New Cabinet Appointed

[steveromagnino]

Abhisit said Noppadon's wrongdoing warranted his impeachment.

But how will his boss build his casino resort island without the quid pro quo?

Seems like another piece of collateral damage.

3 lawyers in jail

1 ex media personality of dubious sexual orientation in court

1 former house speaker in court

several former cabinet colleagues in court

family in court

several attractive younger ladies sporting a bit of a case of 'square face' take a few million should clear up in a while (and also sporting some plastic surgery no less)

Hmmm....... but of course ' WE LOVE HIM< PLEASE COME BACK WE MISS YOU.........'

55555555

[sriracha john]

It was a terrific day for justice... and came on the heels of other court rulings like Chaiya's defamation conviction, Thaksin's lawyers imprisonments, etc.... there have been a lot of heavy body blows of late to the once-invincible Thaksin...

Verdicts hammer government

Former House Speaker banned from politics for five years

The separate court rulings against Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama and former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat yesterday dealt major blows to the government, which will now face fresh efforts to remove it from office. The pressure started earlier in the day with the Constitution Court's verdict on the joint communique with Cambodia on the World Heritage listing of Preah Vihear temple, signed by Noppadon. The court ruled that the document needed approval from parliament. Hours later the Supreme Court's election division banned Yongyuth of the PPP from politics for five years for election fraud. The Constitution Court's ruling not only prompted calls for Noppadon to resign to show responsibility but also prompted a group of Senators and MPs to seek the impeachment of the entire cabinet. Senator Khamnoon Sitthisamarn said a group of Senators also are considering asking the NCCC to seek criminal action against the Cabinet.

Mr Khamnoon said the government had failed to observe the charter and was subject to investigation under the criminal code for lapse of duty. If the NCCC agrees, the case will be heard in the Supreme Court. Priyanandana Rangsit, Vice-Chairwoman of the Senate Committee for Foreign Affairs, urged the Foreign Minister to show responsibility by resigning from his post following the Constitution Court's ruling. "Noppadon has been working in a hush-hush manner and never let other stakeholders know what was going on," Priyanandana said. The Democrat Party will also seek a separate impeachment of Noppadon for breaching the constitution within days and it will probably include the entire cabinet, including PM Samak. In the Yongyuth case, the Election Commission can also ask the Constitution Court to dissolve the PPP if it has evidence Yongyuth's poll fraud was aimed at benefiting the party, of which he was a Deputy Leader at the time. As pressure mounts, political analysts have warned the government against dissolving the House of Representatives to escape responsibility or the PPP's dissolution.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/090708_News/09Jul2008_news01.php

Edited July 9, 2008 by sriracha john

[nomoretalksin]

Regarding 08/09 budget planing

written by "Democrat's Shadow Finance Minister" Mr. Korn himself:

Quote

A window into where your tax money goes

By Korn Chatikavanij

Published on July 9, 2008

Just over a week ago, Parliament approved the 2009 budget, in principle. This included a deficit of Bt250 billion, or roughly 2.5 per cent of GDP.

That's the largest deficit ever, and it appears that deficits will remain a feature of our national budget for the foreseeable future. How will this affect our people and is this money being used for their best benefit?

After 35 working hours of the Ad Hoc Budget Committee, we have completed the budget request for the Ministry of Finance and moved onto the Ministry of Commerce. That means there are 18 ministries to go, 76 provinces and 59 state enterprises, and over a dozen other agencies. After two and a half months we will have seen and analysed every government department and assessed the capability of every head of department and permanent secretary. I'd like to think that they will derive some benefit from the feedback they receive from politicians, reflecting back the needs of their electorate.

Unfortunately, civil servants will have to bear a lot of 'grandstanding' by politicians in these meetings. There is a tendency for committee members to make speeches as opposed to simple requests for explanations or information. It is like Parliament transported into the committee room, with 63 members each feeling the need to make a speech to every government agency that comes to ask for funds. I think part of the reason is that the meetings are transmitted live into the press-room and sometimes the press is actually listening. Another reason is probably that this is the only way politicians know how to talk.

One is reminded about how eclectic the mix of politicians can be in terms of experience, background and knowledge. One common denominator - true across party lines - is the sensitivity regarding votes 'back home'. It is this combination of the civil service's technocratic approach and politicians' need to constantly be aware of voters' sentiments that makes the democratic system so intriguing. All this is clearly evident in budget sessions.

