Exit Poll Results Show PPP Wins

[hammered]

they are fooled because its just a tiny shortterm buyout...

whatever you say, the vote would have capriciously shifted to whatever party offered short-term populist policies (like a free B1 million per village)...is that really a free-choice "wanted to vote for him"?

The people I've talked to in the last few days have all declared themselves for Samak- not out of love for him or his policies- but out of contempt for the Democrats. Perhaps the Democrats were not sufficiently vocal in distancing themselves from the coup. The Dems didn't like the constitution- but said so very politely. The constitution went ahead. They disagreed with the Internal Security Act- and were again, most polite and accomodating. The Act went ahead. They didn't approve of the NLA's flurry of bill passing- and said essentially- that it's not nice of the NLA to be passing bills at this time. Didn't deter the NLA.

Thais- like most people- like the people they elect to lead them- to do so with confidence and decisiveness. If the Dems could not express themselves more forcefully against the things which they claimed to oppose (aside from Thaksin and all things connected to Thaksin) perhaps in the minds of many, they lacked the substance to lead.

And yet were trusted to be an effective opposition party- playing, in effect, the role of an investigative media----, a trust which I might add, based on their dogged uncovering of possible TRT crookedness up to the time of the PAD rallies at least, - is fully deserved.

To choose someone linked to Bangkoks biggest massacre and gang rape over a party not vocally critical enouhg of a coup is quite a leap for those consdiering democracy as important.

[chevykanteve]

Are you serious?

As a heart attack.

Not that I wish a heart attack on you, but check this out:

The latest poll results show PPP wins a majority of seats

The three exits polls - Ramkhamheang, Suan Dusit, and Abac - show People's Power Party win 255, 256, and 202 seats respectively.

Democrat Party comes second in the exit polls with the seats of 159, 162, and 146 seats from the Ramkhamheang, Suan Dusit, and Abac polls respectively.

Almost 14 per cent of total votes have been counted and it shows PPP leading with 190 seats, followed by Democrat Party with 120 seats.

[dunez]

The Thai people have indeed made their choice -unfortunately up to 16 million under the influence of cash hand-outs. Therefore the result -as usual- is undemocratic

I dissagree, I live in Bangkok and have been asking a lot of people (across a range of social spectrums) their opinions on the election. A general consensous was that TRT offered more stability and a better economy than other parties. That is why there has been a surge in PPP popularity.

[blaze]

With all due respect I think this is looking alright, the economy was much better under Thaksin. The Thai people have made their choices and we should respect that.

The Thai people have indeed made their choice -unfortunately up to 16 million under the influence of cash hand-outs. Therefore the result -as usual- is undemocratic

Tell ya what- you saunter on down to the local hooch joint where the boys will soon be celebrating- and tell them that you understand that they really didn't like Thaksin at all. I would expect that since they were all bought and the money is buying table fulls of the local swill- they will all laugh and say- you got that right buddy- but the money sure tastes sweet.

Think that's what they'll say?

Try it.

Edited December 23, 2007 by blaze

[Plus]

Plus whatever you say, many in the NE actually wanted to vote for him.. Thats their choice..

This is exactly what I'm saying - their choice sucks.

When we/I blame the result on vote buying/feudal system, we assume that Isan villagers have been duped, that their real vote would be different. It won't.

These people are bend on screwing their country, more out of their own greed and ignorance than anything else.

The alternative is that they know exactly what they have voted for, that there's some ingenous Thai wisdom in voting for a man who refuses to answer public ublic questions as a matter of principle. In any working democracy avoiding political debates would be suicidal.

Nothing good will come out of it.

[JimsKnight]

The times, they are a-changin'...

For the best? Or for the worst?

[hammered]

The big thing in this elction seems to be the relatively poor perfornmance of the third parties.

[ando]

With all due respect I think this is looking alright, the economy was much better under Thaksin. The Thai people have made their choices and we should respect that.

The Thai people have indeed made their choice -unfortunately up to 16 million under the influence of cash hand-outs. Therefore the result -as usual- is undemocratic

Wow! 16 million people got cash bribes to vote a particular way? Have you reported it to the EC yet?

[Jingthing]

You call that "bloodlust" on the part of the voters?

In a word, yes.

Just look at the bloody history of both Thaksin and the new PM apparent.

[blaze]

Plus whatever you say, many in the NE actually wanted to vote for him.. Thats their choice..

This is exactly what I'm saying - their choice sucks.

When we/I blame the result on vote buying/feudal system, we assume that Isan villagers have been duped, that their real vote would be different. It won't.

These people are bend on screwing their country, more out of their own greed and ignorance than anything else.

Nothing good will come out of it.

Aside from the paragraph I deleted, this post sounds almost identical to letters to the editor that I read in the Canadian media when the Harper gov't came to power- and in the American media when Bush came to power- and when Clinton came to power, and Reagan and...well- the list is endless.

And I'm sure that in every developed democracy, there are those who simply can't abide the fact that some of those ignoramuses on the opposing side might even say the same about them. Thank God for constitutions which grant the same right to vote to our enemies- as they grant to our friends.

