General Election Confirmed To Be Held On December 23, 2007

[george]

December election to be held as scheduled: Poll agency

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Election Commission (EC) chairman Apichart Sukhagganond confirmed at a press conference on Thursday that general elections will definitely be held on December 23 as originally scheduled.

Meeting with the prime minister Thursday morning, the EC also asked the government to declare a national agenda on preventing vote-buying and to adopt a cabinet resolution to urge government officials to be non-partisan.

All sides must cooperate to make the election transparent, said the EC Secretary-General Suthipol Thaweechaikarn before the meeting.

The polling agency said it now has no problem to manage the budget allocated to guarantee that its electoral chores will be carried out in efficient fashion in all of the country's 400 constituencies nationwide.

After a long period of political uncertainties and indecision, the upcoming election is expected to end Thailand's political doldrums and return democracy to the kingdom.

--TNA 2007-10-04

[hammered]

Have the organic laws been pased by the NLA? If they havent then the legitimacy of any election would be highly questionable to say the least. I also dont ever seem to be able to find out when the senate election/selection will occur and if any laws have been passed relating to this. Without a senate the lower house will be unable to pass legislation without a caveat to cover the lack of a senate. The whole issue of the election and the next governmet is not only shrouded in semi-mystery but any statement leaves more questions than answers. That the NLA and the Surayud government seem locked in a power struggle may also mean the answering of these questions/resolving of these issues becomes increasingly difficult.

[slimdog]

Have the organic laws been pased by the NLA? If they havent then the legitimacy of any election would be highly questionable to say the least. I also dont ever seem to be able to find out when the senate election/selection will occur and if any laws have been passed relating to this. Without a senate the lower house will be unable to pass legislation without a caveat to cover the lack of a senate. The whole issue of the election and the next governmet is not only shrouded in semi-mystery but any statement leaves more questions than answers. That the NLA and the Surayud government seem locked in a power struggle may also mean the answering of these questions/resolving of these issues becomes increasingly difficult.

The Organic laws were passed by the NLA on the 26th September

Once the Organic laws have been promulgated then according to the new Constitution (Section 296), a general election must be held within 90 days and the election/Selection of the Senate must be completed within 150 days. Although for the General election they do have to keep within the 60 day rule (Section 108)

Where a Senate is required, eg the Start of the first Parliamentry session (Section 127) the NLA will retain its role as the Senate for this purpose, and it will remain the Senate until a new Senate is formed, although it will lose the power to appoint or remove a person from Office ( Section 293).

Regarding legislature. As you know, the Parliamentry year is split into two parts, the Ordinary General Session, which takes place at the start of each parliamentry year and normally last 120 days, which is followed by the Ordinary Legislative session, whose length is decided during the Ordinary General Session, but is usually about the same length. Generally laws, Organic laws, Acts of Parliament etc are left until the legislative session, although there are provisions to enact laws, decrees etc during the Ordinary General Session, should the need arrive.

One of the issues currently doing the rounds is that the Organic laws should be scrutinized by the Constitutional Court (Tribunal), as stipulated in the constitution (Section 141), although Section 303 (3) does specify that this doesn't apply to the 3 Organic laws in question. It's a bit ironic that the person who was in charge of drafting the Constitution, who was also in charge of drafting the Organic laws, and was finally made the head of the panel that scrutinzed the laws for the NLA, is now asking for the laws to be checked to see if they are Constitutional....

Edited October 4, 2007 by slimdog

[lazeeboy]

Have the organic laws been pased by the NLA? If they havent then the legitimacy of any election would be highly questionable to say the least. I also dont ever seem to be able to find out when the senate election/selection will occur and if any laws have been passed relating to this. Without a senate the lower house will be unable to pass legislation without a caveat to cover the lack of a senate. The whole issue of the election and the next governmet is not only shrouded in semi-mystery but any statement leaves more questions than answers. That the NLA and the Surayud government seem locked in a power struggle may also mean the answering of these questions/resolving of these issues becomes increasingly difficult.

