Exit Poll Results Show PPP Wins

[sriracha john]

KORAT BY-ELECTION

Man dies in bomb blast outside banned politician's house

A man was killed when a bomb exploded in front of a house rented by banned politician Suporn Atthawong, a former TRT MP (TRT Banned #48), in Soeng Saeng district last night. The house is next door to the district police station. The bomb exploded about 7pm. The dead man, whose body was severely mutilated, had not been identified last night. Pol Lt-Col Pirawat Methacharatpong said the house was rented by Suporn. He refused to give details of the type of bomb or to speculate on the motive for the attack. It was not clear if Suporn was in the house at the time of the explosion. He was not available for comment. On July 2, Suporn was shot and wounded by men in a pick-up while driving hime from a party in Khon Buri district. He linked the attack to a conflict with a local politician. The politician he referred to ran in the Dec 23 poll under the Puea Pandin Party banner. He was said to have won the election, but has yet to be endorsed by the Election Commission.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/14Jan2008_news02.php

The man killed has now been identified as a policeman... he was also apparently the bomber....

Victim in Nakhon Ratchasima's explosion a policeman

NAKHON RATCHASIMA -- Police in this northeastern province on Monday did not rule out personal conflict as one of the motives behind the Sunday's explosion near a rented house of former Thai Rak Thai Party MP Suporn Atthawong.

Police also included political conflict as a possible motive of the incident in Soeng Sang District on Sunday night killing a victim who was later identified as Pol Sgt Maj Damnern Maesoong, 48. He was attached to Soong-nern police station in this northeastern province.

Police also found a 9mm pistol, belonging to the victim, at the scene of the explosion.

Nakhon Ratchasima deputy police commander, Pol Col Pongdej Prommijit, said Mr Suporn rented the house near the bombing site for his subordinates. He himself has never stayed at the house.

Mr Suporn narrowly escaped a shooting against him at his resdience in Kornburi District on July 1 last year, Pol Col Pongdej said, adding that police were finding out the objectives of Mr Suporn's presence in Soeng Sang District. Mr Suporn was a member of the banned TRT Party and did not run the Dec 23 general election.

Officials who conducted a preliminary investigation at the site of the explosion speculated that Pol Sgt Maj Damnern might have accidently triggered the bomb which he was carrying, said Pol Col Pongdej,

Pol Col Pongdej and another senior police officer on Monday interrogated Mr Suporn, his family members and subordinates at the latter's residence in Kornburi District.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, in his capacity as interior minister, said he has received an initial report of possible political violences in light of upcoming by-elections in several provinces but he would not pinpoint if the violences, if any, would be politically-related.

He said he had instructed the national police chief to be more alert for the possible violences

- MCOT

=============================================================================

Police Identify Bomber of Ex-TRT MP's Office in Nakhon Ratchasima

Police continue their investigation into the assassination attempt on a former Thai Rak Thai member and MP Suporn Attawong in Nakhon Ratchasima province. They have identified the perpetrator, who is a police officer.

The explosion took place last night at the office of a former Thai Rak Thai Board Member Suporn Attawong, who's better known in Thai politics as the "Rambo of the Northeast," and caused the death of the assailant.

Police Colonel Pongdej Prommeejit, the Deputy Commander of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police revealed that the perpetrator who died in the incident was 48-year-old Police Senior Sergeant Major Damnern Maysungnern, the squad leader of Sungnern Police Station, in Nakhon Ratchasima province. It was also confirmed that the 9-millimeter pistol which was found at the scene was owned by the victim.

The officers are still investigating the case and are looking into two possible motives which include personal and political conflict. The police are looking into possible personal conflicts between the deceased and people in the vicinity and are still trying to deduce why he traveled to Serngsang district.

Forensic Police suggests that the bomb was owned by the wrongdoer but there might have been some technical problems which induced the explosion. The bomb in the incident was an Improvised Explosive Device usually used in mills to detonate stones.

Investigating officers led by Police Major General Chatkanok Kiewsangsong, commander of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police force, and the Deputy Commander, interrogated the former Thai Rak Thai board member at his residence in Kornburi district in the province, as well as his relatives and subordinates.

The wife of the dead police officer has already brought her husband's body back home to perform funeral rites.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited January 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Another bombing in the news....

Bomb Threat against Puea Pandin Party's MP Candidate in Buriram

Unknown perpetrators fired gunshots and threw a bomb in front of the house of a Puea Pandin Party MP candidate in Buriram province. The MP candidate believes that the mastermind behind the attack is his political rival who intended to threaten him with the attack.

Deputy Commander of the Buriram Provincial Police, Police Colonel Vichai Sungprapai, along with a local forensic police team and police officers from Nongkee Police Station, inspected the site of a bombing in front of a house in Tambol Tungkraten belonging to Noodaeng Wannakangsai, the Peua Pandin Party's MP candidate for Buriram constituency 1.

Noodaeng reveals that last night at around 10 pm, a bomb was thrown and several gunshots were fired in front of his house, but fortunately no one was injured.

The Puea Pandin Party Buriram MP candidate believes that the mastermind behind last night's incident was his political rival as the move may have stemmed from the Election Commission or EC's decision to red-card the three Buriram Constituency 1 MP-elects from the People Power Party.

Noodaeng adds that he came in sixth in the previous election and he is currently among the favorite MP candidates who could be elected in the by-election, set to be held on January 19th.

The Deputy Commander of the Buriram Provincial Police believes that the incident was intended as a threat to the house owner by his political adversary.

However, more probing has to be carried out in order to bring the masterminds and culprits responsible for the incident to justice.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited January 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[John K]

Cool season Thailand gets cool.

Hot season Thailand gets hot.

Rainy season Thailand gets wet.

Political season Thailand gets bombs.

[Old Man River]

Oh by the way, thaksin having to pay twice is going to make him broke!

Let's see which building they are going to burn this time!

Which building did they burn last time?

