Thaksin gained most from coup, Chalerm claims

[IAMSOBAD]

My ear hurts reading Chalerms lies. burp!

[Robby nz]

lets have a closer look at Chalerm's little announcement shall we :

Chalerm said Thaksin and Pheu Thai reaped the most from the coup led by General Prayut Chan-o-cha because no corruption charges had been pressed against members of the ousted government led by Thaksin's sister Yingluck, a Pheu Thai source revealed yesterday.

Could we add YET to that.

There are enough things still under investigation to bring corruption charges against several of them including the most recent to hit the news , the futsal pitches.

However, Chalerm believes there are only two scenarios that could lead to a Pheu Thai defeat: Thaksin dies or quits politics.

"If either of these two scenarios do not happen, Pheu Thai will always win any general election,"

Probably the most telling statement of the whole tirade, Chalerm believes that without Thaksin PT would not win an election.

Saying that the whole lot of the rest of them have not enough substance, charisma, appeal, policies or enough to offer the electorate or the country that they could not get into Govt without his name.

He ruled out the possibility that Prayut would fulfil the wishes of Pheu Thai's rivals by writing a charter that sabotaged the Thaksin camp.

The problem with that statement is that a constitution that is designed to keep the criminal element out of politics would probably rule out more of the Thaksin camp than any other, including Thaksin himself.

So to write a constitution to clean up politics would automatically work against Thaksin, whether specifically designed to do so or not.

"Prayut is not stupid enough to do such a thing because one day he has to step down and continue living in the country. It is unlikely he would do anything which brings negative consequences onto himself."

A veiled threat someone wrote, looks far more like an open threat.

Do anything against us and there will be negative consequences in the future.

Not even a might be, could be, but a definitely will be. Yes an open threat.

[american12bthai]

Prayut is not stupid enough to do such a thing because one day he has to step down and continue living in the country. It is unlikely he would do anything which brings negative consequences onto himself."

This would definitely be considered a "veiled threat"!

I wonder how Prayuth will react to it?

yes it is a threat. its how he threats people. like, "its not my fault if someone lobs a grenade at peaceful protesters on Saturday"

[tbthailand]

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With the passing of time it is easy to forget how morally corrupt the previous Shin government was, their lack of ethics, their selfish indifference and disregard for the people they were elected to represent and serve was obvious almost every day.

It is also easy to forget how entrenched they were, with there being layer after layer of appointed cronies, family and friends throughout government at both local and national level. Make no mistake, whatever decisions and changes are made by the present government the fugitive and his shadowy followers will be dissecting them, and planning how to subvert, manipulate and bypass them on their return to power.

They were not in power for so long for no reason, they are intelligent, resourceful, well advised and unashamedly ruthless when it comes to going after what they want. They will not be easy to keep from power, they had their snouts in the trough for a long time and will be hell bent on returning to continue feeding at the public's expense. This country could not afford for the maladministration and excesses of the previous government to continue, neither can it afford for them to return!

There was no alternative to the previous forced change in government, this was recognized by the people who could make the required decisions for the sake of the country and NOT to line their pockets or those of their friends. If this present government has to stay in place longer than previously thought then so be it, we all knew change would not be easy or quick after the damage previously done. The changes currently being enacted in all spheres may not be universally popular, but they are required and should be applauded when instigated.

This current administration may not be perfect, no doubt mistakes will be made along the road, but they must be supported! A return to what we had before would be an unmitigated disaster for Thailand and it's people.

They both deserve so much better...

"There was no alternative to the previous forced change in government, this was recognized by the people who could make the required decisions for the sake of the country"

You really believe that don't you - there could be no other reason? 12 "successful" coups and still some people believe that "this one will be different"...................... alt=coffee1.gif width=32 height=24>

Actually fabie, nobody yet knows if it will or won't be different.

But never mind, it seems to make you happy to be as negative as possible.

And we all know why.

