Police Fire Tear Gas At Protesters In Front Of Parliament

[paulfromphuket]

and all that has ______-all to do with thailand or the current situation here.

Agreed, who gives a rat's @rse about Austria or Germany / Nazi / Hitler - this is Thailand in 2008.

What we learn from history is we learn nothing from history.

fair post thannah

[Ricardo]

Thaksin's TV speech cancelled

The UDD has abruptly cancelled a plan to broadcast a speech by ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra live on television next Saturday. PPP MP Jatuporn Promphan did not explain the change in plan, saying only that the political talk show Kwam Jing Wan Nee (The Truth Today) would not on air on Saturday on state-owned NBT. Jatuporn, who co-hosts the program with Government Spokesman Nattawut Saikua and Veera Musikapong, said Thaksin's remarks to supporters will instead be posted on http://www.todayfact.com and will air on NBT after Saturday. The change comes amid growing criticism of Thaksin's decision to talk to his supporters from London. Critics believe it will lead to more political tension. The last UDD gathering, held while the mobile political talk show took place on stage, was on Oct 11 at the Thunder Dome in Muang Thong Thani. It was broadcast on the television station. That gathering drew about 10,000 Thaksin fans. Organisers expect many more people to attend on Saturday at the bigger venue, Rajamangala stadium. Thaksin was sentenced to two years in jail in absentia by the Supreme Court last Tuesday. He was convicted for abuse of power in the Ratchadaphisek land deal. UDD members were with former Deputy Police Chief Salang Bunnag last Wednesday when he announced his intention to surround Government House to force the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to give up its occupation of the venue. Police General Salang yesterday attended a merit-making ceremony with more than 200 pro-government demonstrators in Chiang Mai. He said his blockade plan was still alive and details would be finalised soon.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/261008_News/26Oct2008_news01.php

So Thaksin ("I'm out of Thai politics for good") promises, and then fails to deliver, yet again, but to his supporters only, not the whole country. Never mind, he probably never said, that he would make the speech, or it was an honest mistake, and he's a nice man really & much mis-understood, his brother-in-law the PM assures the country so it must be true.

Perhaps he might issue his speech on a VCD instead ? Would that sell, or would he have to give them away, with a small cash present inside ?

Interesting that, in the supposed strong-hold of Thaksin/TRT in Chiang Mai, only 200 turned up to Salang's bun-fight. Perhaps support for extremism is dwindling here, a good development, if it were so.

The only way to find out, would be a new election, but the man in Kensington will not permit that. Too democratic !

[animatic]

Or possibly someone got through to the governments little mind that

letting him do this on a government TV station

sanctions publicly his control of the government

even as he is banned, and CONVICTED for stiffing the country.

And as such would REALLY make things go bad for his plans of jiggering the constitution.

ie. it would blow up too fast to do the re-write in time.

I am actually surprised he never bought himself as TV station of his own...

Edited October 26, 2008 by animatic

[sabaijai]

I am actually surprised he never bought himself a TV station of his own...

He did.

The Nation

EDITORIAL: Shin Corp buys TV network

Published on Feb 4, 2004

When iTV, the so-called “independent” television station that was created in the aftermath of the 1992 bloody crackdown on the pro-democracy movement, was swallowed up by the Shin Corp empire in late 2000, nobody believed the irony could get much crueller. But it did. First reporters who wouldn’t compromise on their ethics were fired as iTV was transformed into a mouthpiece for Thaksin Shinawatra. Now the travesty is about to reach unbelievable proportions. If a ruling by a three-member arbitration committee stands, Shin Corp will get a massive financial reprieve of Bt17 billion after claiming that it received an “unfair” deal from the much-criticised takeover.

Let’s start with the “unfair” part. When Shin Corp first stepped in, just about everyone warned that the purchase of the TV station by a powerful politician would do injustice to the democratic principles that gave birth to iTV. The empire brushed aside those concerns, took one look at the concession details and grabbed the station with both hands. It knew how much it had to pay. And it knew how much other television stations were paying.

The truth is the whole country has not only got a very “unfair” deal from the takeover but is now set to lose Bt17 billion in uncollected state revenues to Thaksin’s flagship company. If the tycoon wins this one, he will be laughing all the way to the bank. You can almost hear what he must be thinking: I hijacked your “independent” TV station, trampled on its founding principles, turned it into my personal propaganda tool, won an election with it, made a few bucks in the stock market and now I’m going to charge you Bt17 billion for doing all this.

On the business aspect, Shin Corp could have made a wrong bet, but that should be it. The empire saw the whole picture when it pondered taking over the station, but went for it anyway. If it is entitled to complain about low incomes and high concession fees, does the state then not have the right to demand changes to cheap concession fees granted to Shin Corp for major telecom deals which are generating obscenely high incomes for the empire?

It would be interesting to see how the government would react if rival telecom firms sought arbitration rulings on lost income or opportunities resulting from last year’s excise tax scheme which most analysts believe was designed to help the major local telecom players. When executive decisions go their way, these players quietly enjoy enormous financial returns. When others seem to have more advantages, we see incredibly rich businessmen presenting themselves as the most pitiful victims.

