New Political Party Ready To Launch

[Tony Clifton]

Couldn't get a more ridiculously funnier photo if Tony Clifton himself had manufactured it:

Kom Chad Luek newspaper

People Power candidate wears Thaksin's mask to apply

Chiang Mai - People Power's candidate Surapong Towichakchaikul stunned other candidates by wearing the face mask depicting former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to register his application.

Surapong said he was accompanied by Thaksin to apply.

Chat Thai's candidate Charinrat Phutpuan became the first candidate to apply in Chiang Mai.

The candidate registration in Chiang Mai is carried out at the Chiang Mai Municipality Stadium.

- The Nation

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

Seems like in lieu of their requirement for a criminal past history, People Power Party will also accept candidates with mental health issues just as readily.

Oh the absurdity...

I thought the extra set of eyes would have been at the back of the head, not on the chin.

[sriracha john]

Looks like I soon might not have to write (TRT Banned #xx) into so many of the articles in this thread.....

Move to say what banned 111 can do

Former TRT executives can't be involved in any administrative duties

An Election Commission (EC) panel convened its first meeting yesterday to draw up guidelines on what banned party executives can legally do in campaign activities. The guidelines would clarify the scope of advisory role permitted for banned executives, EC member Prapun Naigowit said.

Following the two-hour meeting, deputy panel chairman Boonthan Dokthaisong said the banned party executives were not allowed to work behind the scenes in any executive capacity even though they may claim to be dispensing advice.

Boonthan was commenting on claims many banned executives were appointed to advisory positions, but were involved in selecting election candidates.

Under Articles 17, 18 and 44 of the 2007 Political Parties Act, party administrative duties were spelled out clearly and banned executives were not allowed to carry them out directly or indirectly, he said.

In the guidelines, the panel would address more than 73 issues relating to banned party executives, he said.

The panel has yet to clarify, for example, whether a spouse or proxy candidate of a banned executive can seek to sway voters by using the executive's name.

The People Power Party (PPP) met yesterday to prepare for campaigning for the poll. It invited EC officials to explain the law. Party members tried to ask if they could use anything in relation to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the campaign.

But the EC officials were unable to answer. They cannot respond until results of the panel's meeting are officially announced.

While doubt remains over what role the former PM can play, the PPP plans to show a video link with Thaksin during a party rally at Sanam Luang on Friday.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

On the heels of Samak facing criminal investigation:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1649791

comes another People Power Party candidate, from a rather dubious family, being investigated.....

Thaksin's niece in stock probe

175 million baht bulk sale of Wyncoast has SET concerned

The Stock Exchange of Thailand is investigating suggestions of insider trading of Wyncoast Industrial Park stock after the Wongsawat family cashed in 172.5 million of its shares, worth 175 million baht, on Tuesday.

Chinnicha Wongsawat, a niece of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and a candidate for the pro-Thaksin People Power Party in Chiang Mai, sold 72.5 million shares as part of a big lot trade on Tuesday at Bt1.02.

Yesterday Wyncoast stock closed down 10.4 per cent at Bt1.12.

SET Senior Vice-President Supakit Jirapraditkul said Wyncoast's market price had crept up steadily before the big lot sale was completed and a halt sign could be placed on the stock. That raised a red flag.

The SET is asking for transaction information from brokerages, which was a normal practice when the SET was checking for suspicious activity, he said.

The Wongsawats on Tuesday sold altogether 172.5 million shares or 35.18 per cent of Wyncoast in six big lot transactions. First, at 12.25pm, 72.5 million shares were sold at Bt1.02 each, about the market price at the time. No abnormal stock price movement was observed during the early trading hours of the afternoon session. But Wyncoast started rising sharply after 3.50pm, to Bt1.03. At 3.57pm, the second big lot of 56.25 million shares went through at the same price of Bt1.02.

Then, the market price rose to Bt1.05.

From 4.01-4.04pm, the third, fourth, fifth and sixth big lots were transacted with 43.74 million shares in combination sold at the same price of Bt1.02. Then, the stock jumped to Bt1.25 in open trading, up 34.41 per cent from the previous close. With less than 20 minutes before the market shut, the SET put a halt sign on Wyncoast stock.

