New Political Party Ready To Launch

[Netfan]

my favorite is the last on their list...

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

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

Published on Dec 29, 2006

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

The Nation

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

ah yes, the people and party with the interests of the poor at heart

[sriracha john]

Sudarat denies anti-charter campaign

Sudarat Keyurapan has denied reports the Thai Rak Thai group had plans to spend money on a campaign against the draft constitution which is scheduled to be put to a national referendum on August 19.

The core leader of the Thai Rak Thai group, however, did vow to vote against the draft charter herself.

Sudarat also expressed disapproval over movements by various groups that have been parading and holding gatherings to overturn the draft constitution. She affirms these people are not linked to the Thai Rak Thai group.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120202

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

Thai Rak Thai is not linked to anti-draft constitution movements??? Since when???

Oh, wait a sec...she must be speaking for Thai Rak Thai III, because Thai Rak Thai II, IV, and V are all opposed... although admittedly, some of the versions may be incorrectly numbered.

Or... as there seems to be hourly changes within Thai Rak Thai, maybe she was saying they aren't linked as of 6:45 am this morning.

Edited July 16, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Sudarat denies anti-charter campaign

Sudarat Keyurapan has denied reports the Thai Rak Thai group had plans to spend money on a campaign against the draft constitution which is scheduled to be put to a national referendum on August 19.

The core leader of the Thai Rak Thai group, however, did vow to vote against the draft charter herself.

Sudarat also expressed disapproval over movements by various groups that have been parading and holding gatherings to overturn the draft constitution. She affirms these people are not linked to the Thai Rak Thai group.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120202

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

Thai Rak Thai is not linked to anti-draft constitution movements??? Since when???

Oh, wait a sec...she must be speaking for Thai Rak Thai III, because Thai Rak Thai II, IV, and V are all opposed... although admittedly, some of the versions may be incorrectly numbered.

Or... as there seems to be hourly changes within Thai Rak Thai, maybe she was saying they aren't linked as of 6:45 am this morning.

Difficult tightrope to walk when your own personal voter base is in Bangkok and they want elections ASAP and yet you are in Master Thaksins Rump brigade and they want the charter down and elections not ASAP. Not easy times for Sudarat.

[Mid]

nearly time to give up ,

apparently everybody knows that the substandard draft will go through to get to the prized elections ,

and nobody cares .......................

[hammered]

nearly time to give up ,

apparently everybody knows that the substandard draft will go through to get to the prized elections ,

and nobody cares .......................

I was briefly up the old Northern village this weekend. Dont know how people will vote on the charter but those we spoke to seemed to think an election was the fair way both for charter and the next government. It was also added that as in every election strong advice would be given on who to vote for, so no change there. Well maybe who is giving the advice or what that advice is may have changed from the last vote.

[Plus]

And why should they?

Whatever paper they accept as their consitution won't change very much, it's just a paper, after all. It might start make a difference if the generals insist on politicians following it, but then democracy lovers will decry it as military meddling with people's representatives.

A true people's constitution would have to reflect true aspirations of thousands of politicians and millions of their followers - more money, more power, more repsect. More money to local MPs, no accountability, higher payment for votes etc. etc. A true people's constitution would be so ugly generals would have a fit and commit mass harakiri.

[Jai Dee]

Ruam Jai Thai announces new party members

The Ruam Jai Thai Party announces that its party has recruited former MPs, however they have not selected the party leader yet.

One of the executives from the Ruam Jai Thai Party, Mr Pradit Phattharaprasit (ประดิษฐ์ ภัทรประสิทธิ์) reveals the party has yet decide who should be heading the Party as they are being very careful in selecting the most ideal candidate.

In the meantime Mr.Anek Laothamatas (เอนก เหล่าธรรมทัศน์) views he could not possibly think that CNS Chairman and Commander-in-Chief Gen.Sonthi Boonaratklin would be a politician at this period of time since Gen.Sonthi is currently active in his post until the term of interim government ends.