The Organic laws were passed by the NLA on the 26th September

Once the Organic laws have been promulgated then according to the new Constitution (Section 296), a general election must be held within 90 days and the election/Selection of the Senate must be completed within 150 days. Although for the General election they do have to keep within the 60 day rule (Section 108)

Where a Senate is required, eg the Start of the first Parliamentry session (Section 127) the NLA will retain its role as the Senate for this purpose, and it will remain the Senate until a new Senate is formed, although it will lose the power to appoint or remove a person from Office ( Section 293).

Regarding legislature. As you know, the Parliamentry year is split into two parts, the Ordinary General Session, which takes place at the start of each parliamentry year and normally last 120 days, which is followed by the Ordinary Legislative session, whose length is decided during the Ordinary General Session, but is usually about the same length. Generally laws, Organic laws, Acts of Parliament etc are left until the legislative session, although there are provisions to enact laws, decrees etc during the Ordinary General Session, should the need arrive.

One of the issues currently doing the rounds is that the Organic laws should be scrutinized by the Constitutional Court (Tribunal), as stipulated in the constitution (Section 141), although Section 303 (3) does specify that this doesn't apply to the 3 Organic laws in question. It's a bit ironic that the person who was in charge of drafting the Constitution, who was also in charge of drafting the Organic laws, and was finally made the head of the panel that scrutinzed the laws for the NLA, is now asking for the laws to be checked to see if they are Constitutional....

another dry day for the tourist ,at the busiest time of the year ..............

[Jai Dee]

EC collaborates with banks to prevent vote buying via credit card

Election Commission (EC) member Sodsri Sathayathum (สดศรี สัตยธรรม) revealed the EC’S preparations for general elections set on December 23. She stated that a meeting of all related agencies has been conducted and an action schedule has been set up until the day of the election.

Mrs. Sodsri stated that the EC has collaborated with various banks to hinder vote buying through the use of credit cards. Banks have agreed to conduct investigations into individual accounts suspect of vote buying payoffs.

The EC member also revealed funding set for various tasks pertaining to the election. The EC had recently requested 2.5 billion baht for referendum payments which the Prime Minister approved with a reduction to 1.9 billion baht. The funding will be used for general spending of the 88,000 election units across the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

Deputy Minister of Finance Sommai says probing vote-buying activities via credit/ATM cards is hard

The Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Sommai Phasee (สมหมาย ภาษี), admits that probing vote-buying activities via credit cards or ATM cards is not easy.

The Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Gen. Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์), says politicians could be using new ways to buy votes, such as using credit cards or ATM cards. Mr. Sommai says officials would find it difficult to investigate such schemes as financial transactions through credit cards and ATM cards are not uncommon.

However, the Deputy Minister of Finance believes relevant agencies, such as the Bank of Thailand and other financial institutions, can help address this issue.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 October 2007

[A_Traveller]

Sorry couldn't resist.

Does this make Thailand the technological vote buying hub for Asia?

Regards

[Mid]

points for first AT ,

images of villagers with manual swipe machines crossed my mind ...................................

[hammered]

Have the organic laws been pased by the NLA? If they havent then the legitimacy of any election would be highly questionable to say the least. I also dont ever seem to be able to find out when the senate election/selection will occur and if any laws have been passed relating to this. Without a senate the lower house will be unable to pass legislation without a caveat to cover the lack of a senate. The whole issue of the election and the next governmet is not only shrouded in semi-mystery but any statement leaves more questions than answers. That the NLA and the Surayud government seem locked in a power struggle may also mean the answering of these questions/resolving of these issues becomes increasingly difficult.

The Organic laws were passed by the NLA on the 26th September

Once the Organic laws have been promulgated then according to the new Constitution (Section 296), a general election must be held within 90 days and the election/Selection of the Senate must be completed within 150 days. Although for the General election they do have to keep within the 60 day rule (Section 108)

Where a Senate is required, eg the Start of the first Parliamentry session (Section 127) the NLA will retain its role as the Senate for this purpose, and it will remain the Senate until a new Senate is formed, although it will lose the power to appoint or remove a person from Office ( Section 293).