When Thaksin and Co lose their business money, they know where to turn. The excise tax package has since been followed by handsome tax privileges granted by the Board of Investment to the empire’s satellite and low-cost airline projects. Thai people, on the other hand, are fast losing guiding values that can’t be measured by financial balance sheets, and they have nobody to turn to.

This television station was born out of something sacred. The spirit of democracy and yearning for freedom of information created iTV, which for a while dedicated itself to fighting for right and noble ideas. In an ideal world, anyone who wants to mess with this should be made to pay the price. Sadly, the tragic opposite is apparently happening in Thailand. The case is not just about simple conflict of interest; this is about the nation’s democratic soul being mocked and trampled on and no-one seems ready to do anything about it.

---------

update: ShinCorps/Temasak's iTV was dissolved in 2007 when the Administrative Court ruled that the concession agreement was in violation of the Joint Venture Act of 1992.

Many staff at iTV installed by 'Thaksin TV' were re-hired at today's NBT, which is owned and operated by the Public Relations Department under the Prime Minister's Office, hence basically a mouthpiece of the PPP.

[sriracha john]

Today, they are electing a replacement for the disgraced former Social Development and Human Security Minister and PPP MP Sutha Chansaeng who quit the Cabinet rather than face an investigation into his bogus Filipino college degree...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/findpost-p1988946.html&hl=

By-election in Bangkok's Constituency 11 begins

Voters in Bangkok's Constituency 11 went to polling stations Sunday morning to elect a new MP to replace Sutha Chansaeng, who has resigned as a People Power Party MP.

The polling stations were opened at 8 am and be closed at 3 pm.

Sutha resigned on health reasons. [inserted commentary deleted]

- The Nation / 2008-10-26

[h90]

Today, they are electing a replacement for the disgraced former Social Development and Human Security Minister and PPP MP Sutha Chansaeng who quit the Cabinet rather than face an investigation into his bogus Filipino college degree...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/findpost-p1988946.html&hl=

By-election in Bangkok's Constituency 11 begins

Voters in Bangkok's Constituency 11 went to polling stations Sunday morning to elect a new MP to replace Sutha Chansaeng, who has resigned as a People Power Party MP.

The polling stations were opened at 8 am and be closed at 3 pm.

Sutha resigned on health reasons. [inserted commentary deleted]

- The Nation / 2008-10-26

Will the result tell something of the peoples feeling or is that just a too local thing?

[paulfromphuket]

Surprising as its so hard to get a decent bacon sandwich here.

Just shows how unreported Thailands current wows are reported in the west as oposed to the asiaen comunity that are staying away in there droves.

when the exchange rates bite they will think again.

[animatic]

I am actually surprised he never bought himself a TV station of his own...

He did.

The Nation

EDITORIAL: Shin Corp buys TV network

Published on Feb 4, 2004

When iTV, the so-called “independent” television station that was created in the aftermath of the 1992 bloody crackdown on the pro-democracy movement, was swallowed up by the Shin Corp empire in late 2000, nobody believed the irony could get much crueller. But it did. First reporters who wouldn’t compromise on their ethics were fired as iTV was transformed into a mouthpiece for Thaksin Shinawatra. Now the travesty is about to reach unbelievable proportions. If a ruling by a three-member arbitration committee stands, Shin Corp will get a massive financial reprieve of Bt17 billion after claiming that it received an “unfair” deal from the much-criticised takeover.

Let’s start with the “unfair” part. When Shin Corp first stepped in, just about everyone warned that the purchase of the TV station by a powerful politician would do injustice to the democratic principles that gave birth to iTV. The empire brushed aside those concerns, took one look at the concession details and grabbed the station with both hands. It knew how much it had to pay. And it knew how much other television stations were paying.

The truth is the whole country has not only got a very “unfair” deal from the takeover but is now set to lose Bt17 billion in uncollected state revenues to Thaksin’s flagship company. If the tycoon wins this one, he will be laughing all the way to the bank. You can almost hear what he must be thinking: I hijacked your “independent” TV station, trampled on its founding principles, turned it into my personal propaganda tool, won an election with it, made a few bucks in the stock market and now I’m going to charge you Bt17 billion for doing all this.

On the business aspect, Shin Corp could have made a wrong bet, but that should be it. The empire saw the whole picture when it pondered taking over the station, but went for it anyway. If it is entitled to complain about low incomes and high concession fees, does the state then not have the right to demand changes to cheap concession fees granted to Shin Corp for major telecom deals which are generating obscenely high incomes for the empire?

It would be interesting to see how the government would react if rival telecom firms sought arbitration rulings on lost income or opportunities resulting from last year’s excise tax scheme which most analysts believe was designed to help the major local telecom players. When executive decisions go their way, these players quietly enjoy enormous financial returns. When others seem to have more advantages, we see incredibly rich businessmen presenting themselves as the most pitiful victims.

When Thaksin and Co lose their business money, they know where to turn. The excise tax package has since been followed by handsome tax privileges granted by the Board of Investment to the empire’s satellite and low-cost airline projects. Thai people, on the other hand, are fast losing guiding values that can’t be measured by financial balance sheets, and they have nobody to turn to.

