New Political Party Ready To Launch

[sriracha john]

Several new contestants for The Banned Thai Rak Thai Party Game...

Sanoh Thienthong

He's #1 on the list of 8 Thai Rak Thai executives who escaped the ban as they had resigned before the Constitution Court accepted the electoral fraud case for trial

Matchima group

Supachai Panitchapakdi

TRT Factions Merge to Form “For the Motherland Party”

Hoping to become a “third force” in Thai politics, two factions of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, the Pracharaj Party and the Matchima group merged yesterday under a new banner of the “Puea Pandin” or “For the Mother Land” Party.

The party’s formation and core policies would be announced today by former deputy prime minister Surakiat Sathienthai (TRT Banned #21), which had acted as a broker for former MPs, who were mainly supporters of the Thaksin administration.

With the slogan of “Building the nation, maintaining religion and safeguarding the monarchy,” the new political group planned to hold a press conference today at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center to promulgate the party’s policies and political direction.

The Puea Pandin (For the Motherland) group comprises of key figures like Sanoh Thienthong (TRT Non-banned #1), the Pracharaj party leader along with Matchima group leader Somsak Thepsuthin (TRT Banned #18), and key members of the Saman Chan group, Preecha Laohapongchana (TRT Banned #68), Pinij Jarusombat (TRT Banned #11), and Suwit Kunkitti (TRT Banned #53). The group also included former Prime Minister Office’s minister and member of the “Bangkok 50” group, Suranand Vejjajiva (TRT Banned #51).

These renowned politicians had met with Surakiart yesterday at his downtown office in Central World Plaza and had discussed today’s formal announcement of the new party during lunch. Another veteran politician, Wattana Asavahame, leader of the Paknam group was also invited for the meeting.

Meanwhile, key members of the Puea Pandin party plan to invite Supachai Panitchpakdi, chief of the United Nations Council on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to lead their new party.

According to a source of the Puea Pandin, members of TRT breakaway factions had merged into a political party with intensions to pose challenges for the People Power Party, under the leadership of Samak Sundaravej at the upcoming general election.

Management for the new party was reported to remain as “faction-based” where leaders of individual factions would independently manage their own factions, said the source.

The source added that the party would likely be run under a collective leadership which consists of seven key figures of the group, such as Sanoh Thienthong, Somsak Thepsuthin, Surakiat Sathienthai, Suranand Vejjajiva, Phinit Jarusombat, Suvit Khunkitti, and Preecha Laohapongchana.

If Mr. Supachai agrees to assume the post of party leader after his term of office as UNCTAD chief expires in two years’ time, members would gladly welcome him as their new leader, said the source.

Furthermore, Mr. Somsak revealed yesterday that the merger is currently 97% complete and the group’s leader would be known today.

- Thailand Outlook

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

Really starting to need those numbered football jerseys...

Edited September 11, 2007 by sriracha john

[Mid]

Really starting to need those numbered football jerseys...

come on SJ ,

rattle up a statistical summary .....................

please ?

[Old Man River]

Several new contestants for The Banned Thai Rak Thai Party Game...

TRT Factions Merge to Form “For the Motherland Party”

Hoping to become a “third force” in Thai politics, two factions of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, the Pracharaj Party and the Matchima group merged yesterday under a new banner of the “Puea Pandin” or “For the Mother Land” Party.

Meanwhile, key members of the Puea Pandin party plan to invite Supachai Panitchpakdi, chief of the United Nations Council on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to lead their new party.

Dr. Supachai's name has come up often as a potential PM over the past few years (by the anti-Thaksin brigade). Several months ago I put my top three potentials as Abhisit, Dr. Supachai or Banharn. I did not include any of the then expected to be banned TRT members (now banned). I am still thinking Abhisit or Dr. Supachai and am hoping Banharn really is retired, but you never know with these old, wiley power brokers. Sanoh fits this latter category.

[cclub75]

Several new contestants for The Banned Thai Rak Thai Party Game...

Really starting to need those numbered football jerseys...

Okay. But what do you make of it ?

I mean, why they would take such a risk, looking to create/join a new party despite their ban ?

Create confusion, in favor of Thaksin ?

Or they know that the Junta backs their initiative ?

Anyway : it's a another proof that the general elections will solved absolutly nothing. No clear majority. Weak puppet government.