The Finance Ministry doesn't actually ask for a lot of money - most of the funding allocated to it is to pay off national debt and interest on debt. The ministry's task is to collect money rather than spend it, and indeed the Customs Department actually asked for less money than a year ago, even though it is aiming to collect 15 per cent more tax revenue than last year. The departments that had the toughest time were the Revenue Department, the Office for State Enterprises and the Public Debt Management Office. The Revenue Department had a rough time partly because, well, let's face it, who in the world likes revenue departments? Also, the Revenue Department was the most complicit during the Thaksin regime in allowing tax dodges to occur - and they are still being grilled about it.

The bulk of the government's tax revenue comes from the Revenue Department - in terms of corporate and personal income tax as well as VAT. So when the increased budget is based on the assumption that this department will be able to increase its tax intake, we have to ask how it is that this will be achieved, given that it is aiming for tax receipts to increase by more than twice the rate of GDP growth.

One important observation early in this process is that, in a sense, we attach too much importance to the budget as a tool to drive economic development. In Thailand this is particularly true as our tax base is narrow and the tax collected is only 15 per cent of GDP. Thus, government spending is a relatively small portion of the economy. Last week I mentioned that it is a concern that the 'investment' portion of the budget is in decline - only 22 per cent of total budget against 24 per cent last year- and in baht terms actually less net of inflation but this total is only 16 per cent of total national investments. The main component is private investment - domestic and foreign - as well as state enterprises. So, much more important are government policies that will ensure Thailand remains an attractive place to invest. Having said that, the trend is worrying since the 'expenses' portion of the budget is not only growing but is effectively fixed. This means that without the Bt250 billion deficit, we would only have Bt150 billion available for investments. Just to maintain this level of investment means we will have to live with budget deficits for a long time to come.

What is of more concern is that these 'investments' are not the kind of investments one hopes to see at all. I would define 'good' investments as money spent on improving or increasing productive capability. In short this means the creation of jobs and opportunities and also a financial/social return. So far, all I have seen in the budget are requests for land and additional government buildings as well as the procurement of computers and cars. We are building up assets that neither generate returns nor improve our competitive advantage.

It is also my supposition that there is a lot of wastage in the investments made by the State-Owned Enterprises (SoEs). We raised the point with the State Enterprise Office that the governance issue remains a concern. The recent farce at THAI illustrates a breakdown of good governance in even the leading SoEs. Bear in mind total SoE asset value of Bt6 trillion and one begins to understand the poor returns on assets for the Thai people. Too much cash is being left with the SoEs * and there is a lack of discipline in how they spend. The two state telephone companies are cases in point - and the point was made that investments in additional businesses by these agencies may even be in contravention of the Constitution, forbidding the state from competing with the private sector. It is high time that concession revenues flowed directly into state coffers to help reduce our tax burden and not to fatten the SoEs.

There were questions directed at the Public Debt Office of the Finance Ministry as to when we could look forward to debt clearance. I smiled, knowing full well that the day will never come. Indeed, I was happy to learn that we can build up our national debt to finance the planned Bt1.7 trillion mega-projects over the next five years without even increasing our debt-to-GDP ratio.

The key, as always, is making sure we invest in projects that will most benefit the public and in making sure the people are getting what they pay for. So far, I see too much waste and too much unproductive spending of our tax money.

korn chatikavanij is the shadow finance minister. He can be contacted via e-mail at: [email protected].

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/07/09...on_30077648.php

UNQUOTE

* And who is sitting there mostly in the top seats?? We know who...

Honest and wise update by Mr. Korn himself

(blue hightlights by NMT)

------ and ---------

to watch Mr. Korn online!

highly recommended for any political observer: Mr. Korn himself in an nearly 1 hour interview with TOC:

Interview Link:

Part 1: http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/toc/ViewVide...?DataID=1008149

Part 2-up: go http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/ (and click on the bottom right of the page)

(thanks TOC)

[sriracha john]

A window into where your tax money goes

Just over a week ago, Parliament approved the 2009 budget, in principle. This included a deficit of Bt250 billion, or roughly 2.5 per cent of GDP. That's the largest deficit ever and it appears that deficits will remain a feature of our national budget for the foreseeable future. How will this affect our people and is this money being used for their best benefit?

More on the now-approved 1/4 Trillion Baht deficit here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Government-P...35-t196954.html

Government Preparing A Budget Of 1.835 Trillion Baht with a 250 Billion Baht Budget Deficit

Edited July 9, 2008 by sriracha john

[nomoretalksin]

Thanks John for above, I couldn't find the budget topic (was sure there must be one).

Here we go with the next "coalition member" to jump unwillingly over the boat (assuming) due to corruption:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128789

Quote

Court issues arrest warrant for Vatana

(BangkokPost.com) - The Supreme Court Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for veteran politician Vatana Asavahame for failing to appear at the court to listen to the verdict involving the fraud-ridden Klong Dan wastewater treatment plan.

