Exit Poll Results Show PPP Wins

[Ricardo]

Those Dems don't take these election losses easily, do they?

What losses are those ? Surely they increased their number of seats, and their share of the vote, this election ? And didn't Abhsit say, early on, that he would stand aside and let the PPP, as the largest single-party, have first crack at forming a coalition ? Seemed a reasoned point-of-view, don't you think ?

... bump ...

[meemiathai]

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.

I think the USA is very different. Each individual soldier is much more educated to know what is wrong or right. So it is unlikely they would follow unreasonable instructions I think. But that is off topic isn't it?

[jumnien]

Those Dems don't take these election losses easily, do they?

What losses are those ? Surely they increased their number of seats, and their share of the vote, this election ? And didn't Abhsit say, early on, that he would stand aside and let the PPP, as the largest single-party, have first crack at forming a coalition ? Seemed a reasoned point-of-view, don't you think ?

... bump ...

Yes, Abhisit chose to respond in a matter that would be perceived as reasoned and calm. He is a great actor, quite the politician, handsome and unfortunately a supporter of a widely resented military junta.

[ando]

I think the USA is very different. Each individual soldier is much more educated to know what is wrong or right. So it is unlikely they would follow unreasonable instructions I think. But that is off topic isn't it?

WOT??!!

US soldiers are better educated and so they wouldn't follow "unreasonable instructions".

You got to be kidding. In any disciplined army the soldiers are conditioned to follow orders without debating whether those orders are reasonable or unreasonable first. The alternative for the "thinking soldier", who refuses a directive is quite likely that he will be shot or imprisoned for disobeying.

Thai soldiers do their job and carry out their orders on pretty much the same level as any disciplined army does, and that includes USA.

[jumnien]

The soldiers in the US Armed Forces don't try coups because they know they would be shot or hanged if they tried. It's a different game here in Thailand. Often, soldiers who attempt coups become PM.

[meemiathai]

I think the USA is very different. Each individual soldier is much more educated to know what is wrong or right. So it is unlikely they would follow unreasonable instructions I think. But that is off topic isn't it?

WOT??!!

US soldiers are better educated and so they wouldn't follow "unreasonable instructions".

You got to be kidding. In any disciplined army the soldiers are conditioned to follow orders without debating whether those orders are reasonable or unreasonable first. The alternative for the "thinking soldier", who refuses a directive is quite likely that he will be shot or imprisoned for disobeying.

Thai soldiers do their job and carry out their orders on pretty much the same level as any disciplined army does, and that includes USA.

I doubt if US soldiers will comply with if they are ordered to shoot at peaceful demonstrators in their own country whilst this cannot be said in other countries. No? There are differences, aren't there? You mean if they are ordered to break in to the White House, they will?

[Ricardo]

Those Dems don't take these election losses easily, do they?

What losses are those ? Surely they increased their number of seats, and their share of the vote, this election ? And didn't Abhsit say, early on, that he would stand aside and let the PPP, as the largest single-party, have first crack at forming a coalition ? Seemed a reasoned point-of-view, don't you think ?

... bump ...

Yes, Abhisit chose to respond in a matter that would be perceived as reasoned and calm. He is a great actor, quite the politician, handsome and unfortunately a supporter of a widely resented military junta.

So if he appears reasoned and calm, he must be acting, I see.

And the Dems' election losses, to which you referred, which are ???

Perhaps the increase in popular-vote, or number of seats in parliament, are part of his cunning plan to further mislead. Blindingly obvious !

[sriracha john]

Yes, Abhisit .. He is a great actor

But I thought it was Samak with the television shows...

the Phad Thai one and the defamation gets you 2 years in prison one....

Edited January 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

The soldiers in the US Armed Forces don't try coups because they know they would be shot or hanged if they tried. It's a different game here in Thailand. Often, soldiers who attempt coups become PM.

They don't need to stage coups because there's adequate checks and balances in place that preclude the necessity.

and yes, meemiathai, this is all well off-topic.

[sriracha john]

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 ?

with many condolences extended to Thailand...