Please do not say you are back to the old chesnut of Cyber world and its supposed arson

Not to worry though John k is reporting back to the board by Feb 1st with conclusive proof it is not in fact owned by TCC Land the JV between Charoen and Captiland and in fact these people are lying.

You are most certainly on a roll this week. Please copy where I said what you posted and re-post it. It seems my mind is slipping or is it that comprehension thing with you again.

John, I will save you the time. The building is, indeed, owned by TCC Land. It is controlled by Charoen because he is the majority owner in this JV. It is not owned by Pojamon. Perhaps your HiSo friend read it in Thai Rath or another local rag.

[John K]

Oh by the way, thaksin having to pay twice is going to make him broke!

Let's see which building they are going to burn this time!

Which building did they burn last time?

Please do not say you are back to the old chesnut of Cyber world and its supposed arson

Not to worry though John k is reporting back to the board by Feb 1st with conclusive proof it is not in fact owned by TCC Land the JV between Charoen and Captiland and in fact these people are lying.

You are most certainly on a roll this week. Please copy where I said what you posted and re-post it. It seems my mind is slipping or is it that comprehension thing with you again.

John, I will save you the time. The building is, indeed, owned by TCC Land. It is controlled by Charoen because he is the majority owner in this JV. It is not owned by Pojamon. Perhaps your HiSo friend read it in Thai Rath or another local rag.

Actually my friend is an American who has a lot of dealings with Hi-so Thais on a daily basis. The exact way he came to know about it (person/group) I don’t know for sure but most certainly he was told and did not read it. I do know he does manage to bridge the pro/anti Thaksin gap mostly because he listens. So as I say I am not sure what camp the info came from. At any rate, that is what the Hi-so Thais think.

[Plus]

The building was once owned by Shinawatras, it was called Sriwara Tower then. It has changed a couple of owners since and was linked to them again as a possible location of Software Park extension. Maybe that was breathed life back into that ghost building.

I don't think it's very high on Pojamarn's priorities list at the moment. She probably hasn't commited a single baht to the projects yet, probably only vague expression of interest a couple of years ago, if they manage to complete it.

I think we passed the point of arson speculation, only lust for JK's blood.

His friend hasn't lied exactly but obvioulsy JK's version only partially correct - the building might have connection with Shinawatras. What they make out of the fire?

They got assurances from "senior" citizen that they can form the government already.

[thaigene2]

Oh by the way, thaksin having to pay twice is going to make him broke!

Let's see which building they are going to burn this time!

Which building did they burn last time?

Please do not say you are back to the old chesnut of Cyber world and its supposed arson

Not to worry though John k is reporting back to the board by Feb 1st with conclusive proof it is not in fact owned by TCC Land the JV between Charoen and Captiland and in fact these people are lying.

You are most certainly on a roll this week. Please copy where I said what you posted and re-post it. It seems my mind is slipping or is it that comprehension thing with you again.

John, I will save you the time. The building is, indeed, owned by TCC Land. It is controlled by Charoen because he is the majority owner in this JV. It is not owned by Pojamon. Perhaps your HiSo friend read it in Thai Rath or another local rag.

Actually my friend is an American who has a lot of dealings with Hi-so Thais on a daily basis. The exact way he came to know about it (person/group) I don’t know for sure but most certainly he was told and did not read it. I do know he does manage to bridge the pro/anti Thaksin gap mostly because he listens. So as I say I am not sure what camp the info came from. At any rate, that is what the Hi-so Thais think.

A piss-fight between hi-so low-I-Q's. What a place.

Yet despite all the idiot old-school nonesense of rich yet low IQ types and their idiotic conspiracy nonesense -- every once in a while a shining smart guy rises from the thammada of rich-but-dim-elites ....people like Surin Pitsuwan. Glad to see he landed a hi-profile job.. At some point even the Thai minority will pop out a smart one.

[sriracha john]

Sounding like a cross mix of Mohammad Ali and Charles Manson....

Samak says he's the undisputed choice

Leader dismisses speculation over Surapong and blasts 'evil destroyers'

People Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej yesterday insisted there was no conflict in his party that could derail his chances of becoming prime minister if it succeeds in forming a new government.

He dismissed speculation that party secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee would replace him as the leading candidate for the premiership.

"We have no problems within the party. There are only evil destroyers outside," Samak said, without elaborating.

People Power executives also insisted Samak was qualified to be prime minister.

Deputy secretary-general Sukhumpong Ngonkham said reports of others heading a PPP-led government instead of Samak were made to create conflicts within the party.

The leader of the party with the most seats in Parliament should be prime minister and the PPP have no substitute (for Samak), he said. Party spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang also dismissed speculation that the party was in the midst of picking Surapong as prime minister.

The party was ready to form a government and was only waiting for the Election Commission's endorsement of the MPs and official announcement of Chart Thai and Puea Pandin parties to join the coalition, he said.

"Samak will lead the coalition government," he confirmed.

PPP deputy leader Ruengroj Mahasaranond said party members would let Samak be prime minister according to the rules, adding that party executives would not be discussing the issue at a meeting today.

On speculation over the appointment of a former Army strongman as the next defence minister, Ruengroj said he could not reveal the name of the person, although the party had decided on the candidate.

He said the party had many members who were formerly in the military.

Puea Pandin secretary-general Vachara Phachet voiced support for People Power nominating its secretary-general Surapong as prime minister.

"Puea Pandin will not interfere with People Power affairs, but in my personal view I think it is a good idea to forge national reconciliation [with the choice of Surapong over Samak as PM]," he said.

Nevertheless, Vachara said his party would endorse any decision made by People Power in order to restore political normalcy.

Peua Pandin spokesman Wachiramon Kunakasemthanawat said his party leaders had held informal talks with their Chart Thai counterparts before making a formal announcement on whether to join the PPP-led coalition.

Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa said he would finalise his stand on the coalition led by People Power on Friday.

- The Nation

[Prakanong]

Oh by the way, thaksin having to pay twice is going to make him broke!

