sriracha john

Lieutenant Sunisa Lertpakawat, author of ‘Thaksin, Where Are You?’, beams as she shows a copy of her book. She later broke into tears when asked about an investigation into her travel to London to interview Thaksin without proper authorisation.

After a long wait, the public has finally heard from singer Saranrat "Lydia" Wisutthithadato, who stated emphatically: "I'm not Thaksin's gig, 200 per cent." The singer released her book "Lydia … Here I am!" yesterday and met the press for the first time since the news broke about her relationship with Thaksin.

The boon to the publishing world continues...

Female Military Officer Debuts Her New Book: Thaksin, Are You OK?

Lieutenant Sunisa Lertpakawat traveled to Udon Thani province to introduce her latest controversial book entitled, “Thaksin, Are You Ok?” and to visit red-shirt supporters in the province.

A military officer from the Army Secretary's Office, Lieutenant Sunisa Lertpakawat, or Lieutenant Jeab, along with friends who are foreign reporters from England, arrived at the Udon Thani airport yesterday.

They received a warm welcome from supporters and a core leader of Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, or DAAD.

Lieutenant Jeab then visited the Love Udon Thani People group at FM 97.50 radio station, to talk about her new book, “Thaksin, Are You Ok?” She previously wrote the controversial and successful book, “Thaksin, Where are You?”.

She said the new book is based on her new interviews with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who talked about the "lessons" he has learned while living in exile.

These included his aspect and difficulty in traveling to other countries after the Foreign Affairs Ministry revoked his passport.

Lieutenant Jeab also visited DAAD supporters in the province. She returned to Bangkok yesterday evening.

Sunisa: Breached army regulations

Bangkok Post

Sunisa confined for joining Sanam Luang anti-government rally

Army Lieutenant and author Sunisa Lertpakawat will be confined for a week as punishment for joining the anti-government rally in April.

Lt Sunisa, who was earlier put on probation for writing her first book about ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, attended the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship rally at Sanam Luang in April.

The source said the disciplinary committee ruled in favour of the confinement. She will be confined to the Office of the Army Secretary for seven days. It is the lightest disciplinary punishment for a breach of military regulations. The source said Lt Sunisa was under a lot of pressure and might quit the army to further her studies in the US at the end of the year.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2081...anti-govt-rally

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-24

Wait till Sunday: UDD supporters show copies of the ‘‘Voice of Taksin’’ biweekly magazine, which will be launched on July 26 to mark the 60th birthday of Thaksin Shinawatra, who has promised his supporters a ‘‘Big Surprise!’’

Bangkok Post / 2009-07-24

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

Unsurprising that he goes with the not usually used English transliteration of his Thaksin name but opts for the less commonly accepted Taksin. He prefers that as it is associated with King Taksin.

awaiting for his comparing himself to JFK... and self-proclaiming to be Man of the Year (same as Time magazine famously does annually)

Wait till Sunday: UDD supporters show copies of the ‘‘Voice of Taksin’’ biweekly magazine, which will be launched on July 26 to mark the 60th birthday of Thaksin Shinawatra, who has promised his supporters a ‘‘Big Surprise!’’

Bangkok Post / 2009-07-24

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

Unsurprising that he goes with the not usually used English transliteration of his Thaksin name but opts for the less commonly accepted Taksin. He prefers that as it is associated with King Taksin.

awaiting for his comparing himself to JFK... and self-proclaiming to be Man of the Year (same as Time magazine famously does annually)

Thaksin would phone in to take the opportunity to "forgive" his critics and opponents for what they had said and done to him.

This is meant as a gesture of goodwill on the part of Thaksin

:D

The "Big Surprise" is that Thaksin is more deranged that ever thought possible.

all of Thaksin's sons and daughters had signed the petition

They let it slip out about his illegitimate son(s) [plural]

Thaksin plans peace gesture, say supporters

At least 2 million said to have signed petition

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will spring a "big surprise" on his 60th birthday by making peace with his opponents, his supporters say. Pracha Prasopdee, an MP for Samut Prakan with the opposition Puea Thai Party, said Thaksin would phone in to address his supporters on his birthday on Sunday and take the opportunity to "forgive" his critics and opponents for what they had said and done to him.

