Exit Poll Results Show PPP Wins

[hammered]

Govt is all but formed

Puea Pandin sides with PPP, Banharn also set to seal deal

A six-party coalition government is in the making with the People Power Party (PPP) dominating the Cabinet with 23 ministerial posts including that of the prime minister, PPP sources said yesterday.

The latest development came after the Puea Pandin Party confirmed yesterday it would join a PPP-led coalition and Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa told reporters he would unveil "good news" today at a press conference.

Both Puea Pandin and Chart Thai are middle-sized political parties. PPP would get 23 Cabinet seats while giving 13 others to its coalition partners, according to the sources.

In addition to the PM seat, the coalition leader would also get coveted portfolios like Interior, Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Tourism and Sport, as well as Justice, Energy, Public Health, and Natural Resources and Environ-ment.

Many of the PPP's Cabinet members will be those close or loyal to ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Of the Cabinet seats to be allocated to smaller coalition partners, Chart Thai and Puea Pandin would each obtain four, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana and Matchima Thipataya would get two each, and Pracharaj one, the sources said.

While most other Cabinet seats would be filled with senior PPP figures, no candidates for finance minister have emerged as the experts approached have turned down the offer, according to the sources.

PPP key figure Chalerm Yoo-bamrung would become interior minister and Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother-in-law, would be justice minister, said the sources.

Party secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee would get either public health or the ICT portfolio; PPP deputy leader General Ruengroj Mahasaranond would become deputy PM in charge of security affairs; another deputy leader Mingkwan Sangsuwan was likely to become minister of commerce or tourism, or a deputy PM in charge of economic affairs.

As for the defence minister's seat, former Army chief Gen Prawit Wongsuwan and ACM Kongsak Wanthana, who served as interior minister in Thaksin's government, are among the leading candidates, according to the sources.

Noppadon Pattama, PPP deputy secretary-general and legal adviser to Thaksin's family, would "definitely get a deputy minister's seat", one of the sources said.

The PPP was likely to nominate deputy leader Sompong Amornwiwat as speaker of the House of Representatives, contrary to earlier speculation that embattled deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat was the leading candidate, said the sources.

Yesterday was the first time that Puea Pandin officially announced that it would join a PPP-led coalition. Earlier, key members could not agree whether to join.

Puea Pandin leader Suwit Khunkitti said after the party executive meeting yesterday that his party had agreed to join the PPP-led coalition. "I will inform the Chart Thai Party in order to plan a joint announcement to formally seal the coalition deal," he said.

However, Chart Thai leader Banharn did not confirm a joint announcement but said he would hold a press conference tonight. "What I can tell you now is that it's good news. I will tell you in a press conference at Park Nailert Hotel at 8pm," he told reporters.

At the Puea Pandin meeting yesterday, executives and ranking members present included party chairman Vatana Asavahame, chief adviser Pracha Phromnok and secretary-general Vachara Phanchet.

Suwit did not say he would support PPP leader Samak Sundaravej as prime minister. "This issue will be discussed with other coalition parties," he said.

EC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaigarn said endorsement of 456 of 480 House seats to enable Parliament to sit would be finished before Monday's deadline.

Source: The Nation - 17 January 2008

Just a technical question, but if they havent finished investigations into MPs, how can they be sure they will definitely have 456 MPs by the deadline? It seems like an irresponsible statement. It would be better to say we are working towards ensuring 456 by....

Then again this is all politcs an power and not about........

[quiksilva]

I read this

PPP key figure Chalerm Yoo-bamrung would become interior minister and Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother-in-law, would be justice minister, said the sources.

Then I read John's signature

So I thought at least we will have a Government.

