Exit Poll Results Show PPP Wins

[jumnien]

Great news for Thailand!!! Looks like things are finally moving forward.

[steffi]

So does everybody think this is just going to be allowed to happen then?

I just cannot imagine this happening. They can't just go back to the way it was with Thaksin in charge by proxy. They've already shown that he's pulling strings and everybody is just standing by and letting this happen? Something else is at play here. They cannot allow a Military reshuffle to take place such that a coup in the future will be impossible. This is unbelieable that this is happening. Sondhi could well be going to jail if only to stop the PAD from launching more protests in the future.

Great news for Thailand!!! Looks like things are finally moving forward.

[jumnien]

One can be sure that Sondhi won't go to jail, but his conviction during the junta-controlled government does set the stage for a tail-between-the-legs reversal of 14 old diesel powered tanks from the capitol. The junta was a success in that they got mostly what they wanted (cash) and the political situation is about the same as when they squashed democracy.

[Ricardo]

Great news for Thailand!!! Looks like things are finally moving forward backwards.

Edited December 30, 2007 by Ricardo

[marshbags]

I guess the next coup will be sooner and not later.

PUPPET MASTER

Thaksin 'to pull strings of PPP govt'

Party said to be planning military reshuffle, but Anupong to survive

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is preparing to pull the strings behind the new government and reorganise the military's top brass following the People Power Party's election victory, sources say.

Sources close to Thaksin said the ex-leader backed the formation of a coalition government, consisting of the People Power Party (PPP) and five smaller parties headed by PPP leader Samak Sundaravej.

Based on this formula, the new administration will have 315 seats in Parliament, leaving the lone opposition Democrat Party with 165.

Sources said Thaksin was upset by conditions imposed by Banharn Silapa-archa, leader of the Chart Thai for joining the coalition.

Thaksin later agreed to accept the party and its 37 members of Parliament as alliance constituents.

PPP members, who met with Thaksin in Hong Kong earlier this week, said the former prime minister had assigned close aides to help Samak form a new cabinet. These include Newin Chidchob, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Chalerm Yoobamrung and Somchai Wongsawat.

"Chalerm was assigned to negotiate with both Chart Thai and Puea Pandin so they can join the coalition. Thaksin insisted both should be included," said a top Thaksin aide, who asked not to be named.

Mingkwan Sangsuwan, a PPP party-list member, will head the Samak government's economic-management team. Thaksin hopes he will boost business and investor confidence, as well as spur economic growth.

"If Mingkwan is successful, People Power's popularity in Bangkok will rise, and the party might then field him as a candidate for Bangkok governor."

"Once the Samak government takes office, the first priority is to reorganise the top echelon of military officers. Key members of Class 10 of the cadet school will be restored to powerful posts in the military. They still support Thaksin."

"General Anupong Pao-chinda, the Army commander-in-chief, will still be in the top post, even though he was appointed by the junta following the coup, but other key army posts will be reshuffled."

"The new government will reorganise the top echelon of police and Interior Ministry and judiciary. Antagonists, such as academics, businessmen and the news media, could face some sort of action, too," the source said.

He said the Council of National Security, set up following the coup, had been granted an amnesty in the Constitution, so no legal action could be taken against it.

However, the new government will scrutinise major arms-purchase contracts to see if there are irregularities, the source said.

The Assets Examination Committee, which launched an extensive investigation of Thaksin and his family, will remain intact, because its dissolution would damage the image of the PPP, the source said.

"We could be condemned if we disbanded the committee, so we will just ensure it works within the rule of law," added the source.

The Nation

This is before they are due to officially take on the role as the governing party ???????

What do the posters who were in denial now think of the exiled ones alledged non political stance and his self serving interests, the minipulating has already begun.

Talk about giving the monkeys peanuts and baiting the fish, how similar to the present scenario this is, me thinks their voters are about to get a similar payback.

Very sad indeed, one can only hope they do not achieve their objectives, for the sake of Thailand and it,s citizens.

The next time around ( sooner rather than later ) it is not going to be so peaceful.

For those who keep trying to ram a one sided version of DEMOCRACY down our throats, i offer the true meaning of both this and DEMOCRATIC as a reminder of their true meanings :_

democracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 a government by the whole population, usu. through elected representatives. b State so governed. 2 classless and tolerant society. [Greek demokratia rule of the people]

democratic adj. 1 of, like, practising, or being a democracy. 2 favouring social equality. democratically adv.

Obviously this is now a fallacy and they just tore the meanings of the above up and for sure there are still more worrying announcements ahead.

At the same time they replaced it with their own version of The Old Style Thai Puyai Interpretation of Self Aggrandizement

Welcome back to the 20th century.

An opportunity to progress into the 21st has sadly failed.

marshbags

Edited December 30, 2007 by marshbags

[sriracha john]

This will have an implication or two (or three) for PPP as he is one of their key leaders...