This is meant as a gesture of goodwill on the part of Thaksin to promote national reconciliation, Pracha said. It would then be up to the government to decide whether to accept the peace offering and show its sincerity in mending social and political rifts. Singthong Buachum, a coordinator of the birthday bash, said Thaksin would spring "a big surprise" during his phone-in to celebrations at Wat Kaew Fa temple in Nonthaburi's Bang Kruai district, where religious rites would be held to mark the birthday.

The phone-in will take place after a merit-making ceremony at which alms will be presented to 109 monks. Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother-in-law, will preside over the ceremony, Singthong said. Regarding the petition to collect a million signatures to obtain a Royal Pardon for Thaksin, Pracha said 2 million to 3 million people had already signed the petition. A close associate of the Shinawatra family said all of Thaksin's sons and daughters had signed the petition to ensure the petition drive was in line with the law. Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga has insisted only relatives of a convict had the right to submit a pardon request and Thaksin had to serve part of his jail term to qualify for a pardon.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/2...-say-supporters

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-24

Keep playing those instruments in harmony you Farangs. It sounds so sweet and so compromised.

Well Khun Thai, you don't have to like it - there are other Farangs (as you say) who so support your dear leader. It's just that not everyone has a sheep like mentality in following either one or the other. As much as you may not like it, there are a significant number of Farangs/Aliens here who are working and paying taxes, so don't see no reason why we can't comment on what is going on. You might not like it Khun Thai, but it's called freedom of speech, whereby accepting that all public figures are open to criticism. I can't recall that Thaksin was ever an upholder of freedom of speech when it didn't suit him, or maybe I was mistaken.

At the moment, the country is in stalemate, as all the greedy politicians edge to get there noses in the trough, without giving a <deleted> about the majority of Thai's - that goes for all sides concerned.

No need to expound so thoroughly, Mr. Toad.

He's no more Thai than you or I or the man in the moon.

Insight has it pegged right (as usual)....

HvT's/Permanent_Disorder's

6,000 scholarships is nothing compared to extended free milk and such

for ALL Thai children in ALL grades.

I remember his LAST scholarship give out.

One semi HiSO kid gets listed,

and children of his cronies get day trips to the soccor matches.

Very educational. Thaksin teaching sportsmanship right?

Almost NOTHING, except saying he is doing it, is on record.

Sam Moon at his finest 'propaganda apprarachic' best.

Where is the never to be forgotten Sam Moon these days?

Where is the Thaksin Saves Asia Foundation? Only a website still?

Apparently. Last was a single blog entry he made in February.

No Board of Directors for the Foundation appointed yet.

No sign of any movement to develop the Foundation.

Still listing Sam Moon as the solitary employee of this great movement and undertaking to:

"The Building a Better Future Foundation aims to contribute significantly to the quality of life in Asia by identifying and nurturing the next generation of Asia talent."

http://www.buildingbetterfuture.org/advisors/sam-moon

Just another Thaksin hot-air scam... but then again, he's been busy escalating hate and turmoil in his homeland for the past 6 months and that's been more pressing an issue for him to deal with, so this complete flop of nonsense he spouted about earlier is understandable.

Initially, Kaew Jam Fa Temple in Sriphraya area of Bangkok was chosen, but the temple refused to hold the event.

At the ritual, 20,000 masks with Thaksin's face picture on them will be given to participants.

That's a lot of big, square heads walking around if they are like this...

Thaksin Shinawatra (name-sake worn as a mask) and Surapong Towichakchaikul during his MP campaign trail

Deputy Police Chief Reveals Progress on Sondhi Assassination Attempt

The Deputy National Police Chief has said he is confident that he has enough time to find the culprits who made an attempt on the life of People Alliance's for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul, before he retires in two months.

Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Thanee Somboonsap, said the police have brainstormed on how to accelerate the process of investigation and to assess the evidence they have gathered so far, to decide if they are sufficient to ask the court for an additional warrant.

Previously, Thanee met with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to brief him on the progress of the case and Abhisit stated that the culprits must be brought to justice.

Arrest warrants have been issued for two suspects implicated in this case, but none of them has turned himself in.

He said the supervisors of Police Corporal Worawut Moongsanti, one of the suspects from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, should help bring him to the police.

Assistant National Police Chief Police Lieutenant-General Assawin Kwanmuang has been tasked with bringing the suspects to the police. Thanee believes neither has fled the country.

