Exit Poll Results Show PPP Wins

[jumnien]

The military will have to hand out a lot more than a few red cards to put their man Abhisit in power.

[blaze]

The military will have to hand out a lot more than a few red cards to put their man Abhisit in power.

18 million baht buys a lot of red.

[Journalist]

I'll go out on a limb and say - I don't think PPP is going to be allowed to win this thing and put things back to square 1, eg cancel military procurements and bring back Thaksin

Big hands are going to be pushing Chart Thai and Puea Pandin back towards the Democrats. This rather mysterious lethargy/illness of Banharn that keep s him quiet, hmmmm! I daresay General Prem has been working his nuts off for the last week.

Anyway, i've enjoyed watching this all unfold over the last 2 weeks, and now have to leave Thailand tomorrow. I think there are more surprises to come !

[steffi]

Well this is a pretty one sided article considering you had Thaksin in Hong Kong and after the election you had PPP delegates going to visit with him. Not to mention his speeches, and VCDS that were distributed.

[John K]

The military will have to hand out a lot more than a few red cards to put their man Abhisit in power.

18 million baht buys a lot of red.

Actually as I recall Sonthi wanted all the parties dissolved including the Democrats to start fresh, but he accepted and respected the tribunals ruling. However Thaksin did not accept it nor respect it as apparent by the latest news.

[ando]

I recall a little while back Thaksin suggesting a temporary "unity government" made up of representatives from all the major parties should be formed as a caretaker government until things can be sorted out and free and fair elections could be held.

Of course the generals would never allow such a thing as they know whats best for the country.

[Tony Clifton]

I recall a little while back Thaksin suggesting a temporary "unity government" made up of representatives from all the major parties should be formed as a caretaker government until things can be sorted out and free and fair elections could be held.

Of course the generals would never allow such a thing as they know whats best for the country.

Of course Thaksin would never allow anyone but himself to conduct such a thing as he knows whats best for the country.

[jumnien]

I think the important thread running through this thread is that PPP won the election with a frontman, Samak, who does not have the respect or popularity that Thaksin has. This makes the slap in the face to the military junta and those who refused to oppose them like the Dems even stronger. Many people were afraid of revenge by the military and many people do not like Samak. In spite of this, they felt its time to support democracy and that left only one major party to vote for.

[John K]

I think the important thread running through this thread is that PPP won the election with a frontman, Samak, who does not have the respect or popularity that Thaksin has. This makes the slap in the face to the military junta and those who refused to oppose them like the Dems even stronger. Many people were afraid of revenge by the military and many people do not like Samak. In spite of this, they felt its time to support democracy and that left only one major party to vote for.

Actually I disagree. The most important thing in this thread is the PPP has absolutely no Idea or intention on how to do anything for anyone except themselves.

[Ricardo]

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

Interesting idea, to make any military leaders who took part in the coup itself, ineligible for 5 years. It would seem to be fair, equal treatment with TRT-leaders and so on, and to introduce a future penalty for launching another coup, which might slightly-deter somebody thinking of one.

The military will have to hand out a lot more than a few red cards to put their man Abhisit in power.

Agreed, as long as the EC are handing them out to anybody on either side who cheated, and it won't change the final outcome, perhaps this also might deter the more blatant types of vote-buying or ballot-rigging in future, isn't this something the EC exists for, and a good thing generally ?

I think the important thread running through this thread is that PPP won the election with a frontman, Samak, who does not have the respect or popularity that Thaksin has. This makes the slap in the face to the military junta and those who refused to oppose them like the Dems even stronger. Many people were afraid of revenge by the military and many people do not like Samak. In spite of this, they felt its time to support democracy and that left only one major party to vote for.

The proportional party-vote is of course pretty much even-stevens between the PPP & the Democrats. No overall-winner in party terms. But PPP is clearly the largest single party, in terms of MPs, despite anything the EC do over the next week.

One week ago Samak claimed that he would be the new PM, there were then a series of claims of various minor parties flocking to the PPP's flag, so where is the coalition then ? The longer it takes, for it to emerge, the more it seems that Samak may have been overcome by his own spin & hype. Since I regard the next government, if it is to be a weak coalition, as a bit of a poisened-chalice, I'm not unhappy with this. I seem to recall that Abhisit initially said he would give the PPP a clear run for a couple of weeks, to attempt to put their government together, he may well be hoping not to have the cup passed to himself !

