New Cabinet Appointed

[sriracha john]

On a day-to-day basis do you suppose that any of these crooks do any governing? They must be so busy seeing lawyers and

Just seeing the lawyers alone takes up most of their time apparently... it sure seems the governmental defendents are taking most of the Court's time, as well...

Court Prepares for First Hearing into Status of Public Health Minister

The Constitution Court holds a meeting to discuss its upcoming hearing into the status of the Public Health Minister, adding its ruling will not be swayed by external factors including the possible cabinet reshuffle.

A complaint filed by a group of 36 Senators, seeking a ruling on the status of Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap topped the agenda of today's meeting of the Constitution Court judges.

The complaint claims that the Public Health Minister violated the ban on public officer holders and their spouses from holding over five per cent shares in a company, as his wife was found to have acquired over 50 per cent of the Sap Hog Heng company shares.

Chaiya is also accused of failing to file his assets list with the National Counter Corruption Commission within 30 days after taking office.

All nine judges of the Constitutional Court will review Chaiya's additional clarifications and evidence and will issue a ruling on the case at 3 p.m. on July 15th.

Secretary-General of the Constitution Court Office Paiboon Varahapaithoon says the judges will consider whether the additional evidence is plausible enough to justify a review.

He also insists the court's decision will not be swayed by outside factors including the current speculations of a possible Cabinet reshuffle.

Meanwhile, the court has scheduled to deliver an oral verdict on the prime minister's request for a review of the bill on the Auditor-General's Office if it violates the Constitution on July 8th.

On the case questioning the prime minister's qualifications for being employed by a private company to host two cooking television shows and the case questioning Deputy Commerce Minister Virun Techapaibul's holding of more than a five per cent stake in a private company, the court is in the process of waiting for more evidence on the case. It will later reveal when these cases will be deliberated.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

What a lunatic, this Chalerm!

Battle of the titans

The duel between Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaungsuban on Thursday night was the heavyweight main event concluding the censure debate.

Chalerm, one of the most outspoken ministers in Cabinet, was grilled by Suthep, a seasoned politician, who has proclaimed himself the "shadow interior minister". Suthep claimed that Chalerm took advantage of his control over the Land Department to help his associates gain coveted plots of public land from some wealthy owners of problematic plots.

Suthep said Chalerm influenced the Land Department's current caretaker director-general to unlawfully secure the holding rights to separate land plots in Phuket for the interior minister's associates, some of whom are also in the government.

"He has no sense of responsibility as the interior minister. If he had been serious about this issue, things would have been better," said Suthep.

Chalerm's face turned red. But in fact he should not have been surprised, as he urged other Democrat MPs earlier in the day to leave time for Suthep to quiz him.

But when Suthep did attack, Chalerm was apparently caught off guard. He implied that Suthep was envious of him. "I am the real interior minister. And you are just shadow interior minister. That serves you right," he said.

Instead of answering Suthep's charge, Chalerm teased Suthep about his dark skin, implying that he could not see Suthep properly because he was sitting too far away and in the dark. "Come on. You better sit here in the front. Are you sitting at the back because you are afraid of me?" Chalerm asked Suthep.

The latter hit back, "I am sitting here according to the order that the House gave me. This is my number," pointing to the badge that he was wearing.

Finally Chalerm lost his cool. He cursed back. "If I did as claimed by Suthep, may I be doomed and drop dead as soon as I leave this place. If I didn't do that, may I prosper further and may the Democrat Party be in the opposition forever," Chalerm said.

Chalerm swore an oath to his innocence. He insisted that Suthep had lied when the opposition MP accused him of abusing his power for personal gain. He also challenged Suthep to swear to the truth of his claims in the sacred shrine of the Emerald Buddha. However, his challenge was rejected by the opposition MP, who said he did not believe in swearing.

- The Nation / June 28, 2008

‘Secretary Tu’

Interior Minister Pol. Captain Chalerm Yoobamrung has recently been criticized over his alleged intervention in the acquisition of a 48-rai plot of land by one of his supporters on Racha Yai Island (City District, Phuket Province).

