New Political Party Ready To Launch

[sriracha john]

Anyone up for some serious hardball? Here's an inside pitch with a chin-high fastball.....

Parties accepting political help from former ruling party can be disbanded: EC

BANGKOK - Thailand's Election Commission chief has threatened to dissolve any party accepting the clearly prohibited campaign services of the 111 former Thai Rak Thai Party executives who were earlier banned from politics for five years, if they speak on behalf of any candidate or otherwise offer political endorsements in the December 23 election.

Apichart Sukhagganond said his agency will not review its earlier resolution which prohibits any of the 111 ex-TRT executives from making public speeches or other political activity in support of any candidate running for parliamentary seats, otherwise, he warned, the party or parties to which the candidates belong may be dissolved by law.

The commission chief said the resolutions of the polling agency by no means violate the human rights or freedom of expression of any politicians as earlier charged by former Deputy Prime Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng , who planned to speak publicly at Bangkok's Chatuchak Park on Friday in apparent defiance of the polling agency's prohibition.

Apichart said those ex-TRT executives are free to make statements in public places as long as they are not considered as a verbal support for any particular party or candidate contesting the nationwide election.

Chaturon's planned speech at Chatuchak Park would certainly be taped for monitoring by the polling agency, he said. Whether or not Amnesty International Thailand may accept a petition against the campaign ban by the commission against the ex-TRT executives will be no cause for concern to the polling agency, he added.

The ex-TRT executives plan to soon ask Amnesty International Thailand to consider charges that such bans violating their human rights and freedom of expression.

- MCOT

Edited November 20, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Followed up by another inside pitch.... this time, a groin-level fastball...

Vote-buying may lead to assets confiscation, warns EC

BANGKOK - Thailand's Election Commission has threatened to confiscate the wealth of candidates contesting the December 23 election under the country's anti-money laundering laws if they are found to have bought votes in any manner, according to poll agency Secretary-General Suthiphol Thaweechaikarn.

The Election Commission plans to consult regarding the matter with the chief of the Anti-Money Laundering Office shortly so that the assets of vote-buying candidates might be seized, he said.

The agency's Secretary-General added that certain candidates had allegedly transferred their bank accounts in an unusual fashion, though the amounts were not found alarmingly large as yet.

- MCOT

[John K]

Oh you go to love this. This is exactly what I predicted would happen. Let the clock run out on club 111 keeping busy on a dead end task and spring the great news not giving them time to regroup or have options.

Some members of Club 111 will need to have their mouths nailed to the floor to keep them quite on this one.

I can easily imagine a lot of breakable objects in low orbit at Thaksin’s house about now. Also Samak has been absent from the news now for a while, I wonder what is going on with him. If he says anything at all now he may end the PPP party because of his earlier claims of being Thaksin’s proxy.

This calls for a second bag of popcorn!!!

[sriracha john]

Samak has come out to verbalize... in his usual fiery style...

Samak tries to defend role in 1976 coup government after infamous October student massacre

Principles 'can change'

Confronted publicly for the first time in this election campaign with questions about his controversial rightist past, People Power Party (PPP) Leader Samak Sundaravej yesterday defended his rise to political prominence in the wake of the October 1976 Thammasat bloodbath by saying, "principles can change".

Having attacked key political opponents for their open or tacit support for last year's bloodless coup, Samak adamantly suggested the violent upheaval in 1976, when student activists were framed, discredited and some were massacred, was something not unacceptable.

There were some heated moments between Samak and TV host Thepchai Yong, who posed the questions about the obvious contradiction of the PPP Leader's political career.

Samak insisted during the televised interview on "Siam This Morning", broadcast on Channel 5, that he was not a hypocrite for accepting the post as PPP Leader on an anti-coup principle when he himself had taken up a post under a military-installed government three decades ago.

"Principles can change with the situation," Samak told Thepchai, who is the Nation Group editor.

Samak was appointed the Interior Minister in the government of Tanin Kraivixien, a right-wing administration that came about in the aftermath of the October 6, 1976, bloody crackdown on students at the Thammasat University. The crackdown was followed by a coup staged by the late Admiral Sa-ngad Chaloryoo.

Samak said his decision to take up the Interior post was to "rescue the country".

"That was then, this is now. People have a right to change their view over time," said Samak, defending his current anti-coup stance. He was visibly uncomfortable with the questions and at times shot back at Thepchai, suggesting that his stature as a reporter had also changed with time.

