New Political Party Ready To Launch

[sriracha john]

Betting against Samak saying something ludicrous???

That really is a long-shot wager.

[sriracha john]

well now, Surapong has narrowed it down for all of us... out of 67 million Thais, he's narrowed it down to one of 111...

VCD decision before poll

The Election Commission is expected to decide whether to hold the People Power Party (PPP) accountable for the controversial video CDs before the December 23 election, but PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee has tried to pin the blame on one of the 111 banned political executives.

"The mastermind behind the distribution of the recorded remarks of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is among the 111 and none of the PPP candidates are involved in the matter," Surapong said yesterday.

He admitted that Thaksin's remarks could be construed as an attempt to sway votes for PPP candidates, a duty reserved for party executives, but he claimed the PPP had no involvement in soliciting Thaksin's assistance.

"If anyone speaking in favour of the PPP is assumed to be doing the job of a party executive, then the PPP has tens of thousands of party executives," he said, dismissing the allegation about Thaksin's domination of PPP.

He also said the party would look into the allegation that three Hong Kong businessmen tried to smuggle 60 Million Baht in cash into the country. The funds were allegedly destined for the PPP campaigning.

* hmmm... now wasn't someone related to this article just in Hong Kong? *

EC member Sumeth Ubanisakorn said the investigation into the distribution of Thaksin's remarks should be completed in three to seven days - well before the casting of votes. "The EC will have to complete the fact-finding probe before determining charges and the culprits involved," he said.

Sumeth said the facts would show if the PPP was involved. The central issue, he added, was whether the release of Thaksin's remarks was timed to influence the voting outcome and not when the comments were actually made. PPP Leader Samak Sundaravej argued earlier that the comments were recorded before the start of campaigning.

EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Thaveechaigarn said the EC would debate two key issues today - whether Thaksin acted as if he was a PPP party executive, which would have violated his five-year ban, and whether PPP was linked to the distribution of VCDs.

Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he wanted to defeat People Power at the polling stations instead of seeing it dissolved because of campaign violations. "The PPP should abide by the election law in order to allow the people to pass judgement on it," he said. He said the race had boiled down to a choice between him and PPP Leader Samak as the next prime minister. "Voters will have to decide whether they want me or Samak to steer the country's future."

- The Nation

Edited December 11, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

that's a lot of banknotes...

Democrats: Probe money imported from Hong Kong

Democrat Party spokesman Ongart Klampaiboon called on the Election Commission to urgently check if the import of 60 Million Baht in cash by three Hong Kong businessmen had anything to do with the general election.

Ongart said although the businessmen brought the money in legally, the Democrats suspected why they had to bring in cash to do business when they had other ways which were more convenient.

He said the EC should launch a speedy investigation if the businessmen brought the money into the country for other purposes.

- The Nation

[hammered]

well now, Surapong has narrowed it down for all of us... out of 67 million Thais, he's narrowed it down to one of 111...

VCD decision before poll

The Election Commission is expected to decide whether to hold the People Power Party (PPP) accountable for the controversial video CDs before the December 23 election, but PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee has tried to pin the blame on one of the 111 banned political executives.

"The mastermind behind the distribution of the recorded remarks of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is among the 111 and none of the PPP candidates are involved in the matter," Surapong said yesterday.

He admitted that Thaksin's remarks could be construed as an attempt to sway votes for PPP candidates, a duty reserved for party executives, but he claimed the PPP had no involvement in soliciting Thaksin's assistance.

"If anyone speaking in favour of the PPP is assumed to be doing the job of a party executive, then the PPP has tens of thousands of party executives," he said, dismissing the allegation about Thaksin's domination of PPP.

He also said the party would look into the allegation that three Hong Kong businessmen tried to smuggle 60 Million Baht in cash into the country. The funds were allegedly destined for the PPP campaigning.

* hmmm... now wasn't someone related to this article just in Hong Kong? *

EC member Sumeth Ubanisakorn said the investigation into the distribution of Thaksin's remarks should be completed in three to seven days - well before the casting of votes. "The EC will have to complete the fact-finding probe before determining charges and the culprits involved," he said.

Sumeth said the facts would show if the PPP was involved. The central issue, he added, was whether the release of Thaksin's remarks was timed to influence the voting outcome and not when the comments were actually made. PPP Leader Samak Sundaravej argued earlier that the comments were recorded before the start of campaigning.

EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Thaveechaigarn said the EC would debate two key issues today - whether Thaksin acted as if he was a PPP party executive, which would have violated his five-year ban, and whether PPP was linked to the distribution of VCDs.

Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he wanted to defeat People Power at the polling stations instead of seeing it dissolved because of campaign violations. "The PPP should abide by the election law in order to allow the people to pass judgement on it," he said. He said the race had boiled down to a choice between him and PPP Leader Samak as the next prime minister. "Voters will have to decide whether they want me or Samak to steer the country's future."

- The Nation

The name of the 111 man is being widely talked about. It is also extremely well known that he is a front man for Thaksin and the PPP. None of this is in dispute. The PPP will claim without irrefutable evidence nothing can be done and finding it may be hard. On the other hand if the EC does nothing about obvious interfernce in the election they will look useless. Not an easy one. IF PPP wins after this there will be no national reconcilliation because their opponents wil not accept the election as fair. If PPP is utterly disbanded their supporters will not accept the election was fair. This move of distributing the VCDs has been aimed at making sure it all reamins a fight to the death, which is niot surprising considering the who the guy widely named for being behind it is. This is now really nasty, and the best result although quite unlikely would be for an election with few to no red cards and the Dems beating PPP, which may then give pause for thought.

