New Political Party Ready To Launch

[Tony Clifton]

Everyone aboard the TRT train knew what was going on in general, even those who are not considered guilty.

[Siripon]

The junta need a certain amount of ex-TRT to run in the next election, they don't want wholesale opposition from Issan and the north.

Somsak's reference to the 'thugs' at Sanam Luang will have been very welcome as was Chaturon's initial refusal to join Sudarat in rejecting the referendum, though true to form he later caved in.

Regarding the 'black pearl' Mr Weera,a southern boy and one of the leaders of Pojaman TV, many people have expressed amazement at his attacks on General Prem for he was once sentenced to a long jail term in the 1980s but was luckily pardoned after only a short time- during General Prem's tenure.

It seems money talks louder than loyalty.

[tijnebijn]

The junta need a certain amount of ex-TRT to run in the next election, they don't want wholesale opposition from Issan and the north.

Somsak's reference to the 'thugs' at Sanam Luang will have been very welcome as was Chaturon's initial refusal to join Sudarat in rejecting the referendum, though true to form he later caved in.

Regarding the 'black pearl' Mr Weera,a southern boy and one of the leaders of Pojaman TV, many people have expressed amazement at his attacks on General Prem for he was once sentenced to a long jail term in the 1980s but was luckily pardoned after only a short time- during General Prem's tenure.

It seems money talks louder than loyalty.

Ofcourse it does . The New people in power are looking how to full their pockets allready , who they will need for that and how

they will make everything looks like nothing had happened after . In the end after the coming elections , there will be a new government in 2 years time . Its a never ending story in Thailand , its so common . The Taksin government was the first government is way many years to be reelected , that in all says enough.

[thaigene2]

Stop kidding yourselves with your middle-of-the-road wishful thinking.

This coup (and the protests by PAD before it) has always been about rich people helping themselves to the spoils of Thailand. It was happening before (with Thaksin AND with the puppets before him representing the others prior ro TRT) it's happening now (that PAD was helped out by the Army who couldn't resist the opportunity to help themselves - 26% increase in budget ?? OK? Not to mention no debate about the new constitution and a 'secret' fund - all unopposed), and it will happen again in the future.

The only point about the demise of TRT is the country-folk always lose - and this time they lost the ONLY party that gave them something. The others did f+ck all - and any cursory review of recent history will reveal that. So spare me the comments otherwise - just don't OK?

[mrtoad]

New name, same old corrupt shit.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin nominees 'reclaim' TRT from Chaturon

Former MPs' hopes up after new parties failed to make a big impact

With a new election not far down the track, all political parties have to prepare and launch strategies, sooner rather than later, including the Thai Rak Thai Group.

For the ballot, parties must mobilise all resources and tactics. A vital factor for the poll will be funding. But the current TRT Group leader Chaturon Chaisang apparently has little in his war chest.

Suddenly, the spotlight is right on Chaturon, because there are signs the inner circle of the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has started its first mission - to seize power back from TRT's acting leader.

Before Chaturon went abroad he had scheduled a meeting with the press - on Monday at the Navasorn Building on Rama III Road, the defunct party's headquarters. But on the same day Sudarat Keyuraphan and Thaksin's sister Yaowapa Wongsawat summoned ex-MPs to meet at the IFCT Building, the party's former headquarters on New Phetchaburi Road.

Almost 300 former MPs and candidates showed up at the IFCT Building. All of Thaksin's inner circle, including Newin Chidchob, Surapong Suebwonglee and Yaowapa, as Thaksin's representative, attended.

The meeting at the IFCT Building was packed with "heavyweights" known to be Thaksin loyalists. It suggests very strongly that they want to seize power and the party back from Chaturon.

And shortly after the start of their meeting, they achieved this. Chaturon joined their meeting.

It was reported that Sudarat had also set up a panel for election preparations. Her father Somphol was appointed to one of the committees. Chaturon was supposed to sign the appointment but he did not see the appointment order.

