Prayut learns realities of dealing with major powers

[mikemac]

If Prayuth wants something to demonstrate the value of his coup, perhaps he needs to pay what, to him, would be the most expensive price."

Disagree. He needs to stick to his original plan of reforms and elections as soon as possible and accept as he would have known when he coupe’d that there was going to be a cost to Thailand during the time frame of reforms. What he should not forget and all he has to do is cast himself back to the bloody mess and economic and social cesspit that Thailand was disappearing down prior to the coup to remember to continue down that Shinawatra dictatorial path was a larger and longer term cost to Thailand. Expensive and far reaching infrastructure deals with other governments should be as PM Abe correctly reiterates, be studied and considered for the long term. Accept that wisdom from the Japanese PM as it will also give the Thais the time to plan for the projects.

General Prayuth needs to just continue on the same path he originally chose, accept the constant loud mouthed clap trap from one particular party as what they are renowned for and get on with his reforms. He does not have to accept any price to demonstrate the value of his coup. In fact the more one thinks about that statement it shows teenage ignorance from the Nation writer of everything today and no thought of tomorrow. Tomorrow for General Prayuth is not a price but a vision of a better Thailand.

Is there a check list as to what is to be reformed and how? It just sounds like, as this is the second time around deposing an elected government, that all this is to marginalize the voting power of those in the East and North. The Yellows are afraid to campaign in those places. That is why they can never win. Westerners who have grown up in representative governments, who support the coup is a wonderful, yet chilling learning experience

............................."It just sounds like, as this is the second time around deposing an elected government"..................................

Ah ha ! I am starting to see a pattern here. The Shin fan club are forever pointing the finger at the Military but fail to see the common denominator.

If you look really hard, with an honest and open mind, you will see it. Try it...................

[Homeropec]

If Prayuth wants something to demonstrate the value of his coup, perhaps he needs to pay what, to him, would be the most expensive price."

Disagree. He needs to stick to his original plan of reforms and elections as soon as possible and accept as he would have known when he coupe’d that there was going to be a cost to Thailand during the time frame of reforms. What he should not forget and all he has to do is cast himself back to the bloody mess and economic and social cesspit that Thailand was disappearing down prior to the coup to remember to continue down that Shinawatra dictatorial path was a larger and longer term cost to Thailand. Expensive and far reaching infrastructure deals with other governments should be as PM Abe correctly reiterates, be studied and considered for the long term. Accept that wisdom from the Japanese PM as it will also give the Thais the time to plan for the projects.

General Prayuth needs to just continue on the same path he originally chose, accept the constant loud mouthed clap trap from one particular party as what they are renowned for and get on with his reforms. He does not have to accept any price to demonstrate the value of his coup. In fact the more one thinks about that statement it shows teenage ignorance from the Nation writer of everything today and no thought of tomorrow. Tomorrow for General Prayuth is not a price but a vision of a better Thailand.

200_s.gif

"Tomorrow for General Prayuth is not a price but a vision of a better Thailand"

Yes the dear leader vision is to turnThailand to the Chinese-like government style. Totalitarian regime where key institutions are not independent from the good guys, and where basic human rights such as freedom of speech, freedom to choose their own government and so on are heavily repressed and prosecuted under the idea of "national security".

[MaxLee]

Prayut learns realities of dealing with major powers

Wrong,.... Reality is, our former Army general and PM will shut down democratic principles in Thailand

Thailand and China may now squeeze each other out financially..

I'd rather say, they will OUT-CORRUPT each other dry, is it????

[Homeropec]

If Prayuth wants something to demonstrate the value of his coup, perhaps he needs to pay what, to him, would be the most expensive price."

Disagree. He needs to stick to his original plan of reforms and elections as soon as possible and accept as he would have known when he coupe’d that there was going to be a cost to Thailand during the time frame of reforms. What he should not forget and all he has to do is cast himself back to the bloody mess and economic and social cesspit that Thailand was disappearing down prior to the coup to remember to continue down that Shinawatra dictatorial path was a larger and longer term cost to Thailand. Expensive and far reaching infrastructure deals with other governments should be as PM Abe correctly reiterates, be studied and considered for the long term. Accept that wisdom from the Japanese PM as it will also give the Thais the time to plan for the projects.

