Is a Suthep-Sukhumbhand political tango on the cards?

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Is a Suthep-Sukhumbhand political tango on the cards?
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- THE RIFT between Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra and his colleagues in the Democrat Party appears to be widening. Both sides have shown mutual animosity. The dispute could have worsened but for the order by the National Council for Peace and Order that bars political gatherings.

Democrat politicians such as Wilas Chantarapitak have pointed to alleged irregularities in some projects in the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). They have not specifically accused the governor. But the fact that they have targeted the deputy governors, one by one, indicates who their real target is. Sukhumbhand has not responded publicly to the allegations. It appears he is resorting to the tactic of staying still in a bid to calm the storm.

Rumour has it that while his Democrat colleagues are seeking to cut the party's ties with him, Sukhumbhand has become fed up and is considering leaving the country's oldest political party.

Also, it has been rumoured that a new political party has been planned, with Sukhumbhand joining hands with veteran politician Suthep Thaugsuban, formerly the Democrat Party's secretary-general. Suthep has retained his influence within the party even after he resigned his posts to lead a street protest against the previous government in late 2013. He also announced he was leaving politics for good.

Suthep and Sukhumbhand have retained good mutual ties. Suthep managed to push for Sukhumbhand to become the Democrat candidate in the gubernatorial election in March 2013, despite opposition from many senior party figures. During the election campaigning, Suthep lent his hand fully to help Sukhumbhand win his second term as the Bangkok governor.

Rumour-mongers also linked this supposed plan to form a new political party to Newin Chidchob, formerly a political heavyweight, who is now running the successful football club Buriram United. Newin has maintained it is more fun for him to get involved in sports than politics. However, he still retains much influence in political circles.

According to the rumour mills, this planned new party is likely to focus on retaining good ties with the military when political normalcy returns.

Certainly, both Sukhumbhand and Suthep have been negatively impacted by the rumours, although they were denied by Suthep and an adviser to the Bangkok governor. Sukhumbhand has not dismissed the rumours personally, and this could make it seem that he intends to get back at the Democrat Party after being attacked for some time. With the rumoured plan to set up a new party, it seems Sukhumbhand is not hopeless politically.

Suthep's supporters have reminded him about his promise not to return to politics. His political enemies are scoffing at him for failing to keep his word.

However, if the rumour was intended to "test the water", the result certainly has not been expected, particularly for Suthep. In fact, the political image of both Suthep and Sukhumbhand is not very good. And this rumour may put their image in a negative light among their supporters.

If the plan was true, the premature disclosure certainly did more harm than good, particularly to the people involved in the plotting. Without a surprise factor, the plan has a high likelihood of failure.

The people involved in formulating and implementing the plan certainly were not happy after it was disclosed prematurely. They will have to review the plan and start over again.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Is-a-Suthep-Sukhumbhand-political-tango-on-the-car-30275098.html


-- The Nation 2015-12-17

[NongKhaiKid]

And if these two decide to move along together and hold public meeting and rallies to spread their word will the junta do anything to stop them ?

[GinBoy2]

And if these two decide to move along together and hold public meeting and rallies to spread their word will the junta do anything to stop them ?

It's OK, they have found this quiet little spot on Wireless Rd, outside some big building or whatever, the one with the fancy murals on the walls. It appears you can meet there without any problems or fear of being carted off for attitude adjustment....it's a sort of alternate reality spot, quite idyllic for political scheming!!!

[docshock13]

Well, that's Larry and Curly accounted for. I suspect Moe (the mad monk) will be along shortly to provide his "spiritual guidance" to the new party.

[klauskunkel]

The Suthep-Sukhumbhand Tango....wonder who is holding the rose in his teeth?

(remember to eat your veggies)

[waldroj]

Despite what people may think of these guys, they are powerful and influential figures. And, as was evidenced during the Bangkok protests, Suthep was prepared to stand up and say "Here I am, do your worst"!

Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country.

[Eric Loh]

PT must be rubbing their hands with glee and saying "go ahead and make my day".

[PREM-R]

Despite what people may think of these guys, they are powerful and influential figures. And, as was evidenced during the Bangkok protests, Suthep was prepared to stand up and say "Here I am, do your worst"!

Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country.

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

[DM07]

...but...but...but...didn't one of those Muppets just announce, that he will not enter politics with a newly formed party?

Well...that was yesterday!

[londonthai]

dems won't be able, ever, to form even a coalition government. Those 2 are outcasts from the dems, not likely for a coalition

[h90]

Despite what people may think of these guys, they are powerful and influential figures. And, as was evidenced during the Bangkok protests, Suthep was prepared to stand up and say "Here I am, do your worst"!

Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country.

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark. But yes he is highly regarded in North and Northeast.

But Suthep is highly regarded in the South, they regard him like a war hero. Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand.

[h90]

Anyone know why there is this hate from Abhisit against Sukhumbhand?

No one would believe that it has anything to do with corruption...Abhisit always closed they eyes on that.

[PREM-R]

Despite what people may think of these guys, they are powerful and influential figures. And, as was evidenced during the Bangkok protests, Suthep was prepared to stand up and say "Here I am, do your worst"!

Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country.

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark. But yes he is highly regarded in North and Northeast.

But Suthep is highly regarded in the South, they regard him like a war hero. Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand.

"Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark."

Do you have any evidence to back up your statement? At the 2011 election, PTP received 15,744,190 votes, giving them 48.41% of the total vote and a clear mandate to govern. Are you saying that Thaksin spent almost 8 billion baht on buying votes?

Edited December 17, 2015 by PREM-R

[Eric Loh]

Despite what people may think of these guys, they are powerful and influential figures. And, as was evidenced during the Bangkok protests, Suthep was prepared to stand up and say "Here I am, do your worst"!

Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country.

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark. But yes he is highly regarded in North and Northeast.

But Suthep is highly regarded in the South, they regard him like a war hero. Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand.

"Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark."

Do you have any evidence to back up your statement? At the 2011 election, PTP received 15,744,190 votes, giving them 48.41% of the total vote and a clear mandate to govern. Are you saying that Thaksin spent almost 8 billion baht on buying votes?

Considering that the Dem Party donations outstrip the PT donations many times and the Dem has the support of most of the very wealthy Sino Thai capitalists, they could easily out pay the measly 500 Baht and win the election by a landslide. No, that didn't happen and we know why.

[FangFerang]

So it seems they may swap the puppet master from Dubai for a puppet master that prevented elections and squats on his Foundation like a toad.

Same same, but different.

[MobileContent]

Despite what people may think of these guys, they are powerful and influential figures. And, as was evidenced during the Bangkok protests, Suthep was prepared to stand up and say "Here I am, do your worst"!

Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country.

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark. But yes he is highly regarded in North and Northeast.

But Suthep is highly regarded in the South, they regard him like a war hero. Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand.

"Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark."

Do you have any evidence to back up your statement? At the 2011 election, PTP received 15,744,190 votes, giving them 48.41% of the total vote and a clear mandate to govern. Are you saying that Thaksin spent almost 8 billion baht on buying votes?

In our village it was the opposite. Newin's BJP paid 500 Baht per voter, CTP 300 Baht and YS only 100 Baht. They all voted YS and took the money from the others. What is often forgotten is that farmers have to go and listen for 2-3 hours what the parties have to say. Would they not get paid no one would be coming to the political gathering.

[mrrizzla]

2 dirty cronies looking out for each other. Bah! Nothing new.

[h90]

Despite what people may think of these guys, they are powerful and influential figures. And, as was evidenced during the Bangkok protests, Suthep was prepared to stand up and say "Here I am, do your worst"!

Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country.

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark. But yes he is highly regarded in North and Northeast.

But Suthep is highly regarded in the South, they regard him like a war hero. Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand.

"Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark."

Do you have any evidence to back up your statement? At the 2011 election, PTP received 15,744,190 votes, giving them 48.41% of the total vote and a clear mandate to govern. Are you saying that Thaksin spent almost 8 billion baht on buying votes?

yes I have evidence, I was here and saw it.....and don't be ridiculous with the 8 billions....everyone know how it runs....

[h90]

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark. But yes he is highly regarded in North and Northeast.

But Suthep is highly regarded in the South, they regard him like a war hero. Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand.

"Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark."

Do you have any evidence to back up your statement? At the 2011 election, PTP received 15,744,190 votes, giving them 48.41% of the total vote and a clear mandate to govern. Are you saying that Thaksin spent almost 8 billion baht on buying votes?

In our village it was the opposite. Newin's BJP paid 500 Baht per voter, CTP 300 Baht and YS only 100 Baht. They all voted YS and took the money from the others. What is often forgotten is that farmers have to go and listen for 2-3 hours what the parties have to say. Would they not get paid no one would be coming to the political gathering.

yes they tapper the payments. In the South the Democrats only paid these people got paid by the PTP before. In safe areas PTP pays less in areas in doubt they pay more and in Democrats strongholds they don't pay at all. Most of the money comes from the local MPs beefed up by the Shinawatras.

Your posting shows very clear how rotten the system is....everyone is doing vote buying.

[Prbkk]

Sounds right : 2 peas in a pod. Guaranteed to fail and hand back power to the next iteration of PTP , destroying the Dems in the process

[elgordo38]

And if these two decide to move along together and hold public meeting and rallies to spread their word will the junta do anything to stop them ?

If they form a political party the junta will become their handler. The political party will be called "The Untouchables"

Edited December 17, 2015 by elgordo38

[MZurf]

Despite what people may think of these guys, they are powerful and influential figures. And, as was evidenced during the Bangkok protests, Suthep was prepared to stand up and say "Here I am, do your worst"!

Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country.

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark. But yes he is highly regarded in North and Northeast.

But Suthep is highly regarded in the South, they regard him like a war hero. Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand.

"Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand."

5555555555! For Thailand???? Please, pleeease tell me you're not that naive.

[Eric Loh]

And if these two decide to move along together and hold public meeting and rallies to spread their word will the junta do anything to stop them ?

