Crackdown On Vote Buying

[thaigene2]

If anyone truly thinks the elite establishment and big rich clan families that supported the coup to get rid of Thaksin, are going to let another Populist party win the election AND take office you ought to think again.

They didn't have a coup here just to get rid of Thaksin, they had a coup to reduce the external pressures that Thaksin was letting into the country (foreign business competing against inferior local established businesses that traded off of influence rather then demand) and to return to them the old order of things - predominently, the return to power of their establishment families and clan influence in the broader scheme. Remember Thailand is a patronistic society - which is a pleasant way of saying rich and powerful people "Pooyai" run the place for their own enrichment and comical puffed-up faces to show off.

Why do you think all the vote-buying stories are circulating? They circulate every election, but this time it lookslike they are setting themselves up to say their was 'massive vote buying' and therefore any win by a Populist party would be grounds for the election to be ruled invalid and nullified...notice how freaked out the EC is about letting in foreign election obersvers and monitors? Why? If they're so afraid of vote buying they should have some Swede or Dane in every village checking these allegations out right??

They don't allow that, because they're afraid those guys would report back to the OECD or UN or EU or wherever and say it was a free and fair election..

There are other regional examples of democracy denied with no good reason (remember LND won the election in Burma..and have been denied their democratic right for decades..) so why not Thailand. Shouild be an interesting few weeks after the vote.

[blaze]

Interesting to note that the old viagra comment by one political activist from one party gets all the play from the media. One wonders why they dont send a couple of their reporters out to do some investigative reporting on the vote buying going on with cash. There sem to be enough people on here who know a bit about it so it cant be too difficult for them to get a scoop. Then again I guess true to form the media moguls wouldnt want to upset a powerful politicain who may be regaining a bit of power soon. Then one wonders why all those blogs and pseudo academic sites dont look into it. Well hold on a minute it doesnt fit with their assumption that there isnt much vote buying and/or it doesnt influence the rural majorities who are so well informed of the various groups policies by the totally neutral headmen and money lenders who control so much.

The coverage of this election by media, blogs and so called academics is utterly abhorent as they all shrillishly back their horse and se no wrong emante from their well backed camp. It is going to be hard for anything approaching democracy to develop in Thailand if the fourth estate including new media forms dont step up to the plate.

Hammered, I totally agree with you on the irresponsibility of the press- and at the top, I place the Nation. It has consistently perpetuated the notion that a PPP win will be due in no small part to vote-buying. Yet it has offered no proof whatsoever for this stance.

Yes people on here seem to have all kinds of evidence- one would expect that they would be encouraging their Thai better-halfs to rush on down to the EC and, if not claim a reward, at the very least 'do the right thing'. Or could it be that this info to which they are privy is actually third- or thirtythird -hand.

I still find it very very hard to believe that the PPP with the support that its policies engendered in various parts of the country, and knowing it is being watched at every turn, would be stupid enough to risk dissolution when it will probably fare very well without buying a single vote.

I think you are mistaken to suggest that the management of the Nation wouldn't want to upset Samak or Thaksin- the Nation's editorial and political biases are blatantly transparent and it's probably a little late in the game to be hoping for forgiveness from the TRT.

[hammered]

Interesting to note that the old viagra comment by one political activist from one party gets all the play from the media. One wonders why they dont send a couple of their reporters out to do some investigative reporting on the vote buying going on with cash. There sem to be enough people on here who know a bit about it so it cant be too difficult for them to get a scoop. Then again I guess true to form the media moguls wouldnt want to upset a powerful politicain who may be regaining a bit of power soon. Then one wonders why all those blogs and pseudo academic sites dont look into it. Well hold on a minute it doesnt fit with their assumption that there isnt much vote buying and/or it doesnt influence the rural majorities who are so well informed of the various groups policies by the totally neutral headmen and money lenders who control so much.

The coverage of this election by media, blogs and so called academics is utterly abhorent as they all shrillishly back their horse and se no wrong emante from their well backed camp. It is going to be hard for anything approaching democracy to develop in Thailand if the fourth estate including new media forms dont step up to the plate.

Hammered, I totally agree with you on the irresponsibility of the press- and at the top, I place the Nation. It has consistently perpetuated the notion that a PPP win will be due in no small part to vote-buying. Yet it has offered no proof whatsoever for this stance.

Yes people on here seem to have all kinds of evidence- one would expect that they would be encouraging their Thai better-halfs to rush on down to the EC and, if not claim a reward, at the very least 'do the right thing'. Or could it be that this info to which they are privy is actually third- or thirtythird -hand.

I still find it very very hard to believe that the PPP with the support that its policies engendered in various parts of the country, and knowing it is being watched at every turn, would be stupid enough to risk dissolution when it will probably fare very well without buying a single vote.

