TRT Targeted For Dissolution

[Jai Dee]

PM says dharma is way to end sufferings

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont recommends Buddhists to follow the principle of Buddhism to end their sufferings.

On the occasion of Visakha Puja Day, Gen. Surayud says the day marks three major events of the Lord Buddha, including his birth, his enlightenment, and his passing. He says Buddhism considers enlightenment as the most important stage because it can end people’s sufferings. He says everyone is born with sufferings, but there are ways to end them. Another important phase is the Nirvana as the Lord Buddha wants his teachings to be put into practices.

The Prime Minister answers to the question of how to apply Dharma with the party dissolution case, saying politics and religions are separated issues. He insists Thai people to look after themselves while studying Dharma and doing the right things.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

SET sluggish trading this week due to party dissolution case

The Kasikorn Research Center reports that trading in the Stocks Exchange of Thailand (SET) is expected to be slightly active this week.

The Kasikorn Research Center forecasts that subdued trading in SET during Mat 28th – June 1st is due to the political party dissolution case which will receive verdicts on May 30th. Another factor contributing to SET trading this week is the announcement of important economic figures of April by the Bank of Thailand and the announcement of consumer index of May by the Ministry of Commerce on.

In addition, the SET trading will be affected by external factors, including trading in foreign stock markets and global oil prices. Expected support levels will stay at 716 and 707 points while resistance levels at 740 and 750.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 May 2007

[sriracha john]

TRT receives bomb hoax

The Thai Rak Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok received a bomb threat on Monday but a thorough sweep through the building by the police came up with nothing.

Pol Major General Anand Sri-hiran said the threat was made by a phone call at about 9:30 am. The unidentified caller said the bomb was scheduled to go off at 11:00 am, he said.

Police and bomb squad rushed to the headquarter on Rama III Road immediately after the call. "It appeared that the caller was aiming at creating some sort of disturbances," Anand said.

The threat came amid heightening political tension as the Constitutional Court is set to rule Wednesday as to decide to dissolve the TRT and the Democrat Party.

- The Nation

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister instructs all provinces to stay cautious to political movements

The Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ) instructs all provinces to stay cautious to political movements while special command centers have been set up observe the situation.

Mr Aree says he has been informed that a lot of people have continuously traveled to Bangkok to join demonstrations on May 30th when the Constitutional Tribunal has reached verdicts on the political party dissolution case. He has therefore instructed all provinces to step up security measures and make people understand the situation. However, Mr Aree affirms that check points on roads to inspect demonstrators are still unnecessary.

In addition, the ministry has set up the special command centers to closely observe political movements in every province. As for rumors that some political groups have hired taxi drivers to stir up the situation, the minister says he has yet been reported of details about the matter. He says the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will take care of the matter.

Meanwhile, Director-General of the Department of Local Administration Somphon Chaibangyang (สมพร ใช้บางยาง) says people have the right to participate in demonstrations as long as they are organized without violating any law. The department has cooperated with provincial and local administrative organizations across the country as well as the National Municipal League of Thailand in preventing transports of a lot of people to Bangkok.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 May 2007

[sriracha john]

'We won't demonstrate': Thai Rak Thai lodges last minute sympathy bid

BANGKOK – In a last-minute appeal for public sympathy, the embattled Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT) has "without grounds" been accused of plotting massive confusion and unrest during Wednesday's expected Constitution Tribunal rulings on electoral rigging charges filed against the former ruling party, acting TRT leader Chaturon Chaisaeng said Monday.

The acting successor to deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra as TRT leader said the party had resolved to accept the outcome of the court verdict and never to protest the possibility that it might lead to dissolution of the party or preventing party executives from seeking re-election, Mr. Chaturon said.

The acting TRT leader reiterated that only a small number of the party's supporters and former MPs would gather, peacefully, to hear court rulings at party headquarters Wednesday (May 30).

Under no circumstances will TRT members resort to or support any violent means or raise a massive crowd to confront others hearing Wednesday's court verdict, Mr. Chaturon said, which many feared might trigger unrest in Bangkok.

Mr. Chaturon obliquely suggested that the appointed government, the coup makers, or the People's Alliance for Democracy (a coalition of anti-Thaksin groups) might be responsible for an alleged plot for hired demonstrators wearing red shirts to protest against the Constitution Tribunal, in the event that the TRT party is found guilty and dissolved or its party executives are punished.

The hired demonstrators might be mistaken for TRT supporters or remnants of the old regime only to smear and further damage the once-ruling party, Mr. Chaturon said.

He said such ''undemocratic'' developments would only worsen the situation, frame the TRT party and "rub salt into the wounds" of a country already damaged by last September's military coup.

If found guilty and banned from seeking re-election, Mr. Chaturon said, his TRT colleagues would help with the party's campaign in the next election by distributing posters or publicising party policies.

The Thaksin stand-in suggested that the Surayud cabinet must be very careful in considering to use emergency rule in the capital to contain possible unrest following the court rulings, otherwise the situation would turn from bad to worse.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said emergency rule, introduced under Mr. Thaksin in 2005, should be the last resort for the Surayud government to deal with the possible turmoil. "Nobody with a sound mind would endorse (such a move)."

The Democrats also face similar electoral rigging charges which could land similar penalties on the party or its executives.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya said he had set up a task force headed by Interior Ministry permanent secretary Phongphayom Wasaphuti to monitor a speculated influx of provincial residents to the capital, especially those headed to demonstrate at the Constitution Court Wednesday.

Provincial governors and other officials have been instructed to keep the ministry's peace-keeping task force promptly informed of such large-scale movements, he added.

- MCOT

[sriracha john]

Verdicts go to president today

Nine judges of the Constitution Tribunal will today present their personal rulings on the dissolution cases involving the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties, a Supreme Court judge said yesterday.

The Supreme Court judge, who was speaking on condition of anonymity, said the tribunal would meet at the Supreme Court.

