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

[h90]

TOC reported the Matchima Thipataya Party is also now dissolved.

I think they have no banned MPs or?

[Splatter]

http://blogs.straitstimes.com/2008/12/2/th...-s-court-mobbed

LIVE: Nirmal Ghosh blogs in the midst of developments in Bangkok.

12 noon: The mood has now settled a bit. The crowd in the car park is peaceful. But the red shirts have blocked both lanes & created a massive traffic backup.

The judges have finished hearing the closing arguments in the case against Chart Thai and are now hearing the Matchima case. There is talk that PPP will not turn up. Word is also that the verdicts will be handed down today.

Whether they give a verdict on PPP in absentia is the question. Groups of Red shirts are now busy improvising weapons on the street by breaking up planks and steel fences.

12:30pm: Thailand's Constitutional Court just said the ruling party has been dissolved over the case of voting fraud.

12:46pm: Disbelief, disappointment as dissolution handed down on PPP (People Power Party). Some people are boo-ing. The verdict is photocopied and distributed. One woman snatches it from another and crumples it, throws it on the ground & stamps on it. There is a sense of deflation in the crowd; they seem rudderless.

Stay tuned for more live updates from the streets of Bangkok.

[sriracha john]

Top Thai court bans ruling party

Thailand's constitutional court has dissolved the governing People Power Party (PPP) saying there had been vote fraud during the last election.

The party's leaders, including Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, were also banned from politics for five years.

But, under the constitution most of its MPs can keep their seats under another party name, and should be able to form another government, correspondents say.

Earlier, an anti-government protester was killed at a Bangkok airport.

Local television reported that a grenade had been fired at Don Mueang airport, the capital's domestic hub, which has been occupied by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) since last week.

The PAD accuses Somchai's government of being corrupt and hostile to the much-revered monarchy, and demands they resign.

They also accuse him of being a proxy of his brother-in-law, exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

- BBC / 2008-12-02

[Plus]

I still don't see any clear explanation of what will happen to the parliament now.

Execs have been banned, but what about the MPs? They belong to a party that doesn't exist anymore!

Bankok Pandit's ideas and calculations are based on the premise that they can still stay as MPs. That sounds implausible.

[h90]

wife cheering....99% sure that means Chart Thai is banned.

[sriracha john]

Matchima Thipataya Party Leader and Natural Resources and Environment Minister and wife of TRT Banned #18 Somsak, Anongwan Thepsuthin, may soon get to join her husband on the Banned from Politics list.

Congratulations to a wonderful husband and wife duo....

Indeed, Anongwan, Thumbs Up! on a terrific job. Not many couples can claim to have both of its partners BANNED.

The Industry Ministry portfolio is expected to go to Anongwan Thepsuthin, Leader of the Matchima Thipataya Party (and wife of TRT Banned #18 Somsak). She is now caretaker Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

and best of luck to you in your continued success in your new position within Somchai's Cabinet... that is, until the banishment is completed... or the Cabinet collapses (whichever occurs first)...

Public prosecutors file dissolution suit against Matchima

Public prosecutors Tuesday told the Constitution Court to consider dissolve the Matchima Tipataya Party after its executive was found by the Election Commission of having bought votes.

- The Nation / 2008-09-23

A cheery WELL DONE!!! to the first husband and wife banned from politics!!!

TOC reported the Matchima Thipataya Party is also now dissolved.

I think they have no banned MPs or?

they do... including Party Leader above who is also a Cabinet Minister...... excuse me... WAS a Cabinet Minister.

Edited December 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[h90]

I still don't see any clear explanation of what will happen to the parliament now.

Execs have been banned, but what about the MPs? They belong to a party that doesn't exist anymore!

Bankok Pandit's ideas and calculations are based on the premise that they can still stay as MPs. That sounds implausible.

I understood they stay there without Party and can join any party within 30 or 60 days.

In other countries (I know from Austria) you can get kicked out from a party or leave it and stay as MP without party till there is the next election.

[h90]

they do... including Party Leader above who is also a Cabinet Minister...... excuse me... WAS a Cabinet Minister.

