Deputy Leader Of The People Power Party To Stand Trial For Attempted Murder

[sriracha john]

well, someone is plenty worried.... and just as in Thaksin's case, all it takes is 1 more vote on one side or the other to have long-lasting effects... so the PPP ain't so safe just yet...

Samak stunned as Yongyuth's fate hanging in the wind

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Tuesday said he was stunned by the Election Commission's decision to disqualify House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat on grounds of campaign violations, saying he would have to clarify the information before deciding a next move.

The five-member EC ruled in a majority vote to petition the Supreme Court to launch a judicial review on alleged votebuying in Chiang Rai involving Yongyuth, EC secretary general Suthiphon Thaveechaigarn said.

Once the high court has ruled to commence trial, Yongyuth is expected to suspend his speakership though he would retain in House seat as a partylist MP from Zone 1 covering the Upper Northern Region. His two deputies would act as interim speakers during trial.

If he was convicted in the one-tier, fast-track review, he would lose his seat and face a five year ban from the electoral process.

In trying Yongyuth, who is concurrently a People Power Party executive, the EC is obliged to form an investigative panel to determine whether his alleged violations were linked to the party. Should the linkage be suspected, the EC must petition the Constitution Court to rule whether the dismantle the party.

- The Nation

Edited February 26, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Thai Election Commission Upholds Fraud Finding Against Yongyuth

BANGKOK - Thailand's Election Commission has upheld an investigation that found parliament's House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat guilty of election fraud and will ask the Supreme Court to ban him from politics, a commission official said Tuesday.

The decision on the Yongyuth case could also trigger an investigation into the involvement in election fraud of the People Power Party, the coalition government's biggest party, potentially leading to the PPP's dissolution.

"The majority of Election Commission members agreed to issue the red card to Yongyuth," the official told Dow Jones Newswires.

Yongyuth was accused of bribing local administrators to campaign for votes for the People Power Party in the northern province of Chiangrai.

The People Power Party, backed by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is the largest party in a six-party coalition government formed after Thailand's first elections since a bloodless September 2006 coup.

- Dow Jones Newswires

[Plus]

I just read that if EC ruled on his case before endorsing him as an MP, they needed 4-1 majority to disqualify him. Now 3-2 is enough. Maybe that's why his case was delayed.

[sriracha john]

Bad luck always seems to run in streaks for Thaksin.

Last night, his Manchester City dropped into eighth place with another loss.

[John K]

I just read that if EC ruled on his case before endorsing him as an MP, they needed 4-1 majority to disqualify him. Now 3-2 is enough. Maybe that's why his case was delayed.

I think that was before and after the EC approved them Plus. Also the level of penalty went from one year to 5 at the same time. As I recall that date was about a month ago. I need to see that law to be sure so don’t quote me exactly on this.

[sriracha john]

ahhh... and now PPP is dumping and disowning him... "Yong..who? Never heard of him."

Same, same tactic that Chart Thai Party did when their Deputy Leader was red-carded...

Thai poll body disqualifies top ruling politician

BANGKOK - Thailand's Election Commission (EC) ruled on Tuesday a top politician of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) was guilty of vote buying in a December poll, which could possibly lead to a dissolution of the party. The five-member commission ruled three to two there were "sufficient grounds to believe" PPP Deputy Leader and House Speaker Yongyut Tiyapairat had violated election laws, Commissioner Somchai Jungprasert told reporters.

However, the ruling, based on evidence Yongyut had mobilised village chiefs to buy votes, would have to be endorsed by the Supreme Court before the commission could hold hearings on whether the party itself was behind the violation, he said.

The EC decision pushed the stock index down 1.4 percent at mid-day on investor fears it could reignite two years of political turmoil the December election was meant to end.

"It is a panic selling though investors thought the process of dissolving the PPP is going to be another while," a Thanachart Securities dealer said.

EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn said it would take two weeks to forward its decision on Yongyut to the Supreme Court. Legal analysts said the court could take a couple of months to deliver its ruling, based on previous precedents.

If the court confirmed that Yongyut was guilty, the EC would then have to investigate whether the party itself was involved and pass its findings to the Constitutional Court, which could take at least a year to make its ruling, analysts said.

Another top PPP leader distanced the party from Yongyut immediately after the EC ruling, saying he acted alone.

"The party was never involved in any personal matter because we have already informed our party members of all regulations and laws they have to follow," PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee told reporters.

