State Of Emergency Declared

[Koo82]

this really is extracting the urine out of Thailand and it,s genuine caring citizens

You should have written in full that "and its genuine caring citizens who are against Khun Thaksin."

[pkrv]

Perhaps this may help - here is the timetable for trains from Bangkok to Butterworth

time_table.pdf

[blaze]

The Constitution Court Friday ordered the People Power Party, Chart Thai Party and Matchima Tipataya Party

to deliver their closing statement in the party-dissolution case against them on December 2. (the Nation, just now)

- I'm NOT in favour of coups, 'new politics', airport occupations, nor lynch-mobs.

However, this DOESN'T have to end in blood OR a coup OR a lynching (if some were permitted).

All because the protesters are reprehensibly entrenched and the Govt refuses to call elections, or the PM to simply resign...

The Govt WON'T simply call elections to avoid bloodshed and to avoid a potentially larger civil conflict, WHY?

because the democratically elected Govt MUST remove vote-fraud rules from the constitution FIRST to survive...

(only in a Thai 'democracy' could this be permissible) Last house session to do so? Dec 9 (at Somchai's house). Dissolution verdict? Possibly Dec 15 = tic-toc...

What a sad lynch-mob mentality (by some)... in effect cyber-shouting "jump! jump! (shoot-shoot) !!!!"

(with saliva spilling over keyboards in anticipation...) Geezuz...

Elections are the easiest way out of the immediate impasse, if not, a violent dispersal will bring a coup and a prolonged conflict emerges

... this time with the reds and their sponsor Thaksin which will make this conflict look like Disneyland (remember new years 06 for starters) ...

The airports MUST be re-opened ASAP as many people desperately do NEED to get in/out for medical or business reasons,

and a whole host of other essential travel reasons, not to mention the obvious exponential mounting costs to tourism

and every other sector of the economy from freight to pubs/hotels and on and on and on. HowTo without creating a larger conflict?

Simple, call an election. Then let the courts deal with the ensuing fall-out on both sides. Meanwhile, we can all get back to work, or holiday.

EDIT/to add: Last house session to do so? Dec 9 (at Somchai's house). Dissolution verdict? Possibly Dec 15 = tic-toc...

Have the PAD said that they would call off their 'demonstrations' if new elections are held?

That would be a bit surprising given that the PAD has openly displayed their contempt for the electoral process.

While 'new politics' is not getting much attention these days, a protester interviewed last week- not a leader of the PAD- just a guy in its ranks- emphatically stated that there would be no withdrawl from Govt House until New Politics is initiated- he didn't elaborate- but he certainly gave the impression that he was speaking the party line-

I expect that the PAD is fully aware that new elections will very possibly see a return to the current situation- albeit with a few different faces.

Also, it might be hard to explain to the red shirts why the PAD was able to extort the dissolution of the government that they elected and supported- with no mandate beyond their mob actions.

It sets, I think, a very dangerous precedent- as if there aren't enough antidemocratic precedents in this country.

Blaze in likelihood we will see the PPP disolved this coming week which will create a constitutional crisis as outlined by Crispin previously. The timing seems "right" for this to happen. The question is what comes after this. I dont expect the PAD to get what they want. In fact I expect the PAD to be well and truly sacriifced now they have "shown their true colours" and can longe rbe lnked to the good people of the bureacracy. The bigger question on what comes after is: is there a faction or lump of the PPP which will go along with things. A national unity government is the most likely scenario and imposed one at that. If it includes some PPP it might not be too bad in terms of disunity. If it doesnt things will be rocky.

I also doubt we will see mass civil uprisings in PPP areas but the red side will certainly not take their "defeat" lying down.

If things come to conclusion this coming week, it could be a rocky road indeed but depending on what comes after it need not be as bad in terms of violence as expected. Of course unless some democratic realignment occurs like 30-40 PPP disolved join the Dems and others in a new coalition we will see a forced reduction in democracy. What comes after next week will probably be more critical than what happens today or tomorrow assuming a disolution is now imminent, and of course the court could decide the other way.

Oh I think that PPP people can be found who will bite the bullet and play ball with an appointed interim gov't. But I also think that feelings in the ardent pro Thaksin camp will be inflamed- they will interpret this as a denial of their electoral choice- a denial fostered by the courts- which they already are suspicious of.

They are, no doubt, more politically aware- propagandized if you like- than they were three years ago- They can connect the dots - or at least the ones I have talked to can. This will be tanatmount to a coup- a coup by the courts- and they have already said they will not allow that. But I may be over estimating their committment.

I also wonder how the PAD leadership will react to finding the polical situation not a whole lot different than it was immediately after the coup- they will be full of their own power- two coups- one by the military- one by the courts (or so they might interpret it given the timing) in three years- and they might very well say- why stop now? New Politics or Bust!

I bet th epopulist polices that pour out of an appou inted government will defy all logic of a weakening economy too. To date next years budget has not really even been agreed too. I wondr if all the court challenges will wilt.

Excellent prediction hammered- I share it. Buy off EVERYBODY- make EVERYBODY happy. Hilarious- but spot on...

[pkrv]

Here is the railway timetable from bangkok to Butterworth - May be of use!

http://www.railway.co.th/english/images/N_S.pdf

I have used this it works (sort of)

Edit - sorry for the repeat I got a very strange 'flood control' message when I posted the timetable, so reposted.

[permanent_disorder]

<snip>

Whatever, the amount of misunderstanding and confusion about Thai politics by the average Joe Farang posting on TV (many for the first time) in the last few days is perhaps understandable, given the poor foreign news coverage to date. However, the ones calling for a violent response to the peaceful civil disobedience by the core PAD supporters is deplorable, as much as it will not solve anything under the present situation in Thailand.

I agree that talk of 'cracking their heads' is deplorable, but I disagree with your notion that the PAD has only exercised 'peaceful civil disobedience'. IMO they've gone well past that. The Asian Human Rights Commission would seem to agree. Link.

Extract:

Alliance members have since August gone from merely occupying spaces like roads and parks to occupying public buildings, in particular, the Government House. Organised armed "guards" have defended their positions both from opponents and from state security personnel. They have also illegally obtained and openly carried an array of manufactured and homemade weapons, including guns from caches that had reportedly been kept in the government premises. They have illegally detained other citizens. They have vandalised, destroyed and stolen public and private property. In the last day or two it has been reported that in addition to occupying the Suvarnabumi airport they have seized busses, and have refused to allow police into the airport to investigate explosions there during the night. They are now reportedly preparing for the latest phase in the "final battle", which is supposedly being instigated under codenames like Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the cities on which the United States military dropped nuclear bombs at the close of World War Two.

The alliance has exhibited a number of features that from past lessons of Thailand and other countries around the world pose grave dangers to the future of the country's imperilled democracy. Of these, the following can be said.

1. They spring from a far-right ideology that has for decades driven successive military-bureaucratic administrations in Thailand, which dramatic changes to political and social life of the last two decades have increasingly threatened.

2. Their coordinated attacks and actions on the pretext of self-defence and national interest are designed to cause a widespread feeling of insecurity and uncertainty and allow reactionary elite forces to push Thailand back to a 1980s model of "half-sail" semi-elected government.

3. The alliance leaders have occupied the public space and forced people throughout Thailand to either take sides for or against them, or to opt out completely, thus alienating millions of people and denying them the opportunity to have a say on the key political and social questions of their time.

that is pretty heavy .

http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile....tatements/1779/

there are also continuous cases of child abuse, i would like to add.

they should that hand out in saunas and beer bars so that the PAD lovers can open their eyes.

but i guess that is to long too read for them.

that report should get an own thread.

[blaze]

The Constitution Court Friday ordered the People Power Party, Chart Thai Party and Matchima Tipataya Party

to deliver their closing statement in the party-dissolution case against them on December 2. (the Nation, just now)

- I'm NOT in favour of coups, 'new politics', airport occupations, nor lynch-mobs.

However, this DOESN'T have to end in blood OR a coup OR a lynching (if some were permitted).

All because the protesters are reprehensibly entrenched and the Govt refuses to call elections, or the PM to simply resign...

The Govt WON'T simply call elections to avoid bloodshed and to avoid a potentially larger civil conflict, WHY?

because the democratically elected Govt MUST remove vote-fraud rules from the constitution FIRST to survive...

(only in a Thai 'democracy' could this be permissible) Last house session to do so? Dec 9 (at Somchai's house). Dissolution verdict? Possibly Dec 15 = tic-toc...

What a sad lynch-mob mentality (by some)... in effect cyber-shouting "jump! jump! (shoot-shoot) !!!!"

(with saliva spilling over keyboards in anticipation...) Geezuz...

Elections are the easiest way out of the immediate impasse, if not, a violent dispersal will bring a coup and a prolonged conflict emerges

... this time with the reds and their sponsor Thaksin which will make this conflict look like Disneyland (remember new years 06 for starters) ...

The airports MUST be re-opened ASAP as many people desperately do NEED to get in/out for medical or business reasons,

and a whole host of other essential travel reasons, not to mention the obvious exponential mounting costs to tourism

and every other sector of the economy from freight to pubs/hotels and on and on and on. HowTo without creating a larger conflict?

Simple, call an election. Then let the courts deal with the ensuing fall-out on both sides. Meanwhile, we can all get back to work, or holiday.

EDIT/to add: Last house session to do so? Dec 9 (at Somchai's house). Dissolution verdict? Possibly Dec 15 = tic-toc...

Have the PAD said that they would call off their 'demonstrations' if new elections are held?

That would be a bit surprising given that the PAD has openly displayed their contempt for the electoral process.

