New Political Party Ready To Launch

[sriracha john]

EC requests ICT Ministry to inspect websites with messages concerning election

The Election Commission (EC) submitted a letter to the Ministry of Information and Communication (ICT) Technology to request its cooperation in inspecting and reporting websites which may violate election laws.

Inspector and Spokesman of the ICT Ministry, Thaneerat Siripachana said the EC has called for the ministry to inspect websites and other forms of electronic media which contain messages intended to persuade the eligible voters to vote for or against particular candidates for member of the parliament running in the general election.

EC also requested the ministry to report it of websites which might violate the election laws.

- ThaiNews

[sriracha john]

EC calls for closure of hi-thaksin.net

The Election Commission (EC) requested relevant units to close down www.hi-thaksin.net as its content is deemed inappropriate and may stir repercussions on national security.

Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayathum said the EC has no mandate to close down the website and voices strong disagreement with the content which contains speeches of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

As for the People Power Party’s announcement that it will appoint Thaksin as an advisor, if elected as the government, Mrs Sodsri says EC has already informed the party of the limitations of the disbanded 111 TRT executives.

She affirms EC has the power to dissolve political parties even if the new government is formed.

- ThaiNews

[sriracha john]

Sithichai reinstated as Puea Pandin Party-list candidate for Zone 4

The Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday to reinstate the candidacy of Sithichai Kowsurat under the Puea Pandin Party list on grounds that his duplicate membership for the People Power Party was falsified.

The high court found that Sithichai's signature for the PPP membership application was false and that he was away on a trip upconntry on the date the application was filed without his consent.

The Election Commission disqualified Sithichai last month based on its discovery of duplicate membership documents filed at the two parties.

The Nation

Any fall-out to the People Power Party for falsifying Sithichai's signature for the PPP membership application?

In some places, that's called forgery.

Speaking of fall-out....

Prachai resigns from Matchima Thipataya

Prachai Leophairatana announced his resignation from Matchima Thipataya Party on Tuesday, a day after he was found guilty of manipulating shares in TPI Polene Plc.

Mr Prachai also stepped down as Party Leader.

Well at least he is taking responsibility

I'm sure Samak will follow his example and resign from the People Power Party for the forgery his party committed.

Perhaps there won't be any need for him to resign.... not if there isn't any Party to resign from....

as apparently there IS a good chance of some fall-out for what is known as forgery in some places.... and it just so happens that Thailand is one of those places...

The forged documents

People Power to Be Disbanded If Found Forging Signature in Application

The Election Commission indicates that the People Power Party may face dissolution if it is found to have forged the signature in a membership application form.

The Election Commissioner responsible for political party affairs, Sodsri Satayatham, expresses her viewpoint that Sitthichai Kowsurat, the party-list MP candidate under the Puea Pandin Party, has the right to file a complaint to the Election Commission (EC) to consider the People Power Party's alleged forgery of his signature in a membership application form.

The Supreme Court earlier reinstated the part-list MP candidacy to Sitthichai after it was proven that his signature in the People Power Party's application form was not his.

The Election Commissioner says the EC will consider the matter according to the Supreme Court's ruling and all additional evidence, including the explanation from the People Power Party.

Asked whether the People Power Party would be dissolved if it is found guilty of forgery, Sodsri says the EC will have to deliberate the extent of the party's involvement in the falsification.

The Election Commissioner adds that the Supreme Court's ruling is the final verdict, citing that the EC's regulation clearly states that a party leader must sign his or her name to verify the application of a new party member.

Asked whether the matter may simply be an error in documentation, the Election Commissioner says that will have to be further examined. * Ahhh.... now there's a Thaksin-ism... "It was just a honest mistake." "We didn't know we couldn't sign someone else's name to an official and legal document." *

In the meantime, Sitthichai Kowsurat, the party-list MP candidate of the Puea Pan Din Party, says he will not take any action nor file any civil lawsuit against the People Power Party as he is heeding His Majesty the King's call for unity among all Thais.

Sitthichai was earlier barred from running in the election by the EC, which said he holds membership in two political parties. However, he was recently reinstated candidacy by the Supreme Court. He had announced that he would file a lawsuit against the People Power Party for forging his signature on the party's membership application.

At the same time, Peua Pandin Party Leader Suwit Khunkitti calls on all parties to end their conflicts and respect the judiciary system while insisting that he will not initiate a quarrel with anyone.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited December 6, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Sithichai reinstated as Puea Pandin Party-list candidate for Zone 4

The Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday to reinstate the candidacy of Sithichai Kowsurat under the Puea Pandin Party list on grounds that his duplicate membership for the People Power Party was falsified.