[A_Traveller]

If I've understood this correctly, the, as always, unofficial translation, of the two summary verdicts state that the

The Constitution Tribunal hereby issues an order to dissolve the Thai Rak Thai Party, the Pattana Chart Thai Party and the Pandin Thai Party as well as to suspend the electoral rights of 111 executive members of the Thai Rak Thai Party, 19 executive members of the Pattana Chart Thai Party, 3 executive members of Pandin Thai Party, for a period of five years, effective on the date of the order of party dissolution.

&

The Tribunal has come to the conclusion that the Democrat Party did not commit the act as it had been accused. Therefore, the Tribunal hereby dismisses the case. The Prachatippatai Kao Na Party, however, committed the act as it had been accused. Such act was considered to be against the administrative tradition of the Kingdom of Thailand under the Constitutional Monarchy with the King as Head of State and such act is in violation of the law and good public moral of the people under the Political Parties Act B.E. 2541, Article 66 (2) (3) since the commission of the act lacked good consciousness of the people without paying due regard to the damages and consequences to the country. The Tribunal, therefore, declared to dissolve the Prachatippatai Kao Na Party and withdraw the election rights of the party’s executive directors for five years since the issuing date of the dissolution, in accordance with Announcement of the Council for Democratic Reform No. 27 (3).

With the aforementioned reasons, the Tribunal hereby issues the order to dissolve the Prachatippatai Kao Na Party, the 2nd accused, under 4 the Political Parties Act B.E. 2541, Article 67, in conjunction with Article 66(2) and (3), and also to withdraw the election rights of the nine executive directors of the 2nd accused, under the announcement of the Political Registrar Re: the Notification of the Establishment of the Prachatippatai Kao Na Party, dated 24 March B.E.2548 for the period of five years from the issuing date of the dissolution and in accordance with Announcement of the Council for Democratic Reform No. 27 (3), dated 30 September B.E. 2549 and dismissed the request to dissolve the Democrats Party, respondent No. 1.

Now this implies to me that the persons may not vote, nor stand as political candidates, but I, thus far, cannot see that they are prohibited from acting as members of a quasi-political grouping nor even a party itself. Can anyone clarify this, do the referenced statutes explicitly deprive the individuals of the right to act as they are so doing?

Regards

PS What about freedom of association as constitutional guaranteed?

/edit format + PS//

Edited September 11, 2007 by A_Traveller

[sriracha john]

Really starting to need those numbered football jerseys...

come on SJ ,

rattle up a statistical summary .....................

please ?

will arithmetic suffice?

Take the auspicious sum of 999 years ... divided by 111 members ... equals 9 year prison sentence per.

[hammered]

If I've understood this correctly, the, as always, unofficial translation, of the two summary verdicts state that the

The Constitution Tribunal hereby issues an order to dissolve the Thai Rak Thai Party, the Pattana Chart Thai Party and the Pandin Thai Party as well as to suspend the electoral rights of 111 executive members of the Thai Rak Thai Party, 19 executive members of the Pattana Chart Thai Party, 3 executive members of Pandin Thai Party, for a period of five years, effective on the date of the order of party dissolution.

&

The Tribunal has come to the conclusion that the Democrat Party did not commit the act as it had been accused. Therefore, the Tribunal hereby dismisses the case. The Prachatippatai Kao Na Party, however, committed the act as it had been accused. Such act was considered to be against the administrative tradition of the Kingdom of Thailand under the Constitutional Monarchy with the King as Head of State and such act is in violation of the law and good public moral of the people under the Political Parties Act B.E. 2541, Article 66 (2) (3) since the commission of the act lacked good consciousness of the people without paying due regard to the damages and consequences to the country. The Tribunal, therefore, declared to dissolve the Prachatippatai Kao Na Party and withdraw the election rights of the party’s executive directors for five years since the issuing date of the dissolution, in accordance with Announcement of the Council for Democratic Reform No. 27 (3). With the aforementioned reasons, the Tribunal hereby issues the order to dissolve the Prachatippatai Kao Na Party, the 2nd accused, under 4 the Political Parties Act B.E. 2541, Article 67, in conjunction with Article 66(2) and (3), and also to withdraw the election rights of the nine executive directors of the 2nd accused, under the announcement of the Political Registrar Re: the Notification of the Establishment of the Prachatippatai Kao Na Party, dated 24 March B.E.2548 for the period of five years from the issuing date of the dissolution and in accordance with Announcement of the Council for Democratic Reform No. 27 (3), dated 30 September B.E. 2549 and dismissed the request to dissolve the Democrats Party, respondent No. 1.