While 'new politics' is not getting much attention these days, a protester interviewed last week- not a leader of the PAD- just a guy in its ranks- emphatically stated that there would be no withdrawl from Govt House until New Politics is initiated- he didn't elaborate- but he certainly gave the impression that he was speaking the party line-

I expect that the PAD is fully aware that new elections will very possibly see a return to the current situation- albeit with a few different faces.

Also, it might be hard to explain to the red shirts why the PAD was able to extort the dissolution of the government that they elected and supported- with no mandate beyond their mob actions.

It sets, I think, a very dangerous precedent- as if there aren't enough antidemocratic precedents in this country.

Blaze in likelihood we will see the PPP disolved this coming week which will create a constitutional crisis as outlined by Crispin previously. The timing seems "right" for this to happen. The question is what comes after this. I dont expect the PAD to get what they want. In fact I expect the PAD to be well and truly sacriifced now they have "shown their true colours" and can longe rbe lnked to the good people of the bureacracy. The bigger question on what comes after is: is there a faction or lump of the PPP which will go along with things. A national unity government is the most likely scenario and imposed one at that. If it includes some PPP it might not be too bad in terms of disunity. If it doesnt things will be rocky.

I also doubt we will see mass civil uprisings in PPP areas but the red side will certainly not take their "defeat" lying down.

If things come to conclusion this coming week, it could be a rocky road indeed but depending on what comes after it need not be as bad in terms of violence as expected. Of course unless some democratic realignment occurs like 30-40 PPP disolved join the Dems and others in a new coalition we will see a forced reduction in democracy. What comes after next week will probably be more critical than what happens today or tomorrow assuming a disolution is now imminent, and of course the court could decide the other way.

Oh I think that PPP people can be found who will bite the bullet and play ball with an appointed interim gov't. But I also think that feelings in the ardent pro Thaksin camp will be inflamed- they will interpret this as a denial of their electoral choice- a denial fostered by the courts- which they already are suspicious of.

They are, no doubt, more politically aware- propagandized if you like- than they were three years ago- They can connect the dots - or at least the ones I have talked to can. This will be tanatmount to a coup- a coup by the courts- and they have already said they will not allow that. But I may be over estimating their committment.

I also wonder how the PAD leadership will react to finding the polical situation not a whole lot different than it was immediately after the coup- they will be full of their own power- two coups- one by the military- one by the courts (or so they might interpret it given the timing) in three years- and they might very well say- why stop now? New Politics or Bust!

I bet th epopulist polices that pour out of an appou inted government will defy all logic of a weakening economy too. To date next years budget has not really even been agreed too. I wondr if all the court challenges will wilt.

Excellent prediction hammered- I share it. Buy off EVERYBODY- make EVERYBODY happy. Hilarious- but spot on...

Also Hammered- referring to the sacrifice of the PAD leadership- a guy whose name you know but I forget- interviewed frequently on BBC or CNN- made an odd statement- he said that the very most powerful backers of the PAD stand to lose big time- at first I didn't catch his (carefully camouledged) drift- but now- Yes- I see - and he's right- those backers might have decided that Sondhi and Chamlong are loose canons- and have now placed THEM in a compromising position. A situation that under NO circumstances can be allowedl. Bye Bye Sondhi.

[hammered]

The Constitution Court Friday ordered the People Power Party, Chart Thai Party and Matchima Tipataya Party

to deliver their closing statement in the party-dissolution case against them on December 2. (the Nation, just now)

- I'm NOT in favour of coups, 'new politics', airport occupations, nor lynch-mobs.

However, this DOESN'T have to end in blood OR a coup OR a lynching (if some were permitted).

All because the protesters are reprehensibly entrenched and the Govt refuses to call elections, or the PM to simply resign...

The Govt WON'T simply call elections to avoid bloodshed and to avoid a potentially larger civil conflict, WHY?

because the democratically elected Govt MUST remove vote-fraud rules from the constitution FIRST to survive...

(only in a Thai 'democracy' could this be permissible) Last house session to do so? Dec 9 (at Somchai's house). Dissolution verdict? Possibly Dec 15 = tic-toc...

What a sad lynch-mob mentality (by some)... in effect cyber-shouting "jump! jump! (shoot-shoot) !!!!"

(with saliva spilling over keyboards in anticipation...) Geezuz...

Elections are the easiest way out of the immediate impasse, if not, a violent dispersal will bring a coup and a prolonged conflict emerges

... this time with the reds and their sponsor Thaksin which will make this conflict look like Disneyland (remember new years 06 for starters) ...

The airports MUST be re-opened ASAP as many people desperately do NEED to get in/out for medical or business reasons,

and a whole host of other essential travel reasons, not to mention the obvious exponential mounting costs to tourism

and every other sector of the economy from freight to pubs/hotels and on and on and on. HowTo without creating a larger conflict?

Simple, call an election. Then let the courts deal with the ensuing fall-out on both sides. Meanwhile, we can all get back to work, or holiday.

EDIT/to add: Last house session to do so? Dec 9 (at Somchai's house). Dissolution verdict? Possibly Dec 15 = tic-toc...

Have the PAD said that they would call off their 'demonstrations' if new elections are held?

That would be a bit surprising given that the PAD has openly displayed their contempt for the electoral process.

While 'new politics' is not getting much attention these days, a protester interviewed last week- not a leader of the PAD- just a guy in its ranks- emphatically stated that there would be no withdrawl from Govt House until New Politics is initiated- he didn't elaborate- but he certainly gave the impression that he was speaking the party line-

I expect that the PAD is fully aware that new elections will very possibly see a return to the current situation- albeit with a few different faces.

Also, it might be hard to explain to the red shirts why the PAD was able to extort the dissolution of the government that they elected and supported- with no mandate beyond their mob actions.

It sets, I think, a very dangerous precedent- as if there aren't enough antidemocratic precedents in this country.

Blaze in likelihood we will see the PPP disolved this coming week which will create a constitutional crisis as outlined by Crispin previously. The timing seems "right" for this to happen. The question is what comes after this. I dont expect the PAD to get what they want. In fact I expect the PAD to be well and truly sacriifced now they have "shown their true colours" and can longe rbe lnked to the good people of the bureacracy. The bigger question on what comes after is: is there a faction or lump of the PPP which will go along with things. A national unity government is the most likely scenario and imposed one at that. If it includes some PPP it might not be too bad in terms of disunity. If it doesnt things will be rocky.

I also doubt we will see mass civil uprisings in PPP areas but the red side will certainly not take their "defeat" lying down.

If things come to conclusion this coming week, it could be a rocky road indeed but depending on what comes after it need not be as bad in terms of violence as expected. Of course unless some democratic realignment occurs like 30-40 PPP disolved join the Dems and others in a new coalition we will see a forced reduction in democracy. What comes after next week will probably be more critical than what happens today or tomorrow assuming a disolution is now imminent, and of course the court could decide the other way.

Oh I think that PPP people can be found who will bite the bullet and play ball with an appointed interim gov't. But I also think that feelings in the ardent pro Thaksin camp will be inflamed- they will interpret this as a denial of their electoral choice- a denial fostered by the courts- which they already are suspicious of.

They are, no doubt, more politically aware- propagandized if you like- than they were three years ago- They can connect the dots - or at least the ones I have talked to can. This will be tanatmount to a coup- a coup by the courts- and they have already said they will not allow that. But I may be over estimating their committment.

I also wonder how the PAD leadership will react to finding the polical situation not a whole lot different than it was immediately after the coup- they will be full of their own power- two coups- one by the military- one by the courts (or so they might interpret it given the timing) in three years- and they might very well say- why stop now? New Politics or Bust!

I bet th epopulist polices that pour out of an appou inted government will defy all logic of a weakening economy too. To date next years budget has not really even been agreed too. I wondr if all the court challenges will wilt.

Excellent prediction hammered- I share it. Buy off EVERYBODY- make EVERYBODY happy. Hilarious- but spot on...

Also Hammered- referring to the sacrifice of the PAD leadership- a guy whose name you know but I forget- interviewed frequently on BBC or CNN- made an odd statement- he said that the very most powerful backers of the PAD stand to lose big time- at first I didn't catch his (carefully camouledged) drift- but now- Yes- I see - and he's right- those backers might have decided that Sondhi and Chamlong are loose canons- and have now placed THEM in a compromising position. A situation that under NO circumstances can be allowedl. Bye Bye Sondhi.

I think we can see where this could go but the question remains will it. This is still the byzantine world of Thai politcs and we could all awake tomorrow to find another twist just to surpise us.

[together]

Quote from Wikipedia

Major General Chamlong Srimuang (Thai: จำลอง ศรีเมือง, Traditional Chinese: 盧金河 Simplified Chinese: 卢金河, Lu Jinhe, born 5 July 1935) is a controversial Thai activist and former politician. A former military officer, he was a leader of the "Young Turks" military clique.

The Young Turks supported the bloody 6 October 1976 military coup against the elected government of Seni Pramoj. The exact role that the Young Turks played, particularly in the brutal massacre of students at Thammasat University, is still debated.

The Young Turks supported the military's coup against the military puppet government of Tanin Kraivixien. The coup installed Kriangsak Chomanand, Chamlong's commanding officer, as Prime Minister. In 1979, Kriangsak appointed Lieutenant Colonel Chamlong to the military-dominated Senate of Thailand.

On April 1, 1981, the Young Turks, frustrated at the slow pace of political reform under Prem, staged a coup, later called the "April Hawaii" or "April Fools" coup. Chamlong refused to take part, standing by Prem. The coup collapsed after the royal family, shepharded by Prem to Nakhon Ratchasima Province, announced their support for troops loyal to Prem.

