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

[sriracha john]

and the pressure for them to hurry up with the constitutional re-write is growing as the reasons for the re-write are progressing dangerously close for them....

Attorney General to Review Party Dissolution Case within 30 Days

The Attorney General’s Office announces that it’s ready to review the motion submitted by the Election Commission for the disbandment of the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties.

Spokesman of the Office of the Attorney General Thanapit Mulpruek reveals that the OAG is ready to review the motion submitted by the central Election Commission to dissolve the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties.

Once the office has received the case from the EC, an ad-hoc committee will be set up to review the motion within 30 days. Then the OAG will rule on whether the case should be forwarded to the Constitution Court. The Constitution Court will then rule whether the parties should be dissolved.

- Thailand Outlook / 24-04-08

[soundman]

Eventually there will be mass demonstrations outside the parlament while politicians, barricaded inside, will vote on what is best for the people, and two sides will never talk to each other during the whole process.

I'd reword this to the politicians will vote for what is the best for themselves and how to make the most atractive package to sell to a gullible electorate.

[Tony Clifton]

The junta set National Assembly that selected Constitution Drafting Commission. Everyone knew who was selected, and why, and the whole process was covered in the media. Then people voted on it.

"Democratic" government is going to present the first draft in a couple of weeks.

Who wrote it? Anyone knows?

"Democratic" government already ruled out any people participation or scrutiny.

Eventually there will be mass demonstrations outside the parlament while politicians, barricaded inside, will vote on what is best for the people, and two sides will never talk to each other during the whole process.

It's a desperate and disgraceful race for the PPP with the rewrite the constitution before a very possible dissolution.

I'm afraid that however fast they proceed, a deadly surprise is waiting for them.

There's no shame in a second coup when the same bunch of criminals have simply taken a new identity, taken the country hostage again, and the international media is well aware of this new government made up of controversial figures.

[Plus]

...politicians will vote for what is the best for themselves and how to make the most atractive package to sell to a gullible electorate.

So far they haven't even tried to sell their consitution to the electorate, gullible or not.

People, or at least those who don't vote PPP, will be completely and effectively exluded from the process, PPP is not junta, they won't listen to anyone, they are "democratic".

Edited April 24, 2008 by Plus

[Thai at Heart]

The junta set National Assembly that selected Constitution Drafting Commission. Everyone knew who was selected, and why, and the whole process was covered in the media. Then people voted on it.

"Democratic" government is going to present the first draft in a couple of weeks.

Who wrote it? Anyone knows?

"Democratic" government already ruled out any people participation or scrutiny.

Eventually there will be mass demonstrations outside the parlament while politicians, barricaded inside, will vote on what is best for the people, and two sides will never talk to each other during the whole process.

It's a desperate and disgraceful race for the PPP with the rewrite the constitution before a very possible dissolution.

I'm afraid that however fast they proceed, a deadly surprise is waiting for them.

There's no shame in a second coup when the same bunch of criminals have simply taken a new identity, taken the country hostage again, and the international media is well aware of this new government made up of controversial figures.

I think that this is maybe where it is heading, or a collapse of the coalition forcing another election.

[sriracha john]

Even harsher words regarding the previous Election Commission...

Appeal Court upholds 4-year sentences for ex-poll commissioners

BANGKOK, April 24 (TNA) – Thailand's Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld a Lower Court decision giving 4-year terms of imprisonment to three former election commissioners without suspending or reducing any part of the sentence for their roles in organising the general election of April 2, 2006 in a dishonest manner.

The court considered an appeal by three defendants -- Pol. Gen. Vassana Permlap, Parinya Nakchatri, and Veerachai Naewboonnian -- who were convicted of malfeasance of duty, or of failing to perform in organising the election. However, the court did not accept their pleas for leniency, despite their stated intention of having served the country and people in the civil service sector.

Their appeal presented the case that the three had much experience in Thailand's civil service and did indeed performed good deeds in their performance.

When the commissioners were appointed election officials, people hoped they could utilise their experience to solve the crisis then facing the country.

But, the court said, the defendants failed to do that and, worse still, caused a crisis by and of themselves, by what they did and what they did not do.

The crisis was not simply a failed election, but a failure that placed the well-being of the country at risk.

Consequently, the court saw no reason to show any leniency to the trio and upheld the Lower Court's ruling regarding the 4-year jail term without any sentence suspension and without adjusting the 10-year ban on political involvement.

