New Political Party Ready To Launch

[John K]

Well brave/honest or not that put his name at the top of the list for being investigate. I don’t think I would be to happy or proud to announce I am just a puppet of a fugitive or anyone for that matter.

[sriracha john]

Abhisit urges voters to choose sides

Abhisit Vejjajiva has called on the public to decide once and for all whether they are for or against Thaksin Shinawatra during a visit to Prachuabkirikhan to raise money for the Democrat party’s election campaign.

“It’s up to the people now to decide if they want to see the rebirth of the Thaksin regime or not,” Abhisit stated. His statement follows leader of the People’s Power party (PPP) Samak Sundaravej’s confession that the party is a “nominee” candidate for the ousted Prime Minister.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=121118

[Siripon]

I remember when Samak was a minister and he paid a visit to TOT. He talked to all the staff about road plans and transport projects, had to be dragged upstairs to see the boss in the end. He's good at personal contact, at least in Bangkok.

If I remember rightly he was the minister who approved Thaksin's first satellite deal. They go back a long way.

Interesting to see Somsak, Suwat, etc hedging about a leader, claimimg things will be clearer next week.

Must be a big name otherwise they would have announced a partnership with Thaksin's poodle by now.

And after 5 years under Thaksin's ruthless dominance they may well have had enough of only being yes men, expected to raise their hands in agreement with whatever the great dictator decided. Not MPs, merely employees, the thought of having their own autonomous factions again must be tempting indeed.

[John K]

I was Thinking Tony could help design an accurate logo and campaign posters for the PPP. I can only imagine what they would look like.

[John K]

Samak gets a caution

PPP says leader was referring to foreign business

People Power Party leader Samak Sunda-ravej was warned yesterday claims he could become a "nominee" of former prime minister Thaksin Shina-watra could land him or his party in legal hot water.

The formerly small and little-known party is now viewed as the new home of former Thai Rak Thai members of Parlia-ment and Thaksin supporters.

Shortly after being named leader on Friday, Samak said he was unperturbed at being considered a Thaksin nominee and hinted he planned to avenge the deposed prime minister.

Many party figures, however, tried to explain later that Samak was not a proxy for the ousted leader.

Election Commission member Sodsri Satayathum said yesterday Samak had not committed any election offence.

However, she warned any further moves on the nominee issue could land him in legal trouble.

"If later he commits such an offence and people complain, we can investigate," she said.

Sodsri added that under the new Constitution, Samak's ac-tions could be viewed as a threat to the political system; an of-fence, if convicted, that carries a punishment of party dissolution.

She said the commission would ask Samak to explain reports he had accepted Bt1 billion from Thaksin to be his nominee. "I believe it is not hard to find evidence because politicians are fighting hard to win the next election. They will reveal what happens,'' she said.

Nurak Mapraneet, a member of the special committee drafting new organic laws for the election, has warned Samak's actions could be in violation of these when effective.

A special committee headed by Prasong Soonsiri is considering the organic laws.

According to Article 82 of the Political Parties Bill, executives of any party punished by dissolution are banned from involvement in politics.

"In the case of Samak, if it can be proved he is a nominee of Thaksin, Samak would be breaking the law," he said.

People Power spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang defended his leader. Samak was discussing nominees of foreign businesses in local companies, he said.

Samak attributed much growth in the economy to huge foreign direct investment.

In the past, foreign ownership of locally registered companies was limited to 25 per cent, compared with 49 per cent at present.

"Our party will continue the policies of Thai Rak Thai which benefited the people," he said.

"Thai Rak Thai party founder Thaksin established the changes in foreign ownership and, therefore, 'nominee' in this case is not Thaksin, but his policies," the spokesman explained.

He said the party knew which actions broke political-party laws and Samak would not commit political suicide.

He reiterated the party was not a "nominee of Thaksin or anyone".

Meanwhile, People Power rivals warned yesterday that Samak's announcement would create disharmony.

