Pheu Thai 'to boycott Reform Council'

[webfact]

Pheu Thai 'To Boycott Reform Council'
By Khaosod English


Pheu Thai party members at the Army's Happiness Festival in Bangkok on 22 July 2014.

BANGKOK — The ruling party of the former government will not send any members to join the "National Reform Council" outlined in Thailand’s new interim constitution, sources inside the Pheu Thai Party say.

The junta’s newly inaugurated 2014 Interim Constitution calls for the appointment of a 250-member National Reform Council that will propose political, economic, and social reforms to ensure that Thailand can become a "true" democracy.

According to sources, Pheu Thai leaders have concluded that even if their members are appointed to join the reform council, they will only manage to constitute a minority.

Deputy secretary-general of the Pheu Thai Party Chavalit Wichayasutthi said he thinks it’s unlikely that Pheu Thai members will ask to participate in the 35-member Constitution Drafting Committee either.

Mr. Chavalit explained that no one will want to join the committee, which is tasked with penning a permanent charter, because the 2014 Interim Constitution prohibits the committee members from running for political office for two years.

The military junta ousted the elected government led by Pheu Thai Party on 22 May. Since the coup, a number of Pheu Thai Party supporters have attempted to protest the junta and the military takeover, but their resistance has been stamped out by authorities.

However, prominent Pheu Thai Party members have urged their supporters to cooperate with the military rulers. Some of them, such as Veera Musikapong and Suphon Attawong, even participated in the army-organised "Return Happiness to the People of the Nation" fair in Bangkok yesterday.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1406105378


-- Khaosod English 2014-07-23

[dinom]

even if their members are appointed to join the reform council, they will only manage to constitute a minority.

No surprises here,

1. if we don't have the majority we will not participate. (indicating a perfect understanding of democracy)

2. they know they will not be appointed, so rather say now we don't want anyway.

Any lessond learned? NO

[sandmike]

More waffle from these guys ....

I understand from a different thread on TV that the following phrase is being used in relation to the new constitution and its organic bodies .....

Members of the NLA, the National Reform Council, the Cabinet and the Constitution drafting committee must not be political party members or political office holders over the past three years.

Current members of the Pheu Thai Party are excluded by default ....

Anything to make the newspapers or so it would appear ....

[Gunna]

I suspect PTP is boycotting the reform council as they have nothing useful to add as they would think nothing needs to be reformed.,

ie. They just want to return to their good old days of ignoring the law and grand larceny of Thailand's Treasury

[Ricardo]

I hope this report is mistaken, or premature.

Ms Yingluck was willing to promise reform after the elections, which she expected to go her way, her party cannot simply pretend that the need for reform has disappeared, because "even if their members are appointed to join the reform council, they will only manage to constitute a minority".

Their ideas are still valid, and nobody should expect to be able to dictate the reforms proposed, through having a majority. They're not in-power now, but their arguments are still worth hearing, aren't they ?

PTP's refusal to participate in reform would be as wrong as the Dems' refusal to take part in an election, and as short-sighted.

[ratcatcher]

Well, it looks like Suporn Atthawong, the fine looking gentleman in the cream suit, has already shed red for a more civilized appearance. Good for him.

[sandmike]

^{The cynic in me would suggest that the PTP reforms would only be carried out where they could control the reforms, and exactly what was reformed and how these reforms would be implemented ....}

^{Achieving a consensus with others doesn't appear to be on the agenda.}

Edited July 23, 2014 by sandmike

[Chupup]

Dummy has been spat

Sent from my Z130 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[leesgems]

I hope this report is mistaken, or premature.

Ms Yingluck was willing to promise reform after the elections, which she expected to go her way, her party cannot simply pretend that the need for reform has disappeared, because "even if their members are appointed to join the reform council, they will only manage to constitute a minority".

Their ideas are still valid, and nobody should expect to be able to dictate the reforms proposed, through having a majority. They're not in-power now, but their arguments are still worth hearing, aren't they ?

PTP's refusal to participate in reform would be as wrong as the Dems' refusal to take part in an election, and as short-sighted.

No ideas of political party members are worth hearing nor are they allowed to participate in this group.

The Democrats refusal to participate in that corruption infested election appears to have had good vision since the PT were booted out partially because of that election fiasco. Had the Dems the shortsightedness to participate then the coup likely would not have happened and we would still have PT corrupt officials milking the country.

