New Political Party Ready To Launch

[blaze]

Comments all meant to drum up fear. Yes there will be problems if the PPP falls, but they fall by their own hand.

There will also be trouble if PPP are seen to win the election by underhand means with the EC not doing anything about it. That is the hard position the authorites find themselves particularly over the massive VCD dump which has been admitted to by various people at various times. Do nothing and PPP maybe wins helped by the dump, which is by the way totally unfair on all th eother parties playing by the rules. Do something and PPP are disbanded disenfranchising many. There really is no middle ground.

One also wonders how the EC could give a validatiopn of election results as required iof a potential disolution were hanging over a party. It may be that results could not be declared until after the case. Then if a party is disolved does that mean that the runners up are declared winners or that a whole swathe of byelections are required? This is starting to get messy.

Do you think the EC lost any credibility with its exoneration of the CNS over the secret plan to swing the vote away from PPP?

Which is more dangerous- that the PPP gets away with some shenanigans- (or the Dems or any other party for that matter) which, due to absence of proof are not prosecuted- or that a party- could be the Dems- any party- is prosecuted without evidence? (as every advertizer/PR guy knows- the power of association is a lot stronger than appeals to objective reasoning- and just hearing PPP- many hear "criminal').

By making public every allegation against the PPP that crosses their desk- to a press that is only too ready to seize on each of these allegations as further proof of the nefarious nature of the party- is it even plausible to think that enemies of the PPP are going to accept a PPP victory as legitimate?

Or that, should real evidence come to light that warrants serious action taken, the friends of the PPP will accept an EC ruling against the PPP?

As Hammered says- it's lose lose right now- for everybody I fear.

This election i feel will not solve anything. For a start people are now just voting based on Thaksin or coup. The country is still divided and will remain so. Whoeever loses will not accept it. If PPP wins its opponents will see it as cheating and inaction of the EC. If PPP loses they will see it as a rigged ballot. If PPP is disbanded they will se it as unwarranted. If PPP is not disbanded it will be sen as a dodgy deal or weakness by itys opponents. There really is no easy way out of this.

I cant see the EC addressing the issues before it personally. It really is a lot to ask of a small group of people to make decisons that could hand an election to one side or the other bearing in mind these are not normal times in the democratic process.

Very true- and the EC in some circles anyway (my circle) has certainly not done itself any favors either- from the battle with PNet- to one of the commissionaires bragging in a Post interview about his close personal ties to Sarayuth.

Then this morning we get the first concrete conviction for vote buying (a democrat by the by) -but this didn't come from the EC- but the Supreme Court. To the unititiated (like me) this almost conjours up a picture where the EC is only involved if there is suspicion of PPP shenanigans. (I know of course that this particular case occurred and was being investigated long before the current EC took power- but it would be nice if just for appearances sake- the EC was seen through more than platitudes to be genuinely committed to ensuring that ALL parties get a fair shake. Including the PPP. And sometimes my gut feeling- I doubt I'm alone- is that the EC exists for the single purpose of finding fault with the PPP.

They may very well be very honorable people- I have no idea- and to a certain extent I blame the media for seizing on every little complaint that the EC gets across its desk- providing the complaint singles out a party that the media is not supportive of. The EC would do better to give out NO information of allegations till something close to hard evidence is submitted.

Justice must not only be done - but seen to be done- politics is about perceptions- and the perceptions are going to be, after the 23d, very polarized methinks.

I'm afraid it's lose-lose.

It's only been 2 weeks or so since the Samak interview wherein he praised the Election Commission and thought they were honorable men doing honorable work. Now if someone of his ilk doesn't fault the EC.

The Democrat case this morning indeed was 6 years old and pre-dates even the last EC who escaped prison because it was uncomfortable and stressful. The current EC had nothing to do with the case and thus no comment need be made. It was a Court decision.

Has the EC reason to find fault with the PPP? It would certainly appear so. What is so far-fetched about a notion that perhaps, just perhaps, the PPP is the party committing the majority of infractions? Are other parties not above committing improper acts? Of course not. The 2001 Democrat candidate's bribing is a prime example... but it seems that PPP really is the group pushing the envelope. Has there been too much hype over any particular case? That remains to be seen as more evidence is revealed, but on the surface as it stands now, there are several cases that seem to have quite a bit of evidence.

