Exit Poll Results Show PPP Wins

[Tony Clifton]

Sounds like a lot of folks have been drinking the junta's kool-aid and enjoying every drop!

I am curious what “kool-aid” means. If I were to guess, it is a statement of frustration when proven wrong or confronted with facts hard to accept. Can you please explain it.

Sunrise won't explain, here's Wiki's version

“Drinking the Kool-Aid”

Contrary to popular belief, Kool-Aid was not used in the infamous punch at Jonestown

The idiomatic expression, “drinking the Kool-Aid”, was originally a reference to the Merry Pranksters, a group of people associated with novelist Ken Kesey who, in the early 1960s, travelled around the United States and held events called “Acid Tests”, where LSD-laced Kool-Aid was passed out to the public (LSD was legal at that time). Those who drank the “Kool-Aid” passed the “Acid Test”. “Drinking the Kool-Aid” in that context meant accepting the LSD drug culture, and the Pranksters’ “turned on” point of view. These events were described in Tom Wolfe’s 1968 classic, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.[4]

It is also now closely associated with the 1978 cult suicide in Jonestown, Guyana. Jim Jones, the leader of the Peoples Temple, convinced his followers to move to Jonestown. Late in the year, he then ordered his flock to commit suicide by drinking grape-flavored Flavor Aid laced with potassium cyanide. In what is now commonly called the "Jonestown Massacre," a large majority of the 913 people later found dead drank the brew. (The discrepancy between the idiom and the actual occurrence is likely due to Flavor Aid's relative obscurity, compared to the easily recognizable Kool-Aid.) The precise expression can be attested in usage at least as early as 1987[4]. One lasting legacy of the Jonestown tragedy is the saying, "Don't drink the Kool-Aid." This has come to mean, "Don’t trust any group you find to be a little on the kooky side," or "Whatever they tell you, don't believe it too strongly."[5] Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly is famous for using the term in this manner. [6]

[Ricardo]

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.

The PPP have won despite the army, EC etc etc using under-hand tactics, just imagine how many more seats the PPP would have won if it was a fair election. The people of Thailand have spoken so let it be, the Thailand is made up of many provinces not only middle-class Bangkok....

If the EC is anti-Thaksin/TRT/PPP/Samak, and is using under-hand tactics as you suggest, why did Thaksin set it up like that ?

Isn't it more likely that the EC is trying to encourage parties in the general direction of less vote-buying & election-rigging ? ie doing their job ??

Why keep on raising this tired red-herring ?

Along with the other falacy - that only middle-class Bangkok votes Democrat. To get 13 million votes, their base has to be much broader than that, doesn't it ?

[ando]

Developments in the past 24 hours certainly dont auger well for a winding down of tensions in the country.

And maybe as a new years resolution we on this board could agree to set an example of tolerating dissent by agreeing to have rationale debates rather than throw accusations around that will inevitably lead to more posters with interesting and diverse views being banned.

Peace and a Happy New Year to all.

Well said.

Bangkok Post

"

General news >> Tuesday January 01, 2008 spotlight

POLITICAL SICKNESS

Psychologists urge those with an interest in politics to look out for signs of stress

Story by PIYAPORN WONGRUANG

Many people who have followed politics closely and then become depressed because things have not turned out as they want may be suffering from what psychologists call "political stress syndrome".

As the celebrations for the New Year arrived, some noted psychologists and political critics have recommended that people watch out for the syndrome, and if possible remove themselves from politics in order to lead a happy and peaceful life.

Since the political scene reached boiling point in 2006 with arguments between the pro-Thaksin group and those opposing the ousted leader, followed by the Sept 19 coup, many Thai people have become stressed worrying about the future of the nation.

Some have no idea how close they are to the syndrome of political stress, a new psychological term recently invented by the Mental Health Department.

M.L. Somchai Chakrabhand, chief of the Mental Health Department, said the syndrome is a temporary disorder of the mind in people who may have engaged in too much politics.

This kind of stress could result in sour relationships with friends and family members, thus worsening daily life, M.L. Somchai said.

Those suffering from political stress syndrome may develop physical problems including headaches, aching muscles around their necks, arms and hands, and numbness. Their heartbeats may become irregular.

