New Political Party Ready To Launch

[hammered]

And how do this development impact Lydia?

Choice #1: Stay with the aging and ever-girth-growing Pojaman and give up the possibility of the possible power from once again ruling an entire nation and instead resign oneself to tending to a small garden, occasionally visiting a football stadium, and resigning yourself to the realization that most people around you think you're from Taiwan.

Choice #2: Stay with the young, svelte Lydia and heartily pursue the potentiality of wielding near absolute control of 68 million people with all the numerous trappings that come with that.

hmmm.... decisions... decisions...

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

and yes, the future elections is what all this is really about ....

Actually a split up with his wife and hence her very powerful clan could result in his political fortunes not being too rosy, not to mention the loss of immense amounts of money and influence. However, the rumors are probably either exaggerated or untrue. Most marrriages of thsoe up there are made for business/powwer reasons and stand the test of time because the reason d'etre for the marriage in the first place doesnt change over time. Mind you wealthy Thai man do tend to keep the mia-nois and gigs out of the public limelight to avoid embarrasment for the mia luang. Mr. Thaksin has not been very good at this.

We also shouldnt forget that a lot of educated Thai people say that the real power behind Thaksin in terms of all the strategies and tactics as well as the alliances is his wife. When talking about funding elections it is also usually her name that is mentioned as the one who passes out the needed funds.

Thaksin has far more to lose by losing his wife. Cant see it happening and it may even be that the rumors are part of someting aimed at discrediting him.

[marshbags]

And how do this development impact Lydia?

Choice #1: Stay with the aging and ever-girth-growing Pojaman and give up the possibility of the possible power from once again ruling an entire nation and instead resign oneself to tending to a small garden, occasionally visiting a football stadium, and resigning yourself to the realization that most people around you think you're from Taiwan.

Choice #2: Stay with the young, svelte Lydia and heartily pursue the potentiality of wielding near absolute control of 68 million people with all the numerous trappings that come with that.

hmmm.... decisions... decisions...

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

and yes, the future elections is what all this is really about ....

Actually a split up with his wife and hence her very powerful clan could result in his political fortunes not being too rosy, not to mention the loss of immense amounts of money and influence. However, the rumors are probably either exaggerated or untrue. Most marrriages of thsoe up there are made for business/powwer reasons and stand the test of time because the reason d'etre for the marriage in the first place doesnt change over time. Mind you wealthy Thai man do tend to keep the mia-nois and gigs out of the public limelight to avoid embarrasment for the mia luang. Mr. Thaksin has not been very good at this.

We also shouldnt forget that a lot of educated Thai people say that the real power behind Thaksin in terms of all the strategies and tactics as well as the alliances is his wife. When talking about funding elections it is also usually her name that is mentioned as the one who passes out the needed funds.

Thaksin has far more to lose by losing his wife. Cant see it happening and it may even be that the rumors are part of someting aimed at discrediting him.

I can,t help but wonder if their is some crafty, ulterior motive behind this alledged and farcical statement relating to divorce.

This could be an ideal way of seperating their joint involvement in all that has gone before the coup as man and wife.

What better way for his rent a gob lawyer to gleen sympathy and unjust support for his spouse ( or v.versa ) while at the same time reducing the proving of alledged collusion from such an arrangement, the scenarios and phoney, lying arguments are many.

The outcome under these terms could mean one of the two walking away ( probably his wife, of course ) and being in a position to keep the influences of such a powerful combination on track.

Both parties then left to reap the rewards ?????

marshbags

Edited September 30, 2007 by marshbags

[sriracha john]

Samak's loose talk could sink PPP

The PM candidate could be dooming his party and democracy's recovery by proclaiming himself a TRT proxy

Samak Sundaravej needs to calm down - a lot. His ascendancy to the helm of the People Power Party (PPP) is controversial enough, but what really is affecting the already rough road back to democracy is what he has been doing since. At recent election rallies in the Northeast, he has openly announced that the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had now transformed into the PPP. While that is undeniably true, it was not necessarily the right thing to say.

