Former Prime Minister Samak Still Facing Corruption Charges

[sriracha john]

Mr S's bribes

Local media were thumping yesterday with reports about Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's fuming over accounts from unnamed sources who claimed that a former Bangkok municipality official with the letter "S" in his name took bribes from a Japanese construction company during his tenure as Bangkok Governor.

The embattled premier took the allegations personally *can't imagine why* and came close to losing his cool as he blasted certain newspapers for being unkind and lacking professionalism. He pointed out that caricatures of him had featured his face attached to the bodies of pigs and dogs. *and sometimes, gorillas*

The alleged bribery reportedly took place during Samak's term as Bangkok Governor. As usual when revelations and allegations against him and his government have surfaced, Samak was quick to jump to the conclusion that some hidden hands are out to get him, be they from the media, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and/or the opposition Democrat Party.

He survived the censure debate, but vowed not to change his Cabinet line-up, as it would be seen as giving in to speculation from the local press. But it shouldn't take a genius to figure out that some of his Cabinet members - people he once called "ugly" - had no business getting their posts in the first place.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

meanwhile, in yet another of the Prime Minister's criminal cases...

Constitution Court Extends Deadline For Samak to Clarify His Role as TV Host

The Constitutional Court extended its deadline for the prime minister to clarify his role as a TV host on a cooking show “Chim Pai Bon Pai”.

The Constitutional Court judges are permitting prime minister Samak Sundaravej to clarify the accusation concerning the petition filed to the court to determine whether his appearance on the commercial TV program violates Article 267 of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Election Commission, Aphichart Sukakkanon, said PM Samak's case is to be tabled for the

committee meeting this week, but is not sure whether it will reach a conclusion by Wednesday.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Samak, Apirak to be summoned by House panel on bribery scandal

The House committee on counter corruption will summon Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin to testify over a Bt125million bribery scandal.

The scandal surrounds a 2 Billion Baht tunnel-construction project, which was awarded by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in 2003 at the time Samak was still the Governor.

"On behalf of the House committee, I will also fly to Japan before the end of this month to find out the truth," Democrat MP Chanchai Issarasenarak said in his capacity as the committee's vice chairman.

- The Nation

[hammered]

Samak, Apirak to be summoned by House panel on bribery scandal

The House committee on counter corruption will summon Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin to testify over a Bt125million bribery scandal.

The scandal surrounds a 2 Billion Baht tunnel-construction project, which was awarded by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in 2003 at the time Samak was still the Governor.

"On behalf of the House committee, I will also fly to Japan before the end of this month to find out the truth," Democrat MP Chanchai Issarasenarak said in his capacity as the committee's vice chairman.

- The Nation

Now we see why the PPP became the first ever Thai government to go through a whole parliamentary session without setting up parliamentary committees. Strange how they also want the EC and NCCC to resign, the constitution to be ammended to remove the bit that threatens any politcal party, the head of any investigative body changed to one of their own, state media to only talk of their good work and any other check or balance mechanism mutilated in some way or other.

Power plays are always interesting to watch unfold.

[ratcatcher]

Mr S's bribes

Local media were thumping yesterday with reports about Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's fuming over accounts from unnamed sources who claimed that a former Bangkok municipality official with the letter "S" in his name took bribes from a Japanese construction company during his tenure as Bangkok Governor.

The embattled premier took the allegations personally *can't imagine why* and came close to losing his cool as he blasted certain newspapers for being unkind and lacking professionalism. He pointed out that caricatures of him had featured his face attached to the bodies of pigs and dogs. *and sometimes, gorillas*

The alleged bribery reportedly took place during Samak's term as Bangkok Governor. As usual when revelations and allegations against him and his government have surfaced, Samak was quick to jump to the conclusion that some hidden hands are out to get him, be they from the media, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and/or the opposition Democrat Party.

He survived the censure debate, but vowed not to change his Cabinet line-up, as it would be seen as giving in to speculation from the local press. But it shouldn't take a genius to figure out that some of his Cabinet members - people he once called "ugly" - had no business getting their posts in the first place.

- The Nation

It's just as well as P.M. Samak didn't live in 18th century England since as P.M. as he would have been exposed to the artistry and genius of James Gillray the great caricaturist and maybe to a lesser extent William Hogarth.

In fact the whole Thai political system would make a best seller for anyone with artistic talents and Photoshop skills. However the law here would probably haul someone into court for defamation or some such silly charge.