They may also experience sleeplessness or be unable to fall into a deep enough sleep, and may often wake up at night.

Mentally, these people may become more and more frustrated, hopeless or depressed, or easily get angry about things around them.

More critically, M.L. Somchai said, they may start to be aggressive, verbally or physically, with other people as their minds become unstable.

ML Somchai said psychologists discovered the syndrome about two years ago, when political conflicts in the country were tense.

He noted the rising number of people asking for advice about political-related tension within families.

While it seemed that the situation improved when the Dec 23 general election was due, the outcome did not give people hope. The election results were uncertain with no clear-cut winners, causing some people to get political stress again, he said.

ML Somchai suggested people examine themselves to see if they experience this kind of syndrome. Those answering "yes" are advised to stop bringing up politics for discussion with their friends or family members _ at least for a while. This is to allow themselves to improve their state of mind.

"It is true that politics is part of our life, but it is not everything. Politics will find its way out, and this is something that people should realise so they will not catch this syndrome," said M.L. Somchai.

Suriyasai Katasila, a political critic from the Campaign for Popular for Democracy who led street protests against ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's government, said that in the modern world it is impossible for people to escape politics. In fact, political issues have become more and more complicated to deal with, he said.

Although it may cause them some stress, Mr Suriyasai urged people not to totally turn their backs on politics and leave matters in the hands of politicians.

In order to effectively deal with today's complicated politics, Mr Suriyasai said, people should stay alert.

More importantly, they should be more rational than sensational while dealing with politics, especially Thai politics, which is often full of rumours, he said.

Mr Suriyasai said the present state of politics will not quickly settle down as many people think, as there is still conflict among some groups.

So what should people do?

"Try to stay calm, and be aware and that should help get us out of the mud," he said. "

[Old Man River]

I still believe there's no way the elites and the military are going to let a Thaksin-reincarnation happen here. They didn't stage a coup to get rid of just Thaksin - but also to get rid of his populist 'rally-the-masses' party. you can bet your last Baht they will protect their positions at all costs.

This has been my thought all along, but we are getting close to crunch time. Perhaps they will step back and let this government fail economically (a lot of issues that need to be addressed) and then waltz in as the white nights.

Sure hope they step back. I'll bet there is a furious debate going on within those circles right now about whether to have their way by force or thinly-veiled tampering with red-cards, etc, - or to step back as you say. Who knows, a minority government might produce some reasonably good middle-of-the-road legislation for both the masses and the country in general - but it won't be good for the old-family-money. So we'll see..

The thing I find intersting about the "farang"-anti-thaksin camp is that it ought to be pretty clear by now that the old-establishment that ousted Thaksin (e.g. anti-TRT) are also much more anti-foreigner - look what they tried to do with the FBA? The NLA had to bury the legislation or Thailand would have shut its doors to foreign investment for years! Thai Rak Thai wouldn't have done that..(for the record, I don't like Thakisn either - but the party's ideals were fine, they delivered on promises, and that's why people voted for him by the millions).

There are analysts that believe they will step back, but meddle in things so that the economy does falter. I think this is the probable tactic given the large amount of seats won by the PPP. Red carding is messy and no matter how true, people upcountry will view it as a vendetta and not part of the political process.

I fully agree about Thaksin's government not being anymore anti foreigner than normal and have recently written so on TV. Sonti and the PAD were the ones who brought us the anti - Singapore crap because of the Temasek sale. This was followed by the junta's stepping up on anti-foreign sentiment because that was what they thought they could sell to the northeast. The Democrats, which some on TV think are puppets of the military (people who are clueless on Thailand), would have reversed the junta's FBA sentiments and also done away with capital controls. They are, similar to Thaksin in this regard, pro business. The Democrats were the middle of the road choice and the good news is that more voters are beginning to understand this.

[John K]

In case anyone forgot to check what all this is doing to the Baht, here is a sneak peak for last month to today for USD.

