Seeking stability, Thai charter drafters could achieve parliamentary dictatorship

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Seeking stability, charter drafters could achieve parliamentary dictatorship
KRIS BHROMSUTHI

BANGKOK: -- LAST WEEK, in order to create a stable government, charter drafters inserted a few new provisions that will have the likely result of empowering the prime minister.

Under the new constitution, the PM can submit a request to Parliament for a vote on a confidence motion. If the premier obtains less than half the votes from the lower-house MPs, he or she can then dissolve the Parliament.

On the other hand, the opposition can also submit a request for a no-confidence motion.

If more than half of the lower-house MPs vote against the PM, the premier can also dissolve the parliament.

And finally, under these charter proposals, the PM can declare what he or she perceived as "important bills" in pursuing the premier's administrative agenda. If the lower-house MPs do not approve, the premier can again dissolve the Parliament.

This in effect means a prime minister can push through "important" bills in which MPs face choices between not objecting to them, or going back to election campaigns.

Charter drafters argued that such provisions were necessarily in order for the country to have a stable administration. It is predicted the introduction of a Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system will result in many medium sized parties, which could lead to multi-party coalition governments.

Past experience suggests that coalition parties, or some groups of MPs, will therefore have increased negotiating powers over the executive in order to keep them in the coalition.

As a result, it has become necessary for the PM to have some "tools" to keep the coalition parties or MPs in line and prevent them from "causing trouble". Those tools are the power to dissolve Parliament, because according to a charter drafter, "what MPs fear most is an election because it's exhausting and costs a lot of money."

However, this could possibly be the charter drafters' hidden agenda - and arguably mechanisms designed specifically for the "non-elected PM" to keep the coalition under control and legitimately pursue his agenda.

These powers to dissolve Parliament would specifically benefit a "non-elected PM" for several reasons.

First, a non-elected PM would have nothing to lose if he or she decided to dissolve Parliament after it had become obvious the PM had lost control of the government, since - unlike elected MPs - he or she would not have to pay up for an election campaign. This in effect would give the non-elected premier a significant psychological upper hand over coalition parties and MPs.

Secondly, an elected PM - who is likely to be a party leader - would arguably as reluctant as the rest of the MPs to dissolve Parliament. Most likely, he or she had invested as much if not more than all the MPs during the previous election.

The argument that such provisions would give an elected PM the upper hand over elected MPs in the coalition is true only to a certain extent, in comparison to a non-elected PM.

Thirdly, provision to give the PM power to push through important bills is unlikely to have any practical effect on the elected PM, because the "important bills" that an elected PM would propose are ones that were promised during election campaigns. In contrast, a non-elected PM, who never participated in any election campaigns, could propose bills initiated under the PM’s own agenda or those of his or her backers. Likely, they would be passed by MPs keen to avoid going back to a general election.

These provisions would create only a small practical effect for an elected PM - while they could destroy the checks and balances system that is already weak in the Thai political system. And most importantly, they seem to set the stage for a non-elected PM arriving in the country's most powerful administrative office, facing an opposition reluctant to do its job, and coalition parties and MPs forced to obey.

These provisions could set the stage for the return of parliamentary dictatorship, but possibly even worse this time round - because it is led by an undemocratic one.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Seeking-stability-charter-drafters-could-achieve-p-30255210.html

-- The Nation 2015-03-03

[brucec64]

Unelected PM with almost all of the power. Sounds like what is in place today. Looks like Prayuth is setting the stage for a long term "political" career.

[chooka]

Unelected PM with almost all of the power. Sounds like what is in place today. Looks like Prayuth is setting the stage for a long term "political" career.

Agree it certainly looks like he is developing absolute power. As the "D" word has been used in the topic is it ok for members now to use it?

[chooka]

I think I just saw Kris Bhromsuthi heading for the airport with a Division of armed troops in hot pursuit.

Edited March 3, 2015 by chooka

[oneday]

It's all going the wrong way...the CDC is thinking too much or being lead down a garden path in the direction one particular individual wants them to go. I think the election in 2016 is gong to be a complete farce.

[lucky11]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

[tbthailand]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

(democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted)

said like a true anti-democrat...

now run off and give Suthep a hug....

