Thailand's Parliament Convenes First Session Since 2006 Coup

[chownah]

General Surayud holds farewell celebration on Chao Phraya river

Now former Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont accompanied by his spouse Colonel Khunying Chitrawadee Chulanont (จิตรวดี จุลานนท์) hosted a farewell celebration on the Angsana (อังสนา) Naval ship. The party was arranged to bid farewell to his position as Prime Minister.

The event was attended by 112 supporters of General Surayud and the ship made its way along the Chao Phraya river. The ship was on loan for the occasion by Naval Commander Naval Admiral Sathiraphan Kayanont (สถิรพันธุ์ เกยานนท์) who also helped to welcome guests. Many of the celebration-goers were high ranking officials of the past administration including Defense Minister General Boonrawd Somtas and Minister of Public Health Dr Mongkol Na Songkhla.

Members of the press also noted that General Sonthi Boonyaratglin did not make an appearance to the occasion, even though he had previously accepted an invitation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2008

Oh my gosh....inappropriate use of military equipment, supplies, and personel....if Toxin had done this we would hear about it from the same handful of posters every hour for a couple of weeks and then every day for a couiple of months and it would get dusted off and polished up on special occasions for what would seem like eternity to impress us with what a wretched and corrupt person he is.

Chownah

[chownah]

nothing to see here....go to the next post.

Chownah

Edited February 5, 2008 by chownah

[chownah]

General Surayud holds farewell celebration on Chao Phraya river

It would be alot funnier if he was giving us the finger...don't you agree? I mean the raised middle finger has got to be just about one of the funniest things going....at least in your political "cartooning".

Chownah

[Tony Clifton]

Get over it man...

Imagine you can't see it for the water.

[Ricardo]

General Surayud holds farewell celebration on Chao Phraya river

Now former Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont accompanied by his spouse Colonel Khunying Chitrawadee Chulanont (จิตรวดี จุลานนท์) hosted a farewell celebration on the Angsana (อังสนา) Naval ship. The party was arranged to bid farewell to his position as Prime Minister.

The event was attended by 112 supporters of General Surayud and the ship made its way along the Chao Phraya river. The ship was on loan for the occasion by Naval Commander Naval Admiral Sathiraphan Kayanont (สถิรพันธุ์ เกยานนท์) who also helped to welcome guests. Many of the celebration-goers were high ranking officials of the past administration including Defense Minister General Boonrawd Somtas and Minister of Public Health Dr Mongkol Na Songkhla.

Members of the press also noted that General Sonthi Boonyaratglin did not make an appearance to the occasion, even though he had previously accepted an invitation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2008

Oh my gosh....inappropriate use of military equipment, supplies, and personel....if Toxin had done this we would hear about it from the same handful of posters every hour for a couple of weeks and then every day for a couiple of months and it would get dusted off and polished up on special occasions for what would seem like eternity to impress us with what a wretched and corrupt person he is.

Chownah

You don't think that the end of the military-appointed caretaker-government is an event worth celebrating ? Or are you shocked, as I am, to discover that the Navy has ships which still float ? Or perhaps you can't think of a better caption than TC already put up ?

You may recall that when Toxin's sister 'borrowed' a RTAF-aircraft, to ferry her guests up to Chiang Mai for a house-warming party, he later claimed that any citizen could simply turn up at Don Muang to avail themselves of similar services. However I don't think the navy or Surayud have made similar claims as yet, anybody for a trip on the 'Sky-Lark' ?

Are we not permitted, to poke fun at the outgoing government too, or does that somehow spoil the image fashioned for those un-named posters, who are sometimes wrongly categorised as 'juntaphiles' ?

[sriracha john]

First-time MPs hope to make useful contributions

Members on both sides outline plans for time in office

First-time MPs were certainly overwhelmed when they claimed election victories. They were equally thrilled when they were given new responsibilities in Parliament. They say it is only proper that they are enthusiastic about working for their electorates and country.

