New Political Party Ready To Launch

[younghusband]

So, the new constitution IS on their "TO SHRED" list.

I have no information on their position but certainly the Democrats have made it quite clear that the constitution foisted on the country by the junta will be radically altered if they obtain power.The junta's propagandists will of course point out that the constitution was approved by the Thai nation, ignoring the millions who dissented and the millions who voted in favour simply to move the democratic process along.The junta had said that if their proposals were rejected they would simply impose their own version.In truth their victory represented a massive loss of face.It is a thoroughly repugnant document which decent politicians like Abhisit and Korn know has to be rewritten if not shredded.

Edited September 19, 2007 by younghusband

[Old Man River]

Democrat Secretary-General Insists People's Power Party Financially Supported by Thaksin

The Democrat's secretary-general adds that some former key leaders of the now-disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, who travelled to Hong Kong earlier to meet with the ousted premier, have informed him that Thaksin is planning to give 30-40 million baht to each MP candidate of the People's Power Party for the next poll.

Suthep confirms that no former MPs from the Pua Paendin group will join the Democrats.

- Thailand Outlook

Only someone in total denial, someone with zero understanding of Thai politics, a complete lier or a moron does not believe the PPP is funded by the T. Suthep is stating the obvious and Samak, well........

Suthep is wrong. They don't get the final 1/3 unless they are elected.

Edited September 19, 2007 by Old Man River

[hammered]

Democrat Secretary-General Insists People's Power Party Financially Supported by Thaksin

The Democrat's secretary-general adds that some former key leaders of the now-disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, who travelled to Hong Kong earlier to meet with the ousted premier, have informed him that Thaksin is planning to give 30-40 million baht to each MP candidate of the People's Power Party for the next poll.

Suthep confirms that no former MPs from the Pua Paendin group will join the Democrats.

- Thailand Outlook

Only someone in total denial, someone with zero understanding of Thai politics, a complete lier or a moron does not believe the PPP is funded by the T. Suthep is stating the obvious and Samak, well........

Suthep is wrong. They don't get the final 1/3 unless they are elected.

He may want to consider withholding a further percent until after all charges are dropped too.

[Plus]

I think Demos want the Senate to be fully elected and maybe some other minor points.

The result of the referendum has nothing to do with the content of the new constitution. I believe 99% of those who voted haven't read it. I don't know anyonw who has read it, certailny not in full.

Referendum results showed strength of opposing sides, that's all.

>>>>

Vote buying has evolved, people now want an open bidding war for their votes, not just 200 baht. They want "policies" to please them. In return they promise to close their eyes on the looting that takes place in the government.

[John K]

Thaksin certainly is a bit snarly today. I think the Thai government should hurry up and put in place that requirement that the plaintiff must be in court or the case is dropped.

(BangkokPost.com) - Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra will sue Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban for accusing him of injecting billions of baht into the People's Power party (PPP) in the hope to return to power, his lawyer Noppadon Pattama said.

"Mr Thaksin is not involved in the PPP," Mr Noppadon told reporters. "His assets are all frozen so it is impossible that he still has millions of baht abroad."

He called on Mr Suthep to show evidence that Mr Thaksin had transferred money to the PPP as he claimed.

However reading on, apparently Tony Clifton’s mule theory is valid.

Do the political parties need to disclose the source of their funding? May be a problem for the PPP.

[A_Traveller]

Do the political parties need to disclose the source of their funding?

Short answer, yes. The Political Parties Act specifies how donations should be identified.

Regards

PS Is it fool proof, no

[John K]

Ok so based on the latest announcement by the PPP that they plan to raise 500,000,000 ThB next month, I can assume it is Thaksin’s money being laundered by pro Thaksin companies/people. The reason I see this is they seem to already know the amount they will raise. Most people wont know until after the event(s) and have counted the money. It sounds like the money has already been counted to me.

[somtaamgaiyang]

Ok so based on the latest announcement by the PPP that they plan to raise 500,000,000 ThB next month, I can assume it is Thaksin’s money being laundered by pro Thaksin companies/people. The reason I see this is they seem to already know the amount they will raise. Most people wont know until after the event(s) and have counted the money. It sounds like the money has already been counted to me.

These people wrote the book on how to buy an election. They won't be able to find a thing.