Each judge would report on his personal verdict to Supreme Court president Panya Boonrod, as the tribunal president, in a closed-door session before the official tribunal verdict is announced tomorrow.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Leaders see dissolution differently

The Democrat party and rival Thai Rak Thai have different views of the future if they are ordered to dissolve tomorrow. The tribunal will rule whether to dissolve parties guilty of election fraud. If his party is dissolved, Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva admitted the country's oldest party will be severely damaged. But Thai Rak Thai acting leader Chaturon Chaisaeng was confident the party founded by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would quickly be resurrected and win the next general election. Chaturon said Thai Rak Thai will win the next election whether or not it is dissolved. With 210 former MPs as party candidates, the party is confident it will again win the majority of MP seats in fresh polls, he said, adding that other political parties now have less than 30 former MPs under their banners. ''If the party is dissolved, we would gather members and set up a new party under the name Thai Rak Thai. He said that Thai Rak Thai has everything it needs to win another election, even though Mr Thaksin was no longer with the party. He said Thai Rak Thai is now independent from the deposed prime minister, but the party still has strong ties to him.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/29May2007_news04.php

[sriracha john]

Suchai said his group would distribute 70,000 Jatukham talismans to draw people to join the rally.

He said even if only the party leaders and certain executives and banned from politics, their supporters would not accept it and would definitely cause trouble.

=========================

Sounds like the Thai Rak Thai group, PTV, will have company for their planned rally.

Interesting incentive to attract people to a so called political rally.

This when Saturday comes mob seem to have given up all pretence on that and linked their rally to something that is already highly controversial and has led to rampaging and death. It is not a positive move at all and delinks anything this group now tries to do from having any idealistic political aim.

Amulet craze 'contrary to Buddhism'

Revered monk Phra Maha Wudhijaya Vajiramedhi said on Saturday that the Jatukarm talisman craze reflects a thirst for an easy windfall and deviates from the Lord Buddha's teachings. He minced no words, blaming the media and monks for fuelling the amulet fever. The monk, who currently teaches at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyala University, said: "The three refuges a Buddhist should seek are the Lord Buddha, his teachings and his ministers [monks]. "The rightful way to make a living is to use our brain and two hands, not the talisman," said the monk, better known under his pen name of W. Vajiramedhi. The popular amulets are said to be wealth-spinners, and are rolled out with extreme and oddball labels such as Kote Ruay Maha Sarn (Enormously Super Rich) and Ruay Mai Mee Het Phon (Rich Without Reasons).

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=119012

==================================

The talismans are appropriately named for Thaksin wannabes.

Seems that Suchai and his Saturday Morning Cartoon Group Against Something or Other aren't the only ones involved with scamming on Jatukham talismans or... perhaps they are involved with the bad cops, as, afterall, it's a bit tricky to come up with 70,000 of them on short notice:

Police accused of amulet scam

An internal investigation has begun into allegations opportunists in the police Crime Suppression Division have been minting Jatukarm Ramathep amulets for personal gain, rather than for the cause they claim. Pol Col Pongpat Chayaphan, the CSD commander, has ordered all units to follow up a report that officers were pocketing proceeds from amulets they said were being produced for handing out to police working in the deep South. The order said seven officers were under suspicion and would be called for questioning, a police source said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/29May2007_news14.php

[Jai Dee]

CDC Chairman gives a caution of possible chaos by third party

Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), Sqn.Ldr.Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ), has given a caution of possible chaos created by third party in tomorrow’s verdict day of party’s dissolution case.

Sqn. Ldr. Prasong is confident that a state of brutal chaos will not take place; however, he has expressed concern over third party’s possible interference. As a result, he has asked for cooperation from all agencies to make an effort to prevent possible confrontations as it will influence new constitution’s public referendum and election negatively.

According to Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham (สดศรี สัตยธรรม), she said the dissolved party is prohibited to register its new party under the old name.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Abhisit says he is not under pressure

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said Tuesday that he is not under pressure on the eve of the ruling of electoral fraud case against his party.

He said he and his party had tried their best to defend the party by providing all information to the Constitution Tribunal.

He said he will leave party executives to pay respect to the King Rama VII statue in front of Parliament and he and about 30 party executives will go to the court in the afternoon.

Source: The Nation - 29 May 2007

[blaze]

CDC Chairman gives a caution of possible chaos by third party

Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), Sqn.Ldr.Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ), has given a caution of possible chaos created by third party in tomorrow’s verdict day of party’s dissolution case.

Sqn. Ldr. Prasong is confident that a state of brutal chaos will not take place; however, he has expressed concern over third party’s possible interference. As a result, he has asked for cooperation from all agencies to make an effort to prevent possible confrontations as it will influence new constitution’s public referendum and election negatively.

According to Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham (สดศรี สัตยธรรม), she said the dissolved party is prohibited to register its new party under the old name.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 May 2007

Why do Thais officials have to speak in riddles?

Third party- this term would normally suggest an unanticipated party. One coming in from the side in what was regarded as a two pole continuum. The TRT has been for months anticipated to make a fuss. So it's not them. Then who?

Nothing to do with this quote from the Nation Military Blog in another thread is there:

"By shelving Pattapee 149, Sonthi has ingeniously sidelined Saprang. This happens amidst rumours about a new round of military internvention with Saprang as a potential coup maker."

[sriracha john]

confident that a state of brutal chaos will not take place

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 May 2007

I see the boys at TNNBPRD had their "Thai-English Colorful Language Translation Dictionary" out for this one...

[LaoPo]

Interesting article from Malaysian News Agency: Have a look at the last sentence...

Thailand Facing Its Biggest Test

By D. Arul Rajoo

BANGKOK, May 29 (Bernama) -- Thailand had seen 18 coups and 24 prime ministers since World War Two, in the process of drafting its 18 constitutions, but its biggest challenge ever is only unfolding tomorrow.

