Thai Political Parties Dissolved

[Kerryd]

So now we swap one bunch of corrupt politicians for another bunch of the same type of crooks except the latter bunch want to suspend a democratic constitution.

And, of course, the PAD was innocent of any corruption in the last election

I am still amazed at the number of people here that just don't get it.

PAD is NOT a political party !

They did NOT run in the last election !

They have not formed a political party (yet) and (most likely) will not be running in the next election (whenever that may be).

The PAD and the Democrat Party are two separate groups. (Say what you want about the Democrat Party, it doesn't appear they were accused by the Electoral Commission of any fraud during the last election.)

(And no, I don't agree with the whole "70/30" idea of government that PAD recommends. I think better education of the masses and cracking down on the rampant corruption is a better way to go.)

[younghusband]

So now we swap one bunch of corrupt politicians for another bunch of the same type of crooks except the latter bunch want to suspend a democratic constitution.

And, of course, the PAD was innocent of any corruption in the last election

I am still amazed at the number of people here that just don't get it.

PAD is NOT a political party !

They did NOT run in the last election !

They have not formed a political party (yet) and (most likely) will not be running in the next election (whenever that may be).

The PAD and the Democrat Party are two separate groups. (Say what you want about the Democrat Party, it doesn't appear they were accused by the Electoral Commission of any fraud during the last election.)

(And no, I don't agree with the whole "70/30" idea of government that PAD recommends. I think better education of the masses and cracking down on the rampant corruption is a better way to go.)

1.PAD as you suggest in a pressure group.It is not a political party because it would never win support for its fascist policies.

2.While PAD and the Democrats are separate, there are senior Democrats closely involved in PAD.Many mainstream Democrat politicians either sympathise with PAD or are nervous of alienating their urban base.

3.The EC is to some extent compromised.Democrats are also involved in money politics.The politicised judicial system serves the agenda of the elite which realises the Democrats represent the only possibility of legitimacy.

4.The education of the masses argument is true to some extent.It's not an argument however to keep the Thai majority under represented.

5.Yes corruption should be curbed.A start could be made in ensuring the richest in the land pay their full share of tax.

[RenzoInOz]

PAD's true colours...

Here we go folks.. save the celebrations.. The PAD is already vowing to return if things don't go according to its plans...

(Source: Bangkok Post - http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=135131 )

The People's Alliance for Democracy agreed on Tuesday night to get out of the Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports within 24 hours _ but with conditions.

"The next government must sincerely agree to introduce new politics and must not be a puppet regime for Thaksin Shinawatra," said a statement by the PAD.

Otherwise, it continued, the airports may be seized and shut down again.

The leading candidates as new prime minister are unacceptable to the PAD. They are controversial Bangkok politician Chalerm Yubamrung and ex-commerce minister Mingkwan Sangsuwan, both considered to be close to the fugitive ex-premier Thaksin.

The PAD was jubilant when the Constitution Court announced its verdict which effectively dismissed the government. But there are many steps between that court decision and a victory by the yellow-shirted PAD in its "final battle".

Members of Parliament unaffected by the bans on three political parties and 109 leading politicians have vowed to continue the current regime under a different name for the dissolved People Power he Puea Thai (For Thais) party is expected to be a haven for politicians from the three banned parties, and a new premier will likely be named well within the 60-day limit after the court announcement.

In the meantime, Chaovarat Charnveerakul, the first deputy prime minister, will be caretaker prime minister.

Government chief whip Withaya Buranasiri said on Tuesday the House of Representatives could be convened as ealy as next Mondazy to elect a new prime minister.

[Jai Dee]

EC preparing to fill 30 vacant House seats by Jan 11

The Election Commission is preparing to call byelections within 45 days to fill 30 vacant House seats caused the disbandment of People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties, its member Prapun Naigowit said on Wednesday.

The deadline for organising byelections is January 11.

The EC is expected to earmark Bt10 million to Bt15 million per constituency.

Following the party dissolution on Tuesday, party executives automatically lost their House seats due to the five-year ban from the electoral process.

For non-executive MPs, they have 60 days to swich the party's banner in order to retain their House seats.

