Tanasak tells UN why Thai Army took control of the country

[webfact]

UNGA
Tanasak tells UN why Army took control of the country
THE NATION

NEW YORK: -- THE THAI MILITARY junta has explained for the first time to the United Nations members its reasons for seizing power, the roadmap towards democracy as well as its commitment to cooperate with the UN.

Thai Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapagorn was speaking last Saturday at the general debate of the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

The UNGA's theme this year is: "Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda".

Tanasak said that for Thailand, development was not just about gross domestic product.

"To be sustainable, development must go hand in hand with democracy, human rights and peace and security - the pillars of the United Nations. And it must be allowed to grow in an environment that is free from conflict," he told the UN chamber.

As in many countries, Thailand has learned the lesson that democracy is more than having elections.

"Demo-cracy must be based on respect for the rule of law.

"And it must be about good governance, transparency, accountability and equal access to justice. This was not the case in my country before May 22," the foreign minister said.

Fears of bloodshed

Before that day, Thailand was at a political impasse and had a dysfunctional democracy as well as the danger of more turmoil, Tanasak said, adding there was a very real possibility of bloodshed.

"The opposing political parties were given the chance to save democracy, but they failed because they were unwilling to compromise for the sake of the country. This chain of unfortunate events made the military intervention necessary.

"We all wished that things did not have to turn out that way. But if the situation was allowed to continue, Thailand's democracy would have been torn apart," he said.

This is Tanasak's first official overseas trip since he was appointed deputy premier and foreign minister in the General Prayut Chan-o-cha government that is dominated by military generals.

He said the Kingdom was now going through a period of transition and it remained fully committed to democracy and human rights.

"And we know that we cannot go against the tide of democracy.

Thailand needs a real and |functioning democracy, one that delivers on the aspirations of the people."

Development must transform people's lives and open the door to a better future for all.

Thailand believes that development must empower individual, communities and societies, which is the heart of the sufficiency economy philosophy of HM the King of Thailand. This philosophy had guided development efforts in the country for decades.

Thailand was committed to playing an active role with Asean members to build an Asean |community of peace and prosperity.

Also, it was obligated to working with partners in the international community to address the many global challenges we face, such as climate change; transnational crime; pandemics; and human trafficking.

"So whether it is democracy, development or peace, we all must assume our responsibilities because we are, after all, a |family of united nations," he concluded.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Tanasak-tells-UN-why-Army-took-control-of-the-coun-30244345.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-29

[englishoak]

I wonder how it was received ?

[Bluespunk]

"And it must be about good governance, transparency, accountability and equal access to justice. This was not the case in my country before May 22," the foreign minister said."

He's right, you know.

Edited September 28, 2014 by Bluespunk

[noitom]

But he failed to explain that the army failed to support the elected government making it powerless.

[ramrod711]

As in many countries, Thailand has learned the lesson that democracy is more than having elections.

"Demo-cracy must be based on respect for the rule of law.

"And it must be about good governance, transparency, accountability and equal access to justice. This was not the case in my country before May 22," the foreign minister said.

Exactly what a majority of posters on TV have been saying for quite some time. A bit more accountability and transparency would be a welcome thing......no more inactive posts as well.

[ramrod711]

But he failed to explain that the army failed to support the elected government making it powerless.

The Shins had the support of the police, like Ali Baba had the support of the forty thieves. Thank goodness they are gone and the power of the police is in decline.

[Bluespunk]

But he failed to explain that the army failed to support the elected government making it powerless.

If a government is acting in a manner contrary to the needs of the nation, following their own narrow self serving agenda, and against the democratic procedures of that country, then an army should not support it.

[Prbkk]

Powerful institutions did nothing to support a govt under siege but the military deemed it necessary to act to "protect democracy" and "return happiness to the people". The happiest people would be those few powerful and mega rich business families whose interests were challenged by the policies of the former government.

The rest of the world knows exactly what happened and will not be easily conned by this "rationale"

[siampolee]

Hong Kong: Fresh clashes as pro-democracy protests spread

Prbkk post # 9

Powerful institutions did nothing to support a govt under siege but the military deemed it necessary to act to "protect democracy" and "return happiness to the people". The happiest people would be those few powerful and mega rich business families whose interests were challenged by the policies of the former government.

The rest of the world knows exactly what happened and will not be easily conned by this "rationale"

Previously written as

''Thailand: Fresh clashes as pro democracy protests against the Shinwatra regime spread.''

Edited September 29, 2014 by siampolee

[chainarong]

One would think that not all was told by Tanasak to the UN, to do so would place him in a difficult position, called L.M.

[JOC]

But he failed to explain that the army failed to support the elected government making it powerless.

If a government is acting in a manner contrary to the needs of the nation, following their own narrow self serving agenda, and against the democratic procedures of that country, then an army should not support it.

And who have the right to judge the governments acts: The army and its political wing the Democrats?

Not a fan of the Shins, but it is a dangerous path!

As for the "returning happiness to the people" BS, This was never about the people, but about keeping the existing feudal system in place!

[CUNJU]

But he failed to explain that the army failed to support the elected government making it powerless.