Has the EC made other mistakes? Certainly... but I wouldn't say any more so then other ones and absolutely fewer than the last batch that wound up with criminal convictions and prison time.

At the end of the day, you can add me as well to the Concerned List for post Dec. 23 Thailand.

The issue of perception re the EC's impartiality is put forth very well in this morning's (Dec 17) editorial in the Post. What happens after the election will be determined by perceptions- and on both sides, the perceptions are that the other is not playing fair.

Am I mistaken- or is this same professional body (the EC) bear final responsibility in the selecting the appointed members of the senate (in that they will select those who do the selections- if that makes sense) I might be wrong and would appreciate clarification.

But if this is true, at least in the short term, and given the powers of the senate to stymie the elected government, then these EC people, who have NOT distinguished themselves with their professional acumen- become the second most important body in the land.

[Jai Dee]

For the Motherland leader is confident of his chances to form new government

The For the Motherland Party leader, Mr. Suwit Khunkitti (สุวิทย์ คุณกิตติ), says his party still has a chance to be the frontrunner in setting up the next government, since more than 60 percent of eligible voters are still undecided.

Mr. Suwit says he would like people to use their discretion in voting in order to reconcile the country rather than voting for certain parties because they oppose the coup last year. He says such belief would not solve problems in the country.

Mr. Suwit says he would have to wait for the election result before deciding whether his party would join forces with other parties or not.

The For the Motherland Party leader admits that vote-buying is taking place as usual, but new ways of vote-buying have emerged. For instance, vote-buyers may ask people not to vote for certain parties rather than telling them to vote for a particular party. Thus, he would like to warn people to take careful consideration before casting their ballots.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 December 2007

[blaze]

Never let the truth and logistics reality get in the way of a good campaign promise particularly when so little effort has been spent on a good education system.

The delusional statements that come out of some politicos mouths and that they dont just get lambasted as ridiculous in the press does show both the need for a vastly improved education system in Thailand and also exactly why the politcos will on the whole not want to change a system that allows them to be believed or taken seriously in some of the insane things they say. Shame really. Maybe the media should get some cojones and do the country a favour by openly ridiculing the more outlandish statements made by soem of these fools.

As long as the media, which includes some of the wealthiest capitalists in the country, can frame politics as a TV soap opera of heros and villains- where political discourse seldom attains higher than a slightly evolved version of village gossip - the real challenges facing Thailand will go largely ignored in favor of 'who said what about who'. True cojones would be serious analysis of government policy, serious analysis of the challenges down the road- in reference to the plan to turn the coast into the costa, no- I don't think that should be ridiculed. It should be intelligently analyzed. THEN ridiculed- (or, if it's shown to be viable, praised.)

Edited December 17, 2007 by blaze

[hammered]

Never let the truth and logistics reality get in the way of a good campaign promise particularly when so little effort has been spent on a good education system.

The delusional statements that come out of some politicos mouths and that they dont just get lambasted as ridiculous in the press does show both the need for a vastly improved education system in Thailand and also exactly why the politcos will on the whole not want to change a system that allows them to be believed or taken seriously in some of the insane things they say. Shame really. Maybe the media should get some cojones and do the country a favour by openly ridiculing the more outlandish statements made by soem of these fools.

As long as the media, which includes some of the wealthiest capitalists in the country, can frame politics as a TV soap opera of heros and villains- where political discourse seldom attains higher than a slightly evolved version of village gossip - the real challenges facing Thailand will go largely ignored in favor of 'who said what about who'. True cojones would be serious analysis of government policy, serious analysis of the challenges down the road- in reference to the plan to turn the coast into the costa, no- I don't think that should be ridiculed. It should be intelligently analyzed.

Serious analysis of the Niceization of the polluted Thai coastline either side of Bangkok would result in ridicule or at least serious loss of face

A decade or so ago, it was exoplained to me how Thai Rath operated to advance the interests of a particular group. Things havent changed much since then.

[sriracha john]

People have gone from walking away in droves during Samak's speeches to booing his cohorts off stage...

