Monday, September 8, 2008

Shoot me down in flames (please!)

THE SOLUTION IS SIMPLE

Why is no one else talking about working towards a new 'peoples' constitution as a way to resolve the crisis?

The the junta imposed their own constitution (to overcome perceived and actual deficiencies of the 1997 version), now the PPP want to impose their own amendments.

If the government truly wanted to move forward (instead of just victory), they would be trying to open up the constitution amendments to a consultative process.

Let the political parties have their say, all the pressure groups (including the PAD) can make submissions, and if consensus cannot be reached on some contentious items, let the people decide via a referendum.

The government should not give in to the PAD, but they also have a responsibility to try to move the country forward.

By agreeing to such a process the government would not be giving in to mob rule, but they would be giving the PAD an incentive to go home (and if they don't go the government gets sufficient justification to make them go).

They would also be helping to rebuild the country, and making it much harder for future coups & more imposed constitutions.
(and at the end of the day they just might get the constitution they want and need, anyway)


UPDATE 2:
Samak stood down over Cooking Show.

A sensible Samak/PPP/Coalition (wishful thinking!) would use this constitutional court case as an example of why the 2007 constitution is flawed.

They could then open up the constitution amendment process to consultation as a way of diffusing the current standoff.

For all those supporting Samaks re-appointment, please consider what it says about PPP and it’s coalition partners if they reappoint as PM a person who has been stood down in these circumstances (including possible covering up evidence?) and such person is also subject to further court actions.

Are they worried people will run out of reasons to protest against them?

UPDATE 1:
Occasional Poster over at Bangkok Pundit's site provides a good summary of the situation:
"I can only conclude that violence is what both sides want in a vicious power struggle to totally control Thailand inc. for their own utterly personal ends while throwing around some vague notions of democracy that none of them fully support."