These allegations were made by Suthep Theugsuban, the self-styled Shadow Interior Minister, during a recent ‘Vote of No Confidence’ debate against the Samak government in Parliament.

An investigatory committee, into incursions on government land, recently ordered the Ministry of Interior to revoke the Nor Sor 3 Kor document of the disputed land plot because of insufficient evidence that it was eligible for private ownership. It was then proposed that the current Interior Minister should make a judgment over the issue.

Chalerm has tried to explain the matter to both Parliament and the media, saying that he knows the man involved in the disputed ownership - Khun Suthichart (AKA Tu) - but disputing any notion that the person named was ever his ‘personal secretary’.

It is a fact that ‘Tu’ is a key supporter of Minister Chalerm, and that they are quite close to each other. ‘Tu’ is known to most officials in the MOI as ‘Secretary Tu’ - even though it is thought he has never been officially employed in that capacity.

‘Secretary Tu’ is not a servant in any normal sense of that word. He is actually a successful businessman who owns many hotels. He is the Managing Director of the Racha Yai Island Company and the Racha Yai Estate. His family runs many real estate businesses in Phuket province.

'Tu' is said to regularly hang around the MOI’s main administrative building in Bangkok, always at the ready to involve that ministry in his plans. It is also said that he has his own room in the building, and that he frequently attends meetings there.

- translated and summarized from Matichon newspaper by 2Bangkok.com

[sriracha john]

PERSONA NON GRATA

Chalerm sent scurrying

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung canceled official duties in Phuket yesterday after protests from provincial members of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Chalerm was to meet Phuket's Governor on Tuesday evening and high-ranking police and local government officials. He was alerted to the PAD protest at the airport. He landed at Krabi instead. But the PAD was waiting for him there, too.

Chalerm told television news that politicians were behind the protests and he had canceled the visit not from fear but simply because he did not want a confrontation. "I don't understand why they want me out when I went there to help them,'' he says.

People Power Party party-list MP Jatuporn Prompan says 14 southern provinces may discover they have funding problems if other government ministers face similar treatment. *a throwback to Thaksin's exclusionary blackmail tactics of "Any province not voting for TRT will not receive any federal funding"...the pit bull riot leader Jatuporn was trained well at obedience school*

- Daily Xpress

Edited July 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

yet another throwback to the Thaksin-era tactics...

Chaiya 'will not speak'

Facing trial for contempt of court, Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap says he'll issue only written statements.

"I won't give one-on-one interviews to reporters anymore," Chaiya says.

He was speaking yesterday after appearing at the Central Administrative Court for more than an hour and a half to explain his comments on a recent court injunction. Last week, the Administrative Court issued an injunction against his orders to remove Dr Wichai Chokewiwat and seven others from the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation. Chaiya vowed to appeal and criticised the court. After his comments were published, the Central Administrative Court issued a summons for him.

Editors from three newspapers were also required to attend the court yesterday. The court ordered Manager Daily to name its reporter who interviewed Chaiya.

- Daily Xpress

[Tony Clifton]

PERSONA NON GRATA

Chalerm sent scurrying

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung canceled official duties in Phuket yesterday after protests from provincial members of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Chalerm was to meet Phuket's Governor on Tuesday evening and high-ranking police and local government officials. He was alerted to the PAD protest at the airport. He landed at Krabi instead. But the PAD was waiting for him there, too.

Chalerm told television news that politicians were behind the protests and he had canceled the visit not from fear but simply because he did not want a confrontation. "I don't understand why they want me out when I went there to help them,'' he says.

People Power Party party-list MP Jatuporn Prompan says 14 southern provinces may discover they have funding problems if other government ministers face similar treatment. *a throwback to Thaksin's exclusionary blackmail tactics of "Any province not voting for TRT will not receive any federal funding"...the pit bull riot leader Jatuporn was trained well at obedience school*

- Daily Xpress

Docteuh Chalerm The interior minister intimitated within his own country. Spinelless drunk.