It is already clear that this coup is - fundamentally - no different from the past coups.

So, yeah, nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, banality at it's best, but the blueprint is the same.

And that is the key point.

[northernjohn]

There is a key paragraph in the article that seems to be overlooked:

"Once the election is held, Thaksin's name will continue to be sellable in the North and Northeast, except if the military-installed government can solve the economic problems of rural people. If that happens, Pheu Thai's chances of an easy win will have to be re-evaluated."

But I don't think the yellow shirts and their friends in the military are interested in helping anyone but themselves.

If they just could get it through their heads that helping the rural folks who are struggling, it not only would benefit themselves but the country as a whole.

It just seems that the greedy won't give up any of their material position and possessions. And most have more than they can spend in their lifetime.

BTW - this is true all over the world, not just here in Thailand.

Just what did the PTP do in their time in power to ease the economic pain in the North and northeast.

Answer Nothing.

So why would the people there want them back. They have seen two years of complete disregard for them. What makes you think they will forget that?

The new government doesn't have to do any thing to equal the help the PTP gave them. Do you think the rice growers are going to support Thaksin.

Because you are unaware of what has happened in Thailand I will give you a clue as to what to ignore. If Chalerm speaks ignore him. He is a ear medicine imbiber to the extreme where it clouds his judgment. He took over the problem in the South and said his usual in 60 days he would have the problem solved. Is it. He said if he couldn't get Thaksin back in the country in 2013 he would cut of his head. Fortunately for him he is full of B S and it didn't happen. Munch talk about solving problems in 60 days none of them solved.

The PTP is getting pretty desperate when they allow him to speak. They muzzled him for 4 months and they have run out of tricks to try so in their desperation they are unmuzleing him. If that doesn't work they will have Jatuporn talking. It is desperate times for them.

On another note can you imagine if it had been Yingluck in Italy.

[louse1953]

Prayut is not stupid enough to do such a thing because one day he has to step down and continue living in the country. It is unlikely he would do anything which brings negative consequences onto himself."

This would definitely be considered a "veiled threat"!

I wonder how Prayuth will react to it?

It is reality.

Prayuth has mounted a tiger, if he ever wants to dismount without being devoured, there a certain things that he cannot do.

The General, though he appears not to realise it, is in a truly unenviable position.

Thaksin on the other hand, is sitting pretty.

He has been sitting pretty.Pretty useless for a long time,your hero ain't coming back,better get used to it.If your pinning your hopes on Chalerm,after you lost another Shin darling,then things are getting desparate in the PT camp.Prayuth is here,the convicted criminal Taksin is not here,and so it will remain.

[northernjohn]

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

With the passing of time it is easy to forget how morally corrupt the previous Shin government was, their lack of ethics, their selfish indifference and disregard for the people they were elected to represent and serve was obvious almost every day.

It is also easy to forget how entrenched they were, with there being layer after layer of appointed cronies, family and friends throughout government at both local and national level. Make no mistake, whatever decisions and changes are made by the present government the fugitive and his shadowy followers will be dissecting them, and planning how to subvert, manipulate and bypass them on their return to power.

They were not in power for so long for no reason, they are intelligent, resourceful, well advised and unashamedly ruthless when it comes to going after what they want. They will not be easy to keep from power, they had their snouts in the trough for a long time and will be hell bent on returning to continue feeding at the public's expense. This country could not afford for the maladministration and excesses of the previous government to continue, neither can it afford for them to return!

There was no alternative to the previous forced change in government, this was recognized by the people who could make the required decisions for the sake of the country and NOT to line their pockets or those of their friends. If this present government has to stay in place longer than previously thought then so be it, we all knew change would not be easy or quick after the damage previously done. The changes currently being enacted in all spheres may not be universally popular, but they are required and should be applauded when instigated.

This current administration may not be perfect, no doubt mistakes will be made along the road, but they must be supported! A return to what we had before would be an unmitigated disaster for Thailand and it's people.

