Samak Found Guilty By Court, Must Resign

[Mobi]

Just for the avoidance of doubt. here are a couple of quotes from today's Bangkok Post:

"A source at Chart Thai said last night that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had contacted Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa for his support on Mr Samak or face a House dissolution."

"A source said Mr Thaksin was confident Mr Samak was the only one who could handle the anti-government rally led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)."

There is little doubt that Thaksin is still trying to control events and create mayhem.

BTW in my earlier post I omitted to mention that the entire business community in Thailand are totally opposed to the reinstatement of Samak as PM.

So much for Thaksin et al caring about the state of the country.

Edited September 12, 2008 by Mobi

[LuckyFive8888]

Samak wants to return as PM to protect democracy

This guy is nuts, the country will continue to be in a Chaos, if he will be reelected.

I am at a total loss of understanding!

democracy to these people is to be able to manipulate the law for their own benefit. democracy to them is to be able to stay in power, all their relatives in power, the rich gets richer while the poor gets poorer. democracy to them is to be able to buy votes, win the election endlessly and get away with it. democracy, democracy, democracy...

i agree with you 1000%. shame on thaksin, samak, and the PPP!

[animatic]

Just for the avoidance of doubt. here are a couple of quotes from today's Bangkok Post:

"A source at Chart Thai said last night that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had contacted Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa for his support on Mr Samak or face a House dissolution."

"A source said Mr Thaksin was confident Mr Samak was the only one who could handle the anti-government rally led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)."

There is little doubt that Thaksin is still trying to control events and create mayhem.

BTW in my earlier post I omitted to mention that the entire business community in Thailand are totally opposed to the reinstatement of Samak as PM.

So much for Thaksin et al caring about the state of the country.

Only two people really seem to want Samak in.

Thaksin

'for his ends,

and Samak

to gather as much face as possible before his jail term starts.

All others are just following orders from home office in London.

Maybe some subsidaries are angling for more funding for the branch offices.

Kuhn Banharn comes to mind.

'If you want me to appear completely mindless and subservient if cost MUCH more...'

Wait for the shoe to drop.

[h90]

And where in the world is Samak?

SNAP UPDATE: Former PM Samak No Where to Be Found

UPDATE : 12 September 2008

As MPs gradually arrive at Parliament,former PM Samak Sundaravej tricked reporters into believing he has arrived with a decoy car. He's no where to be found.

Reporters are keeping a close eye on the whereabouts of former PM Samak Sundaravej. He's believed to be voted back to resume the post of premier after having been disqualified by the Constitution Court on Tuesday.

From the nation:

Samak leaves Parliament immediately after PM voting adjourned

Former prime minister Samak Sundaravej left Parliament at 10 am after the session for the nomination of a new prime minister was adjourned to Wednesday.

Samak declined to answer questions of reporters on his political future.

He face looked stern and People Power Party MP Nisit Sinthuprai, who walked after him, told him: "Please smile a little bit, boss".

The Nation

[Plus]

Boycotting a vote is really a cowards way out. They should have the balls to stand up and say yay or nay rather than hiding in the shadows.

Perhaps its time for a house dissolution and let the people decide?

Coalition partners are in a difficult position - they don't want to openly say "nay", and PPP itseld is very divided. Adjourning the session till Wednesday is probably a good idea.

As for house dissolution - Democrats proposed it two weeks ago during the joint session on dealing with PAD protests.

Coalition parties blankly refused - they haven't repaid the debts from the last elections yet, and they haven't set up any schemes that would bankroll the next elections, too.

Perhaps they also realise that their performance since offering a "third way" during their last campaign might affect their re-electability.

[hammered]

Intersting that the boycott of parliament included Democrat, Chart Thai, Snohs boys and a quite substantial unmber of PPP MPs. Maybe th eelected representatives are now seeing sense in that they should select a PM for the best of the country and not the one the man from London has ordered them to select. The non-quorum gave the PPP MPs who dont want Samak an easy way to register their displeasure and ensure it didnt happen without going directly against dear leader. It also buys time.