Wisaradee Techatheerawat, a 26-year-old new MP for Chiang Rai, said she was happy she won her constituency. It was a childhood dream come true. Politics seems to run in her family. Her father Wisarn (TRT Banned #99) is a former Chiang Rai MP and was one of the 111 former Thai Rak Thai executives who had been banned from politics.

However, she said her victory came from her devotion to her electorate, not because of her father's record. She had not expected to win because it was the first time she had run in a general election.

She said her first job would be to push for populist policies that were introduced by the now-disbanded Thai Rak Thai. They include drug suppression programmes and measures to boost the economy. Wisaradee's interest in politics was inspired by her father. When she was told of her victory, her father said: "Now you are a politician, every time you do something, think about the public and not just yourself."

Former actor Danuporn Punnakanta, a People Power Party MP for Bangkok, said he was happy to win because he wanted to work for his electorate. He plans to stick to his promise to work transparently. His immediate plan is to push for a law to punish wayward monks, especially if they break their vow of celibacy. He finds this most shameful because the country has a Buddhist culture.

Danuporn, 36, said he decided to leave show business for politics in 2003 but lost the vote during his first attempt. He thinks voters were not confident about him then. The young politician believes he's suited for this job, as he used to be in the spotlight as an actor. The only difference now was he had to take care of people.

This is not the only change in his life. Danuporn plans to marry his long-time girlfriend, actress Suwanan Khongying, some time this year.

*A photo of the lovely acting couple*:

His future bride is famous for sparking the Cambodian riots that resulted in the burning down of the Thai Embassy and Thai businesses in Cambodia after her inflammatory claims that Angkhor Wat belonged to the Thais:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...ic=6097&hl=

Thai Embassy Reopens In Phnom Penh

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...ic=5685&hl=

Cambodians Say They Still Hate Thais, A YEAR AFTER THE RIOT

Democrat MP Narthaya Benjasiriwan, a 46-year-old former actress, said the first thing she would do was try to address the issue of unemployment. She would encourage the formation of housewife groups to make local products and push these groups to improve the quality of their products using certification by the Food and Drug Administration. These ideas were expected to provide stable occupations for poor communities. She also wants to promote education for youths, set up education centres in communities and strengthen the family unit by promoting moral values.

Rachada Dhnadirek, a first-time Democrat MP for Bangkok, said she would focus on education. What she can do immediately is to teach youths about political participation. She also has a project for schoolgirls during their summer vacation. While boys are ordained as novice monks during this time, girls do not have a comparable activity. Her project, called Buddha Putri (Daughters of Lord Buddha), would teach them about dharma. It would be organised at Songtham Kalayani Temple in Nakhon Pathom province, where the abbot is a bhikkhuni (female monk), said Rachada, 32.

When she was a lecturer at Mahidol University, Rachada was one of 50 academics there who signed an open letter in February 2006, asking Thaksin Shinawatra to step down as prime minister.

She said she was bored with old-style politics and decided to run in the hope of improving the political scene. She said her life had changed since winning. As a lecturer of sociology and humanities, she worked mostly in lecture halls. As an MP, she was required to interact with many people. She expects her academic experience to help her with her new duties.

Autthawith Suwannapakdee, another first-time Democrat MP, said as his party formed the opposition, he would join colleagues to perform legislative tasks such as proposing new laws. A former lecturer of finance-related laws, he wants to join a House committee on finance. Autthawith, 29, said he would set up his own club and organise "anti-drug" sports events for youths. He would also focus on chronic flooding problems at his constituency in Lak Si.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

It's time again...