Now this implies to me that the persons may not vote, nor stand as political candidates, but I, thus far, cannot see that they are prohibited from acting as members of a quasi-political grouping nor even a party itself. Can anyone clarify this, do the referenced statutes explicitly deprive the individuals of the right to act as they are so doing?

Regards

They cannot stand as MPs or be executives of political parties.

The Junta are fully behind any third force imho. Motherland already includes Snoh so guess who they will not be in coalition with. The idea seems to be the Dem-CT-Mahachon alliance will not win an overall majority. PPP as it currently stands cannot win an overall majority. The remaining groups will hold the balance. Motherland has potentially large electoral support and hence may be able to attract Supachai as leader whi is also someone who the Junta would prefer to Abhisist. The Dem-CT-Mahachon allaince plus the Motherland and if necessary Suwats boys can probably put a coalition together and keep PPP out. Now the fight is on for the ex-TRT MPs. Does Thaksin take the chance and invest serious billions in buying up all he can and still face possible defeat or does he withdraw funding to fight another day. Linked to this is where the MPs for hire will end up. The Motherland group if it doesnt disintegrate and with a name leader and the Dem-CT-Mahachon alliance between them should sweep up more than half the seats without any politcal incidents or another great suck bigger than even the previous TRT one. I would guess that is the Junta's dream.

[A_Traveller]

Trying not to be lazy, and aiming to answer my own questions. I've quickly reviewed {in translation} the Organic Act on Political Parties, B.E. 2541 (1998), which states

Section 21 A person who will be a member must be of Thai nationality by birth, not less than eighteen years of age and not under any of the prohibitions to disfranchisement under the Constitution.

That turn of phrase implies to me that membership would be prohibited to an individual who had lost their 'franchise' or more colloquially 'electoral rights'.

Therefore does this not imply that the 111 etc., are in breach of the APP if they are members, but not if they are 'hangers on' i.e. 'Consultants' {Any WP applicant recognise this work around?}

Regards

[Mid]

If I've understood this correctly, the, as always, unofficial translation, of the two summary verdicts state that the

The Constitution Tribunal hereby issues an order to dissolve the Thai Rak Thai Party, the Pattana Chart Thai Party and the Pandin Thai Party as well as to suspend the electoral rights of 111 executive members of the Thai Rak Thai Party, 19 executive members of the Pattana Chart Thai Party, 3 executive members of Pandin Thai Party, for a period of five years, effective on the date of the order of party dissolution.

&

The Tribunal has come to the conclusion that the Democrat Party did not commit the act as it had been accused. Therefore, the Tribunal hereby dismisses the case. The Prachatippatai Kao Na Party, however, committed the act as it had been accused. Such act was considered to be against the administrative tradition of the Kingdom of Thailand under the Constitutional Monarchy with the King as Head of State and such act is in violation of the law and good public moral of the people under the Political Parties Act B.E. 2541, Article 66 (2) (3) since the commission of the act lacked good consciousness of the people without paying due regard to the damages and consequences to the country. The Tribunal, therefore, declared to dissolve the Prachatippatai Kao Na Party and withdraw the election rights of the party’s executive directors for five years since the issuing date of the dissolution, in accordance with Announcement of the Council for Democratic Reform No. 27 (3).

With the aforementioned reasons, the Tribunal hereby issues the order to dissolve the Prachatippatai Kao Na Party, the 2nd accused, under 4 the Political Parties Act B.E. 2541, Article 67, in conjunction with Article 66(2) and (3), and also to withdraw the election rights of the nine executive directors of the 2nd accused, under the announcement of the Political Registrar Re: the Notification of the Establishment of the Prachatippatai Kao Na Party, dated 24 March B.E.2548 for the period of five years from the issuing date of the dissolution and in accordance with Announcement of the Council for Democratic Reform No. 27 (3), dated 30 September B.E. 2549 and dismissed the request to dissolve the Democrats Party, respondent No. 1.

Now this implies to me that the persons may not vote, nor stand as political candidates, but I, thus far, cannot see that they are prohibited from acting as members of a quasi-political grouping nor even a party itself. Can anyone clarify this, do the referenced statutes explicitly deprive the individuals of the right to act as they are so doing?

