Compromise is key, says Thai Army Chief

[Fookhaht]

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.

Been there, done that, got the broken government...

[rebelplatoon]

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.

Weird how people, from reading the same item, get a totally different idea. I would say cheers to Prayuth. Good luck. It will take time but they can find common ground. Now all that we need is some leniency on both sides. Be clever.

[Fookhaht]

My advice to Prayuth, because I know he reads my advice on these threads, is:

For every party who does not return tomorrow with a compromise point, they lose their stakeholder position in these negotiations. Because they do not consider compromise, they, in effect, eliminate themselves.

Fair enough?

Will be happy to leave my phone number if he needs further clarification...

Edited May 21, 2014 by Fookhaht

[Roadman]

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.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Impressive poetry short of slings and arrows of outrageous fortunes.

Think of it as "The longest journey begins with the first step" and then about whatever happened to that man proclaiming the democratic attitude "ask not what your country can do for this country, but what you can do for this country" ...excuse the poetic license to make it fit with megalomania.

You are happily excused.

It seems many on here are not seeing what is happening. The Army has stepped in not only as final arbitrator which they have done in the past and stuffed up, but this time around also as negotiator and what a lot have still not picked up from these talks today, more importantly as a facilitator. Full marks to Khun Prayuth to date for the skills he has brought to the table including what he is now showing being man management and problem solving skills.

Agree the first small steps are being taken. Hopefully the Generals pupils in class join in with taking those steps.

[Fat Haggis]

Every marathon starts off with a single step

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[airconsult]

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.

Oh really? Fair to everyone?

Will the dems be allowed to campaign anywhere north of BKK, without being shot at of fire bombed? Say Udon Thani, Chiangmai ect?

Now if they were I would agree with your statement. But what are the chances of that happening? I wold assume slightly less than zero.

And can PTP politicians serve in Samut Sakhon without fear of democrat MP's gunning them down?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/521784-thai-democrat-mp-khanchit-sought-in-murder-case/

Happens all over you know?

[chrisrazz]

I can't see material reforms making much difference. It's the players within the system, and many outside the system, that need reforming, not just politicians, indeed, anyone on the government payroll or involved with government contracts. These people are raptors, voraciously feeding at every opportunity.$$$$$

[sprongz]

They could learn something from the catholics. Lock them all in a room and don't let them out until they have agreed on a solution.

And the result was a poof of smoke

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[casualbiker]

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.

Oh really? Fair to everyone?

Will the dems be allowed to campaign anywhere north of BKK, without being shot at of fire bombed? Say Udon Thani, Chiangmai ect?

Now if they were I would agree with your statement. But what are the chances of that happening? I wold assume slightly less than zero.

And can PTP politicians serve in Samut Sakhon without fear of democrat MP's gunning them down?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/521784-thai-democrat-mp-khanchit-sought-in-murder-case/

Happens all over you know?

In which case it should stop. No?

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[kingstonkid]

while the European Union called for "a clear timetable" for a snap election.

No offence to Euro members here but that is the stupidest thing I have read yet on this site.

Snap election will do nothing to resolve the issues.

PT tells the people of the north that they will give each of them a thousand baht and will bring Thaksin home and wilmaintain rule by THAKSIN THINS pt DOES.

PT wins.

Tries another amneesty bill

realizes that they cannot afford 1000 bahtper serson and we aare right back where we started.

Reforms have to be in place before anything is done.

[airconsult]

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.

Oh really? Fair to everyone?

Will the dems be allowed to campaign anywhere north of BKK, without being shot at of fire bombed? Say Udon Thani, Chiangmai ect?

Now if they were I would agree with your statement. But what are the chances of that happening? I wold assume slightly less than zero.

And can PTP politicians serve in Samut Sakhon without fear of democrat MP's gunning them down?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/521784-thai-democrat-mp-khanchit-sought-in-murder-case/

Happens all over you know?

In which case it should stop. No?

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I guess it would stop if they were prosecuted (on both sides) - you can check his case if you're interested.

[casualbiker]

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.

Oh really? Fair to everyone?

Will the dems be allowed to campaign anywhere north of BKK, without being shot at of fire bombed? Say Udon Thani, Chiangmai ect?