We have called on the interim leadership, as well as the junta, to be fair to the PPP and Samak. They must be treated as ordinary Thai citizens with full political rights. Anyone outside the legal dragnet that caught Thaksin and many of his business and political associates must be accorded every right given to other politicians and political parties and there must not be harassment or intimidation. Having said that, the country also needs Samak's help as well. We need him to avoid creating conditions that could play into the hands of those who may want to delay the return to democracy. We want him to stop making the provocative proclamation that he is just a Thaksin nominee.

This claim could land the new party in legal trouble and thus prolong the country's political mess. The Constitution Tribunal found Thai Rak Thai guilty of electoral fraud. While the evidence of the party's guilt was damning, the punishment and the judicial process were controversial to say the least. But if Samak wants to rebuild Thai Rak Thai, he must do it in a smarter way, even if it requires a semblance of "dissociating" himself and PPP from Thai Rak Thai and Thaksin.

There have already been efforts to challenge the PPP's legitimacy following Samak's election campaign claims. The party's enemies argue it is illegitimate because it has confirmed that it is Thai Rak Thai in a new form. Since Thai Rak Thai was condemned by the Constitution Tribunal as a threat to democracy, Samak's claims must have given his opponents formidable ammunition. While everyone in the PPP is innocent because nobody in the new party has been charged in connection with Thaksin's alleged corruption or Thai Rak Thai's electoral fraud, Samak has unwittingly courted major trouble for the party he's supposed to lead.

It is not a bad strategy on Samak's part to play the role of political victim, although for most of his political life Samak has rarely been on the receiving end of political persecution. Yet he needs to take into account the country's best interests as well. Lowering his guard in a bid to seek the public's sympathy could result in negative consequences beyond his control. If the PPP were suspended or dissolved, it would not bode well for Thailand's rocky rehabilitation.

Samak has overlooked the simplest approach in his election campaign. He could tell voters that the PPP is a new "people's party", and it holds the public's interest above all. Saying that he will try his best to have the charges against Thaksin nullified cannot generate that kind of perception. But that is the least of his problems. Such statements can come back to the new party. And if the military falls for the bait, not only will Samak and PPP suffer, but the whole nation will also.

Thailand has been criticised by the international community for letting one man overshadow its political course. The coup was said to have been a misguided step in dealing with just one poor element of a fledgling democracy. Legal and constitutional reforms taken in the aftermath of the coup were said to have been designed just to prevent Thaksin's return to power. Samak, ironically, has underlined the criticism. He is trying to turn what is supposed to be a fight to regain democracy into a fight to bring the controversial leader back by whitewashing his past.

Although Thaksin was a democratically elected leader, there's a clear line between his name and "democracy". While Samak's political ideology is no secret to anyone - his past oppressive role and close association with right-wing military-backed rulers remain an outstanding part of modern political history - it won't hurt Samak's fresh political aspirations to forget being himself just once. Thailand can live with Samak pretending to be a champion of democracy for once, provided he does it the right way.

- The Nation Editorial

[hammered]

Samak's loose talk could sink PPP

The PM candidate could be dooming his party and democracy's recovery by proclaiming himself a TRT proxy

Samak Sundaravej needs to calm down - a lot. His ascendancy to the helm of the People Power Party (PPP) is controversial enough, but what really is affecting the already rough road back to democracy is what he has been doing since. At recent election rallies in the Northeast, he has openly announced that the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had now transformed into the PPP. While that is undeniably true, it was not necessarily the right thing to say.

We have called on the interim leadership, as well as the junta, to be fair to the PPP and Samak. They must be treated as ordinary Thai citizens with full political rights. Anyone outside the legal dragnet that caught Thaksin and many of his business and political associates must be accorded every right given to other politicians and political parties and there must not be harassment or intimidation. Having said that, the country also needs Samak's help as well. We need him to avoid creating conditions that could play into the hands of those who may want to delay the return to democracy. We want him to stop making the provocative proclamation that he is just a Thaksin nominee.

This claim could land the new party in legal trouble and thus prolong the country's political mess. The Constitution Tribunal found Thai Rak Thai guilty of electoral fraud. While the evidence of the party's guilt was damning, the punishment and the judicial process were controversial to say the least. But if Samak wants to rebuild Thai Rak Thai, he must do it in a smarter way, even if it requires a semblance of "dissociating" himself and PPP from Thai Rak Thai and Thaksin.

