The Bangkok situation

[Aussie_flyer]

Why is that statement rubbish? The current government was never elected by the people of Thailand. It was (s)elected by the military (and to a lesser extent the royalists) and in way to a lot of people it is illiegitimate. For simplicity let's call it a democratic dictatorship.

How so?? This government is a coalition formed from the election of 2007. Formed by MP's voted in by the people. There was NO clear majority in the 2007 election. Both the governments formed since then were coalitions. Both made up of elected representatives.

And what is worse it this government is clearly favouring one group of Thai people over the other. Why didn't it stop the protests that closed Suvarnabhumi airport in 2007?

For a start the airport was shut down in December 2008. At the time the red shirt backed government was in power, this current Prime Minister was not the Prime Minister at that time. The Prime Minister at that time was from the PPP (People Power Party) and it was Somchai (THAKSIN's BROTHER IN LAW!). How should the current PM - Abhisit and his govt have anything to do with stopping those protests?

Have any of those responsible been prosecuted or being held accountable? No. And banning 100 elected politicians from politics for 5 years did not go down too well either.

That's up to the courts. The banning of the EXECUTIVES only of the PPP was for electoral fraud, decided by the courts. That is when the airport occupation ended. The red shirts were perfectly happy when the coalition was run by the PPP, from the very same election that the Democrats now run the coalition. After the dissolution of the PPP the current Phuea Thai (For Thai's) party was created with all the other non-banned members of the PPP... but they no longer had the support of the coalition partners. The minor parties then deflected to the side of the democrats and a new government was formed. No election was required until the end of 2011, the new PM Abhisit offered an election 13 months early, the reds said at first they would take it, but they continually added more absurd conditions as the days went on. A new demand every day. They had every chance to look like the winners and go to elections in November with a great chance of winning! They have blown that now.

It does get a little more complex when trying to think of an alternative government that will suit both sides. In the mean time it is the poor people of Thailand that are suffering.

And they are suffering even more now after what the red shirts have done this week.

I never had a problem with the red shirt protests until they started screwing with the lives of ordinary Bangkok citizens. In the same way I was completely going off my mind when the yellows occupied the airport. Both were unreasonable and ridiculous.


On a side note, check out this 'Farang red shirt' from the UK. What on earth! I hope they get this guy! Amazing, actually threatens to burn down Central World on video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3YqrqhMvco

 

[drron]

Dazz 37 members of Phuea Thai defected to the current coalition.Without them the current PM would not have the numbers.Reliably reported they were paid to do so with minimum amount suggested 5000000B.Somewhat amazing that this is not considered an offence.Also unlike most democracies no by elections for seats of those MPs dismissed from parliament-if so current PM would not even with money been able to form a coalition.

 

[JohnK]

For a start the airport was shut down in December 2008.

Apologies I got the year wrong. The airport was shut down in December 2008.

Good summary Dazz.

A couple of points that are often neglected in these debates
- The army is very selective in fighting the battles that suit them. When the protests crippled the airport/country nothing was done to stop them. This time around they took action.
- The courts, police etc (many public officials) are extemely corrupt and any rulings/findings are very questionable.

And another thing I have been told by both expats and locals in Thailand many times. If the current king passes away the army will have total control. That will be the worst news possible for the majority of Thai people and not good news for tourists either.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Dazz 37 members of Phuea Thai defected to the current coalition.Without them the current PM would not have the numbers.Reliably reported they were paid to do so with minimum amount suggested 5000000B.Somewhat amazing that this is not considered an offence.Also unlike most democracies no by elections for seats of those MPs dismissed from parliament-if so current PM would not even with money been able to form a coalition.

well, that might be true... but for One9 to say that the government is illegitimate, that they illegally seized power, that they were unelected... those things are not true. All 3 governments headed by PM Samak (rip), PM Somchai and PM Abhisit are coalitions from the election of 2007.

And we all know corruption is everywhere in Thailand, but this extended to Thaksin and his government as well!

Peace....