Let's see which building they are going to burn this time!

Which building did they burn last time?

Please do not say you are back to the old chesnut of Cyber world and its supposed arson

Not to worry though John k is reporting back to the board by Feb 1st with conclusive proof it is not in fact owned by TCC Land the JV between Charoen and Captiland and in fact these people are lying.

You are most certainly on a roll this week. Please copy where I said what you posted and re-post it. It seems my mind is slipping or is it that comprehension thing with you again.

John, I will save you the time. The building is, indeed, owned by TCC Land. It is controlled by Charoen because he is the majority owner in this JV. It is not owned by Pojamon. Perhaps your HiSo friend read it in Thai Rath or another local rag.

Actually my friend is an American who has a lot of dealings with Hi-so Thais on a daily basis. The exact way he came to know about it (person/group) I don't know for sure but most certainly he was told and did not read it. I do know he does manage to bridge the pro/anti Thaksin gap mostly because he listens. So as I say I am not sure what camp the info came from. At any rate, that is what the Hi-so Thais think.

All of the hi-so Thai's think exactly the same thing?

Amazing *All* hi-so Thai's do not know who owns Cyber World - does that include those shareowners in the building itself?

Amazing, plus your pal must know everyone does he?

[younghusband]

Oh by the way, thaksin having to pay twice is going to make him broke!

Let's see which building they are going to burn this time!

Which building did they burn last time?

Please do not say you are back to the old chesnut of Cyber world and its supposed arson

Not to worry though John k is reporting back to the board by Feb 1st with conclusive proof it is not in fact owned by TCC Land the JV between Charoen and Captiland and in fact these people are lying.

You are most certainly on a roll this week. Please copy where I said what you posted and re-post it. It seems my mind is slipping or is it that comprehension thing with you again.

John, I will save you the time. The building is, indeed, owned by TCC Land. It is controlled by Charoen because he is the majority owner in this JV. It is not owned by Pojamon. Perhaps your HiSo friend read it in Thai Rath or another local rag.

Actually my friend is an American who has a lot of dealings with Hi-so Thais on a daily basis. The exact way he came to know about it (person/group) I don't know for sure but most certainly he was told and did not read it. I do know he does manage to bridge the pro/anti Thaksin gap mostly because he listens. So as I say I am not sure what camp the info came from. At any rate, that is what the Hi-so Thais think.

All of the hi-so Thai's think exactly the same thing?

Amazing *All* hi-so Thai's do not know who owns Cyber World - does that include those shareowners in the building itself?

Amazing, plus your pal must know everyone does he?

It's all too silly to comment further but briefly.Some seem to think "Hiso" refers to all upper class Thais but it doesn't.It is a relatively recent term to describe the wealthy Bangkok social circuit which is a different though partly overlapping thing.Certainly it is absurd to maintain that Hiso Thais have a uniform opinion on anything, let alone an esoteric matter like the ownership of a building.Since I set this hare running -mainly to expose ignorance and prejudice (now amply demonstrated), I suggest we let the Cyber Tower matter rest.I would be hugely impressed by a simple expression correcting the error but we will wait in vain for this.

There's no shame in being wrong on this forum, if truth is eventually admitted.I was completely wrong about the likelihood of TRT being dissolved and was quite legitimately the subject of a tease (Siripon I think) about doing a Younghusband.We live and learn.

My impression is that relatively few of us are connected on a regular basis to the movers and shakers of Thailand, so in many cases assumptions expressed about what the elite thinks is just speculation.

I have one personal episode on elite attitudes to share but will have to fudge some identifying detail.I heard with my own ears three household names (mostly anti-Thaksin anglicised Democrats) agree that the rules of the Electoral Commission and the way it administered them was "criminally stupid".

[Plus]

In what way stupid?

Like what they are doing with Yongyuth? It's silly.

According to EC there are two outcomes - the party gets dissolved or Yongyuth is dsiqualified and the next on PPP list takes over. Actually they prefer to endorse him now and left the courts deal with it if someone files a suit.

They are in the tight spot as Yongyuth won't go down easily. One witness (the one shown on TV?) has already disappeared, and PPP is demanding transfer of Special Branch police. They want 704 officers removed for showing bias.

>>>>

Who said earlier that anything is better than the junta - just waint until Yongyuth shoots his way into parlament or the likes of Chalerm take over minstry of justice (they offered him interior, though).

[John K]

No doubt the Thais are exposed to the same 60-20-20 as we are. The facts about the fire will come out in time.

From my understandings to say it was not arson means they found the reason and were able to rule arson out. I did not check but did they say what was the cause of the fire or just say it was not arson?

[hammered]

Oh by the way, thaksin having to pay twice is going to make him broke!

Let's see which building they are going to burn this time!

Which building did they burn last time?

Please do not say you are back to the old chesnut of Cyber world and its supposed arson

Not to worry though John k is reporting back to the board by Feb 1st with conclusive proof it is not in fact owned by TCC Land the JV between Charoen and Captiland and in fact these people are lying.

You are most certainly on a roll this week. Please copy where I said what you posted and re-post it. It seems my mind is slipping or is it that comprehension thing with you again.

John, I will save you the time. The building is, indeed, owned by TCC Land. It is controlled by Charoen because he is the majority owner in this JV. It is not owned by Pojamon. Perhaps your HiSo friend read it in Thai Rath or another local rag.

Actually my friend is an American who has a lot of dealings with Hi-so Thais on a daily basis. The exact way he came to know about it (person/group) I don’t know for sure but most certainly he was told and did not read it. I do know he does manage to bridge the pro/anti Thaksin gap mostly because he listens. So as I say I am not sure what camp the info came from. At any rate, that is what the Hi-so Thais think.

A piss-fight between hi-so low-I-Q's. What a place.

Yet despite all the idiot old-school nonesense of rich yet low IQ types and their idiotic conspiracy nonesense -- every once in a while a shining smart guy rises from the thammada of rich-but-dim-elites ....people like Surin Pitsuwan. Glad to see he landed a hi-profile job.. At some point even the Thai minority will pop out a smart one.

