Prayut urged to set election timeframe at UN assembly

[webfact]

Prayut urged to set election timeframe at UN assembly
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former foreign affairs minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul Wednesday urged Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to announce the next election date at United Nations General Assembly.

"The premier should tell international stage out loud that the junta will step out from power after the election and won't retain its power in the next elected government. Then he would become a hero," he said.

The premier is scheduled to attend the assembly from September 23-October 2 in New York.

Prayut should also explain the assembly why he has to extend its road map as well as why and how the rejected charter draft was undemocratic, he said, adding that if the international communities believe in his remark the country would get benefit.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayut-urged-to-set-election-timeframe-at-UN-assem-30268462.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-09

[aussieinthailand]

Nice thought but unlikely to the extreme, sure there will be a well written speech trying to spin and justify but not to many will be buying it.

Question how many election dates have been given? and now all have been canceled, how many time will they claim new dates are set and not to worry?

[lildragon]

Listen UN. I trriiieeeddd making a charter where myself and my cohorts could grab power in a legal coup at anytime but it was rejected! So now I HAVE to stay in power until we make another one. To infinity and beyond!

[hgma]

Facebook....pho dee!

[jonclark]

Sorry - Let me get this straight - The PM will explain why and how the rejected charter was undemocratic?

So the charter, written under the auspices of his government, by a charter drafting committee formed by his government, comprising of people who (in general) supportive of or are sympathetic to his government managed to produce a piece of potential legislation which he now states as being undemocratic in nature.

If it was so undemocratic, then what the heck was it doing being submitted for consideration? Or was that always the intention to push through a piece of policy that was undemocratic, surely the PM had some idea of the democratic values in the charter prior to it going to a vote - Why didn't he mention his concerns to his people, the Thai public?

[Jon Wetherall]

Nice thought but unlikely to the extreme, sure there will be a well written speech trying to spin and justify but not to many will be buying it.

Question how many election dates have been given? and now all have been canceled, how many time will they claim new dates are set and not to worry?

Good question, tho which there is a good answer:

For as long as they think they can get away with it.

[Jon Wetherall]

Sorry - Let me get this straight - The PM will explain why and how the rejected charter was undemocratic?

So the charter, written under the auspices of his government, by a charter drafting committee formed by his government, comprising of people who (in general) supportive of or are sympathetic to his government managed to produce a piece of potential legislation which he now states as being undemocratic in nature.

If it was so undemocratic, then what the heck was it doing being submitted for consideration? Or was that always the intention to push through a piece of policy that was undemocratic, surely the PM had some idea of the democratic values in the charter prior to it going to a vote - Why didn't he mention his concerns to his people, the Thai public?

"If it was so undemocratic, then what the heck was it doing being submitted for consideration?"

Hell, it was worth a try nah? Might have worked...

[bangrak]

Surapong, an eminent member of the Shins' family, Thaksin's cousin, Yingluck's uncle, the Min. of For. Aff. in the last PTP pseudo-government, the man who went around the world to spread vicious lies and dirty propaganda in favour of his family's grip on Thailand's troath, the man who had the Dept. making passports re-opened for the single purpose, while it was closed due to the last Bkk floodings: to create new passports for Thaksin, and went as far as delivering these by himself, to this cousin, a fellon on the run... And that man dares to speak out the word 'undemocratic'? Let's just hope 'the international communities' will NOT believe in HIS remark, as when anything comes out of a member of that family's mouth, their concern is NEVER 'the country would get benefit', but rather in first line that the Shins & their vassals will get benefit, most, or all of it... For me, he could go the same way as ET, who outside of a physical resemblance was a sympathetic character, on a spaceship to a remote galaxy, preferably together with as many members of the family, and 'heroes' the kind of Natta, Jata, Weng & Thida, etc., as possible!

P.S.: And let's charter another one, for ST (no, not TS: the yellow crocodile) with his family and consorts, what a breath of fresh air it'd be for Thailand!

[sfokevin]

I seem to recall a previous Prime Minister who went off to visit the UN in New York...

