Junta dissolves Senate, set to form legislative assembly

[Lite Beer]

Junta dissolves Senate, set to form legislative assembly
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is also the acting prime minister, has dissolved the Senate, the only remaining legislative body, and is set to assume legislative power, according to an order issued by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) last night.

The order said matters that are needed to be approved by the Senate or the House of Representatives will now be under the NCPO chief.

The dissolution of the Senate could pave the way for the appointment of a national legislative assembly to act as Parliament and draft a new constitution. The disbanding of the Senate ended speculation that the Upper House might appoint the next prime minister.

Prayuth told diplomats at Friday's meeting that he would set up the assembly together with a reform council. The drafting of the charter would be carried out simultaneously with a national reform blueprint.

In a related development, the NCPO also ordered the removal of national police chief Adul Saengsingkaew, Department of Special Investigation director-general Tarit Pengdit, and Defence Ministry permanent secretary Nipat Thonglek from their positions. They will be transferred to the PM's Office.

Earlier yesterday, hundreds of protesters staged noisy and prolonged anti-coup protests at different locations in Bangkok.

About 100 protesters began gathering in front of Major Ratchayothin Theatre on Phaholyothin Road, north of Bangkok. Soldiers were dispatched to prevent them from marching to the 11th Infantry Division.

Police then asked the protesters to submit a written petition to them and promised to hand it over to the military junta.

By 10.50am, more protesters had gathered, holding anti-coup placards and seeking elections.

Police tried to reduce the tension when protesters confronted soldiers. But their warnings over a loud speaker that they were violating the junta's order barring the assembly of five or more people for a political purpose was in vain. The protesters eventually decided not to proceed to the 11th Infantry and the soldiers withdrew. The protesters later moved to Victory Monument.

A small group of protesters gathered at the Bangkok Art and Culture Hall yesterday afternoon to protest against the coup, watched by armed soldiers.

-- The Nation 2014-05-25

[Mango Bob]

Can we call him a dictator now?

[Mentors]

Yes. As we saw in the last few years in other countries, not the best job to have...

[Roadman]

"Prayuth told diplomats at Friday's meeting that he would set up the assembly together with a reform council. The drafting of the charter would be carried out simultaneously with a national reform blueprint."

Hard on the heels of rice payments to the farmers more good news with reforms being at the top of the agenda. Good luck and God sped Khun General Prayuth. A top man with balls and on a mission. Looking forward to the future when the rest of the world leaders including my own with their moronic "Naughty Thai Army lectures" can as Bart Simpson would say "eat my shorts".

[Roadman]

Can we call him a dictator now?

You certainly may Mango Bob. Hate to have you disappointed as something to cling to at the rapid overhaul and knuckling down to get things done that is occurring.

Edited May 25, 2014 by Roadman

[lomatopo]

He will also name himself First Lord of the Treasury, Lord Chief Justice, Commander-in-Chief, Lord High Admiral... Archbishop of Titipu, and Lord Mayor" and Lord High Everything Else as he is the Grand Poobah.

Seriously, as of today he is in charge of:

Government of Thailand (as prime minister)

Internal Security Command

Ministry of Justice

National Anti-Money Laundering Office

National Budget Bureau

National Intelligence Agency

National Police Agency

National Security Council

Office of the Attorney General

Edited May 25, 2014 by lomatopo

[Artfull Dodger]

Can we call him a dictator now?

No.

He is now able to fix all the loopholes and the contradicting articles of the constitution so everything can proceed as planned towards reform and true democratic elections.

However, with all your pro Thaksin rantings and accusations of anything non Thaksin is dictatorial.... then if anyone is a dictator..... it is YOU.

[VegasVic]

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

He will also name himself First Lord of the Treasury, Lord Chief Justice, Commander-in-Chief, Lord High Admiral... Archbishop of Titipu, and Lord Mayor" and Lord High Everything Else as he is the Grand Poobah.

Kind of reminds me of another meglomaniac....... zieg heil mein heir

[Mango Bob]

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

Can we call him a dictator now?

No.

He is now able to fix all the loopholes and the contradicting articles of the constitution so everything can proceed as planned towards reform and true democratic elections.

However, with all your pro Thaksin rantings and accusations of anything non Thaksin is dictatorial.... then if anyone is a dictator..... it is YOU.

Just joining today how would you know about my past post? Seems like you been reborn, how many time suspended now for insulting people.

[BSJ]

I don't understand Westerners who are Thaksin supporters. It's a classic case of "Were you born stupid or did you take lessons?"

[Mango Bob]

I don't understand Westerners who are Thaksin Suthep supporters. It's a classic case of "Were you born stupid or did you take lessons?"

[Piichai]

He will also name himself First Lord of the Treasury, Lord Chief Justice, Commander-in-Chief, Lord High Admiral... Archbishop of Titipu, and Lord Mayor" and Lord High Everything Else as he is the Grand Poobah.

