Democrats to Form New Gov.

[robbie36]

Anyone who lives here would know (and I have this from my Thai friends) that there is corruption on all sides of Thai politics, yet there was a deliberately partisan operation by the courts (and certain unnameable others) to remove certain factions from power.

There is really only one unnameable in this country.

If you have evidence that HM was part of a deliberately partisan operation to remove certain factions from power, then present it.

Otherwise, stop slandering, in a very cowardly fashion, someone who has done a tremendous amount of good for this country.

Loburt,

I dont think he was refering to HM but the 'Queen' who as I am sure you are well aware was 'part of a deliberately partisan operation to remove certain factions from power' through her support of PAD both financial and moral. PAD's sole aim being to bring down the former Government with them ultimately resorting to hijacking the Bangkok airports.

In case you have not been reading the press of late I refer you to the following Reuter's piece.

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/081013/3/3qdlx.html

[Loburt]

Some have mentioned her, but in the whisperings that always characterize these sorts of things, he has been frequently mentioned, particularly in relation to the courts.

In any case, the OP responded and did not say that's who he meant.

[CiaranM]

However, naming Thaksin as personally 'murderous' is slander and you should take care lest interested people with legal knowledge might read some of the postings of the 'TF mafia'. No doubt in time they will.

now why would anybody of any importance give a flying f**k what is said about Thaksin here .... unless off course there's a snitch/grass in the camp !!

hmmmmm ....... wonder if there's anybody here who would lower themselves to that type of behaviour ?? :roll: :roll: :roll:

[robbie36]

It is slightly disappointing to see the Democrats scraping the bottom of the political barrel (i.e. Newin - not to mention Banharn) in order to achieve power but one has to admit that this Government looks far better than any alternative. Even the cabinet line up (especially the PM and FM) looks far better than in previous years. It is, of course, doubtful, how long it can last.

If I had been Aphisit I would have gone for a house dissolution and taken my chance at the polls. Afterall the PPP totally failed in its role to run the country competently and promote and protect Thaksin's interests for which it was elected. I think the Democrats would have won the election fair and square.

As it is they are now taking on power when Thailand's economy is falling off the edge of a cliff with no bottom in sight. As the average Thai seems remarkably oblivious to this they may well put the blame on the current Government.

Still it is good to be a farmer in the current economic climate and I can confirm that Amanpuri (at least) is fully booked for the week over xmas and the NY (presumably the advantage of owning your own private plane).

[LakeGeneve]

Having a quick look at the Cabinet list I was surprised to see that Kraisak didn't get a 'guernsey'. He was initially mooted to get Minister of Social Development and Human Security but missed out in the end as obviously the competition was fierce and places at the table limited.

I would have thought that he could play an important role in Cabinet in relation to developing new policies for the South given his previous work and grassroot networks there.

[LakeGeneve]

The Dem led coalition govt seemed to do quite well in yesterdays 29 by- elections, http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/01/12/politics/politics_30092986.php, which is a good sign if this govt is to survive more than 6 months.

Perhaps some voters are sick of protests and incidents of egg throwing at respected pollies and the like? Perhaps voters just want someone to manage the economy well and not have to deal with conflict and politics for a while.

[Loburt]

i think most people are tired of the conflicts, and especially the physical attacks on respected people.

unfortunately, as long as someone's checkbook is still open, there will be groups willing to continue with such behavior.

[Stramash]

i think most people are tired of the conflicts, and especially the physical attacks on respected people.

unfortunately, as long as someone's checkbook is still open, there will be groups willing to continue with such behavior.

Most definitely Lo. I do also think that the government might be given a far fairer run by many people if they announced some sort of timetable for a full election, even if it was 12-18 months away, so that they can be judged on their actions and decisions rather than how and why they came to power in the first place.

[Loburt]

technically, they can serve until the four years are up from the last election, and i believe they are hoping they can.

bearing in mind that they have to deal with an economic crisis, and that whatever measures they implement will take quite some time to bear fruit. if 12 to 18 months from now their policies are starting to help the economy turn around, then they should be given the opportunity to continue until the four years are up.

if 18 months from now the policies aren't helping, then call an election.

let the length of their tenure be based on their performance.

[Stramash]

technically, they can serve until the four years are up from the last election, and i believe they are hoping they can.

bearing in mind that they have to deal with an economic crisis, and that whatever measures they implement will take quite some time to bear fruit. if 12 to 18 months from now their policies are starting to help the economy turn around, then they should be given the opportunity to continue until the four years are up.

if 18 months from now the policies aren't helping, then call an election.

let the length of their tenure be based on their performance.

Sounds like a very fair compromise. And hopefully a chance they will be given. Hopefully it will also be recognised that there is a worldwide recession on and that they will not be able to perform miracles with the economy...

[LakeGeneve]

i think most people are tired of the conflicts, and especially the physical attacks on respected people.

unfortunately, as long as someone's checkbook is still open, there will be groups willing to continue with such behavior.

Most definitely Lo. I do also think that the government might be given a far fairer run by many people if they announced some sort of timetable for a full election, even if it was 12-18 months away, so that they can be judged on their actions and decisions rather than how and why they came to power in the first place.

