People's Alliance For Democracy To Renew Movement

[Jefferson]

Just want to show my appreciation for Ando's excellent posts. I can't be bothered to argue with people who clearly don't want to lisen to reason, but do want to voice some support for Ando..!

[Plus]

Ando, if you want to talk about PAD numbers why not look at 2006? At the height of their popularity they got 100,000 people on the street, which means, if we apply your "one in ten" scale, one million people, or about half of non-TRT voters in Bangkok. If we apply "one in twenty" sclale, we get ALL non-TRT voters supporting PAD.

You can't judge their overall support by the turnout at their first meeting in two years.

I notice you start out your calculations with the assumption that "half the population supports PAD"

I said it only to stress maximum possible number, or to exclude TRT voters form the start, and look at PAD support among non-TRT voters.

[ando]

Just want to show my appreciation for Ando's excellent posts. I can't be bothered to argue with people who clearly don't want to lisen to reason, but do want to voice some support for Ando..!

Thankyou Jefferson.

I do find it tiresome debating with people who fail to respond to logic.

And I have to go to work tomorrow. So I think I will retire from this debate for now.

Maybe one more parting shot at Plus later.

[ando]

Ando, if you want to talk about PAD numbers why not look at 2006?

You can't judge their overall support by the turnout at their first meeting in two years.

Plus you seem to be stuck in a time warp back in 2006 when PAD reached their height of popularity.

You are keen to extrapolate your estimate (flawed though it is) of PADs popular support based on 2006 figures , but this is 2008 and a lot has happened in the past 2 years.

The fact is PAD rallied 100,000 to come out in support back in 2006 and only one twentieth of that figure most recently.

We happen to be talking about support for PAD right here and now, not 2 years ago. Projecting PADs level of support NOW, based on figures from 2 years ago is a little unrealistic.

Even at PADs peak of popularity back in 2006 they managed to rally only less than 0.3% of the countries voters onto the streets. And even if you allow 10 stay at home supporters for every protester out on the street back then, you still get a figure of less than 3% of overall voters in the country. That was 2 years ago, not now.

Currently PAD turnout is running at 1/20th. of what it was in 2006. I cant see how you can extrapolate that out to support from 50% or even 25% of the countries overall voters. More a case of wishful thinking than sound logic me thinks.

You believe what you like. I have better things to do than to debate against the absurd arguments you put up. Though it has been fun, work demands my attention for now. Talk to you later, I am sure.

[sriracha john]

People Power Party MP attacks and curses Democrat MP

People Power Party (PPP) MP Karun Hosakul tried to kick Democrat Party MP Somkiat Pongpaiboon on Wednesday afternoon, after Mr Somkiat challenged members of the Lower House to try to impeach him for joining a rally organised by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) last week. In a heated exchange, Mr Somkiat challenged fellow MPs to gather names to impeach him, then left the Lower House and went to a members' lounge on the second floor of the Parliament Building. Karun, PPP representative from Don Muang in northern Bangkok, followed him into the room and reportedly launched a Muay Thai-style jump-kick at Mr Somkiat. :D * How old is this PPP MP?? 12??? * But he missed his target , and security guards and other PPP MPs rushed in to restrain him before he could resume the physical attack. He refused to speak to newsmen after the incident. Mr Somkiat meanwhile said he did not respond to Karun's action. He claimed that Karun continued to shout "improper words" as he was pulled away. Mr Somkiat said there was no previous bad blood between him and Karun, and this was the first confrontation he had had with the PPP member. He said emotions ran high in the

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126886

[sriracha john]

Karun, PPP representative from Don Muang in northern Bangkok, followed him into the room and reportedly launched a Muay Thai-style jump-kick at Mr Somkiat. * How old is this PPP MP?? 12??? *

I stand corrected.... he looks at least 14

People Power Party MP Karun Hosakul

Thai Rath

[sriracha john]

More of the blow by blow account from Lumpini Stadium..... errrr, I mean Parliament...

Karun jump-kicks at Somkiart in Parliament

People Power Party MP Karun Hosakul jump-kicked at Democrat Party MP Somkiart Pongpaibool Wednesday afternoon.

But Karun narrowly missed Somkiart and he was held back by security officials and other People Power MPs who prevented him from more attacks at Somkiart.

The attack came after Democrat MPs and People Power MPs were engaged in a heated debate in the House after some People Power MPs strongly criticised Somkiart for joining a rally of the People's Alliance for Democracy. Somkiart is a PAD leader.

During the debate, Somkiart challenged the People Power MPs to initiate an impeachment against him if they thought he had violated the parliamentary rules by joining the PAD rally at Thammasat University last week.