It needed to be powerless to get rid of the crooks running the country at the time!

[CUNJU]

Powerful institutions did nothing to support a govt under siege but the military deemed it necessary to act to "protect democracy" and "return happiness to the people". The happiest people would be those few powerful and mega rich business families whose interests were challenged by the policies of the former government.

The rest of the world knows exactly what happened and will not be easily conned by this "rationale"

don't u have that backward?

[CUNJU]

But he failed to explain that the army failed to support the elected government making it powerless.

If a government is acting in a manner contrary to the needs of the nation, following their own narrow self serving agenda, and against the democratic procedures of that country, then an army should not support it.

And who have the right to judge the governments acts: The army and its political wing the Democrats?

Not a fan of the Shins, but it is a dangerous path!

As for the "returning happiness to the people" BS, This was never about the people, but about keeping the existing feudal system in place!

please let me know where this info comes from

[aussieinthailand]

Saying the things that the UN want to hear is nothing new, the problem is some of those things he is saying are quite simply not true

"the opposing political parties were given the chance to save democracy but failed because they were unwilling to compromise"

Truth. The opposing party protesting calling government to step down, so government followed correct procedure and the law, dissolved government and called for elections, which the EC tried to illegally (delay) stop, protesters illegally blocked entry to government buildings cut water and power and intimidated threatened staff to get out. destroyed public property, claiming with the judicial support that they are peaceful, NOT SO, blocked polling stations, beat any and all man woman young and old (FACT backed by video evidence), that wished to exercise their legal right to vote, Still claiming peaceful protesters, throwing grenades at police blowing apart one officers leg, and injuring others still claiming with judicial support that they are peaceful and police can not touch them, the list goes on.

opposition to protesters shooting and throwing grenades killing men woman and children (fact backed by video evidence)

"We all wish that things did not have to turn out that way" <deleted>, It was planed and put into action, and the mob let loose to do as they pleased, without police interference. so as to give cause for yet another planed coup.

Now some he will call this propaganda, it's not it's fact backed by video evidence, some will call it bias, so before they get their shot I'll sat this, I do NOT support violence by either side of the political divide and any guilty of it should be thrown in gaol.

As for human rights and human trafficking well we know just how that works here, it's ok until you get caught then after the brown paper bag it's back at it again

as the money being made by those that are responsible to stop it is just to irresistible, and the consequences of the threatened inactive post is not a deterrent.

[WtFugarwe]

As long as the people vote for who the ammart like, democracy is safe in Thailand. Except they haven't done that in 23 years. In fairness, all SE Asian democracies are as bad or worse.

[Bluespunk]

But he failed to explain that the army failed to support the elected government making it powerless.

If a government is acting in a manner contrary to the needs of the nation, following their own narrow self serving agenda, and against the democratic procedures of that country, then an army should not support it.

And who have the right to judge the governments acts: The army and its political wing the Democrats?

Not a fan of the Shins, but it is a dangerous path!

As for the "returning happiness to the people" BS, This was never about the people, but about keeping the existing feudal system in place!

I am no fan of military coups nor this returning happiness, but in this case I think the army had to act. The PT govt was no longer following democratic procedures and was subverting rule for the people into rule for our clique. And yes the PDRC was no better. That's why the military had to act. Democracy had been abandoned long before May 22nd.

[DiamondKing]

We let the Children vote in the past 2 elections and they voted but they were silly and did not know they needed to vote for the other party so we had to take control BOTH TIMES hopefully now they will of learned their lesson and will vote the right way when we allow them silly children to vote again.

[ramrod711]

Saying the things that the UN want to hear is nothing new, the problem is some of those things he is saying are quite simply not true

"the opposing political parties were given the chance to save democracy but failed because they were unwilling to compromise"

Truth. The opposing party protesting calling government to step down, so government followed correct procedure and the law, dissolved government and called for elections, which the EC tried to illegally (delay) stop, protesters illegally blocked entry to government buildings cut water and power and intimidated threatened staff to get out. destroyed public property, claiming with the judicial support that they are peaceful, NOT SO, blocked polling stations, beat any and all man woman young and old (FACT backed by video evidence), that wished to exercise their legal right to vote, Still claiming peaceful protesters, throwing grenades at police blowing apart one officers leg, and injuring others still claiming with judicial support that they are peaceful and police can not touch them, the list goes on.

opposition to protesters shooting and throwing grenades killing men woman and children (fact backed by video evidence)

"We all wish that things did not have to turn out that way" <deleted>, It was planed and put into action, and the mob let loose to do as they pleased, without police interference. so as to give cause for yet another planed coup.

Now some he will call this propaganda, it's not it's fact backed by video evidence, some will call it bias, so before they get their shot I'll sat this, I do NOT support violence by either side of the political divide and any guilty of it should be thrown in gaol.

As for human rights and human trafficking well we know just how that works here, it's ok until you get caught then after the brown paper bag it's back at it again

as the money being made by those that are responsible to stop it is just to irresistible, and the consequences of the threatened inactive post is not a deterrent.