It is interesting how the really bright (and cleanish) guys seem to either totally avoid local Thai politcs or dabble in it only briefly before moving onto pastures greener. Surin and Supachai both fall into the latter category.

[Prakanong]

Oh by the way, thaksin having to pay twice is going to make him broke!

Let's see which building they are going to burn this time!

Which building did they burn last time?

Please do not say you are back to the old chestnut of Cyber world and its supposed arson

Not to worry though John k is reporting back to the board by Feb 1st with conclusive proof it is not in fact owned by TCC Land the JV between Charoen and Captiland and in fact these people are lying.

You are most certainly on a roll this week. Please copy where I said what you posted and re-post it. It seems my mind is slipping or is it that comprehension thing with you again.

John, I will save you the time. The building is, indeed, owned by TCC Land. It is controlled by Charoen because he is the majority owner in this JV. It is not owned by Pojamon. Perhaps your HiSo friend read it in Thai Rath or another local rag.

Actually my friend is an American who has a lot of dealings with Hi-so Thais on a daily basis. The exact way he came to know about it (person/group) I don't know for sure but most certainly he was told and did not read it. I do know he does manage to bridge the pro/anti Thaksin gap mostly because he listens. So as I say I am not sure what camp the info came from. At any rate, that is what the Hi-so Thais think.

All of the hi-so Thai's think exactly the same thing?

Amazing *All* hi-so Thai's do not know who owns Cyber World - does that include those shareowners in the building itself?

Amazing, plus your pal must know everyone does he?

It's all too silly to comment further but briefly.Some seem to think "Hiso" refers to all upper class Thais but it doesn't.It is a relatively recent term to describe the wealthy Bangkok social circuit which is a different though partly overlapping thing.Certainly it is absurd to maintain that Hiso Thais have a uniform opinion on anything, let alone an esoteric matter like the ownership of a building.Since I set this hare running -mainly to expose ignorance and prejudice (now amply demonstrated), I suggest we let the Cyber Tower matter rest.I would be hugely impressed by a simple expression correcting the error but we will wait in vain for this.

There's no shame in being wrong on this forum, if truth is eventually admitted.I was completely wrong about the likelihood of TRT being dissolved and was quite legitimately the subject of a tease (Siripon I think) about doing a Younghusband.We live and learn.

My impression is that relatively few of us are connected on a regular basis to the movers and shakers of Thailand, so in many cases assumptions expressed about what the elite thinks is just speculation.

I have one personal episode on elite attitudes to share but will have to fudge some identifying detail.I heard with my own ears three household names (mostly anti-Thaksin anglicised Democrats) agree that the rules of the Electoral Commission and the way it administered them was "criminally stupid".

It is funny how so many visitors know so many hi-so Thai's - usually just a middle class Bangkokian.

Does that mean most of my Thai colleagues are Hi-So - not at all but I bet there are plenty thatwould claim so on here?

As I said there is a Na Ayuduya in our office - I doubt anybody including myself would say we know a hi-so because of her - she is a colleague with no pretensions whatsoever - she did not even complain when we cut off her Na Ayuduya for her computer account name as some would.

There is also a Khunpuying I come into contact through work - a senior medical professional and academic - the last thing I would ever dream about talking about is Thai politics or tittle tattle regarding Thaksin or whoever else is flavour of the day.

It used to be posters on Thai web boards claiming to have policemen friends - it seems the trend has moved onto knowing hi-so's.

Edited January 15, 2008 by Prakanong

[hammered]

I use it when I mean a very specific group.

Thailand might not be ready to liberal democracy, the next best thing would be a government accountable to the people, and Democrats are far better at that than TRT/PPP. If the "elites" want to see Democrats in power, it's the best available option at the moment.

The best option indeed for those "elites", and probably the best option for you, and quite likely even the best option for me.

The interesting thing with Democracy though is that each person gets exactly the same say in what they consider 'best', and currently there's millions of poorer people who vehemently disagree that the "Democrats" are best for them.

I wasn't talking to them.

Bangkok 'elite' believes in democracy, or guided democracy, if you wish. The opposing side doesn't believe in power of the people, despite the name. It's very easy to choose which side to support.

If it was very easy, would this topic have run to one thousand, eight hundred and thirty eight posts? If it was very easy, wouldn't the "Democrat" party have won in a landslide?

Clearly it's not very easy, or even a little bit easy.

You assume that Thais want liberal democracy, that they want to be in charge, want the power.

In real life they want their pooyais to take care of them and their needs. In return they don't question what the pooyais are up to - not their business to meddle in big people's affairs, and it can be dangerous.

In effect they elect new masters instead of servants. Maybe the word "public master" is more suitable than "public servant"

here.

Middle classes want the government to be accountable and listen to reasonable opinions from professional circles - academics, lawyers, economists, and civil activists that represent them.

If farmers are similarly interested in national politics, they are severely underrepresented. So far none of the rural activists has gathered enough support to make their voice heard.

"We want Thaksin to come and resque the country, he has money, he can help" is not an example of democratic thinking but that's the voice of the majority, they just don't want to be ready to liberate themselves from feudalism yet.

It's a ridiculous proposition, they would be put down like dogs for standing up to local powers, central government can't protect anyone out there.

So they go along, searching for the perfect master to surrender to, and it won't change anytime soon.

And it can be argued coups undermine any chance of real bottom up development too by either resetting things so an established elite can resume power or as in this case turning an new possibly upstart elite into heroes. While everyone is distracted on choosing the best of the top down guys little room exisits for anyone thinking about or proposing stuff from the bottom up not to mention the message that a coup sends that only the rich and powerful stand a chance of competing.

[Prakanong]

Oh by the way, thaksin having to pay twice is going to make him broke!

Let's see which building they are going to burn this time!

Which building did they burn last time?