From: http://bangkokpundit.blogspot.com/2008/12/...government.html

"For Matichima, none of their executives are MPs. "

[ozfarang81]

BREAKING NEWS: Chart Thai Party Disbanded for Violation of Election Law

UPDATE : 2 December 2008

The Constitution Court has ruled that the Chart Thai party must be disbanded after its executives have been convicted of election fraud.

The party executives have also been banned from politics for 5 years. This include veteran politician Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silpa-archa.

from TOC

[sriracha john]

With apologies, in my haste I suppose based on a technicality I misspoke as the PPP announcement proceeded the Matchima...

so now with former Prime Minister Somchai and former First Lady Yaowapa BOTH banned, THEY are the first COUPLE that are BANNED from politics.

Congratulations on BEING FIRST!!!

[h90]

BREAKING NEWS: Chart Thai Party Disbanded for Violation of Election Law

UPDATE : 2 December 2008

The Constitution Court has ruled that the Chart Thai party must be disbanded after its executives have been convicted of election fraud.

The party executives have also been banned from politics for 5 years. This include veteran politician Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silpa-archa.

from TOC

Following sriracha john:

Congratulations on BEING FIRST EEL who got banned!!!

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

Wait a minute we have a problem, who is going to pay the red shirts now. More unemployed.

[sriracha john]

People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties disbanded

The Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled to disband three coalition parties, People Power, Chart Thai, and Matchima Thipataya, and banned the three's party executives from electoral process for five years.

The high court held the three parties for accountability on electoral fraud involving party executives, Yongyuth Tiyapairat of People Power, Monthien Songpracha of Chart Thai and Sunthorn Wilawan of Matchima Thipataya.

In the fraud case linked to People Power Party, the high court cited the Yongyuth conviction by the Supreme Court as the ground to penalise the ruling party.

For cases linked to Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, it invoked the rulings by the Election Commission as the basis to punish the two parties.

The nine presiding judges reached unanimous decisions against People Power and Matchima Thipataya parties. And they formed the eight-to-one decision to punish Chart Thai.

The high court opined that the punishment by disbandment was mandatory as sanctioned by Article 237 of the Constitution and that it had no leeway to selectively punish the party executives on the individual basis.

- The Nation / 2008-12-02

[sriracha john]

Thai court dissolves ruling party, PM banned

BANGKOK: Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday disbanded the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) leading to the dissolution of Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat’s government.

The court also banned PPP’s executive board members, including Somchai, from politics for five years.

It further ruled to dissolve Chart Thai Party, imposing the same ban on its executive board members for five years.

On Monday, Thai police had asked the military to help step up security in the capital, fearing that pro-government supporters would react violently should the PPP be declared illegal for electoral fraud in last year’s polls.

Already, anti-government protesters in Bangkok have come under attack in recent days. Pro-government “red-shirts” are said to be prepared to head for the capital from the provinces in their thousands once the signal is given.

The court verdict may prove a turning point in a country roiled by months of political turmoil.

As all sides braced themselves for the court decision, senior members of the PPP were said to be urgently considering alternatives should the party be thrown out of power.

One option is for the PPP itself to dissolve Parliament before the judgment is out, and to call an election -- which it is sure to win.

In this scenario, its MPs would merely switch to another party, Puea Thai, and fight the election.

Another option is for the PPP to set up a “government in exile” and create a resistance movement nationwide, should there be a military coup.

The mechanics for this are being worked on right now, but the idea is not new: It was considered but not implemented in September 2006 when the army toppled the Thaksin government.

It is not clear where such a “government in exile” would be based, but Thaksin is said to be in Cambodia while also working on setting up a base in Dubai.

Somchai, who was asked by reporters Monday when he would return to Bangkok, remarked that he could run the country from anywhere.

“The place is not an issue as long as I can work and get cooperation from all parties,” he added, insisting that he was not stepping down.

For the moment, Chiang Mai is his base as the northern city is home ground for him -- and Thaksin -- making it harder for the army to detain him in the event of a coup.

