New Political Party Ready To Launch

[sriracha john]

Small party captures attention

Rarely do small, unknown political parties gain public attention, but the Farmer Network of Thailand grabbed its fair share on the first day of registration of candidates standing under the proportional representation system. The party is led by Padoem Damrongcharoen, 55, who says he is one of the students who overthrew the dictatorship of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn in October 1973. He took about a thousand supporters with him to the registration venue. Dressed in typical farm clothing, they drew the attention of people converging on the centre. Padoem said the party will field a list of candidates in all eight zones and he expected to win some seats in the lower house. The party will also run for constituency seats in some provinces. He said his party had thousands of members nationwide, mostly farmers with debt problems. ''Our party is not a nominee for anyone. It was formed by real farmers suffering because of the mismanagement of past governments,'' he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/08Nov2007_news10.php

[sriracha john]

Late change causes rift in PPP

The People Power party's last minute change yesterday to place two controversial anti-coup figures among the top five positions of its party list for Bangkok has upset potential constituency candidates for the capital who have threatened to resign en masse, according to party sources. The concern of the 32 Bangkok politicians centred on the confrontational reputations of two United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship of Thailand (UDDT) leaders, Jatuporn Prompan and Manit Jitjanklab. Jatuporn and Manit were among nine UDDT leaders arrested for leading street demonstrations against the military after last year's coup. Wattana Sengpairoar, set to run in a Bangkok constituency, said he and other PPP hopefuls opposed the decision. Since the party had planned to make ''reconciliation'' one of its key campaign slogans, there are concerns that Bangkok voters will view the reconciliation claim as hypocritical if the two UDDT members are on the list, he said. Party executives met on Tuesday to finalise the eight lists for candidates under the proportional representation system, with deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra also joining via teleconference, party sources said. It was agreed at the meeting that the two UDDT leaders would not be party-list candidates for Zone 6, however, an hour later, former TRT executives Newin Chidchob (TRT Banned #6) and Sudarat Keyuraphan (TRT Banned #3) intervened, calling for a change to the party list, sources said. The decision to put the UDDT leaders on the list was made by Newin and PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee, sources said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/08Nov2007_news11.php

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

The new People Power Party candidates' criminal background discussed here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...=132614&hl=

Nine Anti-coup Leaders Detained

"Nine key leaders of United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) who are responsible for Sunday night's clashes between protesters and police were arrested by police after arriving at the Criminal Court to acknowledge charges against them."

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

Here's a photo of Jatuporn from earlier arguing with students who refused his bribes:

Thai Rak Thai Party deputy spokesman Jatuporn Promphan, right, enters into a heated exchange with Ramkhamhaeng University student union leader Somchote Meechana at the party’s headquarters yesterday. Somchote led a protest against what he termed political interference in the university’s affairs.

The Nation - Feb. 1, 2007

Edited November 8, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Full list of party-list candidacy numbers following lot drawing

Eighteen parties took part in lot drawing for party-list candidacy numbers Wednesday and got the following numbers for party proportional races:

1. Pua Paendin

2. Ruamjai Thai Chat Pattana

3. Farmer Network of Thailand

4. Democrat

5. Farmer Force Party

6. Rakmuang Thai

7. Labour

8. Thai Farmer Party

9. Pracharaj

10. Thai Law Jurisprudence Party

11. Pattana Prathipatai

12. People Power Party

13. Chat Thai

14. Dumrong Thai

15. Matchima Thipataya

16. Chart Samuccee

17. New Aspiration Party

18. Prachakorn Thai

The Nation

[John K]

The farmer type parties look like they have the ability to go and rip some votes from the PPP/TRT. Perhaps the Isaan farmers would rather vote for one of their own.

[sriracha john]

They're vying for the shortest rift in the history of Thai politics...

Samak claims rift within PPP ended

People Power party leader Samak Sundaravej said the rift in his party caused by placing two controversial anti-coup figures among the top five positions of the party list has been cleared up. The last minute change involving two United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship of Thailand (UDDT) leaders Jatuporn Prompan and Manit Jitjanklab reportedly upset potential constituency candidates in Bangkok. The 32 Bangkok politicians threatened to resign en masse after the change. Samak insisted an understanding had been reached and confirmed that the Bangkok hopefuls will not resign from the party. He also hit out at Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silpa-archa, who said his party welcomes the PPP leaders who plan to resign, saying Mr Banharn is too old to

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=123390

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

It's funny how quickly they came into line... "Either shut up or get out"....

