Thread: Thai elections 2011-Thai PM sets stage for tough election

Originally Posted by sabang

The reds are not racially motivated, as I said. Even disregarding the obvious fact that the last five leaders of TRT/PPP/PT have been Thai Chinese, show me one shred of evidence to the contrary.

I was not suggesting the reds themselves had been anti-Chinese, but their supporters here felt the Thai-Chinese were part of the Sakdina/Amart oppress the Phrai thing. Some of the comments are pretty scary:

Tom Sawyer

Lived here probably as long as you - long enough to know that the Chinese Thai have completely subjegated the Thai people. ....

One of these days the real Thai shall have their revenge. Good luck to them.

Bold Rodney

Unfortunately for the Thais they've suffered what many other countries have done with the large influx of Chinese and it's had an effect on Thailand's politics, economy and it's culture and the generally the "intelligent" Thai opinion is the long term effect hasn't been a good one.

....they're bad or useless in the eyes of pure Thais but I'm afraid for Thai-Chinese they are both as money is their real God.

Despite showing hostility towards wealthy Chinese-Thais in other threads, our red friends seem to feel Ms Yingluck will serve the poor Thais well.

Originally Posted by Tom Sawyer

^
I'm not suggesting the wealthy class is all Sakdina - and I'd agree with Sabang on his suppostition.

Wealthiest of families, married into the country's biggest company. Ran Big Bro's companies while he was PM.

So she's not more or less Sakdina?

^^^
One day the real Thais will have their revenge. So what? They will eventually take stewardship of their country as is their right - they are the MAJORITY.

Meantime, they need to back powerful proxies - as fake as they may be - to put them into a position to do so - you think the Reds are all Thakisn supporters? By the way not all Chinses Thais are rich. It could take some time - better than letting the big hair, white skinned chinese continue to consolidate power isn't it?

Remember - the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Nothing is ever truer than that, until it is no longer true. That's the way of the world. The majority will eventually quash the minority - just like the asians will eventually wipe out the white westerners - it's inevitable. Sheer numbers - the majority rules in science. It could take 200 years or 2,000 years but it will happen. Have no doubt

Originally Posted by Tom Sawyer

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

The debate thing is an interesting issue. Logically such an event should take place. I wonder how well Yingluck would manage up against the adept and experienced Abhisit? For me, this is the only way the Dem's could get back in the driving seat. They need to show Yingluck as naive and inexperienced. She needs to be tested.

If I were to run her campaign, I would advise her against a debate for the reasons you state. To be fair though to PTP (which of course you aren't), any candidate (a newbie) going up against an incumbant "government" leader would be in a vulnerable position. She no less than anyone else.

On the other hand, an experienced/trained mass communicator could turn the tables on Abhisist in a "live" debate - would they allow it?

She could shred him - dead Thais on the streets while he cowered behind the boots of the army, no apologies, no mourning, Suthep and General Big Hat running the country - who are "You - to talk to me about anything - little boy - or is it little girl?"!

But I'd suggest she stay away from a debate. There is no honour in debating with an unlelected, junta appointed leader. And I'd tell that to the masses - remember "they killed our borthers and sisters" - we're going to the polls to remove them from office - then remove them from Thailand."

This would scare the shit out of the army and sakdina too. Better to let things slowly move forward. Perhaps neither side will suggest a debate - I'd think that best. Hope so.

Based upon what you've written, I'd love to see a debate!

Someone really needs to confront this government about the unexplained deaths.

Democrat Korbsak not contesting election

Democrat Korbsak not contesting election

By The Nation
Published on May 18, 2011

Korbsak Sabhavasu, chairman of the Democrat Party's strategy team, said yesterday that he would not run in this election because he thinks he can work for the party without being an MP.

He said he did not contest the last election but still managed to help the party probe the bomb-detector procurement scandal at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Korbsak was the deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs when the Democrats formed the government in late 2008, and later became the prime minister's secretary-general.

