Misplaced Pages

People's Democratic Reform Committee: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 12:16, 16 May 2014 editBiglobster (talk | contribs)187 edits swap wording position.← Previous edit Revision as of 12:28, 16 May 2014 edit undoBiglobster (talk | contribs)187 edits →Formation and Role in 2013-14 Political Crisis: remove "critcized" and lengthy description of 2007 referendum and drafting process. Unrelated to the crisis and PDRC.Next edit →
Line 51: Line 51:
After three consecutive election victories for various Thaksin-backed political parties, the newly formed People's Democratic Reform Committee, a coalition of yellow-shirt groups that loathe the ruling Pheu Thai party decide to take their fight to the streets of Bangkok.<ref>{{cite web|title=Thailand opposition to protest amnesty bill|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24723316|work=BBC News|accessdate=13 January 2014}}</ref> The object of their ire is a proposed amnesty bill aimed to reconcile differences between both groups that would have pardoned Thai politicians ], ] over murder charges.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ex-Thai PM Abhisit and Former Deputy Charged With Murder|url=http://world.time.com/2013/10/29/ex-thai-pm-abhisit-and-former-deupty-charged-with-murder/|accessdate=16 January 2014|newspaper=Time|date=29 October 2013}}</ref> However, protesters believe that it could be a backdoor attempt to allow ] to return home after a self-imposed exile without facing a corruption conviction.<ref name=senators_discuss_bill>{{cite news|title=Protests as Thailand senators debate amnesty bill|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/11/thailand-protests-amnesty-bill|accessdate=13 January 2014|newspaper=The Guardian|date=11 November 2013}}</ref> After opposition from both the ] and parts of the pro-government ] the bill was rejected unanimously by the ] on 11 November.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thailand: anti-Thaksin protesters set new targets after amnesty bill defeat|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/12/thailand-anti-thaksin-protesters-amnesty-bill-defeat|accessdate=13 January 2014|newspaper=The Guardian|date=12 November 2013}}</ref> After three consecutive election victories for various Thaksin-backed political parties, the newly formed People's Democratic Reform Committee, a coalition of yellow-shirt groups that loathe the ruling Pheu Thai party decide to take their fight to the streets of Bangkok.<ref>{{cite web|title=Thailand opposition to protest amnesty bill|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24723316|work=BBC News|accessdate=13 January 2014}}</ref> The object of their ire is a proposed amnesty bill aimed to reconcile differences between both groups that would have pardoned Thai politicians ], ] over murder charges.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ex-Thai PM Abhisit and Former Deputy Charged With Murder|url=http://world.time.com/2013/10/29/ex-thai-pm-abhisit-and-former-deupty-charged-with-murder/|accessdate=16 January 2014|newspaper=Time|date=29 October 2013}}</ref> However, protesters believe that it could be a backdoor attempt to allow ] to return home after a self-imposed exile without facing a corruption conviction.<ref name=senators_discuss_bill>{{cite news|title=Protests as Thailand senators debate amnesty bill|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/11/thailand-protests-amnesty-bill|accessdate=13 January 2014|newspaper=The Guardian|date=11 November 2013}}</ref> After opposition from both the ] and parts of the pro-government ] the bill was rejected unanimously by the ] on 11 November.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thailand: anti-Thaksin protesters set new targets after amnesty bill defeat|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/12/thailand-anti-thaksin-protesters-amnesty-bill-defeat|accessdate=13 January 2014|newspaper=The Guardian|date=12 November 2013}}</ref>