Only to find himself without a country...

Edited September 9, 2015 by sfokevin

[JAG]

Note to UN General Assembly Catering Department: don't serve sandwiches!

[JAG]

Is someone going to explain that although it is called the " General Assembly" they are not all actually generals?

[Wilsonandson]

Surapong, an eminent member of the Shins' family, Thaksin's cousin, Yingluck's uncle, the Min. of For. Aff. in the last PTP pseudo-government, the man who went around the world to spread vicious lies and dirty propaganda in favour of his family's grip on Thailand's troath, the man who had the Dept. making passports re-opened for the single purpose, while it was closed due to the last Bkk floodings: to create new passports for Thaksin, and went as far as delivering these by himself, to this cousin, a fellon on the run... And that man dares to speak out the word 'undemocratic'? Let's just hope 'the international communities' will NOT believe in HIS remark, as when anything comes out of a member of that family's mouth, their concern is NEVER 'the country would get benefit', but rather in first line that the Shins & their vassals will get benefit, most, or all of it... For me, he could go the same way as ET, who outside of a physical resemblance was a sympathetic character, on a spaceship to a remote galaxy, preferably together with as many members of the family, and 'heroes' the kind of Natta, Jata, Weng & Thida, etc., as possible!

P.S.: And let's charter another one, for ST (no, not TS: the yellow crocodile) with his family and consorts, what a breath of fresh air it'd be for Thailand!

Is there politics in Thailand without Thaksin? Can we go there, pls. There should be a referendum on.

Can we have another reason to vote. Puea Thai, don't you have anyone else who can lead your party?

And current PM can't you speed up reform so the people can choose a NEW leader.

This constant Thaksin this and that political arguements is bringing everyone down. Move on Thailand.

[bangrak]

Surapong, an eminent member of the Shins' family, Thaksin's cousin, Yingluck's uncle, the Min. of For. Aff. in the last PTP pseudo-government, the man who went around the world to spread vicious lies and dirty propaganda in favour of his family's grip on Thailand's troath, the man who had the Dept. making passports re-opened for the single purpose, while it was closed due to the last Bkk floodings: to create new passports for Thaksin, and went as far as delivering these by himself, to this cousin, a fellon on the run... And that man dares to speak out the word 'undemocratic'? Let's just hope 'the international communities' will NOT believe in HIS remark, as when anything comes out of a member of that family's mouth, their concern is NEVER 'the country would get benefit', but rather in first line that the Shins & their vassals will get benefit, most, or all of it... For me, he could go the same way as ET, who outside of a physical resemblance was a sympathetic character, on a spaceship to a remote galaxy, preferably together with as many members of the family, and 'heroes' the kind of Natta, Jata, Weng & Thida, etc., as possible!

P.S.: And let's charter another one, for ST (no, not TS: the yellow crocodile) with his family and consorts, what a breath of fresh air it'd be for Thailand!

Is there politics in Thailand without Thaksin? Can we go there, pls. There should be a referendum on.

Can we have another reason to vote. Puea Thai, don't you have anyone else who can lead your party?

And current PM can't you speed up reform so the people can choose a NEW leader.

This constant Thaksin this and that political arguements is bringing everyone down. Move on Thailand.

About Thailand needing to move on. Imagine you inherited of a nice large field, with rich soil, a good climate, ideal to grow healthy cereals on, but, but, that field has been left unworked for ages, and is covered with strong wild grasses, deep rooted thorny shrubs, a.s.o., what would you need to do first to be able to grow good food on it? That's the state of this country, as long as families, clans, like the Shinawatra and Taungsauban, together with, scores of, others controlling vast territories, and the people living there, sometimes the size of a province, are not, definitely, for ever, eliminated (eradicated when needed), 'democracy' doesn't have a single chance to root and grow with corruption, nepotism, feudalism dominating the scene! (Not speaking here about the role of a decent education, to 'fertilize' the people's mind) It seems though NOBODY 'has what it takes' to start up such a, long, difficult, and painfull proces here.