There have already been efforts to challenge the PPP's legitimacy following Samak's election campaign claims. The party's enemies argue it is illegitimate because it has confirmed that it is Thai Rak Thai in a new form. Since Thai Rak Thai was condemned by the Constitution Tribunal as a threat to democracy, Samak's claims must have given his opponents formidable ammunition. While everyone in the PPP is innocent because nobody in the new party has been charged in connection with Thaksin's alleged corruption or Thai Rak Thai's electoral fraud, Samak has unwittingly courted major trouble for the party he's supposed to lead.

It is not a bad strategy on Samak's part to play the role of political victim, although for most of his political life Samak has rarely been on the receiving end of political persecution. Yet he needs to take into account the country's best interests as well. Lowering his guard in a bid to seek the public's sympathy could result in negative consequences beyond his control. If the PPP were suspended or dissolved, it would not bode well for Thailand's rocky rehabilitation.

Samak has overlooked the simplest approach in his election campaign. He could tell voters that the PPP is a new "people's party", and it holds the public's interest above all. Saying that he will try his best to have the charges against Thaksin nullified cannot generate that kind of perception. But that is the least of his problems. Such statements can come back to the new party. And if the military falls for the bait, not only will Samak and PPP suffer, but the whole nation will also.

Thailand has been criticised by the international community for letting one man overshadow its political course. The coup was said to have been a misguided step in dealing with just one poor element of a fledgling democracy. Legal and constitutional reforms taken in the aftermath of the coup were said to have been designed just to prevent Thaksin's return to power. Samak, ironically, has underlined the criticism. He is trying to turn what is supposed to be a fight to regain democracy into a fight to bring the controversial leader back by whitewashing his past.

Although Thaksin was a democratically elected leader, there's a clear line between his name and "democracy". While Samak's political ideology is no secret to anyone - his past oppressive role and close association with right-wing military-backed rulers remain an outstanding part of modern political history - it won't hurt Samak's fresh political aspirations to forget being himself just once. Thailand can live with Samak pretending to be a champion of democracy for once, provided he does it the right way.

- The Nation Editorial

How someone who at least cheerled the dragging of living people around the streets until they were dead, not to mention a few hangings and gang rapes could now present himself as a victim is bizarre to say the least. That he is even regarded as a serious is politican is a sad indictment of Thai politcs to say the least. That the media and activists are totally cowed by the threat of defamation that he constantly uses in regard to this period is a disgrace especially when one would think the basic questions of that period should be in the public realm if one heavily linked to it is a serious contender for PM.

[Jai Dee]

Political Parties allowed to find funds as long as they do not violate law

EC indicates that political parties could seek for sponsorship to run their political campaigns; however donated funds should not exceed 10 million baht.

In reaction to People Power Party's scheduled charity night party on October 2nd, Election Commissioner Mr.Sumeth Ubanisakorn (สุเมธ อุปนิสากร) said the party is allowed to do so as long as its activities are under the frame work of the law. The new article which is yet to be enforced, stipulates that funds donated to political parties shall not exceed 10 million baht.

Previously, the Democrat Party has raised an approximate 600 million baht to run its political campaigns, Mr.Sumeth it is okay as long as the activities do not violating the law; however he cautioned that all polical parties must declare their sources of income to the Election Commission of Thailand.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 October 2007

[sriracha john]

Wadah joins Pracharaj

Former MPs from the Wadah faction *of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party* have decided to join the Pracharaj party, the party's deputy leader Intarat Yodbangtoey said yesterday.

The Wadah faction members, who include the South's three most powerful Muslim figures - Areepen Uttarasin, Den Tomeena and Muk Sulaiman - along with four others, have already applied for membership with the Pracharaj party.

Intarat said the Wadah faction would be in charge of southern provinces and will also contest MP seats.

- The Nation

Edited October 2, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

Did this group come from the PPP?

I suspect a bit of panic may be underway as the former TRT MPs are starting to realize Club 111 is a contagious bunch. Hanging out with them can increase the size of the club.

[Jai Dee]

PMs Office Minister Thirapat says government wants to hold general election soon

The Prime Minister’s Office Minister, Mr. Thirapat Serirangsan (ธีรภัทร์ เสรีรังสรรค์), insists that the interim government still aims to hold the general election by the end of this year despite pressures from various sides.

