.

[larsjohnsson]

Why do I have a premonition that Suthep will not turn up. I hope I am wrong though.

He will be there blowing in his gold whistle all the time.

[rubl]

Jatuporn, four red-shirt leaders to meet Prayuth at Army club at 1:30pm

BANGKOK: -- Jatuporn Prompan, chairman of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship, said he and four other UDD leaders would meet the Army chief at the Army Club at 1:30 pm.

He said he would be accompanied by Thida Thavornset, Nuttawut Saikuar, Veerakarn Musigapong and Korkaew Pikulthhong.

Jatuporn said the UDD would insist on its stand to have the people made decisions in the conflicts through an election.

-- The Nation 2014-05-21

If I was the General, I would nip this in the bud. Only those specifically invited allowed to attend. No hangers on.

There a newsflash in this thread which says

"Each party is permitted to bring four assistants to the meeting, but "the mass and supporters of these individuals are refrained from attending," the army statement said." That should cover it.

[Greg Nixon]

Although Suthep claims corruption, we have not heard details of it. He was on the inside and must know details but he treats Thais as children, asking the population to act without them knowing why.

[drand11]

Wouldn't you think you could come up with a short list of 5-6 reforms, that both sides agree to.

Put this to rest... or even put the proposed reforms onto the Ballot to let the public vote (Since in all reality, there is not proper representation in Gov't).

This allows both sides to resolve the matter and allow the people to decide.

But truly, PDRC doesn't care about this. They just want more power, which truly, they can only get by winnind an election.

Goood luck on that one!!

[drand11]

This is what Suthep has been wanting since beginning. Military mediating so everyone talks.....Hope works this time.

Elected Leader or an appointed one through consensus should be fine as far as tensions are reduced and new process of democracy starts.

Now that's a bit comical... Suthep wanted a Coup to get Yingluk out of power....so that Dems and PDRC could gain power. It had nothing to do with a mutual discussion. Heck, how many times did the Gov't invite Yingluk to the table yet he would not be party to a negotiation. This is clearly documented. Did Suthep ever attend any of the 2-3 Reform discussions? No.

[Thait Spot]

"The addition of caretaker PM to the list of invitees came as a surprise to many, because earlier in the day an army spokesman said only representatives of the Senate, the Election Commission, the ruling Pheu Thai Party, the Democrat Party, and leaders of the protest groups would be invited."

Very confusing. One would have thought that the Caretaker would have been encapsulated in the "Pheu Thai Party" part of it.

Did the army forget who is now leading that collection of individuals?

[Just1Voice]

Once people are no longer paid to vote on one particular party, the elections should be respected by everyone for a 4 year period - if you vote on the opposition you must accept the outcome of the elections. As it is now and has been for a long time in Thailand, we know that paid to vote is the reason people can't accept the results.

Will you "vote buying" morons PLEASE give it a f'ing rest!!! First, vote buying has been going on by ALL parties since "democracy" was introduced to Thailand. That's a fact. Second, if you actually read more than comic books, you would be well aware that "vote buying" doesn't mean a damn thing. Even Korn, one of the more respectable Democrats openly admitted that in the last Election, where Yingluck and PTP won, the Democrats spent MORE in vote buying than PTP, and they still lost, and stated that vote buying has NO EFFECT on the outcome of the vote. People take the money, then vote for who they want anyway.

Try finding another dead horse to beat and bitch about.

[PhilipCook]

Korea faced similar challenges when changing the society from one influenced by military to one controlled by civilians. Thailand too will grow to require less 'assistance' from the green suits and more from officials that are held accountable for their actions and adherence to the rule of law that governs everyone in Thailand equally and fairly.

[Fat Haggis]

The caretaker PM didn't show up at the meeting apparently

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[shaurene]

I hope he will be so strong and give them options, like do you want to do it the easy way or the hard way, these are the conditions for the hard way and now I am in charge. You do it my way or not at all. The hard way is all of you will be arrested and placed in a military prison and get out when I am ready to let you out.

Three cheers for the GENERAL.