On 20 November the ] ruled that a government-proposed amendment to the criticized (yet accepted through formal national referendum process, after the junta passed a law that made criticism of the draft and opposition to the constitutional referendum a criminal act and threatened that a "No" would result in indefinite military rule <ref>{{cite news|title=Thailand on Spin Cycle|url=http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/thailand-on-spin-cycle/|accessdate=26 March 2014|newspaper=Asian sentinels|date=11 July 2007}}</ref> ) ] that would have made the Senate a fully elected body was invalid.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ungpakorn|first=Giles|title=The 19th August Constitutional Referendum Process is Undemocratic|url=http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/149|work=Prachatai English|accessdate=13 January 2014}}</ref><ref name="court_rejects_amendments">{{cite news|title=Thailand Constitutional Court rejects Senate amendments|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24997184|accessdate=12 January 2014|newspaper=BBC News|date=20 November 2013}}</ref> On 20 November the ] ruled that a government-proposed amendment to the ] that would have made the Senate a fully elected body was invalid.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ungpakorn|first=Giles|title=The 19th August Constitutional Referendum Process is Undemocratic|url=http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/149|work=Prachatai English|accessdate=13 January 2014}}</ref><ref name="court_rejects_amendments">{{cite news|title=Thailand Constitutional Court rejects Senate amendments|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24997184|accessdate=12 January 2014|newspaper=BBC News|date=20 November 2013}}</ref>
Prime Minister Yingluck dissolved the Thai parliament following the recommencement of protests and announced a new election in accordance with the Thai constitution. ] states that elections must be held 45 to 60 days from the date that parliament is dissolved. The People's Democratic Reform Committee opposed the election announcement and stated that it would boycott the process. Prime Minister Yingluck dissolved the Thai parliament following the recommencement of protests and announced a new election in accordance with the Thai constitution. The constitution states that elections must be held 45 to 60 days from the date that parliament is dissolved. The People's Democratic Reform Committee opposed the election announcement and stated that it would boycott the process.


Despite the private sector,<ref>{{cite news|title=Business wants executive decree on reform|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/386323/reform-findings-should-be-binding-on-next-government-says-private-sector|accessdate=19 January 2014|newspaper=Bangkok Post|date=23 December 2013}}</ref> military<ref>{{cite news|last=James|first=Hookway|title=Thailand's Army Tries On Role of Peacemaker|url=http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304173704579259664187817446|accessdate=19 January 2014|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=15 December 2013}}</ref> and caretaker government<ref>{{cite news|title=Suthep rejects proposed talk on election postponement|url=http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/suthep-rejects-proposed-talk-election-postponement/|accessdate=19 January 2014|newspaper=Thai PBS|date=13 January 2014}}</ref> attempt to find a solution to the crisis, The PDRC leader said he would not negotiate with the government or the military or any mediator but he would fight until the people achieve PDRC's goal to have a royally appointed people council to conduct reform before the election to eradicate the "Thaksin regime".<ref>{{cite news|last=Carlos|first=Sardina Galache|title=No end in sight to Thailand turmoil|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/01/no-end-sight-thailand-turmoil-2014116114546816134.html|accessdate=19 January 2014|newspaper=Aljazeera|date=17 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Amy|first=Sawitta Lefevre, Reuters|title='People cannot negotiate': Anti-government protesters threaten to shut down Bangkok|url=http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2014/01/12/22280063-people-cannot-negotiate-anti-government-protesters-threaten-to-shut-down-bangkok?lite|accessdate=19 January 2014|newspaper=NBC News|date=12 January 2014}}</ref> Despite the private sector,<ref>{{cite news|title=Business wants executive decree on reform|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/386323/reform-findings-should-be-binding-on-next-government-says-private-sector|accessdate=19 January 2014|newspaper=Bangkok Post|date=23 December 2013}}</ref> military<ref>{{cite news|last=James|first=Hookway|title=Thailand's Army Tries On Role of Peacemaker|url=http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304173704579259664187817446|accessdate=19 January 2014|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=15 December 2013}}</ref> and caretaker government<ref>{{cite news|title=Suthep rejects proposed talk on election postponement|url=http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/suthep-rejects-proposed-talk-election-postponement/|accessdate=19 January 2014|newspaper=Thai PBS|date=13 January 2014}}</ref> attempt to find a solution to the crisis, The PDRC leader said he would not negotiate with the government or the military or any mediator but he would fight until the people achieve PDRC's goal to have a royally appointed people council to conduct reform before the election to eradicate the "Thaksin regime".<ref>{{cite news|last=Carlos|first=Sardina Galache|title=No end in sight to Thailand turmoil|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/01/no-end-sight-thailand-turmoil-2014116114546816134.html|accessdate=19 January 2014|newspaper=Aljazeera|date=17 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Amy|first=Sawitta Lefevre, Reuters|title='People cannot negotiate': Anti-government protesters threaten to shut down Bangkok|url=http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2014/01/12/22280063-people-cannot-negotiate-anti-government-protesters-threaten-to-shut-down-bangkok?lite|accessdate=19 January 2014|newspaper=NBC News|date=12 January 2014}}</ref>