Please do not say you are back to the old chesnut of Cyber world and its supposed arson

Not to worry though John k is reporting back to the board by Feb 1st with conclusive proof it is not in fact owned by TCC Land the JV between Charoen and Captiland and in fact these people are lying.

You are most certainly on a roll this week. Please copy where I said what you posted and re-post it. It seems my mind is slipping or is it that comprehension thing with you again.

John, I will save you the time. The building is, indeed, owned by TCC Land. It is controlled by Charoen because he is the majority owner in this JV. It is not owned by Pojamon. Perhaps your HiSo friend read it in Thai Rath or another local rag.

Actually my friend is an American who has a lot of dealings with Hi-so Thais on a daily basis. The exact way he came to know about it (person/group) I don't know for sure but most certainly he was told and did not read it. I do know he does manage to bridge the pro/anti Thaksin gap mostly because he listens. So as I say I am not sure what camp the info came from. At any rate, that is what the Hi-so Thais think.

A piss-fight between hi-so low-I-Q's. What a place.

Yet despite all the idiot old-school nonesense of rich yet low IQ types and their idiotic conspiracy nonesense -- every once in a while a shining smart guy rises from the thammada of rich-but-dim-elites ....people like Surin Pitsuwan. Glad to see he landed a hi-profile job.. At some point even the Thai minority will pop out a smart one.

It is interesting how the really bright (and cleanish) guys seem to either totally avoid local Thai politcs or dabble in it only briefly before moving onto pastures greener. Surin and Supachai both fall into the latter category.

Agree

I was listening to Supachai on a podcast from Stanford Uni about trade agreements very recently.

Even though I do not agree with some of the things he was saying as they seemed to be a bit hypocritical given Thailands trade policies he is one Thai who can hold his corner on a world stage and there are not that many of them.

[hammered]

Anyone giving any form of evidence against Yuth while still in Thailand would have to be totally insane or incredibly brave. That they stayed in Chaing Rai is even more dangerous. Maybe they can reappear with a changed story and then continue to lead a relatively normal life.

If this guy is so dangerous, why does the EC allow him to run for a political position, and why do the voting public give him even more power when they can withold it from him at the ballot box?

Like giving a madman a loaded gun in my book....

That is the nature of Thai politcs. There are many many dodgy characters with dubious backgrounds who can run and be elected and who will never probably even see the inside of a court house. Yuth is one of the more extreme of these to say the least. Lets see how long before witnesses start withdrawing or changing testimony and disappearing (one rumour already). It is just like the sotries we read so often of how a relative of a powerful person killed someone and then all the evidence and witnesses mysteriously are gone.

While worth pointing out little is likely to change. After all the powerful people are the ones running the country.

[younghusband]

In what way stupid?

Like what they are doing with Yongyuth? It's silly.

According to EC there are two outcomes - the party gets dissolved or Yongyuth is dsiqualified and the next on PPP list takes over. Actually they prefer to endorse him now and left the courts deal with it if someone files a suit.

They are in the tight spot as Yongyuth won't go down easily. One witness (the one shown on TV?) has already disappeared, and PPP is demanding transfer of Special Branch police. They want 704 officers removed for showing bias.

>>>>

Who said earlier that anything is better than the junta - just waint until Yongyuth shoots his way into parlament or the likes of Chalerm take over minstry of justice (they offered him interior, though).

I got the impression the "stupid" label was probably more to do with the rules EC operates under rather than its efficiency of operation.But I stress it's not my view.I was quite taken aback by the vehemence with which the views were expressed.These were names that certainly you would know Plus if not everybody.I conclude there's some real frustration building up on the Dems side.

[Plus]

Well, let Yongyuth go and pass it over to the courts is the rules they operate under. Maybe they meant distribution of VCDs. According to EC if they can't show connection between the party and the distributors, it's alright.

Imagine if they caught some people paying villagers to vote and all the party have to say in its defence - we don't know these people. They pay out of generousity of their own hearts.

Silly, but apparently these are the rules.

Let them get on with it at the moment. At least they follow the rules.

t can be argued coups undermine any chance of real bottom up development too...

The coup fits perfectly well with the idea of guided democracy. Like if a teenage son gets involved with drugs some sort of action is expected, you won't be given total freedom until you can prove you won't abuse it, that you are ready and mature.

This is the way the elites think, like it or not.

On the part of villagers all they have to prove is that they understand importance of the rule of law. "We insist on electing crooks because they give us more of their loot" is not a show of responsibility. If they don't accept this condition they will have to wrestle the power by force, the equivalent of running away from home. Chances of positive outcome are minimal.

Democrats (elite's choice of govt) are far more open to grass roots activism. They can be heartless when it comes to conflict resolution but they don't feel they have the right to stamp grassroots out completely.

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

High Court to rule Friday on whether PPP a proxy

The Supreme Court has scheduled Friday to rule on a high profile case which can upset the victory of the People Power Party following the completion of the Tuesday's hearing.

Under the election law, the balloting outcome might be cancelled if the winning party or its leader was found to have involved in the proxy race. The conviction could also lead to the litigation for party disbandment in the Constitution Court.

In the Tuesday's hearing, the high court completed the examination of evidence and ruled out the hearing of testimonies on grounds that the case involved the legal interpretations of relevant provisions.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/index.php

The court accepted the case.

Edited January 15, 2008 by ChiangMaiAmerican

[sriracha john]

Anyone giving any form of evidence against Yuth while still in Thailand would have to be totally insane or incredibly brave. That they stayed in Chaing Rai is even more dangerous. Maybe they can reappear with a changed story and then continue to lead a relatively normal life.

If this guy is so dangerous, why does the EC allow him to run for a political position, and why do the voting public give him even more power when they can withold it from him at the ballot box?

Like giving a madman a loaded gun in my book....