EC wants to strip PPP of three seats, call by-election

The EC yesterday resolved to ask the Supreme Court to order an election re-run in constituency 3 of Surin province and strip three People Power Party MPs of their seats, EC Secretary-General Suthipol Thaweechaikarn said. The EC had earlier endorsed the three poll winners, Theerathat Tiawcharoensopa, Maliwan Thanyasakulkit and Lertsak Thassanaset, to ensure the new House of Representatives had a quorum. Suthipol said investigation reports prepared by the Special Branch showed the three were allegedly involved in vote buying and distributing illegal CDs to voters. The Special Branch recommended a fresh poll being called in the constituency, while filing criminal lawsuits against the three candidates, who are still entitled to contest the by-election. EC investigators will forward their investigation report and recommendation on the three candidates' alleged election offences to the Supreme Court in two weeks, said Suthipol. Suthipol said the EC is still looking into election fraud allegations against 21 other MPs.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/07Feb2008_news03.php

Edited February 7, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

In a separate development, the Election Commission (EC) continue to issue red cards for malfeasant MP-elects from the People Power Party (PPP), who were found involved with vote-buying in the December 23rd general election.

The EC concluded Wednesday to petition the Supreme Court to disqualify three PPP winning candidates in Constituency 3 in Surin province.

The three disqualified MPs comprised of Lertsak Thassanasetthakij, Thiratas Tiawcharoensopha and Maliwan Thanyasakuljit.

The three accused were found buying votes and distributing video CDs featuring campaign speeches of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during political campaigning late last year.

- Thailand Outlook

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

Yellow or red? Can they run in the by-election or not?

[sriracha john]

Death fight

Red-carded executives of the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties will testify before an EC panel over the next two weeks as it deliberates whether their parties should be dissolved. Boontan Dokthaisong, head of the EC panel, said yesterday the Chart Thai representatives would testify on Tuesday and those from Matchima Thipataya on Feb 18. His panel would then consider whether the actions which earned them disqualification in the general election were linked to the parties. "The key point is to find out if there is any connection between the parties, other party executives, and the party executives who did wrong," Boontan said. He expected his panel to reach its conclusions within three weeks.

After the Dec 23 polls the EC disqualified Sunthorn Wilawan, then Deputy Leader of Matchima Thipataya for vote buying. It also red-carded Monthian Songpracha, Deputy Secretary-General of Chart Thai, for the same reason. Election commissioner Sumet Uppanisakorn said authority to dissolve a party rested with the Constitution Court. The commission could only recommend.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=125797

[sriracha john]

Is disbanding a party before it gets dissolved the same as quitting your job before you get fired???

Matchima Thipataya Party Secretary-General Anongwan Thepsuthin

Matchima Thipataya's Key Member Calls for Disbandment

Acting Spokesperson of the Matchima Thipataya Party advised the group to disband, if its Secretary-General does not attend the party's meeting on Febuary 16th, as called for by the acting Party Leader. He says the dissolution will help end the ongoing conflict among members.

Acting Spokesperson for the Matchima Thipataya Party Narong Piriya-anek and acting executive member Suthep Sutthapol says, said during a press conference today that the group's interim leader Pramual Leophairatana has the authority to call for a party meeting on Febuary 16th to select a new leader.

Commenting on the remark by the acting Deputy Leader Intharat Yodbangtoey that Pramual's order violated the party's regulations, Narong says Intharat's statement is a misunderstanding and the request to cancel the meeting by some executives is not in line with the party's requirements.

He also pointed out that if the faction led by the party's Secretary-General Anongwan Thepsuthin does not attend the February 16th meeting, the party should be disbanded to end all of its conflicts.

Meanwhile, several party executives and MPs reportedly attended a meeting at the Anongwan's residence to discuss the agenda for its upcoming assembly.

The meeting today also discussed the recent ruling by the Election Commission to revoke the political status of one of its MPs and an acting executive Sunthorn Wilawan, which could lead to the party being dissolved.

They also set February 26th and 27th as dates for the selection of a new Party Leader and executives in Sukothai province, before the list is forwarded to the Election Commission on Febuary 29th.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

And in the other potential Party dissolution case... Chart Thai Party says, "Uhmm.. we didn't know anything about what our Party executive was doing."

Chart Thai Denies Being Involved in Poll Fraud Charge against Executive

The Election Commission's fact finding panel, looking into the suspension of voting rights of some executives of political parties, is to complete its investigation on Febuary 25th.