Sondhi Limthongkul (Thai: สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล; traditional Chinese: 林明達; pinyin: Lin Mingda, born 7 November 1947) is Thai media mogul and leader of the right-wing People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). Starting his career as a journalist, he later founded Manager Daily newspaper as well as satellite broadcaster ASTV. Originally a strong supporter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, he later became a leader of the anti-Thaksin movement.

With the election of Thaksin Shinawatra as Prime Minister in 2001, several of Sondhi's associates became leaders in the new government. His banker, Viroj Nualkhair, became president of state-owned Krung Thai Bank and gave more than a billion baht in "debt forgiveness" to Sondhi, allowing him to emerge from bankruptcy. Sondhi became a vocal supporter of Thaksin, calling him "the best prime minister our country has ever had."

In 2005, Viroj Nualkhair was dismissed from the KTB after incurring over 40 billion baht in problem loans. Sondhi then began criticizing Thaksin using the media under his control, including satellite broadcaster ASTV. He founded the People's Alliance for Democracy, aimed at overthrowing the Thaksin government.

[scratt]

The Constitution Court Friday ordered the People Power Party, Chart Thai Party and Matchima Tipataya Party

to deliver their closing statement in the party-dissolution case against them on December 2. (the Nation, just now)

- I'm NOT in favour of coups, 'new politics', airport occupations, nor lynch-mobs.

However, this DOESN'T have to end in blood OR a coup OR a lynching (if some were permitted).

All because the protesters are reprehensibly entrenched and the Govt refuses to call elections, or the PM to simply resign...

The Govt WON'T simply call elections to avoid bloodshed and to avoid a potentially larger civil conflict, WHY?

because the democratically elected Govt MUST remove vote-fraud rules from the constitution FIRST to survive...

(only in a Thai 'democracy' could this be permissible) Last house session to do so? Dec 9 (at Somchai's house). Dissolution verdict? Possibly Dec 15 = tic-toc...

What a sad lynch-mob mentality (by some)... in effect cyber-shouting "jump! jump! (shoot-shoot) !!!!"

(with saliva spilling over keyboards in anticipation...) Geezuz...

Elections are the easiest way out of the immediate impasse, if not, a violent dispersal will bring a coup and a prolonged conflict emerges

... this time with the reds and their sponsor Thaksin which will make this conflict look like Disneyland (remember new years 06 for starters) ...

The airports MUST be re-opened ASAP as many people desperately do NEED to get in/out for medical or business reasons,

and a whole host of other essential travel reasons, not to mention the obvious exponential mounting costs to tourism

and every other sector of the economy from freight to pubs/hotels and on and on and on. HowTo without creating a larger conflict?

Simple, call an election. Then let the courts deal with the ensuing fall-out on both sides. Meanwhile, we can all get back to work, or holiday.

EDIT/to add: Last house session to do so? Dec 9 (at Somchai's house). Dissolution verdict? Possibly Dec 15 = tic-toc...

Have the PAD said that they would call off their 'demonstrations' if new elections are held?

That would be a bit surprising given that the PAD has openly displayed their contempt for the electoral process.

While 'new politics' is not getting much attention these days, a protester interviewed last week- not a leader of the PAD- just a guy in its ranks- emphatically stated that there would be no withdrawl from Govt House until New Politics is initiated- he didn't elaborate- but he certainly gave the impression that he was speaking the party line-

I expect that the PAD is fully aware that new elections will very possibly see a return to the current situation- albeit with a few different faces.

Also, it might be hard to explain to the red shirts why the PAD was able to extort the dissolution of the government that they elected and supported- with no mandate beyond their mob actions.

It sets, I think, a very dangerous precedent- as if there aren't enough antidemocratic precedents in this country.

Blaze in likelihood we will see the PPP disolved this coming week which will create a constitutional crisis as outlined by Crispin previously. The timing seems "right" for this to happen. The question is what comes after this. I dont expect the PAD to get what they want. In fact I expect the PAD to be well and truly sacriifced now they have "shown their true colours" and can longe rbe lnked to the good people of the bureacracy. The bigger question on what comes after is: is there a faction or lump of the PPP which will go along with things. A national unity government is the most likely scenario and imposed one at that. If it includes some PPP it might not be too bad in terms of disunity. If it doesnt things will be rocky.

I also doubt we will see mass civil uprisings in PPP areas but the red side will certainly not take their "defeat" lying down.

If things come to conclusion this coming week, it could be a rocky road indeed but depending on what comes after it need not be as bad in terms of violence as expected. Of course unless some democratic realignment occurs like 30-40 PPP disolved join the Dems and others in a new coalition we will see a forced reduction in democracy. What comes after next week will probably be more critical than what happens today or tomorrow assuming a disolution is now imminent, and of course the court could decide the other way.

Oh I think that PPP people can be found who will bite the bullet and play ball with an appointed interim gov't. But I also think that feelings in the ardent pro Thaksin camp will be inflamed- they will interpret this as a denial of their electoral choice- a denial fostered by the courts- which they already are suspicious of.

They are, no doubt, more politically aware- propagandized if you like- than they were three years ago- They can connect the dots - or at least the ones I have talked to can. This will be tanatmount to a coup- a coup by the courts- and they have already said they will not allow that. But I may be over estimating their committment.

I also wonder how the PAD leadership will react to finding the polical situation not a whole lot different than it was immediately after the coup- they will be full of their own power- two coups- one by the military- one by the courts (or so they might interpret it given the timing) in three years- and they might very well say- why stop now? New Politics or Bust!

I bet th epopulist polices that pour out of an appou inted government will defy all logic of a weakening economy too. To date next years budget has not really even been agreed too. I wondr if all the court challenges will wilt.

Excellent prediction hammered- I share it. Buy off EVERYBODY- make EVERYBODY happy. Hilarious- but spot on...

Also Hammered- referring to the sacrifice of the PAD leadership- a guy whose name you know but I forget- interviewed frequently on BBC or CNN- made an odd statement- he said that the very most powerful backers of the PAD stand to lose big time- at first I didn't catch his (carefully camouledged) drift- but now- Yes- I see - and he's right- those backers might have decided that Sondhi and Chamlong are loose canons- and have now placed THEM in a compromising position. A situation that under NO circumstances can be allowedl. Bye Bye Sondhi.

I think we can see where this could go but the question remains will it. This is still the byzantine world of Thai politcs and we could all awake tomorrow to find another twist just to surpise us.

EDIT : Not intended to be linked to this quote at all!! Browser is borked!! Sorry.

[Lockstock]

The bias being shown by some posters on this site is shameful. Have you listened to yourselves;

I have seen repeatedly people say that PPP has "thugs" but PAD has "supporters and protesters"

I have also read how PPP carriess out "vote buying" but PAD "compensates supporters for lost earnings"

Have a word with yourselves! You know who you are!

[LaoPo]

Breakingnews -Tha Nation

Urgent: Phatcharawat removed as police chief

Published on November 28, 2008;November 28, 2008 : Last updated 06:01 pm

Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Phatcharawat Wongsuwan was Friday removed as the national police chief and seconded to an inactive post at the PM's Office.

The government appointed police inspector-general Pol Gen Prateep Tanprasert as caretaker police commissioner-general.

-The Nation

LaoPo

[lordofdelusion]

Breakingnews -Tha Nation

Urgent: Phatcharawat removed as police chief

Published on November 28, 2008;November 28, 2008 : Last updated 06:01 pm

Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Phatcharawat Wongsuwan was Friday removed as the national police chief and seconded to an inactive post at the PM's Office.

The government appointed police inspector-general Pol Gen Prateep Tanprasert as caretaker police commissioner-general.

-The Nation

LaoPo

They may as well put inspector Cluseo in charge for all the good it'll do.

[hammered]

Breakingnews -Tha Nation

Urgent: Phatcharawat removed as police chief

Published on November 28, 2008;November 28, 2008 : Last updated 06:01 pm

Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Phatcharawat Wongsuwan was Friday removed as the national police chief and seconded to an inactive post at the PM's Office.

The government appointed police inspector-general Pol Gen Prateep Tanprasert as caretaker police commissioner-general.

-The Nation

LaoPo

Replacing someone considerd close to them! It looks like they will go thorugh with force now. It also indicates some of those close to them are not willing to do the dirty work. I hope for the sake of stability this does not give Anupong cause for concern over his position as that would be coup time.

[baht&sold]

The Constitution Court Friday ordered the People Power Party, Chart Thai Party and Matchima Tipataya Party

to deliver their closing statement in the party-dissolution case against them on December 2. (the Nation, just now)

- I'm NOT in favour of coups, 'new politics', airport occupations, nor lynch-mobs.

However, this DOESN'T have to end in blood OR a coup OR a lynching (if some were permitted).

All because the protesters are reprehensibly entrenched and the Govt refuses to call elections, or the PM to simply resign...

The Govt WON'T simply call elections to avoid bloodshed and to avoid a potentially larger civil conflict, WHY?

because the democratically elected Govt MUST remove vote-fraud rules from the constitution FIRST to survive...

(only in a Thai 'democracy' could this be permissible) Last house session to do so? Dec 9 (at Somchai's house). Dissolution verdict? Possibly Dec 15 = tic-toc...

related...

PPP asks Senate speaker to push for NCCC impeachment

The Nation (just now)

People Power Party MPs Friday asked the Senate speaker to file a suit against the nine members of the national Counter Corruption Commission, seeking their impeachment.

