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

[sriracha john]

Thai poll agency to file dissolution case against 2 coalition parties

BANGKOK, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Election Commission (EC) on Friday resolved to file dissolution charges with the Constitutional Court against two of the ruling coalition parties -- Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya.

EC Secretary-General Suthipol Thaweechaikarn said the case should be ruled by the Constitution Court to set political standard.

The EC based its charge on that executives of the two parties have been charged with electoral fraud.

Both Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties, along with three other parties, joined the People Power Party (PPP), which won most seats in the Dec. 23 general election, to form a coalition government this February.

The EC's move came after the Constitutional Court ruled on Tuesday that former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat guilty of vote-buying in last December's election, and deprived Yongyuth, who had earlier resigned as House Speaker, of his status as a member of parliament. The verdict also banned him from running in elections for five years.

Yongyuth was former Deputy Leader and executive of PPP, core of the coalition government, when the convicted electoral fraud offense took place.

The verdict would lead to the PPP's dissolution if the EC filed the charge against the party with the Constitutional Court.

If dissolved, all PPP executives, including PM Samak Sundaravej and some key cabinet members, will be banned from electoral process for five years, according to the 2007 Constitution.

It would be a replay of what has taken place with the former ruling Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT), founded by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. The TRT was dissolved last May on electoral fraud charges committed by party executives. As punishment, all its 111 party executives, including Thaksin, were banned from politics for five years. Many former TRT members that weren't banned then joined the PPP, which was branded by political opponents as a "nominee" party of the TRT.

The EC's resolution to charge against Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya would be seen as a warning, if not an omen, to the PPP.

[h90]

Thai poll agency to file dissolution case against 2 coalition parties

BANGKOK, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Election Commission (EC) on Friday resolved to file dissolution charges with the Constitutional Court against two of the ruling coalition parties -- Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya.

EC Secretary-General Suthipol Thaweechaikarn said the case should be ruled by the Constitution Court to set political standard.

The EC based its charge on that executives of the two parties have been charged with electoral fraud.

Both Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties, along with three other parties, joined the People Power Party (PPP), which won most seats in the Dec. 23 general election, to form a coalition government this February.

The EC's move came after the Constitutional Court ruled on Tuesday that former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat guilty of vote-buying in last December's election, and deprived Yongyuth, who had earlier resigned as House Speaker, of his status as a member of parliament. The verdict also banned him from running in elections for five years.

Yongyuth was former Deputy Leader and executive of PPP, core of the coalition government, when the convicted electoral fraud offense took place.

The verdict would lead to the PPP's dissolution if the EC filed the charge against the party with the Constitutional Court.

If dissolved, all PPP executives, including PM Samak Sundaravej and some key cabinet members, will be banned from electoral process for five years, according to the 2007 Constitution.

It would be a replay of what has taken place with the former ruling Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT), founded by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. The TRT was dissolved last May on electoral fraud charges committed by party executives. As punishment, all its 111 party executives, including Thaksin, were banned from politics for five years. Many former TRT members that weren't banned then joined the PPP, which was branded by political opponents as a "nominee" party of the TRT.

The EC's resolution to charge against Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya would be seen as a warning, if not an omen, to the PPP.

Hope after the next election the courts are faster with the red cards and dissolving the fakers and cheaters.

[h90]

PPP ready to form new party with Chart Thai, Matchima: Kuthep

The People Power Party is ready to form a new party with the Chart Thai and Matchima Tipataya parties if the three are dissolved, PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang said Saturday.

Kuthep said the three parties do not have to worry about party-dissolution suits against them.

He said MPs of the three parties could stick together and join a new party and retain the political power.

"We need to be united instead of breaking apart because MPs can join a new party if their party is dissolved," Kuthep said.

The Election Commission has decided to ask the Constitution Court to dissolve the Char Thai and Matchima after their executives committed election frauds.

The PPP is expected to meet the same fate after the Supreme Court affirmed the red card against its former deputy leader, Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

The Nation

endofquote....

[nomoretalksin]

PPP ready to form new party with Chart Thai, Matchima: Kuthep

The People Power Party is ready to form a new party with the Chart Thai and Matchima Tipataya parties if the three are dissolved, PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang said Saturday.