"Yes," said Thepchai. "But my principles have remained the same." *ouch*

The irony of Samak's past and present roles, however, are unlikely to affect the PPP's popularity upcountry. After all, he has passed the biggest test - winning acceptance from some former "October activists" who are now core members of the PPP.

Thailand's political crisis has blurred the line between the country's right and left. Samak's key election rival, the Democrats, have also faced the tough question of why their party with a proclaimed history of always fighting dictatorships turned a blind eye on last year's coup.

In his defence, Samak also referred to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who took a break from being privy councillor.

"In principle, a privy councillor should not be involved in politics. Why did Surayud become the PM?" he challenged.

The interview between Samak and Thepchai followed another heated incident earlier this month, when Samak angrily responded to a question from a group of reporters.

He erupted after being asked 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, a possible violation of the electoral ban.

Using Pali, the sacred language of Buddhism, to bite back at the question that struck a 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 veteran politician commented afterwards that he felt the moderator was not carrying out his job in a straightforward manner.

"They invited me to talk about the party's policies so I intended to talk about my party's policies. But when I was on the show, I was not asked about the policies but something else. Is it strange?'' Samak said.

He said a new anti-Thaksin Shinawatra group was taking shape to comprise media people from FM98 radio, Post Today and lecturers from King Prajadhipok Institute and the National Institute of Development Administration.

Samak said the group, during a show on Channel 11, made the prediction that political chaos would hit the country after the general election if the People Power Party wins the most seats and he becomes the next PM.

Meanwhile, former Chai Nat MP, Prasit Donphongam filed a complaint with police yesterday, accusing Samak of lese majeste for condemning the 2007 Constitution, which was endorsed by His Majesty the King.

- The Nation

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

It's no small wonder that Samak doesn't want to debate Abhisit.

[sriracha john]

A judge weighs in with his opinion.... but is it the court that maintains jurisdiction over this issue?

EC restrictions 'just guidelines' court chief says they are not enforceable

The restrictions of the EC on political activities of the 111 former TRT executives are not administrative orders, and therefore not enforceable by law, said Supreme Administrative Court president Akkarathorn Chularat yesterday. The restrictions amounted to advice on the part of the EC after some of the former executives asked the poll agency to clarify how far they could go with their political activities. Akkarathorn said any disputes arising from the EC's controversial restrictions must be settled in court. Former acting TRT leader Chaturon Chaisaeng, and some banned TRT executives, have cried foul over the EC's guidelines. The group reportedly planned to petition the Administrative Court to reverse the restrictions. But Akkarathorn stressed that the restrictions were not an administrative order which is legally enforceable. The restrictions, therefore, could provide a basis for pursuing the matter in the Administrative Court.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/21Nov2007_news08.php

[hammered]

Samak has come out to verbalize... in his usual fiery style...

Samak tries to defend role in 1976 coup government after infamous October student massacre

Principles 'can change'

Confronted publicly for the first time in this election campaign with questions about his controversial rightist past, People Power Party (PPP) Leader Samak Sundaravej yesterday defended his rise to political prominence in the wake of the October 1976 Thammasat bloodbath by saying, "principles can change".

Having attacked key political opponents for their open or tacit support for last year's bloodless coup, Samak adamantly suggested the violent upheaval in 1976, when student activists were framed, discredited and some were massacred, was something not unacceptable.

There were some heated moments between Samak and TV host Thepchai Yong, who posed the questions about the obvious contradiction of the PPP Leader's political career.

Samak insisted during the televised interview on "Siam This Morning", broadcast on Channel 5, that he was not a hypocrite for accepting the post as PPP Leader on an anti-coup principle when he himself had taken up a post under a military-installed government three decades ago.

"Principles can change with the situation," Samak told Thepchai, who is the Nation Group editor.

Samak was appointed the Interior Minister in the government of Tanin Kraivixien, a right-wing administration that came about in the aftermath of the October 6, 1976, bloody crackdown on students at the Thammasat University. The crackdown was followed by a coup staged by the late Admiral Sa-ngad Chaloryoo.

Samak said his decision to take up the Interior post was to "rescue the country".

"That was then, this is now. People have a right to change their view over time," said Samak, defending his current anti-coup stance. He was visibly uncomfortable with the questions and at times shot back at Thepchai, suggesting that his stature as a reporter had also changed with time.

"Yes," said Thepchai. "But my principles have remained the same." *ouch*

The irony of Samak's past and present roles, however, are unlikely to affect the PPP's popularity upcountry. After all, he has passed the biggest test - winning acceptance from some former "October activists" who are now core members of the PPP.