Thaksin has reportedly been upset at Chaturon's political style and direction. Chaturon may be "too nice" to lead the group after recent legal rulings, which have hit the party very hard.

One month before the party dissolution ruling, Chaturon moved the party headquarters from the IFCT Building to the Navasorn Building in order to wipe the image of Thaksin from the party and prepare to fight the junta. However, the move angered Thaksin and his wife Pojaman.

When Chaturon was deputy prime minister in Thaksin's government, many of his suggestions - for example, a comprehensive plan to counter violence in the South, or his suggestion that Thaksin resign as premier - were rejected by the party leader.

Ironically, perhaps, Chaturon, who is not in Thaksin's inner circle, was Thaksin's saviour, after the PM was ousted. Thaksin appointed Chaturon acting party leader. With the image of a pro-democracy activist and his experience in the October 1973 uprising, Chaturon was used as a tool to save the party. It was recognised that he would be able to help absorb pressure from the junta. The question now is, did Chaturon concede to a power seizure? And how did that happen?

A close aide said: "Chaturon has no money. Eventually he must withdraw from the leader's post, as he is banned from politics for five years following the Constitution Tribunal ruling."

At the moment the Thai Rak Thai Group may not need or want a nice guy. Some believe they need a tough guy to fight the next election and their "enemy" - the junta.

Thaksin is seen as having taken full control of the group through his nominees. And, a fight-back is expected to begin soon.

The TRT Group reportedly saw an opportunity when newly launched political groups, such as Ruam Jai Thai and Matchima, failed to impress the public.

Moreover, the number of attendees at Monday's TRT Group meeting also showed that the defunct party is still in command of most of its MPs. In the run-up to the election, the TRT Group might pick up more troops in the form of people who oppose the junta and military coup.

If it looks like public opinion is against the new charter before the national referendum is held on August 19, the TRT Group might lobby for the draft to be rejected. And if it is rejected, it could be a golden opportunity to oust the junta. And that is probably the ultimate goal of those who were once in power.

- The Nation

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

With all this in-fighting.... I just hope more TRT MP's won't end up getting shot in gun battles.

Interesting to see Newin on the televised coverage of the TRT meeting.... sitting about 9 rows back and looking longingly at the big-wigs seated up on stage at the main table.

[hammered]

Thaksin nominees 'reclaim' TRT from Chaturon

Former MPs' hopes up after new parties failed to make a big impact

With a new election not far down the track, all political parties have to prepare and launch strategies, sooner rather than later, including the Thai Rak Thai Group.

For the ballot, parties must mobilise all resources and tactics. A vital factor for the poll will be funding. But the current TRT Group leader Chaturon Chaisang apparently has little in his war chest.

Suddenly, the spotlight is right on Chaturon, because there are signs the inner circle of the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has started its first mission - to seize power back from TRT's acting leader.

Before Chaturon went abroad he had scheduled a meeting with the press - on Monday at the Navasorn Building on Rama III Road, the defunct party's headquarters. But on the same day Sudarat Keyuraphan and Thaksin's sister Yaowapa Wongsawat summoned ex-MPs to meet at the IFCT Building, the party's former headquarters on New Phetchaburi Road.

Almost 300 former MPs and candidates showed up at the IFCT Building. All of Thaksin's inner circle, including Newin Chidchob, Surapong Suebwonglee and Yaowapa, as Thaksin's representative, attended.

The meeting at the IFCT Building was packed with "heavyweights" known to be Thaksin loyalists. It suggests very strongly that they want to seize power and the party back from Chaturon.

And shortly after the start of their meeting, they achieved this. Chaturon joined their meeting.

It was reported that Sudarat had also set up a panel for election preparations. Her father Somphol was appointed to one of the committees. Chaturon was supposed to sign the appointment but he did not see the appointment order.

Thaksin has reportedly been upset at Chaturon's political style and direction. Chaturon may be "too nice" to lead the group after recent legal rulings, which have hit the party very hard.