[lucky11]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

(democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted)

said like a true anti-democrat...

now run off and give Suthep a hug....

I am not anti-democrat as you imply.

I just don't think that Thai's are responsible/educated enough to be given it and that is not good for the country.

I would like to give Suthep a hug BTW as he deserves it for his services to the people - top man!!!

[Docno]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

Ah, the old "these third world peasants are too stupid for democracy" argument. The problem with one party states is that they only work the way you want them too if you get a pipeline of good people at the top. That's rare. It happened in Singapore because they inherited a system of governance from the UK and refined it so that (for the most part) smart and 'clean' people make it in the public service. But trying to build a such a system from the ground up is probably impossible. Singapore is also more of a city than a country ... countries are messier places and harder to govern. But the most important issue is accountability. As bad as elected governments can be, they are accountable in the media and at the ballot box. Do you see that with today's government in Thailand? What will happen if a journalist strongly questions Prayuth's leadership or motives... he'll be sent off for 'camping', otherwise known as 'attitude adjustment'. Prayuth may not be doing a bad job now, but we don't know the future ... or what other unelected leaders in the future might be like.

[SoFarAndNear]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

Yes, this is what happens for many decades and the result IS???

[lucky11]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

Ah, the old "these third world peasants are too stupid for democracy" argument. The problem with one party states is that they only work the way you want them too if you get a pipeline of good people at the top. That's rare. It happened in Singapore because they inherited a system of governance from the UK and refined it so that (for the most part) smart and 'clean' people make it in the public service. But trying to build a such a system from the ground up is probably impossible. Singapore is also more of a city than a country ... countries are messier places and harder to govern. But the most important issue is accountability. As bad as elected governments can be, they are accountable in the media and at the ballot box. Do you see that with today's government in Thailand? What will happen if a journalist strongly questions Prayuth's leadership or motives... he'll be sent off for 'camping', otherwise known as 'attitude adjustment'. Prayuth may not be doing a bad job now, but we don't know the future ... or what other unelected leaders in the future might be like.

Fair retort on the whole.

Let me start with the one fleeting statement you make that stands out.

"The most important issue is accountability" - right!!! Can you point out a single Thaksin influenced government that was accountable to the people (or good for THEM) for that matter? NB: their misguided perceiving that he was good for them doesn't count.

He needs to control the Media as they distort the truth and tell blatant lies on occasion which creates unnecessary obstacles. Now people read this (false and exaggerated) news, take it on board and attempt to derail the governments good work. As long as he succeeds in keeping the people happy, and they are!!! he stands a chance in reforming Thai politics for the benefit of the country. I don't agree with some things that have been put forward lately, but knowing Prayuth, anything that receives too much criticism will be looked at again, revised or revoked, before it is stamped into law or becomes part of the constitution.

He needs to be careful now, as the prospective MP's of the 2 major parties are starting to see their future power very much diluted with threats of dissolution of government involving costly election campaigns if they don't tow the line on the governments agenda. Whilst I do not see this as necessarily a bad thing, what their agenda is, must be sensible, for the benefit of the people and acceptable to a majority of those people across a broad spectrum in all regions. It is impossible to please everyone all of the time but he must be fair and every major project must be costed, affordable and importantly, justified. Transparency in procurement processes and how tax payers money is spent needs to be open to the public and with suitable controls implemented so that people can see where their money is going and that corruption and graft are not taking place.

One thing that does bother me though is this 'nepotism' thing in the make up of these boards and committees!! It might be legal if the family members are qualified (you do need qualifications) but it sets a bad example and is simply repeating what Thaksin did with his family members and 'old school police buddies' that became his private army picked on the grounds that they were to serve his interests rather than maintain law and order in the country.

He needs to fix the constitution, stamp out corruption (he is doing this admirably) and create the grounds for elections to be free and fair in the future - without blatant populist policies designed to bring in a government under false pretences, something that Yingluck must be regretting somewhat and cursing her selfish brother for using her in such a vile fashion now.

The most important thing that he has done to this today is essentially banishing the Shinawatra's from playing any part in those elections. Let's see, under the new rules and without Thaksin's 'bribe' money how well the unbeatable PTP do when the elections come in 2015/16!!!