Thailand's political crisis has blurred the line between the country's right and left. Samak's key election rival, the Democrats, have also faced the tough question of why their party with a proclaimed history of always fighting dictatorships turned a blind eye on last year's coup.

In his defence, Samak also referred to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who took a break from being privy councillor.

"In principle, a privy councillor should not be involved in politics. Why did Surayud become the PM?" he challenged.

The interview between Samak and Thepchai followed another heated incident earlier this month, when Samak angrily responded to a question from a group of reporters.

He erupted after being asked 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, a possible violation of the electoral ban.

Using Pali, the sacred language of Buddhism, to bite back at the question that struck a 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 veteran politician commented afterwards that he felt the moderator was not carrying out his job in a straightforward manner.

"They invited me to talk about the party's policies so I intended to talk about my party's policies. But when I was on the show, I was not asked about the policies but something else. Is it strange?'' Samak said.

He said a new anti-Thaksin Shinawatra group was taking shape to comprise media people from FM98 radio, Post Today and lecturers from King Prajadhipok Institute and the National Institute of Development Administration.

Samak said the group, during a show on Channel 11, made the prediction that political chaos would hit the country after the general election if the People Power Party wins the most seats and he becomes the next PM.

Meanwhile, former Chai Nat MP, Prasit Donphongam filed a complaint with police yesterday, accusing Samak of lese majeste for condemning the 2007 Constitution, which was endorsed by His Majesty the King.

- The Nation

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

It's no small wonder that Samak doesn't want to debate Abhisit.

It is good that someone has the courage to bring the Oct 6, 1976 issue up. Previously Samak has threatend to sue anyone even mentioning it and has managed to keep a lid on things. I wonder now if some of the Thaksin supporting blogs that claim to be pro-democracy or even academic including shamefully New Mandala) will actually cover Samak's little indiscretions rather than trying to just ignore them? Wasnt Samak also one of Gen. Suchinda's mates?

I wonder also if he really said chaos would ensue if he became PM or it is a mis-translation. If it is a direct quote that is a scary threat consdiering his record on human rights.

[hammered]

A judge weighs in with his opinion.... but is it the court that maintains jurisdiction over this issue?

EC restrictions 'just guidelines' court chief says they are not enforceable

The restrictions of the EC on political activities of the 111 former TRT executives are not administrative orders, and therefore not enforceable by law, said Supreme Administrative Court president Akkarathorn Chularat yesterday. The restrictions amounted to advice on the part of the EC after some of the former executives asked the poll agency to clarify how far they could go with their political activities. Akkarathorn said any disputes arising from the EC's controversial restrictions must be settled in court. Former acting TRT leader Chaturon Chaisaeng, and some banned TRT executives, have cried foul over the EC's guidelines. The group reportedly planned to petition the Administrative Court to reverse the restrictions. But Akkarathorn stressed that the restrictions were not an administrative order which is legally enforceable. The restrictions, therefore, could provide a basis for pursuing the matter in the Administrative Court.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/21Nov2007_news08.php

This looks like it is getting into legalise. Not enforceable because not an administrative order. So right now not enforcable. hat if tomorrow an administrative order announcing the same is declared?

[Jai Dee]

People Power leader says divergence between EC and ex-TRT executives is political game

The People Power Party leader, Mr. Samak Sundaravej (สมัคร สุนทรเวช), considers the former Thai Rak Thai Party executives’ criticisms against the Election Commission (EC) of Thailand as a political game. The criticisms have been launched after the EC has supposedly limited 111 former Thai Rak Thai executives’ political rights.

Mr. Samak says the EC has later announced that it is only trying to give suggestions, and it is not issuing orders to the former Thai Rak Thai executives. He says the People Power Party is unaffected since none of the 111 ex-Thai Rak Thai executives are taking any role in his party.

However, Mr. Samak says the People Power is ready to comply with the EC’s advices.

Meanwhile, one of the former Thai Rak Thai executives, Mr. Chaturon Chaisang (จาตุรนต์ ฉายแสง), says a public discussion is expected to be held this Friday (November 23rd) to comment on the EC’s actions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 November 2007

[sriracha john]

Mr. Samak says the People Power Party is unaffected since none of the 111 ex-Thai Rak Thai executives are taking any role in his party.

Say wha'??? :D

well ok then, since he doesn't seem to be aware of it, we'll get some photos of the PPP rallies involving the banned 111...

conveniently provided by Thaksin's own website......

