Red shirts shrug off NRC moves, 'to watch process'
Pravit Rojanaphruk,
Nitipol Kiravanich,
Praphan Jindalertudomdee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Key red shirts yesterday greeted the appointment of National Reform Council (NRC) members with indifference, pessimism and contempt.

Red-shirt United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) co-leader Weng Tojirakarn said the whole process was under the junta's dictates, so it was pointless.

"Let them do whatever they want so everyone in this country can see how the NCPO wants to change the country," said Weng, adding he thought the junta wanted to make the bureaucracy more powerful.

Weng said there was no point in red shirts participating, as the junta would make the final decision.

Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan said he was not surprised that neither red-shirt supporters nor members of Pheu Thai Party were appointed NRC members because his group had refused to join in the first place.

"Don't blame people who picked the final list. We now don't care about the individuals but we will closely monitor the substance of the reforms. However, we won't stand in the way of the reform process," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Yutthawong, who took part in the selection of the NRC, countered criticism by saying the selection committees had tried to bring people with differing views into the NRC, but some groups did not want to participate.

He said the NRC would work to reduce corruption, educational reform, promote justice and form a constitution drafting assembly. Its work would take shape in six months to bring the country back to normalcy.

Jarun Maluleem, a political science professor at Thammasat University and an expert in the Islamic religion, said it was good that Nirun Puntarakij was appointed to the NRC. Because he is a Muslim and a law expert, helping to ease the southern dispute should be more efficient than before.

"I know three of the NRC members who are not politicians. Personal gain is not their objective but helping the country is," he said.

Red-shirt Chulalongkorn University historian Suthachai Yimprasert said he had no interest in the whole process because it was a joke to him.

"The coup-makers violated all rules and now they want to set new rules and have people respect them. It's laughable," said the historian, who predicts the new charter won't be the last, although it will be designed to prevent Thaksin Shinawatra from making a political comeback.

Ekachai Chainubati, deputy dean of Law at Siam University and a red-shirt supporter, said it was impossible to reform Thailand within a year.

"Let me use the word 'impossible'," he said.

Familiar faces, but few fans of Thaksin

The newly-appointed National Reform Council is dominated by critics of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, including former senators, and key figures from the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

- Former senators include Kamnoon Sitthisamarn, Prasarn Marukapitak, Paiboon Nititawan, Rosana Tositrakul, and Wanchai Sornsiri;

- Former constitution drafters include Seri Suwanpanont, Chutinan Bhirombhakdi, Pisit Leeartham, Somchai Ruchuphan, and Wiriya Namsiripongphan;

- Thaksin critics include Chirmsak Pinthong, Chai-anan Samudavanija, Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, Sangsit Piriyarangsan, Naovarat Pongbaiboon, Udom Fuangfung, and Pongpayom Wasaputi;

- Former politicians or people with political connections include Chai Chidchob, Alongkorn Ponlaboot, General Thawatchai Samutsakorn;

- Retired and active bureaucrats include Panit Nitithanprapas, Pracha Terat, Damrong Pidet, Manoo Liewpairoj, and General Vichit Yathip.

- Academics and representatives from NGOs and the private sector include Thienchai Kiranan, Anek Laothammathat, Ticha Nanakorn, Pramon Sutheewong, and Saree Ongsomwang;

- Media representatives include Pradit Ruangdit, Wasan Paileeklee, Manit Suksomjit, Boonlert Kachayuthadej, Prapa Hetrakul Srinualnat.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Red-shirts-shrug-off-NRC-moves-to-watch-process-30244903.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-07

"The coup-makers violated all rules and now they want to set new rules and have people respect them. It's laughable,"

good point.

... "who predicts the new charter"... "will be designed to prevent Thaksin Shinawatra from making a political comeback."

Great point.

Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan said he was not surprised that neither red-shirt supporters nor members of Pheu Thai Party were appointed NRC members because his group had refused to join in the first place.

and there is no surprise to any right minded thinking person either - your Thaksin funded terrorist organisation is finished - so say 80% of the Thai people, now move along

... "who predicts the new charter"... "will be designed to prevent Thaksin Shinawatra from making a political comeback."

Great point.

Wouldn't it be terrible if they put in clauses to say that convicted criminals on the run can't be involved in politics?

