Thread: More rough water ahead for PM

Chienne, you are a fool. Google is your friend... Water is water, I'm not gonna prove it to you. Thailand used to be called Siam, I'm not gonna prove it to you. The 97' constitution was the standout document in Thai history (though still not perfect, as all such documents need to evolve over hundreds of years...).

Check for yourself, Chienne.

Well it is usual to reset things back to the last point of legality, following an illegal coup and illigitemate constitution.

In this case , no arguments, back to the 97 legal constitution

Good fucking grief, get an English language proofreader! I gave up about three paragraphs into that mess.

^ Yeah, for some reasons they were worse than usual today.

^
the few they have still willing to work for 11,245 THB per month have taken their miserly holidays in Pattaya I guess (soi 6)

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1038689

Two Years under Abhisit

UPDATE : 20 December 2010

The coalition under the leadership of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has already been in power for two years. During this period, it has met with both praise and criticism. The current government came to power in a time of political instability and a sluggish economy. The nation was also deeply divided from accumulated problems. However, the administration was able to weather the country through the political and economic storms.

Put the government’s accomplishments into three categories: political, economical and social. The most pressing political issue for the current administration is to reunite the deeply divided Thai people. However, despite the government’s attempt to forge reconciliation by appointing various committees to find the solution, no concrete result has been achieved. However, it must be admitted that the ongoing political conflict originated by deep-rooted social problems so it is unlikely to have them fixed in a short period of time.

The government must be sincere in its attempt to bring about national reconciliation. It is a possible indication that the next general election will be held soon, as hinted by the prime minister, could ease some tension off the political conflict.

On the economic side, the government’s performance in the past two years has been deemed satisfactory as the battered economy has quickly recovered.

Meanwhile, the government has not been very successful in its effort to address wealth disparity and epidemic drug problems. These remain some of the most difficult challenges for the current administration.

As for the overall accomplishments and the image of the Abhisit administration, on an average, the past public opinions polls have given the government a barely passable mark. While the public praises the prime minister for his clean image and ability, corruption remains the administration’s most vulnerable weaknesses. According to a latest public opinion poll, the government has failed to meet public expectation.

The next general election will determine the exact number of people who are satisfied with the 2 years of the Abhisit administration. The election is expected to be held sometime next year. If most people are pleased with the current government, it is most likely to be re-elected.

Taken from Editorial Section, Naewna Newspaper, Page 3, December 20, 2010

Translated and Rewritten by Kongkrai Maksrivorawan

Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.

http://asiancorrespondent.com/44162/...ontent=Twitter

Is Abhisit the jewel in the Democrats’ crown? Part I

By Bangkok Pundit Dec 22, 2010 4:02PM UTC


BP has long thought and there is some poll data to support this that Abhisit’s popularity (he is more popular than his party) may be enough for the Democrats to win enough seats at the next election to form a government. There are few poll that have come out recently which put this theory to the test.

First, an ABAC poll which mirrors questions asked last year about Abhisit and Thaksin of the qualities of both persons that people liked – these qualities were chosen by ABAC. This time it is Abhisit only.
Note: BP’s disclaimer about Democrat-leaning polls.



Survey Data Methodology:

2,381 households in 17 provinces surveyed December 1-14 (กรุงเทพมหานคร เชียงใหม่ เพชรบูรณ์ สุโขทัย อุตรดิตถ์ กาญจนบุรี เพชรบุรี ฉะเชิงเทรา ชลบุรี ปทุมธานี ขอนแก่น ศรีสะเกษ สกลนคร หนองบัวลำภู พัทลุง ระนอง และ สุราษฎร์ธานี )
By gender: 57.3% women and 42.7% men

BP: Are men that hard to find??

By age:

• those under 20 (7.4%),
• those aged 20-29 (20.7%),
• those aged 30-39 (21.8%),
• those aged 40-49 (24.7%)
• those aged 50+ (25.4%)

By education:

79.2% have less than a bachelor’s degree,
20.8% have at least a bachelor’s degree

By profession:

31.7% are farmers/contractors
25.7% are traders/self-employed,
15.9% work for private enterprises,
10.8% are civil servants/state enterprise employees,
6.4% are housewives/househusbands/retired,
7.1% are students and
2.7% didn’t specify a job/unemployed.