One can't consider oneself successful until you have been satirized and caricatured in the press.

Edited July 14, 2008 by ratcatcher

[h90]

Mr S's bribes

Local media were thumping yesterday with reports about Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's fuming over accounts from unnamed sources who claimed that a former Bangkok municipality official with the letter "S" in his name took bribes from a Japanese construction company during his tenure as Bangkok Governor.

The embattled premier took the allegations personally *can't imagine why* and came close to losing his cool as he blasted certain newspapers for being unkind and lacking professionalism. He pointed out that caricatures of him had featured his face attached to the bodies of pigs and dogs. *and sometimes, gorillas*

The alleged bribery reportedly took place during Samak's term as Bangkok Governor. As usual when revelations and allegations against him and his government have surfaced, Samak was quick to jump to the conclusion that some hidden hands are out to get him, be they from the media, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and/or the opposition Democrat Party.

He survived the censure debate, but vowed not to change his Cabinet line-up, as it would be seen as giving in to speculation from the local press. But it shouldn't take a genius to figure out that some of his Cabinet members - people he once called "ugly" - had no business getting their posts in the first place.

- The Nation

It's just as well as P.M. Samak didn't live in 18th century England since as P.M. as he would have been exposed to the artistry and genius of James Gillray the great caricaturist and maybe to a lesser extent William Hogarth.

In fact the whole Thai political system would make a best seller for anyone with artistic talents and Photoshop skills. However the law here would probably haul someone into court for defamation or some such silly charge.

One can't consider oneself successful until you have been satirized and caricatured in the press.

He would like to be respected as Louis XIV, but it looks more like the end of Louis XVI

[ratcatcher]

He would like to be respected as Louis XIV, but it looks more like the end of Louis XVI

I see your point

Edited July 14, 2008 by ratcatcher

[h90]

He would like to be respected as Louis XIV, but it looks more like the end of Louis XVI

I see your point

Do you have a bigger pic of the second one? I want to show for my wife, but as she is not used to european history a bigger one would be better.....

[ratcatcher]

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too; (IF: Kipling)

That's the best I can do.

[sriracha john]

It's still simmering at a low boil, but for a brief time the

Heat turned down

The Constitution Court on Monday gave Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej more time to defend himself against allegations he violated the charter by hosting two TV cooking shows. Court Secretary-General Paiboon Varahapaitoon said Samak had asked the court to postpone his scheduled response to the accusation lodged by Senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana. The Senator claimed the PM's hosting of the Chim Pai Bon Pai and Yok Khayong Hok Mong Chao cooking programs on commercial TV breached the constitution. Article 267 of the constitution strictly prohibits the PM from holding any position in a partnership, a company or an organization carrying out business with a view to sharing profits or income, or being an employee of any person.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=128865

[hammered]

Another one to add to the statements lacking in honesty by the cheerleader of massacres. It can join such classics as

only one person died in the massacre

and

I am going to be seized at the airport

and

and I didnt say that

From the Post:

False hopes

By Post reporters

The claim by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej that he has found a source of cheap Russian diesel raised eyebrows at local oil companies, where experts say high transport costs and low quality could even make inferior Russian diesel more expensive than what's on the market now.

Rest of story at: http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=128866

And lets not forget this beautiful assessment of the PPP by Giles Ungpakorn:

the Peoples Power Party, headed by ultra Right-wing Prime Minister Samak Suntarawej. His cabinet is staffed with gangsters and sleazy politicians.

[sriracha john]

Samak has so many ongoing criminal litigation cases going on, we can double-up the news reports in the same post...

Samak bribery case:

Governor of Bangkok designates Permanent Secretary with press conference on bribery case

Assistant Secretary to the Governor of Bangkok Suthisak Siwpitak revealed that as Governor Apirak Kosayothin must attend a meeting of the Democrat Party today, he will not be able to travel to the Bangkok City Hall as scheduled. Mr. Suthisak stated that the Governor will mostly likely task Bangkok Permanent Secretary Pongsakti Saemsan in holding a planned press conference to reveal the details of an alleged bribery case for the construction of a drainage pipe for the Saen Saeb canal in Ladprao.

A large group of media personnel have already traveled to the city hall in preparation for the conference.

- ThaiNews

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

Samak cooking show case:

EC examines qualifications of PM

The Election Commission (EC) started examining the qualifications of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej following the allegation that the premier’s hosting of a cooking TV program is against the constitution.