PPP MP Chavarin Latthasaksiri represented other MPs from his party to file an appeal with Senate Speaker Prasopsook Boondej.

He asked the Senate speaker to file complaint against the nine NCCC members with the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, seeking to impeach them on ground that they have been appointed unlawfully.

He said the nine NCCC members could not be allowed to remain in office any longer.

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

Urgent: Phatcharawat removed as police chief

The Nation (just now)

Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Phatcharawat Wongsuwan was Friday removed as the national police chief and seconded to an inactive post at the PM's Office.

The government appointed police inspector-general Pol Gen Prateep Tanprasert as caretaker police commissioner-general.

[scratt]

I have seen repeatedly people say that PPP has "thugs" but PAD has "supporters and protesters"

I have also read how PPP carrys out "vote buying" but PAD "compensates supporters for lost earnings"

But both those statements are correct. Why should we correct ourselves.

Or should we just be saying the PPP *are* thugs?

[Samuian]

Quote from Wikipedia

Major General Chamlong Srimuang (Thai: จำลอง ศรีเมือง, Traditional Chinese: 盧金河 Simplified Chinese: 卢金河, Lu Jinhe, born 5 July 1935) is a controversial Thai activist and former politician. A former military officer, he was a leader of the "Young Turks" military clique.

The Young Turks supported the bloody 6 October 1976 military coup against the elected government of Seni Pramoj. The exact role that the Young Turks played, particularly in the brutal massacre of students at Thammasat University, is still debated.

The Young Turks supported the military's coup against the military puppet government of Tanin Kraivixien. The coup installed Kriangsak Chomanand, Chamlong's commanding officer, as Prime Minister. In 1979, Kriangsak appointed Lieutenant Colonel Chamlong to the military-dominated Senate of Thailand.

On April 1, 1981, the Young Turks, frustrated at the slow pace of political reform under Prem, staged a coup, later called the "April Hawaii" or "April Fools" coup. Chamlong refused to take part, standing by Prem. The coup collapsed after the royal family, shepharded by Prem to Nakhon Ratchasima Province, announced their support for troops loyal to Prem.

Sondhi Limthongkul (Thai: สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล; traditional Chinese: 林明達; pinyin: Lin Mingda, born 7 November 1947) is Thai media mogul and leader of the right-wing People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). Starting his career as a journalist, he later founded Manager Daily newspaper as well as satellite broadcaster ASTV. Originally a strong supporter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, he later became a leader of the anti-Thaksin movement.

With the election of Thaksin Shinawatra as Prime Minister in 2001, several of Sondhi's associates became leaders in the new government. His banker, Viroj Nualkhair, became president of state-owned Krung Thai Bank and gave more than a billion baht in "debt forgiveness" to Sondhi, allowing him to emerge from bankruptcy. Sondhi became a vocal supporter of Thaksin, calling him "the best prime minister our country has ever had."

In 2005, Viroj Nualkhair was dismissed from the KTB after incurring over 40 billion baht in problem loans. Sondhi then began criticizing Thaksin using the media under his control, including satellite broadcaster ASTV. He founded the People's Alliance for Democracy, aimed at overthrowing the Thaksin government.

Political debut as Foreign Minister in the first Chuan government

Thaksin entered politics in late 1994 through Chamlong Srimuang, who had just reclaimed the position of Palang Dharma Party (PDP) leader from Boonchu Rojanastien. In a subsequent purge of Boonchu-affiliated PDP Cabinet ministers, Thaksin was appointed Foreign Minister in December 1994, replacing Prasong Soonsiri.[41] Years later, in 2006 after Thaksin was removed from power, his old sponsor Chamlong Srimuang expressed multiple regrets at getting "such a corrupt person" into politics. The PDP soon withdrew from the government over the Sor Por Kor 4-01 land reform corruption scandal, causing the government of Chuan Leekpai to collapse.

[edit] PDP leader and Deputy Prime Minister in the Banharn government

Chamlong, strongly criticized for mishandling internal PDP politics in the last days of the Chuan-government, retired from politics and hand-picked Thaksin as new PDP leader. Thaksin ran for election for the first time for the constitutional tribunal and lost.

Thaksin joined the government of Banharn Silpa-Archa and was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Bangkok traffic. In May 1996, Thaksin and four other PDP ministers quit the Banharn Cabinet (while retaining their MP seats), prompting a Cabinet reshuffle. Many have claimed that Thaksin's move was designed to help give Chamlong Srimuang a boost in the June 1996 Bangkok Governor elections, which Chamlong returned from retirement to contest.[42] Chamlong lost the election - he and incumbent Governor former PDP-member Krisda Arunwongse na Ayudhya were defeated by Bhichit Rattakul, an independent.

Chamlong's failure to buttress the PDP's failing power base in Bangkok amplified internal divisions in the PDP, particularly between Chamlong's "temple" faction and Thaksin's faction. Soon afterwards, Chamlong announced he was retiring again from politics.

Thaksin and the PDP pulled out of the Banharn-government in August 1996. In a subsequent no-confidence debate, the PDP gave evidence against the Banharn government. Soon afterwards, Banharn dissolved Parliament in September 1996.

[edit] Fall of the PDP

Thaksin announced that he would not run in the subsequent November 1996 elections, but would remain as leader of the PDP. Some speculated that Thaksin wanted to resign from the party leadership. The PDP suffered a fatal defeat in the elections, winning only 1 seat in Parliament. The PDP soon imploded, with most members resigning.

Although there was much controversy about the root causes of the fall of the PDP, most agree that it was due to internal divisions in the party. Particularly divisive were conflicts between the Chamlong "temple" faction and subsequent generations of outsiders, including Thaksin.

[edit] Deputy Prime Minister in the Chavalit government

On 15 August 1997, Thaksin became Deputy Prime Minister in Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's government. This occurred soon after the Thai Baht was floated and devalued in 2 July 1997, sparking the Asian Financial Crisis. Thaksin held this position for only 3 months, leaving on November 14 after Chavalit resigned.

During a censure debate on 27 September 1997, Democrat Suthep Thaugsuban accused Thaksin of profiting on insider information about the government's decision to float the Baht.[43] However, the subsequent Democrat party led government did not investigate the accusations.

[edit] Formation of the Thai Rak Thai Party and the 2001 elections

Thaksin founded the Thai Rak Thai ("Thais Love Thais" - TRT) party in 1998 along with Somkid Jatusripitak, PDP ally Sudarat Keyuraphan, Purachai Piumsombun,[44] and 19 others.

With a populist platform often attributed to Somkid, TRT promised universal access to healthcare, a 3-year debt moratorium for farmers, and 1 million THB locally-managed development funds for all Thai villages.

After Prime Minister Chuan dissolved parliament in November 2000, TRT won a sweeping victory in the January 2001 elections, the first election held under the Constitution of 1997. At the time, some academics called the 2001 election the most open, corruption-free election in Thai history.[3] Thai Rak Thai won 248 parliamentary seats (more than any other party previously) and needed only 3 more seats to form a government. Nonetheless, Thaksin opted for a broad coalition to gain total control and avoid a vote of no confidence, with the Chart Thai Party (41 seats) and the New Aspiration Party (36 seats), while absorbing the smaller Seritham Party (14 seats).[45]

[edit] Prime Minister of Thailand

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai on September 19, 2005

As Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra initiated many distinctive policies affecting the economy, public health, education, energy, drugs and international relations. He gained two landslide re-election victories.[8] Thaksin's policies have been particularly effective at reducing rural poverty[7] and at providing affordable health coverage to the people. Because of this, his main support base has been the rural poor.[8]

His Cabinet was packed with academics, former student leaders, and former leaders of the Phalang Dharma party, including Prommin Lertsuridej, Chaturon Chaisang, Prapat Panyachatraksa, Surapong Suebwonglee, Somkid Jatusripitak, Surakiart Sathirathai, and Sudarat Keyuraphan. Traditional leaders of regional coalitions also became minor members of his Cabinet.

His government has been frequently challenged with allegations of dictatorship, demagogy, corruption, conflicts of interest, human rights offences, acting undiplomatically, the use of legal loopholes and hostility towards a free press. A controversial leader, he has also been the target of numerous allegations of lèse-majesté, treason, usurping religious and royal authority, selling assets to international investors, religious desecration, and siding with the forces of darkness.[11][12]

[edit] Economic policies

see also: Policies of the Thaksin government#Economic and health policies and Thaksinomics.

Thaksin's government had designed its policies to appeal to the rural majority, initiating programs like village-managed microcredit development funds, low-interest agricultural loans, direct injections of cash into village development funds (the SML scheme), infrastructure development, and the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) rural small and medium enterprise development program.