12/01/2007 31.0040

12/02/2007 31.0010

12/03/2007 31.050

12/04/2007 31.03870

12/05/2007 30.84060

12/06/2007 30.69810

12/07/2007 30.60380

12/08/2007 30.54440

12/09/2007 30.470

12/10/2007 30.470

12/11/2007 30.51120

12/12/2007 30.4640

12/13/2007 30.48680

12/14/2007 30.45780

12/15/2007 30.39650

12/16/2007 30.370

12/17/2007 30.370

12/18/2007 30.50020

12/19/2007 30.7460

12/20/2007 30.83640

12/21/2007 30.89280

12/22/2007 30.66320

12/23/2007 30.56240

12/24/2007 30.56190

12/25/2007 30.39160

12/26/2007 30.370

12/27/2007 30.45580

12/28/2007 30.28970

12/29/2007 30.24310

12/30/2007 30.270

12/31/2007 30.270

01/01/2008 30.04630

[thaigene2]

Yes I agree that the Democrats probably would have rolled back the FBA, or at least modified it.

Whilst I agree that the Democrats are not puppets of the military, I have little doubt that they are puppets of the Establishment. That's their economic and patronistic power base (i.e. separate from their electoral powerbase in the South). So I sure wouldn't call them a 'middle of the road' party (though for many farangs, they were the most palatable). There simply is no middle ground. The 'middle class' (by say US standards) is very small here, usually with an ethnic dimention, and many actually supported Thaksin before (though many jumped ship when they realized the level of personal corruption involved).

Personally, I think PPP's showing would have been even greater if many more Isan people living in Bangkok and the south (those working in Phuket, Pattaya, Samui, etc) had traveled home to vote. We know many did of course. But I have been asking every Isan Thai I can find (taxi drivers, couriers, waiters, etc) if they went home to vote - almost all said 'no' because it would mean losing a few days' pay.

[thaigene2]

In case anyone forgot to check what all this is doing to the Baht, here is a sneak peak for last month to today for USD.

12/01/2007 31.0040

12/02/2007 31.0010

12/03/2007 31.050

12/04/2007 etc, etc

01/01/2008 30.04 (or whatever)

Now you've really lost me. Are you trying to suggest that the continuing 'stengthening' of the Baht vs. USD is due to political uncertainty in Thailand?? At the beginning of last month I had to spend 31 baht to buy a dollar, now I need spend only 30 baht. Shouldn't the Baht be tanking and investors shorting the Baht and cashing in to run away?

[John K]

No particular reason except that 30:1 is some sort of magic number that sets off bells and other alarms. The last time it got that low the government went into damage control. With the EC hard at work and the smell of a possible coup in the air........ who is driving? I imagine that has a bit to do with it.

[meemiathai]

Younghusband why must you continually flame everyone? Are you really having that hard a time getting up to their level of posting without flaiming?

With all due respect rather than resort to accusations of flaming, it's more productive to attempt to deal with points made intelligently.Moderators may wish to correct me if I'm wrong but in my view its simply absurd to regard my post on Jonathan Head as a flame.

Younghusband, it is becoming increasingly apparent you don’t know what a flame is. If you don’t want to follow the path of ex-posters I suggest you take some time with a Moderator to find out. By flaming others you simply degrade yourself in everyone’s eyes. I have tried to explain it to you on more than one occasion as have others. I suspect a few classes at a school that provides social etiquette may be worth looking into. Good luck.

Your accusation is ridiculous as has already pointed out but take it up with the mods if you like.......................

I agree.

Anyone have a light? I want a cigarrette. Where are the flames?

[younghusband]

Developments in the past 24 hours certainly dont auger well for a winding down of tensions in the country.

And maybe as a new years resolution we on this board could agree to set an example of tolerating dissent by agreeing to have rationale debates rather than throw accusations around that will inevitably lead to more posters with interesting and diverse views being banned.

Peace and a Happy New Year to all.

I agree with this.

I have no idea (well, that's not strictly true) why some of the more interesting posters have disappeared, whether banned, bored or some other reason.Colpyat for example, whether one agreed with him or not, lent a distinction to discussions not least because he had a knowledge and context -dating well before 1990- that took his contributions beyond facile farang bar talk.He is badly missed.Your point on toleration of dissent is well taken, and this means refraining from labelling a contrary or awkward opinion a flame.