It's funnier how Banharn offered these dissatisfied guys new jobs so quickly....

But it's funniest when an old man of 72 calls another man, that is 74, "too old."

Edited November 8, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

More info on the TRT... errr, I mean the PPP, rift that's supposedly not a rift....

Rift Emerges in PPP as Candidacy List Changes

A sudden change to the party’s candidacy list has threatened the People Power Party (PPP) with emerging rifts, as a group of potential constituency candidates for Bangkok vowed to tender an en masse resignation.

In response to the last minute change in the party’s candidacy list yesterday which aimed to place two controversial anti-coup activists among the party’s top five party-list candidates for the capital, a group of Bangkok politicians within the party threatened to resign en masse if the party continues with the decision.

The two confrontational activists were Jatuporn Prompan and Manit Jitjanklab, who are key leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship of Thailand (UDDT), which has led demonstrators into a clash with police and resulted in a riot in front of Privy Council president Gen. Prem Tinasulanont’s residence on July 22.

Both figures were among the nine UDDT leaders arrested several months ago for instigating trouble, causing unrest, and police assaults.

After their release on bail, the two anti-coup activists, who were known as supporters of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the dissolved Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party, had decided to join up with TRT remnants at the PPP.

According to a PPP source, key executives of the party met on Tuesday to sum up the candidacy list for the proportional representation system, where Thaksin had also joined the meeting via teleconference.

Attendants of the meeting unanimously rejected the proposal to appoint the two UDDT leaders as the party’s proportional candidates for Zone 6, which included major areas of Bangkok and nearby provinces of Samut Prakarn and Nonthaburi.

However, the last minute change occurred, as former TRT executives, Newin Chidchob and Sudarat Keyaraphan called in within the hour of the meeting, requesting a change in the candidacy list.

The source confirmed that the decision to appoint the two UDDT leaders as Bangkok candidates was made primarily by Newin and the party’s Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee.

One of the candidates for Bangkok, Wattana Sengpairoar said he and other potential candidates have disagreed with the party’s last minute decision.

He added that “reconciliation” is one of the party’s key campaign slogans, which he claimed that if the two UDDT leaders were to be listed as party-list candidates, most Bangkok voters might view the People Power as being hypocrites, since the UDDT has never shown the intention to reconcile.

Reportedly, the group of candidates has met at Sudarat’s office yesterday, mainly to discuss the matter and to air their complaints to the public.

However, the group agreed to submit a complaint letter to party leader Samak Sundaravej, urging him to explain the party’s decision on changes made to the candidacy list for Bangkok.

- Thailand Outlook

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

1. Sounds like his explanation in response to their letter is simply... "There is no rift."

2. The attendees voted "unanimous", eh?

Sounds like they really don't want these guys at all. I suppose having their Leader Samak out on bail is enough and they didn't want two more that are out of jail on bail.

3. However, their experience in guerrilla warfare and urban rioting will come in handy for the Party should things turn nasty in the run-up to the election.

[John K]

EC to begin inspecting candidates on Sat

(BangkokPost.com) - The Election Commission (EC) will begin the inspecting candidates from the various political parties on Saturday, EC secretary-general Sutthipol Thaweechaikarn said Thursday.

Saturday is the deadline for registration of political parties. As of Wednesday, 18 parties registered to contest in the Dec 23 election.

Mr Sutthipol said he expected the inspection to be completed by Nov 21.

[sriracha john]

This guy is a real class act....

Samak hits back below the belt

People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej skirted around an embarrassing query on Thursday by asking right back with a naughtier question.

"Who did you fornicate with last night?" Samak asked a female reporter from Nation News Agency, an affiliate of The Nation.

Samak appeared to have lost control after he was asked to comment on his party's infighting between two powerful factions led by Sudarat Keyuraphan and Newin Chidchob. The two factions reportedly disagreed over the naming of two party-list candidates vying for proportionate votes in Bangkok.

Samak threatened to come up with indecent rejoinders for every question he saw as aiming to subvert his party, saying it was his way of refusing to comment.

- The Nation

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

All even Thaksin did, when faced with a similar situation of being asked a question he didn't like, was to hold up his stupid "X" sign.... even he didn't resort to the crudeness of a Brooklyn stevedore.

Can anyone truly imagine him on the world stage representing Thailand as its Prime Minister???

[Tony Clifton]

PPP/TRT never cease to amaze with such condescending gestures when under pressure.