Kuthep said the three parties do not have to worry about party-dissolution suits against them.

He said MPs of the three parties could stick together and join a new party and retain the political power.

"We need to be united instead of breaking apart because MPs can join a new party if their party is dissolved," Kuthep said.

The Election Commission has decided to ask the Constitution Court to dissolve the Char Thai and Matchima after their executives committed election frauds.

The PPP is expected to meet the same fate after the Supreme Court affirmed the red card against its former deputy leader, Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

The Nation

endofquote....

Unbelievable, how these boys play with this Thai Democracy, and even more spectacular that we have some TV posters, here who bark against anyone who can't support these mafia-wanna-be-boys. If you can't cheat, we just going to change our party name for the 3rd time. Really makes me upset, these short-minded corrupt Thai politicians!

Especially Banharn, after he had prior election such a big mouth against corruption and Thaksin, and now just silently

supports all what his new boss is saying!

Edited July 12, 2008 by nomoretalksin

[Plus]

They'll pay dearly for their flip flopping. They had their chance to present a "new force", a "third way", an "alternative" and they blew it. They have no future.

Eventually they all will go down together with PPP, when their support base naturally shrinks due to demographic changes.

[h90]

PPP ready to form new party with Chart Thai, Matchima: Kuthep

The People Power Party is ready to form a new party with the Chart Thai and Matchima Tipataya parties if the three are dissolved, PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang said Saturday.

Kuthep said the three parties do not have to worry about party-dissolution suits against them.

He said MPs of the three parties could stick together and join a new party and retain the political power.

"We need to be united instead of breaking apart because MPs can join a new party if their party is dissolved," Kuthep said.

The Election Commission has decided to ask the Constitution Court to dissolve the Char Thai and Matchima after their executives committed election frauds.

The PPP is expected to meet the same fate after the Supreme Court affirmed the red card against its former deputy leader, Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

The Nation

endofquote....

Unbelievable, how these boys play with this Thai Democracy, and even more spectacular that we have some TV posters, here who bark against anyone who can't support these mafia-wanna-be-boys. If you can't cheat, we just going to change our party name for the 3rd time. Really makes me upset, these short-minded corrupt Thai politicians!

Especially Banharn, after he had prior election such a big mouth against corruption and Thaksin, and now just silently

supports all what his new boss is saying!

Well these TV posters are either or they get their 20 Baht per posting...

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's brother-in-law speaks out...

Deputy PM Worried about Possibility of Disbandment for People Power Party

A key government figure insisted he is not worried about the potential rift within the ruling People Power Party, but rather the party disbandment charge.

He is also confident the upcoming cabinet reshuffle will help improve the administration's performance and restore public confidence.

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat, also Deputy Leader of the ruling People Power Party, stated that the decision on the cabinet reshuffle rests with the Prime Minister and added he has no objections against the appointment of individuals from outside the People Power Party.

Somchai believes the Cabinet reshuffle will help improve the government's efficiency and restore public confidence.

Commenting on the Party's northern MPs' disapproval of the rumored removal of Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, the Deputy Prime Minister said their comments are made on a personal basis and he is not worried about possible conflict among party members, but rather the disbandment charge People Power Party is facing.

In response to the uncertain fate of three of the cabinet members after the Supreme Court accepted the 2- and 3-digit lottery case for trial, the Deputy Prime Minister stated they will decide on whether to seek the Constitutional Court's ruling on their ministerial statuses.

As for the comment by a lecturer at Thammasat University over a crisis stemming from different political beliefs after the Cabinet reshuffle, Somchai said the crisis is not caused by the government alone, but certain groups of people. The Deputy Prime Minister therefore urges all conflicting groups to stop inciting violence, adding that the government will give its protection to all of the people in the country.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

and now... the beginning of the end????

Coalition partner pulls out of struggling Thai government

BANGKOK (AFP) — A key member of Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's ruling coalition government withdrew from the alliance on Tuesday, striking yet another blow to the struggling administration.