Meanwhile, the police team has contacted the Department of Special Investigation regarding a car that is believed to have been used by Worawut.

Thanee does not believe the two suspects are hiding at the residences of high-ranking officers. The investigation also revealed that former Army Chief General and Defence Minister Chettha Thanajaro was not involved in the attempted assassination.

Further, Thanee added that the police found the suspects' hideouts, but they could not make immediate arrests as it took time for them to follow legal procedures, which allowed the suspects to escape.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-23

Senator's Comments on Upcoming Thaksin's 60th Birthday

A leader of the Group of 40 Senators said the upcoming ritual to mark former premier and fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra's 60th birthday is a vehicle in disguise that will lead to the collection of signatures from his supporters to petition His Majesty the King for a Royal Pardon.

Citing reports he received, Senator Prasarn Maruekkapitak, a leader of the Group of 40 Senators, said there has been an order from Dubai of the United Arab Emirates, that the birthday ritual for Thaksin Shinawatra must take place in a temple with its name having words 'Kaew' and 'Fa' that are deemed to be auspicious for Thaksin.

Initially, Kaew Jam Fa Temple in Sriphraya area of Bangkok was chosen, but the temple refused to hold the event.

The birthday ritual is now expected to take place at Uthaitayaram Temple in RCA area of Bangkok instead.

At the ritual, 20,000 masks with Thaksin's face picture on them will be given to participants.

Senator Prasarn thinks the ritual will lead to the collection of one million signatures from Thaksin supporters to petition His Majesty the King for a Royal Pardon to absolve Thaksin of his offence.

Prasarn added that one merit-making will not offset the bad karma Thaksin has accumulated.

He said this ritual is a way to use religion to achieve a political goal and the movement to acquire a Royal Pardon is a way to involve the monarchy in politics and to discredit the government.

He urged Thaksin to stop any movements that could create hostility in Thailand. He gave an analogy that if the head stops moving, the tail will too, and then peace can be restored.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-23

Thai and Cambodian Authorities: No Further Clashes at Preah Vihear Site

Thai and Cambodian defence authorities affirm there will be no further clashes at Preah Vihear site.

On Wednesday, the 7th Secretariat Meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee, presided over by the Cambodia's Deputy Defence Minister, General Nieng Pad and the Director of Thailand's Department of Border Affairs, Lieutenant-General Nipat Thonglek, concluded with the promise of no further clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers at the disputed site of Preah Vihear Temple.

In this regard, Cambodia's Deputy Defence Minister and the Director of Thailand's Department of Border Affairs co-hosted a press conference to reveal the results of the meeting.

General Nieng Pad said he is pleased with the outcome of the meeting and is proud that the two sides worked together to find a common solution to the issues at the border. He added that relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been amicable all along. The meeting concluded that both sides should avoid any further confrontation at the Preah Vihear Temple.

With regard to the withdrawal of troops from the Preah Vihear Temple, General Nieng Pad said the committee discussed this approach at every meeting, and there have been talks at the government level about this option as well.

He assured that relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been good at all levels, from the people who live at the border to the soldiers and the authorities of both sides.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant-General Nipat Thonglek said the results of the meeting will be forwarded for implementation depending on the decision of the Cabinet and the Senate. He believes the meeting has eased the tension between the two countries and cleared some misunderstandings.

The seventh Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee meeting will take place in Thailand in September. The meeting will be presided over by Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan and Cambodian Defence Minister General Tia Bahn.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-23

Thaksin's 'big surprise' still a secret

Thaksin's Shinawatra's legal aide Noppadon Pattama claims he has no information at all about the “big surprise” which will supposedly be unveiled by the fugitive politican on his 60th birthday this Sunday. The plans to give scholarships to students and hired tutors to teach Thai students over the People's Television station were unlikely to be the big surprise, Noppadon said on Thursday.

He had asked members of Thaksin’s team overseas, Thaksin’s classmate General Sumeth Phomanee, Thaksin’s cousin General Chaisit Shinawatra, and Thaksin’s younger sister, Yaowaret Wongsawat, but they all said they had no idea what it was. Puea Thai Party MP for Samut Prakarn Pracha Prasopdee said on Tuesday that Thaksin would make a big announcement on July 26, his 60th birthday, that would be a surprise for the Democrat-led government.