This television station was born out of something sacred. The spirit of democracy and yearning for freedom of information created iTV, which for a while dedicated itself to fighting for right and noble ideas. In an ideal world, anyone who wants to mess with this should be made to pay the price. Sadly, the tragic opposite is apparently happening in Thailand. The case is not just about simple conflict of interest; this is about the nation’s democratic soul being mocked and trampled on and no-one seems ready to do anything about it.

---------

update: ShinCorps/Temasak's iTV was dissolved in 2007 when the Administrative Court ruled that the concession agreement was in violation of the Joint Venture Act of 1992.

Many staff at iTV installed by 'Thaksin TV' were re-hired at today's NBT, which is owned and operated by the Public Relations Department under the Prime Minister's Office, hence basically a mouthpiece of the PPP.

Ah Sabaijai, thank you.

My bad, out of sight out of mind.

I never got ITV so rarely though of it....

Yep, and quite clear he has his own editorial staph going where ever.

Is it any wonder people saw Samak getting paid by a TV production company

as conflict of intertest?

[sriracha john]

Somchai greeted with hand clappers twice in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai - Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat briefly encountered protesters waving the "hand clappers" while visiting this northern city Sunday although government supporters tried to prevent the protesters from spoiling the PM's visit.

Somchai was ambushed by the supporters of the People's Alliance for Democrat twice while riding a van to observe an international mathematics competition at the Chiang Mai Phukham Hotel.

When his van was passing the entrance of Chiang Mai University, five protesters turned up and waved their "hand clappers" and booed the prime minister.

Shortly after the first encounter, seven other protesters on the back of a pickup truck turned up. They booed the prime minister and waved their hand clappers before their pickup truck sped off quickly.

The first group of protesters also dispersed quickly to avoid confrontation with the government supporters who wore symbolic red shirts.

The government supporters scattered and waited for the prime minister nearly throughout his route to prevent the protesters from jeering him but the protesters managed to make use of the spots near the university.

- The Nation / 2008-10-26

[Slip]

How many coups will you need to understand that the military and Co is not the answer to the problem, but quite the contary actually.

Does anyone know this guy's original TV account?

What's your problem Slip ?

You want to ban me ?

no you are banned already...we just try to figure out which our former name, before you got banned, was.

I've been AFK today, but yes H90 that sums it up pretty well.

[sriracha john]

Today, they are electing a replacement for the disgraced former Social Development and Human Security Minister and PPP MP Sutha Chansaeng who quit the Cabinet rather than face an investigation into his bogus Filipino college degree...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/findpost-p1988946.html&hl=

By-election in Bangkok's Constituency 11 begins

Voters in Bangkok's Constituency 11 went to polling stations Sunday morning to elect a new MP to replace Sutha Chansaeng, who has resigned as a People Power Party MP.

The polling stations were opened at 8 am and be closed at 3 pm.

Sutha resigned on health reasons. [inserted commentary deleted]

- The Nation / 2008-10-26

Will the result tell something of the peoples feeling or is that just a too local thing?

scratch one People Power Party seat (with a bogus Filipino degree)....

Democrat wins Bangkok by-election: unofficial results

Democrat Party candidate Watchara Phethong Sunday won a Bangkok by-election according to unofficial results, the Bangkok election chief said.

Chainarong Thienmongkol, the Election Director of Bangkok, said only 99,123 of 338,433 or 29.29 per cent eligible voters in Bangkok's Constituency 11 exercised their voting right.

The unofficial results found that Watchara got 49,346 votes while People Power Party candidate Sawaeng Rirkcharal got 42,537 votes.

The election was held to fill a seat vacated by Sutha Chansaeng who resigned as People Power Party MP on health reasons.

The polling stations were opened at 8 am and closed at 3 pm.

Bangkok's Constituency 11 consists of Bang Khae, Phasi Charoen, and Nong Khaem districts.

- The Nation / 2008-10-27

[sriracha john]

ASEAN summit will move to Chiang Mai to avoid protests

PM gives no reason for change of venue

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit will be moved from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to avoid possible disruption by anti-government demonstrators. PM Somchai announced the change of venue during a visit to Chiang Mai yesterday. The meeting is scheduled for Dec 15-18. Somchai did not offer any reason for the relocation from Bangkok, although Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat said later in a television interview that the cool weather in Chiang Mai in December made it the perfect city to host the gathering of Southeast Asian leaders.

However, a Foreign Ministry source said the main reason for the change was the government's worry that the continuing protests led by the PAD could cause trouble for the event. About 20 ministry officials visited Chiang Mai on Thursday to assess whether it could handle the summit, which will bring together several hundred officials. Both Chiang Mai and Phuket were mentioned as alternatives to Bangkok, the source said. Chiang Mai, the home province of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, was chosen because it is a political stronghold of the PPP , while anti-government factions were active in Phuket, the source added.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/271008_News/27Oct2008_news06.php

Edited October 27, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

and here it comes...