I think you are mistaken to suggest that the management of the Nation wouldn't want to upset Samak or Thaksin- the Nation's editorial and political biases are blatantly transparent and it's probably a little late in the game to be hoping for forgiveness from the TRT.

I have heard first hand accounts of vote buying and worse actually. My impression is that nobody is really interested in suppressing it and certain other practices. However, it certainly isnt something to address if you are not a local.

I doubt the Nation group worry about upsetting Mr. T and Mr. S. However certain other media certainly do. All media has its political connections and influences. Not all are as overt as the nation group.

Persoanlly I dont think this election is really about democracy and I doubt whoever wins it will solve anything although I would like to be proven wrong.

[blaze]

Interesting to note that the old viagra comment by one political activist from one party gets all the play from the media. One wonders why they dont send a couple of their reporters out to do some investigative reporting on the vote buying going on with cash. There sem to be enough people on here who know a bit about it so it cant be too difficult for them to get a scoop. Then again I guess true to form the media moguls wouldnt want to upset a powerful politicain who may be regaining a bit of power soon. Then one wonders why all those blogs and pseudo academic sites dont look into it. Well hold on a minute it doesnt fit with their assumption that there isnt much vote buying and/or it doesnt influence the rural majorities who are so well informed of the various groups policies by the totally neutral headmen and money lenders who control so much.

The coverage of this election by media, blogs and so called academics is utterly abhorent as they all shrillishly back their horse and se no wrong emante from their well backed camp. It is going to be hard for anything approaching democracy to develop in Thailand if the fourth estate including new media forms dont step up to the plate.

Hammered, I totally agree with you on the irresponsibility of the press- and at the top, I place the Nation. It has consistently perpetuated the notion that a PPP win will be due in no small part to vote-buying. Yet it has offered no proof whatsoever for this stance.

Yes people on here seem to have all kinds of evidence- one would expect that they would be encouraging their Thai better-halfs to rush on down to the EC and, if not claim a reward, at the very least 'do the right thing'. Or could it be that this info to which they are privy is actually third- or thirtythird -hand.

I still find it very very hard to believe that the PPP with the support that its policies engendered in various parts of the country, and knowing it is being watched at every turn, would be stupid enough to risk dissolution when it will probably fare very well without buying a single vote.

I think you are mistaken to suggest that the management of the Nation wouldn't want to upset Samak or Thaksin- the Nation's editorial and political biases are blatantly transparent and it's probably a little late in the game to be hoping for forgiveness from the TRT.

I have heard first hand accounts of vote buying and worse actually. My impression is that nobody is really interested in suppressing it and certain other practices. However, it certainly isnt something to address if you are not a local.

I doubt the Nation group worry about upsetting Mr. T and Mr. S. However certain other media certainly do. All media has its political connections and influences. Not all are as overt as the nation group.

Persoanlly I dont think this election is really about democracy and I doubt whoever wins it will solve anything although I would like to be proven wrong.

I think that vote buying is a reality- I have no doubt- and actually, I also understand the hesitance in the smaller communities to finger a bigwig. I just worry that a PPP win will further polarize the country because given all the press about vote buying (with the implication that the major culprit is/will be PPP) the results will be regarded, at least in Bangkok, as illigitimate. This of course is why we are hearing so much about vote buying in the run up. The path is being paved- and down it will strut the PAD- and perhaps- should the situation get out of hand, the tanks. I doubt very much the military would wage a coup again- unless serious disorder breaks out on the streets of Bangkok. And that is a possibility.

In the final analysis, I share your pessimism.

Hammered, you say that the coming election is not really about democracy- what do you think it is about?

[blaze]

Which I take as a sign that voters have their own opinions, before the canvassers come round (unless PPP bought their votes real early, of course).

If that certain party isn't elected, the court cases will go through and jail term is a certainty. That can't be allowed. Thus the flow of vast sum of money.

Can't be 'allowed'? Who does the 'allowing' around here? It sure isn't Thaksin or any of his proxies.

[hammered]

Interesting to note that the old viagra comment by one political activist from one party gets all the play from the media. One wonders why they dont send a couple of their reporters out to do some investigative reporting on the vote buying going on with cash. There sem to be enough people on here who know a bit about it so it cant be too difficult for them to get a scoop. Then again I guess true to form the media moguls wouldnt want to upset a powerful politicain who may be regaining a bit of power soon. Then one wonders why all those blogs and pseudo academic sites dont look into it. Well hold on a minute it doesnt fit with their assumption that there isnt much vote buying and/or it doesnt influence the rural majorities who are so well informed of the various groups policies by the totally neutral headmen and money lenders who control so much.

The coverage of this election by media, blogs and so called academics is utterly abhorent as they all shrillishly back their horse and se no wrong emante from their well backed camp. It is going to be hard for anything approaching democracy to develop in Thailand if the fourth estate including new media forms dont step up to the plate.