Rally Goers Boos PPP for Condemning Other Parties

The campaign rally of the People Power Party (PPP) in Klong Toei district yesterday was a complete flop, when candidates were booed off the stage by local market vendors due to their opposition against the party’s campaign methods of slandering other rivals in the election race.

PPP candidates informed vendors during their campaign speeches that Thailand is being jeopardized by a dictatorial government, claiming that if the PPP was to be elected to lead the country, Thais would not be ruled by dictators but would get deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra instead.

After hearing such remarks, vendors and motorcycle taxi drivers at the rally started booing at the speakers, warning them to stop attacking other parties.

At the same time, an explosion went off, causing candidates on stage to flee the scene, where the blast was later found to be just firecrackers.

Market vendors claimed that they were bothered by remarks of candidates in attempting to slander other political parties.

They also questioned the speakers’ morality for aiming to cause rifts in the country with their campaign methods.

An unnamed vendor called on the PPP to start changing its ways of rallying by organizing a more productive campaign rally and should stay away from backstabbing other parties.

- Thailand Outlook

[hammered]

People have gone from walking away in droves during Samak's speeches to booing his cohorts off stage...

Rally Goers Boos PPP for Condemning Other Parties

The campaign rally of the People Power Party (PPP) in Klong Toei district yesterday was a complete flop, when candidates were booed off the stage by local market vendors due to their opposition against the party’s campaign methods of slandering other rivals in the election race.

PPP candidates informed vendors during their campaign speeches that Thailand is being jeopardized by a dictatorial government, claiming that if the PPP was to be elected to lead the country, Thais would not be ruled by dictators but would get deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra instead.

After hearing such remarks, vendors and motorcycle taxi drivers at the rally started booing at the speakers, warning them to stop attacking other parties.

At the same time, an explosion went off, causing candidates on stage to flee the scene, where the blast was later found to be just firecrackers.

Market vendors claimed that they were bothered by remarks of candidates in attempting to slander other political parties.

They also questioned the speakers’ morality for aiming to cause rifts in the country with their campaign methods.

An unnamed vendor called on the PPP to start changing its ways of rallying by organizing a more productive campaign rally and should stay away from backstabbing other parties.

- Thailand Outlook

Making obviously divisive remarks at the moment could be a poltical mistake. Interesting that it is reported that motorcycle taxi drivers booed. This used to be a very solid TRT base.

[Jai Dee]

People Power leader campaigning in Udon Thani

The People Power Party leader, Mr. Samak Sundaravej (สมัคร สุนทรเวช), and his entourage have traveled to the northeastern province of Udon Thani to help his party’s Member of Parliament (MP) candidates running their electoral campaigns.

Mr. Samak, together with People Power core members Chalerm Yoobamrung (เฉลิม อยู่บำรุง) and Ruangroj Mahasaranond (เรืองโรจน์ มหาศรานนท์), campaigned at Nong Khai province before traveling to Udon Thani this afternoon to stage a public forum, aimed at gaining more votes in the December-23rd general election.

They are scheduled to hold a big public forum at Thung Sri Muang in Muang district of Udon Thani province at 3 PM today (December 17th).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 December 2007

[Jai Dee]

Matchima Thipataya leader says internal problems solved

The Matchima Thipataya Party leader, Mr. Prachai Leophairatana (ประชัย เลี่ยวไพรัตน์), says his party has its own methods in dealing with its internal problems, and they have already been solved nonetheless. He says the Matchima Thipataya Party will immediately dismiss its members from the old political clique who want to return to the old system, as it would lead to corruption.

Mr. Prachai is promoting the party’s combination of populist and welfare policies, which would require about four billion baht in the long-run. He says the party’s policies may not mobilize with the political system, and he therefore warns public members not to be misled by old politicians as he used to.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 December 2007

[Tony Clifton]

Cheatnawatra Jr., Thaksin's son is now apparently involved in PPP's campaign.

I smell something burning...

Edited December 17, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

PPP candidate taunts EC

People’s Power Party candidate Prasaeng Mongkolsiri has utilized tactics that the Election Commission (EC) earlier warned him to not engage in by incorporating photographs and video of ouster Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in his campaigning.

During a recent rally in Uthai Thani, Prasaeng presented citizens with a large photo of Thaksin and also gave a speech attacking the work of the EC. He also presented a video CD of the former premiere.

