CDC's poll shows lack of support for unelected Thai PM

[webfact]

CDC's Poll Shows Lack of Support for Unelected PM
By Khaosod English


Thailand's current unelected Prime Minister, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, chairs a government meeting in Bangkok, 11 March 2015

BANGKOK — An opinion poll commissioned by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) shows that a majority of respondents disagree with the CDC's proposal to allow an unelected Prime Minister in the new charter.

The poll questioned 5,800 people above the age of 18 across Thailand in January 2015, said CDC member Thawilwadee Bureekul. She said the survey is a part of the CDC's effort to consult public opinion on the the new constitution, which will be Thailand's 20th since democracy was established in 1932.

According to the poll, 58.9 percent of respondents "agreed" that the Prime Minister must be an elected Member of the Parliament, as required in recent constitutions.

The survey result was publicized a few weeks after the CDC officially announced that the new charter will remove the requirement that the Prime Minister be an MP. CDC spokesperson Kamnoon Sitthisaman said the change is intended to allow for flexibility in the event of a "political crisis."

The current interim charter, which was imposed by the military junta after it seized power from an elected government on 22 May 2014, similarly does not require the head of the government to be a House representative. Coup leader Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha was later appointed by the interim parliament, whose members he had had handpicked, as the Prime Minister in August 2014.

Asked whether the survey result will prompt the CDC to amend the PM clause, Thawilwadee replied that the CDC is willing to listen to all opinions. "If many sectors in the society think that this issue should be adjusted, improved, and amended, then it may be reconsidered," she said.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1426069593&typecate=06&section=


-- Khaosod English 2015-03-12

[tbthailand]

The general defends the idea of an unelected PM....

Please, journalists, please do not publish news that can confuse the situation.

And the polling company will now be sent to adjustment camp.

[tbthailand]

going to the last line of the OP, with the screwed up justice system here, they should absolutely get rid of the death penalty... just sayin'....

[Somtamnication]

No support because then the village elders don't come around with 250 baht and knock on the doors!

[Srikcir]

"If many sectors in the society think that this issue should be adjusted, improved, and amended, then it may be reconsidered,"

TRANSLATION:

If the NCPO decides to change this provision, then the CDC will change it. Otherwise, the people of the NCPO have spoken!

I wonder if there is a hidden message in that this poll is from 5,800 people - the highest ever. Usually it's 1,200-1,500 people polled. Maybe the pollsters gave up trying to skew the poll results in favor of an unelected PM by going to a larger sample?

[KhnomKhnom]

The only CDC I know is the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA. This editor on tv loves abbvs.

[mango66]

No support because then the village elders don't come around with 250 baht and knock on the doors!

in the new costitution it should be fixed to: not less than 1.000,- thb 5555

but only 999,- thb if you a member of TRT party;

[Daniel Ingalls]

I like the phrase........."may be considered" ..... this is a Totalitarian Regime, which is not Democratic in anyway or fashion. CDC is an appointed position

and not elected by the people and for the people. How about looking at the American decloration of independence, The bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the

United States for Starters? It is the foundation of our government. We've had no coos or dictatorships Since the beginning of our country. For over 235 years we have managed to inspire many nations to adopt our form of government. Thailand has a lot more to gain by incorporating some parts. What have you to loose ?

[h90]

No support because then the village elders don't come around with 250 baht and knock on the doors!

250 Baht is bit low. but I am sure there is 90% support for 800 Baht.

[MilesofSmiles]

Who needs votes when you've got tanks and guns.

[h90]

I like the phrase........."may be considered" ..... this is a Totalitarian Regime, which is not Democratic in anyway or fashion. CDC is an appointed position

and not elected by the people and for the people. How about looking at the American decloration of independence, The bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the

United States for Starters? It is the foundation of our government. We've had no coos or dictatorships Since the beginning of our country. For over 235 years we have managed to inspire many nations to adopt our form of government. Thailand has a lot more to gain by incorporating some parts. What have you to loose ?

And no president who isn't from one of the 2 ruling parties for what? 150 years? All the mass media belong to one or the other camp.

The elite is sharing the power and have some mock elections to give the feeling of democracy......Like the elections in East Germany.

Or do you really think the average guy in USA has even a minimal chance to get elected?

Democracy is a method to select the most able leader who does the best for the country and the people. Do you think that applies more to Prayut or more to Yingluck who got elected by the vote buying of her super rich brother?

No question a coup and a military leader isn't pretty, but there was no better option. Beside your loved country seems to be perfectly happy with Saudi Arabia as long as the oil flows, while they supported some coups if they didn't like the elected leaders in other countries....

[ggt]

He said he would relinquish the position of PM to an elected government...

He said he wanted the Military to be eligible to fill government positions...

He said to be quiet and patient...

He said he loves everyone...

Any questions?

[tbthailand]

I like the phrase........."may be considered" ..... this is a Totalitarian Regime, which is not Democratic in anyway or fashion. CDC is an appointed position

and not elected by the people and for the people. How about looking at the American decloration of independence, The bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the

United States for Starters? It is the foundation of our government. We've had no coos or dictatorships Since the beginning of our country. For over 235 years we have managed to inspire many nations to adopt our form of government. Thailand has a lot more to gain by incorporating some parts. What have you to loose ?

And no president who isn't from one of the 2 ruling parties for what? 150 years? All the mass media belong to one or the other camp.

The elite is sharing the power and have some mock elections to give the feeling of democracy......Like the elections in East Germany.

Or do you really think the average guy in USA has even a minimal chance to get elected?

Democracy is a method to select the most able leader who does the best for the country and the people. Do you think that applies more to Prayut or more to Yingluck who got elected by the vote buying of her super rich brother?

No question a coup and a military leader isn't pretty, but there was no better option. Beside your loved country seems to be perfectly happy with Saudi Arabia as long as the oil flows, while they supported some coups if they didn't like the elected leaders in other countries....

you obviously know absolutely nothing about the USA.

and I would add that you apparently do not understand democracy, either...

Edited March 12, 2015 by tbthailand