The former prime minister had announced his plans for a big surprise because he was afraid that the people would forget him now that Prime Minister Abhist Vejjajiva's popularity had risen after his visit to Buriram. New Politics Party Secretary-General Suriyasai Katasila predicted Thaksin would take the opportunity on his birthday to declare that he would cease his political activity after leaders of the pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship submit their petition seeking a Royal Pardon for him.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...rise-of-thaksin

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-23

Senators lobbied EC over ruling

Certain Senators accused of having shareholdings contrary to limits in the Constitution have been lobbying the Election Commission to reverse its ruling to disqualify them, EC member Sodsri Sattayatham said yesterday.

Some 16 Senators were disqualified by the EC for having stakes in firms that have state concessions or stakes in media outlets. The EC ruling is in the process of being forwarded to the Constitution Court for a legal review.

"The EC has done its job and will not review its decision," Sodsri said, who confirmed that the ruling had been forwarded for a judicial review via the Office of the Senate Speaker.

She said Senators concerned should prepare to present their defence to the high court rather trying to "fix" such matters.

The EC hoped the judicial review would be completed in a speedy manner in order to give a clear guideline about the legal interpretation of the issue, she said.

The EC had a legal interpretation but the case was unprecedented, hence precedents set by the judiciary would be welcomed by parties concerned, she said.

In regard to the decision on a similar case involving 44 MPs, she said the EC was unlikely to debate or form a judgement on the matter today, as had been speculated.

The inquiry report had not been completed since six MPs had yet to give their statements and investigators were still verifying information from the Commerce Ministry and stock exchange, she said.

Reacting to her remarks about the lobbying, Senator Somchai Sawaengkan said Sodsri should have been specific instead of making a blanket accusation. "The way Sodsri commented about the lobbying taints the reputation of the entire Senate; she should have named the people to dispel doubts," he said.

Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet said he was making copies of the 3,000-page case so the 16 accused Senators could prepare a legal defence.

Once copies were made and distributed to the Senators, the case would be submitted to the Constitution Court, he said.

-- The Nation 2009-07-23

Rassami Mekchai

Sondhi Limthongkul's vehicle from the time of the shooting in April

Owner Demands Police Return Truck Seized in Sondhi's Case

The owner of the pick-up truck seized for the investigation into the assassination plot against People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul is seeking compensation of 2,000-baht per day if police fail to promptly return the vehicle.

Deputy National Police Chief Police General Thani Sombunsap, who is in charge of the investigation, held a meeting on Wednesday with members of the probe team on Wednesday to follow up on developments in the case.

Meanwhile, Somnuek Tapchot , father of Rassami Mekchai , the owner of the pick-up truck suspected to have been used in the plot, and his lawyer visited the National Police Office to submit a request asking Police General Thani to give the truck back.

Somnuek said a forensic examination of the truck has already been completed and its seizure by police has caused problems to the daily life of his family since it is the sole vehicle they rely on.

He insisted that the truck was not used in the attempt on Sondhi's life and he told the investigators that it was in Lopburi on the day the crime took place in Bangkok.

Somnuek said he has sustained damage because of the confiscation and demanded that police return the truck within 3 days after receiving the petition, or he will take legal action and seek daily compensation at the amount of 2,000 baht.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-22

City seeks court order to kill fire truck deal

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is again asking the Office of the Attorney-General to seek a Civil Court order to cancel its contract to buy fire trucks and boats worth 6.7 Billion Baht.

Deputy City Governor Prakorp Chirakiti, acting on behalf of Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra, who is on an official trip to the US, signed the second request on Tuesday, a BMA source said. The OAG told the BMA last month the contract between the city administration and its supplier, Austria-based Steyr Co, should not be terminated.

The OAG said it could not take immediate action because the memorandum of understanding between Thailand and Austria on the deal required the BMA and Steyr to first seek arbitration should there be any problem. MR Sukhumbhand responded by saying he wanted a court injunction that would allow the BMA to skip the Aug 10 payment to Steyr covering the sixth instalment of almost

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2075...fire-truck-deal

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-23

Witthaya cancels visit to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital amidst UDD protest

AYUTTHAYA, 22 July 2009 (NNT) - Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai canceled his visit to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital in Ayutthaya province after the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protesters gathered at the hospital.