Prasaeng had recently been warned of such actions by the EC, which stated that he may be given a red or yellow card which would bar him from participating in the election.

- ThaiNews

Will that be red? or yellow? whine with your meal, Khun Prasaeng?

Election Commissioner Sumeth Upanisakorn said the poll agency has decided to take legal action against Prasaeng Mongkolsiri, a People Power Party candidate for Uthai Thani province's constituency 1, for violating election law.

Prasaeng was accused of using pictures of Thaksin in his election campaign.

EC regulations forbid candidates from using pictures of former party executives banned from politics by the Constitution Tribunal earlier this year.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/18Dec2007_news02.php

[sriracha john]

Small blast near Thai political party's campaign office says party official

BANGKOK - A smoke bomb exploded late Monday outside the offices of the People Power Party in Bangkok, but caused no injuries and only minor damage, party officials said.

A grenade was also found lodged in the gate to the party's office on the northern side of the Thai capital and police were working to defuse it, said Boontrika Prasongdee, a local politician with the party.

'There was an explosion at 9.00 pm (1400 GMT). It was a smoke bomb, which exploded and made a lot of smoke. A second bomb is still lodged at the front gate and has not exploded,' she said.

The office was empty when the smoke bomb went off and no one was injured, she said.

Police could not be reached for comment and Boontrika said she had no idea who might have set the bomb.

The blast came as Thailand gears up for general elections on Sunday, the first polls since prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted in a coup last year.

Thaksin is living in exile in Britain and his party has been disbanded, but his allies have regrouped under the People Power banner.

- AFP

[Plus]

As long as the media, which includes some of the wealthiest capitalists in the country, can frame politics as a TV soap opera of heros and villains- where political discourse seldom attains higher than a slightly evolved version of village gossip...

I don't think it's the media problem - PPP, the party that will win the most seats, runs its campaign on total opposition to any open political debate or discourse of any kind. They refuse to answer any public questions as a matter of principle. How's that the media problem?

As for other parties - have you really listened to their presentations on TV to call them evolved village gossip?

[blaze]

As long as the media, which includes some of the wealthiest capitalists in the country, can frame politics as a TV soap opera of heros and villains- where political discourse seldom attains higher than a slightly evolved version of village gossip...

I don't think it's the media problem - PPP, the party that will win the most seats, runs its campaign on total opposition to any open political debate or discourse of any kind. They refuse to answer any public questions as a matter of principle. How's that the media problem?

As for other parties - have you really listened to their presentations on TV to call them evolved village gossip?

I refer to the media's penchant for keeping political analysis at the village gossip level- this is not unusual- all over the world news is an entertainment- sensationalism and rumor and personalities attract readers in a way that serious analysis doesn't. Unfortunately this is the case here too.

And here, as elsewhere, this preoccupation with titillation diverts attention from serious analysis.

[John K]

Politically motivate explosive devices, or was it a few boys from the south who chose that exact spot to drop a terrorist bomb. Sounds like something I predicted not to long ago.

[Plus]

When most political parties do not take their "policies" seriously, why should the media treat them any differently.

Why should the media discuss policies when the parties promoting them avoid doing so?

Do you want them to analyse ridiculous ideas like turning Samut Prakan into Nice or quadrupling tourist arrivals through already congested Suwarnabhumi?

What's the point of asking what would Matchima or Pua Paendindo if it gets elected? At most they will get one or two insignificant portfolios and they have no idea which ones.

I don't see it as a media problem.

[blaze]

When most political parties do not take their "policies" seriously, why should the media treat them any differently.

Why should the media discuss policies when the parties promoting them avoid doing so?

Do you want them to analyse ridiculous ideas like turning Samut Prakan into Nice or quadrupling tourist arrivals through already congested Suwarnabhumi?

What's the point of asking what would Matchima or Pua Paendindo if it gets elected? At most they will get one or two insignificant portfolios and they have no idea which ones.

I don't see it as a media problem.

Yes that's true. But regardless of the parties, the challenges remain: what is the direction for tourism, say- and the reporters should be demanding that the polititians answer that- this would mean the reporters would have to do a lot of homework- but it would also mean the the politicos would have to start thinking a bit more about issues.