(TRT Banned #2)

(TRT Banned #13)

(TRT Banned #6)

(TRT Banned #3)

There's more... but you get the idea...

and oh yes, not banned, but attending the exact same PPP rallies

Edited November 21, 2007 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana will not merge with other parties before election

The Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana (รวมใจไทยชาติพัฒนา) Party affirms it will not merge with other parties before the general election.

In response to rumours alleging alliances amongst the Democrat, Chart Thai, and For the Motherland, Secretary-General of the Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party, Pradit Phattaraprasit (ประดิษฐ์ ภัทรประสิทธิ์) says his party will consider merging with allies after the election to avoid public confusion.

Mr Pradit affirms Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana will cooperate with parties that will not cause problems to the country.

Meanwhile, Deputy Leader of Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, Bhichit Rattakul (พิจิตร รัตนกุล), also suggests that each party should consider whether to join the administration or the opposition after the general election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 November 2007

[hammered]

Mr. Samak says the People Power Party is unaffected since none of the 111 ex-Thai Rak Thai executives are taking any role in his party.

Say wha'??? :D

well ok then, since he doesn't seem to be aware of it, we'll get some photos of the PPP rallies involving the banned 111...

conveniently provided by Thaksin's own website......

(TRT Banned #2)

(TRT Banned #13)

(TRT Banned #6)

(TRT Banned #3)

There's more... but you get the idea...

and oh yes, not banned, but attending the exact same PPP rallies

It is all a joke by both sides. Virtually everybody knows who is funding PPP for a start and who in their region is behind PPP and who are sending their canvassers round to ensure the votes. Of course the 111 are involved, but the cheeleader of massacres cannot exactly admit it without having his proxie little organ disbanded completley thereby removing his ability to prance around in the fashion he thinks someone from such an aristocratic family as his deserves to not to mention his ability to publically abuse anyone who doesnt recognize his ultimate Hi-So ness and immediately kow tow to who they should see as one of their betters.

[Jai Dee]

DPM Sonthi did not discuss coalition government w/ Dr. Surakiart

The Deputy Prime Minister overseeing national security, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), says he did not dine with Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai (สุรเกียรติ์ เสถียรไทย), the former For the Motherland Party member, to discuss the establishment of a coalition government consisting of three political parties, including the Democrat, Chart Thai and For the Motherland. Dr. Surakiart has resigned from the For the Motherland after the Election Commission (EC) of Thailand has limited the political rights of 111 former Thai Rak Thai Party executives.

Meanwhile, the For the Motherland Party leader, Mr. Suwit Khunkitti (สุวิทย์ คุณกิตติ), says he has never discussed the possible formation of a coalition government with the Democrat and Chart Thai members. He says he does not know the intentions of the two parties. Mr. Suwit says he does not want various parties to release rumors as public members will be more confused and concerned, adding that many people are already getting tired of political gossips.

The For the Motherland leader says his party has never conducted vote-buying activities, following the reports of massive financial transactions in northeastern Thailand. He says he is more confident of the voters than the money used for vote-buying.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 November 2007

[John K]

Well I may have to revise my 60-20-20 to be 20-20-60 when it comes to the PPP/TRT . As for Thaksin I am rather comfortable to say it is 0-0-100.

[John K]

Chaturon to criticise CNS, EC in Friday speech

(BangkokPost.com) - Former Thai Rak Thai executive Chaturon Chaisaeng insisted he will take the stage at Suan Lumpini on Friday evening but vowed not to speak for the benefit of any political party.

Mr Chaturon's statement came amid on-going conflict between Election Commission (EC) and 111 former Thai Rak Thai executives who were banned from politics for five years for electoral fraud.

The EC last week announced restrictions on the banned executives that prohibit them from taking part in election campaign. Mr Chaturon and some of the executives lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission on Tuesday, saying the restrictions violate their constitutional rights.

Mr Chaturon, former acting Thai Rak Thai party leader, said he will take the stage and speak under the constitutional rights. The topic of the speech will be on "Fair election is Thailand's solution."

Issues to be included in the speech are the role of the Council for National Security on its anti-vote buying campaign and the work of the EC.

He said the speech is not meant to create disunity, adding that the EC can closely monitor the event as he is confident that it will not break any laws.

More here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=123796

[John K]

Chaturon should learn to quit while he can. This is nothing more than public crying. For a 4 hour speech, I don’t think he will have enough material to go without stepping on or over the line. He risks contempt of court for saying the EC is enforcing the Constitutional Tribunals ruling as well as the risk of a lot more.