They were waiting for him outside with English signs with YES-NO-OK, a reminder to his recent claim of holding a legitimate PhD.

[h90]

PERSONA NON GRATA

Chalerm sent scurrying

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung canceled official duties in Phuket yesterday after protests from provincial members of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Chalerm was to meet Phuket's Governor on Tuesday evening and high-ranking police and local government officials. He was alerted to the PAD protest at the airport. He landed at Krabi instead. But the PAD was waiting for him there, too.

Chalerm told television news that politicians were behind the protests and he had canceled the visit not from fear but simply because he did not want a confrontation. "I don't understand why they want me out when I went there to help them,'' he says.

People Power Party party-list MP Jatuporn Prompan says 14 southern provinces may discover they have funding problems if other government ministers face similar treatment. *a throwback to Thaksin's exclusionary blackmail tactics of "Any province not voting for TRT will not receive any federal funding"...the pit bull riot leader Jatuporn was trained well at obedience school*

- Daily Xpress

The south is just waiting for such a thing like cutting the funds....

They wait to block the roads at Chumphons and stopping paying tax. Just they need a reason. I recall that "Thaksin does not pay tax, so we don't pay tax"

[steveromagnino]

I wonder whether he will bring back those X and tick signs that Thaksin used in press meetings for a while (well, once).

How anyone can possibly think that these guys know what they are doing is beyond me.

[sriracha john]

PERSONA NON GRATA

Chalerm sent scurrying

People Power Party party-list MP Jatuporn Prompan says 14 southern provinces may discover they have funding problems if other government ministers face similar treatment. *a throwback to Thaksin's exclusionary blackmail tactics of "Any province not voting for TRT will not receive any federal funding"...the pit bull riot leader Jatuporn was trained well at obedience school*

Someone else makes the same connection in this report... in amongst another highly questionable move by the government...

Budget for Democratic Development May Be Unconstitutional

The Democrats have instructed its MPs not to receive the democratic development funds from the House's Budget office, following concerns about it possibly violating the Constitution.

Assistant to the Secretary-General of the Democrat Party Thepthai Senpong says the decision by the House of Representative's Budget Office to provide MPs with 100,000 baht each as part of the campaign to promote democracy may violate article 265 of the Constitution, which bans members of Parliament from receiving money from any state agency.

Thepthai says his party has instructed its MPs not to accept the money directly and the group's offices across the country will be assigned to map out projects before receiving the budget.

He insists the Democrats were not involved in the protest against the recent visit of Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobumrung to Krabi Province, citing that the rally was intended to air opposition against Chalerm's inappropriate remarks on the anti-government moves.

Thepthai also urged Deputy Government Spokesperson [and riot leader] Natthawut Saikua to disclose the name of the politician he claims to be one of the masterminds behind the protest in Krabi.

Commenting on the remark by People Power Party MP [and fellow riot leader] Jatuporn Prompan that the government will cut the budget for the south, Thepthai says the comment will have no impact as the Thaksin Shinawatra administration once vowed to cut the budget for the constituencies without an MP of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party.

He also believed the delay in the Cabinet reshuffle stems from conflicts within the People Power Party, but the reshuffle will be carried out to prevent further failure in public administration.

- Thailand Outlook / 03-07-08

[sriracha john]

Another Cabinet Minister didn't wish to end up "scurrying" so she cancelled her trip before even getting off the ground....

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Anongwan Thepsuthin is the wife of Banned TRT Party Executive Somsak Thepsuthin

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Cancels Trip to Khon Kaen

The Natural Resources and Environment minister has cancelled a trip to Khon Kaen fearing a repeat of protests from People's Alliance for Democracy supporters that happened when the Interior Minister visited Krabi province earlier this week. About 300 locals in Krabi had gathered at the Chao Fa Dam in Muang District to attend the opening ceremony for the Krabi People's Alliance for Democracy.

