Exit Poll Results Show PPP Wins

[kurtgruen]

It's gonna' be interesting to look back at this election a couple of years from now. Then again, it will probably be forgotten by then, like most other things that happen here.

[tropo]

Thaksin, speaking on Christmas Day in Hong Kong, said that he was aiming to return from exile within three or four months - presumably calculating that his victorious proxy party will have acquired enough power to neutralize the legal and political hurdles erected by the junta.

That'll be Thaksin's task at hand over the next 3 or 4 months. To weaken the military.

He miscalculated before, he won't do it again.

As long as elected governments have no control over the military, democracy is only a pipe dream.

[VegasVic]

Thaksin, speaking on Christmas Day in Hong Kong, said that he was aiming to return from exile within three or four months - presumably calculating that his victorious proxy party will have acquired enough power to neutralize the legal and political hurdles erected by the junta.

That'll be Thaksin's task at hand over the next 3 or 4 months. To weaken the military.

He miscalculated before, he won't do it again.

As long as elected governments have no control over the military, democracy is only a pipe dream.

Tropo, the last line of your post is one of the more astute observations that I have seen on thai visa for some time. By the way I am a bit stunned to see that there have been no posts about the PPP leader who was assasinated earlier today. I am of course refering to Benazir Bhutto of the Pakistani Peoples Party. This event has dominated the world press over the last few hours and yet there is no mention of it on thai visa

[samsara]

So after reading posts, talking to family and friends and other Thais in our Province (Chiang Mai) and reading various newspapers, sifting though the garbage and finally making up my own mind, I came to the following conclusions...

1. If you have enough money, you can buy political parties, govenment officials and even people who were absolutely opposed to you before

2. Vote buying continues almost as usual, which makes the whole thing one big joke

3. The military government did do something for this country (for example reducing National Park Fees for foreigners, by 50 - 75%, which attracts tourists, continuing road construction and other projects, etc.)

4. This country just "elected" a goverment, that perviously did things like... double National Park fees to drive away foreign tourists from National Parks, tighten visa laws, to get rid of all those foreigners, who pumped millions of dollars into the Thai economy every month, lend money to poor farmers, who now lost their farms and homes, because they couldn't pay it back.

It ran on a platform to bring back a leader that is still up on corruption charges.

5. Democracy is highly overrated. I see people arround the world, going to the polling booths, like sheep line up for the slaughter. Lets face it...money buys votes all around the world, in every democracy. Back home, in Canada, we had Media Giants like Konrad Black, who would take out full-page ads in their own papers, supporting a particular party. He would fire editors, who would speak against his views. Big money buys elections in democracies, no matter where you live. Maybe here it's cash in hand and in other countries, it's being bombarded by advertising and rhetoric of the rich, but as long as people can't think for themselves, the result will be the same around the world.

6. Some people think education is the answer and so do I. Then again thought control isn't. Education to me is to teach people to think for themselves, not just to fill them with generations full of outdated knowledge. Mankind evolves, because a few of us can think for themselves, challenge outdated and wrong concepts, question everything and come up with creative answers.

7. Democracy doesn't work, Communism doesn't work, Libertarianism doesn't work... nothing works, except for all the poor farmers and factory slaves, who have to work their butts of, so everyone on the top can sit on their fat a**es.

It's a sad world we are living in. Will it ever change? Probably not...oh well, back to my beer

Happy Holidays everyone

amen

[Tony Clifton]

Thaksin, speaking on Christmas Day in Hong Kong, said that he was aiming to return from exile within three or four months - presumably calculating that his victorious proxy party will have acquired enough power to neutralize the legal and political hurdles erected by the junta.

That'll be Thaksin's task at hand over the next 3 or 4 months. To weaken the military.

He miscalculated before, he won't do it again.

As long as elected governments have no control over the military, democracy is only a pipe dream.

