Thread: Thailand : PM to Decide on House Dissolution in 4 Months

Historic elements are difficult to comprehend, and very much related to current affairs, if one is blind to twisted manipulation of {even contemporary} history as it was, not how it might be invented for us. As Thai affairs are perceived, most all topical matter is umbilically familiar as cycles don't change much. Redundant....just painted differently, is all.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

issue an amnesty law to bring Thaksin back to the country.

well at least they are honest about it and no longer pretending,

more double standard, what a political vision

^^ Election promises with no election in sight.
Not as silly as it sounds though. Offering incentives for elections will keep the poor masses focused on holding Abhisit and Co to account at the ballot box.

The longer Abhisit stalls elections on the grounds of social disunity, the higher the probability of a revolution to force elections and hopefully a split in the military.

The situation is shaping up for another showdown. Eventually, the people will be beaten into total submission by the military, corrupt judicary and their elite class backers, or there will be a revolutionary change in Thai politics and the countries social system. It could go either way, but the fight aint over yet.

Originally Posted by Butterfly

well at least they are honest about it and no longer pretending,

be interested to know what % of that the current admin is responsible for ?

http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/o...to-stay-on-top

'Poster boy' Abhisit in deft manoeuvres to stay on top

• Published: 12/11/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Is the end near? After almost two years in power, the Democrat Party-led government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is turning into the last leg of its turbulent run. Next year, a general election is expected to be held, even if the party is dissolved by the Constitution Court; and if army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha is true to his word of not considering a coup d'etat as a solution to the nation's woes (because it isn't).


Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva visits Korat during the inundation last month to gain first-hand experience of the people’s hardship.

With the end scenario in mind and taking into account the barriers along the way, so far Mr Abhisit has been politically shrewd in his moves and manoeuvrings, in repositioning himself to remain on top with the coming changes.

A Bangkok Poll recently showed that Mr Abhisit has the best image as an honest politician, with 49.8%. This of course does not mean that there are no scandals in the administration; there are plenty, but Mr Abhisit can fully claim he is not personally involved, and therefore not responsible.

In addition, Mr Abhisit has been using the honesty card as leverage against others, within his own party and the coalition partners. And it does help Mr Abhisit that, according to the polls, politicians with an image of being the least honest are Suthep Thaugsuban, the Democrat Party's secretary-general (39.2%); Newin Chidchob, Bhumjaithai Party's power broker (24.2%); and Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum from Bhumjaithai (8.3%).

Mr Abhisit's move against Bhumjaithai on many issues is calculated to keep the latter in check while raising his own favourable public perception. Bhumjaithai is an easy target as many projects under the supervision of ministries under Bhumjaithai are dubious in nature and have been constantly in the news.

Mr Abhisit's latest pressure against Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat to resign if he wants to run for re-election after being stripped from MP status (but eligible to run again), is more of the same. It can be viewed as a publicity stunt designed to demonstrate the premier's higher ethical standard, while politically cornering Bhumjaithai into submission. Remaining in the cabinet or not, Mr Boonjong will always be caught in a bad light. Playing with public perception, Bhumjaithai could also be discarded at an appropriate time, which could propel the Democrats to a higher rating.

At the same time, Mr Abhisit is sure to re-appoint Mr Suthep back into the cabinet after he successfully ran in a by-election. On one hand, Mr Suthep's service is crucial in coordinating with the military, the coalition partners and the Democrats' coming election bid. On the other hand, Mr Suthep needs Mr Abhisit's "clean image" to bolster his own activities.

The other issue that Mr Abhisit picked up is the constitution amendment as proposed by the government-appointed Commission of Constitution Reform. The two amendments are: first, the need to seek Parliament's approval for international treaties and agreements; and second, the electoral changes to be considered by the cabinet next week. The first amendment should not be a problem, but for the second amendment, Mr Abhisit knows full well that his party elders, former prime minister Chuan Leekpai and former party leader Banyat Bantadtan, did not agree with it the last time it was put on the table.

This is considered to be another ploy for Mr Abhisit to be able to say that he has "honoured" the agreement with the coalition partners given two years ago when he needed their votes to become premier. He bypassed his party to send the proposed amendments through the cabinet and to Parliament. But without the Democrat Party's support, it is doubtful that it will be passed into law.

Meanwhile, the flood crisis has ironically opened a breathing space for the government, for the floods inundated not only vast areas of the nation but also the enduring political conflict. The relief effort became a priority, while the call for justice for the 92 deaths and thousands injured during the crackdown on red shirts in April and May is now on the back burner, at least for the time being.

