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

[sriracha john]

EC Launches Disciplinary Review of 2 Officials Accused of Tampering with Evidence

The Election Commission has launched a disciplinary review of two officials that have been accused of leaking sensitive information on former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat’s case and tampering with evidence.

The election poll panel has set up a committee which will be responsible for carrying out a disciplinary review of two Election Commission officials. The officials have been accused of tampering with evidence relevant to the political member status of the key witness in former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat’s electoral fraud case, village headman Chaiwat Changkhaokham.

In an effort to discredit the election fraud case filed against Yongyuth, the People Power Party has accused Chaiwat of being a member of the opposing Democrat Party. They cited the EC’s record showing Chaiwat is a member of the Democrats. However, the record has been refuted by the Democrat Party, which claimed the official record of the EC has been tampered with.

The EC’s website later showed that Chaiwat is a member of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party.

Specifically, the two officials have been accused of forging high ranking EC official Police Colonel Natthasak Nanawan's signature on the document submitted by Yongyuth's lawyer to the court about the witness's Democrat membership.

Another charge the two officials are facing is the claim that they passed on sensitive information about the case to Yongyuth’s lawyer. The action clearly violated the EC’s regulations.

On Tuesday, an EC sub-committee headed by Pokkrong Sunthornsut released its finding that confirmed there’s evidence of wrongdoing committed by the EC officials. If found guilty, the officials could be dismissed or removed from their posts.

- Thailand Outlook

[hammered]

In the last week we have seen the focus move from street protests to parliament and now to court. Things are starting to pick up.

[sriracha john]

The current PPP House Speaker that replaced the previous PPP House Speaker, who was ousted, could be ousted himself...

Party Dissolution Cases to Be Continued after Yongyuth's Case Ends

The joint Election Commission and Attorney-General's Office committee will wait for the Supreme Court's ruling on former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat's electoral fraud case before the committee proceeds with the party dissolution cases against the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties.

Election Commission Secretary-General Suthipol Thaweechaikarn revealed a meeting took place between the EC and the Attorney-General's Office or OAG. The two parties addressed the issue of the EC’s recommendation for the dissolution of both the Chart Thai and Matchima Thiptaya parties.

Suthipol disclosed that the OAG believes it should wait for the Supreme Court's Division on Election-related Cases to rule on former House speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat’s election fraud case before it proceeds with the party dissolution cases.

The EC earlier forwarded its recommendation to red card Yongyuth to the Supreme Court’s Division on Election-related Cases. Suthipol adds the EC and OAG must decide if the ruling and other evidence have enough bearings to be included in the party dissolution deliberations.

In response to the petition filed by Senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana for the EC to review the qualification of House Speaker Chai Chidchob, in which the Senator accused Chai of holding shares in a private company that has been granted a state concession, Suthipol says the EC is currently compiling evidence on the case to be presented to the EC Chairman. But it’s not known when the case will be heard by the EC panel.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[sriracha john]

- From The Nation / 07-07-08

Tomorrow, the Supreme Court's Election Division will rule on election fraud against former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

The Election Commission has issued Yongyuth a "red card" for violating election law. If he was found guilty, he would be stripped of his MP status.

Moreover, his case would have a big impact on the People Power Party since he is an executive member and Deputy Leader.

If he was found guilty, the Election Commission would form a committee to investigate whether the party should be dissolved. The political turmoil that started in 2006 between Thaksin supporters and his opponents saw a military coup in September that year. It failed to quell Thaksin's political influence. But Thaksin now faces a number of corruption cases in the court of justice.

Prinya Thevanaruemitkul, a law academic from Thammasat University, believes the court will be able to resolve the deep-running conflict. "I believe after the court's ruling, the conflict should be resolved, no matter what the ruling may be," he said. "We are pursuing a democratic course. Since we have conflict and legal wrangling, only a court of justice can act as the final arbiter."

Khanin Boonsuwan, a political veteran, is cautious about this view. "Whatever the court ruling may be, there would be those who are against the decision. Its opposition could be strong. If they can't fight it on the ground, they will do it underground," he said.

Another legal expert said if Thais valued the rule of law, the conflict would disappear after the ruling was made.

"The problem may be some locals do not have much regard for the rule of law," he said.

Edited July 7, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Ruling Party Confident in Court's Justice in Yongyuth's Case

The main ruling People Power Party vowed to engage in further legal battles over the poll fraud charge against one of its executives, if the Supreme Court rules against him tomorrow.

