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[kayo]

His Majesty is currently meeting with the "administrative reform group under democratic rule under his Majesty the King`s Rule" Group of military leaders.

Until this meeting, he probably didn`t know all that much himself.
I`m sure statements shall follow within little time.

Edited by kayo, 2006-09-20 06:11:34.

[sbk]

It is 6 am and HM the King is a 78 year old man probably kept up half the night dealing with this.  I have great faith in his ability to deal with any situation that affects Thai people.

Please lets not discuss HM the King or the royal family at this time as it is inappropriate

Wait until a more appropriate hour and I am sure everything will become clearer.

[britmaveric]

I'd have to agree I'd think under the gravity of the situation the King would make a statement to reassure the people and the world. Hopefully we will hear from the King soon. Hope everything is alright in that respect.

Edited by britmaveric, 2006-09-20 06:12:47.

[Charma]

TAWP, on 2006-09-20 00:30:09, said:

One could hope they adopted a constitution more like the american, but that will ofcourse never happend...

...but one can dream.

That will be the constitution that got George W elected the first time wouldn't it?

As for Thailand, any country that seems to bear a "casual" military coup which displaces an elected government, no matter how flawed, is a long way from any normal concept of freedom or democracy.  What makes anyone think that a general will be better for the people than Taxin?  This will set Thailand's hopes to be seen as a modern developed country back at least 10 years.  At the moment it's more like a banana republic!

[sbk]

According to the Australian

Quote

THAI Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra plans to leave the United States today after the military coup against him, said a senior Thai official, adding that his destination was not known.


The Thai military acted against Thaksin while he was at the UN General Assembly in New York and the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it was "not sure" whether Mr Thaksin would go back to Bangkok.

The leader still had an official plane at his disposal, said the official.

Mr Thaksin cancelled plans to address the opening of the UN General Assembly today. He was holed up at a New York hotel for much of the day as the coup went ahead in Bangkok.

Sounds like the US doesn't want another Marcos holed up in Hawaii

[britmaveric]

Hopefully won't end up the same as Pakistan or Burma.

[kayo]

Charma, on 2006-09-19 17:13:53, said:

TAWP, on 2006-09-20 00:30:09, said:

One could hope they adopted a constitution more like the american, but that will ofcourse never happend...

...but one can dream.

That will be the constitution that got George W elected the first time wouldn't it?

As for Thailand, any country that seems to bear a "casual" military coup which displaces an elected government, no matter how flawed, is a long way from any normal concept of freedom or democracy.  What makes anyone think that a general will be better for the people than Taxin?  This will set Thailand's hopes to be seen as a modern developed country back at least 10 years.  At the moment it's more like a banana republic!

Excuse me?! Why don`t you read the statements proper. Plus, whatever is being spewed right at this moment on thai tv.

The Generals are not in charge, technically. They are doing everything under the name of his majesty.


But everything that is coming out of the generals` mouths is implicitly stating a protection to the king and his kingdom, ie: his people. Go back to your own banana republic.

***edited by sbk****

[sbk]

Again, I must reiterate that it is inappropriate to discuss HM the King or his intentions at this point. Please lets wait for something direct.


Discussion of the royal family is inappropriate at this time.

[happy_viking]

korat not heard yet

[kayo]

Go Vikings!

Oh no.. sorry! I thought this was a sports thread...

  

edit: I`m desperatly looking for a little english flag I can click there, on yer link euh.. Viking...

Quote: Kungen Ana Bakom Kupp i Thailand... .

Allai Na?

You know, it`s been many years since last I visited Swedens hills and valleys... and she spoke good english.

Edited by kayo, 2006-09-20 06:35:46.

[Charma]

kayo, on 2006-09-20 00:20:06, said:

Charma, on 2006-09-19 17:13:53, said:

TAWP, on 2006-09-20 00:30:09, said:

One could hope they adopted a constitution more like the american, but that will ofcourse never happend...