Mr. Thirapat says the government still wants the Election Commission (EC) of Thailand to hold the general election on December 23rd this year. He says the National Legislative Assembly (NLA)’s censure debate against the Cabinet is unrelated to the pressure against the Prime Minister, Gen. Surayud Chulanont, to step down in order to postpone the general election. Mr. Thirapat says all sides are working together to hold the general election soon. He says conflicts may occur between different sides, but they are minor. In addition, he believes the censure debate will not impede the government’s performance.

The Prime Minister’s Office Minister says the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is uninvolved with the pressure against the government. He adds that he is ready to work with anyone with good intentions. He says he is a direct person and does not like to work behind someone’s back.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2007

[sriracha john]

Did this group come from the PPP?

I suspect a bit of panic may be underway as the former TRT MPs are starting to realize Club 111 is a contagious bunch. Hanging out with them can increase the size of the club.

I've not seen previous mention of the Wadah faction of the TRT Party being involved with the PPP and it seems like they have been biding their time waiting on the sidelines until this announcement.

None of the former Thai Rak Thai MP's mentioned in the article are on the list of 111 Thai Rak Thai executives who were banned from politics for five years for engaging in electoral fraud. However, the head of the Wadah faction of the Thai Rak Thai Party, Wan Muhammed Nor Motha, is banned. He is TRT Banned #14.

The Pracharaj Party, incidentally, does have several banned TRT members already in its organization.

Edited October 2, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

Thanks SJ, that clears up some things. If I were a former TRT MP, I would not have a comfortable feeling about any of this knowing that club 111 could ruin my chances of getting elected.

So if the elections are set for December 23, what is the date everyone must be locked in to a given party? Whatever that day is I would expect the day after we would start seeing red cards for the PPP and possibly others sent out by the EC.

[Jai Dee]

EC tentatively announce polls results within a week

The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand is tentatively attempting to announce the election results within seven days in accordance with the organic laws governing the election, while preparing to propose the new seven forms of constituencies zoning in its meeting next week.

Regarding the National Legislative Assembly (NLA)’s resolution on the organic laws, Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham (สดศรี สัตยธรรม) says the EC previously discussed this issue with the NLA and the EC is aware of the impracticality and its difficulties to follow. However, the laws have been approved by the NLA. Therefore Mrs. Sodsri must adhere to the laws.

Mrs. Sodsri notes that the EC officials would have to work prudently around the clock to ascertain the election outcomes prior to its official announcement. She also reveals that the EC is now preparing to establish new constituency zoning, which is expected to be proposed at the EC’s meeting next week.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 October 2007

[sriracha john]

Samak says little about policies

For most of his two hour fund-raising speech on Tuesday, Samak Sundaravej, leader of the People Power Party, defended Thaksin Shinawatra's record, hinting at the relationship of the banned Thai Rak Thai to his new party instead of talking about any policies.

He said Thaksin deserved to return home and be granted amnesty. Samak insisted Thaksin was wrongly accused of wanting to abolish the monarchy and turn himself into the president of a new republic.

He reiterated Thaksin was the victim of political "jealousy" that led to the coup last year, which plunged Thailand even deeper into a mess.

"These days, coups take place without rationale. They can't prove Thaksin is wrong. They couldn't nail him down and now we have a new party called People Power Party. The flowers you saw being given to soldiers right after the coup was 'staged' :D * that's a heck of a lot of "staging" * and one year after, the country is in regression and embarrassed.

"Thaksin is a true democrat," Samak told the audience of 3,000 plus at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, many of whom had spent at least Bt30,000 to get a seat.

Samak spent much of the time defending Thaksin's various perceived ills, ranging from the war on drugs that saw 2,500 extra-judicial killings to ridiculing the government for its changing stance on legalising the underground lottery initiated by Thaksin.

He attacked the claim made by former junta leader Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin that imposing martial law was not a problem for "good people" by saying he had a problem in his recent campaign trip to the Northeast, as more than five people assembled in one place needed prior permission. * Is he talking about the number of people that remained in the audience after 30,000 people walked out on his speech? *

However, almost nothing was said about the policies of the new party aside from Samak's vow to "restore" the honour of the monarchy whose name was tainted by the coup makers who tried to "mislead the world that the King was behind the coup".