- Reuters

Edited February 26, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Thailand's Election Commission voted Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, to disqualify Yongyuth Tiyapairat, the Speaker of Parliament's Lower House for electoral fraud, issuing a ruling that could dissolve the People's Power Party that leads the coalition government.

Associated Press

[plachon]

Reassuring to see the EC was not bought off, though would be interesting to know the kind of sums they were being offered.

This judgement is a blow to Thaksinistas used to getting their own way by money or brute force. Wonder if justice will now be served to the old couple terrorised by this thug from up North, and he will wind up in court/jail before long? Won't hold my breath, but it would send a strong message to others if an independent judiciary could be seen to be alive and well in the Kingdom.

[trader1]

Reassuring to see the EC was not bought off, though would be interesting to know the kind of sums they were being offered.

This judgement is a blow to Thaksinistas used to getting their own way by money or brute force. Wonder if justice will now be served to the old couple terrorised by this thug from up North, and he will wind up in court/jail before long? Won't hold my breath, but it would send a strong message to others if an independent judiciary could be seen to be alive and well in the Kingdom.

Umm Taksin was deposed by a military coup. How is that 'getting your own way'. I thought you would be pleased that democracy has returned, or do you feel that the coup was a correct way to overturn an elected official?

[sriracha john]

EC rules to red-card Yongyuth

House Speaker edges closer to political ban

House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat edged closer to a five-year political ban when the Election Commission (EC) red-carded him yesterday for poll fraud in the Dec 23 general election. Yongyuth cried foul over the decision and announced he would let his deputies take over his duties as House Speaker until the case, which is expected to reach the Supreme Court soon, is concluded. The EC yesterday voted 3 to 2 to disqualify Yongyuth and to submit its recommendation to the court for consideration. If and when the court accepts the case, Yongyuth will be suspended from House Speaker duties anyway. The disqualification was an endorsement of the EC's sub-committee ruling that an allegation of vote-buying had grounds. EC member Sumeth Upanisakorn said the EC had carefully looked into the sub-panel's investigation report before deciding to hand Yongyuth the red card. He said he did not attach much weight to the VCD used as evidence to back up the vote-buying allegations against Yongyuth. Witness accounts were more important, he said. The case was taken to the EC by Wichit Yodsuwan, Chart Thai candidate for Chiang Rai, who filed a complaint against Yongyuth for allegedly buying votes. Wichit later asked to drop the complaint, apparently out of respect for his party's decision to join the PPP-led coalition government. But the EC decided against his request and proceeded with the case. After the red card was issued Yongyuth, the PPP's Deputy Leader, said at the PPP headquarters that he would relieve himself of his House Speaker duties until the case is over. But Yongyuth vowed to fight the EC's decision, which he said was unjust. "I am not a bad guy," Yongyuth declared. In Chiang Rai, hundreds of Yongyuth's supporters turned up at his residence in Mae Chan district to express displeasure at the EC. It was impossible Mr Yongyuth bought votes, they said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/27Feb2008_news01.php

[sriracha john]

One would think that it was Thaksin himself that was red-carded...

Vote-rigging setback for Thaksin

Thailand's Election Commission yesterday found a ruling party politician guilty of vote-buying in last year's general election, dealing a blow to political allies of Thaksin Shinawatra just as the former prime minister appeared poised to return from exile to fight corruption charges.

The commission voted 3-2 to disqualify Yongyuth Tiyapairat, parliament speaker and deputy leader of the People's Power party, from office for allegedly bribing local officials to canvass for votes for the party ahead of polls on December 23.

The commission's ruling could lead to the dissolution of the party, which is loyal to Thaksin and now forms the core of the governing coalition, and has renewed political uncertainty after two years of turbulence that has sapped the Thai economy.

The commission's decision comes amid expectations that Thaksin, who has been in exile since a September 2006 military coup that saw his Thai Rak Thai party banned, would return home tomorrow to fight the corruption charges against him and reclaim an estimated £1billion frozen by the government.

While Thaksin's critics warned that his homecoming could create chaos, Samak Sundaravej, the prime minister and a political ally of Thaksin, said he did not expect any "unwanted incidents".

Since the coup, Thaksin has made little secret of his desire to return to Thailand, though he had said he would wait until democracy had been restored to the country and the military-installed administration had handed power back to an elected government.