Now if they were I would agree with your statement. But what are the chances of that happening? I wold assume slightly less than zero.

And can PTP politicians serve in Samut Sakhon without fear of democrat MP's gunning them down?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/521784-thai-democrat-mp-khanchit-sought-in-murder-case/

Happens all over you know?

In which case it should stop. No?

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I guess it would stop if they were prosecuted (on both sides) - you can check his case if you're interested.

No thanks. Just another rich and privileged knob amongst many .. and I totally agree that justice should be fair for all..time for reforms then!

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[ManopY]

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.

Not until something like this can not be done anymore! => Click the picture and look carefully!

[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'.

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.

Thank you for confirming that you have no idea what Suthep and the PDRC want.

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.

Do you know why it didn't lead to anything? I suggest you do some research. Start with Kofi Annan and google and....

Good luck. Do come back if you have educated yourself.

What's noticable is that you also didn't state what Suthep means by reform, or justify the Democrats failure to do reforms when they were last in power.

You don't know either do you!?

[Frank James]

I find it rather hurtful and rude that no farangs were invited to give our input, voice our concerns, such as...

Where can a guy get a decent pizza in this country?!....How much should I tip, or do I even need to?....Why do I have to do 90 day reports?...Why do you have all of these holidays, when a guy can't buy alcohol?...Why don't you drive on the right side of the road here?...Why do I have to pay double admission at the Grand Palace?...Why do the taxi drivers tell me the Grand Palace is closed every time I go there, but I look inside and see Chinese tour groups posing for pictures?...How can I tell if a Thai lady really loves me?...Why don't more Thais speak English?...Why can't I find clothes in Real Guy Size?

Etc.

[Robby nz]

If I put a picture of my monkey on a placard and its position on the ballot and walk up this village with 500 Baht in my hand for each voter then for sure I could get my monkey elected. Why, monkey or people the only thing they are interested in is the 500 Baht. Until this changes the north will continue to control the bought election. It would do no good to post the army at the polling stations as the Taksin payoffs take place long before voting. This has to stop but I don't think it can. They love money more than their country. We are going through another big rain dance!

As part of the Sor Por Kor 4-01 (สปก.4-01) land reform scheme, Suthep gave title deeds to 592 plots of land in Khao Sam Liam, Kamala and Nakkerd hills of Phuket province to 489 farmers. It was later found that members of 11 wealthy families in Phuket were among the recipients. Suthep addressed a huge crowd in his Surat Thani constituency a month before a no-confidence debate and called on his supporters to march on Bangkok in the hundreds of thousands to defend his reputation.^[5] The scandal led Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai of the Democrat Party to dissolve the House of Representatives in July 1995 in order to avoid the no-confidence debate.^[6] In subsequent elections, Thai Nation Party won a majority, leading to the downfall of Chuan Leekpai's Democrat Party-led government.

Wikileaks diplomatic cables from the US embassy revealed that many members of his own party have long complained of his corrupt and unethical behavior.^[7][8][9]

As part of the Sor Por Kor 4-01 (สปก.4-01) land reform scheme, Suthep gave title deeds to 592 plots of land in Khao Sam Liam, Kamala and Nakkerd hills of Phuket province to 489 farmers. It was later found that members of 11 wealthy families in Phuket were among the recipients

So 11 out of 489 who received titles were wealthy.

Isnt that disgusting that means only 478 were not wealthy.

Don't suppose anyone ever considered that the wealthy families may have had just as much historic claim to the land as the other 478.

No it was a great opportunity to get at someone that wasn't liked.

Why do you think no one has been game to touch land reform ever since ?

That political expediency of attacking Suthep has set land reforms back 20 years and counting.

And many thousand of poor people have suffered from being kicked off land they have occupied for generations as a result.

And who has got hold of that land ? That's right the rich.

[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.