No PTP or reds in there, could that be because "Thaksin thinks PT acts".

Have the rest lost the ability to think for themselves or are they just plain not allowed to.

They had every opportunity to join in and help move the country forward but refused, they have no one to blame but themselves if they are not included.

Their reported comments show they have no interest in improving anything in this country.

... "who predicts the new charter"... "will be designed to prevent Thaksin Shinawatra from making a political comeback."

Great point.

There has been for some time Eric.

Both the previous constitutions stated that a convicted criminal could not be an MP or Senator.

reds/ptp refuse to participate(because they only like it when everyone does as they are told to by thaksin) then they spit the dummy because they are not included in the selection , really does go to show how pathetic and totally brain dead these people are. Without these cretins involved we should see some good proposals from the group seeing they do not have to satisfy thaksins wishes

"The coup-makers violated all rules and now they want to set new rules and have people respect them. It's laughable,"

good point.

The PTP also violated the rules to bring in an amnesty for Thaksin Shinawatra.

Did you also find that laughable?

"The coup-makers violated all rules and now they want to set new rules and have people respect them. It's laughable,"

good point.

The PTP also violated the rules to bring in an amnesty for Thaksin Shinawatra.

Did you also find that laughable?

What rules have been violated? Please explain.

The article makes a good point that the NCPO will have the final say.

The NRC is only there for the sake of appearances.

... "who predicts the new charter"... "will be designed to prevent Thaksin Shinawatra from making a political comeback."

Great point.

Wouldn't it be terrible if they put in clauses to say that convicted criminals on the run can't be involved in politics?

Wouldn't it be terrible if they put in clauses that invalidated the amnesties past and current coup leaders granted themselves?

... "who predicts the new charter"... "will be designed to prevent Thaksin Shinawatra from making a political comeback."

Great point.

Wouldn't it be terrible if they put in clauses to say that convicted criminals on the run can't be involved in politics?

Wouldn't it be terrible if they put in clauses that invalidated the amnesties past and current coup leaders granted themselves?

Ha ha - good reply.

... "who predicts the new charter"... "will be designed to prevent Thaksin Shinawatra from making a political comeback."

Great point.

Wouldn't it be terrible if they put in clauses to say that convicted criminals on the run can't be involved in politics?

Wouldn't it be terrible if they put in clauses that invalidated the amnesties past and current coup leaders granted themselves?

Ha ha - good reply.

It's a pretty lame reply actually.

I don't think the thai people cares who makes Thailand better, as long as someone stands up and makes the country better. For many decades the country and it's general population have been neglected and mismanaged by generation of generals and politician. They have all failed, except from creating wealth and personal power for themselves and their family and friends.

If general Prayuth can be the leader who finally breaks the depressing trend and creates REAL reforms that lifts ALL Thais, and not only the elite or the people surrounding politicians and local feudal lords, he will be a true hero. Nobody will care if the hero was elected. The only thing that matters are results. People will only respect results. Talk is cheap.

... "who predicts the new charter"... "will be designed to prevent Thaksin Shinawatra from making a political comeback."

Great point.

Actually,...the new charter is to be designed to prevent any populist, non-Bangkok Elitist person from being in an election.

Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan said he was not surprised that neither red-shirt supporters nor members of Pheu Thai Party were appointed NRC members because his group had refused to join in the first place.

and there is no surprise to any right minded thinking person either - your Thaksin funded terrorist organisation is finished - so say 80% of the Thai people, now move along

???????????????

have I missed the election?

"The coup-makers violated all rules and now they want to set new rules and have people respect them. It's laughable,"

good point.

The PTP also violated the rules to bring in an amnesty for Thaksin Shinawatra.

Did you also find that laughable?

What rules have been violated? Please explain.

How about the one that the "amnesty" bill to be debated upon "the following day" was not the actual bill that WAS voted upon.

I suppose that telling the Democrat opposition that the bill would not be done that day and then let them go home was an "honest mistake".

The PTP then changed the bill on the floor into its 3rd reading and rammed it through at 4.30am thus not giving the opposition the chance to speak was perfectly legal, transparent, morally correct and above board.

Is that a good enough example for you?

