Reds vow response to Suthep

[Lite Beer]

REFORM FOUNDATION
Reds vow response to Suthep
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Nuttawut slams reform foundation as political; plans press conference next week

The red shirts and Pheu Thai Party politicians have come out strongly against last week's launch of a new foundation by their arch-rivals, the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

Red-shirt leader Nuttawut Saikuar yesterday launched a verbal attack against the People's Democratic Reform Foundation (PDRF) and its press conference, which he accused of being political in nature and aimed at prolonging military rule.

Nuttawut said he would hold a press conference as well and ask red shirts to wear red in response.

Nuttawut, a co-leader of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictator-ship (UDD), posted on his Facebook yesterday that the press conference held by the newly established PDRF, led by former PDRC chief Suthep Thaugsuban, was political in nature and yet it was permitted by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Nuttawut said the country must be in a pathetic state because the foundation claimed that it would take care of Thailand, adding pressure on the government of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha. The junta-backed government, which has committed itself to a roadmap to return power to the people, has been urged by Suthep to stay on in power to push through what Nattawut described as a "vague reform".

The red-shirt leader asked where was Suthep for the past year when the National Reform Council was doing its job. He said the permission by the NCPO for the foundation to hold a press conference sets a new standard and red shirts will likewise hold a press conference this week, details of which will be announced later. He added that if the PDRC could wear their national-flag shirts, then red shirts should be able to wear their red shirts as well.

NCPO spokesperson Colonel Winthai Suvari said the military junta has yet to receive a request from Nuttawut to hold a press conference and it will take the request into consideration if a request is made. He added that if any organisation wants to hold a constructive press conference that is not against peace and order, then it would be allowed. He urged people to look at the content of the press conference held by Suthep and not the man himself.

Pheu Thai Party caretaker deputy spokesperson Anusorn Iamsa-ard, meanwhile, warned that the latest move by the PDRC under the banner of a foundation was clearly a political act, which is supposedly banned by the NCPO. Anusorn added the move could only intensify the situation, as people can see that one side can do anything while the other side is always accused of being wrong.

He accused the PDRC of seeking an extension for the NCPO and the Prayut government and called it a "world-class deception". Anusorn urged the NCPO to clarify itself and keep a distance from the PDRC, adding that they have nothing to gain from it.

Former energy minister Pichai Narithaphan, meanwhile, warned that the move by the PDRC is dragging the already bad economic situation further down because it would add to the uncertainty of both Thai and foreign investors, with GDP growth rate already cut to under 3 per cent.

Meanwhile, Panthongtae Shina-watra, posted on Facebook saying the foundation established by the PDRC is purely political and has been established to create political chaos. He challenged those involved with the foundation to declare that they would never run for elections.

In reply, the foundation spokesperson Akanat Promphan defended the PDRF saying it was established to protect national interests and act as a centre to collect nation reform proposals. He said critics have distorted the intention of the foundation and was spearheaded by movements that claim to fight for freedom and democracy but are demanding the curbing of others' rights.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Reds-vow-response-to-Suthep-30265694.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-02

[Somtamnication]

They both need to stop (or be stopped) or this will become unmanageable very very quickly.

[Bluespunk]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

Edited August 1, 2015 by Bluespunk

[baboon]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

True, but put yourself in their place. How can they just sit idly by while the other lot are allowed to rub their noses in it? They HAVE to react. Edited August 1, 2015 by baboon

[jonclark]

The problem with this specific situation is the vague wording and interpretation of 'political'.

If the content of your message is supportive of the military's aims it is rubber stamped as non-political and allowed (Sutheps clearly was a politically motivated message supportive of the junta) , however if the content of the message is even slightly in opposition to the aims of the junta that message will be stifled and deemed 'political'. That seems to be the broader definition in my view.

I would love to see the reds put together a 'foundation', just because Suthep hates to share the limelight with anyone, and as such he wouldn't be able to help himself , but respond and then it would be really interesting to see if his military friends allow that message to be heard?