[sriracha john]

Democrats file complaint over Thaksin VCDs

PPP denies giving out video of former PM

Democrat Party candidates in Nakhon Phanom have lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging fraud by two People Power Party candidates, one a party executive, for distributing VCDs featuring a speech to voters by deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra. PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee insisted his party did not produce or distribute the VCDs, but conceded that the person who produced the VCDs is a politician linked to the 111 banned executives of the dissolved TRT Party. ''Should we [PPP] be held responsible if some slanderers have handed out the VCDs to the public?'' said Surapong. The EC will today discuss the distribution of the VCDs. Veera Somkwamkid, the Secretary-General of the People's Network Against Corruption, raised the issue on Friday and said he would file a complaint with the EC today. Veera said yesterday there is another video being circulated featuring Thaksin's interview in Hong Kong with a satellite TV station. In the clip Thaksin urged people to vote for the PPP, he said. Veera claimed the videos were produced by former TRT executives linked to the PPP. Suksan Chaithes and Nimit Udomkal, the Democrat candidates in Nakhon Phanom, yesterday filed a complaint with the Nakhon Phanom EC. Suksan also handed over a copy of a VCD titled Nung Pee Tee Hai Pai (One Year Away), featuring Thaksin's speech encouraging people to vote for the PPP and also speeches by PPP leader Samak Sundaravej and PPP proportional representation candidate Chalerm Yubamrung, to the provincial EC as evidence. The two Democrats claimed that PPP candidates, including PPP executive Prasong Buranapong and Supachai Phosu, had the VCDs distributed to voters during their campaigns at Ban Chanod Yai temple in Nakhon Phanom's Muang district on Saturday.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/11Dec2007_news11.php

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

In the midst of all of that, there's that reference to Hong Kong, again... hmmm....

Edited December 11, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

More interesting confirmations from PPP's Surapong... that they will sue one of their own?.... that the VCD contained illegal comments... and he also name-drops the "N" word..... also those references to Hong Kong seem to keep cropping up...

People Power Party Denies Involvement in Distribution of Ousted PM's VCDs

The People Power Party denies any involvement in the distribution of the deposed prime minister's VCD that advises the public to vote for the party. The party is also planning to file a lawsuit against the mastermind behind the movement.

In response to the distribution of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's VCD that urges Thai people to vote for the People Power Party, Surapong Suebwonglee, the Secretary-General of the People Power Party, denies the party's involvement in the distribution of the VCDs.

Surapong states that the movement may have been a political ploy aimed at damaging the party as the investigation to find the mastermind behind the distribution gets underway.

The People Power Party's Secretary-General believes that Newin Chidchob is not involved with the VCD dispersal, but admits that one of the 111 banned executive members of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai Party may have been the mastermind behind it.

Surapong reiterates that the People Power Party will file a defamation lawsuit against those involved in the distribution of the ousted PM's VCDs immediately after the mastermind behind the movement is discovered.

He believes that this action will not affect the People Power Party's image saying the public has faith in the party.

Meanwhile, People Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej insists that the party has no connection with the distribution of Thaksin's VCDs in the north and the northeast.

He also urges those responsible for the investigation to equate this matter with the controversial classified Army documents as the two are similar.

Asked to comment on the suggestion to form a national reconciliatory government where all political parties would take part in the formation of the new administration, Samak says the matter should be discussed after the general election.

In the meantime, Pracharaj Party Leader Sanoh Thienthong urges related agencies responsible for the investigation into the controversial distribution of Thaksin's VCDs to work without prejudice in order to prevent further problems in the future.

He comments that the probe should be carried out after the election in a bid to allow the country to move forward and avoid further political complications.

Sanoh also expresses concern over vote-buying in the final leg of the election campaigning period, believing that the 60 million baht smuggled from Hong Kong is only part of the amount which will be used for vote-buying and other electoral fraud.

The Prachraj Party Leader adds that the Election Commission, the Army and other relevant state agencies must examine and prevent vote-buying. He also criticizes that political parties in modern politics do not promote virtue and goodness in the political race as only rich people tend to gain popularity.

- Thailand Outlook

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

EC Expects to Decide on Thaksin’s VCD Before Poll

The Election Commission (EC) expects to decide on the controversial video CDs released by deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra advising the general public to vote for the People Power Party (PPP), mainly to see whether the PPP will be accountable for the distribution of such VCD before the December 23rd general election.

In response to the EC’s reaction on the matter, PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee, former member of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party and former Minister of Information and Communication Technology of the Thaksin administration, dismissed the speculation that his party was involved with the distribution of Thaksin’s VCDs, claiming that one of the 111 banned TRT executives was the mastermind behind such distribution to sway votes in the upcoming poll.

However, Surapong admitted that Thaksin’s remarks on the VCD could be interpreted as an attempt to sway votes for candidates running under the PPP banner, which he claimed that such duty should have been reserved for party executives only.

The PPP Secretary-General asserted that the party had no involvement in beseeching Thaksin for his assistance.

Surapong said if a particular individual speaks in favor of his party, it does not mean that he is doing the job of a party executive.

Regarding recent accusations that the PPP was receiving 60 million baht in cash from three Hong Kong businessmen to finance the party’s campaigning, Surapong said the party would investigate on the matter to clear the allegations.

Meanwhile, EC member Sumeth Ubanisakorn warned the PPP to complete investigation on the distribution of Thaksin’s VCDs within three to seven days.

Sumeth said the EC must first complete its fact-finding investigation before concluding the charges and the wrongdoers involved.

He concluded that results of the probe would determine whether the PPP was involved with the vote-swaying attempt.

The most important issue to consider is the timing of the release of Thaksin’s remarks, whether it was aimed to influence the poll outcome, not when Thaksin had made the comments, said Sumeth.

