Bangkok Post: The goal has been achieved: Thaksin did not win
'The most acceptable result has already been achieved and that is important. Thaksin's influence has been curbed," writes Bangkok Post today in its editorial. The newspaper points out that behind the scenes people are working hard on a solution, provided that it does not lose face for anyone.
The street protests led by Suthep over the past two months are a signal to Thaksin saying: No, you didn't win. No, you will not win. Now, according to the newspaper, it is about Suthep coming to his senses.
His refusal to accept democratic elections and his insistence on both the establishment of a Volksraad and the eradication of the so-called Thaksin regime are a bridge too far. Those goals can only be achieved with the support of the military. When the army doesn't move, either on the street or behind the scenes, Suthep loses.
Crucial to the Thai political landscape in the coming years is that the opposition can and wants to contain Thaksin by mobilizing hundreds of thousands of people. That ability could be an ongoing threat as long as Pheu Thai is in power, he said Bangkok Post.
Prayuth warns of civil war
What else does the newspaper report? Army Commander Prayuth Chan-ocha warns of civil war if conflict continues. “We should not only look at the situation in Bangkok, but also look at what is happening in the country. Dividing lines run through all tambons. That situation could unleash a civil war.'
Prayuth proposes the formation of a 'people's assembly', formed by 'all colours'. Not a Volksraad, as Suthep wants, but a neutral group with 'non-core' representatives of all colours, in which the leaders are excluded from participation. "Representatives of each group can talk about how they've been treated unfairly and discuss how to reconcile their differences."
The registration of candidates for the elections will start on Monday. Opposition Democrats, which will decide today whether to participate in the elections, want all political parties to talk about a postponement.
Ruling party Pheu Thai and its coalition partners want to invite the other parties for a talk tomorrow about the solution of the political deadlock. Then it would have to be decided whether the elections will go ahead.
(Source: Bangkok Post, Dec. 21, 2013)
More news, particularly on Sunday's planned mass rally, later today in News from Thailand.
Taksin should not win nor suthep should win only democracy should win!!!
Hi Marmix,
I totally agree, but I think that's a bit oversimplified.
Before this can happen at all, a lot of kettles of water have to pass under that famous bridge.
LOUISE
“Democracy must win”
Look at the beautiful democratic Netherlands, how they have brought it to the edge of the abyss in recent years.
Should we still be so happy with democracy?
And now I do know that this is for the best, but then you shouldn't have so many people who are only working for their own gain.
Always interesting to read on Thailand blog that the Netherlands is on the edge of the abyss. Maybe it's time for a Dutch blog for the Thais about the problems in the Netherlands. Many Thailand devotees look at the Netherlands through yellow / red colored glasses, while they are nice and comfortable in Thailand thanks to their Dutch state pension and pension. The reality is that many Thais would gladly trade their problems for ours. Although there is no squabbling about a pension agreement in Thailand, you have to admit that, they do have an oligarchic clique that has a stranglehold on the country. Democracy is worth Bht 500 in Thailand, about the price of a barfine.
Bram you forget 1 thing we paid for it for 41 years.. and paid so much money for it
and what do they do now? taking money..And bram we read the telegraph and watch Dutch TV
Yes, Thailand needs to catch up in all kinds of areas. But people are not innovative.
one copies everything. But please stick to the lesson. Unfortunately, the country is as corrupt as anything.
to get a higher job in police one has to pay 250.000 baht to superiors
Corruption is not easy to get rid of ... as long as people are not judged on education and quality.
One thing I have to admit to the Thai, people go out into the street easily
Please let's hope democracy wins and elections come Feb 2nd
and then starts talking about reforms
PS So I have about the price of a purchased vote, if that is not clear
Like I said..Bangkokpost is for suthep..the elite newspaper..now trying to save face..
Khope that the elections will take place on Feb. 2, because the Democrats have also decided to boycott the elections. Very simple you participate or else bad luck.
let's really hope the government doesn't bow to that bunch of miscreants.
Then they can sit in a corner and cry.
What I heard (from a Thai friend) quite a few streets will be blocked tomorrow by the yellow shirts. Warned that therefore the MRT and skytrain will be overcrowded due to this protest march. They expect about seven million people on the street (I have yet to see).
Will know more tomorrow although I won't venture to count
@ Elly How do you come to the conclusion that 7 million people are expected? The organization does not specify a target number. She has only calculated how many people can stand at the planned protest locations. That could be 1,87 million or 2,49 million. Correction: I just read in Breaking News that the organization expects 2 to 3 million people. That says the spokesperson for the PDRC.
The Bangkok Post apparently believes what they write themselves. ? Taksin family restrained?. I'm dying of laughter. In Thailand, the power belongs to him or her who pays the poorest bribes the highest. The country's population cherishes him or her who pays the most. That is the existing form of Thai deocracy. And the Family clan of Taksin has plenty of Baht. rebel
@rebell You should read the Bangkok Post comment carefully. The newspaper notes that the amnesty proposals as well as the proposal to amend the Senate have fallen. Thaksin grossly underestimated the social resistance against him. The newspaper bases the conclusion on this that Thaksin's influence has been curbed.
Dick, you also know that's not true. Everywhere in the country there are still many people for taksin.
It is the media that tells us this.?b.Bangkokpost and a number of TV channels. Were bought by the democrats. And since there is no rule here about how much of what can be broadcast, that is in the Netherlands.. So people abuse this. And they do nothing but swear at taksin all day long
A prime minister is not alone in the call. most decisions are still said to be approved by the royal family. only behind suthep are 6 very rich families who hate taksin.and abuse suthep.because it is incomprehensible that a government allows this.so there is more to it than we know.but the bangkokpost is playing a mean game.and the 5 tv channels.have never seen this before.5 channels openly swear at 1 family day and night.the only thing they haven't yet say is.. kill them . But for the rest .everything that is ugly
@ Monte What do you mean by '… is not true'? Bangkok Post does not deny that Thaksin is still popular in the country. That's not what this comment is about at all. The newspaper only notes that the amnesty proposals and the senate proposal (both from Thaksin's sleeve) have fallen and that the protest movement has succeeded in mobilizing tens, perhaps hundreds of thousands. Not only part of the population dies, but also the business community, the academia, retired army and police officers, and so on. The newspaper bases the conclusion that Thaksin has lost on this. It is therefore not about its popularity, especially in the North and Northeast of Thailand. It remains large.