Edited January 17, 2008 by quiksilva

[sriracha john]

Thaksin backs Samak as PM

Thaksin Shinawatra reiterated that there is no reason why Samak Sundaravej can’t be prime minister since he is the leader of the People Power Party. He told international reporters about the legitimacy of Samak being the new leader of Thailand on the sidelines of watching an FA cup match between Manchester City, the football team of which he is chairman, and West Ham United in the UK. He also hinted at returning to Thailand within the next 2-3 months because he misses home. Thaksin went on to counter claims that his wife Potjaman’s return to Thailand had nothing to do with the PPP's formation of a new government, and that she simply “misses the children and wants to be close to them.” The exiled leader did not stay to watch the final victory, as he had to rush to London to catch a flight back to Hong Kong.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125212

Edited January 17, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Thaksin backs Samak as PM

Thaksin Shinawatra reiterated that there is no reason why Samak Sundaravej can’t be prime minister since he is the leader of the People Power Party. He told international reporters about the legitimacy of Samak being the new leader of Thailand on the sidelines of watching an FA cup match between Manchester City, the football team of which he is chairman, and West Ham United in the UK. He also hinted at returning to Thailand within the next 2-3 months because he misses home. Thaksin went on to counter claims that his wife Potjaman’s return to Thailand had nothing to do with the PPP's formation of a new government, and that she simply “misses the children and wants to be close to them.” The exiled leader did not stay to watch the final victory, as he had to rush to London to catch a flight back to Hong Kong.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125212

Well that should ensure we get Samak as PM, which as head of the largest party is right. I wonder what it says about Thai poltics when the cheerleader of the 1976 massacre (shall we mention 92 as well) is elected PM? However, that is up to the Thai peopel. Maybe at a future date we will see human rights become a bigger issue in Thailand.

Maybe more interestingly we see the name of Mr. Ts brother-in-law as justice minister, while I am sure that will make Mr. T feel more secure with the outstanding cases against him it does raise issues of familial conflict of interest. I am sure we will see Prateep's alliance for democracy pointing this out in the national media fairly soon. With current questions asked about Sodsri's daughter the CNS and conflict of interest and Tepchai Yong and conflict of interest it seems very very strange that to date none of the usual watchdogs or media have seemingly asked the question of potential conflict of interest concerning a minister overseeing the system that will try his own brother-in-law on cases of high national importance. This is probably a far bigger issue than those concerning Sodsri and Tepchai too as it involves what started the whole round of chaos in Thailand and has the potential to continue it. It would also seem better to put this to bed before a government is announced too so that PPP can be advised by the media and watchdogs of a potential obvious mis-step in a precarious position.

It will be interesting to see if any of the so called liberal organizations that are so happy to comment on these issues when they are on the Junta side actaully enjoy either the intellect to see equivalence at least or indeed enjoy the neutrality to criticise on the other side. I wait to see how this develops.

Edited January 17, 2008 by hammered

[John K]

Govt is all but formed

Puea Pandin sides with PPP, Banharn also set to seal deal

A six-party coalition government is in the making with the People Power Party (PPP) dominating the Cabinet with 23 ministerial posts including that of the prime minister, PPP sources said yesterday.

The latest development came after the Puea Pandin Party confirmed yesterday it would join a PPP-led coalition and Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa told reporters he would unveil "good news" today at a press conference.

Both Puea Pandin and Chart Thai are middle-sized political parties. PPP would get 23 Cabinet seats while giving 13 others to its coalition partners, according to the sources.

In addition to the PM seat, the coalition leader would also get coveted portfolios like Interior, Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Tourism and Sport, as well as Justice, Energy, Public Health, and Natural Resources and Environ-ment.

Many of the PPP's Cabinet members will be those close or loyal to ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Of the Cabinet seats to be allocated to smaller coalition partners, Chart Thai and Puea Pandin would each obtain four, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana and Matchima Thipataya would get two each, and Pracharaj one, the sources said.

While most other Cabinet seats would be filled with senior PPP figures, no candidates for finance minister have emerged as the experts approached have turned down the offer, according to the sources.

PPP key figure Chalerm Yoo-bamrung would become interior minister and Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother-in-law, would be justice minister, said the sources.

Party secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee would get either public health or the ICT portfolio; PPP deputy leader General Ruengroj Mahasaranond would become deputy PM in charge of security affairs; another deputy leader Mingkwan Sangsuwan was likely to become minister of commerce or tourism, or a deputy PM in charge of economic affairs.