More than 50 UDD supporters reportedly gathered in front of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital in an attempt to interfere with Mr Witthaya’s planned visit to observe the A (H1N1) patient filtering system of the hospital. The demonstration thus forced the Public Health Minister to call off his trip to the province despite tight security provided by 50 police officials and border protection volunteers.

The UDD protesters dissolved in frustration upon hearing the news that Mr Witthaya had changed his plan to instead observe the A (H1N1) preventive measures at Rajamangala Stadium ahead of a football match tonight between Thailand National Team and Liverpool Football Club from England.

-- NNT 2009-07-22

The Minister then had to flee from the hospital amid clashes between police and protesters.

In regards to the incident, Puea Thai party Spokesperson Prompong Nopparit said UDD supporters were allowed to express their opinion.

However, he suggested that they should allow the Minister to perform his duties and limit their protests to stay within the law.

He further stated also that the protesters should not perform any acts of violence.

More disarray within the Puea Thai Party as tactical differences of opinion are now coming out?

Red Shirts again interrupting the government's efforts to try an manage the swine flu.

Hampering the ability to effectively respond to the needs of the people to its ultimate ability... then condemning the government that's slowed or impeded by its own thuggish behavior.

Invading hospitals and scaring patients and families.

Red Shirts...

Bunch of hooligans and mobster-ish thugs.

anyway, here's more on the latest Reds' tactics...

PM Acknowledges Obstacles in Sondhi's Case

The Prime Minister says he is aware of obstacles, particularly from state officials, in the investigation into the assassination attempt case of People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul but affirms that the military is not involved.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva revealed deputy national police chief Police General Thani Sombunsap, as chief investigator for the case, has met with him to report the progress of the investigation.

Abhisit said Police General Thani reported several obstacles in the investigation, particularly coming from state officials involved in the case. He reiterated there have been no obstacles about cooperation from the military.

The PM expects to hear more progress in the case by next week.

Abhisit said as director of the Internal Security Operations Command, or ISOC, he will ensure prosecution of the ISOC Region 4's Chief-of-Staff Colonel Sunai Prapuchanae, if there is evidence to prove his involvement in the case.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-22

Call for opening of Preah Vihear national park

The government should consider to quickly reopening the Preah Vihear national park in order to rehabilitate the ailing economy of the border province of Si Sa Ket, the province’s chamber of commerce chairman, Sriwan Kiatsuranont, said on Wednesday.

The trade and tourism related businesses in the northeastern city have been severely affected since the state authority shut down the national park. “The Preah Vihear national park is the only tourism selling point of Si Sa Ket and the southern part of the northeast region. The park’s closure has driven away tourists from our province”, the chairman stated, adding that Cambodia has continued to opening its Preah Vihear ancient temple for foreign tourists and local travelers.

He called on the government to reopen the national park to rehabilitate trade and tourism of the province business as soon as possible.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...r-national-park

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-22

Opposition to push charter change

The government was turning a blind eye to proposals made by the parliamentary committee on reconciliation, political reform and constitutional amendment, Opposition Chief Whip Withaya Buranasiri said on Wednesday. The committee has proposed amendments to constitutional provisions involving party dissolutions, the election of MPs and Senators, and the holding of political positions by MPs.

The committee has also proposed promulgation of a law on reconciliation, which was seen by some Senators as a pretext to granting an amnesty to banned politicians. Withaya said although the committee has submitted its full report the government has not taken any action, but tried to buy time by saying that it was necessary to listen to more opinions from many other groups of people.

The opposition would seek an explanation from the government when parliament reconvenes on Aug 1 and push for constitutional amendments as recommended by the committee, he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...charter-changes

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-22

Meanwhile, key UDD leader Veera Musikapong said that the group has successfully gathered one million signatures to ask for a Royal Pardon for the ex-premier, so that he will be allowed to return from his self-imposed exile, as the movement earlier intended.

They got their million (or so they say)... but... whatcha gonna do with them now, Veera?

or maybe not...

Thaksin´s fan club to celebrate his birthday

During the party the group would collect names for supporting royal amnesty for the former prime minister as well.

Currently the group had collected over 30,000 names already.