[djjamie]

Thank god the Junta had put restrictions on the media. I have had a 2 month holiday from reading about their constant negativity, broken promises, intimidation of anyone and anything that goes against their agenda and the narrative that is all to predictable of putting themselves first before the people of Thailand. The Junta have resembled a democracy more than the PTP every did and now this media blanket has been lifted somewhat 2 days later the PTP are being reported again with their negativity as if they had not missed a beat. Holiday over.

"Mr. Chavalit explained that no one will want to join the committee, which is tasked with penning a permanent charter, because the 2014 Interim Constitution prohibits the committee members from running for political office for two years"

Fortunately Mr Chavalit, not everyone has the same selfish, self absorbed and insolent mindset that you and members of the PTP have and after reading the article that highlighted the benefits and perks the ministers get for the rest of their life after holding office I can see exactly why this statement was made. Which on a side note explains why the PTP rotated ministers through parliament more akin to a child's game of musical chairs than putting the right people in the right jobs and keeping them there (again contempt for the voters). They really do not change.

I swear the PTP love coups. They adore them. They must. Apart from the fact that if they could keep their terrorist movement in check , this reform will make coups obsolete. This reform will benefit the people. It will tackle corruption. It will tackle abuse of power and ensure the strengthening of checks and balances and laws to allow the perpetrators to be more effectively investigated and removed from their position. It will force governments to be transparent. This can only be good for the people, for the tax payer. These are the people the PTP purport to embrace by constantly spouting their dedication to them and the country. The PTP should use this opportunity to say "No more coups" and get involved to ensure it does not happen and this reform committee is the perfect opportunity to vent their ideas on stopping coups. This can be done through reform. Alas though, everything the reform process is rectifying is what the PTP have abused. The reform process is to stop them abusing power. If anything it is not pro democracy reform. It is an anti PTP reform and that can only be a good thing.

The most important thing the PTP narrative shows me is that it is not coups they don't like. What they don't like is when the coups affects there ability to make obscene amounts of money. As thaksin had shown in 1992, when coups allow them to make obscene amounts of money they embrace them like a mother with her new born child. They just happen to be on the wrong end of them of late.

<EDIT> I love the minority excuse. They seem to think they will be ignored because that is what they did with all minorities in parliament and most in Thailand. That is how they honestly see democracy and minorities. Fortunately majority rule and minority rights will be part of this reform.

Edited July 23, 2014 by djjamie

[ramrod711]

Mr. Chavalit explained that no one will want to join the committee, which is tasked with penning a permanent charter, because the 2014 Interim Constitution prohibits the committee members from running for political office for two years.

Would that be 2 years added on to the 5 years the members who voted for the amnesty bill are likely to be banned for? That would be great! The country doesn't need any more input from a bunch of criminals that wouldn't know democracy if they stumbled over it.

[fobuff]

^^^^^^

[LuckyLew]

They are not interested in participating for three reasons

1. They do not want reform

2. They will not profit frpm participating

3. Thaksin told them not too

Sent from my GT-N5100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[metisdead]

A troll post has been removed as well as a reply.

[Tatsujin]

Thank god the Junta had put restrictions on the media. I have had a 2 month holiday from reading about their constant negativity, broken promises, intimidation of anyone and anything that goes against their agenda and the narrative that is all to predictable of putting themselves first before the people of Thailand. The Junta have resembled a democracy more than the PTP every did and now this media blanket has been lifted somewhat 2 days later the PTP are being reported again with their negativity as if they had not missed a beat. Holiday over.

"Mr. Chavalit explained that no one will want to join the committee, which is tasked with penning a permanent charter, because the 2014 Interim Constitution prohibits the committee members from running for political office for two years"

Fortunately Mr Chavalit, not everyone has the same selfish, self absorbed and insolent mindset that you and members of the PTP have and after reading the article that highlighted the benefits and perks the ministers get for the rest of their life after holding office I can see exactly why this statement was made. Which on a side note explains why the PTP rotated ministers through parliament more akin to a child's game of musical chairs than putting the right people in the right jobs and keeping them there (again contempt for the voters). They really do not change.