Source: The Nation - 03 December 2008

[Moonrakers]

EC preparing to fill 30 vacant House seats by Jan 11

The Election Commission is preparing to call byelections within 45 days to fill 30 vacant House seats caused the disbandment of People Power, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties, its member Prapun Naigowit said on Wednesday.

The deadline for organising byelections is January 11.

The EC is expected to earmark Bt10 million to Bt15 million per constituency.

Following the party dissolution on Tuesday, party executives automatically lost their House seats due to the five-year ban from the electoral process.

For non-executive MPs, they have 60 days to swich the party's banner in order to retain their House seats.

Source: The Nation - 03 December 2008

Excellent.

So now we get to have loads of vote buying threads again.

[Jai Dee]

EC organizing elections to replace 29 MPs disqualified on Constitution Court ruling

The Election Commission (EC) is organizing re-elections throughout the nation to replace 29 MPs disqualified after 3 coalition government parties were dissolved yesterday.

Election Commissioner Praphan Naikowit (ประพันธ์ นัยโกวิท) stated that as the Constitution Tribunal has disbanded Chart Thai party, Matchima Thipathai party and People Power Party, upholding a Supreme Court decision, up to 29 MPs will have to be replaced. Elections for the members of the parliament must be conducted within 45 days and will include both constituent and proportional MPs. Members of the three dissolved parties who have not been barred from the parliament and wish to re-enter elections must join new parties or form a new party within the next 60 days.

Mr. Praphan projected that the election will require 10-15 million baht in budget.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 03 December 2008

[henryalleman]

May I ask what "genuine democracy" means for you? Do you really think that there is even one country around the world we could call "a country of genuine democracy"? It sounds very good but it cannot be true, let's just be honest...

I would be very glad for Thailand, for Thais if they were on the way of democracy. But where can you see that? It's just another struggle for power and money. It's a game and somebody rules it very nicely - the majority of yellows and reds don't even realise that...

democracy

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/democracy

http://translate.google.nl/translate?hl=nl...%3Den%26tl%3Des

A few examples of genuine democracies

Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Switserland, The Netherlands. Notice that all this countries have coalition governments.

do also notice I don't mention my own country Belgium.

[Plus]

Indeed history is made. Its the first time in Thai history that the military did not interfere in a political turmoil, and took power.

Not the first time. After the coup of 1992 TWO prime ministers resigned under public pressure and without much fuss.

It seems like a progress only by TRT/PPP standards.

[Svetlana]

Very grateful for the link to some dictionary! You cannot explain yourself what does it mean for you - "genuine democracy"? Yes, the mentioned countries have gone far on that way, especially Netherlands with their legal party of pedofiles... Thank you for such democracy!

[KireB]

Let me start of by saying that all violence should be condoned, but I hear this commentator clearly saying that pro-government supporters broke through a police line an attacked the anti governmnet supporters. The violence we have seen over the last months was horrible, but in most cases intiated by (hired?) imbecils in red shirts. Why you fail to see that is beyond me.

Errr.. did you mean 'condemned" KireB?

(Hmmm... who was it questioning my education last night....?)

Call it lack of coffee, or whatever you want.

Nice to have an online spell check.

Fancy some more work?

[KireB]

1.PAD as you suggest in a pressure group.It is not a political party because it would never win support for its fascist policies.

2.While PAD and the Democrats are separate, there are senior Democrats closely involved in PAD.Many mainstream Democrat politicians either sympathise with PAD or are nervous of alienating their urban base.

3.The EC is to some extent compromised.Democrats are also involved in money politics.The politicised judicial system serves the agenda of the elite which realises the Democrats represent the only possibility of legitimacy.

4.The education of the masses argument is true to some extent.It's not an argument however to keep the Thai majority under represented.

5.Yes corruption should be curbed.A start could be made in ensuring the richest in the land pay their full share of tax.

:D

The irony of this all is that the same PAD is the result of a very rich criminal changing the law's for not paying taxes!

Your arguments hold no ground!

[permanent_disorder]

1.PAD as you suggest in a pressure group.It is not a political party because it would never win support for its fascist policies.

2.While PAD and the Democrats are separate, there are senior Democrats closely involved in PAD.Many mainstream Democrat politicians either sympathise with PAD or are nervous of alienating their urban base.