Meanwhile, the Chart Thai Party Leader insists his party is not involved in the poll fraud attempts by one of its executives. Leader of the Chart Thai Party, Banharn Silapa-archa, spent more than two hours giving testimony before the Election Commission's fact finding sub-panel looking into the suspension of the voting rights of executives of some political parties.

Sub-panel Chairman Boonthan Dokthaisong said during a press conference that Banharn was able to clarify all seven questions pertaining to his information over the poll fraud committed by a party executive. Boonthan added that the Chart Thai Party Leader also insisted his party is not involved with the executive's, Monthien Songpracha, poll fraud activities and explained that before the election, the party had sent letters instructing all MP candidates not to violate the law.

Boonthan says his panel needs to consider whether the letters referred to by Banharn in his testimony can be considered as evidence. He also expects that the result of his panel's investigation into the case will be revealed before Febuary 25th, the same day that it will release its decision over the same case against the Matchima Thipataya Party.

Meanwhile Election Commissioner in charge of electoral affairs, Prapun Naigowit revealed that the Election Commission or EC will complete its investigation into its backlog of poll fraud charges within this month.

Prapun further disclosed that the EC's meeting today will make a decisions on the poll fraud cases against Petchabun MPs from the ruling People Power Party including Iam Thongjaisod, Wanpen Prompat and Surasak Anakpan.

However, the political status of the three MPs will not be revoked since the Supreme Court has yet to accept the case.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited February 12, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's populist wave returns

A comprehensive range of Thaksin-style populist policies will be rejuvenated on Monday when Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej delivers his government's policy statement before Parliament.

Even though the government is required by the Constitution to adhere to the principles of sufficiency economy and national reconciliation, the policy statement, more or less, reflects the return of political populism.

For instance, the income-contingent loan (ICL) programme for poor students, a brainchild of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, would be revived after being suspended by the Surayud government due to budget constraints.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...=758073&hl=

Educational Scholarship Programs Are A Mess, Corruption is the rule

Or the low-cost housing project for first-time home buyers, also suspended by the previous government, would be re-instated to reward voters, even though there were reports of inflated demand and alleged widespread corruption in related Ban Ua Athorn housing schemes.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?ac...amp;pid=1747851

AEC finds more graft in housing project, new discovery of 1.2 Billion Baht in bribes, indicts ex-Thaksin Cabinet Minister for bribery

Another example of renewed populism is the re-introduction of the so-called SML budget allocation programme in which all the 70,000 heads of small, medium, and large-sized villages nation-wide would be directly granted an annual budget of Bt300,000 to Bt700,000 per village, bypassing the normal procedures.

Other populist and related measures include the hand-out of free or heavily-subsidised buffaloes,

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...c=67517&st=

'One Million Cows' project scrapped as it had milked the government for over 100 million baht and delivered only 1,700 cows

notebook computers

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...=142773&hl=

"One Laptop Per Child" Costs Up 88%

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1810888

Computer scheme potentially costs 34.4 Billion Baht

and loans for people who want to apply for jobs overseas.

According to an official document, urgent measures in the first year of office include attempts to reconcile national differences, resolve the southern unrest, and tackle the increase in drug abuse.

Economically, there are 10 urgent measures to boost the people's income such as revival and expansion of the 70 Billion Baht village fund; the people's bank (micro-loans for poor people); debt restructuring for farmers and the poor; the SME Bank, and the OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) programme.

The government will boost the economy and investment by implementing nine rail mass transit projects for Bangkok as well as double railroads and related schemes in the provinces.

In addition, it will execute large-scale irrigation and water management schemes as well as tourism promotion projects

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...c=98432&hl=

Ex-TAT Governor accused in 60 Million Baht Bribery Case

to boost the economy and investment sector.

Energy-wise, it will promote development and use of E20 gasoline and bio-diesel in response to problems caused by high oil prices.

For long-range policies, the government will highlight education, labour, healthcare, art and culture policies over the next four years.

In addition, it will adhere to prudent fiscal and monetary policies while restructuring the agricultural,

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1801687

1.4 Billion Baht fraud in rubber sapling scam

industrial, and investment sectors.