"without police interference" A very polite way of saying that the police did nothing to prevent or catch the perpetrators of over 100 attacks on the protestors. What a twisted version of the "truth" you are peddling.

[yellowboat]

I wonder how it was received ?

They went for coffee probably. 2 coups in 8 years, what would you do ?

[metisdead]

Off topic posts and replies have been removed.

[trogers]

But he failed to explain that the army failed to support the elected government making it powerless.

It needed to be powerless to get rid of the crooks running the country at the time!

Ahhh...an act like in Tainaman Square reflects genuine democracy...

[Chang_paarp]

I wonder how it was received ?

They went for coffee probably. 2 coups in 8 years, what would you do ?

I wonder what time the speech was scheduled, and as yellowboat alluded to, how many people were actually in the chamber to listen. These sort of presentations are often done in the quiet time with very few in the chamber at the time, but having been presented the speech is on record as having been presented.

[aussieinthailand]

Saying the things that the UN want to hear is nothing new, the problem is some of those things he is saying are quite simply not true

"the opposing political parties were given the chance to save democracy but failed because they were unwilling to compromise"

Truth. The opposing party protesting calling government to step down, so government followed correct procedure and the law, dissolved government and called for elections, which the EC tried to illegally (delay) stop, protesters illegally blocked entry to government buildings cut water and power and intimidated threatened staff to get out. destroyed public property, claiming with the judicial support that they are peaceful, NOT SO, blocked polling stations, beat any and all man woman young and old (FACT backed by video evidence), that wished to exercise their legal right to vote, Still claiming peaceful protesters, throwing grenades at police blowing apart one officers leg, and injuring others still claiming with judicial support that they are peaceful and police can not touch them, the list goes on.

opposition to protesters shooting and throwing grenades killing men woman and children (fact backed by video evidence)

"We all wish that things did not have to turn out that way" <deleted>, It was planed and put into action, and the mob let loose to do as they pleased, without police interference. so as to give cause for yet another planed coup.

Now some he will call this propaganda, it's not it's fact backed by video evidence, some will call it bias, so before they get their shot I'll sat this, I do NOT support violence by either side of the political divide and any guilty of it should be thrown in gaol.

As for human rights and human trafficking well we know just how that works here, it's ok until you get caught then after the brown paper bag it's back at it again

as the money being made by those that are responsible to stop it is just to irresistible, and the consequences of the threatened inactive post is not a deterrent.

"without police interference" A very polite way of saying that the police did nothing to prevent or catch the perpetrators of over 100 attacks on the protestors. What a twisted version of the "truth" you are peddling.

ramrod711, Didn't take long,

Are you really saying that? WOW, "the police did nothing to prevent or catch the perpetrators of over 100 attacks on the protestors"

Think you may need to have a little look at your " twisted version of the truth" think you might find that in fact there have been arrests, and sure I think not enough.

Everything I have said in my post is fact, and I'll say it again is backed by video evidence, it's just not to your liking, which I find rather twisted, but ok each to their own. So can you say the same? do you have video evidence of police sitting by watching a pick up full of gun toting killers and throwing bombs and shooting people and they just sat there and did nothing, REALLY...

[trogers]

But he failed to explain that the army failed to support the elected government making it powerless.

If a government is acting in a manner contrary to the needs of the nation, following their own narrow self serving agenda, and against the democratic procedures of that country, then an army should not support it.

And who have the right to judge the governments acts: The army and its political wing the Democrats?

Not a fan of the Shins, but it is a dangerous path!

As for the "returning happiness to the people" BS, This was never about the people, but about keeping the existing feudal system in place!

Who indeed has the right to judge the acts of a government who was arming it's supporters with war weapons, and using the police to suppress dissents? Edited September 29, 2014 by trogers

[MediaWatcher]

noitom, on 29 Sept 2014 - 08:01, said:

But he failed to explain that the army failed to support the elected government making it powerless.

He also didn't explain why there have been 19 coups, 12 successful, since 1932, and why this one will make any difference compared to the others...on an average a coup every 2 years, who are this the greatest failures in providing democracy and change, the elected governments, or those who have been in power the most, ie, the military. Seems to me there has been failure after failure after failure. To me, being a foreigner, there just doesn't seem to be another, in Thailand, capable of forming government dedicated to Thailand's, and Thais, future.

[crazykopite]

And does he really believe that the UN believed his theory somehow I doubt it !

[MediaWatcher]

ramrod711, on 29 Sept 2014 - 08:06, said:

noitom, on 29 Sept 2014 - 08:01, said:

But he failed to explain that the army failed to support the elected government making it powerless.

The Shins had the support of the police, like Ali Baba had the support of the forty thieves. Thank goodness they are gone and the power of the police is in decline.

Do you really believe the "power" of the police has declined? Can you tell us how you came to this conclusion? Their "power" will only decline when "heads roll," so far that has not happened.

[thhMan]

Ive noticed that Police aren't so cocky anymore.

I suppose a good slap across the face (repeatedly) by the military has started to bring them back to reality

[reptile91602]

If only the United States politicians would hear the generals statement they might , one day , have a real democracy. But I doubt they can do it any better than Thailand!