Thaksinomics, Thaksin's economic policies helped to accelerate Thailand's economic recovery from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and substantially reducing poverty. The GDP grew from THB 4.9 trillion at the end of 2001 to THB 7.1 trillion at the end of 2006. Thailand repaid its debts to the International Monetary Fund 2 years ahead of schedule. Between 2000 and 2004, income in the poorest part of the country, the Northeast, rose 40 per cent while nation-wide poverty fell from 21.3 per cent to 11.3 per cent.[7] The Stock Exchange of Thailand outperformed other markets in the region. After facing fiscal deficits in 2001 and 2002, Thaksin balanced the national budget, producing comfortable fiscal surpluses for 2003 to 2005. Despite a massive program of infrastructure investments, a balanced budget was projected for 2007.[46] Public sector debt fell from 57% of GDP in January 2001 to 41% in September 2006.[47][48] Foreign exchange reserves doubled from US$30 billion in 2001 to US$64 billion in 2006.[49]

Critics claim that Thaksinomics is little more than a Keynesian-style economic stimulus policy re-branded as something new and revolutionary. Economists from the Thailand Development Research Institute argue that other factors, such as a revival in export demand, were the primary cause behind the economy's recovery.[50] Others claimed that the policies got the rural poor "hooked on Thaksin's hand-outs."[51]

Thaksin helped bring part of Thailand's massive underground lottery system into the legal fold by operating a successful numbers game (Thai: หวย) run by the Government Lottery Office. Lottery sales of approx. 70 billion THB (2 billion USD) are used for social projects, including the "One District, One Scholarship" program which provided one student from a low-income family in each district with a scholarship to study overseas. Soon after Thaksin was deposed, the junta banned the lottery, claiming it was a social vice. This lured the poor away from work into gambling addiction. In addition, the Supreme Court ruled that the Cabinet did not have the right to introduce the lottery without due political process. The scholarship program was also stopped.[52][53][54][55][56] The military junta also claimed that Thaksin's government "mischievously spent the proceeds in any way it saw fit".[57]

The Thaksin government reduced the state's control of the media by privatizing MCOT, a large television and radio broadcaster.[58]

After the 2006 coup, many of Thaksin's economic policies were stopped, the OTOP program was rebranded, the Government Lottery Office's program was deemed illegal, and the government nationalized several media outlets and energy companies.

[edit] Healthcare policies

Thaksin initiated two key healthcare policies: subsidized universal health care and low-cost universal access to anti-retroviral HIV medication (ARVs). Thaksin's 30-baht/visit universal healthcare program won the applause of the general public, but was criticized by many doctors and officials.[59][60] Prior to the program's introduction, a large portion of the population had no health insurance and limited access to healthcare. The program helped increase access to healthcare from 76% of the population to 96% of the population.[61] The program also increased workloads for healthcare employees, and caused many doctors to switch to higher paying careers. It has been criticized for being underfunded. The program led some hospitals to seek alternative sources of income, leading to a boom in the medical tourism industry, with 1.3 million foreign patients earning Thailand 33 billion THB (approx. 800 million USD) in 2005.[62][63]

Post-coup Public Health Minister Mongkol Na Songkhla called the 30-baht program a "marketing gimmick" and claimed that the government would "very soon" stop charging patients any fees for visits to state hospitals.[64]

During the Thaksin government, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS as well as the overall prevalence rate noticeably declined.[65] Although successful in expanding access to HIV medication, there have been concerns that a free trade agreement with the US could endanger Thailand's ability to produce generic HIV treatments.[66]

Thaksin allowed the estimated 2.3 million migrant workers in Thailand to register and seek health coverage under the Thai national healthcare system. They were also eligible for work permits at the end of the registration period, entitling them to full labor protection. Democrat Party Labour Group Committee Pongsak Plengsaeng criticized the move, claiming that it would lead to unemployment amongst Thais.

[edit] Anti-drug policies

See also: Policies of the Shinawatra administration#Anti-drug policies

Thaksin initiated several highly controversial policies to counter a boom in the Thai drug market, particularly in methamphetamine. After earlier anti-drug policies like border blocking (most methamphetamine is produced in Myanmar), public education, sports, and promoting peer pressure against drug use proved ineffective, Thaksin launched a multi-pronged suppression campaign that aimed to eradicate methamphetamine use in 3 months. The policy consisted of changing the punishment policy for drug addicts, setting provincial arrest and seizure targets, awarding government officials for achieving targets, targeting dealers, and "ruthless" implementation.

In the first three months, the Human Rights Watch reports that 2,275 people were killed.[67] The Government claimed that only around 50 of the deaths were at the hands of the police. Human rights critics say a large number were extrajudicially executed.[68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78] The government went out of its way to publicize the campaign, through daily announcements of arrest, seizure, and death statistics.

According to the Narcotics Control Board, the policy was effective in reducing drug consumption, especially in schools.[79]

King Bhumibol, in his 2003 birthday speech, supported Thaksin's anti-drugs approach, although he did request the commander of the police to categorize the deaths between those killed by police and those killed by fellow drug dealers.[80] Police Commander Sant Sarutanond reopened investigations into the deaths, and again found that few of the deaths were at the hands of the police. Thaksins anti-drug approach was widely criticized by international community. Thaksin requested that the UN Commission on Human Rights send a special envoy to evaluate the situation, but said in an interview, "The United Nations is not my father. I am not worried about any UN visit to Thailand on this issue."[81]

After the 2006 coup, the military junta ordered another investigation into the anti-drug campaign. Former Attorney General Kanit Na Nakhon chaired the special investigative committee. "The special committee will be tasked with an investigation to find out the truth about the deaths as well as to identify remedial measures for their relatives," said Justice Minister Charnchai Likhitjittha.[82] The committee found that as many as 1400 of the 2500 killed had no link to drugs. However, while giving the opinion that orders to kill came from the top, the panel failed to establish sufficient evidence to charge Thaksin directly with the murders.[83]

The Nation (an English-language newspaper in Thailand) reported on November 27, 2007:

"Of 2,500 deaths in the government's war on drugs in 2003, a fact-finding panel has found that more than half was not involved in drug at all. At a brainstorming session, a representative from the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Tuesday disclosed that as many as 1,400 people were killed and labeled as drug suspects despite the fact that they had no link to drugs. ... Senior public prosecutor Kunlapon Ponlawan said it was not difficult to investigate extra-judicial killings carried out by police officers as the trigger-pullers usually confessed."[84][85]

[edit] Corruption

Transparency International reported that Thailand's reputation for transparency among business executives improved during the years of the Thaksin government. In 2001, Thailand's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) was 3.2 (ranked 61), whereas in 2005, the CPI was 3.8 (ranked 59).[86][87][88] However the a study of Worldwide Governance Indicators by World Bank gave lower score on Control of Corruption during 2002-2005, Thaksin's government, compared to 1998-2000 of earlier government.[89] Thaksin himself has consistently denied any wrongdoing by himself or his Thai Rak Thai party.

[edit] Education policies

See also: Policies of the Thaksin government#Education policies

Thaksin implemented a major series of educational reforms during his government. Chief among those reforms was school decentralization, as mandated by the 1997 People's Constitution.[90] The policy was designed to delegated school management from the over-centralized and bureaucratized Ministry of Education to Tambon Administrative Organizations (TAOs). The plan met with massive widespread opposition from Thailand's 700,000 teachers, who would be deprived of their status as civil servants. There was also widespread fear from teachers that TAOs lack the skills and capabilities required to manage schools. In the face of massive teacher protests and several threats of school closure, Thaksin compromised and gave teachers whose schools were transferred to TAO management two years to transfer to other schools.[91]

Other reforms included learning reform and related curricular decentralization, mostly through greater use of holistic education and less use of rote learning.[92]

To increase access to universities for lower income people, Thaksin initiated the Student Loan Fund (SLF) and Income Contingency Loan (ICL) programs. The ICL granted loans regardless of financial status, and required recipients to start repayments when their salaries reach 16,000 Baht a month, with an interest rate equivalent to inflation from the day the loan was granted. The SLF had an eligibility limit on family income but carried interest of 1%, starting one year after graduation. The programs were merged and the income limit modified after Thaksin's government was overthrown.[93]

Thaksin also initiated the controversial "One District, One Dream School" project, aimed at developing the quality of schools to ensure that every district has at least one high-quality school. The project was criticized, with some claiming that the only beneficiaries were Thaksin and companies selling computers and educational equipment. Many schools also fell deeply into debt in implementing the project, receiving less than adequate financial support from the central government.[94][95]

In addition, Thaksin altered the state university entrance system. Whereas the former system relied exclusively on a series of nationally standardized exams, Thaksin pushed for a greater emphasis on senior high-school grades, claiming this would focus students on classroom learning rather than private entrance exam tutoring.

Thaksin initiated the Income Contingency Loan program to increase access to higher education. Under the program, needy students may secure a loan to support their studies from vocational to university levels. Thai banks had traditionally not given education loans. Thaksin made Thailand one of the first supporters of Nicholas Negroponte's One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project, with the Thai Ministry of Education committing to purchase 600,000 units.[96] However, the military junta later cancelled the project.

[edit] Energy policies

See also:Policies of the Thaksin government#Energy policies and Energy Industry Liberalization and Privatization (Thailand)

In energy policy, the Thaksin government continued the Chuan Leekpai government's privatization agenda, but with important changes. Whereas the Chuan government's post-Asian financial crisis policies sought economic efficiency through industry fragmentation and wholesale power pool competition,[97] Thaksin's policies aimed to create national champions that could reliably support stronger economic growth and become important players in regional energy markets.[98] Thaksin also initiated a policy to encourage renewable energy and energy conservation. Many Thaksin-era energy policies were reversed following the 2006 coup.