As for the defence minister's seat, former Army chief Gen Prawit Wongsuwan and ACM Kongsak Wanthana, who served as interior minister in Thaksin's government, are among the leading candidates, according to the sources.

Noppadon Pattama, PPP deputy secretary-general and legal adviser to Thaksin's family, would "definitely get a deputy minister's seat", one of the sources said.

The PPP was likely to nominate deputy leader Sompong Amornwiwat as speaker of the House of Representatives, contrary to earlier speculation that embattled deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat was the leading candidate, said the sources.

Yesterday was the first time that Puea Pandin officially announced that it would join a PPP-led coalition. Earlier, key members could not agree whether to join.

Puea Pandin leader Suwit Khunkitti said after the party executive meeting yesterday that his party had agreed to join the PPP-led coalition. "I will inform the Chart Thai Party in order to plan a joint announcement to formally seal the coalition deal," he said.

However, Chart Thai leader Banharn did not confirm a joint announcement but said he would hold a press conference tonight. "What I can tell you now is that it's good news. I will tell you in a press conference at Park Nailert Hotel at 8pm," he told reporters.

At the Puea Pandin meeting yesterday, executives and ranking members present included party chairman Vatana Asavahame, chief adviser Pracha Phromnok and secretary-general Vachara Phanchet.

Suwit did not say he would support PPP leader Samak Sundaravej as prime minister. "This issue will be discussed with other coalition parties," he said.

EC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaigarn said endorsement of 456 of 480 House seats to enable Parliament to sit would be finished before Monday's deadline.

Source: The Nation - 17 January 2008

Just a technical question, but if they havent finished investigations into MPs, how can they be sure they will definitely have 456 MPs by the deadline? It seems like an irresponsible statement. It would be better to say we are working towards ensuring 456 by....

Then again this is all politcs an power and not about........

From my understanding, if a MP is found to be in violation after being seated, the EC can remove them and the penalty is much more sever than a red card. I think but I am not sure but I seem to remember they can be banned for life.

[ando]

Just a technical question, but if they havent finished investigations into MPs, how can they be sure they will definitely have 456 MPs by the deadline? It seems like an irresponsible statement. It would be better to say we are working towards ensuring 456 by....

Then again this is all politcs an power and not about........

Yea, funny that hey? Of course everything will be done through due legal process as it is always is done in Thailand.

[hammered]

Just a technical question, but if they havent finished investigations into MPs, how can they be sure they will definitely have 456 MPs by the deadline? It seems like an irresponsible statement. It would be better to say we are working towards ensuring 456 by....

Then again this is all politcs an power and not about........

Yea, funny that hey? Of course everything will be done through due legal process as it is always is done in Thailand.

The due process of a smoke filled room with those on various sides with power would that be?

edited to add inanely: or after a certian date non-smoke filled rooms;)

Edited January 17, 2008 by hammered

[sriracha john]

Thaksin backs Samak as PM

Thaksin Shinawatra reiterated that there is no reason why Samak Sundaravej can’t be prime minister since he is the leader of the People Power Party. He told international reporters about the legitimacy of Samak being the new leader of Thailand on the sidelines of watching an FA cup match between Manchester City, the football team of which he is chairman, and West Ham United in the UK. He also hinted at returning to Thailand within the next 2-3 months because he misses home. Thaksin went on to counter claims that his wife Potjaman’s return to Thailand had nothing to do with the PPP's formation of a new government, and that she simply “misses the children and wants to be close to them.” The exiled leader did not stay to watch the final victory, as he had to rush to London to catch a flight back to Hong Kong.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125212

Well that should ensure we get Samak as PM, which as head of the largest party is right. I wonder what it says about Thai poltics when the cheerleader of the 1976 massacre (shall we mention 92 as well) is elected PM? However, that is up to the Thai peopel. Maybe at a future date we will see human rights become a bigger issue in Thailand.

