Soontorn

Samak's Judgement Day

By Supon Thanukrit

The Nation

Published on September 9, 2008

Constitution Court to decide today if PM violated charter by hosting TV cooking show

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's fate will be decided this afternoon when the Constitution Court rules on whether he violated the charter by hosting commercial television shows while in office.

The court, led by President Chat Chonlaworn, is scheduled to read its verdict at 2pm.

If Samak is found guilty, he will have to step down. The entire Cabinet will have to go with him, and Parliament will have to pick a new prime minister.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/09/09...cs_30082931.php

Samak's Judgement Day

By Supon Thanukrit

The Nation

Published on September 9, 2008

Constitution Court to decide today if PM violated charter by hosting TV cooking show

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's fate will be decided this afternoon when the Constitution Court rules on whether he violated the charter by hosting commercial television shows while in office.

The court, led by President Chat Chonlaworn, is scheduled to read its verdict at 2pm.

If Samak is found guilty, he will have to step down. The entire Cabinet will have to go with him, and Parliament will have to pick a new prime minister.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/09/09...cs_30082931.php

Oh Dear, Its Not Final Yet

Posted by Thanong , Reader "The Nation"

Samak Sundaravej, the prime minister, felt sorry that he had disappointed several people. He would not resign, nor would he dissolve Parliament.

It is all his trick. He has no intention whatsoever to step down.

Yesterday there were rumours that he would go on Radio of Thailand at 7:30 AM today to announce his resignation. It was unusual for the prime minister to book a radio programme of the Public Relations of Thailand at that early hour of Thursday because he could always speak wherever he would like to. An army of media and reporters have been following his trails wherever he goes.

Besides, Samak has his own weekly TV and radio talk show, Conversation in the Style of Samak, on Sunday broadcast through NBT and Radio of Thailand.

In his radio address this morning, Samak repeated his determination to stay on as prime minister and defend democracy till the end. Nobody could apply pressure on him. This time around he tried to use a more amiable tone to calm the nerve of his audience.

Sorry, I have disappointed you all.

Samak outlined the similar reason of his decision to stay on that he gave on Sunday at the joint session of the Senate and Parliament, where no resolution was reached over how the lawmakers would deal with the political crises.

Known as the Great Communicator, Samak did not want to use the TV to convey his message this time. He would like to reach a broader mass of the Thais living in the countryside. Radio serves him as a better medium. He spoke with easy language to appeal to the rural mass, hoping to rally for their support of his premiership and his administration.

In the afternoon, he also went on a radio talk show hosted by Weera Thiraphat. Again, the prime minister hoped to reach his grass-roots audience, including the taxi-drivers and common people.

Weera is a famous radio host, known for his hard-hitting comment and analysis. (You get a slap in the face if you phone into his programme and ask a stupid question.)

Samak plans to speak directly to his audience via 140 radio stations nationwide. He will be handling his own propaganda war.

In between his Cabinet, which met at an army headquarters because the Government House had been hijacked, approved to resolve the political crisis by holding a national referendum.

Somsak Prisnananthakul, the deputy leader of the Chat Thai Party, proposed this idea to the Cabinet meeting. The old politician like Banharn Silapa-archa would never lose his shine. Chat Thai wants to hang on to this sinking ship to the last minute. The party has not begun yet.

It is part of a delaying tactic. To start with, it is funny that the Samak Cabinet plans to launch a referendum on whether the Thais still prefers the Samak government to continue to run the country; or on between the People's Alliance for Democracy and the Samak Government, which side the Thais take.

A referendum is only introduced on very hard and serious issue that critically determines the future of the country, such as approval or disapproval of a new constitution, joining or not joining the Single Asian Currency. No country in this world introduces a referendum on an unregistered movement like the PAD or on a simple question of whether you like this government or not.

Anyway, it serves to show the whole world that Samak is sticking to the democratic principles against the mob rule at the Government House.

In the meantime, Samak said the protesters can continue to occupy the Government House until the referendum is finished. He would like the Council of the State, the legal advisory body of the administration, to consider the possibility of the referendum.

The referendum law, which has passed the House of Representatives, is now in the Senate process. The Senate will have to pass the law within 90 days. So when will the referendum ever get started?