Meanwhile, officials have announced that Natural Resources and Environment Minister Anongwan Thepsutin's trip to northeastern Khon Kaen has been cancelled.

Earlier, many residents in Khon Kaen sent a short message to ASTV News1 channel calling on locals to stage civil disobedience to welcome the minister.

- Thailand Outlook / 03-07-08

Edited July 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

The No-Stranger-To-Controversy just keeps rolling right along...

Chalerm at a press conference in 2004 with his son Duangchalerm after Duangchalerm finally returned to Thailand to face murder charges related to shooting a policeman point-blank in the head while his brother held him down during an argument in a pub.

Interior Minister appoints his son as Anti-Drug Committee Member

The Interior Minister appointed one of his sons as a member of the special committee to tackle drug problems. Major Duang Yoobamrung, the son of Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, was appointed to work with the Interior Ministry's Drug Suppression Committee, which is a special unit that supports operations to reduce drug problems.

The official letter of his appointment was signed by his farther, the Interior Minister himself, on July 4th, 2008. The special anti-drug committee was recently established because it has become apparent that operations to suppress illegal drugs implemented by several state agencies have encountered big coordination gaps.

The special unit supports operations conducted by all agencies and is intended to boost the coordination between them. The special drug suppression committee comprises of thirty-eight members, including former national police spokesman Police Lieutenant-General Pongsapat Pongchareon and former People Power Party MP candidate Han Timatongkam.

- Thailand Outlook / 05-07-08

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

Interesting that Duang is definitely on the fast-track promotion list...

After being re-instated back into the Army just only this past May as a Sub-Lieutenant, he is now a Major....

Edited July 5, 2008 by sriracha john

[slapout]

fast track is a understatement, looks like his father went back to his old ways of protecting and promoting his litter.

[Plus]

Reportedly Duang has a friend very high up in Burmese drug cartels and daddy wants to leverage that to persuade them to give up producing drugs and switch to growing daisies, but maybe they have more leverage on him and Thailand's Interior Minister instead.

Nice to know that Chalerm and his children are big friends with those outlaws, anyone to venture a guess who the targets of his new drug war will be? Apparently not Burmese, always easier to set up a few poor fellow Thais to take a hit instead. Yobamroongs always treated them like dirt, but now it's called "democracy".

[sriracha john]

- From The Nation / 07-07-08

Beginning today in another legal case, Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap faces a critical test. The Administrative Court will decide whether he showed contempt when it issued an order to reinstate the board of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation.

On Wednesday, Chaiya will also face another hurdle when the Constitution Court rules on his asset concealment case. The National Counter Corruption Commission has found Chaiya guilty of failing to declare his wife's shareholding in a company of more than 5 per cent.

Chaiya will lose his post and be banned from politics for five years if the Constitution Court rules against him.

Edited July 7, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

BREAKING NEWS: Chaiya Found Guilty of Contempt of Court

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap has been found guilty of comtempt of court. He's been fined 25,000 baht.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Urgent:

Chaiya fined Bt25,000 for contempt of court

The Administrative Court found Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsup guilty of contempt of count and fined him Bt25,000.

Chaiya earlier criticised the court for issuing an injunction against Chaiya's order to appoint a new Board of Directors for the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation.

- The Nation

[hammered]

Urgent:

Chaiya fined Bt25,000 for contempt of court

The Administrative Court found Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsup guilty of contempt of count and fined him Bt25,000.

Chaiya earlier criticised the court for issuing an injunction against Chaiya's order to appoint a new Board of Directors for the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation.

- The Nation

Hopefully this will indirectly result in CL continuing so cheaper drugs remain available to the poor. Not much of a fine for such a very wealthy and arrogant member of the Thai elite but quite a loss of face, which is always good to see.

[sriracha john]

It could provide further impetus for his departure...