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the Popular Campaign for Democracy, said the veteran politician's comments suggested he aimed to restore Thaksin to power.

He said Samak should have announced a vision to solve national problems instead of declaring he would be a Thaksin puppet.

"It is a dangerous political comment and will create disharmony in the country again," he said.

Suriyasai said if political chaos returned, perhaps the People's Alliance for Democracy might reform in order to push Thai politics forward under the Constitution law.

The Democrat Party agreed with Suriyasai. Secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said he could never have made an announcement like Samak about representing the former prime minister in carrying out political activities.

He said the Democrats could join a coalition with any political party with similar political ideologies and stands, but not the People Power Party.

He said the Democrats' ideology was vastly different to People Power's.

"We can be an opposition party forever but we won't follow those who have damaged the country," Suthep said.

Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon yesterday said at a press conference it appeared from Samak's comments that the People Power Party leader wants to play aggressive politics, which is his hallmark.

Democrat deputy spokesman Sathit Pitutecha said the comments would only create more conflict.

Mahachon Party leader Sanan Kachonprasart said during the party's annual convention he was not concerned about Samak saying Thai Rak Thai had now become the People Power Party and it would be up to the people whether to vote for it.

"The people will judge in the election whether they want to see harmony or disharmony and which parties should be selected," he said.

He said his party would not join a coalition with People Power because it could not accept the ideas of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party.

In a related development, former House speaker Uthai Pimchaichon said yesterday Samak's statement would help people decide which political camp they supported.

"I believe what he did was good for the people. They can use their judgement because Thaksin was part of the country's problems,'' he said.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

I was Thinking Tony could help design an accurate logo and campaign posters for the PPP. I can only imagine what they would look like.

Whilst waiting for Tony....

and as a tribute to the great culinary arts skill of its Leader, perhaps a campaign logo like this might be suitable:

[John K]

Well it seems they are off to a great start. Their opening announcement requires major damage control.

(Oh he was talking about foreign business. .... that it foreign business... that’s the ticket you were just confused when he said Thaksin nominee in the same sentence. He meant foreign business.)

I can Think I can hear Thaksin screaming at Samak from here.

[Tony Clifton]

I have a feeling that not only Samak (on a 2 year suspended jail sentence and investigated on at least two corruption cases) won't see the end of the elections but that the PPP party will somehow commit suicide and get disqualified, cheating is always part of their game, they can't help it. Political lemmings ready to jump over any cliff Dear Leader asks them to.

Samak gets a caution

PPP says leader was referring to foreign business

People Power Party leader Samak Sunda-ravej was warned yesterday claims he could become a "nominee" of former prime minister Thaksin Shina-watra could land him or his party in legal hot water.

The formerly small and little-known party is now viewed as the new home of former Thai Rak Thai members of Parlia-ment and Thaksin supporters.

Shortly after being named leader on Friday, Samak said he was unperturbed at being considered a Thaksin nominee and hinted he planned to avenge the deposed prime minister.

Many party figures, however, tried to explain later that Samak was not a proxy for the ousted leader.

Election Commission member Sodsri Satayathum said yesterday Samak had not committed any election offence.

However, she warned any further moves on the nominee issue could land him in legal trouble.

"If later he commits such an offence and people complain, we can investigate," she said.

Sodsri added that under the new Constitution, Samak's ac-tions could be viewed as a threat to the political system; an of-fence, if convicted, that carries a punishment of party dissolution.

She said the commission would ask Samak to explain reports he had accepted Bt1 billion from Thaksin to be his nominee. "I believe it is not hard to find evidence because politicians are fighting hard to win the next election. They will reveal what happens,'' she said.

Nurak Mapraneet, a member of the special committee drafting new organic laws for the election, has warned Samak's actions could be in violation of these when effective.

A special committee headed by Prasong Soonsiri is considering the organic laws.

According to Article 82 of the Political Parties Bill, executives of any party punished by dissolution are banned from involvement in politics.