Quality 2009 2010

Honesty 68.2 74.9

Keeping his cool/emotions 73.8 74.1

On strictness in morality 71.4 72.0

Looks after the public interest instead of their own/cronies 65.4 71.7

People can place trust in them 61.4 71.2

Has charisma, appeal 64.9 70.5

Doesn’t abandon the people when becomes PM 67.0 69.1

Democracy advocate 66.5 68.9

Shows respects for other government leaders 68.4 68.9

Is accepted by the world community 45.7 65.5

Knowledge, ability 61.8 63.5

Ability to communicate with the world community 47.0 62.6

Ability to communicate with those in the country 53.3 60.4

Uses morality in making civil service appointments 54.1 54.8

Ability to reach the hearts of people at all levels 51.3 51.8

Ability to administer professionally 40.2 51.0

Ability to solve problems promptly 37.9 48.7

Influence with neighboring countries 25.1 40.6

BP: An unmitigated success. Many of them are not surprising and it is where Abhisit lead Thaksin last year. You can see he is particularly increased in regards to be accepted and ability to communicate with the world community and influence with neighbouring countries (i.e Cambodia).The key question of whether people approve/are satisfied with Abhisit or would vote for them is not included. People may like Abhisit as he is honest and calm and not personally corrupt, but they may not necessarily vote for him.

Part 2 will look at two other polls from the past week, one of which paints a less rosy performance on the Abhisit administration as a whole.

http://asiancorrespondent.com/44220/is-abhisit-the-jewel-in-the-democrats-crown-part-ii/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_camp aign=Feed%3A+BangkokPundit+%28Bangkok+Pundit%29&ut m_content=Twitter


Is Abhisit the jewel in the Democrat’s crown? Part II

By Bangkok Pundit Dec 22, 2010 9:08PM UTC

Part I looked at a new ABAC Poll showed that voters saw an improvement in various personal characteristics for Abhisit (ability to communicate, honesty etc).
We have another ABAC poll.

Survey Data Methodology:

2,078 people in 17 provinces surveyed December 1-18 (กรุงเทพมหานคร เพชรบูรณ์ เชียงราย เชียงใหม่ สุพรรณบุรี นครปฐม กาญจนบุรี ชลบุรี หนองคาย สุรินทร์ อุดรธานี ขอนแก่น สกลนคร นครราชสีมา กระบี่ ชุมพร และสงขลา )

By gender: 51.6% women and 48.4% men

By age:

* those under 20 (8%),
* those aged 20-29 (19.3%),
* those aged 30-39 (16%),
* those aged 40-49 (18.7%)
* those aged 50+ (38%)

BP: One of the few time, that they actually sample a large number of those aged over 50.

By education:

60.8% have less than a bachelor’s degree,
33.3% have a bachelor’s degree,
5.9% have an advanced degree

BP: 40% of voters have at least a bachelor’s degree?

By profession:

31.4% are farmers/contractors
26.0% are traders/self-employed,
13.1% work for private enterprises,
10.5% are civil servants/state enterprise employees,
6.9% are housewives/househusbands/retired,
6.2% are students and
5.9% didn’t specify a job/unemployed.

—-
Q1. Out of 10 what is your satisfaction with each Minister? (คะแนนความพอใจเฉลี่ยจาก 10 คะแนน)

อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ Abhisit, PM (Dem) 6.72
จุรินทร์ ลักษณวิศิษฏ์ Jurin, Health (Dem) 6.02
กรณ์ จาติกวณิช Korn, Finance (Dem) 5.89
ไตรรงค์ สุวรรณคีรี Trairong, Dep PM Econ (Dem) 5.53
ประดิษฐ์ ภัทรประสิทธิ์ Pradit, Dep Fin (Ruam Jai) 5.53
สุเทพ เทือกสุบรรณ Suthep, Dep PM Security (Dem) 5.44
อลงกรณ์ พลบุตร Alongkorn, Dep Commerce (Dem) 5.37
พรทิวา นาคาศัย Pornthiva, Commerce (BJT) 5.35
ชุมพล ศิลปอาชา Chumpol, Tourism & Sports (CTP) 5.34
อิสสระ สมชัย Issara, Social Development (Dem) 5.32
ธีระ วงศ์สมุทร Theera, Agriculture (Dem) 5.30
สนั่น ขจรประศาสน์ Sanan, Dep PM (CTP) 5.25
โสภณ ซารัมย์ Sophon, Transport (BJT) 5.19
ถาวร เสนเนียม Thaworn, Deputy Interior (Dem) 5.18
กษิต ภิรมย์ Kasit, Foreign Affairs (Dem) 5.17
ชินวรณ์ บุณยเกียรติ Chinnaworn, Education (Dem) 5.17
วีระชัย วีระเมธีกุล Dr. Virachai, Sci & Tech (Dem) 5.11
จุติ ไกรฤกษ์ Juti, ICT (Dem) 5.10
ประวิตร วงษ์สุวรรณ Prawit, Defence (xxxx) 5.09
ชวรัตน์ ชาญวีรกูล Chaowarat, Interior (BJT) 5.07
สาทิตย์ วงศ์หนองเตย Sathit, PM Office (Dem) 5.06
พีระพันธุ์ สาลีรัฐวิภาค Pirapan, Justice (Dem) 5.05
สุวิทย์ คุณกิตติ Suvit, National Resources (SAP) 5.01
บุญจง วงศ์ไตรรัตน์ Boonjong, Dep Interior (BJT) 5.01
นิพิฏฐ์ อินทรสมบัติ Niphit, Culture (Dem) 5.00
นริศรา ชวาลตันพิพัทธ์ Narisara, Dep Ed. (PPD) 4.97
มั่น พัธโนทัย Mun, Dep Finance (Mathabhum) 4.80
สุชาติ โชคชัยวัฒนากร Suchat, Dep Transport (BJT) 4.80
พรรณสิริ กุลนาถศิริ Pansiri, Dep Health (BJT) 4.79
เฉลิมชัย ศรีอ่อน Chalermchai, Labour (DEM) 4.77
ศุภชัย โพธิ์สุ Supachai, Dep Agriculture (BJT) 4.76
วรรณรัตน์ ชาญนุกูล Wannarat, Energy (Ruam Jai) 4.75
ชัยวุฒิ บรรณวัฒน์ Chaiwuti, Industry (Dem) 4.72
เกื้อกูล ด่านชัยวิจิตร Kuakul, Dep Transport (CTP) 4.67
ไชยยศ จิรเมธากร Chaiyot, Dep Education (PPD) 4.67