Samak who is already under a two year suspended jail sentence for defamation dares to speak like this .

I'm left wondering if he's headed to the slammer for the fire truck scandal first, or maybe because of more defamation charges.

What a wonderful choice of a candidate the PPP is offering to the country as possible PM.

Circus clowns.

This code of silence fits quite well with their usual mafia style politics, avoiding questions, even electoral debates.

omerta (ō-mûr'tə, ō'měr-tä')

n. A rule or code that prohibits speaking or divulging information about certain activities, especially the activities of a criminal organization.

Edited November 8, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[John K]

I guess this is Samak’s version of Thaksin’s little ‘X’ sign. I can see that the PPP/TRT plans to have the transparency of a full septic tank.

Edited November 8, 2007 by John K

[sriracha john]

When "HIS" Party is in turmoil, what does "HE" do....

Thaksin calls home to end PPP list row

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday intervened to end rifts in the People Power party (PPP) over party-list candidates running in a cluster including Bangkok, a party source said yesterday. Thaksin called from London to plead for unity in the PPP, saying as the list could not be changed, members should focus their energy on the general election, the source said. The ousted PM had blamed Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee and Newin Chidchob for causing the problem by adjusting names on the list hours before registration for party-list candidates started. The unexpected change, which elevated United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship of Thailand (UDDT) leaders Jatuporn Prompan and Manit Jitjanklab into the top five positions on the party list, led to threats by 32 politicians running for Bangkok constituencies to resign. PPP Bangkok candidates held talks with their leader Samak Sundaravej yesterday. Samak said he had mended the rift in the party and there was no need to talk about the matter again. He insisted that PPP hopefuls for Bangkok would still run in the Dec 23 election and not quit. Samak said an understanding had been reached and everybody was satisfied. The two deserved the chance to run due to the kudos they gained in fighting the coup-makers, he added. But the source said the issue was not settled and another round of talks would be held today. Samak also lambasted reporters who tried to dig into the details of his efforts to end the party conflict, saying it was an internal matter and journalists should not try to publish details and harm the party's reputation. Jatuporn said he would let PPP executives handle the dispute with candidates themselves. However, Jatuporn said he and other former UDDT leaders had devoted themselves to the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party. They had risked their lives and spent time in prison, he added.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09Nov2007_news08.php

[sriracha john]

PPP infighting over two anti-coup campaigners

The People Power Party is struggling to avert a rift over a decision to field two anticoup campaigners as partylist candidates for the capital who many candiates for Bangkok seats said would cause the erosion of votes.

Party leader Samak Sundaravej said on Thursday that he already explained his decision to patch up differences with the dissident candidates.

"I want the election outcome as proof that the people have sided with the party and the ousted government in opposing the coup," he said.

He said he was to emphsise a message about his leadership reflecting on that of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"If the people approve of what Thaksin did, then they will vote for me, a replacement," he said.

He said he successfully resolved the rift within his party. Should party dissidents continue to attack his decision, they might act as agents of rivals to undermine the party, he added.

On Wednesday the party included two anti-coup campaigners, Jatuporn Phromphan and Minit Chitchanklap, among its 10 party-list candidates via proportionate vote in Zone 6.

The party's 36 candidates to compete for Bangkok seats via direct vote protested such move on grounds that the two were unpopular. The candidates are under the Sudarat Keyuraphan faction and have threathened to defect and run under another party banner.

The faction accused Party Deputy Leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat and adviser Newin Chidchob of meddling with the list of candidates without Sudarat's consent.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Two more parties register list candidates

The atmosphere was dull during the second day of registration for candidates for the party list with only two more parties showing up to join the contest yesterday. The Prachamati and Thai Pen Thai parties registered yesterday, bringing the number of parties standing candidates on the list to 20. Prachamati Leader Pramual Rujanaseri took his party members to register without a parade of supporters. ''If our party fails in the coming elections, it means the Thai public lacks wisdom and compassion,'' he said.

Prachamati is fielding 80 candidates on the list. Pramual tops the list of candidates contesting the Zone 6 cluster which covers Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan. He is running against Democrat Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, People Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej and Matchima Thipataya Leader Prachai Leophairatana. The Election Commission has warned party-list candidates to go by the book or face drastic action. The EC's warning follows a report that some candidates are considering resigning as party members so they get disqualified from the race and then seeking election in the constituency system which is likely to be less competitive.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09Nov2007_news09.php

[sriracha john]

ABHISIT TO SAMAK:

'Don't dodge TV debate'

Democrats say it's a 2-horse race

Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday challenged his main rival for the premiership, People Power Leader Samak Sundaravej, to a nationwide debate.