The Democrats have sorted out their top 10 candidates on the party list, with party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva in pole position, followed by Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan, Tirdpong Jayanandana, Jurin Laksanawisit, Korn Chatikavanij, Kalaya Sophonpanich, Apirak Kosayodhin, Trairong Suwankiri and Chamni Sakdiset.

The executive board of the Pheu Thai Party will review and finalise its party list today, party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said.

The panel in charge of nominating candidates has finished selecting those for the 375 constituency and 125 proportionate seats.

But the board has yet to arrange the party list order, except for Yingluck Shinawatra, who is at the top.

Party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit and Yingluck will lead the party list and Bangkok hopefuls will apply as election candidates at the Thai-Japanese Youth Centre tomorrow, Prompong said.

TV host puts long-held interest in politics to test

NEW FACE

TV host puts long-held interest in politics to test

By Sirared Cherdchusilp
The Nation
Published on May 18, 2011

Tankhun Jitt-itsara is a familiar figure as the host of television programmes and social events.

But now he is about to adopt a new image and turn himself into a politician.

The Democrat Party recently announced Tankhun as its parliamentary candidate for Bangkok's Don Muang district.

Despite his long-time interest in politics, Tankhun had never thought of being an MP - until now.

"I never planned about being in politics because it was remote to me. Nowadays, I'm sorry to leave my jobs such as a teacher, a lecturer, and in the mass media, positions that can raise people's thinking. But they cannot solve political problems at the structural level," he said.

Tankhun's political baptism was to join in the protest against the late Samak Sundaravej when the latter was prime minister.

"I became interested in politics during the Black May in 1992, when I was about 10 years old. When I grew up, I became more interested and wished to participate and do something as a good Thai citizen."
Political conflict in the past several years brought him back to be a political enthusiast, getting closer to politics.

From 2008 to 2009, Tankhun worked as an adviser to Pongsakorn Annopporn, deputy education minister in the Samak government. He also worked with former senator and children's activist Wallop Tangkananurak in a parliamentary committee.

"I had a chance to be moderator at a forum on 'the peace way' joined by disciples of Phra Paisal Visalo, Phra Payom Kalayano and Than Chan-Santi Asoke, at the October 14 Monument. From that experience, the executive of NBT channel had an idea for a political TV programme that promoted morality as it reflected the viewpoint of society."

The political situation at that time began to get violent. Tankhun became the host of a programme called "Moving Thailand Forward".

"During my role as host, I received streams of information. It was sad to learn that some leaders of the red shirts intended to use the poverty-stricken people as a political stronghold." He then asked himself what he could do more than just being an outsider criticising politics.

Tankhun continued to be the host of many programmes - but once offered the chance by the Democrat Party to run in an election, he did not let the opportunity slip away.

Tankhun said the Democrats had a long history and it was not a party of capitalists. "I haven't known much about the party as I'm still new. But as our party is not owned by a capitalist, we can get and exchange more opinions, and it is a good opportunity for a new generation of politicians."

Tankhun believes he has a strong team, which includes former Bangkok councillor Kanoknuch Narksuwan. He has the dream to change Don Muang to be an area for healthy minds, and an area without any vices.

"I will tell voters, 'Please choose me for your children,'" he said, adding that he would introduce the new and innocent generation to a more accurate image of political participation than that held by the young people currently.

"People should stop respecting corrupt politicians as if they were heroes or gods," he said.

Tankhun proposes a "Three High" election campaign for his constituency - adapted from the "Two High" theory of tycoon Dhanin Chearavanont that said the Thai economy would be prosperous if both the prices of agricultural products and people's salaries were high. The three highs of Tankhun consist of high land location so that Don Muang can be safe from flooding, high income, and a high level of morality, he said.

To increase people's incomes, a creative community economy and popular products of the area such as kuay jub Don Muang (noodles) must be promoted, he said.

On environmental issues, famous scientist Art-ong Jumsai Na Ayudhya has agreed to be his adviser.