Some of the new MPs at Ruam Jai Thai include former deputy leader for Mahachon party Mr.Pornthep Teijapaiboon (พรเทพ เตชะไพบูลย์) and his wife Mrs.Papassara Teijapaiboon (ปภัสรา เตชะไพบูลย์), the former governor of Tourism of Thailand Mrs.Juthamas Siriwan (จุฑามาศ ศิริวรรณ), Mrs.Jiraporn Kajasenee (จิรากรณ์ คชเสนีย์), a nephew of former Prime Minister Mr.Assawin Apaiwong (อัศวิน อภัยวงศ์), an academic and former foreign affairs state official Mr.Nopwong Noppaket (นายณพงศ์ นพเกตุ).

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

[deminister]

It certainly seems dominated by banned TRT bigwigs...

Once the banning goes into complete effect... it'll be interesting to see what level of participation in this party's functioning they play.

First of all the ruling of the Junta appointed Kangaroo court tok ful effect immediately, which cannot barr anyone from being an advisor. It will not take too long though, dictators are always busy rewriting new charters but always without a bill of rights. By the way who cares what this bunch coup takers are doing, what they did was against the law and they should be held accountable. for those smart people who supported the military white noses only d so on irrational grounds like the visa runs have been made more difficult, and the newspapers and dirty old man Chamlong was against Thaksin, have seen who the real Devil is.

Now an emergency bill will come into effect, rubber-stamped by an parliament of parrots, which will bring this junta on par with that of Burma. Good luck all with your Thaksin criticism. Chuan is another man who lost all his credibility by constantly giving the junta crooks an okay and informing about his friends. If the junta was real honest they would not have raised their salaries to 891,000 baht a month and they would have brought Sanoh to justice for admitting that he bought senators, Suthep would have been in jal for his links with DTAC and his taxfree payments Jaruvan in jail for not being impartial and employing half her family, Banharn for building Banharn (supan) buri on his own from government money, Chuan for having not spent one baht in his own stronghold the South, Prem for interfering in the work of the parliament (what can ou expect from an 8 year long dictator) and the courts would have allowed us to question their wisdom. You can read a sentence for ten days in a row but without substance it is just another joke. Why did the kangaroo court not proof that each and every banned politician was involved. Ho could it have been possible that the military knew about the sentence upfront. Sonthi stinks!

[sriracha john]

Former TRT to form new party after Boonklee's refusal to enter politics

Remnants of disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party are determined to form a new party although they still lack a helmsman after Shin executive chairman Boonklee Plangsiri refused on Thursday to enter politics.

The disbanded party is slated to start up again as Thai Ruam Thai Party.

"In reference to news reports about my aspiration to lead a party, I deny such speculation as groundless as I have earlier dismissed similar reports," Boonklee said in a statement. He said he had no interest in politics and would not embark on a political career in the present or the future.

According to speculation by Thai Rak Thai remnants, Boonklee would be installed as the Thai Ruam Thai leader and his two deputies would be Surapong Suebwonglee and Somchai Wongsawat. Surapong is former spokesman of the Thaksin Shinawatra government and Somchai is Thaksin's brotherinlaw.

Thaksin's chief legal adviser Noppadon Patama said the ousted premier had heard the speculation about Boonklee's future. "Thaksin has praised Boonklee as a capable person although he is not certain whether the Shin executive will accept to lead a new party," Noppadon said.

Turning to his involvement with Thai Ruam Thai, he said he was ready to work under the new banner in whatever role and position deemed necessary.

Pongpol Adireksarn, a banned party executive, said Thai Rak Thai Group would move ahead with the registration of a new party. The core group forming the new party would include Thai Rak Thai executives and members who were not affected by the party disbandment, he said.

"Sompong Amornwiwat is tasked to handle the party registration process and will be designated as caretaker leader until the new party's convention to elect its new leader," he said.

He said it was too early to speculate on the Thai Ruam Thai leader, arguing that Boonklee's name was floated to solicit reactions rather than a genuine support for his leadership.

Thai Rak Thai executives have been rallying behind Chaturon Chaisang. They are preparing to take a backseat in the new party to assist colleagues who elude the ban to carry on Thaksin's legacy.

Thai Ruam Thai, if formed and under the soon-to-be-named leader, is slated to campaign to advance forward policies initiated by Thaksin.

Members of the Chaturon's clique, notably Sutham Saengpratoom and Pongthep Thepkanchana, have been surprised about Boonklee as their new leader.

Pongthep has reminded political observers not to speculate on the new party leader until they have had a chance to review the list of Thai Ruam Thai founders.