[marshbags]

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

Hard to elect someone when the mega bucks of corruption, and further promises of peanuts and cheap loans influenced the votes.

Why do those who refuse to offer such foolish promises become such bad individuals.

The North / North East are but a portion of Thailands citizens, and yet seemingly they can influence how the immediate future of everyone is determined.

I live in the N.East and i know who contributes in a meaningful way in respect of the economy.

I also know of the majority who do not.

Assistance for them, yes along with investment that will be used for the purpose tax payers wish it to be allocated for.

Not M. vehicles, M. bikes, Electrical luxuries they haven,t earned the right to posses via work, mobiles, loans they are in capable of paying back ect. ect.

AND Definitely not to feed the pockets of unscrupulous and unethical Puyai and their ilk.

marshbags

Respect to those who are deserving of help and investment, which without being condescending includes yourself who is thinking of the genuine, and all hard working farmers, who rightly deserve it.

[John K]

There seems to be a bit of continued distortion of fact here. The EC was seated about 1 week before the coup while Thaksin was in power. The makeup of the EC has not changed, so I fail to see how anyone can say it is military. They also seem to be holding true to their commitment.

It is the subtle distortion of facts perhaps intentionally or accidentally that sets things astray. It only took me about 1 minute to find the thread on the new EC. The Op’s post was September 14, 2006 on the selection of the new chairman of the EC.

However I will agree the EC is under pressure along with death threats by a certain group who habitually breaks the rules and wants to get away with it.

[John K]

People Power protests Buri Ram red cards

The People Power Party (PPP) believed the issuance of red cards to its winning candidates in Buri Ram by the Election Commission (EC) was unfair but it was confident it could go ahead as planned to form a coalition government, according to PPP secretary general Surapong Suebwonglee.

The three winners from Buri Ram's Constituency 1 - Pornchai Srisuthiyothin, Rungroj Thongsri and Prakit Poldej - were given red cards by the EC, banning them from political activities for one year and subjecting them to payment of the expenses for a by-election set for January 13.

The three PPP candidates reiterated their innocence, saying they were puzzled by the issuance to them of red cards by the EC.

Mr. Surapong said he viewed the EC was using a double standard in its investigation of the election irregularities; on the one hand it had its own investigation arm, while on the other hand a special sub-committee was used which would send the result directly to the EC.

More crying here : http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124792

[younghusband]

There seems to be a bit of continued distortion of fact here. The EC was seated about 1 week before the coup while Thaksin was in power. The makeup of the EC has not changed, so I fail to see how anyone can say it is military. They also seem to be holding true to their commitment.

It is the subtle distortion of facts perhaps intentionally or accidentally that sets things astray. It only took me about 1 minute to find the thread on the new EC. The Op’s post was September 14, 2006 on the selection of the new chairman of the EC.

However I will agree the EC is under pressure along with death threats by a certain group who habitually breaks the rules and wants to get away with it.

Can you elaborate on your last sentence, naming the certain group concerned and the evidence of death threats.

The EC certainly has been under pressure during the campaign, most notoriously for the CNS black propaganda campaign against the PPP.Whatever the juntophiles (not admittedly a group known for their intellectual honesty) say, the evidence is absolutely undeniable.Eventually the EC caved in and the charges against the junta were buried, a clear example of intimidation and thuggery.As the Economist pointed out this appalling episode makes other abuses such as the Thaksin VCD episode pale into insignificance.Having said that the EC has performed quite well overall.

[Maxi101]

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.

What do you expect in times like this. It's hard for everybody to know which side to choose. Anyway you could be right too.

Howdy, there are people here who were worried (like me) last year already.

What we can say now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(I have no words !)

maxi

[John K]

YH, I did not specify a who because the Election commissioner(s) did not. However there is one or more news clippings that talks about it. It is common sense to think that whoever has enough balls to cheat would also have enough balls to make death threats. You can come to your own conclusion what group of political candidates fits that description.

[hammered]

I recall a little while back Thaksin suggesting a temporary "unity government" made up of representatives from all the major parties should be formed as a caretaker government until things can be sorted out and free and fair elections could be held.

Of course the generals would never allow such a thing as they know whats best for the country.

Personally if this is to be worked out amicably (unlikely) a PPP-Dem coalition is the best way forward leaving out all the little fly by night parties.

