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

[Siripon]

I wonder if Aphisit and the Democrats will go along with changes to the constitution if the EC decide the vote buying cases against their Ubon executive has merit and the party faces extinction.

A 5 year ban for Aphisit, Korn and co would be too much to stomach.

Undoubtedly the PPP boys are leaning on the EC to hurry up that case.

[sriracha john]

People Power Party on the road to oblivion

Panel agrees on move to disband PPP

The ruling People Power Party came a step closer to extinction yesterday when an Election Commission panel decided that the agency should seek a Constitution Court ruling for the party to be dissolved.

Executives of the PPP, however, said they were not discouraged by the prospect of the party being dissolved, as a 'Plan B' was already in place for a worst-case scenario.

The EC subcommittee agreed the PPP deserved to be disbanded, as its Deputy Leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat was found by the Supreme Court to be involved with electoral fraud, a source said. The entire political party should be held responsible for Yongyuth's offence, as he was a Party executive and his actions benefited the Party.

EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Thaveechaiygarn said the subcommittee's report and conclusions, along with relevant documents, would be submitted to the agency's Chairman, Apichart Sukhagganond. Apichart, in his capacity as the Political Party Registrar, will seek a decision from the five election commissioners, Suthiphon said.

The subcommittee's secretary, Thanit Sriprathet, said the panel would submit its report to the Chairman no later than today.

Election commissioner Prapun Naigowit said he expected the EC to discuss the subcommittee's report next week. He said the EC would initially determine whether the panel had provided sufficient proof to support its conclusions.

"We will make our decision based on evidence and the relevant laws. We will stick to the truths and won't be swayed by all the pressure. Our decision may please some and may upset others, but that's beyond our authority," Prapun said.

In a related development, PPP executives yesterday said preparations had been made to cope with the possibility of the ruling party being dissolved. Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat, in his capacity as a PPP Deputy Leader, said the party's registrar had registered two "substitute parties" in case of a worst-case scenario.

He expected some MPs from the PPP to join other parties, but added that he believed most of them would join a new party to replace a disbanded PPP. Sompong said he saw no serious problem about the ongoing disputes between factions within the main governing party.

Another Deputy Leader, Kan Thienkaew, said the number of party executives would be reduced to between seven and 15 in a new party to be set up by MPs from the PPP. "Nobody wants to take a risk," he said, referring to the fact that executives of a disbanded political party are stripped of their electoral rights for five years.

He added that the new party's executive board would consist of failed PPP election candidates.

He also suggested that the party's prime ministerial candidate might even come from outside of the executive board, citing the fact that the Constitution does not require the premier to be part of a party executive board.

Meanwhile, PPP legal expert Wattana Sengpairoh said MPs would move to a new party called Puea Thai (For Thailand) if the PPP were to be dissolved. He said he believed most of the PPP's current MPs would stay together in a new party, even though some might move to other parties.

- The Nation / August 15, 2008

[Crushdepth]

Mr Noppadon claimed that it is against the principles of political science, jurisdiction and human rights

What a stupid man. It never ceases to amaze me how politicians in this country think they are above the law. They seem to be somewhat 'resistant to learning' as well: Cheat in election, get dissolved. Now how to avoid that ?

[sriracha john]

Mr Noppadon claimed that it is against the principles of political science, jurisdiction and human rights

What a stupid man. It never ceases to amaze me how politicians in this country think they are above the law. They seem to be somewhat 'resistant to learning' as well: Cheat in election, get dissolved. Now how to avoid that ?

Be sneakier? Be more clandestine? Be more threatening to anyone squealing? Hmm... nope, they did all that and they're STILL on the road to getting busted a second time. Gosh... I guess they really can't figure it out.. Perhaps by their auspicious 9th party reincarnation, they'll have it sorted.

[sriracha john]

Party dissolution hinges on the law: Samak

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Friday said it would be up to the law whether his People Power Party would be penalized by disbandment although he deemed the punishment as unjustified.