- Thailand Outlook

[hammered]

Democrats file complaint over Thaksin VCDs

PPP denies giving out video of former PM

Democrat Party candidates in Nakhon Phanom have lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging fraud by two People Power Party candidates, one a party executive, for distributing VCDs featuring a speech to voters by deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra. PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee insisted his party did not produce or distribute the VCDs, but conceded that the person who produced the VCDs is a politician linked to the 111 banned executives of the dissolved TRT Party. ''Should we [PPP] be held responsible if some slanderers have handed out the VCDs to the public?'' said Surapong. The EC will today discuss the distribution of the VCDs. Veera Somkwamkid, the Secretary-General of the People's Network Against Corruption, raised the issue on Friday and said he would file a complaint with the EC today. Veera said yesterday there is another video being circulated featuring Thaksin's interview in Hong Kong with a satellite TV station. In the clip Thaksin urged people to vote for the PPP, he said. Veera claimed the videos were produced by former TRT executives linked to the PPP. Suksan Chaithes and Nimit Udomkal, the Democrat candidates in Nakhon Phanom, yesterday filed a complaint with the Nakhon Phanom EC. Suksan also handed over a copy of a VCD titled Nung Pee Tee Hai Pai (One Year Away), featuring Thaksin's speech encouraging people to vote for the PPP and also speeches by PPP leader Samak Sundaravej and PPP proportional representation candidate Chalerm Yubamrung, to the provincial EC as evidence. The two Democrats claimed that PPP candidates, including PPP executive Prasong Buranapong and Supachai Phosu, had the VCDs distributed to voters during their campaigns at Ban Chanod Yai temple in Nakhon Phanom's Muang district on Saturday.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/11Dec2007_news11.php

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

In the midst of all of that, there's that reference to Hong Kong, again... hmmm....

So what does the EC do? It either does nothing and allows all tactics to win votes however dirty and underhand or it starts getting tough with a bunch of red cards or it disolves. My guess is they take the middle path.

[Tony Clifton]

It really looks like Thaksin and his mob meetings in mainland China are really over since the rumor of his multi-entry visa being canceled, now pushing their luck in Hong Kong. I wouldn't be surprised at all that mules accompany them on trips abroad only to carry back suitcases full of cash.

That was a while back, post #533.

Do I have a gift or is Thaksin that predictable?

that's a lot of banknotes...

Democrats: Probe money imported from Hong Kong

Democrat Party spokesman Ongart Klampaiboon called on the Election Commission to urgently check if the import of 60 Million Baht in cash by three Hong Kong businessmen had anything to do with the general election.

Ongart said although the businessmen brought the money in legally, the Democrats suspected why they had to bring in cash to do business when they had other ways which were more convenient.

He said the EC should launch a speedy investigation if the businessmen brought the money into the country for other purposes.

- The Nation

Edited December 11, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[hammered]

EC to file complaint against PPP for forging documents

Election Commission decided Tuesday to file lawsuit against People Power Party for forging application document for a candidate of the party.

EC's chairman Apichart Sukakkanont said that the EC alleged PPP of Samak Sundaravej of falsifying the document for Sitthichai Kohsurat, deputy leader of Puea Paendin Party.

From the Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30058759

[sriracha john]

EC to file complaint against PPP for forging documents

Election Commission decided Tuesday to file lawsuit against People Power Party for forging application document for a candidate of the party.

EC's chairman Apichart Sukakkanont said that the EC alleged PPP of Samak Sundaravej of falsifying the document for Sitthichai Kohsurat, deputy leader of Puea Paendin Party.

Will Samak's answer to these charges be:

“We are not involved with this in any way and I don’t want to talk about this again"

[hammered]

EC to file complaint against PPP for forging documents

Election Commission decided Tuesday to file lawsuit against People Power Party for forging application document for a candidate of the party.

EC's chairman Apichart Sukakkanont said that the EC alleged PPP of Samak Sundaravej of falsifying the document for Sitthichai Kohsurat, deputy leader of Puea Paendin Party.

Will Samak's answer to these charges be:

“We are not involved with this in any way and I don’t want to talk about this again"

It is starting to look like death by a thousand cuts: forged signatures, HK money, CM red card rumours, Nakhom Phanom VCDs, VCDs elsewhere, etc etc. Get your daily dose of allegations against PPP. It all reaches a stage at some point where it becomes believable to many people without even hard evidence especially poeple who know how it works up country. Even sionme of the usual sympathetic but neutralish blogs are talking like the PPP have made stuipid mistakes rather than questioning the veracity of the allegations. That is a telling change from a few weks ago.

Dirty campiagn indeed.

[blaze]

EC to file complaint against PPP for forging documents

Election Commission decided Tuesday to file lawsuit against People Power Party for forging application document for a candidate of the party.

EC's chairman Apichart Sukakkanont said that the EC alleged PPP of Samak Sundaravej of falsifying the document for Sitthichai Kohsurat, deputy leader of Puea Paendin Party.

Will Samak's answer to these charges be:

“We are not involved with this in any way and I don’t want to talk about this again"

It is starting to look like death by a thousand cuts: forged signatures, HK money, CM red card rumours, Nakhom Phanom VCDs, VCDs elsewhere, etc etc. Get your daily dose of allegations against PPP. It all reaches a stage at some point where it becomes believable to many people without even hard evidence especially poeple who know how it works up country. Even sionme of the usual sympathetic but neutralish blogs are talking like the PPP have made stuipid mistakes rather than questioning the veracity of the allegations. That is a telling change from a few weks ago.

Dirty campiagn indeed.