Edited December 23, 2007 by blaze

[Mosha]

Did a google on Thailand Election. One hit reported 940 complaints of rigging so far.The wife's BIL came round to tell her to vote for Pua Paedin (Spelling but number 6 in the list). I told her it was not his problem who you vote for. Just vote for who you think is right. Then she put me on the spot. Who do you want? . I somehow wriggled out of that one as I know who she likes, even if not too keen on the candidate.

Afterwards I asked out straight if anyone offered her money. She said no, and she is very honest about things like that. By that I mean if she had been paid she would have said. She does work the system when she thinks it needs to be done.

Edited December 23, 2007 by Mosha

[Jingthing]

Ando, while I agree we can't discuss what we can't discuss, we can discuss that Thaksin was and is an over the top egomaniac, cult of the personality type of leader in the same mold as Marcos. Not to mention directly linked to thousands of extra-judicial killings of his own people, which apparently the voters don't care about.

Edited December 23, 2007 by Jingthing

[prakhonchai nick]

It is mainly the poor, illiterate and uneducated who sell their votes. They care only for the cash. Sure they liked Thaksin. He gave them the village fund from which they have all taken 10,000bt+. Each year they borrow to pay it back and then borrow it again. They don't see it as a debt but as a gift.

Therefore the only way to stop vote buying would be to introduce a law requiring a minimum education (ie Mor 6) level to be able to cast a vote. Why not? Candidates in Thailand have to have a minimum education level, so why not the voters too?l Then we would see a fair and just result.

[chevykanteve]

You call that "bloodlust" on the part of the voters?

In a word, yes.

Just look at the bloody history of both Thaksin and the new PM apparent.

And the Thai army? The ones who overthrew Thaksin's democratically elected government? Their history is sterling, isn't it? No blood shed there.

[stoneman]

Lots of comments about possible vote buying...But really how different is this than a politician in the US promising the wheat farmers in Kansas a govt subsidy on wheat prices or promising new roads, etc...The only difference is the Thai people get their "subsidies" at the time of voting istead of having to wait..

George

[ando]

Plus whatever you say, many in the NE actually wanted to vote for him.. Thats their choice..

This is exactly what I'm saying - their choice sucks.

When we/I blame the result on vote buying/feudal system, we assume that Isan villagers have been duped, that their real vote would be different. It won't.

These people are bend on screwing their country, more out of their own greed and ignorance than anything else.

Nothing good will come out of it.

Aside from the paragraph I deleted, this post sounds almost identical to letters to the editor that I read in the Canadian media when the Harper gov't came to power- and in the American media when Bush came to power- and when Clinton came to power, and Reagan and...well- the list is endless.

And I'm sure that in every developed democracy, there are those who simply can't abide the fact that some of those ignoramuses on the opposing side might even say the same about them. Thank God for constitutions which grant the same right to vote to our enemies- as they grant to our friends.

Ummm... The grapes are starting to taste a little bitter for some I guess.

[legag]

Thank God grapes are not my fav. fruit

[Jingthing]

You call that "bloodlust" on the part of the voters?

In a word, yes.

Just look at the bloody history of both Thaksin and the new PM apparent.

And the Thai army? The ones who overthrew Thaksin's democratically elected government? Their history is sterling, isn't it? No blood shed there.

Last time I checked the Thai army didn't run a candidate in this election. So what's your point?

It is probably true that alot of the PPP vote is an anti-coup government protest vote. So again, do the voters really think this is going to be resolved peacefully?

Edited December 23, 2007 by Jingthing

[dunez]

You call that "bloodlust" on the part of the voters?

In a word, yes.

Just look at the bloody history of both Thaksin and the new PM apparent.

And the Thai army? The ones who overthrew Thaksin's democratically elected government? Their history is sterling, isn't it? No blood shed there.

took tong na khrap

[Mosha]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=206...&refer=home

PPP to issue a statement at around 8:00pm

[ando]

It is mainly the poor, illiterate and uneducated who sell their votes. They care only for the cash. Sure they liked Thaksin. He gave them the village fund from which they have all taken 10,000bt+. Each year they borrow to pay it back and then borrow it again. They don't see it as a debt but as a gift.

Therefore the only way to stop vote buying would be to introduce a law requiring a minimum education (ie Mor 6) level to be able to cast a vote. Why not? Candidates in Thailand have to have a minimum education level, so why not the voters too?l Then we would see a fair and just result.

Hey! Brilliant idea. Why not do it in the USA ? Nobody without a university education gets to vote because all the others are too stupid to know whats good for them. Yo! Go democracy!

[prakhonchai nick]

Wow! 16 million people got cash bribes to vote a particular way? Have you reported it to the EC yet?

I said UP TO 16 million!

I know the EC have been told of specific violations in my locality over the past 2 weeks and they don't give a F...!

[lopburi3]

Please strictly abide by forum rules when posting - thanks.