Yongyuth may face red card

EC source says poll fraud evidence strong

The Election Commission (EC) has solid evidence that may lead to People Power Party executive Yongyuth Tiyapirat being disqualified from the election for alleged vote-buying in the Dec 23 polls, a highly-placed source said. The EC summoned Yongyuth for questioning yesterday afternoon. The veteran politician sent his lawyer, but did not appear in person. Yongyuth, who ran in the proportional representation vote in the North, is among the latest batch of 12 PPP candidates accused of poll fraud. In the case against Yongyuth, the poll agency is working on an investigation by police and EC officials which centres around payment of air fares and distribution of cash to a group of Chiang Rai-based tambon chiefs at a hotel in Bangkok in October, said the source. According to the source, the local leaders, assisted by a Chiang Rai-based mayor, met up with Yongyuth at the SC Park hotel on Oct 28 for 30 minutes. They were reportedly urged to help campaign for votes for the PPP. Each was reportedly handed an envelope containing 20,000 baht at the end of the meeting and one of the local leaders who coordinated the meeting reportedly received 38,300 baht for reimbursement of air fares for the group. According to the source, poll fraud investigators also submitted a CD recording of the trip, a list of the local leaders, receipts for plane tickets and other related documents. The source said the evidence was strong enough for the EC to red-card the PPP executive and hand yellow cards to other PPP candidates in Chiang Rai.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/30Dec2007_news01.php

Edited December 30, 2007 by sriracha john

[marshbags]

I guess the next coup will be sooner and not later.

PUPPET MASTER

Thaksin 'to pull strings of PPP govt'

Party said to be planning military reshuffle, but Anupong to survive

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is preparing to pull the strings behind the new government and reorganise the military's top brass following the People Power Party's election victory, sources say.

Sources close to Thaksin said the ex-leader backed the formation of a coalition government, consisting of the People Power Party (PPP) and five smaller parties headed by PPP leader Samak Sundaravej.

Based on this formula, the new administration will have 315 seats in Parliament, leaving the lone opposition Democrat Party with 165.

Sources said Thaksin was upset by conditions imposed by Banharn Silapa-archa, leader of the Chart Thai for joining the coalition.

Thaksin later agreed to accept the party and its 37 members of Parliament as alliance constituents.

PPP members, who met with Thaksin in Hong Kong earlier this week, said the former prime minister had assigned close aides to help Samak form a new cabinet. These include Newin Chidchob, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Chalerm Yoobamrung and Somchai Wongsawat.

"Chalerm was assigned to negotiate with both Chart Thai and Puea Pandin so they can join the coalition. Thaksin insisted both should be included," said a top Thaksin aide, who asked not to be named.

Mingkwan Sangsuwan, a PPP party-list member, will head the Samak government's economic-management team. Thaksin ( this one didnt go red for some reason )hopes he will boost business and investor confidence, as well as spur economic growth.

"If Mingkwan is successful, People Power's popularity in Bangkok will rise, and the party might then field him as a candidate for Bangkok governor."

"Once the Samak government takes office, the first priority is to reorganise the top echelon of military officers. Key members of Class 10 of the cadet school will be restored to powerful posts in the military. They still support Thaksin."

"General Anupong Pao-chinda, the Army commander-in-chief, will still be in the top post, even though he was appointed by the junta following the coup, but other key army posts will be reshuffled."

"The new government will reorganise the top echelon of police and Interior Ministry and judiciary. Antagonists, such as academics, businessmen and the news media, could face some sort of action, too," the source said.

He said the Council of National Security, set up following the coup, had been granted an amnesty in the Constitution, so no legal action could be taken against it.

However, the new government will scrutinise major arms-purchase contracts to see if there are irregularities, the source said.

The Assets Examination Committee, which launched an extensive investigation of Thaksin and his family, will remain intact, because its dissolution would damage the image of the PPP, the source said.

"We could be condemned if we disbanded the committee, so we will just ensure it works within the rule of law," added the source.

The Nation

This article contains 4 references in bold to the supposed leader of the PPP = proxy

It contains 9 in red for the exiled one = leader

( Edit, one hasn,t gone red due to a marshbags cock up and i don,t know how to change it on editing ???? )

It also contains several questionable characters in green , who need no further introduction.

We await the rest of the green characters to surface.

No further comment is needed..

marshbags and

Apologies if i,ve missed any more, it,s been a busy night.

Edited December 30, 2007 by marshbags

[Xangsamhua]

Don't want to be in denial. The Nation report may be 100% spot-on; however, it's written by someone anonymous and is attributed to "sources", later referred to as "the source" ("a top Thaksin aide"). How much credence can we give this report? Time will tell, but in the meantime the article has as much credibility as any newspaper reporting deserves.

[h90]

He is facing serious charges in Thailand. He can't be extradited.

Thailand has extradition treaties with numerous countries.

They could not get him out of the UK. Do you seriously think he will return if he doesn't have a SPECIAL DEAL from PPP that he will not be jailed and not have all his money taken from him? That's ridiculous. PPP ran as a TRT THAKSIN proxy. Get the connection. Are you so naive as to think it is coincidence that only NOW he is talking about coming back in February? Do you think he will come back if Abhisit is PM?

Kindly refrain from being so rude. I am merely pointing out that Thailand has had extradition treaties in position already for some time. The military government could have initiated proceedings if it had bothered to.