3.The EC is to some extent compromised.Democrats are also involved in money politics.The politicised judicial system serves the agenda of the elite which realises the Democrats represent the only possibility of legitimacy.

4.The education of the masses argument is true to some extent.It's not an argument however to keep the Thai majority under represented.

5.Yes corruption should be curbed.A start could be made in ensuring the richest in the land pay their full share of tax.

:D

The irony of this all is that the same PAD is the result of a very rich criminal changing the law's for not paying taxes!

Your arguments hold no ground!

The monstrous evils of the twentieth century have shown us that the greediest money grubbers are gentle doves compared with money-hating wolves like Lenin, Stalin, and Hitler, who in less than three decades killed or maimed nearly a hundred million men, women, and children and brought untold suffering to a large portion of mankind.

Eric Hoffer: In Our Time, "Money,"

[sabaijai]

Wearing the Bandana right now and have every day, including those days in Chiang Mai ;-)

Restaurant is closed and is only open for this private victory party.

As for the questions regarding the airport...victory party there tomorrow morning

You have GOT to be kidding? Do you even understand the propaganda being spilled here? Or are you going cause your wife is being paid by the PAD? This is not a FARANG issue. You have been in the sun to long my friend...

[flame deleted]

What happens if PAD achieve their main aim of a redesigned power system in this country and the new power starts messing with visas? Doubt you'll be partying and wearing yellow bandanas then.

The PAD are more pro-western than the PPP so if visas were to change as a result of their 'new politics' (mixed appointed/elected assembly) they would more likely liberalise visas, compared to the current situation.

In fact the current administration recently further tightened visas by reducing visa-exemption-on-arrival from neighbouring countries from 30 to 15 days.

So now we swap one bunch of corrupt politicians for another bunch of the same type of crooks except the latter bunch want to suspend a democratic constitution.

And, of course, the PAD was innocent of any corruption in the last election

I am still amazed at the number of people here that just don't get it.

PAD is NOT a political party !

They did NOT run in the last election !

They have not formed a political party (yet) and (most likely) will not be running in the next election (whenever that may be).

The PAD and the Democrat Party are two separate groups. (Say what you want about the Democrat Party, it doesn't appear they were accused by the Electoral Commission of any fraud during the last election.)

(And no, I don't agree with the whole "70/30" idea of government that PAD recommends. I think better education of the masses and cracking down on the rampant corruption is a better way to go.)

They dropped the 70/30 proposal a while ago.

[MILT]

It is amazing to read comments made by folks on TV. Spellin accountability, source accountibilty, et. and the same folks scrutinizing TV members comments seem to lack that accountibilty when commenting on these horrific times in an otherwise tranquil country (Source: living here a long long time.) The truth of the matter si unless you (the members) are Thai, maybe try obersveing this democracy in it's infancy and since some you live hear, tolerance of this fact is a good idea.....Out of the mind of Milt

[chuck_s]

Now you'll see the election with a brand new squeaky clean "PPP". (Run by Thaksin of course).

Did you think that they haven't been waiting for this?

Ok, now their wives or mia nois will run for those seats. Nothing changes, nothing changes in this country.

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai may work with opposition: Sanan

Acting deputy prime minister and court-disbanded Chart Thai party advisor Sanan Kajornprasart on Wednesday hinted that former Chart Thai members may join forces with the opposition Democrat party, if the political turmoil ceases to end. According to Maj-Gen Sanan, if joining the coalition government would lead to another crisis in the country, then such action may have to be avoided.

After a group of businessmen called on former Chart Thai members to change their political polarity and work together with the Democrat party, Maj Gen Sanan said he had been the Democrat secretary-general for many years, and he may take ex-Chart Thai members to join the opposition.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[Xangsamhua]

The leader of the Opposition Thai Democratic party, Abhisit Vejjajiva, says Thailand needs honest leadership.

"The thing that really feeds the protests are the actions of the Government," he said.

"And I think it's important that the new government learns the lessons of the last year and makes sure that the new government in place provides honest leadership for the whole country."

- ABC/AFP

Wouldn't it be nice. Can't see it happening, but hope springs eternal.

[h90]

The leader of the Opposition Thai Democratic party, Abhisit Vejjajiva, says Thailand needs honest leadership.