BP: Actually, what BP finds interesting for all the complaints about the Minister of Transport, there is very little about Labour, Justice, and Industry Ministers yet if this poll is accurate, people are less satisfied with these Ministers…. It is no surprise to BP that Abhisit heads the list by quite a large margin.

Note: What party would you put Defence Minister Prawit in? (yes, there is one answer, but well can’t really write that one down…)

—
There is another poll by Bangkok University which casts doubt on the popularity of the Abhisit administration.

Survey Data Methodology:
1,448 people nationwide surveyed between December 10-14.

By gender: 50.4% women and 49.6% men

By age:

* those aged 18-25 under 20 (22.%),
* those aged 26-35 (26.9%),
* those aged 36-45 (25.8%),
* those aged 46+ (24.5%)

By education:

60.1% have less than a bachelor’s degree, 34.5% have a bachelor’s degree, 5.4% have an advanced degree

By profession:

15.1% contractors, 30.1% are traders/self-employed,
25.3% work for private enterprises,
10.4% are civil servants/state enterprise employees,
6.2% are housewives/househusbands/retired,
Others 12.9% didn’t specify a job/unemployed.

BP: This seems very urban and farmers would be included the contractors or self-employed.

Q1: Out of 10, what is your level of satisfaction with the output/results of the Abhisit government at the end of 2 years? (คะแนนความพึงพอใจผลงานของรัฐบาล นายกฯ อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ เมื่อทำงานครบ 2 ปี ได้คะแนนเฉลี่ย 3.82)

.................................................. .1 Year 2Years Change
Society & quality of life................... 3.76 4.12 + 3.36
Foreign Affairs............................... 3.75 3.90 + 0.15
Economic...................................... 4.41 3.78 - 0.63
National Security........................... 3.73 3.74 + 0.01
Administration & Enforcement of law 3.71 3.53 - 0.18
เTotal.......................................... 3.87 3.82 - 0.05

NOTE: The 1 year figures were from a survey of the same questions conducted last year.

BP: Not really sure you can total those up so nicely as people may give more weighting to some factors over others.

Q2. What projects/outputs do you like the most?

1. 15 years free education, 23.5%
2. Pension welfare payments, 13.9%
3. Agriculture insurance program, 9.9%
4. Renewing the free water and electricity, 9.5%
5. Renewing the free trail and buses, 8.2%

BP: This one of the government’s problems. They don’t have programs which are very well-known or that have captured the public’s attention to the extent that the 30 Baht scheme or the village fund did.

Q 3. What is your level of satisfaction towards the leading party, coalition partners, and opposition? (out of 10)


....................................1 Year 2 Year Change
Leading party/Democrats 4.23 4.11 - 0.12
Coalition partners.......... 3.44 3.42 - 0.02
Opposition.................... 3.37 3.85 + 0.48

BP: So what does this all mean? Well, clearly Abhisit is the most popular member of the government and is almost certainly the most popular current politician. He scores highly for a number of personal attributes although still lags behind on administration and taking prompt action although the ABAC poll show he continues to improve. Policy-wise the government lacks the major policies which have captured the public or at least the attention of a significant portion of the public. The coalition partners and a number of under-performing Ministers are acting as a drag on the government with the Opposition starting to catch up although still behind the government.

So to answer the actual question posed in the title, yes, Abhisit is the Democrat’s crown. Without him, one wonders where the government would be….

http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/o...ng-politically

A New Year's 'gift' that really solves nothing politically

• Published: 23/12/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

The lifting of the Emergency Decree - effective from yesterday - by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is intended as a gift from the government to the people. It will boost the image of Thailand in the eyes of the international community and show that the political situation has returned to normal.