[jcisco]

For 80 years the part of thai society has been claiming that the Northern people are unable to wield their vote responsible. Since they do not have an education nor do they understand democracy, after this amount of time the argument has long past worn out.

How sad many farangs, have take up this spoon fed propaganda and a proud to support the anti democratic movement.

[heybruce]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

(democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted)

said like a true anti-democrat...

now run off and give Suthep a hug....

I am not anti-democrat as you imply.

I just don't think that Thai's are responsible/educated enough to be given it and that is not good for the country.

I would like to give Suthep a hug BTW as he deserves it for his services to the people - top man!!!

So you support democracy for the right kind of voters, the ones who'll vote in a manner you approve of.

tbthailand had you correctly pegged.

[lucky11]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

(democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted)

said like a true anti-democrat...

now run off and give Suthep a hug....

I am not anti-democrat as you imply.

I just don't think that Thai's are responsible/educated enough to be given it and that is not good for the country.

I would like to give Suthep a hug BTW as he deserves it for his services to the people - top man!!!

So you support democracy for the right kind of voters, the ones who'll vote in a manner you approve of.

tbthailand had you correctly pegged.

No!! not what I approve of but what is good for THEIR country.

I support democracy where the elections aren't bought with unsustainable populist policies and rampant corruption is not accepted. Unfortunately, Thai voters can be bought and sent down the river without a paddle by an unscrupulous villain (probably the mildest way in which I've ever described him) and they are brought up and encouraged to think that "corruption is a good thing if it benefits you". Decent democracies do not operate in this way which is why the good work that Prayut is doing is the best way forwards for Thailand. Democracy doesn't even enter the equation I'm afraid, not at this point anyway!!!

After Prayut has finished his work Thailand can assume democracy again, but this time it won't be flawed or abused democracy like in the past.

[TheDiva]

For 80 years the part of thai society has been claiming that the Northern people are unable to wield their vote responsible. Since they do not have an education nor do they understand democracy, after this amount of time the argument has long past worn out.

How sad many farangs, have take up this spoon fed propaganda and a proud to support the anti democratic movement.

It is a convenient, but ultimately naive, argument that the reason for the success of the various Thaksin administrations is based entirely on ignorance of the electorate and vote buying. A myth perpetuated by those who haven't begun to understand why they fail to win the trust of the Thai citizens. This failure has been blamed on, as stated before, the electorate not being educated, their votes being bought (directly), their votes being bought through "populist" policies, corruption, and finally, now all other excuses have been exhausted, it's the democratic system itself that was at fault!

Michael H Nelson's report, Thailands Election of July 3 2011 An Overview has this to say;

Observers still assumed that voters were politically uninformed and uninterested, with their voting decisions solely made on the basis of money paid to them by local vote canvassers (hua khanaen) working for a particular MP candidate. Voters in general were seen as poor and ignorant, and thus easily tempted by even a small amount of money. This context led to the expression “night of the howling dogs,” that is, the night before election day when vote canvassers went to the villages to hand out their vote-buying money.

Since then, it had become almost habitual to claim that an election had been “the dirtiest in Thai political history.” However, as mentioned above, this perspective unmistakably began to change with the election of 2001 already (notwithstanding the switch in argumentation, casting “populist policies” as some sort of collective vote buying). A decade later, although there were still some observers who kept the formula “poverty + vote buying = vote” alive, most had come to recognize that the great mass of voters had undergone a process of politicization, meaning that they had developed genuine political preferences. That had been spurred not least by the very intense chain of political events and processes since the elections of February 2005. There were probably very few voters in Thailand, who had been entirely ignorant of all that had happened in politics between 2005 and 2011. For those voters who had followed the events and processes, or even participated in them (whether on the side of the PAD or the UDD), their observations and experiences could not but strongly influence their opinions, political preferences, and finally their votes, whether they cast them for Phuea Thai or the Democrats, or for any other political party.

For better or worse, Thailand’s political system had arrived at the stage of mass politics, and all political actors were called on to draw their own conclusions from this fundamental change.

,

Edited March 3, 2015 by TheDiva

[MaxLee]

So again, put up shut up and do as you're told,...