One month before the party dissolution ruling, Chaturon moved the party headquarters from the IFCT Building to the Navasorn Building in order to wipe the image of Thaksin from the party and prepare to fight the junta. However, the move angered Thaksin and his wife Pojaman.

When Chaturon was deputy prime minister in Thaksin's government, many of his suggestions - for example, a comprehensive plan to counter violence in the South, or his suggestion that Thaksin resign as premier - were rejected by the party leader.

Ironically, perhaps, Chaturon, who is not in Thaksin's inner circle, was Thaksin's saviour, after the PM was ousted. Thaksin appointed Chaturon acting party leader. With the image of a pro-democracy activist and his experience in the October 1973 uprising, Chaturon was used as a tool to save the party. It was recognised that he would be able to help absorb pressure from the junta. The question now is, did Chaturon concede to a power seizure? And how did that happen?

A close aide said: "Chaturon has no money. Eventually he must withdraw from the leader's post, as he is banned from politics for five years following the Constitution Tribunal ruling."

At the moment the Thai Rak Thai Group may not need or want a nice guy. Some believe they need a tough guy to fight the next election and their "enemy" - the junta.

Thaksin is seen as having taken full control of the group through his nominees. And, a fight-back is expected to begin soon.

The TRT Group reportedly saw an opportunity when newly launched political groups, such as Ruam Jai Thai and Matchima, failed to impress the public.

Moreover, the number of attendees at Monday's TRT Group meeting also showed that the defunct party is still in command of most of its MPs. In the run-up to the election, the TRT Group might pick up more troops in the form of people who oppose the junta and military coup.

If it looks like public opinion is against the new charter before the national referendum is held on August 19, the TRT Group might lobby for the draft to be rejected. And if it is rejected, it could be a golden opportunity to oust the junta. And that is probably the ultimate goal of those who were once in power.

- The Nation

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

With all this in-fighting.... I just hope more TRT MP's won't end up getting shot in gun battles.

Interesting to see Newin on the televised coverage of the TRT meeting.... sitting about 9 rows back and looking longingly at the big-wigs seated up on stage at the main table.

At the end of the day their allegiance is to master who pays the money and he needs them back in power so all cases against him can be dismissed. It will be an interesting battle between the pro-Thaksin and anti-Thaksin forces in the election. One thing is for sure the vote buying money will be high. But that also leads into who controls the EC. In the 2005 election it was TRT. Nearly every complaint of electoral irrgularity was made against TRT and yet only Dem and Mahachon candidates ever got red carded.

[Siripon]

Ex-TRT are divided about saying no to the constitution, Sudarat who relies on her Bangkok base, knows the Bangkokians will blame ex-TRT if the constitution, hence election, is delayed leading to further economic uncertainty.

[Plus]

How's she going to campaign in Bangkok at all unless her MPs publicly distance themselves from Thaksin?

Chaturon also doesn't see that his political position does not attract anyone anymore.

They still can't let Thaksin go, and it will backfire. I won't be surprised if even Somsak and Somkid groups will gang up on Sudarat if she dares to field candidates in the same consitutuencies and they'll surely tell everyone that it's time to move on while she runs around with banners of disgraced, yesteryear heroes.

In the coming campaign Thaksin's name won't sell. Parties need to show they reinvented themselves and went through internal purification process.

They need to show humility and sincerely apologise to the people they've offended by being in TRT, that's all. That's what national reconciliation is all about in Thailand. Voters would welcome then with open arms.

Thaksin doesn't get, Sudarat doesn't get it, Chaturon doesn't get it, and they'll pay for their stubborness.

[sriracha john]

Ruam Jai Thai says 15 ex-senators to enter its fold

The Ruam Jai Thai group announced that 15 former senators would stand as candidates for the group in the general election.

The Ruam Jai Thai Group (Thai Unity) led by veteran politicians Pradit Pattaraprasit and Anek Laothammatas held a press conference to introduce the candidates who would contest the poll.

The group held a press briefing two weeks ago to announce preparations to form a political party.