What odds the election goes off in December, declared null and void and we have another one.h

[hammered]

Do the political parties need to disclose the source of their funding?

Short answer, yes. The Political Parties Act specifies how donations should be identified.

Regards

PS Is it fool proof, no

Exactly and and we shouldbnt forget the huge amount of black money floating around in the Thai economy too. Of course no politician would ever be involved in the black economy.

[Plus]

Do you think big donors would pour money into PPP? They might give something, out of courtesy. It's not 2005 anymore - smart money is on Democrats now.

I'm afraid Thaksin will have to finance everything himself.

[somtaamgaiyang]

Do you think big donors would pour money into PPP? They might give something, out of courtesy. It's not 2005 anymore - smart money is on Democrats now.

I'm afraid Thaksin will have to finance everything himself.

Well he isn't exactly short of a $$$ or two is he. 2bn is what he got for selling the company. That doesn't count the other billions he made from other businesses and dividends. People like him don't pay to lose at business or elections. This is a high stakes game and if he thinks he can win he will pour a lot of money into it.

[John K]

Let me rephrase, “New Disclosure rules” with this new constitution. Yes no doubt you are right they wrote the book on this, however seeing as much of the new constitution was aimed at keeping politicians honest, this is part of that new set of teeth I have cited. It is a typical Thaksin scenario, he insulates himself so if it goes south it becomes difficult to prove his involvement, and the others on the receiving end, well just another dance with the devil.

[hammered]

Do you think big donors would pour money into PPP? They might give something, out of courtesy. It's not 2005 anymore - smart money is on Democrats now.

I'm afraid Thaksin will have to finance everything himself.

True to a large extent but there are still people who are in or associated with PPP who have access to vast amounts of black economy money which can be used to finance the election directly. This can either be straightened out through business deals, land purchases, positions, jobs earlier or later. Mr . thaksin ios hardly likely to wire his own banked money directly, indirectly or through any traceable manner to directly buy the ex-MPs, the executive and the party leader. There are still people heavily in with Mr Thaksin who will put their black untraceable money up first and trust him to see them good.

The Democrats are getting just about the only donations the business communtiy makes but as has been noted these amounts are nothing compared to when the TRT-business alliance was formed a few years ago. Obviously it is not expected that huge largesse will be coming back on the investments but maybe they just want to make a friendly gesture to those who may well control the economic portfolios after the election. Proabably justy as well the Dems are not a party of buying up ex-MPs as they dont have the cash or backers for that. On the other hand that does mean that unless the Thai politcal system suddenly matures away from the patronage one it now is, they have no chance of ever forming a governement with an overall majority. Then there is the question of who is going to fund all those ex-TRT MPs now not in the PPP and who even when fighting each other claim the PPP is going to be the last port of call for them. Nice vacuum there for a monied up wannabe although I guess it is already resolved behind the scenes.

[John K]

And all this money just to put big signs up on the streets so I can’t see the bus coming.

[Tony Clifton]

Ok so based on the latest announcement by the PPP that they plan to raise 500,000,000 ThB next month, I can assume it is Thaksin’s money being laundered by pro Thaksin companies/people. The reason I see this is they seem to already know the amount they will raise. Most people wont know until after the event(s) and have counted the money. It sounds like the money has already been counted to me.

These people wrote the book on how to buy an election. They won't be able to find a thing.

What odds the election goes off in December, declared null and void and we have another one.h

Unfortunately for them, they didn't write the book on the dangers of excess and defiance. They were clearly going to win the last election but couldn't help cheating anyway, which brought them where they are today. That same attitude is still there and it has grown even dangerously bigger.

[lazeeboy]

been in thailand 15 years ,cant remember an election without a reelection or a recount ..............

[Jai Dee]

Royal People Party leader says he is not planning to become new PM

Royal People Party leader Sanoh Thienthong (เสนาะ เทียนทอง) affirms he is not aiming to become the next Prime Minister.

Mr. Sanoh said that he will instead seek a qualified and capable candidate for the position. Mr. Sanoh revealed that the Royal People Party will establish a policy-making committee and is ready to solve the nation's problems. The Royal People Party leader expressed his confidence that political party's with large quanitities of funding will possess capable human resources and will work for the benefit and welfare of the nation.