Maybe more interestingly we see the name of Mr. Ts brother-in-law as justice minister, while I am sure that will make Mr. T feel more secure with the outstanding cases against him it does raise issues of familial conflict of interest. I am sure we will see Prateep's alliance for democracy pointing this out in the national media fairly soon. With current questions asked about Sodsri's daughter the CNS and conflict of interest and Tepchai Yong and conflict of interest it seems very very strange that to date none of the usual watchdogs or media have seemingly asked the question of potential conflict of interest concerning a minister overseeing the system that will try his own brother-in-law on cases of high national importance. This is probably a far bigger issue than those concerning Sodsri and Tepchai too as it involves what started the whole round of chaos in Thailand and has the potential to continue it. It would also seem better to put this to bed before a government is announced too so that PPP can be advised by the media and watchdogs of a potential obvious mis-step in a precarious position.

It will be interesting to see if any of the so called liberal organizations that are so happy to comment on these issues when they are on the Junta side actaully enjoy either the intellect to see equivalence at least or indeed enjoy the neutrality to criticise on the other side. I wait to see how this develops.

Somchai will be unique in the annals of Thai History, I believe. I can't think of a Cabinet Minister who has had a wife banned from politics as well as his brother-in-law banned from politics and also have a daughter as an MP.... all at the same time.

Add Thaksin's cousin to the Cabinet as Defense Minister in addition to his brother-in-law as Justice Minister and throw in his lawyer, too and Cabinet meetings will be more like a Family & Friend's Saturday Afternoon Bar-B-Q.

Edited January 17, 2008 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

Pojaman not involved in the Cabinet lineup: Surapong

People Power Party secretary general Surapong Suebwonglee on Thursday dismissed speculation that Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of former prime minister Thaksin, was involved in the allocation of Cabinet seats among six coalition partners.

"The speculation is groundless as the negotiations on ministerial appointments has not started yet," he said.

He said it was a fabricated story linking Pojaman to the Cabinet lineup.

He also ruled out the rumour that a nonpartisan figure might be appointed to the position of Defence minister, saying that every coalition partner was focusing on the revote rather than discuss job assignment at this juncture.

Source: The Nation - 17 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin endorses Samak's premiership

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has voiced his support for People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej to become the prime minister on grounds of his party's election victory.

He gave the interview to the foreign press on the sideline of FA Cup match between his team, Manchester City and West Ham United in London.

Source: The Nation - 17 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin endorses Samak's premiership

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has voiced his support for People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej to become the prime minister on grounds of his party's election victory, Thaksin said.

He gave the interview to the foreign press on the sideline of FA Cup match between his team, Manchester City and West Ham United in London.

Thaksin ruled out the allegation that his wife Khunying Pojaman returned to Bangkok for political reasons in order to influence the formation of the PPPled coalition, arguing that she wanted to be close to her children.

He stated that he was planning to end his exile in the next two to three months because he missed home and wanted to seek an audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen as well as pay his last respects to HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

He said he would devote his attention to the development of education and sports.

Some media mentioned that he left the stadium at the half time and departed to Hong Kong.

Source: The Nation - 17 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

PPP Secretary-General affirms Khunying Potjaman has not tipped finger into set-up of Cabinet

Secretary-General of the People’s Power Party Doctor Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) has denied various rumors concerning the establishment of a new cabinet under the tentative People Power Party led coalition government.

Doctor Surapong affirmed that the party has not considered in placing people outside the party in pivotal ministerial positions and he assured that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s wife Khunying Potjaman who recently returned to the nation has had no input on the matter. Doctor Surapong stated that in actuality, his party has not even considered people for the cabinet yet.

The secretary-general said that his party at the moment is more focused on by-elections and various Election Commission related issues. He said though that his party still has faith in the Election Commission that it is doing its job at the utmost.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 January 2008

[sriracha john]

Thai election winner looking to cement coalition

BANGKOK - Thailand's People Power Party, which backs ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and won the most seats in a December 23 general election, said on Thursday it would unveil a six-party coalition government this weekend.

PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee also said he was confident the party would survive a lawsuit filed to the Supreme Court by the rival Democrat party, calling for the PPP to be disbanded for poll irregularities and acting as a Thaksin proxy.

The court will deliver its ruling around 4 a.m. EST on Friday.

"We strongly believe the statements we have given the court will win us a fair treatment," Surapong told Reuters.