Many former senators in 2000 and 2006, including ex-MPs and former MP candidates, would join the group, said Pradit.

Anek said the 15 ex-senators are well-known and have strong political opinions, which would benefit the group.

- The Nation

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

Running as MP's or Senators? I thought that Senators were non-partisan.

[sriracha john]

Women hold the power

Chaturon presides over false show of unity

The picture of Thai Rak Thai group leader Chaturon Chaisaeng seated next to his deputies addressing a recent caucus was an attempted show of political unity that never was. TRT insiders have insisted the picture does not tell the whole story. They feel Chaturon's leadership was only nominal to begin with - and that the real force that now holds the embattled politicians of Thai Rak Thai together is the two women that the party's founder Thaksin Shinawatra trusted the most. In fact, it was Sudarat Keyuraphan, the deputy group leader, who managed to have former TRT executive Sutham Saengprathum convince Chaturon to leave the Nawasorn Building to join the caucus at the former party headquarters at the IFCT Building. It was sugar-coated words like, "You are the person that party members love the most now. Don't make them hate you," that convinced Chaturon to join the meeting. The cold truth of the matter however, is that Chaturon is not the favourite figure of Mr Thaksin or his wife Potjaman, the so-called de facto leader of Thai Rak Thai.

The in-fighting continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/05Jul2007_news96.php

[sriracha john]

Ruam Jai Thai co-founder Suwit Mesinsee

The Nation

Ruam Jai Thai's aim is to form the next government

Ruam Jai Thai, or Thai Unity, co-founders Suwit Mesinsee and Pradit Pattaraprasit speak to The Nation's Sucheera Pinijparakarn and Jintana Panyaarvudh about their aspirations.

-------------

Why was political scientist Chai-anan Samudvanija absent from Ruam Jai Thai's news conference last week?

Suwit: Our group was formed after the coup and called Thamma Thippatai. When it was decided to form a party, Chai-anan called it Ruam Jai Thai. Somkid [Jatusripitak] had another name - it sounded a lot like Ruam Jai Thai. Several groups were ready to join with us. But we have to admit the [Constitution Tribunal] ban on Thai Rak Thai executives has affected us.

After May 30, we had to change our plans. We have concluded we don't need a leader. We will form working groups and have what we call 'collective leadership' instead. I have been assigned to draft a model of how the new party will look and I will present that to the members and our financial backers. As you know, Chai-anan is familiar with Somkid. He has acknowledged our plan. We told Chai-anan the night before the press conference and he said he would attend.

However, he told us he had to go to a Vajiravudh College meeting. We said we would wait until that was over. Chai-anan agreed. However, as you know, we spoke to the newspapers about the party model. My draft is a first brief to the group but it is not the official launch.

Pradit: It seemed an impulsive decision but we could not cancel the briefing because we intended to unveil our party model.

-------------

Could Chai-anan be party leader?

Suwit: He is like Pansak Vinyaratn, who was the chief policy adviser to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. They [Pansak and Chai-anan] are thinkers - emotional and uncontrollable.

-------------

Why did you choose Ruam Jai Thai instead of agreeing to the request of Chat Thai's Banharn Silapa-archa to join him?

Pradit: The model of the party attracted me - collective leaderships is interesting. It is the reason we did not name a party leader at our press conference. Several groups want to join the Ruam Jai Thai, which makes me confident it can be an alternative.

--------------

Did you talk to Somkid about setting up the new party?

Pradit: I talked to him three years ago when we were members of Parliament and joked with him that when he established a party I would join him. After I quit politics, I didn't meet him until Parliament was dissolved.

Before the [Thai Rak Thai] party dissolution, Somkid called me and said he was setting up a party. I said yes, even though I was no longer in politics because I have been thinking about politics and waiting for a leader for three years. In my view, Somkid could head our party.

--------------

Do you hope to form the next government?

Pradit: Absolutely. We want to be the government. It will have a big impact on members' spirits if we start as the government instead of in opposition.