The SET suspended Wyncoast shares on Wednesday but later allowed the stock to resume trading after Wyncoast's management told the SET that the shareholding of each purchasing party was not large enough to trigger a mandatory tender offer.

Among the buyers, Samprasit Group and Sorayudh Petchtrakul belong to the same party, but they have no connection to Jak Chamikorn. Samprasit specialises in real estate, while Jak is interested in the company's railway transportation business because he has his fingers in the logistics industry, Wyncoast said.

Wyncoast reported on Wednesday that the Wongsawats sold 172.5 million shares or 35.18 per cent on Tuesday.

It said Chinnicha sold 16.79 per cent, divided into 14.79 per cent or 72.5 million shares to Jak, who is Thai, and 2 per cent or 9.83 million shares to Sorayudh, who is also Thai. Chinnicha has no shares of Wyncoast left.

Chayapa Wongsawat on Tuesday sold 17.27 per cent divided into 11.47 per cent or 56.25 million shares to Sam Prasit LP, a Thai entity; 2.04 per cent or 10 million shares to SSEC Asset Management Securities Co Ltd; and 3.76 per cent or 18.42 million shares to Sorayudh. Chayapa still retains 14.6 million shares or 2.98 per cent.

Yodsanan Wongsawat sold 1.12 per cent or 5.5 million shares to Karnchana Pongsevalak. Yodsanan's remaining shareholding is 89.16 million shares or 18.18 per cent.

Chinnicha, Chayapa and Pathrlap Davivongsa resigned from Wyncoast's Board of Directors on Tuesday.

Chinnicha said yesterday the sale of her shares worth 176 million baht in Wyncoast was simply a business decision unrelated to her desire to run in the upcoming election.

Investors sell whenever the timing is right to maximise returns on their investment, she said, adding that now was a good time as the election had raised hopes for the economy after a long period of sluggishness.

"I insist that this transaction has nothing to do with politics. It's sad that whenever anything happens to me, it's always linked to politics. We should separate business and politics," she said.

The transaction not only leads to a change in the shareholding structure, but also took place when the anti-graft agency is getting tough on all politicians who could resort to illegal ways of raising money for the upcoming campaign. Under the election law, each candidate is limited to spending of 1.5 million baht.

- Siriporn (good name... ) Chanjindamanee, The Nation

[sriracha john]

Thaksin niece denies share sale for election

Chinnicha Wongsawat, niece of deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra denied selling big lot of shares of Wyncoast Industrial Park PCL that were owned by her family to raise funds for the upcoming election. Chinnicha, who is contesting the general election in Chiang Mai under the People Power Party (PPP) banner said the sales of six lots of shares, or about 35.18% of the company’s paid-up capital, were done at the appropriate time to make a profit. She and family members sold 172.5 million shares, priced at 1.02 baht each to businessmen including Chak Chamikorn and Sorayuth Petchtrakul. "We didn't sell all," she said. "We just sold parts of ours...the sale was purely business." The big lot transactions on Tuesday caused the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to suspend the trading of the company's shares on Wednesday morning onwards, until the

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=123566

Edited November 15, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Thaksin niece denies share sale for election

Chinnicha Wongsawat, niece of deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra denied selling big lot of shares of Wyncoast Industrial Park PCL that were owned by her family to raise funds for the upcoming election. Chinnicha, who is contesting the general election in Chiang Mai under the People Power Party (PPP) banner said the sales of six lots of shares, or about 35.18% of the company’s paid-up capital, were done at the appropriate time to make a profit. She and family members sold 172.5 million shares, priced at 1.02 baht each to businessmen including Chak Chamikorn and Sorayuth Petchtrakul. "We didn't sell all," she said. "We just sold parts of ours...the sale was purely business." The big lot transactions on Tuesday caused the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to suspend the trading of the company's shares on Wednesday morning onwards, until the

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=123566

It shows the wealth and power of this elite politcal clan.

