New Political Party Ready To Launch

[blaze]

This was Friday but perhaps not posted.

PPP hands classified documents to EC

(BangkokPost.com) - Danuporn Punakan of People Power party (PPP) submitted the classified documents that detail Council for National Security's plans to prevent PPP from rising to power to Election Commission (EC) on Friday for probe.

PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang said the party assigned Mr Danuporn to hand the documents at 1pm so the EC can prove whether the documents are authentic.

Mr Kuthep accused Deputy Prime Minister Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, who was CNS chairman at the time, to have ordered the suppression plan.

EC secretary-general Sutthipol Thaweechaikarn vowed to give a fair investigation into the case.

More here: <a href="http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/p...l.php?id=123007" target="_blank">http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/p...l.php?id=123007</a>

A fascinating statement from an EC official:

"If we look into the documents and do not find they contain anything illegal, the matter will end," he said. "If not, we will trace where the documents come from."

But he didn't say what the EC would do if the documents are found to come from exactly where they are purported to come from- the CNS.

In other words, if there is nothing illegal in the documents, then their authenticity is mysteriously confirmed.

If however, something illegal is found in them, then there will be a full investigation into their authenticiy.

But he didn't say what course the EC would take if that investigation showed the docs to be authentic.

It could also be as simple as if there is nothing illegal then the EC does not have the power or need to investigate, which does not confirm the authenticity or other. If there is soemthing illegal then the first step is to find where the docs came from ie confirm the authenticity as claimed or of course otherwise and it would be pointless to speculate on what will happen beyond this. All speculation of course. Having seen countless documets and tapes produced in Thai politcs to bring down someone or other over the years I personally prefer to just see teh case out. They rarely if ever get to the point of being proven.

The EC does have the power to turn the documents over to the relevant authorities. A fraudulent document- whether or not it contains 'anything illegal' is still a fraudulent document. And those who produced it are subject to the laws referring to fraud.

I wonder (ok a bit facetiously) if what the official is saying is not something like- "and then, if the docs are found to outline a conspiracy on the part of the CNS to illegally affect the outcome of the election- and are also found to be authentic- then gosh- I don't know what the heck we'll do then. Just hope that the whole thing goes away, I guess."

[hammered]

This was Friday but perhaps not posted.

PPP hands classified documents to EC

(BangkokPost.com) - Danuporn Punakan of People Power party (PPP) submitted the classified documents that detail Council for National Security's plans to prevent PPP from rising to power to Election Commission (EC) on Friday for probe.

PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang said the party assigned Mr Danuporn to hand the documents at 1pm so the EC can prove whether the documents are authentic.

Mr Kuthep accused Deputy Prime Minister Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, who was CNS chairman at the time, to have ordered the suppression plan.

EC secretary-general Sutthipol Thaweechaikarn vowed to give a fair investigation into the case.

More here: <a href="http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/p...l.php?id=123007" target="_blank">http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/p...l.php?id=123007</a>

A fascinating statement from an EC official:

"If we look into the documents and do not find they contain anything illegal, the matter will end," he said. "If not, we will trace where the documents come from."

But he didn't say what the EC would do if the documents are found to come from exactly where they are purported to come from- the CNS.

In other words, if there is nothing illegal in the documents, then their authenticity is mysteriously confirmed.

If however, something illegal is found in them, then there will be a full investigation into their authenticiy.

But he didn't say what course the EC would take if that investigation showed the docs to be authentic.

It could also be as simple as if there is nothing illegal then the EC does not have the power or need to investigate, which does not confirm the authenticity or other. If there is soemthing illegal then the first step is to find where the docs came from ie confirm the authenticity as claimed or of course otherwise and it would be pointless to speculate on what will happen beyond this. All speculation of course. Having seen countless documets and tapes produced in Thai politcs to bring down someone or other over the years I personally prefer to just see teh case out. They rarely if ever get to the point of being proven.

The EC does have the power to turn the documents over to the relevant authorities. A fraudulent document- whether or not it contains 'anything illegal' is still a fraudulent document. And those who produced it are subject to the laws referring to fraud.