The court said Mr Vatana's lawyer Paiboon Phonoi told the court that he did not receive any contact from Mr Vatana, who was scheduled to show up at 2pm.

The court postponed the handing down of the verdict to August 18 at 2pm.

In 2002, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) lodged a complaint with the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) accusing Mr Vatana of conspiring with land and pollution control officials to issue fake land deeds for 1,900 rai of land in Samut Prakan's Bang Bo district.

The alleged offence was committed in 1992 and 1993, when Mr Vatana was deputy interior minister. The land was sold to the PCD, the project developer, at an allegedly inflated price. The NCCC's investigation panel forwarded the cases to the Office of the Attorney-General, which prosecuted the case in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

If convicted Mr Vatana, who is now chief advisory chairman of the Puea Pandin party, will face one to 10 years in jail and/or a 2,000-25,000 baht fine.

Unquote

What estonishes me is the THB 2'000 compared to the 10years!

But anyhow great they are following up on case since 1992/93...

I hope they will clean up this year, and give a clear warning for the next government!

(sunrise07 & co. you will get your sunset in thailand soon, and understand which party/group of people are 95% the bigger wrongdoers. Especially one with a very bigmouth wanna be role model)

[hammered]

Thanks John for above, I couldn't find the budget topic (was sure there must be one).

Here we go with the next "coalition member" to jump unwillingly over the boat (assuming) due to corruption:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128789

Quote

Court issues arrest warrant for Vatana

(BangkokPost.com) - The Supreme Court Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for veteran politician Vatana Asavahame for failing to appear at the court to listen to the verdict involving the fraud-ridden Klong Dan wastewater treatment plan.

The court said Mr Vatana's lawyer Paiboon Phonoi told the court that he did not receive any contact from Mr Vatana, who was scheduled to show up at 2pm.

The court postponed the handing down of the verdict to August 18 at 2pm.

In 2002, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) lodged a complaint with the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) accusing Mr Vatana of conspiring with land and pollution control officials to issue fake land deeds for 1,900 rai of land in Samut Prakan's Bang Bo district.

The alleged offence was committed in 1992 and 1993, when Mr Vatana was deputy interior minister. The land was sold to the PCD, the project developer, at an allegedly inflated price. The NCCC's investigation panel forwarded the cases to the Office of the Attorney-General, which prosecuted the case in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

If convicted Mr Vatana, who is now chief advisory chairman of the Puea Pandin party, will face one to 10 years in jail and/or a 2,000-25,000 baht fine.

Unquote

What estonishes me is the THB 2'000 compared to the 10years!

But anyhow great they are following up on case since 1992/93...

I hope they will clean up this year, and give a clear warning for the next government!

(sunrise07 & co. you will get your sunset in thailand soon, and understand which party/group of people are 95% the bigger wrongdoers. Especially one with a very bigmouth wanna be role model)

I was discussing this case, and a few others, with a lawyer earlier today and according to him Vatana is going down as the evidence is so damning, which may explain the no show. Whether he gets jail time or not who knows.

[nomoretalksin]

thanks hammered for your update!

and on we go: "next person" to be axed in the Pro-Thaksin-Group (I think it only can be a matter of weeks if not days, until these cheaters collaps in the goverment)

-----

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30077688

Quote

Chaiya disqualified as minister by Constitution Court

The Constitution Court Wednesday disqualified Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsup for failing to declare a part of assets of his wife within the deadline.

The court found that Chaiya had lost his status as a Cabinet for failing to inform the National Counter Corruption Commission that his wife held a share in a private company more than 5 per cent within 30 days after taking office.

The Nation

Unquote

-----

wonder who's next? Noppadome to quite over his twist and turns?

[hammered]

thanks hammered for your update!

and on we go: "next person" to be axed in the Pro-Thaksin-Group (I think it only can be a matter of weeks if not days, until these cheaters collaps in the goverment)

-----

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30077688

Quote

Chaiya disqualified as minister by Constitution Court

The Constitution Court Wednesday disqualified Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsup for failing to declare a part of assets of his wife within the deadline.

The court found that Chaiya had lost his status as a Cabinet for failing to inform the National Counter Corruption Commission that his wife held a share in a private company more than 5 per cent within 30 days after taking office.

The Nation

Unquote

-----

wonder who's next? Noppadome to quite over his twist and turns?

Chaiya is one of the super wallets of the PPP. Big loss of face and another money man forced to use nominees, whose quality will in the interests of the country hopefully be better than any of the accountants he used to prepare his fraudulent assets declaration.

[sriracha john]

Thanks John for above, I couldn't find the budget topic (was sure there must be one).