Regards

PS What about freedom of association as constitutional guaranteed?

/edit format + PS//

thanxs AT ,

your time and effort is appreciated ,

so bascially they are close to the wind but not off side ....yet ?

see you've answered this above .

Edited September 11, 2007 by Mid

[John K]

Looks like an attempt at derailing the election is already making progress by voluntarily inserting banned politicians all over the place.

Thaksin's "can't vote, will disrupt" mode is on.

Tony I am not sure if that will be an effective tactic as the EC has the power to stop that. I could be wrong but that Is how I see it. The EC could simply red card the bunch.

It could be also the government is giving them enough rope to hang themselves by letting them keep themselves occupied in this dead end attempt until it is too late to recover.

The EC sure has the power, but to me this is clearly an attempt to create chaos and get the EC to act against many parties in either removing those banned politicians from their list or banning parties again, and then those breaking the rules and their followers will run to the media, "See, see, see?? It's not faiiiiir", trying to get compassion from international media especially. Knowing the election will be monitored, that a PPP victory is not assured, expect dirty tricks to discredit the junta and EC. They have learned nothing and haven't changed since the dissolution of TRT v 1.0.

Yes I can see your point on the games. It does match what they have done in the past. However one of the best ways to discourage this is to let the people who they would try to influence know about this, and to expect it, and from who. “Oh you can expect ‘x’ to cry foul. He has been banned and this is all part of his game.” When you do that you take all the wind out of the sails of ‘x’ and make ‘x’ look like they are going through the terrible twos again. That is the easy part because they have become so predictable.

Getting that information out in advance requires a little bit of more than hope they will read these threads. A nice commentary in The Nation would be a good start.

We are paying very close attention, but for the observers and international media they will probably just do a 48 hour cram to get up to speed.

[brahmburgers]

two additional rules to the political game in Thailand:

Rule #317 If you're caught doing anthing illegal and are about to be busted, simply quit whatever party you happen to be in at the time - then you'll get off with nary a scratch.

Rule # 491 If you have ambitions of becoming PM one day, become filthy rich and/or join the army - it greatly increases your chances.

Rule #788 (related to Rule #491) Brown-nosing whoever's in charge is the fastest way to success. Don't waste time suggesting innovative ideas or getting acquainted with policy issues, just stay focused on glossing the ego of your superior.

[Tony Clifton]

According to a source of the Puea Pandin, members of TRT breakaway factions had merged into a political party with intensions to pose challenges for the People Power Party, under the leadership of Samak Sundaravej at the upcoming general election.

180 spin.

A PPP flank team pretending to oppose the PPP.

[sriracha john]

Meechai warns 111 ex-TRT members

National Legislative Assembly speaker Meechai Ruchupan is now warning all 111 former Thai Rak Thai party members banned from politics for five years at the close of the party dissolution case to be cautious about announcing their political plans to the public. “They should all be reminded that they have been barred from politics for five years,” he warned. “Should the Election Commission find that these individuals have a hand in the establishment of Puea Pan Din party, authorities may choose not to approve registration for the party.”

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=121525

[Mid]

party members banned from politics for five years at the close of the party dissolution case to be cautious about announcing their political plans to the public

{ insert diety } help us ................................................

[hammered]

According to a source of the Puea Pandin, members of TRT breakaway factions had merged into a political party with intensions to pose challenges for the People Power Party, under the leadership of Samak Sundaravej at the upcoming general election.

180 spin.

A PPP flank team pretending to oppose the PPP.

Considering that Snoh is in already I think we can assume that they will not be a Thaksin friendly party. If they have Dr. Supachai as their head they will almost certainly be far closer to the Dems than PPP. And remember that the Junta have always wanted to work with some of the ex-TRT guys. It was gen. Sonthi who first proposed the 111 amnesty well before old massacre man came out with it.

Lets also see how it develops. There are still Suwat's Khorat cabal, Mana's Isaan idealists, Somkid's city boys, and a few others who logically would be better off in the third force and who may well join if a leader such as Supachai is found. If and it is a big if they can put this all together they could even outscore PPP or the Dems.