I wonder (ok a bit facetiously) if what the official is saying is not something like- "and then, if the docs are found to outline a conspiracy on the part of the CNS to illegally affect the outcome of the election- and are also found to be authentic- then gosh- I don't know what the heck we'll do then. Just hope that the whole thing goes away, I guess."

It probably will go away unless of course the docs are found to be forgeries. Even Samak seems quiet on this right now. The Byzantine turns in Thai politics leave us the uniniated in quite a weak position to actually try and work out what is happening. By the way I am sure the CNS do have a plan to play games in the election, but whether it is anything like in this document I wouldnt have a clue. I am equally sure that the PPP have already used vast quatities of cash to buy up MPs, which of course is also a way to influence the outcome of an election when you have a patronage system.

[John K]

If the documents were fake and given to the PPP, it certainly was a well thought out plan. The PPP is not hard to figure out so to bait them knowing their response required some tactical thinking to get the right response. So far the only player I have seen that shows that level of thinking is Sonthi.

It actually is quite brilliant if that turns out to be the case, it reminds me of a police sting operation.

I don't have a clue what it is you are suggesting- that Sonthi wrote up a document purported to be from Sonthi implicating Sonthi in a campaign to discredit the PPP and then leaked that document to the PPP so that they (the PPP) would accuse Sonthi of a campaign to discredit the PPP? Huh? That may well sound like a sting operation - as conducted by the Keystone Cops.

Well I see it as if you can get the PPP to say things repeatedly publicly that can disqualify them, it amounts to them shooting themselves. As we know the general tendency of Thais not to think things out to conclusion, the sweet looking document was not sufficiently investigated before the PPP started using it. Knowing how they would use it requires a lot of thought and knowing how they respond to a given situation.

From post #832

If the papers were doctored and Samak's claims were his own exaggerations, he and his party would be in serious trouble. Making false allegations for the benefit of political campaigns could lead to a trial by the Constitution Tribunal. What the verdict would be is anybody's guess, but surely this would not be pleasant for Samak and the People Power Party.

I am not saying the document came from Sonthi, all I am saying is it falls easily within his demonstrated ability. That is why he is such a good match for Thaksin. Normally Thaksin would be several steps ahead of other Thais who don’t demonstrate the ability to think things out.

[blaze]

If the documents were fake and given to the PPP, it certainly was a well thought out plan. The PPP is not hard to figure out so to bait them knowing their response required some tactical thinking to get the right response. So far the only player I have seen that shows that level of thinking is Sonthi.

It actually is quite brilliant if that turns out to be the case, it reminds me of a police sting operation.

I don't have a clue what it is you are suggesting- that Sonthi wrote up a document purported to be from Sonthi implicating Sonthi in a campaign to discredit the PPP and then leaked that document to the PPP so that they (the PPP) would accuse Sonthi of a campaign to discredit the PPP? Huh? That may well sound like a sting operation - as conducted by the Keystone Cops.

Well I see it as if you can get the PPP to say things repeatedly publicly that can disqualify them, it amounts to them shooting themselves. As we know the general tendency of Thais not to think things out to conclusion, the sweet looking document was not sufficiently investigated before the PPP started using it. Knowing how they would use it requires a lot of thought and knowing how they respond to a given situation.

From post #832

If the papers were doctored and Samak's claims were his own exaggerations, he and his party would be in serious trouble. Making false allegations for the benefit of political campaigns could lead to a trial by the Constitution Tribunal. What the verdict would be is anybody's guess, but surely this would not be pleasant for Samak and the People Power Party.

I am not saying the document came from Sonthi, all I am saying is it falls easily within his demonstrated ability. That is why he is such a good match for Thaksin. Normally Thaksin would be several steps ahead of other Thais who don’t demonstrate the ability to think things out.

John- with all due respect- has anyone ever told you that a serious attempt to follow your reasoning process could cause severe alcoholism?