Prime Minister's Office Minister Choosak Sirinil, who is also the head of the legal advisory panel for the main ruling People Power Party, believes tomorrow's ruling on the election fraud case filed against Party-list MP and former Deputy Leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat will be based on the juridical system and available evidence.

However, Chossak accepts that if the Supreme Court's division in charge of electoral cases rules against Yongyuth, his party is ready to set up a legal team to take charge of further legal proceedings. *To whom??? The Ultra-Supremest Supreme Court??*

If the Supreme Court rules to disqualify Yongyuth's MP status, the decision could possibly lead to a disbandment charge against the People Power Party as he committed the offence while serving as a Party Executive.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Edited July 7, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Ruling Party Confident in Court's Justice in Yongyuth's Case

The main ruling People Power Party vowed to engage in further legal battles over the poll fraud charge against one of its executives, if the Supreme Court rules against him tomorrow.

Prime Minister's Office Minister Choosak Sirinil, who is also the head of the legal advisory panel for the main ruling People Power Party, believes tomorrow's ruling on the election fraud case filed against Party-list MP and former Deputy Leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat will be based on the juridical system and available evidence.

However, Chossak accepts that if the Supreme Court's division in charge of electoral cases rules against Yongyuth, his party is ready to set up a legal team to take charge of further legal proceedings. *To whom??? The Ultra-Supremest Supreme Court??*

If the Supreme Court rules to disqualify Yongyuth's MP status, the decision could possibly lead to a disbandment charge against the People Power Party as he committed the offence while serving as a Party Executive.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

I thought there was no appeal after this court in the case of Yongyuth himself although the question and legal proceedings then move to whether PPP should be disbanded which is another matter.

[Old Man River]

Ruling Party Confident in Court's Justice in Yongyuth's Case

The main ruling People Power Party vowed to engage in further legal battles over the poll fraud charge against one of its executives, if the Supreme Court rules against him tomorrow.

Prime Minister's Office Minister Choosak Sirinil, who is also the head of the legal advisory panel for the main ruling People Power Party, believes tomorrow's ruling on the election fraud case filed against Party-list MP and former Deputy Leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat will be based on the juridical system and available evidence.

However, Chossak accepts that if the Supreme Court's division in charge of electoral cases rules against Yongyuth, his party is ready to set up a legal team to take charge of further legal proceedings. *To whom??? The Ultra-Supremest Supreme Court??*

If the Supreme Court rules to disqualify Yongyuth's MP status, the decision could possibly lead to a disbandment charge against the People Power Party as he committed the offence while serving as a Party Executive.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

I thought there was no appeal after this court in the case of Yongyuth himself although the question and legal proceedings then move to whether PPP should be disbanded which is another matter.

I'm thinking a really big pastry box next time.

[sriracha john]

I was hoping this would explain the "whom".... but it doesn't... only that it will do so "immediately"

PPP to appeal if court finds Yongyuth guilty

The People Power Party is getting ready to accept the Supreme Court’s ruling on election fraud against former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat tomorrow. If the court finds Yongyuth guilty, the People Power Party is expected to appeal immediately.

The Prime Minister’s Office Minister, Chusak Sirinil, who also acts as legal adviser of the People Power Party, says his party has assigned him to look into Yongyuth’s alleged vote-buying case in Chiang Rai province during the general election last year.

Chusak says he would have to wait for the court’s verdict before taking any legal action.

The Prime Minister’s Office Minister says if the court finds the House Speaker Yongyuth guilty, his party would be ready to appoint a lawyer and appeal further.

He pointed out that if the verdict is positive for Yongyuth, his party would not take any action.

Chusak says the Prime Minister and Defense Minister Samak Sundaravej, would decide to appoint Yongyuth as a Cabinet member, if he is free of the election fraud charge.

- ThaiNews (today)

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

Perhaps he can take over the Public Health Minister position after his guilty verdict today...

(over in the New Cabinet thread)

[hammered]

I was hoping this would explain the "whom".... but it doesn't... only that it will do so "immediately"

PPP to appeal if court finds Yongyuth guilty

The People Power Party is getting ready to accept the Supreme Court’s ruling on election fraud against former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat tomorrow. If the court finds Yongyuth guilty, the People Power Party is expected to appeal immediately.

The Prime Minister’s Office Minister, Chusak Sirinil, who also acts as legal adviser of the People Power Party, says his party has assigned him to look into Yongyuth’s alleged vote-buying case in Chiang Rai province during the general election last year.

