Election in Oct 2015, NCPO says

[Lite Beer]

Election in Oct 2015, NCPO says
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Appointed govt could start in September

Elections for parliamentarians are expected to be held in October 2015 and a democratically elected government in place late next year, the junta leader said last night.

General Prayuth Chan-ocha, chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), said a provisional charter would be promulgated next month and a new constitution could be announced by August next year.

When the new constitution is in place, the NCPO's interim government will spend about three months preparing for the election of new parliamentarians, according to Prayuth, who is also Army commander-in-chief.

"The elections to be held under the new constitution will be fair and just in order to bring about a constructive and complete democracy," he said during his weekly TV address.

"You will get a democratically elected government by 2015. Please take it easy. We need some time for reforms. Things should be done by next year."

He said a national legislative assembly would be set up about a month after the interim charter is in place and a new interim government could start functioning in September.

Prayuth said last night the interim charter would require reforms in all areas, such as politics, the economy, society, the environment, energy and the justice system.

He said a national reform council set up via the interim charter would implement reforms in all areas and suggest to a constitution drafting committee how the new constitution should be written to achieve reform.

It was reported earlier that the NCPO's power would remain the same even after an interim government is installed. The interim charter will include Article 17, which will give the NCPO greater powers than the government, the Isra News Agency reported.

Once the interim government is set up, the NCPO will still have the power to issue orders, make public announcements and carry out any other activities it deems necessary to maintain national security.

High-ranking military officials will make up half of the 200-member National Legislative Assembly, which will be wholly appointed by the NCPO.

So far, four legal specialists have turned down an invitation from the NCPO to lead the charter-writing panel. They are Council of State chief Meechai Ruchuphan, NCPO adviser Wissanu Krea-Ngam, King Prajadhi-pok's Institute secretary-general Dr Borwornsak Uwanno and Thammasat University rector Somkid Lertpaitoon.

'No fundraising dinners'

Holding any politically motivated fundraising events is against martial law and organisers would face legal action for violating NCPO orders, the junta chief also warned last night.

Prayuth said he did not believe it was appropriate to be holding political fundraising events at present. If one political group holds such an event, then its rival group could also do the same, he said.

"I ask you not to do it again. If you want to talk, do it quietly at home," the general said. "You can't hold a political gathering in a public place. It's against martial law. If you do it again, everybody involved will be summoned to face legal action for

violating an NCPO order."

Martial law prohibits a political gathering of five people or more.

He dismissed as groundless a claim that he worked with a "group of people who opposed the previous government".

"I didn't plot anything with anyone." He did not identify anybody, but it is believed he was referring to Suthep Thaugsuban's comments about how he had been advising Prayuth on rooting out the Thaksin regime since 2010.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Election-in-Oct-2015-NCPO-says-30237311.html

-- The Nation 2014-06-28

[Thailand]

"High-ranking military officials will make up half of the 200-member National Legislative Assembly, which will be wholly appointed by the NCPO."

"It was reported earlier that the NCPO's power would remain the same even after an interim government is installed. The interim charter will include Article 17, which will give the NCPO greater powers than the government, the Isra News Agency reported."

Not a lot of point in having an unelected appointed government later in the year if the NCPO still has the final say on everything?

Hope that won't be the case after the "democratic" elections in 16 months time.

Edited June 28, 2014 by Thailand

[Suriya4]

If the constitution has not even been written, how can he be so sure that it will be a fair one?

[Bender]

so in september 2014 ... who will be appointed like temporary PM? Suth...

And who, this next appointed PM, will appoint as the next army commander in october 2014?

[EyesWideOpen]

Vote buying = death penalty. Then and only then will there be actual democratic elections.

I stated in another thread that Prayuth would be in power for two years. So I am a bit off.....

But the time period he has chosen is reasonable. That should give him plenty of time

to clean house on the PTP appointments, and the Thaksin cronies / relatives. But again,

until vote buying is dealt with, we can look forward to another Thaksin puppet in Oct

of 2015......

And to the rose colored glasses people who think vote buying is some kind

of urban myth, just ask your Thai girlfriend/wife what happens in her village during elections.