I'm kidding John- I just- don't understand what you are saying= not enough psychyology courses I guess.

.

Edited October 28, 2007 by blaze

[Tony Clifton]

[Mid]

Junta to decide on PPP: Sonthi

Published on October 27, 2007

Deputy Prime Minister Sonthi Boonyatraglin said yesterday he would leave it up to the junta to decide whether to cancel its propaganda plan against the People Power Party.

The plan was approved on September 14 when Sonthi was the junta chief. He resigned his position in order to join the interim government.

"As I am now in charge of a committee tasked to ensure fair voting, I would like to see a free and fair election and don't condone biases towards any party," he said.

The junta will have to review whether any measures imposed before the official launch of campaigning should be revoked, he said.

snip

nationmultimedia.com

up to the junta to decide whether to cancel its propaganda plan against the People Power Party.

[blaze]

Junta to decide on PPP: Sonthi

Published on October 27, 2007

Deputy Prime Minister Sonthi Boonyatraglin said yesterday he would leave it up to the junta to decide whether to cancel its propaganda plan against the People Power Party.

The plan was approved on September 14 when Sonthi was the junta chief. He resigned his position in order to join the interim government.

"As I am now in charge of a committee tasked to ensure fair voting, I would like to see a free and fair election and don't condone biases towards any party," he said.

The junta will have to review whether any measures imposed before the official launch of campaigning should be revoked, he said.

snip

nationmultimedia.com

up to the junta to decide whether to cancel its propaganda plan against the People Power Party.

I don't condone my attempts to subvert the election... and so I now leave it up to me to decide how I will proceed. -------I need a drink!

[sriracha john]

then what we have is, (typically) shoddy - no- rotten- journalism.

This was Friday but perhaps not posted.

PPP hands classified documents to EC

(BangkokPost.com) - Danuporn Punakan of People Power party (PPP) submitted the classified documents that detail Council for National Security's plans to prevent PPP from rising to power to Election Commission (EC) on Friday for probe.

PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang said the party assigned Mr Danuporn to hand the documents at 1pm so the EC can prove whether the documents are authentic.

Mr Kuthep accused Deputy Prime Minister Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, who was CNS chairman at the time, to have ordered the suppression plan.

EC secretary-general Sutthipol Thaweechaikarn vowed to give a fair investigation into the case.

More here: <a href="http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/p...l.php?id=123007" target="_blank">http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/p...l.php?id=123007</a>

A fascinating statement from an EC official:

"If we look into the documents and do not find they contain anything illegal, the matter will end," he said. "If not, we will trace where the documents come from."

But he didn't say what the EC would do if the documents are found to come from exactly where they are purported to come from- the CNS.

In other words, if there is nothing illegal in the documents, then their authenticity is mysteriously confirmed.

If however, something illegal is found in them, then there will be a full investigation into their authenticiy.

But he didn't say what course the EC would take if that investigation showed the docs to be authentic.

It could also be as simple as if there is nothing illegal then the EC does not have the power or need to investigate, which does not confirm the authenticity or other. If there is soemthing illegal then the first step is to find where the docs came from ie confirm the authenticity as claimed or of course otherwise and it would be pointless to speculate on what will happen beyond this. All speculation of course. Having seen countless documets and tapes produced in Thai politcs to bring down someone or other over the years I personally prefer to just see teh case out. They rarely if ever get to the point of being proven.

The EC does have the power to turn the documents over to the relevant authorities. A fraudulent document- whether or not it contains 'anything illegal' is still a fraudulent document. And those who produced it are subject to the laws referring to fraud.

I wonder (ok a bit facetiously) if what the official is saying is not something like- "and then, if the docs are found to outline a conspiracy on the part of the CNS to illegally affect the outcome of the election- and are also found to be authentic- then gosh- I don't know what the heck we'll do then. Just hope that the whole thing goes away, I guess."

OR....

what all these "if's" may very well just boil down to is what your first quote above was about.....