The high court found that Sithichai's signature for the PPP membership application was false and that he was away on a trip upconntry on the date the application was filed without his consent.

The Election Commission disqualified Sithichai last month based on its discovery of duplicate membership documents filed at the two parties.

The Nation

Any fall-out to the People Power Party for falsifying Sithichai's signature for the PPP membership application?

In some places, that's called forgery.

Speaking of fall-out....

Prachai resigns from Matchima Thipataya

Prachai Leophairatana announced his resignation from Matchima Thipataya Party on Tuesday, a day after he was found guilty of manipulating shares in TPI Polene Plc.

Mr Prachai also stepped down as Party Leader.

Well at least he is taking responsibility

I'm sure Samak will follow his example and resign from the People Power Party for the forgery his party committed.

Perhaps there won't be any need for him to resign.... not if there isn't any Party to resign from....

as apparently there IS a good chance of some fall-out for what is known as forgery in some places.... and it just so happens that Thailand is one of those places...

The forged documents

People Power to Be Disbanded If Found Forging Signature in Application

The Election Commission indicates that the People Power Party may face dissolution if it is found to have forged the signature in a membership application form.

The Election Commissioner responsible for political party affairs, Sodsri Satayatham, expresses her viewpoint that Sitthichai Kowsurat, the party-list MP candidate under the Puea Pandin Party, has the right to file a complaint to the Election Commission (EC) to consider the People Power Party's alleged forgery of his signature in a membership application form.

The Supreme Court earlier reinstated the part-list MP candidacy to Sitthichai after it was proven that his signature in the People Power Party's application form was not his.

The Election Commissioner says the EC will consider the matter according to the Supreme Court's ruling and all additional evidence, including the explanation from the People Power Party.

Asked whether the People Power Party would be dissolved if it is found guilty of forgery, Sodsri says the EC will have to deliberate the extent of the party's involvement in the falsification.

The Election Commissioner adds that the Supreme Court's ruling is the final verdict, citing that the EC's regulation clearly states that a party leader must sign his or her name to verify the application of a new party member.

Asked whether the matter may simply be an error in documentation, the Election Commissioner says that will have to be further examined. * Ahhh.... now there's a Thaksin-ism... "It was just a honest mistake." "We didn't know we couldn't sign someone else's name to an official and legal document." *

In the meantime, Sitthichai Kowsurat, the party-list MP candidate of the Puea Pan Din Party, says he will not take any action nor file any civil lawsuit against the People Power Party as he is heeding His Majesty the King's call for unity among all Thais.

Sitthichai was earlier barred from running in the election by the EC, which said he holds membership in two political parties. However, he was recently reinstated candidacy by the Supreme Court. He had announced that he would file a lawsuit against the People Power Party for forging his signature on the party's membership application.

At the same time, Peua Pandin Party Leader Suwit Khunkitti calls on all parties to end their conflicts and respect the judiciary system while insisting that he will not initiate a quarrel with anyone.

- Thailand Outlook

This is an interesting development that was not immediately telegraphed when the case was initially looked at. It will be a big development if PPP go down.

[Tony Clifton]

Just a matter of time.

There will be plenty more to slap them with as the election approaches.

"It's noot faiiiiir."

[sriracha john]

The bizarre-ness continues....

The People Power Party Registrar, Saman Loetwongrat, said if the Puea Pandin Party files a suit against the People Power Party over Mr Sitthichai's application form, his party would defend itself in court and counter-sue the plaintiff. Saman said his party has witnesses who would confirm Sitthichai had filled and signed the PPP membership application form himself. He claimed that Sitthichai had applied to be a member of the PPP along with six other people. The other six had already tendered their resignations, but not Sitthichai, who asked only that his name be removed from the party's membership list. ''In reality, without a resignation document from him, I can't do it on my own,'' said Saman. Saman questioned Sitthichai's motivation in not officially resigning from the PPP.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/07Dec2007_news06.php

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

Six people joined the party and then they all resigned?

Witnesses to him being in BKK and witnesses to him being in Ubon?

[sriracha john]

Thailand Outlook Channel is also broadcasting an item about how also on his website, he's re-emphasizing to all readers that

a vote for PPP is a vote for him, raising further questions about his compliance with the cease and desist order placed on the Rogue 111 by the Election Commission.