It remains to be seen how this plays out Thaksin and Newin will be arm twisting like mad. If they cant force their man back they run the risk of seeing acceptance among certain PPP factions that the constitutional ammendments to let them off are dead and buried. It may be that Thaksin now orders a disolution of parliament through his proxies if technically it can be achieved. It is now more important to Thaksin than anyone that the divisions remain and even worsen. A coup makes him look right. No coup and worse fighting makes Thailand look like a basket case and as long as their is division the constittuional ammendment to save him will still be championed by his gang. If there is compromise the constitutional ammendment to save him is gone.

[ThNiner]

Boycotting a vote is really a cowards way out. They should have the balls to stand up and say yay or nay rather than hiding in the shadows.

Perhaps its time for a house dissolution and let the people decide?

The Democrats showed up, while majority of PPP MP's and others from other coalition parties didn't.

[hammered]

Boycotting a vote is really a cowards way out. They should have the balls to stand up and say yay or nay rather than hiding in the shadows.

Perhaps its time for a house dissolution and let the people decide?

The Democrats showed up, while majority of PPP MP's and others from other coalition parties didn't.

The wholoe thing was rushed in an attempt to force samak through without chance for a debate. The boycott to buy more time to debate the issues seems more like a reasonable approach compared to the usual ram it through we dont care gung ho PPP politics. Obviously ther are wide concerns over Samak through all parties and across the country. Just because one man in London needs to avoid any compromise and thinks he owns an entire party isnt reason enough to just saddle the country with a continuing nightmare. The debate needs to be had. Kudos to Isaan Pattana for not bending over and taking it at least this time unlike the rest of the PPP bought and paid for slaves.

[Plus]

Well, yes, at least SOME Democrats were there.

[sriracha john]

The last 3 words of the headline may be deleted for clearer understanding...

Interim PM says no thought of Parliament dissolution

Caretaker Premier Somchai Wongsawas stated that he was not made aware of member parties of the coalition government not joining in the Parliament vote for the new Prime Minister, but stated that the matter would be in the hands of the parliament to handle.

Somchai assured that the People Power Party would not interfere in the dealings of other parties as well as affirming the thought of dissolution never entered his mind, even in the event of an impasse as he is only the interim PM.

As for the proposal of a national government, Somchai commented that the idea was the good intention of certain people, but its practice would have to be reviewed against the constitution.

- ThaiNews / 2008-09-12

[Plus]

Only the sitting PM can dissolve the House, afaik - means they have to elect someone first.

[Mobi]

Intersting that the boycott of parliament included Democrat, Chart Thai, Snohs boys and a quite substantial unmber of PPP MPs. Maybe th eelected representatives are now seeing sense in that they should select a PM for the best of the country and not the one the man from London has ordered them to select. The non-quorum gave the PPP MPs who dont want Samak an easy way to register their displeasure and ensure it didnt happen without going directly against dear leader. It also buys time.

It remains to be seen how this plays out Thaksin and Newin will be arm twisting like mad. If they cant force their man back they run the risk of seeing acceptance among certain PPP factions that the constitutional ammendments to let them off are dead and buried. It may be that Thaksin now orders a disolution of parliament through his proxies if technically it can be achieved. It is now more important to Thaksin than anyone that the divisions remain and even worsen. A coup makes him look right. No coup and worse fighting makes Thailand look like a basket case and as long as their is division the constittuional ammendment to save him will still be championed by his gang. If there is compromise the constitutional ammendment to save him is gone.

Precisely. Good Post.

This is what this all about, and always has been - and everyone in politics knows it.

And love 'em or hate 'em. without the PAD's 'undemocratic action', Thaksin would have been free and clear months ago, and more than likely, the current PM.

Edited September 12, 2008 by Mobi

[sriracha john]

Thailand's Samak isolated as friends desert him

BANGKOK, Thailand: Political allies of Thailand's ousted prime minister deserted him Friday in his bid to return to power in a parliamentary vote, leaving him isolated following his removal by a court for violating conflict-of-interest rules.