[rubl]

Gen Prayuth chairs meeting with 7 political conflict groups including PDRC, UDD, Pheu Thai, Democrats, Senate, EC to seek way out of crisis /MCOT

AS six out of seven political conflict groups are named I wonder what the name of the seventh is. Might that be the PCAD or maybe the Pheu Thai or just the not-yet-stepped-down Pheu Thai led government?

[Stan7444]

Suthep and Jutaporn in the same room,hope they bring the boxing gloves.

Very large room for very large egos and concrete wall separating them possibly.

[Chris Lawrence]

The problem for both sides of this conflict is, there is not going to be a winner takes all result.

The question then remains, are the actual individuals who are controlling this conflict in the room?

No

[Roadman]

It seems it was all selfies and smiles. Really weird especially Thida in full fang smile....tweeted in news as weird but Thida smiling is frightening...bad dreams tonite seeing that.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Roadman

[AleG]

Once people are no longer paid to vote on one particular party, the elections should be respected by everyone for a 4 year period - if you vote on the opposition you must accept the outcome of the elections. As it is now and has been for a long time in Thailand, we know that paid to vote is the reason people can't accept the results.

Will you "vote buying" morons PLEASE give it a f'ing rest!!! First, vote buying has been going on by ALL parties since "democracy" was introduced to Thailand. That's a fact. Second, if you actually read more than comic books, you would be well aware that "vote buying" doesn't mean a damn thing. Even Korn, one of the more respectable Democrats openly admitted that in the last Election, where Yingluck and PTP won, the Democrats spent MORE in vote buying than PTP, and they still lost, and stated that vote buying has NO EFFECT on the outcome of the vote. People take the money, then vote for who they want anyway.

Try finding another dead horse to beat and bitch about.

And you know that why? Can you show the interview were he said that, because I think I know where that third hand hearsay comes from and Korn didn't say what you claim, so really, you shouldn't be calling people morons over your non-existent facts.

[Fat Haggis]

7th group could very well be the Senate

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[casualbiker]

The caretaker PM didn't show up at the meeting apparently

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Apparently working from offices at the Commerce Ministry .. I suppose someone has to oversee the document shredding!

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[webfact]

Gen Prayuth convenes, chairs meeting with all groups in political conflict
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, May 21 -- Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha on Wednesday chaired a meeting he convened with groups engaged in political confrontation and conflict to seek a way out of the country's political crisis.

In his capacity as director of the Peace and Order Maintaining Command (POMC), Gen Prayuth called a meeting between political rivals to end the months long political deadlock at the Army Sports Club on Vibahvadi Road this afternoon.

Representing the caretaker government were four caretaker ministers, Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Varathep Ratanakorn, Energy Minister Pongsak Ruktapongpisal and Deputy Education Minister Sermsak Pongpanich

Acting Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan did not attend the meeting but he reportedly earlier had a telephone conversation with Gen Prayuth.

Democrat Party representatives were led by party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Jurin Laksanawisit, Juti Krairiksh, Nipit Intrasombat and Chamni Sakdiset.

The Pheu Thai Party delegation comprised deputy party leader Pol Gen Wiroj Pao-in, Phumtham Wechayachai, Chusak Srinin, Wan Muhamad Nor Matha and Prompong Noparit.

Five Election Commission (EC) members -- EC chair Supachai Somcharoen, Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, Boonsong Noisophon, Pravich Rattanapian and Thirawat Thirarojwit as well as EC secretary general Puchong Nutrawong attended the meeting.

Surachai Liengboonlertchai, Senate Speaker-elect joined the meeting.

The anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) was led by its secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban, Satit Wingnongtaey, Akanat Promphan, Sombat Thamrongthanyawong and Somsak Kosaisuk.

The pro-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the red shirts, were represented by chair Jatuporn Promphan, Natthawut Saikua, Thida Thawornsret, Veerakan Musikapong and Korkaew Pikulthong.

The Navy, Air Force and national police chiefs also attended the meeting. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-05-21

[Chris Lawrence]

The caretaker PM didn't show up at the meeting apparently

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Yeah he is scared that the General has already fitted him for new shoes, one size fits all in that greyish cement colour.