EC wants ban on Thaksin internet site

The Election Commission has urged state agencies to ban the pro-Thaksin website www.hi-thaksin.net, after it carried messages saying that a vote for the People Power Party (PPP) is synonymous to voting for deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham said the election watchdog would ask the Information and Communication Technology Ministry (ICT) to ban the website if it continued to post messages that could reignite social divisions between pro-and anti-Thaksin groups. The messages were inappropriate, she said, and ran counter to His Majesty the King's request for social unity, made during his birthday speech. The website said people would get Thaksin as leader if they vote for PPP. Every vote for PPP would help get Thaksin home safely. The website said if people vote for the Democrats, they would get controversial publisher Sondhi Limthongkul, a key member of the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which led mass rallies against the Thaksin regime last year. The website also claimed that if people vote for Puea Pandin Party Leader Suvit Khunkitti, they would probably get former Foreign Affairs Minister Surakiart Sathirathai as prime minister.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/07Dec2007_news09.php

[sriracha john]

I just heard that almost 2 million people have registerd to vote away form their "home". This is massively up on 2005 when it was only a few hundred thousand. Could skew a few races.

Post the story or the link if you can.

more than a 5 time increase with this election....

Big jump in registration

The registration deadline was on Thursday. Election Commission Secretary-General Sutthipol Thaweechaikarn said 1,891,715 voters had registered to vote outside their constituencies, 844,305 of them in Bangkok.

Amnat Charoen saw the fewest voters register for out-of-constituency voting, just 865.

In 2005, 348,739 voters registered, and again Bangkok saw the most at 103,229. Then, 271 people in Kalasin registered to cast ballots for other constituencies.

"The number of people voting outside their constituencies has increased more than five times. It shows more people are aware of the election and are more concerned about voting," he said.

Overseas, 78,586 people registered. The commission will send ballot papers to 88 embassies and consular offices in 65 countries.

- The Nation

The huge jump has now become a cause for concern...

PPP wants to witness advance voting

The People Power Party has petitioned the Election Commission to allow it and other parties to check the advance balloting by absentee voters at central polling stations nationwide on December 15 to 16.

"The party is concerned about possible foul play if no party representatives are present to witness the casting of advance ballots," PPP secretary general Surapong Suebwonglee said on Thursday.

In the past, parties did not dispatch representatives because of the marginal number of absentee voters, he said, noting a fivefold surge of 1.8 million voters for advance balloting.

He said his party wanted to ensure that balloting boxes were untampered before the tallying of votes on December 23.

- The Nation

[John K]

The bizarre-ness continues....

The People Power Party Registrar, Saman Loetwongrat, said if the Puea Pandin Party files a suit against the People Power Party over Mr Sitthichai's application form, his party would defend itself in court and counter-sue the plaintiff. Saman said his party has witnesses who would confirm Sitthichai had filled and signed the PPP membership application form himself. He claimed that Sitthichai had applied to be a member of the PPP along with six other people. The other six had already tendered their resignations, but not Sitthichai, who asked only that his name be removed from the party's membership list. ''In reality, without a resignation document from him, I can't do it on my own,'' said Saman. Saman questioned Sitthichai's motivation in not officially resigning from the PPP.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/07Dec2007_news06.php

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

Six people joined the party and then they all resigned?

Witnesses to him being in BKK and witnesses to him being in Ubon?

So very predictable from this group, echos of the past. Make some threatening noises, thump their chests a little....... all because they have absolutely no respect for rules, laws or any other such inconvenience.

I can’t help but wonder if this is being disrespectful to the court by challenging their ruling with this statement.

I think the next chapter will be named “What was that I stepped in?” or “These new rules got to go!”

[hammered]

I just heard that almost 2 million people have registerd to vote away form their "home". This is massively up on 2005 when it was only a few hundred thousand. Could skew a few races.

Post the story or the link if you can.

more than a 5 time increase with this election....

Big jump in registration

The registration deadline was on Thursday. Election Commission Secretary-General Sutthipol Thaweechaikarn said 1,891,715 voters had registered to vote outside their constituencies, 844,305 of them in Bangkok.

Amnat Charoen saw the fewest voters register for out-of-constituency voting, just 865.

In 2005, 348,739 voters registered, and again Bangkok saw the most at 103,229. Then, 271 people in Kalasin registered to cast ballots for other constituencies.

"The number of people voting outside their constituencies has increased more than five times. It shows more people are aware of the election and are more concerned about voting," he said.

Overseas, 78,586 people registered. The commission will send ballot papers to 88 embassies and consular offices in 65 countries.

- The Nation

The huge jump has now become a cause for concern...

PPP wants to witness advance voting

The People Power Party has petitioned the Election Commission to allow it and other parties to check the advance balloting by absentee voters at central polling stations nationwide on December 15 to 16.

