Senate Speaker Silent On 'PM Prayuth' Rumour

[Lite Beer]

Senate Speaker Silent On 'PM Prayuth' Rumour

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — The Senate Speaker has refused to comment on the allegation that Thailand's army chief is being considered as a candidate for the position of Prime Minister.

"Please help me think about that," Surachai Liangboonlertchai told reporters today when he was asked whether the Senate will attempt to appoint Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha to replace caretaker Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisarn.

"Rumours are rumours," Mr. Surachai said, adding that at the moment, the Senate has no plans to invoke Article 7 of the Constitution to appoint a royally-approved PM.

Mr. Surachai also dismissed the rumour that he will draft a list of PM candidates without consulting the rest of the Senate. "I have not thought that far yet," he said.

Mr. Surachai delivered the comments as he made his way to the Army Club on Vihavadee Road where the army-installed Peace and Order Maintaining Command (POMC) is convening a meeting with various political leaders to find a "solution" to the country's crisis.

Gen. Prayuth unilaterally imposed martial law yesterday, citing possible clashes between rival protest groups that are stationed in and around Bangkok. He now directs the newly-formed POMC, which is tasked with enforcing the military's new authority.

Today, the POMC invited Thailand's top political players to a military-mediated "peace talk" at the Army club. The invitees included Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisarn, the Election Commission, the Senate Speaker, the Pheu Thai and Democrat Party chairmans, and the leaders of both pro-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and the anti-government People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

UDD chairman Jatupon Prompan alleged last week that Gen. Prayuth was secretly nominated by a number of Senators to be an interim "non-partisan" Prime Minister. Gen. Prayuth has not publicly spoken out on the allegation, but he reportedly told a "military reporter" that Mr. Jatupon would be held responsible for the allegation if it turned out to be false.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1400680551&section=11&typecate=06

-- Khaosod English 2014-04-21

[ShannonT]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

[uty6543]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

I have no problem with Thaksin being PM again as long as he comes back to Thailand serves his jail time for his one conviction and faces trial for all the other outstanding charges. He could be the oldest Thai PM in history when he gets out.

[JetsetBkk]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

They'd better join Pheu Thai then.

[JesseFrank]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

I heard Suthep says in his election promise that the government will buy the rice harvest at 30.000 Baht/tonne, all students get an Imac and everyone will be rich in 3 months.

Bet he's gone win the elections on one leg.

[Scamper]

A Khaosod story routinely and effortlessly constructed out of dust. One thing is for sure, if these talks do not work out, there is a proud space for Jatuporn as editor of Khaosod. It's right up his alley.

[love1012]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

Bribed and corrupted or unbribed and uncorrupted elections? Sorry - you don't know the difference do you?...........

[northernjohn]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

I don't think they are looking for a permanent P M. I believe they want an interim one so they can get enough reform into the government to allow a clean election. That is why they are looking for a non partisan one. Probably a limit on what you can promise. Pie in the sky would not be allowed. Such as Thaksin's give me 6 months and I will make you all rich or the PTP going to get a pad for all students.

Why are so many people anxious to have an election that will still leave all the corruption in the government and disunity in the nation. If they have a business and are using the corruption to make more money I can understand why they want it left alone. I don't approve of it but I can understand it.

For the rest who have no financial gain to receive from the corruption why are you so anxious to leave it in. Just run an election will not remove it. In fact it has grown since the last election. Why do you insist on leaving it there.

If you choose as I have to make Thailand your home what possible reason do you have to resist honesty in the government?

[Bocking]

The fundamental problem in Thai politics is that the truth is no longer twisted, but totally abandoned. Just last night I read an official Tweet from UDD claiming that the whole Anti-Government movement had been a complete and utter failure, and that having achieved absolutely nothing, Suthep was now scurrying home with his tail between his legs. Amnesty Bill abandoned, Thaksin still in Dubai, Prime Minister gone, half of her Cabinet gone, CMPO and Chalerm gone and the entire country painfully aware that many of the farmers remain unpaid. Add to that the new possibility of an appointed ‘independent’ Prime Minister and no elections in the near future and I’d say that Suthep and his followers had achieved many of their goals.

UDD went on to label PDRC as ‘Thugs’, which I thought was the best example of the Pot calling the Kettle Black that I’d ever seen. Martial Law is certainly not what I’d wanted to see, but given the political impasse and the real possibility of escalating violence over the coming weeks, it was probably the best of a bunch of bad alternatives.

At least now Prayuth has brought all of the antagonists together in one room and that’s something that would not have happened had the army not intervened.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Bocking

[xminator]

I would love to see where in the constitution they can find basis for appointing Prayuth as PM. It will for sure not be the same glasses used as have been used the last year.

[djjamie]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

Yes you would…You seem to have a problem with the 2007 constitution referendum. You have a problem with the majority being against the amnesty yet you supported the amnesty.