Death of Thai Princess halts post-election coalition building

BANGKOK: Two political parties on Wednesday postponed their announcement on joining a coalition government led by allies of Thailand's ousted premier after the death of the revered King's sister.

Princess Galyani, only sister of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died of abdominal cancer early Wednesday, sending the nation into a 15-day mourning period.

"The party will not be involved in any political activities today (Wednesday), including the party executives meeting," said Nikorn Chamnong, deputy leader of Chart Thai party.

"We will have to discuss for how long we will stop our activities."

An official from Puea Pandin party said they too would not be making any political announcements on Wednesday.

Chart Thai and Puea Pandin won a total of 61 of the 480 parliament seats up for grabs in the December 23 election, the first since a coup ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra in September 2006.

Thaksin's allies in the People Power Party won 233 seats and have announced a coalition with three parties which would give them a slim majority of 254.

Chart Thai and Puea Pandin are expected to announce that they too will join a PPP-lead government, which would strengthen their coalition and give them greater clout in the lower house.

- AFP

[ando]

Something funny going on here?

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/02Jan2008_news006.php

General news >> Wednesday January 02, 2008 Somchai hintsat leaving poll agency

Denies there are rifts among commissioners

Election commissioner Somchai Juengprasert indicated yesterday that he wanted to step down, amid rumours that a rift has emerged in the poll agency.

Mr Somchai, who oversees the EC's investigations, said he wished to return to his previous job as a judge.

But he rejected the notion that conflict had emerged among EC members.

He said he had missed some EC meetings because sometimes he was not well or had other more pressing tasks to do.

He admitted he did not like some of the work at the EC and that he was sometimes unhappy with the task of supervising the polls.

Mr Somchai said if he left the EC, the vacancy should not affect its operation as the other four commissioners could work on their own. Earlier, there were reports Mr Somchai disagreed with the appointment of the commission's special committee to look into alleged poll fraud.

On Dec 30, three winning candidates of the People Power party in Buri Ram were disqualified for vote buying, based on evidence provided by the special panel.

Election commissioner Sumeth Upanisakorn said the EC would meet today to endorse the first batch of winners.

It was not clear how many would be endorsed, he said. Their names would be announced tomorrow.

Mr Sumeth said the EC should finish considering poll fraud complaints and the disqualification of candidates accused of poll fraud by Jan 18.

He expected the final batch of winners would be approved by Jan 22, so that there would be enough MPs for the new House to convene its first meeting.

At least 95% of the 480 MPs - 456 - is needed to convene the first meeting of the House of Representatives. This means the House cannot convene if the EC disqualifies more than 24 candidates.

The three disqualified PPP candidates for Buri Ram, accompanied by their lawyer, yesterday handed a letter to the EC protesting against its decision to red-card them.

Lawyer Yuenyat Jaisamut said the EC's decision was "unjust and illegal". He also claimed the three were denied the right to make a clarification to the EC.

The disqualified candidates are Pornchai Srisuriyanyothin, Rungroj Thongsri and Prakij Poladej.

They were also ordered to pay for the coming by-election and were barred from standing in any election for one year.

[hammered]

Something funny going on here?

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/02Jan2008_news006.php

General news >> Wednesday January 02, 2008 Somchai hintsat leaving poll agency

Denies there are rifts among commissioners

Election commissioner Somchai Juengprasert indicated yesterday that he wanted to step down, amid rumours that a rift has emerged in the poll agency.

Mr Somchai, who oversees the EC's investigations, said he wished to return to his previous job as a judge.

But he rejected the notion that conflict had emerged among EC members.

He said he had missed some EC meetings because sometimes he was not well or had other more pressing tasks to do.

He admitted he did not like some of the work at the EC and that he was sometimes unhappy with the task of supervising the polls.

Mr Somchai said if he left the EC, the vacancy should not affect its operation as the other four commissioners could work on their own. Earlier, there were reports Mr Somchai disagreed with the appointment of the commission's special committee to look into alleged poll fraud.

