Compromise is key, says Thai Army Chief

[webfact]

Prayuth asks stakeholders in political conflict to find compromising point

All happy smiles at Thai peace talks

BANGKOK: -- Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha Wednesday asked representatives of stakeholders in the political conflict to return to consult their sides what a compromising point should be, a military spokesman said.

The spokesman of the Peace and Order Maintaining Command told a press conference that representatives of the seven sides were told by Prayuth to find a point that their sides could accept and come back for a meeting again Thursday at 2 pm.

The spokesman announced the result of the two-hour meeting held at the Army Club by Prasyuth. The meeting was attended by representatives of the caretaker government, the Democrat, the Pheu Thai, the red-shirt movement, the People's Democratic Reform Committee, the Senate and the Election Commission.

-- The Nation 2014-05-21

[ryan handsome]

Good!

[webfact]

Thai army chief holds meeting of political rivals
by Boonradom Chitradon

BANGKOK, May 21, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's military hosted ground-breaking talks Wednesday between warring political rivals after the army chief imposed martial law to prevent the deeply divided kingdom degenerating into another "Ukraine or Egypt".

The opposing camps and other top officials met for more than two hours under heavy guard in Bangkok in what one hardline supporter of the elected government called a "good" atmosphere.

There was no breakthrough at the talks chaired by army leader General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who invoked martial law Tuesday, and another meeting was called for Thursday at 2 pm (0700 GMT).

"Everybody agreed to consider other groups' suggestions to find a joint solution for our country," said army spokeswoman Sirichan Ngathong, adding that 40 people attended.

"It's the first time that they talked to each other in person," she added.

Prayut brought the two sides together as US-led pressure grew for civilian control to be restored amid concern that the move by the military, which has intervened repeatedly in politics down the decades, posed a grave threat to democracy in Southeast Asia's largest economy.

The meeting included top officials of the ruling and opposition parties and of the election commission and Senate, as well as the heads of the pro- and anti-government protest camps.

- 'Good atmosphere' -

"The atmosphere at the meeting was good. At least we had a chance to talk to each other," Thida Thavornseth, a core leader of the "Red Shirt" movement that supports the beleaguered current government, told AFP.

But she added: "I don't know whether we can come up with anything concrete tomorrow."

Caretaker Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, who replaced Yingluck Shinawatra after a controversial court ruling ousted her this month, did not attend but was represented by five cabinet ministers, a government official told AFP.

Niwattumrong has called for fresh elections on August 3.

But the opposition wants vaguely defined reforms first to tackle graft and has vowed to stay on the streets until it has eradicated the influence of the "regime" it says is led from abroad by Yingluck's self-exiled elder brother Thaksin Shinawatra, also a former prime minister.

Prayut, 60, has said he invoked martial law to prevent political tensions spiralling out of control following months of deadly anti-government protests, and insists he intends to broker a solution, but critics have branded his actions a de facto coup.

"I will not allow Thailand to be like Ukraine or Egypt," Prayut said Tuesday, according to remarks released by the military.

Thailand has been wracked by nearly seven months of streets protests that have left 28 people dead and hundreds wounded.

In a new sign of its weakening hold on power, the caretaker cabinet has been barred by the army from accessing the emergency headquarters the cabinet had been using at a defence ministry office in the capital.

"The government is now using a safe house," said the government official who spoke to AFP.

Bangkok was calm Wednesday, with unfazed Thais going about their business and the city's bustling street life carrying on amid a noticeably lighter military presence compared to the day before, when armed troops were deployed.

But martial law gives the military wide power to ban public gatherings, restrict people's movements, conduct searches, impose curfews and detain suspects for up to seven days.

Late Tuesday four more satellite television stations were ordered to suspend broadcasts, bringing to 14 the number shut down.

Social media and other websites were instructed not to distribute "provocative" material or criticism of martial law, and the military issued guidelines restricting who media outlets can interview.

Thailand's longtime ally the United States said it did not believe the army had staged a coup -- avoiding sanctions required under US law -- but urged respect for democracy.

"The army has stated publicly that it would be a temporary action. We expect them to abide by their commitment," said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki, adding Washington was encouraging the Thai military to protect "civil liberties and freedom of speech and freedom of media".
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement urging "full respect for democratic principles", while the European Union called for "a clear timetable" for a snap election.

The military left in place the caretaker government in office since the dismissal of Yingluck, whose brother Thaksin was himself ousted in a 2006 coup.

Anti-government protesters claim he still controls the government from exile.

Parties led by Thaksin or his allies have won every election over the past dozen years, to the dismay of an entrenched Bangkok-based elite who accuse him of corruption and posing a threat to the monarchy.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-21

[BigC]

Yes compromise is the only solution as neither side shall ever agree

Can only agree to disagree and meet in the middle when it comes to negotiations

Both side have to sign to say they accept

My only worry is there shall be some hard line people that won't accept this and start a new group of pro or anti government

If the army is trying to work on restoring democracy then this is a good thing

Means that the army are against dictator ship and want to act as a referee when needed

Respect to the army !