Hammered, I totally agree with you on the irresponsibility of the press- and at the top, I place the Nation. It has consistently perpetuated the notion that a PPP win will be due in no small part to vote-buying. Yet it has offered no proof whatsoever for this stance.

Yes people on here seem to have all kinds of evidence- one would expect that they would be encouraging their Thai better-halfs to rush on down to the EC and, if not claim a reward, at the very least 'do the right thing'. Or could it be that this info to which they are privy is actually third- or thirtythird -hand.

I still find it very very hard to believe that the PPP with the support that its policies engendered in various parts of the country, and knowing it is being watched at every turn, would be stupid enough to risk dissolution when it will probably fare very well without buying a single vote.

I think you are mistaken to suggest that the management of the Nation wouldn't want to upset Samak or Thaksin- the Nation's editorial and political biases are blatantly transparent and it's probably a little late in the game to be hoping for forgiveness from the TRT.

I have heard first hand accounts of vote buying and worse actually. My impression is that nobody is really interested in suppressing it and certain other practices. However, it certainly isnt something to address if you are not a local.

I doubt the Nation group worry about upsetting Mr. T and Mr. S. However certain other media certainly do. All media has its political connections and influences. Not all are as overt as the nation group.

Persoanlly I dont think this election is really about democracy and I doubt whoever wins it will solve anything although I would like to be proven wrong.

I think that vote buying is a reality- I have no doubt- and actually, I also understand the hesitance in the smaller communities to finger a bigwig. I just worry that a PPP win will further polarize the country because given all the press about vote buying (with the implication that the major culprit is/will be PPP) the results will be regarded, at least in Bangkok, as illigitimate. This of course is why we are hearing so much about vote buying in the run up. The path is being paved- and down it will strut the PAD- and perhaps- should the situation get out of hand, the tanks. I doubt very much the military would wage a coup again- unless serious disorder breaks out on the streets of Bangkok. And that is a possibility.

In the final analysis, I share your pessimism.

Hammered, you say that the coming election is not really about democracy- what do you think it is about?

Power imho. Nobody is really trying to encourage an open discussion on the rmerits of the parties, policies, potential ministers etc.

[Crushdepth]

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Election Commission has threatened to confiscate the wealth of candidates contesting the December 23 election under the country's anti-money laundering laws if they are found to have bought votes in any manner, according to poll agency secretary-general Suthiphol Thaweechaikarn.

'Only the Election Commission is allowed to rig the ballot', Khun Suthiphol explained. 'Prices start from 20,000 baht'.

Edited December 1, 2007 by Crushdepth

[blaze]

Interesting to note that the old viagra comment by one political activist from one party gets all the play from the media. One wonders why they dont send a couple of their reporters out to do some investigative reporting on the vote buying going on with cash. There sem to be enough people on here who know a bit about it so it cant be too difficult for them to get a scoop. Then again I guess true to form the media moguls wouldnt want to upset a powerful politicain who may be regaining a bit of power soon. Then one wonders why all those blogs and pseudo academic sites dont look into it. Well hold on a minute it doesnt fit with their assumption that there isnt much vote buying and/or it doesnt influence the rural majorities who are so well informed of the various groups policies by the totally neutral headmen and money lenders who control so much.

The coverage of this election by media, blogs and so called academics is utterly abhorent as they all shrillishly back their horse and se no wrong emante from their well backed camp. It is going to be hard for anything approaching democracy to develop in Thailand if the fourth estate including new media forms dont step up to the plate.

Hammered, I totally agree with you on the irresponsibility of the press- and at the top, I place the Nation. It has consistently perpetuated the notion that a PPP win will be due in no small part to vote-buying. Yet it has offered no proof whatsoever for this stance.

Yes people on here seem to have all kinds of evidence- one would expect that they would be encouraging their Thai better-halfs to rush on down to the EC and, if not claim a reward, at the very least 'do the right thing'. Or could it be that this info to which they are privy is actually third- or thirtythird -hand.

I still find it very very hard to believe that the PPP with the support that its policies engendered in various parts of the country, and knowing it is being watched at every turn, would be stupid enough to risk dissolution when it will probably fare very well without buying a single vote.

I think you are mistaken to suggest that the management of the Nation wouldn't want to upset Samak or Thaksin- the Nation's editorial and political biases are blatantly transparent and it's probably a little late in the game to be hoping for forgiveness from the TRT.

I have heard first hand accounts of vote buying and worse actually. My impression is that nobody is really interested in suppressing it and certain other practices. However, it certainly isnt something to address if you are not a local.

I doubt the Nation group worry about upsetting Mr. T and Mr. S. However certain other media certainly do. All media has its political connections and influences. Not all are as overt as the nation group.

Persoanlly I dont think this election is really about democracy and I doubt whoever wins it will solve anything although I would like to be proven wrong.