Even as the government fumbled initially in its warning of the impending disaster and the handling of the relief measures, both in terms of public relations and actual relief efforts, the PM adjusted his attitude and his cabinet regained composure. While still being criticised and even ridiculed for being out of touch as his visits are events made for television cameras and surrounded by hundreds of security guards, Mr Abhisit now seems more comfortable in visiting the hard-hit areas. The government started to function as the central coordinator in providing help to flood victims as it should have from the very beginning.

Any other government in such circumstances would have been blasted more harshly. The breaks Mr Abhisit is getting are due to the fact that he is this government's (and its allies') only "poster boy", since there is as yet no other alternative or competing figure, and Mr Abhisit has consistently used this to prop up his shaky administration.

This is also the reason why any talk of reconciliation will remain just that, talk. Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart's journey to meet various political conflicting parties, including ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Norway, is widely viewed as Maj Gen Sanan's own long march towards his quest for premiership. Maj Gen Sanan could emerge as the compromising "neutral party" in case of a Constitution Court verdict to dissolve the Democrat Party or after an election is called.

Except for repeating like everyone else that he would like to see reconciliation "happening", Mr Abhisit has been cold to any real advancement. Obviously he would not give Maj Gen Sanan much credit and after a debriefing from Maj Gen Sanan on the meeting with Thaksin, Mr Abhisit said that reconciliation was not a matter for individuals to decide; that it was a matter for the majority of the people to determine the direction of the country. The only way to know what the majority thinks is to call an election as soon as possible. But with Mr Abhisit already at the top of the pile, why would he be in any hurry to do that?

Suranand Vejjajiva served in the Thaksin Shinawatra cabinet and is now a political analyst.

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1037412

Govt Dissmisses House Dissolution

UPDATE : 16 November 2010

The ruling Democrat Party's secretary general says the prime minister has already clarified with the party about the need for a charter rewrite.

He also dismisses rumors on an early House dissolution.

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Suthep Thaugsuban, as secretary general of the Democrat Party, said a House dissolution is merely a speculation even though it could be the best way out, if necessary.

Suthep continued that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, as the party leader, has already clarified with the party during a meeting yesterday about the government coalition's decision to seek amendments on two articles of the Constitution after some of its seniors are worried the move could deteriorate social divide and lead to a military coup.

House Speaker Chai Chidchob declined to comment about the speculation that the Democrats are contemplating a House dissolution to fend off a possible military coup and instead referred the question to the prime minister.


Chai also stated he still has not received the draft charter amendments from the prime minister but affirmed it will be put on the agenda of the House meeting as soon as it is submitted.

The speaker insisted the push for charter changes is in compliance with the law, so opponents of the move must accept this and must not use a mob rule.

Leader of the Chat Thai Pattana Party, Chumpol Silpa-archa, said he has no objection to the Democrat Party's permission for its MPs' free vote on the charter rewrite.

He saw no need for the House to complete its deliberation on the amendments before the current session ends or even hold a special meeting for the purpose.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...ssolution-plan

PM: No House dissolution plan

• Published: 20/11/2010 at 02:05 PM
• Online news: Politics

There is no reason to dissolve House of Representatives at this time, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Saturday.

The prime minister was responding to a report that there would be a House dissolution after Dec 5, the King’s birthday.

“I can not tell whether or not there will be a house dissolution within the end of this year as it depends on the situation”, said Mr Abhisit.

Asked about the revocation of the state of emergency in Bangkok and nearby provinces, Mr Abhisit said it also depends on overall outlook of the situation.

“If it is certain that the situation has returned to normal, the government will lift the emergency decree”, he said, adding that the situation had improved and that the red-shirts rallies on Friday were peaceful.

Mr Abhisit said he will appoint his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban as an advisor to the centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation.

He will on Monday assign Mr Suthep to join hands with the armed forces to provide assistance to the flood affected people.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2010...-30142862.html

Ministers find ways to stay in the limelight

By Kornchanok Raksaseri,
Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation
Published on November 22, 2010

When the next election will take place is still unknown, but we have seen many election campaign-like advertisements around town. They feature large pictures of ministers from Democrat or coalition parties, sometimes with the picture of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The colour themes used could easily mislead people into thinking that they are political party advertisements.

For example, on the expressway from Bang Na, we see pictures of Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Pollabutr with the prime minister, and Transport Minister Sopon Saram. In front of many schools, we see banners with pictures of Education Minister Chinnaowrn Boonyakiat. In newspapers, we see Deputy Education Minister Chaiyos Chiramethakorn in advertisements.
Advertisements they certainly are - to promote ministries' policies or projects.