In an unpredecented move, the Constitution Tribunal will give a landmark ruling on whether to dissolve the country's five political parties, including the biggest two -- Thai Rak Thai (TRT) and the 61-year-old Democrat -- for election fraud.

If either one or both are dissolved, executive committee members of the affected party will be banned for five years, a move that will deprive the nation of its vast number of prominent politicians.

The political pot is at boiling point with the military, which ousted the TRT government and its leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, in the Sept 19 coup last year, facing its biggest test just eight months after the bloodless coup.

Thailand's influential King Bhumibol Adulyadejol made a rare speech last week hinting that dissolving the two political parties could bring more problems to the country.

Coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said a combined force of 13,000 soldiers and police would be deployed in the capital to prevent violence as thousands of party supporters make their way to the capital for a show of strength.

Supporters of political parties are expected to gather at the Royal Plaza, TRT and Democrat headquarters as well as Sanam Luang where the Saturday People Against Dictatorship (SPAD) group plans an anti-coup rally and to distribute the popular Jatukam Ramathep amulets.

SPAD leader Sudchai Boonchai said if TRT and Democrat are dissolved and their leaders banned, a political upheavel could take place as the party's supporters would not accept the rulings.

Many pro-democracy activists felt that the military wanted to strengthen their power by dissolving the political parties.

To prevent untoward incidents, both party leaders have asked their supporters to remain calm, avoid travelling to the capital and to follow the decision through live television broadcast while the police have warned against people wanting to bring 99 elephants here.

Already, the authorities are blaming political dissidents for the Sunday night bomb attacks in the southern city of Haadyai that killed one man and injured dozen other people, with some local media claiming that the bombs were similar to those used during the New Year's eve attacks here.

There are fears that tomorrow's decision could set off violence, forcing Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to cut short his official visit to China, while the army warned that emergency rule could be declared in the capital if the situation warranted it.

TRT, with 14 million members, had also sought support from taxi drivers who are known to be staunch supporters of Thaksin as they accused the military of using the election fraud case to wipe out the party.

"You see this airport, the super highway and airport train (under construction). All this is built by Thaksin. But they want to kill his party and get rid of him forever," 56-year-old taxi driver Ponchay said while driving his passenger to the capital from the sparkling new Suvanahbhumi Airport.

There is growing dissastisfaction with the coup leaders and the government, with complaints of lack of new foreign investments and a sluggish economy.

Immediately after the coup, a 60-year-old taxi driver, Nuamthong Praiwan, was injured after he rammed his taxi into a tank to oppose the coup. He committed suicide a few weeks later.

The political problem in the kingdom started at the end of 2005 when media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul started a crusade to topple Thaksin, with massive street demonstrations that escalated after the premier sold his family-owned Shin Corporation to Singapore's Temasek Holdings.

In April, 2006, a snap election was held but boycotted by major opposition parties, including Democract, that led to accusations by both sides that they had financed smaller parties to either participate in or boycott the polls.

In May, the Constitution Court nullified the April election, paving the way for a new election on Oct 15 but Thaksin was ousted before that.

Despite Thaksin being barred from returning home and his news heavily censored here, he remained popular at home and was even elected as the president of the Professional Golf Association of Thailand.

The Information and Communications Technology Ministry had closed down 17 websites supporting Thaksin while dozens of community radio stations faced the same fate.

Law expert and Chulalongkorn University Professor Suchit Bunbongkarn said Thailand's political system was facing a deadlock with serious repercussion, no matter what the Constitution Tribunal decides.

"If the court decides to dissolve both TRT and Democrat, there will protests, especially from TRT members. But if only TRT is dissolved, then there will be serious protests as TRT can get good support from the masses," said Suchit who in 2001 voted against Thaksin as Constitutional Court judge in an asset concealment case.

Soft-spoken TRT acting leader Chaturon Chaisang felt there was no justification to continue with the case in the first place as the coup leaders had abolished the 1997 Constitution that was the basic for the trial.

"But no matter what happens, we will bounce back. We still have more than 200 MPs with the party despite some leaving us," said the former Education Minister.

But with so much at stake, there is already speculation that the parties will be spared and only certain executives will face punishment.

-- BERNAMA

source:

http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=264594

LaoPo

[Siripon]

CDC Chairman gives a caution of possible chaos by third party

Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), Sqn.Ldr.Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ), has given a caution of possible chaos created by third party in tomorrow’s verdict day of party’s dissolution case.

Sqn. Ldr. Prasong is confident that a state of brutal chaos will not take place; however, he has expressed concern over third party’s possible interference. As a result, he has asked for cooperation from all agencies to make an effort to prevent possible confrontations as it will influence new constitution’s public referendum and election negatively.

According to Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham (สดศรี สัตยธรรม), she said the dissolved party is prohibited to register its new party under the old name.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 May 2007

Why do Thais officials have to speak in riddles?

Third party- this term would normally suggest an unanticipated party. One coming in from the side in what was regarded as a two pole continuum. The TRT has been for months anticipated to make a fuss. So it's not them. Then who?

Nothing to do with this quote from the Nation Military Blog in another thread is there:

"By shelving Pattapee 149, Sonthi has ingeniously sidelined Saprang. This happens amidst rumours about a new round of military internvention with Saprang as a potential coup maker."

Blaze, you haven't grasped the Eastern way of talking yet. TRT leaders have to say they won't cause a disturbance, they'll obey the court's decision, accept the verdict; but behind the scenes, the 'undercurrents' could well be working to instigate violence to provoke the junta into a bloody crackdown and their hopeful collapse of public support in TRT eyes.

But Prasong can't say that openly because the leaders of TRT have promised no disorder, hence the third party comment.

Equally in reply, the leaders of TRT have already retorted that any violence will not be caused by their supporters, but by a third hand, implying the army or Democrats, naturally to dicredit TRT.