Chaiya guilty of contempt of court

The Administrative Court yesterday found Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap guilty of contempt of court and fined him Bt25,000. Chaiya had criticised the court's injunction against his order to appoint a new board of directors at the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation.

The minister faces another judgement tomorrow, when the Constitution Court will rule whether he should be removed from his post for failure to report within a 30-day deadline his wife's shareholding in a company in excess of 5 per cent. His wife Jurai held 50 per cent of shares in a company that were worth 2.5 Million Baht.

"I will follow the judge's decision; whatever they decide, I will do it," Chaiya said with smile.

Before going to hear the Administrative Court's ruling, Chaiya called all top health officials, including Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr Prat Boonyavongsevirot, to a meeting at the ministry's second-floor conference room and later had lunch with them.

During lunch, Chaiya thanked the officials for their work with him over five months and apologized if he had created any problems for them.

"It was nothing to do with the Constitution Court judgement. I just called them here because I wanted to have lunch with them and say thank you. Since I started work here I have never had lunch with all the top health officials," he said.

*terrific management skills*

"In future, nobody can say who will stay or who will go," he added. *wanna bet? the Constitution Court, for one, certainly can*

- The Nation

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

Surprised the article doesn't mention that he was actually fined 50,000 Baht (albeit still a small pittance for a multi-millionaire) by the Court, but that it was halved to 25K because he apologized to the Court for his contemptible actions.

Edited July 8, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Chaiya found guilty of contempt of court

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab was found guilty of contempt of court and fined 25,000 baht by the Administrative Court yesterday. The court also issued warnings to three newspapers _ Manager Daily, Matichon and Post Today _ which published the minister's criticism of the court's order reinstating the Chairman and five-member Board of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO). Chaiya had recommended the board's dismissal, and the cabinet approved their removal. Former Chairman Vichai Chokewiwat and the other board members had petitioned the court to overturn the cabinet's "unfair" decision. In its verdict yesterday the court said Chaiya's comment published on June 26 questioning the judges' qualifications was "not academically sound." He was initially fined the maximum of 50,000 baht under article 65 of the Administrative Court Establishment Act. The court halved the fine because Chaiya confessed during the hearing to making the comment and apologised. The minister appeared cheered by the verdict, smiling and laughing with people. Chaiya went to pay the fine before leaving the court. *"Do you take Visa or MasterCard?"* He said he was grateful to the court and that he would be more careful giving interviews in future to avoid any legal problems. The minister said he would talk with his lawyers about appealing to the Supreme Administrative Court over the GPO Board verdict. The minister is also on trial in the Constitution Court for failing to

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/080708_News/08Jul2008_news08.php

[sriracha john]

As one Cabinet minister is found guilty yesterday and faces another ruling tomorrow, yet another Cabinet minister is to be placed on the Court's docket... I believe Noppadope will be Number 6 Cabinet minister with his ass in a sling...

Court: Noppadon violated law by signing deal over Preah Vihear

The Constitution Court ruled Tuesday that Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama violated the constitution by signing the joint communique with Phnom Penh over Preah Vihear temple without consideration by parliament. Of nine judges, eight voted that signing the joint communique must be approved by the parliament while one disagreed. Article 190 says any decisions which could affect Thai national sovereignty must be considered by parliament. The court will officially inform House Speaker, Senate Speaker, and Cabinet members of the verdict.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128770

Edited July 8, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Joint communique with Cambodia is unconstitutional

The Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled that a Joint Communique Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama signed with Cambodia over Preah Vihear Temple in June is unconstitutional.

The Court's Secretary-General Paiboon Warahapaiboon said signing of such agreement with Cambodia needed an approval from the Parliament first.

"The Joint communique with Cambodia is considered a treaty in accordance with the Vienna Convention 1969 and the Thai Constitution's Article 190 which needs an approval from the Parliament first," he said.

The Constitution Court judges voted 8 to 1 that the agreement needed the green light from the Parliament first.