Excuses excuses excuses...

Why would there be no excuses if the vote went against the PTP in the next election?

Why would that be any different?

Don't attack me..Attack my post.

[Arkady]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

Thailand is a parliamentary democracy like the UK. Thus the PM is elected by a simple majority of the lower house, not the electorate. Even in a presidential system like the US you can have a president who lost the popular vote, e. George W Bush.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[khunsiam]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

I don't think they are looking for a permanent P M. I believe they want an interim one so they can get enough reform into the government to allow a clean election. That is why they are looking for a non partisan one. Probably a limit on what you can promise. Pie in the sky would not be allowed. Such as Thaksin's give me 6 months and I will make you all rich or the PTP going to get a pad for all students.

Why are so many people anxious to have an election that will still leave all the corruption in the government and disunity in the nation. If they have a business and are using the corruption to make more money I can understand why they want it left alone. I don't approve of it but I can understand it.

For the rest who have no financial gain to receive from the corruption why are you so anxious to leave it in. Just run an election will not remove it. In fact it has grown since the last election. Why do you insist on leaving it there.

If you choose as I have to make Thailand your home what possible reason do you have to resist honesty in the government?

most people understand that fighting corruption with the corrupt will never stamp out corruption and that it is not the aim of Suthep's movement

[northernjohn]

The fundamental problem in Thai politics is that the truth is no longer twisted, but totally abandoned. Just last night I read an official Tweet from UDD claiming that the whole Anti-Government movement had been a complete and utter failure, and that having achieved absolutely nothing, Suthep was now scurrying home with his tail between his legs. Amnesty Bill abandoned, Thaksin still in Dubai, Prime Minister gone, half of her Cabinet gone, CMPO and Chalerm gone and the entire country painfully aware that many of the farmers remain unpaid. Add to that the new possibility of an appointed independent Prime Minister and no elections in the near future and Id say that Suthep and his followers had achieved many of their goals.

UDD went on to label PDRC as Thugs, which I thought was the best example of the Pot calling the Kettle Black that Id ever seen. Martial Law is certainly not what Id wanted to see, but given the political impasse and the real possibility of escalating violence over the coming weeks, it was probably the best of a bunch of bad alternatives.

At least now Prayuth has brought all of the antagonists together in one room and thats something that would not have happened had the army not intervened.

Ran out of likes. Makes no difference the post deserves a rerun.

Also the big bonus out of this whole thing is they got a non partisan General. He doesn't have to pamper people he can tell it like it is. He is not wasting time trying to suck up to any one. He treated them all equally. Gave them a sensible point to work on. Sent them home with plenty of time to do it. But no time to make up speeches.

The man obviously has the good of Thailand at heart. He has done nothing to benefit himself every step he has taken was for the benefit of Thailand.

[northernjohn]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

I don't think they are looking for a permanent P M. I believe they want an interim one so they can get enough reform into the government to allow a clean election. That is why they are looking for a non partisan one. Probably a limit on what you can promise. Pie in the sky would not be allowed. Such as Thaksin's give me 6 months and I will make you all rich or the PTP going to get a pad for all students.

Why are so many people anxious to have an election that will still leave all the corruption in the government and disunity in the nation. If they have a business and are using the corruption to make more money I can understand why they want it left alone. I don't approve of it but I can understand it.

For the rest who have no financial gain to receive from the corruption why are you so anxious to leave it in. Just run an election will not remove it. In fact it has grown since the last election. Why do you insist on leaving it there.

If you choose as I have to make Thailand your home what possible reason do you have to resist honesty in the government?

most people understand that fighting corruption with the corrupt will never stamp out corruption and that it is not the aim of Suthep's movement

What the heck are you on about. Suthep no longer has a movement. He is now part of the answer along with every one else. Under the guidance of a wise man they will be able to come up with a solution. Also you are correct Suthep's movement was not to stamp out corruption. It was to get the Shinawatra's Mafia out of the government. That would automatically eliminate a lot of the corruption. No country is free of corruption. He knew that so that is why he tried to eliminate the major cause of it.

Please don't tell me you really thought he was trying to eliminate all the corruption. While you ponder that explain to us all what corruption methods he was using in this 2013 and 2014 effort to rid the government of an unsavory Mafia?