The political upheaval has also disrupted plans for Asean meetings from December 13 to 17.

“I will propose at the Cabinet meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) to postpone the summit to March as we can’t open our airport for leaders’ planes to land yet,” foreign minister Sompong Amornwiwat said.

Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono proposed his country as an alternative venue.

Indonesia and Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan were offering to hold the meeting of its foreign ministers and East Asian dialogue partners in the Asean Secretariat offices in Jakarta, while the finance ministers could meet in Bali, he said.

- The Straits Times / 2008-11-02

[phupaman]

People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties disbanded

The Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled to disband three coalition parties, People Power, Chart Thai, and Matchima Thipataya, and banned the three's party executives from electoral process for five years.

The high court held the three parties for accountability on electoral fraud involving party executives, Yongyuth Tiyapairat of People Power, Monthien Songpracha of Chart Thai and Sunthorn Wilawan of Matchima Thipataya.

In the fraud case linked to People Power Party, the high court cited the Yongyuth conviction by the Supreme Court as the ground to penalise the ruling party.

For cases linked to Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, it invoked the rulings by the Election Commission as the basis to punish the two parties.

The nine presiding judges reached unanimous decisions against People Power and Matchima Thipataya parties. And they formed the eight-to-one decision to punish Chart Thai.

The high court opined that the punishment by disbandment was mandatory as sanctioned by Article 237 of the Constitution and that it had no leeway to selectively punish the party executives on the individual basis.

- The Nation / 2008-12-02

HI SJ.

Any chance of posting a list of banned ppp.

Phupaman

[dotcom]

Some other poor sods are actively promoting LoS as a great place to hold a convention & trade fairs. Get a grip people. Stop wasting money.

[dukkha]

Just heard Somchai banned for 5 years BUT another party with Toxin's cousin as head ready...same old same old..

Dukkha

[Old Man River]

People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties disbanded

The Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled to disband three coalition parties, People Power, Chart Thai, and Matchima Thipataya, and banned the three's party executives from electoral process for five years.

The high court held the three parties for accountability on electoral fraud involving party executives, Yongyuth Tiyapairat of People Power, Monthien Songpracha of Chart Thai and Sunthorn Wilawan of Matchima Thipataya.

In the fraud case linked to People Power Party, the high court cited the Yongyuth conviction by the Supreme Court as the ground to penalise the ruling party.

For cases linked to Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, it invoked the rulings by the Election Commission as the basis to punish the two parties.

The nine presiding judges reached unanimous decisions against People Power and Matchima Thipataya parties. And they formed the eight-to-one decision to punish Chart Thai.

The high court opined that the punishment by disbandment was mandatory as sanctioned by Article 237 of the Constitution and that it had no leeway to selectively punish the party executives on the individual basis.

- The Nation / 2008-12-02

HI SJ.

Any chance of posting a list of banned ppp.

Phupaman

From Bangkok Pundit:

For PPP, of the 37 executives 22 are MPs, namely Samak Sundaravej, Pol.Lt.Col. Kan Thienkaew, Chaiya Sasomsab, Somchai Wongsawat. Sompong Amornwiwat, Sampan Lertnuwat, Doctor Prasong Boorapong, Suwat Wannasirikul, Surapong Suebwonglee, Anusorn Wongwat, Sukumpan Ngonkam, Songkram Kitlertpairoj, Kuthep Saikrajang, Srimuang Charoensiri, Songsak Thongsri, Nisit Sintuprai, Theerachai Sankaew, Theerapol Adiraksarn (resigned as an executive on October 31, 2007), Sutin Klangsang, Itti Sirilattayakorn, Kittikorn Lohsoontorn, and Boonlue Prasertsopa. 8 of these hae since resigned so only 14 executives who are MPs left. IF PP is dissolved, from 233 they lost 14 and are left with 219.

[sriracha john]

People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties disbanded

The Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled to disband three coalition parties, People Power, Chart Thai, and Matchima Thipataya, and banned the three's party executives from electoral process for five years.