The quality of discussion on this topic is abysmal. In the absence of being in possession of facts, just mindless repetition of speculative, opinionated, editorialising, unreadable codswallop from the usual roster of Washington Square blowhards.

There are/were several reasons why it was not possible for any procedings to be initiated:

1. For any successful extradition, an extradition treaty, which covers the crime in question is required. The extradition treaty which Thailand has with the UK dates back to 1911, and whilst it covers many crimes (31 in total), abuse of power by an elected official is not covered, as this is a prerequisite before any extradition request can proceed, then this ensures that no extradition proceedings could proceed.

2. Even should Thailand manage to get around the Extradition treaty problem, they would also have the issue that should the same crime, have been committed in the U.K, then the person in question, would be arrested. To this point, the Thai government would have to prove and supply evidence, that should The Prime Minister of the U.K (or his wife) have carried out the same act, then they would be arrested. This is required due to the fact that once an extradition request is initiated, the person must be arrested and put before a court of law.

3. Additionally, Thailand would have to provide Prima Facie evidence that the crime did take place, and that the accused was in fact guilty, according to British Law.

As Thailand is regarded as a category 2 territory (For extradition purposes), the onus is far more on the requesting territory, to prove that there was no political motivation in the request, as this would automatically ensure that the request was denied. As any request would have to include Pojamon Shinawatra, the government would have to show convincing arguements as to why a non political person would have to stand trial in the Supreme Court for Political Office holders, and not a civil or criminal court.

More reading if you are interested:

1911 Treaty between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Siam can be found at:

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/1911/9.html

2003 Extradition Act can be downloaded by going to:

http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/operationa...o/extrad-part-2

One other snippet:

Once extradited, no other criminal proceedings may take place, other than for the crime which the suspect was extradited, and once proceedings have been fully completed, if found innocent, then the person must have the opportunety to return to the U.K, and if guilty, then once a sentence has been completed, then the person must also be allowed the opportunety to return to the U.K

well a phone call: Either Thaksin or no more Megaprojects with UK and kick out US army would have done the trick.

There are a lot examples in the past were this worked. He would have come on his own (if some secret service put the gun on his head).

The point is more that they didn't want that he comes back.

[John K]

It was a sad and worrying time across the land, as the unknowing were tricked by the evil into thrusting open the gates of hel_l, thus releasing evil from banishment to walk and rule over all in the Kingdom.

As the stench of the first breath of evil fell across the land, dark ominous clouds began to gather. Signs of impending flames, smoke, and the blood of revenge were beginning to seep up from the depths. All the while in banishment the evil prepared it’s jagged blade for the first thrust into the heart of the guardian.

The once happy land was now becoming a place of anxiety and fear, and the people started to feel helpless to stop the evil. People from far off lands that decided to call the Kingdom their new home, were beginning to sense that they may be called from their homeland to leave. As the darkness gathered, impending battle became more likely.

The evil had already gathered the souls of the new leaders, and was dispensing them to carry out the tasks of gathering the reigns of the guardian’s army, and striking down all resistance. Once that was done the evil could rape and feed on the land as it had done before, sucking the life giving essence for itself, and once again planting it’s evil seed in every vein.

There were only two hopes to save the land before the evil could claim it for itself. The first hope lies in the wisdom of the new clan wizards. The new clan wizards have the ability to remove the power of the leaders if they stray too far with yellow and red magic spells. The old clan of wizards were possessed by the evil and they were disbanded by the keepers of the book of law. However the new clan of wizards power is limited, if the evil one become too strong the spells will be useless.

The last hope is with the guardian, however the guardian must act before the evil can take control of the guardian’s army, thus removing the only remaining check in the way of total power over all.

However the guardian must take care before unsheathing the sword of power. The evil one has the ability to change appearance and it can cause the guardian to look evil, and the evil one to look good, thus turning the people against the guardian. The guardian must only unsheathe the sword of power when the evil is ready to strike. Only then can the illusion be temporally overpowered. However the evil has the power of time, and can slowly turn the people against the guardian as the evil pretends to be good. The young are most susceptible to the evil illusion. Because of this the battle must be decisive.

The sword of power is dangerous to those who wield it. If the sword of power is left unsheathed for too long, it can intoxicate the mind and turn the mind from good to evil. This is because the sword of power is blind. Only those with the purest hearts can wield it for extended times.

There is dark times ahead in the land for all.

[kurtgruen]

It was a sad and worrying time across the land, as the unknowing were tricked by the evil into thrusting open the gates of hel_l, thus releasing evil from banishment to walk and rule over all in the Kingdom.

As the stench of the first breath of evil fell across the land, dark ominous clouds began to gather. Signs of impending flames, smoke, and the blood of revenge were beginning to seep up from the depths. All the while in banishment the evil prepared it’s jagged blade for the first thrust into the heart of the guardian.

The once happy land was now becoming a place of anxiety and fear, and the people started to feel helpless to stop the evil. People from far off lands that decided to call the Kingdom their new home, were beginning to sense that they may be called from their homeland to leave. As the darkness gathered, impending battle became more likely.