Oh wait, everybody on TV is claiming they have a Chinese / Thai wife with a rich family,

two college degrees, and she is related to some high ranking policemen........So maybe

these guys would not know what happens in countless villages. Ok, then just ask your

one of your cleaning staff.

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

Edited June 28, 2014 by EyesWideOpen

[Emptyset]

"I ask you not to do it again. If you want to talk, do it quietly at home," the general said. "You can't hold a political gathering in a public place. It's against martial law. If you do it again, everybody involved will be summoned to face legal action for violating an NCPO order."

Will the anti-USA rally planned for tomorrow be allowed to go ahead, then?

[The stuttering parrot]

What is this fixation with the yellows about vote buying?

Both sides do it but the yellows just can't bring themselves to admit they do it also!

As for elections they should have been held yesterday not the end of next year!

[Thailand]

Vote buying = death penalty. Then and only then will there be actual democratic elections.

I stated in another thread that Prayuth would be in power for two years. So I am a bit off.....

But the time period he has chosen is reasonable. That should give him plenty of time

to clean house on the PTP appointments, and the Thaksin cronies / relatives. But again,

until vote buying is dealt with, we can look forward to another Thaksin puppet in Oct

of 2015......

And to the rose colored glasses people who think vote buying is some kind

of urban myth, just ask your Thai girlfriend/wife what happens in her village during elections.

Oh wait, everybody on TV is claiming they have a Chinese / Thai wife with a rich family,

two college degrees, and she is related to some high ranking policemen........So maybe

these guys would not know what happens in countless villages. Ok, then just ask your

one of your cleaning staff.

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

What would you recommend for something a little more serious than vote buying?

Two or three death penalties upwards depending on the severity of the crime?

[Emptyset]

Vote buying = death penalty. Then and only then will there be actual democratic elections.

I stated in another thread that Prayuth would be in power for two years. So I am a bit off.....

But the time period he has chosen is reasonable. That should give him plenty of time

to clean house on the PTP appointments, and the Thaksin cronies / relatives. But again,

until vote buying is dealt with, we can look forward to another Thaksin puppet in Oct

of 2015......

And to the rose colored glasses people who think vote buying is some kind

of urban myth, just ask your Thai girlfriend/wife what happens in her village during elections.

Oh wait, everybody on TV is claiming they have a Chinese / Thai wife with a rich family,

two college degrees, and she is related to some high ranking policemen........So maybe

these guys would not know what happens in countless villages. Ok, then just ask your

one of your cleaning staff.

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

The myth isn't that vote buying doesn't happen - everyone in rural areas will tell you people from all parties handing out money is still a widespread practice. But most have also said they take the money and vote for whoever they want. No, the myth is that it actually has a significant effect on the overall outcome. It's only really effective in close run swing seats. But most seats in the NE and South were won by 90% of the vote by either PT or the Dems. Also opinion polls consistently predicted a PT win in the run up to the last election and people aren't generally paid to give answers to those. Whilst opinion polls are flawed, they generally actually skew to more urban educated voters and underrepresent rural voters. Also PT got almost 50% of the vote in BKK last time, so either urban voters are equally susceptible to vote buying, or PT were genuinely a popular party even in Bangkok, nevermind about the NE and North.

From anecdotal chats, I've heard the real vote buying money is spent on the local elections these days, where people generally care less about who wins or which party they're from. Someone from near Ubon told me that the money offered in the general election was three or four hundred, but candidatess were offering a thousand and upwards for the local elections (TAO etc). Might not be the case everywhere though.

[EyesWideOpen]

Vote buying = death penalty. Then and only then will there be actual democratic elections.

I stated in another thread that Prayuth would be in power for two years. So I am a bit off.....

But the time period he has chosen is reasonable. That should give him plenty of time

to clean house on the PTP appointments, and the Thaksin cronies / relatives. But again,

until vote buying is dealt with, we can look forward to another Thaksin puppet in Oct

of 2015......

And to the rose colored glasses people who think vote buying is some kind

of urban myth, just ask your Thai girlfriend/wife what happens in her village during elections.