Suchart Thada-thamrongvech, a key leader of Puea Thai, admits he is uncertain about the government’s plan to dissolve the House in the first part of next year. TAWEECHAI TAWATPAKORN

In addition to lifting the decree, the government has also prepared several measures to help people. That good news will be revealed to the public soon when Thais celebrate the end of 2010 and the beginning of the new year.

The prime minister insists that those measures are different from the populist policies launched by past governments which used taxpayers' money to attract votes.

It is interesting that the government has decided to end the decree, despite a report by the National Security Council to the cabinet that activities by the red shirts would continue next year, some likely to involve violence.

Leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship have announced protests on the 10th and the 19th days of each month. The monthly rallies are to commemorate the end of the anti-government demonstration on May 19 and against the government accused by the red shirts of coming to power with no legitimacy.

The NSC report says that key red shirt figures will relaunch community radios closed down by the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation and will use anti-government television channels to attack the government. They will move their protest to another level. Security authorities, according to the report, will try to ensure the red shirts do not violate the law. Police will be the main force used to control the group and security agencies will use psychological warfare to counter the red shirts propaganda.

Although the prime minister is confident that the political situation is under control, security authorities are not certain. What Mr Abhisit has made clear in his position is that he wants reconciliation with the UDD. That is reflected in the cabinet decision on Tuesday. It agreed to grant bail for 104 red shirt members and assigned the Justice Ministry to ensure fair trials and help for those arrested who cannot rely on their families, in addition to helping only the figureheads of the anti-government group.

The carrot handed to the red shirts this time by the prime minister is an offer in exchange for peace and political stability. The two issues are crucial ahead of another key decision by Mr Abhisit on when a general election will take place. The prime minister favours a new poll to be held in the first half of next year and rejects criticism he is "buying time" to drag the election date into the second half of 2011. The prime minister does not want to be attacked by the Puea Thai Party on grounds the government is taking advantage of the opposition party by holding onto administrative power for as long as possible.

One thing that Mr Abhisit is concerned about is political uncertainty, which is key to him not holding an early election as he desires.

"I believe some groups do not want to see stability return to the country. We have to join hands to make those wanting to use violent means to have no place to stay. And we have to support peace advocates," the prime minister says. "If we can do that, our country will move forward."

As far as Puea Thai is concerned, the party now does not think that several measures the government is offering the public, especially those working in informal sectors, is a new year gift. The opposition party sees it as a handout which is not sustainable. The measures will not help the poor to stand on their own feet, according to Puea Thai.

Suchart Thada-thamrongvech, a former finance minister and now a key leader of Puea Thai, admits he is uncertain about the government's plan to dissolve the House in the first part of next year, especially in April, as many speculate. He views that the government has no reason to give up administrative power in the near future after having been through "tough situations".

Mr Abhisit has strong backing and "thus there is no need for him to dissolve the House", Mr Suchart says. "I believe that he will serve out his term."

But Puea Thai is not being complacent. The party has prepared political campaigns in case a new poll takes place earlier than expected by the opposition.

The opposition party will attack the government on being only good at borrowing and creating debt and corruption as a warm-up to the new poll. Other messages include the assignment to its MPs to stress the party's desire to continue the populist policies initiated by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, including a debt moratorium for the poor and the cheap health care scheme. It will remind voters of those killed and injured by security authorities during the March-May demonstrations. Today Puea Thai has no leader qualified to compete with Mr Abhisit as a prime ministerial choice. At the least it only has Thaksin as a close adviser to fight the Democrat Party.

Nattaya Chetchotiros is Assistant News Editor, the Bangkok Post.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...e-achievements

PM to detail govt's achievements

• Published: 23/12/2010 at 12:54 PM
• Online news:

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will tomorrow outline his government’s achievements over the past two years and future plans.

The prime minister will spend about 40 minutes explaining to the people what the government has achieved during its 24 months in office, PM’s Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey said on Thursday.

Its achievements include social welfare schemes, measures to help the economy and end pollution problems at Map Ta Phut industrial estate, and other crises overcome since assuming office. The government 's plans tor the future will also be unveiled, said Mr Sathit.

The address will be broadcast live on state-run Channel 11 television and radio stations, MCOT 's ModernNine TV and its network and radio stations.

Afterward there will be a forum for recipients of the government’s welfare schemes - monthly allowances for public health volunteers and the elderly - to give their views.

Originally Posted by Norton

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Today Puea Thai has no leader qualified to compete with Mr Abhisit as a prime ministerial choice.

Herein lies the Achilles heel of the opposition. No Thaksin's to be found, Abhisit/Dems installing Thaksin like social programs all adds up to no win at the polling booths for opposition. Dem strategy is clear. Get populist programs in place then call elections and campaign on how much the Dems have done for the electorate. Will it overcome the historical distaste for the Dems in North and Northeast? Time will tell but wouldn't surprise me.