Chinnaworn said the Education Ministry has a responsibility much larger than many other ministries.

"Publicising Education Reform in the Second Decade is very important. We have to make people realise we all have to join hands," Chinnaworn said. He added he did not design the advertisements himself. "To persuade people to join, we have to do it in a conversational style. And as the presenter, I am, at the same time, telling people I am serious about the project," he said.

The Education Ministry's budget this year is Bt388 billion, the most among all the ministries - Bt203.8 billion for personnel, Bt28.5 billion for operational costs, Bt25.8 billion for investment, Bt124.5 billion for subsidisation and Bt5.3 billion for other expenses.

Deputy Interior Minister Thaworn Senneam said it is not the Cabinet's policy to promote its work intensively but it is up to each minister to publicise the work he or she is in charge of.

The minister did not reveal the amount or proportion of public relations and advertising overall for each project , but said it should not exceed 2 per cent of the overall budget.

He said the government does not need to spend too much money on advertising as its activities are usually covered by the media.

Sukhum Chaloeysap of Suan Dusit Rajabhat University said that in the early period of the Abhisit Vejjajiva government, ministers did not promote their work so much. However, as the situation changed, the ministers as well as the prime minister himself promoted themselves more. Some promotion of ministers is done by government officials who want to please their bosses, Sukhum said.

The first reason for the growth in political advertising is that the government has to compete to win support from the public after rifts in society and the political turmoil earlier this year. Second, the election is approaching.

"Earlier they [the ministers] were shy about promoting themselves. But now it has become common. Any minister who doesn't have pictures in advertisements might be seen to be out," Sukhum said.

Sukhum said political marketing was very obvious during former prime minister Thaksin Shinawa-tra's time. Now the Abhisit government is using the same strategy.

"This can give them many benefits over normal election campaigns. In the run-up to an election, politicians can spend a limited budget and have to report to the Election Commission. But they can use the ministry's public relations budget to promote themselves at the same time," Sukhum said.

"Actually the billboards and advertisements can be used positively to declare the ministry's work, provide information showing transparency and allowing examination. But now some advertisements are just propaganda. They don't give anything to people," Sukhum said.

Deputy government spokesman and Chart Thai Pattana spokesman Watchara Kannika said a presenter for advertising should be widely known to the public. But it was reasonable for a minister in charge of the ministry's campaign to be the presenter due to his relevance and credibility.

Some new ministers are not widely known. They might be dubbed "forgotten" as they do not often appear in daily news. Featuring their pictures in a ministry advertisement promotes the ministers and their achievements at the same time, Watchara said.

"I'd like viewers to open their minds or see things with a sense of humour. This is not the era for doing good deeds behind the scenes. If you consider that presenting the picture of the minister in the media is suitable or not, please consider the content of the advertising. If people learn about the policies or direction of the minister's work, that makes sense. But if it's only the picture, that doesn't make sense," Watchara said.

A close aide of a minister whose picture appears on a large billboard seen on an expressway said jokingly, "My boss just imitates other ministers. He fears being forgotten. Poll results recently have indicated my boss is a forgotten minister."

Originally Posted by Mid

and by that time, if the situation in the country has returned to normal, he will consider a House dissolution.

He's so full of shit, it's hard to believe anyone takes anything he say's seriously, he actually makes western politicians look good and that's not an easy task.

Thai politics is not only a farce it's lack of honesty is continually being compounded by the ludicrous statements they make.

I wonder do any (educated) Thai's actually believe anything this corrupt bunch keeps spouting?

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...e-court-ruling

Survey: No snap poll before court ruling

• Published: 24/11/2010 at 01:19 PM
• Online news:

More than half (56%) of people polled said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva should not dissolve the House of Representatives before the Constitution Court gives its decision on the dissolution case against the Democrat Party, Bangkok poll said on Wednesday.

The remaning 44 per cent supported an early dissolution if Mr Abhisit decides on it, according to Bangkok poll.

The Democrat Party is accused of spending Election Commission party development funds before receiving approval, and of breaking regulations governing party campaign advertising.

The poll, “What will Thai politics be if the Democrat Party is dissolved?” was conducted from Nov 18 to 22, seeking opinions from 1,203 people in all regions. The methodologies used in this survey were multi-stage sampling and check list nominal and open-form questioning, Bangkok Poll said.

Asked about the future direction of Thai politics if the ruling party is dissolved, 30.3 per cent of the respondents were unsure, 25 per cent said it would be the same, 24.3 per cent believed it would get worse and 20.4 per cent said it would be better.