Election Commissioner Sumeth Ubanisakorn says the EC meeting today will discuss the premier’s allegation to decide whether he violated the constitution by hosting a cooking TV show “Chim Pai Bon Pai”.

EC’s sub-committee previously had unanimously resolved that EC should forward the premier’s case to the Constitution Court.

- ThaiNews

[sriracha john]

Once again, it's a 2fer....

Samak bribery case:

BMA Hands Over Documents On Pipeline Bribery to NCCC

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will hand over the canal project's information to the National Counter Corruption Commission to probe the bribery case from the time Samak Sundaravej was Bangkok Governor.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin says Bangkok City Clerk Pongsak Semsan submitted the information to the National Counter Corruption Commission or NCCC today for its consideration regarding the accusation that approximately 125 million baht was used to bribe BMA officials in a bid for a major canal project in the capital.

However, he says that requests for more information from Japanese authorities and private companies have not been answered promptly.

Apirak says the BMA will not set up a committee to probe the case, but will leave it to the NCCC. *a good idea in the interest of transparency and impartiality as it involves past and present Govenors at odds with one another*

NCCC Vice-Chairman, Chanchai Issarasenarak says he has asked the Japanese agencies for a meeting with the court officials of Japan and the Nishimutsu Construction Company's executives. Meanwhile, he says Governor Apirak is to meet the NCCC tomorrow.

The case came to the attention of Thais nationwide after a former executive of a Japanese construction company revealed to prosecutors that approximately 125 million baht was used to bribe BMA officials in a bid for a major canal project in the Thai capital.

The case allegedly occurred while Samak Sundaravej was Bangkok Governor.

- Thailand Outlook

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

Samak cooking show case:

EC to Decide on Samak's TV Hosting Case Tomorrow

The Election Commission says it will decide by tomorrow whether the prime minister's role as a TV host on the cooking shows, "Chim Pai Bon Pai" and “Yok Kayong Hok Mong Chao“ violates Article 267 of the Constitution.

The Election Commission met today to discuss the accusation that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's role as a TV host on two commercial TV programs may violate Article 267 of the Constitution.

According to the EC's plan to finalize its resolution on the case today, EC Secretary-General Suthipon Taweechaikan revealed that the issue is to be finalized by tomorrow. He says the EC's sub-committee has investigated the related evidence, and the company that hired the prime minister is not required to meet the panel to give further information on the case.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited July 15, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

EC to Decide on Samak's TV Hosting Case Tomorrow

The Election Commission says it will decide by tomorrow whether the prime minister's role as a TV host on the cooking shows, "Chim Pai Bon Pai" and “Yok Kayong Hok Mong Chao“ violates Article 267 of the Constitution.

Well, it's "tomorrow"... and they've "decided"....

BREAKING NEWS

EC Forwards Samak's Case to Constitution Court

The Election Commission has decided to forward Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej case to the Constitution Court. The EC ruled that the premier could be in a direct violation of the Constitution by acting as a TV host for 2 commercial TV programs "Chim Pai Bon Pai" and "Yok Kayong Hok Mong Chao."

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Samak's case goes to Constitution Court next week

The Election Commission will early next week ask the Constitution Court to consider whether Samak Sundaravej should be disqualified as the prime minister for having host a TV program of a private firm.

Praphan Naikowit said the EC would send the case for a ruling of the court either on Monday or Tuesday, depending when the EC could finish drafting the complaint.

The government opponents filed a complaint with the EC that Samak had violated the Constitution by hosting the Chim Pai Bon Pai program because the charter prevents Cabinet members from being employees of a private firm.

The EC declined to make a decision on the case and decided to send it to the Constitution Court to make a ruling.

Last week, Samak complained during his Talk Samak Style programme that the EC's decision to send the issue to the court was like an execution order against him.

Praphan declined to respond to Samak's comment but said the EC always based its decision on evidence.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Just like Mr. Boss, the nominee proxy is having his own criminal cases come up in court now...

Court sets August 21st for first hearing in PM's Case

The Constitution Court set August 21st as the first date to verify evidence and eye-witnesses' testimonies over the Prime Minister's alleged unconstitutional act of being an employee of a private company.

Secretary-General for the Office of the Constitution Court Paiboon Varahapaithoon revealed that today's meeting resolved to accept the Election Commission's complaint, seeking a ruling on the status of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

The poll panel accused the Prime Minister of violating Constitution articles 91, 182, and 267 due to his job as the host of a cooking television program.

