Former Democrat leader calls for change to party's leadership
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former Democrat Party leader Bhichai Rattakul proposed that Abhisit Vejjajiva should step down as the party leader and the post should be given to either Surin Pitsuwan or Supachai Panitchpakdi, who are senior party members.

Bhichai said the party would fail the next election again if Abhisit continues to lead the party.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Former-Democrat-leader-calls-for-change-to-partys--30260823.html

-- The Nation 2015-05-24

>>Bhichai said the party would fail the next election again if Abhisit continues to lead the party.<< Quote

Next election?? Abhisit will be around 90 then, so who cares??

On a more serious note, Surin Pitsuwan will be an excellent choice, since he on more than one occasion has showed his willingness to compromise and his ability to see things from a different perspective.

If Thailand ever is going to reach some kind of reconciliation, Mr Surin will be a good leader.

So now we a just waiting for the PTP to find a leader with half a brain!!

I agree. With Chuan Leek Pai (the PM not corrupt enough to control his party members) he did a good job.

I agree. With Chuan Leek Pai (the PM not corrupt enough to control his party members) he did a good job.

How about Mr. T. Suthep he should be all rehabilitated and ready to go.

They need a woman at the helm, preferably a good looking one.

Certainly Abhisit has too much baggage for the role and should step down.

I had the pleasure to meet both. Dr. Surin might be the favourite as he would unite also Thai citizen in the South. As a devote Muslim with a world open mind, excellent language skills, brains and seniority as well as his political background as Thai Foreign Minister and Secretary-General of ASEAN - an excellent choice. Question remains though, if he would accept the nomination or rather enjoy retirement; he's presently 66.
Dr. Supachai is likewise a very seasoned professional; his past posting as Thai Commerce Minister and his "job-sharing" at the World Trade Organisation in Geneva gave also him the necessary tools. Question here too; would he accept the nomination, his seniority with 69 might likewise let him opt for more leisurely activities.

"the post should be given to either Surin Pitsuwan or Supachai Panitchpakdi, who are senior party members".

Is this how democracy works within the Democrat Party?! Hope this is old-school thinking, and does not reflect the actual mechanism to choose their leader.

... if Abhisit continues to lead the party?

He has never really led the party other than being a surrogate for Suthep.

Since the PDRC anti-government protests began in 2013, Abhisit never distinguished himself as a political leader much less as a leader of the Democrat party. Any viable ideas he had on how to reconcile with the PTP government were slapped down by Suthep.

Absence of Abhisit from national politics won't be missed by ANY political party.

"Bhichai said the party would fail the next election again if Abhisit continues to lead the party."

Not to worry, yet another coup will set that right.

My greatest disappointment with Mark is that he projects weakness and not strength.

If the Dems are to be electorally successful they need a strong, charismatic leader that can connect with the majority of the Thai people.

How about some talented Loek Krung To lead that party?

>>Bhichai said the party would fail the next election again if Abhisit continues to lead the party.<< Quote

Next election?? Abhisit will be around 90 then, so who cares??

On a more serious note, Surin Pitsuwan will be an excellent choice, since he on more than one occasion has showed his willingness to compromise and his ability to see things from a different perspective.

If Thailand ever is going to reach some kind of reconciliation, Mr Surin will be a good leader.

So now we a just waiting for the PTP to find a leader with half a brain!!

PT already has a leader with half a brain and all the others must do exactly as he tells them. Unfortunately that half brain is dedicated to self enrichment and lust for power.

I had the pleasure to meet both. Dr. Surin might be the favourite as he would unite also Thai citizen in the South. As a devote Muslim with a world open mind, excellent language skills, brains and seniority as well as his political background as Thai Foreign Minister and Secretary-General of ASEAN - an excellent choice. Question remains though, if he would accept the nomination or rather enjoy retirement; he's presently 66.

Dr. Supachai is likewise a very seasoned professional; his past posting as Thai Commerce Minister and his "job-sharing" at the World Trade Organisation in Geneva gave also him the necessary tools. Question here too; would he accept the nomination, his seniority with 69 might likewise let him opt for more leisurely activities.

The way you describe those two statesmen, makes me think 'maybe Thailand has some decent people in the political arena who could exert leadership and wisdom along with compassion for the lower classes.'

But then I look at the type of leaders Thailand has been saddled with for the past 20 years, and I think, 'no one, except maybe Abhisit projected those type of qualities - and even Abhisit was weak wristed - though he appeared to be the best of the bunch.'

Korn Chatikavanij, Abhisit's Finance Minister, seems to be able to think clearly, speaks fluent English, and he's 51.