The attack was made inside the MP's lounge on the second floor of the First Building of Parliament at about 3 pm. Karun walked in the lounge and suddenly jump-kicked at Somkiart.

While he was being held back by security officials and other People Power MPs, Karun also shouted abusive words at Somkiart. At the moment, several Democrat MPs, including Suthep Thaugsuban and Thepthai Senpong rushed to Somkiart's side.

The two sides were then engaged in a heated argument for a while before, chief government whip Chai Chidchob led Karun away to the whips' office.

- The Nation (today)

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

Hopefully the government whip gave him a good school-boy caning in the whip's office.

[Tony Clifton]

Another law abiding PPP member.

Circus clowns.

Edited April 2, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[Plus]

Ando, if you want to talk about PAD numbers why not look at 2006?

You can't judge their overall support by the turnout at their first meeting in two years.

Plus you seem to be stuck in a time warp back in 2006 when PAD reached their height of popularity.

You are keen to extrapolate your estimate (flawed though it is) of PADs popular support based on 2006 figures , but this is 2008 and a lot has happened in the past 2 years.....

We happen to be talking about support for PAD right here and now, not 2 years ago. Projecting PADs level of support NOW, based on figures from 2 years ago is a little unrealistic.

It works both ways - you claim it's a whole new PAD but don't seem to have a problem judging it by their 2006 actions.

The fact is PAD rallied 100,000 to come out in support back in 2006 and only one twentieth of that figure most recently.

Historically campaigns like this take several months to reach really massive levels. Last time it was from September to February. This time 5,000 is a good start, we'll see how it goes from there, but judging by government determination to change constitution PAD will have plenty of material to go on, and, PAD or no PAD, people should be very concerned by these developments. That could be a uniting issue this year, just like Thaksin corruption was a uniting issue in 2006.

It would get to a point where people put aside their differenences and speak with one voice, and if the new grouping won't be called PAD anymore, it doesn't matter - it's people's participation that matters most, and PAD served this role well in 2006, it provided forum and place for everybody.

Even at PADs peak of popularity back in 2006 they managed to rally only less than 0.3% of the countries voters onto the streets.

Do you know how to project results from a sample group on a whole society? When ABAC pollsters ask 1000 people they don't say 0.0001% of Thais think that...

That PAD attendance was a sample group in Bangkok only where by "one in ten" rule it represented a quarter of voting population.

When 200,000 people turned up to greet the King, no sane person would apply your formulas and conclude that "only 0.03% support the monarchy" in this country.

[Jai Dee]

FIT of FURY

PPP Member of Parliament Karun Hosakul faces charges after kicking and throwing a punch at Democrat MP

A government coalition MP decided to take things to a physical level yesterday by kicking an opposition member.

People Power Party member Karun Hosakul kung-<deleted> kicked Democrat Somkiart Pongpaiboon yesterday while he was dining.

But, Karun being no Bruce Lee, missed widely barely touching Somkiart's right leg.

The incident occurred about 3pm.

Witnesses say Somkiart was eating with colleagues at the Parliament cafeteria when Karun entered and launched his ineffective attack.

Karun then lashed out with a fist, but missed again. Then the pair got into a shouting match, with Somkiart on the end of heated abuse.

In fact, Karun got so worked up that he had to be restrained by police officers and other PPP members.

Media rush in

As soon as word of the brawl got out, members of the press rushed to the scene and managed to witness some of the altercation until chief government whip Chai Chidchob came to take Karun away.

Somkiart says he'll seek the prosecution of Karun for assault.

Speaking to the press later, Karun said Somkiart was the first to shove him, and that he responded with a push and then they started arguing. He denied trying to kick Somkiart.

The Democrat Party says it will support Somkiart if he decides to file charges against Karun.

The party will also demand that the Speaker look into the incident and punish the unruly member.

How it all started

Karun was reportedly unhappy at Somkiart's behaviour in Parliament in the lead-up to the incident.

During yesterday's session, PPP, including Karun, attacked Somkiart for his involvement in a rally organised by People's Alliance for Democracy at Thammasat University last week. Somkiart is one of the five leaders of PAD.

The alliance was behind anti-Thaksin Shinawatra rallies and is said to be planning to unseat the Samak government.

PPP members blame alliance leader Sonthi Limthongkul for attempting to discredit the coalition.

Somkiart has challenged the government to bring disciplinary action against him if they believe he's broken Parliament rules.

Daily Xpress

XTRA

A violent history

>> Karun Hosakul, 41, allegedly beat his former wife, Ratchadawan. In April 2005, she divorced him.