A Parliament vote to elect a replacement for Samak Sundaravej was postponed until Wednesday for lack of quorum when all five partners in the ruling coalition boycotted the session. About 70 lawmakers of his People's Power Party also said before the session they would vote against him.

"Even though our partners boycotted the meeting today, they boycotted the person not the principle of staying together to form a new coalition," said acting Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. *newly nicknamed, Mr. No Thought*

He said the PPP would meet later Friday to "find a better candidate who will be acceptable to our coalition partners and our party members."

Samak was booted out Tuesday by a Constitutional Court ruling for violating a conflict-of-interest law by hosting two television cooking shows while in office.

The decision by the PPP to re-nominate him was opposed by his five coalition partners and the opposition Democrat Party, all of whom boycotted Friday's session in the 480-member House of Representatives.

With no quorum — at least 235 members should have been present — Speaker Chai Chidchob postponed the vote to Wednesday. The announcement was preceded by confusion and drama with Chai initially saying he was delaying the session because only 161 members were present.

About 20 minutes later he called the House of Representatives into session, saying 259 members were present as Democrat Party lawmakers trooped in and out of the chamber, causing more confusion. Chai then held a recount that brought down the number once again to 161.

"I hope the PPP will learn a lesson from today that they should not challenge the power of people," said Suthep Thaugsuban, the Secretary-General of the Democrat Party. He said the party is ready to form the next government if members of the ruling coalition switch sides and join it.

Samak, a coarse politician who has rubbed virtually every Thai institution including the military and the media the wrong way, has become one of the most divisive characters in Thai politics.

Some analysts warned that Samak's re-election could bring instability, economic chaos, and even a military coup.

The People's Power Party has 233 lawmakers in the 480-seat Parliament, but 10 are disqualified from voting, leaving it 18 short of a majority. The other five parties in the coalition control 83 seats, while the opposition Democrat Party has 164 seats.

If the coalition fractures completely, Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva could emerge as a viable candidate for the Prime Minister's post. Abhisit previously suggested he would be willing to lead a non-partisan unity government of all parties.

- Associated Press / 2008-09-12

[cmsally]

And the show goes on and on and on.....

Rule of Law

[h90]

Only the sitting PM can dissolve the House, afaik - means they have to elect someone first.

just my idea: if enough MP resign, the parliament is dissolving itself automatic, or? At least it is outside the constitution and something must be done.

That might be a technical way of getting the same result, or?

[sriracha john]

Samak declined to answer questions of reporters on his political future.

He face looked stern and People Power Party MP Nisit Sinthuprai, who walked after him, told him: "Please smile a little bit, boss".

Say, "cheese"...

Former Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is questioned by journalists during his departure from Parliament in Bangkok on September 12, 2008. Thailand's parliament postponed a vote on Friday for a new prime minister until Wednesday because there were not enough MPs present, House Speaker Chai Chidchob said.

REUTERS

[hammered]

Only the sitting PM can dissolve the House, afaik - means they have to elect someone first.

just my idea: if enough MP resign, the parliament is dissolving itself automatic, or? At least it is outside the constitution and something must be done.

That might be a technical way of getting the same result, or?

The choices are:

1. PPP pull it off for a tad longer and get enough votes to push Samak through

2. PPP nominate one of Thaksin's relatives as PM and get coaliton support

3. Banharn or Snoh get nominated with broad support by either PPP or Dems

4. Government of national unity

5. Elections

6. Coup

Interstingly Gen. Anupong is backing number 4. Number 1 or 2 could easily result in number 6. Number 3 is always a possibility and number 4 could be combined with number 3. Nobody except a few academics currently seem to want number 5 as the parties lack money and a disolution during an election campaign would leave MPs with no party to run under as they need to be mebers for a set period to run. The military dont seem to want number 6. Also bear in mind the media, the business sector and foreign investors have had enough and are increasingly looking for stability which is a subtle change from talking democracy. One thing I hear is exasperation that the politicains are not talking. That could signal anything if the poltiicans dont come up with the goods. Goevrnment of national unity may be the only way to avoid further chaos now. The problem is that it doesnt suit Thaksin at all and he controls a lot of MPs and I wouldnt say the Isaan Pattana are defying him to any degree yet.