[yellowboat]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

Yes, this is what happens for many decades and the result IS???

Who cares ? Mr. Luck11's comment is as uneducated as his imagined electorate.. It is difficult governing smart people. It is easier to keep them unenlightened, until they vote of course. Then it comes back to haunt you. All these problems that Thailand is facing are self inflicted and Thai elites are repeating history over and over again, flunking good governance year after year.

"I know no safe depositary of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power." --Thomas Jefferson to William C. Jarvis, 1820. ME 15:278

[elgordo38]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. Here is where the train leaves the tracks.

[JAG]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

Ah, the old "these third world peasants are too stupid for democracy" argument. The problem with one party states is that they only work the way you want them too if you get a pipeline of good people at the top. That's rare. It happened in Singapore because they inherited a system of governance from the UK and refined it so that (for the most part) smart and 'clean' people make it in the public service. But trying to build a such a system from the ground up is probably impossible. Singapore is also more of a city than a country ... countries are messier places and harder to govern. But the most important issue is accountability. As bad as elected governments can be, they are accountable in the media and at the ballot box. Do you see that with today's government in Thailand? What will happen if a journalist strongly questions Prayuth's leadership or motives... he'll be sent off for 'camping', otherwise known as 'attitude adjustment'. Prayuth may not be doing a bad job now, but we don't know the future ... or what other unelected leaders in the future might be like.

Fair retort on the whole.

Let me start with the one fleeting statement you make that stands out.

"The most important issue is accountability" - right!!! Can you point out a single Thaksin influenced government that was accountable to the people (or good for THEM) for that matter? NB: their misguided perceiving that he was good for them doesn't count.

He needs to control the Media as they distort the truth and tell blatant lies on occasion which creates unnecessary obstacles. Now people read this (false and exaggerated) news, take it on board and attempt to derail the governments good work. As long as he succeeds in keeping the people happy, and they are!!! he stands a chance in reforming Thai politics for the benefit of the country. I don't agree with some things that have been put forward lately, but knowing Prayuth, anything that receives too much criticism will be looked at again, revised or revoked, before it is stamped into law or becomes part of the constitution.

He needs to be careful now, as the prospective MP's of the 2 major parties are starting to see their future power very much diluted with threats of dissolution of government involving costly election campaigns if they don't tow the line on the governments agenda. Whilst I do not see this as necessarily a bad thing, what their agenda is, must be sensible, for the benefit of the people and acceptable to a majority of those people across a broad spectrum in all regions. It is impossible to please everyone all of the time but he must be fair and every major project must be costed, affordable and importantly, justified. Transparency in procurement processes and how tax payers money is spent needs to be open to the public and with suitable controls implemented so that people can see where their money is going and that corruption and graft are not taking place.

One thing that does bother me though is this 'nepotism' thing in the make up of these boards and committees!! It might be legal if the family members are qualified (you do need qualifications) but it sets a bad example and is simply repeating what Thaksin did with his family members and 'old school police buddies' that became his private army picked on the grounds that they were to serve his interests rather than maintain law and order in the country.

He needs to fix the constitution, stamp out corruption (he is doing this admirably) and create the grounds for elections to be free and fair in the future - without blatant populist policies designed to bring in a government under false pretences, something that Yingluck must be regretting somewhat and cursing her selfish brother for using her in such a vile fashion now.

The most important thing that he has done to this today is essentially banishing the Shinawatra's from playing any part in those elections. Let's see, under the new rules and without Thaksin's 'bribe' money how well the unbeatable PTP do when the elections come in 2015/16!!!

You are just burnishing your anti democratic credentials.

Both Thaksin and Yingluck offered themselves for relection. You cant get more accountable than that!

That the election process was forestalled in both cases by the military (because they thought the Shinawatras would win) did not make them unaccountable.

That the popular support for the Shinawatras was misguided-well you're suggesting that your views right or wrong overide those of the electorate. That's about as anti democratic as it gets.

And if gambling was legal I'd bet on the Shinawatra faction romping home again in a fair election.

Edited March 3, 2015 by JAG

[lucky11]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

Yes, this is what happens for many decades and the result IS???