"The party is concerned about possible foul play if no party representatives are present to witness the casting of advance ballots," PPP secretary general Surapong Suebwonglee said on Thursday.

In the past, parties did not dispatch representatives because of the marginal number of absentee voters, he said, noting a fivefold surge of 1.8 million voters for advance balloting.

He said his party wanted to ensure that balloting boxes were untampered before the tallying of votes on December 23.

- The Nation

Advance voters are not liked by the upcountry feudal warlords of any party as thet are extremely hard to influence being scattered all over the country and yet their votes being counted in their place of house registration. With such a large number of these voters this time it could well affect close races and to some degree the proportional segment. In the past these voters were ignored, but almost 2 million represents a number not to be sneared at.

As my wife pointed out, and she is a fairly aware voter, this is the first time that informmation on how to voter early was made readily available. In the past it was common not to know how or to find out after registration time even for those aware of the option. The feudal masters upcountry would much raher a voter retrun home where they are subject to pressure from family, peers and others. Allowing people to vote from where they live and work rather than where they are listen on a piece of paper should be applauded. The next step of course would be to allow the voters to actually elect the representatives in the area they work and live rather than in some place a long way away.

[hammered]

Asia Times has a long interview with Mr. Abhisit. It is interesting and worth a read:

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/IL07Ae01.html

[sriracha john]

More problems for Prachai....

Thai Matchima Thipataya Party leader sentenced one month in jail

BANGKOK -- Thailand's Criminal Court on Friday sentenced Prachai Leophairatana, the leader of the Matchima Thipataya Party, to one month in jail for contempt of court with no suspension.

Prachai, founder of Thai Petrochemical Industry (TPI), was slapped last week with a three year jail term for manipulation of share prices of TPI Polene Plc (TPIPL). The Criminal Court also fined TPIPL 6.9 billion baht (about 203,000 U.S. dollars).

However, Prachai, who insisted he was innocent, earlier accused the court of being manipulated by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

On Friday, the court ruled that it found no cause to grant leniency as Prachai portrayed the judicial review as unfair and under the influence of Thaksin.

"Prachai is a well-educated man with an important position in the political party, hence there is no justification to suspend his jail term," the court said in its ruling.

After the sentence, the Matchima Thipataya Party which is running for the upcoming general election on Dec. 23 is in limbo, local radio FM 100 said.

Under the election law, Prachai faces automatic disqualification from the race if he was imprisoned for any duration under a court order.

- Xinhua

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

Prachai gets one-month jail term for contempt of court

Matchima Thipataya Party Leader Prachai Leophairatana's run of bad luck has continued as he was sentenced to one month in jail by the Criminal Court for contempt of court yesterday. The penalty came less than five days after he was found guilty of manipulating TPI's share price by the same court which sentenced him to three years in jail on Monday. The verdicts have dealt a heavy blow to the Matchima Thipataya Party, whose poll candidates are desperate for campaign funding. The party appears to be on the brink of breaking up after party faction members turned their back on Prachai after he earlier decided to cut off financial assistance for their party candidates. On Monday, the court fined TPIPL 6.9 billion baht and the firm's consultant, Stern Stewart, the same amount. The court also sentenced Chienchuang Kalayanamitr of Stern Stewart to three years in jail for complicity in the case. Criminal Court secretary Than Boonyatulanont brought a contempt of court charge against Prachai yesterday after Prachai gave media interviews on Monday following the court's verdict against him. In the interviews, Prachai said people of the 'old power clique' linked to ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra were still wielding influence that could have affected the court's decision.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/08Dec2007_news03.php

[sriracha john]

Thaksin video CDs may scupper PPP

Party faces prospect of dissolution as EC decides to look into former premier's attempt at long-distance campaigning

The People Power Party, widely seen as a reincarnation of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, is being threatened with possible dissolution after the release of video clips of the ex-PM wooing voter support for the party.

Election Commission member Sodsri Satayathum said yesterday the EC might also review the PPP's involvement in falsified membership records, which could lead to criminal proceedings and its possible disbandment.

The EC will be asked to urgently investigate whether Thaksin broke a Constitution Tribunal ban by helping the PPP's campaign through the distribution of 5 million CDs in northeastern provinces. Thaksin is one of the former Thai Rak Thai members banned from politics by the tribunal in May.

The move came after reports that the CDs - with a message from Thaksin to vote for People Power Party - will be distributed to almost every household in the Northeast to boost the party's popularity ahead of the December 23 election.

Sodsri said she believed Thaksin had committed an electoral offence, as in the clips he tries to persuade voters to vote for the PPP.

Weera Somkwamkid, Secretary-General of the People's Network against Corruption, said he would file a complaint with the EC on Tuesday over the CDs' distribution.