Meanwhile Deputy Royal People Party leader Korn Thapparansi (กร ทัพพะรังส) revealed that the reason for his return to politics is due to the impeccable reputation of Mr. Sanoh, whose parties are known to routinely win in elections and gain the Prime Minister position. Mr. Korn said he is also looking forward to working with Royal People Party Advisory Committee Chairman Prachai Leawpairat (ประชัย เลี่ยวไพรัตน์ ) and party Secretary General Anongwan Thepsuthin (อนงค์วรรณ เทพสุทิน).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Royal Thai Police Chief may pursue political career in the future

The Interim Royal Thai Police Commissioner General Pol. Gen. Seripisut Temiyavet (เสรีพิศุทธ์ เตมียาเวส) revealed to I.N.N. reporters that he may pursue a political career in the future once his duties to the Royal Thai Police are completed.

Pol. Gen. Seripisut said he has yet to decide on political party membership, or government administration affiliation. Pol. Gen. Seripisut said that since the beginning of his duties as Royal Thai Police Commissioner General, he has implemented several revisions to the Royal Thai Police, including introducing Royal Advice and Principles in law enforcement work, especially in crime prevention operations.

Pol. Gen. Seripisut expressed hope that his work will produce tangible and beneficial results in the future.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 September 2007

[sriracha john]

Matchima unites with Pracharaj

Political veteran Sanoh re-elected party leader

The Matchima political group has merged with the Pracharaj party with veteran politician Sanoh Thienthong (TRT Non-Banned #1) as the leader. The political marriage between the Matchima group of Somsak Thepsuthin (TRT Banned #18), a breakaway faction of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party, and Pracharaj was announced yesterday at the Pracharaj party general assembly. At the meeting, Sanoh resigned as Pracharaj leader to allow for the election of a new party executive committee. He was then unanimously voted back to the helm of the party. Somsak's wife Anongwan was named party secretary-general. The Pracharaj deputy leaders are: Korn Dabbaransi (TRT Non-Banned #7), former Chart Pattana leader; former Chiang Mai senator Maj-Gen Intarat Yodbangtoei; and Sophon Phetsawang of Matchima. Their intention to come together and register Puea Pandin as a new party hit a snag when former northeastern MPs in Matchima became unhappy with the proposed merger and pressured Somsak to pull out of the pact. A source in Matchima said Somsak decided to merge his group with the Pracharaj party because it faced financial problems.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/21Sep2007_news10.php

[Jai Dee]

Somsak announces official ending of Matchima

Somsak Thepsutin Friday held a press conference to officially announce the end of his group.

He held the press at his house saying now that his group has joined the Prachararaj Party he decided to end its activities and he no longer had any duty over the group.

Source: The Nation - 21 September 2007

[Mid]

Yongyuth to return to Thailand later this month

September 21, 2007 : Last updated 05:22 pm

Yongyuth Tiyapairat, an aide of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will return to Thailand at the end of this month to contest the next election as a candidate of the People Power Party.

Nisit Sinthupai, a PPP member, said he had met Yongyuth, a former natural resources and rnvironment minister, when he visited Thaksin in London and Yongyuth said he would return to Thailand at the end of this month.

He said Yongyuth would ensure that the PPP would continue the Thai Rak Thai policies.

Yongyuth has been living abroad since he was released from detention by the coup makers.

The Nation

nationmultimedia.com

[sriracha john]

- courtesy of 2bangkok.com

Komchadluek, April 22, 2006

The bottom pokes fun at relatives of politicians who were elected to the supposedly non-political senate. In the heart is Mrs. Salakjit Tiyapairat, senator from Chaing Rai and wife of Yongyuth Tiyapairath, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment.

Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Natural Resource and Environment Minister is the chairperson of a ceremony setting up the Peace Bird at the fountain roundabout in Kromluang Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Park, Narathiwat. This is a memorial statue showing the concern of Thai people who folded paper birds for peace in the deep south on December 2, 2004.

[sriracha john]

Banned TRT politicians given warning

Charter Drafting Committee chairman Prasong Soonsiri yesterday reminded the 111 banned Thai Rak Thai Party executives that their political activities might put their new home, the People Party, at risk of being disbanded on grounds of being their proxy.

"The banned executives and politicians concerned should carefully study the 2007 Constitution and its three organic laws relating to the elections," Prasong said.