The Puea Pandin Party, the fourth-biggest in parliament with 24 seats, said it was backing out because it did not agree with Samak's priorities.

"The party will withdraw from the coalition government. We have given the government a chance to make changes," Puea Pandin leader Suwit Khunkitti told a press conference.

"We are concerned about the charter amendments. We have said that the amendment of the constitution is less important than people's day-to-day problems."

Samak's government has said it intends to make sweeping changes to a constitution brought in last year during military rule, which followed a September 2006 coup that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Puea Pandin's withdrawal from the coalition formed in February this year would still leave Samak's government with enough seats to govern, but comes as the woes pile up for the prime minister.

Street protests have badgered his administration since May, while an unresolved military standoff with Cambodia over a disputed piece of border land has enraged nationalists in Thailand.

Three ministers and another top government official have already been forced from office by court decisions and criminal scandals, and three more ministers are in jeopardy after being named in a lawsuit.

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a case accusing Thaksin and 46 others including the current finance minister, labour minister and a deputy transport minister of mismanaging a state lottery scheme in 2003.

The new constitution states that any serving minister involved in a lawsuit must step down, but the three have said they will challenge that provision.

Former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama was forced out of office earlier this month over the spat with Cambodia, while the health minister and a minister attached to Samak's office have also been forced to resign.

Four Puea Pandin MPs hold ministerial posts, raising the prospect of further upheaval to the cabinet.

Samak has already said he intends to reshuffle the cabinet, telling reporters earlier Tuesday to expect the new line-up within days.

His People Power Party (PPP) won nearly half the parliamentary seats in elections last December, which ended more than a year of military rule.

PPP openly campaigned on behalf of Thaksin, infuriating the old power elite in the palace, military and bureaucracy, which felt threatened by the ousted premier's hold on the country's rural population.

Thaksin was banned from politics for five years in 2007 by a constitutional tribunal.

Sanan Kachonprasart, leader of the PPP's largest coalition partner Chart Thai, said he was shocked by Puea Pandin's move.

"We will consider our position later," he told reporters.

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

The Ship of Fools is listing to starboard.....

[sriracha john]

Suvit pulls party out of coalition

Puea Pandin, partners disagree on 'initiatives'

The Puea Pandin Party is withdrawing from the People Power Party-led coalition due to disagreements on a number of issues. The points of contention are the government's push for rewriting the charter, its role in the Preah Vihear temple row, and its poor response to bloody clashes between government supporters and demonstrators. Puea Pandin leader Suvit Khunkitti told reporters yesterday that his party was pulling out of the coalition due to conflicts with other coalition partners. He said he made the announcement on behalf of the Puea Pandin executive board and MPs. He reasoned that the government was preoccupied with rewriting the constitution instead of solving the economic problems which Puea Pandin considered a priority. Puea Pandin had tried to convince other coalition partners to be mindful of the sensitivity surrounding the Preah Vihear issue, because it concerned the national sovereignty, he said. ''We get along very well on some points, but some of their [coalition partners'] initiatives worry us,'' Suvit added. Another major reason, Suvit said, was political clashes turning violent recently. Puea Pandin wanted reconciliation, not confrontation, he said. Suvit said he informed PM Samak of the decision during the cabinet meeting yesterday and told Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silpa-archa by telephone. It was reported that he tried to convince Banharn to withdraw as well. Chart Thai and Puea Pandin are close political allies. As a partner with 24 House seats in the 316-MP coalition, Puea Pandin was given five seats in the Samak Cabinet.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/300708_News/30Jul2008_news01.php

Edited July 30, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Puea Pandin Party quits coalition government

Suwit Khunkitti, the leader of Puea Pandin Party, yesterday announced the party's withdrawal from the Samak-led coalition government on grounds that it's against the government's insistence to amend the Constitution.

In addition, the party is unhappy about the Preah Vihear controversy case.

"Our party's standpoint is to first solve economic problems (not Constitutional amendment). So far, we have done our best in maintaining government stability and to steer it towards the economic agenda."

"However, we've seen different opinions," he said, adding the Preah Vihear case is the most worrisome issue, as despite the appointment of the new foreign affairs minister, the problem will persist.