But more importantly, Samak's lip service on the referendum is an answer to Army Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda, Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Democrat leader, and the public at large for him to resolve the political crises via Parliament.

If you want Parliament to solve this issue, so be it. Let's have a referendum.

In the meantime, Bangkok is going through the State of Emergency for the third day, without any incidents but with growing signs of state failure. Thailand's credit is plummeting.

PM is talking now on radio............

Samak began talking, I asked wife what he s saying. "Bullsh!t!"

After the speech, I asked again what'd he say? "Bullsh!t"

What was it all about? Sounded pre-recorded, not live at all.

It was broadcasted live on all TV stations

But Audio only. There was a still photo of him displayed on the screen while he was talking.

I don't think that this is an important issue to argue about...

LOL Probably because it is not something you agree about. Does kind of make you wonder why this was radio and not TV - of which even TV can be taped... Was it live or was it Memorex?

If you understand Thai you've heard the moderator apologizing that at 7.34am PM Samak hasn't arrived at the station, PM Samak apologized later that he came late coz of traffic, he stopped talking seconds before the national athem at 8.00am - something I agree about?! LOL .... live or memorex? Elvis isn't dead as well.

PM is talking now on radio............

Samak began talking, I asked wife what he s saying. "Bullsh!t!"

After the speech, I asked again what'd he say? "Bullsh!t"

What was it all about? Sounded pre-recorded, not live at all.

It was broadcasted live on all TV stations

But Audio only. There was a still photo of him displayed on the screen while he was talking.

I don't think that this is an important issue to argue about...

PM is talking now on radio............

Samak began talking, I asked wife what he s saying. "Bullsh!t!"

After the speech, I asked again what'd he say? "Bullsh!t"

What was it all about? Sounded pre-recorded, not live at all.

It was broadcasted live on all TV stations

Live on NBT TV - English news

PM Samak not more on radio .....

Thailand ... quo vadis?!

BREAKING NEWS

Samak Sundaravej will NOT resign as PM

Just right now he is talking trush why he arrived late at the radio station...........

PM is talking now on radio............

they never learn

We will ..., one day ....., who knows when ....

Totally isolated PM

(BangkokPost.com, TNA) Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag resigned on Wednesday, and Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej booked early morning air time for a special speech to the nation, as he became increasingly isolated by the militant street protests.

A reliable source disclosed that Mr Tej quit in apparent protest, the day after the premier declared emergency rule on Tuesday after clashes between his supporters and anti-government protesters killed one man and injured 43.

Mr Samak ordered TV and radio time beginning at 7:30am (0030 GMT) on Thursday, through the Public Relations Department.

Officially, he will "speak to fellow Thais about the ongoing political turmoil," PRD sources said.

Unofficially, there was high speculation he might decide to resign. Leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy said on Wednesday that the minimum requirement for negotiations with authorities are the resignations of Mr Samak and his cabinet.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=130356

Better or wores, PAD supporters told to get set

People's Alliance for Democracy leaders told the anti-government protesters that they should prepare for better or worse as Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is going to address on radio at about 7am tomorrow.

Somsak Kosaisuk, a PAD leader, asked PAD supporters to gather at the Government House as many as possible to prepare for the morning speech of the PM.

"Knowing Samak, I'd say things could take a twist and turn and the best for us is to get set and react wisely so that our fight will not be a waste. It is only a few hours away," he said at 1.40am on Thursday.

Other leaders echoed Somsak's idea and told the PAD members that they do need support from PAD members. "Whatever happens, we have to gather here. Please come out and join us and if you are in the province, please leave now."

The PAD supporters are told to stricly follow the five key leaders and continues their fight to reach the goal of a "new politics". They are told to help fighting for the free and independent media especially ASTV.

Samak on the brink of exit

By The Nation

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is expected to address the public on national radio this morning, with high prospects that he will step down.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/09/04...cs_30082536.php

Samak on the brink of exit

By The Nation

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is expected to address the public on national radio this morning, with high prospects that he will step down.

A well-informed source said Samak's resignation would pave the way for three possible scenarios, all of which will take place within the current constitutional framework.