He said that even though the Royal decree on the general election had yet to be issued, any campaigning in the lead-up to the vote could be used as evidence of electoral offences committed by a party or a candidate.

The second and third readings of the three electoral organic laws in the National Legislative Assembly are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

New electoral rules include harsh penalties for vote-buying and money politics. Money paid out in exchange for votes may be seized as state property, and offenders will be penalised under criminal and electoral laws.

Informants about vote-buying are entitled to receive part of the money seized as a reward.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Band stops again in party game of musical chairs

Saman Chan turns its back on Pracharaj, dallies with Chat Thai

Leaders of the Saman Chan political group who were absent from the recent Pracharaj Party meeting are set to join the Chat Thai Party.

Saman Chan leaders Pinij Jarusombat (TRT Banned #11), Suwit Khunkitti (TRT Banned #53), Preecha Laohapongchana (TRT Banned #68), Surakiart Sathirathai (TRT Banned #21), and Suranand Vejjajiva (TRT Banned #51) attended the formation of the Pua Paendin (For the Motherland) group.

Snoh Thienthong (TRT Non-Banned #1) had announced that he was willing to change the name of his Pracharaj Party to the Pua Paendin Party after Pracharaj's annual meeting held on Thursday.

However, Pracharaj has not changed its name, and Snoh was elected the party's caretaker leader.

Only the Matchima group, which is an ally of Pracharaj, attended the party meeting. Saman Chan leaders were not present.

Ekkapap Polsue, a Saman Chan member, yesterday said his group and Pua Paendin founders had discussed their political future and agreed that they had three choices, to form a new political party, to join Suwit's former Social Action party or to join Banharn Silapa-archa's Chat Thai Party.

Chat Thai deputy leader Somsak Prisananamthakul has talked with the group's senior members, asking them to merge with his party, said Ekkapap.

"Most members agreed to join Chat Thai, because our way is similar to Chat Thai's. Chat Thai advocates harmony, and the group also likes Banharn's ideas," he said.

Next week the Saman Chan group will make it clear whether they will move to Chat Thai or not, he said.

Payap Panket, former Sing Buri MP, yesterday resigned from Pracharaj, saying that his political ideology was different from the party's.

"I will not leave politics and have not decided whether to join any party," he said.

Meanwhile, Ruam Jai Thai group co-founder Kittiratt na Ranong has joined the People Power Party's economics team, according to a source in the party.

Kittiratt, former president of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, first appeared on the political stage in July, when he joined prominent politicians in announcing the creation of Ruam Jai Thai. Some members of Ruam Jai Thai even identified Kittiratt as a potential leader of the new party.

However, Kittirat then slowly distanced himself from Ruam Jai Thai and kept a low profile, concentrating on his job as manager of the national football team.

Kittiratt earlier helped the former Thai Rak Thai's Sudarat Keyuraphan (TRT Banned #3) with her *unsuccessful* campaign for Bangkok governor.

- The Nation

Edited September 22, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

- courtesy of 2bangkok.com

Komchadluek, April 22, 2006

The bottom pokes fun at relatives of politicians who were elected to the supposedly non-political senate. In the heart is Mrs. Salakjit Tiyapairat, senator from Chaing Rai and wife of Yongyuth Tiyapairath, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment.

Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Natural Resource and Environment Minister is the chairperson of a ceremony setting up the Peace Bird at the fountain roundabout in Kromluang Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Park, Narathiwat. This is a memorial statue showing the concern of Thai people who folded paper birds for peace in the deep south on December 2, 2004.

Not a nice development to know that Yuth "dooyen" is back in Thai politics. Wonder how the family business is going up North. Quite ironic how he who enjoys so much automatic gunfire and has such a very high respect for human life and dignity especially of those he considers as below him, can be linked with anything described as a peace idea. One of the worst of the worst politicians is unsurprisingly back.

Now, on a completely different and naturally unconnected matter, where does that all that untraceable black money up North come from?

Edited September 22, 2007 by hammered

[John K]

Coup caused havoc, Samak complains

People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej hit out at the Council for National Security yesterday, claiming the coup that deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra a year ago had created havoc.