Seriously, as of today he is in charge of:

Government of Thailand (as prime minister)

Internal Security Command

Ministry of Justice

National Anti-Money Laundering Office

National Budget Bureau

National Intelligence Agency

National Police Agency

National Security Council

Office of the Attorney General

Maybe he knows how to delegate.

[rickirs]

What I find so curious about this coup and Prayuth's suspension of the 2007 Constitution is that the military through its National Security Council did the exact same thing in 2007. The 2007 Constitution was the product of the 2006 coup. It seems it wasn't restrictive enough to prevent the red shirt political movement from taking the government over peacefully and constitutionally from the Democrats though in 2011, and red shirts threatening to do so again in 2014.

I suspect the junta's "reform" of the 2007 Constitution might , therefore, set forth some very draconian measures affecting the legislative, electoral, and court processes that may have Thailand look a lot less like a democratic mulit-party system than a totalitarian one-party system one might find in China, Cuba, and North Korea. It will depend as to what extent the military (that does not like all military organizations operate under the principles of democracy) decides that partisan politics and dissent will be allowed into the new constitution.

[Scamper]

Prayuth is taking control, without question, to the utter consternation of Thaksin, Pheu Thai, the UDD, and their legion of supporters. The time is right for change. The time is right for reform. Prayuth's stated goals at the outset of the coup three days ago was to enact reform before a national election. Nothing he has done so far is inconsistent with that. He is already setting up a reform council. Prayuth doesn't want this coup for any longer than is necessary. He has been working at considerable speed. He has the praise of all the farmers in the country. Not bad for just three days into a coup. Give the man some time. The same people who were perfectly prepared to allow Yingluck to defer court appearances until the next Ice Age are now complaining that things aren't happening fast enough.

[Thai at Heart]

Can we call him a dictator now?

No.

He is now able to fix all the loopholes and the contradicting articles of the constitution so everything can proceed as planned towards reform and true democratic elections.

However, with all your pro Thaksin rantings and accusations of anything non Thaksin is dictatorial.... then if anyone is a dictator..... it is YOU.

Hahahaha.

So this is like a recall that they do on motorcars. A slight modification. Let's hope Thailand didn't buy a proton or a trabant version of a constitution.

You think the aim of this is to end up with a stronger and fairer democracy? What will they do when a Shinawatras is sitting in the PM seat again?

[virtualtraveller]

Removal of Tarit makes the whole coup worthwhile, good riddance.

[farang000999]

Prayuth is taking control, without question, to the utter consternation of Thaksin, Pheu Thai, the UDD, and their legion of supporters. The time is right for change. The time is right for reform. Prayuth's stated goals at the outset of the coup three days ago was to enact reform before a national election. Nothing he has done so far is inconsistent with that. He is already setting up a reform council. Prayuth doesn't want this coup for any longer than is necessary. He has been working at considerable speed. He has the praise of all the farmers in the country. Not bad for just three days into a coup. Give the man some time. The same people who were perfectly prepared to allow Yingluck to defer court appearances until the next Ice Age are now complaining that things aren't happening fast enough.

Wonder if Prayuth will switch to be Red Shirt in four years like the last general.

[Trouble]

Can we call him a dictator now?

No.

He is now able to fix all the loopholes and the contradicting articles of the constitution so everything can proceed as planned towards reform and true democratic elections.

However, with all your pro Thaksin rantings and accusations of anything non Thaksin is dictatorial.... then if anyone is a dictator..... it is YOU.

Of course you are dreaming. He is going to fix all the loopholes and contradicting articles of the constitution, you sure? How many constitutions have been written or rewritten in my memory? There are always going to be loopholes. You actually think military junta is going to write a decent constitution? True democratic elections? Exactly what is that in Thailand or anywhere else in the world. Money and power is the main thing affecting elections anywhere. The incumbent has an unfair advantage in any election as they have a power base because of the favors they have granted. Even in the USA we can't seem to really limit the influence of money in elections. We can't even make it fair in the USA, how can this happen in Thailand. Payoffs to vote one way or another, happens everywhere even in the USA. The populist rice scheme is no different than handing out money in social programs in the USA. When a handful of people can bring down the Thai government because the opposing forces at play think it is to their advantage and do not uphold the law then it is lost and no rewrite is going to help. In all honesty the Yingluck government used as great deal of restraint in dealing with the PDRC. She dissolved government and called for new elections under the Constitution. The other side, which includes the military, royalists, elite just could not accept the fact that the people just might reelect the PTP. So don't look for a decent rewrite as if anything they will fix it so the PTP is limited in power. The junta has a vested interest in things too.

[robblok]

Can we call him a dictator now?

Be my guest, i call him savior. (for not unless his actions later on show different)

But right now is not the best time for guys like you to mess with the army. If you really go to crazy who knows what they will do They might just take offence and go after your kind. Not that I would support such a thing.