Edited October 28, 2007 by sriracha john

[JacknDanny]

[Mid]

Junta to decide on PPP: Sonthi

Published on October 27, 2007

snip

up to the junta to decide whether to cancel its propaganda plan against the People Power Party.

I don't condone my attempts to subvert the election... and so I now leave it up to me to decide how I will proceed. -------I need a drink!

PPP alleges soldiers intimidate its canvassers

October 28, 2007

The People Power Party alleged Sunday that soldiers have been deployed to northeastern provinces to intimidate its canvassers.

PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang alleged that the deployment of the soldiers to block support for the PPP was part of the operation plan of the Council for National Security to undermine the PPP.

Kuthep cited the Constituency 1 in Si Sa Ket as an example. He said five soldiers from the 16th Infantry Division in Yasothon were deployed to each district in the constituency to find out who are canvassers of the PPP.

Kuthep said the canvassers were straightforwardly told not support the PPP. He added that canvassers were also told that they would be blocked from buying votes but canvassers for other parties would be allowed to buy votes.

The Nation

nationmultimedia.com

[Old Man River]

It's a dirty dirty game- and will show once and for all just how phoney this coup's claim to want to advance the cause of democracy was.

You sound as if politics is clean where you come from. It isn't. Its a dirty, dirty game wherever you are from.

It is not me who makes it sound like politics is clean in the west- it is those whose cynicism about the dirty nature of Thai politics prompts them to give up entirely on the ideals of democracy and welcome a sham form of politics where the military and not the ballot box is the final determinant in who governs.

It isn't a question about giving up, but rather being realistic. If you were discussing politics in the US, I would have to agree with you, but that is not the case. From some of your previous posts, I know this fact isn't lost on you. Given the facts as they are, I would welcome the Democrats if they are able to pull it off.

[blaze]

It's a dirty dirty game- and will show once and for all just how phoney this coup's claim to want to advance the cause of democracy was.

You sound as if politics is clean where you come from. It isn't. Its a dirty, dirty game wherever you are from.

It is not me who makes it sound like politics is clean in the west- it is those whose cynicism about the dirty nature of Thai politics prompts them to give up entirely on the ideals of democracy and welcome a sham form of politics where the military and not the ballot box is the final determinant in who governs.

It isn't a question about giving up, but rather being realistic. If you were discussing politics in the US, I would have to agree with you, but that is not the case. From some of your previous posts, I know this fact isn't lost on you. Given the facts as they are, I would welcome the Democrats if they are able to pull it off.

Interesting that you use the US as a comparison- some would argue that the Bush regime over the last six years has harmed not only the US, but the world- to an extent that Thaksin could never have dreamed of. But few would say that the idiots (from an anti-Bush perspective) who elected the Republicans should not have the right to have their political choices honored. Or that the American army (a much more well educated group than the Thai) should determine who is allowed to govern.

[sriracha john]

EC urged to seek ruling on Thaksin's role

The Campaign for Popular Democracy Sunday called on the Election Commission to ask the Constitution Tribunal to rule on whether former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra could act as a political party's adviser.

Secretary-General Suriyasai Katasila said the CPD would seek the ruling if the EC declined to do it.

He said the ruling was necessary to set a clear precedent because the People Power Party (PPP) planned to invite Thaksin, former Thai Rak Thai Party leader, to be as its adviser.

Suriyasai said Thaksin was among 111 former Thai Rak Thai executives who were banned from politics for five years by the Constitution Tribunal, so he should not be given any political role.

"We do not agree with the PPP's plan to make Thaksin its adviser and we don't agree with several parties' plans to invite former Thai Rak Thai executives to be their advisers," Suriyasai said.

He said the 111 former executives were banned from politics as punishment for political crimes, so they should not be allowed any political role.

Suriyasai said a ruling by the Constitution Tribunal would be more convincing than a decision by the EC.

He said the former Thai Rak Thai executives should follow the example of Mahachon Party leader Sanan Kachornprasart, who waited for five years following his ban from politics before returning.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Former TRT MP demands politicians to work for the country

Former Thai Rak Thai party-list MP Premsak Phiayura requests political parties to do the best for the country instead of their own interests.