[sriracha john]

Conspicuous by his absence....

Candidates take oath not to buy votes

Candidates contesting for MPs in Bangkok attended an oath-taking ceremony at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on Thursday morning vowing they will not buy votes in the Dec 23 general election. Many prominent politicians were on hand including Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Matchima Thipataya Party Leader Prachai Leophairatana, and Deputy Leader of Puea Pandin party Wutthichai Damrongrat. People Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej, however, did not join the event.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=123606

[Tony Clifton]

Thaksin niece denies share sale for election

Chinnicha Wongsawat, niece of deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra denied selling big lot of shares of Wyncoast Industrial Park PCL that were owned by her family to raise funds for the upcoming election. Chinnicha, who is contesting the general election in Chiang Mai under the People Power Party (PPP) banner said the sales of six lots of shares, or about 35.18% of the company’s paid-up capital, were done at the appropriate time to make a profit. She and family members sold 172.5 million shares, priced at 1.02 baht each to businessmen including Chak Chamikorn and Sorayuth Petchtrakul. "We didn't sell all," she said. "We just sold parts of ours...the sale was purely business." The big lot transactions on Tuesday caused the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to suspend the trading of the company's shares on Wednesday morning onwards, until the

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=123566

It shows the wealth and power of this elite politcal clan.

Wyncoast may be a distant relative of Winmark.

Edited November 15, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[hammered]

Conspicuous by his absence....

Candidates take oath not to buy votes

Candidates contesting for MPs in Bangkok attended an oath-taking ceremony at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on Thursday morning vowing they will not buy votes in the Dec 23 general election. Many prominent politicians were on hand including Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Matchima Thipataya Party Leader Prachai Leophairatana, and Deputy Leader of Puea Pandin party Wutthichai Damrongrat. People Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej, however, did not join the event.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=123606

Well virtually all the vote buying I have heard of to date emanates from one party.

Maybe Samak is traditionalist and superstitious enough enough to fear making such an oath.

[sriracha john]

EC bans 111 members of disbanded TRT from getting involved in any party activities

Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Political Advisory and Referendum of the Election Commission (EC) Boontan Doktaisong stated that after meeting with the EC, a unanimous motion has been passed barring all 111 members of disbanded Thai Rak Thai party from politics.

The EC states that the 111 party members are not allowed to have any connection to the workings of political parties whether explicit or implicit.

Any connections found will be considered illegal and unconstitutional.

The committee will convene again next week to decided whether parties will be able to use names, pictures and references to the 111 banned members in their campaigns.

- ThaiNews

[Old Man River]

Speaking of new political parties ready to launch, did anyone catch Prachai at the FCCT? His comments are unbelievable. Simply unbelievable. It is embarrassing to me to include the comments below (reported in today's Bangkok Pundit), but people should know what Prachai is all about:

“Thaksin killed many people, over 2,000, and did not get a penalty,” said Prachai. “Remember his massacres at Krue Se and Tak Bai. At Tak Bai, he was even more clever than Hitler. Hitler used gas to kill the Jews. Thaksin, he just packed together those young men. They produced their own gas. And died. Thaksin didn’t even have to add gas.”

No comments on this are necessary. It speaks for itself.

[John K]

What are the 111 TRT executive members up to?

15-11-2007

The Election Commission will make a decision on November 21 over what the banned 111 Thai Rak Thai party executives can legally do in campaign activities.

An Election Commission panel on November 14 concluded that these banned individuals were not permitted to carry themselves or take up any activities designated to the executives of the competing parties.