I think that vote buying is a reality- I have no doubt- and actually, I also understand the hesitance in the smaller communities to finger a bigwig. I just worry that a PPP win will further polarize the country because given all the press about vote buying (with the implication that the major culprit is/will be PPP) the results will be regarded, at least in Bangkok, as illigitimate. This of course is why we are hearing so much about vote buying in the run up. The path is being paved- and down it will strut the PAD- and perhaps- should the situation get out of hand, the tanks. I doubt very much the military would wage a coup again- unless serious disorder breaks out on the streets of Bangkok. And that is a possibility.

In the final analysis, I share your pessimism.

Hammered, you say that the coming election is not really about democracy- what do you think it is about?

Power imho. Nobody is really trying to encourage an open discussion on the rmerits of the parties, policies, potential ministers etc.

And once again the media (if the English speaking press is an indication) is so focused on personalities that the nuts and bolts of policies are scarcely put under any kind of analysis. It reminds me more of an election for class president in a US high school.

Both the Post and the Nation would seem to prefer a Democrat victory- so even if Abhisit has made any gaffes- we won't hear about them (not from those sources anyway). And as it stands- his appears to be the only party that even vaguely, in terms of policy as well as leadership, resembles the direction that Thail parties will have to take if there is to be any progress at all in this country. And I am no fan of the Democrats- or Abhisit.

I would prefer to see a Democrat victory if only to say to the yahoos and renegades and warlords currently in the running- See how it's done? At least TRY to look like you have the country's best interests at heart.

[hammered]

Interesting to note that the old viagra comment by one political activist from one party gets all the play from the media. One wonders why they dont send a couple of their reporters out to do some investigative reporting on the vote buying going on with cash. There sem to be enough people on here who know a bit about it so it cant be too difficult for them to get a scoop. Then again I guess true to form the media moguls wouldnt want to upset a powerful politicain who may be regaining a bit of power soon. Then one wonders why all those blogs and pseudo academic sites dont look into it. Well hold on a minute it doesnt fit with their assumption that there isnt much vote buying and/or it doesnt influence the rural majorities who are so well informed of the various groups policies by the totally neutral headmen and money lenders who control so much.

The coverage of this election by media, blogs and so called academics is utterly abhorent as they all shrillishly back their horse and se no wrong emante from their well backed camp. It is going to be hard for anything approaching democracy to develop in Thailand if the fourth estate including new media forms dont step up to the plate.

Hammered, I totally agree with you on the irresponsibility of the press- and at the top, I place the Nation. It has consistently perpetuated the notion that a PPP win will be due in no small part to vote-buying. Yet it has offered no proof whatsoever for this stance.

Yes people on here seem to have all kinds of evidence- one would expect that they would be encouraging their Thai better-halfs to rush on down to the EC and, if not claim a reward, at the very least 'do the right thing'. Or could it be that this info to which they are privy is actually third- or thirtythird -hand.

I still find it very very hard to believe that the PPP with the support that its policies engendered in various parts of the country, and knowing it is being watched at every turn, would be stupid enough to risk dissolution when it will probably fare very well without buying a single vote.

I think you are mistaken to suggest that the management of the Nation wouldn't want to upset Samak or Thaksin- the Nation's editorial and political biases are blatantly transparent and it's probably a little late in the game to be hoping for forgiveness from the TRT.

I have heard first hand accounts of vote buying and worse actually. My impression is that nobody is really interested in suppressing it and certain other practices. However, it certainly isnt something to address if you are not a local.

I doubt the Nation group worry about upsetting Mr. T and Mr. S. However certain other media certainly do. All media has its political connections and influences. Not all are as overt as the nation group.

Persoanlly I dont think this election is really about democracy and I doubt whoever wins it will solve anything although I would like to be proven wrong.

I think that vote buying is a reality- I have no doubt- and actually, I also understand the hesitance in the smaller communities to finger a bigwig. I just worry that a PPP win will further polarize the country because given all the press about vote buying (with the implication that the major culprit is/will be PPP) the results will be regarded, at least in Bangkok, as illigitimate. This of course is why we are hearing so much about vote buying in the run up. The path is being paved- and down it will strut the PAD- and perhaps- should the situation get out of hand, the tanks. I doubt very much the military would wage a coup again- unless serious disorder breaks out on the streets of Bangkok. And that is a possibility.

In the final analysis, I share your pessimism.

Hammered, you say that the coming election is not really about democracy- what do you think it is about?

Power imho. Nobody is really trying to encourage an open discussion on the rmerits of the parties, policies, potential ministers etc.

And once again the media (if the English speaking press is an indication) is so focused on personalities that the nuts and bolts of policies are scarcely put under any kind of analysis. It reminds me more of an election for class president in a US high school.