Clearly emotional and not thought out. I wonder how he will handle publicly encouraging people to break the law by talking about vote buying.

Edited November 21, 2007 by John K

[sriracha john]

The abrasive Samak of old has PPP concerned

Samak Sundaravej, leader of the People Power Party (PPP), has returned to being "himself" during recent weeks. He has revived the political style that has kept him in the limelight for more than three decades: engaging in a heated war of words with the press while countering his political opponents with an eye to eye.

Some of the party's candidates are reported to have become concerned with Samak's swift change from staying cool under criticism to furiously responding to opponents' attacks. The party's public image, they believe, could be badly damaged while its popularity could fall sharply.

It also raises doubts about whether deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra was right in picking Samak as his "agent" to lead the PPP in the December 23 election - a major strategic step to pave the way for his "smooth return" to power.

The PPP candidates in constituencies of the Bangkok metropolitan area and other major cities are believed to have been affected the most from Samak's aggression.

As they have struggled to revive popularity among middle-class voters that was ruined by the anti-Thaksin movement and the coup of September 19, 2006, the PPP's negative public image will benefit their fierce rival, the Democrat Party.

As a recent survey by Ramkhamhaeng University showed, the Democrat Party is more popular among Bangkok voters than the PPP just one month before the general election with 48 per cent to 20.

A key PPP key member, who refused to be named, said the party had changed its campaign strategy since Samak adopted a "furious" mode. It has now assigned key party members to join public forums or debates.

The party wanted voters to focus on its policy platform and strategies to restore democracy rather than on Samak's negative image, the PPP member said, adding it should be an effective means to fix Samak's flaws.

When Samak became the PPP leader in late August, however, it should be noted that he was not picked as a candidate for prime minister because Thaksin had other choices in mind. They included members of his inner circle, his brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat and close aide Surapong Suebwonglee.

Thaksin only wanted to stop the efflux of former Thai Rak Thai (TRT) MPs to other parties. As the coup leaders were reported to have offered "a deal" in exchange for their departure from Thaksin's power base, the deposed premier believed Samak, as an old friend, and a veteran, charismatic politician would be able to halt the "mass migration". And he did.

Samak is an easygoing person, who is open for talks among the party members. He does not have a record of stabbing people in the back as other politicians do. What he says is what's on his mind - and that has rapidly won him the hearts of the PPP members.

Samak's entrance has also benefited Thaksin and his PPP in that allegations about Thaksin's attempt to challenge the monarchy have been ruled out. Samak is known as a staunch royalist who has protected the monarchy since the heyday of Communism in the 1960s-80s, particularly the bloody tragedy of October 6, 1976.

He has not only shown he is worth Thaksin's trust in him but has also become a new strongman for Thaksin's supporters to follow while regaining the political momentum for the ex-PM's power base to challenge its opponents.

Although the PPP is expected to win the poll, it has played down the key issue of post-election politics: will Samak lead the next government?

As the rise of Samak could revive a new round of anti-Thaksin campaigns, the PPP will deal with the issue only when the election results come out.

The PPP candidates are mainly campaigning on a plan to amend the law to give amnesty to 111 executives of the disbanded TRT, who are banned from assuming political posts for five years, while asserting the renewal of TRT's populist schemes.

Thailand's political landscape is currently split into three camps - Thaksin supporters, his opponents and non-aligned voters. As a result, Samak's aggressive image has apparently had little impact on the PPP's strongholds, which mostly cover the suburbs and rural areas of northern, north-eastern and central provinces.

The constituencies are known to be controlled by canvassers, whose influence dominates the electorates' decision to cast ballots.

In fact, Thaksin's supporters and PPP candidates are reportedly pleased to see their new strongman attacking their opponents - including the coup leaders, the Democrats and the press - as they believe this alliance had forced Thaksin into a corner before being ousted by the coup.

- Political Desk, The Nation

[John K]

If that doesn’t read as Thaksin is the head of the PPP, I don’t know what does. I wonder what will happen to that party now that it meets the requirement to be disqualified, banned or more.

[sriracha john]

Some of the horses aren't even getting out of the starting gate..... because they're carrying more than one jockey....

EC disqualifies 37 Party-list names

The Election Commission yesterday removed 37 candidates from 16 party lists competing in all eight proportional zones. Those eliminated can appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court within seven days

Of the 37, 33 were eliminated because of multiple party membership. One appeared on two party lists, two had applied to contest both the direct and proportionate elections, and one's address was not in the area to qualify for the race.