"We want to live up to the party's name, especially in defending the sovereignty and our motherland. It's time for us to review our political role and leave the government."

The Puea Pandin's withdrawal immediately plunges the Samak government into a crisis of confidence, further fuelling the political instability.

Suwit informed Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej the decision at noon and also informed Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silapa-archa.

"We want to see more constructive politics and harmony, not confrontation or another bloodshed."

Puea Pandin Party's withdrawal from the coalition government will leave four Cabinet seats vacant.

A party source said all MPs could still excercise their own judgement in Parliament when they vote, even though they are barred from moving to other parties.

- The Nation

[Artisi]

" and now... the beginning of the end????"

Hopefully sooner than later.

[hammered]

Four more cabinet posts for Newin Chidchob to play with. On the good side it may mean a few reaonable people while of course allowing the Chidchobs to maintain their grip on anything that disburses huge amounts of money.

[sriracha john]

From Reuters:

A small party announced its departure from the coalition on Tuesday, but Samak said this would not derail his plans to submit a list of new ministers to the king for approval.

'It won't affect the Cabinet reshuffle,' he told reporters in answer to a question about the withdrawal of the Pue Pandin (For the Motherland) Party from the coalition.

Announcing the departure, Pue Pandin boss and Industry Minister Suvit Khunkitti criticised Samak's push to amend the constitution and his handling of the economy at a time of stuttering growth and decade-high inflation.

'We think amending the constitution is less important than tackling the economic problems,' Suvit said. 'But when Parliament convenes in August, the government is going to amend the charter.'

He also had scathing words for the government's conduct in a nationalist spat with Cambodia over competing claims to a 900-year-old Hindu temple on their border.

Samak has kept unusually quiet about the planned new line-up, saying only that it will involve 10 portfolios.

A respected career diplomat, Tej Bunnag, was appointed Foreign Minister at the weekend to replace Noppadon Pattama - Thaksin's lawyer - who was forced to resign over the Preah Vihear temple dispute with Cambodia.

However, newspapers are speculating that Mr Samak's new Cabinet will contain a host of Thaksin loyalists.

'The names of new ministers being speculated on in the newspapers suggest that those who have been loyal to Thaksin are being favoured,' political commentator Sukhum Nuanskul said.

[sriracha john]

Very interesting development to the coalition pull-out...

Puea Pandin Party MPs isolate Suwit

The majority of Puea Pandin Party members of parliament yesterday opposed Leader Suwit Khunkitti's decision to withdraw from the coalition government.

Of the 24 MPs, 20 said they wanted to retain the four seats allocated to them under the ministerial quota system in the new Cabinet line-up.

Information and Communications Technology Minister Mun Patanotai, a Puea Pandin Deputy Leader, said Suwit had made a personal decision to pull out of the coalition. It was not a Party resolution.

"No one knew about it. Suwit made the decision only on the evening of Tuesday. He cannot be contacted,'' he said.

Mun said he talked to the party financiers and party leaders and coordinated with 20 MPs and they insisted the party continue as a coalition partner.

He insisted the party was still in the government because Samak had accepted the list of four ministers under Puea Pandin to be nominated for the new Cabinet line-up. Three of the current ministers would be reshuffled. He believed he would keep his post as the ICT Minster.

He said Suwit was still the Party Leader, but after the Cabinet reshuffle, the party will ask Suwit to call an executive board meeting and if he refused, one fourth of the party executive board could do it.

"There is not a cobra in our Party. It is normal that every Party has financiers and our Party has many of them. So any changes need to be consulted with them,'' he said. * Including, no doubt, calls to a Poipet casino where the owner there, on the run from Thai law, is the Puea Pandin Party Chief Advisor... they must "consult" with Vatana prior to making "any changes" to his Party *

Another Puea Pandin Party Deputy Leader, Pan Pungsucharit, said he was confident the resignation of two Puea Pandin MPs would not affect the party citing that MPs would lose their status if they quit a party.

On his way to Khon Kaen, Suwit defended his decision insisting he decided on the basis that it was right to uphold the country's interest. He said according to party resolutions, the leader had the right to make the decision on behalf of its members and he did not have to heed the party resolution.