"I wonder why Samak doesn't have the courage to join a [televised] debate and present his ideas on what he can do for the country," Abhisit said in response to Samak's campaign statement that those who support the coup should vote for the Democrats.

Samak and Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silapa-archa had turned down an invitation to join other party leaders on Wednesday night's debate on Modernine TV.

Abhisit said he was ready to appear on any TV debate with Samak.

The Democrats declared they would not to work with the PPP because of diverging ideologies, he said.

A Democrat campaign spokesman said Abhisit was the complete opposite of Samak and voters would have to choose between the two for their next prime minister.

"This is a two-horse race for the leadership - vote Democrat if you want Abhisit or support the PPP if you want Samak," Thepthai Senpong said.

The Democrats have fanned out to promote the people's agenda, while Samak is avoiding going head to head with Abhisit, he said.

"Judging from Samak's reluctance to reveal his stance, it's clear that the control of the party is under someone abroad," he said in reference to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is living in exile in London.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Samak gets vulgar in exchange with media

People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej yesterday blew his top, asking one reporter if he had sinful sex the night before after he was pressed about the role of two banned political figures in developing his party's line-up.

The heated war of words between Samak and the media erupted after a group of reporters asked him whether Newin Chidchob and Sudarat Keyuraphan, two top members of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, had helped him in compiling the PPP's party-list candidates.

Using Pali, the sacred language of Buddhism, to bite back at the question that struck his last good nerve, Samak asked if one of the Siam Rath reporters had had sinful sex the night before.

Other reporters joined the fray, pressing Samak harder on the issue in an apparent attempt to help out a fellow journalist who was caught off guard.

"I have no duty to answer this question. Who told you to ask me? I will not answer,'' Samak said.

The reporter persisted and asked him if by not answering meant he was not denying the fact.

Samak hit back: "Not answering does not mean not denying. Do not pose a question as if you were a court. Do not scratch to create damage to the party. I will charge and sue everyone who asks such questions. Who hired you to ask that?''

The reporter replied that the public hired him.

Samak then snapped: "Bring me the list of the people."

He then tried to turn the tables, asking the reporter how he would feel if such a damaging question were posed against Siam Rath.

The reporter said its management would have to clarify the accusation.

"You are the management of the party," the reporter said. "You have to answer because the public wants to know.'' Samak said: "If I ask you … do not think that I am rude, whether you had sexual intercourse last night.''

In what appeared to be a strange way of showing support to the party boss, some PPP candidates at the press conference let out a big laugh as Samak hit back with his question.

Samak was asked why it was inappropriate for reporters to ask such a question as it was about the party.

He said: "Do not intrude into the party's issues. Do you want to disclose the party's issues to destroy it? If you do not want to destroy it, do not ask this."

A Channel 7 reporter said the question was asked because Newin and Sudarat were among the 111 Thai Rak Thai executives who have been banned from politics. Samak said: "Thank you for explaining."

But the TV reporter insisted on asking if the report was true. Samak angrily hit back: "What is the dam_n use of telling you? If I do not answer, will you bring me to court? I will not answer.''

Then a reporter from The Nation pursued the same topic, saying many people had confirmed that Newin was involved in arranging the party-list MP candidates.

Samak asked the reporter which newspaper she represented. When he discovered she worked for The Nation, he asked her: "Has The Nation put its tower up for sale? You tell me first."

The reporter said the news about the sale of the building was true, but she could not answer any more questions, saying only The Nation management could answer.

"You are the management of the party - you have to answer on the party's behalf,'' the reporter persisted.

Samak refused. "I know you are doing your job but I answer only what I know. Do not be stubborn in asking me."

The Nation reporter said she had been reporting on Thai Rak Thai news since the party was born and had never wanted to harm the party.

"So what? If you have never thought of that, then do not ask. Others do not ask. They have manners,'' Samak said.

People Power MP candidates of Bangkok expressed concern about the war of words between their leader and the media. They fear that Samak's harsh personality will ruin their chance of winning in the capital.

- The Nation

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

What a lunatic....

[Plus]

If you are reading this, Blaze, what do you think of the future of democracy where people like that have a very good chance of being democratically elected.

I guess if I say something about Samak's voter base it would be called "insulting".