- The Nation

[Siripon]

I predict Surapong, the husband of a cosmetic company\clinic businesswoman, will be the new leader of the TRT brigade.

If he can't form the TRT part 2, Thai Ruam Thai in time, he and the other TRT boys and girls, ( don't forget Thaksin had 3 lists of potential MPs amounting to 500 people in all), can join one of the established parties, ie Samak's tired right- wing horse, Prachakorn Thai.

Plenty of options for the 'disenfranchised'.

[hammered]

I predict Surapong, the husband of a cosmetic company\clinic businesswoman, will be the new leader of the TRT brigade.

If he can't form the TRT part 2, Thai Ruam Thai in time, he and the other TRT boys and girls, ( don't forget Thaksin had 3 lists of potential MPs amounting to 500 people in all), can join one of the established parties, ie Samak's tired right- wing horse, Prachakorn Thai.

Plenty of options for the 'disenfranchised'.

There will be a certain irony if the TRT wannabes end up in Samaks facist party. There have been rumors that the hero of Ban Rom Khlao will return to head up the the rump TRT, although a return to probably the most incompetent PM ever would not be something to look forward to. He may not even be technically sane anymore.

[Jai Dee]

Thai Rak Thai group could register under Thai Ruam Thai says Mrs Sodsri

The Election Commission (EC) indicates that Thai Rak (รัก) Thai group could register as the Thai Ruam (รวม) Thai Party, but its abbreviation cannot be TRT.

However, Mrs. Sodsri indicates TRT group is unable to register under the same name since the party is in the midst of auditing with the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand.

At the meantime the National Legislative Assembly will consider the Political Party Act.

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

[sriracha john]

New Thai Rak Thai leader to be announced next month

The new Thai Rak Thai party will announce its leader early next month, a leading member said Friday. Surapong Suebwonglee said the executive board of the new party, which has yet to be set up, will be announced on Monday.

He said the executive board will have some 60 members.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Thaksin will cast shadow on next polls

As the pro-Thaksin Thai Rak Thai remnants and some other hopeful political groupings are desperately searching for suitable leaders who can lead their yet-to-be-formed political parties to fulfil their dream at the forthcoming general elections, the Democrats are, by comparison, in a far better and more advantageous position. Wasting no time since the lifting of a sweeping ban against political activities imposed in the aftermath of the Sept 19 coup, the veteran party kick-started the electoral race with its first general meeting on Friday at a Bangkok hotel followed by the first fund-raising a day later at Bitec exhibition hall. Television spots featuring a confident Abhisit Vejjajiva, the party leader, talking about the party's new agenda ''People First'' have been aired.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Jul2007_news17.php

[Mid]

Thai Rak Thai to indefinitely postpone its general assembly

July 23, 2007 : Last updated 03:23 pm

The Thai Rak Thai group will indefinitely postpone its general assembly from July 26, which is the birthday of former Thai Rak Thai leader and ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Sompong Amornwiwat, chairman of the group's committee in charge of selecting executive board, said the initial date for the assembly happened to fall on Thaksin's birthday so the group did not want to cause further damages to Thaksin.

"So, we decided to postpone the assembly for fear that the date would be misinterpreted. After the Buddhist Lent Day, we will discuss the date for the assembly," Sompong said.

The Nation

[Mid]

Thaksin's brother-in-law to become Thai Rak Thai executive

July 23, 2007 : Last updated 04:42 pm

Somchai wongsawat, Surapong Seubwonglee and Sompong Amornwiwat are among those expected to be new executives of Thai Rak Thai group, Sompong said Monday.

Somchai, a brother-in-law of former prime minister and Thai Rak Thai Party leader Thaksin Shinawata, has been regarded with high possibility to be the leader of the new party.

However, this is the first time a name of the new executives for Thai Rak Thai group is openly announced.

Sompong said the group was considering 75 former Thai Rak Thai MPs whose voting right was not revoked after the party dissolution. Nine11 executives of the group are expected to be appointed within this week.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

Somchai Wongsawat, Surapong Seubwonglee and Sompong Amornwiwat are among those expected to be new executives of Thai Rak Thai group, Sompong said Monday.

Somchai, a brother-in-law of former prime minister and Thai Rak Thai Party leader Thaksin Shinawata, has been regarded with high possibility to be the leader of the new party.