Yes- even if not one of these allegations is shown to be true, the legitimacy of a PPP win has already been nulified. Couldn't have worked out better had it been orchestrated....

[hammered]

EC to file complaint against PPP for forging documents

Election Commission decided Tuesday to file lawsuit against People Power Party for forging application document for a candidate of the party.

EC's chairman Apichart Sukakkanont said that the EC alleged PPP of Samak Sundaravej of falsifying the document for Sitthichai Kohsurat, deputy leader of Puea Paendin Party.

Will Samak's answer to these charges be:

“We are not involved with this in any way and I don’t want to talk about this again"

It is starting to look like death by a thousand cuts: forged signatures, HK money, CM red card rumours, Nakhom Phanom VCDs, VCDs elsewhere, etc etc. Get your daily dose of allegations against PPP. It all reaches a stage at some point where it becomes believable to many people without even hard evidence especially poeple who know how it works up country. Even sionme of the usual sympathetic but neutralish blogs are talking like the PPP have made stuipid mistakes rather than questioning the veracity of the allegations. That is a telling change from a few weks ago.

Dirty campiagn indeed.

Yes- even if not one of these allegations is shown to be true, the legitimacy of a PPP win has already been nulified. Couldn't have worked out better had it been orchestrated....

In reality Blaze i think it is probably 50-50 ion the orchestrated front. Nobody is ionnocent but a large dose of exaggeration helps. Shaame Thailand finds itself here really. Hopefully things wont get too rough for those of us committed to stay here

[Tony Clifton]

I see nothing wrong up until now.

What other behavior should be expected from nothing but TRT version 2.0 with Samak of all things as front man.

I've posted loooong ago that they'd lie, cheat and wouldn't make it to the election because of innovative tricks. True to their usual selves, they're headed to court once again.

The scariest part is they don't mind and tolerate violence amongst their ranks and followers, even hiring when necessary.

[sriracha john]

PPP faces criminal action

EC's move could lead to dissolution of party

The Election Commission's decision yesterday to take criminal action against the People Power party could lead to the end of the party. The EC decided to file a complaint through National Police Chief Pol Gen Seripisuth Temiyavej, accusing the PPP of forging a signature on a membership application for Puea Pandin Deputy Leader Sitthichai Kwosurat, EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said. If found guilty, either Party Leader Samak Sundaravej or Party Registrar Saman Lertwongrat will be punished under the criminal code. However, the severest punishment is possible if the EC can prove that the party, not individual executive members, also acknowledged the alleged forgery. That would lead to the party's dissolution for violating the Political Party Act, said EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Theeveechaiyagarn. Sitthichai filed a complaint with the EC against the PPP over the allegedly forged signature. His move came after the Supreme Court cleared him of a charge of membership of two parties, allowing him to run on the Puea Pandin Party list for Zone 4. The EC earlier disqualified Sitthichai for registering as a member of both Puea Pandin and the PPP. The process leading to the potential dissolution of a political party takes time and it if happens, it will be after the election on Dec 23. In the event that the party is ordered dissolved after the polls, its executives who are elected will be disqualified as MPs, according to the election law.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/12Dec2007_news03.php

Edited December 12, 2007 by sriracha john

[blaze]

PPP faces criminal action

EC's move could lead to dissolution of party

The Election Commission's decision yesterday to take criminal action against the People Power party could lead to the end of the party. The EC decided to file a complaint through National Police Chief Pol Gen Seripisuth Temiyavej, accusing the PPP of forging a signature on a membership application for Puea Pandin Deputy Leader Sitthichai Kwosurat, EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said. If found guilty, either Party Leader Samak Sundaravej or Party Registrar Saman Lertwongrat will be punished under the criminal code. However, the severest punishment is possible if the EC can prove that the party, not individual executive members, also acknowledged the alleged forgery. That would lead to the party's dissolution for violating the Political Party Act, said EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Theeveechaiyagarn. Sitthichai filed a complaint with the EC against the PPP over the allegedly forged signature. His move came after the Supreme Court cleared him of a charge of membership of two parties, allowing him to run on the Puea Pandin Party list for Zone 4. The EC earlier disqualified Sitthichai for registering as a member of both Puea Pandin and the PPP. The process leading to the potential dissolution of a political party takes time and it if happens, it will be after the election on Dec 23. In the event that the party is ordered dissolved after the polls, its executives who are elected will be disqualified as MPs, according to the election law.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/12Dec2007_news03.php

Can someone explain to my WHY the PPP would have forged Sitthichai's name on a membership application?

This wasn't some taxi driver- it is someone with enough name value to run as an MP. Of course it would get out if he discovered that he'd been signed up for a party that he didn't support. So why would the PPP sign him up- that would be like the Republicans claiming that Hilary had signed on. Just... dumb.

Is there a tradition in Thailand of polititians signing up for two different parties?

[blaze]

EC to file complaint against PPP for forging documents

Election Commission decided Tuesday to file lawsuit against People Power Party for forging application document for a candidate of the party.

EC's chairman Apichart Sukakkanont said that the EC alleged PPP of Samak Sundaravej of falsifying the document for Sitthichai Kohsurat, deputy leader of Puea Paendin Party.

Will Samak's answer to these charges be:

“We are not involved with this in any way and I don’t want to talk about this again"

It is starting to look like death by a thousand cuts: forged signatures, HK money, CM red card rumours, Nakhom Phanom VCDs, VCDs elsewhere, etc etc. Get your daily dose of allegations against PPP. It all reaches a stage at some point where it becomes believable to many people without even hard evidence especially poeple who know how it works up country. Even sionme of the usual sympathetic but neutralish blogs are talking like the PPP have made stuipid mistakes rather than questioning the veracity of the allegations. That is a telling change from a few weks ago.