[ThNiner]

Only the sitting PM can dissolve the House, afaik - means they have to elect someone first.

just my idea: if enough MP resign, the parliament is dissolving itself automatic, or? At least it is outside the constitution and something must be done.

That might be a technical way of getting the same result, or?

I think PPP can't dissolve the House before the end of this month, because they have to pass the annual budget first. If they dissolve the House now, by the constitution, the Senate won't be able to deliberate on the budget. And I don't know what would happen after that.

[ThNiner]

There's also another mess that soon PPP, Chart Thai and Matchima will have to deal with. The dissolution of their parties. I think it's expected that the court will deliver the verdicts on this in a few months from now. If they dissolve the House now and hold an election (which could be completed a few months after the dissolution of the House), what are they gonna do when their parties get dissolved a few days after the election ends?

Yeah I guess the only sensible solution right now should appear to be the Gov't of national unity, but so far all six coaltion parties seem to either be against or ignore it.

[jbowman1993]

Only the sitting PM can dissolve the House, afaik - means they have to elect someone first.

just my idea: if enough MP resign, the parliament is dissolving itself automatic, or? At least it is outside the constitution and something must be done.

That might be a technical way of getting the same result, or?

I think PPP can't dissolve the House before the end of this month, because they have to pass the annual budget first. If they dissolve the House now, by the constitution, the Senate won't be able to deliberate on the budget. And I don't know what would happen after that.

If you try to introduce facts into a TV debate, you are gonna give most a migraine.

[h90]

There's also another mess that soon PPP, Chart Thai and Matchima will have to deal with. The dissolution of their parties. I think it's expected that the court will deliver the verdicts on this in a few months from now. If they dissolve the House now and hold an election (which could be completed a few months after the dissolution of the House), what are they gonna do when their parties get dissolved a few days after the election ends?

Yeah I guess the only sensible solution right now should appear to be the Gov't of national unity, but so far all six coaltion parties seem to either be against or ignore it.

What if they get dissolved a few days before the election ends?

[ando]

Boycotting a vote is really a cowards way out. They should have the balls to stand up and say yay or nay rather than hiding in the shadows.

Perhaps its time for a house dissolution and let the people decide?

The Democrats showed up, while majority of PPP MP's and others from other coalition parties didn't.

I don't believe the opposition parties get a vote in selecting a leader of the coalition government.

It is traditional that the PM comes from the majority coalition partner.

Even if it had been put to a vote it is not certain Samak would have been re-elected as there was disent from groups within the PPP itself.

[sriracha john]

Chart Thai Party assures absence from PM vote not a sign of opposition

Spokesman for the Chart Thai Party Akkapot Panyaem revealed after the Chart Thai Party meeting the reasons for the Party's MPs' absence from the meeting at the House of Representatives to vote for a new Prime Minister this morning.

Akkapot stated that their absence was not a political tactic, but was due to the fact that People Power Party did not project a clear stance on its selection for the premiership.

Deputy Leader of Chart Thai Party Somsak Prisananuntakul said the rescheduling of the vote was positive as it gave the political parties more time to consider the future of the nation.

He assured that his party's absence from the House of Representatives was not a sign of civil disobedience, but was based on political conscience.

He said that Chart Thai would continue its membership in the coalition and its support of the PPP, but asserted the need for the PPP to take a clear stance. The Deputy Leader said if a resolution could not be found within the PPP it would be able to discuss the matter with the coalition.

- ThaiNews / 2008-09-12

[sriracha john]

Although this was from the 10th after the Court verdict, it's appropriate for today as well....except perhaps in the back instead...

From Krungtepturakit, by Arun Sept 10, 2008 - Samak stabbed with a cooking fork

- 2bangkok.com

[stub]

Yes, and its time to look at making some arrest of some so called PAD leaders. Sondhi and KFC man, Colonel Sanders have had arrest warrants out now for a couple weeks, but strange that they are some how untouchable.... hmmm makes me wonder.....