Oh wait, everybody on TV is claiming they have a Chinese / Thai wife with a rich family,

two college degrees, and she is related to some high ranking policemen........So maybe

these guys would not know what happens in countless villages. Ok, then just ask your

one of your cleaning staff.

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

What would you recommend for something a little more serious than vote buying?

Two or three death penalties upwards depending on the severity of the crime?

I was being slightly facetious.... :-) Perhaps a ten year jail sentence would do

the trick. Right now the penalty must be pretty small, as it clearly is not a deterrent.

Perhaps the classic 1000 baht fine and 6 months suspended jail sentence.

In any event, when rich people with no morals ( Thaksin springs to mind) can

take control of the country, you will just end up with one crap government after

another, as history has clearly shown in Thailand.

[ScouseTommy]

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

I agree with a lot of what was said, but the above!!! You lost all credibility when you started with Team America- world police! Written by brilliant men (debatable), fair to all citizens (blatant lie). As I remember it your constitution was fully functional when you tried to ethnically cleanse the continent of indigenous peoples! It was also in place when you signed agreements giving land to said people, then ripped them up in order to 're-claim' the land because gold had been found on it. Your constitution also gives everyone the right to bear arms (written in the wild west so understandable), never amended to recognise a modern world! This has lead to incidents like Columbine etc. Sorry, but I could go on and on with this. I don't want to seem like I hate Yanks, I don't! Your post was great until you turned condescending and written a load of old codswallop at the end!

[prakhonchai nick]

It isn't just the payment of 300/500/1000baht to the villagers to vote for a particular candidate, but more relevantly the threat that goes along with the money in many villages. Villagers are told that they will not be able to access the village fund, nor vote in future elections if they vote for a different candidate to that from whom they receive money.

[baboon]

"I ask you not to do it again. If you want to talk, do it quietly at home," the general said. "You can't hold a political gathering in a public place. It's against martial law. If you do it again, everybody involved will be summoned to face legal action for violating an NCPO order."

Will the anti-USA rally planned for tomorrow be allowed to go ahead, then?

Anti USA rally?

[MILT]

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

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

I agree with a lot of what was said, but the above!!! You lost all credibility when you started with Team America- world police! Written by brilliant men (debatable), fair to all citizens (blatant lie). As I remember it your constitution was fully functional when you tried to ethnically cleanse the continent of indigenous peoples! It was also in place when you signed agreements giving land to said people, then ripped them up in order to 're-claim' the land because gold had been found on it. Your constitution also gives everyone the right to bear arms (written in the wild west so understandable), never amended to recognise a modern world! This has lead to incidents like Columbine etc. Sorry, but I could go on and on with this. I don't want to seem like I hate Yanks, I don't! Your post was great until you turned condescending and written a load of old codswallop at the end! alt=whistling.gif>

So now you are a expert on the yanks constitution? The US constitution is solid period! It is the politicians that are dysfunctional not the constitution. As far as the gun laws go you should do proper research before you write like you know what you are talking about. I don't want to come across like I hate the yanks across the pond. Basically none of what you wrote is based on the US constitution it was based on greed pure and simple.

[metisdead]

A post in violation of the URGENT NOTICE TO MEMBERS has been removed.

[empireboy]

Vote buying = death penalty. Then and only then will there be actual democratic elections.

I stated in another thread that Prayuth would be in power for two years. So I am a bit off.....

But the time period he has chosen is reasonable. That should give him plenty of time

to clean house on the PTP appointments, and the Thaksin cronies / relatives. But again,

until vote buying is dealt with, we can look forward to another Thaksin puppet in Oct

of 2015......

And to the rose colored glasses people who think vote buying is some kind

of urban myth, just ask your Thai girlfriend/wife what happens in her village during elections.

Oh wait, everybody on TV is claiming they have a Chinese / Thai wife with a rich family,

two college degrees, and she is related to some high ranking policemen........So maybe

these guys would not know what happens in countless villages. Ok, then just ask your

one of your cleaning staff.

