Boonlert and his mission impossible

Published: 20 Nov 2012 at 12.49
Online news: Opinion

Emotions are running high as Pitak Siam's anti-government rally draws near, with pro and anti-government leaders stepping up their rhetoric. For those still undecided about joining the rally, they should ask themselves whether they are willing to be led by a leader with outlandish political ideas.

The much-publicised Pitak Siam rally against the government is only four days away and emotions are already running high to the point of paranoia among red-shirt leaders as they order their people to be on “standby in their barracks”.

Even the “Man in Dubai” is so jumpy about the Pitak Siam protest that he can no longer hide his deep-seated mistrust of the amataya (elite) whom he suspects of being behind the protest and the conspiracy to overthrow the government. Addressing a red-shirt rally in Samut Prakan last weekend in a video phone-in from Dubai, he questioned why Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, president of the Privy Council, didn’t stop his former aide, Adm Jun Tamprateep, from joining the protest.

By the same token, opponents of Thaksin might ask the same question. Why didn’t he stop the Palang Prachachon Party (predecessor of the Pheu Thai Party) executive members, including former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, from joining the red-shirt protest at Ratchaprasong shopping district two years ago?

My answer is that they are all grown-up men and mature enough to make their own decisions about whether to join or not to join a protest. After all, it is their constitutional right to free expression.

Besides those who hate Thaksin and the government and who are expected to join Saturday's rally, I believe that there are many others who, despite their opposition to the fugitive former prime minister and the government, are hesitant to join for different reasons.

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facts_only
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Discussion 32 : 21 Nov 2012 at 01.4232
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drsmith 29, "citizens of Thailand were bringing flowers and food to the soldiers."

"Nearly 100 people staged the first civilian protest against the coup last night, calling it illegitimate and a violation of Thai democracy...Protesters held small banners which read "No to Thaksin. No to coup", "Don't call it reform - it's a coup"...police had recorded the protest on video and would examine the tape to see if protesters had broken martial law forbidding an assembly of more than five people for political purposes." - TN, Sept 23, 2006
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loong
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Discussion 31 : 21 Nov 2012 at 00.5131
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drsmith disc 29: Right on! Peaceful demonstration by people who fed up with their government is the best choice of expression to let the government know that they don't like the way the government runs.

Bangon, Disc 20: There is no honest elections in Thailand in the past, corruptions and nepotism will bring down this current government. Most Thais afraid to stand up for their right, that is why corruption is acceptable in Thailand!
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nns
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Discussion 30 : 21 Nov 2012 at 00.4130
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Many people fail to link the mess that we're in with the coup of 2006. As much as I despise Thaksin then and now, It was obvious to me even then that the manner that he was removed from power would have grave consequences. Now, six year later, the country is still reeling with no real hope for resolution in sight. And some people are actually talking about another coup? Simply incredible. Just because many cheered the last coup as it happened only showed that most people just don't have the necessary foresight. Also, I cringe every time I hear about corruption. The whole culture of larceny and impunity is what need to be addressed first.
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drsmith
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Discussion 29 : 20 Nov 2012 at 23.4529
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Did you live in Thailand during the coup in 2006? Military dictatorship? In my area the citizens of Thailand were bringing flowers and food to the soldiers. It was peaceful,no shots fired and nothing burned down. People hear the word coup and they associate this word with a violent overthrow of the government. This was simply not the case. In any Democracy, there has to be a system of checks and balances against gov't abuse. Duly elected or not, does not give the govt the right to break the law. When the govt corruption is out of control and convicts are running the country and elected as ministers, there has to be checks & balances
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wvavin
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Discussion 28 : 20 Nov 2012 at 22.4928
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The best solution for Thailand is to hire contractors to govern and account check by UN. The reason is because any local goes up there is corrupted!
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facts_only
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Discussion 27 : 20 Nov 2012 at 22.3727
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"I have never seen a good politician. Soldiers are needed to take care of the country." - Gen Boonlert, Oct 31, 2012

"A military dictatorship is a form of government wherein the political power resides with the military. It is similar but not identical to a stratocracy, a state ruled directly by the military. Like any dictatorship, a military dictatorship may be official or unofficial, and as a result may not actually qualify as stratocratic. Mixed forms also exist, where the military exerts a very strong influence without being entirely dominant." - Wikipedia
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android
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Discussion 26 : 20 Nov 2012 at 22.0426
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Discussion 15 bangon : it is the constitution that authorizes the majority in parliament that won the 2011 general election to form the legitimate government and rule the country for a 4 years term. The constitution does allow the minority in parliament to voice out their opposing opinions but of course the final decision rests with the voting of all MPs. The minority is obliged to follow the decision made by the majority. So your acusation of "the government aimed to rule in favour of only the majority" is not established.
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genii
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Discussion 25 : 20 Nov 2012 at 21.5025
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It will be interesting how many times we hear these protestors call for a new election. They want the government to be removed by the courts or force but will never ask for elections. WHY !!!!!!!!!!! Protest are good from time to time but remember the government belongs to the majority therefore any removal other than elections would be unlawful. When the coup makers or judicals have more power than the majority allowing them to overthrow an elected government then there is no democracy.
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bluebkk
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Discussion 24 : 20 Nov 2012 at 21.2224
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Khun Veera... it does not matter who is the organizer.... every single taxpayer, every law abiding citizen every anti corruption feeling Thai should be there to oppose this farce of government led by a convicted criminal on the run... And these are facts only, nothing more , nothing less
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peterd
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Discussion 23 : 20 Nov 2012 at 21.2123
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#10... And it's Boonlert/sects and co that put this "technocrat" to replace an elected Gvt and freeze the Country for 5 years. To be honest is really subjective and technocrat is not really glorious. In Europa we complain a lot against the "technocrats".
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