Low turnout as citizens answer PM’s questions
By THE NATION

 

Chalermporn Paeboot, a senior citizen from Bangkok’s Bangkhen district, joins the campaign for people to respond to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s four questions concerning the future of the country after elections.

 

Consensus that ‘evil’ politicians should not be allowed to run in next elections

 

BANGKOK: -- MANY CITIZENS who showed up to answer the prime minister’s four political questions agreed yesterday that corrupt politicians should be prevented from gaining power through elections.

 

However, only a small number of people – ranging from less than a dozen to more than several dozen – appeared at different government complaint centres around the country, including at Government House and provincial halls. 

 

It was the first day the government started accepting answers to the questions posed by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha late last month.

 

On May 26, Prayut asked citizens during his weekly national address if they thought the next election would deliver a government with good governance, and if that were not the case, what would they do. 

 

He also asked if it was right to have elections without taking the country’s future into consideration. 

 

The prime minister also asked whether politicians with bad behaviour should be allowed to re-enter politics, adding that it could lead to new conflicts.

 

At the Government House complaint centre, only three people were present at 10am to answer the questions in person.

 

Meanwhile, more than 20 queued to give their answers in Nakhon Ratchasima before noon. In Nong Khai, only eight people showed up at the Damrongtham complaint centre as of 3pm yesterday. 

 

Most of those who appeared were retirees or middle-aged citizens. They were required to produce ID cards and 13-digit citizen identification numbers.

 

The Interior Ministry is seeking to collect answers from all over the country to be submitted to the prime minister.

 

Some respondents at complaint centres yesterday told reporters they wanted Prayut to continue serving until major reforms are completed before the next election is held.

 

Others said they wanted to go to the polls as soon as possible, although they did not want corrupt politicians to return and raise old problems again.

 

Retired civil servant Panisara Netrayon, 70, of Nakhon Ratchasima, said she wanted corrupt politicians to be prevented from running the country. “The prime minister has done things correctly. I want him to continue doing his duty,” she said.

 

‘This is democracy’

 

But a local red-shirt leader in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chakrawut Traiwallop, called on the post-coup government to be clear about what should be done to build a better future for the country. 

 

“I urge people who run the country to strictly follow the rules of good governance,” he said after submitting his answers.

 

Khon Kaen resident Sornsilp Sri-uchan, 54, said he did not want politicians with unsuitable behaviour to contest elections.

 

Thanachot Nakkaew, 63, of Chiang Mai, said he agreed with the idea of not allowing corrupt politicians to re-enter politics. He also praised the premier’s idea of allowing citizens to comment on certain political issues. 

 

“This is democracy. It’s a way to listen to the people,” he said.

 

However, another Chiang Mai resident, Udom Omyim, 69, said it  was time the prime minister stepped down. “He has been so tired already and it’s time he take a rest.” But he said he thought at least 70 per cent of citizens trusted Prayut.

 

Veteran politician Suthep Thaugsuban, who is viewed as a staunch supporter of Prayut, yesterday answered the four questions with a Facebook message. 

 

In regard to the last question, Suthep said politicians with evil behaviour must not be allowed to re-enter politics. He suggested that new organic laws that were being drafted should establish mechanisms to help to achieve that goal. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30317909

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-06-13

Poor woman looks s>>> scared I hope she did not write the wrong answer or it will be M camp for a few days.

 

He also praised the premier’s idea of allowing citizens to comment on certain political issues.

 

Biggest laugh of the year and the best joke to come on here in ages, Sick Joke That Is

 

Chiang Mai resident, said it  was time the prime minister stepped down.

 

Slowly the message is getting through as it did in Germany

You would get a higher turnout by placing a holy tree for bark rubbing.

 

That's the mentality of the populous...

Suthep said ------- !  

I see the old lady is getting 'guidance' of course the results will be 99% loved dear leader and 1% are in attitude adjustment camps

Great! Give the people more power. It has worked so well before. I say, education before opinion!

So what's the plan, collect all the answers that the PM likes and make a policy based upon them, claiming it is the will of the people. Thai democracy for sure.

They were silly questions to begin with.  People vote their conscious.

Seems that people have more important things to do, then take part in this farce!


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I wouldn't want him to have my ID number in case I gave the wrong answers.

33 minutes ago, DM07 said:

Seems that people have more important things to do, then take part in this farce!


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It's like Alice in Wonderland meets 1984, isn't it? Roll up, roll up and answer these rhetorical questions...

And where is the nearest "complaint centre" for the majority of rural Thais? Maybe 50 kms away? And do the opening hours of these "centres" allow for the majority of the population to comment after a 12 hour, 300 baht, working day? I think not! Have an election, as the UK have just done, despite terrorist attacks and anti-government sentiment, then all the electorate will give you the answers Mr. PM!

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Regardless of the outcome, things will be "massaged" and they will do exactly what they always intended

Quote

 

Poor old Prayuth.  He'll be sulking now. 

7 hours ago, Get Real said:

Great! Give the people more power. It has worked so well before. I say, education before opinion!

Well then, go an get an education before posting again.

8 hours ago, trogers said:

You would get a higher turnout by placing a holy tree for bark rubbing.

 

That's the mentality of the populous...

Well, at least a holy tree won't put you in jail if you rub it the wrong way.

Looks like dinosaurs are answering dinosaur's questions about dinosaur's policy....

 

Soon they can make a new constitution...

 

Tho I'd rather see an extinction 

Suthep's shot himself in the foot then, hasn't he? Definitely one of the evil ones.

 

I love the comments of the silver haired generation as to this being a democracy. They certainly show a lack of understanding as to what democracy is. But then I expected that to a certain extent. They are so out of touch with reality. Times are changing and people need to accept that. It is one of the reasons why this country is in the state it is. You have politicians and bureaucrats whose mindset is stuck in the 50's and 60's. You have an imbecile leader who breaks his vow of silence with a pathetic comment on twerking. You have a near octogenarian politician/legal expert who is a serial constitution drafter - doesn't that tell you something about his drafting skills or lack thereof? He should go on a world cruise or take up golf because he is seriously not doing the country any good in his current role.

 

I too would like to answer the questions, but I am not going to give them my id card number to be able to do so. I am sure many other people would like to say what is really on their minds too but are unwilling to do so due to potential repercussions. Without anonymity, the whole activity is meaningless.  And yet, in a few days, the boys in green will all be spouting how much they are loved and how well the public thinks they are doing.  

 

Sorry, rant over.        

"This is a  democracy" JOKE OF THE CENTURY

2 hours ago, stephen tracy said:

Well then, go an get an education before posting again.

Thanks for your extremly useful input. I really took that one to my heart. Right on topic too.

9 hours ago, Get Real said:

Thanks for your extremly useful input. I really took that one to my heart. Right on topic too.

Always happy to be of service.