Too often- the most challenging question that reporters demand is "So what made you decide to get into politics?" "Or how do you feel about vote buying"? Sheesh!

Remember that incisive interview with Abhsit last year- in either the post or the Nation where the most eloquently answered question was "So who is your favorite band?" (answer: REM)

But I'll go a bit farther- the almost obsessive focus by the media on vote buying in this election- I think, may be serving a specific purpose. Intentional or not- I don't know. But it certainly serves to support the notion that Thais aren't ready for elections. That both voters and polititians are too corrupt. And that notion of course plays right into the hands of those who prefer 'guided democracy'.

Edited December 18, 2007 by blaze

[blaze]

Sorry double posted- again.

Edited December 18, 2007 by blaze

[sriracha john]

The loose cannon has been tethered down.... for now...

Samak 'too busy' for Abhisit debate

Meanwhile, People Power Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee said Samak was too busy with the election campaign to attend the debate.

Mingkwan might represent the party. He heads its economic team. Key members Yongyuth Tiyapairat or Chalerm Yoobamrung could represent it, too, he said.

- The Nation

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

By being "too busy," the electorate can see his competence.

Yongyuth might be an interesting debate... provided that attendees are provided with flak jackets or at least a refrigerator to hide behind.

Chalerm, too, so long as a metal detector for handguns is in place and the debate site isn't at a nightclub.

My goodness... they BOTH might go to the debates.... take cover...

Democrat spokesperson Thepatai Sesanapong today urged People Power Party's Leader Samak Sundaravej to accept the People Network for elections or PNET's invitation to join a political debate on sharing his party's vision by himself.

Earlier, Samak assigned People Power Party's leading members Police Captain Chalerm Yubamroong and PPP Deputy Leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat to join PNET's debate.

Thepatai stated that if Samak sent his representatives to join in the debate on behalf of himself, he should ask his representatives to take responsibility for the party leader post as well.

- Thailand Outlook

It's all been called off because it's not "convenient" to one of the debaters...

P-Net calls off Thursday political debate

Those awaiting a political showdown between Abhisit Vejjajiva and Samak Sundaravej before the election have been left disappointed once again. The independent poll watching organisation’s coordinator Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said the decision not to go ahead with the debate was reached after People Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej turned down P-Net’s invitation, reasoning that it would be an "inconvenience" for him. The Democrat Party had been the only party keen on the debate, with its leader Abhisit Vejjajiva having already confirmed his attendance as well as Deputy Secretary-General Korn Chatikavanit. They believe the debate would be of benefit to the public and allow them to fully understand the Democrat party’s policies and those of the People Power Party.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124510

[Plus]

Yes that's true. But regardless of the parties, the challenges remain: what is the direction for tourism, say- and the reporters should be demanding that the polititians answer that- this would mean the reporters would have to do a lot of homework- but it would also mean the the politicos would have to start thinking a bit more about issues.

Why would politicos talk about "issues" if they don't get votes for them. This is a typical example of "two democracies" from another thread - majoirty of voters in this country are looking for local, friendly guys they feel "connection" with. They don't even realise elections should be about bigger issues.

Too often- the most challenging question that reporters demand is "So what made you decide to get into politics?" "Or how do you feel about vote buying"? Sheesh!

Not true, they ask all those questions and openly take a piss at the answers, in editorials and personal columns. Illegal casino owner, Por Pratunam, has been sentenced to 18 months in jail yesterday, his son is running in elections and he totally denied that his father was involved in anything fishy. They all do it for the Nation and for the People, if you are daft enough to believe them.

But I'll go a bit farther- the almost obsessive focus by the media on vote buying in this election

I don't see it from the English press, no "obsessive focus" at all. No daily dose of fresh allegations and no follow up on last week's news either.

- I think, may be serving a specific purpose. Intentional or not- I don't know. But it certainly serves to support the notion that Thais aren't ready for elections. That both voters and polititians are too corrupt. And that notion of course plays right into the hands of those who prefer 'guided democracy'.

Errr..., do you mean to say that the media is manipulated by the junta and so totally misrepresents both the politicians and their supporters? Do you mean to say that in reality they are all noble citizens out to save the country, suffering in the hands of media mafia? That's quite a conspiracy...