Two hands are not enough in Thai politics, you need at least 3, sometimes 4 !

But the offer to distribute thousands of Jatukham amulets free at the rally by one of the pro -Thaksin groups on May 31 was a new low in the exploitation of Buddhism by Thai politicians.

[blaze]

CDC Chairman gives a caution of possible chaos by third party

Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), Sqn.Ldr.Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ), has given a caution of possible chaos created by third party in tomorrow’s verdict day of party’s dissolution case.

Sqn. Ldr. Prasong is confident that a state of brutal chaos will not take place; however, he has expressed concern over third party’s possible interference. As a result, he has asked for cooperation from all agencies to make an effort to prevent possible confrontations as it will influence new constitution’s public referendum and election negatively.

According to Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham (สดศรี สัตยธรรม), she said the dissolved party is prohibited to register its new party under the old name.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 May 2007

Why do Thais officials have to speak in riddles?

Third party- this term would normally suggest an unanticipated party. One coming in from the side in what was regarded as a two pole continuum. The TRT has been for months anticipated to make a fuss. So it's not them. Then who?

Nothing to do with this quote from the Nation Military Blog in another thread is there:

"By shelving Pattapee 149, Sonthi has ingeniously sidelined Saprang. This happens amidst rumours about a new round of military internvention with Saprang as a potential coup maker."

Blaze, you haven't grasped the Eastern way of talking yet. TRT leaders have to say they won't cause a disturbance, they'll obey the court's decision, accept the verdict; but behind the scenes, the 'undercurrents' could well be working to instigate violence to provoke the junta into a bloody crackdown and their hopeful collapse of public support in TRT eyes.

But Prasong can't say that openly because the leaders of TRT have promised no disorder, hence the third party comment.

Equally in reply, the leaders of TRT have already retorted that any violence will not be caused by their supporters, but by a third hand, implying the army or Democrats, naturally to dicredit TRT.

Two hands are not enough in Thai politics, you need at least 3, sometimes 4 !

But the offer to distribute thousands of Jatukham amulets free at the rally by one of the pro -Thaksin groups on May 31 was a new low in the exploitation of Buddhism by Thai politicians.

So indulge me> Who is the "Third Party' that is referred to?

I would have expected him to use terms that have become standard euphemisms for TRT in the political vocabulary- ("old power clique" etc etc). But if as you suggest, we understand 'third party' to mean either the military or the Democrats as TRT uses the term- then ... odd choice of words.

[gburns57au]

Stay away from any mobs and keep a low profile...

missus says BKK will be busy.....thats her way of saying that trouble abounds

[John K]

Well seeing as today will probably be the day this year old thread is closed and replaced with a thread about the judgment, I am beginning to see future threads with the title along the lines of Banned politicians accused of being puppet masters.

[sriracha john]

JUDGEMENT DAY

Tribunal reaches landmark verdict, to be revealed today

The Constitution Tribunal yesterday reached a landmark verdict that will make or break the Democrat and Thai Rak Thai parties in the conclusion of the long-running political party dissolution trials. At the centre of attention will be Thai Rak Thai and the Democrats, the country's biggest parties. The verdict came in the meeting of the nine Constitution Tribunal judges held behind closed doors amid tight security at the Supreme Court yesterday afternoon on the eve of judgement day. M.L. Krairirsk Kasemsant, a Constitution Tribunal judge, said the judges were required to give their personal judgements in the dissolution cases in the meeting. They also needed to discuss significant issues in the cases before writing a combined verdict, which will be read to the five political parties at the Constitution Court today, M.L. Krairirsk said. A court source said the combined verdict was ready yesterday and all nine tribunal judges were asked to keep it secret. Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) spokesman Atthapol Yaisawang said after the tribunal hands down its verdict, a copy will be sent to Election Commission chairman Apichart Sukhakkhanont. If the tribunal decides to punish the parties in one way or another, Mr Apichart, as registrar of political parties, would then act on the verdict to proceed against them.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/30May2007_news01.php

[sriracha john]

Party dissolution verdict in perspective

Although it is being billed as ''Judgement Day,'' the Constitutional Tribunal's verdict today on whether Thai Rak Thai (TRT) and Democrat parties along with three minor political parties will be dissolved for electoral fraud should be seen in a broader, longer-term perspective. While it will be a landmark decision that is likely to realign and reshape the political party landscape, the nine-member tribunal's verdict will not resolve Thailand's protracted political crisis. The deep-seated problem is likely to exacerbate over the rest of 2007 and beyond. The decision is being so politicised that many fear the judiciary's impartiality could be compromised. It is reminiscent of the 15-member Constitution Court's politicised decision in August, 2001 to acquit deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from his assets-concealment trial by an 8-to-7 count in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

- By Thitinan Pongsudhirak, director of the Institute of Security and International Studies, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University.

OPINION piece continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/30May2007_news17.php

[sriracha john]

Leading executives arrange schedules

The Democrat and Thai Rak Thai parties have set their schedules ahead of hearing the Constitution Tribunal rulings on their election fraud cases today.

To commemorate Parliament Day, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva will lead his party executives and other key members to pay respect to the statue of King Rama VII in front of the Parliament building at 8.30am.

Abhisit, former Democrat leader Chuan Leekpai and other party members will then go to the Constitution Tribunal on Chakkapong Road before the tribunal reads the verdicts on the Democrats along with another party at 1.30pm.

Democrat supporters will gather at the party headquarters in Sam Sen, where a large TV screen will be installed to show the live broadcast of the verdicts.

Thai Rak Thai executive Vichit Plangsrisakul will lead his party's representatives, along with the Democrats and other politicians, to Parliament for the same occasion.

Some Thai Rak Thai members will go to the party's new headquarters on Rama III Road in the morning. They will set a stage to welcome party supporters, of which more than 1,000 are expected.