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

Or why not ask your even closer and equally successful modern day neighbour, Singapore how to run the show. Has there been any more modern and successful country developed in the same period? You can't even drip a tissue on the ground there without the threat of S$200 on the spot fine! Thailand ought to be and indeed could be a jewel in the ASEAN Crown/.

[ScouseTommy]

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

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

I agree with a lot of what was said, but the above!!! You lost all credibility when you started with Team America- world police! Written by brilliant men (debatable), fair to all citizens (blatant lie). As I remember it your constitution was fully functional when you tried to ethnically cleanse the continent of indigenous peoples! It was also in place when you signed agreements giving land to said people, then ripped them up in order to 're-claim' the land because gold had been found on it. Your constitution also gives everyone the right to bear arms (written in the wild west so understandable), never amended to recognise a modern world! This has lead to incidents like Columbine etc. Sorry, but I could go on and on with this. I don't want to seem like I hate Yanks, I don't! Your post was great until you turned condescending and written a load of old codswallop at the end! alt=whistling.gif>

So now you are a expert on the yanks constitution? The US constitution is solid period! It is the politicians that are dysfunctional not the constitution. As far as the gun laws go you should do proper research before you write like you know what you are talking about. I don't want to come across like I hate the yanks across the pond. Basically none of what you wrote is based on the US constitution it was based on greed pure and simple.

Huh? Me or him? unclear

[MILT]

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

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

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

I agree with a lot of what was said, but the above!!! You lost all credibility when you started with Team America- world police! Written by brilliant men (debatable), fair to all citizens (blatant lie). As I remember it your constitution was fully functional when you tried to ethnically cleanse the continent of indigenous peoples! It was also in place when you signed agreements giving land to said people, then ripped them up in order to 're-claim' the land because gold had been found on it. Your constitution also gives everyone the right to bear arms (written in the wild west so understandable), never amended to recognise a modern world! This has lead to incidents like Columbine etc. Sorry, but I could go on and on with this. I don't want to seem like I hate Yanks, I don't! Your post was great until you turned condescending and written a load of old codswallop at the end! alt=whistling.gif>

So now you are a expert on the yanks constitution? The US constitution is solid period! It is the politicians that are dysfunctional not the constitution. As far as the gun laws go you should do proper research before you write like you know what you are talking about. I don't want to come across like I hate the yanks across the pond. Basically none of what you wrote is based on the US constitution it was based on greed pure and simple.

Huh? Me or him? unclear alt=coffee1.gif width=32 height=24>

Apologies! The comment is directed to his honorable scouseTommy.

[EyesWideOpen]

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

I agree with a lot of what was said, but the above!!! You lost all credibility when you started with Team America- world police! Written by brilliant men (debatable), fair to all citizens (blatant lie). As I remember it your constitution was fully functional when you tried to ethnically cleanse the continent of indigenous peoples! It was also in place when you signed agreements giving land to said people, then ripped them up in order to 're-claim' the land because gold had been found on it. Your constitution also gives everyone the right to bear arms (written in the wild west so understandable), never amended to recognise a modern world! This has lead to incidents like Columbine etc. Sorry, but I could go on and on with this. I don't want to seem like I hate Yanks, I don't! Your post was great until you turned condescending and written a load of old codswallop at the end!

Wow, not even sure where to start. My reference was only to the constitution as it was originally written, and its durability over 200 plus years. And if you think the brilliance of Thomas Jefferson is debatable, you have lost ALL credibility. The anti-America sentiment must be reaching a fever pitch

here if your bringing in the issue of the treatment of Indians in America from 150 years ago.

Hmm let's see. Your board name has the word scouse in it, so either you like the sound of that word, or you are a scouser from Liverpool. In which case, given the history of England and its colonization issues in the past, you would be best to keep quiet and not make a fool of yourself anymore.....