[John K]

Meechai warns 111 ex-TRT members

National Legislative Assembly speaker Meechai Ruchupan is now warning all 111 former Thai Rak Thai party members banned from politics for five years at the close of the party dissolution case to be cautious about announcing their political plans to the public. “They should all be reminded that they have been barred from politics for five years,” he warned. “Should the Election Commission find that these individuals have a hand in the establishment of Puea Pan Din party, authorities may choose not to approve registration for the party.”

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=121525

ahhh. the rope!

Edited September 11, 2007 by John K

[A_Traveller]

party members banned from politics for five years at the close of the party dissolution case to be cautious about announcing their political plans to the public

{ insert diety } help us ................................................

Does that make sense in Thai, because it sure as hades doesn't in English!

All I need now is my automatic deity selector.

Regards

[Mid]

All I need now is my automatic deity selector.

i before e except after c .......................

yeah right !

[Plus]

Has Supachai resigned from Democrat Party yet? He used to be their Deputy Secretary General or something. He quit active politics when he campaigned for WTO post, but I don't think he has ever actually left the party.

[cclub75]

A PPP flank team pretending to oppose the PPP.

That's the perfect strategy : the italian sandwich.

And who is going to be eaten in the middle ? The sweet Demo.

What is interesting also is their motto : "Building the nation, maintaining religion and safeguarding the monarchy"

I mea this is TRT power X, right ? Nation, religion, monarchy, all the ingredients are there.

Tom Yam Cong could be missed though.

It's getting better and better, day by day. Poor Thailand.

[Siripon]

A PPP flank team pretending to oppose the PPP.

That's the perfect strategy : the italian sandwich.

And who is going to be eaten in the middle ? The sweet Demo.

What is interesting also is their motto : "Building the nation, maintaining religion and safeguarding the monarchy"

I mea this is TRT power X, right ? Nation, religion, monarchy, all the ingredients are there.

Tom Yam Cong could be missed though.

It's getting better and better, day by day. Poor Thailand.

And if General Sonthi joins their ranks after he retires do you really think they will form a government with Samak?

No, they'll join the Democrats and Chart Thai and form the government.

[cclub75]

And if General Sonthi joins their ranks after he retires do you really think they will form a government with Samak?

No, they'll join the Democrats and Chart Thai and form the government.

First that's a big if.

And then, the point is not who will lead the government. Again, it will be a puppet government.

The point is, who will control the government, through the Parliament and from behind the scene ?

And in this case, even a small groups of MPs could do and undo the majority, therefore will be able to control the gvt.

Thailand 2007 I believe has reached the paramount of the nominee concept.

It's NomineeLand.

Thaksin is playing this card (for obvious reasons). But the Junta too ! Both in the same time, with differents aims, but with the same leverage : hidding their ugly face, try to hide themselves while keeping (or taking) the power.

Edited September 11, 2007 by cclub75

[sriracha john]

The Democrats seemed to have taken the early lead in this race...

Thais Want Democrats to Form Government

Many people in Thailand would like to see the former opposition party administering the country, according to a poll by Bangkok University. 43 per cent of respondents would like the Democratic Party to form the government after this year’s general election.

The People’s Power Party - Phak Palang Prachachon (PPP) is second with 20.7 per cent, followed by Thais United - Thai Ruam Jai Thai (RJT) with 7.7 per cent.

The Democrat Party was Thailand’s main opposition party during the tenure of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, leader of the Thai Love Thais Party - Phak Thai Rak Thai (TRT).

On July 29, several members of the TRT agreed to participate in the next general election with the PPP, a small and relatively unknown existing party. About 440 former members of the TRT have applied to join the PPP so far. Other TRT members created the Love the Nation Party - Phak Rak Chat (PRC), and a third group has assembled the RJT.

Polling Data

Which party would you want to form the core of the government after the next election?

Democratic Party - Phak Prachatipat (PP) - 43.0%

People’s Power Party - Phak Palang Prachachon (PPP) - 20.7%

Thais United - Thai Ruam Jai Thai (RJT) - 7.7%

- Angus Reid Global Monitor

[Old Man River]

And if General Sonthi joins their ranks after he retires do you really think they will form a government with Samak?

No, they'll join the Democrats and Chart Thai and form the government.

First that's a big if.

And then, the point is not who will lead the government. Again, it will be a puppet government.

The point is, who will control the government, through the Parliament and from behind the scene ?

And in this case, even a small groups of MPs could do and undo the majority, therefore will be able to control the gvt.

Thailand 2007 I believe has reached the paramount of the nominee concept.