[thesetat2013]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

True, but put yourself in their place. How can they just sit idly by while the other lot are allowed to rub their noses in it? They HAVE to react.

Agreed but unfortunately when the Phue Thai and reds respond it usually means killings and violence.

I can not see the reasoning to allow the PDRC to make this group unless the current gov is hoping for trouble. Maybe to use as an excuse to stay in power. Maybe I am wrong about this assumption and I would hope the current gov wouldn't go to such extremes. But one has to wonder.

[Chang_paarp]

Where is the popcorn?

This could become very interesting. Unfortunately the reds are ignoring the message.

[tbthailand]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

True, but put yourself in their place. How can they just sit idly by while the other lot are allowed to rub their noses in it? They HAVE to react.

Agreed but unfortunately when the Phue Thai and reds respond it usually means killings and violence.

I can not see the reasoning to allow the PDRC to make this group unless the current gov is hoping for trouble. Maybe to use as an excuse to stay in power. Maybe I am wrong about this assumption and I would hope the current gov wouldn't go to such extremes. But one has to wonder.

Agreed but unfortunately when the Phue Thai and reds respond it usually means killings and violence.

ah, cut the BS, ... just for once, please.

[tbthailand]

yeah, so is anyone surprised by this?

Even the rather daft generals saw this coming the moment Suthep planned his announcement.

[LannaGuy]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

yes but every action has a reaction and if the Junta treat the Suthep mob kindly and don't apply the same 'gathering' rules what can they expect? the junta's 'we are fair' is just utter BS

[harada]

If it looked like the wheels were starting to fall off of the Junta before I think they'll be running on the hubs before long with this lunatic back on the scene, good luck General.

Edited August 2, 2015 by harada

[robblok]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

True, but put yourself in their place. How can they just sit idly by while the other lot are allowed to rub their noses in it? They HAVE to react.

Agreed but unfortunately when the Phue Thai and reds respond it usually means killings and violence.

I can not see the reasoning to allow the PDRC to make this group unless the current gov is hoping for trouble. Maybe to use as an excuse to stay in power. Maybe I am wrong about this assumption and I would hope the current gov wouldn't go to such extremes. But one has to wonder.

Agreed but unfortunately when the Phue Thai and reds respond it usually means killings and violence.

ah, cut the BS, ... just for once, please.

No b.s the reds are the most violent of the groups, I believe up to 4 children killed by them when they went after the anti government protesters. You just have to look at the Trat massacre and how the reds on stage responded to it. It clearly shows they like and condone violence.

If they could protest peacefully and in their own backyard nobody would care about it. But no they need violence and need to protest in BKK.

[robblok]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

yes but every action has a reaction and if the Junta treat the Suthep mob kindly and don't apply the same 'gathering' rules what can they expect? the junta's 'we are fair' is just utter BS

The reds come out in force.. then the junta puts them in jail.. every action has a reaction.. what do you expect the junta to do.

[jonclark]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

True, but put yourself in their place. How can they just sit idly by while the other lot are allowed to rub their noses in it? They HAVE to react.

Agreed but unfortunately when the Phue Thai and reds respond it usually means killings and violence.

I can not see the reasoning to allow the PDRC to make this group unless the current gov is hoping for trouble. Maybe to use as an excuse to stay in power. Maybe I am wrong about this assumption and I would hope the current gov wouldn't go to such extremes. But one has to wonder.

You know I wondered the same - that by stirring unrest in a very gentle way by using Suthep, - It gives the military reason to stay on, to push through further 'reform'. I hope my cynicism is proven wrong.

[Charlie Croker]

15 months into the Military government and both extremes demonstrating why a military government is required.

Nice to see the usual responses on TVF modelling how polemic disdain is difficult to overcome, for effective reconciliation to occur.

Personally, I think Prayut should put the key representatives from both factions into a box and every few months let them out, like rabid, chained dogs to snarl and propagandize at each other and let the public see why the military government has a genuine responsibility to remain in power.