On the question of the impact of the ruling party’s dissolution, 24.1 per cent said the administration of the country would be stalled as the formation of a new government would be needed, 21.5 per cent believed there would be a race for power, 18.4 per cent said it would help improve the image of alleged double standards, 12.8 per cent said there would more political bargaining, 12.7 per cent said political conflict would be lessened, and 1.8 per cent had no comment.

Asked about the preferred new government if the Democrat Party were dissolved and Mr Abhisit banned from politics, 45.4 per cent wanted the new government formed by MPs from a fresh election, 43.7 preferred the old government of existing MPs of the coalition and MPs from by-elections for vacant seats of the banned Democrat MPs, and only 10.9 per cent wanted a national government.

On the open-form question about the preferred new prime minister if Mr Abhisit were banned from politics;

1) People who are not a member of any political party - Anand Panyarachun (12%), Pol Capt Purachai Piumsomboon (1.9%) and Vikrom Kromdit (1.5%).

2) People from parties other than Democrat - Chalerm Yubamrung (3.5%), Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh (3.0%) and Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin (1.5%).

3) Members of the Democrat Party - Chuan Leekpai (11.4%), Korn Chatikavanij (8.0%) and Aphirak Kosayothin (4.8%).

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...ution-possible

PM: Early House dissolution possible

• Published: 24/11/2010 at 05:12 PM
• Online news: Local News

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Wednesday there is a possibility he will dissolve the House of Representatives early next year.

He was replying to reporters who asked if it was likely he would call a general election in January, February or March .

"Yes, it is possible early next year. I have said this many times," Mr Abhisit said.

On People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul's call for a House dissolution if the government-sponsored charter amendment bills fail to pass, the prime minister said he did not understand Mr Sondhi's logic.

He said the government has the majority only in the House of Representatives, but not in the combined parliament.

Therefore, the government cannot command support from the entire parliament.

Mr Abhisit said if the bills failed to pass he would take responsibility. He would look into the overall vote to see whether the government could retain control with the majority it has in the lower house or not.

Parliament is scheduled to vote on each of the four charter amendment bills on Thursday.

The prime minister stressed that the government's decision to amend the constitution was made not to satisfy parties in the coalition.

However, he admitted to having talked to the coalition parties about charter amendments and all agreed that the issue of granting amnesty for banned politician would not be touched upon.

Mr Abhisit said some of the proposed amendments might not satisfy everyone. But since the government had appointed a committee to study charter amendments and the committee had proposed changes, as it was assigned to, it was necessary for the government to follow the proposals, otherwise it would be difficult to form committees in the future.

He said he was not worried that the government's popularity would decline.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...dissolve-house

Sanan: PM won’t dissolve House

• Published: 25/11/2010 at 11:36 AM
• Online news:

Deputy Prime Minister and advisory chairman of the Chart Thai Pattana Party Sanan Kachornprasart said on Thursday that he believes the prime minister would not dissolve the House of Representatives today as speculated.

Core leader of the Anti-Thaksin People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) Sondhi Limthongkul said on Wednesday that the charter change drafts would not pass the first reading, forcing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House.

Maj Gen Sanan said even if the drafts failed to pass, the government and the prime minister would not have to take any responsibility as it is the matter of the joint sitting.

Tourism Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa took the same tone, saying the government does not have to step down even though the drafts were turned down by members of the parliament.

The leader of Chart Thai Pattana affirmed that all 24 members of his party will vote in support of three charter change drafts, except the one proposed by Weng Tochirakarn, co-leader of the anti-government United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

Mr Chumpol did not think the prime minister would dissolve the lower House at this time, but said House dissolution could take place anytime, from early next year.

Puea Pandin leader Charnchai Chairungruang said his party will back the three drafts but will not cast any vote on Mr Weng’s one.

Opposition chief whip Witthaya Buranasiri insisted that the Puea Thai Party will support only the draft of Mr Weng and will oppose the other three.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/o...komkid-konkian

Daily News Columnist Komkid Konkian

• Published: 24/11/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

An unusual meeting took place in China last week, attended by a number of key men in the opposition Puea Thai Party. Some of these politicians are still under a five-year political ban, imposed on them by the Constitution Court when the Thai Rak Thai Party was dissolved in 2007.

The gathering coincided with greater activity on the part of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship and its red shirt supporters, who remain loyal to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Many wonder whether a new round of political struggle is set to begin. They foresee a highly-charged debate in Parliament on two contentious constitutional changes supported by the Democrat-led government, but vehemently opposed by Puea Thai. Regardless of the vote, the issue will create further conflict.