>> Two months after the divorce, Karun attacked her at Don Mueang Airport as she returned from a trip abroad. Karun grabbed her hair, slapped her and threatened to disfigure her. She was rescued by airport guards.

>> In 2006, Karun assaulted a guard at an abandoned cinema, when he and his friends were refused entry. He kicked the guard twice in the head, reportedly shouting: "I will be back. Don't you know who I am?"

>> In 2007, as a Bangkok City Councillor, Karun head-butted an undercover policeman at a cock fight.

>> In 2005, Karun was stopped from contesting a Bangkok seat because he lacked the educational qualifications required.

Source: The Nation - 03 April 2008

[sriracha john]

A violent history

>> Karun Hosakul, 41, allegedly beat his former wife, Ratchadawan. In April 2005, she divorced him.

>> Two months after the divorce, Karun attacked her at Don Mueang Airport as she returned from a trip abroad. Karun grabbed her hair, slapped her and threatened to disfigure her. She was rescued by airport guards.

>> In 2006, Karun assaulted a guard at an abandoned cinema, when he and his friends were refused entry. He kicked the guard twice in the head, reportedly shouting: "I will be back. Don't you know who I am?"

>> In 2007, as a Bangkok City Councillor, Karun head-butted an undercover policeman at a cock fight.

>> In 2005, Karun was stopped from contesting a Bangkok seat because he lacked the educational qualifications required.

Source: The Nation - 03 April 2008

Another fake Filipino university grad like his fellow PPP clown?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1894016

and

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1898803

Besides all that... with all this brawling and scrapping, what does this little puke weigh? like 45 kilos or something? How long before someone takes care of his punk-ass antics properly...

[Tony Clifton]

"Don't you know who I used to be?"

[sriracha john]

Chief Government Whip Chai Chidchob takes the little Tony Jaa-wannabe under his protective wing....

MPs Engage in Brawl at Parliament

People Power Party MP Karun Hosakul jump-kicked Democrat Party MP Somkiat Pongpaibool after an intense debate between MPs of the two parties at the today House's meeting.

The attack took place inside the MPs' lounge on the second floor of the First Building of Parliament at about 3pm. Karun walked into the lounge and suddenly jump-kicked Somkiat.

The motive of the attack came from today's intense debate between MPs of the ruling People Power Party and the Democrat Party during the House meeting. At the meeting, Chaiyapum MP of the People Power Party, Prasit Chaiwitatana, delivered an intense criticism of the recent political seminar by the People's Alliance for Democracy and accused the group of having rude manners. *well that certainly deserves to be addressed by physical violence from an MP*

The remark prompted the Democrat MPs to ask Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Viriyachai, who chaired the meeting, to force Prasit to retract his statement, but the demand was ignored.

Prasit later dared Democrat party-list MP and PAD core leader, Somkiet Pongpaiboon, to form a new political party with another group key leader, Sondhi Limthongkul.

Somkiet subsequently challenged anyone who disagrees with his role in the PAD to launch a campaign seeking his impeachment.

In a related development, the Chairman of the opposition whip, Sathit Womgnongteoi, said after the meeting with the opposition MPs that the Democrat Party will file charges against Karun for intimidating and defaming public post holders.

Sathit also reveals the party will put the matter on the agenda of the next Parliament meeting, as Karun's behavior violated several articles in the MP's code of conduct and there should be a panel set up to investigate the matter.

The chairman of the Opposition's whip asked the People Power Party to take responsibility for the matter and insisted the act is an attempt to mediate.

- Thailand Outlook / 4-2-08

[sriracha john]

Government MP kicks rival, escorted from House

Karun faces inquiry, Somkiat lays complaint

Bangkok MP Karun Hosakul of the PPP is facing a criminal charge and a House inquiry after he lost his temper and kicked Somkiat Pongpaiboon of the Democrat Party in the parliament building yesterday. An inquiry, headed by Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai, will look into the actions of Karun, who was seen picking a fight with Somkiat. Chaos erupted in the parliament building as Karun charged and tried to punch Somkiat during the House meeting's coffee break. Other MPs intervened and pushed Karun to the wall, but he managed to kick Somkiat. Karun shouted verbal insults at Somkiat, prompting chief coalition whip Chai Chidchob to escort Karun out of the room in a bid to calm him down. Somkiat later filed a police complaint against Karun and vowed to go all the way with the case as he viewed the assault as an obstruction of his parliamentary duty. Karun said that before he lost his temper, he had politely approached Somkiat but was met with a hostile reaction. He said he was surrounded by Democrat MPs, adding that he was the only PPP MP at the coffee corner. *and in true Tony Jaa fashion, he bravely went against the odds and took on all comers* Democrat Deputy Secretary-General Niphon Boonyamanee said Karun was not telling the truth. Karun had set out to cause trouble, as many MPs from various parties had witnessed. Campaign for Human Rights Committee Coordinator Metha Maskao called the incident ''a disgrace to Thai politics''.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/03Apr2008_news08.php

[Tony Clifton]

Set up a panel my ass, kick him the f*%& out now!