"The thing that really feeds the protests are the actions of the Government," he said.

"And I think it's important that the new government learns the lessons of the last year and makes sure that the new government in place provides honest leadership for the whole country."

- ABC/AFP

Wouldn't it be nice. Can't see it happening, but hope springs eternal.

I think you'll have to wait for the next life....

[Moonrakers]

Chart Thai may work with opposition: Sanan

Acting deputy prime minister and court-disbanded Chart Thai party advisor Sanan Kajornprasart on Wednesday hinted that former Chart Thai members may join forces with the opposition Democrat party, if the political turmoil ceases to end. According to Maj-Gen Sanan, if joining the coalition government would lead to another crisis in the country, then such action may have to be avoided.

After a group of businessmen called on former Chart Thai members to change their political polarity and work together with the Democrat party, Maj Gen Sanan said he had been the Democrat secretary-general for many years, and he may take ex-Chart Thai members to join the opposition.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

If this happened, how would it affect the number of seats held? Would it give the Dem's the majority?

I am not so naive as to think that the Dem's are squeaky clean but they appear angelic in comparison to the PPP lot.

[permanent_disorder]

What happens if PAD achieve their main aim of a redesigned power system in this country and the new power starts messing with visas? Doubt you'll be partying and wearing yellow bandanas then.

The PAD are more pro-western than the PPP so if visas were to change as a result of their 'new politics' (mixed appointed/elected assembly) they would more likely liberalise visas, compared to the current situation. .

arrrg.

no, "new politics", & "new economics " will just send you falang away, whatever you are dreaming off PAD will become. please, don't raise false hope.

hedonistic sauna will see a crackdown, bars too. and TVforum free of gossip. (but not many members left)

[Jai Dee]

Puea Thai Party to elect leader on Sunday

Puea Thai Party, seen as a spare of disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, is scheduled on Sunday to elect its leader and 29-member executive board.

The naming of the party leader is seen as the crucial step for the nomination of the next prime minister to be voted in the House, tentatively scheduled for Monday.

On Wednesday, about 80 of 218 MPs from the disbanded ruling party have already completed the process to switch to the Puea Thai banner.

Source: The Nation - 03 December 2008

[Old Man River]

Chart Thai may work with opposition: Sanan

Acting deputy prime minister and court-disbanded Chart Thai party advisor Sanan Kajornprasart on Wednesday hinted that former Chart Thai members may join forces with the opposition Democrat party, if the political turmoil ceases to end. According to Maj-Gen Sanan, if joining the coalition government would lead to another crisis in the country, then such action may have to be avoided.

After a group of businessmen called on former Chart Thai members to change their political polarity and work together with the Democrat party, Maj Gen Sanan said he had been the Democrat secretary-general for many years, and he may take ex-Chart Thai members to join the opposition.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

If this happened, how would it affect the number of seats held? Would it give the Dem's the majority?

No. As it stands now, Puea Thai (PPP) will have 219, Chart Thai 15, Puea Pandin 24, Matchimaithispataya 11, Pracharaj 5, and Ruam Thai Jai Chart Pattana 9 and Democrats 164.

If the Chart Thai takes its 15 and goes to the Dem's, it won't help. If everyone goes to the Dem's, they would have a very slight majority, but governing with a 6 party coalition on such a slight majority isn't practical.

[permanent_disorder]

The leader of the Opposition Thai Democratic party, Abhisit Vejjajiva, says Thailand needs honest leadership.

"The thing that really feeds the protests are the actions of the Government," he said.

"And I think it's important that the new government learns the lessons of the last year and makes sure that the new government in place provides honest leadership for the whole country."

- ABC/AFP

Wouldn't it be nice. Can't see it happening, but hope springs eternal.

I think you'll have to wait for the next life....

do-betters. listen, there is not such a thing as honest leadership. leadership can be functional . i hope without you. that wouldn't be honest you have to wait for the next life.

[xminator]

If the Chart Thai takes its 15 and goes to the Dem's, it won't help. If everyone goes to the Dem's, they would have a very slight majority, but governing with a 6 party coalition on such a slight majority isn't practical.

