webfact Posted August 9, 2020 Share Posted August 9, 2020 Heeding demands of pro-democracy protesters 'only way out of current political impasse' By Wichit Chaitrong The Nation Pro-democracy protests hold a flash mob in shopping areas of Bangkok downtown on Saturday (August 8). Stepping up their campaign for dissolving Parliament, rewriting the Constitution and demanding that the government stop intimidating people, they plan to hold a big rally on August 16 at Democracy Monument in Bangkok. Academics and opposition politicians have warned the Thai political establishments to embrace pro-democracy protesters’ demands and reform themselves to prevent aggravation of the current conflict. The arrest and release of key protest leaders is a tactic of intimidation adopted by the military-sponsored government, aimed at slowing down the momentum of the pro-democracy protests, Titipol Phakdeewanich, dean of the faculty of political science at Ubon Rathchathani University, told the Nation on Sunday (August 9). He made a comment in response to the release on bail of Anon Nampha, a prominent activist and lawyer, and Phanuphong Chatnok, a key leader of the Free Youth movement, on Saturday. Anon himself on Saturday had thanked the Criminal Court, saying that he had confidence in the court, which did not toe the line of excessive measures imposed by police against protesters. Titipol said that there may not be any significant political change immediately. Political establishments had not seen any reform since the military coup in 2014, they just run the country for their own vested interest, he argued. He warned that the current on-going protests gives food for thought for reforms. “Political establishments could no longer use political propaganda as an effective tool to silence dissident voices, as people could access more information,“ he pointed out. To avoid confrontation, they have to embrace the protesters’ demands and to reform themselves,” he warned the military and its allies. Youth-led protesters are demanding that the government dissolve Parliament, stop intimidating people and rewrite the Constitution. Following a flash mob in downtown Bangkok on Saturday evening and political gatherings in other provinces, protesters plan to hold a big rally on August 16 at Democracy Monument in Bangkok. Some outspoken pro-democracy academics, including Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a Thai associate professor at Kyoto University in exile in Japan, and Somsak Jeamteerasakul, a prominent historian in exile in France, via Facebook posts have blamed politicians and other institutions for not making enough efforts in response to the protesters’ demands. In response to criticism by these academics, Teerajchai Phunthumas, the MP of Move Forward Party, told the Nation that his party often highlights the many flaws in the Constitution during Parliament debates, pointing to the lack of citizens' participation in the drafting process in the first place. “Regarding the current protest, we want to let the student protests unravel themselves naturally,” he said. The current protest bears similarity with the first student uprising in 1973 than the protest in May uprising in 1992 or the later protests led by the red and yellow-shirt movements which had a high degree of well-planned involvement by political groups, not by students themselves, he explained. Politicians on the government side, such as Suporn Atthawong, vice minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, have expressed their opposition to the planned big rally on August 16. He argued that PM Prayut Chan-o-cha had already promised to amend the Constitution. But Teerajchai countered Suporn’s claim, saying that the government's promise was just a time-buying manoeuvre. “The government can rewrite the Constitution right away, as there is a consensus that the current Constitution has many flaws; for example the system of 250 military-appointed senators is undemocratic and a tool for the military to continue their authoritarian power,” he lamented. Meanwhile, Chaturon Chaisang, a prominent opposition politician, posted on his Facebook page on Sunday that to get out of the current political crisis, there must be first a partial rewriting of the Constitution, abolishing of the senators, followed by the dissolution of the lower house of Parliament and the holding of general elections. Chaturon, a former member of Pheu Thai Party and the disbanded Thai Raksa Chart Party, said on the next election day people should be invited to vote on a referendum for fully rewriting the Constitution, then proceed to draft the full Constitution. When the draft is finished, the referendum on the new constitution should be held again, he suggested. This will ensure the people's full participation in the rewriting, owning the highest law, and making the new Constitution lasting, he added. Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30392708 -- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-08-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Thaiwrath Posted August 9, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 9, 2020 47 minutes ago, webfact said: He argued that PM Prayut Chan-o-cha had already promised to amend the Constitution. But Teerajchai countered Suporn’s claim, saying that the government's promise was just a time-buying manoeuvre. He has promised many things, since overthrowing the democratically elected government, six years ago. The truth is, if it does not help his position of power, it ISN'T going to happen, the incomplete oath being a classic example. 