Dems attack 'failing' govt

News > Politics

Opposition says first-year aims have not been met

Published: 20 Aug 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The opposition Democrat Party has launched a broadside against the Pheu Thai-led government, labelling its first year in office a failure on several fronts.

The Democrats say the government has largely failed to deliver on its election promises, especially on energy policies, one year into its tenure.

Democrat list MP and shadow deputy prime minister Kiat Sitthi-amorn and Buranaj Smutharaks, head of the party's centre monitoring the government policies and corruption, head the critical campaign.

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banmebkk
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Discussion 30 : 23 Aug 2012 at 11.4130
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Is there any policy started by the PTP that is not in the red?
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brilliant
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Discussion 29 : 21 Aug 2012 at 02.0629
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jib - "I'm strongly against market distorting subsidies, whether it be for fuel or rice or anything else (ie I'm criticizing both sides)."

That's one point that I will gladly agree with you on.
As far as the rest, the red shirts, etc. constantly criticized Dems when they were in office also. It appears that whether PTP/Dems/UDD or Republicans vs. Democrats in the U.S., it has become more important to just criticize than what the content or merit of the criticism is.
Of course, I do believe that PTP has failed on a lot of fronts while in office. Most notably, their fight against corruption and the hugely corrupt rice scheme.
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johninbkk
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Discussion 28 : 21 Aug 2012 at 01.4428
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brilliant 27 - "are you saying that the Dems and PTP are the different sides of the same leaf?"
In some cases, yes.

"You constantly criticize the Dems and then defend PTP by saying they are doing the same thing Dems did."
No, just pointing out that the Dems criticisms are contradictory with not just what they said earlier, but their own actions when they were in government. I'm strongly against market distorting subsidies, whether it be for fuel or rice or anything else (ie I'm criticizing both sides).
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brilliant
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Discussion 27 : 20 Aug 2012 at 22.1327
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So, johninbkk, are you saying that the Dems and PTP are the different sides of the same leaf? You constantly criticize the Dems and then defend PTP by saying they are doing the same thing Dems did. So according to you, two wrongs make a right? Or if someone else did something, it makes it okay for you?
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johninbkk
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Discussion 26 : 20 Aug 2012 at 21.0226
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brilliant 2 - "they didn't give away billions and billions of baht in rice schemes"
No, but they gave out billions and billions to the military and to other populist schemes.

"didn't have the largest budget in Thai history"
The Dem budgets *were* the largest in Thai history for their time.

"didn't cause the massive flooding of Bangkok"
The Minister in charge of the dams was directly appointed by AV.

"didn't spend all their time trying to get a fugitive back over any other activity."
Actually, they did. And still are.
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johninbkk
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Discussion 25 : 20 Aug 2012 at 20.5825
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bikeme D8 - "however the new PTP minster in charge ordered them to maintain the high levels"
There was no new PTP Minister. PTP retained the same Minister who was appointed by AV two years earlier. Are you saying AV appointed an incompetent minister?

"the klongs of Bangkok didn't magically fill with silt during the DEMS time in office"
FYI, the Dems have controlled the BKK governorship for 10 years.
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smiles999
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Discussion 24 : 20 Aug 2012 at 17.4124
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Nothing to complain against the Democrats, they are the Opposition; it looks like they see no alternate to this either. They seem to be opposing anything and everything, as if they are trying to please and appease someone, not realizing that the rules and the conditions for engagement have changed. They are stuck, and will never be a ruling party, at this rate. It is high time they realize that democratic norms and values were ruptured in the post-coup period, and their co-operation is vital for reforms and changes. The Democrats will be vital to move the country to the next level.
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Ope
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Discussion 23 : 20 Aug 2012 at 17.1323
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I've done a little reading about the Abhisit Democrat government, to say the least it is not impressive nor inspirational. They appear to me to be weak and not totally con-formative with what is required as a countries leader. I understand why they lost the election and will probably never get voted for again, simply because they do not convey confidence.
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khunbill
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Discussion 22 : 20 Aug 2012 at 16.4122
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What is this "looks more like losers" headline. Wasn't it the Dems that lost the elections. Enought said.
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khunbill
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Discussion 21 : 20 Aug 2012 at 16.3221
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What is this headline "looks more like losers"? Wasn't it the Dems that lost the elections? Enough said
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Dems attack 'failing' govt | Bangkok Post: news