The evil had already gathered the souls of the new leaders, and was dispensing them to carry out the tasks of gathering the reigns of the guardian’s army, and striking down all resistance. Once that was done the evil could rape and feed on the land as it had done before, sucking the life giving essence for itself, and once again planting it’s evil seed in every vein.

There were only two hopes to save the land before the evil could claim it for itself. The first hope lies in the wisdom of the new clan wizards. The new clan wizards have the ability to remove the power of the leaders if they stray too far with yellow and red magic spells. The old clan of wizards were possessed by the evil and they were disbanded by the keepers of the book of law. However the new clan of wizards power is limited, if the evil one become too strong the spells will be useless.

The last hope is with the guardian, however the guardian must act before the evil can take control of the guardian’s army, thus removing the only remaining check in the way of total power over all.

However the guardian must take care before unsheathing the sword of power. The evil one has the ability to change appearance and it can cause the guardian to look evil, and the evil one to look good, thus turning the people against the guardian. The guardian must only unsheathe the sword of power when the evil is ready to strike. Only then can the illusion be temporally overpowered. However the evil has the power of time, and can slowly turn the people against the guardian as the evil pretends to be good. The young are most susceptible to the evil illusion. Because of this the battle must be decisive.

The sword of power is dangerous to those who wield it. If the sword of power is left unsheathed for too long, it can intoxicate the mind and turn the mind from good to evil. This is because the sword of power is blind. Only those with the purest hearts can wield it for extended times.

There is dark times ahead in the land for all.

Ditto!!! I couldn't have put it better

[meemiathai]

It was a sad and worrying time across the land, as the unknowing were tricked by the evil into thrusting open the gates of hel_l, thus releasing evil from banishment to walk and rule over all in the Kingdom.

As the stench of the first breath of evil fell across the land, dark ominous clouds began to gather. Signs of impending flames, smoke, and the blood of revenge were beginning to seep up from the depths. All the while in banishment the evil prepared it’s jagged blade for the first thrust into the heart of the guardian.

The once happy land was now becoming a place of anxiety and fear, and the people started to feel helpless to stop the evil. People from far off lands that decided to call the Kingdom their new home, were beginning to sense that they may be called from their homeland to leave. As the darkness gathered, impending battle became more likely.

The evil had already gathered the souls of the new leaders, and was dispensing them to carry out the tasks of gathering the reigns of the guardian’s army, and striking down all resistance. Once that was done the evil could rape and feed on the land as it had done before, sucking the life giving essence for itself, and once again planting it’s evil seed in every vein.

There were only two hopes to save the land before the evil could claim it for itself. The first hope lies in the wisdom of the new clan wizards. The new clan wizards have the ability to remove the power of the leaders if they stray too far with yellow and red magic spells. The old clan of wizards were possessed by the evil and they were disbanded by the keepers of the book of law. However the new clan of wizards power is limited, if the evil one become too strong the spells will be useless.

The last hope is with the guardian, however the guardian must act before the evil can take control of the guardian’s army, thus removing the only remaining check in the way of total power over all.

However the guardian must take care before unsheathing the sword of power. The evil one has the ability to change appearance and it can cause the guardian to look evil, and the evil one to look good, thus turning the people against the guardian. The guardian must only unsheathe the sword of power when the evil is ready to strike. Only then can the illusion be temporally overpowered. However the evil has the power of time, and can slowly turn the people against the guardian as the evil pretends to be good. The young are most susceptible to the evil illusion. Because of this the battle must be decisive.

The sword of power is dangerous to those who wield it. If the sword of power is left unsheathed for too long, it can intoxicate the mind and turn the mind from good to evil. This is because the sword of power is blind. Only those with the purest hearts can wield it for extended times.

There is dark times ahead in the land for all.

[wintermute]

well a phone call: Either Thaksin or no more Megaprojects with UK and kick out US army would have done the trick.

There are a lot examples in the past were this worked. He would have come on his own (if some secret service put the gun on his head).

The point is more that they didn't want that he comes back.

Thailand is in no position to threaten or cajole the world's 6th largest economy and the world's 1st largest. Also, thailand needs the U.S. Army more than the U.S. needs Thailand.

[hammered]

This will have an implication or two (or three) for PPP as he is one of their key leaders...

Yongyuth may face red card

EC source says poll fraud evidence strong

The Election Commission (EC) has solid evidence that may lead to People Power Party executive Yongyuth Tiyapirat being disqualified from the election for alleged vote-buying in the Dec 23 polls, a highly-placed source said. The EC summoned Yongyuth for questioning yesterday afternoon. The veteran politician sent his lawyer, but did not appear in person. Yongyuth, who ran in the proportional representation vote in the North, is among the latest batch of 12 PPP candidates accused of poll fraud. In the case against Yongyuth, the poll agency is working on an investigation by police and EC officials which centres around payment of air fares and distribution of cash to a group of Chiang Rai-based tambon chiefs at a hotel in Bangkok in October, said the source. According to the source, the local leaders, assisted by a Chiang Rai-based mayor, met up with Yongyuth at the SC Park hotel on Oct 28 for 30 minutes. They were reportedly urged to help campaign for votes for the PPP. Each was reportedly handed an envelope containing 20,000 baht at the end of the meeting and one of the local leaders who coordinated the meeting reportedly received 38,300 baht for reimbursement of air fares for the group. According to the source, poll fraud investigators also submitted a CD recording of the trip, a list of the local leaders, receipts for plane tickets and other related documents. The source said the evidence was strong enough for the EC to red-card the PPP executive and hand yellow cards to other PPP candidates in Chiang Rai.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/30Dec2007_news01.php