Mr. Premsak, who is currently a Buddhist monk named Phra Premsak Pemsako, says political movements aimed to withdraw the new constitution draft are nothing but useless since the Council for National Security (CNS) is entitled to choose any previous constitution as stated in the interim charter. He views the constitutional amendment could be done easier than the previous once since the public members are encouraged to take part in politics.

Phra Premsak suggests all parties to keep away from violence and cooperate with one another to pass the constitution draft for the new government to administer.

Phra Pemsak reminds Thai people to have the presence of mind and clear up the misunderstandings to honour His Majesty the King, adding that the 111 top executives of the disbanded TRT could do something else useful to the society rather than being politicians.

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

UPDATE... he's decided not to follow his own advice to others....

Phra Premsak to leave monkhood soon

Khon Kaen - Phra Premsak or former Thai Rak Thai Party MP Premsak Piayura (TRT Non-Banned #2) announced Sunday that he would leave the monkhood to contest the upcoming general election.

The monk gave an interview that he would leave the monkhood in a few days without giving the specific date.

Premsak was ordained in March last year.

- The Nation

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

Premsak Piayura is #2 on the list of 8 Thai Rak Thai executives who escaped the ban as they resigned before the Constitutional Tribunal accepted the electoral fraud case for trial.

Edited October 28, 2007 by sriracha john

[Acquiesce]

Prasop Budsarakham, a prospective candidate from Udon Thani for the December 23 general election, said he would make posters with Thaksin's image alongside his because people still loved the deposed premier.

What a muppet.

[Tony Clifton]

It's ironic that they now want once again Thaksin's face on the posters since that very same face was not quasi non-present for last election's posters, candidates preferring then not to show the controversial leader on their posters.

[John K]

Looking at some of the news clippings that have yet to be posted, the PPP/TRT has not changed a bit. They are still trying to portray themselves as victims. It certainly looks like they are going after the lesser educated Thais again.

I think it is fair to say starting next month there will be a lot of posts with —>

[Tony Clifton]

Too late to edit my last post.

It's ironic that they now want once again Thaksin's face on the posters since that very same face was not quasi non-present for last election's posters, candidates preferring then not to show the controversial leader on their posters.

[Plus]

From what I've seen in the Nation those documents were directed specifically against TRT and its resurrection plans.

Officially PPP denies being Thaksin's proxy and so should have nothing to worry about.

Samak has shot himself in the foot by going public - no wonder he shut his mouth since. He can't continue with this as he will implicate and disqualify himself either by admitting being Thaksin's nominee once again or for spreading false information.

It appears he has been set up.

Blaze, you said "let the law decide whether PPP should run or not". In reality it would take at least a year for a Thai court to reach a decision so it's possible that people who want to prevent PPP from winning have resorted to other ways, maybe less honorable but so far not illegal.

[blaze]

From what I've seen in the Nation those documents were directed specifically against TRT and its resurrection plans.

Officially PPP denies being Thaksin's proxy and so should have nothing to worry about.

Samak has shot himself in the foot by going public - no wonder he shut his mouth since. He can't continue with this as he will implicate and disqualify himself either by admitting being Thaksin's nominee once again or for spreading false information.

It appears he has been set up.

Blaze, you said "let the law decide whether PPP should run or not". In reality it would take at least a year for a Thai court to reach a decision so it's possible that people who want to prevent PPP from winning have resorted to other ways, maybe less honorable but so far not illegal.

The worst thing about this propaganda offensive, which now looks pretty authentic- and not simply the work of a couple of CNS hacks- (see the Post this morning)- is that Sonthi is now in a position of overseeing the election for fairness.

Of course it is fully to be expected that a military dictatorship, in turning, at least the semblence of 'reins of power' over to the elecorate, will do what ever they can to prevent the government that they over threw from coming to power. (if for no other reason, a legitimate fear of retribution).