Although these 111 TRT executives are formally banned from politics for the next five years, most continue to engage in political arena. The Nation’s Political Desk look into their current activities and see what they have been up to:

People Power Party (Thai Rak Thai)

Thaksin Shinawatra, in exile

Chaturon Chaisang, advisor

Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Bangkok group advisor

Chaiyos Sasomsap

General Thammarak Isaragura na Ayuthaya

Newin Chidchob, campaign advisor

Pongphol Adirksarn

Pongthep Thepkarnchana

Yaowapa Wongsawat*

Wan Muhamad Noor Matha*

Chanon Suwasin

Wichet Kasemthongsri

Chamlong Krutkunthod*

Chucheep Harnsawat*

Prachuab Chaiyasarn

Puangpet Chunlaaid

Soraat Klinprathum

Ladawan Wongsriwong*

Wichit Plangsrisakul

Sermsak Pongpanich

Adisorn Piangket

Akeporn Rakkwamsuk

Kriang Kantinun*

Kasem Roongthanakiat

Jaturong Pengpornpat

Prachatipatai Kamsingnok*

Pairoj Suwannachawe*

Witoon Wongkrai

Saksiam Chidchob

Somsak Koonngoen

Atthasit (Kankai) Sappayasitthi*

Charnchai Pathummarak

Pongsak Worapanya

Pimpa Janprasong*

Yongyot Adireksarn

Likhit Moodee

Wallop Youngtrong*

Sitthichai Kittithanesuan*

Udom Kraiwatnussorn

Pakorn Buranupakorn*

Pratuan Kheawrit*

Pinij Jantarasurin

Pairoj Lohsoontorn

Ruangwit Lik*

Wisarn Techatheerawat*

Pol.Col Adul Boonsate*

Krid Sifah

Wairoj Pipitpakdi

Sutham Saengprathum

Surachet Daungsodsri

Sansanee Nakpong

Democrat

Wuttichai Sanguanwongchai*

Chart Thai

Sonthaya Kunplome

Oradee Sutthasri

Surasit Nitiwutthiworalak

Paweena Hongsakul*

Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana

Somkid Jatusripitak, party founder, senior advisor

Somchai Sunthornwat

Suwat Liptapallop, strategy assembly chairman *

Tewan Liptapallop

Thani Yeesarn

Werakorn Kamprakorb

Suporn Atthawong

Pimol Sriwikorn

Puea Paendin

Pinij Charusombat

Suchart Tancharoen

Surakiat Sathierathai, senior advisor

Suranand Vejjajiva, election campaign advisor

Preecha Laohapongchana

Akekabhap Polsue

Panlert Baiyok

Wichai Chaijitwanichkul*

Tonglor Polkote*

Pracharaj

Tossaphol Sangkhasap

Matchima Thippataya

Somsak Thepsuthin*

Chuchai Mungjaroenporn

Teerayut Vanijchang

Prasit Jantatong

Sakorn Prompakdi

Boonpan Khaewattana

Anucha Nakasai*

Tossaporn Serirak

Paisan Jantarapakdi

Lalita Roeksamran

New Aspiration Party

Sukawich Rangsitpol

Stepped down from politics

Prayuth Mahagitsiri

Bhokin Bhalakula

Suriya Jungrungruangkit

Phrommin Lertsuridej

Pongsak Raktapongpaisal

Phoomtham Vejchayachai

Sirikorn (Linutapong) Maneerin

Sitha Divari

Chatchai Iasakul

Chidchai Vanasatidya

Boonchu Trithong

Rawee Hiranyachote

Dr Rungrueng Pittayasiri

Warathep Rattanakorn

Wiset Jupibarn

Suchai Charoenrattanakul

Suriya Larpvisutisin

Dr. Adisai Bhotharamik

Anutin Charnvirakul

Mayura Manasikarn

Veera Musigapong

MR.Dumrongdit Ditsakul

Kantathi Suphamongkhon, professor at the University of California Regents at UCLA in US

* Have fielded relatives to run in their place

Edited November 15, 2007 by John K

[John K]

OK so the way I see this is based on the EC decision in post #1059, every name in post #1061 associated with a political party without a star (*) is in violation. Does anyone concur?

[sriracha john]

Somkid, Suwat told to keep a low profile

Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party Leader Chettha Thanajaro has told two key party advisers serving political bans to keep a low profile, fearing the party could be disqualified from the election if they are found to have violated the conditions of their ban. Chettha said yesterday that Somkid Jatusripitak (TRT Banned #16) and Suwat Liptapanlop (TRT Banned #22) are to suspend their roles in the party until further notice. He said the former TRT executives would cease their advisory roles for Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party until the Election Commission (EC) clarifies what they can and can't do in the run-up to the elections. Chettha's comments came after an EC working group released a statement indicating that former executives of the disbanded TRT Party should refrain from all political activities as they may violate the conditions of their ban.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/16Nov2007_news07.php

[John K]

Sounds like sleepless nights ahead for PPP/TRT and the big T.