[John K]

It certainly looks like Samak’s thinking is along the lines; We don’t plan to win votes, we will just buy them, so there is no need for them to know about anything.

[Khun Jean]

I am a bit relieved now. With such a leader they are going for self destruct.

My only hope is that it blows up before the election and saves the country organising a new election.

[John K]

I am a bit relieved now. With such a leader they are going for self destruct.

My only hope is that it blows up before the election and saves the country organising a new election.

I hope you are right about that however I think my comment in post #977 is closer to reality and I am not too comfortable with that thought. On the bright side, we found his button to push and I think pushing it this is right up Chewit’s alley.

[blaze]

If you are reading this, Blaze, what do you think of the future of democracy where people like that have a very good chance of being democratically elected.

I guess if I say something about Samak's voter base it would be called "insulting".

I wouldn't worry so much about the future of democracy- as his enjoying cordial relations with the press in the future.

Recall Trudeaus' one finger salute to protesters, (this was every bit as shocking to many Canadians at the time) Dick Cheney's "F You" response to charges made by a leading Democrat on the floor. Recall Bill Clinton's little indiscretion- or JFK's- - and Chuan's near blanket refusal to answer questions from the press.(I'd have to consult with the appropriate committee before responding to that question- which basically boils down to- F off.)

And there are the famous exchanges in the British parliament that make Samak's response look tame (some of Gladstone's more well known retorts).

Nor was his behavior nearly as obscene as the invasion of Iraq based on lies- and the resulting cost. There's obscenity. And yet- I- and I expect you- would not say that the future of democracy in the US is in peril because the voters were too stupid to cut though the gov't BS.

But yes, I agree, this certainly shows Samak as a pig. No doubt about that. But pigs get elected. Everywhere and at all levels.

That's what democracy is- it is NOT an assurance of good governance- (in fact- it usually leads, at best, to farily mediocre government). it is not an assurance that pigs don't get elected (probably in history more dirty pigs than noble stalions have been elected).

But the real issue is his refusal to answer the question. This bodes poorly for transparancy. And that is what the voters should pay even greater attention to.

Edited November 9, 2007 by blaze

[Plus]

Thaksin was able to get away with this kind of behavior and so will Samak, their arrogance doesn't register with their supporters (and for some it's even a plus), and they both gave up trying to look good for their opponents and swing voters. On pro/anti Thaskin issue there aren't any undecideds left anyway.

[hammered]

If you are reading this, Blaze, what do you think of the future of democracy where people like that have a very good chance of being democratically elected.

I guess if I say something about Samak's voter base it would be called "insulting".

I wouldn't worry so much about the future of democracy- as his enjoying cordial relations with the press in the future.

Recall Trudeaus' one finger salute to protesters, (this was every bit as shocking to many Canadians at the time) Dick Cheney's "F You" response to charges made by a leading Democrat on the floor. Recall Bill Clinton's little indiscretion- or JFK's- - and Chuan's near blanket refusal to answer questions from the press.(I'd have to consult with the appropriate committee before responding to that question- which basically boils down to- F off.)

And there are the famous exchanges in the British parliament that make Samak's response look tame (some of Gladstone's more well known retorts).

Nor was his behavior nearly as obscene as the invasion of Iraq based on lies- and the resulting cost. There's obscenity. And yet- I- and I expect you- would not say that the future of democracy in the US is in peril because the voters were too stupid to cut though the gov't BS.

But yes, I agree, this certainly shows Samak as a pig. No doubt about that. But pigs get elected. Everywhere and at all levels.

That's what democracy is- it is NOT an assurance of good governance- (in fact- it usually leads, at best, to farily mediocre government). it is not an assurance that pigs don't get elected (probably in history more dirty pigs than noble stalions have been elected).

But the real issue is his refusal to answer the question. This bodes poorly for transparancy. And that is what the voters should pay even greater attention to.

Hehasprevious on this. Once rather famously Giles asked him to answer a few direct questions to clarify his role in th events of Octoer 6, 1976. This was to clarify things for Bangkokians before the gubernatorial election. Samak not only refused to answer in his usual arrogant manner but threatened all kinds of lawsuits against anyone trying to raise the issue. Sadly this tactic was effective leaving the only weay of people discovering th truth on this issue to talk to some of the dwindling band of uncorrupted October people although there is a reasonable but not easy to find piece on the internet by a Thai artist if I remember correctly. The thought of Samak as PM is truly scary. Quite why a small band of TRT members who once came from a socialist background would want to be allied to this character is even more disconcerting in many ways and certainly gives a new take on "in politics there are no friends and enemies."