[edit] South Thailand insurgency

See also: South Thailand insurgency

A resurgence in violence began in 2001 in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand which all have a Muslim, ethnic Malay majority. There is much controversy about the causes of this escalation of the decades long insurgency. Attacks after 2001 concentrated on police, the military, and schools, but civilians have also been targets. Thaksin has been widely criticized for his management of the situation, in particular the storming of the Krue Se Mosque, the deaths of civilian protesters at Tak Bai in Army custody, and the unsolved kidnapping of Muslim-lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit.[99]

In October 2004, 84 Muslim human rights protesters were killed at Tak Bai when the Army broke up a peaceful protest.[100] The many detainees were forced at gunpoint to lie prone in Army trucks, stacked like cordwood. The trucks were delayed from moving to the detainment area for hours. Many detainees suffocated to death due to gross mishandling by the military. After the 2006 coup, the Army dropped all charges and investigations into Army misconduct related to the Tak Bai incident. Thaksin announced an escalation of military and police activity in the region.[101] In July 2005, Thaksin enacted an Emergency Decree to manage the three troubled provinces. Several human rights organizations expressed their concerns that the decree might be used to violate civil liberties.[102]

In March 2005, Thaksin established the National Reconciliation Commission, chaired by former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun to oversee efforts to bring peace to the troubled South. In its final report released in June 2006, the commission proposed introducing Islamic law and making Pattani-Malay (Yawi) an official language in the region. The Thaksin administration assigned a government committee to study the report, while Muslims urged the government to act faster in implementing the proposals.[103]

[edit] Administrative reform

[edit] Ministerial restructuring

One of the most visible of Thaksin's administrative reforms was the restructuring of government department and ministries, labeled the "big bang." It was hailed as a "historic breakthrough" and "the first major reorganization of ministries since King Chulalongkorn set up Thailand’s modern system of departmental government in 1897." Such a restructuring had been studied for years as a means of undermining the perceived rigidities and inertia of the old system, but was never implemented until the Thaksin government.[104]

The restructuring was designed to streamline the bureaucracy and focus it on performance and results. New ministries were carved out in Social and Human Security Development, Tourism and Sports, Natural Resources and Environment, Information and Communication Technology, and Culture.

[edit] CEO-governors

Thaksin transformed the role of provincial governors from ceremonial supervisors of ministry officials to active managers of government policy. Historically, central government ministries operated in the provinces through field offices headed by senior officials, who reported back to Bangkok. The Ministry of Interior appointed provincial governors whose role was largely ceremonial.

A key component of Thaksin's administrative reform policy, "CEO-governors" epitomized Thaksin's "transformation of the operating style of the traditional bureaucracy into a more results-oriented instrument that would be responsive." Piloted in 2001 and introduced in all provinces in October 2003, CEO-governors were put in charge of planning and coordinating provincial development and became accountable for overall provincial affairs. The "CEO governors" were assisted by "provincial CFOs" from the Ministry of Finance who reported directly to each governor. The CEO-Governors were authorized to raise funds by issuing bonds and were given an intensive training course.[105] After the coup, the junta reverted the role of governors.

[edit] Foreign policies

Shinawatra with then President of Russia Vladimir Putin at APEC Bangkok 2003 on 21 October 2003 in Bangkok.

Thaksin was fiercely attacked for tasking diplomats with supporting domestic economic programs, e.g., promoting OTOP products. Surapong Jayanama, former ambassador to Vietnam claiming that Thaksin's policies were "demeaning" and would do little to enhance Thailand's international stature.[106]

Thaksin also initiated negotiations for several free trade agreements with China, Australia, Bahrain, India, and the US. This policy was also criticized, with claims that high-cost Thai industries could be wiped out.[107]

Thailand joined George W. Bush's multinational coalition in the invasion of Iraq, sending a 423-strong humanitarian contingent. It withdrew its troops on 10 September 2004. Two Thai soldiers died in Iraq in an insurgent attack.

Thaksin has also announced that Thailand would forsake foreign aid, and work with donor countries to assist in the development of neighbors in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.[108]

Thaksin has also been attacked by influential former diplomats for acting undiplomatically with foreign leaders. Kasit Pirom, former Thai ambassador to Japan and the United States, noted at an anti-Thaksin rally "When Khun Thaksin went to the United Nations to attend a joint UN-Asean session, he did not behave properly when addressing the session, which was co-chaired by the UN secretary-general and the Malaysian premier. In his address Thaksin did not mention the name of the Malaysian premier".[109] Noted that Kasit Pirom is a member and has a long time close tie with Democratic Party, a major political party opposing Thaksin as it lost few elections to Thai Rak Thai Party.

However, he established close, friendly ties with the Burmese dictatorship, including extending the neighboring country a Bt. four billion credit line so it could conclude a satellite telecom deal with his family business.[110] Noted that during the time Thaksin was in his office as Prime Minister, he was ambitious to put Thailand as region leader. He proposed, and received with welcome from other South East Asian countries, economic treaty at sub-region level, to promote economic, technology and infra-structure development. Thai government has provided support funding and economic assistance program to her neighbouring country such as Laos, Cambodia.

Thaksin has also been attacked for his support of former Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai's failed campaign to become UN Secretary General.[111][112][113][114]

[edit] 2005 re-election campaign

Under the slogans "Four Years of Repair – Four years of Reconstruction" and "Building Opportunities", Thaksin and the TRT won landslide victories in the February 2005 elections, sweeping 374 out of 500 seats in Parliament. The election had the highest voter turnout in Thai history.

[edit] Suvarnabhumi Airport

After more than 30 years of planning and debate, the Thaksin government completed the construction of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport. The airport was officially opened a week after the overthrew of the government. It is one of the world's largest airports.

Some members of Thaksin's government were accused of corruption while overseeing the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport, the case is still under investigation.

[edit] Other criticisms

There have also been complaints that Thaksin-appointed relatives to senior positions in the civil service and independent commissions, for example by elevating his cousin, General Chaiyasit Shinawatra, to Army commander-in-chief. In August 2002, he was promoted from Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces Development Command to become Deputy Army Chief. Both General Chaiyasit and Defense Minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh denied charges of nepotism at the time. General Chaiyasit replaced General Somthad Attanan as Army commander-in-chief.[115] However, General Chaiyasit was replaced by General Prawit Wongsuwan in August 2004, after only a year in office. His replacement was in response to an escalation of violence in southern Thailand. Prawit was succeeded by Sonthi Boonyaratglin in 2005.[116][117]

Thaksin was also accused of interference after the Senate appointed Wisut Montriwat (former Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance) to the position of Auditor General, replacing Jaruvan Maintaka.

Respected former Thai ambassador to the UN Asda Jayanama, in an anti-Thaksin rally, claimed that Thaksin's two state visits to India were made in order to negotiate a satellite deal for Thaksin's family-owned Shin Corporation. The accusation was countered by Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon, who attended the state visits with Thaksin.[118]

Thaksin's government has been accused of exerting political influence in its crackdown on unlicensed community radio stations.[119]

Thaksin often faced harsh comparisons. Social critic Prawase Wasi compared him to AIDS, Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda and Senator Banjerd Singkaneti compared him to Hitler, Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaibul compared him to Saddam Hussein, and the newspaper The Nation compared him to Pol Pot.[120][121][122]

Thaksin has been engaged in a series of lawsuits brought by American businessman William L Monson regarding a cable-television joint venture the two partnered in during the 1980s.

[edit] Political crisis of 2005-2006

See also: Thailand political crisis 2005-2006

[edit] Accusations by Sondhi Limthongkul

The political crisis was catalyzed by several accusations published by media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, a former Thaksin supporter. These included accusations that Thaksin:

* Restricted press freedom by suing Sondhi after Sondhi printed a sermon by a controversial monk (see Luang Ta Maha Bua incident)

* Masterminded the desecration of the Erawan shrine (see Phra Phrom Erawan Shrine incident)

[edit] Sale of Shin Corporation

Main article: Sale of Shin Corporation to Temasek Holdings

On January 23, 2006, the Shinawatra family sold their entire stake in Shin Corporation to Temasek Holdings. The Shinawatra and Damapong families netted about 73 billion baht (about US$1.88 billion) tax-free from the sale, using a regulation that made individuals who sell shares on the stock exchange exempt from capital gains tax.[123]

The transaction made the Prime Minister the target of accusations that he was selling an asset of national importance to a foreign entity, and hence selling out his nation.

[edit] Anti-Thaksin rallies

See also: Thailand political crisis 2005-2006

Thaksin faced pressure to resign following the sale of Shin Corporation to Temasek Holdings.

Anti-Thaksin protestors, led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), consisted mainly of middle-class Bangkokians. They also included prominent social figures.

Media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul was a prominent leader of the protests. These were joined by academics, students, and the middle class.

[edit] House dissolution and the April 2006 Legislative Election

Main article: Thailand legislative election, April 2006

[edit] House dissolution

Thaksin announced a House dissolution on 24 February 2006. General elections were scheduled for 2 April.

Thaksin was criticized for calling the snap elections. In an editorial, The Nation noted that the election "fails to take into consideration a major fallacy of the concept [of democracy], particularly in a less-developed democracy like ours, in which the impoverished, poorly informed masses are easily manipulated by people of his ilk. And Thaksin's manipulation has been well documented.."[124]

[edit] Election results

Thaksin's TRT Party won a victory in the boycotted elections, with 462 seats in Parliament with ratio of voters to no-voters of 16-10.[125]

However, by-elections were needed for 40 TRT candidates (mostly from the Democrat-dominated south) who failed to win the minimum required 20% in an uncontested vote.[126][127] The Democrat Party refused to contest the by-elections[126] and, along with the People's Alliance for Democracy, petitioned the Central Administrative Court to cancel them.[128] Chamlong Srimuang declared that the PAD would ignore the elections and "go on rallying until Thaksin resigns and Thailand gets a royally-appointed prime minister".[129]

[edit] By-elections

Boycotted by-elections in 40 constituencies on 25 April resulted in the TRT winning 25 of the constituencies and losing in 2 constituencies. Yet another round of by-elections on 29 April was scheduled for 13 constituencies. The Thai Rak Thai Party was later accused of and later found guilty of hiring smaller parties to contest the election, while the Democrat Party was later accused of hiring smaller parties to not contest the election. According to the 1997 Constitution, uncontested election winners must win at least 20% of registered voters. These by-elections were suspended by the Constitution Court while it deliberated whether or not to disqualify the elections. There were a huge number of no-vote and were more than half of the entire election, However Taksin Shinawatara was still saying that his party was chosen by the majority of people. After all there were numbers of evidence showing that his party members were cheating in that unclear election.