The defendants were later released on Bt 400,000 bail each. They pledged to carry their fight against the ruling to the Supreme Court.

[Thai at Heart]

Even harsher words regarding the previous Election Commission...

Appeal Court upholds 4-year sentences for ex-poll commissioners

BANGKOK, April 24 (TNA) – Thailand's Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld a Lower Court decision giving 4-year terms of imprisonment to three former election commissioners without suspending or reducing any part of the sentence for their roles in organising the general election of April 2, 2006 in a dishonest manner.

The court considered an appeal by three defendants -- Pol. Gen. Vassana Permlap, Parinya Nakchatri, and Veerachai Naewboonnian -- who were convicted of malfeasance of duty, or of failing to perform in organising the election. However, the court did not accept their pleas for leniency, despite their stated intention of having served the country and people in the civil service sector.

Their appeal presented the case that the three had much experience in Thailand's civil service and did indeed performed good deeds in their performance.

When the commissioners were appointed election officials, people hoped they could utilise their experience to solve the crisis then facing the country.

But, the court said, the defendants failed to do that and, worse still, caused a crisis by and of themselves, by what they did and what they did not do.

The crisis was not simply a failed election, but a failure that placed the well-being of the country at risk.

Consequently, the court saw no reason to show any leniency to the trio and upheld the Lower Court's ruling regarding the 4-year jail term without any sentence suspension and without adjusting the 10-year ban on political involvement.

The defendants were later released on :oBt 400,000 bail each . They pledged to carry their fight against the ruling to the Supreme Court.

So would someone please explain to me how it can be, they are guilty, have been found guilty, and have had a failed appeal.

What possible recourse could they have now?? Why are they on bail?

[jstumbo]

Because now they can go from the court of appeals to the supreme court, so they have at least one more shot before they would have to start serving their sentences.

[sriracha john]

The Three Stooges Comedy Troupe...

Sentences confirmed for ex-EC trio

The Appeal Court yesterday handed four-year prison terms to three former election commissioners for holding fraudulent elections in 2006.

The three were also stripped of their electoral rights for 10 years.

Former Election Commission (EC) members Wassana Permlarp, Prinya Nakchadtri and Veerachai Naewboonnean will, however, take the case to the Supreme Court. They each posted Bt400,000 bail yesterday.

The controversial elections, which took place on April 23 and 29 two years ago, were held in an unfair fashion and without the mandate to do so, the Appeal Court said in its ruling, agreeing with an earlier verdict by the Criminal Court.

The Appeal Court judges said the voters' right to secrecy had been breached when the EC decided to reposition polling booths, making it possible for outsiders to observe how voters marked their ballot papers.

"The defendants held elections that caused a serious rift in the country and led to opposition against the role of the three defendants as never witnessed before."

"This led to a boycott by many major political parties and many people with voting rights to destroy their ballot papers."

"Some destroyed them without fearing the law and there were also people who opposed the positioning of the polling stations, which led to the Constitution Court and Administrative Court passing verdicts that the elections were fraudulent."

"They were not held in accordance with the 1997 charter and were therefore nullified," the court ruled.

The court said that since the defendants were senior officials, they did not deserve any reduction in their penalty because they should have known better.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's testimony not needed, say EC panel

Investigations into allegations that the PPP was a nominee for the TRT Party will be concluded without waiting for the testimony of deposed PM Thaksin, according to the EC panel which is looking into the case. The panel gave Thaksin until today to testify about the allegations. The EC panel's chief Paitoon Netipho said there is no need to wait for Thaksin to testify and the report into the investigation will be sent straight to the EC. Four summonses were mailed to his address in Bangkok, but nobody received them. They were all sent back. The panel even had someone take the summons to the security guard at Thaksin's residence. It had tried to reach Thaksin and his lawyer by phone, but all to no avail. The panel, therefore, considered that Thaksin did not want to testify, Mr Paitoon said. "Actually, we already have all the necessary information. The EC only needed to know what Thaksin would say in his defence," Mr Paitoon said. At the end of the investigation report, the sub-panel will advise the EC that it tried in vain to obtain information from Thaksin, Mr Paitoon said. Mr Paitoon said, however, the report was complete, with legal details carefully worked out. The EC investigation followed a complaint lodged by Mr Veera Somkwamkid, who accused the PPP of distributing VCDs featuring Thaksin, the former leader of the dissolved TRT Party, urging people to vote for the

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/26Apr2008_news11.php

[sriracha john]

And worse to come?

