EU proposes to send an army of observers to February election

[webfact]

EU proposes to send an army of observers to February election

 

 

Only a day after Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai declared that Thailand didn’t need foreign  observers for the upcoming general election, the Election Commission yesterday revealed that the European Union has proposed to send an army of observers to monitor the polling expected in February next year.

 

In a meeting with members of the political affairs and two other subcommittees of the National Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, representatives of the Election Commission said the EU wants to send as many as 200-400 observers to monitor the election nation-wide.

 

An informed source in the Election Commission said the huge number of poll observers proposed by EU is unprecedented and the EC has yet to formally consider the request.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/eu-proposes-to-send-an-army-of-observers-to-february-election/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2018-11-08

[The traveler]

EU?? EU?? The anti democratic union going to anti-democratic Thailand to watch the election, maybe the EU should clean their own backyard first and stop their tyranny. The EU are a bunch of unelected bureaucrats, one thing is good about EU is trade, their view on trade,but we don’t need a parliament, a common currency, many overpaid bureaucrats to do trade with each other.

 

Watch how they bullying Britain for leaving their union, then you understand their intentions.

 

 

let some from US,Canada,Australia or New Zealand to watch the election, those countries are actually democratic.

[Thechook]

Doesn't really matter anyway who wins fair or not.  Prayuth awarded himself the legal power to void any result he wasnt happy with and appoint who he wants which will probably be him

[happy chappie]

Let them send 400 observers then deny them entry at bkk for not all having €600 in cash or being black.pesky farang getting involved with Thai politics that they know nothing about.????

[darksidedog]

33 minutes ago, webfact said:

Only a day after Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai declared that Thailand didn’t need foreign  observers

Oh dear! The FM is going to have to wrack his brains (which shouldn't take long, there not being much to wrack), trying to find some half plausible excuse to turn them away. The last thing the junta want is a free and fair election, but neither do they want to get caught blatantly cheating.

37 minutes ago, webfact said:

the EC has yet to formally consider the request. 

Still too busy right now crapping themselves probably.

[Just Weird]

37 minutes ago, webfact said:

 

Only a day after Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai declared that Thailand didn’t need foreign  observers for the upcoming general election, the Election Commission yesterday revealed that the European Union has proposed to send an army of observers to monitor the polling expected in February next year.

 

In a meeting with members of the political affairs and two other subcommittees of the National Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, representatives of the Election Commission said the EU wants to send as many as 200-400 observers to monitor the election nation-wide.

 

An informed source in the Election Commission said the huge number of poll observers proposed by EU is unprecedented and the EC has yet to formally consider the request.

The knee-jerk posters here need to read the article carefully...

"European Union has proposed to send an army of observers to monitor the polling expected in February next year".

"...the EU wants to send as many as 200-400 observers to monitor the election nation-wide".

"...the EC has yet to formally consider the request".

 

They will not be coming, certainly not in any official capacity, unless the EC agrees!

 

 

[Brunolem]

Observers from neighboring countries (Laos, Cambodia, Burma and maybe the Philippines) would do fine, being accustomed to managing fair elections...

 

Meanwhile, the pompous a...s of the Brussels Politiburo should better focus on their own problems...it's not as if they had nothing to deal with!

 

Obviously, one can imagine their strong motivation for visiting tropical Thailand in winter, at taxpayers' expense...

[webfact]

EC, NLA discuss general election clarity as parties continue activities

 

 

BANGKOK, 8th November 2018 (NNT) – The National Legislative Assembly's (NLA) Committee on Politics has engaged in discussions with the Election Commission (EC) on the need for more clarity on political rules, in support of the February 24, 2019 general election. 

Members of the NLA committee have met with EC Chairman Ittiporn Boonprakong to exchange views and suggestions on preparations for the general election in accordance with constitutional regulations. 

The NLA members questioned the EC head on the February 24, 2019 date for the vote, with Ittiporn clarifying that the day is still only a projection based on when the MP Election Act took effect. He stated that the actual date is dependent on the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). 

It was pointed out that members of any party dissolved after November 26 would be unable to run under new party banners as the law requires them to have been members for no less than 90 days prior to running, which would be impossible between then and February 24. 

On foreign observation of the polling, the EC revealed that the European Union has requested it be permitted to place 200-400 observers in the Kingdom, a record number that is yet to be fully considered. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan says that no irregular movements have yet been detected and that there have been no indications that violence may take place. He nonetheless urged all agencies to watch the situation closely in the lead up to the vote, while confirming political bans will be lifted as soon as both the MP and Senator Election acts are put into effect. A discussion is to be held with parties at an appropriate time. 

The Thai Rak Chart Party meantime, has selected Lt Preechapol Pongpanich as its leader and announced a policy focusing on the use of technology to modernize life in Thailand. The party has given an assurance its members from Pheu Thai Party did not leave due to conflict. 

Chart Thai Pattana Party explained at the same time, the departure of Somsak Prisananuntakul with party leader Kanchana Silapa-acha saying it wasn't due to conflict with newer members. She stated his absence from the political scene does not impact the party’s strategy while noting he remains welcome to sit in with the party and at her family home.