Tropo, the last line of your post is one of the more astute observations that I have seen on thai visa for some time. By the way I am a bit stunned to see that there have been no posts about the PPP leader who was assasinated earlier today. I am of course refering to Benazir Bhutto of the Pakistani Peoples Party. This event has dominated the world press over the last few hours and yet there is no mention of it on thai visa

Quite a shocker indeed.

May she rest in peace.

[sriracha john]

They are setting some pre-conditions that are not exactly in step with PPP's stance....

Conditions set if parties join PPP

The Chart Thai-Puea Pandin alliance last night issued five conditions for joining a coalition government. The conditions appeared to be directed at the People Power Party (PPP), which is trying to gather support from smaller political parties in its bid to form a coalition government.

The PPP so far has secured a coalition of 254 election winners with the inclusion of three smaller parties. Chart Thai and Puea Pandin have formed an alliance to negotiate for better offers in becoming part of a coalition government.

Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa, his Puea Pandin counterpart Suwit Khunkitti, and Puea Pandin's chief adviser Vatana Asavahame yesterday called a press conference after a working dinner.

They said any coalition leader they would join must agree to their conditions: reverence for the monarchy, respect for Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda, no revenge against political foes, no interference into the judicial process against ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, and no dissolution of the Assets Examination Committee.

"We can work with any political party that accepts these conditions," Banharn said.

He said these conditions had not been proposed to the People Power Party. "We have just made public our conditions and we welcome it if the PPP accepts them," he said, adding he expected the PPP to approach his alliance.

There is no deadline for these conditions, he said.

Asked why the conditions did not include the possible amnesty to the 111 banned executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, Banharn said the alliance had not discussed the matter.

"We haven't gone that far. That's an individual matter. We focused on security matters," Banharn said.

Before the dinner, Vatana, who earlier opposed the idea of joining a PPP-led coalition, had softened his stance. "I have no prejudice against any party. Our stance is reconciliation. We will join any party that can accept our party's policies," he said.

- The Nation

[Jingthing]

How can PPP agree to allowing Thaksin to be prosecuted? Maybe this isn't over.

[blaze]

Thaksin, speaking on Christmas Day in Hong Kong, said that he was aiming to return from exile within three or four months - presumably calculating that his victorious proxy party will have acquired enough power to neutralize the legal and political hurdles erected by the junta.

That'll be Thaksin's task at hand over the next 3 or 4 months. To weaken the military.

He miscalculated before, he won't do it again.

As long as elected governments have no control over the military, democracy is only a pipe dream.

please do not frame statements that I NEVER made in such a way that it appears I did.

[sriracha john]

Not exactly a vigorous appearance at yesterday's press conference:

[John K]

They said any coalition leader they would join must agree to their conditions: reverence for the monarchy, respect for Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda, no revenge against political foes, no interference into the judicial process against ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, and no dissolution of the Assets Examination Committee.

Isn’t that the main plank of the PPP platform to do all of that? ..... or was it not do all of that??

[sriracha john]

EC sets its eyes on five more PPP candidates

The Election Commission (EC) yesterday named five more People Power Party candidates it suspects cheated in the polls on Sunday. Two winners each in Nakhon Phanom and Udon Thani, and one in Loei will be summoned to the EC to explain themselves, according to EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn. After talking to the five, the EC will decide whether to punish the candidates, he said. The People's Network for Elections (P-Net) yesterday gave its verdict on last Sunday's election. It was disappointed with candidates, but impressed with voters and the EC. Candidates who stood last Sunday were little better than those who competed in elections past, as they still used money to buy votes, said P-Net Coordinator Somchai Srisutthiyakorn.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/28Dec2007_news12.php

[Heng]

How can PPP agree to allowing Thaksin to be prosecuted? Maybe this isn't over.

It's called giving hope to the overly optimistic. Kind of like offering various lottery games to the masses. Yes, you might win, but the chances are Slim and None... and Slim is having lunch in HK.

[marshbags]

They said any coalition leader they would join must agree to their conditions: reverence for the monarchy, respect for Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda, no revenge against political foes, no interference into the judicial process against ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, and no dissolution of the Assets Examination Committee.