"In the case of Samak, if it can be proved he is a nominee of Thaksin, Samak would be breaking the law," he said.

People Power spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang defended his leader. Samak was discussing nominees of foreign businesses in local companies, he said.

Samak attributed much growth in the economy to huge foreign direct investment.

In the past, foreign ownership of locally registered companies was limited to 25 per cent, compared with 49 per cent at present.

"Our party will continue the policies of Thai Rak Thai which benefited the people," he said.

"Thai Rak Thai party founder Thaksin established the changes in foreign ownership and, therefore, 'nominee' in this case is not Thaksin, but his policies," the spokesman explained.

He said the party knew which actions broke political-party laws and Samak would not commit political suicide.

He reiterated the party was not a "nominee of Thaksin or anyone".

Meanwhile, People Power rivals warned yesterday that Samak's announcement would create disharmony.

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the Popular Campaign for Democracy, said the veteran politician's comments suggested he aimed to restore Thaksin to power.

He said Samak should have announced a vision to solve national problems instead of declaring he would be a Thaksin puppet.

"It is a dangerous political comment and will create disharmony in the country again," he said.

Suriyasai said if political chaos returned, perhaps the People's Alliance for Democracy might reform in order to push Thai politics forward under the Constitution law.

The Democrat Party agreed with Suriyasai. Secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said he could never have made an announcement like Samak about representing the former prime minister in carrying out political activities.

He said the Democrats could join a coalition with any political party with similar political ideologies and stands, but not the People Power Party.

He said the Democrats' ideology was vastly different to People Power's.

"We can be an opposition party forever but we won't follow those who have damaged the country," Suthep said.

Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon yesterday said at a press conference it appeared from Samak's comments that the People Power Party leader wants to play aggressive politics, which is his hallmark.

Democrat deputy spokesman Sathit Pitutecha said the comments would only create more conflict.

Mahachon Party leader Sanan Kachonprasart said during the party's annual convention he was not concerned about Samak saying Thai Rak Thai had now become the People Power Party and it would be up to the people whether to vote for it.

"The people will judge in the election whether they want to see harmony or disharmony and which parties should be selected," he said.

He said his party would not join a coalition with People Power because it could not accept the ideas of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party.

In a related development, former House speaker Uthai Pimchaichon said yesterday Samak's statement would help people decide which political camp they supported.

"I believe what he did was good for the people. They can use their judgement because Thaksin was part of the country's problems,'' he said.

The Nation

That line about the nominee is a prime example of the way TRT zombies keep thinking that people are as stupid as they are when they conveniently forget that they made a completely opposite statement hours earlier which was recorded as well. Lying like spoiled little children.

Another deserved ban/disqualification/dissolution and they'd be crying "It's not faiiiiir!"

Edited August 26, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

The surgeon did a good job of sewing his head laceration... Hope he has a burn specialist as well as he might need one soon...

EC to investigate New Chief of People’s Power Party

The election watchdog will investigate claims on possible vote-buying, and the legitimacy of the new chief of People's Power Party, who announced his representation of the former prime minister.

Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham said a team will investigate into recent remarks made by the newly appointed People's Power Party, Samak Sundaravej. The veteran politician said that in serving as the party's chief, he would represent deposed Premier Thaksin Shinawatra. His statement was supported by the party's secretary-general, Surapong Seubwonglee, who admitted that People's Power will act for the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai.

Sodsri also countered former Thai Rak Thai member, Newin Chidchob, who said that martial law which is still being enacted would make the upcoming general elections unfair for certain parties. The election commissioner stated that Newin's remarks were untrue and that every political party will be able to enter the race equally.

She added that the election watchdog would consult with all political parties regarding concerns over vote-buying schemes early September.

National Legislative Assembly member Chaianan Samudavanija reported that political parties are likely to spend some 30 billion baht in buying votes in the elections.