General Prayuth needs to just continue on the same path he originally chose, accept the constant loud mouthed clap trap from one particular party as what they are renowned for and get on with his reforms. He does not have to accept any price to demonstrate the value of his coup. In fact the more one thinks about that statement it shows teenage ignorance from the Nation writer of everything today and no thought of tomorrow. Tomorrow for General Prayuth is not a price but a vision of a better Thailand.

Is there a check list as to what is to be reformed and how? It just sounds like, as this is the second time around deposing an elected government, that all this is to marginalize the voting power of those in the East and North. The Yellows are afraid to campaign in those places. That is why they can never win. Westerners who have grown up in representative governments, who support the coup is a wonderful, yet chilling learning experience

............................."It just sounds like, as this is the second time around deposing an elected government"..................................

Ah ha ! I am starting to see a pattern here. The Shin fan club are forever pointing the finger at the Military but fail to see the common denominator.

If you look really hard, with an honest and open mind, you will see it. Try it...................

You are still using the farce "shin = Corrumption". Look back to the Thai history from 1932... you will see some deeds with great details on corruption and civilian repression made by the good guys and Militarys ... But from your post, it is clear that you don't care history....

[yellowboat]

If Prayuth wants something to demonstrate the value of his coup, perhaps he needs to pay what, to him, would be the most expensive price."

Disagree. He needs to stick to his original plan of reforms and elections as soon as possible and accept as he would have known when he coupe’d that there was going to be a cost to Thailand during the time frame of reforms. What he should not forget and all he has to do is cast himself back to the bloody mess and economic and social cesspit that Thailand was disappearing down prior to the coup to remember to continue down that Shinawatra dictatorial path was a larger and longer term cost to Thailand. Expensive and far reaching infrastructure deals with other governments should be as PM Abe correctly reiterates, be studied and considered for the long term. Accept that wisdom from the Japanese PM as it will also give the Thais the time to plan for the projects.

General Prayuth needs to just continue on the same path he originally chose, accept the constant loud mouthed clap trap from one particular party as what they are renowned for and get on with his reforms. He does not have to accept any price to demonstrate the value of his coup. In fact the more one thinks about that statement it shows teenage ignorance from the Nation writer of everything today and no thought of tomorrow. Tomorrow for General Prayuth is not a price but a vision of a better Thailand.

Is there a check list as to what is to be reformed and how? It just sounds like, as this is the second time around deposing an elected government, that all this is to marginalize the voting power of those in the East and North. The Yellows are afraid to campaign in those places. That is why they can never win. Westerners who have grown up in representative governments, who support the coup is a wonderful, yet chilling learning experience

............................."It just sounds like, as this is the second time around deposing an elected government"..................................

Ah ha ! I am starting to see a pattern here. The Shin fan club are forever pointing the finger at the Military but fail to see the common denominator.

If you look really hard, with an honest and open mind, you will see it. Try it...................

Name three specific things the junta is reforming and how they are going about it ? Please try not to mention chairs on the beach or bicycle lanes.

[chooka]

If Prayuth wants something to demonstrate the value of his coup, perhaps he needs to pay what, to him, would be the most expensive price."

Disagree. He needs to stick to his original plan of reforms and elections as soon as possible and accept as he would have known when he couped that there was going to be a cost to Thailand during the time frame of reforms. What he should not forget and all he has to do is cast himself back to the bloody mess and economic and social cesspit that Thailand was disappearing down prior to the coup to remember to continue down that Shinawatra dictatorial path was a larger and longer term cost to Thailand. Expensive and far reaching infrastructure deals with other governments should be as PM Abe correctly reiterates, be studied and considered for the long term. Accept that wisdom from the Japanese PM as it will also give the Thais the time to plan for the projects.

General Prayuth needs to just continue on the same path he originally chose, accept the constant loud mouthed clap trap from one particular party as what they are renowned for and get on with his reforms. He does not have to accept any price to demonstrate the value of his coup. In fact the more one thinks about that statement it shows teenage ignorance from the Nation writer of everything today and no thought of tomorrow. Tomorrow for General Prayuth is not a price but a vision of a better Thailand.

Is there a check list as to what is to be reformed and how? It just sounds like, as this is the second time around deposing an elected government, that all this is to marginalize the voting power of those in the East and North. The Yellows are afraid to campaign in those places. That is why they can never win. Westerners who have grown up in representative governments, who support the coup is a wonderful, yet chilling learning experience

............................."It just sounds like, as this is the second time around deposing an elected government"..................................