- The Nation

[hammered]

Samak says little about policies

For most of his two hour fund-raising speech on Tuesday, Samak Sundaravej, leader of the People Power Party, defended Thaksin Shinawatra's record, hinting at the relationship of the banned Thai Rak Thai to his new party instead of talking about any policies.

He said Thaksin deserved to return home and be granted amnesty. Samak insisted Thaksin was wrongly accused of wanting to abolish the monarchy and turn himself into the president of a new republic.

He reiterated Thaksin was the victim of political "jealousy" that led to the coup last year, which plunged Thailand even deeper into a mess.

"These days, coups take place without rationale. They can't prove Thaksin is wrong. They couldn't nail him down and now we have a new party called People Power Party. The flowers you saw being given to soldiers right after the coup was 'staged' :D * that's a heck of a lot of "staging" * and one year after, the country is in regression and embarrassed.

"Thaksin is a true democrat," Samak told the audience of 3,000 plus at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, many of whom had spent at least Bt30,000 to get a seat.

Samak spent much of the time defending Thaksin's various perceived ills, ranging from the war on drugs that saw 2,500 extra-judicial killings to ridiculing the government for its changing stance on legalising the underground lottery initiated by Thaksin.

He attacked the claim made by former junta leader Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin that imposing martial law was not a problem for "good people" by saying he had a problem in his recent campaign trip to the Northeast, as more than five people assembled in one place needed prior permission. * Is he talking about the number of people that remained in the audience after 30,000 people walked out on his speech? *

However, almost nothing was said about the policies of the new party aside from Samak's vow to "restore" the honour of the monarchy whose name was tainted by the coup makers who tried to "mislead the world that the King was behind the coup".

- The Nation

There is a certan irony watching Samak have to play the "victim" (my sincerest apologies to the families of all thsoe killed on Oct 6, 1976 for using this word in association with him) and being on the receiving end of restrictive laws albeit nowhere near as restrictive or potentially fatal as ones he was involved in enorcement of in the past. That a man with such a (mostly untalked of) vile background can even be contemplated as party leader let alone set up as a potential PM is the saddest indictment of Thai politics for decades. What next? Suchinda at the head of another party?

[John K]

“However, almost nothing was said about the policies of the new party”

Actually the journalist was mistaken on this. The policies that people were expecting to hear have been replaced with the entire speech that was about their actual policies that included the words;

“People Power Party “ “restore” “Thaksin” “victim” “coup” “mislead” “people” “plunge” “Thailand” “deeper” and so on.

[sriracha john]

Ruam Jai Thai Chat Pattana

EC approves party's registration

The Election Commission yesterday approved the registration of the Ruam Jai Thai Chat Pattana as a new political party. The Ruam Jai Thai and Chat Pattana merged last month, assembling new executive members and registering as a party with the EC.

The party is led by veteran Pradit Pattaraprasit and includes Anek Laothamatas and former Thai Rak Thai party executive Suwat Liptapanlop (TRT Banned #22), who is subject to a ban from political activity following a Constitution Tribunal ruling in May.

The EC also approved the registration of two smaller parties - Phoom Palang Paendin and Pua Prachachon (For the People).

In other news, Pracharaj Party leader Snoh Thienthong (TRT Non-Banned #1) yesterday dismissed a media report that party members were pushing for him to be replaced by party financier Prachai Leophairatana.

Snoh said he had not yet talked to Prachai about the matter, adding that he was unaware of the report.

"We have not held a [party] meeting yet. The party's new executive board has not been approved by the Election Commission," he said.

When asked to comment on the report that Prachai's (Mr. TPI Bankruptcy) supporters pointed to his expertise in economics , which made him suitable to become the new party leader, Snoh said: "If Prachai is really good at economics, it is not difficult for him to form his own party. I don't want to talk about this. It is nonsense."

Snoh appeared to be in a bad mood.

However, party spokesman Narong Piriya-anek insisted that Snoh would give Prachai his post after the election. "Snoh insisted himself that he will step down and Prachai will replace him," the spokesman said

Prachai, who is the party's chief executive, yesterday tried to tone down the matter, saying that he had talked with Snoh about the party leadership. "If our party is supported by voters to form the next government, Snoh told me he would raise me to be the prime minister," he said.