The court also agreed to combine the EC's petition with the complaint filed by 29 Senators into one trial. The Prime Minister, as the defendant, is required to give his rebuttal within 15 days from when the case is accepted and the first verification into the lists of evidence and eye-witnesses will be held on August 21st.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Court will hear case against PM's chef show

Constitution Court Secretary-General Paiboon Varahapiatoon said the court yesterday agreed to consider the Election Commission and Senate Speaker's complaint and request for the court's interpretation of whether Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej violated the constitution in taking up his role as host of the Chim Pai Bon Pai cooking show on television.

The court would send Samak copies of the complaint and request he submit his argument against the complaint within 15 days.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/060808_News/06Aug2008_news05.php

[sriracha john]

Court's hearing on Samak's qualification to convene August 26

The Constitution Court will convene a two-day hearing, starting on August 26, for the testimonies on the qualifications of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej put into doubts by his involvement in two cooking shows.

The Senate and the Election Commission separately petitioned for the judicial review on the matter and the high court decided to combine the petitions, court secretary general Paiboon Warahapaitoon said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Judges combine Samak cases

Constitution Court judges yesterday decided to combine the cases brought by 29 Senators and the Election Commission (EC) into one as all cases seek the ouster of PM Samak Sundaravej for his cooking shows on television. The charter court was asked by both parties to rule whether the PM violated the constitution by hosting the Chim Pai Bon Pai (Tasting and Grumbling) and Yok Khayong Hok Mong Chao (All Set at 6am) cooking programs. Chim Pai Bon Pai still runs on Channel 5 but Samak is no longer involved. Yok Khayong Hok Mong Chao has been withdrawn from Channel 3. The constitution prohibits a PM from holding any position in a partnership, company or an organisation carrying out business with a view to sharing profits or income, or being an employee of any person. The court fixed Aug 26-27 to hear from witnesses. On Aug 26, the court will hear from the Revenue Department Chief, Gen Yodchai Dhepyasuvan who heads the EC's probe team, and Dariga Rungrote, an accountant of Face Media Co, the producers of the Chim Pai Bon Pai show. The next day, it will hear from the Directors of Channels 3 and 5, which aired the shows.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/140808_News/14Aug2008_news08.php

Edited August 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Is it Samak's turn to flee from Thailand to London and say his life is in danger???

Hearings start today on Samak's TV shows

The Constitution Court will start hearings today into claims that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej breached the charter by hosting two television programmes.

The nine judges are expected to reach a decision by the end of next month.

If the court disqualifies the prime minister from his position, his entire Cabinet will have to resign, too.

The court will hear from the Revenue Department Director-General, a television-company accountant, and directors of Channels 3 and 5 on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

Samak is accused of breaking charter rules that prohibit prime ministers from taking any position in a company, partnership, for-profit organisation, or taking any other form of paid employment.

Both the Senate and the Election Commission complained about Samak's actions to the court, which is hearing them together as a single action.

Samak has claimed he was not paid for doing the programmes.

However, Senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana cited a 2001 Samak interview, in which he stated he donated Bt80,000 he received as a monthly stipend from a television programme to a foundation for stray dogs and cats. Samak was Bangkok Governor at that time.

Samak says he declined payment after becoming prime minister.

He told the commission he received an occasional travel allowance from one of the programmes.

Members of the People Power Party said it had not discussed the matter. And there was no need to prepare a position ahead of a decision, they said.

Former charter drafter Seri Suwanpanont said if Samak was disqualified he could be reappointed prime minister if he could get enough support in the House. But his public credibility would be hurt.

The matter is a seen as a cautionary tale for politicians about potential conflicts of interest.

Besides this case, Samak could also be disqualified if the Appeal Court endorses a Criminal Court ruling from last April, in which Samak received a two-year jail term for libel in a case against former Bangkok Governor Samart Ratchapolsitte.

- The Nation / today

[sriracha john]

One of the problems with electing a criminal rioting gang leader like Jatuporn as an MP...

"There's nothing wrong with breaking rules"...

It's the same, same as Chaiya's return to the Samak Cabinet after he was thrown off of it by the courts...