PM to dissolve House after charter rectified

Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Somchai Wongsawat disclosed on Sunday (October 26) that the Government would amend Constitution’s article 291 so as to establish Constitutional Drafting Assembly 3 (CDA) to help resolving prevailing political conflicts.

The matter, he said, rested with coalition parties’ whips before being forwarded to the Parliament.

If amendment of Constitution was completed, he said that he was willing to dissolve lower House of Representatives for new elections.

- ThaiNews / 2008-10-27

[Samuian]

This television station was born out of something sacred. The spirit of democracy and yearning for freedom of information created iTV, which for a while dedicated itself to fighting for right and noble ideas. In an ideal world, anyone who wants to mess with this should be made to pay the price. Sadly, the tragic opposite is apparently happening in Thailand. The case is not just about simple conflict of interest; this is about the nation’s democratic soul being mocked and trampled on and no-one seems ready to do anything about it.

---------

It was the very start of "Takkynomics"

After being under this stations scrutiny for too long and not much he could do about it's critical voices, he simply bought it and sacked anyone who did blow the whistle.... Takky style!

What people trying to blame the PAD for, is his style of managing affairs all the time, the more is disclosed about the "Takky Affairs", the more I believe this man has/is a serious problem!

and here it comes...

PM to dissolve House after charter rectified

Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Somchai Wongsawat disclosed on Sunday (October 26) that the Government would amend Constitution’s article 291 so as to establish Constitutional Drafting Assembly 3 (CDA) to help resolving prevailing political conflicts.

The matter, he said, rested with coalition parties’ whips before being forwarded to the Parliament.

If amendment of Constitution was completed, he said that he was willing to dissolve lower House of Representatives for new elections.

- ThaiNews / 2008-10-27

That is what it/he is all about!

Amend the constitution to help resolving prevailing political conflicts.

is it fair to assume on the grounds that his master lies a lot, that he is tempted to do so too?

Edited October 27, 2008 by Samuian

[sriracha john]

ASEAN Summit moved to avoid protests

Bangkok - December's summit of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been moved from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to avoid ongoing anti-government protests in the capital, media and ministerial sources said on Monday.

Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat announced the shift over the weekend during a visit to Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-largest city, located 550km north of Bangkok, the Bangkok Post said.

The change in venue, however, has yet to be confirmed with Thailand's fellow ASEAN members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.

"It's 90% certain, but this will have to be ruled on soon," Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tharit Charungvat said.

Bangkok has been the scene of anti-government protests led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) since May, culminating in the seizure of Government House on August 26.

The PAD continued to occupy the seat of the administration, forcing Somchai's government to shift offices to Don Muaeng, Bangkok's old international airport.

There are fears that the PAD would disrupt the ASEAN summit if the December 15-18 meetings are held in Bangkok.

Chiang Mai is the hometown and a political power base for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was toppled by a military coup in September 2006.

Somchai, Thaksin's brother-in-law, also has a house in Chiang Mai.

The PAD is a loose coalition of conservative groups opposed to the return to power of Thaksin and his populist policies.

- DPA / 2008-10-27

[hammered]

and here it comes...

PM to dissolve House after charter rectified

Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Somchai Wongsawat disclosed on Sunday (October 26) that the Government would amend Constitution’s article 291 so as to establish Constitutional Drafting Assembly 3 (CDA) to help resolving prevailing political conflicts.

The matter, he said, rested with coalition parties’ whips before being forwarded to the Parliament.

If amendment of Constitution was completed, he said that he was willing to dissolve lower House of Representatives for new elections.

- ThaiNews / 2008-10-27

They were tasked with ammending the constitution and then calling elections when they were supported and funded into power, so no surprise. All that remains to be seen is will they be able to carry out the full ammendment which was to free the 111 and allow then to run in the next election.

Remember that Gen Sonthi wanted to amnesty the 111 the day after the court banned them and got a rather bad ride with the press, but it does show that the 111 who are mostly just old style greedy politicos are not necessarily seenm as all bad by the bureaucracy although cound have changed since I guess. The bureacracy just wanted to take Thaksin out of Thai politics and it must be moot whether a constitutional ammendment could free him from a court decision. Maybe it would need a court decison to decide this!

It is the PAD, rather than the bureaucracy, that has seemingly included the 111 on the no return list although if the PPP were to split they may change tact on this.

Anyway the crux of this is that it is in the open and that there may be some wriggle room. It is not like you can pass a secret constitution nobody knows about, which also opens up the coup time if it looks like an attempt to release Thaksin.

[h90]

and here it comes...

PM to dissolve House after charter rectified

Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Somchai Wongsawat disclosed on Sunday (October 26) that the Government would amend Constitution’s article 291 so as to establish Constitutional Drafting Assembly 3 (CDA) to help resolving prevailing political conflicts.

The matter, he said, rested with coalition parties’ whips before being forwarded to the Parliament.

If amendment of Constitution was completed, he said that he was willing to dissolve lower House of Representatives for new elections.

- ThaiNews / 2008-10-27

They were tasked with ammending the constitution and then calling elections when they were supported and funded into power, so no surprise. All that remains to be seen is will they be able to carry out the full ammendment which was to free the 111 and allow then to run in the next election.