He will clarify his decision with the party on Tuesday and he was ready to open the way for the selection of the new party leader. "I want to see new politics that has no interest. I am not attached to my position,'' he said.

Wae Mahadee Waedaoh, a Puea Pandin Party Narathiwat MP, said he supported Suwit's decision because he felt party members were interested only in bargaining for positions and their self-interest and not the problems facing the country, including the violence in the South, even though it was one of the conditions the party set to join the coalition.

He urged Party MPs to accept Suwit's decision and insisted that if he could not solve the problems in the South, he was ready to be in opposition but would not join the Democrats.

Democrat Party Secretary-General Suthep Thaugsuban said he believed the Puea Pandin Party pull out would not affect the government's stability because the government continues to have a strong majority and some Puea Pandin Party MPs still supported the government.

He refused to analyse what was behind the move, but offered a comment that Suwit's status in the Party was similar to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's status in the People Power Party. "Suwit does not have supporters in the Party and he is not the real Party owner,'' he said.

Chart Thai Party Deputy Leader Nikorn Chamnong said the party would reach the decision about its stance within two days. He said although Chart Thai had signed a pact with Puea Pandin Party to stick together on whether to pull out from the government, the criteria cited by Suwit were not among the five conditions set in the pact.

Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart, Chart Thai Party's chief advisor, said his party's stance remained unchanged. He said there were no solid reasons for the party to withdraw its support from the government. "Making such an abrupt decision is not good political etiquette,'' he said.

- The Nation

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

and, of course, as per this thread, this may all be for naught if the Puea Pandin Party is dissolved...

[sriracha john]

Poll Panel Insists No Delay on Disbandment Charge against People Power Party

The Election Commission insisted that the 15-day extension of their investigation into the disbandment charge against the People Power Party is not time-buying.

Election Commissioner in charge of election management, Prapan Naikowit, stated that his agency's decision to allow its sub-panel to extend the deadline for the conclusion of the disbandment charge against the People Power Party is not a time-buying tactic.

Prapan clarified that the sub-panel is still waiting for testimonies from Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, also the Leader of the People Power Party, and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suewonglee, as the group's Secretary-General.

He also pointed out that the deadline could be extended further, if Samak and Surapong refuse to give their testimonies this Thursday and Friday.

As for the upcoming by-election in constituency 3 of Chiang Rai province, Prapan said today is the last day for candidate recruitment.

Meanwhile, the December 23rd election winner, La-ong Tiyapairat *sister of The Refrigerator, former House Speaker and People Power Party Deputy Leader Yongyuth*, who was handed a yellow card by the Supreme Court, seems to be a single candidate. Prapan insisted that a single candidate must gain at least 20 per cent of votes from the overall eligible voters.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Puea Pandin Party quits coalition government

Suwit Khunkitti, the leader of Puea Pandin Party, yesterday announced the party's withdrawal from the Samak-led coalition government on grounds that it's against the government's insistence to amend the Constitution.

"Our party's standpoint is to first solve economic problems (not Constitutional amendment). So far, we have done our best in maintaining government stability and to steer it towards the economic agenda."

"We want to live up to the party's name, especially in defending the sovereignty and our motherland. It's time for us to review our political role and leave the government."

Puea Pandin Party Decides to Remain as Coalition Partner

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Suwit Khunkitti will remain at the helm of the Puea Pandin Party and the party will continue to be a ruling coalition partner, going back on his announcement last week that his party is leaving the People Power Party-led coalition.

Puea Pandin Party spokesman Chaiyos Jiramaetakorn revealed that today's party meeting saw leader Suwit Khunkitti clarifying his announcement to quit the ruling coalition and resign from his Deputy Premier and Industry Minister posts last Wednesday.

However, right after Suwit's announcement, Puea Pandin Party members publicly humiliated their leader by refusing to acknowledge Suwit's words and insisting on remaining with the ruling coalition.

Suwit told his party members that he acted on the June 23rd party resolution, which empowered the Party Leader to decide on the Party's political actions.