Prachai will hold a press conference to explain the matter today.

- The Nation

Edited October 5, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

Do you think there is tea money being offered at the EC office?

[Jai Dee]

Many Royal People Party members support Mr. Prachai to lead their party

Many journalists observed the Royal People Party’s meeting this morning (October 5th), as news reports revealed that a number of party members would like to change their party leader from Mr. Snoh Thienthong (เสนาะ เทียนทอง) to Mr. Prachai Leo-phairatana (ประชัย เลี่ยวไพรัตน์).

Following the meeting, the Royal People Party spokesman, Mr. Narong Piriya-anek (ณรงค์ พิริยะอเนก), says the meeting touched on this issue, but it has not been resolved yet since it would be up to the party executives to decide. Mr. Narong says the party executives would determine and assess whether the general public would accept Mr. Snoh to continue his job as the party leader or not.

In addition, Mr. Narong says they would have to compare Mr. Snoh and Mr. Prachai, as many people see that Mr. Prachai would be a more suitable leading figure. Many view that Mr. Prachai as a capable person who is knowledgeable in economics. Mr. Narong admits that more than half of the Royal People members would support Mr. Prachai to lead their party.

Mr. Narong says the party executives would determine whether the party will merge with the Matchima Group or not.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

Mr Prachai relinquishes work at Royal People Party

Prachai Leophairattana (ประชัย เลี่ยวไพรัตน์) resigns from the Royal People Party, saying that he holds conflicting ideas with party leader Sanoh Thienthong (เสนาะ เทียนทอง) in terms of party policy.

Mr Prachai says he decides to leave the party as he wants to keep promises he made with people. Regarding his political future, he says he needs a few days to consider whether to join other political parties or to form a party himself.

Deputy leaders of the party, Karun Saingam (การุณ ใสงาม) and Somboon Thongburan (สมบูรณ์ ทองบุราณ), say they will also quit the party but they might not set up a political party as there is not enough time. Asked whether they will join the Matchimathipatai (มัชฌิมาธิปไตย) Party, they say it is possible as the party has already registered with the Election Commission.

Meanwhile, Core figure of the Matchimathipatai Party, Anongwan Thepsuthin (อนงค์วรรณ เทพสุทิน), says she is glad that Mr Prachi has shown interest in her party but she has to discuss the matter with other members of the party first.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2007

[sriracha john]

Prachai resigns from Pracharaj party

Prachai Leophairatana resigned from Pracharaj political party on Friday, saying his policy does not match with that of Sanoh Thienthong. His resignation as chief executive of Pracharaj party is effective immediately. Prachai denied that his resignation stemmed from the fact that party members support him to replace Sanoh as party leader. He said he would like to spend the next few days deciding on his next moves. Deputy party leader Karun Sai-ngarm said he would resign with Prachai, adding that they might

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=122356

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

BEFORE:

Prachai Leophairatana, Snoh Thienthong, and Pracharaj executives

AFTER:

Prachai Leophairatana

Prachai Announces Decision to Leave Pracharaj

Due to recent rifts among members of the Pracharaj Party, where certain members supported the proposal to replace their current leader, Snoh Thienthong with the party’s financier, Prachai Leophairatana, the former TPI’s CEO today decided to leave the party in search of his own political path.

Speaking at a press conference, Prachai made an official announcement at 11.30 am today that he has left the Pracharaj Party of veteran politician Snoh Thienthong.

Prachai stated that policies of Snoh Thienthong were incompliant to his political ideologies.

He asserted that he might consider joining another political party, adding that he would formally announce his future political path on Monday.

Prior to his announcement, several news reports yesterday revealed that certain Pracharaj members proposed that he should replace Snoh Thienthong as the new leader.

When questioned about such rumors, Snoh vehemently argued that he has not been informed of the report, adding that it was non-sensical since the party’s official meeting to establish a new executive board had not been held and approved by the Election Commission.

According to a news source, supporters of the Pracharaj’s financier had praised him for his expertise in economics, as they urged him to replace Snoh as the new party leader.

In response, Snoh lashed out at reporters, saying that if Prachai was to have great expertise in economics, then it would not be difficult for him to form his own political party.