Both the Post and the Nation would seem to prefer a Democrat victory- so even if Abhisit has made any gaffes- we won't hear about them (not from those sources anyway). And as it stands- his appears to be the only party that even vaguely, in terms of policy as well as leadership, resembles the direction that Thail parties will have to take if there is to be any progress at all in this country. And I am no fan of the Democrats- or Abhisit.

I would prefer to see a Democrat victory if only to say to the yahoos and renegades and warlords currently in the running- See how it's done? At least TRY to look like you have the country's best interests at heart.

I agree

[John K]

The only effective way this will work is if the vote buying party is punished. Going after the worker ants is a bit futile, however going after the queen ant is another story.

[sriracha john]

Old habits die hard... but they do sometimes involve new ways...

EC to investigate allegations of vote-buying by PPP members

The Election Commission (EC) yesterday ruled that there are grounds to allegations of vote-buying by the People Power party (PPP) in Nakhon Ratchasima. Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham said the EC found evidence of alleged vote-buying by members of the PPP in constituency 3 of the province. The EC has ordered parliamentary candidates at the centre of the allegations to testify next Thursday, she said. The three candidates are Prasert Chanruangthong, Linda Cherdchai and Bunlert Krutkhunthot. A man was earlier arrested with a number of calendars with bank notes stapled to them. The calendars allegedly contained information and photos of candidates from a political party. The EC will investigate whether the party's executives had been involved in the vote-buying scheme, said Mrs Sodsri. The EC is expected to rule on the case before the Dec 23 general election, the source said. Pol Col Panravee Veerapan, head of the EC's office for investigation and adjudication, said certain parties have adopted new vote-buying tactics. In late November, a political party allegedly offered people between 300 and 2,000 baht to register as members through a broker, which is illegal, said Pol Col Panravee.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/05Dec2007_news06.php

[sriracha john]

Vote buyers seen taking Lampang

Money politics are again expected to rule the day on Dec 23 when voters cast their ballots in this northern province. Banned TRT executives and former Lampang MPs Pairoj Lohsunthorn (TRT Banned #95), Pinij Chantharasurin (TRT Banned #94) and Boonchu Trithong (TRT Banned #36) are all fielding their children and close aides in their places this time. There are five seats at stake in this northern province's two constituencies. Pairoj is sending his two sons to stand in constituency 1 and Pinij's two sons are running in constituency 2. All of them are seeking election under the PPP's banner. ''With so many restrictions on campaign activities means a heavy injection of funds through canvassers, giving veteran politicians an edge over the new faces from small parties,'' said Jarus Maiyot, an adviser to the Northern Peasants Federation. ''This is a political collusion between kamnans, village headmen and two influential political families,'' one kamnan said. But observers said the PPP was not in a position to make a sweep of the three seats in this constituency, as evidenced from the activities of Sunee Sommee, Chief of the Provincial Administration Organisation, who is only campaigning for Pairoj's sons.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Dec2007_news07.php

[sriracha john]

Phone cards used to buy votes

Voters in Phitsanulok are being lured with the offer of prepaid phone cards instead of cash, as candidates try to get around the laws against vote buying. Wichian Chaiyapakorn, chairman of the Phitsanulok provincial Election Committee, said yesterday he had received complaints that certain candidates and their canvassers had distributed prepaid phone cards to eligible voters. This practice left no room for authorities to press vote-buying charges against them. Some candidates also had allegedly paid money to local residents to listen to their campaign speeches, said Wichian. The election panel would look into those complaints. He urged people to file complaints with the election authorities if they were offered cash or goods by candidates or canvassers.

In Songkhla, a candidate has been accused of hosting dinners for his political canvassers. Mongkhol Boonchum, chairman of the Songkhla Election Committee, said a candidate in constituency 3 had allegedly entertained canvassers in restaurants and night spots in Hat Yai and Muang districts of Songkhla on five occasions. Each time there had been 20-30 canvassers at the functions. An investigation has begun into the allegations.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Dec2007_news05.php

[blaze]

Vote buyers seen taking Lampang

Money politics are again expected to rule the day on Dec 23 when voters cast their ballots in this northern province. Banned TRT executives and former Lampang MPs Pairoj Lohsunthorn (TRT Banned #95), Pinij Chantharasurin (TRT Banned #94) and Boonchu Trithong (TRT Banned #36) are all fielding their children and close aides in their places this time. There are five seats at stake in this northern province's two constituencies. Pairoj is sending his two sons to stand in constituency 1 and Pinij's two sons are running in constituency 2. All of them are seeking election under the PPP's banner. ''With so many restrictions on campaign activities means a heavy injection of funds through canvassers, giving veteran politicians an edge over the new faces from small parties,'' said Jarus Maiyot, an adviser to the Northern Peasants Federation. ''This is a political collusion between kamnans, village headmen and two influential political families,'' one kamnan said. But observers said the PPP was not in a position to make a sweep of the three seats in this constituency, as evidenced from the activities of Sunee Sommee, Chief of the Provincial Administration Organisation, who is only campaigning for Pairoj's sons.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Dec2007_news07.php

And aside from the headline, where in the article is there even a suggestion of vote buying? In most countries such a headline would very likely be considered libelous. But then- it's panic season and the English press is frantic in its determination to undermine the legitimacy of the coming poll- thereby, wittingly or unwittingly, paving the way for another coup or an extension of the current one (in the eyes of many, it would seem, a preferable option to a PPP win).