--------------

How many seats are you aiming for?

Pradit: About 50 seats that will come from constituencies in Bangkok, the North and Central provinces.

---------------

Who are your financial backers?

Suwit: While Somkid was head of the economics team in the Thaksin government, he supported the private sector. Therefore, when Somkid planned to form a party, it was ready to support it.

Even though Somkid can't lead the party, we believe that the private sector will still support us because of our model and our policies.

----------------

- The Nation

Edited July 6, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Ruam Jai Thai co-founder Suwit Mesinsee

The Nation

Ruam Jai Thai's aim is to form the next government

Ruam Jai Thai, or Thai Unity, co-founders Suwit Mesinsee and Pradit Pattaraprasit speak to The Nation's Sucheera Pinijparakarn and Jintana Panyaarvudh about their aspirations.

-------------

Why was political scientist Chai-anan Samudvanija absent from Ruam Jai Thai's news conference last week?

Suwit: Our group was formed after the coup and called Thamma Thippatai. When it was decided to form a party, Chai-anan called it Ruam Jai Thai. Somkid [Jatusripitak] had another name - it sounded a lot like Ruam Jai Thai. Several groups were ready to join with us. But we have to admit the [Constitution Tribunal] ban on Thai Rak Thai executives has affected us.

After May 30, we had to change our plans. We have concluded we don't need a leader. We will form working groups and have what we call 'collective leadership' instead. I have been assigned to draft a model of how the new party will look and I will present that to the members and our financial backers. As you know, Chai-anan is familiar with Somkid. He has acknowledged our plan. We told Chai-anan the night before the press conference and he said he would attend.

However, he told us he had to go to a Vajiravudh College meeting. We said we would wait until that was over. Chai-anan agreed. However, as you know, we spoke to the newspapers about the party model. My draft is a first brief to the group but it is not the official launch.

Pradit: It seemed an impulsive decision but we could not cancel the briefing because we intended to unveil our party model.

-------------

Could Chai-anan be party leader?

Suwit: He is like Pansak Vinyaratn, who was the chief policy adviser to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. They [Pansak and Chai-anan] are thinkers - emotional and uncontrollable.

-------------

Why did you choose Ruam Jai Thai instead of agreeing to the request of Chat Thai's Banharn Silapa-archa to join him?

Pradit: The model of the party attracted me - collective leaderships is interesting. It is the reason we did not name a party leader at our press conference. Several groups want to join the Ruam Jai Thai, which makes me confident it can be an alternative.

--------------

Did you talk to Somkid about setting up the new party?

Pradit: I talked to him three years ago when we were members of Parliament and joked with him that when he established a party I would join him. After I quit politics, I didn't meet him until Parliament was dissolved.

Before the [Thai Rak Thai] party dissolution, Somkid called me and said he was setting up a party. I said yes, even though I was no longer in politics because I have been thinking about politics and waiting for a leader for three years. In my view, Somkid could head our party.

--------------

Do you hope to form the next government?

Pradit: Absolutely. We want to be the government. It will have a big impact on members' spirits if we start as the government instead of in opposition.

--------------

How many seats are you aiming for?

Pradit: About 50 seats that will come from constituencies in Bangkok, the North and Central provinces.

---------------

Who are your financial backers?

Suwit: While Somkid was head of the economics team in the Thaksin government, he supported the private sector. Therefore, when Somkid planned to form a party, it was ready to support it.

Even though Somkid can't lead the party, we believe that the private sector will still support us because of our model and our policies.

----------------

- The Nation

Always the pertinent question in Thai politcs. It willtake afair deal of cash to win the 50 claimed seats especially as most are outside Bangkok.

[hammered]

Ex-TRT are divided about saying no to the constitution, Sudarat who relies on her Bangkok base, knows the Bangkokians will blame ex-TRT if the constitution, hence election, is delayed leading to further economic uncertainty.