It’s an interesting question. The problem is voters particularly in the Northeast, vote for the candidate of the local faction that shows he can bring home the bacon so to speak. The voters don’t care what party he belongs to and the record of many upcountry MP’s belonging to multiple parties over their careers shows that.

You seem to assume that there is a distaste for the Democrats in the Northeast. I am not sure that is actually so true these days. Certainly one of the key slogans the TRT used in the 2001 election was to blame the IMF imposed austerity measures on the Democratic controlled government (regardless of the fact they might have actually worked). That is actually only as far back as this "historical distaste" goes back to.

But a telling result of the 2007 election, which many wish to ignore, is the fact that in the proportional voting, where a person voted for a single party, the Democrats and the PPP were virtually tied at about 40%. So certainly a large number of Northeastern voters, though voting for a PPP candidate, voted for the Democrats when given the chance to choose a party.

The other telling item is the recent by-election in Khon Kaen, where the Democrats ran against the prodigal son of the local strongman family to test the waters to see if the campaign could be run cleanly and because the BJT did not want to face the inevitable defeat. The Democrat candidate, though losing badly, polled significantly more then in the 2007 election (and survived personally unscathed). So again, it what is considered a hard core Thaksin area, a significant number of voters choose the Democrats.

I don’t think any of this means the Democrats can win an outright majority themselves. I don’t think that is possible in Thailand with the way the factions operate and even when the TRT did it in 2005, it was only because the TRT was actually a coalition of many factions under a single party and the fact that they had just absorbed the New Aspiration Party. Without those MP’s the TRT would not have won the majority and would have had to form a coalition like they did in 2001.
TH

Originally Posted by Thaihome

The problem is voters particularly in the Northeast, vote for the candidate of the local faction that shows he can bring home the bacon so to speak.

Untrue. This is true of everywhere. Think Suthep...

Originally Posted by Thaihome

the TRT was actually a coalition of many factions under a single party and the fact that they had just absorbed the New Aspiration Party. Without those MP’s the TRT would not have won the majority and would have had to form a coalition like they did in 2001.

True and untrue.

It was a new party that came out of others. But, it was a party, a single and united party, as it has continued to be since, even under extreme judicial and army supression...

There are many big problems for any elections:

1) As a PADite such as yourself will agree; the populace needs to move beyond local mafia families. Suthep was a great recent example; the electorate chose not to move democracy forward.

2) No party offers a complete package. The Dems have always proven to be the worst option for the people; the Barnham/Newin parties are just mafia; the TRT was as close as Thailand has come, but there is still some distance to go.

3) The political stage is manipulated by well known, but 'unseen' hands, which have only their own tiny minority at heart, but have enough media, and other, power to set the scene that any election will be conducted within.

4) Social discourse is anti-democratic, and anti-Thai populous.

It is very hard for any change to come through elections given the above reality. But, we can hope that a party emerges, with a strong female leader, that does not accept corruption and works at all levels (it must be from the grass roots up, cause it ain't gonna happen the other way round...) to serve the people of Thailand, not self-serving, but nation-serving.

Call me an idealistic fool (I've heard worse), but from the ashes I can but hope that such a leader, such a group will emerge. It won't be connected to Abhisit or the Dems, that is 100% certain!

Bangkok Pundit is known for being partial to Abi and Chuan Leek Pai. He's a sort of erstwhile Dem himself I'd say.

He saves his critical analysis for the rest of the Amart system - and the army.

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

Originally Posted by Thaihome

The problem is voters particularly in the Northeast, vote for the candidate of the local faction that shows he can bring home the bacon so to speak.

Untrue. This is true of everywhere. Think Suthep...

The discussion was specific to the Northeast, I don't disagree the same voter patterns hold true in the South. Chuan's pact with the Southern Factions in the 1990’s is thought by many long time Democrats to be the end of the one party in Thailand with a consistent ideology and turned it into just another faction ridden one like all the others. Hard to argue with that.

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

Originally Posted by Thaihome

the TRT was actually a coalition of many factions under a single party and the fact that they had just absorbed the New Aspiration Party. Without those MP’s the TRT would not have won the majority and would have had to form a coalition like they did in 2001.

True and untrue.

It was a new party that came out of others. But, it was a party, a single and united party, as it has continued to be since, even under extreme judicial and army supression...

The TRT was never a single united party. It was an amalgam of many factions that was nothing more than a vehicle for the interests and ambitions of Thaksin himself. He took his core Wang Bua Ban faction, led by his sister, and using the influence and knowledge of Sanoh and his Wang Nam Yen faction was able to bring in a number of other provincial and urban factions under the party umbrella. After the 2001 election, he was able to convince Chavalit to join, making many of the factions, particularly the Wang Nam Yen faction superfluous and after the 2005 election, they were marginalized in favor of others (think Newin here), personally closer to Thaksin.