Sutham Saengprathoom, Laddawan Wongsriwong and Adisorn Piengket will host the stage proceedings.

Chaturon Chaisang, acting Thai Rak Thai party leader, will leave the party's headquarters at 1pm to hear the tribunal's verdicts on the cases involving his and two smaller parties.

He will then hold a press conference on the future of the party, no matter what the verdict is.

If Thai Rak Thai is dissolved, however, some party members plan to appeal to the junta to cancel two announcements that bar all political activities, including the registration of new parties.

- The Nation

[brahmburgers]

I've been remiss in not reading this entire 52 page thread. I am writing this just before a decision is schecduled to come down - though this being Thailand, it could be postponed - or the buck could be passed as it usually is for tough decisions. This is what I predict: Both parties (Dems and TRT) will be treated similarly, though TRT are clearly more in wrong than the Dems. Both will be given a strong reprimand, but neither will suffer the full weight of whatever the law could dish out. Regardless, the same honchos will re-group under a different banner and biz will go on as usual. The rich will keep on getting filthier rich, and the poorest will get their trickle down spittle.

[Jai Dee]

Five political parties to listen to verdicts today

Security officials have been dispatched to the Constitution Court to monitor the situation today (May, 30th). The Constitutional Tribunal is scheduled to rule on the party dissolution case in the afternoon.

Executives of the political parties, including Democrat and Thai Rak Thai, will be traveling to the court to listen to the verdicts. Five political parties will receive ruling today from the Constitutional Court as requested by the Auditor-General which alleged them of violating Article 66 of the Organic Act on Political Parties.

Democrat and Democrat Progressive parties are scheduled to meet the tribunal to listen to the verdicts at 13.30 hrs. while Thai Rak Thai, Pattana Charttthai (พัฒนาชาติไทย), and Thai Group parties at 14.30 hrs.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

TRT members travel to headquarters and wait for verdict

Core members of the Thai Rak Thai Party have arrived at the party’s headquarters since morning (May 30) as they are waiting to hear the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the political parties’ dissolution case.

Thai Rak Thai acting leader Chaturon Chaisang, his deputy, Mr. Pongthep Thepkanjana, the party’s legal advisor, Mr. Chusak Sirinil, and 20 leading party members have come to the party’s headquarters this morning. They will travel to the Constitutional Court to listen to the verdict at 2 PM. Later, they will return to the headquarters to announce the party’s political direction.

Mr. Ponthep insists that the Thai Rak Thai Party has not recruited people to hold a gathering as rumoured, and people can support his party at home.

The party has also set up a stage at the office for making announcements and conducting activities. The security around the headquarters is normal, and no additional security forces have been dispatched.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Democrat to continue ideals of party despite ruling of court

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva reiterates that his party will carry forward the party’s ideals that have been initiated 61 years ago regardless of the Constitutional Court’s verdict on the political parties’ dissolution case today (May 30).

At 7:50 AM, Mr. Abhisit traveled to the Democrat Party’s headquarters to hold talks with the key leaders of his party before listening to the court’s ruling this afternoon. Mr. Abhisit says he slept well last night and he has no worries because he has been waiting for this day to come for a long time. He says once the verdict has been made, national issues would become clearer and the country can progress forward. He says he hopes that all sides will accept the court’s decision. He says the Democrat members will continue to represent the general public and solve their problems nonetheless.

Mr. Abhisit says he is unconcerned over the Democrat leader’s post because he is aware that he has volunteered to work for the country and carry the burdens from all sides, and he believes he has done his best.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 May 2007

[sriracha john]

Former Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula

Former Deputy Interior Minister Pracha Maleenont

Former Bangkok Governor Samak Sundaravej

FIRE-ENGINE SCAM

Samak, 4 others face AEC probe

Apirak off the hook because Bt6.7-billion deal signed before he became governor

Former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej, ex-interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula and his deputy Pracha Maleenont are among five people to be investigated by the Assets Examination Committee for alleged involvement in the fire-engine corruption scandal, a source from the AEC said yesterday.

However, Apirak Kosayodhin, Samak's successor and the current Bangkok governor, who has often been linked to the case, will escape investigation because the purchase was made before he took up the post, the source said.

The AEC's chairman Nam Yimyaem yesterday said its fact-finding team had enough grounds to open a full investigation of five people, including three politicians, for their parts in the allegedly overpriced Bt6.7-billion deal. He did not name them. Nam said he had received a report from the fact-finding team and would put it to the AEC's full panel on Monday to decide whether a subcommittee should be set up to investigate the accused.

The AEC source said the five were former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula, his deputy Pracha Maleenont and Pracha's assistant Somsak Kun-ngern, former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and the former Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department chief Atilak Tanchukiat.

Nam said the charges were malfeasance or corruption in violation of Article 157 of the Criminal Code, causing damage of over Bt6 billion to the government.

Nam said the sub-committee could summon more suspects if more were involved.

Last year the Department of Special Investigation said there were seven, the present five plus Apirak and then-commerce minister Wattana Muangsuk.

Bhokin signed an agreement of understanding for the purchase at a government-to-government level. Pracha was responsible for discussing details with Austrian ambassador Herbert Traxl, and his assistant Somsak prepared the barter-trade plan for the deal.

The Foreign Trade Department sealed the barter agreement with Steyr Daimler Puch, the Austrian supplier of fireboats, fire engines and fire-fighting equipment to the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department while Wattana was commerce minister.

The source yesterday said that Apirak, who had a letter of credit for the deal opened, was not on the AEC list for investigation because he had taken up his post after Samak signed the contract with Steyr Daimler Puch, which was conditional on the issuance of a letter of credit for payment.

The Nation

UPDATE

Politicians 'took 500 million baht bribes for fire trucks deal'

Some politicians involved in the overpriced purchase of fire-fighting equipment for Bangkok flew to Singapore to collect Bt500 million in bribes, a member of the Interior Ministry panel investigating the scandal said yesterday.