Edited June 28, 2014 by EyesWideOpen

[MILT]

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

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

I agree with a lot of what was said, but the above!!! You lost all credibility when you started with Team America- world police! Written by brilliant men (debatable), fair to all citizens (blatant lie). As I remember it your constitution was fully functional when you tried to ethnically cleanse the continent of indigenous peoples! It was also in place when you signed agreements giving land to said people, then ripped them up in order to 're-claim' the land because gold had been found on it. Your constitution also gives everyone the right to bear arms (written in the wild west so understandable), never amended to recognise a modern world! This has lead to incidents like Columbine etc. Sorry, but I could go on and on with this. I don't want to seem like I hate Yanks, I don't! Your post was great until you turned condescending and written a load of old codswallop at the end! alt=whistling.gif>

Wow, not even sure where to start. My reference was only to the constitution as it was originally written, and its durability over 200 plus years. And if you think the brilliance of Thomas Jefferson is debatable, you have lost ALL credibility. The anti-America sentiment must be reaching a fever pitch

here if your bringing in the issue of the treatment of Indians in America from 150 years ago.

Hmm let's see. Your board name has the word scouse in it, so either you like the sound of that word, or you are a scouser from Liverpool. In which case, given the past history of England and its colonization issues in the past, you would be best to keep quiet and not make a fool of yourself anymore.....

Team America World Police F... Yea!

Edited June 28, 2014 by MILT

[ZigZagMan]

What is this fixation with the yellows about vote buying?

Both sides do it but the yellows just can't bring themselves to admit they do it also!

As for elections they should have been held yesterday not the end of next year!

Mr Korn put the vote buying myth to bed. Didn't you read it?

Just an excuse for sore losers is what he said.

Now, what party resists international observers each time?

[IMA_FARANG]

As has been said before:

The good thing about Democracy is that all citizens have an equal vote .... regardless of their education or knowledge of the issues involved, everyone gets only one vote.

The bad thing about Democracy is that all citizens have an equal vote .... regardless of their education or knowledge of the issues involved everyone gets only one vote.

Thailand, the U.S.A., and the U.K. are all prime examples of that fact.

All you have to do is to talk to your typical voter for a few minutes and you will see that.

[EyesWideOpen]

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

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

I agree with a lot of what was said, but the above!!! You lost all credibility when you started with Team America- world police! Written by brilliant men (debatable), fair to all citizens (blatant lie). As I remember it your constitution was fully functional when you tried to ethnically cleanse the continent of indigenous peoples! It was also in place when you signed agreements giving land to said people, then ripped them up in order to 're-claim' the land because gold had been found on it. Your constitution also gives everyone the right to bear arms (written in the wild west so understandable), never amended to recognise a modern world! This has lead to incidents like Columbine etc. Sorry, but I could go on and on with this. I don't want to seem like I hate Yanks, I don't! Your post was great until you turned condescending and written a load of old codswallop at the end! alt=whistling.gif>

Wow, not even sure where to start. My reference was only to the constitution as it was originally written, and its durability over 200 plus years. And if you think the brilliance of Thomas Jefferson is debatable, you have lost ALL credibility. The anti-America sentiment must be reaching a fever pitch

here if your bringing in the issue of the treatment of Indians in America from 150 years ago.

Hmm let's see. Your board name has the word scouse in it, so either you like the sound of that word, or you are a scouser from Liverpool. In which case, given the past history of England and its colonization issues in the past, you would be best to keep quiet and not make a fool of yourself anymore.....

Team America World Police F... Yea!

Nope, screw that world police thing. Too expensive. If it was up to me, every single service man would return home, and not one dollar would go towards foreign aid in any form. America is broke, and its infrastructure is crumbling. Time to focus on keeping the home fires burning, and let

the rest of the world sort out its own problems.