Regarding legislature. As you know, the Parliamentry year is split into two parts, the Ordinary General Session, which takes place at the start of each parliamentry year and normally last 120 days, which is followed by the Ordinary Legislative session, whose length is decided during the Ordinary General Session, but is usually about the same length. Generally laws, Organic laws, Acts of Parliament etc are left until the legislative session, although there are provisions to enact laws, decrees etc during the Ordinary General Session, should the need arrive.

One of the issues currently doing the rounds is that the Organic laws should be scrutinized by the Constitutional Court (Tribunal), as stipulated in the constitution (Section 141), although Section 303 (3) does specify that this doesn't apply to the 3 Organic laws in question. It's a bit ironic that the person who was in charge of drafting the Constitution, who was also in charge of drafting the Organic laws, and was finally made the head of the panel that scrutinzed the laws for the NLA, is now asking for the laws to be checked to see if they are Constitutional....

Thanks for that

[Jai Dee]

DPM Paiboon says Govt. to announce official election date soon

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Paiboon Wattanasiritham (ไพบูลย์ วัฒนศิริธรรม) says he believes that the government will soon officially announce the general election date after the three organic laws of the constitution take effect.

The minister states that the three organic laws will become effective tomorrow (October, 8th) after they are published in the Royal Gazette today. He affirms the prime minister gives the first priority to the general election tentatively scheduled at the end of the year and will make sure that it is free and fair.

Mr Paiboon says further that the premier’s appointment as concurrent interior minister will benefit the organization of the general election by the Election Commission (EC). He also suggests EC and the government to hold a meeting together to discuss the general election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

HM the King endorses three organic laws of constitution

His Majesty the King endorsed three organic laws of the constitution which are expected to be published in the Royal Gazette today (October, 7th).

Secretary of the Cabinet Surachai Puprasert (สุรชัย ภู่ประเสริฐ) reveals that HM the King has signed his signature in the three organic laws of the constitution, including the Election Commission Act, the Political Party Act, and the Members of Parliament and Senatorial Election Act.

The Secretariat of the Cabinet is scheduled to publish the three organic laws in the Royal Gazette today. The laws will become effective one day after they are published.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

EC believes that elections will be within schedule of December 23

The Election Commission (EC) expressed that it is confident the general election will be within the set schedule and take place on December 23rd with a 70 percent voter turn out rate.

EC member Sodsri Sattayatham (สดศรี สัตยธรรม) has stated that the EC will meet after royal ratification of the 3 organic laws to finalize the election date. The date will then be sent for review by the Cabinet. Mrs. Sodsri believes the election will go as previously scheduled with Senator registrations beginning in November as well as constituency divisions.

Mrs. Sodsri also commented that she believes that the 3 organic laws will help insure a transparent and just election and dissuade vote buying.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

Democrat calls on Govt. to lift martial law

Deputy Spokesman of the Democrat Party, Sathit Pitutecha (สาธิต ปิตุเตชะ), requests the interim government to discuss a revocation of martial law with the Council for National Security (CNS) in 35 provinces except the three Southern border provinces.

The deputy spokesman says the party calls for martial law to be cancelled as it wants to see a democratic, free and fair general election at the end of the year.

Regarding vote buying in constituencies with fierce competition, Mr Sathit expresses his belief that the Election Commission and Prime Minister and Interior Minister Gen.Surayud Chulanont will be able to prevent electoral fraud.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 October 2007

[Mid]

EC member Sodsri Sattayatham (สดศรี สัตยธรรม) has stated that the EC will meet after royal ratification of the 3 organic laws to finalize the election date.

the same date as reported confirmed in the OP ?

[Jai Dee]

EC to call first official meeting today

The Election Commission (EC) calls its first official meeting on the general election this morning (October, 8th) after it discussed the matter with the premier.