"The party dissolution hinges on the law although it is not right to punish the party for wrongdoing committed by one man," Samak said in reference to the electoral fraud conviction against Party Executive Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

Samak said the political system would collapse if People Power, Chart Thai, Matchima Thipataya and Puea Pandin parties were dissolved.

- The Nation / 081508

[sriracha john]

I think this is about when lumberjacks typically prepare to shout, " Timmmber! "

[sriracha john]

PM Insists Efforts Exist to Overthrow Government

The Prime Minister insists on moving ahead in managing the country despite not being sure how long he will be able to remain in office.

He insists there is an attempt to overthrow his government, with the dissolution case against his People Power Party and efforts to have him removed on the grounds of him hosting a cooking television show.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej presided over the annual meeting of the National Economic and Social Development Board at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani.

While giving his remarks on the government's vision for Thailand, Samak admitted that he does not know everything, but he will try to continue working despite not knowing how far his administration will go.

He said his People Power Party may be dissolved in the next few days as part of attempts to overthrow his administration, similar to him coming under fire for being hired by a private firm to host a TV cooking show.

Samak voiced his disagreement with how a political party can be disbanded just by the fraudulent activity of one party executive.

He compared his government to a ship that is facing a storm.

- Thailand Outlook / 15 August 2008

[sriracha john]

The People Power Party awaits a decision by the Election Commission (EC) on whether or not it should be disbanded after former PPP Deputy Leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat was found guilty of poll fraud ahead of the Dec 23 general election. The EC decision will be forwarded to the Constitution Court for the final verdict. PPP members have the Puea Thai Party if they need to find a new Party in case the PPP is disbanded. A PPP source revealed the new party would have its headquarters in the Shinawatra building on Rama IV road. PPP Deputy Spokesman and MP for Nakhon Phanom Supachai Phosu said the PPP's branch in Phichit had already been renamed Puea Thai and this reflected members' preparation to cope with the expected dissolution of the PPP. He said that MPs in his faction and most PPP MPs in the Northeast were working hard to please their constituencies ''because politicians must be prepared. They do not know when the House may be dissolved.'' Some PPP members also favoured dissolving the House ahead of the court's ruling to let voters decide which party to support to run the country.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/170808_News/17Aug2008_news07.php

Edited August 17, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

PM Samak: Hasn't heard that PPP members set up new party

BANGKOK, Aug 17 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), said Sunday he had not heard reports that his Party members had set up a new political party in the event the government party, widely perceived as a Thaksin-nominee organisation, is dissolved by the Constitution Court for electoral fraud in relation to last on December's election.

Speaking to journalists on press reports that a number of PPP MPs had already registered a new party named the 'Puea Thai' as a proxy party in case the ruling party is dissolved, Samak said he knew nothing about the formation of the new Party.

PPP members are awaiting a decision by the Election Commission (EC) on whether their Party should be disbanded since former Deputy Leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat was found guilty of poll fraud in the December 23 general election.

The EC is expected to submit its findings to the Constitution Court soon for the final verdict.

Edited August 17, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Samak said he knew nothing about the formation of the new Party.

Seems like he's so often the last to know regarding just about anything...

[sriracha john]

Phua Thai Party to welcome PPP MPs after looming dissolution

People Power Party spokesman First Lieutenant Kuthep Saikrajang admitted that the establishment of Phua Thai Party establishment was to receive MPs from the People Power Party should the latter dissolve.

Despite all preparations to defend the existence of PPP, Kuthep still believes that PPP may be disbanded.

In this connection, some PPP’s MPs have moved to the newly established Phua Thai Party already.

He said other MPs, who were once with the Thai Rak Thai Party, are expected to join the new party as well.

Despite of the new name, Kuthep said the Phua Thai Party would still stick to policies initiated by the PPP, which he said have gained recognition from the general public.

- ThaiNews / 17-08-08

Edited August 17, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Regarding the above 2 posts:

Could the People Power Spokesman please bring the People Power Leader up to speed with regards to the People Power before all the People Power MP's have left the People Power???

Thai Rak Thai - beta ver.

