Thai coup leader disbands Senate, assumes law-making power

[FangFerang]

PDRC, TV anti-Thaksinistas, Suthepistas and Yellows wanted reforms, out with YS, block elections and abolish the government, senators, the house et al.

You clamored, ranted and wished it:. There you have it and then some.

Are you guys happy now?

Mostly, YES. I am willing to wait and see. So far the General has my full support. Anything to get rid of the Shins and their corrupt ways.

And how about the rampant corruption before the Shinawatras?? You know nothing about Thailand just bad-mouth and troll here.

Besides, the army is one of the traditionally corrupt organisations in Thailand. So the corrupt gets rid of the corrupt. Let's applaud ladies and gentleman.

Yet, under the Shins, corruption has soared to unprecidented heights.

You deny your antecedent. Corruption is not a published index of trading. Claiming the corruption soared is like saying "We have no previous figures, of course, but the new numbers are worse". I read a BP article along the same lines and wondered: How do you know this? Just because someone says a thing is true does not make it true. Often, it is the opposite.

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

I like this so much I had to post it.

Thaksin's son oak with a few mates about to jet off somewhere, upload this selfie on their f/book or twitter....

15 minutes later

Who is the fat guy to the right with the Cocaine and Kaviar cap?

Oak's dealer.

Oak wanted to evacuate all the important people in his life.

Oak's father's "war on drugs" an other epic failure! can be added to all his other ideas that back fired like: "I will solve Bangkok's trafic problems in 6 months", the rice scam, the school tablet failure, "you will all be rich in 6 months" and so on....

[watso63]

PDRC, TV anti-Thaksinistas, Suthepistas and Yellows wanted reforms, out with YS, block elections and abolish the government, senators, the house et al.

You clamored, ranted and wished it:. There you have it and then some.

Are you guys happy now?

Mostly, YES. I am willing to wait and see. So far the General has my full support. Anything to get rid of the Shins and their corrupt ways.

When and if there are free elections at the end of all this, even if the rotten nest of vipers at the top are cleansed, you will still be looking at a red shirt style majority government. What is needed is a transparent government, held accountable by the opposition. Even proportional representation. Impossible to govern a country if the poor majority are disenfranchised and their votes are ignored.

You can keep some of the people down for some of the time, but you can't keep most of the people down for most of the time. :-)

[captspectre]

Julius Caesar did the same.

Of course, that was 2.000 years ago.

don't forget uncle adolf!

[NoshowJones]

Dumping Tarit and Adul is a very good move as both are Thaksin sycophants. I am surprised this was not done earlier.

Well done General. Now lock them up and throw away the key.

So what about Suhtep whizz bang,what should they do with him?

Put him out to pasture, of course.

Lock him up and throw away the keys.

[captspectre]

Of course this general has no authority to do anything he is doing. There is nothing in the current Constitution or Thai law that legally allows him to do what he is asserting he has to. But, might makes right and bullies often can go pretty far.

he is one of many generals who have taken over thailand in the past fifty years.

[captspectre]

Suthep was heard screaming 'It should be me, IT SHOULD BE ME!"

If I understand correctly there was a warrant for his arrest

Is he now under arrest?

If he is not, he should be, and locked up for a very long time.

NOT LIKely! he is now part of the "IN" crowd!

[FangFerang]

The disbanding of the Senate has obviously come as a surprise to many.

A possible reason being that a majority of the Senate would not fall in to line with the Juntas vision for the country.

Easier to get rid of the lot of them!

Since starting this Putsch the Army have been very keen to muzzle all dissenting voices.

As the days go by increasing numbers of organisations and individuals are being brought in for questioning.

We are seeing threats made to tv, radio, press and social media not to broadcast anything critical and to specifically not give airtime to any political discussion by intellectuals or academics.

I find it particularly hypocritical that many posting here were claiming that the ousted government were limiting free speech but now bizarrely fully support the Juntas complete suppression of it.

Dark days indeed.

Under the PTP the suppression of freedom of speech was to ensure a regime extended their dictatorial powers and allowed the regime to manipulate the gullible populous.

Under the DRT (Democracy Restoration Team) the suppression is to ensure the guys above don't attack, kill and maim anyone and looking at the weapons finds, the cache finds and the red shirt militia arrests I thank god for the military.

Remember it is illegal to disrespect the military and as I respect all TVF members, please be careful when replying. For you sake as well as TVF's sake.

Under the PTP over the last several years BlueSky was never taken off the air. I cannot see your logic here. The BP and Nation have not been censored, until recently. There was no curfew imposed.

