Thai coup leader disbands Senate, assumes law-making power

[marko kok prong]

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?

[Piichai]

What does the CC say about these changes? Does the CC still exist without a constitution?

Aside from Section 2, there is nothing left for the CC to rule upon.

But now that I think about it, I wonder if Prayuth left Section 2 intact to preserve the CC.

[Scamper]

This is certainly startling and unexpected. Prayuth is being far more sweeping that any might have anticipated. He has decided to go for broke with a move that risks much criticism. And yet, he is taking the argument to what would appear to be a natural extreme. He has conduced a coup. Therefore, he already and consciously has ventured outside the parliamentary system. Another likely factor in Prayuth's decision is that he wishes to take the quickest route possible to establishing control, and conducting fiscal management and social and political reform. The last two days have already set a dizzying pace. The fast route to farmers' aid is an example of this. He is clearly impatient to get things done. He has stated that his overarching goal is to institute reform before an election. If he is sincere in that, the pace he has adopted will likely achieve that more sooner than later. Prayuth is attempting something very sweeping and ambitious - on a number of fronts simultaneously. Replacing Tarit is hardly surprising, but neither is replacing police chief Adul - who very much represents the influence of Thaksin. Ridding the system of Thaksin's influence seems uppermost in Prayuth's mind.

Prayuth wants to bring peace, stability, and reform to the country in preparation for a free election. He loves his country and is unquestionably loyal to the monarchy. History will likely judge Prayuth more to the extent that he succeeds, than on the particular route he took to get there. Thailand has just experienced seven months of unprecedented strive and unrest. The Thai people needed relief from that. Prayuth provided that relief, but he has also provided hope. The Thai people have therefore very high expectations of him. Naturally, there are people who are opposed to the coup, and have protested it. But it is also true that many support it and have offered flowers to the soldiers to give them their best wishes. The people who support this coup do not support it because they like coups and curfews. They support it because they want Prayuth to succeed.

[givenall]

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.

ll these branches worth nothing anyway. may be some right decision will be made now

[pantareiyingluck]

Many TVF posters expressed last weeks their wish to have Suthep off the streets. Later funny remarks about YL being detained. And worries about beer- and/or internet supply since a coup was a fact. Now you see what screws this country for decades and obstructs normal reform and development of a society wishing democracy. The Army. Which at any time rules out any civilised behavior and stands 'above the law'. Just detaining people/parents and paralyse 100% what people aim and fight for. Medieval.

[Rustapha]

brewsterbudgen, on 24 May 2014 - 20:58, said:

uty6543, on 24 May 2014 - 20:51, said:

brewsterbudgen, on 24 May 2014 - 20:46, said:

Hmmm. Not many on here defending the coup now are there?

I don't understand why the general has taken over the senate but I trust he is doing what has to be done for the good of the country and the people.

I salute your faith, but I fear your trust is misplaced.

Maybe you should salute his trust, but you fear his faith is misplaced.

[pantareiyingluck]

Many TVF posters expressed last weeks their wish to have Suthep off the streets. Later funny remarks about YL being detained. And worries about beer- and/or internet supply since a coup was a fact. Now you see what screws this country for decades and obstructs normal reform and development of a society wishing democracy. The Army. Which at any time rules out any civilised behavior and stands 'above the law'. Just detaining people/parents and paralyse 100% what people aim and fight for. Medieval.

[GoodThaiGirl]

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?

yes thank you very much...form an orderly queue at swampy ..

[choff56]

Every two days this past week we've had a surprise-Tuesday declaration of martial law, Thursday coup, and today Saturday dissolve Senate, and dump DSI chief and police chief...what's in store for Monday?

A rainy day.

[shrimpythailand]

the senate was all appointed hi-so and I think with permanent status... until they die ... we will see i still trust Prayuth he is taking out all the roots..

[ppmacready]

Franco governed for 36 years in Spain.

Ending when he died in 1975

Meanwhile the opposing team became educated.

It wont matter what this General does.

It doesn't matter how long it takes.

History shows us, that one day in the future the ''people '' always win!

'' Power concedes nothing without a demand.

It never did and it never will.''

''Nobody in the world, nobody in history, has ever gotten their freedom by appealing to the moral sense of the people who were oppressing them.''

[Now or Never]

This is not surprising given the insanity of the last few years.

Especially after all the talk of dividing Thailand and Civil War.

I can still remember how good it was in Thailand before Thaksin.

The General really needs to rid Thailand of any thing related to Thaksin and the UDD.

