Pad Agrees To Set Up Party

[george]

PAD agrees to set up party

BANGKOK: -- Core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have agreed to set up a new political party, with Sondhi Limthongkul expected to become its first leader and the four other coleaders party executives, sources said Saturday.

The decision came shortly before today's gathering of PAD leaders and supporters at Thammasat University's Rangsit campus.

-- The Nation 2009-05-23

[LaoPo]

The taste of POWER is irresistible for Sondhi. It will be the beginning of his final downfall; same-same like his former close friend mr. T

Apart from that, the PAD formed a (sleeping) political party already years ago.

LaoPo

[kurtgruen]

Hmmmm...could make for an ugly vote split in the next election.

[WISteve]

I thought they already elected appointed their man a few months back?

Should make for interesting elections next time around.

~WISteve

[coalminer]

PAD agrees to set up party

BANGKOK: -- Core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have agreed to set up a new political party, with Sondhi Limthongkul expected to become its first leader and the four other coleaders party executives, sources said Saturday.

The decision came shortly before today's gathering of PAD leaders and supporters at Thammasat University's Rangsit campus.

"The PAD IS NOT A POLITICAL PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Famous excuse from the PAD lovers in ThaiVisa of the past 2 years.

Well, now they can get "polirical indemnity" and can not serve for their crimes.

0 - 1 for "democratic" Thailand

[webfact]

PAD agrees to set up party

BANGKOK: -- Core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have agreed to set up a new political party, with Sondhi Limthongkul expected to become its first leader and the four other coleaders party executives, sources said Saturday.

The decision came shortly before today's gathering of PAD leaders and supporters at Thammasat University's Rangsit campus.

"The PAD IS NOT A POLITICAL PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Famous excuse from the PAD lovers in ThaiVisa of the past 2 years.

Well, now they can get "polirical indemnity" and can not serve for their crimes.

0 - 1 for "democratic" Thailand

what has "and can not serve for their crimes" to do with forming a political party?

The voter will decide if they want them or not... THEY vote! BTW to what crimes do you refer?

[WISteve]

PAD agrees to set up party

BANGKOK: -- Core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have agreed to set up a new political party, with Sondhi Limthongkul expected to become its first leader and the four other coleaders party executives, sources said Saturday.

The decision came shortly before today's gathering of PAD leaders and supporters at Thammasat University's Rangsit campus.

"The PAD IS NOT A POLITICAL PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Famous excuse from the PAD lovers in ThaiVisa of the past 2 years.

Well, now they can get "polirical indemnity" and can not serve for their crimes.

0 - 1 for "democratic" Thailand

what has "and can not serve for their crimes" to do with forming a political party?

The voter will decide if they want them or not... THEY vote! BTW to what crimes do you refer?

Hummmm... occupying an international airport comes to mind.?

~WISteve

[Ricardo]

PAD agrees to set up party

BANGKOK: -- Core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have agreed to set up a new political party, with Sondhi Limthongkul expected to become its first leader and the four other coleaders party executives, sources said Saturday.

The decision came shortly before today's gathering of PAD leaders and supporters at Thammasat University's Rangsit campus.

"The PAD IS NOT A POLITICAL PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Famous excuse from the PAD lovers in ThaiVisa of the past 2 years.

Well, now they can get "polirical indemnity" and can not serve for their crimes.

0 - 1 for "democratic" Thailand

Odd reaction, when setting-up a new political-party is seen as an un-democratic action !

Guess some people, 'true democrats' for example, might not like the competition ?!

[webfact]

PAD agrees to set up party

BANGKOK: -- Core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have agreed to set up a new political party, with Sondhi Limthongkul expected to become its first leader and the four other coleaders party executives, sources said Saturday.

The decision came shortly before today's gathering of PAD leaders and supporters at Thammasat University's Rangsit campus.

"The PAD IS NOT A POLITICAL PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Famous excuse from the PAD lovers in ThaiVisa of the past 2 years.

Well, now they can get "polirical indemnity" and can not serve for their crimes.

0 - 1 for "democratic" Thailand

what has "and can not serve for their crimes" to do with forming a political party?

The voter will decide if they want them or not... THEY vote! BTW to what crimes do you refer?

Hummmm... occupying an international airport comes to mind.?

~WISteve

agreed - then lets make a serious matter a bit more enjoyable. So I will contribute this story regarding "occupying an international airport"

Overweight protesters shut down Toronto airport

Sorry for being (maybe) off-topic...

[coalminer]

PAD agrees to set up party

BANGKOK: -- Core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have agreed to set up a new political party, with Sondhi Limthongkul expected to become its first leader and the four other coleaders party executives, sources said Saturday.