Ah ha ! I am starting to see a pattern here. The Shin fan club are forever pointing the finger at the Military but fail to see the common denominator.

If you look really hard, with an honest and open mind, you will see it. Try it...................

Name three specific things the junta is reforming and how they are going about it ? Please try not to mention chairs on the beach or bicycle lanes.

happy endings, orgies and BDSM

[bigwhitewarrior]

The writer has overlooked Prayut's 'the military will return' should any elected government fail to 'solve' the country's problems.

So is the junta leader's declaration to Abe of a return to democracy by the end of this or early next year sincere or just PR guff?

It's guff.

Yes, he's reported not to be ruling out a military return if politician ' don't get it right ' or words to that effect.

How can the country move forward with the idea the military are always sitting in the wings looking for an excuse ? Even more than usual it's forget the public just keep the army happy.

Does the military academy run courses on how to implement a coup ?

They obviously don't run courses in country management :-(

[shaggy28303]

It goes deeper then this , has anyone looked on Bloomberg lately ? They don't even show the currency rate of the thai BAHT or the Thai SET

[geriatrickid]

screw them!!! Take your time and get it done right. Easy to be an armchair quarterback. Where are these mouthpieces when innocent children are getting blown up by RPG's. Get the Thai house in better order then go to elections. I have been here 12 years and this is the best I have seen it. If they go to elections before they reform the failed system then we will just fall back into the same cycle of rampant corruption and the military will end up having to step in again.

Perhaps some of these other countries are afraid that the world will see that a coup to oust corrupt politicians is the only way to reboot the system that these A-hole politicians have screwed up to serve their own agendas.

"Innocent children" are still being "blown up" in the south. Sadly, even more "innocent children" die needlessly every day because of the dismal road safety conditions in Thailand. Nothing has improved since the coup. Are you aware that the most significant improvements in reducing child mortality in Thailand occurred during the period when Thailand was not ruled by a military regime? You won't believe it, but the largest decrease in the under 5 years of age mortality rate occurred during the Thaksin government period, particularly in his first term. Here's a reality check, back in 1990 during the General Prem period, under 5 mortality was 32 per 1000. It dropped to 14 per 1000 in 2008. The civilian governments of the period increased funding for health programs and not military budgets. That is a fact that is undeniable. How can you even raise the issue of "children" when we all know that university students are arrested and sent for "attitude adjustment" when they dare to engage in peaceful dissent?

Please tell me what exactly has improved? You say it is the best you have seen. Fine. Can you provide some specific examples?

The current government promised to crack down on the most flagrant forms of corruption, the misuse of public lands such as beaches and protected area encroachment. After much fanfare, things are reverting to the way they were. Here's the most odious and annoying illustration; The jetski and transport mob are still running full tilt in the heartland of support for the coup, Phuket. The beach restaurants, sunbeds and pushy vendors are back in Hua Hin. What has changed for the better?

How has corruption been curtailed or even attacked? Has the system of procurement changed? Are highway projects done differently than before? We are watching the slow death of a once excellent airline play out before us. What has the current government to shake things up? Have qualified airline industry and finance experts been appointed to the board of directors of Thai Airways yet? The borders of Thailand are under the control of the Thai military. Has there been a decrease in human trafficking or the entry of yaba into Thailand? Aside from the politically tinged vendetta against the former government, who has been pursued for corruption?

Please provide some clear examples of how life has improved for the majority of Thai citizens. Don't toss out cowardly speculation that other countries "are afraid that the world will see that a coup to oust corrupt politicians is the only way to reboot the system that these A-hole politicians have screwed up to serve their own agendas". Those countries you criticize have brought their countries away from the brink of financial collapse through peaceful means. You are basically calling such countries as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and others corrupt failures. You are wrong. All of those countries are doing quite well and despite your assertion, they cannot be considered as "corrupt". They are doing so well, that they can still afford to pay their generous social benefits to their nationals who reside in Thailand and who do not contribute to the respective tax base or economies, which pay those benefits.

[lildragon]

screw them!!! Take your time and get it done right. Easy to be an armchair quarterback. Where are these mouthpieces when innocent children are getting blown up by RPG's. Get the Thai house in better order then go to elections. I have been here 12 years and this is the best I have seen it. If they go to elections before they reform the failed system then we will just fall back into the same cycle of rampant corruption and the military will end up having to step in again.