[blaze]

Thaksin was able to get away with this kind of behavior and so will Samak, their arrogance doesn't register with their supporters (and for some it's even a plus), and they both gave up trying to look good for their opponents and swing voters. On pro/anti Thaskin issue there aren't any undecideds left anyway.

In a sense, I hope their arrogance does NOT register with voters. The major problem in many democracies- and including- maybe especially- the North American ones- is that the personality of the man is deemed more important than the policies that he will or has implemented. (remember the overwhelming woman vote- largest in Cdn history- for the handsome and charming, Mulroney).

Informed voters, vote the policies- not the personality of the leader.

[blaze]

If you are reading this, Blaze, what do you think of the future of democracy where people like that have a very good chance of being democratically elected.

I guess if I say something about Samak's voter base it would be called "insulting".

I wouldn't worry so much about the future of democracy- as his enjoying cordial relations with the press in the future.

Recall Trudeaus' one finger salute to protesters, (this was every bit as shocking to many Canadians at the time) Dick Cheney's "F You" response to charges made by a leading Democrat on the floor. Recall Bill Clinton's little indiscretion- or JFK's- - and Chuan's near blanket refusal to answer questions from the press.(I'd have to consult with the appropriate committee before responding to that question- which basically boils down to- F off.)

And there are the famous exchanges in the British parliament that make Samak's response look tame (some of Gladstone's more well known retorts).

Nor was his behavior nearly as obscene as the invasion of Iraq based on lies- and the resulting cost. There's obscenity. And yet- I- and I expect you- would not say that the future of democracy in the US is in peril because the voters were too stupid to cut though the gov't BS.

But yes, I agree, this certainly shows Samak as a pig. No doubt about that. But pigs get elected. Everywhere and at all levels.

That's what democracy is- it is NOT an assurance of good governance- (in fact- it usually leads, at best, to farily mediocre government). it is not an assurance that pigs don't get elected (probably in history more dirty pigs than noble stalions have been elected).

But the real issue is his refusal to answer the question. This bodes poorly for transparancy. And that is what the voters should pay even greater attention to.

Hehasprevious on this. Once rather famously Giles asked him to answer a few direct questions to clarify his role in th events of Octoer 6, 1976. This was to clarify things for Bangkokians before the gubernatorial election. Samak not only refused to answer in his usual arrogant manner but threatened all kinds of lawsuits against anyone trying to raise the issue. Sadly this tactic was effective leaving the only weay of people discovering th truth on this issue to talk to some of the dwindling band of uncorrupted October people although there is a reasonable but not easy to find piece on the internet by a Thai artist if I remember correctly. The thought of Samak as PM is truly scary. Quite why a small band of TRT members who once came from a socialist background would want to be allied to this character is even more disconcerting in many ways and certainly gives a new take on "in politics there are no friends and enemies."

I admit that I too am totally confounded by this- these people though aren't stupid- they know politics Thai style- and they must have some kind of plan in all this- maybe they are setting Samak up- that he will attract sufficient votes from unreconstituted fascists to swing the election for PPP- then rather than having an internal rebellion against him- simply sit back and let the courts remove him from politics- leaving the old guard TRT people in power but free to choose a PM more of their liking. Who knows.

Yet Thai friends have said sagely, (not supporters of either PPP or Samak either)= that this was very smart. Is Samak really that popular among the middle class? I recall him being useless as governor- (but then I think useless is a prerequisite for being gov of Bkk.)

[thedude]

If any of you understood the REAL reason for the coup instead of just hammering away at Thaksin, you'd understand why Samak was chosen to lead the PPP, and why his choice is considered a good one by those in the know.

Simply put, Samak is a well-known rightist and Royalist, AND YET he is the arch enemy of a certain powerful and unmentionable eunuch.

His choice is obviously not about whether he is popular with the people (which itself is very revealing about what ensures political longevity here) but more importantly whether he can survive the evil and invisible hand of those who really control the reins.

Okay i have said too much already, you can take the blue pill or the red pill, its up to you.

[Tony Clifton]

First glance at the article`s title, I thought ''This guy is siding with PPP for sure''.

Then, my conscience said ''Read the article first before judging the guy''.

Need to shoot someone? Why not do it at a funeral? How convenient...