The decision came shortly before today's gathering of PAD leaders and supporters at Thammasat University's Rangsit campus.

"The PAD IS NOT A POLITICAL PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Famous excuse from the PAD lovers in ThaiVisa of the past 2 years.

Well, now they can get "polirical indemnity" and can not serve for their crimes.

0 - 1 for "democratic" Thailand

what has "and can not serve for their crimes" to do with forming a political party?

The voter will decide if they want them or not... THEY vote! BTW to what crimes do you refer?

Hummmm... occupying an international airport comes to mind.?

~WISteve

Tut, tut , tut Steve,

"The PAD protesters were having a nice gathering together at the airport with music, food and entertainment".

(More pathetic excuses from PAD lovers at Thaivisa ......)

[Xangsamhua]

Despite what the Nation may have said yesterday, PAD leaders and supporters are currently meeting to decide whether or not they will form a party. The meeting will continue tomorrow and it will take several days before a decision is reached. You can follow the debates live on ASTV if you wish.

[coalminer]

Despite what the Nation may have said yesterday, PAD leaders and supporters are currently meeting to decide whether or not they will form a party. The meeting will continue tomorrow and it will take several days before a decision is reached. You can follow the debates live on ASTV if you wish.

Well, money will not be a problem to fund the "future" party with the "donatiions" of several Thaivisa members who declared openly their love to the PAD and posted (bragged) about their donations.

Whhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[canuckamuck]

You'd think Kuhn Sondhi would lay a little lower after his van got ventilated. Apparently he likes being in the crosshairs.

Whatever, it doesn't make any difference who wins. It all falls down as quick as it goes up.

Edited May 24, 2009 by canuckamuck

[Siripon]

If it really happens, and I still doubt it, I can't see them getting anywhere. Their main base is the south and urban areas. In the south they won't beat the Democrats though they may weaken them somewhat, in cities they may win an odd seat here and there but nothing substantial.

The PAD were united in ridding Thailand of the Thaksin regime, in that they excelled, but once they move beyond that and try to seriously consider how to eliminate money politics, a noble goal for sure, the obstacles appear insurmountable.

Sonthi and Jamlong must retire, leaders sush as Suriyasai must take prominence and ASTV must continue.

But like Thaksin for Peua Thai, Sonthi may be irreplaceable in terms of charisma.

[rixalex]

If it really happens, and I still doubt it, I can't see them getting anywhere.

Agreed. The PAD has had a lot of support for its aims and goals, whilst at the same time remaining quite unpopular as a group - its leader also is not well liked by many - and of course the airport closure did nothing to endear them.

Their beliefs might win some votes, but the packaging wouldn't.

[HagenvonTronje]

PAD co-leader Chamlong: Government failure leads to party formation consideration

BANGKOK, May 24 (TNA) -- Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, a top leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), identified by their yellow shirts, said Sunday that the PAD is seriously considering forming their own political party because the government has failed in performing its duties.

The PAD may announce its decision on Monday.

Gen. Chamlong, founder and former leader of the now defunct Palang Dharma political party, said the PAD’s idea of establishing a political party came after the end of its massive demonstration last year. The move which he said cleared the way for the current coalition government to come in to power.

But the present government has failed to carry out its duty as the PAD wished, he said, which has led to the protest movement to reconsider its options.

Members and supporters of the PAD convened at a university on the outskirts of Bangkok and, according to Gen. Chamlong, two major issues including whether a political party of their own should be formed and whether the present constitution should be amended are being discussed. Participants are expected to come up with their decision on Monday.

Reiterating that the PAD has no conflict with any existing political parties, Maj. Gen. Chamlong said core leaders of the group have not yet discussed on who should lead the party if it is formed. (TNA)

-- TNA 24.05.2009

article here

[HagenvonTronje]

Sondhi as party leader? isn't there a constitutional problem?

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand 2007, CHAPTER III, Part 7:

"

Section 48.

No person holding a political position shall be the owner of, or hold shares in, newspaper, radio or television broadcasting or telecommunication business, irrespective of whether he so commits in his name, or through his proxy or nominee, or by other direct or indirect means which enable him to administer such business as if he is the owner of, or hold shares in, such business."

source

[DP25]

Hopefully it's just a bluff. If they do they will once again split the some large majority of voters that are anti Taksin, and his proxy party could slip in to power again.

[esprit]

Sondhi as party leader? isn't there a constitutional problem?

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand 2007, CHAPTER III, Part 7:

"

Section 48.