Noppadon signed the agreement with Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sok An on June 18, 2008

- The Nation

Edited July 8, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

As one Cabinet minister is found guilty yesterday and faces another ruling tomorrow, yet another Cabinet minister is to be placed on the Court's docket... I believe Noppadope will be Number 6 Cabinet minister with his ass in a sling...

Court: Noppadon violated law by signing deal over Preah Vihear

The Constitution Court ruled Tuesday that Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama violated the constitution by signing the joint communique with Phnom Penh over Preah Vihear temple without consideration by parliament. Of nine judges, eight voted that signing the joint communique must be approved by the parliament while one disagreed. Article 190 says any decisions which could affect Thai national sovereignty must be considered by parliament. The court will officially inform House Speaker, Senate Speaker, and Cabinet members of the verdict.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128770

It seems the court found on two things:

1. The communique is a binding treaty between Thailand and Cambodia

2. That the signing was covered by section 190 of the constitution and should have gone to parliament first.

Guess that means that Noppadol signed a legally binding treaty off of his own back without following the constitutionally required process. Time to fall on your sword or be fired by the end of today. However, with the Samak government of laughs anything could happen.

edited to add: 1

Edited July 8, 2008 by hammered

[sriracha john]

The Courts have been incredibly busy dealing with Thaksin and his co-horts the past week.... and it all seems to be going against him in the final rulings that have been announced thus far.

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

[hammered]

Guess old Noppadol can always get a job replacing one of those jailed lawyers for his master or he would make a right dapper presenter on PTV. Old Jatuporn just aint got the looks to be a TV presenter.

What is noticeable so far is the courts are finding against the T side repeatedly and they are also finding against the PAD repeatedly. Nobody can accuse them of poltical bias.

[Plus]

Yet courts can't solve political problems, especially in the long term.

Their role is to correct deviant behaviour, unfortunately what they consider deviant has become the norm in the society.

They are battling the symptoms, disease lies somewhere else.

While some would argue that the whole history of Siam beginning from Sukhotai inscription times is directly responsible for the current mess, I think we can find more recent examples of country's politicians openly advocating breaking the law if it gets your bread buttered.

How many times we heard "it's ok to elect corrupt politicians, everyone is corrupt" argument from our self-appointed democracy defenders.

[sriracha john]

Noppadope's resume' software will need to be updated... but he can go halves's on it with Chaiya...

Constitution Court: Thai-Cambodian Joint Communique Violates Charter

The Constitution Court ruled 8 to 1 this morning that the Thai-Cambodian joint communiqué needed to first be endorsed by Parliament.

This morning, the Constitution Court handed down a ruling on a case filed by 77 Senators and 51 MPs for the court to interpret if the joint communiqué signed by the Foreign Affairs Minister violates the Constitution.

The judges ruled unanimously 9-0 that the joint declaration signed by Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama is considered to be a treaty. On top of that, judges ruled 8 to 1 that the treaty could affect Thailand’s sovereignty and therefore must receive the approval of the Parliament prior to the Cabinet’s official endorsement.

When asked how the ruling could affect the political goings-on of Thailand, Court Secretary-General Paiboon Warahapaiboon declined to comment.

He says the responsibility of the Constitution Court has been completed and the ruling will be forwarded to the Senators and MPs.

Meanwhile, the court will hand down a ruling on Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap’s asset declaration case tomorrow at 9 am.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited July 8, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Noppadope's resume' software will need to be updated... but he can go "halvsie's" on it with Chaiya...

Constitution Court: Thai-Cambodian Joint Communique Violates Charter

The Constitution Court ruled 8 to 1 this morning that the Thai-Cambodian joint communiqué needed to first be endorsed by Parliament.

This morning, the Constitution Court handed down a ruling on a case filed by 77 Senators and 51 MPs for the court to interpret if the joint communiqué signed by the Foreign Affairs Minister violates the Constitution.