This has other potential consequences. It is no surprise to find Yuth "dooyen" out of the country and unable to meet the EC until Jan 8 when in all likelihood the new governmwent will be announced. If he is red carded and disqualified for vote buying, he is not just an ordinary candidate but an executive of the PPP. If executives of a party have been found to have undermined the democratic process the party can face disolution under the electoral law. I am surprised nobody has pointed this out. Anyway not saying it will defo happen but it sure opens up the possibilty of a court case, which maybe can even be filed by any citizen.

Id put money on them trying to find a way to make it a yellow card after all the neutral election observers have said they are disppointed in the EC only half heartedly investigating vote buying, which they saw as the biggest problem in the 2007 election. Maybe on the other hand the EC will belatedly prove them wrong. Hopefully however, all investigations will be fair and unbias and only affect those who deserve it.

[Old Man River]

This will have an implication or two (or three) for PPP as he is one of their key leaders...

Yongyuth may face red card

EC source says poll fraud evidence strong

The Election Commission (EC) has solid evidence that may lead to People Power Party executive Yongyuth Tiyapirat being disqualified from the election for alleged vote-buying in the Dec 23 polls, a highly-placed source said. The EC summoned Yongyuth for questioning yesterday afternoon. The veteran politician sent his lawyer, but did not appear in person. Yongyuth, who ran in the proportional representation vote in the North, is among the latest batch of 12 PPP candidates accused of poll fraud. In the case against Yongyuth, the poll agency is working on an investigation by police and EC officials which centres around payment of air fares and distribution of cash to a group of Chiang Rai-based tambon chiefs at a hotel in Bangkok in October, said the source. According to the source, the local leaders, assisted by a Chiang Rai-based mayor, met up with Yongyuth at the SC Park hotel on Oct 28 for 30 minutes. They were reportedly urged to help campaign for votes for the PPP. Each was reportedly handed an envelope containing 20,000 baht at the end of the meeting and one of the local leaders who coordinated the meeting reportedly received 38,300 baht for reimbursement of air fares for the group. According to the source, poll fraud investigators also submitted a CD recording of the trip, a list of the local leaders, receipts for plane tickets and other related documents. The source said the evidence was strong enough for the EC to red-card the PPP executive and hand yellow cards to other PPP candidates in Chiang Rai.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/30Dec2007_news01.php

This has other potential consequences. It is no surprise to find Yuth "dooyen" out of the country and unable to meet the EC until Jan 8 when in all likelihood the new governmwent will be announced. If he is red carded and disqualified for vote buying, he is not just an ordinary candidate but an executive of the PPP. If executives of a party have been found to have undermined the democratic process the party can face disolution under the electoral law. I am surprised nobody has pointed this out. Anyway not saying it will defo happen but it sure opens up the possibilty of a court case, which maybe can even be filed by any citizen.

Id put money on them trying to find a way to make it a yellow card after all the neutral election observers have said they are disppointed in the EC only half heartedly investigating vote buying, which they saw as the biggest problem in the 2007 election. Maybe on the other hand the EC will belatedly prove them wrong. Hopefully however, all investigations will be fair and unbias and only affect those who deserve it.

I think these days all expectations of the rule of law would depend on what side you are on. Yongyuth is on the winning side, hence, I don't think there is anyone that will be making a big deal about this if and if they do it would be without success. The focus is on Thaksin and whether he will get off or not.

I am betting there will be a monetary settlement with Thaksin then explaining to the masses that although he was innocent he paid the fines for the good of the country so that national reconciliation could take place and the country could move forward. Then he will set up his foundation, creating goodwill (for himself of course) and continue to manage the PPP from behind staying well out of harms way when the next national crisis takes place.

[hammered]

This will have an implication or two (or three) for PPP as he is one of their key leaders...

Yongyuth may face red card

EC source says poll fraud evidence strong

The Election Commission (EC) has solid evidence that may lead to People Power Party executive Yongyuth Tiyapirat being disqualified from the election for alleged vote-buying in the Dec 23 polls, a highly-placed source said. The EC summoned Yongyuth for questioning yesterday afternoon. The veteran politician sent his lawyer, but did not appear in person. Yongyuth, who ran in the proportional representation vote in the North, is among the latest batch of 12 PPP candidates accused of poll fraud. In the case against Yongyuth, the poll agency is working on an investigation by police and EC officials which centres around payment of air fares and distribution of cash to a group of Chiang Rai-based tambon chiefs at a hotel in Bangkok in October, said the source. According to the source, the local leaders, assisted by a Chiang Rai-based mayor, met up with Yongyuth at the SC Park hotel on Oct 28 for 30 minutes. They were reportedly urged to help campaign for votes for the PPP. Each was reportedly handed an envelope containing 20,000 baht at the end of the meeting and one of the local leaders who coordinated the meeting reportedly received 38,300 baht for reimbursement of air fares for the group. According to the source, poll fraud investigators also submitted a CD recording of the trip, a list of the local leaders, receipts for plane tickets and other related documents. The source said the evidence was strong enough for the EC to red-card the PPP executive and hand yellow cards to other PPP candidates in Chiang Rai.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/30Dec2007_news01.php