Revision as of 12:28, 16 May 2014

People's Democratic Reform Committee
AbbreviationPDRC
FormationOctober 29, 2013 (2013-10-29)
Legal statusActive
PurposeRemoval of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's influence on Thai politics
Political reform (before election)
Location
Region served Thailand
Membership
  • former members of the the Democrat Party
  • Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NPRST)
  • The PAD rebranded as the "People's Movement to Overthrow the Thaksin Regime" (Pefot)
  • Dharma Army
Secretary-GeneralSuthep Thaugsuban
Budget>10 million Thai Baht daily (January 2014 estimate)

The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) or People's Committee for Absolute Democracy with the King as Head of State (Template:Lang-th, กปปส.) is an umbrella political pressure group in Thailand, aimed at removing the influence of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra from Thai politics and achieve political reforms by an unelected 'People's Council'. The group has played a leading role in the 2013–14 Thai political crisis, organising large-scale protests within Bangkok.

The group was formed on 29 November 2013 by protest leader and former Democrat Party MP Suthep Thaugsuban, who appointed himself as secretary-general. The movement is supported by various organisations including the Democrat Party, the People's Alliance for Democracy (a coalition of opposition to Thaksin), student activist groups, state worker's unions, pro-military groups. The PDRC's support stems mostly from affluent Bangkokians and Southerners. Whistle-blowing is a central symbol of the protests.

By accusing the government of lacking any legitimacy, protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban announced the intention of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee to take back sovereign power from the government to the people who will proceed with national reform through a non elected royalist council to said Suthep "eradicate" what he call the "Thaksin regime". "Acting as a legislative body, the council will amend laws and regulations, as well as carry out a reform plan in the country" Suthep Thaugsuban said. He also explained the council would have 400 members, 300 of whom will be representatives from various professions. The remaining 100 will be selected by the PDRC from scholars and well-respected senior citizens.

The PDRC ultimate goal is to have the prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to resign as the caretaker head of government in order to allow a power vacuum then invoke article 3 of the 2007 Constitution:" The sovereign power belongs to the Thai people. The King as Head of the State shall exercise such power through the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers and the Courts in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution" and article 7 which says "that when no part of the document seems to apply to the situation, the country should follow conventional democratic practice". Since the country has been ruled by appointed prime ministers before, this would allow the head of the senate to appoint a new premier.

Formation and Role in 2013-14 Political Crisis

Main article: 2013–14 Thai political crisis

Thai politics has been characterized by shows of popular force; mass yellow-shirt protests immediately preceded the 2006 coup, and a red-shirt rally that engulfed central Bangkok in 2010 was violently crushed with more than 80 civilians killed and around 2,000 injured. After three consecutive election victories for various Thaksin-backed political parties, the newly formed People's Democratic Reform Committee, a coalition of yellow-shirt groups that loathe the ruling Pheu Thai party decide to take their fight to the streets of Bangkok. The object of their ire is a proposed amnesty bill aimed to reconcile differences between both groups that would have pardoned Thai politicians Abhisit Vejjajiva, Suthep Thaugsuban over murder charges. However, protesters believe that it could be a backdoor attempt to allow Thaksin Shinawatra to return home after a self-imposed exile without facing a corruption conviction. After opposition from both the Democrat Party and parts of the pro-government Red Shirt movement the bill was rejected unanimously by the Senate of Thailand on 11 November.