It's NomineeLand.

Thaksin is playing this card (for obvious reasons). But the Junta too ! Both in the same time, with differents aims, but with the same leverage : hidding their ugly face, try to hide themselves while keeping (or taking) the power.

Check The Nation's article this morning about the EC seeking to replace P-Net. Remember P-Net's most recent report (also reported by The Nation last week). This is another piece to the puzzle. The bottom line is that the PPP cannot be allowed to win a majority and they won't. The coalition will center on the Demo's and whichever parties are needed to reach the majority. This will not be a puppet government anymore or less than any other coalition government has been.

[Old Man River]

Has Supachai resigned from Democrat Party yet? He used to be their Deputy Secretary General or something. He quit active politics when he campaigned for WTO post, but I don't think he has ever actually left the party.

I could be wrong, but I thought he had to resign from political affiliations when he headed the WTO.

[sriracha john]

A party of back-stabbers trusted by no one

As of now it's going to be a triangular battle between Abhisit Vejjajiva, Samak Sundaravej and the "Brutuses" Party

The latter unveiled itself gleefully yesterday with a bunch of characters that, according to some political pundits, made freedom oppressor-turned-liberation leader Samak look handsome. To turn him into Mahatma Gandhi, all that is needed is for General Sonthi Boonyaratglin to enter politics.

The new political force tentatively calls itself "For the Motherland" Party, as the founders haven't yet come up with an official English name for "Pua Paendin" (For the Land). It boasts members that could bring tears to Thaksin Shinawatra's eyes: Surakiart Sathirathai, Suranand Vejjajiva, Somsak Thepsuthin, Phinij Charusombat and Preecha Laohapongchana. Snoh Thienthong also features, although his association with the ousted leader in the infamous "temple land" scandal seems like ancient history.

The "old wine" tasted very stale from Day One. "Our stance is to be nobody's enemy," former foreign minister Surakiart proclaimed. Again, his post-coup lobbying for international rejection of Thaksin's ouster has been fading in our memories. Indeed, the new political group's motto sounds too pacifying for comfort. Asked if this new bloc was founded to counter the "Thaksin nominees" in the People Power Party, "For the Motherland" leaders murmured that they were not ready to discuss the issue.

Still sitting on the fence are Suwat Liptapanlop and Somkid Jatusripitak. The former is reportedly weighing the options of reviving the Chat Pattana Party or becoming a late arrival in the new camp. The latter has given mixed signals - close friend Suranand's presence at the launching of "For the Motherland" indicated that Somkid was interested, but he was also reported to be ready to register his Ruamjai Thai Party within a day or two.

Maybe Suwat and Somkid share the same scepticism as most political watchers: Who on earth can lead the For the Motherland Party? The founders have reportedly tried to approach Supachai Panitchpakdi, but the secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development must be a very brave man just to read the party's list of who's who, let alone take up the offer. The new force will likely end up with Suwit Khunkitti - who escaped the legal clampdown on the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai - as interim leader *hmm... according to the list I have, he's listed as TRT Banned #53... *, which must bring smiles to both Abhisit's and Samak's faces.

Who's really behind For the Motherland? Is it really meant to be the "alternative", or is it conceived with the single purpose of countering the People Power Party? Will its existence really help Abhisit? Or will it transform itself into a Trojan horse and "Brutus" whoever supports it as an anti-Thaksin force?

For the Motherland is a political freak, this much is clear. And it has come into being out of its own karma. Many of the founders didn't show any courage or patriotism when it really counted. They contributed to Thaksin's omnipotence, turned a blind eye when things went seriously wrong, and only after his downfall have they decided to sink their knives into his back.

Judging from yesterday's press conference, cowards have not yet turned into heroes. The "We are nobody's enemy" statement very likely suggested an intention to reap the last remaining profits from Thaksin's popularity. An understandable strategy - given the new party's obvious dependence on rural support - but gutless all the same. With the exception of Snoh, none of the founders has denounced the ills of the previous regime. And when Snoh did, it was all for the wrong reasons.

Having two former Thai Rak Thai camps at each other's throats in the upcoming election isn't entirely good news for the Democrats. Besides the Trojan Horse theory, For the Motherland could be their nightmarish ally at best. No matter how many seats this new bloc might win in the election, it will be enough to drag Abhisit through some nasty horse-trading. For the Motherland will be a party to be trusted by no one - and deservedly so.