[Tony Clifton]

Sounds like sleepless nights ahead for PPP/TRT and the big T.

These people have no remorse whatsoever.

The only sleep they lose is by staying up late concocting more evil plans with the Little Emperor who now lives in a no so convenient time zone when he comes up with one of his "Mama style" instant noodle type of ideas at 9 pm over in London.

Never any shortage of hot water.

Edited November 16, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

Prachai makes big promises to city voters

The Matchima Thipataya Party kicked off its election campaign in Bangkok yesterday with a host of lofty promises to build a comprehensive welfare state and make people rich. Leader Prachai Leophairatana led a team of party candidates for Bangkok in his first campaign address in Bangkok, drawing about 200 onlookers. The party highlighted comprehensive economic policies including turning the country into a welfare state with free health care for all and free education up to university level. Elderly people would be given 1,500 baht a month in welfare payments, state officials would enjoy a 5,000-baht salary hike each and prices of agricultural goods would be guaranteed if the party won enough votes to form a government. Prachai said his party had a policy to reduce oil prices by halting current contributions to the State Oil Fund. He also promised to construct 10 Skytrain routes in Bangkok within four years with a 15-baht flat rate fare as well as improve the country's rail network.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/16Nov2007_news08.php

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

and the Matchima Thipataya Party keeps right on rolling for the country folk as well....

Among the interesting platforms on offer are the Matchima Thipataya Party's promotion of cattle raising. A million specially bred cows, the proposal goes, will be treated to radio music and constant massaging (after munching on specially prepared foods). Hopefully, this will result in juicy meat that will eventually be sold for 5,000 baht a kilo like the famous Kobe meat. Another idea is to boost cock-fighting to become the ''national sport''. The chicken-athletes will be required to ''wear boxing gloves'', and with the fighting rules in compliance with ''professional boxing matches'', should thus be able to enter the ring again and again. (That certainly fits in with the por piang philosophy!) Other animals to be promoted are indigenous dogs, cats, doves, cows and buffaloes, and decorative fish. How about making a hundred thousand baht from selling giant Pla Thong?

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/16Nov2007_news20.php

[sriracha john]

But the crème de' le' crème comes from the People Power Party...

PPP airs economic platform

Party-list candidate Mingkwan Saengsuwan [and Potjaman's choice to lead debates] unveiled a package of economic platforms yesterday mapped out by his People Power Party (PPP) and painted a glowing picture of an economy driven by populist policies.

"Thailand is destined to become a world centre for medical services and manufacturing," he said.

The PPP's economic package has three key aspects - the original mix of populist polices as championed by the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, a special mix of enhanced populist policies, and a roadmap to boost the country's revenues.

From the original mix, the PPP has vowed to carry on popular schemes such as the Bt30 per-visit health care, the Village Fund, the two- and three-digit lotteries, the One Tambon, One Product project and the 10 new train routes for Bangkok.

In the special mix of enhanced policies, it will strive to achieve a four-fold increase in revenue from tourism, while aiming to cut costs of running populist schemes by fourfold.

In regard to the roadmap to boost revenues, it pins hopes on increasing tourist arrivals to finance mega projects instead of raising tax.

Based on the capacity of Suvarnabhumi Airport, tourist arrivals should rise from 11 million per year to 45 million with a projected annual revenue of Bt1.5 trillion to fill government coffers.

If elected to lead the next government, the PPP will implement many projects to attract foreign visitors within one year including those to highlight medical services.

In order to cut dependence on oil imports, the PPP plans for a 100 per cent conversion from petrol to biofuels such as gasohol.

- The Nation

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

45 million tourists coming to Thailand??? yeah right.... ok.... sure...

and a 100% conversion away from petrol??? yeah right.... ok.... sure...