They both deserve so much better...

"There was no alternative to the previous forced change in government, this was recognized by the people who could make the required decisions for the sake of the country"

You really believe that don't you - there could be no other reason? 12 "successful" coups and still some people believe that "this one will be different"...................... alt=coffee1.gif width=32 height=24>

Actually fabie, nobody yet knows if it will or won't be different.

But never mind, it seems to make you happy to be as negative as possible.

And we all know why.

It is already clear that this coup is - fundamentally - no different from the past coups.

So, yeah, nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, banality at it's best, but the blueprint is the same.

And that is the key point.

You are getting as bad as fabby. Quick there goes a straw grab it.

First you say it is the same as all the previous ones then you say no body knows what will happen.

Make up your mind.

[timewilltell]

Prayut is not stupid enough to do such a thing because one day he has to step down and continue living in the country. It is unlikely he would do anything which brings negative consequences onto himself."

This would definitely be considered a "veiled threat"!

I wonder how Prayuth will react to it?

It is reality.

Prayuth has mounted a tiger, if he ever wants to dismount without being devoured, there a certain things that he cannot do.

The General, though he appears not to realise it, is in a truly unenviable position.

Thaksin on the other hand, is sitting pretty.

Chalerm had a case to make but his comments don't support it.Most of us will have recognised his errors and illogicalities.Interestingly he attaches much more reliance on Thaksin personally than reality justifies (perhaps reflecting his godfather mentality).In my view Thaksin has no further personal role in Thai politics other than his current indirect one.So in short one can dismiss Chalerm's meanderings.

But there is a case that Thaksin has "won" or rather that the old order has lost - even against the background of current events which might seem to demonstrate the opposite.What's happening in Thailand is hardly unique - a shift of power from established elites to a wider grouping.In UK this happened in the mid nineteenth century and thereafter.There was a historic compromise in which the old order was allowed to retain wealth and influence.The British upper classes showed intelligence and enlightened self interest in the way that their Thai equivalents generally have not.In fact the latter have generally shown extreme stupidity.The real objective of the Junta and its backers is to root out "Thaksinism".I don't really understand how this will be done.One can exile the man in established Thai tradition and ban his family/friends/associates from office - but to repress the forces he stood for is impossible, like King Canute commanding the sea to retreat.For many including me it's irritating that such a man as Thaksin - vain, overbearing and corrupt - holds this role.But hold it he does and he has changed the course of Thai politics forever.But ultimately his role is just that of a catalyst.

So you call thaksin the new order? Heaven forbid. General please stay 10 years at a minimum.

I think the point is that Thaksin has empowered to some degree the poor people who are more numerous than the rich as is always the case. The fact that the initial effect was to subjugate them further does not extinguish the fire that has been lit. That is the fire of understanding that the poor can and do have a voice and can bring about change and it is a route that generally is very difficult to block.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

[razer]

"the military rulers had also not branded her government as disloyal to the monarchy"

In my opinion, anyone in government or public service involved in criminal activity that brings shame on Thailand is not loyal to the monarchy.

[Robespiere]

There is a key paragraph in the article that seems to be overlooked:

"Once the election is held, Thaksin's name will continue to be sellable in the North and Northeast, except if the military-installed government can solve the economic problems of rural people. If that happens, Pheu Thai's chances of an easy win will have to be re-evaluated."

But I don't think the yellow shirts and their friends in the military are interested in helping anyone but themselves.

If they just could get it through their heads that helping the rural folks who are struggling, it not only would benefit themselves but the country as a whole.

It just seems that the greedy won't give up any of their material position and possessions. And most have more than they can spend in their lifetime.

BTW - this is true all over the world, not just here in Thailand.

Just what did the PTP do in their time in power to ease the economic pain in the North and northeast.

Answer Nothing.

So why would the people there want them back. They have seen two years of complete disregard for them. What makes you think they will forget that?