Village head kills friend in row over politics

Nakhon Si Thammarat _ An argument over politics led to bloodshed after a village headman flew into a rage and shot a friend to death on Wednesday night. Police said Vicharn Santewarakul, 31, a member of Bang Nop tambon administration organisation (TAO), was shot three times at funeral rites in Hua Sai district in Nakhon Si Thammarat. He died on the way to hospital.

The gunman was identified as Thepnimit Kongchan, 31, a village head and Vicharn's close friend.

Police said Vicharn attended the funeral rites together with other TAO members and joined in a drinking session while watching a live broadcast of a political debate on Channel 9.

Vicharn, who was in favour of Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, criticised People Power party leader Samak Sundaravej, whom Mr Thepnimit admired.

Vicharn said the PPP leader lacked the courage to share a political platform with Mr Abhisit and other party leaders on the night.

This set off a heated argument between the pair until Mr Thepnimit pulled out a gun and shot his friend in full view of other mourners. Mr Thepnimit then fled the scene on a motorcycle. Police are looking for him.

Edited November 9, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[blaze]

If any of you understood the REAL reason for the coup instead of just hammering away at Thaksin, you'd understand why Samak was chosen to lead the PPP, and why his choice is considered a good one by those in the know.

Simply put, Samak is a well-known rightist and Royalist, AND YET he is the arch enemy of a certain powerful and unmentionable eunuch.

His choice is obviously not about whether he is popular with the people (which itself is very revealing about what ensures political longevity here) but more importantly whether he can survive the evil and invisible hand of those who really control the reins.

Okay i have said too much already, you can take the blue pill or the red pill, its up to you.

Now that little bit of insite- if true- and judging by thedude's tone of certainty, may well be- completely solves the riddle. Except- (and here I'm no doubt showing my ignorance)= wouldn't that put him on the opposite side of the fence from Thaksin and on the same side as the army?

[hammered]

If any of you understood the REAL reason for the coup instead of just hammering away at Thaksin, you'd understand why Samak was chosen to lead the PPP, and why his choice is considered a good one by those in the know.

Simply put, Samak is a well-known rightist and Royalist, AND YET he is the arch enemy of a certain powerful and unmentionable eunuch.

His choice is obviously not about whether he is popular with the people (which itself is very revealing about what ensures political longevity here) but more importantly whether he can survive the evil and invisible hand of those who really control the reins.

Okay i have said too much already, you can take the blue pill or the red pill, its up to you.

Now that little bit of insite- if true- and judging by thedude's tone of certainty, may well be- completely solves the riddle. Except- (and here I'm no doubt showing my ignorance)= wouldn't that put him on the opposite side of the fence from Thaksin and on the same side as the army?

The reason he was selected is true as stated by what I have heard too. That in my mind still does not give a free pass to those so called democracy activisits and leftists now under Samak. Dont forget that both the Thaksin side and the anti-Thaksin side include a spread right across the political spectrum as we understand it. Out here it is more about clan, family, politcal allegiance, alliance of convenience, money and a tad of blackmail rather that any political ideology, which has been hammered home by the pro-TRT October guys and leftists allying with the devil. Not much real hope for democracy to be honest although from what I hear, and siome sources are good, the recently reported divisions in PPP are very real.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin Shinawatra (is he losing weight over there in merry England?)

Jatuporn Prompan

Thaksin Calls In to Mend Rifts in PPP

Deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, founder of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party and a well respected figure for TRT remnants at the People Power Party (PPP), yesterday phoned the party from London, asking its members to remain united and resolve problems caused by recent changes to the candidacy list for the proportional representation system.

A PPP source yesterday reported that the deposed Prime Minister had called in from London, urging the party to maintain unity, as the candidacy list could not be altered.

He warned all members of the PPP to dedicate their time and energy for the upcoming general election instead of arguing over who is to be fielded as the party’s candidate.

Furthermore, the exiled premier had blamed two former TRT executives, PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee and Newin Chidchob for instigating trouble in the party by making last minute changes to the candidacy list hours before the party-list candidate registration on November 7th begins.

Earlier in the week, a group of 32 candidates running for Bangkok constituencies threatened to resign en-masse if the party continues fielding two key leaders of the Democracy against Dictatorship of Thailand (UDDT), Jatuporn Prompan and Manit Jitjanklab as ones of the top five candidates on the party list.