I swear the PTP love coups. They adore them. They must. Apart from the fact that if they could keep their terrorist movement in check , this reform will make coups obsolete. This reform will benefit the people. It will tackle corruption. It will tackle abuse of power and ensure the strengthening of checks and balances and laws to allow the perpetrators to be more effectively investigated and removed from their position. It will force governments to be transparent. This can only be good for the people, for the tax payer. These are the people the PTP purport to embrace by constantly spouting their dedication to them and the country. The PTP should use this opportunity to say "No more coups" and get involved to ensure it does not happen and this reform committee is the perfect opportunity to vent their ideas on stopping coups. This can be done through reform. Alas though, everything the reform process is rectifying is what the PTP have abused. The reform process is to stop them abusing power. If anything it is not pro democracy reform. It is an anti PTP reform and that can only be a good thing.

The most important thing the PTP narrative shows me is that it is not coups they don't like. What they don't like is when the coups affects there ability to make obscene amounts of money. As thaksin had shown in 1992, when coups allow them to make obscene amounts of money they embrace them like a mother with her new born child. They just happen to be on the wrong end of them of late.

<EDIT> I love the minority excuse. They seem to think they will be ignored because that is what they did with all minorities in parliament and most in Thailand. That is how they honestly see democracy and minorities. Fortunately majority rule and minority rights will be part of this reform.

Nicely summed up.

+1

[15Peter20]

Why should anyone want to participate in this charade? The country is being adjusted and it isn't in a way that is best for the majority of the people ie the poorer section. Obviously you all will think I love Thaksin, but that particular failure of understanding is not my problem.

[metisdead]

Comments that can be construed as being negative about the imposition of Martial Law or the Coup have been removed as well as the replies.

[rametindallas]

Pheu Thai leaders have concluded that even if their members are appointed to join the reform council, they will only manage to constitute a minority.

How 'democratic' of them... NOT! If they can't control all, then they don't want to participate. Mr. CEO, former PM Thaksin, ran the country as if it were a company and he was the owner/president of that company. 'Thaksin thinks, Puea Thae does', demonstrated his governing style. Top down edicts from the 'boss' with no dissent or even discussion of alternatives. He has done this for fourteen years and by now his acolytes have forgotten how to think for themselves. They never governed on a platform of ideals but a platform of 'what is good for Thaksin is good for us'. They wouldn't have a clue how participatory government or how shared power works. I hope they all boycott as they have proven they will support the Devil if it will line their pockets with money. They will not bring any positive ideas to the discussion and if they were to participate, they would only be doing the bidding of the fugitive, felon, ex-PM in Dubai France.

[pedro01]

Ask not what your country can do for you....

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Artisi]

Who cares?

[chotthee]

That act itself is a crime. All PT now must go to jail.

[dcutman]

Why should anyone want to participate in this charade? The country is being adjusted and it isn't in a way that is best for the majority of the people ie the poorer section. Obviously you all will think I love Thaksin, but that particular failure of understanding is not my problem.

So you think the majority wants division, blood letting, riots, threats of separation, and overall chaos? That is what Thaksins Yinglucks govt brought to this country for the last three years.

But yes we know they where voted in democratically with more payouts promises than they could keep.

[rubl]

"Mr. Chavalit explained that no one will want to join the committee, which is tasked with penning a permanent charter, because the 2014 Interim Constitution prohibits the committee members from running for political office for two years."

Deprive the country of our valuable guidance for two years, just because we provide valuable assistance and guidance in a committee? What would the country do without us being in a political office

[robblok]

I believe the democrats also boycotted the reform council but for other reasons. They did not want to be there or else they would be blamed for legislation people would not like. Correct me if I was wrong but was that not the gist of it. ?

[Old Man River]

Thank god the Junta had put restrictions on the media. I have had a 2 month holiday from reading about their constant negativity, broken promises, intimidation of anyone and anything that goes against their agenda and the narrative that is all to predictable of putting themselves first before the people of Thailand. The Junta have resembled a democracy more than the PTP every did and now this media blanket has been lifted somewhat 2 days later the PTP are being reported again with their negativity as if they had not missed a beat. Holiday over.