Good luck debating these points, Mingkwan...

Edited November 16, 2007 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

PM counters accusations against army by PPP

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior General Surayud Chulanont has countered insinuations by the People’s Power Party (PPP) that the army is interfering in politics. The Prime Minister commented that the PPP’s statements will not affect the national climate as citizens understand the actions of the army and can see beyond rallying.

General Surayud stated that it is not possible for the army to divert man power and resources to action against politics as many of the army’s resources have been consumed with border protection.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 November 2007

[sriracha john]

say... WELCOME BACK JAI DEE!

good to have you back on terra firma with us on this end...

[hammered]

Sounds like sleepless nights ahead for PPP/TRT and the big T.

It may just be that the PPP/TRT/Mr. T mean machine wouldnt be totally upset at another party disolution. After all it would then make the election look somewhat compromised and the Junta plan to hold an election and see the T man beaten and hence give the actions to date a seal of approval would be undermined in many eyes. This may also mean that if the Junta dont want to see a disolution TRT/PPP can bend the rules pretty big time, which they do seem to be doing right now.

[Old Man River]

Sounds like sleepless nights ahead for PPP/TRT and the big T.

It may just be that the PPP/TRT/Mr. T mean machine wouldnt be totally upset at another party disolution. After all it would then make the election look somewhat compromised and the Junta plan to hold an election and see the T man beaten and hence give the actions to date a seal of approval would be undermined in many eyes. This may also mean that if the Junta dont want to see a disolution TRT/PPP can bend the rules pretty big time, which they do seem to be doing right now.

My guess is that the junta will not need to disband the PPP to get to where they want. Yesterday, the EC clarified the rules concerning the banning on what can or cannot be done. It is not a stretch to assume the junta could interpret the court's decision (spin it) to where those facilitating violations could also be judged guilty.

For example, tonight Thaksin will speak to his supporters. If this is a violation, then the junta could also say those that aided and abetted this violation (members of the PPP) contributed to the violation and are also guilty.

[A_Traveller]

Don't see this posted herein, so, interview with Samak by Shawn Crispin in the Asia Times

When former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra first approached Samak Sundaravej to head the new People's Power Party (PPP), the new incarnation of the recently disbanded Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party, Samak says he advised the exiled leader to pick somebody else instead.

Only after Thaksin pleaded, says the veteran politician in an exclusive interview with Asia Times Online, did he agree to takethe PPP's leadership. His surprise appointment has since caused plenty of political ripples, both inside and outside the party. The military coup-makers who ousted Thaksin last year said earlier this month that they would not rule out another putsch if Samak and the PPP win the December 23 elections and lead the next government.

Meanwhile, Samak's personal history as an ultra-rightist, dating back to his alleged instrumental role in the violent crackdown on student protestors in 1976, has given pause to some in the party's more progressive faction, including former communist guerrilla leaders who held prominent positions in Thaksin's TRT-led government. More then 30 years later, the 72-year-old Samak says that the history books and local press have got him and his legacy all wrong.

Regards

Continued here

Edited November 16, 2007 by A_Traveller

[hammered]

Sounds like sleepless nights ahead for PPP/TRT and the big T.

It may just be that the PPP/TRT/Mr. T mean machine wouldnt be totally upset at another party disolution. After all it would then make the election look somewhat compromised and the Junta plan to hold an election and see the T man beaten and hence give the actions to date a seal of approval would be undermined in many eyes. This may also mean that if the Junta dont want to see a disolution TRT/PPP can bend the rules pretty big time, which they do seem to be doing right now.

My guess is that the junta will not need to disband the PPP to get to where they want. Yesterday, the EC clarified the rules concerning the banning on what can or cannot be done. It is not a stretch to assume the junta could interpret the court's decision (spin it) to where those facilitating violations could also be judged guilty.

For example, tonight Thaksin will speak to his supporters. If this is a violation, then the junta could also say those that aided and abetted this violation (members of the PPP) contributed to the violation and are also guilty.