[edit] Invalidation of the April elections

In 8 May 2006, the Constitutional Court ruled 8-6 to invalidate the April elections based on the awkward positioning of voting booths. The ruling was called a landmark case in judicial activism.[130] The Democrat Party, which had boycotted the April elections, said they were now ready to contest an October election.[131]

A new election was ordered, later set for 15 October. The Court found the Election Commissioners guilty of malfeance in their management of the April election and jailed them. The 15 October election was cancelled when the military seized power on 19 September.

[edit] After the April 2006 election

[edit] Break from politics

Thaksin announced on April 4, 2006 that he would not accept the post of Prime Minister after Parliament reconvened, but would continue as Caretaker Prime Minister until then.[132]

He then delegated his functions to Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Wannasathit, whose son Newin was an effective Thaksin supporter in the northeast region of the country, moved out of Government House, and went on vacation.

[edit] September 2006 Coup

Main article: 2006 Thailand coup d'état

In the evening of 19 September 2006, while Thaksin was visiting New York City, USA to attend a United Nations summit and to speak at the Council on Foreign Relations, the army took control of Bangkok. Inside Government House, close to 50 soldiers ordered approximately 220 policemen in the complex to lay down their weapons. Troops also surrounded the Thaicom satellite receiving station and state-run television station Channel 11. By the morning of 20 September, tanks and military vehicles armed with machine guns were stationed at Government House, the Royal Plaza and government units along Rajdamnoen Avenue.[133]

Troops participating in the coup were from the 1st and 3rd Army Regions, the Internal Security Operations Command, the Special Warfare Centre and Army units in Nakhon Ratchasima and Prachin Buri provinces and sections of the Navy.[134] According to coup leader Army Commander General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the coup leaders had arrested Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit and Defense Minister Thammarak Isaragura na Ayuthaya.[135]

The military, originally calling itself the Council for Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarch (CDRM), issued a statement citing the government's alleged lèse majesté, corruption, interference with state agencies, and creation of social divisions as reasons for the coup.[136] It declared the king of Thailand the head of state, and said elections will be held soon to return democracy to the country. Shinawatra later arrived in Britain, where he has family and stayed at the Dorchester Hotel in London. Later he lived in Woking, Surrey.

[edit] Thai Rak Thai party

Many Thai Rak Thai party members were reported to have resigned from the party in the aftermath of the coup. These included Somsak Thepsuthin and 100 members of the Wang Nam Yom faction. It was not clear whether Suriya Jungrungreangkit, another influential member of the faction would also resign. Sonthaya Kunplome also was reported to have led 20 members of the Chonburi faction in resigning from the party. Fear that the party would be dissolved by the junta and its members banned from politics fueled the defections.[137][138]

On 2 October 2006 Thaksin Shinawatra and his former deputy Somkid Jatusipitak resigned from the Thai Rak Thai Party.[139][140] Chaturon Chaisang took over as party head.

Meanwhile, court cases against the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties regarding election fraud in the April 2006 elections continued.

[edit] 2006 Bangkok New Year's Eve bombings

Main article: 2006 Bangkok bombings

On 31 December 2006 and 1 January 2007, several bombs exploded in Bangkok. Thaksin later went on CNN to deny any involvement in the bombings.[141]

His diplomatic passport was revoked in 31 December 2006 after the junta accused him of engaging in political activities while in exile. Thai embassies were ordered not to facilitate his travels.

In January 2007, the Financial Institutions Development Fund complied with an Assets Examination Committee request to file a charge against Thaksin and his wife over their purchase of four 772 million baht plots of land from the FIDF in 2003. The charge was based on alleged violation of Article 100 of the National Counter Corruption Act, which specificies that government officials and their spouses are prohibited from entering into or having interests in contracts made with state agencies under their authorisation. As in truth, this particular law, has been proposed before the Thaksin's regime, by the Democrats.

The Assets Examination Committee also accused Thaksin of issuing an unlawful cabinet resolution approving the spending of state funds to buy rubber saplings.

In March 2007, the Office of the Attorney-General charged Thaksin's wife and brother-in-law of conspiring to evade taxes of 546 million baht (US$15.6 million) in a 1997 transfer of Shin Corp shares.

The Assets Examination Committee rules that Thaksiin was guilty of malfeasance for obstructing competition by passing an executive decree that imposed an excise tax for telecom operators. Thaksin's Cabinet approved an executive decree in 2003 that forced telecom operators to pay an excise tax of 10% on revenues for mobile phone operations, and 2% for fixed-line operations.

[edit] Purchase of Manchester City Football Club

While Prime Minister, Thaksin offered to buy the English Premiership football club Fulham from owner Mohamed al-Fayed. After al-Fayed rebuffed his offer for the club, Thaksin unsuccessfully bid to buy fellow Premiership club Liverpool. It is argued that Thaksin is using this sudden football interest as a publicity stunt in response to his political problems.[142]

On June 21, 2007 Thaksin Shinawatra lodged, and had accepted, an £81.6 million bid for another Premiership club, Manchester City. On 6 July he completed purchase of the required 75%[143] of the club's shares to take the company off the Stock Exchange and became Chairman of the club. Sven-Göran Eriksson was appointed the new club manager.[144]

Manchester City supporters nicknamed him Frank, after the singer Frank Sinatra. However, City supporters turned against their new chairman after it appeared he was ready to fire manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, despite him taking City to their joint second highest finishing position in the Premier League since it began in 1992, with their highest being eigthth in the 2004–05 season, and also finishing ninth in the 2002–03 season.[145][146][147] Eriksson also ensured City qualification for the UEFA Cup via the UEFA Fair Play ranking, ending the club's five year absence from European competitions. Eriksson was ultimately released by Manchester City on June 2, 2008.[148] Most supporters, however, were pleased with the choice of Eriksson's replacement, Mark Hughes.

Apparently in fear of bringing embarrassment to the Club following his skipping of bail from Thai courts, Thaksin decided to offer to step down from his position on August 23, 2008.[149] On 1 September 2008 it was reported that Shinawatra had agreed to sell Manchester City to the Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment (Adug).[150] It was also reported that, if the deal is completed, Shinawatra will become honorary president of the club "without any administrative responsibilities".[151] On 21 September 2008, the relevant documents were signed to completed the take-over, reducing Thaksin's share in the club to ten percent.[152]

[edit] Dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai Party

On 30 May 2007, the Constitutional Tribunal dissolved the Thai Rak Thai Party and banned over 100 of its executives, including Thaksin, from politics for 5 years. The ruling was based on charges that two Thai Rak Thai party executives (Defense Minister Thammarak Issarangkura na Ayudhya and Pongsak Raktapongpaisarn) bribed a smaller party to stand in the April 2006 election. It is also noted that the Democrat party, under the same type of accusation, charges were lifted. Furthermore, article 309 of the 2007's constitution has given full pardon towards any 'Wrong' action taken by the Junta.

[edit] Return to Thailand

In May 2007, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Thaksin was free to return to Thailand, and he would personally guarantee Thaksin's safety, heavily conflicting Sonthi's statements. In January 2008 Thaksin's wife Pojaman Shinawatra was arrested on arrival at Bangkok, but was released on bail of 5m baht ($149,000, £75,600) after appearing at the Supreme Court with order not to leave the country.[153] She was set to be tried for alleged violation of stock-trading and land sale laws, but only two relatively minor cases had been successfully filed in court against her.[154]

In February 2008 Thaksin arrived in Bangkok, aboard a Thai Airways flight from Hong Kong, after 17 months in exile. He was arrested on arrival, but was soon was released by the Supreme Court, on bail. Thaksin stated that "he would not re-enter politics and wished to focus on his football interests."[155][156] In March Thaksin pleaded not guilty before chief judge Thongloh Chom-ngam, Supreme Court in one of his 2 criminal corruption cases. Thaksin was excused to appear on April 29 and at every hearing. The court ordered him to report back on April 11 after granting his monthlong travel to England.[157]

In June the Supreme Court denied Thaksin's request to travel to China and Britain, since his corruption case was set for trial, saying there were not enough reasons for him to travel. He was ordered to surrender his passport after arraignment.[158][159] In July the Court assumed jurisdiction over the fourth corruption charge against Thaksin. It was alleged that he arranged soft loans to Burma to buy telecoms equipment from his Shin Corp. conglomerates, causing the Thai state-owned bank loss of $20 million. The court also agreed to hear allegations that Thaksin, his former cabinet, and three members of the current government, broke anti-gambling laws by setting up a new state lottery in 2003.[160][161]

Thaksin's wife Pojaman Shinawatra, was found guilty on July 31, and sentenced to three years imprisonment, but was released on $149,000 bail. Bangkok Criminal Court Judge Pramote Pipatpramote also convicted her adopted brother Bhanapot Damapong, and her secretary: "The three defendants have high economic and social status. But, they were working together to avoid taxes, even though the taxes amounted to little compared to their assets."[162][163]

[edit] Request for asylum in Britain

On August 10, 2008, Thaksin and his wife Potjaman Shinawatra flew to London from Beijing, where they had been attending the 2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony. In doing so he violated the terms of his bail.[164] Thaksin said that it was his wish to return to Thailand someday, but claimed it was not currently safe enough for him and his family, not specifying who exactly is threatening his life.[165][166] Thaksin announced his intention to seek political asylum in Britain.[167] His 3 children had reportedly flown ahead to Britain.[168] Meanwhile, Thailand's Supreme Court issued an arrest warrant for both Thaksin and his wife for jumping bail.[169] When Thaksin justified his escape by claiming the Thai judiciary was being meddled with by his political enemies, Thai Supreme Commander Gen. Boonsrang Niempradit and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva accused Thaksin of "hurting" Thailand and damaging its reputation: "His Majesty the King recognizes highly the importance of the judiciary … The public should follow him."[170] The exact meaning or connotation of the term "hurting" has not been exactly specified.