No matter what rationale is raised by the PPP to justify its bid to rewrite the charter, it is beyond any doubt that the effort is self-serving. Last Friday's showdown between pro- and anti-Thaksin forces, this time over the constitutional amendments, was a prelude to what will likely be a more violent confrontation between the two opposing forces, which looks likely to take place in the weeks or months to come when the draft amendments crafted by the PPP and without public input, is ready to be debated in Parliament. It is meant, first and foremost, to spare the party from possible dissolution by the Constitution Court for electoral fraud allegedly committed by party executive Yongyuth Tiyapairat. It is also intended to pave the way for the political comeback of all former TRT executives, including Thaksin, who have been banned from politics for five years. There appears to be no turning back for the PPP in its resolve to ram the amended charter through Parliament even if there is resistance from certain coalition parties, among them Chart Thai and Puea Pandin. The party may already have assessed the strengths and weaknesses of its opponents and feels confident it will be able to achieve its political goals.

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

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=127348

[sriracha john]

EC begins deliberating on proxy party case

The Election Commission (EC) will begin its first session on the case involving PPP being a proxy party of the disbanded TRT Party. EC Chairman Apichart Sukhakkhanont says the commissioners will consider the findings of a sub-panel led by Paitoon Netipoti, but stressed that a conclusion will not be reached by Wednesday. "Election Commissioners need to examine the documents closely in their own time. There will be another meeting on May 2," Apichart said. The EC Chairman also made it clear he won’t be asking ousted leader and former TRT Party Leader Thaksin Shinawatra to make a statement because he had already been given many

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=127399

[sriracha john]

Thaksin may have to disclose PPP link

Ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra might need to appear in person after all to discuss his involvement with the People Power Party so that the Election Commission can make a sounder case, EC member Prapun Naigowit said yesterday.

The agency is scheduled to debate the issue tomorrow.

The ruling party has been accused of being the nominee of Thaksin's disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party. The investigative panel has on several occasions invited Thaksin to give a statement, but failed to get any response, Prapun said.

Even though the EC already has enough to form a judgement, Thaksin's testimony would be helpful, he added.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

Chart Thai petitions Attorney-General

The Chart Thai Party yesterday protested its innocence to the Attorney-General's Office concerning the electoral fraud case filed by the Election Commission. If proven, the case could lead to the party's dissolution.

Chart Thai executive Nikorn Chamnong submitted party leader Banharn Silapa-archa's petition to Attorney-General Chaikasem Nitisiri, asking for justice in the case.

Nikorn met the Attorney-General for about 40 minutes, during which he gave his party's explanation about the case.

The Attorney-General's Office is considering whether to pursue the case by seeking a Constitution Court ruling as to whether the party is responsible for the electoral fraud allegedly committed by party executive Monthien Songpracha. If found guilty, Chart Thai would be dissolved.

Nikorn said afterwards that he had told the Attorney-General that there was no evidence that Monthien, a party election candidate in Chai Nat province, was responsible of buying votes. Also, he said that under legal principles, only the perpetrator and any accomplice should be punished and not other people who had nothing to do with any unlawful activity.

Nikorn said that Banharn and Chart Thai's legal experts would next week explain the party's view before the Attorney-General's Office working group on the case.

He insisted the party was innocent of any wrongdoing and pointed out the possible impact on its members. "Chart Thai is not just the 40 executive members. Its dissolution would adversely affect almost 2 million party members," Nikorn said.

"We will do whatever we can. We are not disheartened. We believe in the party's innocence," he added.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

Sutin Klangsang, Deputy Spokesman of the People Power Party: "Just doing what we promised"

Bangkok Post

Sutin: PPP must survive

Whether or not Thailand needs a new constitution was debated at a forum held by the Post. Sutin Klangsang, Deputy Spokesman of the People Power Party was among the speakers. "Our push for the charter amendments did not begin just recently," Sutin said. In fact, it was the party's main election policy platform, suggesting that the outcome of the general election would decide whether the constitution should be revised, he said. "We are doing just what we promised to undertake. Why so early? The 2007 constitution has posed a number of problems. Firstly, MPs are troubled by an article which they see as obstructing their work. The article in question (Article 266) prohibits MPs and senators from using their positions to interfere in the operations of government agencies." *yeah... I can see where that would be a bad thing.* :D "Secondly, we admit that our bid for wholesale charter changes is partly inspired by the party dissolution rules. "If the ruling party is disbanded, we believe it will lead to political turmoil. We are not saying the amendments have nothing to do with the party's possible dissolution. But it is not the only reason why the changes are being demanded."