"We are gathering evidence against the corrupt officials," the official said on condition of anonymity. He did not say how many politicians were bribed or when it happened.

The committee will tomorrow wrap up its probe into the Bt6.68-billion deal for fire trucks, fireboats and other equipment for the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department. Its results will be forwarded to Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya before being released to the public in the next fortnight.

"Like other panels, we found the deal to be overpriced. However, on some points our results differ from what the Assets Examination Committee [AEC] found," the official said.

Earlier this year, the AEC concluded the deal was overpriced to the tune of Bt1.9 billion. It accused former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula, his then-deputy Pracha Maleenont and then-assistant secretary Somsak Khun-ngern of corruption for their roles in the deal with an Austrian company.

The AEC also said there was evidence against former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and the head of the fire department Police Maj-General Atilak Tanchukiat.

It found no evidence against incumbent governor Apirak Kosayodhin.

The member of the Interior Ministry's panel investigating the scandal said, "We have not ignored evidence against persons the AEC has not named as suspects."

Officials who had failed to co-operate in the probe will be named, the panel member said. Former Bangkok city clerk Khunying Nathanon Thavisin has already been identified as uncooperative.

"Although they are not corrupt they avoided giving information that could be useful," the official said.

Members of the police must take some responsibility for designing the specifications of the deal while Krung Thai Bank will face action for opening the letter of credit, he added.

The eight-person panel probing the scandal is chaired by Assoc Professor Veerapong Boonyopas, head of the business crime and money-laundering centre at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Law.

The deal can be traced back to 2004 when Bhokin, as interior minister, signed an agreement of understanding with the Austrian ambassador to purchase fire trucks, fireboats and other fire-fighting equipment.

Pracha and Somsak helped draft the agreement. Samak signed it just before his term ended.

- The Nation

UPDATE

People Power Party Leader to Give Testimony on Fire Truck Purchase Next Week

The Assets Examination Committee summoned the leader of the People Power Party to hear his charge of being involved in the controversial purchase of Bangkok's fire equipment on November 21.

On Tuesday the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) reached an agreement to issue summons for five individuals, accused of involvement in the controversial procurement of fire trucks and boats for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), to hear their charges for causing 2 billion baht worth of damages to the state and for violating the Anti-Bidding Scam Act

The five accused include the former Bangkok Governor and current People Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej, former Interior Minister Pokin Pollakul, former Deputy Interior Minister Pracha Maleenont, his personal secretary Somsak Khun-ngern, and former Director of the BMA's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, Police Lieutenant Colonel Athiluk Tanchukiet.

- Thailand Outlook

[John K]

Let me guess... Samak's excuse will be I am too busy with the elections.

[hammered]

Former Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula

Former Deputy Interior Minister Pracha Maleenont

Former Bangkok Governor Samak Sundaravej

FIRE-ENGINE SCAM

Samak, 4 others face AEC probe

Apirak off the hook because Bt6.7-billion deal signed before he became governor

Former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej, ex-interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula and his deputy Pracha Maleenont are among five people to be investigated by the Assets Examination Committee for alleged involvement in the fire-engine corruption scandal, a source from the AEC said yesterday.

However, Apirak Kosayodhin, Samak's successor and the current Bangkok governor, who has often been linked to the case, will escape investigation because the purchase was made before he took up the post, the source said.

The AEC's chairman Nam Yimyaem yesterday said its fact-finding team had enough grounds to open a full investigation of five people, including three politicians, for their parts in the allegedly overpriced Bt6.7-billion deal. He did not name them. Nam said he had received a report from the fact-finding team and would put it to the AEC's full panel on Monday to decide whether a subcommittee should be set up to investigate the accused.

The AEC source said the five were former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula, his deputy Pracha Maleenont and Pracha's assistant Somsak Kun-ngern, former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and the former Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department chief Atilak Tanchukiat.

Nam said the charges were malfeasance or corruption in violation of Article 157 of the Criminal Code, causing damage of over Bt6 billion to the government.

Nam said the sub-committee could summon more suspects if more were involved.

Last year the Department of Special Investigation said there were seven, the present five plus Apirak and then-commerce minister Wattana Muangsuk.

Bhokin signed an agreement of understanding for the purchase at a government-to-government level. Pracha was responsible for discussing details with Austrian ambassador Herbert Traxl, and his assistant Somsak prepared the barter-trade plan for the deal.

The Foreign Trade Department sealed the barter agreement with Steyr Daimler Puch, the Austrian supplier of fireboats, fire engines and fire-fighting equipment to the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department while Wattana was commerce minister.

The source yesterday said that Apirak, who had a letter of credit for the deal opened, was not on the AEC list for investigation because he had taken up his post after Samak signed the contract with Steyr Daimler Puch, which was conditional on the issuance of a letter of credit for payment.

The Nation

UPDATE

Politicians 'took 500 million baht bribes for fire trucks deal'

Some politicians involved in the overpriced purchase of fire-fighting equipment for Bangkok flew to Singapore to collect Bt500 million in bribes, a member of the Interior Ministry panel investigating the scandal said yesterday.

"We are gathering evidence against the corrupt officials," the official said on condition of anonymity. He did not say how many politicians were bribed or when it happened.

The committee will tomorrow wrap up its probe into the Bt6.68-billion deal for fire trucks, fireboats and other equipment for the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department. Its results will be forwarded to Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya before being released to the public in the next fortnight.

"Like other panels, we found the deal to be overpriced. However, on some points our results differ from what the Assets Examination Committee [AEC] found," the official said.

Earlier this year, the AEC concluded the deal was overpriced to the tune of Bt1.9 billion. It accused former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula, his then-deputy Pracha Maleenont and then-assistant secretary Somsak Khun-ngern of corruption for their roles in the deal with an Austrian company.