There is a very good argument that Thaksin called the 2006 election in order to prevent Sanoh from breaking away and forming his own party. At the time Sanoh was thought to control over 70 MP’s and his defection would made maintaining a majority in Parliament very difficult. With the 90 day rule, by calling an election within two months, he forced Sanoh to stay in the TRT. You are being nothing more then a romantic ideologue when you think it’s been under some sort of “extreme judicial and army suppression”. It was tearing itself apart with factionalism by the middle of 2006.

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

1) As a PADite such as yourself will agree; the populace needs to move beyond local mafia families. Suthep was a great recent example; the electorate chose not to move democracy forward.

Your accusation of me being a “PADite” is so typical of your debating style which consists almost exclusively of ad homein attacks and bullying. You disagree with what I say, so you call me the worst name you can think of, which in your case is being a “PADite” despite the complete lack of evidence I support in any way the PAD in its current form.

But you are somewhat correct in that in the beginning, the main appeal of the PAD was the attempt to stop the provincial strongmen families, not the people themselves, but the leaders. Were you around in 2006 when it first started? It enjoyed tremendous support from the middle class with its message of uncorrupt politics, promoting justice and the rule of law, while fighting against corruption among politicians and civil servants (sound familiar?).

Unfortunately, this message has been corrupted into what the PAD is today, nothing more than a super royalist nationalistic fringe group. Not too dissimilar to what is happening to UDD. Both started as the personal political action groups of billionaires with appealing message to a certain group, which became corrupted into a fringe group with extreme agendas.

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

2) No party offers a complete package. The Dems have always proven to be the worst option for the people; the Barnham/Newin parties are just mafia; the TRT was as close as Thailand has come, but there is still some distance to go.

The irony of you calling Barnham/Newin mafia in the same sentence where you claim the TRT was as close as Thailand has come to a complete party is just amazing. They, and particularly Newin himself, were key players in making the TRT into what it was. You seem take real enjoyment in attacking Newin, I am not sure if that is just because he is only provincial strongman you know of, or you just choose to ignore the Sanohs, Sudarat, the Jungrungreangkit family, the Pongpanich family, and all the other provincial families that are still aligned with Thaksin? Are they not mafia as well or are only factions that support the coalition mafia?

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

3) The political stage is manipulated by well known, but 'unseen' hands, which have only their own tiny minority at heart, but have enough media, and other, power to set the scene that any election will be conducted within.

4) Social discourse is anti-democratic, and anti-Thai populous.

It is very hard for any change to come through elections given the above reality. But, we can hope that a party emerges, with a strong female leader, that does not accept corruption and works at all levels (it must be from the grass roots up, cause it ain't gonna happen the other way round...) to serve the people of Thailand, not self-serving, but nation-serving.

Call me an idealistic fool (I've heard worse), but from the ashes I can but hope that such a leader, such a group will emerge. It won't be connected to Abhisit or the Dems, that is 100% certain!

As I said, you are doing nothing more then setting the stage to be able to say the outcome of the coming election means nothing since it is becoming obvious there is a very good chance the coalition will maintain the majority in Parliament. When, back in April/May, you [incorrectly] believed the PTP would win an outright majority, you couldn’t wait for an election and accused the coalition of not calling one because they would loose for sure.

Now, when faced with the reality of the situation, which I have been saying all along, you say the elections will be rigged or meaningless because “the political stage is manipulated by well known, but 'unseen' hands” and what the people vote for doesn’t count. Isn’t that exactly what you accuse the PAD of standing for? Have you converted?
TH

http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/o...an-of-the-year

By luck and skill PM Abhisit is 'Politician of the Year'

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

Since this column's main concentration usually has been on Thai politics, I feel the urge to go along with the year-end trend of selecting someone to become "Person of the Year" and have come up with my own choice of "Politician of the Year 2010". Agree with me or not, in this category only one name stands out: Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

From the very beginning of this administration, two years ago, no one expected Mr Abhisit to have lasted this long. His rise to power was manipulated under special circumstances, virtually hoisted up by the military and the Bangkok elite powers-that-be, agreed upon in a military barracks, of all places - a contradiction in terms for a politician from the "Democrat Party" who built his political career preaching democracy to the electorate.

The main agenda for Mr Abhisit and his powerful puppet masters has been to crush the red shirts and root out the remnants of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's extensive political network. The strength of the red shirt movement had worried Mr Abhisit's supporters as to whether he could handle the situation or not. But for the lack of a more credible alternative, they realised the need to keep him afloat for at least he represents a democratic face in the fight against Thaksin.