 

-- nnt 2018-11-08

[GarryP]

11 minutes ago, webfact said:

EC, NLA discuss general election clarity as parties continue activities

 

It was pointed out that members of any party dissolved after November 26 would be unable to run under new party banners as the law requires them to have been members for no less than 90 days prior to running, which would be impossible between then and February 24. 

-- nnt 2018-11-08

Well that has severely put paid to Pheu Thai's plans. Dissolve the party and then those planning to shift to the new party they have established are shafted. This sounds so deliberate.  Has the Junta no shame? I'll answer that myself, no.    

[Cadbury]

 

53 minutes ago, darksidedog said:

Oh dear! The FM is going to have to wrack his brains (which shouldn't take long, there not being much to wrack), trying to find some half plausible excuse to turn them away. The last thing the junta want is a free and fair election, but neither do they want to get caught blatantly cheating.

Still too busy right now crapping themselves probably.

You are probably right with your last sentence. The Electoral Commission need to give careful judgement to this request. The EU is Thailand's third largest trade partner after China and Japan.

The EU may be unelected bullies like some others we know but they have always had an interest in freedoms and rights in Thailand. 

Perhaps if they are refused entry they might impose serious trade sanctions on Thailand. Or even if they are allowed to come and observe and don't like what they see they still might still impose sanctions.

There needs to be a considered and polite response to the EU. One person in particular needs to be kept on a leash.

[webfact]

EC to consult Foreign Ministry on EU request to monitor February election 

 

 

The Election Commission will have to consult relevant agencies, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before it can decide whether or not to allow the European Union to send observers to monitor the election next February, said EC chairman Itthiporn Boonprakong on Thursday.

 

However, he said  the EC is currently too preoccupied with the mapping of poll constituencies to consider the EU’s proposal. It would be another two weeks before it has time to study the proposal.

 

It has been a practice for the past 15 years by the EC to allow observers from foreign  countries, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to send observers to monitor elections in Thailand provided that they comply with the Thai law and the conditions set by the EC .

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ec-to-consult-foreign-ministry-on-eu-request-to-monitor-february-election/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2018-11-09

[Chang_paarp]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

 

However, he said  the EC is currently too preoccupied with the mapping of poll constituencies to consider the EU’s proposal. It would be another two weeks before it has time to study the proposal.

 

I hope they understand that there is a tacit condition on having, or rather not having, the EU inspectors.

[YetAnother]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

It has been a practice for the past 15 years by the EC to allow observers from foreign  countries, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to send observers to monitor elections in Thailand provided that they comply with the Thai law and the conditions set by the EC .

what difference will observers make ? so what if they say the results are tainted (by western standards of course ), they have no authority to affect post election outcomes

[connda]

I want them to refuse.  The fallout should be a good show.

[rkidlad]

16 hours ago, Just Weird said:

The knee-jerk posters here need to read the article carefully...

"European Union has proposed to send an army of observers to monitor the polling expected in February next year".

"...the EU wants to send as many as 200-400 observers to monitor the election nation-wide".

"...the EC has yet to formally consider the request".

 

They will not be coming, certainly not in any official capacity, unless the EC agrees!

 

 

Prior to your post who exactly categorically stated the EU would be sending people to observe? 

 

Me thinks you need to read more carefully. 

[jayboy]

17 hours ago, The traveler said:

EU?? EU?? The anti democratic union going to anti-democratic Thailand to watch the election, maybe the EU should clean their own backyard first and stop their tyranny. The EU are a bunch of unelected bureaucrats, one thing is good about EU is trade, their view on trade,but we don’t need a parliament, a common currency, many overpaid bureaucrats to do trade with each other.

 

Watch how they bullying Britain for leaving their union, then you understand their intentions.

 

 

let some from US,Canada,Australia or New Zealand to watch the election, those countries are actually democratic.

Grow up

[jerojero]

EU?? EU?? The anti democratic union going to anti-democratic Thailand to watch the election, maybe the EU should clean their own backyard first and stop their tyranny. The EU are a bunch of unelected bureaucrats, one thing is good about EU is trade, their view on trade,but we don’t need a parliament, a common currency, many overpaid bureaucrats to do trade with each other.
 
Watch how they bullying Britain for leaving their union, then you understand their intentions.
 
 
let some from US,Canada,Australia or New Zealand to watch the election, those countries are actually democratic.

USA democratic not any more. Thanks to Donny Dictator.

[jayboy]

16 hours ago, darksidedog said:

Oh dear! The FM is going to have to wrack his brains (which shouldn't take long, there not being much to wrack), trying to find some half plausible excuse to turn them away. The last thing the junta want is a free and fair election, but neither do they want to get caught blatantly cheating.

Still too busy right now crapping themselves probably.

I understand your concern and sympathize with it. However, it with respect repeats a quite widespread error that the actual process of elections may be unfair. I certainly agree it's sensible to have observers, both local and foreign - but the real problem is not really what happens in the election itself. It is actually almost impossible to "fix" an election in Thailand these days with stuffed ballot boxes, vote buying, intimidation etc.