Puea Thai has maintained that PM Abhisit must resign if the government-sponsored bill on charter changes is voted down. Even if it is passed, the bill will stoke more anger among those who believe the government has sought the changes for its own benefit.

The People's Alliance for Democracy and its yellow shirt supporters are dead-set against any change to Section 190, which requires strict parliamentary screening of any international treaty or agreement to be endorsed by the government.

In the past, unexpected events often occurred when the PAD organised mass rallies. This time, PM Abhisit cannot shirk responsibility if violent incidents break out as a result of a PAD rally.

The meeting in Guangzhou of a group of pro-Thaksin politicians has added some interesting threads to the charter debate in Parliament. I wonder if it will result in any interesting political change.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...t-hurt-economy

FTI: Dissolution wouldn't hurt economy

• Published: 25/11/2010 at 12:14 PM
• Online news:

Even if Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva did dissolve the House of Representatives it will not have much impact on the economy, Payungsak Chartsutthipol, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said on Thursday.

Mr Payungsak was responding to a report that Mr Abhisit could decide to dissolve the lower House if the two charter amendments sponsored by the government fail to pass the first reading today. Coalition party leaders have denied this.

“A House dissolution is a process within the democratic system and practised worldwide,” he said.

It would not affect the investment climate as foreign investors understand that there must be political change.

The economy continued to grow substantially even though the country had suffered from political violence in April and May, FTI chairman said.

“There are concerns that a dissolution could stall the government’s plans to inject seed money into the system through investment under the Thai Khem Kaeng (Strong Thailand) stimulus scheme.

“But I personally believe that state agencies do have contingency plans for such situation and therefore the negative impact would be minimal,” said Mr Payungsak.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

“But I personally believe that state agencies do have contingency plans for such situation and therefore the negative impact would be minimal,” said Mr Payungsak.

It's called a Coup!

What's all this talk of Abhist dissovling the house???

He will dissolve the house if and when he is told to dissolve the house. He has zero say in the matter; you make a deal with the devil then this is what you get...

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

He will dissolve the house if and when he is told to dissolve the house. He has zero say in the matter; you make a deal with the devil then this is what you get...

Unlimited free travel, unlimited free food, unlimited expenses, unlimited eveythingggggggggg...(apart from influence) mush better than living the life of some obscure geordie.

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

He will dissolve the house if and when he is told to dissolve the house

exactly

Originally Posted by The Bold Rodney

Unlimited free travel

limited destinations

let's hope he doesn't listen, and doesn't dissolve the house even when he is told to

Dissolving the house. Calling fresh elections. Court decisions. Doesnt mean a thing in Thailand. The fellas with the guns and tanks can do all of that and rewrite the lawful rules as they go any time they like. As they have done so on a multitude of occasions in living memory.

Democracy in Thailand is a farce, -- nothing more than a military enforced oligarchical dictatorship under the guise of democracy. A pseudo -democracy by another name. Something Burma is now trying to emulate.

Does it really matter what Abhisit or Thaksin does when the generals can waltz in and take over power any time they choose? Lets stop beating around the bush and debating the finer points of farcical Thai politics (in-between military coups) and call it what it really is. Its an oligarchical system operated by the Chinese/Thai elite, enforced by the military and judicary. Nothing more than that. Just a dictatorship operating under the guise of democracy.

Until they start executing or imprisoning the generals who comit treason, along with some of the corrupt judicary, the country is destined to continue in this endless loop of elections and coups, elections and coups, -- infinitely.
And the only thing that is likely to break that endless loop is a split in the military with one side backing a peoples revolution and real democracy. Every day, every year, as the masses become more educated and more aware of the deep flaws in their political and justice systems brings Thailand closer to real democracy.

Originally Posted by Panda

Its an oligarchical system operated by the Chinese/Thai elite,

gee, it took you so long to figure it out ? a bit slow aren't you

Originally Posted by Panda

a split in the military with one side backing a peoples revolution and real democracy.

unfortunately that side doesn't exist, it would mean educated military, something that doesn't exist here

Originally Posted by Panda

Every day, every year, as the masses become more educated and more aware of the deep flaws in their political and justice systems brings Thailand closer to real democracy.

Yes, a very dangerous thing education especially when it's the peasants who are being educated. I think history if my memory serves me correctly has illustrated just that on several occasions.

if the peasants here were really educated, they would leave their lifestyle and migrate to the city,

since it's not happening, we can only assume that they remain uneducated