Who ever wrote: 'when evolution does not work, a little 'r' in front might alas be needed to kick-start things in the right direction'...

[Jon Wetherall]

Surapong, an eminent member of the Shins' family, Thaksin's cousin, Yingluck's uncle, the Min. of For. Aff. in the last PTP pseudo-government, the man who went around the world to spread vicious lies and dirty propaganda in favour of his family's grip on Thailand's troath, the man who had the Dept. making passports re-opened for the single purpose, while it was closed due to the last Bkk floodings: to create new passports for Thaksin, and went as far as delivering these by himself, to this cousin, a fellon on the run... And that man dares to speak out the word 'undemocratic'? Let's just hope 'the international communities' will NOT believe in HIS remark, as when anything comes out of a member of that family's mouth, their concern is NEVER 'the country would get benefit', but rather in first line that the Shins & their vassals will get benefit, most, or all of it... For me, he could go the same way as ET, who outside of a physical resemblance was a sympathetic character, on a spaceship to a remote galaxy, preferably together with as many members of the family, and 'heroes' the kind of Natta, Jata, Weng & Thida, etc., as possible!

P.S.: And let's charter another one, for ST (no, not TS: the yellow crocodile) with his family and consorts, what a breath of fresh air it'd be for Thailand!

So nothing changes in Thailand, the diplomatic service and government are currently doing exactly what you complain Surapong did. They're all Thais for God's sake, what do you expect? Get a grip.

Edited September 9, 2015 by Jon Wetherall

[Linky]

Surapong, an eminent member of the Shins' family, Thaksin's cousin, Yingluck's uncle, the Min. of For. Aff. in the last PTP pseudo-government, the man who went around the world to spread vicious lies and dirty propaganda in favour of his family's grip on Thailand's troath, the man who had the Dept. making passports re-opened for the single purpose, while it was closed due to the last Bkk floodings: to create new passports for Thaksin, and went as far as delivering these by himself, to this cousin, a fellon on the run... And that man dares to speak out the word 'undemocratic'? Let's just hope 'the international communities' will NOT believe in HIS remark, as when anything comes out of a member of that family's mouth, their concern is NEVER 'the country would get benefit', but rather in first line that the Shins & their vassals will get benefit, most, or all of it... For me, he could go the same way as ET, who outside of a physical resemblance was a sympathetic character, on a spaceship to a remote galaxy, preferably together with as many members of the family, and 'heroes' the kind of Natta, Jata, Weng & Thida, etc., as possible!

P.S.: And let's charter another one, for ST (no, not TS: the yellow crocodile) with his family and consorts, what a breath of fresh air it'd be for Thailand!

Is there politics in Thailand without Thaksin? Can we go there, pls. There should be a referendum on.

Can we have another reason to vote. Puea Thai, don't you have anyone else who can lead your party?

And current PM can't you speed up reform so the people can choose a NEW leader.

This constant Thaksin this and that political arguements is bringing everyone down. Move on Thailand.

Isnt that for Thais to decide? If any party stands and the people know Mr T is head of it the that is up to them. It should not be up to others, even other Thais, to say who the public must vote for.

[Wilsonandson]

Surapong, an eminent member of the Shins' family, Thaksin's cousin, Yingluck's uncle, the Min. of For. Aff. in the last PTP pseudo-government, the man who went around the world to spread vicious lies and dirty propaganda in favour of his family's grip on Thailand's troath, the man who had the Dept. making passports re-opened for the single purpose, while it was closed due to the last Bkk floodings: to create new passports for Thaksin, and went as far as delivering these by himself, to this cousin, a fellon on the run... And that man dares to speak out the word 'undemocratic'? Let's just hope 'the international communities' will NOT believe in HIS remark, as when anything comes out of a member of that family's mouth, their concern is NEVER 'the country would get benefit', but rather in first line that the Shins & their vassals will get benefit, most, or all of it... For me, he could go the same way as ET, who outside of a physical resemblance was a sympathetic character, on a spaceship to a remote galaxy, preferably together with as many members of the family, and 'heroes' the kind of Natta, Jata, Weng & Thida, etc., as possible!