This has other potential consequences. It is no surprise to find Yuth "dooyen" out of the country and unable to meet the EC until Jan 8 when in all likelihood the new governmwent will be announced. If he is red carded and disqualified for vote buying, he is not just an ordinary candidate but an executive of the PPP. If executives of a party have been found to have undermined the democratic process the party can face disolution under the electoral law. I am surprised nobody has pointed this out. Anyway not saying it will defo happen but it sure opens up the possibilty of a court case, which maybe can even be filed by any citizen.

Id put money on them trying to find a way to make it a yellow card after all the neutral election observers have said they are disppointed in the EC only half heartedly investigating vote buying, which they saw as the biggest problem in the 2007 election. Maybe on the other hand the EC will belatedly prove them wrong. Hopefully however, all investigations will be fair and unbias and only affect those who deserve it.

I think these days all expectations of the rule of law would depend on what side you are on. Yongyuth is on the winning side, hence, I don't think there is anyone that will be making a big deal about this if and if they do it would be without success. The focus is on Thaksin and whether he will get off or not.

I am betting there will be a monetary settlement with Thaksin then explaining to the masses that although he was innocent he paid the fines for the good of the country so that national reconciliation could take place and the country could move forward. Then he will set up his foundation, creating goodwill (for himself of course) and continue to manage the PPP from behind staying well out of harms way when the next national crisis takes place.

A cynical albeit realistic and quite likely analysis imho

A happy new year to you

[kurtgruen]

Hopefully however, all investigations will be fair and unbias and only affect those who deserve it.

Hmmm...that could mean a government with only two or three people running it, if they start red carding everyone who bought votes. At least, up here in Chiang Mai Province, I don't think, there would be too many left.

Good thing is, now that some red cards have actually been handed out, some of the people they tried to buy off in other constituencies, may now have the courage to speak up and let the EC know what happened in their own constituency and all the corruption will be a little bit harder to hide.

I hear many stories both out here in the Sticks and in Chiang Mai, but when I ask the people why they don't report it, most of them say, that they are afraid and that nothing is gonna' happen to those people accused anyway.

Mon and Kurt

Chiang Dao

[Journalist]

Don't want to be in denial. The Nation report may be 100% spot-on; however, it's written by someone anonymous and is attributed to "sources", later referred to as "the source" ("a top Thaksin aide"). How much credence can we give this report? Time will tell, but in the meantime the article has as much credibility as any newspaper reporting deserves.

If you check the front page of the edition that article is bylined 'The Nation' (as is their page 1 story about road deaths). They often byline by agency or to their own editorial. To run it as front page lead, its unlikely their source is unreliable.

Within one week we will know for sure anyway.

I also think this government will be the dirtiest and kleptocraticmost that Thailand has ever seen. They have a limited time to thieve as much as possible.

[plachon]

It was a sad and worrying time across the land, as the unknowing were tricked by the evil into thrusting open the gates of hel_l, thus releasing evil from banishment to walk and rule over all in the Kingdom.

As the stench of the first breath of evil fell across the land, dark ominous clouds began to gather. Signs of impending flames, smoke, and the blood of revenge were beginning to seep up from the depths. All the while in banishment the evil prepared it’s jagged blade for the first thrust into the heart of the guardian.

The once happy land was now becoming a place of anxiety and fear, and the people started to feel helpless to stop the evil. People from far off lands that decided to call the Kingdom their new home, were beginning to sense that they may be called from their homeland to leave. As the darkness gathered, impending battle became more likely.

The evil had already gathered the souls of the new leaders, and was dispensing them to carry out the tasks of gathering the reigns of the guardian’s army, and striking down all resistance. Once that was done the evil could rape and feed on the land as it had done before, sucking the life giving essence for itself, and once again planting it’s evil seed in every vein.

There were only two hopes to save the land before the evil could claim it for itself. The first hope lies in the wisdom of the new clan wizards. The new clan wizards have the ability to remove the power of the leaders if they stray too far with yellow and red magic spells. The old clan of wizards were possessed by the evil and they were disbanded by the keepers of the book of law. However the new clan of wizards power is limited, if the evil one become too strong the spells will be useless.

The last hope is with the guardian, however the guardian must act before the evil can take control of the guardian’s army, thus removing the only remaining check in the way of total power over all.

However the guardian must take care before unsheathing the sword of power. The evil one has the ability to change appearance and it can cause the guardian to look evil, and the evil one to look good, thus turning the people against the guardian. The guardian must only unsheathe the sword of power when the evil is ready to strike. Only then can the illusion be temporally overpowered. However the evil has the power of time, and can slowly turn the people against the guardian as the evil pretends to be good. The young are most susceptible to the evil illusion. Because of this the battle must be decisive.