The judges ruled unanimously 9-0 that the joint declaration signed by Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama is considered to be a treaty. On top of that, judges ruled 8 to 1 that the treaty could affect Thailand’s sovereignty and therefore must receive the approval of the Parliament prior to the Cabinet’s official endorsement.

When asked how the ruling could affect the political goings-on of Thailand, Court Secretary-General Paiboon Warahapaiboon declined to comment.

He says the responsibility of the Constitution Court has been completed and the ruling will be forwarded to the Senators and MPs.

Meanwhile, the court will hand down a ruling on Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap’s asset declaration case tomorrow at 9 am.

- Thailand Outlook

One would assume that breaking the constitution carreis with it a certain penalty as with breaking any law. Maybe that it was broken by someone invested with the powe rto represent all in the country would make thsi transgression worse. Then again it would also depend on whether it was done by accident, deliberatley or whatever...

I am sure a quick resignation and apology and it is all over for the minister invovled although politcally it may only just be beginning. This issue is one that has been stuck to the PPP government inspite of their protestations and for the first time their opponents have an issue, and potentially highly emotive one at that, and the language to talk and appeal directly to those who usually support the government provided of course they can actually get their message into those heartlands. TRT and PPP to a lesser extent have always been good at limiting information within the villages although that is probably harder now.

[sriracha john]

Democrat says government responsible for Noppadon action

The Democrat Party called on the government to take responsibility for Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama's decision to sign joint communique with Cambodia on Preah Vihear temple. Deputy Leader of Democrat Party Jurin Laksanawisit said the government must be responsible for Noppadon's act, or else it would be considered dereliction of duty. His statement came after the Constitution Court ruled that Noppadon violated the constitution by signing the deal without receiving approval from the parliament.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128772

[sriracha john]

Just in case he refuses to resign like his software-purchasing partner Chaiya...

Constitutional Tribunal rules that Preah Vihear joint communiqué against Constitution

The Constitution Tribunal unanimously resolved to rule that the joint communiqué signed by Thailand and Cambodia on the registration of the Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site is against Article 190 of the Constitution.

The Constitution Tribunal has assigned Secretary-General of the Office of the Constitutional Court, Paiboon Warahapaitoon, to announce the tribunal’s decision.

According to Mr Paiboon, the joint communiqué contains all elements of a contract and therefore violates Article 190 which requires any contract signed by the country to receive consent from the parliament first.

The Constitutional Court will send a letter to the Senate Speaker and the House Speaker to officially inform them of its ruling on the joint communiqué.

Senators and MPs which requested the court to rule on the matter can submit the court’s ruling to the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to remove Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadon Pattama, who signed the communiqué, from the post.

- ThaiNews

[sriracha john]

and thus.. it shall be done...

77 Senators to seek impeachment against Cabinet

A group of 77 Senators announced that they would file a motion, seeking to impeach the Cabinet for having endorsed an unconstitutional joint communique over Preah Vihear listing.

The Senators resolved to impeach the Cabinet after the Constitution Court ruled that Foreign Minister Noppadon violated the charter by inking the joint statement without first seeking approval from the Cabinet.

- The Nation

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

*Edit*

presuming last word should read Parliament.

Edited July 8, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Just in case he refuses to resign...

Constitutional Tribunal rules that Preah Vihear joint communiqué against Constitution

Senators and MPs which requested the court to rule on the matter can submit the court’s ruling to the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to remove Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadon Pattama, who signed the communiqué, from the post.

and thus.. it shall be done...

77 Senators to seek impeachment against Cabinet

The Senators made their move, now it's the MP's turn...

Democrats to seek Noppadon's impeachment

Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva announced Tuesday that his party would seek an impeachment against Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama for violating the Constitution.

Abhisit said Noppadon breached the charter by signing a joint communique with Cambodia to express support the listing of Preah Vihear as a world heritage site on May 22 without first seeking approval from Parliament.

Abhisit said Noppadon's wrongdoing warranted his impeachment.

- The Nation

Edited July 8, 2008 by sriracha john