Chusak says he would have to wait for the court’s verdict before taking any legal action.

The Prime Minister’s Office Minister says if the court finds the House Speaker Yongyuth guilty, his party would be ready to appoint a lawyer and appeal further.

He pointed out that if the verdict is positive for Yongyuth, his party would not take any action.

Chusak says the Prime Minister and Defense Minister Samak Sundaravej, would decide to appoint Yongyuth as a Cabinet member, if he is free of the election fraud charge.

- ThaiNews (today)

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

Perhaps he can take over the Public Health Minister position after his guilty verdict today...

(over in the New Cabinet thread)

The Chaiya, Yongyuth and others cases are probably what hold up a cabinet reshuffle. It is all about getting the bigboys into the positions they want, court willing, rather than about getting qualified peopel into positons where they can do good for the country.

Anyway we'll probably end up hearing about more constitutional ammendments and pardons and god knows what if one of the big party financiers and power men goes down. Plus that constitutional court needs to be stuffed with nominees.......

[sriracha john]

Yongyuth ruling today could result in government shake-up

A dissolution of Parliament and a Cabinet reshuffle are two options if People Power Party (PPP) Deputy Leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat is today disqualified as an MP, a source said yesterday.

At 4pm today, the Supreme Court is scheduled to rule whether to disqualify Yongyuth in an electoral fraud case.

The Election Commission filed electoral-fraud charges against proportionate MP Yongyuth, who allegedly gave money to 10 kamnans in Mae Chan district of Chiang Rai to buy votes for his sister, La-ong.

A source from a coalition party, who asked not to be named, said after a meeting of the coalition parties' leaders that if Yongyuth is disqualified, they would propose that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej dissolve Parliament.

But if Yongyuth is not disqualified, they would propose a major Cabinet reshuffle, with changes to seven or eight portfolios, to improve the image of the government, the source said. Ministers involved in legal cases would be removed. *there's A LOT of people involved in ongoing criminal litigation, including the PM*

If Yongyuth is disqualified, the PPP would become the fourth government party having to face the possibility of dissolution.

*all four in the coalition government*

Another source from the PPP said the party's MPs had also considered the same two options.

PPP spokesman Kudeb Saikrajang said Yongyuth and the party would comply with the court's ruling. If the party must face a dissolution case, it will have to appoint lawyers to defend itself.

However, a party dissolution process would take a long time although it would not be complicated for the party because PPP members had faced party dissolution cases before, Kudeb said. *now there's a telling statement*

Yongyuth's lawyer, Sakorn Sirichai, said it was uncertain whether Yongyuth or La-ong would attend court to hear the ruling.

The EC has also asked the court to nullify (via a Yellow Card) La-ong's poll result when she won an MP seat in Chiang Rai's Constituency 3.

The ruling may have a huge impact on the People Power Party as, according to the law, electoral fraud committed by a Party Executive could lead to the Party's dissolution by the Constitution Court. In that case, all of the party's executive members would also be disqualified from politics for five years and their voting rights would be revoked.

Most of the PPP MPs come from the Thai Rak Thai Party, which was dissolved last year.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

Laying the ground-work...

People Power Party ready to set up new party

Yongyuth guilty verdict could see it dissolved

The PPP is preparing to set up a new political entity if ex-Deputy Leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat is disqualified by the Supreme Court today in the conclusion to the vote-buying case from last year's general election. The ruling by the Supreme Court could affect the future of the PPP because Yongyuth was an executive member when the alleged poll fraud took place. A PPP source said yesterday Songkram Kitlertpairoj, a Samut Prakan MP, had been assigned to register a new political party called Puea Thai. Banjongsak Wongrattanawan would be the Leader and Olarn Kitlertpairoj, Songkram's step-brother, would be the Secretary-General, the source said. The new party would take in MPs from the PPP if the PPP is ordered to be dissolved, the source added. Those MPs who move to the new party are required to form a government. But if they fail, PM Samak would be asked to exercise his authority to dissolve the House and call a general election, the source said. Yongyuth could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/080708_News/08Jul2008_news01.php

[sriracha john]

Thai PM: Ruling Party Faces Dissolution In Vote Fraud Case

BANGKOK - Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said the country's ruling party faces being dissolved if a Supreme Court ruling Tuesday finds the former House Speaker and Party Deputy Leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat guilty of vote fraud.

"Tomorrow the court will rule on the party dissolution case," Samak said in a speech Monday to the alumni association of a Bangkok college. "If the former house speaker is found guilty, the People Power Party will be dissolved."