...but one can dream.

That will be the constitution that got George W elected the first time wouldn't it?

As for Thailand, any country that seems to bear a "casual" military coup which displaces an elected government, no matter how flawed, is a long way from any normal concept of freedom or democracy.  What makes anyone think that a general will be better for the people than Taxin?  This will set Thailand's hopes to be seen as a modern developed country back at least 10 years.  At the moment it's more like a banana republic!

Excuse me?! Why don`t you read the statements proper. Plus, whatever is being spewed right at this moment on thai tv.

The Generals are not in charge, technically. They are doing everything under the name of his majesty.


But everything that is coming out of the generals` mouths is implicitly stating a protection to the king and his kingdom, ie: his people. Go back to your own banana republic.

***edited by sbk****

Ahh... sorry, so this is all normal then.  I guess the tanks were just for reassurance.  I see it all now; how silly of me.  Of course, many would like to have got all the info from the TV but they all seemed to develop some kind of fault at the crucial moment.  Believe me when I say, that from now on I will believe everything that comes out of the Generals' mouths.  After all TIT!

Maybe you have been in South America too long Kayo

[merlin1]

Charma, on 2006-09-19 19:13:53, said:

TAWP, on 2006-09-20 00:30:09, said:

One could hope they adopted a constitution more like the american, but that will ofcourse never happend...

...but one can dream.

That will be the constitution that got George W elected the first time wouldn't it?

As for Thailand, any country that seems to bear a "casual" military coup which displaces an elected government, no matter how flawed, is a long way from any normal concept of freedom or democracy.  What makes anyone think that a general will be better for the people than Taxin?  This will set Thailand's hopes to be seen as a modern developed country back at least 10 years.  At the moment it's more like a banana republic!

I think you're overreacting.  Thai democracy is real but not quite  at the same level as the West.  It's not a the higher stage of say, Japan.   But look at S Korea.  They have had problems such as this as recently as the late 80s.  

This coup is a good thing for Thailand.  The problem with Thai democracy is that the civil society is too weak.  That is one reason why Thaksin could get away with so much without any checks and balances.   The press couldn't bring enough pressure upon him -- no one could.  That's the result of a single party being able to form a govt.  That had never happened in the history of Thai politics. It had always been coalitions before that.  Not only a single party, but a party led by the richest man in the country.  That was a recipe for abuse of power and that is exactly what happened.  

I think this coup was a case of one step back in order to move two steps forward down the line.  They had to get rid of him because too many traditional elites were being kept out of their rightful places at the trough.  You can't expect that kind of situation to continue indefinitely.   Their was a political stalemate all year with no way out as long as Thaksin remained on the scene.  He had to go.

The people in power know they have to start all over again and try to get it right.  So writing a new constitution will be the first step.

Don't fear this coup -  cheer for it.   There may be some uncertainty down the road but it will have been necessary.

[britmaveric]

kayo, on 2006-09-20 06:20:06, said:

Charma, on 2006-09-19 17:13:53, said:

TAWP, on 2006-09-20 00:30:09, said:

One could hope they adopted a constitution more like the american, but that will ofcourse never happend...

...but one can dream.

That will be the constitution that got George W elected the first time wouldn't it?

As for Thailand, any country that seems to bear a "casual" military coup which displaces an elected government, no matter how flawed, is a long way from any normal concept of freedom or democracy.  What makes anyone think that a general will be better for the people than Taxin?  This will set Thailand's hopes to be seen as a modern developed country back at least 10 years.  At the moment it's more like a banana republic!

Excuse me?! Why don`t you read the statements proper. Plus, whatever is being spewed right at this moment on thai tv.

The Generals are not in charge, technically. They are doing everything under the name of his majesty.


But everything that is coming out of the generals` mouths is implicitly stating a protection to the king and his kingdom, ie: his people. Go back to your own banana republic.