Seeing the onerous manouvers of the tiny parties over the last few days as they practice giving head and the finger at the same time to get themselves into a coalition while not upsetting their own voters is a reminder of the worst side of Thai politics from which we have been spared for a good bunch of years. It really is quite disgusting to watch an unprincipled bunch of politcal whores try to contort themselves into the government at any cost.

After a week or so of this a government of national reconcilliation must be a far better option for everyone except possibly the generals.

[hammered]

Here is a link to a New Straits Times article on the current situation in Thailand witha different perspective:

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sat...icle/index_html

[blaze]

I recall a little while back Thaksin suggesting a temporary "unity government" made up of representatives from all the major parties should be formed as a caretaker government until things can be sorted out and free and fair elections could be held.

Of course the generals would never allow such a thing as they know whats best for the country.

Personally if this is to be worked out amicably (unlikely) a PPP-Dem coalition is the best way forward leaving out all the little fly by night parties.

Seeing the onerous manouvers of the tiny parties over the last few days as they practice giving head and the finger at the same time to get themselves into a coalition while not upsetting their own voters is a reminder of the worst side of Thai politics from which we have been spared for a good bunch of years. It really is quite disgusting to watch an unprincipled bunch of politcal whores try to contort themselves into the government at any cost.

After a week or so of this a government of national reconcilliation must be a far better option for everyone except possibly the generals.

Yes- all true- and speaking of the generals- did I not read recently that the PPP DOES intend to audit the military's budget and spending over the last 15 months? That could explain- (but maybe doesn't)- the cash injection to produce/manufacture/award red cards.

I just can't see that sitting well with the procurement people.

[hammered]

I recall a little while back Thaksin suggesting a temporary "unity government" made up of representatives from all the major parties should be formed as a caretaker government until things can be sorted out and free and fair elections could be held.

Of course the generals would never allow such a thing as they know whats best for the country.

Personally if this is to be worked out amicably (unlikely) a PPP-Dem coalition is the best way forward leaving out all the little fly by night parties.

Seeing the onerous manouvers of the tiny parties over the last few days as they practice giving head and the finger at the same time to get themselves into a coalition while not upsetting their own voters is a reminder of the worst side of Thai politics from which we have been spared for a good bunch of years. It really is quite disgusting to watch an unprincipled bunch of politcal whores try to contort themselves into the government at any cost.

After a week or so of this a government of national reconcilliation must be a far better option for everyone except possibly the generals.

Yes- all true- and speaking of the generals- did I not read recently that the PPP DOES intend to audit the military's budget and spending over the last 15 months? That could explain- (but maybe doesn't)- the cash injection to produce/manufacture/award red cards.

I just can't see that sitting well with the procurement people.

I think the PPP said something like the charter gives protection to the coup artists and we must all respect the constitution but military expenditure must be examined for corruption.

Like with every obvious clash betweent he power groups a PPP-Dem coalition makes sense in thsi case with the Dems overseeing defence and hence not wanting to get caught with their pants down on corruptuion but with the military feeling less directly threatened and therefore less likely to do a something outlandish.

I am however starting to think neither PPP nor the generals are going to give any ground and worry about what may happen.

[blaze]

I recall a little while back Thaksin suggesting a temporary "unity government" made up of representatives from all the major parties should be formed as a caretaker government until things can be sorted out and free and fair elections could be held.

Of course the generals would never allow such a thing as they know whats best for the country.

Personally if this is to be worked out amicably (unlikely) a PPP-Dem coalition is the best way forward leaving out all the little fly by night parties.

Seeing the onerous manouvers of the tiny parties over the last few days as they practice giving head and the finger at the same time to get themselves into a coalition while not upsetting their own voters is a reminder of the worst side of Thai politics from which we have been spared for a good bunch of years. It really is quite disgusting to watch an unprincipled bunch of politcal whores try to contort themselves into the government at any cost.

After a week or so of this a government of national reconcilliation must be a far better option for everyone except possibly the generals.

Yes- all true- and speaking of the generals- did I not read recently that the PPP DOES intend to audit the military's budget and spending over the last 15 months? That could explain- (but maybe doesn't)- the cash injection to produce/manufacture/award red cards.

I just can't see that sitting well with the procurement people.

I think the PPP said something like the charter gives protection to the coup artists and we must all respect the constitution but military expenditure must be examined for corruption.

Like with every obvious clash betweent he power groups a PPP-Dem coalition makes sense in thsi case with the Dems overseeing defence and hence not wanting to get caught with their pants down on corruptuion but with the military feeling less directly threatened and therefore less likely to do a something outlandish.