Somchai Wongsawat and his ever-so-cuddly wife, Yaowapa (Thaksin's younger sister).

[sriracha john]

Thai Rak Thai to take over Palang Prachachon

The Thai Rak Thai Group has decided to take over the Palang Prachachon Party as its new political banner, a leading member of the group said Saturday.

Surapong Suebwonglee told a press conference that the group had decided to join the Palang Prachachon because it has similar platform with the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party.

Surapong said the group has resolved unanimously to join the Palang Prachachon.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Now that they have bought themselves a nominee company, it'll be time soon to move the TRT furniture into their new offices...

TRT members agree to move on

Unanimous vote to join up with little-known Palang Prachachon party

The TRT group has decided to join the little-known Palang Prachachon party to guarantee its members a chance to stand in the next general election, one of the group's core leaders said yesterday. Surapong Suebwonglee, a former cabinet minister and government spokesman under TRT, said a joint decision by some 300 group members was made to join the Palang Prachachon (People's Power) party. According to Surapong, the party shares similar policy platforms with the disbanded TRT party and is in support of a welfare state and poverty eradication. The decision to join the small party, which was founded in 1998, was unanimous, he said. However, the move is being seen more as a takeover than a merger. It is also being seen as an attempt to avert complications in case the draft charter is voted down in the Aug 19 referendum and the 1997 constitution is reinstated along with its electoral laws that parliamentary candidates must be a member of a political party for at least 90 days prior to the election. If that happens and former TRT members are unable to launch a new party at least 90 days before the election day, they would be ineligible to run for parliament. Surapong said, ''We will follow the party's rules and policy for the time being. Changes will be made gradually,'' he said. He also confirmed that group leaders had approached former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej to join the group. A staunch supporter of Thaksin Shinawatra, he said he needs time to consider the offer. Karn Tienkaew, chief adviser to the Palang Prachachon party, said the party expects to inform the Election Commission of the changes next week. Dismissing criticism the party was effectively being taken over, he said he felt honoured to be working with former members of Thai Rak Thai.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/29Jul2007_news10.php

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

Interesting they still have obligations to Samak to make him a job offer... even while he is currently out on bail awaiting trial on corruption.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin allies take over small party to contest polls

BANGKOK - More than 300 allies of ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra agreed Saturday to take over a small, novice political party so they can contest elections due by December, an official said.

Thaksin's party was dissolved in May by a military-appointed court which also barred the billionaire politician and 110 other party executives from politics for five years.

But more than 300 top members of banned Thai Rak Thai, including 160 former parliamentarians, agreed to join the People Power party, enabling them to run in polls the military has promised to hold by year's end, an official said.

"We chose the People Power party because it has a policy platform similar to Thai Rak Thai's," said TRT chief Surapong Suebwonglee.

TRT members will take over the party's executive committee, while former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej has been asked to become the party's new leader, Surapong said.

People Power has never held a seat in parliament, and the sudden arrival of hundreds of experienced politicians from Thaksin's camp will dramatically raise the profile of a party little known to most Thais.

Surapong said the TRT members wanted to join a party to make sure they would be able to contest the next elections.

Under Thailand's previous electoral system, politicians were required to be members of a party for 90 days before an election in order to run in the race.

- AFP

[sriracha john]

Police Lieutenant Colonel Karn Thienkaew, advisory chairman of People Power Party, insisted that his party was not bought. Karn said his party was willing to continue policies of Thai Rak Thai Party, founded by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and disbanded on May 30 by the Constitution Tribunal for election fraud in April 2006.

- MCOT

[brahmburgers]

Welcome to Flavor of the Weak Party.

meanwhile, the little people out in the boonies will vote for;

the candidates with the splashiest campaign and biggest posters and the slickest promises of riches (main issue: forgiveness of debts)

and/or

the candiates with the better vote buying organization.

In previous lead-ups to elections, TRT totally thwamped the competition with number (and slickness) of posters. In my rural area, there were posters on every power pole from horizon to horizon (is it even legal to hang posters from power poles?).

The village headman (pu yai ban) played pre-recorded TRT cassettes on the village P.A. every day, starting at 6:40 a.m.

Expect the same from the neo TRT party - by whatever name it finally decides upon. ....the party that has yet to announce any policies or declare any stance on issues of the day. The party members are just towing their cash wagons from one trough to another - depending on which offers the most secure and biggest pay-outs.