Earlier this year, Thailand's Election Commission said an investigation had found Yongyuth was involved in vote buying in last December's national elections. Under Thailand's constitution, political parties face dissolution if senior members are involved in electoral fraud. The decision on dissolving the party would be made by the Constitution Court.

The People Power Party is allied with Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted as prime minister in a bloodless September 2006 coup.

Samak was handpicked by Thaksin to lead the PPP.

The prime minister has strong links with the military, but lacks a support base within the PPP.

- Dow Jones Newswires (today)

[hammered]

A lot of analysts seem to be saying that after this round of court decisions, whatever way they go, the situtation in Thailand will improve. Quite where this optomism comes form I am not sure but hopefully they know more than us and are right.

Persoanlly I cant see the Thaksinistas giving up if they lose the court cases and similarly I cant see the anti-Thaksinistas giving up if Thaksin et al win the cases. But somewhere someday something ahs got to give to get back to some form of normality.

The imminent decision on the Yongyuth case will be telling as it looks very strong and the "I was set up" defence seems to have failed to gain traction especially after the fraudulent signature issue.

[sriracha john]

EDITORIAL

Respect for rule of law

In a dramatic coincidence, a series of simmering political cases are about to come to a head in the next three weeks. The high-profile verdicts start today. The Supreme Court has scheduled the announcement of a verdict in the electoral fraud case of former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat. A half dozen more important cases will be in the spotlight. Then, on the last day of the month, Potjaman Shinawatra will hear the ruling in the first case to reach a verdict from the days of the Thaksin government. The judges of the various courts will present their verdicts in these cases in a composed and dignified courtroom. It is important for all to realise - now, before the verdicts are announced - that the courts have a special place in such circumstances. They have two roles at once. The courts and their judges are vital parts of the system of checks and balances which make up any democratic system. But they also are the thoughtful section of the system. Far more than politicians, and more than the public, the judges carefully weigh all input to the case under examination. The cases now about to reach court verdicts begin with Yongyuth's today. He was accused, red-carded and found guilty by the EC of dirty tricks including bribery in the general election. The case is crucial to electoral procedure, but its importance goes much deeper. Should the verdict go against Yongyuth today, the PPP, its senior members and the government will all be at risk. Because the entire party could be ordered dissolved. All executives could be barred from politics for five years. There is a single duty for those who support and those who do not like the verdicts: Accept them. Rule of law is vital if democracy is

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/080708_News/08Jul2008_news20.php

[Plus]

PPP dissolution is far from certain even if Yongyudh is convicted, and it will take many many months in any case.

Today, for the first time, I read that Yongyudh was bribing kamnans on behalf of his sister who was running in that area. That could be the reason for PPP to argue that Yongyudh was pursuing personal motives - nearly impossible if he was acting as an executive on a party list.

[hammered]

PPP dissolution is far from certain even if Yongyudh is convicted, and it will take many many months in any case.

Today, for the first time, I read that Yongyudh was bribing kamnans on behalf of his sister who was running in that area. That could be the reason for PPP to argue that Yongyudh was pursuing personal motives - nearly impossible if he was acting as an executive on a party list.

I agree on disolution and to be honest it wont solve anything. It may even make things worse. It is more likely that damage will be done to PPP if a single corruption case goes against Thaksin and hence his politcal future becomes zero. Then the reality of who is going to fund who will quite likely see at least a partial realignment of the MPs for funds brigade facing up to a new poltical reality. Interestingly apart from Yongyuth who is a power figure in PPP, Chaiya is too in a dodgy position and he is another of the PPP's wallets. Remove a large number of the funders and the party struggles to remain intact may just be the way the opponents of the PPP see things going as well of course as pressuring remaining funders to maybe do a deal. We shouldnt forget the scanner case and afew others could take a whole swathe down and even the attorney general wont be able to stop that one for long.

[OlRedEyes]

Thailand is one sick puppy. Some would say it's terminally ill.

[sriracha john]

they finally point out the "whom" they plan an appeal to...

Samak Worried over Fate of PPP ahead of Court Ruling on Yongyuth

Members of the ruling People Power Party have been waiting impatiently for the court verdict on the fate of former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat, which could determine the political future of the government.

It is understandable how fidgeting People Power Party members could have been during the past 24 hours as all have awaited the Supreme Court to rule if Yongyuth Tiyapairat would be guilty of electoral fraud.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is one of them. He earlier expressed worries that the current government might have been disbanded by Wednesday, if the guilty verdict was handed down to the former House Speaker.