"Thaksin said clearly that he was behind the setting up of the People Power Party. This is a serious case that could lead to dissolution of a party,'' he said.

Weera said he had been tipped off about the CD's existence by a close aide of Thaksin. The aide said the clips had been filmed in places where Thaksin has resided during his exile - from Hong Kong to London - and that 5 million copies would be made in Thailand.

The CD includes a 26-minute speech by Thaksin filmed at his London home and which has never previously been seen. Thaksin starts his message by seeking sympathy for having to live in exile, attacking the government for his having to stay out of the country.

The former premier says he was behind the move to set up People Power and ends his speech by urging people to vote for the party.

People Power Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee said the party had nothing to do with the CD. He said the EC should investigate whether the clips were produced before or after the Royal Decree on the general election was issued.

He believes the clips were made before the decree was published, as Thaksin does not mention the date of the election.

PPP executive Suthin Klangsaeng said the CD's distribution could be the work of an ill-intentioned group that wants to destroy the party.

Sukhumpong Ngonkam, another PPP executive, said party members had been warned not to break the law and no one was involved in the making and distribution of the CD.

- The Nation

Edited December 8, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

PPP suspected of falsifying records

Election Commission member Sodsri Satayathum hinted yesterday that the EC might reopen investigations into the involvement of the People Power Party in falsified membership records, which could lead to criminal proceedings and party disbandment.

"I will ask the EC to debate the issue on Tuesday," she said. Sodsri said the EC was obliged to examine the legal ramifications of the Supreme Court's verdict on the Sithichai Kowsurat case.

Sithichai, a Puea Pandin Party party-list candidate for Zone 4, had his candidacy restored on Tuesday after the high court ruled that the People Power Party had claimed him as a member without his consent by putting his name on the roster with a forged signature.

Based on membership documents supplied by the PPP, the EC disqualified Sitthichai last month for holding duplicate party memberships.

Sodsri said PPP leader Samak Sundaravej would be held accountable and might face criminal charges if the EC found that he or his party had fabricated membership records. If the PPP intentionally tampered with its records to influence the electoral process, this could lead to a judicial review by the Constitution Tribunal, she said, noting the offence is punishable by party dissolution.

Under Article 19 of the Political Parties Act, a Party Registrar or a Party Leader can go to jail for between one and 10 years and pay a fine of up to Bt20,000 if found guilty of fabricating the members' list.

Article 94 stipulates that the EC Chairman, as registrar of political parties, must petition the tribunal to dissolve parties involved in activities deemed harmful to democracy.

EC officials said a crucial issue to be reviewed is Samak's involvement in the case.

Sithichai's membership application was dated July, when the PPP was under the leadership of Supaporn Thienkaew. In August, Samak was elected party leader following a takeover by Thai Rak Thai Party remnants.

Although Samak argued that he had not been Party Leader when the application was filed, he verified Sithichai's PPP membership last month at the request of the EC.

Legal pundits said that if Samak knowingly supplied Sithichai's falsified membership to the EC, it might be construed as an attempt to tamper with the electoral process.

- The Nation

[John K]

Closer look the last paragraph and it is clearly past tense. I think this very well could be the end of the PPP and that would round out my prediction that they would never make it to election day and that Sonthi gave them enough rope to hang themselves. I wonder what the consequence will be and how may people will join club 111.

[sriracha john]

Deposed PM Thaksin Calls for Public Support for PPP

The People's Power Party begins to campaign for the upcoming election in its Northern stronghold. A source reveals that a VCD recording of the deposed prime minister's speeches are part of the group's giveaways

As political parties prepare for the December 23rd elections, the People's Power Party, known as the PPP and joined by many members of the disbanded Thai Rak Party, has kick started its election campaign in Chiang Mai. The area is known as a stronghold of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party.

A source revealed that part of the PPP's electioneering involved giving away stacks of VCD recordings of the deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinnawatra's speeches. Pamphlets were also distributed promoting ex-Thai Rak Thai members and the PPP's Chiang Mai MP candidate, Surapong Towichakchaikul.

The VCD showed two-minute speeches made by ousted PM Thakssin. It also claimed he was unfairly treated with the coup and has been forced to live in exile.

The deposed prime minister asked voters to support the PPP MP candidates in the upcoming election and said he is ready to return home to help provide solutions if the PPP wins the election.

The source said more than 10,000 VCD's were handed out during the campaign to promote Surapong. So far however, no reports have come out about other PPP MP candidates using the same VCD during their campaign.

- Thailand Outlook

UPDATE

Even though they did it before, I'm sure we can rely on Samak's word of honor now....