However, Suwit was ready to take responsibility for his action by resigning as Party Leader, but party members asked him to remain at the helm instead. The Party concluded that it is remaining with the ruling coalition.

As for the party's Narathiwat MP Waemahadee Waedao's support of Suwit's decision to quit the ruling coalition, the party says he has the right to express himself, but said that the MP has decided to continue working with the party and to pressure the government on its southern policy.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited August 7, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

EC rejects postponing hearing date of PPP members

The Election Commission (EC)’s panel investigating the PPP’s dissolution case turned down the request of Party Leader and Secretary-General to postpone the date of hearing, but set the new date to be within August 13. The party could be disbanded after its former executive Yongyuth Tiyapairat was found guilty of electoral fraud. EC Secretary-General Suthipol Thaweechaikarn said PM Samak and Deputy PM Surapong, who act as the PPP Leader and Secretary-General respectively, handed a letter to the EC, asking the panel to reschedule the hearing date from August 7 or 8 to August 27. He said both ministers reasoned they would be on duty on those days. Mr Suthipol said the panel could not accept their request because the proposed date would slow down the judicial process.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129393

[sriracha john]

Election Panel Denies Postponing People Power Party Dissolution Hearing

The Election Commission has turned down the request submitted by the People Power Party leader and secretary-general to postpone the hearing on the party's dissolution case.

Election Commission Secretary-General Sutihpol Thaweechaiyakarn reveals that the EC sub-committee, investigating the People Power Party dissolution case, has denied permission for the party leader and the secretary-general to postpone the court hearing on the case.

The party is facing a dissolution case following former House Speaker, Yongyuth Tiyapairat's red card penalty.

The party's leader and secretary-general had asked the EC to consider postponing the hearing, scheduled for August 7th or 8th, to August 27th. The EC explains that the extension would cause a delay in the investigation progress.

The EC's sub-committee investigating the case is scheduled to submit its investigation documents to the main panel before August 14th, so the EC has requested that the party leader and secretary-general meet with it before August 13th.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, as party leader, and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, as party secretary-general, are to explain their alleged involvement in the electoral fraud committed by House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat, who was on the party's board of directors and was found guilty by the Supreme Court investigating election-related cases.

The EC says the two can submit evidence to prove their innocence instead of participating in the hearing in person but they must follow the specific deadline fixed by the panel.

Samak and Surapong reason that they cannot meet with the EC sub-committee due to their China visit for the Beijing Olympic Games inauguration ceremony tomorrow.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Perhaps the PPP will self-disintegrate prior to the Election Commission/Constitution Court dissolving them...

PPP may need pow-wow to quell growing rifts

People Power Party might arrange talks between its faction leaders in a bid to quell infighting and rifts, Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said yesterday.

"I think the atmosphere within the party is improving as party elders and members have engaged in talks aimed at understanding one another," he said.

Somchai, who is a Deputy Party Leader, dismissed speculation that the party was on the verge of breaking up. He argued that under the existing political system, MPs were not allowed to establish a new party banner on a whim, as "rumour mongers" had suggested.

He said he was not in a position to judge how or why People Power Party MP Sakda Kongphet accused an aide of the Prime Minister of seeking a bribe. :D

"We should talk more among ourselves before making any move," he said, reminding Sakda to consult Party elders instead of making a hasty decision he might regret later. He was also unaware that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra now had certain allies trying to stab him in the back. Thaksin had quit politics, he said. *yeah, riiiight* Observers believe Thaksin, who is Somchai's brother-in-law, retains his political influence, particularly within the ruling party.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who is also PPP Leader, refused to comment on party infighting and ignored all questions posed by reporters about links between his aide, Thiraphol Noprumpha, and the bribery allegation.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Chai Chidchob denied that his son - banned Thai Rak Thai Party executive Newin - wielded influence in the PPP. "Newin is one of the 111 party executives banned from political activities for five years *yeah, riiiight* and I see only the media trying to hype up Newin's involvement in the 'Gang of Four'," he said. Chai said Newin was not in a Gang of Four, which wielded control over the PPP and allegedly selected the new Cabinet. The four have been reported as Samak, his aide Thiraphol, Newin, and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee.