I think you have hit upon the problem for ex-TRT here. Those who rely on a better educated base or those who actually care for the country want to see an early election whereas those who want to see the Junta and current government politically weakened and maybe broken to assist in a return to Thaksin style TRT dominance definitely do not want an early election. This is not about who wrote or what is in the charter. It is about the bigger issue of power. Outside of academic or eltitst circles we are not going to see any real debate on the charter. I totally agree that Sudarat and certain other TRT cadres do not want a late election, but the old feudal masters like Newin definitely need a late election and as most of the TRT power in terms of numbers still lies in the hands of the local regional and provincial feudal overlords I would guess doing everything to delay the election including sending down the charter will be the official policy of TRT(2). Whether this will force a split I am not so sure of. Whether TRT still maintains enough power in some upcountry provinces to pull off the delay I am also not sure of.

[hammered]

Daniel Ten Kate has a new piece up on asia sentinel:

http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?opti...3&Itemid=31

It has an interesting and critical analysis on TRT polices, Junta policies, and looks to the future and also has a bit on ther Dems current policies.

[sriracha john]

Thai Rak Thai puts on a united front

Members of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party have ended a split among themselves by forming an administrative committee aimed at achieving unity

The Thai Rak Thai group yesterday held a meeting at the party's former headquarters at IFCT Building. It was chaired by leader Chaturon Chaisang and attended by key members with the exception of Sudarat Keyuraphan.

On Monday, the group held meetings in two places. Chaturon hosted one at the party's headquarters in Navasorn Building before attending another held by Sudarat at IFCT Building, which housed the TRT's old HQ.

Rumours followed of a conflict between Chaturon and Sudarat, but Chaturon later denied any rift.

The group has now set up an administrative committee headed by Chaturon, with Pongphol Adireksarn as deputy and Sudarat among the committee members.

According to group spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang, the committee will take charge of strategy to develop the group, support a relationship among members and monitor working groups.

The administrative committee also established nine committees to prepare for the general election.

Chaturon said Sudarat had not attended yesterday's meeting because she had to go to court. She had told him of her absence before the meeting and would certainly attend the next meeting, he added. The group leader insisted there was no conflict between them.

Since the coup, several key members had kept a low profile but now they were prepared to join the group and had promised they would not leave, even though Thai Rak Thai had been dissolved, he added.

Chaturon said the group would call former MPs and candidates to a meeting in the middle of this month.

"We aim to campaign people to support the formation of a new political party. Our activities do not involve blocking the new constitution draft," he said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Seems like this Thai Rak Thai in-fighting is nothing new... but thankfully, at least in this case, there wasn't a gun battle in the streets....

Ex-MP Saran gets suspended jail term for libel

Uttaradit - The provincial court yesterday handed down a suspended six-month jail term to former Thai Rak Thai MP Saran Saranket in a libel lawsuit. He was also fined 10,000 baht in the case that was brought to court in 2001 by Warut Siriwat, a former list MP of the same party. Mr Warut alleged that Mr Saran had defamed him via the media. Because Mr Saran confessed to the charge, the court reduced his jail term from one year to six months and halved his fine from 20,000 to 10,000 baht.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/07Jul2007_news07.php

[hammered]

And now we have:

Khajit to form Rak Chat Party

Former budget airline executive Khajit Hapananon says he is ready to form a new political party to contest in the next election.

from the Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/09...cs_30040040.php

Appealing for military men to sign up. Personally dont see that working although bizarrely I see Mr. Thaksin is encouraging the military head to become a politician according to todays interview.

[sriracha john]

Ruam Jai Thai to announce candidates Wednesday

The Ruam Jai Thai Group will announce its tentative election candidates on Wednesday.

Bhichit Rattakul, a group leader, said the announcement will be made at 11 am.

- The Nation

[Mosha]

1 party member is a tut. So 2 party members is tut, tut. Aparty meeting then tut tut tut....

[Plus]

That Ruam Jai Thai is going to be used as a vehicle for Sonthi to enter politics, allegedly to keep Thaksin at bay, according to Bangkok Post.