If they form a political party the junta will become their handler. The political party will be called "The Untouchables"

The Untouchables if you add a "P" to the political tango and call them the Pss Party. Silent on the "i".

[h90]

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark. But yes he is highly regarded in North and Northeast.

But Suthep is highly regarded in the South, they regard him like a war hero. Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand.

"Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark."

Do you have any evidence to back up your statement? At the 2011 election, PTP received 15,744,190 votes, giving them 48.41% of the total vote and a clear mandate to govern. Are you saying that Thaksin spent almost 8 billion baht on buying votes?

Considering that the Dem Party donations outstrip the PT donations many times and the Dem has the support of most of the very wealthy Sino Thai capitalists, they could easily out pay the measly 500 Baht and win the election by a landslide. No, that didn't happen and we know why.

Welcome to Thailand......donations as if the donations would be important.....

And the Sino Thai capitalists CP, Beer and car manufacturer, etc sponsor every party. Thaksin, Democrats, PAD, Red Shirts, Military, etc etc...so no matter who wins they win. They are not on any side, they are on every side.

[h90]

Despite what people may think of these guys, they are powerful and influential figures. And, as was evidenced during the Bangkok protests, Suthep was prepared to stand up and say "Here I am, do your worst"!

Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country.

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark. But yes he is highly regarded in North and Northeast.

But Suthep is highly regarded in the South, they regard him like a war hero. Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand.

"Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand."

5555555555! For Thailand???? Please, pleeease tell me you're not that naive.

For who else? He is rich already and could sit all the day in the gulf club instead of demonstrating and hiding in the temple.

[MZurf]

Despite what people may think of these guys, they are powerful and influential figures. And, as was evidenced during the Bangkok protests, Suthep was prepared to stand up and say "Here I am, do your worst"!

Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country.

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark. But yes he is highly regarded in North and Northeast.
But Suthep is highly regarded in the South, they regard him like a war hero. Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand.

"Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand."

5555555555! For Thailand???? Please, pleeease tell me you're not that naive.

For who else? He is rich already and could sit all the day in the gulf club instead of demonstrating and hiding in the temple.

Oh my Buddha, you really ARE that naive!!

[JAG]

Despite what people may think of these guys, they are powerful and influential figures. And, as was evidenced during the Bangkok protests, Suthep was prepared to stand up and say "Here I am, do your worst"!

Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country.

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark. But yes he is highly regarded in North and Northeast.
But Suthep is highly regarded in the South, they regard him like a war hero. Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand.

"Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand."

5555555555! For Thailand???? Please, pleeease tell me you're not that naive.

For who else? He is rich already and could sit all the day in the gulf club instead of demonstrating and hiding in the temple.

For himself, for power.
Yes he is rich ( let us pass swiftly over how he became so rich) but he did what he did to cement himself firmly in position as the power broker.

It worked.

Personally I would doubt if he would be interested in forming a conventional political party. Such a party would sooner or later have to face the electorate, and Suthep knows that he would fail. His massive ( bowel) movement or whatever it is called this week is a much better bet. With undefined and unverified numbers he can use it to claim majority support, untested at the polls, and have great influence over an appointed government by being their means of claiming popular legitimacy.

[Eric Loh]

"Surely, many Thais would prefer either of these two over the current blight afflicting the country"

"Many Thais" have consistently given Thaksin et al a mandate to run the country over the last 15 years. Conversely, Suthep et al have only achieved power by 'other means'. Let the Thai people choose who they want, they deserve better than 'Hobson's Choice'.

Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark. But yes he is highly regarded in North and Northeast.
But Suthep is highly regarded in the South, they regard him like a war hero. Like him or hate him, at the demonstrations he took a lot risks for Thailand.

"Thaksin bought the elections...giving 500 Baht for the right checkmark."

Do you have any evidence to back up your statement? At the 2011 election, PTP received 15,744,190 votes, giving them 48.41% of the total vote and a clear mandate to govern. Are you saying that Thaksin spent almost 8 billion baht on buying votes?

Considering that the Dem Party donations outstrip the PT donations many times and the Dem has the support of most of the very wealthy Sino Thai capitalists, they could easily out pay the measly 500 Baht and win the election by a landslide. No, that didn't happen and we know why.

Welcome to Thailand......donations as if the donations would be important.....
And the Sino Thai capitalists CP, Beer and car manufacturer, etc sponsor every party. Thaksin, Democrats, PAD, Red Shirts, Military, etc etc...so no matter who wins they win. They are not on any side, they are on every side.

Surely you have been here long enough to know that the Sino Thai tycoons preferred party is the Dem and for a good reason. You can't be that naive, right? It's about wealth continuation and accumulation and their alliance to the most powerful institution. That's all I can say.

[chrisrazz]

This presents a great opportunity for the Dems - Jettison the dinosaur scum that holds them back. I'm no fan of the dems, but without these out of the two they could create a real political party, with real policies to present to the electorate. On the other side, a split in the opposition to PTP, with the Junta fan boys exposed is a good thing. Bring it on I say.

[waldroj]

Screw you detractors, he is still my hero! I admire this guy for his leadership ability.