A Democrat candidate accused the PPP of being a front for Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party, which was dissolved for electoral fraud after a September 2006 coup.

Thaksin and 110 other leading members were also barred from politics for five years but were being re-elected by proxy in violation of the essence of the electoral laws, the plaintiff argued.

The verdict, if it goes against the PPP, could deepen a political crisis that began two years ago with mass street protests against billionaire telecoms tycoon Thaksin, and snowballed nine months later into a military coup. But Surapong remained unperturbed, saying the PPP would make a formal announcement on Sunday of a six-party coalition commanding around 320 of 480 seats in parliament, leaving only the Democrats on the opposition benches.

The Chart Thai (Thai Nation) party, one of the larger middle ground parties, was due to hold a news conference late on Thursday, at which it was expected to announce that it had joined the coalition.

A week after the polls, the PPP announced a four-party coalition giving it only a very slim majority, and forcing it to continue to court Chart Thai and its ally, Puea Pandin. But the death of the king's elder sister on January 2, followed by two weeks' mourning, put negotiations on ice.

Surapong said negotiations for cabinet portfolios would take place next week, with the PPP claiming the ministries of finance, transport, tourism, defense, justice and interior.

He denied speculation in the Thai media about the identity of individual ministers, but insisted firebrand party leader Samak Sundaravej would become prime minister despite his barely concealed hatred of the king's top adviser, Prem Tinsulanonda.

"I can assure you that it will be Mr. Samak, not me," Surapong said.

Thai newspapers have speculated that Surapong would be a ideal compromise candidate more acceptable to the army and royalist establishment thought to have been behind the 2006 coup.

- Reuters

[Jai Dee]

EC to complete 95 percent of MP approvals today

The Election Commissioner (EC) says it will complete approvals of 95% of members of the parliament today. However, EC cannot approve deputy leader of the People Power party (PPP) and party-list acting MP, Yongyuth Tiyaphairat (ยงยุทธ ติยะไพรัช), today as the investigation into his alleged electoral fraud has yet been completed.

Election Commissioner Sumeth Ubanisakorn (สุเมธ อุปนิสากร) reports that EC needs to approve 95% of MPs in order to arrange the first parliamentary meeting. As for by-elections in the provinces of Chaiyaphum and Buri Ram today, he says he is not concerned over them and EC will try best to ensure the free and fair by-elections.

Mr Sumeth adds that EC is waiting for investigation results of Mr Yongyuth’s case by a probing panel chaired by Suwit Theeraphong (สุวิทย์ ธีรพงษ์).

Meanwhile, EC Secretary-General Sutthipol Thaweechaikarn (สุทธิพล ทวีชัยการ) says EC is scheduled to review nine election complaints today. 25 acting MPs need to be approved before the first parliamentary meeting.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

EC is mulling partial or complete endorsement of balloting results

The Election Commission has commenced a crucial debate to either partially endorse the balloting outcome for 456 House seats or give a complete approval of 480 seats today to pave way for the opening of Parliament on Monday, EC member Sumeth Upanisakorn said on Thursday.

"If the EC is unable to completely validate the outcome, it will today set a timetable for the completion of its review on the balloting results," he said.

Whatever the EC decides between two options - complete or partial endorsement, it is scheduled to announce its decision later this afternoon, he added.

Source: The Nation - 17 January 2008

[ando]

An interesting concept would appear if the court actually did find the PPP as acting as a proxy for the non-existent TRT. Since it is impossible to act as a proxy for a political party that no longer exists, any guilty verdict would therefore be a bogus finding against the PPP only for adopting a "political ideology" the same as, or near to, that of the now defunct TRT. The PPP is guilty of adopting the political ideology of the now defunct TRT and nothing else, -- there could certainly be no law against that in any democratic nation.

Disbanding a political party because the court doesn't like their particular brand of political ideology (and especially the most popular brand of political ideology in the country), would make an open farce of the whole legal and political system in Thailand. Well, even more of a farce than it already is anyway.

For this reason it is certain that the courts wouldn't embarrass themselves and bring themselves into international disrepute with an adverse finding against the PPP in this matter.