One day before Prachai’s decision to depart the veteran politician’s party, Narong Piriya-anek, the party’s spokesman said Snoh planned to designate Prachai as the new leader after the general election on Dec. 23.

Narong asserted that Snoh insisted on resigning and Prachai would be most suitable in replacing him.

Before his sudden announcement today, Prachai yesterday said he had already discussed about the party leadership with Snoh, where the veteran politician promised to back him as the next Prime Minister if Pracharaj was to triumph in the upcoming election.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited October 5, 2007 by sriracha john

[Mid]

Royal People Party

is not the word Royal protected in Thailand ?

[Tony Clifton]

Royal People Party

is not the word Royal protected in Thailand ?

Looking at the Royal thai Police and some of their criminal activities while on duty, it doesn't seem so.

[Mid]

Looking at the Royal thai Police and some of their criminal activities while on duty, it doesn't seem so.

hear you loud and clear Tony ,

it's a serious question .

the better half disputes the translation ...............................

[hammered]

Many Royal People Party members support Mr. Prachai to lead their party

Many journalists observed the Royal People Party’s meeting this morning (October 5th), as news reports revealed that a number of party members would like to change their party leader from Mr. Snoh Thienthong (เสนาะ เทียนทอง) to Mr. Prachai Leo-phairatana (ประชัย เลี่ยวไพรัตน์).

Following the meeting, the Royal People Party spokesman, Mr. Narong Piriya-anek (ณรงค์ พิริยะอเนก), says the meeting touched on this issue, but it has not been resolved yet since it would be up to the party executives to decide. Mr. Narong says the party executives would determine and assess whether the general public would accept Mr. Snoh to continue his job as the party leader or not.

In addition, Mr. Narong says they would have to compare Mr. Snoh and Mr. Prachai, as many people see that Mr. Prachai would be a more suitable leading figure. Many view that Mr. Prachai as a capable person who is knowledgeable in economics. Mr. Narong admits that more than half of the Royal People members would support Mr. Prachai to lead their party.

Mr. Narong says the party executives would determine whether the party will merge with the Matchima Group or not.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2007

It will be fun watching the ex-MPs now follow the money man. That is all this election is about in most constituencies and this time it is being made so obvious. PPP are dorted with their installment based transfer funds while most others are having to scrabble around looking for dosh. Watch the scramble over this little incident. The way things are going PPP will get an overall majority just because nobody else is willing to stump up the cash. Another sad idictment of Thai politics but at least now it is totally in the open with no claims of policy etc. Eveyone can now see exactly how a Thai election works. Buy the sitting MPs and win in 90% of the country. Quite simple really.

[Old Man River]

Buy the sitting MPs and win in 90% of the country. Quite simple really.

And then, if you are old TRT, after winning the election you get disqualified for receiving help from those previously bought but since banned. The real winners will be those remaining standing. It reminds me of the Olympic speed skating event where everyone fell down except for the Aussie who was dead last and then was first.

[Mid]

Royal People Party

is not the word Royal protected in Thailand ?

note that the BKK Post does NOT translate the party name ..................................

Prachai resigns from Pracharaj party

Today's Top Stories

Prachai Leophairatana resigned from Pracharaj political party on Friday, saying his policy does not match with that of Sanoh Thienthong.

snip

(BangkokPost.com)

........................................

2nd edit

it would appear that the Nation has DROPPED that translation

PRACHARAJ PARTY TURMOIL

Pracharaj party in turmoil after Prachai resigns

Fri, October 5, 2007 : Last updated 19:46 hours

nationmultimedia.com

Pracharaj, translation please http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=147092

Edited October 9, 2007 by Jai Dee
Link added by request of OP

[nothingleftbutfaith]

Royal People Party

is not the word Royal protected in Thailand ?

Obviously not

[sriracha john]

Matchima may follow Prachai out of Pracharaj

Leading members of the Matchima Group said Friday that their group may follow Prachai Liewpairaj out of the Pracharaj Party of Snoh Thienthong. Anongwan Thepsutin sid the group would hold a meeting to discuss its future on Saturday. She said the group supported Prachai's decision to leave the party.

Sophon Phetsawang said the group's members would stay together no matter whether it would leave the party or not. He said the group had assigned Anongwan to decide whether it should follow Prachai out of the party.

- The Nation

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

and then a later article...