On Dec 30, three winning candidates of the People Power party in Buri Ram were disqualified for vote buying, based on evidence provided by the special panel.

Election commissioner Sumeth Upanisakorn said the EC would meet today to endorse the first batch of winners.

It was not clear how many would be endorsed, he said. Their names would be announced tomorrow.

Mr Sumeth said the EC should finish considering poll fraud complaints and the disqualification of candidates accused of poll fraud by Jan 18.

He expected the final batch of winners would be approved by Jan 22, so that there would be enough MPs for the new House to convene its first meeting.

At least 95% of the 480 MPs - 456 - is needed to convene the first meeting of the House of Representatives. This means the House cannot convene if the EC disqualifies more than 24 candidates.

The three disqualified PPP candidates for Buri Ram, accompanied by their lawyer, yesterday handed a letter to the EC protesting against its decision to red-card them.

Lawyer Yuenyat Jaisamut said the EC's decision was "unjust and illegal". He also claimed the three were denied the right to make a clarification to the EC.

The disqualified candidates are Pornchai Srisuriyanyothin, Rungroj Thongsri and Prakij Poladej.

They were also ordered to pay for the coming by-election and were barred from standing in any election for one year.

Its probably time to move on to pastures greener with a change of government and being maybe stuck between a hard place and a rock. Remember the neutral international poll observers anfrel also criticised the EC for doing too little about vote buying and Mr. Somchai was the EC investigation man on this front so it could just be he accepts responsibilty for that criticism, but more likely to do with byzantine politcs......

[ando]

Its probably time to move on to pastures greener with a change of government and being maybe stuck between a hard place and a rock. Remember the neutral international poll observers anfrel also criticised the EC for doing too little about vote buying and Mr. Somchai was the EC investigation man on this front so it could just be he accepts responsibilty for that criticism, but more likely to do with byzantine politcs......

A few possibilities here I think.

1. Could be he is getting out now ahead of the possible repercussions of a probable PPP victory.

2. He is at odds with his fellow judges over pressure from the establishment prevent a PPP victory via red cards.

3. A little bit of both of the above.

Anyone who thinks the judiciary in Thailand is completely impartial politically deserves to be an elite poster on Thaivisa.

[younghusband]

The soldiers in the US Armed Forces don't try coups because they know they would be shot or hanged if they tried. It's a different game here in Thailand. Often, soldiers who attempt coups become PM.

They don't need to stage coups because there's adequate checks and balances in place that preclude the necessity.

and yes, meemiathai, this is all well off-topic.

This would be comical if not so typical of the warped juntophile mindcast.In Thailand, although not obviously so mature a democracy as the US, there is an established system of elections - not perfect but more than adequate in the view of international observers.Thaksin could have been weakened and then toppled if most Thais wanted and persevered to achieve that outcome.And what arrogant nonsense to assume that a corrupt and incompetent miltary faction has the right to decide the nation's future.

For the record most decent educated middle class Thais, though mostly suspicious of Thaksin, don't share this poster's uncritical embrace of the military's right to intervene in politics by force.

[nick2k]

has anyone congratulated the PPP for their win yet? if not, I would like to be the first. and hopefully, the country can be like it was before where thailand was receiving visitors from all over the world. where investors came to invest their money.

no matter who won. all I wish for thailand is prosperity, and for the people to be happy here. I want thailand to be strong in spirit and in the eyes of the world.

[Plus]

Democrats added six million votes for siding with the coup, while PPP lost four millions for opposing it...

Will some of our posters ever acknowledge it? It looks like that it doesn't register.

It also looks like some baned posters' spirits are alive and well - get an idea inside your head, keep on banging about it, ignore all evidence to the contrary and call everyone who disagrees a fkcwit. Every now and then complain about the level of discussion.

>>>>>

Everything is suspended for a moment - no word on small parties conditions and no word on Chat Thai's conditions and Snoh himself decided to skip the country for coalition announcement.

There will be serious voter backlash for all those "alternative choice" parties if they help PPP to bring back Thaksin, there will serious voter backlash if PPP can't bring back Thaksin as they promised, only Democrats feel safe and confident. Next time around they'll add another two-three millions from the likes of Chat Thai, and even more if PPP can't roll back to good times with Thaksin at the helm.