I have no idea how it might work. Junta enjoys public support only as long as they keep their promise to relinquish power. On the other hand if Sonthi goes through a normal process like the rest of the politicians, he has every rights to fight on the level ground and people would support him. However if in his quest for MP/PM-ship people smell abuse of power through ISOC or other government channels, he's doomed.

He won't win enough votes to become the PM and will have to enter a coalition, and who knows how his coalition partners would react to that. Will he be like an elephant in the living room - nice to have as long as it's quiet but don't provoke the beastie.

[blaze]

Will he be like an elephant in the living room - nice to have as long as it's quiet but don't provoke the beastie.

The elephant has been in the room for almost a year now.

Welcoming a military dictatorship- for ANY reason- is tantamount to inviting an elephant into the room. It's not 'like' an elephant- it IS an elephant. And yes- occasionally the elephant simply wanders back out again- but history -and yes- even Thai history- teaches that they seldom do.

As you rightly suggest- the general is fully entitled to participate in the process AFTER democracy has been restored and the army put back on the shelf- to be deployed at and only at the behest of an elected government. But if in fact, was asserted in today's Post- ISOC is being used by the General to politic on his behalf (at a time when other parties are prohibited from campaigning), then ... should any one be surprised?

Edited July 11, 2007 by blaze

[hammered]

That Ruam Jai Thai is going to be used as a vehicle for Sonthi to enter politics, allegedly to keep Thaksin at bay, according to Bangkok Post.

I have no idea how it might work. Junta enjoys public support only as long as they keep their promise to relinquish power. On the other hand if Sonthi goes through a normal process like the rest of the politicians, he has every rights to fight on the level ground and people would support him. However if in his quest for MP/PM-ship people smell abuse of power through ISOC or other government channels, he's doomed.

He won't win enough votes to become the PM and will have to enter a coalition, and who knows how his coalition partners would react to that. Will he be like an elephant in the living room - nice to have as long as it's quiet but don't provoke the beastie.

Surprising he would choose this vehicle which lacks the hordes of sitting MPs that Matchima have. It will be much harder for RJT to make an impact in the electoral toss up than for Matchima and they will need substantial amounts of money, and then even if having a relative succes this time around will still face a difficult time at subsequent elections if they cannot establish the strong local networks that MPs rely on. Matchima could seemingly deliver all of this with a far better guarantee of both immediate success and longetivity.

[Jai Dee]

Matchima group leader says Mr. Chai-anan could be new party leader

Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, the Matchima group leader, says his group has more than one candidate who will be appointed as the new political party leader.

However, Mr. Somsak says Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak is not one of the candidates as the Constitutional Court’s ruling has barred him from politics for five years following the party dissolution case. Nevertheless, Mr. Somsak says there is a possibility that he will work with Dr. Somkid again. Mr. Somsak also says he is not concerned with the Ruam Jai Thai group’s interest in approaching Dr. Somkid.

The Matchima group leader discloses that Mr. Chai-anan Samudavanija is one of the candidates who could become the new party leader as he is not barred from politics, and he is regarded to be an educated and well-respected person.

Mr. Somsak says if the public has accepted the 2007 charter draft, the Matchima group will have another meeting to determine the candidate who will be the new party leader.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 July 2007

[sriracha john]

Thai Rak Thai calls for urgent passage of bill to allow party registration

The Thai Rak Thai Group Friday filed a petition for a speedy passage of a draft legislation for the registration of new parties, arguing for a fair chance for the rebirth of the disbanded party.

"New parties should be allowed to come into existence quickly in order to ensure a free and fair election," group member Sompong Amornwiwat said.

Sompong said his group had planned to revive the Thai Rak Thai Party under a new name which he refused to reveal.

He claimed that the majority of former MPs have remained loyal to the former ruling party and would seek reelection bids under its new banner.

- The Nation

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

It's rather confusing... now which group does Sompong represent again, Thai Rak Thai IV or Thai Rak Thai V???