A source from the PPP said it was likely that Sakda and other MPs from the Isaan Pattana (Developed Northeast) faction had been encouraged to "act up" by certain senior figures linked to the ruling party who had seen their influence receding. And while conflict was growing within the party, it appeared Samak had avoided dealing with the issue, the source said. "The party's seniors will need to talk in order to end its problems. This is to retain the government's stability," said the source, who requested anonymity.

Meanwhile, Deputy PPP Spokesman Suthin Klangsaeng said Newin had phoned Thaksin to deny allegations he double-crossed the former premier. "Newin told me that he called Thaksin to explain about rumours that he was back-stabbing him. And Thaksin told him that he had no hard feelings about the rumours," Suthin said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

PPP rifts expose 'Gang of Four'

We now know who the ''Gang of Four'' actually are, thanks mainly to members of the Isan Pattana faction of the PPP, who are determined to wrest dominance of the party from them. The Gang of Four is understood to refer to PM Samak, his Secretary-General Theerapol Nopparampa, Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, and Newin Chidchob, an influential figure who controls a large PPP faction of MPs in the Northeast. The Isan Pattana group has exposed the alleged misconduct of Theerapol, accused Newin of bossing around Cabinet ministers and telling them to raise funds to set up a new party and form a coalition government with the Democrat party in the event the PPP is dissolved. In their latest outburst, the Isan Pattana group have announced in no uncertain terms that Newin and the gang are a bunch of ungrateful upstarts who show disregard for the real big boss of the PPP. Initially, Newin's group thought the Isan Pattana MPs were trying to blackmail them because they were not happy with the latest Cabinet reshuffle in which Preecha Rengsomboonsuk, one of the core leaders of Isan Pattana, was left without a cabinet portfolio. Preecha is known to be the group's financier. Initially, Newin's group thought money would keep them quiet. But as the situation unfolded, Newin and his allies gradually realised they were underestimating the group. The Isan Pattana group are not likely to stop exposing the alleged irregularities in the government, as long as Newin and his allies keep spreading their tentacles of power in all directions and stepping on the toes of other PPP factions. While spearheading attacks against the Gang of Four, the Isan Pattana group is not alone. Others who are upset with Newin and his gang have stepped forward to support the Isan Pattana group. Former Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung is a case in point. Even though he

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/080808_News/08Aug2008_news06.php

[sriracha john]

Newin's not involved, says his Dad

House Speaker Chai Chidchob has denied his son Newin is a member of the "Gang of Four," said to be cashing in on state projects in preparation for the next elections. Existence of the "Gang of Four" was alleged by PPP MP for Roi Et, Sakda Khongphet, who said top people in the Party were eyeing vested interests worth billions of baht related to the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority's planned 10-year lease of 6,000 gas-fuelled, air-conditioned buses. Chai said Sakda could ask the National Counter Corruption Commission to look into any irregularities, but his son was not involved. Sadka claimed the four PPP members planned to form a new party and

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/080808_News/08Aug2008_news07.php

[hammered]

Keeping a party as large as the PPP together was always going to be hard. With the influence of the mighty one seemingly decreasing in Thailand it will only get harder and few will trust one another. The main task of most politicians is to make sure they stay on the winning side at elections. If the PPP splits it is quite likely that one of its factions will end up in a coaliton with the Dems after a future election. It may be that Isaan Pattana sense an election coming and are bigging up their Thaksin connections while labelling Newin a traitor in what could become a turf war in the Isaan where Thaksin is still popular.

[Old Man River]

Planning ahead. It looks like the PPP is ready for dissolution by registering a new party for PPP members if the PPP is dissolved. See below:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30080137

[Tony Clifton]

Newin's not involved, says his Dad

They are both full of sh*t.

Newin was even filmed and recorded shaking hands behind a rally stage in his own backyard at the last elections while some puppet was yapping a written speech on stage. He never stopped his activities and is still a main player. He ll just pay more dearly down the line. The old man is also involved in a land scam deal up in their little Northern island of crime.

[sriracha john]

tick tock, tick tock.... time is running out, Mr. Prime Minister...