[blaze]

Something funny going on here?

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/02Jan2008_news006.php

General news >> Wednesday January 02, 2008 Somchai hintsat leaving poll agency

Denies there are rifts among commissioners

Election commissioner Somchai Juengprasert indicated yesterday that he wanted to step down, amid rumours that a rift has emerged in the poll agency.

Mr Somchai, who oversees the EC's investigations, said he wished to return to his previous job as a judge.

But he rejected the notion that conflict had emerged among EC members.

He said he had missed some EC meetings because sometimes he was not well or had other more pressing tasks to do.

He admitted he did not like some of the work at the EC and that he was sometimes unhappy with the task of supervising the polls.

Mr Somchai said if he left the EC, the vacancy should not affect its operation as the other four commissioners could work on their own. Earlier, there were reports Mr Somchai disagreed with the appointment of the commission's special committee to look into alleged poll fraud.

On Dec 30, three winning candidates of the People Power party in Buri Ram were disqualified for vote buying, based on evidence provided by the special panel.

Election commissioner Sumeth Upanisakorn said the EC would meet today to endorse the first batch of winners.

It was not clear how many would be endorsed, he said. Their names would be announced tomorrow.

Mr Sumeth said the EC should finish considering poll fraud complaints and the disqualification of candidates accused of poll fraud by Jan 18.

He expected the final batch of winners would be approved by Jan 22, so that there would be enough MPs for the new House to convene its first meeting.

At least 95% of the 480 MPs - 456 - is needed to convene the first meeting of the House of Representatives. This means the House cannot convene if the EC disqualifies more than 24 candidates.

The three disqualified PPP candidates for Buri Ram, accompanied by their lawyer, yesterday handed a letter to the EC protesting against its decision to red-card them.

Lawyer Yuenyat Jaisamut said the EC's decision was "unjust and illegal". He also claimed the three were denied the right to make a clarification to the EC.

The disqualified candidates are Pornchai Srisuriyanyothin, Rungroj Thongsri and Prakij Poladej.

They were also ordered to pay for the coming by-election and were barred from standing in any election for one year.

Its probably time to move on to pastures greener with a change of government and being maybe stuck between a hard place and a rock. Remember the neutral international poll observers anfrel also criticised the EC for doing too little about vote buying and Mr. Somchai was the EC investigation man on this front so it could just be he accepts responsibilty for that criticism, but more likely to do with byzantine politcs......

true - but Anfrel also criticized the EC for lack of transparency in decision making. And this resignation certainly hints that the decision to red card the candidates does not meet the burden of proof required by at least one trained and professional jurist.

Edited January 2, 2008 by blaze

[thaigene2]

Oh how wearisome this all becomes. The PPP won BY FAR the most votes of any other party and has a right to form a government. As I said, I didn't like Thaksin and thought the same of him as most of you. But Thaksin is N-O-T T-H-E P-O-I-N-T.

Get over it ok? Let Thailand form it's coalition Govt and get on with it - maybe Samak won't be PM (one can hope), but the majority should have their rights respected.

Now please, can we get on with things - without the stupidity that somehow, the right of the many should be superceded by the puffed-up chests of the few farangs and rich thai elites??? You don't like democracy? Then as someone else said above return to absolute rule. But let me know in advance so I can do the wire transfer out ok??

[younghusband]

Democrats added six million votes for siding with the coup, while PPP lost four millions for opposing it...

Will some of our posters ever acknowledge it? It looks like that it doesn't register.

It also looks like some baned posters' spirits are alive and well - get an idea inside your head, keep on banging about it, ignore all evidence to the contrary and call everyone who disagrees a fkcwit. Every now and then complain about the level of discussion.

>>>>>

Everything is suspended for a moment - no word on small parties conditions and no word on Chat Thai's conditions and Snoh himself decided to skip the country for coalition announcement.