Oddly, I am also glad that Uncle sat down with the unruly stepchildren and said "Play nice, or don't play at all." They said "No" and he is giving them ALL a time out. I hate agreeing with the gist of what someone said and being baffled at the particulars.

[F4UCorsair]

I think whatever principles you may be thinking of, characteristics must include not having a self-appointed PM and not having a change of government without an election. Having a constitution and civil rights.

Change of government without an election is quite common in parliamentary systems with more than two significant parties.

But not usually a military coup to effect that change, except in 'developing' countries.

More often it is a shifting of alliances that was holding together a minority government, so one minority government to another, never good government.

Edited May 25, 2014 by F4UCorsair

[watso63]

PDRC, TV anti-Thaksinistas, Suthepistas and Yellows wanted reforms, out with YS, block elections and abolish the government, senators, the house et al.

You clamored, ranted and wished it:. There you have it and then some.

Are you guys happy now?

Mostly, YES. I am willing to wait and see. So far the General has my full support. Anything to get rid of the Shins and their corrupt ways.

When and if there are free elections at the end of all this, even if the rotten nest of vipers at the top are cleansed, you will still be looking at a red shirt style majority government. What is needed is a transparent government, held accountable by the opposition. Even proportional representation. Impossible to govern a country if the poor majority are disenfranchised and their votes are ignored.

You can keep some of the people down for some of the time, but you can't keep most of the people down for most of the time. :-)

thank goodness you are a falang and can cut and run when Sh--! hits the fan. typical coward call for violence and then find a hole!

Exactly who are you referring to captspectre? I hope it isn't me. I ain't afraid and I ain't running anywhere. I am trying to be objective and see good things come out of all this. I defended my own country's interest by serving HM Forces for 22 years and now receive a disabled war pension because of injuries sustained during service. Definitely no coward and not scared to hide behind "not saying" in my TV profile! I now live in Thailand with my TGF and as long as the rules allow, it is where I will stay thankyou. Edited May 25, 2014 by watso63

[valvenus]

Suthep was heard screaming 'It should be me, IT SHOULD BE ME!"

If I understand correctly there was a warrant for his arrest

Is he now under arrest?

If he is not, he should be, and locked up for a very long time.

NOT LIKely! he is now part of the "IN" crowd!

yeah, the IN CUSTODY crowd, just like Yingluck, Jatuporn, et al .

(oh look, another Red Shirt gets his facts wrong)

[Utley]

Well it least he is beginning to look at paying the farmers. This is a priority that should give him some kudos. The General needs to be seen neutral in this approach. By abolishing the senate and the constitution he can act in a way that can't have much come back on him.

And just where exactly will the Army get the cash to pay the farmers? If the elected government couldn't scrape the cash together, what makes you think that the Army will be able to?

Live by the sword or die by the sword, other than that read the news article that was reporting it.

The news article didn't address the issue from where the cash will come.

[lvr181]

Of course this general has no authority to do anything he is doing. There is nothing in the current Constitution or Thai law that legally allows him to do what he is asserting he has to. But, might makes right and bullies often can go pretty far.

Thai democracy allowed rampant corruption and lately, increasing unrest and deaths. I ask you, is this what you support because you find the coup "illegal"? Democracy is not perfect either.

Hopefully, the General is going to start with a clean slate and introduce reforms and transparency for free elections and clean out the endemic rot! But only time will tell.

[Utley]

Well it least he is beginning to look at paying the farmers. This is a priority that should give him some kudos. The General needs to be seen neutral in this approach. By abolishing the senate and the constitution he can act in a way that can't have much come back on him.

And just where exactly will the Army get the cash to pay the farmers? If the elected government couldn't scrape the cash together, what makes you think that the Army will be able to?

They will be able to borrow it in the same way the government could have done before they dissolved parliament but forgot.

If you put your thinking cap on, you will recall that the government was having a very difficult time borrowing the money. What makes you think that anyone or any institution would lend money to an illegal armed coup? If you believe that is going to happen, then I have a bridge I can sell you at a good price!

[piersbeckett]

A coup is always dangerous, but Thailand is a very unique place. It seems the coup is the natural reset Thais actually need to have a government. So many greedy snouts in the trough and so little rule of law. Eventually the spoiled little rich boys tilt the system and the army needs unplug the machine and find a system restore point.