If the coup is not a coup, the General should be protecting the cartaker leader.

But then the General couldn't give a toss.

This process is not about fairness; your on the Generals railroad and he is in control.

Its about being seen as doing something, positive or negative it doesn't really matter.

[DirtFarmer]

Once people are no longer paid to vote on one particular party, the elections should be respected by everyone for a 4 year period - if you vote on the opposition you must accept the outcome of the elections. As it is now and has been for a long time in Thailand, we know that paid to vote is the reason people can't accept the results.

Will you "vote buying" morons PLEASE give it a f'ing rest!!! First, vote buying has been going on by ALL parties since "democracy" was introduced to Thailand. That's a fact. Second, if you actually read more than comic books, you would be well aware that "vote buying" doesn't mean a damn thing. Even Korn, one of the more respectable Democrats openly admitted that in the last Election, where Yingluck and PTP won, the Democrats spent MORE in vote buying than PTP, and they still lost, and stated that vote buying has NO EFFECT on the outcome of the vote. People take the money, then vote for who they want anyway.

Try finding another dead horse to beat and bitch about.

And you know that why? Can you show the interview were he said that, because I think I know where that third hand hearsay comes from and Korn didn't say what you claim, so really, you shouldn't be calling people morons over your non-existent facts.

On the effectiveness of vote-buying, lets look back to the 2007 election and this concession by former Finance Minister Korn made at the FCCT in 2008. Below is a rough summary:

Question by Jonathan Head of BBC to Korn

: Why are the Democrats always unable to win more votes in the Northeast?

Answer by Korn

: …I can tell you what is not the issue. People like to divide the camps into rural and urban. The majority of the southern voters are rural. The popularity of Thaksin in the Northeast and to a lesser degree in the North is undeniable. It is also undeniable that traditionally they have been less politically active then southerners. I

t is also undeniable that money politics is less prevalent in the South. We we have less money than PPP. However I agree with Chris [baker], money “is the price you pay to play the game but it doesn’t dictate whether you win or lose

”. “If a candidate today in Loei runs under the Democrat banner for him to try to win he would need to spend two or three times more than his PPP opponent in order to win and even then he still might lose.

This is exactly what happened in the last election.

A number of the old TRT MPs in the Northeast defected to the new party Puea Paendin and “they outspent PPP three to one and they still lost”.

This goes along way to confirming what Chris said,

but money is no longer determinative of your success.

What Thaksin did was to make that connection and make it directly relevant to his target group. We are less afraid to compete against vote-buying than the buying of MPs. I still believe at the end of the day that if you sold your vote it is still your decision in the ballot box. However, it would be very ineffective for the Democrats to buy a Northeastern MP.

Simply at the end of the day we cannot go against the will of the people and no amount of money will help.

http://asiancorrespondent.com/116697/vote-buying-thaksin-and-the-democrats/

In that article there is an audio mp3 which you can download of Korns words

"“For the last election, it may be because we actually used more than them. Therefore, don’t talk about this issue anymore"

Edited May 21, 2014 by DirtFarmer

[uty6543]

Once people are no longer paid to vote on one particular party, the elections should be respected by everyone for a 4 year period - if you vote on the opposition you must accept the outcome of the elections. As it is now and has been for a long time in Thailand, we know that paid to vote is the reason people can't accept the results.

Will you "vote buying" morons PLEASE give it a f'ing rest!!! First, vote buying has been going on by ALL parties since "democracy" was introduced to Thailand. That's a fact. Second, if you actually read more than comic books, you would be well aware that "vote buying" doesn't mean a damn thing. Even Korn, one of the more respectable Democrats openly admitted that in the last Election, where Yingluck and PTP won, the Democrats spent MORE in vote buying than PTP, and they still lost, and stated that vote buying has NO EFFECT on the outcome of the vote. People take the money, then vote for who they want anyway.

Try finding another dead horse to beat and bitch about.

If as you claim vote buying has NO EFFECT why do any political parities do it?

Would you go out and spend a large amount of money and get nothing for it more than once?