[ScouseTommy]

LOL fair enough apologies accepted good sir! What you have written proves my point "...it is politicians that are dysfunctional" and politicians drive policy. That policy does not have to be in line with the original intent of a constitution as long as it does not breach that constitution. I stand by everything I said in my post. I do not claim to be an expert at all, but the things i mentioned are historical fact. They are not something pulled out of thin air! What I wrote about is based on greed you are correct. However the US constitution you obviously love was in full force whilst this went on. Doesn't that imply (even a teency weency bit...) that this isn't a 'solid' constitution? I have done my research via gun laws which are enshrined in the second amendment of the constitution (are the people amending the constitution as brilliant as your vaunted forefathers?). I am against an average citizen buying and legally owning an assault rifle, so shoot me for my personal point of view! Anyway getting back on point for this thread, the original OP ridiculed all the previous Thai constitutions because they were 'corrupt or driven by greed'. He then put up the US version as a shining example and parody of excellence! I merely pointed out this was a bit silly and not true. As you said the US Gov't breach of early agreements and everything else was about greed, under policy from the White house and when the constitution was in force!! Exactly the same thing the original OP was saying about the Thai constitution! Last point, where in the constitution does it say it is fine to data mine and spy on your own citizens private (non- threat to national security) communications? It seems to be allowed though!

Apologies! The comment is directed to his honorable scouseTommy.

I agree with a lot of what was said, but the above!!! You lost all credibility when you started with Team America- world police! Written by brilliant men (debatable), fair to all citizens (blatant lie). As I remember it your constitution was fully functional when you tried to ethnically cleanse the continent of indigenous peoples! It was also in place when you signed agreements giving land to said people, then ripped them up in order to 're-claim' the land because gold had been found on it. Your constitution also gives everyone the right to bear arms (written in the wild west so understandable), never amended to recognise a modern world! This has lead to incidents like Columbine etc. Sorry, but I could go on and on with this. I don't want to seem like I hate Yanks, I don't! Your post was great until you turned condescending and written a load of old codswallop at the end! alt=whistling.gif>

So now you are a expert on the yanks constitution? The US constitution is solid period! It is the politicians that are dysfunctional not the constitution. As far as the gun laws go you should do proper research before you write like you know what you are talking about. I don't want to come across like I hate the yanks across the pond. Basically none of what you wrote is based on the US constitution it was based on greed pure and simple.

Huh? Me or him? unclear alt=coffee1.gif width=32 height=24>

[sae57]

It isn't just the payment of 300/500/1000baht to the villagers to vote for a particular candidate, but more relevantly the threat that goes along with the money in many villages. Villagers are told that they will not be able to access the village fund, nor vote in future elections if they vote for a different candidate to that from whom they receive money.

Who told you that? The way it works in my area of rural Isan is that the canvasers come around and offer, say 300 hundred, per voting member of the household. You take it. Then when the canvasers for another candidate come around offering the same, you say, but the other is offering 400; so they up the offer to 500. Then canvasers for the third candidate come around... etc. The first may come back and try and trump the current higest offer. You take all the money, then vote for your mother's older sister's son's wife, regardless how much who gave. They don't know who you voted for--or even whether you voted. Why do they do it? Well, for one thing nobody is going to vote for a cheapskate, and some may vote for the highest bidder because the expect him/her to continue to be generous. An aside: candidates may spend several times their total salary while in office--how do they make it up? That's local elections. In national elections the "gifts" are given much more discreetly (you can be kicked out of office & banned from politics). But they are given--still no one knows who you actually voted for. No threats. No point in making threats.

Perhaps not so different from the US where elections tend to go to whoever buys the most ads.

[ScouseTommy]

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

I agree with a lot of what was said, but the above!!! You lost all credibility when you started with Team America- world police! Written by brilliant men (debatable), fair to all citizens (blatant lie). As I remember it your constitution was fully functional when you tried to ethnically cleanse the continent of indigenous peoples! It was also in place when you signed agreements giving land to said people, then ripped them up in order to 're-claim' the land because gold had been found on it. Your constitution also gives everyone the right to bear arms (written in the wild west so understandable), never amended to recognise a modern world! This has lead to incidents like Columbine etc. Sorry, but I could go on and on with this. I don't want to seem like I hate Yanks, I don't! Your post was great until you turned condescending and written a load of old codswallop at the end!

Wow, not even sure where to start. My reference was only to the constitution as it was originally written, and its durability over 200 plus years. And if you think the brilliance of Thomas Jefferson is debatable, you have lost ALL credibility. The anti-America sentiment must be reaching a fever pitch

here if your bringing in the issue of the treatment of Indians in America from 150 years ago.