Edited December 11, 2007 by blaze

[Plus]

Perhaps "heavy injection of funds through canvassers" and "collusion between kamnans, village headmen and two influential political families"???

Your campaign agaisnt English language press is incomprehensible, Blaze. Nation does not imply that PPP will win due to vote buying, it does not ignore party policies, it runs interviews with all political parties and it publishes daily profiles of "new faces" in politics.

It even published several complimentary articles about Mingkwan's policy campaign (PPP) as if they believed that PPP would increase increase income from tourism four times.

Their coverage of Democrats is rather scarce by comparison. It's people like Samak and Surapong that grab the headlines there.

I don't get a paper edition of BP, can't comment on them.

[hammered]

PM's minister: I have proof of voting money

(BangkokPost.com) – Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Thirapat Serirangsan claims to have solid evidence to prove that 60 million baht in cash, which authorities believe will be used in the election, had made its way into Thailand from Hong Kong.

From the Post: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124359 for rest of story

Thirapat seems very confident although little is given in details in the report. He does comment something about letting the result of the investigation do the talking.

The way things are leaking on the ex-TRT bag of tricks right now it seems that the CNS may not be the only group with a mole. Certainly the leadership reactions to what is coming out shows they are very sensitive to say the least.

[blaze]

PM's minister: I have proof of voting money

(BangkokPost.com) – Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Thirapat Serirangsan claims to have solid evidence to prove that 60 million baht in cash, which authorities believe will be used in the election, had made its way into Thailand from Hong Kong.

From the Post: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124359 for rest of story

Thirapat seems very confident although little is given in details in the report. He does comment something about letting the result of the investigation do the talking.

The way things are leaking on the ex-TRT bag of tricks right now it seems that the CNS may not be the only group with a mole. Certainly the leadership reactions to what is coming out shows they are very sensitive to say the least.

Am I missing something here? The only thing that he seems certain of is that the money has come into Thailand- legally. The real story is that the authorities believe the money will be used in the election.

Which authorities? Does Thirapat have solid evidence that the money is to be used in the election? Do 'the authorities'? On what basis is this transaction being investigated by the EC? Did it occur to the reporter to ask?

[hammered]

PM's minister: I have proof of voting money

(BangkokPost.com) – Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Thirapat Serirangsan claims to have solid evidence to prove that 60 million baht in cash, which authorities believe will be used in the election, had made its way into Thailand from Hong Kong.

From the Post: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124359 for rest of story

Thirapat seems very confident although little is given in details in the report. He does comment something about letting the result of the investigation do the talking.

The way things are leaking on the ex-TRT bag of tricks right now it seems that the CNS may not be the only group with a mole. Certainly the leadership reactions to what is coming out shows they are very sensitive to say the least.

Am I missing something here? The only thing that he seems certain of is that the money has come into Thailand- legally. The real story is that the authorities believe the money will be used in the election.

Which authorities? Does Thirapat have solid evidence that the money is to be used in the election? Do 'the authorities'? On what basis is this transaction being investigated by the EC? Did it occur to the reporter to ask?

He claims to have "solid evidence". We will see. Obviously one doesnt present solid evidence to a newspaper. To claim that solid evidence is possesssed is a step up from the usual allegations. Admittedly it is sloppy reporting but that is nothing new for the Post or most Thai newspapers for that matter. We'll just have to wait and see I guess.

[Tony Clifton]

Is it a coincidence that the President of the Thai Golf Association, Thaksin Shinawatra, was in Hong Kong earlier this week?

Nope. We didn't hear about a golf meeting but indeed saw politically inclined interviews he did over there.

They're doing the secret political meetings over in China all over again, since his visa was taken away there, they've moved the secret meetings over in Hong Kong.

I hope he bought souvenirs as it's probably the last time he was allowed to set foot there as well.

[pete_r]

PM's minister: I have proof of voting money

(BangkokPost.com) – Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Thirapat Serirangsan claims to have solid evidence to prove that 60 million baht in cash, which authorities believe will be used in the election, had made its way into Thailand from Hong Kong.

From the Post: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124359 for rest of story

Thirapat seems very confident although little is given in details in the report. He does comment something about letting the result of the investigation do the talking.