[sriracha john]

They need a panel, Tony... because now, the little Ninja is denying it.... and is even filing a lawsuit against the victim...

PPP member Karun denies attacking Somkiat

Controversial MP Karun Hosakul finally spoke to reporters about Wednesday's drama on the second floor of Parliament Building in which he reportedly attempted to kick Democrat party MP Somkiat Pongpaiboon. The PPP MP denied he tried to launch a physical attack and said the room in which the incident took place was full of Democrat party MPs. "Somkiat has a respectable background from his involvement with the PAD which led to the coup, which later earned him a place as a party list MP for the Democrats. I had to overcome many obstacles before I made it into Parliament. *yes... spousal abuse, battering security guards AND cops, bogus college diplomas... indeed, it's been a difficult climb*, I am unhappy that he still insists on being involved with the PAD even though he's now a member of Parliament," Karun said. He admitted that he "lost patience" after Somkiat challenged fellow MPs to gather names to impeach him if they were unhappy he had taken part in a PAD gathering. "I can take it if he criticises Thaksin or Samak. But to challenge me to a confrontation outside of Parliament while still inside the building was disrespectful. But I would never launch a physical attack," he insisted. He did not explain witness accounts saying he attacked the Democrat MP. Police revealed that Karun came in to file a defamation complaint against Somkiat saying he had lied about

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126898

[sriracha john]

Thai newspaper Naewna has a comical pic of the wee one:

[sriracha john]

and of course, no major story is complete without input from Mr. "I-oughta-have-my-son-bust-a-cap-in-your-ass"....

Interior Minister defends MP Karun while criticizing MP Somkiat

The Interior Minister, Pol. Capt. Chalerm Yubamrung, has come to the defense of People Power Party MP Karun Hosakul, after he has been accused of kicking Democrat Party MP Somkiat Pongpaiboon at the Parliament Building yesterday, saying it was a temperamental situation, and no one wants such incident to happen.

Pol. Capt. Chalerm says he does not want people to relate this quarrel between MPs with politics. He says the People Power Party does not want to protect the offenders, but Karun has already clarified that he did not harm anyone. He says the accusers would have to provide clear evidence that Karun did actually kick Somkiat.

The Interior Minister also spoke of Mr. Somkiat, saying it is normal for people to dislike others who talk crudely, while referring to the inappropriate words he used to describe Prime Minister and Defense Minister Samak Sundaravej.

- ThaiNews / 3 April 2008

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

hey, if my sons can shoot a cop in the head in plain view of multiple witnesses and be found not guilty.... then why not the same for Karun?

[Plus]

hey, if my sons can shoot a cop in the head in plain view of multiple witnesses and be found not guilty.... then why not the same for Karun?

You mean they can shoot Karun, too?

Wishful thinking on my part.

[sriracha john]

Karun Denies Attacking Fellow MP in Parliament

The House of Representatives has set up an ad-hoc panel to investigate yesterday's brawl between two MPs of the ruling and opposition parties. The MP of the ruling People Power Party denies attacking his Parliamentary colleague from the Democrat Party.

Bangkok MP of the ruling People Power Party, Karun Hosakun, insists he did not kick Democrat party-list MP Somkiet Pongpaiboon and asks for the release of the footage from the closed circuit television in the MP lounge where the brawl is said to have taken place, to reveal the truth.

Karun further says he has no objection if Democrat Deputy Leader Alongkorn Ponlabutr files a defamation charge against him but he is ready to counter-sue Alongkorn.

He also expresses disapproval of Somkiet's role in the People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD and conveys admiration for an MP from the same party, Pracha Prasopdee, for his decision to stop his campaign against the PAD when asked by the party.

Somkiet filed criminal charges of assault against Karun since yesterday. He has since undergone a physical examination to confirm that he was kicked by his fellow MP. Medical reports indicate that there's a small bruise on Somkiart’s right thigh.

Karun also filed a police report of his own alleging that Somkiet filed a false report. Officers at the Dusit Police Station say they will investigate the crime scene and collect any relevant evidence for both complaints filed.

Meanwhile, Second Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Viriyachai says seven delegates from each political party in Parliament will be appointed a member of the panel responsible for the investigation of the matter.

The panel is expected to conclude its investigation within 30 days.