IMHO that is where this is all heading. Especially with Khun Prayuth's comments that Pheau Thai are still the caretaker government. Agree it would be seen as a win for Pheau Thai but possibly only short term given that they are being slowly dismantled legally and rightfully by the courts. The turning point for perhaps not Pheau Thai but especially UDD and Jatuporn (if he accepted then also being redundant from the house) would be that if they agreed to reforms before elections and among those reforms being criminals banned from ever running for election again as then that removes Thaksin and his criminal lackeys from the equation. And effectively removes Suthep. Somehow I think the likes of the UDD and the Reds minus Thaksin could be the biggest winner right now if they were to wise up to what Khun Prayuth is offering.

I agree with you up to the part where you believe that PT will be removed from "power" by the courts. This is exactly what should not happen as it will be back to square one. The way forward must be win win and face saving for all parties. It will not serve any purpose to now have PT removed by the courts as PT will in essence be the govt in name only without any authority.

Allow "reforms" to be done while PT is still in power in the capacity of caretaker govt. Then when the agreed reforms are implemented, go to the polls.

This will ensure that all parties save face and new elections result will be more easily accepted by all.

[phanangpete]

I personally now believe that a democratic state cannot become a reality here and maybe the Army chief has come to the same conclusion.

With the mass of elected representatives uneducated cons who if interviewed indepth would fall to pieces and give no logic in their answers, what does the future hold.

I remember only a few years back that some Ministers were stating that newly elected MP's should have a Uni degree, but this totally fell by the wayside as it did not follow the rule of democratically elected, via the ballot box. ie: would exclude 98 % of population .

We all know that this is a fixed system anyhow. Abhisit had a degree from Uk which helped somewhat as he can speak english, which can be useful when overseas (stating the obvious) and he's one of the few, because of his background, who understands the democratic process.

I think the Chief is saying ,right come up with a solution or i have no alternative ,other than to impose one.

Makes sense as the Country needs to move forward, as they are looking silly to the eyes of the world.

A strong leader is required (obvious) and if the only alterative is a military one so be it !

Dicatorship maybe, only done in the right way ,would that suit this Country.

By the way its an opinion i don't necessarily agree, so keep stupid comments for another topic !

[HasipHasip5]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

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.

lol. It's called a veiled threat. I hope for Thailand's sake that it is just about trying to find a peaceful solution.

[DubaiIsCalling]

"We won't Thailand to be like Ukraine or Egypt" That has to be an understatement. Here it is worse. For decades. The deep south. Corruption. Elite clinging to power. An average of +1 military coup per 10 years. The General is a populist bringing all these warriors to have a grim on their face. What will change. Zero zero , nada rien de knots, Zlotzkly. Thaksin has to come back. The only leader with Balls and a majority support.

[Robby nz]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

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.

lol. It's called a veiled threat. I hope for Thailand's sake that it is just about trying to find a peaceful solution.

And he has got a group together the leaders of all of which have been making open threats.

Seems a reasonable response.

[patjem]

If I put a picture of my monkey on a placard and its position on the ballot and walk up this village with 500 Baht in my hand for each voter then for sure I could get my monkey elected. Why, monkey or people the only thing they are interested in is the 500 Baht. Until this changes the north will continue to control the bought election. It would do no good to post the army at the polling stations as the Taksin payoffs take place long before voting. This has to stop but I don't think it can. They love money more than their country. We are going through another big rain dance!

I don't buy it. Both sides use corruption,it does not guarantee a win. The PT wins elections because they have populist policies. Like it or not that is what most of the rural lower income earners want.

Populist policies that bankrupt the country.... 2 problems rolled into one.... and their answer: it's our mandate, we promised in our election campaign. Herein lieth a big part of the problem.

[Nickymaster]

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'.

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.

Thank you for confirming that you have no idea what Suthep and the PDRC want.

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.

Do you know why it didn't lead to anything? I suggest you do some research. Start with Kofi Annan and google and....

Good luck. Do come back if you have educated yourself.

What's noticable is that you also didn't state what Suthep means by reform, or justify the Democrats failure to do reforms when they were last in power.

You don't know either do you!?

i have covered these items a few times already in other threads. Trust me, I know.

[wvavin]

".........At least we had a chance to talk to each other" What a joke? There are so many ways and chances to talk but the red shirts are busy planning to split the country.