People Power - ver. 2.0

Phua Thai - ver. 3.0

For PPP, they were down to housewives and invalid fathers serving as proxies when TRT went down.... if PPP gets banned, will they go further out into the family tree branches for PT?

Edited August 17, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

It's going to get downright ridiculous. But, if that's what's decided, that s what it takes.

Get ready for more fake diplomas and criminal litigants all wanting to join the new party, they'll be greeted with open arms.

Edited August 17, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

Samak denied reports that a branch of the PPP had been renamed Puea Thai, but admitted his Party had internal issues he would have to handle. However, PPP Spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang admitted the branch, in Phichit province, had replaced its PPP sign with a Puea Thai Party sign. He said the process to disband the PPP and its coalition partners - the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties - was ongoing and the introduction of the Puea Thai Party reflected attempts by PPP MPs to find a way out in advance. No one in the Party expected the PPP to survive, he said. "Disband the Party if you want to. We will move to another Party. Supplying the new party has begun," said the PPP Spokesman.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=129726

Edited August 18, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

There is some talk of an Isaan party too. Finding funds to support a new party may well mitigate a split into at least two parites. even two parties of that size would require a lot of money. That the majority of the current PPP MPs are the old patronage system MPs also means they expect evrything form jopin up fees to election expenses. It is not a cheap project and int eh current atmosphere of political uncertainty combined with economic problems it may be hard to find a giant funder ot two, which would probably indicate that the current government needs to stay around until as many mega-projects as possible have been launched.

[sriracha john]

EC says verdict of PPP dissolution case due tomorrow

Election Commission (EC) Chairman Apichart Sukhagganond indicated the commission's verdict into the People Power Party dissolution case will be made tomorrow.

Despite speculation alleging that the PPP will be certainly be disbanded, Mr. Apichart says that the sub-committees doesn’t feel pressured and will try the case in accordance with concrete evidence.

Mr. Apichart says that the senior prosecutor, Mr. Pratheep Phruengwong has already submitted the final conclusion from the sub-committees to him already. He said the case deliberation will be settled with the same standard as when the committee tried the case of the Chart Thai Party and the Neutral Democratic Party dissolution cases.

Mr. Apichart further states that if the PPP is convicted tomorrow, the conclusion will be brought before the Attorney- General within 30 days prior to being submitted to the Constitutional Court.

He says if the case appears unclear, the Election Commission will establish a joint committee to review the case again.

- ThaiNews / 18-08-08

[sriracha john]

Today's the day we will find out if we can officially change the thread title to:

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

as those cases will have all then been moved along in the process from the EC to the Constitution Court...

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

People Power Party dissolution case

The Election Commission (EC) will decide today if the People Power Party should be dissolved and whether to submit the case to the Office of the Attorney-General.

If the EC decides the Party should face dissolution, the Constitution Court will consider the matter, but the soonest it is likely to reach a verdict will be the end of the year.

Step by step:

::: Election Commission submits case to the Attorney-General

::: If the Attorney-General agrees with the EC's decision, it submits the case to the Constitution Court within 30 days. If it disagrees, a joint-panel made up of members of the EC and Office of the Attorney-General is appointed to study the case and submit it to court within 30 days. Otherwise, the EC can submit the case itself.

::: After the Constitution Court accepts the case, nine judges are expected to take three or four months before delivering a verdict.

::: If the Party is dissolved, Party executives could face losing their voting rights for five years. Other MPs would have to join a new party within 60 days.

- The Nation / August 19, 2008

[sriracha john]

EC to rule on PPP dissolution case today

Chairman of the Election Commission (EC) Apichart Sukakanont stated that the commission today should be able to rule immediately on the dissolution case of the People Power Party as all the documents were previously dispersed for consideration by the EC members.

If the EC rules that the PPP should be dissolved it will forward the matter for the Office of the Attorney-General to consider within 30 days before it is forwarded to the Consitution Court.