P.S.: And let's charter another one, for ST (no, not TS: the yellow crocodile) with his family and consorts, what a breath of fresh air it'd be for Thailand!

Is there politics in Thailand without Thaksin? Can we go there, pls. There should be a referendum on.

Can we have another reason to vote. Puea Thai, don't you have anyone else who can lead your party?

And current PM can't you speed up reform so the people can choose a NEW leader.

This constant Thaksin this and that political arguements is bringing everyone down. Move on Thailand.

Isnt that for Thais to decide? If any party stands and the people know Mr T is head of it the that is up to them. It should not be up to others, even other Thais, to say who the public must vote for.

True, but the public are mostly ignorant to his vote buying, family corruption, use of power to enrich his family and his disrespect for those who cannot be mentioned. Recently didn,t Thaksin meet a critic of the unmentionables.

He is not a good role model or patriot.

[rockingrobin]

Surapong, an eminent member of the Shins' family, Thaksin's cousin, Yingluck's uncle, the Min. of For. Aff. in the last PTP pseudo-government, the man who went around the world to spread vicious lies and dirty propaganda in favour of his family's grip on Thailand's troath, the man who had the Dept. making passports re-opened for the single purpose, while it was closed due to the last Bkk floodings: to create new passports for Thaksin, and went as far as delivering these by himself, to this cousin, a fellon on the run... And that man dares to speak out the word 'undemocratic'? Let's just hope 'the international communities' will NOT believe in HIS remark, as when anything comes out of a member of that family's mouth, their concern is NEVER 'the country would get benefit', but rather in first line that the Shins & their vassals will get benefit, most, or all of it... For me, he could go the same way as ET, who outside of a physical resemblance was a sympathetic character, on a spaceship to a remote galaxy, preferably together with as many members of the family, and 'heroes' the kind of Natta, Jata, Weng & Thida, etc., as possible!

P.S.: And let's charter another one, for ST (no, not TS: the yellow crocodile) with his family and consorts, what a breath of fresh air it'd be for Thailand!

Is there politics in Thailand without Thaksin? Can we go there, pls. There should be a referendum on.

Can we have another reason to vote. Puea Thai, don't you have anyone else who can lead your party?

And current PM can't you speed up reform so the people can choose a NEW leader.

This constant Thaksin this and that political arguements is bringing everyone down. Move on Thailand.

Isnt that for Thais to decide? If any party stands and the people know Mr T is head of it the that is up to them. It should not be up to others, even other Thais, to say who the public must vote for.

True, but the public are mostly ignorant to his vote buying, family corruption, use of power to enrich his family and his disrespect for those who cannot be mentioned. Recently didn,t Thaksin meet a critic of the unmentionables.

He is not a good role model or patriot.

Stop being so patronizing ro rhe Thai people. They have a better understanding of the pollitics ,corruption and self serving politicians. They are fully aware that they are going to be shafted whoever is in charge .

[webfact]

PM must tell UN assembly about poll plan: Surapong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former foreign minister Surapong Tovichukchaikul yesterday urged Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha to announce the date of the next election to the United Nations General Assembly.

"The premier should announce it loud on the international stage that the junta will step down from power after the election and won't retain power in the next elected government. Then he would become a hero," he said.

The premier is scheduled to attend the UN General Assembly from September 23 to October 2 in New York.