[casualbiker]

"We won't Thailand to be like Ukraine or Egypt" That has to be an understatement. Here it is worse. For decades. The deep south. Corruption. Elite clinging to power. An average of +1 military coup per 10 years. The General is a populist bringing all these warriors to have a grim on their face. What will change. Zero zero , nada rien de knots, Zlotzkly. Thaksin has to come back. The only leader with Balls and a majority support.

Another new nutjob living in a different country in a parallel universe!

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[patjem]

"We won't Thailand to be like Ukraine or Egypt" That has to be an understatement. Here it is worse. For decades. The deep south. Corruption. Elite clinging to power. An average of +1 military coup per 10 years. The General is a populist bringing all these warriors to have a grim on their face. What will change. Zero zero , nada rien de knots, Zlotzkly. Thaksin has to come back. The only leader with Balls and a majority support.

A coward that runs away from a 2-year jail sentence has balls? Pull the other one. And the notorious Khun_T's Gestapo (DSI) filing trumped-up charges against Abhisit, don't see him running away. Prayuth is the one with balls, evidently.

[millwall_fan]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

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?

The trouble with that is that the Suthep faction wants reforms that will enable them to get elected, whereas PTP will want reforms of the judiciary and court system. Nope. no common ground there.

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.

now that's a novel idea. I wonder if Gen. Prayuth is clever enough to have thought of that.

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 !!

If his predecessors had kept their snouts out of politics over the past 30-50 years, Thailand might be further down the democratic road that it is. All Suthep's merry men blocking intersections, occupying government ministries, throwing grenades at their won supporters - all those actions have had one screaming objective. MILITARY INTERVENTION. Now they've got it - again. Reform of the armed services should be high up the re-elected governments agenda so that they can defend the country's borders and contribute usefully to international peacekeeping, but not have the capacity to turn their guns on their own people.

[BlueNoseCodger]

while the European Union called for "a clear timetable" for a snap election.

No offence to Euro members here but that is the stupidest thing I have read yet on this site.

Snap election will do nothing to resolve the issues.

PT tells the people of the north that they will give each of them a thousand baht and will bring Thaksin home and wilmaintain rule by THAKSIN THINS pt DOES.

PT wins.

Tries another amneesty bill

realizes that they cannot afford 1000 bahtper serson and we aare right back where we started.

Reforms have to be in place before anything is done.

You allegation of vote buying is a fraudulent excuse to avoid the real issue you face: Abhisit is unelectable, your elitist nonsense doesn't win votes. You can't win an election, so you try to undermine the democracy.

Face it, you'll go to the polls and you'll lose Bangkok this time, what will your excuse be then? Martians? Some sort of mind-ray from Dubai?

[BigC]

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.

Unfortualty it is not that simple

They should have new elections but neither party can stand. Make way for new government and new restrictions as to what pm'a can do to stop the abuse of power which started all this in he first place

Prime ministers should only be aloud to stand for 1 term not 2 or 3 to avoid them getting to comfortable

Also I am please that the army have the power to stop all nonsense and show good judgment and they have shown the world that they are in charge of the country but they support democracy which is very important as the powers that be could push for dictatorship but they chose not to which I am very happy about

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[wandasloan]

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.

Hmmm. I'd say that a 3am declaration of martial law with prepared orders to muzzle basic freedoms, occupy hundreds of properties, block key roads.... I'd call that fairly hasty. The Kamnan has planned for more than six months, giving careful notice at every step. The UDD have planned for weeks and over a period of time decided to interfere with practically no one.

But the man (of course) with 200,000 guns and heavy artillery is the one who doesn't make hasty decisions? Is there some way you can think of that he can change or annul his 3am decision in any manner?

Let us all hastily hope he has a plan, because he sure hasn't seemed to for two straight days so far. And just like in 2006, that 75% favourable poll ratings for his cou... his non-coup will disappear in weeks, not months. The whole country is now helpless because of his hasty decision and we can all hope, pray or worry our beads that he is less witless than he appears.

Keep in mind at all times. This is the man who couldn't defeat Cambodia on the battlefield, and who admitted last week he can't protect schools and school children in Yala because he forgot to provide enough protection units. This is the man we HAVE to trust, no alternatives apart from those hectolitres of which you speak.

.

Edited May 21, 2014 by wandasloan