The AEC also said there was evidence against former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and the head of the fire department Police Maj-General Atilak Tanchukiat.

It found no evidence against incumbent governor Apirak Kosayodhin.

The member of the Interior Ministry's panel investigating the scandal said, "We have not ignored evidence against persons the AEC has not named as suspects."

Officials who had failed to co-operate in the probe will be named, the panel member said. Former Bangkok city clerk Khunying Nathanon Thavisin has already been identified as uncooperative.

"Although they are not corrupt they avoided giving information that could be useful," the official said.

Members of the police must take some responsibility for designing the specifications of the deal while Krung Thai Bank will face action for opening the letter of credit, he added.

The eight-person panel probing the scandal is chaired by Assoc Professor Veerapong Boonyopas, head of the business crime and money-laundering centre at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Law.

The deal can be traced back to 2004 when Bhokin, as interior minister, signed an agreement of understanding with the Austrian ambassador to purchase fire trucks, fireboats and other fire-fighting equipment.

Pracha and Somsak helped draft the agreement. Samak signed it just before his term ended.

- The Nation

UPDATE

People Power Party Leader to Give Testimony on Fire Truck Purchase Next Week

The Assets Examination Committee summoned the leader of the People Power Party to hear his charge of being involved in the controversial purchase of Bangkok's fire equipment on November 21.

On Tuesday the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) reached an agreement to issue summons for five individuals, accused of involvement in the controversial procurement of fire trucks and boats for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), to hear their charges for causing 2 billion baht worth of damages to the state and for violating the Anti-Bidding Scam Act

The five accused include the former Bangkok Governor and current People Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej, former Interior Minister Pokin Pollakul, former Deputy Interior Minister Pracha Maleenont, his personal secretary Somsak Khun-ngern, and former Director of the BMA's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, Police Lieutenant Colonel Athiluk Tanchukiet.

- Thailand Outlook

Nice timing. One wonders quite how the cheerleader of massacres will handle himself in front of the media on that day.

[sriracha john]

Former Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula

Former Deputy Interior Minister Pracha Maleenont

Former Bangkok Governor Samak Sundaravej

FIRE-ENGINE SCAM

Samak, 4 others face AEC probe

Apirak off the hook because Bt6.7-billion deal signed before he became governor

Former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej, ex-interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula and his deputy Pracha Maleenont are among five people to be investigated by the Assets Examination Committee for alleged involvement in the fire-engine corruption scandal, a source from the AEC said yesterday.

However, Apirak Kosayodhin, Samak's successor and the current Bangkok governor, who has often been linked to the case, will escape investigation because the purchase was made before he took up the post, the source said.

The AEC's chairman Nam Yimyaem yesterday said its fact-finding team had enough grounds to open a full investigation of five people, including three politicians, for their parts in the allegedly overpriced Bt6.7-billion deal. He did not name them. Nam said he had received a report from the fact-finding team and would put it to the AEC's full panel on Monday to decide whether a subcommittee should be set up to investigate the accused.

The AEC source said the five were former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula, his deputy Pracha Maleenont and Pracha's assistant Somsak Kun-ngern, former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and the former Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department chief Atilak Tanchukiat.

Nam said the charges were malfeasance or corruption in violation of Article 157 of the Criminal Code, causing damage of over Bt6 billion to the government.

Nam said the sub-committee could summon more suspects if more were involved.

Last year the Department of Special Investigation said there were seven, the present five plus Apirak and then-commerce minister Wattana Muangsuk.

Bhokin signed an agreement of understanding for the purchase at a government-to-government level. Pracha was responsible for discussing details with Austrian ambassador Herbert Traxl, and his assistant Somsak prepared the barter-trade plan for the deal.

The Foreign Trade Department sealed the barter agreement with Steyr Daimler Puch, the Austrian supplier of fireboats, fire engines and fire-fighting equipment to the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department while Wattana was commerce minister.

The source yesterday said that Apirak, who had a letter of credit for the deal opened, was not on the AEC list for investigation because he had taken up his post after Samak signed the contract with Steyr Daimler Puch, which was conditional on the issuance of a letter of credit for payment.

The Nation

UPDATE

Politicians 'took 500 million baht bribes for fire trucks deal'

Some politicians involved in the overpriced purchase of fire-fighting equipment for Bangkok flew to Singapore to collect Bt500 million in bribes, a member of the Interior Ministry panel investigating the scandal said yesterday.

"We are gathering evidence against the corrupt officials," the official said on condition of anonymity. He did not say how many politicians were bribed or when it happened.

The committee will tomorrow wrap up its probe into the Bt6.68-billion deal for fire trucks, fireboats and other equipment for the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department. Its results will be forwarded to Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya before being released to the public in the next fortnight.

"Like other panels, we found the deal to be overpriced. However, on some points our results differ from what the Assets Examination Committee [AEC] found," the official said.

Earlier this year, the AEC concluded the deal was overpriced to the tune of Bt1.9 billion. It accused former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula, his then-deputy Pracha Maleenont and then-assistant secretary Somsak Khun-ngern of corruption for their roles in the deal with an Austrian company.

The AEC also said there was evidence against former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and the head of the fire department Police Maj-General Atilak Tanchukiat.

It found no evidence against incumbent governor Apirak Kosayodhin.

The member of the Interior Ministry's panel investigating the scandal said, "We have not ignored evidence against persons the AEC has not named as suspects."

Officials who had failed to co-operate in the probe will be named, the panel member said. Former Bangkok city clerk Khunying Nathanon Thavisin has already been identified as uncooperative.

"Although they are not corrupt they avoided giving information that could be useful," the official said.

Members of the police must take some responsibility for designing the specifications of the deal while Krung Thai Bank will face action for opening the letter of credit, he added.

The eight-person panel probing the scandal is chaired by Assoc Professor Veerapong Boonyopas, head of the business crime and money-laundering centre at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Law.