Isn’t that the main plank of the PPP platform to do all of that? ..... or was it not do all of that??

The PPP / TRT and it,s ilk have no intentions of being democratic and why everyone keeps going on about this being so are misguided to say the least in my opinion.

Reconciliation, there,s a joke for you, when all the PPP / TRT are doing is putting Thai against Thai with the continual statements of what is in effect, ignoring the law, along with the legitmate reasons why the TRT politicians were suspended and basically already inciting the 2 main groups of citizens and polarising them even further by doing so.

I was looking at the shocking / tragic news about the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and the aftermath of what has happened.

Violence and mayhem with many innocents who are law abiding, becoming victims of what will surely follow, mass killing, and uncontrollable anarchy ect. ect.

This is just a sample of what lies ahead for Thailand, it,s citizens ( among them our families and loved ones ) if the PPP are in a position to carry out their objectives and take office.

Everyone within the much needed " coalition parties " need to seriously think about who they will be supporting and the consequences, and outcome should they be backing Samak Thaksin ect. ect.

I think all you who support the PPP and any others that climb on board will live to regret it big time.

I was here in 92 when their was fighting on the streets ect. and it was a really scary situation and many innocent, peaceful demonstrators were sucked into the chaos and murderous violence that took place.

That is only a sample of what can be expected in the future, unless the incitement and it,s predictable consequences is stopped and a genuine attempt to re unite the differences and, more importantly follow the law and respect the reasons why all this unrest started in the first place and long before the military stepped in.

All foreigners had to stay indoors and couldn,t go outside by the way for those who do not know of what took place in 1992

Whoever is implicated in legal actions should if they are innocent stand before an impartial court of justice and clear their names accordingly.

That is if as they say they are completely free from moral wrongdoing.

After all, " if " this is the truth then what have they to be afraid of, while in doing so prove that the coup was unjust and a personal attack on certain individuals should they indeed be innocent.

This is not about vendetta,s and as i have already highlighted, it is what started the problems off leading up to the coup and cannot be pinned on the military as a starting point of contention.

It is on the other hand about right and wrong, without this fabric within society, how the hel_l can democracy even begin to formalize and start growing into something meaningful.

Any party that can impliment real change within the democratic guidelines of essential equality earns the right to be supported by all people of reason.

It doesn,t matter who they are so long as they are honest and have the country and it,s citizens interests at heart and importantly, all their futures in the years to come

The truth is that under the present verbal formulate coming out of the PPP mouths, i cannot see any inkling of the will to unite Thai and Thailand.

This will if it is not forthcoming will have far reaching consequences not only within Thailand but on the international front as well as far as reputation and creditability are concerned.

marshbags

Edited December 28, 2007 by marshbags

[Maxi101]

They said any coalition leader they would join must agree to their conditions: reverence for the monarchy, respect for Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda, no revenge against political foes, no interference into the judicial process against ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, and no dissolution of the Assets Examination Committee.

Isn't that the main plank of the PPP platform to do all of that? ..... or was it not do all of that??

The PPP / TRT and it,s ilk have no intentions of being democratic and why everyone keeps going on about this being so are misguided to say the least in my opinion.

Reconciliation, there,s a joke for you, when all the PPP / TRT are doing is putting Thai against Thai with the continual statements of ignoring the law, the legitmate reasons why the TRT politicians were suspended and basically already inciting the 2 main groups of citizens and polarising them even further.

I was looking at the shocking / tragic news about the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and the aftermath of what has happened.

Violence and mayhem with many innocents who are law abiding, becoming victims of what will surely follow, mass killing, and uncontrollable anarchy ect. ect.

This is just a sample of what lies ahead for Thailand, it,s citizens ( among them our families and loved ones ) if the PPP are in a position to carry out their

objectives and take office.

Everyone within the much needed " coalition parties " need to seriously think about who they will be supporting and the consequences, and outcome should they be backing Samak Thaksin ect. ect.

I think all you who support the PPP and any others that climb on board will live to regret it big time.