***edited by sbk****

Kayo not to be flippant, but first thing I would do if I was throwing a coup would cut off all media and make sure the word is out that this action is with full support of the monarch - whether it was true or not - lends needed legitimacy.

[scratt]

Well said, merlin1. You saved me posting.

[nikster]

Charma, on 2006-09-20 06:13:53, said:

TAWP, on 2006-09-20 00:30:09, said:

One could hope they adopted a constitution more like the american, but that will ofcourse never happend...

...but one can dream.

That will be the constitution that got George W elected the first time wouldn't it?

As for Thailand, any country that seems to bear a "casual" military coup which displaces an elected government, no matter how flawed, is a long way from any normal concept of freedom or democracy.  What makes anyone think that a general will be better for the people than Taxin?  This will set Thailand's hopes to be seen as a modern developed country back at least 10 years.  At the moment it's more like a banana republic!

Let's face it, Thailand is not a stable democracy, and never has been. When I first got here a Thai girl told me Thailand was a "democrazy" and that's a more accurate description.

It takes time to build a strong democracy. Thaksin was the most stable democratically elected leader _ever_ in Thailand, remember that. Yet, the man himself had absolutely no respect for democratic principles or the rule of the law - he was a power guy, gunning down "drug suspects" for political ends. He usurped democracy by simply buying out and or threatening political enemies until there were none left. Live by the sword, die by the sword.

Democracy isn't that easy... also, I don't know what would happen in another country - say the president of the U.S.A. goes nuts - there are mechanisms in place that will stop him. He will be impeached etc. If Thailand had a strong judiciary system, that would have happened to Thaksin a long time ago.

merlin: xactly.

Edited by nikster, 2006-09-20 07:01:05.

[kayo]

Charma, on 2006-09-19 17:34:24, said:

Ahh... sorry, so this is all normal then.  I guess the tanks were just for reassurance.  I see it all now; how silly of me.  Of course, many would like to have got all the info from the TV but they all seemed to develop some kind of fault at the crucial moment.  Believe me when I say, that from now on I will believe everything that comes out of the Generals' mouths.  After all TIT!

Maybe you have been in South America too long Kayo

Yep, that I have...   

I`m leaving in ten days though!    

yeah, You are right.
To an extent.

What i can state more clearly now is this:

there has been no grab for power as such, as YET! And lord forbid there will be one.
this is not a situation that I feel should be compared to past instances, like those of the nineties.

I think it should be best observed for a little while, and see what happens.

In my post, I was avoiding stating what I felt, in that, I HOPE it is all being done for the right reasons. To Oust a Megalomaniac out of power.

Now, perhaps this is not so democratic as some other nations, but good god man, I wish the U.S, for example, would have done the same witht he baboon they have now, for example.
It would NOT diminish my respect for democracy one bit.

If it be for the right reasons.

[romulus]

I just heard that Gen Sondhi was appointed because being a muslim, he would be better able to deal with the unrest in the South... Now he's taken over the country... News from other parts (Australia, Singapore?) advises foreigners to stay indoors.

Did I hear someone say the Islamic radicals want to take over the world?

Pray for peace as this has great potential to become really ugly...

[kayo]

britmaveric, on 2006-09-19 17:37:26, said:

Kayo not to be flippant, but first thing I would do if I was throwing a coup would cut off all media and make sure the word is out that this action is with full support of the monarch - whether it was true or not - lends needed legitimacy.

Aye fair enough... I was just busy typing the following.

I`ve backed off you see...
Good Klown... Give the Klown a Bone!!    

Charma, on 2006-09-19 17:34:24, said:

Ahh... sorry, so this is all normal then.  I guess the tanks were just for reassurance.  I see it all now; how silly of me.  Of course, many would like to have got all the info from the TV but they all seemed to develop some kind of fault at the crucial moment.  Believe me when I say, that from now on I will believe everything that comes out of the Generals' mouths.  After all TIT!

Maybe you have been in South America too long Kayo

Yep, that I have...   

