Unity govt 'a plot to extend NCPO's stay'

[webfact]

Unity govt 'a plot to extend NCPO's stay'
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A RED-SHIRT leader yesterday lambasted the idea of forming a unity government, saying it was an attempt to prolong the junta's time in power.

Weng Tojirakarn, a politician from the Pheu Thai Party and a leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), yesterday questioned the merits of forming a national unity government at a time when the political road map was progressing towards the next general election next year.

He said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who also heads the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), had insisted he would not seek a longer period in office. However, there was no guarantee other NCPO leaders would not replace Prayut as the government leader.

"They are testing the waters for a national unity government, with a politically neutral person serving as prime minister. With the limited choices, it's inevitable the PM candidates will be military leaders," Weng said.

The red-shirt leader said he suspected there was a plot to prolong the NCPO's time in power, judging from the proposal to hold a national referendum to ask voters if they want a unity government and reforms before the next election.

"I don't think democracy lovers will allow the inheritance of power," he said.

No comment from PM

The prime minister has refused to comment on the issue in order to avoid a conflict of interest, deputy government spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday.

Recently, respected scholar Prawase Wasi suggested that a unity government should be formed to consist of politicians from rival camps and qualified people to lead Thailand towards sustainable reconciliation.

Meanwhile, the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) has not considered this proposal and it has not been included in the draft constitution, spokesman Lertrat Ratanawanit said yesterday.

Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, a member of the CDC, said yesterday he saw no reason why a unity government should be mentioned in the new constitution.

He said that forming a government depended on the number of MPs to be obtained after a general election. He added that the constitution drafters had not discussed the matter.

In a related development, Alongkorn Ponlaboot, a member of the National Reform Council, has rejected news reports that some NRC members had suggested the formation of a unity government.

"I can say that not a single member of the NRC has ever suggested a unity government be formed," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Unity-govt-a-plot-to-extend-NCPOs-stay-30264382.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-14

[BigBadGeordie]

So who is spreading these rumours and when will they be arrested?

[chainarong]

Forming a unity Party would be more to the point , then both majors would have another to contend with making it a 3 way race , this would seem to be more practical and less controversial and Democratic , at the moment any rumor the Junta staying longer than necessary, is like a hole in the head, not everyone loves them.

[Srikcir]

Forming a unity Party would be more to the point , then both majors would have another to contend with making it a 3 way race , this would seem to be more practical and less controversial and Democratic , at the moment any rumor the Junta staying longer than necessary, is like a hole in the head, not everyone loves them.

No three-way race.

There is nothing that indicates the so-called Unity Party would compete in an election for control of the government. It further makes no sense that, if the Unity Party leadership is composed of military and royalists, it would compete against the pro-Junta Democrat Party. It is more likely the Unity party would include Democrat leadership.

The more likely scenario is that the current Junta-appointed NLA will approve transfer of the government directly to the Unity Party or the NCPO will issue a directive for the Unity party to simply assume leadership of the government without elections.

There is nothing to compel the Junta to comply with any democratic processes.

[lildragon]

The junta in one guise or another need to be in power when the inevitable event happens. It's all smoke and mirrors.

[EnglishJohn]

The junta in one guise or another need to be in power when the inevitable event happens. It's all smoke and mirrors.

Please get your carer to help you write your comments : we have no clue what you are talking about.

Nor, I expect, do you.

[Fat Haggis]

Speak for yourself, I know full well what he meant, are you suggesting I am in need of a carer as well?

defamatory comments seem to be your style!!

[FangFerang]

The junta in one guise or another need to be in power when the inevitable event happens. It's all smoke and mirrors.

Please get your carer to help you write your comments : we have no clue what you are talking about.

Nor, I expect, do you.

Everyone knows what he is talking about.

Except you.

[JAG]

The junta in one guise or another need to be in power when the inevitable event happens. It's all smoke and mirrors.

Please get your carer to help you write your comments : we have no clue what you are talking about.

Nor, I expect, do you.

Oh I think you do. You're just trying to make him be more explicit, in the hope that the post is taken down and he receives a " holiday".

Look on it as a virtual variation of the way the LM laws are used to crush free speech in the real world.

[lildragon]

I bet John LOVES those laws as well. His comments seem to be so snide and hateful. I hope the guy is alright.

[Fat Haggis]

The irony is that John is American slang for a toilet. Which is quite apt really, as he's full of it!!

[smedly]

it is an interesting concept having a lower house made up of an equal 50/50 from both sides of the political divide with a neutral PM to keep them in order, it would either be a complete and utter disaster or a good way for the opposing factions to iron out their differences - ok I'm just thinking out loud

[Orac]

it is an interesting concept having a lower house made up of an equal 50/50 from both sides of the political divide with a neutral PM to keep them in order, it would either be a complete and utter disaster or a good way for the opposing factions to iron out their differences - ok I'm just thinking out loud

Indeed, maybe give an opportunity to pick some of the moderates from both sides and see if they can shake of the political shackles and work together. Not sure who they could get to lead such a government though who is acceptable to all sides - maybe dust off Anand or Meechai.