Remember that Gen Sonthi wanted to amnesty the 111 the day after the court banned them and got a rather bad ride with the press, but it does show that the 111 who are mostly just old style greedy politicos are not necessarily seenm as all bad by the bureaucracy although cound have changed since I guess. The bureacracy just wanted to take Thaksin out of Thai politics and it must be moot whether a constitutional ammendment could free him from a court decision. Maybe it would need a court decison to decide this!

It is the PAD, rather than the bureaucracy, that has seemingly included the 111 on the no return list although if the PPP were to split they may change tact on this.

Anyway the crux of this is that it is in the open and that there may be some wriggle room. It is not like you can pass a secret constitution nobody knows about, which also opens up the coup time if it looks like an attempt to release Thaksin.

Of course you can safe Thakky with the constitution. You put this anti-corruption commission from the junta as illegal and so all court decisions based on their work as well.

Very dirty but would work.

[sriracha john]

He's a very quick understudy... learning rapidly from Thaksin on how to turn everything he touches into <deleted>....

On Sunday...

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat leads the opening ceremony of the 600 Million Baht aquarium in the Chiang Mai zoo on Sunday.

The Nation

On Monday...

Photographers on Monday take photos of a tank of Aquarium of Chiang Mai whose water filters became dysfunctional in the second day after it was officially opened.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

Salang revives threat to retake Government House

Police General Salang Bunnag Saturday revived his threat to "retake" Government House from the anti-government protesters, saying that his planned operation would begin after a religious ceremony to be held nearby on Wednesday.

Salang, a former deputy police chief, said he would lead more than 1,000 inactive or retired policemen to retake the compound and return it to the Thai people. He said a religious ceremony would be held on October 22 at the Royal Plaza where more than 10,000 Buddhist monks would say a mass prayer to bless the country and "mend torn Thai society".

Protesters affiliated with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have occupied Government House for more than two months.

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

This should be interesting. I'm sure he'll make the police department really look outstanding. Who'll give the order this time?

Yes one group prays to mend society as a whole,

and then Bunnag wants to immediately lead his group to create violence and chaos,

in the like cause of saving police face most likely. Certainly NOT for national unity.

This is not the product of a clear mind.

This photo inadequately captures, the open sobbing, pleading, ranting, hate-spewing nature of his press conference...(whilst sitting next to a monk... )

Police General Salang Bunnag, a former Deputy Police Chief, weeps during a press conference yesterday. He vowed to “retake” Government House from the anti-government protesters on Wednesday.

The Nation

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

probably the family members of the people he murdered earlier, wept as well...

The Nation / 06-24-1998

Police Director-General Pol Gen Pracha Promnok Tuesday played down speculation that his Deputy, Salang Bunnag, would be suspended from duty due to the summary executions of six drug suspects in 1996. He said the case had not gone so far as to warrant Salang's suspension from duty. Pracha said he would not suspend Salang from duty as speculated and the Interior Minister had not instructed him to act against Salang. Salang was in charge of a police operation when six drug suspects were

shot dead in Suphanburi.

Well it was a relief not to wake up to bad news this morning.

Has that loony Salang been saying anything else yet?

yes he has... apparently he doesn't think it's necessary to seek permission or follow protocol...

Palace denies installation of 80-kg royal coin

The Royal Household Bureau has denied permission for the installation of an 80-kilogram Benja Mahamongkol commemorative coin in Chiang Mai's Chalermprakiet Ratchapruek Park, a senior official said yesterday.

Following a ceremony on Saturday led by former Deputy Police Chief Salang Bunnag and some 200 members of the Rak Chiang Mai 51 Group, Park Director Maitree Yaowarat said yesterday that he was given an advisory from the Agriculture Department on Friday, which said the installation was pending royal permission.

"Today, I got a phone call from the Agriculture Department Secretariat that the Royal Household Bureau had issued a letter that said the coin could not be installed," he said.

Since he had not seen the letter when Salang and his group insisted on re-installing the coin, Maitree said he could only say the installation of the coin had not been given the royal okay.

"Since Salang signed a letter saying that he would be responsible for the re-installation and because I feared a showdown, I allowed the re-installation, but signed a document with the police detailing our disagreement," he said.

During the ceremony, Salang said the coin, constructed by the Agriculture Ministry with Salang as a co-sponsor, had been first installed at the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Expo in 2006. However, the coin was later taken down and as co-sponsor of the coin, Salang wanted it re-installed.

An informed source said the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary had protested against the coin being installed on grounds that it had not obtained royal permission and that a royal family member had found the coin improper. The coin was put into storage since January 2007, the source said.

- The Nation / 2008-10-28

[sriracha john]

current First Lady and TRT Banned #13 Yaowapa Wongsawat nee Shinawatra, TRT Banned #6 Newin Chidchob, TRT Banned #1 Thaksin Shinawatra

Newin will not rally for government

Newin Chidchob will not join the pro-government rally on Saturday despite being personally asked to do so by Yaowapa Wongsawat, who is the prime minister's wife and also sister of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Newin turned down the request saying he would be overseas, a source said.