"I will promote 'one family one dutiful child', which will be a 10-year project," Tankhun said. "Morality and education will be integrated. We have courses for students to engage in activities with the community, and will provide areas for children and parents. We provide space for sports or other activities for after-school kids."

Should he lose the election, Tankhun said he would rather turn to some calmer type of work, such as writing.

"I didn't say that this would be the first and last election contest of mine, but I do not have much ambition, I just really want to work. It is a very tiring job, but I have already started and will move on.

I can only see the election of Yingluck as a set back, having a proxy govt. ran by a fugitive megalomaniac doesn't seem like the way forward. It will be all about getting his money and getting control of the country again. If this ever happens, he won't let go.

Yingluck could form a govt., but fail the assets test, which is another nightmare scenario.

Dems winning is more of the same, to many hidden agendas and to busy defending themselves to govern.

Things are a lot clearer if Thaksin departs, he's no revolutionary, but very good at manipulating people and bribing them with their own taxes.

^
So, do you have a suggestion for a better (less bad if you like) route to resolving things - one that actually includes events that might actually happen rather than you just wishing they would?

Originally Posted by sabang

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

As regards my finally getting the picture, you either don't read all my posts,

Well no, frankly I do not- your Posts are not exactly on the endangered species list, are they? But I have made my position(s) quite clear from the onset, and yes you could caption them as a 'pro-democracy rant' if you so wish-
The illegal and systematic disenfranchisement of the majority's democratic vote over the past five years has been both unconscionable, and highly damaging to Thailand. In too many cases supported, or at least swept under the carpet, by both people and sectors of Thailand that really should have known better (not accusing you incidentally).

Agreed and unfortunately this election isn't going to solve anything. Yes, it is great that democracy is going to be restored (it should never have halted in the first place). However, the choices that the Thai people have are not really choices at all.

This election doesn't represent change or progress for Thailand. The same people will be running the show, only the PM's will change. That's all.

"Thaksin Shinawatra and his proclaimed intention to wipe Thailand free of "political crimes" through a blanket amnesty."

There it is again...an amnesty suggests that there will be no justice for the red shirts.....

"He said Yingluck could be Abhisit's mentor because she had the experience of running a business worth billions of baht while Abhisit had no such track record."-Natthawut

This is clearly a lie. The business was created by Thaksin, his 2 children are majority shareholders and if Thaksin's clone comment is anything to go by, then Yingluck has done nothing but be a trusted figurehead. Someone to run the show, in his self-imposed absence. A bit like the PM's job then it would seem....

Based on the 2007 elections, I live in the most electorally diverse Province in Thailand- Ubon Ratchathani. Along with small Narathiwat, that is. This may surprise some. There is no question that the north and north east are PT 'strongholds', but the Bangkok Press depiction of these regions as an unrelenting sea of Red was a fantasy of their own concoction. As the following distinctly shows, the most monolithic voring patterns are actually in the South-




I hope we are privileged with another such map, based on the results of the pending elections.

Those choosing to make so much hay with Thaksin's "clone" remark and use it as a basis for dismissing the possibility of Yingluck having any business management/leadership skills might care to look back at Saksith's blog post reproduced at https://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asi...ml#post1759528 (Thai elections 2011-Thai PM sets stage for tough election)


In addition to finding the writer's accurate prediction that

Originally Posted by Saksith

Clearly, the opponents (both lawmakers and the press) will bite on this bait....

they'll also find a somewhat more complete account of what Thaksin actually said in the Thai-language "Post Today" interview - which seems to have been ignored by the English-language Thai press - and others:

Originally Posted by Saksith

“I say straightaway that [Yingluck] is not a nominee, but you can say that she is a clone of Thaksin. I have cloned my [way of] leadership [to her] ever since graduation. [Her] style of work is the same as mine. [She] got all my best administration [skills]. Another important point is, since Yingluck is my younger sister and she is head of the party, she can decide for me. ‘Yes or no,’ she can do that for me.”

A slightly different translation shows up at THAILAND Thaksin i.e.

“Some said she is my nominee. That's not true. But it can be said that Yingluck is my clone,” Thaksin said.