EC Chairman Apichart Sukhagganond (อภิชาต สุขัคคานนท์) says EC will organize the general election tentatively scheduled on December 23rd in line with the three organic laws of the constitution which were published in the Royal Gazette yesterday. He also affirms that EC will try its utmost to disclose official results of the vote count within the timeframe.

Meanwhile, today is the first day that newly appointed deputy prime minister Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratglin works at the Government House. Member of the National Legislative Assembly Sqn.Ldr.Prasong Soonsiri will also hold a news conference today to clarify his relationship with the premier.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 October 2007

[Mid]

EC will organize the general election tentatively scheduled on December 23rd

there's my answer .......................................

[Jai Dee]

Martial law to remain in place in much of Thailand: junta

Martial law will remain in place in some Thai provinces indefinitely, one of Thailand's junta leaders said Monday, despite calls by political parties to lift restrictions ahead of promised elections.

General Winai Phattiyakul, secretary general of the junta that overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra last year, said unspecified security concerns meant martial law would remain in much of the kingdom.

"In some areas it will be lifted, while in others -- mainly on the border with neighbours -- it will be maintained for security reasons," he said.

Winai made the comments after meeting with General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the leader of the September 2006 coup and former army chief who on Monday spent his first day in his new post as deputy prime minister.

Martial law was imposed a day after the putsch, but in January the junta lifted restrictions in 41 out of 76 provinces including Bangkok.

It remains in force in 35 other provinces, including Thaksin's northern stronghold and the country's restive Muslim-majority south.

Winai said the junta and the government they installed would meet to find an appropriate time to lift martial law in some areas, but gave no indication of when it would be lifted in border provinces.

Political parties and pro-democracy groups have urged the junta to lift martial law, warning that losers in the elections could cite the military restrictions to challenge the outcome of the vote.

The junta has promised to hold elections on December 23 this year.

Source: AFP - 08 October 2007

[Mid]

Martial law will remain in place in some Thai provinces indefinitely

rather a scary statement , indefinitely is such a long time .

the quoted statement also begs the question as to progress being made and future hopes ?

[blaze]

Martial law to remain in place in much of Thailand: junta

Martial law will remain in place in some Thai provinces indefinitely, one of Thailand's junta leaders said Monday, despite calls by political parties to lift restrictions ahead of promised elections.

General Winai Phattiyakul, secretary general of the junta that overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra last year, said unspecified security concerns meant martial law would remain in much of the kingdom.

"In some areas it will be lifted, while in others -- mainly on the border with neighbours -- it will be maintained for security reasons," he said.

Winai made the comments after meeting with General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the leader of the September 2006 coup and former army chief who on Monday spent his first day in his new post as deputy prime minister.

Martial law was imposed a day after the putsch, but in January the junta lifted restrictions in 41 out of 76 provinces including Bangkok.

It remains in force in 35 other provinces, including Thaksin's northern stronghold and the country's restive Muslim-majority south.

Winai said the junta and the government they installed would meet to find an appropriate time to lift martial law in some areas, but gave no indication of when it would be lifted in border provinces.

Political parties and pro-democracy groups have urged the junta to lift martial law, warning that losers in the elections could cite the military restrictions to challenge the outcome of the vote.

The junta has promised to hold elections on December 23 this year.

Source: AFP - 08 October 2007

Am I missing something here? Whose decision is it, to apply or rescind martial law? If it is the government's, where does a general get off stating categorically that martial law will be in force 'indefinitely'. (suggesting much longer than the remaining three month mandate of the current government).

Or do the generals have the authority to bypass government in this matter?

[Pundi64]

Confirmed date for the election, but could change any a moments notice, and usually does-

[nothingleftbutfaith]

Martial law to remain in place in much of Thailand: junta

Martial law will remain in place in some Thai provinces indefinitely, one of Thailand's junta leaders said Monday, despite calls by political parties to lift restrictions ahead of promised elections.