I was here in 92 when their was fighting on the streets ect. and it was a really scary sitaution and many innocent, peaceful demonstrators were sucked into the chaos and muderous violence that took place.

That is only a sample of what can be expected in the future, unless the incitement and it,s predictable consequences is stopped and a genuine attempt to re unite the differences and more importantly follow the law and respect the reasons why all this unrest started in the first place and long before the military stepped in.

All foreigners had to stay indoors and couldn,t go outside by the way for those who do not know of what took place.

Whoever is implicated in legal actions should if they are innocent stand before an impartial court of justice and clear their names accordingly.

That is if as they say they are completely free from moral wrongdoing.

After all, " if " this is the truth then what have they to be afraid of, while in doing so prove that the coup was unjust and a personal attack on certain individuals should they indeed be innocent.

This is not about vendetta,s and as i have already highlighted, it is what started the problems off leading up to the coup and cannot be pinned on the military as a starting point of contention.

It is on the other hand about right and wrong, without this fabric within society, how the hel_l can democracy even begin to formalize and start growing into something meaningful.

Any party that can impliment real change within the democratic guidelines of essential equality earns the right to be supported by all people of reason.

It doesn,t matter who they are so long as they are honest and have the country and it,s citizens interests at heart and importantly, all their futures in the years to come

The truth is that under the present verbal formulate coming out of the PPP mouths, i cannot see any inkling of the will to unite Thai and Thailand.

This will if it is not forthcoming will have far reaching consequences not only within Thailand but on the international front as well as far as repution is concerned.

marshbags

I understand you very well, but it is the choices which are missing here.

What choice does the majority have, who is their real representand, their honest man ?!?!?!

Mr. T. had the chance once he was in power to do good and a piece of meaningful work for the sake of this country, well we know what came along.

The Army had the chance over the last year to implement symphatie, maybe - if they thought it to be important - to setup and strengthen the Democrats for the election (money well spend for their campaign - well they didn't).

And now you want to give the fault to the people ?!?!

Many although fed up and didn't want to vote - just did their duty.

But what choice if you have no real alternative ............... start on the top again.

[marshbags]

I understand you very well, but it is the choices which are missing here.

What choice does the majority have, who is their real representand, their honest man ?!?!?!

Mr. T. had the chance once he was in power to do good and a piece of meaningful work for the sake of this country, well we know what came along.

The Army had the chance over the last year to implement symphatie, maybe - if they thought it to be important - to setup and strengthen the Democrats for the election (money well spend for their campaign - well they didn't).

And now you want to give the fault to the people ?!?!

Where in my post do i directly put the blame on the " people "

Many although fed up and didn't want to vote - just did their duty.

The ones who genuinely wanted a better future, did their duty honourably, unfortunately there were many in my neck of Isaan didn,t give a dam_n about what the PPP policies meant to the country, as a whole, in relation to uniting society, ect. ect. ect.

Easy money was their incentive and being able to continue there present lifestyles of easy loans, without collateral to cover them, spent on materialistic things and in doing so squandering the countries well earned assets and the taxes of those honest enough to pay it from their hard earned incomes.

( I,m not talking all Isaan citizens relating to the negatives either, before someone jumps in. )

I feel confident that this was the case in many other parts as well, but perhaps others will either agree or, if not, offer their experiences to the contrary

But what choice if you have no real alternative ............... start on the top again.

marshbags

Edited December 28, 2007 by marshbags

[Old Man River]

PPP: CNS revenge not on the agenda

(BangkokPost.com) – Deputy leader of the People Power party (PPP) has quashed rumours that it plans to seek revenge on the Council for National Security (CNS) if it is able to form a new coalition government.

General Ruengrote Mahaslanol said the party’s three main objectives right now are to solve the country’s economic problems, to maintain national security and to form a strong government.