Iain, I think the preliminary results of the by-elections show that people want this govt to govern and ensure some stability for the foreseeable future. The coalition govt formed via a legitimate parliamentary procedure in accordance to the constitution so how could it be seen to be unfair? (Anymore than the previous govt forming a coalition govt was with unresolved allegations of vote buying).

If they don't only focus on their own survival - as the previous govt seemingly did - and do actually get on with the job, whilst keeping coalition members happy, then why not serve the full term until the end of 2011. No need for an early election unless the coalition fractures - a probable outcome at some point in time.

[Stramash]

i think most people are tired of the conflicts, and especially the physical attacks on respected people.

unfortunately, as long as someone's checkbook is still open, there will be groups willing to continue with such behavior.

Most definitely Lo. I do also think that the government might be given a far fairer run by many people if they announced some sort of timetable for a full election, even if it was 12-18 months away, so that they can be judged on their actions and decisions rather than how and why they came to power in the first place.

Iain, I think the preliminary results of the by-elections show that people want this govt to govern and ensure some stability for the foreseeable future. The coalition govt formed via a legitimate parliamentary procedure in accordance to the constitution so how could it be seen to be unfair? (Anymore than the previous govt forming a coalition govt was with unresolved allegations of vote buying).

If they don't only focus on their own survival - as the previous govt seemingly did - and do actually get on with the job, whilst keeping coalition members happy, then why not serve the full term until the end of 2011. No need for an early election unless the coalition fractures - a probable outcome at some point in time.

I can see both sides of argument here and definitely agree that stability is the biggest priority. It's just a slightly similar situation to the UK, where Gordon 'dour Presbyterian barsteward' Brown was not elected to his post but succeeded through a legitimate parliamentary procedure .

I hope they are given a fair crack of the whip, and that the coalition survives.

But just have a feeling that there will still be protests until they are given full legitimacy by the people rather than procedure and constitutional allowances.

The by elections are certainly encouraging, and may even encourage them to have an election sooner rather than later, as it may, if not silence, at least quieten their most vociferous critics.

[LakeGeneve]

i think most people are tired of the conflicts, and especially the physical attacks on respected people.

unfortunately, as long as someone's checkbook is still open, there will be groups willing to continue with such behavior.

Most definitely Lo. I do also think that the government might be given a far fairer run by many people if they announced some sort of timetable for a full election, even if it was 12-18 months away, so that they can be judged on their actions and decisions rather than how and why they came to power in the first place.

Iain, I think the preliminary results of the by-elections show that people want this govt to govern and ensure some stability for the foreseeable future. The coalition govt formed via a legitimate parliamentary procedure in accordance to the constitution so how could it be seen to be unfair? (Anymore than the previous govt forming a coalition govt was with unresolved allegations of vote buying).

If they don't only focus on their own survival - as the previous govt seemingly did - and do actually get on with the job, whilst keeping coalition members happy, then why not serve the full term until the end of 2011. No need for an early election unless the coalition fractures - a probable outcome at some point in time.

I can see both sides of argument here and definitely agree that stability is the biggest priority. It's just a slightly similar situation to the UK, where Gordon 'dour Presbyterian barsteward' Brown was not elected to his post but succeeded through a legitimate parliamentary procedure .

I hope they are given a fair crack of the whip, and that the coalition survives.

But just have a feeling that there will still be protests until they are given full legitimacy by the people rather than procedure and constitutional allowances.

The by elections are certainly encouraging, and may even encourage them to have an election sooner rather than later, as it may, if not silence, at least quieten their most vociferous critics.

But Iain mate, "full legitimacy by the people" has not been legally respected in the last two general elections based on findings by the EC of vote buying and breaches of the Electoral Act subsequently upheld by judicial decisions. So what is your standard of 'full legitimacy'?

The 2001 election? The 2005 election? Previous coalition govts that never served their full terms due to parties switching sides or allegations made against them (eg. Barnharn when PM). I don't want to be too cynical but when has the electorate in Thailand since 1932 experienced 'full legitimacy'?

I'm not so sure that a governing party changing leader is similar to a change of govt., esp. as in the Westminister system where the electorate does not actually elect the PM, the party/caucas does. How many times have parties changed PMs mid term in the UK?

However, if Cameron were to get some dissaffected Labour MPs, The Libs and some Scottish seperatists and form a coalition govt before the next elections then that would be similar. :wink:

I agree protests will continue but I think they will be a bit tame for a while. Some of the vociferous critics are being silenced if you look at the Lese Majesty charge against Giles and then the red shirt brigade looks a little lacking at the moment but I see they are cornering the egg market:

Red shirts stockpiling eggs to throw at PM The Nation

Red-shirt leader Somyos Prueksakasemsuk on Wednesday said protesters have prepared to throw eggs at Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva this evening.

Red shirts will resort to egg-pelting as a gesture of defiance for Abhisit's leadership although they plan a peaceful rally, Somyos said. Abhisit is scheduled to make a speech at a hotel in the Ratchaprasong area.

[Loburt]

The stock piling of eggs as weapons is indisputable proof that Charoen Pokphand is the mastermind behind all the political unrest!

[LakeGeneve]

The stock piling of eggs as weapons is indisputable proof that Charoen Pokphand is the mastermind behind all the political unrest!

Probably a dual business strategy in price support by artificially reducing supply! Shrimp next?