Who cares ? Mr. Luck11's comment is as uneducated as his imagined electorate.. It is difficult governing smart people. It is easier to keep them unenlightened, until they vote of course. Then it comes back to haunt you. All these problems that Thailand is facing are self inflicted and Thai elites are repeating history over and over again, flunking good governance year after year.

"I know no safe depositary of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power." --Thomas Jefferson to William C. Jarvis, 1820. ME 15:278

I have to agree with you!!!

The 'elite' Shinawatra controlled governments that have been in power for 12 of the last 14 years have rather flunked year after year and put Thailand into a perilous position with their corrupt ridden abject policies that required Prayuth to come to the rescue before Thailand disintegrated.

Thaksin has kept the people uneducated so that he could exploit them and steal their riches through their ignorance of the fact that he was doing it.

I wouldn't want you in my football team if you are capable of scoring classic own goals like that!!!

Does this Thomas Jefferson geezer always write drivel like that?

Edited March 3, 2015 by lucky11

[Jonmarleesco]

'... the "important bills" that an elected PM would propose are ones that were promised during election campaigns.'

'... the return of parliamentary dictatorship ... led by an undemocratic one.' ? A dictatorship is a dictatorship; elected - as in Thaksin - may come into the equation, but never democracy.

[candide]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

Yes, this is what happens for many decades and the result IS???

Who cares ? Mr. Luck11's comment is as uneducated as his imagined electorate.. It is difficult governing smart people. It is easier to keep them unenlightened, until they vote of course. Then it comes back to haunt you. All these problems that Thailand is facing are self inflicted and Thai elites are repeating history over and over again, flunking good governance year after year.

"I know no safe depositary of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power." --Thomas Jefferson to William C. Jarvis, 1820. ME 15:278

I have to agree with you!!!

The 'elite' Shinawatra controlled governments that have been in power for 12 of the last 14 years have rather flunked year after year and put Thailand into a perilous position with their corrupt ridden abject policies that required Prayuth to come to the rescue before Thailand disintegrated.

Thaksin has kept the people uneducated so that he could exploit them and steal their riches through their ignorance of the fact that he was doing it.

I wouldn't want you in my football team if you are capable of scoring classic own goals like that!!!

Does this Thomas Jefferson geezer always write drivel like that?

Could you please explain us how Thaksin has kept the people uneducated (in particular in the North/North East), i.e. compared to previous governments?

[bassman]

About the best I can say about Thai political campaigns is that all colors pay the voters for their vote. Having been up country a number a years it gets comical on how much money each (and I do mean each) candidate pays for votes. However Thais are not as easily bought as many would believe by 50-200 baht in their pocket. They are however glad to except the money and enjoy a few bottles of Lao Khao and a pack or two of filter cigarettes. But it is good that Thais get something real out of a political campaign instead of us in the west that only get repetitive, boring TV commercials.

What interest them the most and gets their vote, is what the candidates are offering for their particular situation as well as the political machine that has produced results in the past. I have seen the yellows and reds come and go and both sides always empower the "machine" often through the largess scandal of the OTOP. The current PM early on mentioned dismantling the Phu yai bann system, but word of this has long since died.

The Phu Yai system works in Thailand as the RTP will not do their job unless their is something in it for them. The Phu Yai is the local "Justice of the Peace" and does hold "court" on many village issues that RTP see no profit in. Most villages vote in line with their village head and this is a system that needs addressed. But alas more money is flowing to OTOP.

Thailand needs a real police force, backed by a judiciary that is empowered to enforce the rule of law. The rule of law needs to be set in stone instead of rewritten on each new leaders whims and by their select few. Thailand would be better in amending the old charter vice writing a new constitution. All constitutions written need to grow with the current situation, starting over sends the process back to square one.

[Jai Dee]

One troll post and subsequent reply has been removed from this thread.

[mikemac]

Just sad really, appealing to the Mods with malicious claims, childlike.

I'll just pick up on one of your "interesting' viewpoints - "a link to that disgusting red propaganda site Asian Correspondent". What, really?,and some people claim that the Northern Thai people are uneducated...................................

Oh by the way, may I suggest you check out rules 2,7,8,9 and read Rule 26 properly.