And dont forget that the picture changes again after the by-elections. This slight, but highly ulikely majority, might not have that majority anymore come 11th january. I doubt a minority government would last long in the polarized thai political landscape.

[sriracha john]

The ruling disbanded not only the governing People Power Party but also two smaller coalition parties; the court found that they had committed fraud during the elections last December that brought them to power. It forced out Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, a brother-in-law of Thaksin's.

"It is not a problem," said Somchai, an unassuming former judge who had seemed overwhelmed by the pressures of the job. "I was not working for myself. Now I will be a full-time citizen."

He spoke to reporters in the northern city of Chiang Mai, where he had conducted government business since returning from an overseas trip last Wednesday.

- International Herald Tribune / 2008-12-03

[phutoie2]

Lets go 'Puea Thai'- anyone spot any changes? TRT/PPP/PT

[Jai Dee]

EC: Reelection date on Dec 11

Election Commission (EC) chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said the reelection date will be on December 11 after the Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled to dissolve the People Power, Matchimathipataya and Chart Thai parties for vote-buying.

Mr Apichart said the reelection will take place in 26 constituencies in 22 provinces after the court banned MPs, who were executives from the three disbanded parties, from running elections.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[hammered]

The ruling disbanded not only the governing People Power Party but also two smaller coalition parties; the court found that they had committed fraud during the elections last December that brought them to power. It forced out Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, a brother-in-law of Thaksin's.

"It is not a problem," said Somchai, an unassuming former judge who had seemed overwhelmed by the pressures of the job. "I was not working for myself. Now I will be a full-time citizen."

He spoke to reporters in the northern city of Chiang Mai, where he had conducted government business since returning from an overseas trip last Wednesday.

- International Herald Tribune / 2008-12-03

To be honest Somchai never really looked like he wanted to be in the job. Maybe he took one for the family.

[stub]

Everybody knows that the thai courts have been bought off and are totaly corrupt, who does the EC report to?

Please quote your sources!

As of today, the courts have ruled against the ruling party and that means that the international community mentions this on its frontpages.

Thanks to PAD that is!

The "corrupt "courts have again continued to rule against the democraticaly elected government,this time 9-0.

Tell me when the courts didnt rule against the democratically elected government.

The PAD is already mentioned on BBC news as armed para-militaries, holding an international airport to ransom,.

The democratically elected government goes on.

Did the previous corrupt court rulings get front page...no.....

What will get front pages is the homecoming citizens accounts of their ordeal in thailand because the PAD hijacked the airport!!

Whats wrong with a 9-0 ruling? The court considers the facts presented and makes judgment. A 9-0 ruling means there was no doubt - the law was broken. Do you honestly think they should give the democratically elected government a break because they have been busted too many times already? "Yeah... looking at this evidence you obviously broke the law but we are going to let it slide this time because you have all those red cards already". I don't see anyone disputing the facts presented to the court. I don't see anyone except the guilty disputing the judgment of these facts. I see plenty of people claiming the court is biased because the decision didn't go the way they wanted it to. I see plenty of people claiming the law shouldn't be the way it is.

The 8-1 decision against one of the other parties is more interesting - one of the judges did not think the law was broken in this case. Still a clear majority of the considered opinions of the judges, but a crack of doubt.

When did the courts rule *for* the current government? IIRC most of the charges against Taksin didn't stick - for a while there people where wondering if he would be cleared of all charges. Also, most of the fraud charges made from the last election did not end up as red cards. And I believe there are still arrest warrents for the PAD leaders (so if you are going to blame anyone, blame the police - the courts are doing their job it seems).

If there was any unfairness, it seems that the Democrats where aware that the rules would be enforced but the PPP assumed it would be business as usual.

[thaieagle67]

EC: Reelection date on Dec 11

Election Commission (EC) chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said the reelection date will be on December 11 after the Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled to dissolve the People Power, Matchimathipataya and Chart Thai parties for vote-buying.

Mr Apichart said the reelection will take place in 26 constituencies in 22 provinces after the court banned MPs, who were executives from the three disbanded parties, from running elections.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

We can all only hope this doesn't result in upsetting either side and end up with all rescheduled/re-routed flights being rescheduled/re-routed again because someone takes it upon themselves to take over the airports to get their way!!!