[hammered]

When most political parties do not take their "policies" seriously, why should the media treat them any differently.

Why should the media discuss policies when the parties promoting them avoid doing so?

Do you want them to analyse ridiculous ideas like turning Samut Prakan into Nice or quadrupling tourist arrivals through already congested Suwarnabhumi?

What's the point of asking what would Matchima or Pua Paendindo if it gets elected? At most they will get one or two insignificant portfolios and they have no idea which ones.

I don't see it as a media problem.

Yes that's true. But regardless of the parties, the challenges remain: what is the direction for tourism, say- and the reporters should be demanding that the polititians answer that- this would mean the reporters would have to do a lot of homework- but it would also mean the the politicos would have to start thinking a bit more about issues.

Too often- the most challenging question that reporters demand is "So what made you decide to get into politics?" "Or how do you feel about vote buying"? Sheesh!

Remember that incisive interview with Abhsit last year- in either the post or the Nation where the most eloquently answered question was "So who is your favorite band?" (answer: REM)

But I'll go a bit farther- the almost obsessive focus by the media on vote buying in this election- I think, may be serving a specific purpose. Intentional or not- I don't know. But it certainly serves to support the notion that Thais aren't ready for elections. That both voters and polititians are too corrupt. And that notion of course plays right into the hands of those who prefer 'guided democracy'.

Spend a bit of time at any election in any of the villages up North where my wifes family are and youll recognise that the media are not concentrating enough on vote buying. Sadly neither it seems are the EC. There is not a single doubt in my mind that the number of seats the PPP gets will be increased by a bit of purchasing power, and that is not based on any Nation report equally as it wont be swayed by somethign that some willy nilly academic PPP apologist said, but direct observation. If you happen to know any ex-TRT politicos well enough to socialise with you can also get their side on the effectiveness of this.

[Jai Dee]

PM receives report on bombing at Election Administration Center of People Power

The Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Gen. Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์), says he has received the report on the bomb blast at the Election Administration Center of the People Power Party. He says police officers are currently investigating into the case, and maximum security measures have already been enforced.

Gen. Surayud also comments on the flood crisis in the southern border province of Narathiwat, saying he has assigned the Ministry of Interior and relevant agencies to provide prompt assistance to the troubled villages. He says he will visit the flood-affected southerners while attending the opening of the Thai-Malaysian Bridge this Friday (December 18th). The Prime Minister says the flood situation will not affect the general election as the main routes in the South are still commutable.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 December 2007

[Tony Clifton]

Politically motivate explosive devices, or was it a few boys from the south who chose that exact spot to drop a terrorist bomb. Sounds like something I predicted not to long ago.

With PPP's old habit of playing the victim and that gang's penchant for playing the crowd with explosives, I wouldn't be surprised that the "bomb" ,that made more smoke than damage, was their own.

When most political parties do not take their "policies" seriously, why should the media treat them any differently.

Why should the media discuss policies when the parties promoting them avoid doing so?

Do you want them to analyse ridiculous ideas like turning Samut Prakan into Nice or quadrupling tourist arrivals through already congested Suwarnabhumi?

What's the point of asking what would Matchima or Pua Paendindo if it gets elected? At most they will get one or two insignificant portfolios and they have no idea which ones.

I don't see it as a media problem.

Yes that's true. But regardless of the parties, the challenges remain: what is the direction for tourism, say- and the reporters should be demanding that the polititians answer that- this would mean the reporters would have to do a lot of homework- but it would also mean the the politicos would have to start thinking a bit more about issues.

Too often- the most challenging question that reporters demand is "So what made you decide to get into politics?" "Or how do you feel about vote buying"? Sheesh!

Remember that incisive interview with Abhsit last year- in either the post or the Nation where the most eloquently answered question was "So who is your favorite band?" (answer: REM)

But I'll go a bit farther- the almost obsessive focus by the media on vote buying in this election- I think, may be serving a specific purpose. Intentional or not- I don't know. But it certainly serves to support the notion that Thais aren't ready for elections. That both voters and polititians are too corrupt. And that notion of course plays right into the hands of those who prefer 'guided democracy'.