The high court held the three parties for accountability on electoral fraud involving party executives, Yongyuth Tiyapairat of People Power, Monthien Songpracha of Chart Thai and Sunthorn Wilawan of Matchima Thipataya.

In the fraud case linked to People Power Party, the high court cited the Yongyuth conviction by the Supreme Court as the ground to penalise the ruling party.

For cases linked to Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, it invoked the rulings by the Election Commission as the basis to punish the two parties.

The nine presiding judges reached unanimous decisions against People Power and Matchima Thipataya parties. And they formed the eight-to-one decision to punish Chart Thai.

The high court opined that the punishment by disbandment was mandatory as sanctioned by Article 237 of the Constitution and that it had no leeway to selectively punish the party executives on the individual basis.

- The Nation / 2008-12-02

HI SJ.

Any chance of posting a list of banned ppp.

Phupaman

I don't see them recorded anywhere earlier, but I'm sure a list will be soon forthcoming, same as it was for TRT.

[sriracha john]

Just heard Somchai banned for 5 years BUT another party with Toxin's cousin as head ready...same old same old..

Dukkha

earlier in the thread is discussion of cousin Chaisit and sister Yingluck involvement with PTP... but AFAIK they have selected a head yet.

[sriracha john]

People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties disbanded

The Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled to disband three coalition parties, People Power, Chart Thai, and Matchima Thipataya, and banned the three's party executives from electoral process for five years.

The high court held the three parties for accountability on electoral fraud involving party executives, Yongyuth Tiyapairat of People Power, Monthien Songpracha of Chart Thai and Sunthorn Wilawan of Matchima Thipataya.

In the fraud case linked to People Power Party, the high court cited the Yongyuth conviction by the Supreme Court as the ground to penalise the ruling party.

For cases linked to Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, it invoked the rulings by the Election Commission as the basis to punish the two parties.

The nine presiding judges reached unanimous decisions against People Power and Matchima Thipataya parties. And they formed the eight-to-one decision to punish Chart Thai.

The high court opined that the punishment by disbandment was mandatory as sanctioned by Article 237 of the Constitution and that it had no leeway to selectively punish the party executives on the individual basis.

- The Nation / 2008-12-02

HI SJ.

Any chance of posting a list of banned ppp.

Phupaman

From Bangkok Pundit:

For PPP, of the 37 executives 22 are MPs, namely Samak Sundaravej, Pol.Lt.Col. Kan Thienkaew, Chaiya Sasomsab, Somchai Wongsawat. Sompong Amornwiwat, Sampan Lertnuwat, Doctor Prasong Boorapong, Suwat Wannasirikul, Surapong Suebwonglee, Anusorn Wongwat, Sukumpan Ngonkam, Songkram Kitlertpairoj, Kuthep Saikrajang, Srimuang Charoensiri, Songsak Thongsri, Nisit Sintuprai, Theerachai Sankaew, Theerapol Adiraksarn (resigned as an executive on October 31, 2007), Sutin Klangsang, Itti Sirilattayakorn, Kittikorn Lohsoontorn, and Boonlue Prasertsopa. 8 of these hae since resigned so only 14 executives who are MPs left. IF PP is dissolved, from 233 they lost 14 and are left with 219.

Samak had already requested to drop his PPP membership last week. I'm sure a complete and up-to-date list will be forthcoming from the news sources on the party executives and who are MP's.

[animatic]

With apologies, in my haste I suppose based on a technicality I misspoke as the PPP announcement proceeded the Matchima...

so now with former Prime Minister Somchai and former First Lady Yaowapa BOTH banned, THEY are the first COUPLE that are BANNED from politics.

Congratulations on BEING FIRST!!!

Ah, weren't Thaksin and Potjamin both already banned from TRT's dissolution?

Certainly the banned body count in this clan is rising.

[Old Man River]

People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties disbanded

The Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled to disband three coalition parties, People Power, Chart Thai, and Matchima Thipataya, and banned the three's party executives from electoral process for five years.

The high court held the three parties for accountability on electoral fraud involving party executives, Yongyuth Tiyapairat of People Power, Monthien Songpracha of Chart Thai and Sunthorn Wilawan of Matchima Thipataya.