Thaksin said he helped his sister improve her management skills since her graduation from university and that the two shared similar management styles.

“Another important thing is that Ms Yingluck is my sister and she can make decisions for me. She can say 'yes' or 'no' on my behalf," he added.

...........

Just thought the context might be useful for some here.....

^Saksith's fuller translation was already posted earlier in this thread, so this isn't news or new.

However, I'll bite. How is this longer version any better than the shorter version. To me it actually sounds worse!

Originally Posted by Buksida

I can only see the election of Yingluck as a set back, having a proxy govt. ran by a fugitive megalomaniac doesn't seem like the way forward.

that's the whole irony. If our resident red nutters were true believers of their red cause, they would be furious now for such a choice, but instead they tow to the party line like devoted Thaksin fans.

They are simply delusional and dishonest, or simply desperate.

Originally Posted by Buksida

Yingluck could form a govt., but fail the assets test, which is another nightmare scenario.

which is probably how the next "Judicial coup" is going to happen, unless Toxin has already bribed a few judges like he did for his case in 2001.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

"He said Yingluck could be Abhisit's mentor because she had the experience of running a business worth billions of baht while Abhisit had no such track record."

typical Chinese monkey mentality, what has this anything to do with Democracy and running a country. In European and US right wing circles in the early 80s, there was a myth that having a successful business leader would be the solution for a successful society. That's how Berlusconi started in politics, and there was a few contenders also in France. In the US, we had GW Bush. Toxin and friends are simply following that western myth, which incidentally coincide with Thai mentality of greed.

Originally Posted by Gerbil

Yep, the reds are starting to realize they're about to get shafted. Already complaining that most of their leaders have not been selected as candidates by PT. Too late (90 day rule) for them to form their own party as well.

Realization is dawning that they have been used as tools.

Actually, they still have about 2 weeks to setup a new party or for others to move around to others. The 2007 Constitution allows 30 days in the case of house dissolution.
TH

Section 107. A person having the following qualifications has the right to be a candidate in an election of members of the House of Representatives:
…
(3) being a member of any and only one political party for a consecutive period of not less than ninety days up to the election day, except that in the case where a general election takes place as a consequence of the dissolution of the House of Representatives such person must be a member of any and only one political party for a consecutive period of not less than thirty days up to the election day;

Bangkok Post : Pheu Thai forges amnesty plan

Pheu Thai forges amnesty plan

Academics fear new outbreak of violence

• Published: 18/05/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

The Pheu Thai Party has confirmed its plan to issue an amnesty decree for all politicians and political groups facing charges or who have been convicted of political-related charges if it wins the July 3 election.

Chalerm Yubamrung, former chief Pheu Thai MP and a prospective party-list candidate, told the Bangkok Post Pheu Thai would soon reveal details of the draft executive decree. He said it would grant an amnesty to not only Thaksin Shinawatra, the deposed prime minister, but also the yellow shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the red shirts.

The amnesty issue resurfaced soon after Pheu Thai officially named Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's younger sister, as its candidate for prime minister.

Ms Yingluck obliquely answered media questions about an amnesty for Thaksin on Monday, saying only that it was "too early to talk about that".

But, Mr Chalerm said that if the Pheu Thai Party won the election and formed a government, it would immediately approve the executive decree.

The party is trying to decide whether it will call the edict "the amnesty decree" or "the decree granting amnesty to people who committed offences after the Sept 19, 2006 coup d'etat".

He said issuing an executive decree was easier, more effective, and more practical than trying to get legislation passed in parliament, which would certainly require lengthy debate.

If an executive decree is approved by the Cabinet, parliament would only be required to acknowledge the decree. The process would take less than a week, Mr Chalerm said.

The outspoken veteran said he had already told more than 300,000 people in the Northeast about the decree plan, which they welcomed because they wanted Thaksin to return home.

The Pheu Thai Party will keep the public informed of its work on the amnesty decree. That way the people can decide if they want the country to move towards reconciliation by granting amnesty to everybody or just a few individuals or groups, he said.