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[Mackie]

It appears the general is the wisest head of all. He kept his cool and didn't rush into making hasty decisions. Let's not forget that UDD/red shirts militants threatened his daughters/family. Yet he has risen above it. The message is clear. There is still enough time to find the way out of this mess without spilling hectoliters of blood.

[ironbark]

Maybe this is the circuit breaker that the two sides need to break the impasse.

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[Scamper]

Now we're getting somewhere. And Prayuth has given them time to see if they can find any common ground so far. Not long, though. Round number two is tomorrow. Just by holding this meeting and getting all these people together in the same room, Prayuth has shown more success than either Yingluck or Niwattumrong during the last three years combined. It's called leading, and it's called talking.

[webfact]

First day of meeting on resolving political crisis ends inconclusively
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, May 21 -- No conclusion was reached in today's first meeting of the groups in political confrontation and conflict chaired by Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha.

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.

The rivals met at the Army Club on Vibahvadi Road in the afternoon.

After two hours of meeting, the gathering was dismissed at about 4pm and Gen Prayuth told the seven groups involved in resolving the crisis to review the proposals and options presented at today's meeting to bring the country out of its political impasse.

Deputy army spokesman Col Winthai Suvari told a press conference afterward that the gathering has conducted in a friendly atmosphere.

All sides agreed to return peace and normalcy to the Thai public as soon as possible, he said.

Forty persons representing seven groups attended today's meeting.

Col Winthai said that Gen Prayuth wanted answers from the groups tomorrow when they reconvene at 2pm at the same location. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-05-21

[bobmac10]

What the Army should be doing is to declare that fresh elections will be held and all polling stations will be open and guarded by the military.

The political parties will have a chance to broadcast their platforms and policies and then let the people of Thailand decide who they want to run the country.

[Zolt]

It looks more and more likely that the "compromise" that will be reached will be overwhelmingly favorable to Suthep & co and will includ having an army general as PM.

[robblok]

Caretaker Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, who replaced Yingluck Shinawatra after a controversial court ruling ousted her this month, did not attend but was represented by five cabinet ministers, a government official told AFP.

I can only say a worthy replacement of YL he is following in her footsteps.

As for the actions of the Army.. great finally we are getting somewhere and the government is quite weak so they might well be forced to give into more as before.

[robblok]

It looks more and more likely that the "compromise" that will be reached will be overwhelmingly favorable to Suthep & co and will includ having an army general as PM.

Yes it looks like PTP has lost, and the people let out a sigh of relief.

[Eric Loh]

Now that Prayuth has got all sides attention, he should consider pushing for a Royal Commision for Reform. Get all sides to be represented, discuss and propose a reform framework and get the people involved through a referendum. The referendum should contain all reforms and the referendum will decide which reform to be undertakened. Country need an elected government to get the economy back on track.

[Thailand]

One side wants elections.

One side does not. Unless certain obscure reforms are incorporated before elections.

How about a compromise brokered by the military whereby all parties that would be taking part in an election agree to have reforms as the main election platform whoever wins?

[BlueNoseCodger]

How about this:

We hold elections, Democrats try to win seats, Pheu Thai try to win seats.

Then we allocate the seats based on how many votes each gets, sharing the House of Representatives.

That house can then choose a leader, by electing one.

They can vote for bills and amendments, bill by bill, by voting on it.

Every side can submit proposed amendments and only the ones that gain enough votes get through.

That system is fair to everyone, and the Thai people get their voice heard.

[Gweiloman]

A simple compromise is for the current caretaker government to continue governing while reforms (whatever that means) are being undertaken followed by elections.

This is a win win for both the reforms before elections group and for the Reds as they are still the "government", albeit not having full authority.

[lookin around]

I vote for the General

Sent from my GT-P3110 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[IamNoone88]

Smiles or grimaces? Well done General P.

[diehard60]

Yes compromise is the only solution as neither side shall ever agree

Can only agree to disagree and meet in the middle when it comes to negotiations

Both side have to sign to say they accept

My only worry is there shall be some hard line people that won't accept this and start a new group of pro or anti government

If the army is trying to work on restoring democracy then this is a good thing

Means that the army are against dictator ship and want to act as a referee when needed

Respect to the army !

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

for sure and at the top of the list suthep and that so called NON MONK

[robblok]

A simple compromise is for the current caretaker government to continue governing while reforms (whatever that means) are being undertaken followed by elections.

This is a win win for both the reforms before elections group and for the Reds as they are still the "government", albeit not having full authority.

Might be a good compromise though nobody trust this government to do the reforms, you need an other party to do that.

Unless of course beforehand it is agreed what the reforms will be then its just a question of implementing them.