However, sources close to the veteran politician said Newin was angry about the "Non-Newin" group, and said he wanted to leave the matter up to the backers of Yaowapa, PPP Banned #1 Yongyuth Tiyapairat, TRT Banned #3 Sudarat Keyuraphan and the Isaan Pattana supporters of Justice Minister Somsak Kiartsuranont.

"They were involved with that [rally] since the very beginning, so let them finish it. I will stay still and not do anything. They did a lot of bad things to us in the past," Newin was quoted as saying.

The source said Newin had also ordered his supporters to stay away from the rally.

- The Nation / 2008-10-28

[sriracha john]

NHRC says PM, Cabinet must take rap for Oct 7 clashes

PM Somchai Wongsawat and his Cabinet ministers must be held responsible for the Oct 7 clashes between police and anti-government demonstrators, a preliminary report by the National Human Rights Commission says. The Commission has not wrapped up its findings as it was waiting for responses from Somchai and from police and other agencies involved in the crackdown, said Surasee Kosolnawin, who chairs the sub-committee looking into human rights violations during the Oct 7 clashes. He said PM's Secretary-General Choosak Sirinil had notified the panel that Somchai would give a written statement.

But a source at the commission said the eight-page preliminary report showed that Somchai, who was involved with giving the order to crack down on demonstrators led by the PAD, Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who was then Deputy PM in charge of security, and all ministers who attended a Cabinet meeting before the police action was launched, must be held accountable for the clashes. The police clash with demonstrators trying to prevent the government from making its policy address in parliament left two people dead and about 400 injured. Chavalit resigned that day citing responsibility for the bloodshed. Most of the injured who testified before the sub-panel said some police officers fired tear gas canisters directly into the crowd. Evidence, including footage and still images, apparently backed up witnesses' accounts that tear gas canisters were fired directly at demonstrators. The panel took into consideration forensic findings which found that two types of tear gas canisters used in the operation contained explosives that could cause death and injury, it said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/281008_News/28Oct2008_news07.php

[sriracha john]

Mother sues Deputy Police Spokesman for saying daughter killed by bomb

The mother of Angkhana Radubpanyawoot Tuesday filed a defamation suit against a Deputy Police Spokesman for saying that she carried a bomb that killed her on October 7.

Witchuda Radubpanyawoot had her lawyer file a defamation suit against Police Major-General Surapon Thuanthong at the Criminal Court.

The court will make a decision on December 29 whether to proceed with the case.

The suit argued that an autopsy showed that Angkhana was not carrying a bomb, but was killed by a burning object which exploded near her body.

It said Surapon made the defamation statement on October 8.

- The Nation / 2008-10-28

[sriracha john]

Parliamentary meeting turns abusive

The parliamentary meeting to discuss the Thai-Cambodian border dispute on Tuesday went unruly after a group of MPs and Senators engaged in a verbal brawl. The meeting started with the proposal to set up a committee to investigate Bangkok Senator Rosana Tositrakul after she breached the parliamentary regulations by bringing her non-MP husband Santisuk Sophonsiri into the chamber on October 7. Later, appointed Senator Varin Thiemjaras and Bangkok Senator Rosana told House Speaker Chai Chidchob that they heard People Power Party (PPP) MP Karun Hosakul said he wanted to kick a Senator. Consequently, a number of MPs and Senators joined the fiery exchange before Karun later admitted he only complained to himself: “This type of Senator should get kicked.” The House Speaker then scolded the PPP MP and warned him to control his temper before the

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=131683

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

Karun is the infamous kung <deleted> master detailed here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/findpost-p1981462.html&hl=

but at the time, the House Speaker didn't "scold" him for brawling... he took him under his protective wing...

House Speaker Chai Chidchob (right) with his arm draped around designated Parliamentary kung-<deleted> master, PPP MP Karun Hosakul (left)

Edited October 28, 2008 by sriracha john

[h90]

Some english webpages I got told:

www.antithaksin.com

www.antithaksin.wordpress.com

http://pad.vfly.net

www.thaksin.us

http://wanted-thaksin-and-wife.blogspot.com

[sriracha john]

INITIAL OCT 7 FINDINGS

PM, Chavalit 'responsible'

Initial findings by a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) panel have pointed the finger at Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and Chavalit Yongchaiyudh over the huge casualties on October 7, an informed source said yesterday.

The source said that, based on senior officials' statements, the panel headed by Surasee Kosolnawin, had concluded that Somchai and Chavalit should be held responsible.

Chavalit served as a Deputy Prime Minister in the Somchai-led government until October 7, which saw bloody clashes between police and People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrators.

Soon after police hurled tear gas into PAD crowds in front of the Parliament House on the morning of October 7, hundreds of PAD demonstrators were hospitalised. Many lost limbs.

The shocking dispersal led to more confrontations between PAD supporters and police later in the day. In the end, the incidents claimed two lives and injured more than 400 victims. Police officers were among the injured.

Surasee reported his panel's findings to the NHRC yesterday, concluding that the huge casualties were a result of police use of tear gas.

He said Somchai and Chavalit must therefore take the blame for ordering the dispersal of the PAD crowds.