General Winai Phattiyakul, secretary general of the junta that overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra last year, said unspecified security concerns meant martial law would remain in much of the kingdom.

"In some areas it will be lifted, while in others -- mainly on the border with neighbours -- it will be maintained for security reasons," he said.

Winai made the comments after meeting with General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the leader of the September 2006 coup and former army chief who on Monday spent his first day in his new post as deputy prime minister.

Martial law was imposed a day after the putsch, but in January the junta lifted restrictions in 41 out of 76 provinces including Bangkok.

It remains in force in 35 other provinces, including Thaksin's northern stronghold and the country's restive Muslim-majority south.

Winai said the junta and the government they installed would meet to find an appropriate time to lift martial law in some areas, but gave no indication of when it would be lifted in border provinces.

Political parties and pro-democracy groups have urged the junta to lift martial law, warning that losers in the elections could cite the military restrictions to challenge the outcome of the vote.

The junta has promised to hold elections on December 23 this year.

Source: AFP - 08 October 2007

Am I missing something here? Whose decision is it, to apply or rescind martial law? If it is the government's, where does a general get off stating categorically that martial law will be in force 'indefinitely'. (suggesting much longer than the remaining three month mandate of the current government).

Or do the generals have the authority to bypass government in this matter?

Are you surprised ?

With Sonthi now effectively interior minister , overseeing the upcoming elections , you can guess already what the outcome of the elections will be.

[Mid]

Confirmed date for the election, but could change any a moments notice, and usually does-

err , confirmed ??

the best we have is tentatively scheduled ..........................

[chownah]

Martial law to remain in place in much of Thailand: junta

Martial law will remain in place in some Thai provinces indefinitely, one of Thailand's junta leaders said Monday, despite calls by political parties to lift restrictions ahead of promised elections.

General Winai Phattiyakul, secretary general of the junta that overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra last year, said unspecified security concerns meant martial law would remain in much of the kingdom.

"In some areas it will be lifted, while in others -- mainly on the border with neighbours -- it will be maintained for security reasons," he said.

Winai made the comments after meeting with General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the leader of the September 2006 coup and former army chief who on Monday spent his first day in his new post as deputy prime minister.

Martial law was imposed a day after the putsch, but in January the junta lifted restrictions in 41 out of 76 provinces including Bangkok.

It remains in force in 35 other provinces, including Thaksin's northern stronghold and the country's restive Muslim-majority south.

Winai said the junta and the government they installed would meet to find an appropriate time to lift martial law in some areas, but gave no indication of when it would be lifted in border provinces.

Political parties and pro-democracy groups have urged the junta to lift martial law, warning that losers in the elections could cite the military restrictions to challenge the outcome of the vote.

The junta has promised to hold elections on December 23 this year.

Source: AFP - 08 October 2007

Am I missing something here? Whose decision is it, to apply or rescind martial law? If it is the government's, where does a general get off stating categorically that martial law will be in force 'indefinitely'. (suggesting much longer than the remaining three month mandate of the current government).

Or do the generals have the authority to bypass government in this matter?

Maybe time for a reality check? The seizing of power by the current military dicatatorship approximately one year ago should make it clear that the generals can bypass government in all matters and that the authority they have to do this is guns. I think it is an incorrect analysis to think that when the general elections are held that this authority (the guns) will dissipate and that a democratic gov't will take control......it is clear to most people that any gov't elected will be bypassed at anytime by the military generals and their authority to do this is guns. Bottom line...in Thailand the ultimate authority is the gun....not the people.

[blaze]

Martial law to remain in place in much of Thailand: junta

Martial law will remain in place in some Thai provinces indefinitely, one of Thailand's junta leaders said Monday, despite calls by political parties to lift restrictions ahead of promised elections.

General Winai Phattiyakul, secretary general of the junta that overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra last year, said unspecified security concerns meant martial law would remain in much of the kingdom.

"In some areas it will be lifted, while in others -- mainly on the border with neighbours -- it will be maintained for security reasons," he said.

