First crucial talk went on smoothly but without any conclusion

[Lite Beer]

First crucial talk went on smoothly but without any conclusion

BANGKOK: -- The first round of talks in the search of a solution to the political impasse hosted by the army went on smoothly although without any conclusion except for a common agreement that a solution must be found quickly so that peace and order can be restored and the country can move forward.

Seven parties attended the meeting today chaired by Army Commander-in-Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha also director of Peace and Order Maintaining Command. They were the Democrat party, Pheu Thai party, the People’s Democratic Reform Committee, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, the government, the Election Commission and the Senate.

Acting Caretaker Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Bunsongphaisan did not attend the meeting but assigned Carekater Prime Ministter Pongthep Thepkanchana, Caretaker Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri, Caretaker Energy Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisarn, Caretaker PM’s Office Minister Varathep Rattanakorn and Caretaker Deputy Education Minister Sermsak Thepakham to attend on his behalf.

Mr Suthep Thaugsuban and four key figures represented the PDRC whereas the UDD was represented by Jatuporn Promphan, Nathawut Saikua, Mrs Thida Thavornseth and Veerakarn Musikapong.

The Senate was represented by acting Senate speaker Surachai Liangboonlertchai.

Emerging from the meeting, Mr Surachai told the media that the meeting went on smoothly and positively. He said opposing parties in the conflict were given a chance to air their political views and standpoints, adding that the views presented would be incorporated with the report prepared at the end of the informal discussion organized by the Senate last week.

Mr Surachai said he saw positive sign from the meeting although there were conflicting opinions which need to be thrashed out at the second round of the meeting tomorrow.

He disclosed that General Prayuth had assigned a “homework” for the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties, the UDD and the PDRC to do and to present their answers tomorrow.

Army deputy spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree said the atmosphere of the meeting was amicable with some laughters and the opposing parties attentively listened to the views of one another.

General Prayuth, he said, did not make any proposals or suggestions as the army was not part of the conflict.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/first-crucial-talk-went-smoothly-without-conclusion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=first-crucial-talk-went-smoothly-without-conclusion

-- Thai PBS 2014-05-21

[leggo]

Sounds like they all had a jolly good time! More tea vicar?!

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

[djjamie]

Well done Prayuth.

39 hours into Martial law the Military just announced that it caught a shooter from the Ramkhamhaeng University attacks yet the attacks happened on 30 November 2013. They already caught a major weapons cache from the "3rd hand". They have brought all parties together for the first time ever. They have stopped all attacks on peaceful protestors by the "3rd hand"

He is getting things done.

I truly praise his efficiency and admirable qualities in putting the peoples lives and the countries future first.

[Scamper]

" He disclosed that General Prayuth had assigned a “homework” for the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties, the UDD and the PDRC to do and to present their answers tomorrow. "

This is fascinating, because these tactics may yet yield results. It's a little bizarre that Nattawut sat with the UDD when he's supposedly a cabinet minister. Perhaps that's just his moonlighting job. It should be noted that Niwattumrong was not present, though one is not entirely sure what causal space he seems to occupy. He's already assigned the EC to deem him constitutionally legitimate by Friday. So perhaps he's just in shock. But Suthep - the man so many claimed would not have any interest in a meeting of this kind - was there. That also is promising. Round number two is tomorrow. At this rate - especially with Prayuth's prepare-at-home quiz for the major parties - it should be clear fairly quickly if anything is going to become of this. But if it doesn't, it seems the most likely outcome of that would be the Senate proceeding on track. So perhaps that will be an extra incentive.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Scamper

[h90]

" He disclosed that General Prayuth had assigned a “homework” for the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties, the UDD and the PDRC to do and to present their answers tomorrow. "

This is fascinating, because these tactics may yet yield results. It's a little bizarre that Nattawut sat with the UDD when he's supposedly a cabinet minister. Perhaps that's just his moonlighting job. It should be noted that Niwattumrong was not present, though one is not entirely sure what causal space he seems to occupy. He's already assigned the EC to deem him constitutionally legitimate by Friday. So perhaps he's just in shock. But Suthep - the man so many claimed would not have any interest in a meeting of this kind - was there. That also is promising. Round number two is tomorrow. At this rate - especially with Prayuth's prepare-at-home quiz for the major parties - it should be clear fairly quickly if anything is going to become of this. But if it doesn't, it seems the most likely outcome of that would be the Senate proceeding on track. So perhaps that will be an extra incentive.

If you discuss with people, they tend to cooperate very well if you hold a gun in your hand.

