Politicians suspect NCPO ‘wants to stay in power’

[rooster59]

Politicians suspect NCPO ‘wants to stay in power’

By THE SUNDAY NATION

 

 

POLITICIANS hit back at Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday in response to his four questions for members of the public to answer before they cast their ballots.

 

Key figures from the country’s major political parties said they suspect General Prayut’s latest move is aimed at testing the water, as the ruling junta – the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) – may want to extend its stay in power. 

 

They called instead for the PM to make it clear on whether the next general election will be held as scheduled.

 

In his weekly national address on Friday night, the prime minister said Thai people should be able to answer these four questions before the country can go to the polls.

 

They are: 1. Do you think the next election will get us a government with good governance? 2. If that is not the case, what will you do? 3. Elections are an integral part of democracy but are elections alone with no regard for the country’s future and others right or wrong? 4. Do you think bad politicians should be given a chance to come back, and if conflict re-emerges, who will solve it and by what means?

 

Prayut, who also heads the NCPO, said on Friday that although elections were an important part of democracy, elections alone do not represent a fully-fledged democracy. 

 

‘I don’t want to see democracy fail’

 

The PM added that he did not want to see democracy fail in Thailand but would rather like the Kingdom to be democratic with a government that practises good governance and is capable of leading the country towards sustainable prosperity and stability.

 

He went on to say that he wanted to cultivate the good values of democracy in the mindset of the Thai people, in order to help set a good precedent for the country.

 

Phumthan Wechayachai, secretary general of Pheu Thai, the former ruling party, said yesterday General Prayut did not seem to believe in voters’ judgement or ability to select a good government to rule the country.

 

The politician said the problem with the country’s governance system was caused by weak check-and-balance mechanisms.

 

He also asked members of the public whether it was desirable for the country to continue without an election.

 

“With no election, people miss an opportunity to choose what is good policy for solving their problems and taking care of their lives,” Phumthan said.

 

Pheu Thai deputy spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard called yesterday on Gen Prayut to make his political future clear publicly – whether he will contest the next election, form a new political party, or rely on a special means to regain power.

 

He asked if the post-coup government and its unelected assemblies had better |governance than an elected administration.

 

Democrat Party politician Watchara Petthong also asked the junta head to “tell the public straightforwardly” if there will be a poll as required by the new Constitution.

 

“Why did the prime minister have to ask people? The Constitution sets all the necessary details,” Watchara said. “I understand that the PM’s move was aimed at sounding out the public and benefiting someone. Is it part of an attempt to stay on in power?”

 

Chart Thai Pattana Party key figure Nikorn Jamnong said yesterday he didn’t think the four questions posed by the prime minister would bring any benefit to the government. It would stir political tension instead, he said.

 

The veteran politician said General Prayut and the NCPO could be viewed as attempting to stay on in power.

 

“You can get the clearest answers to those questions from election results,” Nikorn said.

 

Meanwhile, Interior Ministry permanent secretary Grisada Boonrach issued an urgent instruction yesterday for provincial governors and district chiefs all over the country to gather comments from people in their areas regarding the PM’s four questions.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30316520

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-05-28

[darksidedog]

Local politicians are none too smart are they? Most people on this forum have known for months, if not longer, that Prayuth has no intention of letting go of power.

[dbrenn]

Well now, there's a surprise.

[newcomer71]

At least he reach one target: reconciliation!

Now both PTP and Democrats think just the same about him! Bravo! No more conflicts!

[Thailand]

Obviously "smart" is not one of the criteria for becoming a politician in Thailand.

 

Even my 12 year old Shi Tzu knows the ptb want to hold on as long as possible and that elections will not change anything.

[berybert]

If this man and I use the term lightly, wants to run the country why doesn't he make the NCPO a political party and give the people of Thailand a chance to vote him in.

The country is 70 or 80% overflowing with happiness, more people than ever are visiting.

What could go wrong ?

[wakeupplease]

10 minutes ago, berybert said:

If this man and I use the term lightly, wants to run the country why doesn't he make the NCPO a political party and give the people of Thailand a chance to vote him in.

The country is 70 or 80% overflowing with happiness, more people than ever are visiting.

What could go wrong ?

He would loose

[yellowboat]

3 hours ago, rooster59 said:

‘I don’t want to see democracy fail’

Interesting statement from a man who deposed and elected government. 

[bobmac10]

Du uh er... you don't say?

[mogo51]

3 hours ago, darksidedog said:

Local politicians are none too smart are they? Most people on this forum have known for months, if not longer, that Prayuth has no intention of letting go of power.

And so say all of us, Good bye Thailand, hello Philippines.