Those disqualified include six Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana candidates: General Anant Amaratchakul, Rit Sriprasert, Arthit Yuthaseri, Kanchana Prasert, Amnuay Pumma, Samran Sinthong. Also removed were People Power Party's Ruangdej Luangboriboon, Matchima Thipataya Party's Pataramongkol Apiratpong, Amarin Korman, Dr Theerayuth Nimsakul, and Puea Pandin Party's Sithichai Kwosurat and Pinij Satsara, and Pracharaj Party's Ornanong Purikantanont.

Five candidates from Palang Paendin Party, two from Farmer Force Party, one from Rak Muang Thai Party, one from Prachakorn Thai Party, and two from the Democratic Development Party were also ruled ineligible.

Matchima Thipataya leader Prachai Leophairatana said Amarin had resigned from Prachakorn Thai Party five years ago, but then party leader Samak Sundaravej did not report it to the Election Commission. He believed Amarin would be allowed to contest if he showed his resignation to the Supreme Court. The other two candidates also have valid grounds to defend themselves, he said.

Puea Pandin Party Deputy Leader Sithichai insisted that he was a member only of Puea Pandin and not also of People Power Party. "I left Thai Rak Thai Party and have never applied to [join] People Power Party but there have been telephone calls from the latter party to get me to resign from that party. If I have never been a member, why should I submit a resignation?'' he said.

He said he would explain the matter at a press conference today. Puea Pandin Party Leader Suwit Khunkitti said the party had no choice but let the two candidates be removed and would not re-field any replacements for them.

- The Nation

Edited November 22, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

People Power Party Launches National Security Team

Today the People Power Party's team for national security has been announced. On Wednesday, the People Power Party of Samak Sundaravej already announced their party team for national security.

A press conference was held at the party's office where Deputy Leader, General Ruangroj Mahasaranont introduced the names of the members of the party's security team, which included General Kwanchart Klaharn, who is former Region 4 Army Commander, General Udomchai Ongsingh, former Region 3 Army Commander and Jarupong Ruengsuwan, who was former Permanent-Secretary of the Labour Ministry.

The People Power Party says it will focus on a peace-reinforcing policy as a priority to create a harmonizing atmosphere in politics to promote the unity of the nation. The party will support a violence-ending policy in which every political party cohesively work together. The party's team dealing with national security says the party's policy on security will be officially announced this coming Friday.

Meanwhile, former acting leader of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party Chaturon Chaisaeng, who is now facing a political rights ban penalty, says he and his team of former executive members of the Thai Rak Thai Party will host a public talk at Lumpinee Park this coming Friday.

Chaturon says that the topic will focus on the fairness of elections as a key solution to solve political problems. The Thai Rak Thai former acting leader states that his team will comment on the performance of the Election Commission, as well as the Council for National Security and the National Vote-Buying Eradication Committee, during the talk.

Furthermore, Chaturon added that part of the talk includes a close watch on the three major political parties said to step forward to hand in hand lead the next government.

A source revealed that there is no confirmation from two former leading members of the ousted Party Sudarat Keyurapan and Newin Chidchob that they will join the speech session this coming Friday.

- Thailand Outlook

[Jai Dee]

EC disqualifies candidacy of 37 party representatives

The Election Commission (EC) has announced the names of candidates registered in the party-list system. The announcement spells out 31 parties and 1,260 candidates. The EC though, has disqualified 37 representatives. Most were disqualified on grounds of registering with more than one party.

EC Secretary-General Prawing Kachachiva (ประวิง คชาชีวะ) revealed that of the 37 disqualified representatives, 33 were found to be registered with more than one party. The party with the most disqualified members was the Ruam Jai Thai party with 6 members, followed by the For the Motherland party with 5 members.

The EC states though that the disqualified representatives may appeal to the court within 7 days to reinstate their rights.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 November 2007

[sriracha john]

He's backed down from pushing the envelope... and for a rather odd reason...

Ex-TRT Leader postpones public speech

Former acting Thai Rak Thai (TRT) leader Chaturon Chaisaeng has postponed a public speech planned for Friday at Suan Lumpini, citing that police officers were too busy to monitor the planned event. Chaturon, one of the 111 former TRT party executives banned from politics for five years by the Constitution Tribunal, handed an open-letter to the United Nations Human Rights Council this afternoon before announcing the postponement of his planned speech. Chaturon and the other former party executives claim that the Election Commission had violated their rights by issuing election “guidelines” which ban all 111 people from taking part in election campaigning.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=123832

[John K]

Actually the excuse is valid because of Loi Krathong and police assignments. However it does sound more like he got a call from Thaksin. If he reschedules then you will know what one is correct.