There will be serious voter backlash for all those "alternative choice" parties if they help PPP to bring back Thaksin, there will serious voter backlash if PPP can't bring back Thaksin as they promised, only Democrats feel safe and confident. Next time around they'll add another two-three millions from the likes of Chat Thai, and even more if PPP can't roll back to good times with Thaksin at the helm.

Where on earth do you get your evidence for your opening statement? It seems that even some relatively sophisticated opinion can't work out that Democrat support does not necessarily imply support for the coup (though I concede PPP support probably implies an anti coup position).

It would be excellent if all factions showed a little more willingness to see the other side.I don't see much merit in criticising those who are in no position to defend themselves.There is always room for improving the quality of discussion, and that means toleration of dissent and civilised disagreement.A measure of light hearted banter is permitted.I fully agree there is no room for name calling.

I tend to agree that whoever forms the first administration will inherit something of a poisoned chalice particularly as the economy stutters.Abhisit can afford to play a long game.

Edited January 3, 2008 by younghusband

[Plus]

Where on earth do you get your evidence for your opening statement? It seems that even some relatively sophisticated opinion can't work out that Democrat support does not necessarily imply support for the coup.

There's 47 pages saying that Democrats were propped by the military, that they lost because they supported the coup, that they paid dearly for not coming out against the junta bla bla bla.

This vote wasn't a referendum on the coup, and if it was, the only anti-coup party got only 30+% of the votes and pro-coup parties got over 60%.

And what about the posts about "evil" junta manipulating results, the EC, and even judiciary.

The fact is the junta can't even hold its own parties together - they set up and bankrolled Pua Paendin, Matchima was bankrolled by Thaksin's enemy Prachia, Snoh's Praharaj was firmly anti-Thaksin. Now the junta can't stop them from joing PPP government.

The coup is in the past, it has no influence on today's politics, get over it.

[ando]

Democrats added six million votes for siding with the coup, while PPP lost four millions for opposing it...

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but there was no coup going on at the previous election to compare the outcome of this most recent election with.

One could just as easily say that previous elections held NOT under martial law in half the country, and NOT under strict political censorship by the military showed an overwhelming support for Thaksin and his policies.

I doubt anyone, even the most virulent anti-Thaksin crowd, would deny that the lead up to this most recent election was seriously manipulated by the military dictators, (who had seized power under force of arms), in order to give an unfair advantage to the Democrat party.

Personally, I think its remarkable that the PPP, (which rose out of the ashes of the disbanded TRT), was able to scrape together as many votes as it did under the circumstances.

Had there been a level playing field its perfectly clear that there would have been an overwhelming victory for the PPP.

All the military have succeeded in doing now is to create another deadlock which entrenches divisions in Thai society and disadvantages the whole country.

Another good reason why the generals should stick to doing what they get paid to do and stay out of politics.

[younghusband]

Where on earth do you get your evidence for your opening statement? It seems that even some relatively sophisticated opinion can't work out that Democrat support does not necessarily imply support for the coup.

There's 47 pages saying that Democrats were propped by the military, that they lost because they supported the coup, that they paid dearly for not coming out against the junta bla bla bla.

This vote wasn't a referendum on the coup, and if it was, the only anti-coup party got only 30+% of the votes and pro-coup parties got over 60%.

And what about the posts about "evil" junta manipulating results, the EC, and even judiciary.

The fact is the junta can't even hold its own parties together - they set up and bankrolled Pua Paendin, Matchima was bankrolled by Thaksin's enemy Prachia, Snoh's Praharaj was firmly anti-Thaksin. Now the junta can't stop them from joing PPP government.

The coup is in the past, it has no influence on today's politics, get over it.

I don't quite know how to respond to this but will have a go.

Firstly it would be a vey naive person who relied wholly or even mainly on the discussions in this forum for a broad understanding of political developments in Thailand.I don't and by the content of your posts you don't either.Almost by definition however forums of this sort attract slightly obsessive characters who often harp on one theme, regardless on which side of the political divide.

Secondly, to some extent the election was a referendum on the coup as was the vote on the constitution.Given the junta's propaganda campaign the verdict was a bit of a slap in the face for them.Most Thais of the political class accept that.