And in any case it appears that those in high places who are pulling the strings have decided to call the dogs off and allow the PPP to form a government for the time being at least. So its all go for the PPP for now at least until the coalition crumbles. Then its back to square one. All in all, the wisest strategy for the elite power brokers as a stumbling, fragmented PPP will be much easier to defeat next time round than a PPP that had power stolen from them through dodgy court rulings.

Edited January 17, 2008 by ando

[John K]

Just one more day.......

[soundman]

Well Abhisit definately doesn't think it is over. This evening I'm going to see him speak on behalf of the Democrat candidate for a by-election being held in one of the three constituancies in Prachinburi province.

[ando]

Who wants to take the poisoned chalice?

The eventual winner will most likely not be the one who does.

And probably a wise strategic decision for the elite power brokers to allow the PPP to hold the cup for now.

This game is a long way from over yet. It is but a prelude to the next election or coup/election as is the way in Thailand.

The whole political system in Thailand is destined for infinite instability until they get a model that brings the military under control.

It is indeed ironic that the military has become (or perhaps has always been) a tool of the elite to suppress the democratic wishes of loyal citizens in the north while they (the military) are incapable or rather incompetantant of dealing with actual anti-Thai separatism in the South. I guess it just shows where the generals priorities lie. Quite obviously the establishment and their military advocates fear the democratic wishes of people in the North far more than the terrorists in the South. Add into that equation the incompetence of the military dictatorship over the past 15 months re their enforced takeover of government and its another good reason why the generals should be brought into line. But hey, this is Thailand where normal rules of democracy don't seem to apply. The military (or rather their elite class superiors) can take over government any time they like and they have even got that written into the umpteenth new constitution forced on the people under military rule.

What a joke this whole thing is. Its a bit like a bunch of primary school kids trying to set up a democratic process. And I am not referring to the uneducated populace of the north here.

Until the people get some kind of a constitution where by the generals are NOT EXEMPT for treason, its going to remain a rotten sorid mess.

[chownah]

I heard that some yellow carded PPP candidates won their spots in the gov't again today....how many yellow carded PPP candidates have rewon their seats in the parliament now and how many have lost in the re-election process? All that I have heard of have won again.....without any money being paid to anyone!!! Can it be that the people actually support the PPP candidates in these elections and it has nothing to do with irregularities in the election process and nothing to do with money being paid?

Chownah

[Old Man River]

Sounds like we are seeing coalition foramtion at its most hideous level of stab in the back, demand, manipulate and then there's always money..........

Back to the good ole days of Thai democracy.........

In deed! The Puea Pandin has accepted to join the PPP. Can we expect that Samak has accepted the 5 principles or that the Pua Puendin has sold out?

In the language of politics there is no such thing as "sold out" or accepting ultimatums from potential allies/opponents. Its not a matter of compromise either. Its rather a matter of using careful language to disguise the actual truth of the matter without technically telling a blatant lie. Politicians the world over do it all the time and can actually go back 180 degrees on an election promise while making it seem like they haven't changed their original stance at all. I doubt Thai politicians are any different from those the world over when it comes to personal ethics, just they have less checks and balances than we do in the west.

Let's stick to Thailand on this. If what you are saying is that all politicians in Thailand sell out (call it what you will) I would say you are dead wrong. Not all. There were something like 40 different parties running in the last election and the one that got the second most votes, the Democrats, did not run and join the PPP like the others. Instead, they remained true to their word (no lies) and are therefore, the only real opposition party left in Thailand.

[cclub75]

Just one more day.......

Meanwhile... PPP won again in Chayaphum (by-elections today) after its 2 candidates were "yellow carded" by the EC for... fraud.

So to sum'up : PPP wins when they're officially "cheating". And they win too when they do not cheat.

Last sunday, same punishement (by-elections in Korat).

Another humiliation for the Junta.

Edited January 17, 2008 by cclub75

[Ricardo]

Just one more day.......

Meanwhile... PPP won again in Chayaphum (by-elections today) after its 2 candidates were "yellow carded" by the EC for... fraud.

So to sum'up : PPP wins when they're officially "cheating". And they win too when they do not cheat.