1. Samak could dissolve Parliament.

2. He could resign to pave the way for a new coalition government.

3. Samak's resignation could result in the formation of a national unity government.

In the third scenario, Parliament will need to support an amendment of Article 171 of the Constitution, under which the prime minister must be a Member of Parliament, the source added.

Samak has been driven into a tight corner, suffering two blows in a row yesterday. The first blow came when Army chief Anupong Paochinda told Samak that he would not use force to disperse anti-government protesters from Government House despite Tuesday's declaration of a state of emergency.

The second blow for Samak yesterday came when Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag resigned. Anupong's tough stand and Tej's resignation plan spawned intense rumours last night that Samak was ready to call it a day. However, Samak's booking of a Public Relations Department radio network at 7.30 am for a public address this morning was later played down as an effort to "explain" the current situation, including Tej's resignation, to the people.

Army chief Anupong told Samak that he will not use force to crack down on the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters, according to First Army Region Commander Prayut Chanocha. "It is difficult to use military and police forces against the people. Using force could worsen the situation. It would go step by step and take time. Please don't expect that the state of emergency could finish everything quickly. The officials need time to work," Prayut quoted Anupong as saying to Samak. Samak had expected tough action against the protesters. But the soft approach of the military gave Samak no sword to bring down the PAD.

Meanwhile, members of the Privy Council yesterday reportedly were granted royal audience with His Majesty the King to report on the situation. People Power Party MP Panya Sripanya said it is possible that his party would press Samak to step down rather than dissolve the lower House. The party's MPs from the northeastern region will hold a meeting today to take a stand over the situation. But another MP, Kan Thiankeow, said the option to dissolve the house of representatives was likely but it was the prime minister's decision.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he only had information that Samak would be on radio this morning to clarify the political situation. Abhisit turned down the suggestion that he could be proposed as new prime minister if Samak resigns, and also declined to comment if he would accept the proposal. However, Abhisit said even if Samak resigns, the passing of the 2009 Budget Bill would not be affected as the deliberation belongs to the Parliament, not the government.

PM to speak to public on Thursday morning

(BangkokPost.com) - Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will speak to the public through radio and television stations of the Public Relations Department on Thursday morning.

It is expected that he would speak and explain to the fellow Thais about ongoing political turmoil. But some local media speculated that he might announce his decision to resign.

The interview will be broadcasted on Radio Thailand at 7.30am.

Democrats to end sieges at southern airports

The Democrat Party has instructed its MPs from the South to try and convince the crowds to stop laying sieges at local airports after it is evident that the protests has threatened to bring about ruins to the regional economy.

Krabi MP Arkom Engchuan said party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai urges his fellow Democrats to intervene and reason with the local chapters of the People's Alliance for Democracy to move their rally sites away from the airports.

The Democrats have no involvement in the protests but they will assist in ending the sieges at airports, Arkom says.

PADled protesters have already agreed to abandon their plans to blockade airports at Krabi and Phuket although they are still blocking the accesses to air services in Surat Thani and Hat Yai.

MP Withaya Kaewparadai voices optimism that following the Democrats' intervention, every southern airport would resume normal business within one or two days.

Withaya said he expects protesters to move their rally sites to provincial halls instead.

More countries issue travel warnings against Thailand visit

By The Nation

Singapore, China, Taiwan, New Zealand, Switzerland, France and Denmark have joined the group of countries who have issued travel warnings against travelling into Thailand.

Since Thailand announced the state of emergency on Tuesday, five countries immediately issued the warnings - Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom.

Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) president Apichart Sankary said the political unrest should end before September 15, which is the start of the high season of tourism industry.

Prakit Shinamourphong, president of Thai Hotels Association (THA), said business operators are worrying over political turmoil. "It is too soon to finalise the degree of impact on the hotel and tourism business, but operators are not happy with the situation," said Prakit.

A number of tourists have checked out from hotels in Thailand for fears that state enterprises' labour union strikes could disrupt their travelling plans. Importantly, the Hat Yai International Airport has remained shut down while some train services to the South are halted.

All prepared for labour unions' strikes

By The Nation

State enterprises and provincial officials have been on full alert, pending the threat of the labour unions to launch a nationwide strike which could lead to the disruption of more public services.

The Metropolitan Electricity Authority and the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority are setting up emergency units to take care of possible power and water supply cut around the clock. However, till now, there is no major disruption, except the closure of the Hat Yai International Airport in Songkhla.