Thirdly, it's beyond any dispute that the CNS attempted to manipulate the results, and to some extent are trying to do so now.However as I have often pointed out the junta is not only stategically but tactically extremely incompetent.They lack the courage and the political skill to achieve their aims (and yes I think that in a weird way that reflects well on them: they aren't by any means the cruel brutes extreme left observers claim.I give credit to Khun Surayud for this).

Fourthly (your biggest misconception if I may say so) is to suggest that because the coup is in the past it is irrelevant.The fact is that this illegal and counterproductive act is hugely influential in Thai politics and will be for many years.Essentially the power elite miscalculated and is now in a more vulnerable position than ever.

[Plus]

Democrats added six million votes for siding with the coup, while PPP lost four millions for opposing it...

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but there was no coup going on at the previous election to compare the outcome of this most recent election with.

Huh? This is exactly why you CAN compare the results - one election before the coup, another after the coup. Then you can see what influence the coup had on Thailand's voting patterns.

One could just as easily say that previous elections held NOT under martial law in half the country, and NOT under strict political censorship by the military showed an overwhelming support for Thaksin and his policies. I doubt anyone, even the most virulent anti-Thaksin crowd, would deny that the lead up to this most recent election was seriously manipulated by the military dictators, ...

PPP didn't notice this strict political censorship, election obervers didn't notice it either. In fact PPP was able to get away with distributing MILLIONS of illegal VCDs.

That's an example of an idea that gets in the head and refuses to accept any evidence ot the contrary.

to some extent the election was a referendum on the coup as was the vote on the constitution.Given the junta's propaganda campaign the verdict was a bit of a slap in the face for them.

60% of voters went alone with junta's plan, usually it's called a landslide, not a slap in the face.

Wichever way you look at it - people either endorced the coup or moved on and forgot about it.

Get over it yourself.

Another fact people still attacking junta don't seem to notice - PPP is allowed to form the government. There are no tanks on the streets, no military propaganda on TV, Thai democracy runs as usual.

Edited January 3, 2008 by Plus

[Jai Dee]

Sodsri says Somchai has right to resign, no effect on EC

Election Commission (EC) member Sodsri Sattayatham commented on speculations that EC member in charge of investigations Somchai Chuengprasert (สมชัย จึงประเสริฐ) will be resigning from his post. Mrs. Sodsri said that it was Mr. Somchai’s decision if he wished to resign and he was within his rights to leave the post.

Mrs. Sodsri affirmed that should Mr. Somchai relinquish his post it would not affect the EC’s work, even though the EC is currently dealing with red and yellow card issuances that require investigation.

Mrs. Sodsri said that the loss of the investigative officer will leave the main EC meeting with 4 members, which is still sufficient to conduct voting.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

PPP supporters exert pressure on EC to revise disqualification of MP candidates

More than 500 supporters of the disqualified three candidates for members of the parliament from the People Power party (PPP) have gathered in front of the Election Commission (EC) office in Buriram province to protest against the issuance of red cards to the candidates.

The protestors meditated to mourn the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana before they dispersed.

Leader of the protestors Suchote Thomkrathok (สุโชติ ทมกระโทก) read the group’s announcement, requesting the provincial EC to inspect the disqualification of the three candidates.

Mr Suchote said if the provincial EC does not take action and inspect the matter, the protestors will submit a letter to dismiss the EC’s officials in Buriram.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2008

[HobbsTheFerociousTiger]

Where on earth do you get your evidence for your opening statement?

Don't bother.. I guess some people are just bitter about the election outcome. Let them be.

I see things exactly the same as statements issued by the EU and USA.. I'm happy Thailand can begin to repair all the damage caused by the coup, I'm optimistic about the future. I'd even like to see Mr. Thaksin back at some point, though I do understand when he says 'enough is enough'. Thaksin showed modern leadership, I think, especially on the economy and development of poorer areas. The feudal elite showed it's ugly face and Thaksin is now basically saying 'well, up to you then'. I can only hope that he will change his mind in the future and really move Thailand forward again.