People Power Party Leader says his party is not involved with Thaksin CDs

The People Power Party Leader, Samak Sundaravej, dismissed the Election Commission (EC) of Thailand’s claim that his party could be involved with the distribution of CDs containing the image and voice of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bid to gain more votes from the northeastern people.

Samak added that he does not know who is behind the production and distribution of those CDs.

However, EC member Sodsri Sattayatham says she has not seen the CDs yet, but she would like to examine them before commenting further.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the People's Network against Corruption, Mr. Weera Somkwamkid, plans to submit the CDs to the EC on December 11th.

- ThaiNews

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

EC to investigate deposed PM’s VCDs distributed in Northeast

The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand announced that it will investigate the VCDs allegedly distributed by the People Power Party in the Northeast next week to see whether they violate the election law.

The EC Chairman, Mr. Apichart Sukhagganond, says the VCDs, which contain voice messages by deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, are aimed at seeking political benefits by inciting the general public to side with him and the People Power Party. He affirms the EC will take serious action against those involved in the production and distribution of the VCDs.

- ThaiNews

Edited December 8, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Deposed PM Thaksin Calls for Public Support for PPP

The People's Power Party begins to campaign for the upcoming election in its Northern stronghold. A source reveals that a VCD recording of the deposed prime minister's speeches are part of the group's giveaways

As political parties prepare for the December 23rd elections, the People's Power Party, known as the PPP and joined by many members of the disbanded Thai Rak Party, has kick started its election campaign in Chiang Mai. The area is known as a stronghold of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party.

A source revealed that part of the PPP's electioneering involved giving away stacks of VCD recordings of the deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinnawatra's speeches. Pamphlets were also distributed promoting ex-Thai Rak Thai members and the PPP's Chiang Mai MP candidate, Surapong Towichakchaikul.

The VCD showed two-minute speeches made by ousted PM Thakssin. It also claimed he was unfairly treated with the coup and has been forced to live in exile.

The deposed prime minister asked voters to support the PPP MP candidates in the upcoming election and said he is ready to return home to help provide solutions if the PPP wins the election.

The source said more than 10,000 VCD's were handed out during the campaign to promote Surapong. So far however, no reports have come out about other PPP MP candidates using the same VCD during their campaign.

- Thailand Outlook

UPDATE

Even though they did it before, I'm sure we can rely on Samak's word of honor now....

People Power Party Leader says his party is not involved with Thaksin CDs

The People Power Party Leader, Samak Sundaravej, dismissed the Election Commission (EC) of Thailand’s claim that his party could be involved with the distribution of CDs containing the image and voice of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bid to gain more votes from the northeastern people.

Samak added that he does not know who is behind the production and distribution of those CDs.

However, EC member Sodsri Sattayatham says she has not seen the CDs yet, but she would like to examine them before commenting further.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the People's Network against Corruption, Mr. Weera Somkwamkid, plans to submit the CDs to the EC on December 11th.

- ThaiNews

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

EC to investigate deposed PM’s VCDs distributed in Northeast

The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand announced that it will investigate the VCDs allegedly distributed by the People Power Party in the Northeast next week to see whether they violate the election law.

The EC Chairman, Mr. Apichart Sukhagganond, says the VCDs, which contain voice messages by deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, are aimed at seeking political benefits by inciting the general public to side with him and the People Power Party. He affirms the EC will take serious action against those involved in the production and distribution of the VCDs.

- ThaiNews

It is not too difficult to find out who is being (and quite believably) named as being behind this if the usual blog sites are perused.

[sriracha john]

Nope, no criticism of the court rulings (yet, anyway); instead, they're going to appeal to the exact same group that fired one of the appellants for spurring on thugs in street fights...

Banned TRT executives to petition rights agencies

Some of the 111 former TRT executives banned from politics have decided to petition human rights agencies, instead of the Constitution Court, against the Election Commission's guidelines restricting their participation in election campaigning. The group, led by former acting TRT leader Chaturon Chaisaeng, will today lodge a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Amnesty International Thailand. Chaturon said he discussed the matter with seven other former TRT executives and they agreed the guidelines were in violation of their constitutional rights to freedom of expression. His group would also brief Amnesty International Thailand on the matter to draw attention from international organizations, he said. Chaturon said his group would continue to hold political gatherings.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/20Nov2007_news03.php

UPDATE

Well, the impartial, independent panel decided...

Go suck wind, Thaksin et al........ you're not dragging us into your dog & pony show...