The installation of a friendly government in the shape of PPP-led coalition after its December election victory was seen as clearing the way for his return. However, the Election Commission's decision against Yongyuth, a long-time ally of Thaksin, could be a big setback for the former premier.

It also raises doubts about the stability of the government at a time when it is trying to revive the economy by stimulus measures, accelerated spending on infrastructure development.

The news of the commission's ruling immediately sent the stock market down 1.6 per cent, though it later recovered.

Thailand's election law says that if senior leaders of a political party are found guilty of wrongdoing the entire party can be dissolved if it is considered that the individual acted on behalf of the party.

The Election Commission has 15 days to forward its ruling against Yongyuth to the Supreme Court, which will decide whether to accept the case. If the court upholds the guilty finding, the Constitutional Court would decide whether to dissolve the PPP.

Thailand's economy grew by just 4.8 per cent last year, lagging far behind the regional average, and is forecast to grow between 4.4 per cent and 5.5 per cent this year, mainly due to political turbulence.

- The Financial Times

[Jai Dee]

PM urges party members to accept EC decision to red card Deputy Leader

Spokesman for the People Power Party Lieutenant Kuthep Saikrajang (กุเทพ ใสกระจ่าง) announced the results of a party meeting that took place yesterday stating that Prime Minister and party leader Samak Sundaravej has instructed all members of the People Power Party to accept the decision of the Election Commission to issue a red card to Deputy party Leader and MP Yongyuth Thiyaphairat. Mr. Samak urged his party members to allow the matter to go through the proper judicial channels.

On the matter of the return of deposed Prime Minister Doctor Thaksin Shinawatra; Mr. Samak said that as a clear date has not been set for his arrival, the party will not be organizing a welcoming party to greet him at the airport. He also affirmed that the party would not attempt to intervene in ongoing cases against the former Thai Rak Thai leader.

Lieutenant Kuthep also revealed that the meeting decided to establish a special committee to draft meeting regulations.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 February 2008

[Jai Dee]

House Speaker to temporarily step down

Deputy Leader of the People Power Party and serving House Speaker Yongyuth Thiyphairat (ยงยุทธ ติยะไพรัช) revealed during a press conference after the Election Commission moved to issue him a red card that he will temporarily step down from his post as Chairman of the House of Representatives. He said that until the Supreme Court makes a definite ruling on the matter, his work will be carried on by his two deputies.

Mr. Yongyuth also spoke openly during the press conference of the matters surrounding his situation, stating that he would be candid about the details of his case so that as to be transparent. The People Power Party Deputy Leader said that all events tying him to vote buying in Chiang Rai, including ten village elders traveling to meet with him in Bangkok happened prior to him signing on as an MP candidate.

The now ex-House Speaker affirmed that he feels the Election Commission’s verdict is unjust and that there are subversive elements working against him.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 February 2008

[sriracha john]

ahhh... and now PPP is dumping and disowning him... "Yong..who? Never heard of him."

Same, same tactic that Chart Thai Party did when their Deputy Leader was red-carded...

Thai poll body disqualifies top ruling politician

Another top PPP leader distanced the party from Yongyut immediately after the EC ruling, saying he acted alone.

"The party was never involved in any personal matter because we have already informed our party members of all regulations and laws they have to follow," PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee told reporters.

- Reuters

PM urges party members to accept EC decision to red card Deputy Leader

Spokesman for the People Power Party Kuthep Saikrajang announced the results of a party meeting that took place yesterday stating that Prime Minister and Party Leader Samak Sundaravej has instructed all members of the People Power Party to accept the decision of the Election Commission to issue a red card to Deputy party Leader and MP Yongyuth Thiyaphairat.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 February 2008

Wow... they're dropping him like a hot potato...

ESPECIALLY.... when ONLY twelve days ago (during the pre-decision and the cat's-in-the-bag-confidence days)...

I guess I'll have to modify my "tooth and nail" assessment of the PPP...and assign them to the Chart Thai method of dealing with their big-wigs....

PPP to rebut electoral fraud charges on Yongyuth's behalf

The People Power Party is ready to mount a rigorous defence for House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat who has been accused of involving in electoral fraud, party legal adviser Yuenyat Jaisamut said on Friday.

If and when the litigation reaches the Supreme Court, the party will step in to assist Yongyuth in rebutting the charges by exposing the frameup attempts, he said.