The airport stopped its operation in the morning to noon on Wednesday as People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters have blocked all gates since yesterday. The closure affected three flights from Hat Yai to Bangkok: Thai Airways International at 8.15am, Thai AirAsia at 9.45am and Nok Air 11.15am.

It was reported that the supporters remained despite Songkhla Governor Sonthi Techanan's persuasion that they should move to the City Hall. The Hat Yai train station remains shutdown for five consecutive days.

In preparation for the power supply cutoff, Songkhla also prepared generators for emergency.

The Port Authority of Thailand on Wednesday also insisted that it is operating as usual, despite the threat to stage a full-scale strike today. However, the port has welcomed much less traffic as shippers diverted to other ports, on fears of disrupted services.

PAD seizes Phuket provincial hall, closes provincial offices

PHUKET, Sept 3 (TNA) - Thailand's People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)

protesters, ratcheting up their campaign against the central government of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, have blockaded the entrances to Phuket Provincial Hall, preventing government officials to go to their workplaces, in an attempt to pressure the prime Minister to resign.

The further blow to one of Thailand's prime tourist destinations seems deisgned to bring economic loss not only to the world-famous beach resort, but can impact that larger national economy.

The main provincial government offices closed today as PAD protesters brought a number of local authorities functions to a halt. Government officials and local residents who came to the provincial hall to conduct business went away disappointed, as many bureaucratic function came to a halt. Outside the provincial hall compound are PAD volunteers who are guarding the area.

There is no reported electricity or water supply shutdown at government offices in Phuket as threatened by some groups of state enterprise employees.

Five Crucial Steps for Ending Crisis

By The Nation

During an emergency session of Parliament on Sunday, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej could have made history if he had chosen to step down or dissolve Parliament after the 12-hour debate. Instead, he ended up as an angry-looking leader who wanted to cling to power, come what may.

Less than 24 hours after the end of the debate, pro-government elements, armed with sticks and clubs, broke through unarmed police barricades. They moved towards Government House, where People's Alliance for Democracy protesters have camped for the past week.

The violent clash killed one man and injured nearly 40 people.

The police almost turned a blind eye to the pro-government elements' move towards the Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge during the early hours where they confronted and clashed with anti-government protesters.

Samak used the confrontation as the raison d'etre to declare the state of emergency. The situation, violent as it might look, did not justify a state of emergency as we did not experience widespread riots or clashes beyond the normal control of police.

Under the executive order, all the emergency power to restore order will be transferred to Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda, but Anupong made it clear at Army headquarters that the Army would use only dialogue and negotiations to restore order without resorting to using force.

This looked like a snub to Samak, who would prefer the Army to use decisive measures to quash the protest at Government House.

At this dangerous moment, we have the following recommendations for all sides to consider in taking the necessary steps to end the political crisis.

First, the prime minister must revoke the state of emergency as quickly as possible. The longer this stern measure is imposed, the more damage it will create to confidence in the Thai economy and in the country as a whole.

Second, Samak must step down or dissolve Parliament to take responsibility for the fatal clashes on Tuesday and to bring an end to the political crisis. The Law Society of Thailand has issued a statement expressing doubt over the clash, which looked as if it was a plot written solely to lead to the declaration of the state of emergency. At the same time, the nine leaders of the PAD must turn themselves in to police to face allegations of treason against the state. Then the protesters must disperse in peace.

Third, all the coalition partners must consider pulling the plug if Samak insists on hanging on in office.

Fourth, an impartial committee must investigate the violent incident to find out who was the mastermind behind the clash between pro-government forces and the PAD.

Fifth, ASTV, the cable-TV broadcasting mouthpiece of the protesters, and NBT, the mouthpiece of the Public Relations Department, must stop disseminating news and information that incites further confrontation in Thai society.

We believe these crucial steps would help restore peace and order to society as a whole, for now at least.

Samak is asked: Are you Thaksin's proxy?

watch Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej respond to a question by a foreign correspondent this evening: Are you Thaksin's proxy. He said: "He asked me to hold the flag. But I ran the rally myself."

http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/ThaiTalk/2008/08/26/entry-2