Then put them all back, while he quietly (maybe that's stretching the truth a lot), goes about cleaning the corruption from the darkest corners of Thai society.

If only there was an inactive government these key players could all be sent to manage. To lie, cheat and steal from each other. Like the village from that 60's TV show 'The Prisoner'

[SpokaneAl]

They both need to stop (or be stopped) or this will become unmanageable very very quickly.

I suppose we would not want any open and free discussions and/or debates now would we? Edited August 2, 2015 by SpokaneAl

[robblok]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

True, but put yourself in their place. How can they just sit idly by while the other lot are allowed to rub their noses in it? They HAVE to react.

Agreed but unfortunately when the Phue Thai and reds respond it usually means killings and violence.

I can not see the reasoning to allow the PDRC to make this group unless the current gov is hoping for trouble. Maybe to use as an excuse to stay in power. Maybe I am wrong about this assumption and I would hope the current gov wouldn't go to such extremes. But one has to wonder.

You know I wondered the same - that by stirring unrest in a very gentle way by using Suthep, - It gives the military reason to stay on, to push through further 'reform'. I hope my cynicism is proven wrong.

To counter that maybe the reds can protest without violence... but.. i doubt it.

[luk AJ]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

True, but put yourself in their place. How can they just sit idly by while the other lot are allowed to rub their noses in it? They HAVE to react.

Agreed but unfortunately when the Phue Thai and reds respond it usually means killings and violence.
I can not see the reasoning to allow the PDRC to make this group unless the current gov is hoping for trouble. Maybe to use as an excuse to stay in power. Maybe I am wrong about this assumption and I would hope the current gov wouldn't go to such extremes. But one has to wonder.

Agreed but unfortunately when the Phue Thai and reds respond it usually means killings and violence.

ah, cut the BS, ... just for once, please.

No b.s the reds are the most violent of the groups, I believe up to 4 children killed by them when they went after the anti government protesters. You just have to look at the Trat massacre and how the reds on stage responded to it. It clearly shows they like and condone violence.

If they could protest peacefully and in their own backyard nobody would care about it. But no they need violence and need to protest in BKK.

Yes please, cut the BS.

[smedly]

I would like both sides to describe in detail what they mean by reform, if Suthep or the reds want to get involved in reform they should be doing it through mechanisms that already exist through the current government, if Suthep feels there is a need to set up a separate organisation to address reforms then the government needs to take a long look at why and sort it out, in saying that it is my understanding that the reds refused to participate

[JohnnyJazz]

Personally I've no problem with Prayut staying in charge until 2020. I've lived for more than 20 years in Hong Kong and I've seen all the benefits of a stable, non elected government. Believe it or not Hong Kong too used to be a very corrupted place. If there is a will at the top, there are solution to this problem.

My main concern rests with Mr Suthep. Pukhet is by far the mot corrupted place in Thailand. It has all the natural advantages to be a very succesful place. But I recently talked with a couple of very depressed business owners in Pukhet (Thais and not in the "entertainment" business ). Situation is very bad. When we talked about changing business models, they say it's impossble, corruption at all levels block any change that may challenge the current order. Sometime I wonder if all the demonstration in recents years wasn't more about protecting the south powerful power brokers rather than fighting for the end of corruption.

So Prayut yes, Suthep I'm very worried.

[baboon]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

True, but put yourself in their place. How can they just sit idly by while the other lot are allowed to rub their noses in it? They HAVE to react.

Agreed but unfortunately when the Phue Thai and reds respond it usually means killings and violence.

I can not see the reasoning to allow the PDRC to make this group unless the current gov is hoping for trouble. Maybe to use as an excuse to stay in power. Maybe I am wrong about this assumption and I would hope the current gov wouldn't go to such extremes. But one has to wonder.

Wouldn't you be feeling pretty damn violent under the circumstances if it were you on the receiving end of an orchestrated demonisation campaign?