NHRC refuses to decide on TRT's petition case

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) rejected a petition filed by some of the 111 former Thai Rak Thai executives who asked the commission to look into the Election Commission's guidelines restricting their participation in election campaign. NHRC chairman Saneh Chamarik said evidence and a petition letter filed by the group did not show a violation of human rights by the Election Commission. He suggested that former TRT Party executives file the petition with the Constitution Court to interpret the guidelines. The executives, led by former acting Thai Rak Thai leader Chaturon Chaisaeng said the guidelines were in violation of their constitutional rights to freedom of expression. Chaturon himself said the restrictions

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124312

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

Good to see they were properly dispensed with...

[John K]

SJ you forgot the

[sriracha john]

Speaking of the ol' Gang 111... It seems that in addition its other sins, this mother of a Thaksin website is not above eating its own offspring, too...

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Surakiat Sathirathai (TRT Banned #21 )

Former Foreign Minister Denies Betrayal of Thai Rak Thai Party

A former Foreign Affairs Minister of the ousted government insists he never betrayed the now-dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, as accused on the 'hi-thaksin.net' website.

He says he left Thai Rak Thai because he was unable to accept one of the party's political ideologies.

The 'hi-thaksin.net' website has released a video clip, urging the public to vote for the People Power Party for the safe return of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The video clip also claimed that if the Thai people vote for Puea Pandin Party Leader Suwit Khunkitti, they will get former Foreign Affairs Minister and former Chairman of the Puea Pandin Party's Policy Council, Surakiat Sathirathai, who has betrayed the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party and served the Council for National Security.

In response to the postings on the website, Surakiat held a press conference on Friday saying that he personally disagreed with the coup, but in order to allow the country to move forward, he announced his 'For the Motherland' ideology, in hopes of returning democracy to the country.

Surakiat insisted that he and the group have never received financial assistance from either the old political clique or the military junta.

The former Foreign Affairs Minister affirmed that he has never betrayed the now-disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party nor attacked the ousted government's policies.

Surakiat also said he was informed by a certain individual about Thai Rak Thai's political ideology one year after the coup took place, but he disagreed with the ideology and did not want to betray the country. As a result, he decided to leave the Thai Rak Thai Party.

- Thailand Outlook

[Tony Clifton]

I wonder if he will someday feel safe enough or have the balls to explain in detail what "betray the country" involves.

[sriracha john]

A little more blunt version.... "Pack sand".... "Hit the road, Jack".... Adios...

NHRC rejects case of 111 former TRT executives

The Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Saneh Chamarik, says the NHRC’s meeting has resolved that the Election Commission (EC) of Thailand did not violate human rights of the 111 former executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party.

Prof. Saneh says the NHRC has therefore rejected the former executives’ request for an investigation into the EC’s ban, which prohibits them from being involved in all kinds of political activities. He however suggests them to request the Constitution Court to interpret the ban.

- ThaiNews

[John K]

Populist policies just lies

Where's the money coming from, grassroots ask.

Grassroots networks in this province are not excited by the bolder than expected populist policies being presented by some political parties as they believe that the policies are impractical and cannot be translated into action. The parties are campaigning without realising that voters also want to know from where they would get the money to run all those dream schemes.

''Even though we have received little education, we can't be fooled that most of the populist policies of political parties are just a bunch of lies to lure people's votes,'' said Srisak Khunkhen, chairman of the civic group in Ban Noen Sung in Kabin Buri district.

More here http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=124320

A very interesting read that suggests some are educated enough to pose very real questions.

[sriracha john]

EC to conclude Thaksin VCD case by next week

The Election Commission expects it will take another 3-7 days for a committee to conclude the case involving the distribution of VCDs containing a message from ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra. EC member Sumet Upanisakorn stressed the need to resolve this case without delay and said that a panel could be set up as soon as the EC officially agrees to investigate the matter on Dec 11. As for the People Power Party’s alleged involvement in the VCD distribution, the EC reiterated that no political party has yet been blamed for this. “We really have to delve into the facts before making any further statements,” Sumet said. “Let me stress that the EC does not bar political parties from distributing VCDs as part of their election campaign, but the nature of the campaigning must not breach electoral laws,” Suthipol explained. “The law states that anyone who violates electoral laws could face punishment – and this does not only apply to political parties but

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124326

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

getting close to do or die time...