Party executive Suthin Klangsang said that the People Power Party has made no contingency plan to deal with the court verdict and its consequences on the party’s existence.

If Yongyuth is found guilty by the court, his party might also be dissolved as his alleged electoral fraud was said to be committed while he was the party’s executive.

Suthin said that even with a guilty verdict, the party would appeal with the Constitution Court and ask it not to disband the People Power.

Other members, including party registrar Saman Lertwongrat and Chiang Rai MP Sarit Ung-apinan said that the People Power Party is ready to fight court for the survival of the party.

At the same time, reporters said People Power Party executives have already registered a new political party, to accommodate all members and MPs if the House Dissolution takes place.

- Thailand Outlook

[hammered]

they finally point out the "whom" they plan an appeal to...

Samak Worried over Fate of PPP ahead of Court Ruling on Yongyuth

Members of the ruling People Power Party have been waiting impatiently for the court verdict on the fate of former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat, which could determine the political future of the government.

It is understandable how fidgeting People Power Party members could have been during the past 24 hours as all have awaited the Supreme Court to rule if Yongyuth Tiyapairat would be guilty of electoral fraud.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is one of them. He earlier expressed worries that the current government might have been disbanded by Wednesday, if the guilty verdict was handed down to the former House Speaker.

Party executive Suthin Klangsang said that the People Power Party has made no contingency plan to deal with the court verdict and its consequences on the party’s existence.

If Yongyuth is found guilty by the court, his party might also be dissolved as his alleged electoral fraud was said to be committed while he was the party’s executive.

Suthin said that even with a guilty verdict, the party would appeal with the Constitution Court and ask it not to disband the People Power.

Other members, including party registrar Saman Lertwongrat and Chiang Rai MP Sarit Ung-apinan said that the People Power Party is ready to fight court for the survival of the party.

At the same time, reporters said People Power Party executives have already registered a new political party, to accommodate all members and MPs if the House Dissolution takes place.

- Thailand Outlook

An appeal to the constitution court will need to show the constitution was broken in some way. It sounds like a long shot. anyway if Yongyuth goes down today the party dissolution case will probably take more than the 12 hours Samak sems to think it will! Sometimes you wonder if the guy has a brain

[sriracha john]

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is one of them. He earlier expressed worries that the current government might have been disbanded by Wednesday, if the guilty verdict was handed down

anyway if Yongyuth goes down today the party dissolution case will probably take more than the 12 hours Samak sems to think it will! Sometimes you wonder if the guy has a brain

"Shhhh... if no one says anything maybe he'll clear out his desk and leave Government House on his own tonight"

[sriracha john]

PPP awaits for court ruling on Yongyuth

People Power Party's deputy leader Karn Thienkaew arrived on Tuesday at the Supreme Court ahead of the court's ruling on charge of vote buying by former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

Ruling on Yongyuth, a former PPP deputy leader, is due on 4pm today. Supporters of Yongyuth were seen arriving at the Supreme Court's Electoral Fraud Division.

It is still unclear whether Yongyuth will be present to listen to the ruling himself. A source close to him said if protesters of People's Alliance for Democracy gather at the court.

Today's ruling will be historic that could create a far-reaching political impact.

The court is deciding whether to accept the Election Commission's ruling that had disqualified and red-carded Yongyuth for committing electoral offence in Chiang Rai.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Supreme Court upholds EC's red card against Yongyuth

The Supreme Court Tuesday upheld the decision of the Election Commission to give a red card against Yongyuth Tiyapairat, former Parliament president and former deputy leader of the People Power Party.

The Election Cases Division of the court ruled that Yongyuth had violated the election law as charged by the EC.

The Supreme Court banned Yongyuth from politics for five years as recommended by the EC.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Adios, Refrigerator....

Now the courts can get to your attempted murder charges...

[sriracha john]

Supreme Court red-cards Yongyuth

Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions found Tuesday that ex-Deputy Leader of PPP Yongyuth Tiyapairat guilty in poll fraud case from last year’s general election. The court ruled 3:2 that Yongyuth, who contested in Chiang Rai’s Constituency 3, is guilty in vote-buying charge. The ruling by the Supreme Court's election cases division affected the future of the PPP because Yongyuth was an executive member when the alleged poll fraud took place. This could lead to dissolution of PPP. The court spent more than two hours reading the case. It began at 4pm. The case was filed by the EC, which accused Yongyuth of offering money to a group of kamnans (tambon heads) in Chiang Rai’s Mae Chan district in return for helping his sister La-ong win the election. Chaiwat Changkaokham, a kamnan in Mae Chan, was a key witness testifying against Yongyuth. In his testimony on May 8, Mr Chaiwat said each of the kamnans in Mae Chan district was

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128779

[sriracha john]

Supreme Court Finds Yongyuth Guilty of Election Fraud

The Supreme Court today handed down its ruling on the electoral fraud case against former House Speaker Yongyuth Thiyapairat.