 

The real problem is elsewhere, particularly in the mindset of the unelected elites as exemplified in the Juntas's constitution which has its primary aim of blocking the democratic aspiration of the Thai people (and I'm perfectly well aware received a public endorsement). I could elaborate but it's veering off topic.

[shaurene]

The bloody EU sending 200-400. Wasting members money. They will be officials, flying 1st class, the best hotels, and a good amount of spending money.

No wonder we and others want to get out.

[klauskunkel]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

the EC has yet to formally consider the request.

the EC will find that the EU did not file the correct paperwork. 

Per observer: two translated copies of the request, two passport pictures, a hand-drawn map to their hotel, a written statement from a Thai witness that they are indeed here to observe, a form to declare their social media platforms and handles, all this certified to be the truth by an official Truth Certifier...

[malagateddy]

Just another junket by the fraudulent corrupt brussels would be's[emoji6]

Sent from my SM-G7102 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[robblok]

18 hours ago, The traveler said:

EU?? EU?? The anti democratic union going to anti-democratic Thailand to watch the election, maybe the EU should clean their own backyard first and stop their tyranny. The EU are a bunch of unelected bureaucrats, one thing is good about EU is trade, their view on trade,but we don’t need a parliament, a common currency, many overpaid bureaucrats to do trade with each other.

 

Watch how they bullying Britain for leaving their union, then you understand their intentions.

 

 

let some from US,Canada,Australia or New Zealand to watch the election, those countries are actually democratic.

Yea we could learn something from the US where you can actually lose an election when you have a majority of votes. A novel concept in a real democracy.. one that the generals would love to learn more about.

Edited November 9, 2018 by robblok

[robblok]

1 hour ago, jayboy said:

I understand your concern and sympathize with it. However, it with respect repeats a quite widespread error that the actual process of elections may be unfair. I certainly agree it's sensible to have observers, both local and foreign - but the real problem is not really what happens in the election itself. It is actually almost impossible to "fix" an election in Thailand these days with stuffed ballot boxes, vote buying, intimidation etc.

 

The real problem is elsewhere, particularly in the mindset of the unelected elites as exemplified in the Juntas's constitution which has its primary aim of blocking the democratic aspiration of the Thai people (and I'm perfectly well aware received a public endorsement). I could elaborate but it's veering off topic.

Seems its not often that we agree upon something.. if I am reading it correctly like me you don't believe that an election here could be really fixed / faked. I always said it can't be done because of the number of people who would have to be involved. So something like that especially in the internet age will come out. 

 

That being said I also agree with your assertion that they use laws to stay in power.. not a good thing, but full out fixing of an ellection will not happen.

[Becker]

41 minutes ago, shaurene said:

The bloody EU sending 200-400. Wasting members money. They will be officials, flying 1st class, the best hotels, and a good amount of spending money.

No wonder we and others want to get out.

 

17 minutes ago, malagateddy said:

Just another junket by the fraudulent corrupt brussels would be's

Sent from my SM-G7102 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

I see the Brexiteers are out in full force this morning venting their hatred for the EU even in such a innocent context as observing an election. Like the EU being allowed to send election observers could be anything but beneficial. Sad.

 

PS. Is it me or am I not alone in seeing very clear similarities between Brexiters and base Trump supporters?

[malagateddy]

I see the Brexiteers are out in full force this morning venting their hatred for the EU even in such a innocent context as observing an election. Like the EU being allowed to send election observers could be anything but beneficial. Sad.
 
PS. Is it me or am I not alone in seeing very clear similarities between Brexiters and base Trump supporters?

Considering that the eu accounts have not been signed off for over 25 years..I think that they should get their own house in order first.
Ps..hope Italy sticks to their guns[emoji6]

Sent from my SM-G7102 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Becker]

1 minute ago, malagateddy said:

Considering that the eu accounts have not been signed off for over 25 years..I think that they should get their own house in order first.
Ps..hope Italy sticks to their guns

Sent from my SM-G7102 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Again, how does that in any way turn sending election observers to Thailand into something negative??

[Mickmouse1]

The EU has no right to poke their noses in Thailand's election.

400 so called observers going on holiday,  how much will that cost, need the breakdown.How much is the daily allowance paid to each person?

How long for ?

Just wasting tax payers money and giving themselves yet another treat.

[Pilotman]

Predictably arrogant EU bureaucrats.  and they wonder why the UK wants to leave. 

[HalfLight]

1 minute ago, Mickmouse1 said:

The EU has no right to poke their noses in Thailand's election.

400 so called observers going on holiday,  how much will that cost, need the breakdown.How much is the daily allowance paid to each person?

How long for ?

Just wasting tax payers money and giving themselves yet another treat.

 

In my opinion, the international community has every right to ascertain whether or not Thailand is complying with international treaties that they voluntarily signed; especially if they think that the PM is lying his boots off and trying to show how superior he is by pretending things are othewr than what they are in Thailand.

 

If Thailand wants the benefits of being a member of the international community (and it does), than they come at a price, and adopting civilised values is a part of that price.

 

[Becker]

5 minutes ago, Mickmouse1 said:

The EU has no right to poke their noses in Thailand's election.

Correct, that's why they're asking for permission.