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/05May2008_news06.php

Edited May 6, 2008 by sriracha john

[Thai at Heart]

Sutin Klangsang, Deputy Spokesman of the People Power Party: "Just doing what we promised"

Bangkok Post

Sutin: PPP must survive

Whether or not Thailand needs a new constitution was debated at a forum held by the Post. Sutin Klangsang, Deputy Spokesman of the People Power Party was among the speakers. "Our push for the charter amendments did not begin just recently," Sutin said. In fact, it was the party's main election policy platform, suggesting that the outcome of the general election would decide whether the constitution should be revised, he said. "We are doing just what we promised to undertake. Why so early? The 2007 constitution has posed a number of problems. Firstly, MPs are troubled by an article which they see as obstructing their work. The article in question (Article 266) prohibits MPs and senators from using their positions to interfere in the operations of government agencies." *yeah... I can see where that would be a bad thing.* :D "Secondly, we admit that our bid for wholesale charter changes is partly inspired by the party dissolution rules. "If the ruling party is disbanded, we believe it will lead to political turmoil. We are not saying the amendments have nothing to do with the party's possible dissolution. But it is not the only reason why the changes are being demanded."

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/05May2008_news06.php

We applaud you Khun Sutin for your candid explanation.

"We don't like it coz we can't mess with independent govt agencies and we can't cheat anymore like we used to". Yes Prime Minister couldn't have made a funnier script.

[sriracha john]

Chart Thai Leader seeking justice from Attorney-General

The Chart Thai Party Leader, Banharn Silpa-archa, spoke in defense of his party before the Office of the Attorney-General this morning (May 12th). The Attorney-General's panel is chaired by the Deputy Attorney-General, Mr. Julasing Julasing Wasantasing.

The Chart Thai Leader is determined to seek justice from the Office of the Attorney-General, following the Election Commission (EC)'s ruling to disband his party and the Matchima Thipataya Party on grounds that their executives were involved in electoral fraud in the December-23rd general election.

The Deputy Attorney-General, Mr. Waiyawut Lortrakul, says the panel will consider Banharn's clarification immediately, and it is expected to hold a few meetings before issuing its verdict.

- ThaiNews (today)

[sriracha john]

Chat Thai Party Leader Banharn Silapa-archa at the Office of the Attorney-General where he defended allegations of election fraud which could lead to the dissolution of his party.

The Nation

Banharn pleads on behalf of party in fraud case

Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silapa-archa yesterday met with public prosecutors for two hours to defend his party in the electoral fraud case which is punishable by party dissolution.

Banharn's testimony was part of the prosecution review before the case reaches the Constitution Court to decide whether to penalise the party for vote buying committed by Party executive Monthien Songpracha in the December election.

"All we can do is ask for justice," Banharn said. He said he had no way of speculating on the outcome. For the superstitious, it appeared an ill-omen when Banharn stumbled slightly while stepping out of his vehicle at the Office of the Attorney-General.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

The last Election Commission is back in the news again.... and Wasana isn't looking too happy about it one bit....

Dereliction verdict upheld against ex-EC trio

The Appeal Court upheld a jail term imposed on three former election commissioners found guilty of dereliction of duty for failing to take appropriate action against TRT Party, accused of bankrolling small parties to contest the April 2, 2006 polls. Former EC members Wasana Permlap, Prinya Nakchudtree and Veerachai Naewboonnien were handed two-year prison terms and were stripped of their electoral rights for 10 years. The case was filed by Democrat Party's Secretary-General Suthep Thaugsuban. The EC found that TRT had violated Article 66 of the Political Party Act by hiring little-known parties to contest the April 2 election. The three small parties are

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=127644

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

Don't forget to bring your toothbrushes, guys!!

[hammered]

The last Election Commission is back in the news again.... and Wasana isn't looking too happy about it one bit....