But for anyone to think that this situation- the planned propaganda offensive as well as the placement of admittedly biased officials at the head of an agency tasked with ensuring impartiality, marks a step towards democracy and an end to the dirty kind of politics that we have become accustomed to in this country, I think, is very naive.

If any party- not just the PPP- but including the democrats, were to threaten the goals and social vision (?) of the military- do you think it would, under current conditions, hesitate to launch a similar campaign? Of course not.

[Old Man River]

It's a dirty dirty game- and will show once and for all just how phoney this coup's claim to want to advance the cause of democracy was.

You sound as if politics is clean where you come from. It isn't. Its a dirty, dirty game wherever you are from.

It is not me who makes it sound like politics is clean in the west- it is those whose cynicism about the dirty nature of Thai politics prompts them to give up entirely on the ideals of democracy and welcome a sham form of politics where the military and not the ballot box is the final determinant in who governs.

It isn't a question about giving up, but rather being realistic. If you were discussing politics in the US, I would have to agree with you, but that is not the case. From some of your previous posts, I know this fact isn't lost on you. Given the facts as they are, I would welcome the Democrats if they are able to pull it off.

Interesting that you use the US as a comparison- some would argue that the Bush regime over the last six years has harmed not only the US, but the world- to an extent that Thaksin could never have dreamed of. But few would say that the idiots (from an anti-Bush perspective) who elected the Republicans should not have the right to have their political choices honored. Or that the American army (a much more well educated group than the Thai) should determine who is allowed to govern.

The difference, of course, is that this is not the US. For some reason, people seem to think that democracy in Thailand should be exactly the same or even better than it is in their home countries. It isn't, and isn't likely to be for a long time.

[Plus]

If any party- not just the PPP- but including the democrats, were to threaten the goals and social vision (?) of the military- do you think it would, under current conditions, hesitate to launch a similar campaign? Of course not.

The thing is that goals and social vision of the military reflect goals and vision of any other Thai party and goals and visions of the vast majority of Thai population. Even PPP ascribes to the same visions (in public).

That's their main problem - discrepancy between officially stated position and reality. They often forget which role they are supposed to play. Got caught in their own lies.

[Jai Dee]

Mr Suriyasai opposes deposed PM as advisor to People Power Party

Secretary of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, Suriyasai Katasila (สุริยะใส กตะศิลา), opposes the People Power Party’s idea to appoint deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra as advisor.

Mr Suriyasai also voices disagreement with many political parties’ invitation for executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party to join them. He says the Constitution Tribunal’s verdict bans these executives who posed threat to democracy.

The secretary suggests that the Election Commission (EC) should request the Constitution Court to decide whether the appointment of the TRT Executives as party advisor is appropriate.

Mr Suriyasai adds that both Mr Thaksin and the People Power Party have to clarify the matter to the society as the deposed premier has affirmed many times before that he would quit all political posts. He says further that Mr Thaksin might withdraw all allegations against him if the People Power Party forms the next government.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 October 2007

[sriracha john]

The worst thing about this propaganda offensive, which now looks pretty authentic- and not simply the work of a couple of CNS hacks- (see the Post this morning)

Are you referring to:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/29Oct2007_news06.php

in which this "authenticity confirmation" is based upon the say so of an article, on Thaksin's own website, written by someone only identified by the simple name of "Pradab"???

Edited October 29, 2007 by sriracha john

[younghusband]

The worst thing about this propaganda offensive, which now looks pretty authentic- and not simply the work of a couple of CNS hacks- (see the Post this morning)

Are you referring to:

<a href="http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/29Oct2007_news06.php" target="_blank">http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/29Oct2007_news06.php</a>

in which this "authenticity confirmation" is based upon the say so of an article, on Thaksin's own website, written by someone only identified by the simple name of "Pradab"???

What are you talking about? Surayud has already confirmed its authenticity.