Here we go with the next "coalition member" to jump unwillingly over the boat (assuming) due to corruption:

Court issues arrest warrant for Vatana

The Supreme Court Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for veteran politician Vatana Asavahame for failing to appear at the court to listen to the verdict involving the fraud-ridden Klong Dan wastewater treatment plan.

The court said Vatana's lawyer Paiboon Phonoi told the court that he did not receive any contact from Mr Vatana, who was scheduled to show up at 2pm.

The court postponed the handing down of the verdict to August 18 at 2pm.

Thank you for the article and it's disappointing, but not surprising, that Vatana was a no-show, but let me point you once more in the right direction (please take this with the helpful intent for which it's given) of this ongoing issue's thread....

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Irregulariti...ste-t73352.html

Irregularities Investigation On Waste Water Treatment Plant

[sriracha john]

so it's 1 down, 35 more to go.... (36 yokels in the Cabinet AFAIK)

Social Development Minister Resigns

Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng decided to resign from the post, effective immediately.

So it's 2 down, 34 more to go...

Jakrapob will resign

Embattled PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair will announce his resignation on Friday, People's Power Party's MP Jatuporn Prompan said Thursday.

So it's 3 down, 33 more to go...

Court bans Chaiya from office

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap was disqualified from holding office by the Constitution Court yesterday for failing to declare some of his wife's assets within a specified deadline.

The disqualification, which took immediate effect, means there are now two vacant seats in the Samak Cabinet. Earlier, Jakrapob Penkair, the PM's Office Minister, was also forced to stand down following allegations of lese majeste.

On the Chaiya case, the court found that he had lost his status as a minister after failing to inform the National Counter Corruption Commission that his wife held more than 5 per cent of stock in a private company, within 30 days of his taking office. The case was launched by 36 senators, who gathered signatures to petition the court, via the Senate Speaker, to rule on the matter.

Article 92 of the Constitution covers the conduct of a minister and possible disqualification for violations.

However, Government Pharmaceutical Organisation chairman Dr Wichai Chokewiwat said the government and Public Health Ministry should investigate "violations" committed by the former minister during his time heading the health portfolio, since March 6.

Chaiya said he accepted the Constitution Court's judgement, but would continue his political work because the court had not barred him from politics.

"My future political work will be decided by the party," he said.

Senator Prasarn Maruekha-pitak said the court's ruling demonstrated its role of building trust in the justice system and setting standards for Thai politics.

- The Nation / 10-07-08

[sriracha john]

It's a race to see who gets to be Number 4.

Will it be Deputy Commerce Minister Viroon Tejapaibul, who is facing the exact same charges as Chaiya for non-declaration of assets to the NCCC or Foreign Minister Noppadope, for breaking constitutional law. Las Vegas oddsmakers are giving a slight edge at this point to Noppadope.

Edited July 9, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

It was a terrific day for justice... and came on the heels of other court rulings like Chaiya's defamation conviction, Thaksin's lawyers imprisonments, etc.... there have been a lot of heavy body blows of late to the once-invincible Thaksin...

Verdicts hammer government

Former House Speaker banned from politics for five years

The separate court rulings against Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama and former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat yesterday dealt major blows to the government, which will now face fresh efforts to remove it from office. The pressure started earlier in the day with the Constitution Court's verdict on the joint communique signed by Noppadon. The court ruled that the document needed approval from parliament. Hours later the Supreme Court's election division banned Yongyuth of the PPP from politics for five years for election fraud.

Chaiya disqualified as minister by Constitution Court

The Constitution Court Wednesday disqualified Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsup

Chaiya is one of the super wallets of the PPP. Big loss of face and another money man forced to use nominees, whose quality will in the interests of the country hopefully be better than any of the accountants he used to prepare his fraudulent assets declaration.

More pummeling of the once-invincible Thaksin with a right hook in yesterday's action...

[sriracha john]

Odds coming out of Las Vegas on Number 4 being Noppadope are increasing dramatically as he appears to pulling away from the rest of the pack...

Secretary packs Noppadon's belongings from Foreign Minstry

Speculation that Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama would resign heightened Wednesday after his personal secretary packed his belongings at the ministry.

The secretary packed Noppadon's things throughout the day Wednesday.

The Foreign Minister is scheduled to reach Bangkok 6:05 am Thursday. Sources said he will hold a press conference in the afternoon.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Although the stallion Samak is making a late, but hard, charge along the inside rail.... with the stable-mate and fellow PM's Office Minister to the already finished Number 2 Jakrapob close behind...

Thai Opposition seeks impeachment of PM Samak and PM's Office Minister

BANGKOK, July 9 (TNA) - Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of Thailand's opposition Democrat Party, said Wednesday his party plans to seek impeachment proceedings against Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Prime Minister's Office Minister Chusak Sirinil.