Spend a bit of time at any election in any of the villages up North where my wifes family are and youll recognise that the media are not concentrating enough on vote buying. Sadly neither it seems are the EC. There is not a single doubt in my mind that the number of seats the PPP gets will be increased by a bit of purchasing power, and that is not based on any Nation report equally as it wont be swayed by somethign that some willy nilly academic PPP apologist said, but direct observation. If you happen to know any ex-TRT politicos well enough to socialise with you can also get their side on the effectiveness of this.

Maybe it's dangerous territory for journalists to investigate vote-buying in depth, so much that even EC are walking on eggs up there?

[hammered]

PM receives report on bombing at Election Administration Center of People Power

The Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Gen. Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์), says he has received the report on the bomb blast at the Election Administration Center of the People Power Party. He says police officers are currently investigating into the case, and maximum security measures have already been enforced.

Gen. Surayud also comments on the flood crisis in the southern border province of Narathiwat, saying he has assigned the Ministry of Interior and relevant agencies to provide prompt assistance to the troubled villages. He says he will visit the flood-affected southerners while attending the opening of the Thai-Malaysian Bridge this Friday (December 18th). The Prime Minister says the flood situation will not affect the general election as the main routes in the South are still commutable.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 December 2007

Makes a change from bombings at Prem's house. Lets see who all the experts on here are going to suggest did it . Best to avoid Bangkok Pundit for a few weeks after a bombing too especially one Id think at an office of the party he seems to be a mouthpiece for. Yes things are hotting up. More sympathy for the poor hard done by PPP no doubt. ho hum. What next someone will be making a speech on when the hard done by hero of Thailand Herr Thaksin is returning.

[hammered]

Politically motivate explosive devices, or was it a few boys from the south who chose that exact spot to drop a terrorist bomb. Sounds like something I predicted not to long ago.

With PPP's old habit of playing the victim and that gang's penchant for playing the crowd with explosives, I wouldn't be surprised that the "bomb" ,that made more smoke than damage, was their own.

When most political parties do not take their "policies" seriously, why should the media treat them any differently.

Why should the media discuss policies when the parties promoting them avoid doing so?

Do you want them to analyse ridiculous ideas like turning Samut Prakan into Nice or quadrupling tourist arrivals through already congested Suwarnabhumi?

What's the point of asking what would Matchima or Pua Paendindo if it gets elected? At most they will get one or two insignificant portfolios and they have no idea which ones.

I don't see it as a media problem.

Yes that's true. But regardless of the parties, the challenges remain: what is the direction for tourism, say- and the reporters should be demanding that the polititians answer that- this would mean the reporters would have to do a lot of homework- but it would also mean the the politicos would have to start thinking a bit more about issues.

Too often- the most challenging question that reporters demand is "So what made you decide to get into politics?" "Or how do you feel about vote buying"? Sheesh!

Remember that incisive interview with Abhsit last year- in either the post or the Nation where the most eloquently answered question was "So who is your favorite band?" (answer: REM)

But I'll go a bit farther- the almost obsessive focus by the media on vote buying in this election- I think, may be serving a specific purpose. Intentional or not- I don't know. But it certainly serves to support the notion that Thais aren't ready for elections. That both voters and polititians are too corrupt. And that notion of course plays right into the hands of those who prefer 'guided democracy'.

Spend a bit of time at any election in any of the villages up North where my wifes family are and youll recognise that the media are not concentrating enough on vote buying. Sadly neither it seems are the EC. There is not a single doubt in my mind that the number of seats the PPP gets will be increased by a bit of purchasing power, and that is not based on any Nation report equally as it wont be swayed by somethign that some willy nilly academic PPP apologist said, but direct observation. If you happen to know any ex-TRT politicos well enough to socialise with you can also get their side on the effectiveness of this.

Maybe it's dangerous territory for journalists to investigate vote-buying in depth, so much that even EC are walking on eggs up there?

Exactly especially when everyone knows that the vote buyers often end up running (sic) the country and could well do so this time, and the this mob are filled with the most vengeful characters you can find in Thai politcs.

[Tony Clifton]

I bet it's their own bomb and idea. Experts at playing the victim. Experts at claiming assassination plots. Experts at using explosive devices against their political opponents.

[hammered]

I bet it's their own bomb and idea. Experts at playing the victim. Experts at claiming assassination plots. Experts at using explosive devices against their political opponents.