[sriracha john]

The worst thing about this propaganda offensive, which now looks pretty authentic- and not simply the work of a couple of CNS hacks- (see the Post this morning)

Are you referring to:

<a href="http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/29Oct2007_news06.php" target="_blank">http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/29Oct2007_news06.php</a>

in which this "authenticity confirmation" is based upon the say so of an article, on Thaksin's own website, written by someone only identified by the simple name of "Pradab"???

What are you talking about? Surayud has already confirmed its authenticity.

I'm talking about all the hoopla over its authenticity that's developed today and yesterday and the day before.

[hammered]

There is a a big struggle going on right now. Up to date the PPP has invested a lot in lining up a large group or ex-MPs from the last parliament. These guys are going to mostly win their constituency whoever they stand for and at the moment ensure PPP with a very large number of MPs and an outside chace of outright victory. The deadline for jumping parties is approaching. In the last few weeks PPP has a lost a few Samut Prakhan and Bangkok MPs. The aim of the Junta is to poach as many more slam dunk ex-MPs from the PPP. The PPP is playing strong defence. Put the "revelations" of Junta plans to stop the PPP into this context and it is easy to see that ues the message is clear PPP aint winning no election whether that is by fair or foul means who knows but the message will play on the minds of some of those recently transferred into PPP. Having a sackful of money to spend is one thing. Sitting on the opposition benched unable to deliver for yourself, family, clan, friends and even constituents is not where any MP wants to be. The more defections the PPP suffer the more it plays on the minds of the invested in ex-MPs. PPP have to try to convince them to stay, and maybe in exposing "the plan" (whether it is real or not doesnt matter much) they think they can help themselves this way although it may remain moot. Anyway what is going on is all about lining up ex-MPs who cannot be beaten. This is not really about pure democracy as ther Junta will try to influence things and using cash to get ones end is not exactly democratic either. This is just another step in the power struggle. PPP may also hope thety can derail the vote buying commision or whatever they call it if they can presure Sonthi enough as that will certainly hurt them at a later stage. Again this will weigh on the minds of those ex-MPs in making alast minute decision.

[Old Man River]

PPP aint winning no election whether that is by fair or foul means who knows but the message will play on the minds of some of those recently transferred into PPP. Having a sackful of money to spend is one thing. Sitting on the opposition benched unable to deliver for yourself, family, clan, friends and even constituents is not where any MP wants to be.

Hammered, I don't know if things have changed, but in the not too distant past it was rumored that some politicians received 1/3 when they joined a certain party, 1/3 when they ran in the election and the final third if they won. Assuming it hasn't changed too much and given the amount being rumored to be involved, that is still a lot of money regardless of which side of the fence they end up sitting on. That is, of course, assuming the rumors are true.

[Old Man River]

I have a question about these "secret documents." As far as I have read, they seem to only contain a plan to discredit the PPP via things said and written. To me, maintaining martial law is materially damaging to the election process and the Democrats among others have openly stated that this should not be acceptable for the coming national election. However, a plan to discredit the PPP through non violent means does not (to me) seem to be such a big deal. If it is and the average Thai voter will vote against the PPP only because the current government says that they are bad people, what does this say about the average Thai voter? Didn't many Thai's vote against the constitutional referendum despite being told by the current government that they should vote for it?

I see no problem with the current government trying to discredit the PPP via non violent means. I do see a problem with keeping martial law in place.

Any thoughts?

[hammered]

PPP aint winning no election whether that is by fair or foul means who knows but the message will play on the minds of some of those recently transferred into PPP. Having a sackful of money to spend is one thing. Sitting on the opposition benched unable to deliver for yourself, family, clan, friends and even constituents is not where any MP wants to be.

Hammered, I don't know if things have changed, but in the not too distant past it was rumored that some politicians received 1/3 when they joined a certain party, 1/3 when they ran in the election and the final third if they won. Assuming it hasn't changed too much and given the amount being rumored to be involved, that is still a lot of money regardless of which side of the fence they end up sitting on. That is, of course, assuming the rumors are true.

That sounds similar to what I hear. The amounts involved may actually be increasing right now from gossip I get but quite who is paying what is very difficult to find out.