Although the PAD had earlier voiced its opposition to an amnesty law it would likely agree with the Pheu Thai's amnesty decree now that its leaders are facing terrorism charges for blocking two Bangkok airports in 2008, Mr. Chalerm said.

He added that the amnesty decree, would not compel the state to return the 46 billion baht in assets it has seized from Mr Thaksin and his family.

"We believe that to win the coming election, we must do it this way. And if we can form the next government, everything will be very easy. Only the winner will write history," Mr Chalerm said.

Chaiyan Chaiyaporn, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, said he doubted an amnesty decree would come to fruition.

If Ms Yingluck becomes the prime minister, she might push for the amnesty decree to pave way for her brother's return.

"But the move will definitely face strong opposition from Cabinet ministers because they don't want to lose their Cabinet posts too soon," the academic said.

He said a Pheu Thai-led government would not be able to grant amnesty to supporters of all political blocs because both red shirt and yellow shirt leaders face several serious charges.

The decree would also face opposition from the greater public. He pointed to the uproar that ensued when the Samak Sundaravej administration tried to help Thaksin return to Thailand, Mr Chaiyan said.

Samak, who was then prime minister and leader of the People Power Party, tried to push through an amnesty law or amend the constitution to withdraw every lawsuit filed against Thaksin by the Assets Scrutiny Committee. Consequently, political chaos erupted and PAD renewed its political rallies.

Democrat spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks yesterday said he doubted Ms Yingluck would stick to her pledge to follow the rule of law when other party members were adamant about pushing for the amnesty decree to benefit Thaksin.

An amnesty would violate the rule of law, and could lead to further chaos and heighten the political tensions that have been brewing over the last two years, Dr Buranaj said.

Bangkok Post : Democrats unfazed by Yingluck factor

Democrats unfazed by Yingluck factor

• Published: 18/05/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

After the Pheu Thai Party announced its No.1 party list candidate on Monday, it is clear that the main competitors for the premiership in the July 3 election are Yingluck Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party and Abhisit Vejjajiva of the Democrat Party. Korbsak Sabhavasu, chief of the Democrat Party's strategy panel, shared with PRADIT RUANGDIT his observations on the road ahead for the Pheu Thai and the Democrat parties.


Korbsak: ‘Policies still have influence’

Does your party need to change election campaign strategies now that Ms Yingluck has been named as a candidate for prime minister?

The Democrats are sticking to our plan. We'll move to solve the people's problems and will do it seriously and immediately.

No matter who becomes the Pheu Thai Party's candidate, the first thing they will do is to bring Thaksin [Shinawatra] home. They have repeatedly emphasised this point.

It seems party policies will have little influence on people's decisions in this election.

Policies still have some influence. They tell people in which direction each party will lead the country; what benefits each group will get and how the country's efficiency will be bolstered.

The Democrats have already announced what the party will do on the first day if it is the government while the Pheu Thai Party keeps saying how Thaksin will come back. But how? I don't know. Perhaps a new law needs to be drafted for this, but will it be approved by the Senate and how long will the whole process take?

Thaksin can return to Thailand, of course, but he has to be sent to prison. In fact, he came back to Thailand once after the election in 2007. He kneeled down as if to kiss the ground of his homeland. After that, the country encountered lots of problems. Do we want to go back to this?

People have to decide - letting the country go forward or choosing to keep it in the old cycle. For me, I don't want people to only think of certain people's family problems.

Today the Pheu Thai Party is thinking about how to keep Thaksin from being jailed. If more than 60 million Thais agree with its methods for bringing Thaksin back, the Democrats will have nothing to oppose.

As this election is a competition between the Pheu Thai and the Democrat's platforms, is the Democrat Party confident it can win the election?

We can't say now whether we will or will not win. We only point out clearly the choices people have, but which choices they make will depend on them. We respect their decisions. However, each party has to state clearly what they will offer to the people.

How do you respond to criticism that there is no difference between each party's policies and that they even copy each other's policies?