The new government doesn't have to do any thing to equal the help the PTP gave them. Do you think the rice growers are going to support Thaksin.

Because you are unaware of what has happened in Thailand I will give you a clue as to what to ignore. If Chalerm speaks ignore him. He is a ear medicine imbiber to the extreme where it clouds his judgment. He took over the problem in the South and said his usual in 60 days he would have the problem solved. Is it. He said if he couldn't get Thaksin back in the country in 2013 he would cut of his head. Fortunately for him he is full of B S and it didn't happen. Munch talk about solving problems in 60 days none of them solved.

The PTP is getting pretty desperate when they allow him to speak. They muzzled him for 4 months and they have run out of tricks to try so in their desperation they are unmuzleing him. If that doesn't work they will have Jatuporn talking. It is desperate times for them.

On another note can you imagine if it had been Yingluck in Italy.

The PTP did an enormous amount in the N and NE - that is why this area remains a PTP stronghold. Any claims to the contrary are contrary to reality (much like the rest of your post).

[louse1953]

The thai people have been robbed twice by coups and their demroracy shredded along with the constitution .

The yellow elite propaganda machine while working overtime at the beginning of this latest farce but now the wheels are falling off and the people are starting to wake up that this latest coup is of no benefit to them and it's just the same old grab for power that they can't win legit so they take by force

Unfortunately for the yellows the ones they refer to as buffalo brains are not quite that stupid and love their demroracy and their elected leaders who win time and time again via the ballot box.

Preventing them from voting then taking away their elected leader in yingluck has the exact opposite effect on the people on which the yellow elite desire .

Hold an election tomorrow and the PTP would walk in and the junta knows it that's why anywhere yingluck goes she is closely monitored because they know how popular she is.

You know the people are wearing thin of this government when you have seen the press over the last couple of weeks asking a little bit harder questions of the government and the angry no responsive answers they are receiving .

Koh Tao is a big player in all of thus as the PM has thrown his weight behind the RTP which is looking very shaky.

Don't know where you live Parrot,but i live in the heart of red country,and the farmers i speak to are quite happy with the Army,because they got paid at long last,instead of empty promises from YS.I would prefer a no comment than outright lie anytime from pollies.KT is only a player amongst farangs,Thais out my way couldn't give a rat's.

[Pundi6446]

Viva the Red Shirts !!!!!!!

[tbthailand]

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"There was no alternative to the previous forced change in government, this was recognized by the people who could make the required decisions for the sake of the country"

You really believe that don't you - there could be no other reason? 12 "successful" coups and still some people believe that "this one will be different"...................... alt=coffee1.gif width=32 height=24>

Actually fabie, nobody yet knows if it will or won't be different.

But never mind, it seems to make you happy to be as negative as possible.

And we all know why.

It is already clear that this coup is - fundamentally - no different from the past coups.

So, yeah, nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, banality at it's best, but the blueprint is the same.

And that is the key point.

You are getting as bad as fabby. Quick there goes a straw grab it.

First you say it is the same as all the previous ones then you say no body knows what will happen.

Make up your mind.

you might understand that 'So, yeah, nobody knows what tomorrow will bring' is only the simple recognition of Scorecard's absolutist version of 'to know'.

Scorecard's point of 'no one knows' is irrelevant to the discussion - it's just banal.

[wprime]

So what he's saying is 12 cases of Chateau Petrus can buy a Thai military PM?

[scorecard]

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With the passing of time it is easy to forget how morally corrupt the previous Shin government was, their lack of ethics, their selfish indifference and disregard for the people they were elected to represent and serve was obvious almost every day.

It is also easy to forget how entrenched they were, with there being layer after layer of appointed cronies, family and friends throughout government at both local and national level. Make no mistake, whatever decisions and changes are made by the present government the fugitive and his shadowy followers will be dissecting them, and planning how to subvert, manipulate and bypass them on their return to power.