Perhaps some of these other countries are afraid that the world will see that a coup to oust corrupt politicians is the only way to reboot the system that these A-hole politicians have screwed up to serve their own agendas.

"Innocent children" are still being "blown up" in the south. Sadly, even more "innocent children" die needlessly every day because of the dismal road safety conditions in Thailand. Nothing has improved since the coup. Are you aware that the most significant improvements in reducing child mortality in Thailand occurred during the period when Thailand was not ruled by a military regime? You won't believe it, but the largest decrease in the under 5 years of age mortality rate occurred during the Thaksin government period, particularly in his first term. Here's a reality check, back in 1990 during the General Prem period, under 5 mortality was 32 per 1000. It dropped to 14 per 1000 in 2008. The civilian governments of the period increased funding for health programs and not military budgets. That is a fact that is undeniable. How can you even raise the issue of "children" when we all know that university students are arrested and sent for "attitude adjustment" when they dare to engage in peaceful dissent?

Please tell me what exactly has improved? You say it is the best you have seen. Fine. Can you provide some specific examples?

The current government promised to crack down on the most flagrant forms of corruption, the misuse of public lands such as beaches and protected area encroachment. After much fanfare, things are reverting to the way they were. Here's the most odious and annoying illustration; The jetski and transport mob are still running full tilt in the heartland of support for the coup, Phuket. The beach restaurants, sunbeds and pushy vendors are back in Hua Hin. What has changed for the better?

How has corruption been curtailed or even attacked? Has the system of procurement changed? Are highway projects done differently than before? We are watching the slow death of a once excellent airline play out before us. What has the current government to shake things up? Have qualified airline industry and finance experts been appointed to the board of directors of Thai Airways yet? The borders of Thailand are under the control of the Thai military. Has there been a decrease in human trafficking or the entry of yaba into Thailand? Aside from the politically tinged vendetta against the former government, who has been pursued for corruption?

Please provide some clear examples of how life has improved for the majority of Thai citizens. Don't toss out cowardly speculation that other countries "are afraid that the world will see that a coup to oust corrupt politicians is the only way to reboot the system that these A-hole politicians have screwed up to serve their own agendas". Those countries you criticize have brought their countries away from the brink of financial collapse through peaceful means. You are basically calling such countries as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and others corrupt failures. You are wrong. All of those countries are doing quite well and despite your assertion, they cannot be considered as "corrupt". They are doing so well, that they can still afford to pay their generous social benefits to their nationals who reside in Thailand and who do not contribute to the respective tax base or economies, which pay those benefits.

Oooooooooffffffffffff! Now that is a hell of a post!

Junta fan boys can you refute any of this? With clear examples of what the Junta have actually done, not "but...but...the shins/red shirts"

[Anthony5]

The writer has overlooked Prayut's 'the military will return' should any elected government fail to 'solve' the country's problems.

So is the junta leader's declaration to Abe of a return to democracy by the end of this or early next year sincere or just PR guff?

It's guff.

I thought Prayut made it clear long time ago that the next elected government, whenever that may happen, will have to report to the army. Or in other words, the next elected government will have no powers and will just be a puppet of the army.

Didn't I hear that word puppet in relation to Thai government before somewhere?

[cumgranosalum]

Rather than set up elections - in whatever form, K. Prayuth and the Junta have decided to tinker with Thailand's economy, day-to-day running and even morals......inevitably this will be unpopular. As he now says there will be elections in about a year, he needs to find some issue that will make him and his supporters popular to an electorate - failing to achieve a bargain with ANY of the countries that want to be involved in building the railway has got to be a negative factor here.

sill he's got 12 months un-opposed electioneering to put things straight.

I don't think that's the priority.In any event in the time scale there's little that can be done that will ensure electoral success since the state of the economy will be the key factor.The key objective is to ensure that when an election comes the nominee for the Shinawatra faction cannot win.This will be organised with the support of the puppet assembly and co-opted state agencies.It will be made very clear that any elected government will have to tow the line if not to risk another putsch.

Any election will be balanced in favour of the military - e.g. the constitution will guarantee them both a voice and seats. - Yes - I've said that before, but the General ls support is not uniform and he will have to carry with him a lot of factions that are not as hardline as he and supporting other solutions to what they perceive as the "Thaksin menace"

[cumgranosalum]

screw them!!! Take your time and get it done right. Easy to be an armchair quarterback. Where are these mouthpieces when innocent children are getting blown up by RPG's. Get the Thai house in better order then go to elections. I have been here 12 years and this is the best I have seen it. If they go to elections before they reform the failed system then we will just fall back into the same cycle of rampant corruption and the military will end up having to step in again.