Coup caused havoc, Samak complains

Samak, speaking to reporters at his home in Nawamin, said the coup makers had created havoc in every field, especially the judiciary. "They brought the Supreme Court president to be Justice Minister and court secretary-general to be Justice Ministry permanent secretary, another judge to the Depart-ment of Special Investigation and four judges to be Election Commissioners," he said.

They also made another judge a member of an Assets Examination Committee panel that leaked information to newspapers. He alleged the wife of a judge also accepted a kickback.

Samak said his party would welcome Chalerm Yoobam-rung as an ally if he wished to join. "Chalerm and I have been good friends. He can come in, no problem."

However, he refused to comment on reports General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh would become chief adviser to the People Power Party.

Samak also hit back at alleged moves to prevent People Power Party getting media coverage, saying reporters should interview him to see if he would get publicity. He called on the government to lift martial law, saying it was necessary as political parties were in the run-up to a general election.

Meanwhile, Chalerm admitted yesterday he had met former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in London but claimed they did not talk about politics. "My sons and I went to England only to watch football - we did not intend to meet Thaksin," he said.

Chalerm denied he went as a nominee of Chavalit to make a deal with Thaksin. "I was not [a nominee]. I don't have enough importance," he said.

He added that he had not decided to return to politics with any particular party and said he was not a member of the People Power party. Chalerm said he would announce his political future after Chavalit clarified his situation.

The Nation

[John K]

Every time Samak opens his mouth I hear Thaksin. He certainly is not doing a very convincing job of not being Thaksin’s puppet.

[hammered]

Coup caused havoc, Samak complains

People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej hit out at the Council for National Security yesterday, claiming the coup that deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra a year ago had created havoc.

Coup caused havoc, Samak complains

Samak, speaking to reporters at his home in Nawamin, said the coup makers had created havoc in every field, especially the judiciary. "They brought the Supreme Court president to be Justice Minister and court secretary-general to be Justice Ministry permanent secretary, another judge to the Depart-ment of Special Investigation and four judges to be Election Commissioners," he said.

They also made another judge a member of an Assets Examination Committee panel that leaked information to newspapers. He alleged the wife of a judge also accepted a kickback.

Samak said his party would welcome Chalerm Yoobam-rung as an ally if he wished to join. "Chalerm and I have been good friends. He can come in, no problem."

However, he refused to comment on reports General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh would become chief adviser to the People Power Party.

Samak also hit back at alleged moves to prevent People Power Party getting media coverage, saying reporters should interview him to see if he would get publicity. He called on the government to lift martial law, saying it was necessary as political parties were in the run-up to a general election.

Meanwhile, Chalerm admitted yesterday he had met former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in London but claimed they did not talk about politics. "My sons and I went to England only to watch football - we did not intend to meet Thaksin," he said.

Chalerm denied he went as a nominee of Chavalit to make a deal with Thaksin. "I was not [a nominee]. I don't have enough importance," he said.

He added that he had not decided to return to politics with any particular party and said he was not a member of the People Power party. Chalerm said he would announce his political future after Chavalit clarified his situation.

The Nation

Games. The PPP certainly are collecting by far the most obnoxious group of potential MPs. A few years back at an election, around the days of incidents in pubs, on Chalerms turf his people were going around convincing the voters to go to the polling station and vote for whatever party Chalerm was in back in those days. A group of youths chased them off of an estate saying they were voting Dem and didnt want Chalerms "canvassers" around their estate. A short while later a group of gunmen turned up and there were several injuries. Cant remember the outcome in that constuency.

Edited September 24, 2007 by hammered

[Mid]

SJ , #562 ,

great post .............

cheers

mid

[John K]

Obnoxious is an understatement. They have clearly taken the stick approach here leaving the carrot for others.

If the PPP was a single person it would be easy to do a psychological profile on them. So this becomes a bit of a best guess profile:

The PPP voice at the moment clearly reflects anger and seeking revenge. There is no indication of redeeming qualities visible, just raw anger. There is no indication of concern for anyone else except themselves. It is easy to say this reflects Thaksin’s personality between July 2006 and the coup in September last year.

It would not surprise me in the least if the PPP used out and out violence to get in office by scaring anti Thaksin people from the polls.

On another note some of the TRT breakaway parties that have now come back citing lack of funds, it makes me wonder as they were all cut from the same cloth why some do and some don’t have money. It appears to be forced consolidation by whoever is funding the PPP.