[sriracha john]

just in case there wasn't enough Thaksin flavoring in their new nominee soup, the ill-suited Noppadope, who continues to struggle to find a decent tailoring shop, falls off the shelf and into the couldron...

Thaksin's legal advisor to join People's Power party

Thaksin Shinawatra’s legal aide has applied to become a member of the People’s Power party (Palang Prachachon). Noppadon Pattama affirms he is in talks with the party’s founders to join as a party member, following in the footsteps of members of the TRT group who recently announced their decision to join the party. Noppadon admitted he has long been interested in politics and, as a former member of the now defunct TRT party, admires the Palang Prachachon party for their policies, which he claims are similar to the former TRT’s. He also insists that his political ambitions will not have any effect on his work for Thaksin Shinawatra as his legal advisor.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120526

Edited July 29, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

I love the run up to a Thai election. Oh the colour. Oh the incredible array of lies. Oh that holier than though we dont do no vote buying. We can guarantee a solemn oath or two on relics or things held dear that the makers have all the intent of keeping or being true for about as long as it takes to get out of the glare of the channel 9 news crew filming them. We can await aliances of once sworn enemies now finding a romantic tryst to carve up a coalition more fitting than the blood feud contiued for a decade or two. We can await the same the faces we have know for centuries, or so it seems. And this time we have the thrill of waiting to see if the arch facist of Thailand Samak will be resurrcted from his politcal coffin fangs and all. Good God what next? Will we get to see the "son or Prem" and "hero of ban rom khlao" cominh charging out of the not so green Isaan at the head of a once broken faction spluttering a random array of words that nobody understands but nobody has the heart to call him on. Oh yes election time is drawing nigh again.

[blaze]

I love the run up to a Thai election. Oh the colour. Oh the incredible array of lies. Oh that holier than though we dont do no vote buying. We can guarantee a solemn oath or two on relics or things held dear that the makers have all the intent of keeping or being true for about as long as it takes to get out of the glare of the channel 9 news crew filming them. We can await aliances of once sworn enemies now finding a romantic tryst to carve up a coalition more fitting than the blood feud contiued for a decade or two. We can await the same the faces we have know for centuries, or so it seems. And this time we have the thrill of waiting to see if the arch facist of Thailand Samak will be resurrcted from his politcal coffin fangs and all. Good God what next? Will we get to see the "son or Prem" and "hero of ban rom khlao" cominh charging out of the not so green Isaan at the head of a once broken faction spluttering a random array of words that nobody understands but nobody has the heart to call him on. Oh yes election time is drawing nigh again.

[sriracha john]

TRT faction joins another small party

Saman Chan in bid to get Supachai to lead Social Action Party for polls

The Thai Rak Thai breakaway group Saman Chan, or Reconciliation, yesterday decided to join the Social Action Party and ask United Nations Conference on Trade and Development secretary-general Supachai Panitchpakdi to lead it.

Suwat Liptapanlop, Pinij Charusombat and Preecha Laohapongchana head the group.

The decision was reached after the Thai Rak Thai group on Saturday announced it was joining the little-known People Power Party, Saman Chan member Ekkaparp Polsue said yesterday.

He said his group discussed its political future and agreed it would not follow the Thai Rak Thai group.

Saman Chan, formerly known as the Lam Takong faction, has around 60 members.

They criticised the Thai Rak Thai move. "It is inappropriate. The key members are no experts in politics; especially their decision to approach former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej to be party leader," Surachart Chamnansin said.

He revealed some Thai Rak Thai members were unhappy with the move, and the offer to Samak, who they consider unpopular.

Veteran politician Samak has not yet accepted the position, according to People Power Party chief adviser Karn Thienkaew.

"We don't know of reports that Samak will be the party leader. All decisions have to be approved by the party executive. We do not fear criticism that the party is a nominee of the Thai Rak Thai," he said.

There are reports Sudarat Keyuraphan ordered former Bangkok members of Parliament of the Thai Rak Thai to join the People Power Party.

Thai Rak Thai group executive Theeraphan Palusuk said it decided to join the People Power Party because a merger was easy.

"Compared with Prachakorn Thai, the party's character is rather unique in both ideas and leaders," he said.