However, for this to occur, all the safety nets come down too; and absolute power is put into the hands of an untested commodity,

All the things that the army are stopping and taking control over right now are good moves. Assuming that the intention of these executive moves is benevolent and for lack of a better word, righteous. But we just don't really know do we. Once again Thailand has placed itself upon the brink of failed statehood, just because they can't get their head around respect for the rule of law. In a land of zero accountable for the rich. Eventually two really big dogs are gonna meet and we won't be able to put it back together again. Think cops and reds VS soldiers and yellows.

I've been scrolling for something that looks like the truth - I think you've given it to me - thank you but it hasn't 'cheered me up', now I'm vexed, already!

[soalbundy]

There is real opposition on the streets, personally witnessed. Despite their armoured cars and tanks and guns, they may not be able to take away our sons this time. Could this be one coup too many. I pray for peace with justice.

Full of pathos this morning, did your son go missing last time? strange, mine is still here. Very peaceful in my village,most seem, like me, to like this coup, no half measures,cut out the rot now while the going is good,keep it rolling Prayut.

[The Usual Suspect]

This could get very ugly.

[FangFerang]

Please guys understand that the moderators have a full time job in the current climate and we need to respect forum rules as well as the current martial law.

Please respect that for TVF's sake as well as your own.

Indeed, so stringent are the rules that you are apparently prevented from posting the 15 principles of Democracy you use to justify your stance. My sympathies.

Can't name them heay?

Typical.

Here's a link to the 21 pillars of democracy (and of course there are arguments about what Pillars actually count and their number). It's a thing called Google, I know it's new, but maybe you could use it yourself instead of demanding others to do it for you.

http://www.asmarino.com/articles/1442-principles-of-democracy

[soalbundy]

This could get very ugly.

Like it was beautiful before ?

[boomerangutang]

The guys got real balls - at last a real man in charge - he's going to cut out all the cancer as fast as he can - well that's what we should hope for otherwise it'll be time to get the suitcases out! Personally I'll bet on the first option.

He's one man. He has allegiances and his personal opinions. If he 'cuts out cancer' (as you put it) it's his and his patron's choice what he will cut. There are some cancers he won't even consider cutting, but I can't mention them here.

Thailand is the patient in the operating room, riven with cancer head to toe. For awhile there were a team of inept surgeons led by a meglamaniac. They cut away and made a mess. Then the same team had the lights turned out. Now the teams are gone, and there's just one surgeon, and he's got a big rusty dull blade, but is not sure how to wield it. Meanwhile, the patient keeps lying there, prone and spread eagle, getting sicker by the week.

[captspectre]

Wow, the guy is really showing his colors, ain't he? A dictator of his ilk won't stand much longer for a free flow of information and public expression of opinion on the internet. But I guess that would come after the shuttering of the judicial branch of gov't.? I'm afraid our days are numbered.

in my forty five year relationship with thailand, including many coups, I have NEVER seen a general willingly give up power! it has to come from the people willing to be shot to demonstrate against the dictator. I don't have the time or desire to elaborate here, just look it up!

[soalbundy]

Not going to read through 23 pages of red crowing this morning.

Well Thaksin has finally got the complete coup he has been after for the last few months.

With international condemnation that he will take as support for his previous cock up of an administration and himself.

Amsterdam has apparently come out with a long tirade about the coming Govt in exile, no doubt to be headed by glorious leader himself.

Still has to pay a country to host it but that shouldn't be a problem.

I suspect the arms found so far are only a dot on the i of the Thaksin evil and in the next few days we will see the organized bombings and killings start, although I sincerely hope not.

Then after a suitable period of death and destruction the hero can return to reunite the ruins of a country he has single handedly destroyed.

Thaksins dream.

Thailands nightmare.

Thaksin didn't want the coup,Suthep did,Suthep has won,this coup is the end for Thaksin

[lvr181]

A coup is always dangerous, but Thailand is a very unique place. It seems the coup is the natural reset Thais actually need to have a government. So many greedy snouts in the trough and so little rule of law. Eventually the spoiled little rich boys tilt the system and the army needs unplug the machine and find a system restore point.

However, for this to occur, all the safety nets come down too; and absolute power is put into the hands of an untested commodity,

All the things that the army are stopping and taking control over right now are good moves. Assuming that the intention of these executive moves is benevolent and for lack of a better word, righteous. But we just don't really know do we. Once again Thailand has placed itself upon the brink of failed statehood, just because they can't get their head around respect for the rule of law. In a land of zero accountable for the rich. Eventually two really big dogs are gonna meet and we won't be able to put it back together again. Think cops and reds VS soldiers and yellows.

I've been scrolling for something that looks like the truth - I think you've given it to me - thank you but it hasn't 'cheered me up', now I'm vexed, already!