Prayut should also explain to the assembly why he has to extend the road map as well as why and how the rejected charter draft was undemocratic, Surapong said, adding that if the international community lends credence to his remarks the country would benefit.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/PM-must-tell-UN-assembly-about-poll-plan-Surapong-30268500.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-10

[JAG]

Surapong, an eminent member of the Shins' family, Thaksin's cousin, Yingluck's uncle, the Min. of For. Aff. in the last PTP pseudo-government, the man who went around the world to spread vicious lies and dirty propaganda in favour of his family's grip on Thailand's troath, the man who had the Dept. making passports re-opened for the single purpose, while it was closed due to the last Bkk floodings: to create new passports for Thaksin, and went as far as delivering these by himself, to this cousin, a fellon on the run... And that man dares to speak out the word 'undemocratic'? Let's just hope 'the international communities' will NOT believe in HIS remark, as when anything comes out of a member of that family's mouth, their concern is NEVER 'the country would get benefit', but rather in first line that the Shins & their vassals will get benefit, most, or all of it... For me, he could go the same way as ET, who outside of a physical resemblance was a sympathetic character, on a spaceship to a remote galaxy, preferably together with as many members of the family, and 'heroes' the kind of Natta, Jata, Weng & Thida, etc., as possible!

P.S.: And let's charter another one, for ST (no, not TS: the yellow crocodile) with his family and consorts, what a breath of fresh air it'd be for Thailand!

Is there politics in Thailand without Thaksin? Can we go there, pls. There should be a referendum on.

Can we have another reason to vote. Puea Thai, don't you have anyone else who can lead your party?

And current PM can't you speed up reform so the people can choose a NEW leader.

This constant Thaksin this and that political arguements is bringing everyone down. Move on Thailand.

Isnt that for Thais to decide? If any party stands and the people know Mr T is head of it the that is up to them. It should not be up to others, even other Thais, to say who the public must vote for.

True, but the public are mostly ignorant to his vote buying, family corruption, use of power to enrich his family and his disrespect for those who cannot be mentioned. Recently didn,t Thaksin meet a critic of the unmentionables.

He is not a good role model or patriot.

In your opinion, but the opinion which matters is that of the Thai electorate.

But if they differ from your opinion they are ignorant.

And of course not "ready for democracy", ( not a direct quote from you but there are plenty here who have said in this context ).

The Thai electorate are perfectly capable of making that choice, but because their choice is unacceptable to a small number of people at the top, and their vociferous supporters here, it must be denied. Your post, and the preceding almost biblical analogy about fallow fields are merely excuses for that denial.

[Lunchbob]

UN is not the international stage anymore.

[NongKhaiKid]

He'll become a hero ?

Isn't he one already as he stepped in to save the country ?

[Wilsonandson]

Surapong, an eminent member of the Shins' family, Thaksin's cousin, Yingluck's uncle, the Min. of For. Aff. in the last PTP pseudo-government, the man who went around the world to spread vicious lies and dirty propaganda in favour of his family's grip on Thailand's troath, the man who had the Dept. making passports re-opened for the single purpose, while it was closed due to the last Bkk floodings: to create new passports for Thaksin, and went as far as delivering these by himself, to this cousin, a fellon on the run... And that man dares to speak out the word 'undemocratic'? Let's just hope 'the international communities' will NOT believe in HIS remark, as when anything comes out of a member of that family's mouth, their concern is NEVER 'the country would get benefit', but rather in first line that the Shins & their vassals will get benefit, most, or all of it... For me, he could go the same way as ET, who outside of a physical resemblance was a sympathetic character, on a spaceship to a remote galaxy, preferably together with as many members of the family, and 'heroes' the kind of Natta, Jata, Weng & Thida, etc., as possible!

P.S.: And let's charter another one, for ST (no, not TS: the yellow crocodile) with his family and consorts, what a breath of fresh air it'd be for Thailand!

Is there politics in Thailand without Thaksin? Can we go there, pls. There should be a referendum on.

Can we have another reason to vote. Puea Thai, don't you have anyone else who can lead your party?

And current PM can't you speed up reform so the people can choose a NEW leader.

This constant Thaksin this and that political arguements is bringing everyone down. Move on Thailand.

Isnt that for Thais to decide? If any party stands and the people know Mr T is head of it the that is up to them. It should not be up to others, even other Thais, to say who the public must vote for.

True, but the public are mostly ignorant to his vote buying, family corruption, use of power to enrich his family and his disrespect for those who cannot be mentioned. Recently didn,t Thaksin meet a critic of the unmentionables.