[boomerangutang]

What he's doing can possibly work for the short term. But after a few weeks, people will be waving their special interest flags. He's put himself in a Solomonic position, where he makes final decisions on all important issues. There are deep pitfalls in doing that. Even when Thailand has a semi-functioning government, there is hassling overevery bit of legislation. I hope the general keeps a cool heart (jai yen), because there will be big challenges in the upcoming weeks and months. It's hard to herd cats.

Well it least he is beginning to look at paying the farmers.

The reason the farmers haven't gotten paid, is because (from what we've been told) there isn't the money to pay them. The program was fatally flawed from the outset. Where is the general going to find the billions of baht to pay them? I tell you where he won't get the money: from cutting back on military salaries, ha ha. And you can bet he won't be cutting back military expenditures.

[garrya]

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.

[MaxYakov]

If it fails to work, this place will become cheaper to retire to

Perhaps, but it may not be worth it at any cost. Plan on retiring to North Korea? It's really cheap there, but don't plan on living like a king. Gen Chan-ocha had better not kill the goose.

[lomatopo]

Tin Pot Dictator.

When the people find out what he's done they will be very, very upset.

This is the first coup ever in Thailand where the coup maker hasnt met with HM on live TV to ask for approval.

As has been highlighted, this Junta did not display the Thai flag, or Royal images, just a slogan about the challenges a soldier, during their initial declaration.

Edited May 24, 2014 by lomatopo

[pantareiyingluck]

Think the plan is to put the "right" people for 100% in the Senate.

All Army friendly ofcourse.

Coup de luxe!

Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met behulp van Thaivisa Connect Thailand

The plan is like always: 3 steps forward (the population). 5 steps back (The Army + elite). Government wise Thailand is in year 2257.

[Thait Spot]

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.

You are full of hot air and little else.

Your sons?

BS

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[tingtongfarang]

Every two days this past week we've had a surprise-Tuesday declaration of martial law, Thursday coup, and today Saturday dissolve Senate, and dump DSI chief and police chief...what's in store for Monday?

RTP disbanded

[ronthai]

Well this came as a surprise to me, having seen 2 previous coups.

Can only go 1 of 2 ways:

1. FULL dictatorship, very unlikely in these days, but stranger things are known to happen.

2. An honest attempt of the general to make some real changes in Thailand, which are needed.

Time will tell

[HUAHIN62]

Where are the Suthep fans now?

[Rustapha]

ppmacready, on 24 May 2014 - 21:39, said:

Franco governed for 36 years in Spain.

Ending when he died in 1975

Meanwhile the opposing team became educated.

It wont matter what this General does.

It doesn't matter how long it takes.

History shows us, that one day in the future the ''people '' always win!

'' Power concedes nothing without a demand.

It never did and it never will.''

''Nobody in the world, nobody in history, has ever gotten their freedom by appealing to the moral sense of the people who were oppressing them.''

Yeah, tell it to the Russians. !!!

[dukebowling]

With no approval from the big guy, a revolution will come. He has no authority without a royal signature.

Not to mention, he already broke the promise made in 2006.

Edited May 24, 2014 by dukebowling

[eutin45]

It is up to the Thais to revolt/resist/riseup to a military dictatorship who are a bunch of hooligans removing a democratic constitution. Obviously the government and opposition could not solve their problems but the military has never resolved problems in Thailand ...but only make them worse. Before stupid people ruled Thailand....now awfully stupid rule the country believing they are God. These army generals should all be hanged for treason. Thailand rise up and fight for true democracy.

[bkkjames]

Although this happened only a couple of days ago...this didn't happen overnight.. .for a reason...whatever that reason is. Stay tuned.

[chilizzz]

Where are the Suthep fans now?

Everyone switched sides. Sutheps Facebook lost 300,000 followers in 2 days and the Army page gained over 200,000.

[shrimpythailand]

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?

there is way to this than meets the eye.../// the powers that Really be here are making things work .. I thought in the coup of 2006 they army needed the big guys ok

do they need it now?

hmmm

[boomerangutang]

re; both English language daily newspapers in Thailand:

Both had 'Letter to the Editor' sections. But neither had their usual online provision for enabling comments.

[crazykopite]

I can see the commander being replaced before long a coup within a coup the fan is picking up speed and the S - - T is heading towards it . We have already witnessed discontent on the streets of Bangkok today they in turn will get bigger day by day week by week I for one was hoping that an announcement for new elections would be announced in the next couple of days how foolish I was to think that would happen.

[pantareiyingluck]

This is the first coup ever in Thailand where the coup maker hasnt met with HM on live TV to ask for approval.

No joke, its true. Was in The Nation and Bangkok Post today.

Both Bangkok P. but even more the Nation. Recycling paper without even reading it. Objectivity: not available.