Hmm let's see. Your board name has the word scouse in it, so either you like the sound of that word, or you are a scouser from Liverpool. In which case, given the history of England and its colonization issues in the past, you would be best to keep quiet and not make a fool of yourself anymore.....

LOL seems unlike you I have a sense of humour. Yes I am from Liverpool, a city built on the proceeds of slavery, which was blatantly wrong and evil. I don't deny my past at all. Neither to the people of my city, which has a large (very honest) anti-slavery museum. So, I won't keep quiet and I don't think I am making a fool of myself, by debating a point with you? I wasn't abusive or rude, if you are a sensitive soul I apologise profusely! I simply tried and obviously failed to highlight the fact the US constitution isn't as perfect as you have made it out to be. I apologise for having an understanding and knowledge of US history and in future I will not comment on this country as obviously people from 'scouseland' should remain quiet and not have an opinion. Hope this soothes your injured soul. Have a great day as they say in the US

[ZigZagMan]

How will the new constitution get around the majority rule thing?

[ScouseTommy]

How will the new constitution get around the majority rule thing?

Good question! I suppose this interim gov' will be in place and presumably the upper house will re-form? I am unsure tbh, maybe the new constitution can only be fullyy ratified when aa new democratically elected Gov' is in place? There are people on here with more knowledge who may be able to clear it up for us?

[EyesWideOpen]

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

I agree with a lot of what was said, but the above!!! You lost all credibility when you started with Team America- world police! Written by brilliant men (debatable), fair to all citizens (blatant lie). As I remember it your constitution was fully functional when you tried to ethnically cleanse the continent of indigenous peoples! It was also in place when you signed agreements giving land to said people, then ripped them up in order to 're-claim' the land because gold had been found on it. Your constitution also gives everyone the right to bear arms (written in the wild west so understandable), never amended to recognise a modern world! This has lead to incidents like Columbine etc. Sorry, but I could go on and on with this. I don't want to seem like I hate Yanks, I don't! Your post was great until you turned condescending and written a load of old codswallop at the end!

Wow, not even sure where to start. My reference was only to the constitution as it was originally written, and its durability over 200 plus years. And if you think the brilliance of Thomas Jefferson is debatable, you have lost ALL credibility. The anti-America sentiment must be reaching a fever pitch

here if your bringing in the issue of the treatment of Indians in America from 150 years ago.

Hmm let's see. Your board name has the word scouse in it, so either you like the sound of that word, or you are a scouser from Liverpool. In which case, given the history of England and its colonization issues in the past, you would be best to keep quiet and not make a fool of yourself anymore.....

LOL seems unlike you I have a sense of humour. Yes I am from Liverpool, a city built on the proceeds of slavery, which was blatantly wrong and evil. I don't deny my past at all. Neither to the people of my city, which has a large (very honest) anti-slavery museum. So, I won't keep quiet and I don't think I am making a fool of myself, by debating a point with you? I wasn't abusive or rude, if you are a sensitive soul I apologise profusely! I simply tried and obviously failed to highlight the fact the US constitution isn't as perfect as you have made it out to be. I apologise for having an understanding and knowledge of US history and in future I will not comment on this country as obviously people from 'scouseland' should remain quiet and not have an opinion. Hope this soothes your injured soul. Have a great day as they say in the US

I have a great sense of humor, sometimes I just grow weary of the endless America bashing.

In your case, don't throw stones if you live in a glass house..........Have a great day as well... :-)

Edited June 28, 2014 by EyesWideOpen

[h90]

"High-ranking military officials will make up half of the 200-member National Legislative Assembly, which will be wholly appointed by the NCPO."

"It was reported earlier that the NCPO's power would remain the same even after an interim government is installed. The interim charter will include Article 17, which will give the NCPO greater powers than the government, the Isra News Agency reported."

Not a lot of point in having an unelected appointed government later in the year if the NCPO still has the final say on everything?

Hope that won't be the case after the "democratic" elections in 16 months time.

After seeing many elected governments and a few unelected, I hope we have an unelected as long as possible.