Senatorial Race "The Century's Most Disgusting," Says Plodprasop

[webfact]

 

Plodprasop Suraswadi, former deputy prime minister affiliated with Pheu Thai, has stirred controversy today by labelling the recent senatorial election as "the century's most disgusting." He took to Facebook to voice grave concerns about electoral malpractice possibly tainting nearly half of the 200 newly-designated senators.

 

Plodprasop called on the Election Commission to swiftly investigate allegations of bloc-vote rigging and other improprieties. He urged that any senator involved in suspected misconduct be barred from official ratification due next week.

 

In a particularly damning anecdote, Plodprasop cited an outvoted candidate who claimed that politically connected middlemen had hosted secretive banquets on the outskirts of Bangkok. There, contestants dubbed "puppets" were allegedly offered cash bribes in exchange for favourable votes, with up to 400 candidates supposedly participating.

 

These meetings, he said, included individuals with unlikely careers such as car drivers, fish vendors, and local broadcasters.

 

The accusations have spotlighted Bhumjaithai, under the de facto leadership of Newin Chidchob, as a potential manipulator in this election. Criticism points towards the party's alleged orchestration of victories, particularly in Buriram, where Bhumjaithai holds substantial sway, and other provinces in the Isaan region.

 

Despite these serious allegations, Election Commission Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee affirmed that all 200 senators will be officially ratified on Wednesday. However, he did mention that any senator found guilty of violating election laws could face suspension at a later date.

 

The recent senatorial race, unique in Thailand’s political landscape, saw candidates voting for one another rather than having votes cast by the general public, as is standard in parliamentary elections. This complex, intra-candidate voting system has evidently made way for potential abuses, adding another layer of controversy to an already contentious political climate.

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-07-01

 

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[dinsdale]

The whole thing is a farce and anybody who can't see this must be very stupid indeed.

[Gottfrid]

The most sad thing of all, is that he is right.

[stoner]

is it true that bhumjaithai basically took control over the senate ? i hope so. 

[Pouatchee]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

former deputy prime minister affiliated with Pheu Thai

 

anything that upsets big fat lego head tony is good

[MikeandDow]

How can you call Thailand a democracy!!!!!

[webfact]

BJT defends senators-elect from criticism over backgrounds
by Ryan Turner

 

Image: Sakchai Lalit/AP Photo

The Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) is calling for an end to the criticism targeting senators-elect over their backgrounds, asserting that the election process was designed to give candidates from all walks of life an equal opportunity to join the Upper House.

 

BJT party member and former MP, Somsak Prissananantakul released a statement on Facebook today.

 

“Some senators-elect come from ordinary backgrounds. They do not belong to wealthy clans or famous families. Some are not university graduates. Right now, they are being bullied by some critics who show nothing but disrespect for their dignity.”

 

Somsak highlighted the case of a senator-elect in Ang Thong province, who is reportedly being criticised for her educational background.

“She only finished [Year 12] and she makes her living as a tailor, so they questioned why she was elected as a senator.”

 

He also mentioned another senator-elect in the province, who has experience as a village chief and health volunteer, yet faces similar scrutiny despite her practical skills and experience.

 

Somsak’s comments come amid allegations that the BJT has influenced the Senate election process. These claims arose following observations that a notable number of senators-elect appeared to have affiliations with the BJT, which has a strong political presence in the northeast.

 

Responding to these allegations, Deputy Government spokesperson and BJT member, Karom Polpornklang, challenged critics to provide concrete evidence to support their accusations.

 

“Every candidate had to follow the Election Commission’s regulations. We must respect the outcome of the Senate election.”

 

The BJT maintains that the Senate election process was fair and inclusive, designed to ensure that individuals from less privileged backgrounds had the same opportunities as those from more affluent families, reported Bangkok Post.

 

In separate news, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s ongoing efforts to address national issues and promote Thailand have failed to win over the majority of voters, according to a survey by NIDA Poll. The poll, published on June 29, also highlighted a decline in the popularity of Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and a rise in support for the Move Forward Party (MFP).