They were not in power for so long for no reason, they are intelligent, resourceful, well advised and unashamedly ruthless when it comes to going after what they want. They will not be easy to keep from power, they had their snouts in the trough for a long time and will be hell bent on returning to continue feeding at the public's expense. This country could not afford for the maladministration and excesses of the previous government to continue, neither can it afford for them to return!

There was no alternative to the previous forced change in government, this was recognized by the people who could make the required decisions for the sake of the country and NOT to line their pockets or those of their friends. If this present government has to stay in place longer than previously thought then so be it, we all knew change would not be easy or quick after the damage previously done. The changes currently being enacted in all spheres may not be universally popular, but they are required and should be applauded when instigated.

This current administration may not be perfect, no doubt mistakes will be made along the road, but they must be supported! A return to what we had before would be an unmitigated disaster for Thailand and it's people.

They both deserve so much better...

"There was no alternative to the previous forced change in government, this was recognized by the people who could make the required decisions for the sake of the country"

You really believe that don't you - there could be no other reason? 12 "successful" coups and still some people believe that "this one will be different"...................... alt=coffee1.gif width=32 height=24>

Actually fabie, nobody yet knows if it will or won't be different.

But never mind, it seems to make you happy to be as negative as possible.

And we all know why.

It is already clear that this coup is - fundamentally - no different from the past coups.

So, yeah, nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, banality at it's best, but the blueprint is the same.

And that is the key point.

"It is already clear that this coup is - fundamentally - no different from the past coups."

How's that?

[wackybacky]

I am hoping this press release will sign Chalerm's death warrant.

[MaxLee]

But Gentlemen, Mr. Charlie Chalerm has a point. As long as there will be election collection, Thaksin will always win...

[brucec64]

Prayut main failure has been in his reluctance to peruse and prosecute the major players responsible for the current condition of this country.

Nail Yingluck to the cross she so deserves for here criminal malfeasance and ineptitude and that would be a good start to show the country that he is committed to the reduction of nepotism,ineptitude and corruption.

I think the level of commitment to reduction of nepotism, ineptitude and corruption has been demonstrated. Take a close look at the appointments to senior government posts and state enterprises over the last few months and you will see that nepotism and cronyism is alive and well. Recent support of the RTP's handling of the koh tao investigation and the support given to the vast wealth of military NLA members, and the under the carpet sweeping of the microphone debacle shows the commitment to combating ineptitude and corruption.

[Evilbaz]

I find it so peaceful and orderly under martial law.

If you feel you, as a falang, have some "right" to insist on criticizing publicly "the powers that be" and that will have any effect whatsoever on "Thai-style democracy" dream on falangs.

"We live in interesting times".

[Docno]

An astute and balanced assessment of the situation by one in the know (as evidenced by the below quote).

"Chalerm said the controversial "blanket amnesty" brought an end to the Yingluck government because it (finally) provided the PDRC with a valid reason to overthrow the government".

And just think, if the Yellows had let democracy run it's course, Thaksin would probably have been legitimately voted out of office by now.

The people have the democratic right to protest.

When a govt is trying to pass an amnesty bill for criminals and corrupt politicians because their leader is both they are especially entitled to do so.

The right to protest inept govt and corruption is part of democracy.

"The people have the democratic right to protest."

True, except when their protest includes physically preventing other citizens from exercising their right to vote (the core of what democracy means).

The protests were a fundamentally non-democratic--actually, anti-democratic--in aim and action.

[louse1953]

An astute and balanced assessment of the situation by one in the know (as evidenced by the below quote).

"Chalerm said the controversial "blanket amnesty" brought an end to the Yingluck government because it (finally) provided the PDRC with a valid reason to overthrow the government".

And just think, if the Yellows had let democracy run it's course, Thaksin would probably have been legitimately voted out of office by now.

The people have the democratic right to protest.

When a govt is trying to pass an amnesty bill for criminals and corrupt politicians because their leader is both they are especially entitled to do so.