Meanwhile, Democrat party deputy chief Alongkorn Ponlabut cautioned Samak Sundaravej's move, saying he may be part of the ousted premier's political plan. But he believed that Thai politics will be brightened after the new charter takes effect. Alongkorn said the success of the upcoming election will rely on the Election Commission, every political party, and the candidates, to ensure no electoral fraud.

- Thailand Outlook

[Tony Clifton]

[sriracha john]

In a tribute to the "dance with the devil" references....

[hammered]

I remember when Samak was a minister and he paid a visit to TOT. He talked to all the staff about road plans and transport projects, had to be dragged upstairs to see the boss in the end. He's good at personal contact, at least in Bangkok.

If I remember rightly he was the minister who approved Thaksin's first satellite deal. They go back a long way.

Interesting to see Somsak, Suwat, etc hedging about a leader, claimimg things will be clearer next week.

Must be a big name otherwise they would have announced a partnership with Thaksin's poodle by now.

And after 5 years under Thaksin's ruthless dominance they may well have had enough of only being yes men, expected to raise their hands in agreement with whatever the great dictator decided. Not MPs, merely employees, the thought of having their own autonomous factions again must be tempting indeed.

He is certainly a love or hate figure. For every personal contact success story there is one of where Samak decides certain groups are not Thai because their behaviour does not fit with what he decides to be a Thai is. The 1976 stuff is well known amongst Thai activisits. Then there was also his "you are not Thai" tirade against Kalasin tapioca farmers who dared to demonstrate in Bangkok not so long ago. We also should not forget the cobra incident that brought the last Chaun government to power when half or more of his own party disobeyed his direct order not to support the Dem's. That must have been difficult for one who has made it his lifelong duty to decide who or who should not be Thai.

It is interesting to see so many blogsites that like to comment on Thai politics at the moment struggling to come up with much on Samak when he and his actions are very well known in Thailand.

It will be interesting to see who Somsak et al come up with as their new leader. It couldnt be big Jiew could it? It wiuld be nice if it were someone a tad more sane and less meglamaniacal. Indeed the thought of power rather than exisiting as a slave must appeal to these guys.

[hammered]

Politicians uniting to rival PPP

Aim to form party and battle for seats in Isan

POST REPORTERS

Scores of politicians are set to form a new political group in a bid to counter the People's Power party, which is emerging as a potential major political force and is seen as a nominee of the old power clique, a source said.

The source said the new group, comprising 40-50 former MPs and senators for the Northeast, will register as a political party with the aim of winning seats in Isan, the former stronghold of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party.

Wiwattanachai Na Kalasin, a former party-list MP for Thai Rak Thai, is leading the drive to form the new group.

Rest of story at: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/27Aug2007_news01.php

Another interesting development. By the time the election comes along we could see ex-TRT in basically two camps and fighting each other.

[Plus]

Thaksin's big mouth was one of the reasons for his downfall. Watch what Samak would do to himself.

There was also this intriguing quote:

"I will declare that our party will not have canvassers, because I'm afraid that someone may make up vote-buying to smear the party"

If he goes on bragging like that he'll shoot himself in the head, no the foot.

While he is probably the best leader for PPP, there are several critical flows in this plan - they can't control Samak and he can easily turn their biggest enemy. Number two - he is a spent force. He's been out of national politics for many years and his own party slowly died.

I don't think he has any popular support outside Bangkok and even there five times less people voted for him in 2005 than in 2000. Granted he still got most senatorial votes, but still it was only 200k+. Not enough for a national scale campaign.

[hammered]

Thaksin's big mouth was one of the reasons for his downfall. Watch what Samak would do to himself.

There was also this intriguing quote:

"I will declare that our party will not have canvassers, because I'm afraid that someone may make up vote-buying to smear the party"

If he goes on bragging like that he'll shoot himself in the head, no the foot.

While he is probably the best leader for PPP, there are several critical flows in this plan - they can't control Samak and he can easily turn their biggest enemy. Number two - he is a spent force. He's been out of national politics for many years and his own party slowly died.