“We have yet to decide who will be appointed to which ministry,” he said. “Let me also stress that in the event that the PPP gets to lead the new coalition government, getting even with the CNS will not be on the government’s agenda. We have already discussed this with Mr Thaksin Shinawatra and we all agree that the PPP’s main policy has always been to encourage national reconciliation.”

more: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124722

For Thaksin, the main goal is to get his money back and make a settlement with the courts. He will do this before anything else. Revenge won't be a big part of his focus, although we could expect that he and his wife would never forget the way some members of the AEC treated his children. These are things that parents never forget.

[Tony Clifton]

PPP: CNS revenge not on the agenda

(BangkokPost.com) – Deputy leader of the People Power party (PPP) has quashed rumours that it plans to seek revenge on the Council for National Security (CNS) if it is able to form a new coalition government.

General Ruengrote Mahaslanol said the party’s three main objectives right now are to solve the country’s economic problems, to maintain national security and to form a strong government.

“We have yet to decide who will be appointed to which ministry,” he said. “Let me also stress that in the event that the PPP gets to lead the new coalition government, getting even with the CNS will not be on the government’s agenda. We have already discussed this with Mr Thaksin Shinawatra and we all agree that the PPP’s main policy has always been to encourage national reconciliation.”

more: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124722

For Thaksin, the main goal is to get his money back and make a settlement with the courts. He will do this before anything else. Revenge won't be a big part of his focus, although we could expect that he and his wife would never forget the way some members of the AEC treated his children. These are things that parents never forget.

They used their adult children without shame to begin with and it started while they were still children, look at their assets declarations from back then, the same goes for many other members of their families, also without shame, all agreed to get involved without shame, the kids had no choice back then, they hadn't had a chance to cheat at a university yet. What a shame.

If you think the Benz driver who ran over pedestrians and his parents are hi-so scum, these people are the daddy of them all.

Edited December 28, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[jumnien]

I've asked many Thais who reluctantly voted for the pro-coup Democrat Party if they would support another coup if Thaksin were to return as PM. All of them said they prefer Thaksin to another coup. The Generals have done enough damage to the economy and to the democracy. It really is a shame that the Democrats couldn't have at least pretended to be pro-democracy and come out vociferously against the military takeover; they would have won so easily in the election.

[Old Man River]

PPP: CNS revenge not on the agenda

(BangkokPost.com) – Deputy leader of the People Power party (PPP) has quashed rumours that it plans to seek revenge on the Council for National Security (CNS) if it is able to form a new coalition government.

General Ruengrote Mahaslanol said the party’s three main objectives right now are to solve the country’s economic problems, to maintain national security and to form a strong government.

“We have yet to decide who will be appointed to which ministry,” he said. “Let me also stress that in the event that the PPP gets to lead the new coalition government, getting even with the CNS will not be on the government’s agenda. We have already discussed this with Mr Thaksin Shinawatra and we all agree that the PPP’s main policy has always been to encourage national reconciliation.”

more: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124722

For Thaksin, the main goal is to get his money back and make a settlement with the courts. He will do this before anything else. Revenge won't be a big part of his focus, although we could expect that he and his wife would never forget the way some members of the AEC treated his children. These are things that parents never forget.

They used their adult children without shame to begin with and it started while they were still children, look at their assets declarations from back then, the same goes for many other members of their families, also without shame, all agreed to get involved without shame, the kids had no choice back then, they hadn't had a chance to cheat at a university yet. What a shame.

That is how you look at it. Most probably they will look at it entirely different and the main difference is that they will hold the power. I am not condoning this, just commenting on it. Hopefully you can understand this.

[Jai Dee]

Democrat to form government if People Power is unsuccessful by January 4th

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vachachiwa (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) commented on the current ambiguity of the political situation. He said that as of now he will wait to see if the People’s Power Party is successful in establishing its coalition government.

Mr. Abhisit stated that his party is ready to move forward in setting up its own government if the People’s Power Party fails to do so by January 4th. He also asked that all parties, whether joining a coalition or not should focus on moving the country forward and especially with consideration for the economy.