[blaze]

I still believe there's no way the elites and the military are going to let a Thaksin-reincarnation happen here. They didn't stage a coup to get rid of just Thaksin - but also to get rid of his populist 'rally-the-masses' party. you can bet your last Baht they will protect their positions at all costs.

This has been my thought all along, but we are getting close to crunch time. Perhaps they will step back and let this government fail economically (a lot of issues that need to be addressed) and then waltz in as the white nights.

Sure hope they step back. I'll bet there is a furious debate going on within those circles right now about whether to have their way by force or thinly-veiled tampering with red-cards, etc, - or to step back as you say. Who knows, a minority government might produce some reasonably good middle-of-the-road legislation for both the masses and the country in general - but it won't be good for the old-family-money. So we'll see..

The thing I find intersting about the "farang"-anti-thaksin camp is that it ought to be pretty clear by now that the old-establishment that ousted Thaksin (e.g. anti-TRT) are also much more anti-foreigner - look what they tried to do with the FBA? The NLA had to bury the legislation or Thailand would have shut its doors to foreign investment for years! Thai Rak Thai wouldn't have done that..(for the record, I don't like Thakisn either - but the party's ideals were fine, they delivered on promises, and that's why people voted for him by the millions).

There are analysts that believe they will step back, but meddle in things so that the economy does falter. I think this is the probable tactic given the large amount of seats won by the PPP. Red carding is messy and no matter how true, people upcountry will view it as a vendetta and not part of the political process.

I fully agree about Thaksin's government not being anymore anti foreigner than normal and have recently written so on TV. Sonti and the PAD were the ones who brought us the anti - Singapore crap because of the Temasek sale. This was followed by the junta's stepping up on anti-foreign sentiment because that was what they thought they could sell to the northeast. The Democrats, which some on TV think are puppets of the military (people who are clueless on Thailand), would have reversed the junta's FBA sentiments and also done away with capital controls. They are, similar to Thaksin in this regard, pro business. The Democrats were the middle of the road choice and the good news is that more voters are beginning to understand this.

I'm not sure many regard the Democrats as puppets of the army- (and it would be possible to be a puppet of the army under the conditions of the last 15 months, even though historically, the Dems have not been particularly favorably regarded by the military).

I think rather, that many, including Thai political observers, believe that the Democrats entered a brief armistace with the coupsters. They had a common goal.

There is no question that the army, recognizing that only the Democrats were powerful enough to win against PPP, would have preferred a Democratic victory. And understandably.

At the same time, the job of neutering Thaksin and the PPP is not one the Dems, even as the leaders of the government could have undertaken (though the CNS/NLA hasn't made much of a job of it either).

In fact, if history, something that Abshist knows a bit of I think, were to show that the coup was not justified- that the tipping point- in terms of threat to the nation, as well as corruption and erosion of checks and balances was not reached- then the Democrats are going to have to explain why they boycotted the election- why they didn't protest the coup and why they have been at best only meekly critical of the CNS/NLA. So who's pulling whose strings- well- I'd suggest nobody- it's not needed. It's a mutual beneficial quasi relationship that no doubt will end the day the PPP is put to rest permanantly.

Edited January 1, 2008 by blaze

[raybingham]

No particular reason except that 30:1 is some sort of magic number that sets off bells and other alarms. The last time it got that low the government went into damage control. With the EC hard at work and the smell of a possible coup in the air........ who is driving? I imagine that has a bit to do with it.

I think I am still missing the point here. The strengthening of the Baht would, inter-alia, suggest that the international money markets see the election result as a stabilising factor (vis-a-vis economics). Personally, it is a bit of a bugger because I was getting over 71 baht to the Pound in November and now only 66. A 7% strengthening is pretty huge by currency exchange standards.

[younghusband]

In case anyone forgot to check what all this is doing to the Baht, here is a sneak peak for last month to today for USD.

12/01/2007 31.0040

12/02/2007 31.0010

12/03/2007 31.050

12/04/2007 etc, etc

01/01/2008 30.04 (or whatever)

Now you've really lost me. Are you trying to suggest that the continuing 'stengthening' of the Baht vs. USD is due to political uncertainty in Thailand?? At the beginning of last month I had to spend 31 baht to buy a dollar, now I need spend only 30 baht. Shouldn't the Baht be tanking and investors shorting the Baht and cashing in to run away?