He is not a good role model or patriot.

In your opinion, but the opinion which matters is that of the Thai electorate.

But if they differ from your opinion they are ignorant.

And of course not "ready for democracy", ( not a direct quote from you but there are plenty here who have said in this context ).

The Thai electorate are perfectly capable of making that choice, but because their choice isrrrrr unacceptable to a small number of people at the top, and their vociferous supporters here, it must be denied. Your post, and the preceding almost biblical analogy about fallow fields are merely excuses for that denial.

Reading your reply has made me rethink. You are right, it's up to Thai people to decide their own fate. My opinion is my own and they have theirs. The shutdown of Bangkok city last year and a bit ago was also the opinion of Thai people agreeing with my opinion. Not all Thai's, so lets wait and see if this never ending cycle returns or shall we all start afresh. A new start might be what Thailand needs. Imo of course.

[JAG]

Surapong, an eminent member of the Shins' family, Thaksin's cousin, Yingluck's uncle, the Min. of For. Aff. in the last PTP pseudo-government, the man who went around the world to spread vicious lies and dirty propaganda in favour of his family's grip on Thailand's troath, the man who had the Dept. making passports re-opened for the single purpose, while it was closed due to the last Bkk floodings: to create new passports for Thaksin, and went as far as delivering these by himself, to this cousin, a fellon on the run... And that man dares to speak out the word 'undemocratic'? Let's just hope 'the international communities' will NOT believe in HIS remark, as when anything comes out of a member of that family's mouth, their concern is NEVER 'the country would get benefit', but rather in first line that the Shins & their vassals will get benefit, most, or all of it... For me, he could go the same way as ET, who outside of a physical resemblance was a sympathetic character, on a spaceship to a remote galaxy, preferably together with as many members of the family, and 'heroes' the kind of Natta, Jata, Weng & Thida, etc., as possible!

P.S.: And let's charter another one, for ST (no, not TS: the yellow crocodile) with his family and consorts, what a breath of fresh air it'd be for Thailand!

Is there politics in Thailand without Thaksin? Can we go there, pls. There should be a referendum on.

Can we have another reason to vote. Puea Thai, don't you have anyone else who can lead your party?

And current PM can't you speed up reform so the people can choose a NEW leader.

This constant Thaksin this and that political arguements is bringing everyone down. Move on Thailand.

Isnt that for Thais to decide? If any party stands and the people know Mr T is head of it the that is up to them. It should not be up to others, even other Thais, to say who the public must vote for.

True, but the public are mostly ignorant to his vote buying, family corruption, use of power to enrich his family and his disrespect for those who cannot be mentioned. Recently didn,t Thaksin meet a critic of the unmentionables.

He is not a good role model or patriot.

In your opinion, but the opinion which matters is that of the Thai electorate.

But if they differ from your opinion they are ignorant.

And of course not "ready for democracy", ( not a direct quote from you but there are plenty here who have said in this context ).

The Thai electorate are perfectly capable of making that choice, but because their choice isrrrrr unacceptable to a small number of people at the top, and their vociferous supporters here, it must be denied. Your post, and the preceding almost biblical analogy about fallow fields are merely excuses for that denial.

Reading your reply has made me rethink. You are right, it's up to Thai people to decide their own fate. My opinion is my own and they have theirs. The shutdown of Bangkok city last year and a bit ago was also the opinion of Thai people agreeing with my opinion. Not all Thai's, so lets wait and see if this never ending cycle returns or shall we all start afresh. A new start might be what Thailand needs. Imo of course.

Thank you. It is only my opinion (again), but I believe that the only way to allow democracy to become mature in this country is to allow the people to choose a government, and allow them subsequently to choose whether to keep or replace that government, based on their assessment of its performance. It will take time, but nothing is created mature.

Possibly the best opportunity for that was lost when the 1997 constitution was abrogated. Perhaps it should be re adopted and a fresh start allowed. Of one thing I am certain, if the cycle of electing and deposing governments (whether by coups, judicial activity or manipulation of parliament) continues you will eventually end up with a bloody mess, literally. The previous safety valve - intervention by a higher authority - has gone.