That is the nature of Thai politcs. There are many many dodgy characters with dubious backgrounds who can run and be elected and who will never probably even see the inside of a court house. Yuth is one of the more extreme of these to say the least. Lets see how long before witnesses start withdrawing or changing testimony and disappearing (one rumour already). It is just like the sotries we read so often of how a relative of a powerful person killed someone and then all the evidence and witnesses mysteriously are gone.

While worth pointing out little is likely to change. After all the powerful people are the ones running the country.

We have both now... missing AND withdrawing... guess nobody wants to end up like a Yongyuth refrigerator...

Complaint against PPP Deputy Leader is withdrawn

The Chart Thai Party candidate who lodged a complaint with the EC accusing First Deputy Leader of the People Power Party Yongyuth Tiyapairat of election fraud has withdrawn his complaint, which could have led to the PPP's dissolution. The withdrawal of the complaint triggered speculation that it could weaken the EC's vote-buying charge against Yongyuth. In the complaint lodged by Wijit Yordsuwan, a Chart Thai candidate in Chiang Rai, Yongyuth was accused of arranging for a group of tambon and village heads from Chiang Rai to be flown to Bangkok for a meeting. At the meeting, Yongyuth allegedly solicited their help in campaigning for PPP candidates in Chiang Rai. The case could have resulted in a red card for Yongyuth and the dissolution of the PPP, since Yongyuth is a key executive of the party. Mr Wijit withdrew the complaint late yesterday morning. However, Chiang Rai election director Amornpong Wichitakul insisted that the EC could continue its investigation against Yongyuth because it earlier resolved to receive the case. National EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said he had not yet received the request to withdraw the complaint. However, he said, a meeting of the five members of the EC would make a decision on how to deal with the withdrawal. A source said Wijit withdrew the complaint following the visit of Chart Thai Secretary-General Praphat Phothasuthon to Chiang Rai early this month.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/15Jan2008_news04.php

[hammered]

High Court to rule Friday on whether PPP a proxy

The Supreme Court has scheduled Friday to rule on a high profile case which can upset the victory of the People Power Party following the completion of the Tuesday's hearing.

Under the election law, the balloting outcome might be cancelled if the winning party or its leader was found to have involved in the proxy race. The conviction could also lead to the litigation for party disbandment in the Constitution Court.

In the Tuesday's hearing, the high court completed the examination of evidence and ruled out the hearing of testimonies on grounds that the case involved the legal interpretations of relevant provisions.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/index.php

The court accepted the case.

Interesting to see if this is decided purely on law or also taking into account the politcal ramifications.

The case goes something like this. Under Thai law a proxy is exactly the same as the person they represent. Samak has publically stated he is a political proxy of Thaksin. Therefore he acts as Thaksin legally. Quite a simple case legally, which is probably why the Demos are trying to get their man to drop it. Obviously though what is simple legally is not simple politcially especially bearing in mind all the rumours (I'll regret this) are "PPP are cleared to run the country" So legally how can a court decide something isnt when it obviously is without undermining its credibility? Maybe a way out is to find Samak a proxy of Thaksin but not demonstrably speaking for the party although it is a bit tenuous to argue a party leader speaking at offical party events is speaking only in a personal capacity, but it may be a possible loophole bearing in mind nobody seems to want a diso. Samak goes but PPP stays. Gets rid of the PPP headache in convincing Samak not to be PM too.

Edited January 15, 2008 by hammered

[blaze]

Anyone giving any form of evidence against Yuth while still in Thailand would have to be totally insane or incredibly brave. That they stayed in Chaing Rai is even more dangerous. Maybe they can reappear with a changed story and then continue to lead a relatively normal life.

If this guy is so dangerous, why does the EC allow him to run for a political position, and why do the voting public give him even more power when they can withold it from him at the ballot box?

Like giving a madman a loaded gun in my book....

That is the nature of Thai politcs. There are many many dodgy characters with dubious backgrounds who can run and be elected and who will never probably even see the inside of a court house. Yuth is one of the more extreme of these to say the least. Lets see how long before witnesses start withdrawing or changing testimony and disappearing (one rumour already). It is just like the sotries we read so often of how a relative of a powerful person killed someone and then all the evidence and witnesses mysteriously are gone.

While worth pointing out little is likely to change. After all the powerful people are the ones running the country.

We have both now... missing AND withdrawing... guess nobody wants to end up like a Yongyuth refrigerator...

Complaint against PPP Deputy Leader is withdrawn

The Chart Thai Party candidate who lodged a complaint with the EC accusing First Deputy Leader of the People Power Party Yongyuth Tiyapairat of election fraud has withdrawn his complaint, which could have led to the PPP's dissolution. The withdrawal of the complaint triggered speculation that it could weaken the EC's vote-buying charge against Yongyuth. In the complaint lodged by Wijit Yordsuwan, a Chart Thai candidate in Chiang Rai, Yongyuth was accused of arranging for a group of tambon and village heads from Chiang Rai to be flown to Bangkok for a meeting. At the meeting, Yongyuth allegedly solicited their help in campaigning for PPP candidates in Chiang Rai. The case could have resulted in a red card for Yongyuth and the dissolution of the PPP, since Yongyuth is a key executive of the party. Mr Wijit withdrew the complaint late yesterday morning. However, Chiang Rai election director Amornpong Wichitakul insisted that the EC could continue its investigation against Yongyuth because it earlier resolved to receive the case. National EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said he had not yet received the request to withdraw the complaint. However, he said, a meeting of the five members of the EC would make a decision on how to deal with the withdrawal. A source said Wijit withdrew the complaint following the visit of Chart Thai Secretary-General Praphat Phothasuthon to Chiang Rai early this month.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/15Jan2008_news04.php

OR nobody wants to take the rap for what could very well be a botched frame-up.

[hammered]

Anyone giving any form of evidence against Yuth while still in Thailand would have to be totally insane or incredibly brave. That they stayed in Chaing Rai is even more dangerous. Maybe they can reappear with a changed story and then continue to lead a relatively normal life.

If this guy is so dangerous, why does the EC allow him to run for a political position, and why do the voting public give him even more power when they can withold it from him at the ballot box?