Red-shirts push forward Royal Pardon campaign for Thaksin in Petchaburi

The red-shirt group is moving forward with its campaign to seek a Royal Pardon for fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Key red-shirt figures including Nutthawut Saikua, Jatuporn Prompan, and Arisman Pongruangrong organised a stage in Petchaburi's Thayang district to discuss their plans for political movement and for the attack of the Abhisit government.

More than 500 red-shirt supporters from the provinces of Petchaburi, Ratchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Sakhorn, Samut Songkram, Kanchanaburi, and Nakhon Pathom attended the activities.

Additionally, the key red-shirt figures vowed to continue the campaign to collect 1 million signatures, asking for a Royal Pardon from His Majesty the King for fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-22

PM briefed on Sondhi attack case

Chief investigator Police General Thani Somboonsap briefed Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on the progress of the police investigation of the attempted assassination of Sondhi Limthongkul, a core leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, at Government House on Wednesday morning.

Mr Abhisit said Police General Thani had asked for seven more days to make the case clearer. The prime minister said he told the Deputy Police Chief that he would provide full support for police to quickly close the controversial case.

If the investigation concluded that Colonel Sunai Praphuchane, Chief-of-Staff of the Internal Security Operations Command’s Region 4 office, was involved in the attempted murder, police could take needed legal action in

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-22

EC lobbied by disqualified Senators

Election Commissioner Sodsri Satthayatham has admitted she was lobbied by some of the 16 Senators disqualified by the Election Commission (EC) for holding shares in firms prohibited to parliamentarians by the 2007 Constitution. “The Senators asked me to help get the EC members to review the ruling to disqualify them.

''I told them that the EC will not change its ruling and that they should prepare their cases to prove their innocence in court,” Ms Sodsri said on Wednesday. Asked about Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej's delay in forwarding the EC's ruling to the Constitution Court, claiming he had to scrutinise the documents, Ms Sodsri said it was the responsibility of the complainant in the shares case, Senator Ruangkrai Luekijwattana, to file a complaint against Mr Prasopsuk for negligence.

Ms Sodsri insisted that the EC will exercise the same legal standard used to disqualify the 13 Democrat MPs in considering whether to disqualify another 44 MPs, members of the coalition partners and of the opposition Puea Thai Party, facing the same charge.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-22

Meanwhile, key UDD leader Veera Musikapong said that the group has successfully gathered one million signatures to ask for a Royal Pardon for the ex-premier, so that he will be allowed to return from his self-imposed exile, as the movement earlier intended.

They got their million (or so they say)... but... whatcha gonna do with them now, Veera?

or maybe not...

Thaksin´s fan club to celebrate his birthday

CHIANG MAI, 21 July 2009 (NNT) – The Thaksin fan club, comprising those loyal to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, will celebrate his 61st birthday anniversary on July 26 in Chiang Mai.

President of Khon Rak Thaksin Fan Club of Thailand Mahawan Kawang revealed that the club, in cooperation with other alliance organizations, would celebrate the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s 61st birthday anniversary on July 26 in Chiang Mai.

61 Buddhist monks would be invited to receive alms and make merit at Elephant Circle in front of the Royal Floral Park 2006 at 9 am.

The rite would be held at Wat Don Chan Temple, and the party would be organized in the evening in front of the venue of the Royal Flora 2006.

During the party the group would collect names for supporting royal amnesty for the former prime minister as well.

Currently the group had collected over 30,000 names already.

Mahawan said that Police Lieutenant-Colonel Thaksin did not want them to celebrate the occasion, but the group insisted to organize the party as it did not cause trouble to anybody, while the people who supported the former Prime Minister would participate in the fair as well.

-- NNT 2009-07-21

still looking for a stand-in boss....

Puea Pandin Party list MP Police General Pracha Promnok

Pracha approached by Puea Thai Party

The Puea Thai Party has made overtures to Puea Pandin Party list MP Police General Pracha Promnok, Puea Pandin Party list MP Wanlop Thainuea confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.

Wanlop said Police General Pracha was invited to lead the election campaign of Puea Thai Party MPs and candidates in the Northeast, where he has a strong political base. The former Police Chief worked in the Northeast, particularly in Udon Thani, for many years.

Six MPs in Police General Pracha’s faction in Puea Pandin Party wanted to set up a new political party, Wanlop said. The MPs would certainly split from Puea Pandin Party at the next general election. Whether they would join forces with other political camps had yet

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1496...-join-puea-thai

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-21