Mr. Abhisit said the chairman of the opposition whips and legal experts from the Democrat Party had been assigned to study the details on filing impeachment proceedings against the duo.

The plan came just one day after he had said his party would seek impeachment of Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama after the Constitution Court ruled that the minister violated the constitution by signing a joint statement with Cambodia on Preah Vihear temple without prior parliamentary endorsement.

Thai law only allows impeachment proceedings to be lodged against individual ministers, not the entire cabinet. And the initial documents must explain clearly how an impeached minister has violated the constitution, explained Mr. Abhisit.

Chusak has been placed on the list because he oversees law for the five-month-old government.

When asked whether Thailand's political impasse would ease if Samak chooses to dissolve the House of Representatives and call for a general election, Mr. Abhisit said it is one of the alternatives specified in the constitution. He said if Samak dissolves the House, he must have enough reasons for doing so.

Edited July 9, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Another court blow

The government suffered its third justice-administered setback in 24 hours on Wednesday as the Constitution Court kicked Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab out of office. Judges even back-dated Chaiya's dismissal to March 6, for failure to declare his wife's holding in a company. Chaiya said he didn't know he had to report the fact that Mrs Churai holds 50 per cent of a private company. Any such holdings by a spouse or children above 5 per cent of the total value of a company must be reported to the NCCC within 30 days of assuming office. Since Chaiya was sworn in and missed the March 7 deadline for reporting, the judges ordered his dismissal from the government as effective on that date. The dismissal from the Cabinet of Chaiya is not just a further political blow. As minister, Chaiya was a lightning rod of controversy as he took action that effectively halted and tried to reverse so-called "compulsory licensing" of drugs. But his dismissal is more than another indirect victory for anti-government NGOs. Chaiya, a provincial powerhouse in Nakhon Pathom, east of Bangkok, is what political organisers call a major financier of the ruling PPP and also a personal favourite of ex-PM Thaksin. Chaiya said from the beginning that if he were ordered dismissed from the cabinet, he would insist his elder brother, Padermchai, be appointed to succeed him. That leaves PM Samak in a tight spot when he begins what appears to be an inevitable cabinet reshuffle in coming days. He is under strong pressure from both within the PPP and the opposition to get rid of under-performing and controversial ministers, and to appoint competent replacements, to try to regain authority lost in the past several months of political chaos. He has three basic choices: Bow to the "party financier" on the public health ministry, ignore or try to negotiate with him and appoint someone else - or dissolve parliament and call yet another election.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=128793

[sriracha john]

Coming down the home stretch and the mare Noppadope is pulling further away for the coveted Number 4 spot...

Thai Foreign Minister likely to resign as battering of government continues

BANGKOK, Thailand - Top Thai politicians said Thursday the Foreign Minister was expected to resign soon as a raft of court cases and street protests battered the government of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

The opposition has demanded that Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama resign over a dispute with Cambodia centering on an ancient temple on the Thai-Cambodian border. The Thai Constitutional Court ruled Tuesday that Noppadon acted unconstitutionally when he endorsed Cambodia's application to register the Preah Vihear temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site without first consulting Parliament on the matter.

The Deputy Leader of Samak's People's Power Party, Kan Thienkhaew, said that the Foreign Minister is most likely to resign.

"He cannot stay on since the Constitutional Court ruled," he said.

Meanwhile, the main opposition Democrat Party said it was ready Thursday to submit an impeachment motion against Noppadon. "Noppadon must show his responsibility by resigning from his position to save the entire Cabinet from legal trouble since the foreign ministry was solely responsible for the joint communique," said Banharn Silpa-archa, leader of the Chart Thai Party, the second largest in the six-party ruling coalition.

Several high-profile court rulings this week have targeted top officials in the Samak government. The Constitutional Court disqualified Public Health Minister Chiya Sasonsup from office Wednesday for violating asset disclosure rules by failing to fully declare his wife's shareholdings.

In yet another case, the Supreme Court issued an arrest warrant Wednesday for Vattana Asavahame, Chairman of one of the coalition parties, after he failed to appear in court to hear a verdict on charges against him of corruption over a water treatment project, a court statement said. The announcement of the verdict in the case was rescheduled to August 18, the statement said.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court banned a former House Speaker from politics for five years for electoral fraud. The verdict could lead to the eventual dissolution of the People's Power Party if the Constitutional Court decides that Yongyuth Tiyapairat committed the fraud to benefit his party.

Demonstrators have demanded that Samak and his government resign, saying he is merely a proxy for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Samak denies the accusations, saying the protesters are trying to undermine his democratically-elected government.

