Helping the South doesn't help those in power

Helping the South doesn't help those in power
There are many good points raised in this article and maybe a key to finding a solution, but are the politicians willing to take the necessary steps to addressing the real issues here.

Pheu Thai not to sling mud at Democrats: Natthawut

Pheu Thai not to sling mud at Democrats: Natthawut
It is good that this does not end up being a war of words but pursuing legal action is more or less the same thing. Better to move on and focus on the issues.

Thailand’s Democrat Party rally: Reclaiming (the truth about) Rajaprasong | Asian Correspondent

Thailand’s Democrat Party rally: Reclaiming (the truth about) Rajaprasong | Asian Correspondent
There was little evidence of reconciliation at this rally, just politics as usual and more finger pointing.

Don't rule out possibility of a third candidate for Thai PM

Don't rule out possibility of a third candidate for Thai PM: "The probability isn't that high, but the possibility of a third candidate for the premiership after the July 3 Thailand election can't be totally ruled out. Pheu Thai is poised to beat the Democrats. .....

"
Even though the Pheu Thai is poised to take the majority of seats it still does not give them a clear mandate to rule.  Will the solution come from a third party?

What will the U.S. Reaction Be to Thailand’s Election?

What will the U.S. Reaction Be to Thailand’s Election?
As is always the case this is the elephant in the room and given how much this region counts on a stable Thailand, everyone is watching these elections with some amount of trepidation.

Avoid Ratchaprasong, reds told

Avoid Ratchaprasong, reds told
Let's hope they take this to heart, even though this rally seems like a provocation, I am hoping that they listen to their leaders and stay away. 

Rally 'not just to woo voters'

Rally 'not just to woo voters'
Let's hope that there is some sincerity in this obviously political stunt.  If this is the case then it should not have been advertised as a political rally but an open forum with invitations to the other party to participate.  I know they want to look like they are taking the high road but from all the political rhetoric of late, this appears to be more of the same.  I will try and keep an open mind and hope for the best. 

Bangkok Post : Rally incenses relatives of Ratchaprasong dead

Bangkok Post : Rally incenses relatives of Ratchaprasong dead
This could be incredibly insensitive or a sincere attempt to heal old wounds, either way I don't think it will achieve the desired results.  It has all the earmarks of politics as usual and it is not surprising that it is view as being provocative.  There could have been a better way of handling this. 

PAD to petition for Pheu Thai disbandment

PAD to petition for Pheu Thai disbandment
As the time draws closer to the election, we should be seeing more statements like this. It remains to be seen when the 'Yellow Shirts' will hit the street with any significant numbers and if they will be able to rally any support.

Politics only part of the problem in the deep South

Politics only part of the problem in the deep South: "If Thailand's modern political history proves anything, it is that no one party has ever single-handedly captured the hearts and souls of the Malay Muslims in the three southernmost provinces of Patta .....

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This is an in-depth analysis on the problems that face the political parties in bring peace to the south. It is a difficult task and no one has come up with a workable solution.

Thaksin and me | Journalist Profile | Reuters.com

Thaksin and me | Journalist Profile | Reuters.com
A fascinating essay on the state of Thailand democratic woes and the Thaksin puppet-master's broken strings. His sense of irony aptly sums up the complex nature of what is driving this political crisis that Thailand is embroiled in.

'Invisible hand' throttles our democracy

'Invisible hand' throttles our democracy
This is a chilling indictment of the Thai democratic process. It also makes us wonder if the results of the election will be allowed to stand.

New York Times on Yingluck and Thai election | Asian Correspondent

New York Times on Yingluck and Thai election | Asian Correspondent
I enjoy reading what BP has to say. He come across as a very astute but impartial observer.

Bangkok Post : In slamming the general, PAD helps Pheu Thai

Bangkok Post : In slamming the general, PAD helps Pheu Thai
There is no question that the comments by the general where out of place but it is also not surprising, given the general's obvious loyalties, that PAD would choose to criticize him. They have made is clear that they are opposed to many of the policies of the current government but see how these comments and their 'No vote' campaign put them in league with the Phue Thai.

Pheu Thai's risky one-upmanship

Pheu Thai's risky one-upmanship
This may be a time to re-think some of the wilder promises. I don't see them as resonating with their core constituency and any attempt to buy votes should be a bit more pragmatic. It is doubtful they will be able to deliver on half these promises.

Bangkok Post : Yingluck hopes Dems constructive

Bangkok Post : Yingluck hopes Dems constructive
Yingluck seems to be taking the high road. This tact may help sway some of the undecided voters who are not impressed by the more provocative campaign that the Democrats are running.

Democrats go for broke

Democrats go for broke
It seems a bit underhanded and may end up working against them, considering that they did not come away so clean after the events of last May. It would be better to focus on reconciliation.