[diehard60]

Hero???? That might be a little too much, maybe just a good guy.

[Lovekorat]

I think the majority of the UN know exactly what this is all about.

They are politicians.

They know exactly how to manipulate and stall processes they don't like.

They are much better at it than our general is.

This will go on and on inserting clauses they know are not acceptable knowing it will be rejected

Oh dear rejected again well have to start again, sorry no election date yet.

Just a guise to hang on to power for as long as possible.

Most people realise this.

Send in the clowns.......ooh they're already here!

What's that swooshing sound?

Oh it's Thailand disappearing down the drain.

[MZurf]

Surapong, an eminent member of the Shins' family, Thaksin's cousin, Yingluck's uncle, the Min. of For. Aff. in the last PTP pseudo-government, the man who went around the world to spread vicious lies and dirty propaganda in favour of his family's grip on Thailand's troath, the man who had the Dept. making passports re-opened for the single purpose, while it was closed due to the last Bkk floodings: to create new passports for Thaksin, and went as far as delivering these by himself, to this cousin, a fellon on the run... And that man dares to speak out the word 'undemocratic'? Let's just hope 'the international communities' will NOT believe in HIS remark, as when anything comes out of a member of that family's mouth, their concern is NEVER 'the country would get benefit', but rather in first line that the Shins & their vassals will get benefit, most, or all of it... For me, he could go the same way as ET, who outside of a physical resemblance was a sympathetic character, on a spaceship to a remote galaxy, preferably together with as many members of the family, and 'heroes' the kind of Natta, Jata, Weng & Thida, etc., as possible!

P.S.: And let's charter another one, for ST (no, not TS: the yellow crocodile) with his family and consorts, what a breath of fresh air it'd be for Thailand!

Is there politics in Thailand without Thaksin? Can we go there, pls. There should be a referendum on.

Can we have another reason to vote. Puea Thai, don't you have anyone else who can lead your party?

And current PM can't you speed up reform so the people can choose a NEW leader.

This constant Thaksin this and that political arguements is bringing everyone down. Move on Thailand.

Isnt that for Thais to decide? If any party stands and the people know Mr T is head of it the that is up to them. It should not be up to others, even other Thais, to say who the public must vote for.

True, but the public are mostly ignorant to his vote buying, family corruption, use of power to enrich his family and his disrespect for those who cannot be mentioned. Recently didn,t Thaksin meet a critic of the unmentionables.

He is not a good role model or patriot.

In your opinion, but the opinion which matters is that of the Thai electorate.

But if they differ from your opinion they are ignorant.

And of course not "ready for democracy", ( not a direct quote from you but there are plenty here who have said in this context ).

The Thai electorate are perfectly capable of making that choice, but because their choice isrrrrr unacceptable to a small number of people at the top, and their vociferous supporters here, it must be denied. Your post, and the preceding almost biblical analogy about fallow fields are merely excuses for that denial.

Reading your reply has made me rethink. You are right, it's up to Thai people to decide their own fate. My opinion is my own and they have theirs. The shutdown of Bangkok city last year and a bit ago was also the opinion of Thai people agreeing with my opinion. Not all Thai's, so lets wait and see if this never ending cycle returns or shall we all start afresh. A new start might be what Thailand needs. Imo of course.

Thank you. It is only my opinion (again), but I believe that the only way to allow democracy to become mature in this country is to allow the people to choose a government, and allow them subsequently to choose whether to keep or replace that government, based on their assessment of its performance. It will take time, but nothing is created mature.

Possibly the best opportunity for that was lost when the 1997 constitution was abrogated. Perhaps it should be re adopted and a fresh start allowed. Of one thing I am certain, if the cycle of electing and deposing governments (whether by coups, judicial activity or manipulation of parliament) continues you will eventually end up with a bloody mess, literally. The previous safety valve - intervention by a higher authority - has gone.