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-01

 

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[MikeandDow]

This is NOT democracy

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, dinsdale said:

The whole thing is a farce and anybody who can't see this must be very stupid indeed.

It's Thailand... the real Thailand

everything is rigged 

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) is calling for an end to the criticism targeting senators-elect over their backgrounds, asserting that the election process was designed to give candidates from all walks of life an equal opportunity to join the Upper House.

BJT must've done well then...

[newbee2022]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

He urged that any senator involved in suspected misconduct be barred from official ratification due next week

Wow, would be seen many empty seats then. It's a farce anyway if you could buy a seat. It's like an auction. The more money you're to spend the easier you'll get a seat. It's a ridiculous game.😵‍💫

[Peterphuket]

And I always thought BJTs were transistors.

[Tubulat]

Just now, Peterphuket said:

And I always thought BJTs were transistors.

Correct, Bipolair Junction Transistor.

[Thingamabob]

Plodprasop, a pot calling the kettle black if ever there was one. Just remember the stuff he and his party have got up to over the years.

[spidermike007]

Despite these serious allegations, Election Commission Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee affirmed that all 200 senators will be officially ratified on Wednesday.

 

Of course. The EC may be the most corrupt organization in a land famous for corruption, and moral bankruptcy within anything political.

[Srikcir]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

candidates voting for one another rather than having votes cast by the general public, as is standard in parliamentary elections.

Must not allow the sovereignty of the nation be controlled by its citizens, ie., free and fair public elections as is standard in a democracy.

[ChrisY1]

And this coming from Plodrasop! Surprising as he was probably the most useless politician known.

Anyone remember the 2011 floods? His suggestion was putting dozens of boats pushing the mighty Chao Phryah so the water would flow faster and reduce the BKK water:)

[Gottfrid]

Looking at the image, you can already see that he find it hard to not laugh trying to convince the masses.

[Andycoops]

It's the creation of the senate by the usurpers of democracy, the corrupt coup makers that is disgusting.

 

It needs to be abolished as soon as possible.

[john donson]

did he do anything positive when in power ?

[candide]

Another sign of incompetence! They are not even able to cheat properly! 😀

[Captor]

On 7/1/2024 at 2:55 AM, webfact said:

 

Plodprasop Suraswadi, former deputy prime minister affiliated with Pheu Thai, has stirred controversy today by labelling the recent senatorial election as "the century's most disgusting." He took to Facebook to voice grave concerns about electoral malpractice possibly tainting nearly half of the 200 newly-designated senators.

 

Plodprasop called on the Election Commission to swiftly investigate allegations of bloc-vote rigging and other improprieties. He urged that any senator involved in suspected misconduct be barred from official ratification due next week.

 

In a particularly damning anecdote, Plodprasop cited an outvoted candidate who claimed that politically connected middlemen had hosted secretive banquets on the outskirts of Bangkok. There, contestants dubbed "puppets" were allegedly offered cash bribes in exchange for favourable votes, with up to 400 candidates supposedly participating.

 

These meetings, he said, included individuals with unlikely careers such as car drivers, fish vendors, and local broadcasters.

 

The accusations have spotlighted Bhumjaithai, under the de facto leadership of Newin Chidchob, as a potential manipulator in this election. Criticism points towards the party's alleged orchestration of victories, particularly in Buriram, where Bhumjaithai holds substantial sway, and other provinces in the Isaan region.

 

Despite these serious allegations, Election Commission Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee affirmed that all 200 senators will be officially ratified on Wednesday. However, he did mention that any senator found guilty of violating election laws could face suspension at a later date.

 

The recent senatorial race, unique in Thailand’s political landscape, saw candidates voting for one another rather than having votes cast by the general public, as is standard in parliamentary elections. This complex, intra-candidate voting system has evidently made way for potential abuses, adding another layer of controversy to an already contentious political climate.

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-07-01

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Maybe something for TAT? More exciting than "rockstar".