At this point the government is weak.. so they will have to do a lot of concessions it wont take much to topple them now.

Even though the army looks impartial we all know who they favor, so the government will have to give in to remain in power.

[diehard60]

To bad the General did not do this 6 months ago before suthep and that monk killed and hurt many people again

[rollrunna]

Army chief.. makes heavy sigh noise then bangs all the heads together... now go away kids and rethink your silliness... come back and we can all discuss it like adults and Be Adults.... and dont expect me to keep coming back like this every few years, you are a pantomime for the world !!

[casualbiker]

Jesus .. give the guy a chance to defuse a tricky situation .. when has it been said by Prayuth that there will be no elections.. never. He has stated that when Thailand returns to normalcy there will be.. get with the program. And bobmac.. Most Thai political parties don't have platforms and policies ..!

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Hawkman]

At last. Let's hope this includes fresh elections on the compromise no party can be run or headed by someone with a criminal record. This country needs to see the end of the Shin clan and Suthep too, then we can move forward.

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[leggo]

Compromise - my God whoever thought of that! Amazingly brilliant! In most countries they call compromising a free election - if any of the above commentators think this is going to bring democracy to Thailand they need their heads examined- the people of Thailand are the only ones who can do that through the ballot box not a group of power hungry and financially self serving megalos sitting around a table carving up the spoils.

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[LuckyLew]

Not a good start when acting PM decided not to attend ... shows complete arrigance and a "I do not give a <deleted>" what you say

From picture .. if Thida and Jutaporn where there you can bet compromise is not in their vocabulary

[h90]

How about this:

We hold elections, Democrats try to win seats, Pheu Thai try to win seats.

Then we allocate the seats based on how many votes each gets, sharing the House of Representatives.

That house can then choose a leader, by electing one.

They can vote for bills and amendments, bill by bill, by voting on it.

Every side can submit proposed amendments and only the ones that gain enough votes get through.

That system is fair to everyone, and the Thai people get their voice heard.

You know on this system the Dems would be much stronger than now....They always had approx. the same amounts on the popular votes.

With just popular votes it would be extreme difficult to do vote buying-->that topic off the table.

With it you could make the parliament smaller.

I would say your idea is good. But I would add something:

All bills and amendments that are vote for go to the constitutional court, there will be decided which are minor, non problematic laws. These will be made into law immediately.

These who are considered important will put in a referendum.

Reason: big changes in the constitution should be decided in a referendum. But it would mess up things if a 1000 small things will be put to referendum.

A referendum of a complete package is a bit undemocratic.

[stickylies]

Land Of Smiles Clowns

[Gweiloman]

A simple compromise is for the current caretaker government to continue governing while reforms (whatever that means) are being undertaken followed by elections.

This is a win win for both the reforms before elections group and for the Reds as they are still the "government", albeit not having full authority.

Might be a good compromise though nobody trust this government to do the reforms, you need an other party to do that.

Unless of course beforehand it is agreed what the reforms will be then its just a question of implementing them.

At this point the government is weak.. so they will have to do a lot of concessions it wont take much to topple them now.

Even though the army looks impartial we all know who they favor, so the government will have to give in to remain in power.

No one trusts no one to do any reforms, one of the reasons being that no one (other than Suthep it seems) knows what the reforms are supposed to be. This is one of the first issues that need to be thrashed out and agreed to.

In the meantime, the stalemate needs to be resolved. PT will not give up power unless it's at the ballot box. PDRC does not want to quit unless there are reforms before elections. So let PT continue "governing" under the watchful eye of the Army and in the meantime, set up an acceptable committee to implement agreed upon reforms. Both sides save face, both sides win, both side's supporters would accept.

[BlueNoseCodger]

A simple compromise is for the current caretaker government to continue governing while reforms (whatever that means) are being undertaken followed by elections.

This is a win win for both the reforms before elections group and for the Reds as they are still the "government", albeit not having full authority.

Reforms, whatever that means?

Surely that's the whole point. For Pheu Thai, reforms means making the Senate elected, and restoring it's oversight role over the independent agencies. Currently the Senate is half appointed, and appoints the independent agencies who in turn appoint the Senators. Making oversight practically non-existent and making the whole independent agencies a complete mess. Court said they could do the amendments one by one. Only to later impeach hundreds of Senators for voting on the amendment. (!)

For Suthep, who knows what he means by reform, he only came up with the word when pressed for a reason as to why he should be handed power. He's never stated any reforms.

For Democrats, well they had their "National Commission on Reform" headed by Anand last time they were in power. It just delayed the election, never led to anything.

For others, a buzzword they copied off BlueSky, but none of them can define some substance to it, or why it can be voted on by a referendum but cannot be a manifesto at an election.

So what exactly are the parties committing to? And why can't it be stated at election time so the voters can have their say on these magical 'reforms'.