PM returns from Beijing

Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Samak Sundaravej has returned from his trip to Beijing to participate in the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Samak arrived from Beijing, the People's Republic of China, onboard flight TG 675 of Thai Airways. The Prime Minister reported that he paid a visit to Thai athletes participating in the Olympics and brought them Thai cuisine in the form of Chinese Chicken on Rice.

Samak declined to comment on his subpoena by the Election Commission of Thailand's to testify on calls for the dissolution of the People Power Party on August 13.

- ThaiNews / Aug. 9, 2008

[sriracha john]

On the final day... they'll comply...

Samak, Surapong to visit EC

People Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej and Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee are expected to give statements in person to the Election Commission on Wednesday over party dissolution, Spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang says.

He says party lawyers have prepared information.

He denies reports that if the party is dissolved some factions would opt to go it alone.

Kuthep does not, however, rule out the possibility that the PPP will absorb other parties also facing dissolution, such as Matchima Thipataya and Puea Pandin and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana.

"We are in the same boat and have the right to band together to fight abuse of power and show that we can stay afloat,'' he says.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Now he's decided not to comply...

PM to Hand in Written Testimony in PPP Dissolution Case

The government denied that the Prime Minister is planning to avoid his appointment with the country's election watchdog, which is investigating the disbandment of the ruling People Power Party.

Prime Minister's Office Minister Chusak Sirinil said that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej would not report himself to the Election Commission's subcommittee on the disbandment charge against the People Power Party on August 13th, as scheduled.

Chusak stated that Samak would send a letter to the EC instead, as the PM is still in China.

He affirmed that the ruling party has been working rigidly with its members to prevent any legal violations.

It remains to be seen if the election watchdog will rule that the case has merit and pass it to the court.

The EC has commenced its probe into the possible dissolution of the People Power Party, after the court found its former executive and House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat guilty of electoral fraud earlier last year. According to election laws, the ruling party could be dissolved as Yongyuth was found guilty of committing the fraud while he was the party's executive member.

Samak and party secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee were summoned to state their cases before the EC subcommittee between August 7th and 8th but both have asked for the appointment to be postponed to August 27th. The EC has turned the request down and rescheduled the date for August 13th.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

PPP upbeat to escape party dissolution

The executive board of the People Power Party on Wednesday approved its defence arguments on the party dissolution case, party spokesman Kudep Saikrajang said.

The party's defence writ will be filed with the Election Commission later in the afternoon.

"The party is confident that it has no linkage to the electoral fraud involving executive Yongyuth Tiyapairat," Kudep said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

PPP Leader Sends Written Testimony in Dissolution Case

A messenger delivered People Power Party Leader Samak Sundaravej's testimony on the party dissolution case to the Election Commission this morning.

All eyes have been awaiting today's appearance of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, who are due to give a statement on the People Power Party's dissolution case as the Party's Leader and Secretary-General, at the Election Commission headquarters.

However, the two did not turn up.

Instead, they sent documents containing their written testimonies to the EC's sub-committee this morning.

EC Chairman Aphichart Sukhagganond said the issue can be tabled for the EC's deliberation as soon as the sub-committee's report is submitted, which is expected to be on this Friday.

- Thailand Outlook

[Jai Dee]

EC says PPP dissolution will be considered by next week

Election Commission member Praphan Naikowit (ประพันธ์ นัยโกวิท) stated that the commission has yet received a report from the EC Special Committee on the dissolution case of the People Power Party. The special committee reportedly has yet finished its report but expects to complete the document by next week. The committee has asked for an extension as the EC awaits to take the matter into consideration.

Mr. Praphan also revealed that the red carding of Democrat Deputy Leader Witoon Nambutr (วิฑูรย์ นามบุตร) has not yet been concluded and is currently still in the process of taking witness statements. The EC member expected the matter to be ready for commission consideration next week as well and affirmed that the EC will deal with all matters through the thorough process of law without social pressure.

As for Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silapa-acha's statement that party dissolutions will take place tomorrow, Mr. Praphan said that he was not aware where the party leader received his information as the EC has not yet considered a single dissolution case.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 August 2008