I am however starting to think neither PPP nor the generals are going to give any ground and worry about what may happen.

I think so too hammered- this one could have wheels. If a commission is going to be set up to examine the transactions- it has to be more transparent than those we are accustomed to- and must include bipartisan involvement at every level -perhaps even including military.

It can NOT be allowed to degenerate into 'let's find some dirt no matter how long it takes or how much it costs'. Not if 'problems' are going to be avoided.

I wish a journalist would bring this up to Abhisit right away- find out if he would support such an inquiry- yes or no.

[Ricardo]

Whatever the juntophiles (not admittedly a group known for their intellectual honesty) say, the evidence is absolutely undeniable.

YoungHusband, when you can make a good case based on facts, which you regularly do, why do you feel it necessary to flame like this ? I don't think it helps you. I myself feel that you too often rely upon 'informed opinion' to support your case, but wouldn't get picky about it, as I respect your basic integrity.

Let's rather keep it polite & respectful. The group you refer to as 'juntophiles', which you might (I don't know) include me in (erroneously - in my opinion), are more likely to change their views, in response to your posts, if you don't call them intellectually dishonest. You can do better than this.

[hammered]

Apparently Samak is going to announce the new coalition officially in about 20 minutes!

[jumnien]

Thanks, great news!

[blaze]

Thanks, great news!

You think it's good news? I think it's terrible news- the PPP has enough challenges facing it that it needn't be burdened with jealous whores. We can forget a serious auditing of the military expenditures too, I fear. Banharn has been just as acquiescent of the coup and its makers as Abhisit.

[hammered]

Thanks, great news!

You think it's good news? I think it's terrible news- the PPP has enough challenges facing it that it needn't be burdened with jealous whores. We can forget a serious auditing of the military expenditures too, I fear. Banharn has been just as acquiescent of the coup and its makers as Abhisit.

Well it looks like the endgame although with the kind of things that happen in Thai politics anything could still result. It certainly doesnt look like the words rerconcilliation and stability are going to be part of it all though. In the menatime Im going to get on with my iduiotic suggestion of a government of national reconcilliation with PPP and Dems and no silly little parties Thats the beauty of free speech

[Ricardo]

Thanks, great news!

Good news - in that it reduces the uncertainty of the past week.

Now , what does this mean, for bar opening-times ?

Happy & Peaceful New Year !

[Mosha]

From China Daily

BANGKOK -- Samak Sundaravej, leader of the People Power Party (PPP), which won Thailand's post-coup general election, officially announced Monday that three other parties have agreed to join a PPP-led coalition government, which will together garner 254 out of the 480 seats in the House of Representatives.

At a press conference Monday afternoon at a Bangkok hotel, with the presence of high-ranking officials of the other three parties, Samak said that the Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana (Thais United National Development) Party, winning nine seats, Matchima Thipataya (Neutral Democratic) Party with seven seats and Pracharaj (Royal People) Party with five seats, have agreed to join the PPP to form a coalition government.

The PPP, seen in Thailand as a nominee party for the ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, won 233 parliament seats in the December 23 general election, the first one after Thailand experienced a military coup that ousted former elected government led by Thaksin in September 2006.

[blaze]

Thanks, great news!

You think it's good news? I think it's terrible news- the PPP has enough challenges facing it that it needn't be burdened with jealous whores. We can forget a serious auditing of the military expenditures too, I fear. Banharn has been just as acquiescent of the coup and its makers as Abhisit.

Well it looks like the endgame although with the kind of things that happen in Thai politics anything could still result. It certainly doesnt look like the words rerconcilliation and stability are going to be part of it all though. In the menatime Im going to get on with my iduiotic suggestion of a government of national reconcilliation with PPP and Dems and no silly little parties Thats the beauty of free speech

And for a limited time- and with specific agreed upon agenda- (not something so vague as 'national reconciliation)- I second your proposal. Now we just have to stamp it and mail it in.

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

"Meanwhile, Veera Somkhamkid of the People's Network against Corruption said he had filed a complaint with the EC asking it to dissolve the PPP for allegedly being a nominee for the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party. He said he testified on Dec 27 before a panel looking into the PPP's distribution of VCDs featuring Mr Thaksin during the election campaign."

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/31Dec2007_news10.php

It will be interesting to see what happens next. There is a lot at play in the legal arena. How this will ulitmately end is anyone's guess.