[smedly]

Prayuth is a pretty smart cookie, he has made the attempt to broker a solution by getting all sides round a table, giving them all the opportunity to resolve the situation - if all concerned cannot reach an agreement I suspect one will be imposed - which quite frankly I think the possibility is high, he will listen to all sides and impose a solution that may not be what everybody would agree too but will come somewhere in the middle - which is probably fair enough with no winners or losers just somewhere in between

[khunsiam]

Prayuth is a pretty smart cookie, he has made the attempt to broker a solution by getting all sides round a table, giving them all the opportunity to resolve the situation - if all concerned cannot reach an agreement I suspect one will be imposed - which quite frankly I think the possibility is high, he will listen to all sides and impose a solution that may not be what everybody would agree too but will come somewhere in the middle - which is probably fair enough with no winners or losers just somewhere in between

13 Dec 2013 : "The military sources said that if Suthep's protests lead to violence, the two (Prawit-Anupong) could help sway the military to intervene or even to seize power on the pretext of national security, allowing Suthep to go ahead with his People's Council"

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/13/us-thailand-protest-military-idUSBRE9BC0PB20131213?irpc=932

Powerful forces revealed behind Thai protest movement

www.reuters.com

[noitom]

He will do the bidding of his support constituency.

[khunsiam]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

I don't think they are looking for a permanent P M. I believe they want an interim one so they can get enough reform into the government to allow a clean election. That is why they are looking for a non partisan one. Probably a limit on what you can promise. Pie in the sky would not be allowed. Such as Thaksin's give me 6 months and I will make you all rich or the PTP going to get a pad for all students.

Why are so many people anxious to have an election that will still leave all the corruption in the government and disunity in the nation. If they have a business and are using the corruption to make more money I can understand why they want it left alone. I don't approve of it but I can understand it.

For the rest who have no financial gain to receive from the corruption why are you so anxious to leave it in. Just run an election will not remove it. In fact it has grown since the last election. Why do you insist on leaving it there.

If you choose as I have to make Thailand your home what possible reason do you have to resist honesty in the government?

most people understand that fighting corruption with the corrupt will never stamp out corruption and that it is not the aim of Suthep's movement

What the heck are you on about. Suthep no longer has a movement. He is now part of the answer along with every one else. Under the guidance of a wise man they will be able to come up with a solution. Also you are correct Suthep's movement was not to stamp out corruption. It was to get the Shinawatra's Mafia out of the government. That would automatically eliminate a lot of the corruption. No country is free of corruption. He knew that so that is why he tried to eliminate the major cause of it.

Please don't tell me you really thought he was trying to eliminate all the corruption. While you ponder that explain to us all what corruption methods he was using in this 2013 and 2014 effort to rid the government of an unsavory Mafia?

right, it never was Sutheps' movement, he was put on the forefront by the people behind the 2006 coup, their plan was ready mid last year long before Suthep left the Dem's and joined the former PAD'ers, the amnesty bill push was a welcome "trigger". Hopefully something good will come out of this but do not underestimate the Thai peoples' ability to see all through this and what is really going on: a power grab, a "clash of clans", corrupt to the core.

[djjamie]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

Yes you would…You seem to have a problem with the 2007 constitution referendum. You have a problem with the majority being against the amnesty yet you supported the amnesty.

Excuses excuses excuses...

Why would there be no excuses if the vote went against the PTP in the next election?

Why would that be any different?

Don't attack me..Attack my post.

What are your thoughts on the Democrats and the Bhumjaithai (the biggest ally of the Democrats) being convicted of vote buying in the last 2 elections? Or Newin, being banned from politics for 5 years, running the Bhumjaithai in parliament with the Democrats to secure a majority?

You simply cannot follow my questions…You cannot follow my requests…You cannot follow simple tasks…Don't do a Fab4 rubic cube task...

Are you seriously articulate?

I asked once…I ask again mate..Shannon….Concentrate mate.

Why would there be no excuses if the vote went against the PTP in the next election?

Please answer me? Please

[JohnThailandJohn]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

Thailand is a parliamentary democracy like the UK. Thus the PM is elected by a simple majority of the lower house, not the electorate. Even in a presidential system like the US you can have a president who lost the popular vote, e. George W Bush.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

But this would not really fall under normal procedure would it? He is not a member of the parliament. Don't they have to vote for somebody within their ranks? Excuse my ignorance as I am another American only familiar with our system.

[thesetat2013]

A Khaosod story routinely and effortlessly constructed out of dust. One thing is for sure, if these talks do not work out, there is a proud space for Jatuporn as editor of Khaosod. It's right up his alley.

Dont you mean Chalerm? He has much better fantasies and imagination. And has proven to be creative with his fake disguise or paratroopers.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[binjalin]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

Thailand is a parliamentary democracy like the UK. Thus the PM is elected by a simple majority of the lower house, not the electorate. Even in a presidential system like the US you can have a president who lost the popular vote, e. George W Bush.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

that's right.. and it needs to start acting like a Parliamentary democracy and the Army protecting voters against yellow thugs who seek to disrupt their Right to Vote. Can you imagine a vote being disrupted like that by thugs in the UK because they don't like the outcome of democracy?