Thaksin faces a slew of court cases charging him with corruption and abuse of power.

The Supreme Court heard the testimonies Tuesday of the first witnesses in the trial of Thaksin and his wife on charges related to her purchase of Bangkok real estate during his time as premier. The court will rule July 31 on separate charges of tax evasion against his wife.

- Associated Press / 10-07-08

[sriracha john]

The young mare's "fans" are now moving down to the rail to cheer on their favorite as he draws near the finish line for Number 4...

Protesters greet Noppadon at airport

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama returned to Thailand from a trip to Quebec, where he tried to postpone the Cambodia's listing of Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site but without success, on Thursday morning. He was greeted by more than 100 supporters of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), who shouted at him and demanded that he resign from post. An army of reporters were waiting at the airport before the flight landed at 6.05am, but he managed to avoid them. He is scheduled to hold a press conference at the Foreign Ministry at 2pm, amid speculation from local media that he might decide to

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128803

[Tony Clifton]

Poor Noppadope, he was greeted at both ends.

[sriracha john]

Poor Noppadope, he was greeted at both ends.

some of his legion of world-wide fans...

Thais living in Canada hold a protest outside the UNESCO building in Quebec comdemning Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama over the Preah Vihear Temple dispute.

The Nation

Supporters of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) gather at the Suvaranbhumi airport on Thursday morning to 'welcome' Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, who returns from joining the UNESCO meeting in Quebec.

Bangkok Post

[sriracha john]

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama's secretaries collect luggage for him at the Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday morning. The minister sneaked out of the airport upon arrival from London as hundreds of protesters waited for him. They demanded he resign.

The Nation

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

Giving it his all for the final push towards the final wire to be Number 4...

FM Expected to Resign This Afternoon

Thailand’s Foreign Minister returned home this morning and successfully avoided the army of reporters and protestors awaiting his arrival. Ministry officials reveal that a press conference will be held this afternoon amidst speculations of Noppadon Pattama’s decision to resign.

Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama flew in on flight TG 911 from London this morning. He landed at Suvarnnabhumi International Airport at approximately 6.05 A.M.

He was returning from a trip to Quebec, Canada where UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee met to approve the various world heritage sites up for consideration this year, including the controversial Preah Vihear temple.

Approximately 200 members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy and an army of reporters were later disappointed to hear that Noppadon has snuck out of the airport without passing through the VIP lounge as expected.

It was later revealed that Noppadon exited the airport at around 6.20 A.M. through the main arrival terminal to avoid the protestors and the press. Airport authorities say the minister left even before claiming his luggage, which was picked up by his staff at a later time.

A press conference is scheduled to be held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry this afternoon.

Many speculate that Noppadon will be forced to resign from his post to show responsibility over the registration of Preah Vihear as a world heritage site by neighboring Cambodia.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited July 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

Pai laeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewww!

[sriracha john]

Indeed, he's gone now, Tony

so it's 1 down, 35 more to go.... (36 yokels in the Cabinet AFAIK)

Social Development Minister Resigns

Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng decided to resign from the post, effective immediately.

So it's 2 down, 34 more to go...

Jakrapob will resign

Embattled PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair will announce his resignation on Friday, People's Power Party's MP Jatuporn Prompan said Thursday.

So it's 3 down, 33 more to go...

Court bans Chaiya from office

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap was disqualified from holding office by the Constitution Court yesterday for failing to declare some of his wife's assets within a specified deadline.

So it's 4 down, 32 more to go...

Noppadon announces resignation

BANGKOK - Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama Thursday has announced his resignation, which will take effect on July 14.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

The remaining horses are in a cluster behind those that have already crossed the line and are competing for the highly respected Number 5 finisher...

[sriracha john]

It's possible all 32 remaing horses may cross the finish line at the exact same time.... but even more shocking...

is the apparent loss of Mr. Happy Toilet OHHHHH!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Interior Minister says PM and Cabinet may resign to prompt re-election in event of action to remove them

Minister of Interior Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung stated while declaring policy to village elders and Local Administration Officers that the issue of Article 245 threatening to remove the government following the Phrea Vihear National Park issue, from his viewpoint as a lawyer he believes that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet may be able to resign and allow the Parliament to elect a new PM and Cabinet.

Police Captain Chalerm assured that he was not making a suggestion, but is merely speaking from a legal stand point about the possibility. Furthermore, the Interior Minister also mentioned that following the removal of Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsup, his own son Wan Yubamrung will also be relieved of his position.

- ThaiNews

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"from his viewpoint as a lawyer"....