[ikke]

If it looked like the wheels were starting to fall off of the Junta before I think they'll be running on the hubs before long with this lunatic back on the scene, good luck General.

With the lunatic, you mean Suthep ?

I hope yes is the answer... because this lunatic is responsible for all the trouble the country is in now.

[jonclark]

15 months into the Military government and both extremes demonstrating why a military government is required.

Nice to see the usual responses on TVF modelling how polemic disdain is difficult to overcome, for effective reconciliation to occur.

Personally, I think Prayut should put the key representatives from both factions into a box and every few months let them out, like rabid, chained dogs to snarl and propagandize at each other and let the public see why the military government has a genuine responsibility to remain in power.

Then put them all back, while he quietly (maybe that's stretching the truth a lot), goes about cleaning the corruption from the darkest corners of Thai society.

If only there was an inactive government these key players could all be sent to manage. To lie, cheat and steal from each other. Like the village from that 60's TV show 'The Prisoner'

Indeed 15 months into a military government and nothing has changed, so do we leave the military government in for another 15 months, years, indefinitely? Will that make people 'reconcile with each other' or will they need more attitude adjustment?

The problem and paradox of having a military government, seeking reconciliation is that is whilst the military remains the 'people' have no option but to keep their old rabid leaders, as they, (the people) are unable to discuss, meet or elect new leaders as its been outlawed. So the Jatuporns, Sutheps etc can maintain that they speak for the people so the polemic remains. Bit of a poser really, wouldn't you agree?

[aussieinthailand]

"A world class deception" couldn't be further from the truth.

Everyone knows exactly what the PDRC and the NCPO are up to, but are refused the right to say anything detrimental about it (attitude adjustments) & LM.

There's only one side that can get away with this stuff same as before, Who do they think they are kidding???

OOp's there are a few TV posters here that will claim all is well and that if the opposition wish to hold a press conference it will be nothing but political and detrimental to Thailand as usual, that's the only thing here that's truly transparent.............

[worgeordie]

Respond,with what,they usually use R.P.G's and hand grenades,followed by a bit of arson.

regards worgeordie

[MZurf]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

yes but every action has a reaction and if the Junta treat the Suthep mob kindly and don't apply the same 'gathering' rules what can they expect? the junta's 'we are fair' is just utter BS

The reds come out in force.. then the junta puts them in jail.. every action has a reaction.. what do you expect the junta to do.

I would have expected the junta to prevent Suthep from stoking the fires once again. I really cannot understand why Gen P allows this extremely divisive ogre to establish himself yet again on the national scene. Isn't reconciliation one of his goals???

[kaorop]

.

If they could protest peacefully and in their own backyard nobody would care about it.

I guess you dont see the irony in that statement?

Oh and where did the yellows run the airport and sutep lead protests?

As I've stated NOTHING has been done to solve the underlying discontent, and having suthep and his divisive ways back is only going to make things worse.

[BuckBee]

Allowing suthep to go ahead with this foundation is complete but usual stupidity & devious shenanigans of thainess politics which is exact reason it in such a mess where reform is useless as not one man is honest or a patriot but a whore for a few $ .

[Credo]

It's like a giant circle and the country is right back where it started.

[robblok]

"Reds vow response to Suthep"

Just what we don't need.

yes but every action has a reaction and if the Junta treat the Suthep mob kindly and don't apply the same 'gathering' rules what can they expect? the junta's 'we are fair' is just utter BS

The reds come out in force.. then the junta puts them in jail.. every action has a reaction.. what do you expect the junta to do.

I would have expected the junta to prevent Suthep from stoking the fires once again. I really cannot understand why Gen P allows this extremely divisive ogre to establish himself yet again on the national scene. Isn't reconciliation one of his goals???

Sure, that would be the first step.. but my post was aimed at the poster who justified the reds coming out because of Suthep.. its no justification. The junta would just catch them.

And I agree Suthep should not have been allowed to do this he should have stayed out of politics.