[mtls2005]

I often wonder who he thinks is

 

a. listening to him

b. believes him

 

 

OK, he probably thinks everyone is listening to him, and everyone believes him, but I'm not sure he can read his "audience"?

 

They turned off (or muted the audio) of his Friday Night Flights of Fancy in week 3.

 

 

[chainarong]

3 hours ago, darksidedog said:

Local politicians are none too smart are they? Most people on this forum have known for months, if not longer, that Prayuth has no intention of letting go of power.

Like two years back ..................................

[chainarong]

16 minutes ago, mogo51 said:

And so say all of us, Good bye Thailand, hello Philippines.

Philippines??? U sure of that.

[Denim]

Suspect nothing ........... it's a glaring reality.

 

A lot of street protests and bloodshed coming nearer by the day before they will step down.

[MobileContent]

I think let him do what he wants. Army generals that took over a country have always tried to stay in power but it will take another year or two to get out of control. 

[baboon]

4 hours ago, darksidedog said:

Local politicians are none too smart are they? Most people on this forum have known for months, if not longer, that Prayuth has no intention of letting go of power.

True enough, but bear in mind politicians have to be extremely careful in what they say. I suspect any one of them who came out with 'This tosser will never hold elections. Wake up, for Chrissakes' would find himself charged with all manner of crimes.

[Lupatria]

6 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Politicians suspect NCPO ‘wants to stay in power’

Always a pleasure to see the patients wake up! Good morning guys. You have been in a coma since the last coup in 2014. Doctors believe the miracle happened after they played the generals songs at the ward in a loop.

[williamgeorgeallen]

3 hours ago, wakeupplease said:

He would loose

not necessarily as he can choose who runs against him. he owns the game thanks to that referendum that some how got passed.

[MaxLee]

True enough, but bear in mind politicians have to be extremely careful in what they say. I suspect any one of them who came out with 'This tosser will never hold elections. Wake up, for Chrissakes' would find himself charged with all manner of crimes.

All that politicians in Thailand get are attitude adjustments and extended detention, no jail terms. Just slap on the wrist and a few 1,000 Baht off their tea money.


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[WhizBang]

17 hours ago, mogo51 said:

And so say all of us, Good bye Thailand, hello Philippines.

 

The Philippines?  Now?  With that madman in control.  You really ought to rethink that.

 

When I leave it will be to go back to Canada.  Probably cheaper to live there now, and at least I get government health care.

[Emster23]

‘I don’t want to see democracy fail "

If you never try, you will never fail

[elgordo38]

7 hours ago, rooster59 said:

4. Do you think bad politicians should be given a chance to come back, and if conflict re-emerges, who will solve it and by what means?

Question 5. Would you know a bad politician if you stumbled over one or were "listening" to one? Define a bad  politician oops sorry don't bother the planet is covered in them. 

[elgordo38]

7 hours ago, rooster59 said:

‘I don’t want to see democracy fail’

Of course you don't you just want to bend it a bit. 

[Golden Triangle]

These politicians are a bit slow on the uptake aren't they ? Surely not fit for purpose if they didn't see this coming. 

[soalbundy]

How did they come to that conclusion, and so quickly.

[banglassie]

How about just divide the country into 3 sovereign territories, all under one rule but still independent, like China, Hong Kong and Macau etc.

Let isaan and the north be one, the south be one and then Bangkok be one... Cause as long as the majority of the population are from isan and rural areas up north the elite of the country will never be happy with any poll results... Unless they ban every party that works in favor of these people rather than in favor of the elite... (And no, I'm not Praising TRT/PT, they did a lot of shady things for sure, but they took the time to address farmers and lay people in the poorer provinces, something the Democrats nor the Military have had great success with judging from the dissatisfaction I hear from people in the small villages.

[JAG]

Suspect nothing ........... it's a glaring reality.
 
A lot of street protests and bloodshed coming nearer by the day before they will step down.

Yes, probably.

The difference/trouble is that this time they are playing for keeps. Their plan does not allow for stepping down.

There will be blood and snot all over the place before they go.

I rather suspect that it will be a different "establishment" that will emerge...

[55Jay]

Where's old Suthep when we need him.  Suthep, step up, mate, your country needs you in the streets again. 

[Centrum]

5 hours ago, mtls2005 said:

I often wonder who he thinks is

 

a. listening to him

b. believes him

 

 

OK, he probably thinks everyone is listening to him, and everyone believes him, but I'm not sure he can read his "audience"?

 

They turned off (or muted the audio) of his Friday Night Flights of Fancy in week 3.

 

 

His amazing arrogance at releasing songs that MUST be played every hour by radio stations probably says he feels he has a 'captive' audience

[Tilacme]

Any opinion poll of voters is futile as can be seen by brexit and trump.