I don't think he has any popular support outside Bangkok and even there five times less people voted for him in 2005 than in 2000. Granted he still got most senatorial votes, but still it was only 200k+. Not enough for a national scale campaign.

Dont underestimate what Samak can achieve politically especially with the allies he now has. He actually came in second in the annulled senatorial election in Bangkok.

One interesting thing in the election of Samak as the leader of the PPP is the effect it has on the pro-democracy advocates who support the ex-TRT. To line up with Samak when his links to the 1976 events are well known, particularly if you chat to activists from the period, is not exactly something that is going to make this group feel easy and trying to justify it is difficult. Right now some of the blogs that tend to support Thaksin arguing a pro-democracy slant are interesting in their reaction to Samak. It seems the line is to downplay his role in the events of 1976 and just after by limited research or by claiming a lack of knowledge and appealing to others to fill in the blanks. It seems the reaction to having Samak foisted on as head of the ex-TRT is to not see his past transgressions as a way of trying to justify continued support for the ex-TRT from so called pro-democray groups. However, the effect Samak has on this small and largely irrelevent in electoral terms group will be more than offset by his ability to bring in ultra-rightist and conservative traditionalist support.

[Plus]

I think this support is overestimated. He's been Bangkok Governor and then ran for Senate from Bangkok so we are used to his face, but he has been out of national politics for a very very long time, and even then he was constituency based MP from Bangkok.

He might appeal to Isan voters, he might not, but at the moment he is an unknown quantity, no one remember what he has actually done while in government, and Thaksin has left big shoes to fill for anyone aspiring for "champion of the poor" title.

[Mid]

no wonder the Eagles are so popular here ........................

wasted days and wasted nights

(Freddy Fender)

[hammered]

I think this support is overestimated. He's been Bangkok Governor and then ran for Senate from Bangkok so we are used to his face, but he has been out of national politics for a very very long time, and even then he was constituency based MP from Bangkok.

He might appeal to Isan voters, he might not, but at the moment he is an unknown quantity, no one remember what he has actually done while in government, and Thaksin has left big shoes to fill for anyone aspiring for "champion of the poor" title.

While on his own I think you are right, his support is limited, he will have rightist and traditionalist support from across the class spectrum in Bangkok. This alone will not hoover him up enough seats to be more than a small party boss and in the Isaan he has no support of his own worth talking of, well not without mentioning Thaksin or TRT. Then it goes up dramatically. Also look at his allies. A cursory examination of those in positions of power exposes people with a lot of influence either themselves or by proxy link in the upper north and Isaan and to a lesser degree in Bangkok. The PPP may be led by Samak but it is not his party. He has very powerful allies and the party will do well in the upper north and Isaan. In fact the upper north may already be largely locked down. The isaan surprisingly could become more of a battleground depending on how politcal alliance developments pan out this week. They will also get a few BKK seats and a handful in the Central region.

imho

[sriracha john]

The other TRT Group...consiting of several different possible alliances forming into one party, separate from PPP, which I think I'll just assign them TRT IX moniker, for a lucky and auspicious number. Anyway, yesterday and today there are reports that there is a strong potential for them to take the Issan contingent as many of their big wigs are from that area, as opposed to PPP's Samak.

As you mention, this could turn into a real dogfight between the 2 big TRT alliances that seem to be forming up.

Edited August 27, 2007 by sriracha john

[Old Man River]

As you mention, this could turn into a real dogfight between the 2 big TRT alliances that seem to be forming up.

And it is from these two political parties (I shudder to think) that the next ruling coalition could come from. I shudder even more to think that Samak could then end up with a Dep. PM's position.

[sriracha john]

As you mention, this could turn into a real dogfight between the 2 big TRT alliances that seem to be forming up.

And it is from these two political parties (I shudder to think) that the next ruling coalition could come from. I shudder even more to think that Samak could then end up with a Dep. PM's position.

