Tentative time frame for political reform proposed by The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC). #TheNation pic.twitter.com/ktKQXrIkM1
— The Nation Thailand (@nationnews) December 11, 2013
Hurry up and wait.
Those looking for a speedy solution to Thailand’s ongoing political crisis might be feeling that way at the moment. Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban continues to insist PM Yingluck quit; she she refuses to do that, having already dissolved parliament.
Suthep says he won’t participate in government-sponsored reform talks, and it’s unclear whether or not the Democrats will take part in elections set for Feb. 2.
Recent days have, however, brought a few basic details on Suthep’s proposal for a new system of government. Reuters reports:
The leader of a protest group trying to overthrow Thailand’s government and scrap planned elections said on Friday the prime minister should either step down or be forced out, and his movement would then need around a year to push through reforms.
Suthep Thaugsuban, a lawmaker who resigned from parliament to lead the protest, and his allies have spoken of a volunteer police force, decentralization of power and electoral reform – but apart from that have been short on specifics.
And:
The “soft way out” of the impasse, Suthep said, was for Yingluck to quit and let his council push through reforms. Failing that, the people would simply seize power, he said.
“Once we complete this in 12 to 14 months’ time … everything will return to normal,” Suthep said.
Elsewhere, here are some other stories worth checking out:
- How to understand Thailand’s conflict — Apivat Hanvongse at New Mandala on various lenses through which to view the situation
- High society hits the streets as prominent Thais join protests — Reuters
- Looking for democracy in Thailand’s Democrat Party — The AP
- Thailand’s self-exiled ex-PM may never return home — The AP
- Turmoil in Thailand Threatens Economic Recovery — The WSJ
- Thai Protest Leader Pushes a Parallel Government — The WSJ on Suthep’s plans
- Thailand’s Army Tries On Role of Peacemaker — The WSJ on the military’s attempts to “carve out a new niche for themselves as the peacemakers.”
Updates here will be less frequent than earlier unless there’s big news. As always, follow me on Twitter for more regular dispatches.