Agree, A more selective banning of certain characters could reduce the number of seats quite dramatically and still look OK to the international community if done carefully. I wonder if an MP candidate is banned whether a substitute could be slipped in or if there is a limit on this. If a potential MP is banned and cannot be replaced it would wreak havoc for a party hopig to govern.

The Thaksin speech is interesting as it will almost certainly be in breach of the rules I would think. If the PPP are willing to take such a risk they must either be confident of not being punished (deal done), or not care (actually know they will not win enough seats to govern and not have any willing coalition partners).

Watching all the manouvers is intersting but to be honest I will be glad when the election is over.

[hammered]

Don't see this posted herein, so, interview with Samak by Shawn Crispin in the Asia Times

When former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra first approached Samak Sundaravej to head the new People's Power Party (PPP), the new incarnation of the recently disbanded Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party, Samak says he advised the exiled leader to pick somebody else instead.

Only after Thaksin pleaded, says the veteran politician in an exclusive interview with Asia Times Online, did he agree to takethe PPP's leadership. His surprise appointment has since caused plenty of political ripples, both inside and outside the party. The military coup-makers who ousted Thaksin last year said earlier this month that they would not rule out another putsch if Samak and the PPP win the December 23 elections and lead the next government.

Meanwhile, Samak's personal history as an ultra-rightist, dating back to his alleged instrumental role in the violent crackdown on student protestors in 1976, has given pause to some in the party's more progressive faction, including former communist guerrilla leaders who held prominent positions in Thaksin's TRT-led government. More then 30 years later, the 72-year-old Samak says that the history books and local press have got him and his legacy all wrong.

Regards

Continued here

]

Interesting interview. Wonder what the tape deal is?

There is an article up on Asia Sentinel too, but I am not sure it should be linked to.

[hammered]

From the Nation an excelllent article: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/11/17...cs_30056439.php

SPECIAL

No clear party policies seen for working class

Despite the seemingly endless choice of parties in the coming general election, labour experts say not one truly represents workers - either blue- or white-collar - and none has impressed them. Published on November 17, 2007

"They're not different and their policies to help workers are superficial," said labour expert Sakdina Chatrakul na Ayudhya. "Most major parties are neo-liberal and pay little interest to the labour sector. I don't see any party preparing a labour expert in their line-up to take the post of labour minister."

Labour researcher Bandit Thanachaisaettawut of the Arom Pongpangan Foundation agrees, though he thinks many parties could have policies that would please workers. "The Democrat Party is the only party that has forwarded me its labour policy outline," he said. "They may expand social security to cover workers in the non-formal sector and increase protection of women and children labourers."

However, Bandit remains sceptical. "I think many policies are about election campaigning and the chance of [the parties] following through after being elected are slim, especially if there isn't enough pressure."

What's more, Bandit says many labour policies promoted by parties are more social or populist policies.

Sakdina and Bandit agree that no strong party will represent workers for years to come for several reasons.

"There is no ideology-based effort. This can only succeed when society accepts a socialist ideology to a certain degree. We need social democrats," said Sakdina. "The unionisation rate is very low, just 1.4 per cent out of 35.5 million formal and informal workers."

Many workers can't vote in the city or province that they work in, adds Bandit, thus diluting their votes because they have to return to their home provinces to vote, while in rural provinces agricultural issues dominate.

Bandit added that during the decades of dictatorship in Thailand, big business and the middle class grew but the labour movement was squashed. "There's no mass party representing workers," he pointed out. "Thai politics today is still about groups of politicians more than a political party as an institution. Power is centred on the party leader and the financier.

"I don't see any parties being sincere to workers," he said, adding that none has offered to decentralise the Social Security Fund, which is now worth Bt400 billion and subject to government abuse.

While some groups have attempted to promote small labour-oriented parties, Bandit sees these efforts as acts of well-intended intellectuals that failed to truly galvanise popular labour consciousness.

However, Sakdina thinks such efforts should be supported.

Both agree that if Thai workers are without real representation, migrant labours will be in an even more precarious situation.

"I'm worried about them. The mass media are fanning ultra-nationalism and portray them as a problem," said Sakdina.