The policies of the Pheu Thai and Democrat parties are different - not copied.

For example, we have a policy to set aside coastal areas in the South only for recreation.

We will not allow heavy industrial development that will affect the environment. However, the Pheu Thai party plans to attract heavy industries to the area.

The Democrats suggested the construction of facilities for high-speed trains from China, Laos and the Northeast while the Pheu Thai Party wants to make them across the country.

The Pheu Thai Party also has a plan to distribute iPads to students, but I wonder whether this policy is practical and whether it will improve the education of children.

Is it true that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is only good at speaking?

No. Despite being under political constraints, [the Democrat-led government] has carried out almost all of the policies we announced.

As a close aide to the prime minister, I deny the accusation. Mr Abhisit is good at speaking, but he also acts and perhaps he does better than most people.

Bangkok Post : Foreign businesses keep watchful eye

Foreign businesses keep watchful eye

• Published: 18/05/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: Business

Foreign business leaders are hoping for more political stability after Thailand's general election while calling on the new government to promise more consistent policies and open up the economy.


Von der Luehe: Make regulations clearer

Nandor von der Luehe, chairman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), said the economy had performed well in recent years as exports had not been affected by domestic political strife.

While political reconciliation has not been achieved, the election could bring it a step forward.

"I think it is difficult [for reconciliation] as Thais are widely divided," said Mr von der Luehe. "It is important that the results of the election and the new government are accepted by all sides so that things can move forward."

He said the Democrat-led administration had listened to the concerns of foreign business communities, who expect the new government will continue to be receptive.

Amendments to the Foreign Business Act, especially opening up the service sector, will increase Thailand's attractiveness in the eyes of foreign investors.

When the Asean Economic Community is established in 2015, Thailand should be able to maintain its leading position in the region, said Mr Von der Luehe.

But Thailand could do more to make it easier to do business, he noted. In the World Bank's "Doing Business 2011" index, Thailand's ranking slipped to 19th from 16th in the previous survey.

Nonetheless, the kingdom still outperformed all regional peers except Singapore and Hong Kong. Malaysia, for example, placed 21st (up from 23rd), Vietnam 77th (up from 88th) and Indonesia 121st (down from 115th).

Mr von der Luehe and other foreign chamber members also want corruption in Thailand to be tackled.

"I expect that after the election, they will try to improve corruption problems," said David Bak, vice-president of the Korean-Thai Chamber of Commerce, adding that corruption remains a problem in areas such as customs.

"Foreign investors want all government agencies to make regulations more clear," he said.

Populist policies should be eliminated because they do not generate long-term benefits for the country, he said.

Deepak Mittal, director of Thai Carbon Black and a former executive of the JFCCT and the India-Thai Chamber of Commerce, disagrees with the state subsidy scheme, which he describes as just good for the short term.

"Subsidy cannot go on for the long run because ultimately price will be decided by supply and demand in the market," he said.

In India, for instance, the government recently raised the petrol price to 67 rupees (45 baht) a litre as global prices remain high.

He applauded the Abhisit Vejjajiva government for creating a supportive environment for business.

"It's not any specific action but overall economic policies that are supportive for business to export and invest here by taking care when they have a problem," he said. "Of course, as a businessman, I think the exchange rate should be weaker, but it would affect capital inflows and cause other problems to the economy."

Mr Mittal also called on the new government to lower corporate income tax from 30%, which is higher than other countries in the region. Vietnam, for example, has a rate of only 25%.

"This is an important factor for foreign investors to decide whether to invest in Thailand or in neighbouring countries," he said.

David Nardone, president and chief executive of the industrial estate company Hemaraj Land and Development, said investors expected the new government to continue with policies to promote industrial clusters.

He would like to see more free trade agreements, while restructuring should provide a platform for high-tech cars such as hybrids and electric vehicles to be developed in Thailand.

Along with infrastructure development, the supply of vocational workers should be increased to serve demand from the industrial sector, Mr Nardone said.