On 20 November the Constitutional Court ruled that a government-proposed amendment to the 2007 constitution that would have made the Senate a fully elected body was invalid. Prime Minister Yingluck dissolved the Thai parliament following the recommencement of protests and announced a new election in accordance with the Thai constitution. The constitution states that elections must be held 45 to 60 days from the date that parliament is dissolved. The People's Democratic Reform Committee opposed the election announcement and stated that it would boycott the process.

Despite the private sector, military and caretaker government attempt to find a solution to the crisis, The PDRC leader said he would not negotiate with the government or the military or any mediator but he would fight until the people achieve PDRC's goal to have a royally appointed people council to conduct reform before the election to eradicate the "Thaksin regime".

Affiliated organisations

  • The Democrat Party, conservative and royalist backed by the military and most of the Bangkok-based elite with also strong support in south Thailand.
  • Some members of the royal family. Notably, Princess Chulabhorn
  • The Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), the PDRC hardline faction under the leadership of Nithithorn Lamleua and Uthai Yodmanee.
  • The People’s Alliance for Democracy or "Yellow shirt" rebranded as the “People’s Movement to Overthrow the Thaksin Regime” (Pefot). The PAD consists of mainly of royalist upper and middle-class Bangkokians and Southerners, supported by some factions of the Thai Army, some leaders of Democrat Party, and members of state-enterprise labor unions. The PAD was responsible for the seizure of Suvarnabhumi International Airport in 2008.
  • The Dharma Army, lead by former Palang Dharma Party leader Major General Chamlong Srimuang and a key leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy. The Dharma army is a network of foundations and associations, the most know is the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect.
  • The newly founded Rubbish Collection Organisation where "rubbish" means deviant people who do not love His Majesty the King or Thailand. These people must be hunted down and eradicated - said the founder Rienthong Nanna a staunch supporter of the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee.

Leaders

Rallying Locations

The Democracy Monument - a core rally site for the PDRC prior to the occupation of Bangkok.
  • Pathum Wan Intersection (13 January - 2 March 2014) - main rally site during the occupation of Bangkok. Dismantled at the end of the occupation of Bangkok.