Dirty campiagn indeed.

Yes- even if not one of these allegations is shown to be true, the legitimacy of a PPP win has already been nulified. Couldn't have worked out better had it been orchestrated....

In reality Blaze i think it is probably 50-50 ion the orchestrated front. Nobody is ionnocent but a large dose of exaggeration helps. Shaame Thailand finds itself here really. Hopefully things wont get too rough for those of us committed to stay here

If any of these allegations are true, they point out not only the criminal nature of the PPP, but the gross stupiditiy of those at its helm. These guys know that their every breath is monitored- every ATM withdrawl, every speech...

They could possibly win the election without a single instance of malfeasance- yet they would engage in such blatantly illegal acts? I don't know. I just find it hard to believe that anyone could be that dumb. And, if any of these allegations are true- then let's hope they do NOT form the next government-because they are too stupid.

Personally, I fully believe that the PPP will be 'found guilty' of something. It's not hard to 'arrange'. Or shouldn't be, given the war chest and the powerful organizations stacked against it. But boy, I would need hard cold indisputable evidence-

Does anyone know if the EC is investigating the Democrats- for anything. Is the PPP so decent that they have not launched a single complaint- frivolous or substantive- against the Dems? Or is the EC's mandate only to find grounds to dissolve the PPP- with a few crumbs tossed in to give the appearance of unbiased objectivity?

[sriracha john]

PPP faces criminal action

EC's move could lead to dissolution of party

The Election Commission's decision yesterday to take criminal action against the People Power party could lead to the end of the party. The EC decided to file a complaint through National Police Chief Pol Gen Seripisuth Temiyavej, accusing the PPP of forging a signature on a membership application for Puea Pandin Deputy Leader Sitthichai Kwosurat, EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said. If found guilty, either Party Leader Samak Sundaravej or Party Registrar Saman Lertwongrat will be punished under the criminal code. However, the severest punishment is possible if the EC can prove that the party, not individual executive members, also acknowledged the alleged forgery. That would lead to the party's dissolution for violating the Political Party Act, said EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Theeveechaiyagarn. Sitthichai filed a complaint with the EC against the PPP over the allegedly forged signature. His move came after the Supreme Court cleared him of a charge of membership of two parties, allowing him to run on the Puea Pandin Party list for Zone 4. The EC earlier disqualified Sitthichai for registering as a member of both Puea Pandin and the PPP. The process leading to the potential dissolution of a political party takes time and it if happens, it will be after the election on Dec 23. In the event that the party is ordered dissolved after the polls, its executives who are elected will be disqualified as MPs, according to the election law.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/12Dec2007_news03.php

Can someone explain to my WHY the PPP would have forged Sitthichai's name on a membership application?

This wasn't some taxi driver- it is someone with enough name value to run as an MP. Of course it would get out if he discovered that he'd been signed up for a party that he didn't support. So why would the PPP sign him up- that would be like the Republicans claiming that Hilary had signed on. Just... dumb.

Is there a tradition in Thailand of polititians signing up for two different parties?

From my understanding, his name was included in a lengthy list of former TRT members who were signed up to become members of PPP. This was apparently done as a presumptive measure without consulting the actual members and actually not far off the mark as that is exactly the party that the vast majority of them switched to. Apparently, the problem arose is they failed to actually contact all of these members and perhaps when Sitthichai's signature on the list was noticed to be missing, they might have just presumed it was some mild "oversight" and signed it for him, thinking "but of course, he will be joining PPP, most everyone else is."

Are they dumb? Yes. It's very similar to the same sort of techniques they used in the April 2006 election, in which they were going to be the very obvious winners...and yet, they still decided to take shady steps to insure that victory. Shady enough that it got the election annulled and subsequently got the party dissolved. They certainly have a precedence for cheating even when it is clear they will win without cheating. I guess old habits die hard, but sooner or later they must learn that the...

PPP must play by the rules

Thai Rath Editorial: Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is in the news once again, thanks to the recent uproar over his website and the distribution of a video clip in which the ex-premier allegedly urges his supporters to vote for the People Power Party. Political activist Veera Somkhwamkid said he had obtained a VCD containing Thaksin's statement from a PPP member. The VCD allegedly implies that the ex-premier was behind the formation of the PPP after his Thai Rak Thai party was dissolved by the Constitution Tribunal last May.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/12Dec2007_news23.php

[marshbags]

The Nation today 12-12-2007 @ 07.29

URL ref:- http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/12/12...on_30058822.php

STOPPAGE TIME

Democracy vs Corruption: Who's talking now?

The Voice" seems to have come from nowhere and yet appears to be everywhere. Published on December 12, 2007

Its persuasive, inspirational power brings everything to a standstill, including the fiery soul-searching debate between Angel and Demon, whose ongoing ultimate showdown has left the Kingdom of Thailand in ruins.

Hello, my beloved compatriots. You must notice that the atmosphere in this room is quite strange. I'm not in Thailand, that's why. I'm in England. I'm living in virtual exile here. This is despite the fact that for about five to six years I devoted myself to serving the Thai people. I did everything I could to make you happy, to create opportunities for the Thai nation and people.

What I got in return, I have to admit, is a big shame. It's an injustice so extreme that I never imagined it would befall me. But it's all right. I can endure it.

What greatly concerns me, however, is the worsening state of our country. Your life is harder now. Foods on the table have become more expensive. And at the same time the prices of farm produce continue to fall, with nobody paying attention or taking any action.

All the basic problems - economic, social, the education of your children - have become greater now. It's no big surprise. We can't expect a government that didn't come from the people to really care about them or have a sense of responsibility toward them. Since things have come to this, I'm really worried about my Thai compatriots, about Thailand.