As doubt lingered, Mr Abhisit muddled through. This is quite extraordinarily, come to think of it, since when he assumed the premiership the opposition "red" tide was rising to full force. From the April 2009 riots, the attacks on his motorcade, the failed Asean summit and the row with Cambodia over Thaksin, it all piled up upon him. In addition, Mr Abhisit seemed inept at running the country with his inability to appoint a new police chief and the clumsy handling of the Map Ta Phut court ruling. All of which, at those moments, pointed to Mr Abhisit as an ineffectual leader.

Coalition partners, especially the Bhumjaithai Party and its powerful political broker, Newin Chidchob, haggled and wrangled for more power through its control of powerful cabinet seats. Mr Abhisit was able to put off only a few of their projects, such as the 4,000 city buses, but had to turn a blind eye to many others. Not that Mr Abhisit likes Mr Newin but Bhumjaithai is necessary for the coalition's survival and Mr Newin was instrumental in getting rid of Thaksin.

When the red shirts began their rally in March early this year, the government was again shaken. The red shirts were adamant and confident of a showdown that would topple the government and change the game board. Equally intense was the power play inside the 11th Infantry Regiment where the government set up its operational centre and invoked the Emergency Decree.

On one side was the military faction under Gen Anupong Paojinda, the then army commander, who resisted the use of force against the protesters - some said because of his personal fear of being blamed for the anticipated bloodshed since he was going to retire in a few months. On the other side was the hardliner Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the current army commander, who believed that the red shirts were anti-monarchy.

In between were various political opportunists trying to exploit the rift, arguing for a crackdown and subsequent setting up of a national government.

Mr Abhisit was caught between a rock, a hard place and many more things bouncing him off against one another. Eventually, the balance tipped in favour of Mr Abhisit as the powers-that-be concluded that the civilian democratic facade would serve the public better, domestically and internationally, especially when the crackdown could be harsh. As Gen Anupong faded into the background, Gen Prayuth carried the torch and finished the job.

This was where the red shirts miscalculated. A military government using force on protesters would have a devastating effect and could bring change one way or another. A civilian government ordering a crackdown, with blessings from the Bangkok elite and with military back-up, turned the tide against the red shirts. The middle class and intellectuals in Bangkok were split and could not become a force of change as in past uprisings of October 1973 or May 1992.

The resulting 91 deaths and more than a thousand injured did not bring down the government as the red shirts and Thaksin imagined. Mr Abhisit remained prime minister and the alliance of his supporters did not break.

But to say that it was pure luck for Mr Abhisit to have powerful supporters carrying him on their shoulders would not be fair to him. Mr Abhisit's resilience in weathering the storm must be given credit. His politics of catering to the Bangkok elite, the people who mattered most to the stability of a government in Thai politics, paid off.

Mr Abhisit's political skills should not be underestimated. Schooled at Oxford and trained by the best masters of the Democrat Party, Mr Abhisit knows all the moves. He set himself to run in front of the pack with his honesty, good looks and ability to communicate, which are essential qualities for a front man. Although these political skills do not reflect the ability to govern and effectively run a country - it certainly served him well in terms of survivability.

Next year will be another challenging year. Mr Abhisit looks more in control at the moment and is acting the part of prime minister wielding populist programmes and projects. Undeniably they are campaign promises as Mr Abhisit would like to call for a general election early next year. Shrewdly, he knows since the government is stronger, the coalition partners have less leverage, his support from the powers-that-be remains unwavering, and with the opposition in disarray, an earlier poll would give him the best chance of returning to power. It would also strengthen his claim to legitimacy and be a move towards creating a legacy.

But the threat to his dreams is not subsiding easily. The government's murky accounts of what happened during the April and May bloody crackdown will continue to tarnish Mr Abhisit. The evidence clearly shows many of the deaths were caused by military personnel. The military, the politicians or both must be made accountable. People will not forget. The resurgent red shirt rallies could build into a genuine political movement and a momentum of change.

A combination of luck and political survival skills make Mr Abhisit "Politician of the Year 2010", but what will be his true legacy and how he will be remembered will depend on how 2011 plays out for him.

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

Originally Posted by sabang

What I would like to see is for the Dem's to make a clear public statement affirming it's commitment to Democracy-

not going to happen from a party who's only link with democracy is their name .

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2010...-30145424.html

Reporters call coalition 'emergency exit govt'

By The Nation
Published on December 29, 2010

Government House reporters have continued their year-end tradition of giving sobriquets to outstanding politicians in power, calling the administration of Abhisit Vejjajiva "the Emergency Exit Government" and comparing him to a medicinal lotion that soothes irritated skin but cannot cure the cause.

The reporters said that throughout 2010, the government has overcome several crises - the global economic recession, natural disasters, political crises inside and outside of Parliament, and severe social divisions. The political unrest forced the government to impose a state of emergency in many areas of the country in a bid to control the situation.