Dereliction verdict upheld against ex-EC trio

The Appeal Court upheld a jail term imposed on three former election commissioners found guilty of dereliction of duty for failing to take appropriate action against TRT Party, accused of bankrolling small parties to contest the April 2, 2006 polls. Former EC members Wasana Permlap, Prinya Nakchudtree and Veerachai Naewboonnien were handed two-year prison terms and were stripped of their electoral rights for 10 years. The case was filed by Democrat Party's Secretary-General Suthep Thaugsuban. The EC found that TRT had violated Article 66 of the Political Party Act by hiring little-known parties to contest the April 2 election. The three small parties are

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=127644

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

Don't forget to bring your toothbrushes, guys!!

Public humiliation is not something these guys will enjoy. Doubt they will go to jail but it looks increasibngly likely that they will be finished in public life and have their faces broken which is basd enough for such elite people, and this is happening while their gang are running the government and talk had even leaked of guess who replacing the current EC when the PPP cuts it term short!

[sriracha john]

UPDATE...looks like we may need to add a Puea Pandin Party dissolution to the docket soon...

ELECTORAL FRAUD

EC finds Puea Pandin Party executive guilty

The Election Commission has found Puea Pandin Party Deputy Secretary-General Noppadol Polsue and another candidate from the party guilty of poll fraud in the Dec 23 general election. The EC's decision has sparked fears among Puea Pandin Party members that their party faces dissolution if the court endorses the EC's decision to disqualify Noppadol. A guilty verdict could give the EC the grounds to seek the disbanding of the coalition party. EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Thaveechaiygarn said yesterday the EC resolved to ask the Supreme Court to revoke the electoral rights of Noppadol, who won in Roi Et and fellow candidate Kittipong Promchaiyanand after it found them guilty of arranging transport for people to attend their campaign rally and handing out cash to voters. Suthiphon said the EC would also order Noppadol to pay for the by-election and take legal action against him and Kittipong. Puea Pandin Party is the fourth coalition party facing possible dissolution. The EC also found the People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties guilty of

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/040708_News/04Jul2008_news15.php

[sriracha john]

Election Commission disqualifies two elected candidates

BANGKOK, July 3 (TNA) - Thailand's Election Commission (EC) has resolved unanimously to issue 'red cards' disqualifying two candidates in last December's general election, EC Secretary-General Suthipol Thaweechaikarn said on Thursday.

Noppadol Polsue and Kittipong Promchainun, both members of the For the Motherland Party, contested seats in the northeastern province of Roi Et in the general election.

Noppadol was elected but Kittipong failed.

The EC, according to Mr. Suthipol, has issued red cards to both on charges of hiring eligible voters to attend their election campaigns and also paying money to the voters prior to the election.

Both will be barred from contesting in a by-election, the date of which will be determined later.

[sriracha john]

Puea Pandin Party Not Worried MP's Red Card May Lead to Dissolution

The Puea Pandin Party leaves it up to the judicial system if the party is dissolved after the Election Commission handed a red card to its Board Member for electoral fraud.

With yesterday’s decision by the Election Commission to issue a red card for electoral fraud for Noppadol Polsue, Roi-et MP from the Puea Pandin Party and the Party’s Deputy Secretary-General, the party now follows the its coalition partners, the Chart Thai Party, Matchima Thipataya Party, and People Power Party down the path of possibly being dissolved.

Deputy Leader Parn Puengsujarit and spokesman Chaiyos Jiramaetakorn both agree that this will have to follow the judicial process of having the EC send the case to the Supreme Court’s division for election-related cases to decide whether to uphold the EC’s decision for a red card.

If the court rules for the red card, then the next step is for the court to decide if the party should be dissolved.

On the speculation that the current administration is trying to push for the Constitution to be amended so these political parties won’t have to be dissolved, both say it’s not related. *uhmm... yeah, right*

Yesterday, EC Secretary-General Sutthipol Taweechaiyakarn announced that the EC decided to red card Puea Pandin Party’s Roi-et MP Noppadol Polsue and Puea Pandin Party’s election candidate Kittipong Promchainan for hosting banquets, transporting people to attend election campaign events, and vote-buying.

The EC ruled that Noppadol has to pay for a new round of elections and both men should have criminal suits filed against them.

Another key case coming up at the Supreme Court’s division for election-related cases is former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat’s electoral fraud case, of which the court has scheduled to deliver a ruling on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

If he is found guilty, he will have his electoral rights revoked for five years.