If the Office of the Attorney-General feels the matter is not yet complete it may resubmit it to the EC. In such an event, Mr. Apichart would then have to join a committee with the office similar to those during the cases of the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipathai parties.

- ThaiNews / 19 Aug. 2008

[sriracha john]

a pause in the action...

EC postpones decision on PPP to next Tuesday

The Election Commission decided Tuesday to postpone its decision in the party-dissolution case against the People Power Party to next week.

The EC reasoned that it would like to hear testimony from certain election officials involved before making a final decision.

- The Nation

[Thai at Heart]

a pause in the action...

EC postpones decision on PPP to next Tuesday

The Election Commission decided Tuesday to postpone its decision in the party-dissolution case against the People Power Party to next week.

The EC reasoned that it would like to hear testimony from certain election officials involved before making a final decision.

- The Nation

After Juthamas' house burning down, I hope these guys get a lot of life and house insurance.

[sriracha john]

EC puts off PPP decision to Sept 2

The Election Commission yesterday delayed its debate on the party dissolution case involving the People Power Party on the grounds that it needed to form a decision in a cautious manner.

The EC is expected to meet again next Tuesday to consult its fact-finding panel, which is responsible for a report on the matter, before finalising a decision on September 2.

"The postponement is deemed necessary after certain EC members suggested there be extra scrutiny of evidence to enable the EC to reach a decision after taking every precaution," EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Thaveechaigarn said.

EC Chairman Apichart Sukhagganond agreed to distribute copies of all testimony and documents pertinent to the case to the five EC members to review the fact-finding report, Suthiphon said.

An EC source, who asked not to be named, said commissioner Prapun Naigowit had told the meeting a further report was needed from the investigative panel. Moreover, some EC members had not finished reading the report.

The EC is not trying to buy time but wants to make a just decision based on evidence and precedents set by two similar cases involving the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties, Suthiphon said.

EC member Sumeth Ubanisakorn said the commission would certainly make a decision on September 2, and there would be no further postponement.

In regard to the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya cases, the EC is in the process of forwarding original copies of testimonies and pertinent documents as evidence to the Office of the Attorney-General, which is in charge of trial preparation, Suthiphon said.

In its separate reports, the EC recommended that trials be held so the Constitution Court could decide whether to disband Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya for electoral fraud committed by Party executives. Both cases are in the pre-trial stage.

- The Nation / today

[Tony Clifton]

Another pastry gate was in the making maybe?

[sriracha john]

EC says PPP MPs can move to Puea Thai Party

Election Commissioner Sodsri Satayathum said MPs of the People Power Party (PPP) can move to the Puea Thai Party should the party dissolve.

Mrs Sodsri says the executive board of the Puea Thai Party can be altered if the PPP is disbanded as the Puea Thai Party is one of 66 parties lawfully registered with the Election Commission (EC). However, she says any adjustments made to the executive board must be approved by the party’s meeting as required by the political party law and the party must submit the new executive name list to the EC Chairman.

The election commissioner also says the Puea Thai Party can send a candidate to run in the by-election in Roi Et province if the Supreme Court upholds EC’s decision in issuing a red card to former MP of the Puea Pandin Party Noppadol Phonsue.

The election commissioner also says the Constitution does not state whether executives of a political party are required to run for a general election. However, she says PPP may face problems concerning the ministerial quota as it may not have enough MPs to lead the coalition after some of the MPs move to the Puea Thai Party.

- ThaiNews / Aug. 22, 2008

[sriracha john]

* The PPP logo (right) was modeled on the disbanded TRT logo (left). There was also an attempt to name the TRT-successor party Thai Ruam Thai so its initials would be the same as Thai Rak Thai, but a law was quickly passed to prevent new parties from registering the same logo, abbreviation, or name as a banned party.