PPP plan to vote Samak back in as PM

PPP MPs say they will re-elect Samak Sundaravej as PM if the Constitution Court disqualifies him from the position over his hosting of cooking shows on commercial television. The constitution prohibits a prime minister from holding any position in a partnership, company or an organisation involved in business with a view to sharing profits or income, or being an employee of any other person. If he is found guilty by the court, he will be stripped of the prime ministership. But PPP MP Jatuporn Promphan said yesterday the party will simply use its numbers in the House to vote him back into the position. Samak is accused of violating the constitution by hosting the cooking programs. Samak is scheduled to defend himself before the court on Sept 8. Jatuporn said party MPs would vote to reinstate Samak as head of the government if he is disqualified.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/220808_News/22Aug2008_news10.php

[Old Man River]

There is a lot going on behind the scenes. Below is a link to an article in today's The Nation.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/22...cs_30081193.php

The main focus of the article is that Samak is not to be trusted. He promises one thing to one person and then turns around and promises the opposite to someone else. OK, nothing surprising here, but I am surprised by Tulsathit's comment that the military seems content. How can the military be content with a PM that cannot be trusted?

Over the past several months the biggest fear has been that the PM would re-write the constitution so that all the cases against Thaksin would vanish. That is no longer a fear. Now, it is the possibility that the PM could give Thaksin a full pardon. At the end of the day, if in his best interests, Samak would definitely consider it and this would be the worst case for the military. With a PM that cannot be trusted, how could anyone say the military is content?

[sriracha john]

'We'll vote Samak back if he loses'

Members of Parliament from the ruling People Power Party said yesterday they would vote to reinstate Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej if the Constitution Court ruled that he should stand down for breaching the Constitution by hosting cooking shows on television.

They said they felt Samak was the best-qualified person from their party and he deserved to be government leader.

Some of the MPs pointed out that even if Samak was disqualified by the court, there was no law to prevent him from assuming the top job again.

They spoke yesterday as the court began hearings in a case involving the PM. Samak is accused of violating the charter by hosting two TV shows while also being prime minister.

Samak began hosting "Chim Pai Bon Pai" and "Yok Khayong Hok Mong Chao" programmes before he became prime minister in late January and continued to host the shows until mid-May, when criticism grew over the matter.

Article 267 of the Constitution prohibits the prime minister and other government ministers from holding any position in a partnership, a company or a profit-oriented organisation, or being an employee of any person.

Paijit Sriworakhan, a People Power MP who leads its Isaan Pattana faction, said yesterday his group would vote Samak back as PM if he was removed from office by the court.

Anucha Sasomsap, a party MP from Nakhon Pathom, who is the brother of Commerce Minister Chaiya Sasomsap, said Samak was the best-qualified person in the ruling party.

"When there is voting for a new prime minister, I will vote for Samak once again. I think there should be no problem," he said.

Suthin Klangsang, from a faction of northeastern MPs close to banned politician Newin Chidchob, said those in his group agreed to support Samak, who he said was able to keep all groups in the party together.

Jatuporn Phromphan, a PPP party-list MP, said Samak's talk to party MPs earlier this week had improved unity within the ruling party.

Samak insisted on Tuesday he would never stab ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra in the back after being picked as party leader. He was responding to pressure from MPs loyal to Thaksin, who were upset that the premier had not acted sufficiently to protect Thaksin's reputation.

Police earlier distributed wanted posters for Thaksin and his wife Pojaman to police stations throughout the country after the Supreme Court issued arrest warrants for them for skipping bail.

Sathaporn Maneerat, an MP from Lamphun, said a court ruling to disqualify Samak would not ban him from politics and therefore he could return as prime minister. He cited the example of an earlier court ruling to disqualify Chaiya Sasomsap, who served as public health minister in Samak's previous Cabinet, for failing to properly report shares held by his wife.

Chaiya lost the public health portfolio but was later appointed commerce minister in the current Cabinet.

The Constitution Court judges met representatives and lawyers for the plaintiffs and the accused yesterday to discuss their lists of witnesses.

Both sides told the court they agreed to witness lists proposed by each other. The witnesses include officials from Face Media Co, the producer of the programmes in question, and directors or representatives of TV Channels 3 and 5, which broadcast Samak's shows.

The first hearing of witnesses is scheduled for next Tuesday.

- The Nation / today

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

no diplomatic passport pulling... no extradition request.... Samak lives up to his word.

Edited August 22, 2008 by sriracha john

[Plus]

Samak is more acceptable to the military than any of the substitutes and he is the only one person in PPP who listens to them.

They'd rather keep Samak than face someone like Surapong.

All passport/extradition issues are going according to a plan, if there was one. Tej made a wise move about not being drawn in street politics, it wasn't his decision to make, in the big scheme of things.