[sriracha john]

Has Tony Clifton started working for The Nation??? :unsure

Thai Rak Thai

The Nation

HOUSE NO. 111

A cuckoo's nest for birds of the same feather

It's a home of sorts for the banned TRT executives to exercise their 'political rights'

Politics in the upcoming election may employ the same grammar and logic as previous campaigns but new words, labels and expressions have been created to capture the imagination of the voters.

This new vocabulary may not change the political discourse - but it does make it easier for voters to remember.

The Constitution Tribunal's historic ruling to dissolve the Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT) and strip its 111 executives of their electoral rights for five years has inspired the media and politicians to come up with all kinds of labels.

The new phrase "Baan Lek Thi 111" (House No 111) is now all over the media. Unlike No 10 Downing Street, the office of the British Prime Minister, House No 111 is not literally a residence, but a shelter for the 111 banned TRT executives. It was founded by banned TRT executive Chaturon Chaisang after the Election Commission (EC)resolved to prohibit them from taking part in public rallies in the run-up to the December 23 election.

The EC also decided to prohibit the former TRT executives from having their photos taken with election candidates, taking any political position in any party, and being a member of any party.

The residence, in fact, doesn't exist. Its members will simply use a stage as their "house" in rallies around the country to defy the EC's decision. They did plan to publicly open their new house and unveil their "Baan Lek Thi 111 Meets the People" show today in Lumpini Park - but their request to use the area was turned down by the city authorities.

So who lives in the house?

Well, the Chomrom Kon Hiew Hua (Head Carrier Association) or the Chomrom Kon Hua Hai (Headless Association). This is another expression dubbed by the media to label the 111 banned members. It was teasingly named after a comedy movie called "Kon Hiew Hua" or The Head Carrier.

The movie is about a good-for-nothing father who swears that he will not die unless he finds a large sum of money to pay for his young son's tuition. He then gets involved with a crime, robbing a gambling circle of millions of baht. But his accomplices get greedy. They cut off his head and dump the body and head separately. Before the father is killed, he hides the money and keeps the key to the hidden loot on his person. The head knows where the money is but needs the key to get to it - which is with the body. The challenge then is to get body and head reunited, and stitched back together.

In a political context, the name is used to describe those who are (temporarily) dead in politics but who would like to carry on living for the sake of their parties.

The banned TRT executives are likened to the "head" in the movie and the PPP members are compared to the "body". Even if the head and the body were cut off, they both still need each other. So the body has to carry the head all the time otherwise they cannot reach their goal.

"Ponlamuang Chan Song" (Second-Class Citizen) is another expression used to describe the members of House No 111 by one of its members Sudarat Keyuraphan. She complained that the 111 members are now being treated like second class citizens. Sudarat plans to invite the other 110 banned executives, and anyone else who is interested in creating a website, www.secondclass111.com, to air their political views. Sudarat expects to launch the website in the next two weeks.

Chaiyan Chaiporn, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University, said creating words and expressions to use in a political context or news does have an impact on voter recall - but not on the decision on how to vote.

"Sudarat chose the right label for herself. However, her fans felt sorry for her before she even gave herself that label, but it won't get much sympathy from those who realise the wrongdoers need to be punished," he said.

The word "GMO Party" is currently being used for the political parties that broke away from the TRT after the September coup. They are Matchima Thipataya, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, and Puea Pandin.

Chaiyan said the term "GMO Party" or calling Samak a "nominee" of exiled prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra are not a new phenomenon. This behaviour has happened before - but in a time when "GMO" and "nominee" were not yet in use.

Many years ago, the Social Action Party split from the Democrats and conservative leader Luang Phibulsongkram (Plaek Phibulsongkram) then appointed Democrat leader Khuang Apiwong to be PM, as a nominee for him, said Chaiyan. Meanwhile, "Bonsai" is used as a verb to describe the junta's attempt to check the growth of the PPP.

Normally, the media creates a phrase or a short and easy to remember sentence when writing the news. If the media uses them enough, then the readers will remember, Chaiyan said.

However, he believes these words are only temporary and will go out of fashion when new events overtake them and new words are invented, he said.