Like giving a madman a loaded gun in my book....

That is the nature of Thai politcs. There are many many dodgy characters with dubious backgrounds who can run and be elected and who will never probably even see the inside of a court house. Yuth is one of the more extreme of these to say the least. Lets see how long before witnesses start withdrawing or changing testimony and disappearing (one rumour already). It is just like the sotries we read so often of how a relative of a powerful person killed someone and then all the evidence and witnesses mysteriously are gone.

While worth pointing out little is likely to change. After all the powerful people are the ones running the country.

We have both now... missing AND withdrawing... guess nobody wants to end up like a Yongyuth refrigerator...

Complaint against PPP Deputy Leader is withdrawn

The Chart Thai Party candidate who lodged a complaint with the EC accusing First Deputy Leader of the People Power Party Yongyuth Tiyapairat of election fraud has withdrawn his complaint, which could have led to the PPP's dissolution. The withdrawal of the complaint triggered speculation that it could weaken the EC's vote-buying charge against Yongyuth. In the complaint lodged by Wijit Yordsuwan, a Chart Thai candidate in Chiang Rai, Yongyuth was accused of arranging for a group of tambon and village heads from Chiang Rai to be flown to Bangkok for a meeting. At the meeting, Yongyuth allegedly solicited their help in campaigning for PPP candidates in Chiang Rai. The case could have resulted in a red card for Yongyuth and the dissolution of the PPP, since Yongyuth is a key executive of the party. Mr Wijit withdrew the complaint late yesterday morning. However, Chiang Rai election director Amornpong Wichitakul insisted that the EC could continue its investigation against Yongyuth because it earlier resolved to receive the case. National EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said he had not yet received the request to withdraw the complaint. However, he said, a meeting of the five members of the EC would make a decision on how to deal with the withdrawal. A source said Wijit withdrew the complaint following the visit of Chart Thai Secretary-General Praphat Phothasuthon to Chiang Rai early this month.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/15Jan2008_news04.php

OR nobody wants to take the rap for what could very well be a botched frame-up.

If Yongyuth is going to either be in power or have influence over a huge amount of people in power, evidence and witnesses against his misdeeds are going to become very light very quickly. We are not talking about just some slightly dodgy potential MP here. We are talking about an extremely dangerous and extremely powerful (and also very arrogant) man with certain business interests that most would find abhorent but which also never see witnesses about. That is the nature of Thai politcs and the players in it. We could also talk about the machine gun attack he led on the Ayuthaya house but although that is an event beloved of the media it really doesnt show the level of abhorence this man actually achieves although I would be extremely surprised if even any foreign investigative journalist would risk a story on this guy let alone a local one.

To pursue the case they wanted against him which was probably a sting but real anyway imho the current lot needed an election where Yuths party didnt do so well. Now it is pretty much out of the question with the power pendulum swinging the other way. It is a shame that someone so odious will in all likelihood end up in a position of power again but that is for the Thai people to decide.

[blaze]

Anyone giving any form of evidence against Yuth while still in Thailand would have to be totally insane or incredibly brave. That they stayed in Chaing Rai is even more dangerous. Maybe they can reappear with a changed story and then continue to lead a relatively normal life.

If this guy is so dangerous, why does the EC allow him to run for a political position, and why do the voting public give him even more power when they can withold it from him at the ballot box?

Like giving a madman a loaded gun in my book....

That is the nature of Thai politcs. There are many many dodgy characters with dubious backgrounds who can run and be elected and who will never probably even see the inside of a court house. Yuth is one of the more extreme of these to say the least. Lets see how long before witnesses start withdrawing or changing testimony and disappearing (one rumour already). It is just like the sotries we read so often of how a relative of a powerful person killed someone and then all the evidence and witnesses mysteriously are gone.

While worth pointing out little is likely to change. After all the powerful people are the ones running the country.

We have both now... missing AND withdrawing... guess nobody wants to end up like a Yongyuth refrigerator...

Complaint against PPP Deputy Leader is withdrawn

The Chart Thai Party candidate who lodged a complaint with the EC accusing First Deputy Leader of the People Power Party Yongyuth Tiyapairat of election fraud has withdrawn his complaint, which could have led to the PPP's dissolution. The withdrawal of the complaint triggered speculation that it could weaken the EC's vote-buying charge against Yongyuth. In the complaint lodged by Wijit Yordsuwan, a Chart Thai candidate in Chiang Rai, Yongyuth was accused of arranging for a group of tambon and village heads from Chiang Rai to be flown to Bangkok for a meeting. At the meeting, Yongyuth allegedly solicited their help in campaigning for PPP candidates in Chiang Rai. The case could have resulted in a red card for Yongyuth and the dissolution of the PPP, since Yongyuth is a key executive of the party. Mr Wijit withdrew the complaint late yesterday morning. However, Chiang Rai election director Amornpong Wichitakul insisted that the EC could continue its investigation against Yongyuth because it earlier resolved to receive the case. National EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said he had not yet received the request to withdraw the complaint. However, he said, a meeting of the five members of the EC would make a decision on how to deal with the withdrawal. A source said Wijit withdrew the complaint following the visit of Chart Thai Secretary-General Praphat Phothasuthon to Chiang Rai early this month.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/15Jan2008_news04.php

OR nobody wants to take the rap for what could very well be a botched frame-up.

If Yongyuth is going to either be in power or have influence over a huge amount of people in power, evidence and witnesses against his misdeeds are going to become very light very quickly. We are not talking about just some slightly dodgy potential MP here. We are talking about an extremely dangerous and extremely powerful (and also very arrogant) man with certain business interests that most would find abhorent but which also never see witnesses about. That is the nature of Thai politcs and the players in it. We could also talk about the machine gun attack he led on the Ayuthaya house but although that is an event beloved of the media it really doesnt show the level of abhorence this man actually achieves although I would be extremely surprised if even any foreign investigative journalist would risk a story on this guy let alone a local one.