Winai made the comments after meeting with General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the leader of the September 2006 coup and former army chief who on Monday spent his first day in his new post as deputy prime minister.

Martial law was imposed a day after the putsch, but in January the junta lifted restrictions in 41 out of 76 provinces including Bangkok.

It remains in force in 35 other provinces, including Thaksin's northern stronghold and the country's restive Muslim-majority south.

Winai said the junta and the government they installed would meet to find an appropriate time to lift martial law in some areas, but gave no indication of when it would be lifted in border provinces.

Political parties and pro-democracy groups have urged the junta to lift martial law, warning that losers in the elections could cite the military restrictions to challenge the outcome of the vote.

The junta has promised to hold elections on December 23 this year.

Source: AFP - 08 October 2007

Am I missing something here? Whose decision is it, to apply or rescind martial law? If it is the government's, where does a general get off stating categorically that martial law will be in force 'indefinitely'. (suggesting much longer than the remaining three month mandate of the current government).

Or do the generals have the authority to bypass government in this matter?

Maybe time for a reality check? The seizing of power by the current military dicatatorship approximately one year ago should make it clear that the generals can bypass government in all matters and that the authority they have to do this is guns. I think it is an incorrect analysis to think that when the general elections are held that this authority (the guns) will dissipate and that a democratic gov't will take control......it is clear to most people that any gov't elected will be bypassed at anytime by the military generals and their authority to do this is guns. Bottom line...in Thailand the ultimate authority is the gun....not the people.

Yet there are still some naive enough to think that this coup actually had something to do with returning power to the people. A statement like the one made by the general should put that absurd notion to rest once and for all.

[sriracha john]

Martial law likely to be lifted during election

BANGKOK – Martial law is set to be lifted in some areas of the country during the general election set for late this year, according to Permanent Secretary for Defence Gen. Vinai Phattiyakul.

Speaking after meeting newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin at Government House, Gen. Vinai said he paid a courtesy call to the deputy premier to give him moral support on his first day of working in the cabinet.

Asked about the possibility of cancelling martial law in the run-up to the general election, Gen. Vinai said all parties concerned had discussed the matter and agreed it should be rescinded in some areas, including the northeastern region, but they had yet to consider the appropriate time.

Asked whether martial law would be rescinded in red areas, particularly the northeastern province of Buri Ram, Gen. Vinai said the matter should be considered and discussed with the government first.

"Some areas where (martial) law will be lifted will be inner zone of the country. For border provinces and districts, we will suggest the government to maintain martial law for security reasons," Gen. Vinai said.

"However, there are 30 border provinces in the country. Whether the law should be maintained in all or some border provinces and districts will be discussed in detail," Gen. Vinai said. "In my opinion, Chiang Mai and Buri Ram are considered border provinces," he said.

Martial law is still enforced in 35 provinces out of Thailand's 76 provinces, mainly in the North and Northeast, political bastions of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party whose leader and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted from power in the September 19 coup last year.

Other provinces under martial law border other countries, and include the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani.

- MCOT

[sriracha john]

Are you surprised ?

With Sonthi now effectively interior minister , overseeing the upcoming elections , you can guess already what the outcome of the elections will be.

well...at least you got the "S" part of the name correct...

Prime Minister Surayud is concurrently assuming the post of interior minister.

As a deputy premier, Gen. Sonthi will take charge of security affairs.

- MCOT

[Jai Dee]

DPM Sonthi will discuss withdrawal of martial law this Friday

The Deputy Prime Minister, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), is scheduled to hold a meeting with the National Security Council (NSC) to consider lifting the martial law in 26 to 27 provinces.

Gen. Sonthi says the meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) would make a decision on the revocation of martial laws in 26 to 27 provinces, from totaling 35. He says the martial law would remain enforced in certain border provinces, which are still susceptible to violence, illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He says its decision would then be forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration with anticipation of the abolition to take place prior to the announcement of the election bill.