The right to protest inept govt and corruption is part of democracy.

"The right to protest inept govt and corruption is part of democracy"

So is voting!!!

Use the ballot-box!!

Too late when a convicted criminal is back,causing problems.If the govt,is useless and corrupt,it is up to the people to take them out.

[scorecard]

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With the passing of time it is easy to forget how morally corrupt the previous Shin government was, their lack of ethics, their selfish indifference and disregard for the people they were elected to represent and serve was obvious almost every day.

It is also easy to forget how entrenched they were, with there being layer after layer of appointed cronies, family and friends throughout government at both local and national level. Make no mistake, whatever decisions and changes are made by the present government the fugitive and his shadowy followers will be dissecting them, and planning how to subvert, manipulate and bypass them on their return to power.

They were not in power for so long for no reason, they are intelligent, resourceful, well advised and unashamedly ruthless when it comes to going after what they want. They will not be easy to keep from power, they had their snouts in the trough for a long time and will be hell bent on returning to continue feeding at the public's expense. This country could not afford for the maladministration and excesses of the previous government to continue, neither can it afford for them to return!

There was no alternative to the previous forced change in government, this was recognized by the people who could make the required decisions for the sake of the country and NOT to line their pockets or those of their friends. If this present government has to stay in place longer than previously thought then so be it, we all knew change would not be easy or quick after the damage previously done. The changes currently being enacted in all spheres may not be universally popular, but they are required and should be applauded when instigated.

This current administration may not be perfect, no doubt mistakes will be made along the road, but they must be supported! A return to what we had before would be an unmitigated disaster for Thailand and it's people.

They both deserve so much better...

"There was no alternative to the previous forced change in government, this was recognized by the people who could make the required decisions for the sake of the country"

You really believe that don't you - there could be no other reason? 12 "successful" coups and still some people believe that "this one will be different"...................... alt=coffee1.gif width=32 height=24>

Actually fabie, nobody yet knows if it will or won't be different.

But never mind, it seems to make you happy to be as negative as possible.

And we all know why.

It is already clear that this coup is - fundamentally - no different from the past coups.

So, yeah, nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, banality at it's best, but the blueprint is the same.

And that is the key point.

The blueprint is the same - care to expand on that?

[scorecard]

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

An astute and balanced assessment of the situation by one in the know (as evidenced by the below quote).

"Chalerm said the controversial "blanket amnesty" brought an end to the Yingluck government because it (finally) provided the PDRC with a valid reason to overthrow the government".

And just think, if the Yellows had let democracy run it's course, Thaksin would probably have been legitimately voted out of office by now.

The people have the democratic right to protest.

When a govt is trying to pass an amnesty bill for criminals and corrupt politicians because their leader is both they are especially entitled to do so.

The right to protest inept govt and corruption is part of democracy.

"The people have the democratic right to protest."

True, except when their protest includes physically preventing other citizens from exercising their right to vote (the core of what democracy means).

The protests were a fundamentally non-democratic--actually, anti-democratic--in aim and action.

There's some truth in what you say, but you deliberately don't mention that

'the protectors of democracy in Thailand' was in fact a dictatorship run by Skype.'

[Eric Loh]

An astute and balanced assessment of the situation by one in the know (as evidenced by the below quote).

"Chalerm said the controversial "blanket amnesty" brought an end to the Yingluck government because it (finally) provided the PDRC with a valid reason to overthrow the government".

And just think, if the Yellows had let democracy run it's course, Thaksin would probably have been legitimately voted out of office by now.

The people have the democratic right to protest.

When a govt is trying to pass an amnesty bill for criminals and corrupt politicians because their leader is both they are especially entitled to do so.

The right to protest inept govt and corruption is part of democracy.

"The right to protest inept govt and corruption is part of democracy"

So is voting!!!

Use the ballot-box!!

