Thailand’s government in self induced crisis

Thailand’s ruling party The People Power Party (PPP) once again finds itself in a state of self induced crisis. This group of apparently slow learners has not yet learned from similar past mistakes. However in this case, this mistake appears to be fatal.

The PPP once again is facing a crisis that could put it out of power. The PPP is essentially run by deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra via proxy. In recent days there have been a series of major setbacks and half one battles. It does not take much to see that Thaksin is very upset with all of this. His dropping out of sight of the media is a clear sign that he is in damage control mode. In no particular order, the list of problems for Thaksin and the PPP is as follows.

  • Three of Thaksin’s defense lawyers have been sent to jail for 6 months for attempting to bribe the court with 2,000,000 Baht.  (Thaksin)
  • Thaksin has been grounded by the court and can not leave Thailand until the completion of his first trial. However if found guilty there is no appeal and most certainly Thaksin would face significant jail time ending his career in politics. (Thaksin)
  • The PPP faced a censure debate and a no confidence vote. However they voted themselves as passed the debate as they held a majority. (PPP)
  • Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej paid great disrespect to the senate with their query into government doings. Samak only stayed about 1 hour in what was to be an all day grilling. (PPP)
  • Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama was found to have violated the constitution by signing documents with Cambodia over the Preah Vihear Temple. The cabinet supported Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama prior to the court ruling it was not constitutional. As a result the entire cabinet faces impeachment. (PPP)
  • The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Election Commission to give a red card against Yongyuth Tiyapairat, former Parliament president and former deputy leader of the People Power Party. This opens the door to start dissolving the PPP for election fraud. (PPP)

Prior to taking office the PPP also hurt itself. They essentially were given enough rope to hang themselves and they did that flawlessly. However for whatever reason they managed to survive. In this case it is no different except survival dose not seem to be the projected outcome. The arrogant and we can do whatever we want attitude has once again come full circle and bit them in the ass.

This particular group of people that are Thaksin cronies and also call themselves the PPP can be best described as a ‘Male breast feeding pump’. You can buy it but it is completely useless to everyone except the person who pocketed your money.

However in all this darkness about this government, there is a bright side. They certainly do provide ample material for bloggers and journalists to write about. Thailand’s tourism catch phrase “Amazing Thailand” tends to sum it up well.


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