Apiwan also cites that if Karun is found guilty, under the MP Code of Conduct he will be required to deliver an apology to Somkiet at a Parliament meeting, but he will not be suspended from Parliamentary duties.

He added that yesterday's brawl was a personal affair.

Democrat Deputy Leader Alongkorn Ponlabutr says he has assigned his lawyer to file civil and defamation charges against Karun for inappropriate remarks against him. Alongkorn says he is ready to withdraw his complaint if Karun agrees to deliver an apology to him before Parliament.

Democrat Leader Abhisit Vevajiva says yesterday's brawl was not a conflict between the two parties and he insists that all statements by his Party's MPs are true.

First Deputy House Speaker, Somsak Kietsuranont says he wants Karun and Somkiet to resolve their disputes but he will not mediate in the matter as a panel responsible for the matter has already been set up.

He also asks the panel to seek measures to prevent incidents such as yesterday's and to draft punishments for wrongdoers as the MP Code of Conduct does not stipulate a sentence for House members engaged in physical fights at Parliament.

As this is one of the very few times physical clash has taken place in Thailand’s House of Representatives, it is not surprising that the foreign press picked up on the story. The AFP news agency reported on the event, saying the clash took place after a heated argument in Parliament about a recent gathering by the anti-government movement, the People’s Alliance for Democracy.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[ratcatcher]

Chief Government Whip Chai Chidchob takes the little Tony Jaa-wannabe under his protective wing....

Is this Government Whippersnapper Chai Chipshop related to the Buriram terrier Newin Chipshop by anychance?

[sriracha john]

Chief Government Whip Chai Chidchob takes the little Tony Jaa-wannabe under his protective wing....

Is this Government Whippersnapper Chai Chipshop related to the Buriram terrier Newin Chipshop by anychance?

[Tony Clifton]

Keeping in line with the PPP tradition of criminals in their ranks, daddy Chidchob will be in the news as well soon as he's been caught red handed in a crooked land deal up in his hometown.

Kung <deleted> Kid was on the MBT channel tonight (wife now refers to it as "another Thaksin ass lickin' channel") and along with the 5 man panel, they all seemed convinced it never happened after denying it collectively so many times already.

What won't they do for some recognition/cash reward from Thaksin's part?

Dangerous people, but nos as dangerous as Jakrapob.

Edited April 3, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

A bit more on Newin's (TRT Banned #6) Daddy...

In a related development, the Cabinet yesterday also appointed Chai Chidchob, father of banned Thai Rak Thai executive Newin Chidchob as chairman of the government coordination committee for parliamentary affairs or Chief of Government House Whip.

Prior to his appointment, Newin, who was still a prominent figure in the People Power Party (PPP) tried to nominate his father for the post of Speaker of the House of Representatives, but was later rejected by other party MPs.

- Thailand Outlook

Justice pledged for transferred official

The Election Commission yesterday vowed to give justice to a Buriram provincial Deputy Police Chief. EC member Prapan Naikowit said Pol Colonel Sangworn Poopaijitkul, also a provincial EC member, had been transferred to an inactive post in Si Sa Ket on March 3.

The EC will check whether he was transferred for political reasons for carrying out his duties as a commission member. "If we ignore his plight, no one will want to work for the EC," Prapan said.

Sangworn is also in charge of the case against Chai Chidchob - father of Newin Chidchob - who has been accused of encroaching on forestland.

- The Nation

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

additonal footnote to the above.

The Buriram EC, included the transferred Sanworn, were responsible for red-carding all three Buriram People Power Party's winners... which were subsequently won by Matchima Thipathai party candidates. A real thorn in Newin's side no doubt.

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

He should not be confused with the other banned TRT bigwig's father also serving as an MP...

Sompol Keyuraphan, 70, father of banned Thai Rak Thai executive Sudarat Keyuraphan (TRT Banned #3), arrives at Parliament to report himself to duty on Monday. An elected MP from the People Power Party, he denies being a nominee for his daughter.

The Nation

''Dad, I know you're old and can't stand up anymore but I have to use you. Don`t worry, it's common practice with the ex-pm and his family along with another bunch of crooked politicians like me.''

[sriracha john]

The insanity of the People Power Party reaches new heights...

:D

Karun Hosakul greets his supporters with the ‘I love you’ sign as he leaves Parliament yesterday

'I'm the victim!'

People Power Party MP Karun Hosakul insists he wasn't the one who began the parliamentary antics and says the Democrats are out to discredit him. *Reality check...his own previous actions actually have already done that for him*

Karun Hosakul says he's the victim in Wednesday's Parliament madness, and is demanding an apology from the man he allegedly attacked.