In the fraud case linked to People Power Party, the high court cited the Yongyuth conviction by the Supreme Court as the ground to penalise the ruling party.

For cases linked to Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, it invoked the rulings by the Election Commission as the basis to punish the two parties.

The nine presiding judges reached unanimous decisions against People Power and Matchima Thipataya parties. And they formed the eight-to-one decision to punish Chart Thai.

The high court opined that the punishment by disbandment was mandatory as sanctioned by Article 237 of the Constitution and that it had no leeway to selectively punish the party executives on the individual basis.

- The Nation / 2008-12-02

HI SJ.

Any chance of posting a list of banned ppp.

Phupaman

I don't see them recorded anywhere earlier, but I'm sure a list will be soon forthcoming, same as it was for TRT.

From my posting immediately above, the 22 PPP MP's banned are:

Samak Sundaravej, Pol.Lt.Col. Kan Thienkaew, Chaiya Sasomsab, Somchai Wongsawat. Sompong Amornwiwat, Sampan Lertnuwat, Doctor Prasong Boorapong, Suwat Wannasirikul, Surapong Suebwonglee, Anusorn Wongwat, Sukumpan Ngonkam, Songkram Kitlertpairoj, Kuthep Saikrajang, Srimuang Charoensiri, Songsak Thongsri, Nisit Sintuprai, Theerachai Sankaew, Theerapol Adiraksarn, Sutin Klangsang, Itti Sirilattayakorn, Kittikorn Lohsoontorn, and Boonlue Prasertsopa.

There are 15 others that have been banned, but they were not elected MP's.

[Old Man River]

People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties disbanded

The Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled to disband three coalition parties, People Power, Chart Thai, and Matchima Thipataya, and banned the three's party executives from electoral process for five years.

The high court held the three parties for accountability on electoral fraud involving party executives, Yongyuth Tiyapairat of People Power, Monthien Songpracha of Chart Thai and Sunthorn Wilawan of Matchima Thipataya.

In the fraud case linked to People Power Party, the high court cited the Yongyuth conviction by the Supreme Court as the ground to penalise the ruling party.

For cases linked to Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, it invoked the rulings by the Election Commission as the basis to punish the two parties.

The nine presiding judges reached unanimous decisions against People Power and Matchima Thipataya parties. And they formed the eight-to-one decision to punish Chart Thai.

The high court opined that the punishment by disbandment was mandatory as sanctioned by Article 237 of the Constitution and that it had no leeway to selectively punish the party executives on the individual basis.

- The Nation / 2008-12-02

HI SJ.

Any chance of posting a list of banned ppp.

Phupaman

From Bangkok Pundit:

For PPP, of the 37 executives 22 are MPs, namely Samak Sundaravej, Pol.Lt.Col. Kan Thienkaew, Chaiya Sasomsab, Somchai Wongsawat. Sompong Amornwiwat, Sampan Lertnuwat, Doctor Prasong Boorapong, Suwat Wannasirikul, Surapong Suebwonglee, Anusorn Wongwat, Sukumpan Ngonkam, Songkram Kitlertpairoj, Kuthep Saikrajang, Srimuang Charoensiri, Songsak Thongsri, Nisit Sintuprai, Theerachai Sankaew, Theerapol Adiraksarn (resigned as an executive on October 31, 2007), Sutin Klangsang, Itti Sirilattayakorn, Kittikorn Lohsoontorn, and Boonlue Prasertsopa. 8 of these hae since resigned so only 14 executives who are MPs left. IF PP is dissolved, from 233 they lost 14 and are left with 219.

Samak had already requested to drop his PPP membership last week. I'm sure a complete and up-to-date list will be forthcoming from the news sources on the party executives and who are MP's.

It doesn't work that way. It is those executives at the time the crime was committed. Samak is banned.

[sriracha john]

Chaovarat becomes caretaker PM

Deputy Prime Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul will become caretaker prime minister pending a meeting of the caretaker Cabinet, former PM's Office Ministers Sukhumpong Ngonkham said Tuesday.