Discussion of topics concerning the King or other current or deceased members of the Thai Royal Family is forbidden.

[jasreeve17]

It is mainly the poor, illiterate and uneducated who sell their votes. They care only for the cash. Sure they liked Thaksin. He gave them the village fund from which they have all taken 10,000bt+. Each year they borrow to pay it back and then borrow it again. They don't see it as a debt but as a gift.

Therefore the only way to stop vote buying would be to introduce a law requiring a minimum education (ie Mor 6) level to be able to cast a vote. Why not? Candidates in Thailand have to have a minimum education level, so why not the voters too?l Then we would see a fair and just result.

Your first line / paragraph is wild speculation based on nothing.

Your second paragraph would be funny if it wasn't such a dangerous thought. Why don't we just fence all the poor people off and keep them entirely seperate from us good folk?

[prakhonchai nick]

It is mainly the poor, illiterate and uneducated who sell their votes. They care only for the cash. Sure they liked Thaksin. He gave them the village fund from which they have all taken 10,000bt+. Each year they borrow to pay it back and then borrow it again. They don't see it as a debt but as a gift.

Therefore the only way to stop vote buying would be to introduce a law requiring a minimum education (ie Mor 6) level to be able to cast a vote. Why not? Candidates in Thailand have to have a minimum education level, so why not the voters too?l Then we would see a fair and just result.

Your first line / paragraph is wild speculation based on nothing.

Your second paragraph would be funny if it wasn't such a dangerous thought. Why don't we just fence all the poor people off and keep them entirely seperate from us good folk?

The whole point of this and any Forum is to express ones opinion. I stand by mine.

[Jingthing]

I can't agree with limiting voting privileges. Another case of a country getting the government they deserve.

Edited December 23, 2007 by Jingthing

[jasreeve17]

It is mainly the poor, illiterate and uneducated who sell their votes. They care only for the cash. Sure they liked Thaksin. He gave them the village fund from which they have all taken 10,000bt+. Each year they borrow to pay it back and then borrow it again. They don't see it as a debt but as a gift.

Therefore the only way to stop vote buying would be to introduce a law requiring a minimum education (ie Mor 6) level to be able to cast a vote. Why not? Candidates in Thailand have to have a minimum education level, so why not the voters too?l Then we would see a fair and just result.

Your first line / paragraph is wild speculation based on nothing.

Your second paragraph would be funny if it wasn't such a dangerous thought. Why don't we just fence all the poor people off and keep them entirely seperate from us good folk?

The whole point of this and any Forum is to express ones opinion. I stand by mine.

You claim to support domocracy whilst demeaning the masses (the poor, illiterate and uneducated who care only for the cash). It's an unusual opinion.

[jasreeve17]

I can't agree with limiting voting privileges. Another case of a country getting the government they deserve.

It took a good while Jingthing, but at last you've said something on this thread that I agree with. It's sad.

(Not sad that I agree with you...)

[Plus]

Plus whatever you say, many in the NE actually wanted to vote for him.. Thats their choice..

This is exactly what I'm saying - their choice sucks.

When we/I blame the result on vote buying/feudal system, we assume that Isan villagers have been duped, that their real vote would be different. It won't.

These people are bend on screwing their country, more out of their own greed and ignorance than anything else.

Nothing good will come out of it.

Aside from the paragraph I deleted, this post sounds almost identical to letters to the editor that I read in the Canadian media when the Harper gov't came to power- and in the American media when Bush came to power- and when Clinton came to power, and Reagan and...well- the list is endless.

And I'm sure that in every developed democracy, there are those who simply can't abide the fact that some of those ignoramuses on the opposing side might even say the same about them. Thank God for constitutions which grant the same right to vote to our enemies- as they grant to our friends.

How about France when Le Pen got more votes than Socialists? It was a wake up call for the French and two weeks later Le Pen was soundly defeated in the run off elections.

This has not happened in Thailand.

Their democracy is based on different (wrong) premises, Canadian or American example means nothing here.

Current results show that PPP hasn't got the outright majority yet, but their seats are climbing, in about an hour they'll pass 240 mark.

[bulmercke]

Ando, while I agree we can't discuss what we can't discuss, we can discuss that Thaksin was and is an over the top egomaniac, cult of the personality type of leader in the same mold as Marcos. Not to mention directly linked to thousands of extra-judicial killings of his own people, which apparently the voters don't care about.

Apparently not. Interesting and depressing how there's been almost no mention (if any) of human rights issues emanating from any of the parties contesting this election.

A deathly silence. (no pun intended)

Samak is the nominee for Thaksin and Thaksin's human rights record is absolutely appalling.

In their desire and haste to appeal to the impoverished masses the democrats chose not to attack the old TRT which is now in all but name the PPP. This was the ruling party that was in power at the time of the Tak Bei and Khue See massacres.

Instead all they concentrated on was the immediate financial gain on offer to voters if they voted Democrat instead of PPP.

Personal greed and avarice - as always - dictated party policy on how best to sway the voters.