[robblok]

What I find so curious about this coup and Prayuth's suspension of the 2007 Constitution is that the military through its National Security Council did the exact same thing in 2007. The 2007 Constitution was the product of the 2006 coup. It seems it wasn't restrictive enough to prevent the red shirt political movement from taking the government over peacefully and constitutionally from the Democrats though in 2011, and red shirts threatening to do so again in 2014.

I suspect the junta's "reform" of the 2007 Constitution might , therefore, set forth some very draconian measures affecting the legislative, electoral, and court processes that may have Thailand look a lot less like a democratic mulit-party system than a totalitarian one-party system one might find in China, Cuba, and North Korea. It will depend as to what extent the military (that does not like all military organizations operate under the principles of democracy) decides that partisan politics and dissent will be allowed into the new constitution.

After they burned BKK in 2010 you mean ?

[Fat Haggis]

Prayuth is taking control, without question, to the utter consternation of Thaksin, Pheu Thai, the UDD, and their legion of supporters. The time is right for change. The time is right for reform. Prayuth's stated goals at the outset of the coup three days ago was to enact reform before a national election. Nothing he has done so far is inconsistent with that. He is already setting up a reform council. Prayuth doesn't want this coup for any longer than is necessary. He has been working at considerable speed. He has the praise of all the farmers in the country. Not bad for just three days into a coup. Give the man some time. The same people who were perfectly prepared to allow Yingluck to defer court appearances until the next Ice Age are now complaining that things aren't happening fast enough.

Hasn't he called you up on the phone yet mate to offer him advice on the Thai constitution..

It's far too early to make any sort of judgement on the General, as it's still early days, but history is full of despots and dictators and lunatics being all smiles and being nice, and telling the people what they want to hear, it's a way of pacifying their concerns, the jury's out on the General, but he still will have to seek the Royal Pardon for his actions, and that might be a whole different ball game indeed

[pkspeaker]

Reason the Junta decided to get rid of the Senate is because they think this option is less inflammatory to the reds, the democrat leaders and pad/pdrc wanted the Senate to take control, to the anger of the red shirts.. this they figure is a little less bad-although they will hate this too..

Now is the hard part for the Junta, they have to pretend to be carrying out 'reforms' - these were the reforms that were never really specified by the pad/pdrc, and 'reforms before election' was just a benign way to say 'we want a coup' since their demands were obviously not possible under the democratic constitution.

After a few months the UDD looses it's patients and wants the election to come sooner, the Army want's to hold on to power longer, international presure to hold elections and another 2010.. Then finally Payuth agrees to turn government back over to civilian control and Yingluck wins another election, unless she's banned for 5 years(but they might cancell the ban since the Senate-which is supposed to impeach her, is gone.. ) but if she is banned it's bad for this country because She is the best the PT has-but they will still win if she's out, other wise Thailand gets stuck with bench warmers until Yingluck is back in 5 years.

[Jeffreyake]

anyway it's had to be done...

Edited May 25, 2014 by Jeffreyake

[Ulic]

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

I don't understand Westerners who are Thaksin supporters. It's a classic case of "Were you born stupid or did you take lessons?"

I don't understand Westerners who are Thaksin Suthep supporters. It's a classic case of "Were you born stupid or did you take lessons?"

Choosing one side or the other between these two, is like arguing who is the better choice to lead a country

the Hells Angels or Satan's Choice, just ridiculous. By the way the Military would be the Banditos, the police, the Outlaws.

All successful motorcycle clubs but not who I would choose to run a country. (no offence to any biker clubs)

[h90]

He will also name himself First Lord of the Treasury, Lord Chief Justice, Commander-in-Chief, Lord High Admiral... Archbishop of Titipu, and Lord Mayor" and Lord High Everything Else as he is the Grand Poobah.

Seriously, as of today he is in charge of:

Government of Thailand (as prime minister)

Internal Security Command

Ministry of Justice

National Anti-Money Laundering Office

National Budget Bureau

National Intelligence Agency

National Police Agency

National Security Council

Office of the Attorney General

He is also the parliament and Senate....now he can make reforms....

[Longtooth]

What I find so curious about this coup and Prayuth's suspension of the 2007 Constitution is that the military through its National Security Council did the exact same thing in 2007. The 2007 Constitution was the product of the 2006 coup. It seems it wasn't restrictive enough to prevent the red shirt political movement from taking the government over peacefully and constitutionally from the Democrats though in 2011, and red shirts threatening to do so again in 2014.

I suspect the junta's "reform" of the 2007 Constitution might , therefore, set forth some very draconian measures affecting the legislative, electoral, and court processes that may have Thailand look a lot less like a democratic mulit-party system than a totalitarian one-party system one might find in China, Cuba, and North Korea. It will depend as to what extent the military (that does not like all military organizations operate under the principles of democracy) decides that partisan politics and dissent will be allowed into the new constitution.

Or, they could just add one clause, "Thou shalt not steal," and delineate vigorous enforcement.