The way things are leaking on the ex-TRT bag of tricks right now it seems that the CNS may not be the only group with a mole. Certainly the leadership reactions to what is coming out shows they are very sensitive to say the least.

Am I missing something here? The only thing that he seems certain of is that the money has come into Thailand- legally. The real story is that the authorities believe the money will be used in the election.

Which authorities? Does Thirapat have solid evidence that the money is to be used in the election? Do 'the authorities'? On what basis is this transaction being investigated by the EC? Did it occur to the reporter to ask?

How many voters can you buy for 60 millions Bahts anyway? At 200 Bahts a head, that's 300,000 votes, less than 2% of the voting population (using a ballpark figure of 20 millions voters).

[Tony Clifton]

How many voters can you buy for 60 millions Bahts anyway? At 200 Bahts a head, that's 300,000 votes, less than 2% of the voting population (using a ballpark figure of 20 millions voters).

That alone would be 300,000 infractions. No small potatoes.

[bkk_mike]

The only effective way this will work is if the vote buying party is punished. Going after the worker ants is a bit futile, however going after the queen ant is another story.

Surely the only effective way for it to work is for vote-buying to not actually work, and simply be a way of throwing away money. (

Why don't the people take the money, then still vote for whoever they want? Simply pocketing the money from however many stupid candidates are handing it out. Aren't the ballots secret after all?

[pete_r]

How many voters can you buy for 60 millions Bahts anyway? At 200 Bahts a head, that's 300,000 votes, less than 2% of the voting population (using a ballpark figure of 20 millions voters).

That alone would be 300,000 infractions. No small potatoes.

If it's between a party suspected of buying 300,000 votes and a party suspected of favoring (and/or being favored by) a military junta, I think I'll go for the former then.

[John K]

The only effective way this will work is if the vote buying party is punished. Going after the worker ants is a bit futile, however going after the queen ant is another story.

Surely the only effective way for it to work is for vote-buying to not actually work, and simply be a way of throwing away money. (

Why don't the people take the money, then still vote for whoever they want? Simply pocketing the money from however many stupid candidates are handing it out. Aren't the ballots secret after all?

Apparently the former (Thaksin friendly) EC set things up in a way that your vote was not private. I think that has now changed as it was one of the first issues the new EC looked at.

I tend to agree with you on that as getting the most out of it. Take the money from T and vote for D.

[sriracha john]

here's a twist.... use the allegation of vote buying as a blackmail point against your own political boss....

1,000 Ubon Ratchathani villagers led by Matchima candidate lay siege to TPI head office

Somkiat Naiwikul, a candidate of Matchima Thippataya candidate for Ubon Ratchathani, led some 1,000 villagers to rally outside the TPI Plc head office to demand party leader Prachai Leophairat to pay for election campaign expense.

Somkiat said if Prachai refused to pay him and other Matchima candidates in Ubon Ratchathani for the election expenses, he would file complaints with the Election Commission alleging Prachai with having spent the money to buy votes.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

More Complaints Of Vote-Buying In Thailand Election

BANGKOK -- More complaints of fraud and vote-buying have emerged in the run-up to the general election in Thailand set for Dec 23.

The distribution of VCDs containing speeches of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra tops the list of complaints.

Over 70 election fraud cases have been reported, with more allegations of rampant vote-buying in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces than in the rest of the country.

Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) Secretary-General Dr Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn said the allegations include vote-buying and political parties organising dinners and giving out vouchers in violation of election laws.

"It may come as a surprise but there are more complaints of vote-buying in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan than in other places. Maybe we will get more after the election. The amount is not much, about 300 baht or 400 baht (about RM30 or RM40) per person, but when it involves many voters, it's a lot," he told Malaysian journalists in an interview here.

Unlike in the past, where vote-buying was openly done, especially in the poor north and north-eastern regions, political parties are more careful now because the new law allows for dissolution of parties found guilty of corruption in the election, he said.

"We are going on a publicity drive to educate the people while candidates are required to pledge that they won't take part in such immoral activities. The ECT is hoping to come up with a code of conduct for future elections," said the former judge, who was appointed to the hot seat after the coup on Sept 19 last year that ousted Thaksin.

Dr Suthiphon said the ECT would scrutinise all candidates and investigate all complaints before announcing the official results, which could take up to a month after the polls.

A total of 3,894 candidates from 31 political parties are vying for the 480 seats in the election called by the government, but Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party, which won the 2001 and 2005 election and the 2006 polls boycotted by major opposition parties, was dissolved in May for election fraud.

With 111 of its executive members banned for five years, other leaders have regrouped under the People's Power Party (PPP) that is expected to win the most number of seats but short of the required majority to form the next government.

Dr Suthiphon said the ECT was still investigating the distribution of Thaksin's VCDs. Some political parties claimed that Thaksin was campaiging for the PPP although the law bars him from participating in political activities.