To pursue the case they wanted against him which was probably a sting but real anyway imho the current lot needed an election where Yuths party didnt do so well. Now it is pretty much out of the question with the power pendulum swinging the other way. It is a shame that someone so odious will in all likelihood end up in a position of power again but that is for the Thai people to decide.

The fact that he is a disgusting individual will not exonerate those responsible for framing him- if it is found to be a frame-up (and not a sting)- and they know it. Yes he is an odious character- and yes he doesn't play by the rules- but the forces allied against him contain elements who also don't play by the rules- and if this case were to be pursued, ALL would be exposed- the truly guilty (in this instance) and the truly innocent (if only in this instance).

The EC played an interesting card: by stating that they would not rule on the video- (which they could have done, I think, without having to allow Y and his team to examine it)= but instead pushed the case to the courts- where Y's lawyers will be allowed to examine it for authenticity. And IF it is fake, then it would be wise of those pushing the claim against him to back off real quick.

[Old Man River]

In what way stupid?

Like what they are doing with Yongyuth? It's silly.

According to EC there are two outcomes - the party gets dissolved or Yongyuth is dsiqualified and the next on PPP list takes over. Actually they prefer to endorse him now and left the courts deal with it if someone files a suit.

They are in the tight spot as Yongyuth won't go down easily. One witness (the one shown on TV?) has already disappeared, and PPP is demanding transfer of Special Branch police. They want 704 officers removed for showing bias.

>>>>

Who said earlier that anything is better than the junta - just waint until Yongyuth shoots his way into parlament or the likes of Chalerm take over minstry of justice (they offered him interior, though).

I got the impression the "stupid" label was probably more to do with the rules EC operates under rather than its efficiency of operation.But I stress it's not my view.I was quite taken aback by the vehemence with which the views were expressed.These were names that certainly you would know Plus if not everybody.I conclude there's some real frustration building up on the Dems side.

Not just the Demos. P-Net is livid. Currently, P-Net and the EC are in a verbal war which may spill over into the courts. They cannot understand how the EC allowed votes to be counted at the poll sites. Everyone knows this is how you allow vote buying to take place. It puts a great deal of pressure on people who take money to vote as they have been told. Yesterday P-Net officials presented proof of vote buying which it states the EC refuses to look at.

[Plus]

... nobody wants to take the rap for what could very well be a botched frame-up.

Take rap? How about a bullet in the head?

Yongyuth claims of "frame up" or "sting" are ridiculous. He didn't show up on Friday to watch it, he isn't going to "clear" his name the legal way. Intimidating witnesses is more effective, it started bearing fruit already.

Let's see how the military responds. For the sake of reconciliation they might want his case to be dropped and abandon people who put their lives at risk in order to build the case.

If that comes to light they'll have some serious credibility issues.

[hammered]

In what way stupid?

Like what they are doing with Yongyuth? It's silly.

According to EC there are two outcomes - the party gets dissolved or Yongyuth is dsiqualified and the next on PPP list takes over. Actually they prefer to endorse him now and left the courts deal with it if someone files a suit.

They are in the tight spot as Yongyuth won't go down easily. One witness (the one shown on TV?) has already disappeared, and PPP is demanding transfer of Special Branch police. They want 704 officers removed for showing bias.

>>>>

Who said earlier that anything is better than the junta - just waint until Yongyuth shoots his way into parlament or the likes of Chalerm take over minstry of justice (they offered him interior, though).

I got the impression the "stupid" label was probably more to do with the rules EC operates under rather than its efficiency of operation.But I stress it's not my view.I was quite taken aback by the vehemence with which the views were expressed.These were names that certainly you would know Plus if not everybody.I conclude there's some real frustration building up on the Dems side.

Not just the Demos. P-Net is livid. Currently, P-Net and the EC are in a verbal war which may spill over into the courts. They cannot understand how the EC allowed votes to be counted at the poll sites. Everyone knows this is how you allow vote buying to take place. It puts a great deal of pressure on people who take money to vote as they have been told. Yesterday P-Net officials presented proof of vote buying which it states the EC refuses to look at.

Anfrel were also critical of both local officials and the EC for doing little about vote buying. Interesting to see the usually respected P-Net actually presenting evidence.

[hammered]

... nobody wants to take the rap for what could very well be a botched frame-up.

Take rap? How about a bullet in the head?

Yongyuth claims of "frame up" or "sting" are ridiculous. He didn't show up on Friday to watch it, he isn't going to "clear" his name the legal way. Intimidating witnesses is more effective, it started bearing fruit already.

Let's see how the military responds. For the sake of reconciliation they might want his case to be dropped and abandon people who put their lives at risk in order to build the case.

If that comes to light they'll have some serious credibility issues.

It may just be that there is not any broad support for further disolutions. This presents a problem if a few slam dunk cases arrive in front of judges who really will have little choice but to go ahead anyway. Far easier to make them go away before reaching court and this hasd a kind of tradition about it too. I doubt we'll ever really know the truth so maybe just best left. The cases on Friday are of more urgency and importance right now as they have actually made it to court already and seem to have only one legal outcome.

[Jai Dee]

EC yellow cards three additional PPP candidates in Phrae

Election Commission (EC) Chairman Apichart Sukakanont revealed that the EC has issued three additional yellow cards for Phrae province after its latest meeting. Mr. Apichart also stated that because of the issuances, a by-election has been tentatively scheduled for January 20th.

The three yellow carded MP candidates were all from the People’s Power Party and are runners in Constituency 1 of Phrae. The candidates include Worawat Ua-apinyakul (วรวัจน์ เอื้ออภิญญกุล), Niyom Wiwatjitkul (นิยม วิวัฒนดิษฐกุล) and Panhathai Serirak (ปานหทัย เสรีรักษ์). All three were carded on charges of vote-buying.

The EC has issued 28 cards all together with 21 yellow cards and 7 red cards.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 January 2008