Edited July 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Everyone needs to remember that even with all the current turmoil... that it is.... "normal"....

PM says situation normal, does not fear removal of Cabinet

Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Samak Sundaravej traveled to the Office of the National Police this morning to preside over a Police committee meeting. The PM was in high spirits and spoke with the media, stating that last night he had carefully studied all the comments of many parties and formed his opinion on pressing political matters.

However, he said that the public will have to await his weekly talk show for him to reveal his opinions.

When asked by reporters upon his decision to deal with recent events, the PM responded by saying that the situation at present is normal and no critical decisions are needed.

The Premier also assured that he was not concerned that 77 Senators are seeking to remove his Cabinet through the National Counter Corruption Commission.

- ThaiNews

[h90]

It's possible all 32 remaing horses may cross the finish line at the exact same time.... but even more shocking...

is the apparent loss of Mr. Happy Toilet OHHHHH!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Interior Minister says PM and Cabinet may resign to prompt re-election in event of action to remove them

Minister of Interior Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung stated while declaring policy to village elders and Local Administration Officers that the issue of Article 245 threatening to remove the government following the Phrea Vihear National Park issue, from his viewpoint as a lawyer he believes that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet may be able to resign and allow the Parliament to elect a new PM and Cabinet.

Police Captain Chalerm assured that he was not making a suggestion, but is merely speaking from a legal stand point about the possibility. Furthermore, the Interior Minister also mentioned that following the removal of Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsup, his own son Wan Yubamrung will also be relieved of his position.

- ThaiNews

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

"from his viewpoint as a lawyer"....

:D :D :D

I see a great future as comedian for Chalerm after he get kicked out.

Maybe a cooking show with clown Samak and clown Chalerm

[sriracha john]

It's possible all 32 remaing horses may cross the finish line at the exact same time.... but even more shocking...

is the apparent loss of Mr. Happy Toilet OHHHHH!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Interior Minister says PM and Cabinet may resign to prompt re-election in event of action to remove them

Minister of Interior Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung stated while declaring policy to village elders and Local Administration Officers that the issue of Article 245 threatening to remove the government following the Phrea Vihear National Park issue, from his viewpoint as a lawyer he believes that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet may be able to resign and allow the Parliament to elect a new PM and Cabinet.

Police Captain Chalerm assured that he was not making a suggestion, but is merely speaking from a legal stand point about the possibility. Furthermore, the Interior Minister also mentioned that following the removal of Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsup, his own son Wan Yubamrung will also be relieved of his position.

- ThaiNews

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

"from his viewpoint as a lawyer"....

:D :D :D

I see a great future as comedian for Chalerm after he get kicked out.

Maybe a cooking show with clown Samak and clown Chalerm

or a travel show with cool Samak and cool Thaksin and cool Chalerm...

[slapout]

I am begening to think that the majority of the Thai voting population have a mental glitch related to CIPA. How many times can you be burnt before you remember what cased the pain and take positive steps to keep it from happening again. It may be that there is no foreseable cure for either of these conditions.

[sriracha john]

Thailand on Trial

By PASUK PHONGPAICHIT and CHRIS BAKER

In Thailand today, politics itself seems to be on trial. Over 20 court cases involving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, his family members, his former party, and his political allies are now in process. The government is peppered daily with threats of impeachment by senators, opposition members of parliament and protest groups. The ruling People's Power Party and two other parties face dissolution after some of their executives were convicted of electoral cheating. What might come next is anyone's guess.

Just consider the list of cases: On Tuesday, the former speaker of the Thai parliament was found guilty of vote-buying, and banned from politics for five years. On the same day, the Constitutional Court found that the foreign minister had breached the constitution in his handling of a border dispute with Cambodia. Yesterday, he resigned. On Monday the health minister was convicted of contempt of court, and on Wednesday he was forced from office for an incorrect asset declaration. The prime minister, Samak Sundaravej, is on appeal against a libel conviction for remarks he made about Bangkok's deputy governor while hosting a television talk show. He is also under investigation for violating the constitution for receiving payment to host a radio program. Thaksin himself went on trial this week in a case involving alleged abuse of power in a 2003 land purchase by his wife.

This is the impact of a newly empowered judiciary. In April 2006, after an error-strewn election, King Bhumibol Adulyadej issued a call to judges: "If you don't help to make democracy move forward, it will be the country's downfall." He has repeated the same message several times since, urging the judges to "apply their learning" and their "moral sense" in their courtrooms.

That year, the courts annulled an election, dissolved Thaksin's party for electoral fraud and froze almost $2 billion of his assets.