Last sunday, same punishement (by-elections in Korat).

Another humiliation for the Junta.

The junta are not the government, and the EC were appointed pre-coup under Thaksin, so how is this a humiliation for the junta ?

Another case of deja-vue, all over again ...

[cclub75]

The junta are not the government, and the EC were appointed pre-coup under Thaksin, so how is this a humiliation for the junta ?

At such level of non sense, it's useless to talk anymore...

Okay, well, I could tell you that the current government (General Surayud, you remember) is coming from the planet Venus. And actually he was appointed Prime Minister by General Sonthi, the Coup leader, who is an undercover Jedi Knight.

But don't repeat it.

[Ricardo]

The junta are not the government, and the EC were appointed pre-coup under Thaksin, so how is this a humiliation for the junta ?

At such level of non sense, it's useless to talk anymore...

Okay, well, I could tell you that the current government (General Surayud, you remember) is coming from the planet Venus. And actually he was appointed Prime Minister by General Sonthi, the Coup leader, who is an undercover Jedi Knight.

But don't repeat it.

cclub75 , can I have some, of whatever you're drinking ?

The point is, the EC felt that a result was unsafe, so they re-ran the election, and the same people won again. Which rather disproves any theory, which was widely promoted a week ago, that there was blatant gerrymandering by the EC going on here.

That was the nonsense, and a mountain of evidence was built up, to demonstrate this.

[Tony Clifton]

Who wants to take the poisoned chalice?

The eventual winner will most likely not be the one who does.

And probably a wise strategic decision for the elite power brokers to allow the PPP to hold the cup for now.

This game is a long way from over yet. It is but a prelude to the next election or coup/election as is the way in Thailand.

The whole political system in Thailand is destined for infinite instability until they get a model that brings the military under control.

It is indeed ironic that the military has become (or perhaps has always been) a tool of the elite to suppress the democratic wishes of loyal citizens in the north while they (the military) are incapable or rather incompetantant of dealing with actual anti-Thai separatism in the South. I guess it just shows where the generals priorities lie. Quite obviously the establishment and their military advocates fear the democratic wishes of people in the North far more than the terrorists in the South. Add into that equation the incompetence of the military dictatorship over the past 15 months re their enforced takeover of government and its another good reason why the generals should be brought into line. But hey, this is Thailand where normal rules of democracy don't seem to apply. The military (or rather their elite class superiors) can take over government any time they like and they have even got that written into the umpteenth new constitution forced on the people under military rule.

What a joke this whole thing is. Its a bit like a bunch of primary school kids trying to set up a democratic process. And I am not referring to the uneducated populace of the north here.

Until the people get some kind of a constitution where by the generals are NOT EXEMPT for treason, its going to remain a rotten sorid mess.

The whole political system in Thailand is destined for infinite instability until they get a model that brings the military under control find a way to prevent mafia style politicians, money hungry lizards, back biting snakes and known criminals names off the ballots..

[sriracha john]

A mantra that has lost its meaning

Reconciliation... No offence, gentlemen, but I wish everyone would stop talking about national reconciliation. Not that I want all the factions in our society _ rich against poor, urban against rural or Democrat against People Power _ to battle it out until blood floods up to the tummy of an elephant, as they express it in Thai. ''Reconciliation'' is a loaded and empty word at the same time. And there is no point, really, in repeating it over and over when we don't have the fuzziest what exactly we want it to mean, or how to make it come true in the current context. The new government is all but formed, between the mainstay PPP and five other parties, some of which had declared not too long ago they would never work with the winning party. It's in the spirit of reconciliation, isn't it? Like child's play. You kiss and make up. You are reconciled. Can we say the country is on course towards reconciliation, now that we are about to have a new democratically-elected government? Can we say that we will all be conciliated under the leadership of new Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej? Will all of us become reunited when Thaksin Shinawatra comes around again to shop at Siam Paragon? Unfortunately, the rift in this country runs deeper and wider than the bruised egos of some politicians. It can't be appeased by the incessant chanting of the reconciliation mantra.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/18Jan2008_news22.php

(Atiya Achakulwisut is Editorial Pages Editor, Bangkok Post)