The Democrat leader said that the most important issue at the moment is stabilizing the nation and increasing confidence in the international community. He stated that his party is ready and willing to work for the betterment of the people.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 December 2007

[hammered]

How can PPP agree to allowing Thaksin to be prosecuted? Maybe this isn't over.

The PPP need acopuple of Thaksin trials going to completion as much as anybody. If they try to make all the trials go away there will street demos again and they will likely see their coalition allies walk or a coup.

Of course the PPP will behind the scenes try to make sure 80% of the cases are dropped and a load of mostly not guilties arrived at especially against the kids and there will probably be one or two guitly of technical thingies resulting in some fines. Oh plus a mass unfreezing of assets. Net result is Mr. T ends up paying a few fines and is guilty of a couple of lesser things, gets most of his dosh back and is not guitly of the big things. He can then of course appeal the things for a bunch of years and maybe later get them all overturned and in the meantime cant be directly invovled in politics although of course behind the scenes.

That secanario is probably a trade off everyone can live with. Of course it will never be about justice or anything silly like that. Although all deals are off if PPP go after the generals. Interesting that the giant eel sets no (obvious or direct) interference with the Thaksin trial as one of the conditions fpor joining a PPP coalition. It is unlikely he would have set that unless he was sure they would accept it, which brings us back to PPP and of course Tahksin need a trial or two for their own reasons.

[thai_narak]

They said any coalition leader they would join must agree to their conditions: reverence for the monarchy, respect for Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda, no revenge against political foes, no interference into the judicial process against ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, and no dissolution of the Assets Examination Committee.

Isn't that the main plank of the PPP platform to do all of that? ..... or was it not do all of that??

at last, banharn is thinking.

[Jai Dee]

PPP leader denies to comment on 5 conditions

People’s Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej has denied giving any comments on the Chart Thai and Pua Paendin declaration of 5 conditions they need met to join his party’s coalition.

The People’s Power Party has secured over 220 seats in Parliament following the recent general election ensuring that it will hold a majority regardless of which party heads the government. The party has still sought to form a coalition though, stating that it wants to create unity in the government as well as isolate potential opposition Democrat party.

Chart Thai and Pua Paendin recently outlined 5 conditions it needs met before it will consider joining a coalition government including protection of the Assets Examination Commission and legal action against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Mr. Samak stated that he has yet prepared to comment on the matter.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 December 2007

[Jai Dee]

Democrat party meets to discuss 5 conditions

Democrat Party leaders have called a meeting today to review the political situation initiated by the joining of the Chart Thai and Pua Paendin parties and their issuance of 5 conditions for joining a coalition government headed by the People’s Power Party.

Chart Thai party Secretary-General Suthep Tuaksubarn (สุเทพ เทือกสุบรรณ) previously assured the Democrat Party of Chart Thai’s continuing allegiance and ongoing ties. The new change in stance has prompted an immediate recalibration of Democrat Party tactics with party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva calling on all party heads to convene.

The Democrat Party has stated that it will form its own government if the People’s Power Party is not successful in forming its coalition by January 4th.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 December 2007

[sbk]

Just a quick off-topic note to those posters asking where the discussion of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto is being discussed, please see this thread in the SE Asia forum.

Benazir Bhutto dies in Suicide Blast

Now, back to the topic at hand, sorry for the interruption.

[hammered]

Prahcathia at last do something on the potential new PM and 1976. It is quite restrained compared tro what can be garnered froma conversation with some of the October people who hang out around Rachadamnoen Road but Prachathai probably have to watch out for the odd bilion baht law suit not to mention as they say Samak in charge of the new internal security act

Here is the link: http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=455

Well worth a read in its entirety

[Jai Dee]

EC drops 8 card cases but prompts investigation of PPP

Election Commission (EC) Secretariat Suthipol Taweechaikarn (สุทธิพล ทวีชัยการ) reported on updates of the EC’s consideration of red and yellow card cases. He stated that the EC has concluded an additional 11 cases.