The protesting politicians were concerned that the general public might view the party as being hypocritical since one of the PPP’s main slogans was to uphold reconciliation, which they claimed that the UDDT leaders never show any sign of reconciliation when they protested against coup makers several months back.

If both anti-coup activists were to campaign in a confrontational nature, the party’s image might be at stake, claimed the politicians.

Meanwhile, PPP leader Samak Sundaravej said he has already mended the rift in the party and asked the public not to discuss further on the subject. He promised that all PPP’s candidates for Bangkok would continue to contest the December 23 election and not resign as threatened. Samak said the quarrel has been settled, as everyone was satisfied with a mutual agreement between both sides.

In defending the UDDT leaders, Samak said both activists deserve to contest the poll since they had done a great job in fighting against the coup makers. However, the source reported that the dispute among PPP candidates has not yet been settled as further discussion on the matter would be held later today.

Jatuporn iterated that he and other former UDDT leaders had risked their lives in fighting against the coup makers, adding that they had spent months in prison.

The former UDDT leader said he and Manit deserves to be welcomed at “home,” meaning the PPP, which he claimed that UDDT leaders had devoted their life to the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party. He concluded that he would not quarrel with fellow colleagues in the party and promised to discuss over the differences.

- Thailand Outlook

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

"spent months in prison?"

They were jailed on July 26 and released on August 6..... months, indeed.

A really bad liar... he should go far in PPP.

*edit* upon further consideration, I suppose it's certainly possible he has spent months in prison on some other unrelated charge... but then again, I'd want to know what other aspect of his criminal history we don't know about.

Edited November 9, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Thaksin Shinawatra (is he losing weight over there in merry England?)

Jatuporn Prompan

Thaksin Calls In to Mend Rifts in PPP

Deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, founder of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party and a well respected figure for TRT remnants at the People Power Party (PPP), yesterday phoned the party from London, asking its members to remain united and resolve problems caused by recent changes to the candidacy list for the proportional representation system.

A PPP source yesterday reported that the deposed Prime Minister had called in from London, urging the party to maintain unity, as the candidacy list could not be altered.

He warned all members of the PPP to dedicate their time and energy for the upcoming general election instead of arguing over who is to be fielded as the party’s candidate.

Furthermore, the exiled premier had blamed two former TRT executives, PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee and Newin Chidchob for instigating trouble in the party by making last minute changes to the candidacy list hours before the party-list candidate registration on November 7th begins.

Earlier in the week, a group of 32 candidates running for Bangkok constituencies threatened to resign en-masse if the party continues fielding two key leaders of the Democracy against Dictatorship of Thailand (UDDT), Jatuporn Prompan and Manit Jitjanklab as ones of the top five candidates on the party list.

The protesting politicians were concerned that the general public might view the party as being hypocritical since one of the PPP’s main slogans was to uphold reconciliation, which they claimed that the UDDT leaders never show any sign of reconciliation when they protested against coup makers several months back.

If both anti-coup activists were to campaign in a confrontational nature, the party’s image might be at stake, claimed the politicians.

Meanwhile, PPP leader Samak Sundaravej said he has already mended the rift in the party and asked the public not to discuss further on the subject. He promised that all PPP’s candidates for Bangkok would continue to contest the December 23 election and not resign as threatened. Samak said the quarrel has been settled, as everyone was satisfied with a mutual agreement between both sides.

In defending the UDDT leaders, Samak said both activists deserve to contest the poll since they had done a great job in fighting against the coup makers. However, the source reported that the dispute among PPP candidates has not yet been settled as further discussion on the matter would be held later today.

Jatuporn iterated that he and other former UDDT leaders had risked their lives in fighting against the coup makers, adding that they had spent months in prison.

The former UDDT leader said he and Manit deserves to be welcomed at “home,” meaning the PPP, which he claimed that UDDT leaders had devoted their life to the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party. He concluded that he would not quarrel with fellow colleagues in the party and promised to discuss over the differences.

- Thailand Outlook

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

"spent months in prison?"

They were jailed on July 26 and released on August 6..... months, indeed.

A really bad liar... he should go far in PPP.

*edit* upon further consideration, I suppose it's certainly possible he has spent months in prison on some other unrelated charge... but then again, I'd want to know what other aspect of his criminal history we don't know about.

The divisions in PPP are quite real from what I hear. Whether they will come to anything who knows, but expect opponents toplay on them. Samak is noticeably sensitive about this. He once had a half of his partyy defect to put his opponents in power during an exisitng parliament. There are more games to come.