Samak is the one with the firmest focus now. His vow to undo the legal crackdown on Thaksin and company if he wins political power is courage bordering on insanity. The emergence of For the Motherland may complicate things in certain former Thai Rak Thai-dominated constituencies, but he will do well if the new camp fails to demonstrate anything more than shallow patriotism. Brave and loyal he may portray himself to be, and he'll point to all the Brutuses who even now still don't have the courage to explain why they had to stab their former leader in the back.

- Tulsathit Taptim, Stoppage Time, The Nation

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

I tend to agree that I don't think Supachai is going to join this assembly of TRT'ers as its leader.

Edited September 12, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

additional warnings to the 111 Gang...

Warning over use of proxy parties

Two lawmakers yesterday reminded the 111 banned Thai Rak Thai Party executives that any new parties would face disbandment if proven to be their proxies.

"Banned executives should be mindful that they are not allowed to work through nominees and the Election Commission (EC) may disband or deny the registration of a new party seen as a proxy," National Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan said.

He said banned executives were not permitted to form or manage another party for five years and that although they could work in an "advisory role", they could not become principle players in the party's affairs.

Meechai was speaking after news reports about Thai Rak Thai splinter groups preparing to register at least two new parties to contest the general election.

He said the EC chairman, in his capacity as party registrar, had the jurisdiction to rule and penalise proxy parties.

NLA member Prasong Soonsiri said the draft provisions of three organic laws relating to the elections were designed to enforce the guilty verdict on electoral fraud by denying banned executives from grabbing power through nominees.

Parties or individuals serving as nominees for banned executives would face punishment by being removed from the electoral process, he said.

Commenting as committee chairman vetting the draft organic provisions, he said he expected the NLA to begin its final two readings of the three bills on September 21.

- The Nation

[John K]

Based on post #447 it certainly looks like club 111 is demonstrating their ability not to think things out to conclusion. In this case the initial problem is also the last step of the logical process, and that is ‘Five year holiday.’ It looks like they are ready to take others down with them making club 111 into club 222. It appears they have become contagious with their dance with the devil.

[somtaamgaiyang]

additional warnings to the 111 Gang...

Warning over use of proxy parties

Two lawmakers yesterday reminded the 111 banned Thai Rak Thai Party executives that any new parties would face disbandment if proven to be their proxies.

"Banned executives should be mindful that they are not allowed to work through nominees and the Election Commission (EC) may disband or deny the registration of a new party seen as a proxy," National Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan said.

He said banned executives were not permitted to form or manage another party for five years and that although they could work in an "advisory role", they could not become principle players in the party's affairs.

Meechai was speaking after news reports about Thai Rak Thai splinter groups preparing to register at least two new parties to contest the general election.

He said the EC chairman, in his capacity as party registrar, had the jurisdiction to rule and penalise proxy parties.

NLA member Prasong Soonsiri said the draft provisions of three organic laws relating to the elections were designed to enforce the guilty verdict on electoral fraud by denying banned executives from grabbing power through nominees.

Parties or individuals serving as nominees for banned executives would face punishment by being removed from the electoral process, he said.

Commenting as committee chairman vetting the draft organic provisions, he said he expected the NLA to begin its final two readings of the three bills on September 21.

- The Nation

Thailands new found ability to uncover "nominees" is restricted mainly to the case against Thaksin business dealings, which if he hadn't gone to the wonderful trouble of selling his company and therefore showing the world his nominee structure they would never have found. What hope have they got of actually PROVING somebody is someones nominee.

Thai politics has always been the home of the nominee from the point of view that big business has always had its people involved so this ability to rule on someones nominee status could be used to virtually penalise anyone sitting in the parliament. If this goes ahead, I can just imagine the mud slinging. This MP is so and so's nominee from one party etc etc. This could open a massive can of worms and lead to a complete legislative stop.

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Generally nominee issue is covered FBA, in Thaksin's case the rules are different - he was a Prime Minister and was subject to anti-corruption rules. He was prohibited from using ANY kind of nominee.

As for proving it - AEC thinks it's got sufficient proof. Dividends from WinMark were ultimately paid to Thaksin's account.

SEC also should have its own rules on who or what can be considered a nominee. Concealing shareholding is a criminal offence. That's what the arrest warrants have been issued for - hiding SC Asset shares.