Perhaps some of these other countries are afraid that the world will see that a coup to oust corrupt politicians is the only way to reboot the system that these A-hole politicians have screwed up to serve their own agendas.

"Innocent children" are still being "blown up" in the south. Sadly, even more "innocent children" die needlessly every day because of the dismal road safety conditions in Thailand. Nothing has improved since the coup. Are you aware that the most significant improvements in reducing child mortality in Thailand occurred during the period when Thailand was not ruled by a military regime? You won't believe it, but the largest decrease in the under 5 years of age mortality rate occurred during the Thaksin government period, particularly in his first term. Here's a reality check, back in 1990 during the General Prem period, under 5 mortality was 32 per 1000. It dropped to 14 per 1000 in 2008. The civilian governments of the period increased funding for health programs and not military budgets. That is a fact that is undeniable. How can you even raise the issue of "children" when we all know that university students are arrested and sent for "attitude adjustment" when they dare to engage in peaceful dissent?

Please tell me what exactly has improved? You say it is the best you have seen. Fine. Can you provide some specific examples?

The current government promised to crack down on the most flagrant forms of corruption, the misuse of public lands such as beaches and protected area encroachment. After much fanfare, things are reverting to the way they were. Here's the most odious and annoying illustration; The jetski and transport mob are still running full tilt in the heartland of support for the coup, Phuket. The beach restaurants, sunbeds and pushy vendors are back in Hua Hin. What has changed for the better?

How has corruption been curtailed or even attacked? Has the system of procurement changed? Are highway projects done differently than before? We are watching the slow death of a once excellent airline play out before us. What has the current government to shake things up? Have qualified airline industry and finance experts been appointed to the board of directors of Thai Airways yet? The borders of Thailand are under the control of the Thai military. Has there been a decrease in human trafficking or the entry of yaba into Thailand? Aside from the politically tinged vendetta against the former government, who has been pursued for corruption?

Please provide some clear examples of how life has improved for the majority of Thai citizens. Don't toss out cowardly speculation that other countries "are afraid that the world will see that a coup to oust corrupt politicians is the only way to reboot the system that these A-hole politicians have screwed up to serve their own agendas". Those countries you criticize have brought their countries away from the brink of financial collapse through peaceful means. You are basically calling such countries as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and others corrupt failures. You are wrong. All of those countries are doing quite well and despite your assertion, they cannot be considered as "corrupt". They are doing so well, that they can still afford to pay their generous social benefits to their nationals who reside in Thailand and who do not contribute to the respective tax base or economies, which pay those benefits.

Oooooooooffffffffffff! Now that is a hell of a post!

Junta fan boys can you refute any of this? With clear examples of what the Junta have actually done, not "but...but...the shins/red shirts"

Maybe the all-seeing brown eye has a response?

Edited February 12, 2015 by cumgranosalum

[lildragon]

I wait patiently for a djjamie, milemac, daffyduck to refute the wonderfully informed post

Where is daffy anyway? Haven't seen him in a while...

[2fishin2]

If Prayuth wants something to demonstrate the value of his coup, perhaps he needs to pay what, to him, would be the most expensive price."

Disagree. He needs to stick to his original plan of reforms and elections as soon as possible and accept as he would have known when he couped that there was going to be a cost to Thailand during the time frame of reforms. What he should not forget and all he has to do is cast himself back to the bloody mess and economic and social cesspit that Thailand was disappearing down prior to the coup to remember to continue down that Shinawatra dictatorial path was a larger and longer term cost to Thailand. Expensive and far reaching infrastructure deals with other governments should be as PM Abe correctly reiterates, be studied and considered for the long term. Accept that wisdom from the Japanese PM as it will also give the Thais the time to plan for the projects.

General Prayuth needs to just continue on the same path he originally chose, accept the constant loud mouthed clap trap from one particular party as what they are renowned for and get on with his reforms. He does not have to accept any price to demonstrate the value of his coup. In fact the more one thinks about that statement it shows teenage ignorance from the Nation writer of everything today and no thought of tomorrow. Tomorrow for General Prayuth is not a price but a vision of a better Thailand.