I have therefore told the former Thai Rak Thai MPs, whose party was dissolved, that if we really love the people and the country, and are worried about them, we should regroup. The people understand us well, and they know that we have been victimised. And so they did regroup, under a new party. It's named the People Power Party. What a great name, as we can do nothing but ask the people to show their power. It's the only way to bring back prosperity, happiness and democracy. Most importantly, social justice must return.

What has happened in Thailand is due to the fact that you, especially those of you who had problems in your lives, received my full help and support. Politics became strong and stable. That, unfortunately, was where the trouble began, because certain guys always felt that whenever politics was weak, they could reap benefits. So they plotted to weaken our politics. That's what happened. And when politics became weak, so did the people.

You must use your power to teach them that politics can't be weakened, because if it is, the people will also become weak. You will teach them by electing this one party in defiance. Elect the People Power Party and it's this people's power, my countrymen, that will bring back your happiness. And more importantly, my compatriots, when justice returns to Thailand, I will come home. I will come back to be with you. Please keep in your heart the People Power Party and all its election candidates.

Democracy: What was that?

Corruption: You tell me.

Democracy: Sounds like a voice from heaven.

Corruption: Or from hel_l.

Democracy: "The Voice" said he's in a London room.

Corruption: The same "Voice" told ESPN the other day how he wanted to take Manchester City to the Champions League and sign deals with Peter Crouch and Adriano.

Democracy: Surely you can't do that in hel_l.

Corruption: You're right. What I meant was, no matter how angelic "The Voice" sounded, it possibly could harbour demonic purpose.

Democracy: But what a touching message about the power to the people and stuff. I would deliver the same speech if I had to.

Corruption: And so would I.

Democracy: In fact, "The Voice" could be either of us, coming from our subconsciences. Maybe it's something that emanated from our battle.

Corruption: Bingo. Haven't I told you all the time that we are inseparable? I rest my case.

Democracy: Oh no. You tricked me into this.

Corruption: "The Voice" belongs to both of us, admit it.

Democracy: No.

Corruption: We created him. And he needs us both to stay alive, and for both of us to stay alive.

Democracy: No.

Corruption: It's too late to say no, my other half. He's coming home.

And the World, Heaven and hel_l continue to hold their breath...

(To listen to "The Voice", go to www.nationmultimedia.com. If you are already reading this online, please check out the video clip on our home page.)

Tulsathit Taptim

The Nation

Please edit if i,m duplicating this and it,s posted somewhere else.

What,s the latest odds on the PPP getting banned before the elections start ?

If they leave it while after to do something, should they be allowed to stand its potentially worse for problems than before.

IMHO

If they have broken EC laws

then no one can say they have unconstitutionally been banned ( for a second time following their party of origin ) to stop them standing and thus prevent them from winning ( in their eyes of course and those of their two faced leader / leaders.)

Thaksin and His underling Samak

marshbags

Edited December 12, 2007 by marshbags

[marshbags]

It really looks like Thaksin and his mob meetings in mainland China are really over since the rumor of his multi-entry visa being canceled, now pushing their luck in Hong Kong. I wouldn't be surprised at all that mules accompany them on trips abroad only to carry back suitcases full of cash.

That was a while back, post #533.

Do I have a gift or is Thaksin that predictable?

Na it,s your gift TC

that's a lot of banknotes...

Democrats: Probe money imported from Hong Kong

Democrat Party spokesman Ongart Klampaiboon called on the Election Commission to urgently check if the import of 60 Million Baht in cash by three Hong Kong businessmen had anything to do with the general election.

Ongart said although the businessmen brought the money in legally, the Democrats suspected why they had to bring in cash to do business when they had other ways which were more convenient.

He said the EC should launch a speedy investigation if the businessmen brought the money into the country for other purposes.

- The Nation

The fact that they were caught and publically exposed by the Authorities who were witness to the muling is amazing in itself considering the T money they could have pocketed to keep stum.

No way would this have happened in the past.

Just maybe there is a hint of hope in this situation for the changing of embedded die hard and corrupt attitude when money was the final word......Ahem i mean bribe

marshbags

Edited December 12, 2007 by marshbags

[Plus]

PPP aren't that stupid - they simply don't really care about EC cases against them - the more the merrier - it's a denial of service attack. They rip immediate benefits from those VCDs, they get votes in less than two weeks. Even if EC tries very hard, as they promised, there's not enough time to do anything about it. They hope to form the government way before any of these cases reaches courts, and then they can stall them for another year or so.

Forging signatures is a mild offence - they'll just sacrifice someone, possibly even Samak, he's a nobody in the large scheme of things anyway.

VCDs are tough there are five million of them out there, but you'll need to prove that PPP distributed them as a party. What kind of evidence would be admissable in the courts?

EC can try to punish PPP before validating election results but can they punish the whole party or only consituences where VCDs are distributed?

[hammered]

PPP aren't that stupid - they simply don't really care about EC cases against them - the more the merrier - it's a denial of service attack. They rip immediate benefits from those VCDs, they get votes in less than two weeks. Even if EC tries very hard, as they promised, there's not enough time to do anything about it. They hope to form the government way before any of these cases reaches courts, and then they can stall them for another year or so.

Forging signatures is a mild offence - they'll just sacrifice someone, possibly even Samak, he's a nobody in the large scheme of things anyway.

VCDs are tough there are five million of them out there, but you'll need to prove that PPP distributed them as a party. What kind of evidence would be admissable in the courts?

EC can try to punish PPP before validating election results but can they punish the whole party or only consituences where VCDs are distributed?