[hammered]

Everyone knows precisely where Samak's main loyalty lies and always has throughout his career.

It would be difficult for Samak to just announce he will rip away T-mans passport right now while things at PPP high command are in flux even if the passport is about to be taken away and having someone who has fled the country while on bail for a case in the countries supreme court retain a diplomatic passport would clearly be utterly bizarre to say the least. We may see a case before the administrative court that will allow the removal of said passport without Samak having to come off the fence just yet.

[sriracha john]

In anticipation of this becoming another dish on Samak's already crowded dinner table of cases...

Irregularities suspected over push for dam

Senators and environmentalists suspect irregularities involving the planned construction of the 120 Billion Baht hydro-power dam on the Mekong river being pushed by the Samak administration. Their focus is on the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between former Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama and the Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in March to jointly build the dam on the world's 12th longest river. They say the signing of the MoU bypassed parliamentary approval and the government had failed to take into account public participation, particularly villagers affected by the dam construction. Noppadon also agreed with the Laotian proposal to commission Italian-Thai Development Plc to conduct the feasibility study of the project without holding a proper bidding contest as required under Thai law. Senator Prasarn Marukpitak, who chairs a Senate panel probing alleged irregularities involving the Ban Koum dam project, yesterday submitted a motion against Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag, asking him to explain why the government had signed the MoU so hastily with Laos. The MoU was signed on March 25, less than two months after the Samak Cabinet took office.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/230808_News/23Aug2008_news06.php

Edited August 23, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

In anticipation of this becoming another dish on Samak's already crowded dinner table of cases...

Irregularities suspected over push for dam

Senators and environmentalists suspect irregularities involving the planned construction of the 120 Billion Baht hydro-power dam on the Mekong river being pushed by the Samak administration. Their focus is on the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between former Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama and the Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in March to jointly build the dam on the world's 12th longest river. They say the signing of the MoU bypassed parliamentary approval and the government had failed to take into account public participation, particularly villagers affected by the dam construction. Noppadon also agreed with the Laotian proposal to commission Italian-Thai Development Plc to conduct the feasibility study of the project without holding a proper bidding contest as required under Thai law. Senator Prasarn Marukpitak, who chairs a Senate panel probing alleged irregularities involving the Ban Koum dam project, yesterday submitted a motion against Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag, asking him to explain why the government had signed the MoU so hastily with Laos. The MoU was signed on March 25, less than two months after the Samak Cabinet took office.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/230808_News/23Aug2008_news06.php

Public participation I assume is now part of the constitutional requirement or at least some kind of legal requirement. That is certainly a step forward in Thailand. I doubt though that it is currently part of Thai politcal tradition where projects such as this are often viewed as ways of raising revenue for personal, familial or electoral benefit.

[Old Man River]

Samak is more acceptable to the military than any of the substitutes and he is the only one person in PPP who listens to them.

Plus, I did not make my comments up. Samak has shown that he will screw those that throw support his way if he decides his best option is somewhere else. It is making some of those that you refer to very nervous.

[hammered]

Samak is more acceptable to the military than any of the substitutes and he is the only one person in PPP who listens to them.

Plus, I did not make my comments up. Samak has shown that he will screw those that throw support his way if he decides his best option is somewhere else. It is making some of those that you refer to very nervous.

And there is a military reshuffle just about to happen, but the most intersting thing I thought was Tej passing the diplomatic passport final decison to Samak. That really forces him to come off of the fence. Right now who exactly does trust Samak? We know there is only one person who he will ultimately take orders from but will that person be willing to give them?

Intersting times as things come to a head. Hopefully it will all be over soon as after three years the country could actually do with some leadership and decison making.

[Old Man River]

Samak is more acceptable to the military than any of the substitutes and he is the only one person in PPP who listens to them.

Plus, I did not make my comments up. Samak has shown that he will screw those that throw support his way if he decides his best option is somewhere else. It is making some of those that you refer to very nervous.

And there is a military reshuffle just about to happen, but the most intersting thing I thought was Tej passing the diplomatic passport final decison to Samak. That really forces him to come off of the fence. Right now who exactly does trust Samak? We know there is only one person who he will ultimately take orders from but will that person be willing to give them?

Intersting times as things come to a head. Hopefully it will all be over soon as after three years the country could actually do with some leadership and decison making.

You raise an interesting point that we really cannot discuss. Time will tell.