Too late when a convicted criminal is back,causing problems.If the govt,is useless and corrupt,it is up to the people to take them out.

Thaksin was convicted on a conflict of interest charge, not a crime. Since the coup, no ministers in the previous government has been convicted for corruption. The people did not take him out; it was by a military coup. Nothing in your posting is correct. Think for yourself; don't just follow the crowd.

[louse1953]

Prayuth is getting more popular by the day. Approval ratings keep increasing. Thais love him. They see in him the first PM that puts the country first. Soon they will be begging him to stay in power. You will be amazed. Good times ahead for Thailand. Chalerm is the one that destroyed PT. The more he talks the better for the army. The coup revealed Thaksin's underground network of red militia. So I don't see how it was good for Thaksin.

What Chalerm is doing here is in fact very selfish. He needs Thaksin to stay involved with politics so he can come back into the spotlight again. Even get another high position. He will use this for his own benefits. Thaksin will never come back to Thailand if Chalerm is still around. Chalerm is one of Thaksin's biggest problems.

Satire?

Prayuth is getting more popular by the day. Approval ratings keep increasing. Thais love him. They see in him the first PM that puts the country first. Soon they will be begging him to stay in power. You will be amazed. Good times ahead for Thailand. Chalerm is the one that destroyed PT. The more he talks the better for the army.

The honeymoon is ending.

Day by day, things are getting worse for the General.

Citizens, from across the spectrum, are gaining courage and starting to speak out.

Gaffes are piling up.

The economy is looking wobbly.

Slowly, slowly....

Very soon (within a year) it will be the beginning of the end for this particular regime

Both you and your friend Chalerm have been on the ear medicine again,you both are delusional.I hope the honeymoon goes on for years,because that's how long it is going to take to root out the corruption at high level in this country.

[Docno]

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

An astute and balanced assessment of the situation by one in the know (as evidenced by the below quote).

"Chalerm said the controversial "blanket amnesty" brought an end to the Yingluck government because it (finally) provided the PDRC with a valid reason to overthrow the government".

And just think, if the Yellows had let democracy run it's course, Thaksin would probably have been legitimately voted out of office by now.

The people have the democratic right to protest.

When a govt is trying to pass an amnesty bill for criminals and corrupt politicians because their leader is both they are especially entitled to do so.

The right to protest inept govt and corruption is part of democracy.

"The people have the democratic right to protest."

True, except when their protest includes physically preventing other citizens from exercising their right to vote (the core of what democracy means).

The protests were a fundamentally non-democratic--actually, anti-democratic--in aim and action.

There's some truth in what you say, but you deliberately don't mention that

'the protectors of democracy in Thailand' was in fact a dictatorship run by Skype.'

If you want to put it that way. But then you're confronted by this fact: the man on other side of the skype connection would when an election if given the right to run. The majority of people who voted his sister into office likely do not object to his role in her administration. In fact, they probably voted her in on the assumption that it would give her brother a say politics. In other words, his involvement was probably welcomed by the people who democratically elected her. Having an advisor is not anti-democratic ... many presidents rely on spouses, for example. And one of Canada's most revered PM's, MacKenzie King, relied on the spirits of US President Roosevelt and his own departed mothers for advice... oh yeah, his dog as well.

[getthaid]

I'm no fan of military dictatorships

I'm also no fan of the pretend-democracy that PT sells.

What is rather alarming is that supporters of PT are quoting this rambling idiotic alcoholic and brandishing his quotes like a sword of truth!

[granuaile]

Chalerm, same as always...

[Skywalker69]

Chalerm, same as always...

Same pig, new suit.

[empireboy]

12 cartons of Petrus, depending on the year would be a royal gift indeed... some 1994 sold at auction a while back for more than 33,000 baht PER BOTTLE making 3 cartons worth almost 1.2m baht... nothing for Thaksin I guess. It's a great drop but I wonder if it would ever appreciated apart from the knowledge of it's expense?!