[kurtgruen]

I believe, this is the best possible scenario, that could have come out of all of this. Things seem to be moving in the right direction

[mrtoad]

The problem being is that The Desert Coward is probably not happy about this.

[Ron19]

The problem being is that The Desert Coward is probably not happy about this.

What a negative post.People are trying to find a solution to this political crisis and you make a comment like that.Part of the reason that this has dragged on for so long is because people with one track minds making making ridiculous statements like that.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Ron19

[kurnell]

It's like watching a parent scold their kids and say 'now you say sorry!'

[neverdie]

Reminds me of my law enforcement days. The guy in the cell would yell and scream abuse at you, threaten you with physical violence but when you opened the door to speak with him, he'd sit down In the corner, suddenly silent, calm, meek and mild.

Here we have supposed men who've been running around causing utmost disturbance and mayhem for days, weeks, months, years and yet when they finally get to the meeting it was probably a case of nervous smiles and wai's all around. Not a single punch, nor fist slam on the table.

Okay Gentleman, work it out and work it out like mature adults F F S.

Edited May 21, 2014 by neverdie

[See the bears]

The problem being is that The Desert Coward is probably not happy about this.

What a negative post.People are trying to find a solution to this political crisis and you make a comment like that.Part of the reason that this has dragged on for so long is because people with one track minds making making ridiculous statements like that.

He should be in the negotiations.

[neverdie]

The problem being is that The Desert Coward is probably not happy about this.

What a negative post.People are trying to find a solution to this political crisis and you make a comment like that.Part of the reason that this has dragged on for so long is because people with one track minds making making ridiculous statements like that.

He should be in the negotiations.

He should be in a Thai prison.

[webfact]

Talks yield no breakthrough
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- IN HIS FIRST meeting with warring parties yesterday, Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha mapped out resolutions to pull the country out of the ongoing political crisis, though they failed to come to a conclusion.

Representatives from the government, the ruling Pheu Thai Party, the opposition Democrat Party, the pro-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), the Senate and the Election Commission (EC) all presented their ideas to the Army chief.

The ideas they offered were no different from what they had previously proposed in public, which had failed to end the impasse. Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva outlined the very same roadmap that he had proposed earlier, Army deputy spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said.

In the second round of meeting today, the Army chief expects to get answers from all sides on five issues: election, neutral government, reform, protest and security measures, a source close to the meeting said.

Regarding holding an election, Prayuth wants to know how polls can be held in six to nine months. On the issue of a neutral government, he wants to know if it will be a caretaker government or one that has full mandate.

On reform, he wants to know precisely what reforms each side wants to see and in what form.

On protests, the Army chief wants to know if the protesters could end their rallies and return home soon, acting Senate Speaker Surachai Liengboonlertchai, who was at the meeting, said.

"The commander did not order that the protests be stopped, but said he wanted to see the protesters go home while the negotiation is going on," he revealed.

A source said Prayuth did not want to use force to crack down on either the pro- or anti-government protesters, but wanted all sides to stop their rallies peacefully.

Prayuth also wants to put measures in place for the safety of people and economic security, the source said.

However, people may not be able to come up with answers to Prayuth's questions overnight.

Pheu Thai 'ready to cooperate'

Pheu Thai Party's executive committee member Wan Muhammad Noor Matha insisted at the meeting that his party was happy to cooperate with the military, provided it was within the Constitutional framework, which did not allow a non-elected prime minister to take office.

At the meeting, Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri said people should be given the right to decide on the country's future through an election, and the martial law enforced by the military should facilitate a smooth round of balloting.

He said national reform required time and proper lawmakers to implement them. "A fully mandated premier without an election is legally impossible," he was quoted as saying at the meeting.

Meanwhile, UDD leader Jatuporn Promphan said as the parties present were not able to find common ground, the Army should hold a public referendum to see if the people wanted reform before election or the other way around. He suggested that the referendum be held in September and the election be scheduled for October or November.

PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban, however, insisted that as the country did not have a prime minister, it was the Senate's duty to find a non-political individual for the premier's job and implement reform before the election. He said conducting a public referendum as proposed by Jatuporn would only create new conflicts.

Prayuth told the meeting that he had enforced martial law because he did not wish to see any more bloodshed.

"I want to see every problem settled within this forum before I retire [in September]. I don't want my juniors to take up this job. If the problem is not solved, I will not retire," he was quoted as saying at the |meeting.