On information, communications and technology (ICT) management, it will further develop e-government, e-logistics, and the Government Information System.

The government will also spell out selected measures on security, natural resources management, science and tech management, and good governance.

- The Nation

----------------------------------------------------

There are more threads on more of these scams, bribes, and corruption-oriented programs, but I wore out...

Edited February 13, 2008 by sriracha john

[chownah]

I haven't seen anything about the computer program that indicates that it is a scam, bribe, or corruption oriented scheme....so far it just seems like a suggestion. The idea I get is that these computers are supposed to be educational tools.....if education isn't the answer to the mess then what is?

Chownah

[sriracha john]

And in the People Power Party dissolution case... denials all around...

Ex-executive of disbanded party denies 'nominee' allegation

BANGKOK Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Suebwonglee stood firm in his testimony before an Election Commission subcommittee that the People Power Party (PPP) was by no means a nominee or proxy for the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT) as earlier alleged.

Surapong, who is concurrently Finance Minister in the new government, said the ruling PPP never existed as nominee for the TRT, formerly led by deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, though former executives of the dissolved party had earlier agreed to join the PPP party to contest the general election under the constitution of 2007.

The meeting last July of ex-TRT executives forbidden from engaging in politics for five years following the dissolution of their party was held before the referendum which endorsed the constitution calling for the December 23 general election, according to Surapong, concurrently Secretary-General of the PPP.

Since then, the activities of the PPP had by no means involved the 111 former executives of the dissolved party, though some policies earlier implemented by the previous TRT administration may have been reinstated by the PPP, the Deputy Prime Minister told the polling agency subcommittee.

Besides, he said he had not made telephone contact with Thaksin and had no idea where the former prime minister may currently reside.

Surapong followed several other ex-TRT executives in a bid to categorically deny the charges that the PPP merely acted as a nominee for the TRT. The charges could lead to the dissolution of the ruling PPP.

Those who earlier testified before the subcommittee included Yaowapa Wongsawat (TRT Banned #13), sister of the deposed prime minister, former ministers Sudarat Keyuraphan (TRT Banned #3), and Nevin Chidchob (TRT Banned #6), as well as PPP Leader and Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

Sub-committee head Phaithoon Netipho said all sides had already testified before his panel and that he needed nobody else to testify against the ruling party.

He said he planned to pass his panel's ruling on the nominee charges to the Election Commission next Tuesday.

- TNA

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

Just a few of the many contradictions...

Veteran takes helm of People Power; key TRT figures also get party posts

Political veteran Samak Sundaravej yesterday said he did not mind being considered a nominee of Thaksin Shinawatra and vowed to restore the standing of the deposed prime minister after being elected leader of the People Power Party yesterday.

"I recognise the word 'nominee' positively because nominees have brought economic progress and prosperity to this country," Samak said.

"[in this case] I will be a nominee of Thaksin. I will make this party strong to restore the democracy of the country," he said.

The People Power Party plans to move headquarters from Don Mueang to the IFCT building, where the Thai Rak Thai had its offices. It is also adopting a new logo that is similar to Thai Rak Thai's logo.

People Power executive Suthin Klangsaeng admitted that some of the party executives elected yesterday were chosen by Thaksin. Former top Thai Rak Thai members sent a list of executives to Thaksin before the party assembly, he said.

"Yongyuth and Noppadon were approved by the former prime minister," he said.

Democrat executive Sathit Wongnongtoei said of Samak, "It's clear that he is Thaksin's nominee."

- The Nation / 2007-08-25

---------------

People Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej commenting on an allegation that he was Thaksin's political nominee, he said he saw no negative connotation in the term, and that it had no legal implications in civil, criminal or electoral laws.

- The Nation / 2007-08-31

---------------

Samak: No worries being Thaksin nominee

People's Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej said Friday he is not worried he will get in trouble for acting as a nominee for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra. His remark came after Election Commission member Sodsri Satayathum said Samak's stance on the nominee issue could land him in legal trouble.