I`m leaving in ten days though!    

yeah, You are right.
To an extent.

What i can state more clearly now is this:

there has been no grab for power as such, as YET! And lord forbid there will be one.
this is not a situation that I feel should be compared to past instances, like those of the nineties.

I think it should be best observed for a little while, and see what happens.

In my post, I was avoiding stating what I felt, in that, I HOPE it is all being done for the right reasons. To Oust a Megalomaniac out of power.

Now, perhaps this is not so democratic as some other nations, but good god man, I wish the U.S, for example, would have done the same witht he baboon they have now, for example.
It would NOT diminish my respect for democracy one bit.

If it be for the right reasons.

Edited by kayo, 2006-09-20 06:48:55.

[udon]

I doubt if you will hear any statements from the palace in the next 48 hours.

[Charma]

Believe me, I am not here to defend Taxin.  But I do find it utterly amazing how many people seem to think that a military coup is a good idea.  It takes a very long time for a country to establish credibility with the international community, and Thailand had made great strides over the past ten years in doing just that.  Yes there are many problems, but to suggest that the a military take-over and a bunch of promises from generals is the best way to resolve the issue is horses**t.

I am not just saying this in comparison to western democracies.  This looks bad stacked up against most Asian systems too.

I sincerely hope that democracy is restored as soon as possible.  I just wonder what will happen when the next government does not meet the requirements in certain quarters.  I am sure the generals will have a solution though!

[britmaveric]

The Coup govt says Thaskin can return and participate in the upcoming elections. What if TRT wins again???

[Plus]

They really say that, Brit? I think they prepared a nice cell for him - all his men were arrested or fleed the country.

Sudarat's left for France, Thammarak reportedly escaped, Supreme Commander (not the army chief) was arrested, Chidchai, Thaksin's First Deputy PM in charge of the country in his absense arrested, Channel 9 head Mingkwan arrested. Maybe there are more. Or, that Dusit, Samak's friend was also arrested.

Will see a major clean up in coming days.

That brings us to the most important question - what next. They can't let all those crooks from TRT to stand the election. They can't suspend Constitution indefinitely.

One thing I'm almost sure of - Suvarnabhumi will be delayed.

[merlin1]

britmaveric, on 2006-09-19 19:49:57, said:

The Coup govt says Thaskin can return and participate in the upcoming elections. What if TRT wins again???

That is bad news.  Very bizarre.   It will only start the acrimony all over again.  I am predicting a protracted period of uncertainty however, so that would explain why.  

The thing is TRT is popular.  It should be allowed to continue, although Thaksin should be run out of town on a rail.

[merlin1]

Charma, on 2006-09-19 19:47:26, said:

Believe me, I am not here to defend Taxin.  But I do find it utterly amazing how many people seem to think that a military coup is a good idea.  It takes a very long time for a country to establish credibility with the international community, and Thailand had made great strides over the past ten years in doing just that.  Yes there are many problems, but to suggest that the a military take-over and a bunch of promises from generals is the best way to resolve the issue is horses**t.

I am not just saying this in comparison to western democracies.  This looks bad stacked up against most Asian systems too.

I sincerely hope that democracy is restored as soon as possible.  I just wonder what will happen when the next government does not meet the requirements in certain quarters.  I am sure the generals will have a solution though!

It may look bad but it's necessary.  Thaksin's autocracy revealed the weaknesses of the Thai constitution.  It has to be done over.

I don't think much of world cares about interregnums like this.  There is a commitment to democracy that isn't going away.  THailand isnt' the Philippines under Marcos of Burma under SLORC.

[Jai Dee]

Martial law has been imposed across Thailand

The Army Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), the head of the Administrative Reform Committee under the Constitutional Monarchy, has imposed martial law across Thailand.

Gen. Sonthi cancelled the emergency situation in Bangkok declared earlier by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The committee seized power from the government yesterday.  

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 September 2006