I don't think the thai people cares who makes Thailand better, as long as someone stands up and makes the country better. For many decades the country and it's general population have been neglected and mismanaged by generation of generals and politician. They have all failed, except from creating wealth and personal power for themselves and their family and friends.

If general Prayuth can be the leader who finally breaks the depressing trend and creates REAL reforms that lifts ALL Thais, and not only the elite or the people surrounding politicians and local feudal lords, he will be a true hero. Nobody will care if the hero was elected. The only thing that matters are results. People will only respect results. Talk is cheap.

Will not happen! Gen Prayuth cannot, and will not break the hate (ie. any speech made by Mr Suthep about the Northern Thai people) that the Bangkok Elite endears. A Bangkok Elitist NCR, who see Northern Thai as their "buffalo" is not going to precipitate fairness and justice.

The World Bank documents that Bangkok traditionally receives 14 times more in Government revenue than the North,....an inequity that the Shinawatra's attempted balance,...and is now better understood by Northern Thai. The Northern Thai that I've spoke with, are tired of the disrespectful, greedy Elite from Bangkok.

"The coup-makers violated all rules and now they want to set new rules and have people respect them. It's laughable,"

good point.

Not particularly. Jatuporn's statement is more telling.

Wouldn't it be terrible if they put in clauses to say that convicted criminals on the run can't be involved in politics?

Wouldn't it be terrible if they put in clauses that invalidated the amnesties past and current coup leaders granted themselves?

Ha ha - good reply.

It's a pretty lame reply actually.

Good to know; I was trying for a reply as lame as the post I was replying to.

Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan said he was not surprised that neither red-shirt supporters nor members of Pheu Thai Party were appointed NRC members because his group had refused to join in the first place.

and there is no surprise to any right minded thinking person either - your Thaksin funded terrorist organisation is finished - so say 80% of the Thai people, now move along

You mean 80% of Mr Suthep's followers.

Before martial law was declared, Gen Prayuth told me Khun Suthep and your masses of PDRC supporters are too exhausted. Its now the duty of the army to take over the task, Mr Suthep said.

... "who predicts the new charter"... "will be designed to prevent Thaksin Shinawatra from making a political comeback."

Great point.

Actually,...the new charter is to be designed to prevent any populist, non-Bangkok Elitist person from being in an election.

OH? Your source please.

... "who predicts the new charter"... "will be designed to prevent Thaksin Shinawatra from making a political comeback."

Great point.

Actually,...the new charter is to be designed to prevent any populist, non-Bangkok Elitist person from being in an election.

You've read the new charter?

I don't think the thai people cares who makes Thailand better, as long as someone stands up and makes the country better. For many decades the country and it's general population have been neglected and mismanaged by generation of generals and politician. They have all failed, except from creating wealth and personal power for themselves and their family and friends.

If general Prayuth can be the leader who finally breaks the depressing trend and creates REAL reforms that lifts ALL Thais, and not only the elite or the people surrounding politicians and local feudal lords, he will be a true hero. Nobody will care if the hero was elected. The only thing that matters are results. People will only respect results. Talk is cheap.

Will not happen! Gen Prayuth cannot, and will not break the hate (ie. any speech made by Mr Suthep about the Northern Thai people) that the Bangkok Elite endears. A Bangkok Elitist NCR, who see Northern Thai as their "buffalo" is not going to precipitate fairness and justice.

The World Bank documents that Bangkok traditionally receives 14 times more in Government revenue than the North,....an inequity that the Shinawatra's attempted balance,...and is now better understood by Northern Thai. The Northern Thai that I've spoke with, are tired of the disrespectful, greedy Elite from Bangkok.

Who were these "Northern Thai" people you spoke with?

I don't think the thai people cares who makes Thailand better, as long as someone stands up and makes the country better. For many decades the country and it's general population have been neglected and mismanaged by generation of generals and politician. They have all failed, except from creating wealth and personal power for themselves and their family and friends.

If general Prayuth can be the leader who finally breaks the depressing trend and creates REAL reforms that lifts ALL Thais, and not only the elite or the people surrounding politicians and local feudal lords, he will be a true hero. Nobody will care if the hero was elected. The only thing that matters are results. People will only respect results. Talk is cheap.