- Bangkok Post / 2007-08-31

----------------

Samak urged to tone it down

Dissension in the ranks of People's Power

Samak also said shortly after taking the PPP's helm that he did not mind working as the nominee of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

- Bangkok Post / 2007-09-13

-----------------

Samak's loose talk could sink PPP

The PM candidate could be dooming his party and democracy's recovery by proclaiming himself a TRT proxy. At recent election rallies in the Northeast, he [samak] has openly announced that the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had now transformed into the PPP. While that is undeniably true, it was not necessarily the right thing to say.

We want him to stop making the provocative proclamation that he is just a Thaksin nominee. This claim could land the new party in legal trouble and thus prolong the country's political mess.

Samak's claims must have given his opponents formidable ammunition. While everyone in the PPP is innocent because nobody in the new party has been charged in connection with Thaksin's alleged corruption or Thai Rak Thai's electoral fraud, Samak has unwittingly courted major trouble for the party he's supposed to lead.

While Samak's political ideology is no secret to anyone - his past oppressive role and close association with right-wing military-backed rulers remain an outstanding part of modern political history.

- The Nation Editorial / 2007-10-01

-------------------

Buy one, get one free!

This old familiar marketing slogan has been adopted as the Palang Prachachon party's [People Power Party] latest campaign slogan, with a minor adjustment. "Choose Samak [sundaravej, the party leader], Get Thaksin [free of course]." The PPP's new campaign slogan, "Choose Samak, Get Thaksin", reinforces Samak's earlier admission that he is merely a nominee of the former PM. It also contradicts the repeated statements by Thaksin that he has washed his hands of politics.

- Bangkok Post / 2007-10-16

Edited February 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[chownah]

Samak is implementing some/most of the same policies that othe TRT supported/implemented......there is no law against that.

Samak is taking advice from Toxin.....there is no law against that.

I like seeing any new news articles on this but it seems to me to be needlessly boring for people to be almost constantly expressing their surprise and horror everytime it comes up....and to repost alot of old news article and links to try to document this seems really over the top and needless.

People, wake up, Samak is implementing many/most/all of the policies that the TRT supported/implemted......no further proof is needed.

People, wake up, Samak is taking advice from Toxin....no further proof is needed.

No one is denying this....it is being done out front and in the open....there is no sneaking around here....everyone admits it.....Samak said he would do this during the elections as a campaign pledge and now he is doing it.....good for him....he is doing what he said he would do in the elections.

Chownah

Edited February 14, 2008 by chownah

[Plus]

Being nominee is not about taking advice, it's about taking orders, there's a difference.

Right now it seems that Samak is not taking orders from anyone.

[sriracha john]

Poll body seeks 'yellow cards' for Phetchabun MPs

BANGKOK - Thailand's Election Commission ruled against a trio of People Power Party MPs elected in Phetchabun province's Constituency 2 to the extent that they may be given yellow cards, followed by a by-election in near future.

According to Election Commission Secretary-General Suthiphol Thaweechaikarn, the polling agency's decision seeking the yellow card for the three PPP MPs, Iam Thongjaisod, Wanphen Phromphat and Surasak Anankhaphan, who won the December 23 general election in the lower northern province, was based on grounds that they had allegedly helped sponsor a feast for some local villagers, which might have influenced their future constituents to vote for them.

The Election Commission's decision to issue yellow cards to the ruling party MPs will be forwarded to the Supreme Court for final ruling in two weeks, he said.

The polling agency had earlier rejected a petition filed jointly by the three PPP MPs who had fruitlessly pleaded innocent of the feast-giving charges.

- TNA

[sriracha john]

And in the People Power Party dissolution case... denials all around...

Ex-executive of disbanded party denies 'nominee' allegation

BANGKOK – Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Suebwonglee stood firm in his testimony before an Election Commission subcommittee that the People Power Party (PPP) was by no means a nominee or proxy for the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT) as earlier alleged.