Samak founded Prachakorn Thai, or Thai Citizen. He is expected to become leader after Surapong Suebwonglee admitted he was in talks with the political veteran.

"Samak is known. He is a man who we want to be leader because his image accords with us. He is clearly opposed to dictatorship, like us. So we believe he can lead the party," he said.

Surapong said yesterday it would be clear within a week who the new leader would be.

He admitted some members had asked former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to be the leader. The former Army chief has emerged as another leading candidate.

Since it announced the People Power association, 421 Thai Rak Thai members have applied to join, Surapong said.

The People Power Party headquarters will move from Don Muang to a building at Lat Phrao owned by former member of Parliament Samphan Lertnuwat.

- The Nation

Edited July 30, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

The colonel is getting more testy about the innuendo of his puppet status....

Pol. Lt. Col. Karn Thienkaew denied rumours that the Palang Prachachon Party existed under the shadows of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai party and under the supervision of ousted Premier Thaksin Shinawatra. “The Palang Prachachon Party has contested in the general election since 1998. It’s not fair for people to spread baseless rumours about us just because major political party members or groups have suddenly chosen to defect to our party,” he said.

“We are nobody’s puppet. We intend to work together as a team with our new members. There will be no factions within our party,” he stressed.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120521

AND..... their list of potential leaders becomes even less impressive.... which is amazing in itself.....

Samak, Chavalit shortlisted to lead People's Power party

Thai Rak Thai group’s key leader Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee has disclosed that so far up to 421 of the group’s members have applied to become a member of the People’s Power party (Palang Prachachon) with the numbers expected to grow. Asked about the possibility that Samak Sundaravej would become leader of the party, Dr. Surapong revealed that the former Bangkok governor has yet to accept the offer. “We haven’t received any response from Mr. Samak regarding this issue but we believe he will get back to us very soon,” Dr. Surapong said. However, Mr. Samak is not the only name on the party’s shortlist of candidates. General Chavalit Yongchaiyut has also reportedly been asked to consider leading the People’s Power party.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120535

Edited July 30, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

Well I wonder if there will be a conflict of interest if Noppadon gets involved in politics. If there was any doubt of who will be Thaksin’s political puppet... the wait is over. (Should be plural but you know that)

[hammered]

The colonel is getting more testy about the innuendo of his puppet status....

Pol. Lt. Col. Karn Thienkaew denied rumours that the Palang Prachachon Party existed under the shadows of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai party and under the supervision of ousted Premier Thaksin Shinawatra. “The Palang Prachachon Party has contested in the general election since 1998. It’s not fair for people to spread baseless rumours about us just because major political party members or groups have suddenly chosen to defect to our party,” he said.

“We are nobody’s puppet. We intend to work together as a team with our new members. There will be no factions within our party,” he stressed.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120521

AND..... their list of potential leaders becomes even less impressive.... which is amazing in itself.....

Samak, Chavalit shortlisted to lead People's Power party

Thai Rak Thai group’s key leader Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee has disclosed that so far up to 421 of the group’s members have applied to become a member of the People’s Power party (Palang Prachachon) with the numbers expected to grow. Asked about the possibility that Samak Sundaravej would become leader of the party, Dr. Surapong revealed that the former Bangkok governor has yet to accept the offer. “We haven’t received any response from Mr. Samak regarding this issue but we believe he will get back to us very soon,” Dr. Surapong said. However, Mr. Samak is not the only name on the party’s shortlist of candidates. General Chavalit Yongchaiyut has also reportedly been asked to consider leading the People’s Power party.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120535

Ah so now we get to be even more confused over the label. Were the TRT the new power who the media labeled the old power and now the new power trying to prove they are the old power by grafting on a dinosaur head? Confuse everyone is a trait of one of the aforementioned and previously disastrous for the country dino-politicos. Oh what fun. Maybe someone wants to exhume Montri and put him at the head of a new column of mega-project endorsing guns for hire. I wonder if Abhisit will do the honourable thing and step aside for Chuan. Welcome to the time machine election.

[John K]

At the moment I can’t help but wonder how much of a dream world these guys are in. Phantom Thaksin coattails? The magical ability to make things happen in their pockets? The new revitalized AEC looking at their every move. It is too soon to say but this takeover reminds me of a parasite. “We need to use your name, move over and shut up.”