The major factor at play is the relative weakness of the US$ rather than Thai political and economic developments.The list of daily rates provided doesn't really show anything at all other than statistically insignificant deviations from the Baht 30/31 parity.To the extent markets reacted to recent Thai political events it was broadly to welcome free elections and a probable end to the incompetent fiscal and monetary policy of the junta's puppet administration.Thus we can expect some limited strengthening of the Baht, but really it's important to keep in mind that the key determinant factors are largely external.

[Old Man River]

I still believe there's no way the elites and the military are going to let a Thaksin-reincarnation happen here. They didn't stage a coup to get rid of just Thaksin - but also to get rid of his populist 'rally-the-masses' party. you can bet your last Baht they will protect their positions at all costs.

This has been my thought all along, but we are getting close to crunch time. Perhaps they will step back and let this government fail economically (a lot of issues that need to be addressed) and then waltz in as the white nights.

Sure hope they step back. I'll bet there is a furious debate going on within those circles right now about whether to have their way by force or thinly-veiled tampering with red-cards, etc, - or to step back as you say. Who knows, a minority government might produce some reasonably good middle-of-the-road legislation for both the masses and the country in general - but it won't be good for the old-family-money. So we'll see..

The thing I find intersting about the "farang"-anti-thaksin camp is that it ought to be pretty clear by now that the old-establishment that ousted Thaksin (e.g. anti-TRT) are also much more anti-foreigner - look what they tried to do with the FBA? The NLA had to bury the legislation or Thailand would have shut its doors to foreign investment for years! Thai Rak Thai wouldn't have done that..(for the record, I don't like Thakisn either - but the party's ideals were fine, they delivered on promises, and that's why people voted for him by the millions).

There are analysts that believe they will step back, but meddle in things so that the economy does falter. I think this is the probable tactic given the large amount of seats won by the PPP. Red carding is messy and no matter how true, people upcountry will view it as a vendetta and not part of the political process.

I fully agree about Thaksin's government not being anymore anti foreigner than normal and have recently written so on TV. Sonti and the PAD were the ones who brought us the anti - Singapore crap because of the Temasek sale. This was followed by the junta's stepping up on anti-foreign sentiment because that was what they thought they could sell to the northeast. The Democrats, which some on TV think are puppets of the military (people who are clueless on Thailand), would have reversed the junta's FBA sentiments and also done away with capital controls. They are, similar to Thaksin in this regard, pro business. The Democrats were the middle of the road choice and the good news is that more voters are beginning to understand this.

I'm not sure many regard the Democrats as puppets of the army- (and it would be possible to be a puppet of the army under the conditions of the last 15 months, even though historically, the Dems have not been particularly favorably regarded by the military).

I think rather, that many, including Thai political observers, believe that the Democrats entered a brief armistace with the coupsters. They had a common goal.

There is no question that the army, recognizing that only the Democrats were powerful enough to win against PPP, would have preferred a Democratic victory. And understandably.

Blaze, I wrote "some on TV" specifically because one rocket scientist actually tried to make that argument on TV a few days ago (unsuccessfully of course).

[Old Man River]

Colpyat for example, whether one agreed with him or not, lent a distinction to discussions not least because he had a knowledge and context -dating well before 1990- that took his contributions beyond facile farang bar talk.He is badly missed.

Colpyat is missed. Hopefully he is alive and well and returns soon.

[blaze]

Colpyat for example, whether one agreed with him or not, lent a distinction to discussions not least because he had a knowledge and context -dating well before 1990- that took his contributions beyond facile farang bar talk.He is badly missed.

Colpyat is missed. Hopefully he is alive and well and returns soon.

Agreed OMR- agreed. For quite a while, Copyat was pretty much a lone voice on this forum. Some of us got the 'courage' to participate from his example. He is missed.

Edited January 1, 2008 by blaze

[tijnebijn]

Colpyat for example, whether one agreed with him or not, lent a distinction to discussions not least because he had a knowledge and context -dating well before 1990- that took his contributions beyond facile farang bar talk.He is badly missed.