Very fascinating and interesting stuff..... Three parties... Three possible dissolution cases... Three different strategies....

1. People Power Party - Band together and fight tooth and nail above.

2. Matchima Thipataya - Quit before you get fired:

Matchima Thipataya's Key Member Calls for Disbandment

Acting Spokesperson of the Matchima Thipataya Party advised the group to disband, if its Secretary-General does not attend the party's meeting on Febuary 16th, as called for by the acting Party Leader.

Former Matchima Thipataya Leader and 12 members quitting party

The Matchima Thipataya Party spokesman, Narong Piriya-anek, says fomer Matchima Thipataya Leader Prachai Leophairatana together with 11 party members submitted their resignation letters to the the Election Commission (EC) this morning (February 15th). The group reason that they could not carry out political activities any longer.

3. Chart Thai - Completely disown the subject of the dissolution

Chart Thai Denies Being Involved in Poll Fraud Charge against Executive

The Election Commission's fact finding panel, looking into the suspension of voting rights of some executives of political parties, is to complete its investigation on Febuary 25th.

Meanwhile, the Chart Thai Party Leader insists his party is not involved in the poll fraud attempts by one of its executives. Leader of the Chart Thai Party, Banharn Silapa-archa, spent more than two hours giving testimony before the Election Commission's fact finding sub-panel looking into the suspension of the voting rights of executives of some political parties.

[Jai Dee]

EC targetted for bomb hoax after ruling on Yongyuth

The Election Commission received a threatening telephone call which proved to be a bomb hoax after its Tuesday's ruling to disqualify House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat, EC secretary general Suthiphon Thaveechaigarn said on Wednesday.

"The EC has requested police to strengthen security as a precaution since yesterday," he said.

Source: The Nation - 27 Febraury 2008

[Jai Dee]

Yongyuth guilty under the Criminal Code and not the election laws: Somchai

Election Commission member Somchai Juengprasert on Wednesday admitted that he believed House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat was guilty of paying his canvassers but he opposed trial because charges should have been revised to fit the crime.

Somchai was the only one with the dissenting opinion on the Tuesday's ruling to try Yongyuth for electoral fraud. He said Yongyuth should not be prosecuted for votebuying, an offence under the election laws but for bribing state officials, a breach of the Criminal Code.

Source: The Nation - 27 Febraury 2008

[plachon]

Reassuring to see the EC was not bought off, though would be interesting to know the kind of sums they were being offered.

This judgement is a blow to Thaksinistas used to getting their own way by money or brute force. Wonder if justice will now be served to the old couple terrorised by this thug from up North, and he will wind up in court/jail before long? Won't hold my breath, but it would send a strong message to others if an independent judiciary could be seen to be alive and well in the Kingdom.

Umm Taksin was deposed by a military coup. How is that 'getting your own way'. I thought you would be pleased that democracy has returned, or do you feel that the coup was a correct way to overturn an elected official?

How little some people understand the term "democracy". Hint: it implies more than just holding elections (rigged or not).

And to answer your question: yes, the coup served its purpose at the time, but was badly handled after. Look back in the news forum and you can find much discussion about this. I will not repeat it now. Hindsight is a marvelous thing and I have little problem now with the bloodless coup itself, ony its aftermath and inability to neutralise the reason for it.

[Plus]

The economy grew 4.8$ last year, and 5.7% in the last quarter. There's a long list of important laws that have been passed, too. Public sentiment was against it, this fact won't change, but the results were not too bad.

The idiots who currently took over the government might make more noise, but I seriously doubt they will deliver anything.

So, perhaps a year from now we'll think that Surayud's government wasn't that bad at all.

[steveromagnino]

So, perhaps a year from now we'll think that Surayud's government wasn't that bad at all.

Old ginger or stale sen (which Samak mai gin) baked up by the PM himself.

Hard to say which is going to end up tasting worse.

I am on FIRE today with bad puns.

[Plus]

I think Thailand would be better off without a government at all, at least for a while. Less screwups for sure.

Surayud's inertia might have been what was needed at the time, in hindsight.

[Jai Dee]

Chiang Rai Police brace for demonstrations by Yongyuth supporters

Provincial Police of Chiang Rai province have made preparations to protect citizens as well as impose crowd control after receiving word supporters of resigned House Speaker and Deputy Leader of the People Power Party Yongyuth Tiyaphairat have made plans to protest his red carding by the Election Commission.