That certainly cannot be ruled out as a possibility, and I am sure many think exactly the same. No doubt there will be other theories.

[Jai Dee]

Hand grenade left in front of Thai political party's office

Two men left a hand grenade in front of an office of the People Power Party (PPP) in Bangkok's Lardprao district Monday night, police said on Tuesday.

The two also detonated a smoke bomb before fleeing the scene.

Two patrol policemen on a motorcycle happened to see the two men who have just left MK-2 grenade beside a cooler in front of the office at 9:45 p.m. (1445 GMT), local news network The Nation quoted a police source as saying.

The two men managed to flee on their motorcycle, with no license plate, and the chasing police motorcycle failed to catch up with them.

Police believed bombing is meant to threaten party members.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said on Tuesday that he has been informed of the bombing, adding that police are trying to find the two suspects.

He added that authorities are doing their best to prevent violence from happening.

The PPP, one of the 39 political parties that will contest the Dec. 23 general election, is favored to win most seats in the North and Northeast of Thailand.

Source: Xinhua - 18 December 2007

[John K]

I bet it's their own bomb and idea. Experts at playing the victim. Experts at claiming assassination plots. Experts at using explosive devices against their political opponents.

I agree that the bombs may have been self planted by the PPP as to portray being a victim. However in this case being pre vote I can see the possibility of another person(s) getting involved as the TRT/PPP/Thaksin group have very successfully started to widen the rift again. Couple that with the threats some EC members have been getting and you can begin to see what the underlying battle is all about. I would not surprise me at all to see this escalate. The increased security measures implemented a few days ago highly suggest this.

[blaze]

When most political parties do not take their "policies" seriously, why should the media treat them any differently.

Why should the media discuss policies when the parties promoting them avoid doing so?

Do you want them to analyse ridiculous ideas like turning Samut Prakan into Nice or quadrupling tourist arrivals through already congested Suwarnabhumi?

What's the point of asking what would Matchima or Pua Paendindo if it gets elected? At most they will get one or two insignificant portfolios and they have no idea which ones.

I don't see it as a media problem.

Yes that's true. But regardless of the parties, the challenges remain: what is the direction for tourism, say- and the reporters should be demanding that the polititians answer that- this would mean the reporters would have to do a lot of homework- but it would also mean the the politicos would have to start thinking a bit more about issues.

Too often- the most challenging question that reporters demand is "So what made you decide to get into politics?" "Or how do you feel about vote buying"? Sheesh!

Remember that incisive interview with Abhsit last year- in either the post or the Nation where the most eloquently answered question was "So who is your favorite band?" (answer: REM)

But I'll go a bit farther- the almost obsessive focus by the media on vote buying in this election- I think, may be serving a specific purpose. Intentional or not- I don't know. But it certainly serves to support the notion that Thais aren't ready for elections. That both voters and polititians are too corrupt. And that notion of course plays right into the hands of those who prefer 'guided democracy'.

Spend a bit of time at any election in any of the villages up North where my wifes family are and youll recognise that the media are not concentrating enough on vote buying. Sadly neither it seems are the EC. There is not a single doubt in my mind that the number of seats the PPP gets will be increased by a bit of purchasing power, and that is not based on any Nation report equally as it wont be swayed by somethign that some willy nilly academic PPP apologist said, but direct observation. If you happen to know any ex-TRT politicos well enough to socialise with you can also get their side on the effectiveness of this.

I of course can't argue with anecdote. It is alarming though, that given the extent of vote buying- given the rewards for turning in the guilty- not a case has yet been proved. I can't believe that the EC is simply turning a blind eye- one of its mandates is to stamp out vote buying- and they can't find any? Yet you can? Are they that ineffective? If so- get rid of them quick.

If the army with all its resources- the police- the EC- ISOC- is impotent in the face of this scourge there is no hope for the country- not because of vote buying but because the authorities are useless.

Edited December 18, 2007 by blaze

[sriracha john]

By God, Thaksin wouldn't have stood for such tomfoolery and pussyfooting around.... He'd declare a war on vote buying and then proceed to oversee the slaughter of 2,500 alleged vote sellers in a non-judicial manner.