[blaze]

EC to conclude Thaksin VCD case by next week

The Election Commission expects it will take another 3-7 days for a committee to conclude the case involving the distribution of VCDs containing a message from ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra. EC member Sumet Upanisakorn stressed the need to resolve this case without delay and said that a panel could be set up as soon as the EC officially agrees to investigate the matter on Dec 11. As for the People Power Party’s alleged involvement in the VCD distribution, the EC reiterated that no political party has yet been blamed for this. “We really have to delve into the facts before making any further statements,” Sumet said. “Let me stress that the EC does not bar political parties from distributing VCDs as part of their election campaign, but the nature of the campaigning must not breach electoral laws,” Suthipol explained. “The law states that anyone who violates electoral laws could face punishment – and this does not only apply to political parties but

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124326

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

getting close to do or die time...

Yes, within the next two weeks proof of vote buying, falsifying member lists, illegally distributing pro Thaksin propaganda- Something- ANYTHING- must be made public or Gen Sonthi (not to mention the English press) is going to lose a lot of credibility. Not only that but with the prospect of a possible PPP victory- it really is do or die time- and the army is not going to die. That's for sure. so they must do. And quick. Even if the PPP can't be dissolved, the public MUST be made to believe that its win was illigitimate. And one can imagine that the EC is starting to sweat- they have seen how courts the courts can deal with perceived EC transgressions. The clock is ticking.

Edited December 9, 2007 by blaze

[hammered]

EC to conclude Thaksin VCD case by next week

The Election Commission expects it will take another 3-7 days for a committee to conclude the case involving the distribution of VCDs containing a message from ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra. EC member Sumet Upanisakorn stressed the need to resolve this case without delay and said that a panel could be set up as soon as the EC officially agrees to investigate the matter on Dec 11. As for the People Power Party’s alleged involvement in the VCD distribution, the EC reiterated that no political party has yet been blamed for this. “We really have to delve into the facts before making any further statements,” Sumet said. “Let me stress that the EC does not bar political parties from distributing VCDs as part of their election campaign, but the nature of the campaigning must not breach electoral laws,” Suthipol explained. “The law states that anyone who violates electoral laws could face punishment – and this does not only apply to political parties but

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124326

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

getting close to do or die time...

Yes, within the next two weeks proof of vote buying, falsifying member lists, illegally distributing pro Thaksin propaganda- Something- ANYTHING- must be made public or Gen Sonthi (not to mention the English press) is going to lose a lot of credibility. Not only that but with the prospect of a possible PPP victory- it really is do or die time- and the army is not going to die. That's for sure. so they must do. And quick. Even if the PPP can't be dissolved, the public MUST be made to believe that its win was illigitimate. And one can imagine that the EC is starting to sweat- they have seen how courts the courts can deal with perceived EC transgressions. The clock is ticking.

I hear gossip that the VCD incident could get out of control. The reaction of the big name PPP guys in coming out to deny responsibility today signals this too. Even a few blog commentatorrs usually sympathetic towards PPP seem to think it is an own goal and will lead to disolution if the Junta want that, which they probably do. There is one name that is coming up regularly from different sources as being behind this. If there is proof of this, anything could happen. And if Prachais mob disintegrate we could end up having an election with only a few more parties than the April 2, 2006 one!

[sriracha john]

Yes, within the next two weeks proof of vote buying, falsifying member lists, illegally distributing pro Thaksin propaganda- Something- ANYTHING- must be made public

In regards to the felony forgery charge, there's a post a few ones back with 2 large photos of rather convincing evidence. The forged documents themselves.

[sriracha john]

Could you please save me and others the blog wading and just say the name, hammered?

Sudarat?, Newin?, Yongyuth? his sister, Yinglick?

any of the above?

Or is it unmentionable?

Edited December 9, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Could you please save me and others the blog wading and just say the name, hammered?

Sudarat?, Newin?, Yongyuth? his sister, Yinglick?

any of the above?

Or is it unmentionable?

As it is rumor not sure it should be named openly on here. However lets say it starts with an N

[sriracha john]

Thank you...

It's not Noppadope according to the latest from AFP, which quotes some of the CD's contents according to Matichon:

Apart from the five-year ban, the commission also prohibits Thaksin and 110 members of his former party from campaigning for the upcoming polls.

Sutthiphon said the commission learnt that video CDs containing Thaksin's political messages has been distributed to voters in the country's northeast provinces, one of his strongholds.

Sutthiphon declined to give details about the CDs, but Thai-language daily Mathichon said Thaksin was urging people to vote for the PPP.

"Choose the People Power Party. It will bring happiness," he was quoted by the paper as saying in the video. According to local reports, more than five million copies of the CDs were given to voters.

Noppadon Pattama, a lawyer for Thaksin and secretary-general for the People Power Party, dismissed the investigation.

"We have no involvement in the CDs. The party has nothing to do with them," Noppadon told AFP.

Edited December 9, 2007 by sriracha john