Edited May 21, 2014 by binjalin

[ramrod711]

The fundamental problem in Thai politics is that the truth is no longer twisted, but totally abandoned. Just last night I read an official Tweet from UDD claiming that the whole Anti-Government movement had been a complete and utter failure, and that having achieved absolutely nothing, Suthep was now scurrying home with his tail between his legs. Amnesty Bill abandoned, Thaksin still in Dubai, Prime Minister gone, half of her Cabinet gone, CMPO and Chalerm gone and the entire country painfully aware that many of the farmers remain unpaid. Add to that the new possibility of an appointed independent Prime Minister and no elections in the near future and Id say that Suthep and his followers had achieved many of their goals.

UDD went on to label PDRC as Thugs, which I thought was the best example of the Pot calling the Kettle Black that Id ever seen. Martial Law is certainly not what Id wanted to see, but given the political impasse and the real possibility of escalating violence over the coming weeks, it was probably the best of a bunch of bad alternatives.

At least now Prayuth has brought all of the antagonists together in one room and thats something that would not have happened had the army not intervened.

At least now Prayuth has brought all of the antagonists together in one room. Some might call that a target rich environment.

[ramrod711]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

Thailand is a parliamentary democracy like the UK. Thus the PM is elected by a simple majority of the lower house, not the electorate. Even in a presidential system like the US you can have a president who lost the popular vote, e. George W Bush.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

that's right.. and it needs to start acting like a Parliamentary democracy and the Army protecting voters against yellow thugs who seek to disrupt their Right to Vote. Can you imagine a vote being disrupted like that by thugs in the UK because they don't like the outcome of democracy?

Does that mean that all legislation will be for the benefit of the Shins and will be passed at 4 am after the opposition is sent home?

[daveAustin]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

They'd better join Pheu Thai then.

That wouldn't work as they'd have no intention of paying the lemmings to vote.

[Arkady]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

Thailand is a parliamentary democracy like the UK. Thus the PM is elected by a simple majority of the lower house, not the electorate. Even in a presidential system like the US you can have a president who lost the popular vote, e. George W Bush.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

But this would not really fall under normal procedure would it? He is not a member of the parliament. Don't they have to vote for somebody within their ranks? Excuse my ignorance as I am another American only familiar with our system.

Correct. The PM has to be elected by the lower house from within their own ranks since the 1997 constitution. Before that the PM didn't need to be an MP and this is still the case for other ministers. I am assuming that the Senate is thinking of using Article 7 to justify appointing an unelected PM on the grounds that a functioning govt is needed and there are no MPs since the house was dissolved and/or they will seek a way to suspend some articles of the constitution, even though the constitution doesn't provide for this.

Martial law is a wild card that could potentially be exploited here, since the Martial Law Act of 1914 allows the military to make proclamations that have the force of acts of parliament that can stay on the books after martial law is lifted. Laws enacted under martial law were called revolutionary decrees and I believe there are some minor ones still on the books. The Alien Business Law was still a revolutionary decree enacted under martial law until 1999 when the current Foreign Business Act replaced it using most of the same wording. I don't know if the military had thought of this or whether they would be willing to go so far as to legislate, as that would make it a coup in most senses that matter.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[casualbiker]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

Yes you would…You seem to have a problem with the 2007 constitution referendum. You have a problem with the majority being against the amnesty yet you supported the amnesty.

Excuses excuses excuses...

Why would there be no excuses if the vote went against the PTP in the next election?

Why would that be any different?

Don't attack me..Attack my post.

What are your thoughts on the Democrats and the Bhumjaithai (the biggest ally of the Democrats) being convicted of vote buying in the last 2 elections? Or Newin, being banned from politics for 5 years, running the Bhumjaithai in parliament with the Democrats to secure a majority?

Newin. Is an old school thai politician like Barharn etc.. no platform. No policies BUT they do work for their provinces (at least a percentage)

I think it was no different than when BJT was a major player in the previous Thaksin governments same as Chart Thai was with Thaksin then the Dems then back to Thaksin.

How many PTP MP's caught vote buying or banned for 5 years?

How many Democrats?

I'm guessing more Thaksinista's!

I'm surprised considering Thaksin has been running the government from abroad all these years that you mention Newin.

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited May 22, 2014 by casualbiker

[chainarong]

And silence there will be.

[casualbiker]

I would have no problems with Prayuth being PM, or even Suthep being PM ...as long as they are elected by the majority of Thai people.

Thailand is a parliamentary democracy like the UK. Thus the PM is elected by a simple majority of the lower house, not the electorate. Even in a presidential system like the US you can have a president who lost the popular vote, e. George W Bush.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

that's right.. and it needs to start acting like a Parliamentary democracy and the Army protecting voters against yellow thugs who seek to disrupt their Right to Vote. Can you imagine a vote being disrupted like that by thugs in the UK because they don't like the outcome of democracy?

Can you imagine a UK government that has a self confessed puppet PM controlled by his Boss / Brother / Brother in law (descending order of puppets)

Nope. Nor can I!

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