For example, the Chart Thai Party is dubbed "Pla Lhai" (or 'eel') as it has a reputation of being a slippery political party. If in the next 20 years the eel becomes extinct - then a new word will have to be created, he said.

- The Nation

Edited November 22, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

House No 111 may need to open a room soon for 3 more...

Three PPP candidates in Korat investigated for vote-buying

The Election Commission has launched the investigation into a vote-buying case involving three constituency candidates of the People Power Party in Nakhon Ratchasima, EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said on Thursday.

"The EC will proceed with caution to examine evidence before drawing any conclusion," he said. The most contentious issue is whether the payments were meant to buy votes, he said.

The parties and candidates should step up precautionary checks to ensure their complaince with campaigning rules, he said.

Following a tip-off on November 13, provincial police uncovered and seized Bt10,700 from a vote canvasser Tee Sae Lek. The funds were stashed in several envelopes, each containing Bt200, Bt300 and Bt500 bank notes stapled to a list of three candidates. *doing business the old-fashioned way*

The canvasser claimed that the funds were earmarked to pay transportation costs for constituents to attend the November 12 campaign rally. The three candidates involved are Prasert Chanruangthong, Linda Choedchai and Boonlert Krudkhuntode.

Reacting to news reports, Boonlert said his campaign had no linkage to canvasser Tee. *but of course not... that's the way it's supposed to work*

- The Nation

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

Don't forget to pack your toothbrushes on your way to the House, you three..

Edited November 22, 2007 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

PM confident that 111 Thai Rak Thai leaders actions will not affect election

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior General Surayud Chulanont commented on recent activity by 111 disbanded members of the Thai Rak Thai party who have been banned from politics. The members have filed complaints concerning the terms of their bans with the United Nations council on Human Rights.

General Surayud stated that the government cannot cease such activity and will not attempt to disrupt the work of the UN but he is confident the issue will not effect the upcoming election. The Prime Minister stated that the issue was the decision of individuals and would not affect the political situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 November 2007

[Jai Dee]

Banharn says Chart Thai friend to all

Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa said Friday that his party is friend to all parties and has not committed itself to be an ally of the Democrat Party.

He said the Chart Thai's commitment to be an ally of the Democrat has ended.

He said the situation could change after the election.

Source: The Nation - 23 November 2007

[Jai Dee]

PPP denies its alliance with Chart Thai, Matchima

People Power Party deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat ruled out the speculation on Friday that his party was in an alliance with Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties to form the next coalition following the December 23 election.

Yongyuth also brushed aside a scenario that the PPP might prop up Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapaarcha as the next prime minister in order to avoid political tensions if its constroversial leader Samak Sundaravej were to take the job.

"The PPP has garnered many sympathy votes because it is a victim of a smear campaign," he said.

He conceded that rumour mongers might be PPP insiders who made irresponsible comments aimed to please the local press.

"When I have a chance to go to my party's office, I will tell these rumour mongers to stop this kind of speculation," he said.

He said the PPP would not do anything that can be construed as fuelling the turmoil.

He spoke on the sidelines of his campaign trial in Bang Kapi.

Meanwhile Banharn said in a campaign speech in Kalasin that he was ready to be a friend of every party.

He said he had no advance commitments with the Democrat Party as speculated.

"The Chart Thai Democrat alliance existed when the two parties were in the opposition," he said, adding that his party is willing to negotiate with every party after the balloting outcome is known.

Source: The Nation - 23 November 2007

[sriracha john]

People Power Party deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat

spoke on the sidelines of his campaign trial in Bang Kapi.

Supposedly a typo that could very well turn out to not be a typo eventually.

[John K]

Sounds like some posturing going on for some of the small parties. I also think the PPP has noticed they are in the middle of a minefield that they walked into all on their own with arrogance.

[hammered]

PM confident that 111 Thai Rak Thai leaders actions will not affect election

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior General Surayud Chulanont commented on recent activity by 111 disbanded members of the Thai Rak Thai party who have been banned from politics. The members have filed complaints concerning the terms of their bans with the United Nations council on Human Rights.

General Surayud stated that the government cannot cease such activity and will not attempt to disrupt the work of the UN but he is confident the issue will not effect the upcoming election. The Prime Minister stated that the issue was the decision of individuals and would not affect the political situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 November 2007

That is a somewaht peice of wishful thinking, some would say delusional, considering one of the 111 has his own proxie party which many analysts expect to win the most seats even if they dont win the election.