The People Power Party member for Bangkok, whose antics made the front page of every newspaper yesterday, told supporters that it was Democrat member Somkiart Pongpaiboon who attacked him.

"He is lying," Karun, who has a well-documented history of violence, including beating his wife, says. "I didn't assault Somkiart. I didn't do it, one million per cent." *he's as smart about mathematics as he is the law*

He has also filed a police complaint saying that Somkiart was defaming him with false accusations.

Witnesses say Karun aimed a kung-<deleted> kick at Somkiart while he was dining in the Parliament cafeteria. He missed, and then threw a punch at his opponent, which was also wide off the mark. A shouting match ensued, and a PPP member confirms that Somkiart was on the receiving end of the barrage.

The incident followed a heated Parliament debate where Somkiart was criticised by government MPs for taking part in a People's Alliance for Democracy rally at Thammasat University last week.

With investigations under way, and calls for his resignation growing, Karun insists that it is he who was the victim.

"It was me who was shoved against a wall. There were only Democrats in the cafeteria," he says.

"If I had done what he claims I would resign. You can discover the truth by questioning the security guards and checking the security cameras."

Karun also rubbishes claims that he was armed with a blade at the time.

"It was just a pen. Even if it was a gun, I would not have been able to do anything because the room was full of Democrats," he says. *and a handgun doesn't have enough bullets to take them all out?*

"They were yelling at me and [Democrat Deputy Secretary-General] Niphon Boonyamanee shoved me against the wall. They owe me an apology."

He denies his image has been tarnished. "Somkiart disgraced Parliament by playing politics outside."

"I and my fellow PPP members questioned such acts in Parliament. But he was defiant. That's why things exploded. I approached Somkiart later, very politely.

"Now I think tigers and dogs have their own paths. The two species should never cross paths. As for deciding who the dogs and the tigers are… it's up to you." *babblings of a distorted mind*

- Daily Xpress (today)

[sriracha john]

A trip down memory lane for just some of the Little Teenage Mutant Ninja's exploits... but at least he hasn't openly sobbed this time...........yet

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

The Nation / Published on Feb 20, 2005

ELECTION RE-RUN

Meanwhile the Election Commission will file a complaint against former Thai Rak Thai candidate Karun Hosakul, accusing him of lying about his education credentials and for persuading voters to make invalid votes, chairman Vasana Puemlarp said yesterday.

Vasana said the EC has “damning” evidence that showed Karun campaigned to persuade voters to mark number 9 on the ballot paper, which was his number, causing 20,000 votes to become invalid after the EC had disqualified him over his education credentials.

Reporting false statements carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a Bt200,000 fine, as well as having election rights revoked for 10 years. The penalty for causing an invalid vote is up to one year in jail and a Bt20,000 fine and election rights revoked for five years.

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

The Nation / Published on Feb 10, 2005

Court deals another blow to Karun

The Appeals Court yesterday upheld a Criminal Court verdict finding Thai Rak Thai’s disqualified candidate Karun Hosakul guilty of smuggling sewing machines and parts worth 7.15 Million Baht into the country from China, and ordered him to pay a fine of 30.2 Million Baht.

Karun, who failed to show up to hear the verdict on Tuesday, reported to the Appeals Court after the Appeals Court had issued a warrant for his arrest and an order for police to bring him to court next month.

Karun was earlier disqualified as a candidate in Bangkok’s Constituency 14 after the Supreme Court ruled that he had not qualified for university education.

The Appeals Court read the verdict based on testimony from a customs official that she had witnessed Karun removing 91 parcels from a warehouse at Don Muang International Airport on April 7 and 8, 1991 without paying proper import taxes.

The smuggled goods were allegedly disguised as cargo originating from Thailand and heading to Warsaw.

The customs official said she checked the flights on April 7 and 8 and found that there were no flights to Warsaw on either day, indicating that Karun had intended to remove the cargo from the warehouse and bring it into the Kingdom.

A public prosecutor filed the criminal lawsuit in February, 2000.

The Appeals Court ordered the goods seized by the state and ordered Karun to pay a fine of 30.2 Million Baht or be jailed for two years if he is unable to pay the fine.

After the verdict was read, Karun was briefly detained in a cell at the court.

He was later released after relatives posted assets worth 4.8 Million Baht as bail pending a review of the case by the Supreme Court.

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

The Nation / Published on Feb 9, 2005

Probe launched into invalid ballots

Election Commission (EC) Chairman Vasana Puemlarp yesterday ordered an investigation into the large number of invalid ballots cast in Bangkok’s Don Muang district in Sunday’s election.

As many as one-fourth of the 20,000 ballots cast in the district were invalid.

Earlier, Thai Rak Thai candidate for Don Muang Karun Hosakul was disqualified by the EC after Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University revoked his degree.

The commission chairman said he wanted to know who the culprits were behind the invalid ballots, adding it was an illegal act and a threat to democracy.

During vote counting in Don Muang, Karun’s supporters cheered when election officials announced the ballots were invalid.

After Vasana ordered the investigation, telephone calls flooded the EC’s 1171 hotline.

Callers who misunderstood the order feared that action would be taken against those who voted for Karun.

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

The Nation / Published on Feb 5, 2005

Criminal charges may be in store for Karun

Former election candidate Karun Hosakul may face criminal charges in the wake of a Supreme Court verdict on Thursday removing him as a candidate for Bangkok Constituency 14 on grounds of insufficient educational qualifications.

Ramkhamhaeng University has initiated proceedings to cancel his master’s degree, Faculty dean Wuthisak Lapsapcharoen said yesterday, adding that Karun’s graduate studies had been invalidated when Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) revoked his bachelor’s degree on January 29.

Karun was accused of buying his vocational certificate, which he used for enrolment to the university.

The High Court endorsed the cancellation of his first degree after finding no reason to overturn STOU’s decision. The ruling led to the mandatory disqualification of Karun from running as an election candidate.

Education Ministry permanent secretary Khunying Kasama Varavarn said she had called for an investigation into how Karun had obtained his vocational certificate.

“If Dhurakit Bundit Technical College unlawfully issued the degree certificate to Karun, then the administrators will face charges as well as having their licence revoked,” she said.

STOU president Pratya Wesarat said Karun could face criminal proceedings for using bogus records in his enrolment.

“Personally I do not want to prosecute Karun, but I may not have a choice, because I might be charged with neglect if I failed to carry out my duty,” he said. STOU may be obliged to charge Karun with dishonesty about his vocational studies, he said.

Karun’s removal by the Supreme Court has left the ruling party without a candidate in Constituency 14.

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

The Nation / Published on Feb 3, 2005

QUALIFICATION DISPUTE: Karun bought his college certificate

Thai Rak Thai candidate now looks certain to be dumped

Karun Hosakul yesterday faced damning new evidence that he bought his higher vocational-college certificate and looks likely to be removed as the Thai Rak Thai Party’s MP candidate for Bangkok Constituency 14 in Sunday’s general election.

Karun is fighting an EC inquiry into his education credentials after Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University revoked his bachelor’s degree on January 29 for using what it said was flawed qualifications for enrolment. He has insisted that he could have his degree reinstated after clearing up the misunderstanding.

But evidence that he bought his vocational-college certificate has further undermined his chances of staying in the race.

“Karun received a genuine certificate for his vocational studies, but he never graduated and his school sold him the document,” said Senator Somkiat Onwimon, who is also a council member at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University.

Karun attended a higher vocational college in Bangkok for two years and transferred his course credits to Dhurakit Bundit Technical College in Nakhon Si Thammarat, which is known for selling vocational certificates, he said.

Under electoral rules, Karun needs to have at least a tertiary education to qualify for a House seat.

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The Nation / Published on Feb 1, 2005

Karun defends qualifications, but Thaksin snubs his rally

TRT MP candidate Karun Hosakul yesterday reiterated in tears that he had completed a higher vocational college course, denying allegations a fake certificate had allowed him to study at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University.

Karun was speaking before more than 1,000 people gathered at Bunanant market in Don Muang district.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and TRT Deputy Leader Sudarat Keyuraphan did not appear at the market, despite the fact that they had been scheduled to lend their support in the wake of reports that the open university had revoked Karun’s bachelor’s degree.

Karun sobbed as he spoke and said he had visited the university earlier that day only to learn the university council had a secret meeting on Saturday and revoked his degree.

“What they did is like sentencing me to death without giving me the chance to appeal. Whoever did this was in the Education Ministry. It is a political game. It happened once and I explained myself in a letter and the matter was closed. But this time they played hard, revoking my degree,’’ he said.

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The Nation / Published on Dec 18, 2004

TRT survey predicts winning at least 280 seats

Thaksin added that Thai Rak Thai candidates in Bangkok were regarded as better known than Democrat candidates, which should give the ruling party a better chance at winning most seats in the capital. Thai Rak Thai’s candidate for Constituency 14, Karun Hosakul, a former Bangkok councillor, who defected from the Chat Thai party, has a chance to beat Chat Thai’s candidate, Janista Liewchalermwong, according to the source.

Meanwhile, Thaksin insisted he was only joking when he said during campaign stops that provinces where House seats were all captured by his party stood a better chance of receiving development funding.

Thaksin was responding to criticism by Democrat deputy leader Abhisit Vejjajiva that he was using the national budget to “bargain” for votes.

*but of course, we have learned from history since then that Thaksin wasn't joking at all*

[sriracha john]

Fellow People Power Party MP Vows Karun is Innocent

A fellow People Power Party MP has come out to defend Karun Hosakul who allegedly kung-<deleted> kicked a Democrat MP on Wednesday.

Samut Prakan MP Prasert Chaiyakitdennapalai insists the Democrats’ interviews to the media about the alleged assault are misleading.

He said they falsely led the public to believe PPP MP Karun Hosakul attacked Democrat MP and People's Alliance for Democracy core leader Somkiat Pongpaibool.

Prasert insists Karun is well-mannered, polite and respectful.

He adds Karun always ‘wai’ a senior politician. ‘Wai’ is a Thai gesture which a younger or less senior person is expected to do to greet someone who’s older or more senior in social or professional standing.

Prasert in turn criticized Somkiat for behaving inappropriately in Parliament and adds he’s not qualified to be a Member of Parliament. In fact Prasert vows to monitor Somkiart’s conduct and threatened to file a motion to impeach Somkiat when he ‘steps over the line’.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[Tony Clifton]

[sriracha john]

COMMENTARY

Where is the honour in our MPs?

Could it be possible that the entire Thai media was completely wrong about their front-page lead story last Thursday, about Karun Hosakul unleashing a flying kick and a punch at Democrat MP Somkiat Pongpaibul in parliament the day before? Or had they been duped by the Democrats into tarnishing the reputation of the young Bangkok MP of the PPP? Clearly not a single reporter or photographer actually witnessed the unsavoury flare-up in the parliament's cafeteria, otherwise we would have seen the alleged flying kick splashed across the front pages. Apparently, the story was based mainly on eyewitness accounts given by the Democrats and, in particular, by M R Kittiwattana Pokmontri, an MP of Puea Pandin Party, which is a member of the coalition. The Democrats claimed that Karun aimed a kick at Somkiat but he missed, and also threw a punch at the Democrat which was also off the mark. This account was backed by M R Kittiwattana. Interestingly, the newsmaker of the week who made headlines with his alleged kung <deleted> act in parliament, did not immediately challenge the accusation against him (he probably was still punch drunk). But the morning after, Karun categorically denied he had physically attacked his Democrat foe. Instead, he claimed that he was the victim and had been shoved first by the Democrat. To complete the standard plot in such parliamentary dramas, he proceeded to lodge a complaint with the police, accusing Somkiat of defamation. But whether he will sue the media for damages already inflicted on his not-so-impressive reputation, remains to be seen. PM and PPP Leader Samak appeared unwilling to get involved in the flare-up; he said it was Karun's personal affair. Samak said he didn't know who started the fight. For interested outsiders, I suggest they take a look at the past record of violent acts allegedly committed by the two protagonists in question. That should give them a clue as to who to believe. Unlike the parliaments in Taiwan or South Korea where fistfights are commonplace, brawling in the Thai parliament is quite rare and regarded as a shameful act unbecoming of a parliamentarian.

- Veera Prateepchaikul is Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Post Publishing Co Ltd.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/07Apr2008_news18.php

Edited April 7, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

PAD to Rebut Arguments for Constitution Amendment

People’s Alliance for Democracy labeled the attempt to amend the various clauses of the Constitution as blatant proof that the political parties are indeed guilty of wrongdoing.

In fact, the PAD says the issue will be the highlight of the political discussions scheduled to take place this Friday during a special mobile edition of “Yam Fao Pan Din” or Thailand Watch at Thammasat University. Suriyasai added the attempt to amend Article 237 of the Constitution is blatant evidence the political parties have clearly committed wrongdoing.

He says the People Power Party, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties are basically announcing to the public that they are unable to defend their election fraud cases in court and are taking an easy way out by changing the rule of the game.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

The hammer could be coming down as soon as today... prior to the constitutional amendments being ramrodded through.....

EC expected to rule on future of Chart Thai, Matchima Thipataya parties Tuesday

The EC is expected to give rulings on the future of Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties on Tuesday. After the EC allowed representatives of the two parties to give further information on the alleged electoral fraud cases against executives of the parties, EC Chairman Apichart Sukhakkhanont said he expected the panel should be able to decide on the case today.

Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silpa-archa and Banyin Tangpakorn of Matchima Thipataya are expected to meet with the election commissioners to testify before the panel hands out the ruling. Executives of the two parties were red-carded in the general election held last

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126975

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*/ Edit. btw, if this does come to pass... I would expect a new thread on the topic other than this one.*

Edited April 8, 2008 by sriracha john