"If there is evidence that the PPP is involved in distributing the VCDs, then the party can be dissolved. As for Thaksin, our interpretation is he, like the other 110 former executives of TRT, cannot be involved and, if his speech constitutes party campaigning, he can be charged under criminal law," he said.

Dr Suthiphon said he was disappointed that some parties were not courting the 46 million voters with their policies but finding fault with the ECT instead, adding that the polls agency remained neutral and was not picking on the PPP helmed by former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej.

"The ECT commission includes four former judges and one former deputy public prosecutor. We are trying to clean up the whole system but whenever we try to do something, some people claim the ECT is against them," he said.

On fears of unrest in the run-up to the election and aftermath, he said the situation has been rather calm with minimal problems although there were reports of one of two party workers being killed. He also said that the fairness of the election would not be compromised although emergency law remains in several parts of the country, including in the restive south and north.

The ECT will set up 88,000 polling stations throughout the country on polling day. More than one million people voted yesterday on the first of the two-day advanced voting.

- BERNAMA (Malaysia)

[bdenner]

From my experience there is no guarantee that the voter accepting graft will vote for the candidate. It's supposed to be controlled by a senior village member who gets payed to oversee the interests of the party and make sure that the voter does the right thing but does not work real well. A lot of villagers accept corrupt payment by more than one political candidate.

[blaze]

More Complaints Of Vote-Buying In Thailand Election

BANGKOK -- More complaints of fraud and vote-buying have emerged in the run-up to the general election in Thailand set for Dec 23.

The distribution of VCDs containing speeches of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra tops the list of complaints.

Over 70 election fraud cases have been reported, with more allegations of rampant vote-buying in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces than in the rest of the country.

Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) Secretary-General Dr Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn said the allegations include vote-buying and political parties organising dinners and giving out vouchers in violation of election laws.

"It may come as a surprise but there are more complaints of vote-buying in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan than in other places. Maybe we will get more after the election. The amount is not much, about 300 baht or 400 baht (about RM30 or RM40) per person, but when it involves many voters, it's a lot," he told Malaysian journalists in an interview here.

Unlike in the past, where vote-buying was openly done, especially in the poor north and north-eastern regions, political parties are more careful now because the new law allows for dissolution of parties found guilty of corruption in the election, he said.

"We are going on a publicity drive to educate the people while candidates are required to pledge that they won't take part in such immoral activities. The ECT is hoping to come up with a code of conduct for future elections," said the former judge, who was appointed to the hot seat after the coup on Sept 19 last year that ousted Thaksin.

Dr Suthiphon said the ECT would scrutinise all candidates and investigate all complaints before announcing the official results, which could take up to a month after the polls.

A total of 3,894 candidates from 31 political parties are vying for the 480 seats in the election called by the government, but Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party, which won the 2001 and 2005 election and the 2006 polls boycotted by major opposition parties, was dissolved in May for election fraud.

With 111 of its executive members banned for five years, other leaders have regrouped under the People's Power Party (PPP) that is expected to win the most number of seats but short of the required majority to form the next government.

Dr Suthiphon said the ECT was still investigating the distribution of Thaksin's VCDs. Some political parties claimed that Thaksin was campaiging for the PPP although the law bars him from participating in political activities.

"If there is evidence that the PPP is involved in distributing the VCDs, then the party can be dissolved. As for Thaksin, our interpretation is he, like the other 110 former executives of TRT, cannot be involved and, if his speech constitutes party campaigning, he can be charged under criminal law," he said.

Dr Suthiphon said he was disappointed that some parties were not courting the 46 million voters with their policies but finding fault with the ECT instead, adding that the polls agency remained neutral and was not picking on the PPP helmed by former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej.

"The ECT commission includes four former judges and one former deputy public prosecutor. We are trying to clean up the whole system but whenever we try to do something, some people claim the ECT is against them," he said.

On fears of unrest in the run-up to the election and aftermath, he said the situation has been rather calm with minimal problems although there were reports of one of two party workers being killed. He also said that the fairness of the election would not be compromised although emergency law remains in several parts of the country, including in the restive south and north.

The ECT will set up 88,000 polling stations throughout the country on polling day. More than one million people voted yesterday on the first of the two-day advanced voting.

- BERNAMA (Malaysia)

Have I read this correctly- that it could be a month after the polls close that the results are made public? What if there's a Dem landslide- could it still take a month to realease the results? Bets?

Edited December 16, 2007 by blaze

[sriracha john]

I think "could" is the operative word.

[Ricardo]

From my experience there is no guarantee that the voter accepting graft will vote for the candidate. It's supposed to be controlled by a senior village member who gets payed to oversee the interests of the party and make sure that the voter does the right thing but does not work real well. A lot of villagers accept corrupt payment by more than one political candidate.

Now that's what I call 'helping the poor' !

Good for the villagers !