References

  1. ^ "Thai Opposition Party Supports Protests Seeking PM Ouster". Bloomberg News. 28 November 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  2. ^ Saiyasombut & Siam Voices, Saksith (15 January 2014). "Organized chaos: Thai anti-election protesters' hardline faction". Asiancorrespondent. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  3. ^ Aim Sinpeng (30 November 2013). "Who's who in Thailand's anti-government forces?". New Mandala. Australian National University (ANU). Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  4. ^ "Suthep declares 'people's revolt'". Bangkok Post. 30 November 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  5. Hataikarn, Treesuwan (17 January 2014). "PDRC spending more than Bt10 million a day". The Nation. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  6. "Khaosod English's Note On Translation Of Anti-Govt Leadership". Khaosod English. Retrieved 25 January 2014.
  7. ^ "Suthep declares 'people's revolt'". Bangkok Post. 30 November 2013. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
  8. Galache, Carlos (17 January 2014). "No end in sight to Thailand turmoil". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 25 January 2014.
  9. Nopparat Chaichalearmmongkol (7 November 2013). "Whistle Blowers Call Time Out on Amnesty Bill". The Wall Street Journal Southeast Asia Real Time. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  10. ^ "Suthep again targets 'Thaksin regime'". Bangkok Post. 25 November 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  11. Charlie, Campbell (28 November 2013). "Thailand's Democrat Party Is Hilariously Misnamed". Time. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  12. "Thai protest leader explains demand for 'people's council'". English.news.cn. 4 December 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  13. "Special Report: A nation at the crossroads". Phuket News. 5 January 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  14. "Supreme commander agrees to meet Suthep". Bangkok Post. 13 December 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  15. The Associated Press (9 December 2013). "Thailand PM Yingluck Shinawatra won't resign before elections". CBC news. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  16. "Thai premier dissolves parliament, protests continue". London South East. 9 December 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  17. Pakorn, Peungnetr (6 December 2013). "Article 7 'can work'". The Nation. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  18. "Thailand opposition to protest amnesty bill". BBC News. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  19. "Ex-Thai PM Abhisit and Former Deputy Charged With Murder". Time. 29 October 2013. Retrieved 16 January 2014.
  20. "Protests as Thailand senators debate amnesty bill". The Guardian. 11 November 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  21. "Thailand: anti-Thaksin protesters set new targets after amnesty bill defeat". The Guardian. 12 November 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  22. Ungpakorn, Giles. "The 19th August Constitutional Referendum Process is Undemocratic". Prachatai English. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  23. "Thailand Constitutional Court rejects Senate amendments". BBC News. 20 November 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  24. "Business wants executive decree on reform". Bangkok Post. 23 December 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  25. James, Hookway (15 December 2013). "Thailand's Army Tries On Role of Peacemaker". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  26. "Suthep rejects proposed talk on election postponement". Thai PBS. 13 January 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  27. Carlos, Sardina Galache (17 January 2014). "No end in sight to Thailand turmoil". Aljazeera. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  28. Amy, Sawitta Lefevre, Reuters (12 January 2014). "'People cannot negotiate': Anti-government protesters threaten to shut down Bangkok". NBC News. Retrieved 19 January 2014. {{cite news}}: |first= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. "Thailand's main political parties". Aljazeera. 2 July 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  30. Buranakanokthanasan, Wirat (21 December 2013). "Thai opposition party to boycott election". Reuters. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  31. "Thai princess uses social media to 'declare war': Photos posted by Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol widely interpreted as a sign of her support for anti-government protesters". The Independent. 11 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  32. IHT, Protesters face police in Thailand, 28 August 2008
  33. Asian Times, Thai protests turn nasty, 27 August 2008
  34. "Dharma Army out of the shadows". The Nation. 26 February 2006. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  35. "The Big Issue: Redefining Defamation". Bangkok Post. 27 April 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  36. "RCO plays down militancy". Bangkok Post. 24 April 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  37. "Luang Pu Buddha Issara Arrest Authorized In Thailand: Senior Buddhist Monk May Be Defrocked". Huffingtonpost. 5 February 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  38. "Chitpas explains", Bangkok Post, 27 February 2014
  39. Court accepts protesters' petition against DSI chief for malfeasance, MCOT FM 95, 30 January 2014
  40. "Army's old guard to join anti-govt push", Bangkok Post, 21 December 2013
  41. "PDRC protest leader accused of 'anti-foreigner' slur", Bangkok Post, 15 January 2014
  42. "บ้านสมเด็จ'เปิดค่ายเพลง'โชว์พราวละครเวที...", Kom Chad Luek, 13 March 2013
  43. นิสิตนิเทศศาสตร์รับรางวัล อีซูซุ...การตลาดรอบทิศแนวคิดใหม่, Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University, 14 March 2011
  44. Kesinee Taengkhiao (25 February 2014), "DSI's push for arrest warrants rejected", The Nation
  45. Hataikarn Treesuwan (19 February 2014), "PDRC keep communication low-tech for security", The Nation
  46. "Police will seek detention of Sonthiyarn on treason charge : DSI", The Nation, 14 February 2014
  47. ^ "Anger and violence rock voting in capital, South", The Nation, 27 January 2014
  48. PDRC rejects government’s reform council proposal, Thai PBS, 25 December 2013
  49. "PDRC takes emergency law to court". Bangkokpost. 27 January 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  50. "DSI seeking arrest warrants for 33 more protesters". Pattaya Mail. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  51. "PDRC co-leader nabbed at airport". Bangkok Post. 26 April 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  52. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/397779/pdrc-quits-pathumwan-for-lumpini
Category: