Election Commission Rules That Chart Thai & Matchima Thipataya Parties Be Dissolved

[sriracha john]

Battle moves to Court

All eyes will today focus on the annual military parade at the Royal Plaza and on the Constitution Court, which would be hearing closing statements of the three political parties accused of having committed electoral fraud.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and his Cabinet are scheduled to attend the military parade in Bangkok, presided over by Their Majesties the King and the Queen. But so far, Somchai, since his return from Peru last Wednesday, has opted to stay in Chiang Mai due to the political turbulence in Bangkok after the takeover of Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports by anti-government protesters.

Moreover, his shaky government is going through the country's worst political crisis since 1979, leading to rampant speculation of another coup to end the deadlock.

Somchai flew back to Chiang Mai in the evening yesterday after attending a function in Nakhon Phanom in the Northeast. He plans to hold his Cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai today. Some Cabinet members, who cannot make it to Chiang Mai, will stay in Bangkok and participate in the meeting via teleconference.

A government spokesman said Somchai would attend the military parade in Bangkok, held by the Army, the Air Force and the Royal Thai Navy.

Yesterday, Somchai spoke through video conference to a Buddhist gathering in Phuttamonthon, which organised a prayer for His Majesty the King's 81st Birthday.

The Constitution Court will hear the closing statements from the leaders of the People Power Party, the Chart Thai Party and the Matchima Party over charges of electoral fraud. If found guilty, these political parties could be disbanded and their executives banned from politics for five years.

But the Constitution Court has not scheduled a date for handing down the verdicts. One political source said the verdicts might be delivered tomorrow.

If the People Power Party were to be found guilty, Somchai would lose his premiership and his Cabinet would have to go with him. However, a deputy prime minister, who is not a party executive, might be appointed to succeed Somchai.

Supporters of the People Power Party wearing red shirts have vowed to apply pressure on the Constitution Court. This has prompted the Metropolitan Police Bureau to send some 500 police officers to provide security at the Court today. Another 500 police officers would stand by at their stations if more mobilisation is needed.

"I don't believe there will be any big problem," said Pol Lt-General Suporn Khongsua, the spokesman of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. "If the situation is serious, we can ask for reinforcements from the military."

While the Chart Thai and Matchima Party leaders planned to present their closing statements before the Constitution Court, the People Power Party is not sending anyone.

Yuenyad Jaisamut, PPP legal representative in charge of the case, said the Party had yesterday petitioned the court, opposing three of the nine Constitution Court judges as well as the court's order not to have any further hearings. It also opposed the court's rejection of a plea by People Power executives and members to defend themselves as individuals.

The judges the party opposes are Charan Pakdithanakul, Wasan Soipisut, and Nurak Mapraneet.

"The case cannot be closed [today] as the court must clear our petition first. It must prove that its judges do not have any bias against the PPP and clarify how its order was not against the Constitution," he said. He said stopping the hearings was a violation of the defendants' rights.

- The Nation / 2008-12-02

[Wolfie]

The besieging of the Constitution Court by red-shirted people prompted the judges to move to chair the last session of the party-dissolution case at the Administrative Court, Channel 3 reported.

Channel 3 reported at 7:44 am, the last hearing of the case will be held at 10 am at the Administrative Court in Chaeng Wattana area.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30089961

[Johpa]

I don't understand the idea on changing the constitution. It was voted on by the people and ratified. Now the people in power can just change it however they want without having to go back to the people for another vote on the changes? That means that whoever is in power could change the constitution however they wanted without having to get approval. That is just a recipe for chaos.

I have had the pleasure of following Thai politics since 1981 and I can't remember any period since then when constitutional change was not part of the local news.

Meanwhile, the stalemate continues awaiting the cosmic signal for the checkmate and then the real endgame commences in earnest.

[sriracha john]

Government must preempt PPP dissolution

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat should step down so a new government can be formed before the People Power Party is disbanded, banned Thai Rak Thai Party executive Chaturon Chaisang advised yesterday.

"Action should be taken before the Party is dissolved so MPs have the chance to regroup and the country's administration is not disrupted," he said.

Chaturon said it was a foregone conclusion that the Constitution Court would disband the PPP, though repercussions from the dissolution of this Party would be worse than what happened after Thai Rak Thai was disbanded.

He called upon pro-government crowds to cancel their plan to rally outside the High Court today, saying that the demonstration might backfire and pave the way for a coup. The case will be brought to an end today, and the pro-government group wanted to protest against any unfavourable verdict.

In addition, he said, the Constitution had several provisions that could be manipulated to the pave way for a dictatorship, adding that some of the government's opponents, particularly the People's Alliance of Democracy, wanted to do just that.

He went on to say that he was against the idea of forming a national unity government because it would infringe upon the principles of democracy, because installing a non-elected government was against the Constitution.

Chaturon advised Somchai and the coalition leaders to preempt the dissolution and have a new government in place before the Party is dissolved, adding that several PPP MPs were receptive to this idea.

With regards to speculation that Privy Councillor Palakorn Suwannarat might be made the prime minister of a non-elected government, he said disagreed with any attempts to tamper with the electoral process.

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

In case the PPP is disbanded:

- Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and his entire Cabinet will lose their seats.

- Cabinet members, whose parties are not disbanded, will serve in a caretaker Cabinet. Members whose parties are disbanded can no longer remain as caretaker ministers and their posts will be taken over by permanent secretaries of those ministries.

- Members of the caretaker Cabinet votes to select a caretaker prime minister, who will then seek royal endorsement to call a Parliamentary meeting to select the new prime minister.

- If a caretaker prime minister cannot be agreed upon, at least one-third of the Parliament needs to file a motion and call a joint meeting of the two Houses to select the new prime minister. By law, the selection must be completed within 30 days after a special parliamentary session begins.

- The new prime minister sets up his new Cabinet.

The Nation / 2008-12-02

[KhaoNiaw]

I cannot believe that some Thai people genuinely want a totalitarian rule.

This...what is occuring now..is no longer about Thaksin..its about Democracy....One Man/Woman One vote, regardless of wealth, status and or creed how can anyone possibly be against such a philisophy

I have yet to talk to a PAD supporter (from colleagues, meighbours, students) who is against One Man/Woman One vote, whatever the PAD leadership may call for. That's not an issue for them - there are other things they are fighting for. So while they are being used to further the ends of the PAD leadership, that doesn't mean they will stay behind them until a whole PAD agenda is satisfied.

[Johpa]

House Speaker and People Power Party Member Chai Chidchob

And rumors abound that Khun Chai's benevolent twin brother Admiral Ackbar is about to save the country from the evil plotters.

[Plus]

I must say Permanent Disorder has been displaced from the top conspiracy nut spot.

Nothing can beat Annamaria now.

Thailand will turn into Bhutan, foreign firms will be asked to move out, all according to unnamed source siting no last name "doctors" from unnamed univirsities.

[barryjohnson]

I cannot believe that some Thai people genuinely want a totalitarian rule.

This...what is occuring now..is no longer about Thaksin..its about Democracy....One Man/Woman One vote, regardless of wealth, status and or creed how can anyone possibly be against such a philisophy

I used to think the same as you until six months or so ago.

I started reading up on Thai history and challenging my own (privileged and British) views of democracy.

I realised that there is more to rule by the people and for the people than "one person/one vote.

No, I do not want long term totalitarian rule.

I want to live as a guest in a country where the justice system

and the legal checks on politicians (and others)

are in place... before one person / one vote kicks off again.

There is a document in the Prajadhipok Museum on Ratchadamnoen

that nearly blew my balls off...

...here are two pages from it

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11401580@N03/...57607071213827/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11401580@N03/...57607071213827/

I am not advocating anything - one way or the other -

but I wonder if the same analysis was done today, by an independent party,

as to what their recommendation would be.

But I hope that this does show that it is possible for some informed people

to be against the philosophy of one person / one vote in certain circumstances.

Time have changed. I have yet to meet a Thai that cannot read and write (unlike the old days). Even in the village, people have (AS)TV, radio and mobile phone. They are informed (some mis-information, but unavoidable anywhere in the world), and they CAN decide for themselves.

Time have changed. We need to move on, and not stuck in the time capsule. Else we will still be living on trees.

[JacknDanny]

Government must preempt PPP dissolution

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat should step down so a new government can be formed before the People Power Party is disbanded, banned Thai Rak Thai Party executive Chaturon Chaisang advised yesterday.

"Action should be taken before the Party is dissolved so MPs have the chance to regroup and the country's administration is not disrupted," he said.

Chaturon said it was a foregone conclusion that the Constitution Court would disband the PPP, though repercussions from the dissolution of this Party would be worse than what happened after Thai Rak Thai was disbanded.

He called upon pro-government crowds to cancel their plan to rally outside the High Court today, saying that the demonstration might backfire and pave the way for a coup. The case will be brought to an end today, and the pro-government group wanted to protest against any unfavourable verdict.

In addition, he said, the Constitution had several provisions that could be manipulated to the pave way for a dictatorship, adding that some of the government's opponents, particularly the People's Alliance of Democracy, wanted to do just that.

He went on to say that he was against the idea of forming a national unity government because it would infringe upon the principles of democracy, because installing a non-elected government was against the Constitution.

Chaturon advised Somchai and the coalition leaders to preempt the dissolution and have a new government in place before the Party is dissolved, adding that several PPP MPs were receptive to this idea.

With regards to speculation that Privy Councillor Palakorn Suwannarat might be made the prime minister of a non-elected government, he said disagreed with any attempts to tamper with the electoral process.

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

In case the PPP is disbanded:

- Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and his entire Cabinet will lose their seats.

- Cabinet members, whose parties are not disbanded, will serve in a caretaker Cabinet. Members whose parties are disbanded can no longer remain as caretaker ministers and their posts will be taken over by permanent secretaries of those ministries.

- Members of the caretaker Cabinet votes to select a caretaker prime minister, who will then seek royal endorsement to call a Parliamentary meeting to select the new prime minister.

- If a caretaker prime minister cannot be agreed upon, at least one-third of the Parliament needs to file a motion and call a joint meeting of the two Houses to select the new prime minister. By law, the selection must be completed within 30 days after a special parliamentary session begins.

- The new prime minister sets up his new Cabinet.

The Nation / 2008-12-02

Just been watching the local news. One name that the PPP t@ssers are coming up with for interim PM is Chalerm .

What are these guys on?

Have they got no shame?

Is it any wonder that these people have got absolutely ZERO credibility.

My Mrs who has got no political interest, just shook her head and said "How can they even think about it?"

[dave9988]

From the latest bangkokpundit article it looks like PPP will survive this and I guess the airport will remain closed until PAD can force violence and thus a coup!

[JacknDanny]

House Speaker and People Power Party Member Chai Chidchob

And rumors abound that Khun Chai's benevolent twin brother Admiral Ackbar is about to save the country from the evil plotters.

Hilarious

[dave9988]

How many MPs will the parlament need to be "by the law"? Can they continue without the PPP, or is dissolving the PPP the same as dissolving the parlament and trigger a new election?

There are 232 People Power Party MP's that will be removed from office. There are an additional 34 Chart Thai Party MP's and 11 Matchima Thipataya MP's waiting to join them. I believe new elections will be necessary.

they must create a new party. that party that they create must then seek a majority to avoid a no confidence vote.

democrats will never get a majority, so they still need some kind of undemocratic/fascist "interm/nanny government" aka "judicial coup" to come along and run the show+

People

AGAINST

Democracy

Edited December 2, 2008 by dave9988

[Koo82]

I doubt they will dissolve Chart Thai and Matchima today for "not having enough evidence". After PPP is done, these 2 may join with the Democrat Party who has been desperately trying every means to go up before the handsome leader's 8 years are over.

I wonder if the "loop lor" (this handsome leader) will be proud if he can be PM for using tricks.

[oneeyedmunstaruler]

Just been watching the local news. One name that the PPP t@ssers are coming up with for interim PM is Chalerm .

What are these guys on?

Have they got no shame?

Is it any wonder that these people have got absolutely ZERO credibility.

My Mrs who has got no political interest, just shook her head and said "How can they even think about it?"

He hasn't had his turn at the feeding trough yet, and has been waiting in line for oh so long. Also, he wants his turn at having his picture taken with various world leaders, for his mantelpiece.

[dave9988]

So does dissolving the PPP take away each individual PM his status or can they just bring that status over to another party?

If the court dissolves PPP all the currently active PPP politicians will be banned from politics for five years, including the PM. He is so weak anyway, what difference does it make? Just bring in another relative of Thaksin puppet. They are all the same.

I think the way it works is that like the dissolution of the TRT. The court will dissolve the party and ban selected members, usually the executive, from participating for up to 5 years. The rest of the MPs will have 60 or 90 days to join another registered party, thus the latest incarnation waiting in the wings.

Now what happens in the ensuing 60 or so days is the subject of much debate. Given that all the "names" will get the boot, there will no eligible cabinet members left, so it has been proposed that the Supreme Court will step in and form an interim administration of suitable folk from most parts of society (well the ones that count) to run the country during the change-over (writing their own laws), added to this there will have to elections to replace all the banned members to be able form a quorum in the parliament. This would mean it would be simpler to have a new general election. This is the "Judicial Coup" theory.

New general elections, ground hog day.

And now that's what I call democracy!

[Koo82]

Just been watching the local news. One name that the PPP t@ssers are coming up with for interim PM is Chalerm .

What are these guys on?

Have they got no shame?

Is it any wonder that these people have got absolutely ZERO credibility.

My Mrs who has got no political interest, just shook her head and said "How can they even think about it?"

Why shame? They're following the rules.

[sriracha john]

How many MPs will the parlament need to be "by the law"? Can they continue without the PPP, or is dissolving the PPP the same as dissolving the parlament and trigger a new election?

There are 232 People Power Party MP's that will be removed from office. There are an additional 34 Chart Thai Party MP's and 11 Matchima Thipataya MP's waiting to join them. I believe new elections will be necessary.

they must create a new party. that party that they create must then seek a majority to avoid a no confidence vote.

democrats will never get a majority, so they still need some kind of undemocratic/fascist "interm/nanny government" aka "judicial coup" to come along and run the show+

they have already formed the Puea Thai Party (PTP) for weeks.

[Plus]

Just been watching the local news. One name that the PPP t@ssers are coming up with for interim PM is Chalerm .

What are these guys on?

Have they got no shame?

Is it any wonder that these people have got absolutely ZERO credibility.

My Mrs who has got no political interest, just shook her head and said "How can they even think about it?"

Why shame? They're following the rules.

Actually after Samak, Chalerm for PM is the natural next step.

>>>>

A girl who knows no shame?

Koo, I'm starting to like you...

[JacknDanny]

Just been watching the local news. One name that the PPP t@ssers are coming up with for interim PM is Chalerm .

What are these guys on?

Have they got no shame?

Is it any wonder that these people have got absolutely ZERO credibility.

My Mrs who has got no political interest, just shook her head and said "How can they even think about it?"

Why shame? They're following the rules.

You, as a Thai, have far more rights to comment on this than I.

But having been a guest in this country for the past 10 years, with the greatest of respect I think that your attitude typifies what is wrong with Thailand.

Chalerm!!!!!!! PM!!!!!!!

[quiksilva]

Just been watching the local news. One name that the PPP t@ssers are coming up with for interim PM is Chalerm .

What are these guys on?

Have they got no shame?

Is it any wonder that these people have got absolutely ZERO credibility.

My Mrs who has got no political interest, just shook her head and said "How can they even think about it?"

Why shame? They're following the rules.

Here's some suggested reading.

[Plus]

I think I read once about Koo coming to Thailand and starting to learn the culture. Maybe she can clarify it once and for all.

Also she could post a pic of herself so we can put a face to that bunch of chillies. I bet she is just as hot.

(Kidding, of course, no one is obliged to post his or her photo on the site).

[Sandstone Art]

How many MPs will the parlament need to be "by the law"? Can they continue without the PPP, or is dissolving the PPP the same as dissolving the parlament and trigger a new election?

There are 232 People Power Party MP's that will be removed from office. There are an additional 34 Chart Thai Party MP's and 11 Matchima Thipataya MP's waiting to join them. I believe new elections will be necessary.

they must create a new party. that party that they create must then seek a majority to avoid a no confidence vote.

democrats will never get a majority, so they still need some kind of undemocratic/fascist "interm/nanny government" aka "judicial coup" to come along and run the show+

they have already formed the Puea Thai Party (PTP) for weeks.

First it's the TRT.

Then it's PPP.

So, now they stand-by PTP.

They never seems to get the 'right formula'

[Splatter]

I cannot believe that some Thai people genuinely want a totalitarian rule.

This...what is occuring now..is no longer about Thaksin..its about Democracy....One Man/Woman One vote, regardless of wealth, status and or creed how can anyone possibly be against such a philisophy

I used to think the same as you until six months or so ago.

<edited out>

But I hope that this does show that it is possible for some informed people

to be against the philosophy of one person / one vote in certain circumstances.

Time have changed. I have yet to meet a Thai that cannot read and write (unlike the old days). Even in the village, people have (AS)TV, radio and mobile phone. They are informed (some mis-information, but unavoidable anywhere in the world), and they CAN decide for themselves.

Time have changed. We need to move on, and not stuck in the time capsule. Else we will still be living on trees.

I agree. Times have changed.

Education and literacy has moved forward.

But the education referred to in 1926

was that political, civic and societal education needs to continue to move further forward.

Today in Thailand we all know that in BOTH urban areas and rural areas many sell and buy votes.

It is NOT a rural / urban / or rich / poor issue.

It is not a PPP versus "another party" issue.

It is spread acorss the board.

So I question whether there has been sufficient political education

and a sufficient development of the legal checks and balances to

ensure that Tocqueville's "tyranny of the elected majority" does not arise.

e.g. we may believe that drugs are the scourge of society...

Therefore

If I buy drugs...

If I sell drugs...

as both destroy society the buyer and seller are known to be wrong

and are treated accordingly.

However,

If I buy votes in Thailand it is seen as corrupt.

Yet if I sell my upcountry rural vote

apologists will give reasons as to why I did it and

almost justify my actions...

Yet selling your vote seems to have no comeback in today's Thailand.

I fully agree with you that Thailand has leaped forward tremondously in

the past seventy years.

But I can't agree that there has been sufficient political education.

I won't point a finger / assign blame at any one group or party,

the problem goes across the board.

Edited December 2, 2008 by Splatter

[sriracha john]

How many MPs will the parlament need to be "by the law"? Can they continue without the PPP, or is dissolving the PPP the same as dissolving the parlament and trigger a new election?

There are 232 People Power Party MP's that will be removed from office. There are an additional 34 Chart Thai Party MP's and 11 Matchima Thipataya MP's waiting to join them. I believe new elections will be necessary.

they must create a new party. that party that they create must then seek a majority to avoid a no confidence vote.

democrats will never get a majority, so they still need some kind of undemocratic/fascist "interm/nanny government" aka "judicial coup" to come along and run the show+

they have already formed the Puea Thai Party (PTP) for weeks.

First it's the TRT.

Then it's PPP.

So, now they stand-by PTP.

They never seems to get the 'right formula'

They need to get with the chemical engineers at PTT

[sriracha john]

Verdict on party dissolution case due today

Constitution Court President Chat Chonlaworn has confirmed that the verdict will be handed down today following the morning's hearing for closing statements on the party dissolution case.

Following the prosecution summation, Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa complete the closing statement to defend his party.

Matchima Thipataya Party leader Anongwan Thepsuthin is expected to participate in her party's defence summation.

The Nation / 2008-12-02

[sriracha john]

Red-shirt crowds rallying at Supreme Administrative Court

Hundreds of pro-government crowds have started to arrive and rally at the Supreme Administrative Court, Chaeng Wattana Road, switching their rallying site from the Constitution Court.

About 150 anti-riot policemen are deployed to keep peace after the Constitution Court has decided to relocate its session to the Supreme Administrative Court. The high court is expected to convene the session at 10.00 am inspite of the rally.

The red-shirt crowds are protesting the looming verdict which they assume to be unfavourable leading to the party disbandment.

The session is to hear closing statements from three coalition parties, People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties involving in the party-dissolution case.

- The Nation / 2008-12-02

[dave9988]

i guess it wont take long to deliberate over those closing arguments

[sriracha john]

Constitution Court begins hearing closing statements

The Constitution Court convened on time at 10.00 am to hear closing statements for the party dissolution case.

Chief public prosecutor Seksan Bangsomboon is delivering the summation for the prosecution.

Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa is expected to deliver his final defence rebutting his party's involvement in the electoral fraud punishable by party disbandment.

The People Power Party and the Matchima Thipataya Party do not participate in the session. The defence has the right to opt out of the summation session.

- The Nation / 2008-12-02

[sriracha john]

Chart Thai won't collaborate with Democrats

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister and Chart Thai Party Deputy Leader Somsak Prissananantakul on Tuesday insisted the Chart Thai party will not join hands with the opposition Democrat Party should his party be dissolved because the number of seats between both parties would

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=135120

[Slip]

they have already formed the Puea Thai Party (PTP) for weeks.

First it's the TRT.

Then it's PPP.

So, now they stand-by PTP.

They never seems to get the 'right formula'

Everyone knows that the code for permanent good governance and social utopia is PRP, but sssh.. don't tell Somchai it's funny to watch him stumbling about. Mind you I guess it's pretty unlikely he'll be anything to do with it by then.