Will not happen! Gen Prayuth cannot, and will not break the hate (ie. any speech made by Mr Suthep about the Northern Thai people) that the Bangkok Elite endears. A Bangkok Elitist NCR, who see Northern Thai as their "buffalo" is not going to precipitate fairness and justice.

The World Bank documents that Bangkok traditionally receives 14 times more in Government revenue than the North,....an inequity that the Shinawatra's attempted balance,...and is now better understood by Northern Thai. The Northern Thai that I've spoke with, are tired of the disrespectful, greedy Elite from Bangkok.

Who were these "Northern Thai" people you spoke with?

Yes, one can wonder if his rant is as awry as his geography.

Also where was the 'Bangkok Elitist NCR' referred to? An ATM inside Siam Paragon. First time I've seen an ATM quoted.

"The coup-makers violated all rules and now they want to set new rules and have people respect them. It's laughable,"

good point.

The PTP also violated the rules to bring in an amnesty for Thaksin Shinawatra.

Did you also find that laughable?

What rules have been violated? Please explain.

How about the one that the "amnesty" bill to be debated upon "the following day" was not the actual bill that WAS voted upon.

I suppose that telling the Democrat opposition that the bill would not be done that day and then let them go home was an "honest mistake".

The PTP then changed the bill on the floor into its 3rd reading and rammed it through at 4.30am thus not giving the opposition the chance to speak was perfectly legal, transparent, morally correct and above board.

Is that a good enough example for you?

I would say that's good enough for me!!

... "who predicts the new charter"... "will be designed to prevent Thaksin Shinawatra from making a political comeback."

Great point.

Wouldn't it be terrible if they put in clauses to say that convicted criminals on the run can't be involved in politics?

Wouldn't it be terrible if they put in clauses that invalidated the amnesties past and current coup leaders granted themselves?

Ha ha - good reply.

That is actually a terrible reply.

They should be immune from prosecution for staging a coup.

This place would be completely shagged and a civil war probably raging had they not done so... Certainly many more would be dead.

You would probably have done a runner by now, if you are in fact even in Thailand in the first place.

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I don't think the thai people cares who makes Thailand better, as long as someone stands up and makes the country better. For many decades the country and it's general population have been neglected and mismanaged by generation of generals and politician. They have all failed, except from creating wealth and personal power for themselves and their family and friends.

If general Prayuth can be the leader who finally breaks the depressing trend and creates REAL reforms that lifts ALL Thais, and not only the elite or the people surrounding politicians and local feudal lords, he will be a true hero. Nobody will care if the hero was elected. The only thing that matters are results. People will only respect results. Talk is cheap.

Chancelor Hitler had the admiration and respect of 40 million Germans. He revitalized the German economy and made it a world power. That didn't make him any better of a person.

So now tell us about the great things Thaksin did for Thailand.

I don't think the thai people cares who makes Thailand better, as long as someone stands up and makes the country better. For many decades the country and it's general population have been neglected and mismanaged by generation of generals and politician. They have all failed, except from creating wealth and personal power for themselves and their family and friends.

If general Prayuth can be the leader who finally breaks the depressing trend and creates REAL reforms that lifts ALL Thais, and not only the elite or the people surrounding politicians and local feudal lords, he will be a true hero. Nobody will care if the hero was elected. The only thing that matters are results. People will only respect results. Talk is cheap.

Will not happen! Gen Prayuth cannot, and will not break the hate (ie. any speech made by Mr Suthep about the Northern Thai people) that the Bangkok Elite endears. A Bangkok Elitist NCR, who see Northern Thai as their "buffalo" is not going to precipitate fairness and justice.

The World Bank documents that Bangkok traditionally receives 14 times more in Government revenue than the North,....an inequity that the Shinawatra's attempted balance,...and is now better understood by Northern Thai. The Northern Thai that I've spoke with, are tired of the disrespectful, greedy Elite from Bangkok.

You say the northern Thais 'you have spoke to' hate the BKK elitist?

Strange, because I live in the northern heartlands of the red supporter and most support this current administration, and if there is anyone they are tired of it is the Shins as they have seen through them now and are suffering badly for Thaksin's policies.

Have you been asleep for the past year?