[Old Man River]

Personally, I think its remarkable that the PPP, (which rose out of the ashes of the disbanded TRT), was able to scrape together as many votes as it did under the circumstances.

Had there been a level playing field its perfectly clear that there would have been an overwhelming victory for the PPP.

The PPP did win an overwhelming victory in the northeast (winning 101 of the possible 132 constituency seats). As Plus has argued, while martial law was in place it wasn't enforced. In fact, had it been enforced it may well have ended up aiding the PPP anyway. Let's face it. The northeast was already a PPP stronghold. Enforcing martial law would have only hindered other parties trying to break into the PPP's power base. Perhaps the junta finally came to this understanding as they certainly didn't wield their military might during the election, which they did wield (unsuccessfully) during the national referendum.

[ando]

Democrats added six million votes for siding with the coup, while PPP lost four millions for opposing it...

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but there was no coup going on at the previous election to compare the outcome of this most recent election with.

Huh? This is exactly why you CAN compare the results - one election before the coup, another after the coup. Then you can see what influence the coup had on Thailand's voting patterns.

Mmm. Then, following your logic, (or lack of), it could be concluded that the 6 million voters who previously voted in support of Thaksin and TRT switched sides this time and voted for the Democrats in support of the junta?

The pre and post coup elections were held under a totally different range of circumstances. We all know that if Thaksin had been allowed to run again it would have been another landslide win for him. I believe the people voted mainly for the parties, their policies and their leaders, rather than in support for the junta.

The only way to find out if the Democrats support for the junta (or should we say lack of open disapproval), had any bearing on the voting sentiment of the public would be to two consecutive elections close together. One with the Democrats supporting the junta and one with them opposing it. That's not going to happen, so the argument is academic and rather irrelevant. To draw the conclusion that the improved vote for the Democrats this time round was a vote of approval for the junta is wide of the true mark. I believe that many other factors had a far greater influence on this election outcome. Factors such as the disbanding of the TRT and the banning of their 111 top executives, the short time the TRT was allowed to reform into the PPP and the loss of a very popular leader, and the control over the media the junta exerted in order to favour their preferred party being the Democrats.

The military dictators certainly tilted the level playing field well and truly in favour of the Democrats and I think it was a bit of a shock to many that the Democrats couldn't do better under such favourable conditions.

Claiming the increase in votes for the Democrats under these circumstances as some kind of a big win for the Democrats is a bit of a hollow victory.

In fact, I think the outcome was actually a disappointing showing for the Democrats given all the advantages laid at their feet by the junta.

Ironically, as pointed out repeatedly by international political analysts, I believe the juntas extreme bias towards the Democrats actually led to a protest vote against the juntas underhanded tactics and worked to the disadvantage of the Democrats.

[Old Man River]

One question to all those that think the junta controlled this past election. Why did the EC allow the counting of votes to take place at the poll? This was against all advice given by Thai and international election advisers. In essence, this gave those buying votes the power to know whether registered voters at each poll were voting as had been instructed. To me, this is one of the enigmas if this past election.

[Jai Dee]

EC says successful 380 MP candidates may be approved today

Chairman of the Election Commission (EC) Apichart Sukhagganond (อภิชาติ สุขัคคานนท์) says there is no need to request the Council for National Security (CNS) to dispatch military officers to constituency areas where EC is considering issuing yellow and red cards to candidates for members of the parliament.

However, the chairman declines to give opinions concerning the Supreme Court’s decision to accept a request by candidate from the Democrat party Chiya Sinsuwong (ไชยวัฒน์ สินสุวงศ์), asking the court to void the December 23 general election.

Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Praphan Naikowit (ประพันธ์ นัยโกวิท) reports that EC might be able to approve 380 successful MP candidates today. The rest of the 100 are expected to be approved by the middle of this month.

Mr Praphan adds that EC will arrange by-elections on January 13 at Nakhon Ratchasima province and on January 19 at Buriram province. He affirms all of the by-elections will be organized within this month.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2008