Regarding the southern unrest, Gen Sonthi admits that the situation is confusing, but stressing intelligence agencies remain vigil and have found no irregularities so far. He says policies should be delivered to all agencies working under him by this week.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 October 2007

[hammered]

Martial law to remain in place in much of Thailand: junta

Martial law will remain in place in some Thai provinces indefinitely, one of Thailand's junta leaders said Monday, despite calls by political parties to lift restrictions ahead of promised elections.

General Winai Phattiyakul, secretary general of the junta that overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra last year, said unspecified security concerns meant martial law would remain in much of the kingdom.

"In some areas it will be lifted, while in others -- mainly on the border with neighbours -- it will be maintained for security reasons," he said.

Winai made the comments after meeting with General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the leader of the September 2006 coup and former army chief who on Monday spent his first day in his new post as deputy prime minister.

Martial law was imposed a day after the putsch, but in January the junta lifted restrictions in 41 out of 76 provinces including Bangkok.

It remains in force in 35 other provinces, including Thaksin's northern stronghold and the country's restive Muslim-majority south.

Winai said the junta and the government they installed would meet to find an appropriate time to lift martial law in some areas, but gave no indication of when it would be lifted in border provinces.

Political parties and pro-democracy groups have urged the junta to lift martial law, warning that losers in the elections could cite the military restrictions to challenge the outcome of the vote.

The junta has promised to hold elections on December 23 this year.

Source: AFP - 08 October 2007

Am I missing something here? Whose decision is it, to apply or rescind martial law? If it is the government's, where does a general get off stating categorically that martial law will be in force 'indefinitely'. (suggesting much longer than the remaining three month mandate of the current government).

Or do the generals have the authority to bypass government in this matter?

Are you surprised ?

With Sonthi now effectively interior minister , overseeing the upcoming elections , you can guess already what the outcome of the elections will be.

From their perspective they are certainly not going to sit back and let PPP win the election by buying up sitting MPs. In Thailand 80% plus of sitting MPs get reelected and to win an election you just have to get more of them in your party than others have. This quite simple equation was used by TRT inh the great suck to ensure a complete majority. Admittedly this does cost a fortune but then again a fortune will be spent in the next election. It is also nothing to do with what we understand as democracy. It is also well understood by the Junta. Will they sit quietly by and allow this to happen when some of their own futures will become at risk if the MP buying is so succesful?

I will be intereted to see what (undemocratic) schemes they will come up with to counter the highly succesful anti-democratic scheme of their opponents. At theis point there is little to do but sit back and watch with interest the unfolding power struggle. No doubt tere will be a few twists and surprises alng the way for us yet.

[mackayae]

I wonder if they will have immunity when democracy is restored?

Edited October 9, 2007 by mackayae

[Jai Dee]

Deputy PM hints at lifting martial law in inner areas

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin on Tuesday said the martial law imposed in the inner areas of the country is likely to be lifted before the royal decree on the election is announced.

Speaking before attending the cabinet meeting, he said the National Security Council would meet on October 12 to consider the proposed lifting of martial law.

The council members had reached an initial conclusion that the law would be rescinded in the inner areas of the country.

Whether the martial law imposed in the border provinces would be lifted or not would be discussed at the meeting.

It is expected the law would remain enforced in 26 or 27 provinces, rather than the 35 provinces at present, he said.

"A final conclusion will be submitted to the cabinet for consideration on October 16. Whether the law will be lifted or not depends on many factors including the security, narcotics and problems arising along the borders," he said.

"It is likely the deliberation of the lifting of the law will take place before the royal decree on the election is announced," he said.

Asked whether the martial law imposed in Chiang Mai and Buri Ram would be lifted or not, he said the law should be maintained in any provinces located along the border and near areas where the narcotics trafficking and illegal immigration are under surveillance.

Chiang Mai and Buri Ram are considered frontline provinces, but whether the martial law should continue to be enforced in the provinces or should be lifted depends on the result of the meeting on October 12, according to the deputy premier.

Source: TNA - 09 October 2007