[sriracha john]

meanwhile... Thai Rak Thai II is not even official yet and already it's dissolving.....

Rift appears in Ruam Jai Thai

Leaders of the new Ruam Jai Thai, or Thai Unity, group have clashed over election strategy and it is believed Somkid Jatusripitak could quit, a source in the group said yesterday.

Somkid is unhappy with a faction led by Anek Laothamatas for their failure to convince the public that the group is a viable political alternative, the source said.

Members of the Somkid faction are considering leaving Ruam Jai Thai, the source added.

Ruam Jai Thai, led by Anek and Pradit Pattaraprasit, introduced its members last week. It will announce its election candidates - including 15 former senators and some former members of Parliament - on Sunday.

The source said the rift was sparked by Pradit's decision to move the news conference from the Intercontinental Hotel -owned by Somkid's close aide Pimol Srivikorn - to the Plaza Athenee Hotel. Pimol denied this.

Somkid has been banned from politics for five years so it is incorrect to say he is a leader of the group, Pimol said.

He said the group changed the venue because his hotel was full that day.

- The Nation

Edited July 14, 2007 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

Somkid has been banned from politics for five years so it is incorrect to say he is a leader of the group, Pimol said.

Still lying like little schoolchildren, how promising.

This infighting amongst TRT followers reminds me of a snake with it's head (Thaksin) chopped off and the remaining body of the party is contorting and wriggling desperately.

[sriracha john]

Somkid offers backing for Ruam Jai Thai Group

Somkid Jatusripitak has expressed his full support for the Ruam Jai Thai group and expressed readiness to serve as the group's adviser should it succeed in becoming a political party. Mr Somkid was once thought of as the group's leader, but has been banned from politics for five years. One of the core leaders of the Thamma Thipatai Group, Somkid backed the Ruam Jai Thai Group and praised its efforts in doing what is best for the country.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120184

[sriracha john]

Ruam Jai Thai announces tentative candidates

The Ruam Jai Thai group Sunday announced its tentative candidates for the next election. The announcement was jointly made by leading members, Pradit Phattharaprasit, Anek Laothamtas and SuwitMesinsee at a Bangkok hotel.

The announced candidates included:

Pornthep Tejapaibool, former science minister and former deputy leader of Maha Chon Party

Papassara Tejapaibool, Pornthep's wife

Nopwong Noppaket, a lecturer from Mahasarakham University

Suthin Noppaket, former Palang Dharma MP for Bangkok

Jiraporn Kajasenee, former Chulalongkorn University lecturer

Assawin Apaiwong, a former Democrat candidate for Bangkok

Juthamas Siriwan, former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

my favorite is the last on their list...

here's a little tidbit to consider about the folks that Thaksin was paying like the highly astute and extremely analytical thinking mind of the illustrious T.A.T. boss.

Her renumeration package was a cool 1/2 million baht per month (or 4 times what the current Prime Minister is paid):

Published on Dec 29, 2006

...former governor Juthamas Siriwan, who had a monthly salary of Bt340,000 and benefits of Bt150,000 to Bt200,000.

The Nation

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...=100894&hl=

" Thailand Unforgettable" Campaign To Be Dropped...

Does anyone know who was responsible for this campaign? Was it a local agency or the TAT?

You can thank this responsible rocket scientist:

The last government's TAT Governor Siriwan

TAT'S 2007 CAMPAIGN

Kingdom to be dubbed 'unforgettable'

Published on Aug 22, 2006

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has announced its international tourism campaign for 2007 - "Thailand - Unforgettable" - and its domestic campaign for the year, "Travel is a Part of Life".

The authority will focus on new destinations, sports activities, trendy destinations and special events in promoting the Kingdom to foreign tourists.

TAT governor Juthamas Siriwan said the Thailand - Unforgettable campaign would replace this year's "Thailand Grand Invitation".

The Nation

and is that Dusit Siriwan her husband?... the guy that got 2 year prison sentence along with ex-Gov Samak....

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1248223