The sword of power is dangerous to those who wield it. If the sword of power is left unsheathed for too long, it can intoxicate the mind and turn the mind from good to evil. This is because the sword of power is blind. Only those with the purest hearts can wield it for extended times.

There is dark times ahead in the land for all.

No prizes for guessing who Pira Sudham refers to as the Lord of Darkness in his last book.

Now, there's one Thai from the Toxin-Newin heartlands who knows what's going on, but is scared to speak out, realising well how thin the veneer of democracy is, especially under a Lord of Darkness regime. TRT/PPP afficionados would do well to read or even re-read some of his books.

[Ricardo]

John-boy - have you been reading too much Tolkien again ?

Beware, for you may shortly be beset-upon from all sides, by a herd (or whatever the dang collective-noun is) of dragons breathing flame !

Edited December 30, 2007 by Ricardo

[Old Man River]

Don't want to be in denial. The Nation report may be 100% spot-on; however, it's written by someone anonymous and is attributed to "sources", later referred to as "the source" ("a top Thaksin aide"). How much credence can we give this report? Time will tell, but in the meantime the article has as much credibility as any newspaper reporting deserves.

If you check the front page of the edition that article is bylined 'The Nation' (as is their page 1 story about road deaths). They often byline by agency or to their own editorial. To run it as front page lead, its unlikely their source is unreliable.

Within one week we will know for sure anyway.

I also think this government will be the dirtiest and kleptocraticmost that Thailand has ever seen. They have a limited time to thieve as much as possible.

From my experience, you are correct on the source issue and in my opinion, correct on what to expect out of this government. I take comfort in knowing that the Democrats will be the opposition party as they won't sell out their principles for a pocketful of cash as other parties have done so easily. While the Democrats won't be able to block what will go on, they will be able to report it so at least it won't go unnoticed.

[CNXagent]

It was a sad and worrying time across the land, as the unknowing were tricked by the evil into thrusting open the gates of hel_l, thus releasing evil from banishment to walk and rule over all in the Kingdom.

As the stench of the first breath of evil fell across the land, dark ominous clouds began to gather. Signs of impending flames, smoke, and the blood of revenge were beginning to seep up from the depths. All the while in banishment the evil prepared it's jagged blade for the first thrust into the heart of the guardian.

The once happy land was now becoming a place of anxiety and fear, and the people started to feel helpless to stop the evil. People from far off lands that decided to call the Kingdom their new home, were beginning to sense that they may be called from their homeland to leave. As the darkness gathered, impending battle became more likely.

The evil had already gathered the souls of the new leaders, and was dispensing them to carry out the tasks of gathering the reigns of the guardian's army, and striking down all resistance. Once that was done the evil could rape and feed on the land as it had done before, sucking the life giving essence for itself, and once again planting it's evil seed in every vein.

There were only two hopes to save the land before the evil could claim it for itself. The first hope lies in the wisdom of the new clan wizards. The new clan wizards have the ability to remove the power of the leaders if they stray too far with yellow and red magic spells. The old clan of wizards were possessed by the evil and they were disbanded by the keepers of the book of law. However the new clan of wizards power is limited, if the evil one become too strong the spells will be useless.

The last hope is with the guardian, however the guardian must act before the evil can take control of the guardian's army, thus removing the only remaining check in the way of total power over all.

However the guardian must take care before unsheathing the sword of power. The evil one has the ability to change appearance and it can cause the guardian to look evil, and the evil one to look good, thus turning the people against the guardian. The guardian must only unsheathe the sword of power when the evil is ready to strike. Only then can the illusion be temporally overpowered. However the evil has the power of time, and can slowly turn the people against the guardian as the evil pretends to be good. The young are most susceptible to the evil illusion. Because of this the battle must be decisive.

The sword of power is dangerous to those who wield it. If the sword of power is left unsheathed for too long, it can intoxicate the mind and turn the mind from good to evil. This is because the sword of power is blind. Only those with the purest hearts can wield it for extended times.

There is dark times ahead in the land for all.

Looks like many people need to pray to Hindu God Lord Shiva the destroyer of EVILS to save the once happy land .

May the dark clouds disperse and imprisoned up in the cold dark mountains where evil belongs and the long awaited sunshine arrive

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

EC approves Bt18million budget for investigations into electoral-fraud allegations

The Election Commission has allocated more than Bt18 million to fund investigations into electoral fraud allegations, a police source said Sunday.

The EC agreed to the Special Branch Police request for Bt18.87 million to fund its undercover operations all over the country, in addition to its investigation and interrogation of witnesses, the source said.

More than 700 Special Branch officers are taking part in the nationwide operations

Full story here:

http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/r...newsid=30060712

[rainman]

The next coup might be coming soon if the PPP wants to do a military reshuffle. No way the army wants to first lose control over the government and then lose their jobs after spending a year holding on to it.

[marshbags]

EC approves Bt18million budget for investigations into electoral-fraud allegations

The Election Commission has allocated more than Bt18 million to fund investigations into electoral fraud allegations, a police source said Sunday.

The EC agreed to the Special Branch Police request for Bt18.87 million to fund its undercover operations all over the country, in addition to its investigation and interrogation of witnesses, the source said.