With luck this desire to actually enforce the law will spread from the courts, who seem to be doing the right thing, to the police who are the people empowered with acting on the warrants.

[hammered]

Boycotting a vote is really a cowards way out. They should have the balls to stand up and say yay or nay rather than hiding in the shadows.

Perhaps its time for a house dissolution and let the people decide?

The Democrats showed up, while majority of PPP MP's and others from other coalition parties didn't.

I don't believe the opposition parties get a vote in selecting a leader of the coalition government.

It is traditional that the PM comes from the majority coalition partner.

Even if it had been put to a vote it is not certain Samak would have been re-elected as there was disent from groups within the PPP itself.

Parliament as whole votes for PM. All Mps have a vote. A party first decides on its nominee and then puts them forward. The rush to put Samak in place by the Newinites has backfired for as you point out support for Samak was not even solid in PPP. Without the Isaan Pattana MPs PPP had only 161 votes. That is less than the votes for Abhisit by a united Dem party which is why the PPP factions present inquorated the meeting. A vote if it had taken place with the coalition allies outside and Isaan Pattana at home would have legally elected Abhisist as PM and not Samak. Later the Dems left and the PPP present were not enough for a quorum, which neither were the Dems on their own. Nice politcal drama but it shows why PM selections shoudl not be rushed over objections especially when they are as controversial as Samak

[Samuian]

Kuhn Banharn comes to mind.

'If you want me to appear completely mindless and subservient if cost MUCH more...'

Wait for the shoe to drop.

There is still a lot to go!

As Doc T. is trying so hard to retrieve his frozen assets and money things turn from bad to worse - as he is a man completely consumed by greed - he won't give up to soon, we will witness a many shifts and turns, it looked in the beginning as if it would be better for the nation that he is gone but no! Look he simply dug in and is attacking from the safety of a foreign country, nobody can/wants to touch him, so at free will he can push what ever buttons he likes - and certainly he will!

Only jail could make this man stop!

Concerning Samak's fate:

"An executive of a producer of soybean sauce, and also one of the sponsors of Samak's cooking programme, was named to the board of Thai Airways. The court also condemned Samak for fabricating a backdated document to beef up his defence."

-Bangkok Post-

.... it wasn't just about an innocent man who loves cooking thai food - he's cooking up something else and his recipes he receives from london!

Edited September 12, 2008 by Samuian

[Thanh-BKK]

Hi

is it possible that they (absent MP's, coalition partners etc) try to "stall" the vote until after September 25th to see what Samak's appeal verdict will say? Possibly in order to save them from the joke that they elect a PM - who has to go to jail a few days later, in which case of course YET another PM has to be nominated (and voted for).

I mean, come on - pretty much the whole country appears to be against Samak (except for PPP), he was kicked out for violating the constitution and has an appeal verdict coming up 13 days from now that may result in him going straight to jail - what's the rush to get him back into office? Don't forget - PPP might get disbanded in a short while, too.

Me thinks it's only because someone in London dictates the course of the action...... using the might Baht as an instrument. But of course, i do not have any evidence for that.

I just hope PAD can hold on long enough, DAAD and PPP keep their cool (after all there seem to be people in that party who slowly open their eyes) so that the whole situation can find a happy end, a compromise of sorts - something which everyone can accept and be happy with.

Question. Can a person who is NOT member of any political party become prime minister?

regards.....

Thanh

[ThNiner]

Question. Can a person who is NOT member of any political party become prime minister?

The current constitution states that only MPs can become a prime minister. As of present, all MPs belong to political parties, so the next PM will definitely have to be a member of a political party. Not sure if I've answered your question though.

[sriracha john]

The rioting gang leader speaks out...

Jatuporn alleges senior military officer lobbied coalition partners not to support Samak

People Power Party MP Jatuporn Promphan Friday alleged that a senior military officer had lobbied other coalition partners not to support the nomination of Samak Sundaravej as the next prime minister.

Jatuporn said he would confront the military officer later to ask him why had done so.

He said the PPP still wanted to nominate Samak as the next PM.

- The Nation