During Thaksin's rule from 2001 to 2006, the media was often abuzz with stories of alleged abuse of power. But while Thaksin was in office, allegations about his wrongdoings went nowhere. In September 2006, he was overthrown by a military coup. One justification given by the generals was to allow the judicial process to work. The junta established a special investigative committee which dug out what they claim is evidence to support the judicial assault that is now beginning. The most important allegations concerned alleged corruption in the construction of Bangkok's new airport, alleged concealment of Thaksin's personal assets while he was in office and alleged abuses of power to benefit Thaksin's family companies.

On the face of it, a more assertive judiciary is a plus. A tradition of judicial passivity helps explain why politicians still often act as if they had total immunity. Even Wednesday, one of Thailand's most politically connected businessmen, Vatana Asavahame, failed to show up for the verdict in a corruption case against him; the verdict remains sealed and a warrant is now out for his arrest. But there are risks too. Already legal academics have charged that some recent verdicts show political bias and will create awkward precedents.

Much of this judicial activity could be construed as politics by other means, with Thaksin as the target. The convicted ex-speaker, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, is a local ally of Thaksin's. The foreign minister, Noppadon Pattama, used to be Thaksin's lawyer. The businessman was a former heavyweight in Thaksin's former party, Thai Rak Thai (which is now dissolved).

Since Thaksin returned to Thailand from self-imposed exile earlier this year, the judicial process has again faced barriers. Key figures in the police and investigative bodies were shifted aside by the current, pro-Thaksin government. Prosecutors sent anti-Thaksin suits back to the investigators, claiming insufficient evidence. The government proposed a constitutional amendment that could have annulled all post-coup legal proceedings. Thaksin's allies launched a barrage of defamation suits against the investigators. The legal basis of the entire investigation was challenged in the constitutional court. On June 10, three members of Thaksin's legal team were caught offering two million baht to officials of the court trying the land case. But these efforts have failed to deflect the judicial assault. Last week, the constitutional court threw out a lawsuit that would have invalidated all post-coup investigations of Thaksin.

Whatever verdict the judges hand down in Thaksin's land case, it will not soothe the political divisions that underlie this tension between Thaksin and his detractors. If the Thaksins are acquitted, it will confirm for some that the rule of law is still subservient to money and power. If they are convicted, Thaksin's rural supporters may think their favorite leader is being persecuted by old elites. Were Thaksin to contest elections again today, there is little doubt he would win another landslide victory.

This tension has increased the political temperature. Street protests, led by Sonthi Limthongkul and Chamlong Srimuang, have resumed. This week, Mr. Sonthi outlined a "new politics," including the reduction of the elected portion of the lower house to 30% from 100%, and giving the military a permanent role in politics. The parliamentary opposition has accused the government of being Thaksin's tool. A battle is taking place between those forces who want Thaksin's popularity to serve as a form of "electoral immunity" and those who think the courts must play an important role in cleaning up the country's politics. In the medium term, this promises continued political turmoil.

But it's not all bad news. Thais have learned to wield their electoral power at the ballot box. The judiciary has been hurled into the political front line, and been forced to become more active. The military, bureaucracy and political classes will have to adjust to these changes. That process will be messy, and will take time. But in the long run, a more open and inclusive democracy with a firmer rule of law might prevail.

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

Ms. Pasuk and Mr. Baker are authors of "Thaksin: The Business of Politics in Thailand" (Silkworm Books, 2004).

- Wall Street Journal / 11-07-08

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

LONG LIVE THE KING

[sriracha john]

Everyone needs to remember that even with all the current turmoil... that it is.... "normal"....

PM says situation normal, does not fear removal of Cabinet

Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Samak Sundaravej traveled to the Office of the National Police this morning to preside over a Police committee meeting. The PM was in high spirits and spoke with the media, stating that last night he had carefully studied all the comments of many parties and formed his opinion on pressing political matters.

However, he said that the public will have to await his weekly talk show for him to reveal his opinions.

When asked by reporters upon his decision to deal with recent events, the PM responded by saying that the situation at present is normal and no critical decisions are needed.

The Premier also assured that he was not concerned that 77 Senators are seeking to remove his Cabinet through the National Counter Corruption Commission.

- ThaiNews

Today, things are still "normal"... so he went back to bed to sleep in...

No visitors to PMs house this morning

The Prime Minister and Defense Minister Samak Sundaravej, remained at his residence on Soi Navamin 81 this morning (July 12).

The atmosphere at Samak's residence was quiet amidst tight security provided by the police units from Lad Phrao Police Station. No politicians and MPs from the People Power Party were seen visiting the Prime Minister earlier today to discuss the current political situation.

Previously, Prime Minister Samak insisted that he will not resign, the Parliament will not be dissolved, and the political situation is still in order.

- ThaiNews