The court found Yongyuth guilty of election fraud. He's been banned from politics and stripped of his political rights for 5 years.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited July 8, 2008 by sriracha john

[jbowman1993]

PPP is talking about dissolving parliment. We might actually be rid of Samak (no way they'd bring him back for another round). The court system is the great leveler in this country, and they do a pretty good job, imo.

[sriracha john]

Thai Court Says Ruling Party Politician Guilty Of Vote Fraud

BANGKOK - Thailand's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a former House Speaker and ruling party Deputy Leader was guilty of vote buying, a verdict that could result in the banning of the Thaksin Shinawatra-allied People Power Party and deepen the country's political crisis.

The court said the ruling party politician, Yonguth Tiyapairat, is banned from politics for five years.

Under Thailand's constitution, political parties can be dissolved if senior members are involved in election fraud. The final decision on disbanding the PPP as a result of Yongyuth's guilty verdict rests with the Constitution Court.

An Election Commission investigation earlier this year found evidence Yongyuth was involved in vote buying during campaigning for the December 2007 national elections.

The PPP, a reincarnation of the Thai Rak Thai party that was banned following a September 2006 coup which ousted Thaksin as premier, formed a six-coalition government in February.

The new government has been dogged by nearly two months of street protests in Bangkok, a no confidence debate in parliament, and speculation of another coup.

- Dow Jones Newswires

[frodo]

Adios, Refrigerator....

Now the courts can get to your attempted murder charges...

This is nothing but a misunderstanding!

[nomoretalksin]

This is nothing but a misunderstanding!

Nice one! Takes Photoshop works on to a new level! Nice one!

Just wonder if these cheaters just really wanna go ahead and dissolve the parliament (again!) and

form a new Thaksin=TRT=PPP=NEW Party again??? It's getting kind of unbelievable ridiculous with these Thaksin-politics here in Thailand.

I hope the new court cases will speak for themselves.

Also wonder if the upcountry voting people "finally" understand whom they are voting for since 2001!

Hope for change for Thailand; cross my fingers. 6-12 more hot cases going in court these next weeks. All are alleged

crimes of TRT/PPP big boss & cronies. Please spread the word, and stop voting for them and support the Democrats.

Abhisit/Korn our next PM/FM?? We just gotta keep hoping!

A little glimpse of hopes though, finally the courts are working the righteous way. Olé !

[sriracha john]

Lil' sis got the boot too....

Court bans ex-speaker from politics for 5 years; ruling puts PPP at risk

BANGKOK, July 8 (TNA) - Thailand's Supreme Court on Tuesday evening ruled that former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat was engaged in a fraud case before Thailand's general election last December and banned him from engaging in political activities for five years.

The decision by the Supreme Court came after the Election Commission (EC) issued him a so-called 'red card' for violating election law, meaning that he would be stripped of his Member of Parliament status.

The action automatically moves Thailand's politics into another level of turmoil because Yongyuth is a Deputy Leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), headed by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

Tuesday's ruling could lead to the dissolution of the PPP, meaning that Samak would necessarily have to resign from his post, depending on the details of the ruling by the Constitution Court.

Under the Election Law, if any executive committee member of a political party is given a 'red card', the EC must propose to the Constitution Court that his political party must also be dissolved, meaning that other party members would lose their status as well.

In addition, remaining party executive committee members will be banned from political activities for five years and those who are ministers must also leave their posts. The party's remaining MPs have 60 days to join another party after their party is dissolved.

In Yongyuth's case, the EC will forward the Court's ruling to the Attorney General's Office for its consideration as to the dissolution of the PPP within 30 days, before it is forwarded to the Constitution Court for a final ruling.

Yongyuth, who contested in his native hometown in the northernmost province of Chiang Rai during the last general election, did not attend the Supreme Court's ruling but sent his lawyers instead.

The court also ruled that a by-election in Chiang Rai's Constituency 2 would be held after it decided that La-ong Tiyapairat, Yongyuth's younger sister, also engaged in election fraud. A by-election will be held later.