Colpyat is missed. Hopefully he is alive and well and returns soon.

Agree , he is one of the most knowledgeable , with a different view ,

information not only taken by the main media , he is missed very much .

Maybe it is possible if the mods reconsider his ban , because we would love to ,

Mods ? Please send him a message ?

Now I'm thinking me asking this if it is against the forum rules ...nah

[sbk]

Feel free to take it to admin; email support (at) thaivisa.com with your concerns.

That said, the discussion isn't about members or former members so lets try to get back on topic, thanks.

[meemiathai]

Colpyat for example, whether one agreed with him or not, lent a distinction to discussions not least because he had a knowledge and context -dating well before 1990- that took his contributions beyond facile farang bar talk.He is badly missed.

Colpyat is missed. Hopefully he is alive and well and returns soon.

Agree , he is one of the most knowledgeable , with a different view ,

information not only taken by the main media , he is missed very much .

Maybe it is possible if the mods reconsider his ban , because we would love to ,

Mods ? Please send him a message ?

Now I'm thinking me asking this if it is against the forum rules ...nah

Yes I miss him too.

[Tony Clifton]

Colpyat for example, whether one agreed with him or not, lent a distinction to discussions not least because he had a knowledge and context -dating well before 1990- that took his contributions beyond facile farang bar talk.He is badly missed.

Colpyat is missed. Hopefully he is alive and well and returns soon.

Agreed OMR- agreed. For quite a while, Copyat was pretty much a lone voice on this forum. Some of us got the 'courage' to participate from his example. He is missed.

How quickly some forgot that he was the record holder for being the last one to post in many topics that got closed prematurely.

[JacknDanny]

Colpyat for example, whether one agreed with him or not, lent a distinction to discussions not least because he had a knowledge and context -dating well before 1990- that took his contributions beyond facile farang bar talk.He is badly missed.

Colpyat is missed. Hopefully he is alive and well and returns soon.

Agreed OMR- agreed. For quite a while, Copyat was pretty much a lone voice on this forum. Some of us got the 'courage' to participate from his example. He is missed.

How quickly some forgot that he was the record holder for being the last one to post in many topics that got closed prematurely.

He was a pretentious pr#ck, who was rightly banned

[ando]

cyber assination?

[Tony Clifton]

cyber assination?

More like suicide.

[rfhendrix]

Hello, just testing mostly after a mix up that would not allow me to post. Anyway, Happy New Year to the patient Thais who at least made the first step toward correcting the injustice brought on their nation by the military. We have had quite a bit of corruption in the USA as well but so far the military has not intervened into the democratic process. If we can wait so can Thailand.

[endure]

Colpyat for example, whether one agreed with him or not, lent a distinction to discussions not least because he had a knowledge and context -dating well before 1990- that took his contributions beyond facile farang bar talk.He is badly missed.

Colpyat is missed. Hopefully he is alive and well and returns soon.

Agreed OMR- agreed. For quite a while, Copyat was pretty much a lone voice on this forum. Some of us got the 'courage' to participate from his example. He is missed.

How quickly some forgot that he was the record holder for being the last one to post in many topics that got closed prematurely.

He was a pretentious pr#ck, who was rightly banned

Might I remind you gents that public discussion of moderation and flaming are both against the forum rules.

[hammered]

Hey guys why not all send a message to the admin/moderators if you want the ban on Colpyat overturned or not for that matter? Personally I would like to see his return but I feel enough space on this thread has been spent on this subject.