The NHRC yesterday decided not to conclude its investigation into the October 7 based on these initial findings.

"The NHRC has not yet issued a conclusion on the case," its Chairman Saneh Chamarik said. "We only have initial findings and are in the process of gathering more information."

Saneh said the commission would wait to hear from Somchai and National Police commissioner General Patcharawat Wongsuwan first.

Surasee's panel is gathering additional information.

According to Surasee, Somchai has asked to submit a written statement instead of coming in to give information in person. "We will be looking forward to his statement," he said. Another source, meanwhile, said Chavalit had agreed to come before the NHRC.

In a related development, the PAD yesterday lodged an official complaint against Deputy Police Spokesman Major-General Surapon Tuantong for defaming Angkhana Radabpanyawoot, who died during the October 7 clashes. PAD lawyer Suwat Apaipak filed the complaint on behalf of Angkhana's mother, who was also injured in the incident.

Soon after Angkhana died, Surapon held press conferences suggesting that the victim had succumbed to injuries caused by a bomb she was carrying. He was quoted in the press as saying, "The wound on her body was too severe to have been inflicted by any weapon the police were using."

However, evidence later showed that Angkhana had died of the Chinese-made tear gas used by the police.

Suwat said Surapon's statement could have led people to believe that Angkhana was a troublemaker who was carrying a weapon in public places. "His words are tantamount to abuse of authority, because he was speaking to the media in the capacity of Deputy Police Spokesman," an affidavit from the lawyer said.

The Criminal Court will hear the case on December 29.

- The Nation / 2008-10-29

[sriracha john]

House Speaker Chai Chidchob (right) with his arm draped around designated Parliamentary kung-<deleted> master, PPP MP Karun Hosakul (left). April 2008.

Karun accused of threatening to kick outspoken Senator Rosana

Ruling People Power Party MP Karun Hosakul was accused yesterday of threatening to kick outspoken Bangkok Senator Rosana Tositrakul following her verbal spat with another government MP during a parliamentary meeting.

Prior to the start of a closed-door meeting on a Thai-Cambodian agreement on border-dispute talks, People Power Party (PPP) MP Surapong Tovichakchaikul had called for tougher security measures at the Parliament building to prevent non-parliamentarians from entering the meeting chamber.

He blamed lax security for the presence of an outsider in the meeting chamber on October 7.

Senator Rosana responded that it was her husband who Surapong described as an "outsider" inside the meeting chamber. She explained that her husband entered the room after several government MPs began surrounding her.

But she was booed by MPs from the ruling PPP.

Parliament President Chai Chidchob, who chaired the joint meeting of the two Houses, told the gathering he had assigned the parliamentary-affairs committee to investigate the incident.

Senator Warin Thiemcharas said he had overheard someone saying he would kick Rosana. Rosana and fellow Senator Somchai Sawaengkan rose to identify the person as Karun.

Karun, an MP for Bangkok's Don Muang constituency, made headlines in April when he reportedly kicked outspoken MP Somkiat Pongpaiboon of the opposition Democrat Party during a break in a parliamentary meeting.

Karun's fellow PPP MP, Adul Wanchaithanawong, explained that Karun was merely complaining over Rosana's allegation against government MPs. "Nobody dares to kick anyone during parliamentary meeting," he said. *except for designated Parliamentary kung <deleted> master Karun*

Chai, as the meeting chair, asked the participants to end their debate on the matter and warned Karun "not to be so hot-tempered or you won't be allowed at the meeting."

Karun said he had the right to speak, so he merely expressed himself to his colleagues.

- The Nation / 2008-10-29

[sriracha john]

Meanwhile in other news from this completely disjointed, incompetent, contradictory, dysfunctional coalition government....

from yesterday...

Prasong resigns as Deputy Interior Minister

Puea Pandin Party member Prasong Kositanont on Tuesday resigned as Deputy Interior Minister. He told Prime Minister Minister Somchai Wongsawat he has health problems. Prasong’s resignation was effective immediately. Puea Pandin Party Spokesman Chaiyos Chiramethakorn said Prasong would like a person with sufficient knowledge and capability to replace him. Puea Pandin Party was likely to propose Chaiyos as the new

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=131684

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

and then today...

Prasong denies he will resign as Deputy Interior Minister

Deputy Interior Minister Prasong Kositanon yesterday rejected as "groundless" reports from his own party colleagues that he had resigned for health reasons.

Prasong denied having health problems or entertaining thoughts of stepping down anytime soon.

Earlier in the day, MP Chaiyos Jiramethakorn, Prasong's colleague from the coalition Puea Pandin Party, told a press conference at Parliament that Prasong had resigned as Deputy Interior Minister, due to health problems.

Chaiyos even produced a handwritten resignation letter with Prasong's signature.

Prasong admitted writing the letter but explained it was written before he had assumed the Cabinet post as required by his political party.

Asked about Chaiyos's motive for calling a press conference to announce his resignation, Prasong said Chaiyos might be keen on replacing him.

But he said he had discussed the matter with "party elders" and learned they did not support any such ambition on the part of Chaiyos. "The elders must clear up any misunderstanding," he said. "Give me a few days and I'll be able to clarify this."