Don't bother trying to change the subject fab4, this has got nothing to do with Northern Thai people, it is about a banned troll posting links to sites which are against forum rules. That's it, in a nutshell.

You of all people quoting forum rules is beyond a joke.

[Fat Haggis]

Good news!! As long as the right people are installed then Thailand should make progress. It weakens the 'bozo effect' of the voters that are easily bribed through their inability to understand politics and of whom keep on voting crooks in, only for them then to savagely abuse the system for their own purpose.

Anything that prevents this has to be good for the country (democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted) - good and honest governance for the people IS!!

Installed? I think you meant to say voted in by the electorate did that you not? Another typical arrogant farang troll with his "people cannot be trusted " attitude!!

[heybruce]

(democracy is not that important as they, the people, cannot be trusted)

said like a true anti-democrat...

now run off and give Suthep a hug....

I am not anti-democrat as you imply.

I just don't think that Thai's are responsible/educated enough to be given it and that is not good for the country.

I would like to give Suthep a hug BTW as he deserves it for his services to the people - top man!!!

So you support democracy for the right kind of voters, the ones who'll vote in a manner you approve of.

tbthailand had you correctly pegged.

No!! not what I approve of but what is good for THEIR country.

I support democracy where the elections aren't bought with unsustainable populist policies and rampant corruption is not accepted. Unfortunately, Thai voters can be bought and sent down the river without a paddle by an unscrupulous villain (probably the mildest way in which I've ever described him) and they are brought up and encouraged to think that "corruption is a good thing if it benefits you". Decent democracies do not operate in this way which is why the good work that Prayut is doing is the best way forwards for Thailand. Democracy doesn't even enter the equation I'm afraid, not at this point anyway!!!

After Prayut has finished his work Thailand can assume democracy again, but this time it won't be flawed or abused democracy like in the past.

"I support democracy where the elections aren't bought with unsustainable populist policies and rampant corruption is not accepted."

The usual BS. The 2011 election was monitored by ANFREL and the results deemed legitimate http://www.voanews.com/content/asian-observer-group-commends-thai-election-cites-minor-flaws--125003034/141777.html.

Populism is in the eyes of the beholder, and should be dealt with by elections, not coups. Anyway, the unsustainable populism represented a small shift of government spending away from Bangkok, which historically received many times the government investment per capita than the rest of Thailand http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2012/05/09/000333037_20120509003158/Rendered/PDF/685510ESW00PUB0y0Note0master0120501.pdf.

Corruption existed long before Thaksin and still exists throughout Thailand's government including the military, but of course corruption investigations of the military are off-limits http://thediplomat.com/2014/10/thai-junta-beset-by-corruption-scandals/.

"the good work that Prayut is doing is the best way forwards for Thailand."

You're ignoring the very undemocratic constitution being drafted, to replace the last constitution written at the direction of the military after the last coup.

."After Prayut has finished his work Thailand can assume democracy again, but this time it won't be flawed or abused democracy like in the past. "

Do you mean the flawed or abused democracies that followed all the past military coups? What amazes me is that you and none of the other Prayuth fans and junta supporters provide any reason to believe that this coup will be good for Thailand, you just accept it on faith and expect others to do the same.

Edited March 3, 2015 by heybruce

[TheDiva]

Just sad really, appealing to the Mods with malicious claims, childlike.

I'll just pick up on one of your "interesting' viewpoints - "a link to that disgusting red propaganda site Asian Correspondent". What, really?,and some people claim that the Northern Thai people are uneducated...................................

Oh by the way, may I suggest you check out rules 2,7,8,9 and read Rule 26 properly.

Don't bother trying to change the subject fab4, this has got nothing to do with Northern Thai people, it is about a banned troll posting links to sites which are against forum rules. That's it, in a nutshell.

You of all people quoting forum rules is beyond a joke.

See Post #24.

[chainarong]

Hullo Thailand who's asleep at the wheel , you are heading for a complete and utter foul up in the future if you let this mob ride rough shod over you , demand a referendum.

[laocowboy2]

Unelected PM with almost all of the power. Sounds like what is in place today. Looks like Prayuth is setting the stage for a long term "political" career.

Just like Mr. P in Moscow.