The above might all be moot as the PPP may get dissolved over the developments in their Deputy Leader Refrigerator thread...

[sriracha john]

and while they worry over dissolution, the PPP in-fighting continues...

Faction wants 10 seats

The Isaan faction of the People Power Party is pushing for 10 House committee chairman posts after they were given disappointingly few Cabinet seats despite their big win in the Northeast.

The group has been demanding 10 of the 15 posts set aside for People Power and some 30 Northeast MPs have put their names forward.

In order to chair a House committee, MPs are required to have won at least three terms and must not be government whips or House committee members on a budget. They have to alternate jobs with each other after a year or two.

Meanwhile, People Power Party MPs from Central provinces met at the party's headquarters yesterday, with Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap as chairperson.

After the meeting, People Power deputy spokesperson Thitima Chaisang said it was agreed that the three ministers from the region - Chaiya, Science Minister Wuthipong Chaisang and Deputy Education Minister Bunlue Prasertsopha - would sit in on every meeting held by MPs from the Central region.

She said that judging from the number of the region's MPs - 43 - they should be eligible for three House committee chairman posts.

The group decided that if MPs from Central provinces were given ministerial posts, other MPs from the same province should get a House Committee chairman post so that they can coordinate well.

Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai also floated the idea of establishing a provincial parliamentary office with an MP as the office director so that they can take up complaints from people in the provinces.

- The Nation

[chownah]

In order to chair a House committee, MPs are required to have won at least three terms and must not be government whips or House committee members on a budget. They have to alternate jobs with each other after a year or two.

Does anyone know where this requirement comes from? If it is in the constitution then the constitution should be changed in my opinion. It severely limits the entry of new political parties into politics in that they might not be able to appoint any of their members as chairs for House committees. This requirement helps create and maintain a "ruling elite".

Chownah

[Jai Dee]

EC yellow cards 3 more candidates in Petchabun

Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC) Suthipol Taweechaikarn (สุทธิพล ทวีชัยการ) revealed that a recent EC meeting resolved to yellow card three MP candidates in Petchabun province. All three candidates were MPs of the People Power Party including Eam Thongjaisod (เอี่ยม ทองใจสด), Wanpen Promphat (วันเพ็ญ พร้อมพัฒน์) and Surasak Anakapant (สุรศักดิ์ อนรรฆพันธ์).

The three party members were found guilty of organizing festivities and giving goods to citizens in the attempt to buy over elections. The EC decision is considered a retroactive revocation of MP status and thus must be processed by the Supreme Court.

Nonetheless, Mr. Suthipol said that the People Power Party members can file appeals against the decision within 30 days of its declaration.

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

[Jai Dee]

Former Matchima Thipataya leader and 12 members quitting party

The Matchima Thipataya Party spokesman, Mr. Narong Piriya-anek (ณรงค์ พิริยะเอนก), says fomer Matchima Thipataya leader Prachai Leophairatana (ประชัย เลี่ยวไพรัตน์) together with 11 party members submitted their resignation letters to the the Election Commission (EC) this morning (February 15th). The group reason that they could not carry out political activities any longer.

Mr. Narong says the Natural Resources and Environment Minister and Matchima Thipataya secretary-general, Mrs. Anongwan Thepsuthin (อนงค์วรรณ เทพสุทิน), has never invited Mr. Prachai and some other Matchima Thipataya members to the party meetings. He says their decision to leave the party is not about winning or losing, but they do not share the same ideology with other members of the party.

However, Mr. Narong believes Mr. Prachai will continue to work in politics as he is still worried about the national situation. Mr. Narong says Mr. Prachai is an honest person, has no tricks and will not use unscrupulous methods when he works.

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

[Jai Dee]

PM gave special address at Samphraya Voraviharn Temple

The Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Mr. Samak Sundaravej (สมัคร สุนทรเวช), gave a special address to offer his suggestions to 300 Buddhist monks at Samphraya Voraviharn Temple this morning (February 15th). However, he did not allow media access on this occasion as it is a personal matter, but he would be available to talk to the press later this morning.