PRACHARAJ PARTY TURMOIL

Pracharaj party in turmoil after Prachai resigns

The Pracharaj party appeared to be in turmoil after its financier Prachai Leophairatana and the Matchima faction decided to quit the party.

Prachai and a group of former senators including Karun Saingam, Intarat Yodbangtoei held a press conference at Pracharaj party headquarters on Friday..

Prachai said his ideology "contradicted" the policies of party leader Snoh Thienthong. He said he may join another party, adding that he would announce a decision on his political future on Monday - but admitted that he may team up with the Matchima Thippatai party.

Meanwhile, the Matchima group, which only merged with Pracharaj party last month, will hold a meeting at the residence of Somsak Thepsuthin, the former leader of Matchima group to announce their departure from the Pracharaj Party.

It is reported that Prachai and Korn Dabbaransi will attend the meeting.

Pracharaj party secretary-general, Anongwan Thepsuthin said she was still undecided and will call on her members to talk about her political future today.

However, she said the resignation of Prachai might be the result of an interview Snoh gave on Thursday, when he said that if Prachai is so good at economics, it would not be difficult for him to form his own party. Anongwan and about 50 members came from Matchima group before merging with Pracharaj.

Snoh refused to comment on Prachai's resignation, but said he would go on working as Pracharaj Party leader and would not talk about any person who has left the party.

"I always say the Pracharaj Party will select good people to work with us and help solve the country's problems," the Pracharaj leader said.

There was a rumour that the Chat Thai party has attempted to approach Snoh to join with them, but Snoh was tight-lipped on the subject.

Sophon Phetsawang, the deputy party leader, said if Anongwan quit from Pracharaj all the members from Matchima will quit too. "If we decide to quit, we will move to the Matchima Thippatai party," he said, adding that Prachai would be welcome if he want to join.

Thippatai said that Prachai could lead the party because his qualifications "were outstanding." Meanwhile, a source from Pracharaj said most members had wanted Prachai to lead the party because Snoh's image could not lead the party to victory. Moreover, Snoh had previously disagreed with policies that members proposed and he also made the decision to select the candidates by himself.

Snoh's close aide said he was upset with Prachai because he had published new policies for the party without discussing them with Snoh.

"All policies should be forwarded to academics before being presented to the people, but Prachai just went ahead and published them via the print media," the source said.

- The Nation

Edited October 5, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

My present view on the PPP is they have already received the knockout punch, but their brain has not registered it yet. I feel the government will wait until it is too late for them to regroup and then red card them. This will have the effect of disqualifying many more ex-TRT leaving the field more open for candidates who’s interests are less self serving.

The others that are thinking about joining the PPP for the money and have not yet have probably realized this too. It is a bit like a moth to flame here, fly too close and pay the price.

[Jai Dee]

Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party to discuss party leader selection on October 15

A core member of the Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana (รวมใจไทยชาติพัฒนา) Party, Mr. Pradit Pattaraprasit (ประดิษฐ์ ภัทรประสิทธิ์), says the Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party will hold a board meeting today (October 6th) after the Election Commission (EC) of Thailand has officially accredited his party.

Regarding the selection of the new party leader, Mr. Prasit says the matter is still unclear as it must be handled in a proper manner. He says the party is set for discussion on this issue on October 15th.

On the recent resignation of Mr. Prachai Leophairatana (ประชัย เลี่ยวไพรัตน์) from the Royal People Party, Mr. Pradit says it is normal for politicians to take separate ways if they do not share the same political ground. He however declines to comment whether Mr. Prachai’s resignation is considered as a political betrayal or not.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 October 2007

[hammered]

Buy the sitting MPs and win in 90% of the country. Quite simple really.

And then, if you are old TRT, after winning the election you get disqualified for receiving help from those previously bought but since banned. The real winners will be those remaining standing. It reminds me of the Olympic speed skating event where everyone fell down except for the Aussie who was dead last and then was first.

My feeling is that the mass disqualifications will only take place if PPP overperforms. If they get 100 or so seats they will be left beaten and in opposition, but I take your point on this. Really it is interesting to see what PPP want. They could easily buy up enough to win or get close or they could buy up just enough to remain intact and relatively strong as an opposition party. This of course is not anything to do with democracy.