[sriracha john]

PPP, allies haggle for portfolios

But no consensus yet about who will be PM

Despite the uncertainty over its fate, the PPP was locked in intense bargaining over cabinet portfolios yesterday with its coalition partners after the Chart Thai and Puea Pandin parties formally announced they were joining the coalition. The Supreme Court will rule today whether the PPP should be dissolved. The case against the PPP was filed by Democrat party member Chaiwat Sinsuwong, who complained that the PPP is a proxy of the now-defunct TRT party and deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra. The Puea Pandin and Chart Thai parties officially announced yesterday that they will be part of the new coalition government led by the PPP. The two parties, however, fell short of supporting PPP leader Samak Sundaravej as PM. Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa said it was premature to settle on the choice of PM because parliament should be left to pick the new PM and parliament president, a view shared by Puea Pandin leader Suvit Khunkitti. Speaking in Manchester, England, on Wednesday, Thaksin gave Samak his blessing and said he was fit to be PM. "Why can't Samak Sundaravej be prime minister? He headed many ministries and his last position was Bangkok governor. He has more experience in politics than even me,'' he told reporters.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/18Jan2008_news01.php

[blaze]

A mantra that has lost its meaning

Reconciliation... No offence, gentlemen, but I wish everyone would stop talking about national reconciliation. Not that I want all the factions in our society _ rich against poor, urban against rural or Democrat against People Power _ to battle it out until blood floods up to the tummy of an elephant, as they express it in Thai. ''Reconciliation'' is a loaded and empty word at the same time. And there is no point, really, in repeating it over and over when we don't have the fuzziest what exactly we want it to mean, or how to make it come true in the current context. The new government is all but formed, between the mainstay PPP and five other parties, some of which had declared not too long ago they would never work with the winning party. It's in the spirit of reconciliation, isn't it? Like child's play. You kiss and make up. You are reconciled. Can we say the country is on course towards reconciliation, now that we are about to have a new democratically-elected government? Can we say that we will all be conciliated under the leadership of new Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej? Will all of us become reunited when Thaksin Shinawatra comes around again to shop at Siam Paragon? Unfortunately, the rift in this country runs deeper and wider than the bruised egos of some politicians. It can't be appeased by the incessant chanting of the reconciliation mantra.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/18Jan2008_news22.php

(Atiya Achakulwisut is Editorial Pages Editor, Bangkok Post)

A very good column.

"And where will the money come from? From taxpayers, mostly members of the middle-class, who will inevitably ask why do they have to pay for a government many of them do not support _ to sponsor policies that benefit them much less than they do the rural poor? "

I think he is absolutely correct- and this not only portends woe to any government which might seek to level the playing field- but also for the very prospects of democracy ever being embraced by the middle class.

[sriracha john]

As for yesterday's by-elections...Matchima took all 3 of the red-carded PPP's and PPP picked up 1 from a yellow-carded Chart Thai.

Matchima and PPP win seats in re-runs

Matchima Thipataya party candidates won all three seats in a re-run of the election in Buriram's constituency 1 yesterday while People Power Party (PPP) candidates clinched victory in Chaiyaphum's constituency 2. According to unofficial results in Buri Ram, Somnuek Hengwanich, Manote Hengyodmak and Natthawut Sukkasem of the Matchima Thipataya party got 94,209, 70,895 and 66,190 votes, respectively. The election re-run, which covered nine districts in the constituency, was prompted by the Election Commission's (EC) decision to red-card three winning candidates from the PPP for vote buying. Sophon Phetsawang, a former MP and top candidate for Puea Pandin in Buriram, contested the results yesterday alleging election fraud had taken place again in the re-run. In Chaiyaphum, an unofficial vote count showed that the victors, Surawit Khonsomboon and Prasit Chaiwirattana of the PPP, received 84,319 and 73,312 votes, respectively. The re-runs were ordered after two winners, Surawit and Chart Thai candidate Banthoon Kiatkongchuchai were yellow-carded in the Dec 23 election. Banthoon finished third in yesterday's re-run with 47,631 votes.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/18Jan2008_news06.php