He said the caretaker Cabinet would make a former decision as to who should be caretaker prime minister replacing disqualified Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

With apologies, in my haste I suppose based on a technicality I misspoke as the PPP announcement proceeded the Matchima...

so now with former Prime Minister Somchai and former First Lady Yaowapa BOTH banned, THEY are the first COUPLE that are BANNED from politics.

Congratulations on BEING FIRST!!!

Ah, weren't Thaksin and Potjamin both already banned from TRT's dissolution?

Certainly the banned body count in this clan is rising.

Thakky was, but Pokemon, was not.

With Somchai (PPP) and Yaowapa (TRT) being able to accomplish something that not even that dubious duo ever achieved... their place in Thai history is well cemented.

With honorable mention to Anongwan (Matchima Thipataya) and Somsak (TRT) Thepsuthin for a very close second place.

Edited December 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

MPs to Collect Names to Convene to Nominate New PM

There are reports that MPs will soon convene a House meeting to nominate a new premier to replace PM Somchai Wongsawat who's now banned from politics for 5 years.

It's believed an extraordinary House session could be convened on December 8 - 9, 2008.

TOC / 2008-12-02

[dave9988]

MPs to Collect Names to Convene to Nominate New PM

There are reports that MPs will soon convene a House meeting to nominate a new premier to replace PM Somchai Wongsawat who's now banned from politics for 5 years.

It's believed an extraordinary House session could be convened on December 8 - 9, 2008.

TOC / 2008-12-02

i guess PAD will have to step up their terrorism

[sriracha john]

Court dissolves three coalition parties: PM must go

BANGKOK, Dec 2 (TNA) -- The ongoing political turbulence in Thailand entered a new phase Tuesday after the Constitutional Court judged that the ruling People Power Party (PPP), headed by embattled Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, and two parties in his coalition were guilty of electoral fraud in last December's general election, and ordered them dissolved.

Under the 2007 constitution, written by appointees of the September 2006 coupmakers, senior executives of the PPP and two other parties -- Chart Thai and Matchimathipataya -- would be banned from politics for five years. MPs of the three parties must move to new parties within 60 days in order to retain their parliamentary seats.

The court ruled to convict the senior executives of the three coalition parties of vote buying in the general election held in December 2007.

Mr. Somchai did not attend the court session but presided over the weekly Cabinet meeting, convened in the northern province of Chiang Mai. He will also have to leave his office.

But Yuenyat Jaisamut, a lawyer of PPP, said before the verdict was made that his party would not accept the court ruling because no formal advance notice was given to PPP that the verdict, instead of being handed down at the Constitutional Court, would be given at the Administrative Court building.

Charging that the Constitutional Court had no right to move the site of the ruling and that such a change of venue was against the law, Mr. Yuenyat said the accused officers of the PPP were unable to appear for the ruling.

For that reason, he said, the party considered the ruling to be null and void.

The Court decided to move the site to the Administrative Court after angry government supporters gathered at the Constitutional Court since early in the day on Tuesday in a bid to pressure and prevent the nine judges from attending the session.

Soon after the verdict was issued, government spokesman Natthawut Saikuea said the three remaining parties in the coalition government would carry on forming a coalition government.

Acknowledging the Court's verdict, Mr. Somchai said tersely that he had "done everything for the happiness (of the people) of Thailand".

[sriracha john]

Banharn's son...

Deputy Leader of the Chart Thai Party accepts Constitution Court verdict

The Deputy Leader of the Chart Thai Party assures that he accepts the Constitution Court verdict to dissolve the Party, voicing confidence that the Party had given its utmost.

Deputy Leader of the Chart Thai Party Varawut Silapa-archa stated after the Constitution Tribunal declared the Party would be dissolved that he accepted the decision and acknowledged the Party had done its utmost to contest the verdict.

The Chart Thai Party dissolution verdict resulted in a decrease in the party's members of the parliament from 34 to 15 as 19 of them are the party's executives who will be banned from politics for five years.

- ThaiNews / 2008-12-02