* The Puea Thai Party (PTP) logo above. It was widely rumored that the disbanding of the PPP would be handed down last Friday (a few days ahead of schedule) *but this has been subsequently postponed as per previous posts*. Throughout the Northeast especially, PPP party headquarters already had new Puea Thai party signs ready to be unveiled moments after any disbanding order to show party defiance against the process. Below is one new party sign ready to be unveiled (Naewna, August 18, 2008). The caption reads: Transforming: The branch office of the People Power Party in Pichit province’s Muang district under the supervision of former PPP MPs candidate Sunee Luangvijit is preparing to replace its party sign to be named Puea Thai Party and open for new party members to apply.

- 2Bangkok.com

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

TRT = Thai Rak Thai

PPP = People Power Party

PTP = Puea Thai Party

With the natural progression of Thaksin party formations following by their dissolutions for electoral fraud and their subsequent similar abbreviations in their new party logos, once the Puea Thai Party (PTP) is dissolved, will it then morph into...

after all, the biggest shareholders are already Thaksinistas and they could launch a "gas subsidy to lower benzene down to 10 baht a liter" program as part of it's political campaigning platform.

[Tony Clifton]

TRT = Thai Rak Thai

PPP = People Power Party

PTP = Puea Thai Party

That crime syndicate of a political party just doesn't give up....

What is TRT-PPP-PTP s favorite holiday destination?

Denial.

Edited August 23, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

Shinawatra Thai Silk building

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

Puea Thai Party in talks on new home

The Shinawatra Thai Silk building has started clearance sales to make way for the Puea Thai Party, a new political party registered by a group of PPP MPs, who want to move in. The ground floor of the building on Rama IV road, where silk products are sold, will be used as the headquarters of the Puea Thai Party, a back-up for the ruling PPP, said a source. Clearance sales have been started to sell off stock, by September this year. Songkhram Kitlertpairoj, a PPP MP for Samut Prakan and one of the people who registered the party, said negotiations were being held with the building owner over rental fees. Puea Thai Party would not occupy the whole building, he said. The party would rent some parts of the building for its headquarters. The party was set up as PPP members prepare for the expected dissolution of their party. Songkhram refused to confirm that former Permanent Secretary of the Interior Sudjarit Patchimnand would be chosen to lead the party, saying Sudjarit was one of several choices. The new party would hold its general assembly within 1-2 months to elect its executives. Former PPP candidates and former party MPs have applied for party membership. Surawit Khonsomboon, a PPP MP for Chaiyaphum, said several party MPs had visited their constituencies and told local residents that the PPP, if dissolved, already had a new home in the Puea Thai Party. Sakda Khongphet, a PPP MP for Roi Et, said Puea Thai was ready to enter the political race as the Election Commission had already endorsed the party. He said all factions of the PPP, including veteran politician Newin Chidchob's faction, would move to Puea Thai if the PPP was dissolved. ''Thaksin earlier told me the PPP would not survive. However, we are not worried as some phuyai [senior figures] in our party have already prepared the Puea Thai as a new home. Those who see the abbreviations or the logo of the new party will understand that it is Thaksin's party. Thor means Thaksin and Phor means Potjaman [Thaksin's wife],'' said Sakda.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/230808_News/23Aug2008_news003.php

Edited August 23, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

Saw on the news that journalist / tv anchor Devakula, yes, the one who usually checks which way the wind blows before opening his mouth or writing an article, has decided to join the new PTP party if PPP is dossolved.

Congratulations for following the steps of people like Noppadol or Jakaprob with brains and promising careers, only to throw it all way in exchange for temporary power and the mighty baht. Enjoy the ride down afterwards.

[sriracha john]

and if the PPP aren't dissolved, he won't join the PTP?

Is he still going into the Bangkok Governor race or has he switched to go as a PTP MP?

Have to say I'm kind of disappointed in his progression over the past 5 years... it's always troubling to see the downfall of someone you had respected earlier.

[Tony Clifton]

They know they are going down and that it's the end for the PPP.

Devakula Jr. will be running against Apirak for Bangkok Governor and will also be the new PTP party Secretary-General to the Premier.

Edited August 23, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[Plus]

In latest poll results he trails Apirak by a wide margin, he won't win the elections, but he'll make a name for himself, which nearly guarantees an MP seat for Bangkok.