At yesterday's press briefing, Chaiyos said he had also wanted to give younger people from the party an opportunity to work in the Cabinet. He also said Prasong wanted to focus more on his family business, which had been affected by the global economic downturn.

Alongkot Maneekat, a Puea Pandin Party MP from Nakhon Phanom, told reporters the party leader and other executives had decided to nominate Chaiyos as Prasong's successor. Alongkot said that as someone with a background in medicine, he was aware that Prasong was "ill with many health problems."

Puea Pandin Party Deputy Leader Pan Puengsujarit said the matter was not discussed at a party meeting yesterday morning.

A party source said a faction led by Pinij Charusombat (of the seemingly ever-present Banned TRT contingent... he's TRT Banned #11) wanted to pressure Prasong to step down and as Deputy Interior Minister in favour of Chaiyos.

- The Nation / 2008-10-29

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

Deputy Interior Minister Prasong Kositanon

Puea Pandin Party Spokesman Chaiyos Chiramethakorn

TRT Banned #11 Pinij Charusombat

[sriracha john]

Faction plays dirty to force out minister

A major faction in the Puea Pandin Party yesterday tried to remove Deputy Interior Minister Prasong Kosittanond from his portfolio and give it to one of its own members. Puea Pandin Party Spokesman Chaiyos Jiramethakorn and members of the party's Wang Phya Nak faction held a press conference to announce Prasong's resignation from the Cabinet. Chaiyos claimed the Deputy Interior Minister had handed his resignation to the party. His resignation took effect yesterday, the Udon Thani MP added. He quoted Prasong as saying he had a health problem and this affected his work at the Interior Ministry. Puea Pandin Party Deputy Spokesman Alongkorn Maneekas said Chaiyos would take over the Deputy Interior portfolio. His nomination had been submitted to Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. Alongkorn said he was a doctor and confirmed that Prasong was in poor health. There had been no pressure from his faction to force Prasong to resign, the Nakhon Phanom MP said. But Prasong denied he had quit the cabinet, saying he was confused by reports of his resignation and insisted he had no health problems and that he jogged and exercised every day. He also denied tendering the letter of resignation which Chaiyos showed to the press. A party source said there were moves inside the party to put pressure on Prasong to resign. Prasong was appointed under the Peua Pandin Party quota, but is not an elected

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/291008_News/29Oct2008_news06.php

[hammered]

It is depressing that at a time of huge national division that the parliamentarians continue to plat their ridiculous gamers and think only of themselves. If that lot cant sort things out then there is little hope for the people they basically control (yes it is not the other way round in Thailand). It is little surprise that politicians as a group are held in such low esteem in this country.

Good Good the only one who looks like he is being sensible is Newin although the reasons seem to be as selfish as ever.

[sriracha john]

Deputy Interior Minister insists he'll stay on

Deputy Minister of Interior Prasong Kositanondh insisted he did not tender a resignation letter, while Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said that he received a letter from Prasong stating his decision not to resign from the post.

Prasong, a minister under Peu Pandin Party's quota, said on Tuesday that he did not tender a resignation letter, adding it would be inappropriate for him to call it quits from the post as he just assumed the office for less than a month.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Somchai said that he received a clarification letter from Prasong on Tuesday, insisting the Deputy Minister of Interior would still stay on.

Spokesman of the Prime Minister's Office Nuttawut Saikua disclosed on Tuesday that he had called Prasong to query him about reports on his resignation. Prasong denied the reports as groundless, he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Spokeswoman of the PM's Office Weerinthira Nathongborjarus stated that the Cabinet on Tuesday approved the appointment of a number of personnel to political positions.

Chalermchai Mahakitsiri was appointed Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister tasked with political issues. Wan Yoobamrung, Public Health Minister Police Captain Chalerm's son, was appointed as another Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister tasked with political issues, replacing Nutthapol Kiatwinaisakul who was transferred to take Deputy Secretary-General of Public Health Minister's position.

Another Deputy Spokeswoman of the PM's Office Suparat Nakboonnam stated that the National Statistical Office (NSO) had surveyed people's opinions aged over 18 years about the government’s six economic stimulus measures implemented earlier. The survey took place on September 1-12 with 5,800 samplings. The results showed 96.2 percent of the surveyed people were pleased with the measures. 90 percent of them wanted the measures to be expanded.

- ThaiNews / 2008-10-29

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

See also the Mr. Happy Toilet thread for more on Wan Yoobamrung's new promotion:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Happy-Toilet-t178584.html

Additionally, despite having three different Government Spokesmen/Spokeswomen quoted in the article, they all failed to mention that part of the reason for all these new Deputy Secretary-Generals being appointed is that one of them, Chonsawat Asavahame, was convicted yesterday of assaulting a police officer, detailed in this thread:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Mayor-Charge...li-t121774.html

Mayor Charged After 'Drunken Fight With Police', Samut Prakan mayor busted

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

additionally, of note, is:

Deputy Spokeswoman of the PM's Office Weerinthira Nathongborjarus

Edited October 29, 2008 by sriracha john