Well put, JAG. The process of democracy evolving in Thailand must be allowed to take place without outside (army etc) interference. It will be messy and costly but at the end of the day it's up to the people of Thailand to decide their future.

[MZurf]

Hero???? That might be a little too much, maybe just a good guy.

Good guy? For who?

[MaxLee]

Don't listen to an alien aka the former foreign minister and puppet from Dubai

[Srikcir]

"Then he would become a hero"

Asaad of Syria, Maduro of Venezuela and Jong-Un of North Korea move over. There's a new democratic soldier in town and his name is General Prayut!

[Toscano]

Surapong, an eminent member of the Shins' family, Thaksin's cousin, Yingluck's uncle, the Min. of For. Aff. in the last PTP pseudo-government, the man who went around the world to spread vicious lies and dirty propaganda in favour of his family's grip on Thailand's troath, the man who had the Dept. making passports re-opened for the single purpose, while it was closed due to the last Bkk floodings: to create new passports for Thaksin, and went as far as delivering these by himself, to this cousin, a fellon on the run... And that man dares to speak out the word 'undemocratic'? Let's just hope 'the international communities' will NOT believe in HIS remark, as when anything comes out of a member of that family's mouth, their concern is NEVER 'the country would get benefit', but rather in first line that the Shins & their vassals will get benefit, most, or all of it... For me, he could go the same way as ET, who outside of a physical resemblance was a sympathetic character, on a spaceship to a remote galaxy, preferably together with as many members of the family, and 'heroes' the kind of Natta, Jata, Weng & Thida, etc., as possible!

P.S.: And let's charter another one, for ST (no, not TS: the yellow crocodile) with his family and consorts, what a breath of fresh air it'd be for Thailand!

Is there politics in Thailand without Thaksin? Can we go there, pls. There should be a referendum on.

Can we have another reason to vote. Puea Thai, don't you have anyone else who can lead your party?

And current PM can't you speed up reform so the people can choose a NEW leader.

This constant Thaksin this and that political arguements is bringing everyone down. Move on Thailand.

About Thailand needing to move on. Imagine you inherited of a nice large field, with rich soil, a good climate, ideal to grow healthy cereals on, but, but, that field has been left unworked for ages, and is covered with strong wild grasses, deep rooted thorny shrubs, a.s.o., what would you need to do first to be able to grow good food on it? That's the state of this country, as long as families, clans, like the Shinawatra and Taungsauban, together with, scores of, others controlling vast territories, and the people living there, sometimes the size of a province, are not, definitely, for ever, eliminated (eradicated when needed), 'democracy' doesn't have a single chance to root and grow with corruption, nepotism, feudalism dominating the scene! (Not speaking here about the role of a decent education, to 'fertilize' the people's mind) It seems though NOBODY 'has what it takes' to start up such a, long, difficult, and painfull proces here.

Who ever wrote: 'when evolution does not work, a little 'r' in front might alas be needed to kick-start things in the right direction'...

Banrak , Your simile of Thailand being a large field unworked for ages is wrong . Thailand's development is slow , one step forward and maybe two steps back as at present .

You refer to wild grasses , deep rooted thorny shrubs which it is possible to clear from a field ; but the people of Thailand whom the weeds surely represent are not so easily regenerated .

Old customs die hard , You can take a horse to water , but you can't make it drink . You refer to evolution with an r in front of it ; but that in reality is just what the general is trying to stamp out .

Like a forest fire , it won't be put out easily . Thaksin Shinawatra's real crime was introducing modern , western style democracy to Thailand , that the elite of Thailand were far from ready to accept . Modern western style democracy governs without considering the old autocracy of society and respect for the traditional pecking order . Thailand , it seems , is not yet ready for Democracy as seen by the UN/US . For the time being it is better the general continues governing , irrespective of the UN and other outside forces . clearing your big field of weeds may give momentary satisfaction , bur in no time at all the same weeds will have grown again . Thailand is how it is and no amount of correcting is going to change it in the foreseeable future .