A guilty verdict will also place the People Power Party on the chopping block for possible dissolution as Yongyuth is a Board Member.

PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang said the party will respect the court’s verdict and it will not dissolve the House of Representatives as a way out. Kuthep says a guilty verdict for Yongyuth should not be seen as the end of the PPP as there are still legal steps that must continue for a long time before the dissolution can be decided by the court.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited July 4, 2008 by sriracha john

[Meerkat]

It's good that these cases are being handled properly, even if the wheels of justice are turning with their usual lead-footedness.

Does anyone know of somewhere online I can find the rest of the pending cases? This week cases were apparently dismissed by the EC against another 5 PPP members, 4 Dems and 1 Chart Thai, but I can't find anything about this in the English Language press. My computer gives me a malware warning when trying to go to the EC English site so I'm not overly keen about looking there! Thanks.

[Plus]

My computer gives me a malware warning when trying to go to the EC English site..

Fraud warning?

[Meerkat]

My computer gives me a malware warning when trying to go to the EC English site..

Fraud warning?

Chuckle.

Doing a Google for the site gets me to this page from Google Safe Browsing warning that 16 pages contain some kind of malware.

[sriracha john]

EC to submit concusion on PPP dissolution to Office of Attorney General within 15 days

Election Commission (EC) Chairman Apichart Sukakanont stated that during an EC meeting today, the results of a Supreme Court ruling on former House Speaker Yongyuth Thiyaphairat were declared, as well as the yellow carding of his sister La-Ong Thiyaphairat; a former MP for Chiang Rai constituency 3.

Mr. Apichart stated that in his capacity as the Political Party Registrar, he would establish a committee to probe the matter of dissolving the People Power Party, to which both Thiyaphairat's were members.

He said that the committee would spend 15 days proceeding on the matter before submitting their conclusions to the Office of the Attorney General.

- ThaiNews

[sriracha john]

EC Deciding on Committee to Investigate PPP Dissolution

The Election Commission plans to set up an ad-hoc committee to take charge of investigating the disbandment case against the ruling People Power Party. The panel will be given 15 days to conclude the investigation.

Chairman of the Election Commission, Apichart Sugghanont reveals the ad-hoc panel in charge of investigating the dissolution charge against People Power Party will be set up, and it has 15 days to send the investigation report to the EC's assembly.

EC Secretary-General Suthipol Thaveechaikarn said he has yet to be informed about the formation of new political party in case the People Power Party is dissolved, citing the establishment be carried out through the requirement of the panel's political affairs department.

Suthipol also denied rumors that a new political party has been set up to replace the PPP if it is dissolved. However, he says that a new party can be established following the proper process.

As for the development of the cases against the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties, Suthipol says the joint committee set up between the Election Commission and the Attorney General's Office will meet again tomorrow to draw a conclusion on the cases.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

New committee to probe dissolution of ruling party

BANGKOK, July 10 (TNA) -- Thailand's Election Commission will set up a new committee to study whether the ruling People Power Party (PPP) should be dissolved following the conviction of its former Deputy Leader and ex-House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat who was stripped off his post by a court order for engaging in electoral fraud, EC Chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said Thursday.

Mr. Apichart said the new committee would be set up within the next one or two days and that it would consider whether under the law a political party must be dissolved if its executive party members violated election law.

He said the probe would take about 15 days before it is sent to him for consideration and then to the EC meeting for final consideration.

According to Mr. Apichart, the committee will not be the same team which is studying whether two other political parties in the coalition government -- Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya – should be dissolved on charges of frauds prior to the general election held last December 23.

The move comes after the Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Yongyuth had engaged in a fraud case before the general election and banned him engaging in political activities for five years, in line with the charter.

Stressing that it is necessary to set up a committee to consider the case rather than let him as political registrar assume to make the judgement, Mr. Apichart said he believed the outcome would be fair to the PPP.

Asked whether the EC is ready to organise a new general election in case Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej dissolves the House, he said his organisation is well prepared to hold an election.

[sriracha john]

Poll fraud case against Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties sent to court

The Election Commission (EC) resolved to forward dissolution charges against Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties to the Constitution Court Friday. EC Secretary-General Suthipol Thaweechaikarn said the case should be ruled by the Constitution Court to set political standard. Executives of the two parties are charged with

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128827