Police have assembled two crowd control units to deal with any rallies that may occur within the province that Mr. Yongyuth was elected to the Parliament. The People Power Party MP was recently red carded by the Election Commission after extensive investigations into allegations of Vote Buying. The ruling prompted him to temporarily revoke his status as Chairman of the House of Representatives as well as stir his local devotees.

Mr. Yongyuth himself has denied the charges stating that much of the evidence was circumstantial and has contested the verdict.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 February 2008

[sriracha john]

Yongyuth himself has denied the charges stating that much of the evidence was circumstantial and has contested the verdict.

He used to say the evidence was all faked, now it's circumstantial... well, at least he's slowly getting to admitting guilt.

[sriracha john]

EC says it is not afraid of PPP revenge

The Election Comission is not afraid the People Power party (PPP) will seek revenge on the poll agency after it voted to give House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat a red card on charges of electoral fraud. Election Commissioner Prapan Naikowit said rumours that the PPP will dismiss the three election commissioners who refused to hear a final witness proposed by Yongyuth and then voted to red-card the Speaker have arisen from a misunderstanding. "We actually questioned the final witness proposed to us by Yongyuth, but he demanded we question him again," Mr Prapan said. "We did everything according to the rules so there should be no reason for

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126242

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

I hope the EC is not being overly confident. With all the senior personnel being fired over the past week by the new government, their status might not be as secure as they see it. The National Police Chief issued a very similar-sounding message as well and yet a few days later found himself fired.

Edited March 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

EC to expedite case of House Speaker

Chairman of the Election Commission (EC), Apichart Sukhagganond, says the EC will expedite the investigation of the case of House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat in order to forward the case to the Supreme Court after the senatorial election.

EC issued a red card to House Speaker and party-list MP from the People Power party, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, on grounds of electoral fraud in Chiang Rai province.

- ThaiNews

[sriracha john]

Chalerm the next Prime Minister??????????

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobumrung says he does not believe the election fraud case against House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat will lead to the dissolution of the People Power Party as speculated. Chalerm adds he will personally volunteer to be one of the PPP’s legal representatives in fighting the case.

In response to speculation he may be appointed Prime Minister if the PPP is dissolved, Chalerm says he does not believe it is possible. If the PPP is dissolved, some political analysts believe Chalerm could be voted to become the new PM. Chalerm would escape the 5 year political ban that accompanies the dissolution order because he’s not one of the PPP executives.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

EC to finalize case against House Speaker within the week

Election Commission (EC) member Sumeth Upanisakorn has revealed that the investigation of resigned House Speaker and People Power Party Deputy Leader Yongyuth Thiyaphairat has progressed steadily, with latest developments being the submission of a draft of the red carding case to the central EC.

Each central commissioner has asked for 1-2 days to consider the case and revise if necessary before convening for a meeting on the issue. The EC, however, is confident it will be able to forward the matter to the Supreme Court within the week.

- ThaiNews

[sriracha john]

EC to file suit against Yongyuth with Supreme Court Monday

The Election Commission will file a suit on Monday with the Supreme Court demanding a nullification of his election victory on charges of election frauds.

EC Chairman Apichart Sukhakkhanon said he had finished checking the suit and expected it would be filed with the Election Case Division of the Supreme Court on Monday.

He said Yongyuth would have to stop working as the House speaker and Parliament once the court accepts the suit.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Yongyuth seeks blessing from monks with hope to win case

Chiang Rai - Parliament President Yongyuth Tiyapairaj Sunday sought blessings from Buddhist monks in a ceremony to try to remove his bad luck.

Yongyuth and his family visited the Phra Kaew Temple in Chiang Rai's Muang district at 7 am to participate in the ceremony.

The ceremony was performed by nine monks led by the abbot of the temple.

The ceremony was also witnessed by People Power Party MPs from Chiang Rai and Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat.

- The Nation

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

Is Thaksin's magical elephant wand available on loan?

[Tony Clifton]

"a ceremony to try to remove his bad luck."

You just have to love the way these criminally inclined clowns try and have everyone believe their misery is due to bad luck instead of their poorly planned criminal actions that gets them caught red handed. They even go as far as dangling money inside temples, and monks actually go along with this. Where the f is this country headed?

[BigSnake]

Will Justic be server??? When Pigs fly.