17 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post colinneil Posted August 9, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 9, 2020 (edited) Sadly Thailand has a man who as PM does not care about joe public, only about control, by what ever means possible. He has made several promises since 2014, never kept any of them. It is heart breaking seeing him and his cronies claiming to be a democratic government, but doing nothing democratically. Edited August 9, 2020 by colinneil 19 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post yellowboat Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 They have a long way to go to get the army out of government. We can thank the yellows for this less than remarkable time in Thai history. Their out of control hate caused this. 12 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Hayduke Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 20 minutes ago, yellowboat said: They have a long way to go to get the army out of government. We can thank the yellows for this less than remarkable time in Thai history. Their out of control hate caused this. The so-called yellow “out of control hate” uprising was planned, engineered and carried out by both Suthep and his partner-in-crime…Prayut. The singular purpose of the ‘rioting’ was to give Prayut an excuse to stage a coup and hijack the government. That’s what the whole thing was about….and the army was thoroughly and actively involved from day one. Co-conspirator Prayut likes to pretend he was just an innocent bystander…forced by his deep patriotism to step in and save the country. But it’s just not true. 17 1 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Srikcir Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 Ironically, the one consistent success (13 to date) of the RTM is to overcome political impasses, albeit without regard to the "people's constitutions and without accountability to do so. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post steven100 Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 Thailand has and always will require an authoritarian to lead and control the unrest and fighting that eventually develops when the reigns are too loose and political parties attempt to do as they please through shootings, lawlessness and anarchy. Thailand has always needed someone who will control the unrest as we have all witnessed before on many occasions. Since coming to power Khun Prayut Chan O Cha has pushed GDP higher year on year (pre-covid19) as well as developed infrastructure nationwide. This government has done more for the poor in the past 6 years than the previous two government tried to do in 10 years. 4 4 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Gee Ku Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 It is a surprising shock if true that Prayut and Suthep engineered the circumstance that enabled the military coup of 2014. Please do not defame both these two patriotic men by glib utterance unsubstantiated by proof. 2 2 1 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enzian Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 Since the experience of 2014 I have felt that this country considered as its "people" is ungovernable. Certainly not self-governable. Anything resembling an attempt at pure democracy would soon devolve again into chaos and anarchy, and I suggest this as one who has the greatest respect for the aims and intentions the pro-democracy leaders. I don't believe there is a "political crisis" going on, except in the minds of academics, and news agencies looking for copy. Someone show me evidence that the majority of Thais think there is a present political crisis. At the same time there is so much room for improving the status quo and the attitudes and behavior at the top that I would hardly know where to begin in detailing it. To me the quick release of the protest leaders is a sign that the last thing the government wants is a repeat of Hong Kong. Someone may actually be listening, and I honestly think the signs are improving. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post holy cow cm Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 7 hours ago, webfact said: Youth-led protesters are demanding that the government dissolve Parliament, stop intimidating people and rewrite the Constitution. Don't forget one of the biggest demands they have called for is that Big P needs to get out and go bye bye as well. This also includes his sidekick Toadboy who was never supposed to be part of this government as requested by the Dems in order to jump over abandoning all of their promises to their voters. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post holy cow cm Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, steven100 said: as well as developed infrastructure nationwide. This government has done more for the poor in the past 6 years than the previous two government tried to do in 10 years. I don't know why you always try to rewrite this regime's history by trying to make people think that Big P is the one to come up with infrastructure ideas and helping the poor. It is all taken from Shinawatra 101. Again don't get me wrong as I am not a fan of Thakskin, but your idol has never had an original idea period. Just regurgitation of another person's ideas and success and the masses of Thai people are now fed up with them. Honestly, all these clowns need to get out and let the new generation remodel and shape their government. Edited August 10, 2020 by holy cow cm 11 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post herfiehandbag Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 1 hour ago, Enzian said: Since the experience of 2014 I have felt that this country considered as its "people" is ungovernable. Certainly not self-governable. Anything resembling an attempt at pure democracy would soon devolve again into chaos and anarchy, For one very simple reason. A minority, controlled by the "elite" ( their concept not mine) will not accept any democratic result. They have the military in thrall to them. The favoured technique is to use their mob to create chaos and anarchy, so the military, who have refused to control such chaos and anarchy for the legitimate government have an excuse to seize power. 8 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thingamabob Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 Could be worse. Thailand needs strong leadership, as do many countries. My experience of Thailand goes back to 1962. In all of that time the best government, in my opinion, was led by General Prem. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneMoreFarang Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 6 hours ago, Hayduke said: The so-called yellow “out of control hate” uprising was planned, engineered and carried out by both Suthep and his partner-in-crime…Prayut. The singular purpose of the ‘rioting’ was to give Prayut an excuse to stage a coup and hijack the government. That’s what the whole thing was about….and the army was thoroughly and actively involved from day one. Co-conspirator Prayut likes to pretend he was just an innocent bystander…forced by his deep patriotism to step in and save the country. But it’s just not true. The yellow shirts were active a long time before Prayut's coup. The yellow shirts helped to get rid of the criminal Thaksin. We should thank them. 