"Mr. Chavalit explained that no one will want to join the committee, which is tasked with penning a permanent charter, because the 2014 Interim Constitution prohibits the committee members from running for political office for two years"

Fortunately Mr Chavalit, not everyone has the same selfish, self absorbed and insolent mindset that you and members of the PTP have and after reading the article that highlighted the benefits and perks the ministers get for the rest of their life after holding office I can see exactly why this statement was made. Which on a side note explains why the PTP rotated ministers through parliament more akin to a child's game of musical chairs than putting the right people in the right jobs and keeping them there (again contempt for the voters). They really do not change.

I swear the PTP love coups. They adore them. They must. Apart from the fact that if they could keep their terrorist movement in check , this reform will make coups obsolete. This reform will benefit the people. It will tackle corruption. It will tackle abuse of power and ensure the strengthening of checks and balances and laws to allow the perpetrators to be more effectively investigated and removed from their position. It will force governments to be transparent. This can only be good for the people, for the tax payer. These are the people the PTP purport to embrace by constantly spouting their dedication to them and the country. The PTP should use this opportunity to say "No more coups" and get involved to ensure it does not happen and this reform committee is the perfect opportunity to vent their ideas on stopping coups. This can be done through reform. Alas though, everything the reform process is rectifying is what the PTP have abused. The reform process is to stop them abusing power. If anything it is not pro democracy reform. It is an anti PTP reform and that can only be a good thing.

The most important thing the PTP narrative shows me is that it is not coups they don't like. What they don't like is when the coups affects there ability to make obscene amounts of money. As thaksin had shown in 1992, when coups allow them to make obscene amounts of money they embrace them like a mother with her new born child. They just happen to be on the wrong end of them of late.

I love the minority excuse. They seem to think they will be ignored because that is what they did with all minorities in parliament and most in Thailand. That is how they honestly see democracy and minorities. Fortunately majority rule and minority rights will be part of this reform.

While I agree with what you wrote, somehow I feel, if the situation was reversed, the Dem's as a party would be doing the same (i.e. with dissenting opinions). It just all feels like politics as usual to me.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[EricBerg]

Are the boys in the gym playing politics again? I thought they promised not to. Would they really break a promise? Baaaaaaaaaaad boys!

[FangFerang]

Aww.. Come on! The two year prohibition I can see would scare away politicians, but surely they have some non-running supporters to stand in their stead? Is having a minority voice unimportant?

From what I have seen of Thai politics from the last twenty years, having a minority voice is the same as having no voice at all--but this is still no reason to totally boycott the process and be left out altogether..

I again urge the government to make a super majority necessary for the most important decisions, but again a winner-takes -all argument comes into play.

Neither side wants any supermajority votes -- it would make decisions necessitate negotiations.

Amazing Thailand.

[metisdead]

Some more contentious posts regarding the military the imposition of Martial Law or the Coup have been removed as well as the replies.

Please read this notice again:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729064-urgent-notice-to-members/

[jamestip2013]

What a stroke of luck.... It is not possible to have reform if politicians are part of the reform process . That means all politicians.. In my view it can only work if there are NO politicians on the reform Council.. At best all pollies should be banned from politics at all levels for at least 10 years.. ( Central , Provincial and local ) . Clear out the cancer in this society. Give every Thai the opportunity to see clean sweep...When all is over in future the Army should control Finance, procurement , encroachement, transparency and corruption.. They so far have found more illegal activity, made more arrests, carried out more enforcement than an Government of any party in such a short time..

The problem in Thailand is lack of disipline. Thai people generally just don't seem to have disipline instilled in them at all levels through society.. HENCE the Army is the best option to be a watchdog with the power needed to oversea any future government..

This is Thailand and we must understand the Army will alwasy have a role ... Any party or persons who tries to change the staus-quo for their benifit (which would obviously be tested by people or a party later)the Army should have the power to remove them...

Food for thought . james

[bangrak]

Aww.. Come on! The two year prohibition I can see would scare away politicians, but surely they have some non-running supporters to stand in their stead? Is having a minority voice unimportant?

From what I have seen of Thai politics from the last twenty years, having a minority voice is the same as having no voice at all--but this is still no reason to totally boycott the process and be left out altogether..

I again urge the government to make a super majority necessary for the most important decisions, but again a winner-takes -all argument comes into play.

Neither side wants any supermajority votes -- it would make decisions necessitate negotiations.

Amazing Thailand.

Please, explain this in the same wording, loud and clear, to the people you must know inside the PTP, as, for once, IMO, what you're writing makes sense...