[edit] Arrest warrants

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions issued a 2nd arrest warrant on September 16, 2008, against fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra on the Exim Bank corruption case (of 4 pending corruption cases). It also ordered suspension of the trial since only his lawyers appeared in court.[171][172]

However, on September 17, Chief Justice Thonglor Chom-ngarm and the judges unanimously postponed the reading of the verdict to October 21 at 2 pm, and issued the fresh arrest warrant for Thaksin and his wife, Pojaman.[173][174]

Supreme Court Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions judge Pongphet Vichitchonchai (of a 9-judge panel, with the concurrence of Justice Pornpetch), on October 15, 2008, issued a 5th arrest warrant against Thaksin, for failure to appear at the hearing of his Sale of Shin Corporation to Temasek Holdings case, due to self-imposed exile in London since last month.[175][176] [177]

[edit] Ratchadaphisek Land Verdict

See also Potjaman Shinawatra#Ratchadaphisek land purchase controversy

On 21 October 2008, the Supreme Court of Thailand's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions delivered a verdict on the Ratchadaphisek Land purchasing case, ruling that Thanksin, while assuming premiership, abused his power to help his wife, Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra, purchasing the land in a competitive auction, and sentenced him to two years in imprisonment; however, the accusation against Potjaman was lapsed and the land and proprieties she gained in this case could not be seized, for Potjaman was not a holder of political position or public authority prohibited under the laws. The Court also ordered repealing the arrest warrant of Potjaman for this case, but that of Thaksin continued in force.[178]

Soon after the verdict was handed down, Thaksin gave a telephone interview to Reuters, stating he had expected the imprisonment term. He was quoted as remarking that "I have been informed of the result. I had long anticipated that it would turn out this way," and adding that the case was politically motivated.[179]

Forthwith, chief prosecutor Seksan Bangsombun called on Britain for his extradition: "The prosecutors will soon make a copy of the court verdict and pass it on to Britain to quickly extradite him." The 9 judges ruled by 5-4 that "Thaksin's more serious charge of abusing his powers to secure the cut-price deal, however, was dismissed." His wife, had been acquitted.[180] But earlier, she was convicted of income tax evasion and sentenced in absentia to several years in jail. Thaksin further denied he was seeking British asylum.[181][182][183][184]

[edit] Cancellation of UK visa

On November 10, 2008, the Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines) Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin stated "the government would 'politely' turn down any request for political refuge from the fugitive Thai leader, xxx due to Manila’s “friendly” relations with Bangkok. ...

and more in the Wikipedia won't swamp this thread with what is stated in this free "Ecyclopedia" where ANYONE can write....

more here:

It's certainly NOT a complete biography and almost certainly NOT independent!

As usual part truths...

[freitag1]

Now things will get ugly...

[rainman]

Ok guys, if I want to read an encyclopedia I'll just head to Wikipedia myself. No need to paste a book here.

[grantbkk]

The domestic terrorists that are occupying Government House and the two Bangkok airports are duping the PAD supporters by telling them that their collective action will improve the quality of life for all Thais. The terrorists are using women, children and the elderly as human shields to accomplish their limited agenda. The governments failure is huge however the terrorist actions by core PAD leaders is reprehensible. The leaders of PAD need to be removed from society, perhaps for decades, as punishment for despicable acts against humanity. There is no justification for endangering the public and cripling the economy.

The PAD supporters here on TV are unfortunate victims of a domestic terrorist group. We all should feel sorry for every victim now and for those who will fall during the impending violence to come.

[Hawkup2000]

Some text...

Please don´t make more posts like that. I get cramp in my scrollingfinger.

[Sigi]

ASTV: Kowit Orders Crackdown at 8 p.m.

UPDATE : 28 November 2008

Despite earlier reports that the Metropolitan police have been ordered to prepare to disperse the PAD protesters at Don Muang at 3 p.m. today, new rounds of reports have emerged that Interior Minister Kowit Wattana has ordered the police to prepare to take actions against the PAD at 8 p.m. tonight.

Meanwhile the PAD lawyer has filed a petition with the Administrative Court for a temporary injunction against PM Somchai Wongsawat's evoking of emergency decree at Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports.

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/

[henryalleman]

is it really that simple? I guess most here would agree that Hitler had it right when he squashed any protests against his democratically elected government

Argh! stop it please, get your history right.

I've heard this repeated over and over during recent discussions. Hitler didn't win any democratic elections, he was appointed Chancellor by the elected president after losing an election on the pressure the Nazi party and recession brought on the government of the time.

So if that event has any resemblance with the current situation it would be the PAD acting the part of the Nazi party trying to topple the government.

correct, see

http://www.fff.org/freedom/fd0403a.asp

[scratt]

ASTV: Kowit Orders Crackdown at 8 p.m.

This gets more and more like a WhiteHall farce every minute!

Oooo.. They used the word 'Crackdown', it must be serious...

Next they'll invoke the 'War on Terror'...

The PPP need to call elections, and give this up. It's over.

It's been a week, and the international airport is still closed! How could anyone ever take this particular bunch of fools seriously ever again? Really?

[anotheruser]

Some people would say PAD need to leave

[Lockstock]

I have seen repeatedly people say that PPP has "thugs" but PAD has "supporters and protesters"

I have also read how PPP carrys out "vote buying" but PAD "compensates supporters for lost earnings"

But both those statements are correct. Why should we correct ourselves.

Or should we just be saying the PPP *are* thugs?

I thank you for demonstrating my point so well.

[LaoPo]

Replacing someone considerd close to them! It looks like they will go thorugh with force now. It also indicates some of those close to them are not willing to do the dirty work. I hope for the sake of stability this does not give Anupong cause for concern over his position as that would be coup time.

I agree.

LaoPo

[scratt]

Some people would say PAD need to leave

Regardless of my leanings towards PAD, the simple fact is that any government that can let a situation get to this point is obviously unfit to manage the country.

You must be able to see that, surely?

[jdinasia]

The Constitution Court Friday ordered the People Power Party, Chart Thai Party and Matchima Tipataya Party

to deliver their closing statement in the party-dissolution case against them on December 2. (the Nation, just now)

- I'm NOT in favour of coups, 'new politics', airport occupations, nor lynch-mobs.

However, this DOESN'T have to end in blood OR a coup OR a lynching (if some were permitted).

All because the protesters are reprehensibly entrenched and the Govt refuses to call elections, or the PM to simply resign...

The Govt WON'T simply call elections to avoid bloodshed and to avoid a potentially larger civil conflict, WHY?

because the democratically elected Govt MUST remove vote-fraud rules from the constitution FIRST to survive...

(only in a Thai 'democracy' could this be permissible) Last house session to do so? Dec 9 (at Somchai's house). Dissolution verdict? Possibly Dec 15 = tic-toc...

related...

PPP asks Senate speaker to push for NCCC impeachment

The Nation (just now)

People Power Party MPs Friday asked the Senate speaker to file a suit against the nine members of the national Counter Corruption Commission, seeking their impeachment.

PPP MP Chavarin Latthasaksiri represented other MPs from his party to file an appeal with Senate Speaker Prasopsook Boondej.

He asked the Senate speaker to file complaint against the nine NCCC members with the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, seeking to impeach them on ground that they have been appointed unlawfully.

He said the nine NCCC members could not be allowed to remain in office any longer.

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

Urgent: Phatcharawat removed as police chief

The Nation (just now)

Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Phatcharawat Wongsuwan was Friday removed as the national police chief and seconded to an inactive post at the PM's Office.

The government appointed police inspector-general Pol Gen Prateep Tanprasert as caretaker police commissioner-general.

Hmmm the PPP desperation is getting even more obvious!

[jdrake72]

really ? TRT Party killed Thousands during its regime ?? Sorry ??

Who killed thousands of innocent students in 1976 ? In 1992 just 200 meter from where I am ?

Thaksin ?

He hasn t won any eelction ? Sorry ? I guessed Thaksin won 3 times.

Vote buying in Thailand is widespread amongst all parties, and it has ever been like this. Dont give the copyright of vote-buying in Thailand just to Thaksin.

Since 2001 he has been fuc... Thai people ?

I guess since 194X Thais have been slaved and brainwashed (and killed by scores at the minimal sign of dissent) definitely NOT by Thaksin.

This guy is hated because he is the main obstacle to the perpetuation of the Thai feudal system, a feudal system with amazing skycrapers, hospitals and golf courts, but still a feudal system.

Of course he is not a saint, he stole, he ordered killings, but a white dove cannot beat a blood-thirsty panther,so...

[anotheruser]

Some people would say PAD need to leave

Regardless of my leanings towards PAD, the simple fact is that any government that can let a situation get to this point is obviously unfit to manage the country.

You must be able to see that, surely?

I really don't care either way. If the PPP steps down and then PAD leaves fine. If PAD leaves on it's own great. My only requirement you see is that PAD needs to leave. That is what needs to happen to resume flights.

you must be able to see that, surely?