More than 700 Special Branch officers are taking part in the nationwide operations

Full story here:

http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/r...newsid=30060712

While not being a pessimist !!!! some ??? could be on double baht for this one with a certain offer from H.Kong out bidding the EC,s incentives / 18 mil., especially as it appears the exiled one is about to take control of certain key institutions......police ect.ect. , should expectations be as anticipated.

Hows the mafia saying go, " make them an offer they cannot refuse " or else

marshbags

Edited December 30, 2007 by marshbags

[seonai]

I liked your analogy JohnK very well written but scary

[blaze]

EC approves Bt18million budget for investigations into electoral-fraud allegations

The Election Commission has allocated more than Bt18 million to fund investigations into electoral fraud allegations, a police source said Sunday.

The EC agreed to the Special Branch Police request for Bt18.87 million to fund its undercover operations all over the country, in addition to its investigation and interrogation of witnesses, the source said.

More than 700 Special Branch officers are taking part in the nationwide operations

Full story here:

http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/r...newsid=30060712

What is the purpose of undercover operations now that the election is finished - I'm trying to imagine how an undercover operation would work to prove vote buying. Get a villager drunk (state foots the bill) and say, c'mon- how much did the PPP pay ya? Huh? Come on - you can tell me - I'm yer buddy.

With that kind of money - the use of spies- and no real oversite except from with the SBP- it's a given- the PPP is finished. Not of course that the villagers won't be offered rewards for anonymously pointing in a neighbor's direction. And of course the villagers would never act out of avarice.

Edited December 30, 2007 by blaze

[jumnien]

Military Interference Undermines Upcoming Elections

Human Rights Watch

22 December 2007

Pick to Post

(New York, December 20, 2007) - Failure by Thailand's Electoral Commission to act on evidence of military interference in the upcoming Thai elections undermines prospects for Sunday's elections to be free and fair, Human Rights Watch said today.

The courts dissolved the Thai Rak Thai Party for manipulating the electoral process, but now the junta is doing the same thing.

Elaine Pearson, Asia deputy director at Human Rights Watch

Since General Sonthi Boonyaratglin overthrew the Thaksin administration in a bloodless coup on September 19, 2006, the military junta - now called the Council for National Security (CNS) - promised that the December 23 national elections would mark Thailand's democratic transition.

In May 2007, a Constitutional Tribunal dissolved Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai Party, and all 111 party executives (including Thaksin) were banned from politics for five years after being found guilty of electoral fraud.

"The courts dissolved the Thai Rak Thai Party for manipulating the electoral process, but now the junta is doing the same thing," said Elaine Pearson, Asia deputy director at Human Rights Watch. "Military leaders are maneuvering to influence voting results and to prevent Thaksin's allies from returning to government."

Banned politicians cannot actively assist candidates or political parties in the upcoming elections. However, the People Power Party, which is widely seen as the Thai Rak Thai Party's reincarnation, is expected to garner wide support in the upcoming elections.

Allegations of a military plot against the People Power Party emerged when party leader Samak Sundaravej revealed copies of a CNS memo dated September 14 and other documents approved by General Sonthi. The CNS memo is now available on the internet. According to the memo, the CNS devised a contingency plan and ordered various operations to harass, block, and discredit the People Power Party and its supporters. The plan also included the mobilization of army-run television channels, radio stations, intelligence, and security agencies to present reports and circulate rumors discrediting the People Power Party and Thaksin.

"By endorsing a plan to discredit and harass political candidates, the junta has violated its legal obligation to remain neutral in the elections," said Pearson.

On November 29, a fact-finding subcommittee reporting to the Election Commission found that the junta had acted with bias ahead of the upcoming election. The next day, the CNS urgently requested that the Election Commission halt the investigation.

On December 12, the five election commissioners ruled 4-1 that although the CNS failed to be neutral, it did so under the grounds of safeguarding national security and therefore its actions had constitutional immunity. Without seeing any written evidence, the majority of commissioners accepted the CNS's explanation that since the plan in the memo was not implemented, no political party or individual was affected.

Contrary to the Election Commission ruling, People Power Party candidates have claimed harassment and intimidation by the military. For example, on December 18, three armed soldiers from the Internal Security Operation Command were found monitoring Sangtuan Pongmanee, a People Power Party candidate in Lamphun province. In Chiang Rai and Sisaket provinces, the People Power Party reported that surveillance by soldiers has put pressure on its candidates and activists.

Martial law is still in effect in 31 provinces, mostly Thaksin's political strongholds in the north and northeast of the country. Under martial law, the military can ban political gatherings, censor the media, and detain people without charge.

"Imposing martial law prevents political parties from competing on a level playing field," said Pearson. "Although Thaksin and his allies showed contempt for human rights and democracy, it is up to the Thai voters, not the military, to decide who should govern the country."

Source: Thailand: Military Interference Undermines Upcoming Elections

[chownah]

I guess the military leaders should be banned from politics for five years.....hard to ban someone who is pointing a gun at you.

[Journalist]

A few red cards, and this election is going to look very different.

This isn't over yet.