A good summation. We should also note at first Samak admitted to the VCD thing and subsequently Chatchuron did as has one PPP candidate. This one has mileage but being so close to the election PPP are probably gambling on the victory their sponsor needs followed by the usual make the cases go away. Will it work? Who knows.

It also shouldnt be forgotten their are faction within the PPP. There are those who would quite like to get through the election without too much controversy and see what happens and then there are those who want to overthrow what they see as an old order. The latter group may be more happy with disolution and chaos than with a narrow election victroy or as may well happen a seat in opposition. When asking why would PPP be so stupid it may be the wrong question. There are almost certainly elements within that would be only too happy with the disolution to fire more of a base for their more radical agenda. At the moment there is little suport for the more radical elements and that will likely not increase with any form of reconcilliation.

[sriracha john]

P-Net encourages Abhisit-Samak debate

The People's Network for Elections (P-Net) are keen on setting up a debate between Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and People Power party leader Samak Sundaravej. P-Net head, Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, underlined the debate’s importance, saying “most people don’t know enough about the elections and the political parties running in the race.” He added, “It is vital that the two election front-runners - namely, Mr Abhisit and Mr Samak - meet face to face to clarify their policies,” said Somchai. P-Net, an independent poll monitoring agency, has scheduled the debate for Dec 20 if both leaders agree to take part. Abhisit is certain to welcome the invitation with opening arms. After all, it was he who challenged Samak to a debate, insisting the political showdown would be of benefit to no one else but the public. Samak snubbed the offer, claiming to have no time for someone he regarded as “politically inferior” to him. But Somchai has urged Samak’s critics to refrain from jumping the gun and assume that Samak will turn down P-Net’s offer. “Let’s not assume that he will not take part in the debate. If he does turn down the offer, we will have to convince him to join in the debate for the voters’ sake."

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124384

[marshbags]

PPP aren't that stupid - they simply don't really care about EC cases against them - the more the merrier - it's a denial of service attack. They rip immediate benefits from those VCDs, they get votes in less than two weeks. Even if EC tries very hard, as they promised, there's not enough time to do anything about it. They hope to form the government way before any of these cases reaches courts, and then they can stall them for another year or so.

Forging signatures is a mild offence - they'll just sacrifice someone, possibly even Samak, he's a nobody in the large scheme of things anyway.

VCDs are tough there are five million of them out there, but you'll need to prove that PPP distributed them as a party. What kind of evidence would be admissable in the courts?

EC can try to punish PPP before validating election results but can they punish the whole party or only consituences where VCDs are distributed?

A good summation. We should also note at first Samak admitted to the VCD thing and subsequently Chatchuron did as has one PPP candidate. This one has mileage but being so close to the election PPP are probably gambling on the victory their sponsor needs followed by the usual make the cases go away. Will it work? Who knows.

It also shouldnt be forgotten their are faction within the PPP. There are those who would quite like to get through the election without too much controversy and see what happens and then there are those who want to overthrow what they see as an old order. The latter group may be more happy with disolution and chaos than with a narrow election victroy or as may well happen a seat in opposition. When asking why would PPP be so stupid it may be the wrong question. There are almost certainly elements within that would be only too happy with the disolution to fire more of a base for their more radical agenda. At the moment there is little suport for the more radical elements and that will likely not increase with any form of reconcilliation.

While not disagreeing with your assessments as their is definitely truth and reality in them.

There are a whole 12 days to go to balloting and only then can we assume they,ve not shot themselves in the foot, me i tend to think there is still more to come relating to the banned main actor / sponsor and his comical side kick Samak.

That is both before and after when possible mismanaged management is exposed as it surely will be IMCO ( calculated ) on the calculating deviousness of them both along with the rest of their party of thieves.

Just maybe we are under estimating the people who count when it,s all done and decided, Thailands voters.

In my M.Ban for example there are those who were TRT supporters 100% and loved the CEO, who are openly hostile towards the prospect of the party getting away with all the corruption and everything else attached to it all., and then being re instated to carry on were they left off.

I still cannot believe what appears / has to be a complete turn about, but it is, and younger members of certain families, who fall into the above, are saying " take any money that,s offered " but you do not vote for them.

By the way they have been handing out 500 baht bills in and around Udon and via the grape vine drums, there is plenty more to come as we get nearer polling day.

So the local M.Ban elders are telling everyone, but.......................

They are not overly enthusiastic in telling them who they have to vote for this time around.

marshbags

Edited December 12, 2007 by marshbags

[hammered]

PPP aren't that stupid - they simply don't really care about EC cases against them - the more the merrier - it's a denial of service attack. They rip immediate benefits from those VCDs, they get votes in less than two weeks. Even if EC tries very hard, as they promised, there's not enough time to do anything about it. They hope to form the government way before any of these cases reaches courts, and then they can stall them for another year or so.

Forging signatures is a mild offence - they'll just sacrifice someone, possibly even Samak, he's a nobody in the large scheme of things anyway.

VCDs are tough there are five million of them out there, but you'll need to prove that PPP distributed them as a party. What kind of evidence would be admissable in the courts?

EC can try to punish PPP before validating election results but can they punish the whole party or only consituences where VCDs are distributed?

A good summation. We should also note at first Samak admitted to the VCD thing and subsequently Chatchuron did as has one PPP candidate. This one has mileage but being so close to the election PPP are probably gambling on the victory their sponsor needs followed by the usual make the cases go away. Will it work? Who knows.