Mostly agree, but the "rule of law" was written so there was no accountability or transparency. The "dogs" were able to wreak havoc on the economy for heir own benefit. Unfortunately, very hard to respect that sort of "rule of law".

[FangFerang]

what is worse is this is Asia's second biggest economy. During the PTP years the car makers, the largest swag of the economy decided to,leave Thailand. No one can afford that loss.

So Thailand will become a true failed state shortly thereafter

Marcusd. Via tapatalk

No they didn't. More car makers came to Thailand and as a result Thailand has had record years in Auto Manufacturer. The only lapse came because of the floods.

........And the floods happened because the Red shirted Drivers to the Planes asigned to "Seed the Fields" thought the message was for them not the rice Farmers and they "Over Seeded" the Clouds filling the Res. Overflowing along with the normal rain filled the riers and started the flooding! Causing as one result the Laps and losses for the Auto Industry here.

All because A red shirted Individual wanted to get paid!!

You need to send this to whizbang the limp. Third world hunger? The red shirts did it. Malaria? The red shirts invented it. Floods? The red shirts did it. My hangnail? The red shirts did it.

Wow. Do you really believe this?

[FangFerang]

what is worse is this is Asia's second biggest economy. During the PTP years the car makers, the largest swag of the economy decided to,leave Thailand. No one can afford that loss.

So Thailand will become a true failed state shortly thereafter

Marcusd. Via tapatalk

No they didn't. More car makers came to Thailand and as a result Thailand has had record years in Auto Manufacturer. The only lapse came because of the floods.

........And the floods happened because the Red shirted Drivers to the Planes asigned to "Seed the Fields" thought the message was for them not the rice Farmers and they "Over Seeded" the Clouds filling the Res. Overflowing along with the normal rain filled the riers and started the flooding! Causing as one result the Laps and losses for the Auto Industry here.

All because A red shirted Individual wanted to get paid!!

You need to send this to whizbang the limp. Third world hunger? The red shirts did it. Malaria? The red shirts invented it. Floods? The red shirts did it. My hangnail? The red shirts did it.

Wow. Do you really believe this?

[boomerangutang]

Thaksin didn't want the coup,Suthep did,Suthep has won,this coup is the end for Thaksin

Let's not underestimate the cunning and obsession/compulsiveness of Mr. 'I'm through with politics' Thaksin. If he's willing to pay mobs to trash Bkk (2009 and 2010) and trash Thailand's Constitution, ....there is no limit to his vindictiveness.

[VegasVic]

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

This could get very ugly.

I hope you are wrong, however my hunch is that you are correct. The longer this military dictatorial state goes on the larger the popular uprising against it will be. The first thing to look for will be splinter groups of the military breaking off and challenging Heir Prayuths control For those out there in thaivisa land who think this is just another military coup and all will be well in a few months, think again, the dynamic is much different this time around

[NoshowJones]

Gen P. Is going to pass new laws to get rid of this red shirt scum once and for all. Celebrate!

Yes, let's also get rid of the dark skinned people, and the disabled, and the dwarfs, and the muslims, and the farangs, Anyone who does not agree with us, look like us, think like us...lets kick them out!

No. Not the dwarfs. They're funny.

Suthep isn't funny.

[martinhp]

The monkey soldier don't know a thing haw much money do he get better go back and hang in the trees where they belong

Convict the mad man for the treason he committed and hang him there are know room in the world for pebble like him

I used to be Military police and I and many others soldiers there been around know the damage an ignorant person like him can do he have the power but no integrity

He do not know what's right and wrong but if Thailand is lucky his men does ore the most of them do and can provide the justice he deserve

Coup the country

Concise the money (daily income )

Kidnapping

Change pebbles rights

Taking low and order in his power alone

And can go on its illegal action and must be accused for treason in the court of law and if convicted executed

If can not get to court can be convicted any way and executed on the spot this is military law and it's apply to him as he is level dictator it's not something the world tolerate

[garrya]

There is real opposition on the streets, personally witnessed. Despite their armoured cars and tanks and guns, they may not be able to take away our sons this time. Could this be one coup too many. I pray for peace with justice.

Opposition by students as if they know what is best for the country. Make me smile.

So tell us genius who knows what the country needs. I wish you faced these students and told them your opinion.

You obviously have no historic adducation. Students are students, rebellious and like to stand up against anything they don;t like.

Go to the library back again and again.

Go to sleep as it is already late in Aussie land. (insider joke)

What a wise man you are. Shame.