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post OneMoreFarang Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 In principle I like democracy and demonstrations from people who want democracy should be supported. Unfortunately there are too many rich and powerful people in Thailand who finance demonstrators to push their own agenda. The red-shirts were the prime example. Officially they pretended to be peaceful demonstrators for democracy but in reality it seems most of them were financed by the criminal fugitive. What is the story with the current demonstrators? Are these individuals who want democracy? Or another financed mob? I don't know and I hope they are the real thing. But with all those rich and influential people in the background it's hard to know what to believe. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Hayduke Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 (edited) 48 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said: The yellow shirts were active a long time before Prayut's coup. The yellow shirts helped to get rid of the criminal Thaksin. We should thank them. And the 'yellow shirts' formed an alliance with Prayut...an alliance which planned the turmoil...an alliance which planned the resultant coup...and an alliance which planned this repressive, authoritarian government. Once the yellows had obeyed their masters and served their purpose...the army took it from there. So if you believe all of Prayut's lies, advocate dictatorial military rule, and agree that people using the word 'Democracy' should be jailed..... then, by all means, go right ahead and thank him. He'll no doubt appreciate your support. Edited August 10, 2020 by Hayduke 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post herwin1234 Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 (edited) its just pathetic. Ten years ago these red shirt agitators paid a couple of hunderd baht to any Isan peasant willing to be shipped to the big city to "protest" for democracy. We all know how that ended; these ignorant peasants were allowed to "protest" (= disrupt the capital with nasty tactics) for weeks...and weeks. There hopes of soldiers crushing their protest in order to be able to play the victim, didnt work. Tired of waiting, theyjust start to burning buildings including Central. These new protests, no isan peasants this time, now the agitatorsstir up trouble with students and under the banner of "democracy" these naive opiniated students are just a pawn in the game against the monarchy. This is not about Democracy, its just a power struggle, The current governement did and is doing an excellent job. Anyone living in Isan can see the great economic development of Isan cities the last decade. And now we can see how well Thailand does with the covid crisis. The current governement stands for unity of all Thai people. The pro democracy movement stands for division, including inflamatory comments about the monarchy, just for the sake of inflaming society and sowing division. These democracy protesters are at best naive fools manipulated by long time profesional agitators who are not looking for democracy but just for plain power grab. I hope the current governement stays strong and deals with these agitators behind these protest who are using young Thai people without life experience just only a naive goodhearted opinion. Edited August 10, 2020 by herwin1234 1 5 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammieuk1 Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 The arrest of these two on Saturday was a spectacle to behold and made a mockery of this authoritarian government state its a both hands three fingers from me I hope millions will start to turn up to future rallys ???? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgMech Cowboy Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said: Unfortunately there are too many rich and powerful people in Thailand who finance demonstrators to push their own agenda. The red-shirts were the prime example. Officially they pretended to be peaceful demonstrators for democracy but in reality it seems most of them were financed by the criminal fugitive. ...Are these individuals who want democracy? ... I don't know and I hope they are the real thing. But with all those rich and influential people in the background it's hard to know what to believe. As you said "too many rich and powerful people in Thailand who finance demonstrators", but you left off the and elections. They can call them democratic elections, but it's still well 'purchased' but those r&p people. The r&p people want their power back and they are not willing to wait. Easy to fund demonstrators, especially now. (IMO) ???? (and get the media support) Edited August 10, 2020 by AgMech Cowboy added: (and get the media support) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trucking Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 19 hours ago, holy cow cm said: I don't know why you always try to rewrite this regime's history by trying to make people think that Big P is the one to come up with infrastructure ideas and helping the poor. Maybe it really is Prayuth lurking behind that avatar ! ( with a lot of help from google translate ) It certainly would explain his contrary posts. Why not. Trump uses twitter etc. Could be Prayuth trying his hand at influencing. I can think of no other plausible explanation . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post yellowboat Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said: The yellow shirts were active a long time before Prayut's coup. The yellow shirts helped to get rid of the criminal Thaksin. We should thank them. Sadly, those same yellow shirts are now out of work, and cha cha has done little for the country. The only people I have spoken to who favor his lofty, loftiness who is too cowardly for debate are those with government jobs or top wealthy cornies. They dare not say anything to the contrary. As bad as Thaksin was, he was better for the country as a whole. The country had hope before the coups. Under cha cha: farang jobs gone, local office jobs were soft before the virus and other countries like Vietnam and Malaysia roaring ahead. Thank them ????. That's funny. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneMoreFarang Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 1 hour ago, Hayduke said: And the 'yellow shirts' formed an alliance with Prayut...an alliance which planned the turmoil...an alliance which planned the resultant coup...and an alliance which planned this repressive, authoritarian government. Once the yellows had obeyed their masters and served their purpose...the army took it from there. So if you believe all of Prayut's lies, advocate dictatorial military rule, and agree that people using the word 'Democracy' should be jailed..... then, by all means, go right ahead and thank him. He'll no doubt appreciate your support. Were you here when the yellow-<deleted>s demonstrated (almost always peacefully) against Thaksin? They helped to expose many of Thaksin's crimes. And they had a lot of support from lots of people in Bangkok. I was here and saw them march through Sukhumvit and the street was lines with people who supported their peaceful protest against Thaksin. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surelynot Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 That or go out and mercilessly crush them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Hayduke Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said: Were you here when the yellow-<deleted>s demonstrated (almost always peacefully) against Thaksin? Yes... ....I was also here October 1976 when police and heavily armed soldiers savagely attacked and brutalized hundreds of peaceful students at Thammasat University. An event so ugly no one could agree on the body count....but...the army staged an immediate coup and 'saved' the country. What's your point? Edited August 10, 2020 by Hayduke 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Redline Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 9 hours ago, Enzian said: Since the experience of 2014 I have felt that this country considered as its "people" is ungovernable. Certainly not self-governable. Anything resembling an attempt at pure democracy would soon devolve again into chaos and anarchy, and I suggest this as one who has the greatest respect for the aims and intentions the pro-democracy leaders. I don't believe there is a "political crisis" going on, except in the minds of academics, and news agencies looking for copy. Someone show me evidence that the majority of Thais think there is a present political crisis. At the same time there is so much room for improving the status quo and the attitudes and behavior at the top that I would hardly know where to begin in detailing it. To me the quick release of the protest leaders is a sign that the last thing the government wants is a repeat of Hong Kong. Someone may actually be listening, and I honestly think the signs are improving. Do you have Thai friends and family? I know rich and poor and connected people alike that want the country to move on out of this mess. They are all suffering from it. Your proof would be to talk to honest people in the country, but as you sound much like an outsider, I doubt they would confide in you anyway. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Donutz Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 Anon and the many other protesters are right: the only way forward is a country with a people's constitution, a fairly elected parliament and senate, all people and institutions are to be under the constitution with no special exceptions. They aren't asking for anything special really. Sadly the dinosaurs are trying to paint thepeople as nation hating paid idiots. They are not, there isn't any evidence what so ever of those claims. If anything these protests make clearly evident that the people are sick and tired being controlled by the powers that be. If anybody is a nation hater it are the likes of Apirat and such who do not believe that the country should be run by the people, for the people. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donutz Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 Some of those in power seem to think that 'attitude adjustment' is the way out. Khaosod reports that in Phitsanulok a few protestors were detained by the authorities, taken to the jungle for a little talk and a warning. The police denies this but these Thailand has a long history of citizens being taken for a 'friendly' chat, warning and some didn't return... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post yellowboat Posted August 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 10, 2020 2 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said: Were you here when the yellow-<deleted>s demonstrated (almost always peacefully) against Thaksin? They helped to expose many of Thaksin's crimes. And they had a lot of support from lots of people in Bangkok. I was here and saw them march through Sukhumvit and the street was lines with people who supported their peaceful protest against Thaksin. They also shutdown and vandalised the only airport at the time for over a week. When the opposing party protested and acted peacefully, they were driven out be the army by lethal means. The yellows were favored by the army and were treated well. It is rather insulting to the forum's intelligence to say the yellows were and are good for Thailand. They are just more inline with military rule. They were until cha cha started to ruin Thailand. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canuckamuck Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 It hardly matters, democracy is dying all over the world. Big money is pulling the levers wherever you look. Playing both sides, keeping people polarized. But it is a lot of work. Those who have real power, admire Thailand's ability to keep the reigns from the people with the same simple tricks, decade after decade. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heybruce Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 12 hours ago, Gee Ku said: It is a surprising shock if true that Prayut and Suthep engineered the circumstance that enabled the military coup of 2014. Please do not defame both these two patriotic men by glib utterance unsubstantiated by proof. Shocked? Really? The fact that the demonstrations were dying of apathy when the 2014 coup was initiated doesn't suggest anything to you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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