The deal can be traced back to 2004 when Bhokin, as interior minister, signed an agreement of understanding with the Austrian ambassador to purchase fire trucks, fireboats and other fire-fighting equipment.

Pracha and Somsak helped draft the agreement. Samak signed it just before his term ended.

- The Nation

UPDATE

People Power Party Leader to Give Testimony on Fire Truck Purchase Next Week

The Assets Examination Committee summoned the leader of the People Power Party to hear his charge of being involved in the controversial purchase of Bangkok's fire equipment on November 21.

On Tuesday the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) reached an agreement to issue summons for five individuals, accused of involvement in the controversial procurement of fire trucks and boats for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), to hear their charges for causing 2 billion baht worth of damages to the state and for violating the Anti-Bidding Scam Act

The five accused include the former Bangkok Governor and current People Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej, former Interior Minister Pokin Pollakul, former Deputy Interior Minister Pracha Maleenont, his personal secretary Somsak Khun-ngern, and former Director of the BMA's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, Police Lieutenant Colonel Athiluk Tanchukiet.

- Thailand Outlook

UPDATE

Fire engine scam group under investigation

A fact-finding team investigating the controversial purchase of fire engines and boats by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has called on all five suspects in the case to hear malfeasance charges against them on Wednesday. They include former Bangkok Governor and now Leader of the People Power Party (PPP) Samak Sundaravej, former Interior Minister Pokin Polakul, former Deputy Interior Minister Pracha Maleenont, his assistant Somsak Kun-ngern and former Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department chief Atilak Tanchukiat. According to the fact-finding team, only a representative of Pracha arrived this morning to inform officials that a lawyer will hear charges in Pracha’s place later today. The five officials are under investigation for their involvement in the 6.8 Billion Baht deal to purchase the trucks and boats from Steyr Daimler Puch, the Austrian manufacturer of the fire engines and fireboats. The Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) insisted it had enough evidence to prove that the trucks and fireboats were partially made in Thailand, which meant that the deal had been overpriced.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=123789

===============================================================================

Samak, Bhokin acknowledge charges over fire-truck deal

Former Bangkok Governor Samak Sundaravej and former Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula yesterday acknowledged criminal charges filed against them for their roles in the 6.6 Billion Baht deal to buy fire-fighting equipment for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration BMA.

Samak, now Leader of People Power Party, assigned lawyer Phichit Chuenban to hear the charges of malfeasance and involvement in unlawful bidding at the Office of the Auditor General (OAG).

Phichit said Samak would give a written response to the charges at a December 4 hearing. Phichit said Samak requested a clear statement from the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) stating exactly the charges filed against him, and for a copy of the entire AEC investigation report into the scandal.

Bhokin acknowledged the same charges in person at the OAG headquarters and said he had nothing personally to do with the procurement deal, as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had handled the contract and negotiations.

The former Thai Rak Thai party-list MP said his only role in the deal was his ex-officio supervision over the BMA. He had never seen the detailed contracts between the BMA and Austrian manufacturer, Steyr Daimler Puch, he said.

"The only papers I signed was a three-page MOU during a 30-minute session with the Bangkok Governor and the Austrian Ambassador [Herbert Traxl in 2004], both of whom I had never met earlier," he added.

Bhokin said he would counter the charges before the AEC himself on December 4.

- The Nation

===============================================================================

Meanwhile, Shinawatra family lawyer Pichit Chuenban yesterday appeared at the ASC office on behalf of People Power Party Leader and former Bangkok Governor Samak Sundaravej to hear charges over Samak's alleged involvement in irregularities concerning the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's 6.7 Billion-baht fire truck and boat deal with an Austrian firm. The case is being investigated by the ASC sub-committee, chaired by Mr Nam. Pichit yesterday asked the sub-committee to clarify Samak's alleged mistakes and ask for a permit to photocopy all the documentary evidence against Samak so that he could prepare for testimony on Dec 4. Samak is among five senior administrators implicated by the ASC sub-panel.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/22Nov2007_news08.php

================

The ties between Thaksin and the People Power Party draw even closer...

[sriracha john]

UPDATE... the nearly Seven Billion Baht fire truck scandal is moving ahead

AEC Goes Ahead with Corruption Case against New PM

The Assets Examination Committee says it will forge ahead with the investigation into various corruption cases against the newly appointed Prime Minister of Thailand. He says Samak’s new position will not affect the panel’s investigation.

Assets Examination Commissioner Banjerd Singkaneti says the AEC will forge ahead with the cases against Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. Banjerd is a member of the sub-committee set up by the AEC to investigate Samak’s involvement in a controversial fire trucks procurement scandal.

Banjerd says the investigation is still still active despite Samak being appointed as Thailand’s new prime minister on Tuesday.

Samak is accused of being involved in a number of corruption charges for signing two contracts while he was the governor of Bangkok. The first deal is a controversial garbage contract in 2003 and the other is the purchase of fire trucks and fire boats in 2004.

The AEC committee says it's not afraid the committee may be disbanded by the new government.

During his election campaign, Samak Sundaravej has made it public he plans to dismantle the AEC. Samak claims the AEC has too much power and that its jurisdiction overlaps with some of the existing independent anti-corruption bodies.

The AEC is in the process of interviewing 20 witnesses whom Samak had presented to the committee. However, Banjerd says he cannot say when the AEC will be able to forward the case to the Attorney-General's Office. How soon the committee can proceed with the case will depend on the number of witnesses involved.

Meanwhile Udom Fuengfung, another AEC member investigating Samak’s case, says Samak’s status as the new prime minister of Thailand will not affect the AEC’s work. Udom says the AEC is doing everything according to the law. He does not believe the new government will be able to interfere with the AEC’s investigation.

- Thailand Outlook

[John K]

I guess the sequel to this thread is due any day now.