Of the 11 cases taken off the table, the EC chose to take no action in 8 cases. 3 of the cases concerned the People’s Power Party, 3 concerned the Democrat Party and 2 dealt with Pua Paendin party. Nonetheless, the EC has established a committee to investigate 3 additional cases involving the People’s Power Party after receiving information members of the party distributed banned VCD’s and used material incentives to gain votes. The commission affirmed it will expedite the investigations to be concluded within 7 days.

The EC also stated that it is accepting and mulling over appeals and rebuttals from the People’s Power Party concerning the issuance of 3 yellow cards. The commission says it will call the yellow carded MP’s to testify.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 December 2007

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai and Pua Paendin parties outline terms for coalition membership

Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapaarcha accompanied by Pua Paendin leader Suwit Khunkitti (สุวิทย์ คุณกิตติ) and Pua Paendin Chairman Wattana Assavahaem (วัฒนา อัศวเหม) conducted a press conference to outline the two parties’ conditions for joining coalition governments. The two parties affirmed they hold to the same values and would not join coalitions assembled by either the People’s Power Party or the Democrat party if their terms were not met.

The 5 conditions include the honoring of His Majesty the King as well as not interfering with Privy Councilor General Prem Tinsulanont (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์), the guarantee to not disband the Assets Examination Committee, the assurance ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must face legal charges and also the annullment of all vendettas and reprisals.

The two parties said they would await response from the People’s Power Party while affirming their solidarity. Mr. Suwit also commented that his party was not approached by members of the People’s Power Party to negotiate incentives to join a coalition government.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 December 2007

[bulmercke]

Puea Pandin leader to make statement today

Puea Pandin party leader Suvit Khunkitti is due to make a statement about his party’s political direction later this afternoon.

Meanwhile, party spokesman Watchiramon Gunakasemthanawat admitted that the People Power party led by Samak Sundaravej had contacted the party last night about forming a coalition government but not much progress was made.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

PPP interested in Chart Thai/Puea Pandin coalition - BANGKOK POST - 15.20 -

(BangkokPost.com) – The People Power party (PPP) could invite Chart Thai and Puea Pandin parties to form a coalition government, according to its deputy leader Sompong Amornvivat.

“The combination of seats between Chart Thai and Puea Pandin together with PPPs seats would makes a good coalition,” he said.

He admitted that a former rift between Puea Pandin’s adviser Vattana Asvahame and PPP leader Samak Sundaravej could pose as a problem but was confident that all could be easily forgotten.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This is why Banharn met with Puea Pandin last night - to do a deal with Vattana Asvahame - an arch enemy of Thaksin - anti-Thaksin all the way - and clear the way for a Puea Pandin - Chart Thai pact that can then proceed forward to form a coalition with the PPP.

Banharn probably met as an intermediary for PPP and Samak - and ultimately Thaksin - and a deal was struck between all of them. Banharn probably negotiated a mutually beneficial deal that suited everyone - to the exclusion of Puea Pandin's voters who will now see their party allied with PPP - and seriously compromised for the sake of political expediency and financial return for it's leaders and executives.

Unfortuantely it appears the Democrats will be left - kept - out of things - in effect totally marginalised and excluded from any opportunity to broker a deal with either Chart Thai or Puea Pandin.

Thaksin's big money is no doubt playing a big part in influencing who these two smaller parties ultimately side with - and do business with.

Everything will be known fairly soon.

Edited December 28, 2007 by bulmercke

[Jai Dee]

EC member Sodsri reveals that she is unaware of DSI confiscations

Election Commission (EC) member Sodsri Sattayatham (สดศรี สัตยธรรม) revealed that she is as of yet uninformed of the Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) recent confiscation of ballots.

The DSI recently were able to confiscate ballots and ballot chests during an investigation of ballot destruction. The DSI seized the ballots during a raid on alleged ballot destroyers but have not yet informed the EC.

Mrs. Sodsri said that she was not alerted on the matter but will delve into the matter. She said that she has contacted Bangkok’s Election Commission to investigate the issue.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 December 2007