"From what I saw of the Democrats' policy on migrant workers, it is to make them legal in order to prevent them causing security problems and stealing jobs from Thai workers. This is a typical state view," said Bandit. "What they should do is offer them protection."

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

So many parties, so few policies. Thailand's most rapidly growing group being totally disenfrachised and ignored is not a recipe for a stable future.

[Plus]

I'm not sure it's the most rapidly growing group, but even if it was, farmers do not leave for cities in search of political representation, their main priority is survival.

I doubt they have opinions on low rate of unionisation.

In Thai society they are entirely at the mercy of their employers, they do not dare to make demands, and I don't see them getting politically active any time soon.

There will be no changes until someone higher up the chain starts speaking on their behalf. Unfortunately for them Thai leftists are morons no one pays any attention to.

[hammered]

I'm not sure it's the most rapidly growing group, but even if it was, farmers do not leave for cities in search of political representation, their main priority is survival.

I doubt they have opinions on low rate of unionisation.

In Thai society they are entirely at the mercy of their employers, they do not dare to make demands, and I don't see them getting politically active any time soon.

There will be no changes until someone higher up the chain starts speaking on their behalf. Unfortunately for them Thai leftists are morons no one pays any attention to.

It is estimated that 60% of the electorate will have to travel back to their province to vote. Research recently showed that over 50% of the Thai population now live and work in urban areas. This is all significant especially having over half the population vote for MPs who will never represent them. I totally agree about farmers who travel up for some seasonal work being farmers looking for survival but those who have left the rural areas and have little intentrion of going back become whether they choose or not urban workers and cease to be farmers. Yes they are at the mercy of employers but surely that in itself at some point leads to politicisation, which again is dangerous if they just get to vote in some rural area where the local MP and indeed the people dont care about their issues. Enfranchising people is needed in a society if social problems are to be avoided imho. Continuing to leave people tied to a piece of land feudal style just puts off addressing the problems and the massive and rapid social changes that will arise as Thailand develops in the modern world. I agree in Thailand things amy not change until someone above gets interested. That seems to be the nature of Thai politcs. I too have a low opinion of Thai leftists who seem a bit selective in what they are left about.

[Coffee Drinker]

Research recently showed that over 50% of the Thai population now live and work in urban areas.

That point is worth repeating, all on its own, as to its significance on a wide variety of topics.

It means that for the first in history, the majority of the population are not in rural areas.

[sriracha john]

Putting a stop to the charades...

Banned TRT executives banned from taking stage and appearing in photos with candidates

Election Commission on Friday prohibited banned members of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai party from taking a stage and appear in photos with candidates of the December election.

The regulations were aimed at the 111 former members of TRT who the Constitution Tribunal Court banned them from politics for five years.

The group can neither take the stage to help the candidates in the election campaign for the December 23 election nor appear in the photos with any candidates of any party.

- The Nation

Edited November 17, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

It'll force a major change in campaigning techniques and strategies... ironic the decision comes at the urging of the PPP. partially, to make a ruling.... too bad for them, it's not the one they were hoping for...

EC gets tough with TRT execs

Bans them taking part in election campaigns

The Election Commission yesterday decided to get tough with the 111 former executives of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party, prohibiting them from taking part in election campaigns. The poll agency also said they are not allowed to be photographed with poll candidates or engaged in tele-conferencing. EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said the former TRT executives are forbidden from taking the stage at campaign rallies and wooing voters during election campaigns. The former executives, who were banned from politics for five years by the Constitution Tribunal, are trying to make their presence felt by taking an active role in the activities of other parties. The decision came after some urging by frustrated politicians, including Sompong Amornwiwat of the People Power Party (PPP) and Somsak Thepsuthin of Matchima Thipataya, who asked that the EC quickly clear the air. In addition, the EC has ruled that the 111 former executives are not allowed to be members of any parties. Apichart pointed out that members of the public are able to file cases in court against former TRT executives who breach the election law.

Continued here:

http://bangkokpost.com/News/17Nov2007_news01.php