At the talks

Government: Varathep Ratanakorn, Chaikasem Nitisiri, Pongsak Ruktapongpisal, Sermsak Pongpanit, Phongthep Thepkanjana

Pheu Thai Party: Viroj Pao-in, Phumtham Wechayachai, Prompong Nopparit, Chusak Sirinil, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha

Democrat Party: Abhisit Vejjajiva, Jurin Laksanavisit, Nipit Indharasombat, Chamni Sakdiset, Chuti Krairiksh

UDD: Jatuporn Prompan, Nuttawut Saikuar, Thida Thavornseth, Veerakarn Musigapong, Korkaew Pikulthhong

PDRC: Suthep Thaugsuban, Satit Wongnongtaey, Akanat Promphan, Somsak Kosaisuk, Sombat Thamrongthanyawong

Election Commission: SupachaiSomcharoen, Pravich Rattanapian, Boonsong Noisophon, Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, Phuchong Nutrawong

Senate: Surachai Liengboon-lertchai, Peerasak Porjit


-- The Nation 2014-05-22

[neverdie]

The General has the RIGHT idea. Get these men into meetings, as much as possible. Get them talking to each other and coming up with real answers instead of yelling nonesense from makeshift stages.

Well done General, well done indeed !

[Centrum]

Actually, they're real stages. Jing, jing!

[casualbiker]

" He disclosed that General Prayuth had assigned a “homework” for the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties, the UDD and the PDRC to do and to present their answers tomorrow. "

This is fascinating, because these tactics may yet yield results. It's a little bizarre that Nattawut sat with the UDD when he's supposedly a cabinet minister. Perhaps that's just his moonlighting job. It should be noted that Niwattumrong was not present, though one is not entirely sure what causal space he seems to occupy. He's already assigned the EC to deem him constitutionally legitimate by Friday. So perhaps he's just in shock. But Suthep - the man so many claimed would not have any interest in a meeting of this kind - was there. That also is promising. Round number two is tomorrow. At this rate - especially with Prayuth's prepare-at-home quiz for the major parties - it should be clear fairly quickly if anything is going to become of this. But if it doesn't, it seems the most likely outcome of that would be the Senate proceeding on track. So perhaps that will be an extra incentive.

If you discuss with people, they tend to cooperate very well if you hold a gun in your hand.

But they still discuss .. and better that they are not holding the gun to each others head and the innocent Thai populations!

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[DLock]

"Acting Caretaker Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Bunsongphaisan did not attend the meeting but assigned Carekater Prime Ministter Pongthep Thepkanchana"

...glad to see the high standards set by Yingluck are being maintained.

It's not as if this meeting was important to his political future or that of the entire country.

...then again, if my title was preceded by "Acting caretaker", I'd probably stay home and eat fruit loops and watch cartoons as well.

[a99az]

Wow amazing! why am I not surprised? As for 75% support for this coup, it makes me wonder if the people truly understand what it is they are supporting.

[Chris Lawrence]

"I want to see every problem settled within this forum before I retire [in September]. I don't want my juniors to take up this job. If the problem is not solved, I will not retire," he was quoted as saying at the |meeting.

Hail Cesar!

Prayuth also wants to put measures in place for the safety of people and economic security, the source said.

Might be starting to hurt the hip pocket?

An excellent report from the Nation, that was approved.

[rickirs]

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Well done Prayuth.

39 hours into Martial law the Military just announced that it caught a shooter from the Ramkhamhaeng University attacks yet the attacks happened on 30 November 2013. They already caught a major weapons cache from the "3rd hand". They have brought all parties together for the first time ever. They have stopped all attacks on peaceful protestors by the "3rd hand"

He is getting things done.

I truly praise his efficiency and admirable qualities in putting the peoples lives and the countries future first.

Yes, dictatorships are often the most efficient forms of rule. Things get done quickly because no census is required. There can be no opposition.

If the military does reach a point of being satisfied with a set of political resolutions, it can still follow a democratic process by presenting such resolutions to the public vote through referendums and respect the opinion of the majority. If instead it chooses to simply waive current laws and the constitution Which has been its previous modis operandi) to unilaterally implement resolutions, the political crisis will continue, albeit at a much more dangerous level of public protest.

[Chang_paarp]

I still think the concept of a "Big Brother House" should work.

Keep them under lock and key.

Have them do stupid "team building excersizes" to earn the right to eat anything more substantial than Mama Noodles.

Regular round table discussions.

Televise the lot 24/7 on the currently shut "Red" and"Yellow" stations as well as the other stations, they need some content other than music.

Let the punters vote on "special" treats for the inmate.

Lots if inane commentary.

Should be a big rating show.