It is expected that Prime Minister Samak will discuss the appointments of advisors and secretariats to different ministers during the press interview this morning. Previously, Mr. Samak said this issue will be finalized within this week.

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

[sriracha john]

Thailand's new prime minister unveils policies that mirror Thaksin's populist agenda to Parliament

BANGKOK, Thailand - Thailand's new prime minister presented parliament Monday with his coalition government's proposed policies, a plan denounced by critics as a resurrection of the populist agenda of deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's plan to revive cheap health care for the poor, debt suspension for farmers and other hallmarks of the Thaksin administration were expected to win parliamentary approval after a three-day debate.

Samak's coalition government holds two-thirds of the seats in the 480-member lower house of parliament, with the sole opposition voice, the Democrat Party, occupying 164 seats.

The populist policies of this government are completely the same as Thaksin's government and will plunge the country into further economic crisis, Democrat Party Deputy Leader Jurin Laxanavisit told reporters.

Samak's Cabinet is packed with allies and relatives of Thaksin, who have been heavily criticized by the media and public as unqualified, unsuitable and tainted by corruption charges.

Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee has said the government plans a massive spending boost to stimulate Thailand's sluggish economy. The stimulus package will include tax cuts for the poor, investment in large infrastructure projects and government efforts to push the Bank of Thailand to lower interest rates, he said earlier this month.

- Associated Press

[sriracha john]

Democrat chief advisor Chuan may not give speech at Parliament while calling PM to reveal Invisible Hand

The chief advisor of the Democrat Party and former Prime Minister, Mr. Chuan Leekpai, says he may not give an address at the Parliament today, if the coalition government can announce its policy to solve the ongoing violence in the three southern border provinces comprehensively.

Mr. Chuan also demanded the Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Samak Sundaravej, to expose the third party, or the Invisible Hand, as reconciliation cannot be achieved by creating suspicion without proof.

He says the best solution is to examine the facts, and if the third party is guilty, then penalties would be imposed.

He says it is unnecessary to make threatening remarks because the authority one has.

- ThaiNews

Edited February 18, 2008 by sriracha john

[A_Traveller]

This isn't the case of an invisible hand {clean or dirty I wonder} but the very visible and audible flappy lips syndrome affecting the PM.

Regards

[chownah]

A common belief on the street is that Abhisist is just Mr. Chuan's puppet and that is why people don't vote for him.....at least that is a common belief on the street were I live. Maybe in a few years Abhisit will have shaken this belief and he'll get elected.

Chownah

[Plus]

Chownah, somehow I doubt people on your street will ever vote for Abhisit.

I'm certainly generalising here, but I expect them to vote for the likes of Thaksin or Samak for the rest of their lives and get what they fully deserve.

Even in Bangkok Samak gets high approval ratings, btw.

Tell you something about Thailand, doesn't it?

[Tony Clifton]

I kid you not, Jakaprob has been commenting on invisible feet.

He's truly asking for it.

[Jai Dee]

Opposition party asks where government expects to raise funding for proposed projects

Deputy Secretary-General of the Democrat Party Korn Chatikwanit (กรณ์ จาติกวณิช) queried during the Parliament meeting following the declaration of policies from the coalition government to reduce taxes for citizens during political campaigning periods on how the government will fund its various projects. Mr. Korn stated that after reviewing the government’s project plans, that even by increasing the taxes of the 5.5 million middle income citizens, there will not be enough funding to implement all plans.

The Deputy Secretary-General said that if the government chooses to increase its yearly budget to 80 billion baht, the opposition party will have to insist on an emphasis towards education. The opposition party has viewed that implementing the budget in other projects would greatly affect budgeting in years to come.

The Democrat member also stated that if the government chooses to move forward with all its mega-projects, it will require a budget of 2 trillion baht. His review of the countries debt capabilities and gross domestic product though show that the nation could not sustain all the projects being initiated in the time frame proposed by the government. Mr. Korn suggests that the government prioritize the project and then initiate them in a descending order.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 February 2008