Suthep: Thailand can’t be divided

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• ricefieldradio

  Discussion 8 : 04/11/2009 at 07:48 AM8

  Suthep must have either forgotten his Thai history from school or slept through class. Historically Thailand has never been a single state until quite recently in our history. He should check his historical facts before making such incorrect statements.

• Looking Inn

  Discussion 7 : 03/11/2009 at 03:09 PM7

  I say "No" to division. But how about granting the people in the South (and the rest of the Thai provinces) the same rights of autonomy, like electing their own governor and provincial and municipal admistrations, the same way that Bangkok and Chonburi can?
  
  The decentralization of political power is what is really worrying the Dems, the PAD, and their backers. They call it "autonomy" and "dividing up the country" to, once again, play the nationalism card.
  
  So Krungthep, why shouldn't the rest of the country elect their own governors? Why shouldn't every city have its own elected Municipal Administration? The "education" and "wealth" factors amongst its citizens certainly haven't immunized the BMA from corruption, or turned Pattaya into the highest, purest form of Thai spiritual idealism.
  
  What say the rest of the country gets their own chance to show you how to do it right?

• This Gusted

  Discussion 6 : 03/11/2009 at 01:32 PM6

  Without taking a position on the issue of 'dividing' Thailand - because I don't have a clear view of and opinion about it - I strongly disagree with K. Suthep's 'vision' that Thailand CANNOT be divided.
  
  If K. Suthep doesn't want Thailand to be divided, that's his point of view. History shows that 'single countries' (whatever they may be) CAN be divided. In Europe, Africa and eve in Asia.

• Barry

  Discussion 5 : 03/11/2009 at 12:35 PM5

  There they go again in Disc. #3.
  
  Samak, Somchai and now Chavalit are merely 'fronts' for Thaksin.
  
  This tired argument from the PAD just continues on and on. Anyone who opposes them are speaking for Thaksin.
  
  Shows their paranoid fear. They know that they do not represent the electoral majority of Thailand, and that Mr. Thaksin does.
  
  The Democracy Movement in Thailand is strong. After the next election they will be on the outside looking in - again. Just like it was before they used all their powerful friends to eject three democratically elected governments.
  
  Can they do it again?

• Guberal

  Discussion 4 : 03/11/2009 at 12:27 PM4

  At least the response of the Government to Chavalit is definitive coming from Prime Minister Suthep.
  
  These Chavalit initiatives throw a monkey wrench into the political landscape. Considering the Democrat Party is a narrow regional party from the South, Chavalit is messing around in their backyard.
  
  The political forces represented by Chavalit are already the vast electoral majority in Thailand, and to be asserting that representation to the south must be upsetting to those political forces that hoisted the Democrat Party into power.
  
  They must know that they cannot Govern without electoral legitimacy. But they keep trying. It takes more than just exercising their paranoia in pursuing Thaksin. It is a recipy for failure.

• AJW

  Discussion 3 : 03/11/2009 at 12:16 PM3

  since when has the Puea Thai Party or Khun Thaksin spock person Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyuth care about the public confusion or otherwise damaging the country

• surely you jest

  Discussion 2 : 03/11/2009 at 11:58 AM2

  While K. Suthep very kindly states that K. Chavalit is just trying to make suggestions we all know this just isn't true.
  Did K. Chavalit suddenly awaken to the revelation that Thailand should be divided and a Pattani state should be formed? Where was this idea during his two terms as Prime Minister -- maybe he just couldn't think about this.
  It is pretty much like a comic book now and we just are waiting for the old man's next comical chapter.
  I think K. Chavalit should try to enjoy his retirement. Better for him, better for the country and better for the people.

• Swedenfarang

  Discussion 1 : 03/11/2009 at 11:43 AM1

  It came a "thinking if" in Swedenfarangs head? What if the South begins to vote on Phuea Thai. If they take Cahvalits thinking about autonomous areas seriously. Muslims takes it as a promise if Phuea Thai wins the election.
  WHAT HAPPENED THEN?