"And finally, the government managed to escape all the crises, as well as the two dissolution cases against the ruling Democrat Party amid widespread doubts," said the reporters' statement seen yesterday.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, whose nickname is Mark, was called "Ze-Mark Lotion" after "Zema Lotion" - a treatment for dermatitis and skin conditions.

The "Quote of the Year" went to the prime minister's remark: "I will opt out of calling an election if that could lead to bloodshed - even though I may win the election." Abhisit made the remark on October 27 at a Bangkok hotel amid calls for an early election.

The reporters said that as Thailand is facing many serious "ailments" - some of which require solutions in the form of surgery or organ transplant - what the prime minister has done is simply apply an ointment to stop the itching.

Nine other Cabinet members were also given monikers this year.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of security affairs and is also secretary-general of the ruling Democrat Party and "the government's manager", was described as "War-weary Tossakan". Tossakan is the Thai name for the 10-faced Ravana demon-king in the Ramayana epic.

The reporters said Suthep had faced many problems and "battles" this year but managed to survive thanks to his long political experience.

a scaly tongue

Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart got the epithet of "Chalawan's Tongue" for his attempt to foster reconciliation by meeting with leaders of all rival political groups, albeit with a slim chance of success. Chalawan is a crocodile-man character in a local folktale that takes place in Phichit, Sanan's hometown.

PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey has won the title of "Haunting Rings" for his supervision of state media during the political unrest in the first half of the year. Frequent calls were reportedly made to the editorial desks of many state-run media outlets to advise them on how the red-shirt protests should be covered. Many of the calls were from Satit himself.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij - who is 193 centimetres tall - was given the alias of "The Lanky Cafe" for some images most of the reporters viewed as "too entertaining and funny", such as appearing in a TV commercial for the government's plan to help people stay clear of loan sharks. The spot was based on a popular TV drama.

Deputy Finance Minister Man Pattanothai was called "Cobwebs" for his lack of clear achievements while in office although he has managed to cling to power.

The veteran politician, with only three MPs from the Matubhum Party, joined the Cabinet after the Puea Pandin Party was ousted from the coalition.

Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul was described as the "Tiger with Replete Stomach" for presiding over the Interior Ministry at a time when there were many allegations of irregularities and complaints of unfair personnel transfers from the ministry's officials. However, the interior minister's men are enjoying a period of bounty while he is in office.

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, whose nickname is Pom, was given the pet name of "Pom the High Achiever" for his success in presiding over the Armed Forces and the dispersal of the red-shirt protesters. He also managed to secure big budgets - historically high according to some critics - for the military and security affairs, including weapon purchases.

wasted energy

Information and Communi-cations Technology Minister Chuti Krairiksh was tagged with the "Bad Spark Plug That Bans".

Most reporters agreed he had disappointed the prime minister and others who had expected him to show his potential as an energetic young politician.

However, he failed over the 3G cellular system and the ID smart cards. What he has done well is in cracking down on websites siding with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai was likened to the "Blue Lady with Problematic Stocks". Her ministry has regularly held Blue Flag fairs all over the country to offer low-priced products to consumers.

However, the Commerce Ministry's auctions to release farm products in its inventory have run into problems and attracted the attention of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Originally Posted by Thaihome

The discussion was specific to the Northeast

Untrue...

The rest of your reply is one-sided rubbish, frankly, with thinly veiled insults (which I don't mind), though my more direct approach is more honest ...

You just spin with no ryme or reason other than thinking you're pushing your cause forward; you are not. P.S. I was never a TRT supporter, but they were seperate (in some ways) from the established 'elites', and served the nation to a degree that it had never been served before...

Originally Posted by sabang

The military Constitution is rubbish, and needs to be discarded.

100% correct. The 1997 constituition is the document to bring back, with incremental improvements, as all legal documents go through over time.

Originally Posted by sabang

The Thai 'judiciary' is an international laughing stock, and a national disgrace.

It's actually far worse than that - it's an illegal inforcer where blind justice has no place, and ideological politics and social segregation are its remit. Disgraceful.

Originally Posted by sabang

And the government is effectively under the boot of the military, not to mention hostage to some of the worst factions in Thai politics.

The military are the problem that needs tackling. A good starting point would be putting any general behind bars who talks about coups or the need for a coup, etc. It's treason, pure and simple. Also, the nation and its people is what a national army must protect. This army, and especially this army general, makes no qualms about the clarity of his disagreement with my statement... That needs changing.

But, all three are linked; they are one group with one agenda, and they will not stop, they believe themselves to be superior and will not give an inch. Thus, I don't believe that reasoned argument (on a stage where the discourse is already set and maintained at all costs to benefit one tiny group) is a solution. It should be, but it can't be with the entrenched 'elites' who refuse to see reason, even when their demise becomes the most likely outcome...

The current state of play in Thailand is that most state institutions and political parties are effectively criminal organisations.

Simply put and correct, but don't forget that it's all based on the 'elites' system...