Is there a check list as to what is to be reformed and how? It just sounds like, as this is the second time around deposing an elected government, that all this is to marginalize the voting power of those in the East and North. The Yellows are afraid to campaign in those places. That is why they can never win. Westerners who have grown up in representative governments, who support the coup is a wonderful, yet chilling learning experience

............................."It just sounds like, as this is the second time around deposing an elected government"..................................

Ah ha ! I am starting to see a pattern here. The Shin fan club are forever pointing the finger at the Military but fail to see the common denominator.

If you look really hard, with an honest and open mind, you will see it. Try it...................

Name three specific things the junta is reforming and how they are going about it ? Please try not to mention chairs on the beach or bicycle lanes.

happy endings, orgies and BDSM

no sex on valentines day

[2fishin2]

no condom machines in schools

[Jim walker]

So the prime minister dealing with foreign powers I am sure with all his diplomatic experience accumulated over the years he can handle any rhetoric given against him or his policy’s and just shoot them all down with fine words as most experienced diplomats do from other countries, but a Freudian slip can make the whole country you represent look stupid not only yourself.

[jayboy]

Rather than set up elections - in whatever form, K. Prayuth and the Junta have decided to tinker with Thailand's economy, day-to-day running and even morals......inevitably this will be unpopular. As he now says there will be elections in about a year, he needs to find some issue that will make him and his supporters popular to an electorate - failing to achieve a bargain with ANY of the countries that want to be involved in building the railway has got to be a negative factor here.

sill he's got 12 months un-opposed electioneering to put things straight.

I don't think that's the priority.In any event in the time scale there's little that can be done that will ensure electoral success since the state of the economy will be the key factor.The key objective is to ensure that when an election comes the nominee for the Shinawatra faction cannot win.This will be organised with the support of the puppet assembly and co-opted state agencies.It will be made very clear that any elected government will have to tow the line if not to risk another putsch.

Any election will be balanced in favour of the military - e.g. the constitution will guarantee them both a voice and seats. - Yes - I've said that before, but the General ls support is not uniform and he will have to carry with him a lot of factions that are not as hardline as he and supporting other solutions to what they perceive as the "Thaksin menace"

From what I hear it is in fact Prayuth that is the pragmatist compared with some of the rigorous hardliners in the group.Compared with those crazies he is Mr Moderation.

[tonbridgebrit]

Where do these reporters get there information, as far as China goes Thailand is the only country wanting anything to do with them. Everyone else is at odds with China as they are trying to claim the whole South China Sea and all the Islands as there own. China's main agenda is to rule and dominate all of SE Asia!

Well, yes, Vietnam and the Philipinnes are near or next door to China, and they have disputes over territory with China. But Thailand, Thailand's ace card is, is that it is near China but not next door or very near. Hence, Thailand has no dispute regarding territory with China !!

So lots of nations don't want anything to do with China ? The European Union, USA and Japan, all do massive trade with China, they're the ones who are generating China's giant trade surplus. This trade surplus is allowing China to attempt to 'buy out' neighbouring countries !

As for Singapore, they look the same as the people in China. And the Philipinnes ? They have some big casinos that need Chinese tourists !

http://uk.businessinsider.com/xi-declares-war-on-global-gambling-firms-2015-2?r=US

The Philipinnes should be carefull in having any disputes with China. It might be the case that the Philipinnes need China more than China needs them !!

[tlock]

I think that is a very clear summary.Prayuth does have some good qualities but they are better demonstrated in a military context.Unfortunately he does not seem to be a man of penetrating intelligence or emotional maturity.In the end however he is simply an agent not a prime mover.The elites and Sino Thai middleclass who back him seem not to have a sense of enlightened self interest.Looking ahead ten years or so there is not much doubt what kind of society Thailand will be.In hind sight I suspect many of those currently supporting repression will regret not having had a genuine negotiation in which all sides had to make painful sacrifices.

As it is the unelected elites are looking for a zero sum game.

I agree with the hindsight comment. Think Suthep always intended to become a monk after the protests? He got played. I think most of the yellow supporters expected a replay of the 2006 coup, in which they got handed the keys to the kingdom after a short period. I wonder how many would still do it all over again.

The other issue is that it does appear that the yellows are sore losers. I think it's a valid point that if not for martial law, an election would in fact be won by the reds, and the yellows would again look for a major intersection or airport to shutdown, ad infinitum. There may actually be some underlying truth to the Thailand isn't ready for democracy argument...