It also shouldnt be forgotten their are faction within the PPP. There are those who would quite like to get through the election without too much controversy and see what happens and then there are those who want to overthrow what they see as an old order. The latter group may be more happy with disolution and chaos than with a narrow election victroy or as may well happen a seat in opposition. When asking why would PPP be so stupid it may be the wrong question. There are almost certainly elements within that would be only too happy with the disolution to fire more of a base for their more radical agenda. At the moment there is little suport for the more radical elements and that will likely not increase with any form of reconcilliation.

While not disagreeing with your assessments as their is definitely truth and reality in them.

There are a whole 12 days to go to balloting and only then can we assume they,ve not shot themselves in the foot, me i tend to think there is still more to come relating to the banned main actor / sponsor and his comical side kick Samak.

That is both before and after when possible mismanaged management is exposed as it surely will be IMCO ( calculated ) on the calculating deviousness of them both along with the rest of their party of thieves.

Just maybe we are under estimating the people who count when it,s all done and decided, Thailands voters.

In my M.Ban for example there are those who were TRT supporters 100% and loved the CEO, who are openly hostile towards the prospect of the party getting away with all the corruption and everything else attached to it all., and then being re instated to carry on were they left off.

I still cannot believe what appears / has to be a complete turn about, but it is, and younger members of certain families, who fall into the above, are saying " take any money that,s offered " but you do not vote for them.

By the way they have been handing out 500 baht bills in and around Udon and via the grape vine drums, there is plenty more to come as we get nearer polling day.

So the local M.Ban elders are telling everyone, but.......................

They are not overly enthusiastic in telling them who they have to vote for this time around.

marshbags

You have it right there. The young voters are noticeably anti-TRT/PPP. If the youth turns out PPP will not win. The trouble is the youth usually doesnt and a hel_l of a lot of them work away from their house paer place although this time absenteism voting will be high.

My own wife comes from a hotbed of pro-Thaksin area and yet it is impossib;le to find a siongle person in her family under 30 who will vote for anything Thaksin. Of course their mothers and fathers are the opposite. Interesting to se the generational spluit, but you got it right young = anti -T an dmiddle aged to older = pro-T up country.

[John K]

A few questions and comments. I seem to recall under the new constitution the EC was given more power. Some of the posts suggest to dissolve the PPP it would require the same process as the TRT. I don’t know if that is the case anymore or not. Can someone help clarify that.

I think it would certainly piss off a few judges in the tribunal if this group of bad boys was in front of them again before the 5 year period. Perhaps the second go round they may decide to lock them up for the remainder of the 5 years seeing as they cant voluntarily behave. That method seemed to work fine before.

Also I think it is well within the power of the EC to shut down the PPP via red card and keep them out of the election if they feel they have stepped over the line. That would certainly be the method used avoiding rooting them out after the election. Again I am not sure but I tend to think that is the case. Can someone please provide accurate information as to the power the EC has.

The PPP seems to be trying to set up a scenario that will make them look like a victim, but as put death by a thousand cuts.

[Plus]

According to today's reports EC can't do anything about VCDs. At one point they say they can try "vote buying" charge for distributiong tehm for free, nothing to do with content. Someone else said thy can disqualify individual constituency candidates but they need evidence in each particular case that the candidate was involved in the distribution.

They decided to form a fact finding panel, maybe.

As I said - it's too late to do anything about it, Thaksin found another loophole they can't plug straight away. If they disqualify PPP after the elections it will be a real screw up.

On another note, Ramkhamhaeng poll predicts PPP will win 23 out of 36 Bangkok constituencies. All other polls, including one of their own last month, predict exactly the opposite.

[hammered]

According to today's reports EC can't do anything about VCDs. At one point they say they can try "vote buying" charge for distributiong tehm for free, nothing to do with content. Someone else said thy can disqualify individual constituency candidates but they need evidence in each particular case that the candidate was involved in the distribution.

They decided to form a fact finding panel, maybe.

As I said - it's too late to do anything about it, Thaksin found another loophole they can't plug straight away. If they disqualify PPP after the elections it will be a real screw up.

On another note, Ramkhamhaeng poll predicts PPP will win 23 out of 36 Bangkok constituencies. All other polls, including one of their own last month, predict exactly the opposite.

On the back page of the post today there is one comment from a PPP source. It goes we are not woried about legal action as it will take so long and by that time we will have won and nothing can be done (paraphrase). Nothing about not cheating just we will have won and control everything. Which not surprisingly is also how I have heard it assessed by politcos i talk to. Looks like Thaksin is coming back on a wave of some popularity plus a bunch of cheating. I really really hope I am wrong but ....

[John K]

According to today's reports EC can't do anything about VCDs. At one point they say they can try "vote buying" charge for distributiong tehm for free, nothing to do with content. Someone else said thy can disqualify individual constituency candidates but they need evidence in each particular case that the candidate was involved in the distribution.

They decided to form a fact finding panel, maybe.

As I said - it's too late to do anything about it, Thaksin found another loophole they can't plug straight away. If they disqualify PPP after the elections it will be a real screw up.

On another note, Ramkhamhaeng poll predicts PPP will win 23 out of 36 Bangkok constituencies. All other polls, including one of their own last month, predict exactly the opposite.

I think the 60-20-20 is at work here Plus. The announcement that the EC had power rather quickly chased away members of club 111 that were hanging around. With the exception of Thaksin the other 110 had things to lose.

I expect a lot of misinformation between now and election day. Perhaps some is meant to trap the bold PPP to give the EC a real solid case. From here out you have to look at what makes sense and that is why I asked for the clarifications on the laws so as to minimize getting caught up in misinformation.

As for the VCD thing, this is typical Thaksin using people. The person handing out the VCDs will suffer the consequences while Thaksin can simply make claims that can not be challenged legally thus keeping him clean.

[Tony Clifton]

Polls+Generous Donations = Manipulated Results