Yet, by participating in as many constituencies as possible, the Dems can make inroads into these areas with a divided TRT vote in the districts... a revitalized Chart Thai thrown in and the former opposition could still pull out ahead.

Much opportunity exists for many scenarios... so much can happen in the next 17 weeks.

With reports of the potential dissolution of the PPP being bantered about....stopped before they even get going...the possibilities seem near endless.

Edited August 27, 2007 by sriracha john

[A_Traveller]

Election Date confirmed as 23 December

Regards

[hammered]

Pracha Mati party enters political race

(BangkokPost.com) – As the Prime Minister is busy in talks with the Election Commission to decide on an election date this afternoon, a group of 20 people led by Pramual Rujanaseri have handed documents to register a new political party to be called the Pracha Mati party.

Pramual, who is a former member of the Thai Rak Thai party, said the Pracha Mati party will serve as another choice for the people relying only on party members’ courage and determination to win the election.

“We will not use money to buy votes. We will rely on the skills of our MP’s who will mostly be provincial figures,” said Pramual.

Pramual also distanced himself and his party from playing the mediator’s role between two opposing forces as others have done.

Rest of story at: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=121146

Pramual is the ex-TRT MP and I think ex-deputy interior minister who fell out with TRT, wrote a book on royal powers and claimed he did not want to see the Kingdom of Thailand become Thailand Company.

Sure are some characters popping out to play.

Edited August 27, 2007 by hammered

[slimdog]

Yet, by participating in as many constituencies as possible, the Dems can make inroads into these areas with a divided TRT vote in the districts... a revitalized Chart Thai thrown in and the former opposition could still pull out ahead.

Much opportunity exists for many scenarios... so much can happen in the next 17 weeks.

Under the 1997 constitution you would be totally correct, but under the new constitution this doesn't apply. In fact the new constitution really does favour a large party splitting up, that is of course, providing the split is amicable, or the people involved, being able to continue working together. As far as constituent MP's are concerned, we are back to the 1991 constitution.

For Party list MP's the rules have changed dramatically..

[hammered]

As you mention, this could turn into a real dogfight between the 2 big TRT alliances that seem to be forming up.

And it is from these two political parties (I shudder to think) that the next ruling coalition could come from. I shudder even more to think that Samak could then end up with a Dep. PM's position.

I would guess, and at this stage it can only be a guess as we still havent seen where some of the main protagonists are going to line up, that the aim of those that overthrew Mr. Thaksin is to assemble a group of maleable ex-TRT MPs who can then insure the PPP group where Thaksin's main hardcore support is do not get an overwhelming success and maybe even beat them. Then this maleable faction will form a coalition government with other parties such as the Dems, CT etc. Having ex-TRT fight each other in an election will also not only split seats between them but also split votes within constituencies maybe enabluing third parties to pick up votes too. Whether this plan will work who knows.

As to who gets into government who knows. We could end up with Abhisit, Banharn, or even possibly Chavalit if he joins Matchima as PM, but I think the main thrust of those that launched the coup now is to insure no PPP and no Samak in government. Of course the wild card is if PPP come out largets. Then maybe Somsak will quickly lead the boys back. The interesting thing in the coming days will be to see how many ex-TRT MPs and Mps proxies actually join PPP and how many actually join the other splinter groups.

[nothingleftbutfaith]

As you mention, this could turn into a real dogfight between the 2 big TRT alliances that seem to be forming up.

And it is from these two political parties (I shudder to think) that the next ruling coalition could come from. I shudder even more to think that Samak could then end up with a Dep. PM's position.

Yet, by participating in as many constituencies as possible, the Dems can make inroads into these areas with a divided TRT vote in the districts... a revitalized Chart Thai thrown in and the former opposition could still pull out ahead.

Much opportunity exists for many scenarios... so much can happen in the next 17 weeks.

With reports of the potential dissolution of the PPP being bantered about....stopped before they even get going...the possibilities seem near endless.