Getting back to the matter at hand, in the next two or three days we should have a clearer picture of where things are going. Right now the politcal news will be overshadowed by ohter events but today we have a meeting of Chart Thai- Peau Pandin alliance on coalitons, and I believe today is the day Yuth possibly gets red carded. There could be a lot happening. On the other hand maybe a reason will be found to delay all decisions. Certain;y we are not looking at anything like national reconcilliation as things stand right now. Lets hope clamer heads prevail

[sriracha john]

Indeed today is the day that is allegedly is do or die for the medium-size parties to say yea or nay. Without them, the PPP will have the thinnest of margins.... as for colpyat, I'd just say that as someone who intereacted with him the most of any poster, that he had his many, many chances to stay... and continually showed that he wasn't capable of conforming to the simple rules. It's that simple. Anyway, moving onward and upward... words from someone intimately familiar with the EC (albeit a past one)... Sanan

PPP led coalition hinges on the naming of prime minister: Sanan

Chart Thai Party chief adviser Sanan Kachornprasart said on Tuesday that his party and Puea Pandin jointly held the key to a successful formation of the new government and that the race to lead the coalition alliance would not be over before the naming of the next prime minister.

Sanan insisted neither the People Power Party nor the Democrat Party could form the coalition and make it work without the backing of the two mediumsized parties.

"Chart Thai and Puea Pandin will meet on January 2 to decide whether to join with the People Power and if the two could not reach an agreement, then they will walk a separate path," he said.

He said the slim majority of 254 House seats claimed by the People Power was insufficient to sustain a coalition. He also ruled out the possibility for the Democrats to garner 247 votes for an alliance, arguing the unfavourable odds for the new government to function.

Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapaarcha has yet to finalise his decision on the matter, he added.

In regard to the speculation about the People Power being red carded, he said he did not anticipate the Election Commission to disqualify so many MPs elect.

"I don't think it is possible to remove 20 to 30 winning candidantes for electoral fraud," he said, noting that a remote chance to cancel the victory was to link the People Power for the distribution of video CDs featuring former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who tried to sway votes inspite of his ban. He saw virtually no chance for this to happen.

He said he had full confidence in the EC for its fair ruling on electoral fraud.

He said that Democrat Party secretary general Suthep Thuagsuban claimed to be ready for the coalition formation because he anticipated a large number of red cards against the People Power.

He warned the People Power to closely monitor how its MPs would vote to elect the prime minister, pointing out that under the new political system, there would be a free vote on the premiership.

Before the appointment of prime minister was finalised, any agreements on the coalition alliance would remain tentative as a surprise could happen anytime if the majority of MPs decided not to vote the party line, he said.

He said his party's alliance with the Democrats was still intact until the new coalition would finally emerge. Should Chart Thai decide to switch to the new alliance, party leaders will definite meet and explain the decision to the Democrats in order to part way on an amicable term, he said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

PPP eyes economic portfolios

Party wants control of five key ministries

A coalition government led by the PPP is beginning to take shape, with the party seeking to monopolise economic portfolios. PPP secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee said the party is eyeing the ministries of Finance, Commerce, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Transport, and Tourism and Sports.

The PPP wants to oversee the Defence and Interior ministries, said the PPP secretary-general. Other portfolios the party wants to supervise are Public Health, Education, and Information Communications and Technology. The other cabinet posts would be discussed with coalition partners, he said.

"We will consider the qualifications of the people our coalition partners nominate for cabinet portfolios. "We have to be sure they are properly qualified for such positions. The public has high expectations," he said. It is speculated the PPP would keep 22 cabinet portfolios for itself if the Chart Thai and Puea Pandin parties join the coalition.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/02Jan2008_news001.php

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I see the highly sought-after Culture Ministry will be one of the bones the PPP throws out there....

Edited January 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[stumonster]

By Royal Command the Court will be in mourning for 100 days.

will this have any implication on the forming of a new government for Thailand ?

[ando]

No matter who finally forms the new government, its likely to be a tentative one.

Expect some internal squabbles as those holding the balance of power try to exert their authority. And add into that some external attempts at disruption if PPP takes the reins. I can see new elections and/or military intervention within the next year or two.

There is no way Thaksin will be coming home to face a hostile government intent on silencing him, and the people have shown their disapproval of the military seizing power with their heavy handed approach of selective martial law and biased political censorship. Ironically, the anti military vote probably COST the Democrats seats in the last election IMHO.

This whole scenario we see unfolding now may well be just a preliminary move towards a truly democratic state in the near future a year or two down the line.

I think we can write this imminently emerging government off as just a stepping stone to the next election which is likely to produce a government decisively backed by the majority of the people.

No prizes for who I am tipping to gain the peoples popular support in the long run.