All these speculations are interesting , but pointless IMHO.

No matter who gets elected , there will never be a big shake up of the corrupt system on which this country is built .

[Old Man River]

As you mention, this could turn into a real dogfight between the 2 big TRT alliances that seem to be forming up.

And it is from these two political parties (I shudder to think) that the next ruling coalition could come from. I shudder even more to think that Samak could then end up with a Dep. PM's position.

Yet, by participating in as many constituencies as possible, the Dems can make inroads into these areas with a divided TRT vote in the districts... a revitalized Chart Thai thrown in and the former opposition could still pull out ahead.

Much opportunity exists for many scenarios... so much can happen in the next 17 weeks.

With reports of the potential dissolution of the PPP being bantered about....stopped before they even get going...the possibilities seem near endless.

All these speculations are interesting , but pointless IMHO.

No matter who gets elected , there will never be a big shake up of the corrupt system on which this country is built .

I don't think I see your point. Are you saying that they shouldn't hold elections in Thailand?

[hammered]

As you mention, this could turn into a real dogfight between the 2 big TRT alliances that seem to be forming up.

And it is from these two political parties (I shudder to think) that the next ruling coalition could come from. I shudder even more to think that Samak could then end up with a Dep. PM's position.

Yet, by participating in as many constituencies as possible, the Dems can make inroads into these areas with a divided TRT vote in the districts... a revitalized Chart Thai thrown in and the former opposition could still pull out ahead.

Much opportunity exists for many scenarios... so much can happen in the next 17 weeks.

With reports of the potential dissolution of the PPP being bantered about....stopped before they even get going...the possibilities seem near endless.

All these speculations are interesting , but pointless IMHO.

No matter who gets elected , there will never be a big shake up of the corrupt system on which this country is built .

But it gives us hours of entertainment

[nothingleftbutfaith]

As you mention, this could turn into a real dogfight between the 2 big TRT alliances that seem to be forming up.

And it is from these two political parties (I shudder to think) that the next ruling coalition could come from. I shudder even more to think that Samak could then end up with a Dep. PM's position.

Yet, by participating in as many constituencies as possible, the Dems can make inroads into these areas with a divided TRT vote in the districts... a revitalized Chart Thai thrown in and the former opposition could still pull out ahead.

Much opportunity exists for many scenarios... so much can happen in the next 17 weeks.

With reports of the potential dissolution of the PPP being bantered about....stopped before they even get going...the possibilities seem near endless.

All these speculations are interesting , but pointless IMHO.

No matter who gets elected , there will never be a big shake up of the corrupt system on which this country is built .

I don't think I see your point. Are you saying that they shouldn't hold elections in Thailand?

My point is that the elections , whether legit or not I will not judge , will not lead to any significant change in the way the country is milked by a cast of buffoon politicians and their business cronies .

[ratcatcher]

As you mention, this could turn into a real dogfight between the 2 big TRT alliances that seem to be forming up.

And it is from these two political parties (I shudder to think) that the next ruling coalition could come from. I shudder even more to think that Samak could then end up with a Dep. PM's position.

Yet, by participating in as many constituencies as possible, the Dems can make inroads into these areas with a divided TRT vote in the districts... a revitalized Chart Thai thrown in and the former opposition could still pull out ahead.

Much opportunity exists for many scenarios... so much can happen in the next 17 weeks.

With reports of the potential dissolution of the PPP being bantered about....stopped before they even get going...the possibilities seem near endless.

All these speculations are interesting , but pointless IMHO.

No matter who gets elected , there will never be a big shake up of the corrupt system on which this country is built .

I don't think I see your point. Are you saying that they shouldn't hold elections in Thailand?

My point is that the elections , whether legit or not I will not judge , will not lead to any significant change in the way the country is milked by a cast of buffoon politicians and their business cronies .

Very good point, but won't the guys who headed the coup be rather worried about 'revenge' from Thaksin in the future should the P.P.P win big?