No person holding a political position shall be the owner of, or hold shares in, newspaper, radio or television broadcasting or telecommunication business, irrespective of whether he so commits in his name, or through his proxy or nominee, or by other direct or indirect means which enable him to administer such business as if he is the owner of, or hold shares in, such business."

source

Since when in Thailand has anybody stopped anybody from changing the law and/or consitution to suit their own ends ? Its par for the course. The more corrupt you are the more money you can accumulate - and more money means more respect from the Thais. Perverse I know but true. Crime really does pay here.

[webfact]

Hopefully it's just a bluff. If they do they will once again split the some large majority of voters that are anti Taksin, and his proxy party could slip in to power again.

...

will this never ending story-saga-drama never end?

[HagenvonTronje]

Hopefully it's just a bluff. If they do they will once again split the some large majority of voters that are anti Taksin, and his proxy party could slip in to power again.

isn't just being ANTI a little bit low for a political concept?

and isn't it silly to assume that a large majority of votes just made their choice determined by their dislike of thaksin?

[nicholasday]

From the opinion piece by Veera in Bangkok Post we get to see what sort of society the PAD is looking to as a model for a future Thailand.

<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message">"Phipob Thongchai, said earlier that under “new politics” there would be radical land reform so that every Thai citizen would own a piece of land and be able to make a living. He cited the case of North Korea, saying that although the country is poor and its people are starving, the North Koreans can pride themselves in owning a small piece of land. "</h3>

I am not against land reform just think they could have picked better countries to copy. But then maybe they think of north korea as a model society.

oh and this is a good post by Bangkok pundit:

"

During the protests against Thaksin, Sondhi L said:

"Slap my face with your shoes if one day I take any political position," Sondhi once said.

BP: Given a party has basically been set up Sondhi L and the other PAD leaders have reversed their positions so who will be the first to line up to slap Sondhi L's face?"

I am looking forward to the shoe slapping!

[Plus]

Acc to Nation's report the supporters begged Sondhi to reverse his no politics stance.

It's still no clear how he is going to sell his media empire, which is essentially broke.

Re. land reform - I somehow think that giving land to every poor farmer would endear pad to local socialists.

I'm personally not in support of a party, it might turn out a flop - in politicis no one will let them play honestly, and if they slip up, no one will ever forget it. It's a dirty game, like wrstling with pigs.

[Scott]

So, will they be holding their big meeting at the airport again?

[Insight]

So, will they be holding their big meeting at the airport again?

According to a friend who's an active PAD member they had a rather large meeting at Thammasat University, Rangsit last night. Our friend advised us not to go ourselves as it's unlikely we'd be able to find each other.

Obviously all completely anecdotal - looking around for any reports of the meeting this morning.

[hammered]

So, will they be holding their big meeting at the airport again?

According to a friend who's an active PAD member they had a rather large meeting at Thammasat University, Rangsit last night. Our friend advised us not to go ourselves as it's unlikely we'd be able to find each other.

Obviously all completely anecdotal - looking around for any reports of the meeting this morning.

On TV it looked a big lively meeting.

Getting the votes is another matter especially if you dont want to play like the other (evil) politcal parties. It is going to be hard to win seats in any areas where canvassers and the local influentials deliver the MPs who then represent them. The PAD will struggle imho.

[jayboy]

Re the PAD proposal can anyone guess where these words (in translation) come from?

"All these Cabinet reconstructions brought some positive advantage only to the actors who took part in the play; but the results were almost always quite negative as far as the interests of the people were concerned...in this connection, it is worthy of remark that when the average political party wins a parliamentary victory, no essential change takes place...in the outer aspect of public life. Public institutions are right and useful according to the measure in which their energies are directed towards [the] task ... of the maintenance of the people...If they are incapable of fulfilling it, then their existence is harmful and they must be either reformed or removed and replaced with something better."

[hammered]

Re the PAD proposal can anyone guess where these words (in translation) come from?

"All these Cabinet reconstructions brought some positive advantage only to the actors who took part in the play; but the results were almost always quite negative as far as the interests of the people were concerned...in this connection, it is worthy of remark that when the average political party wins a parliamentary victory, no essential change takes place...in the outer aspect of public life. Public institutions are right and useful according to the measure in which their energies are directed towards [the] task ... of the maintenance of the people...If they are incapable of fulfilling it, then their existence is harmful and they must be either reformed or removed and replaced with something better."

Pre-war Hitler based on Rousseau's ideas.

Edited to add: Oddly enough the criticism can be held true of every political system although the kicker is in what is meant by reform etc. Interesting to parallel debates on politcal reform in Thailand and the UK right now and I think this quote was used re the UK and politcal reform recently.

Edited May 26, 2009 by hammered

[DaleBlue]

Sondhi as party leader? isn't there a constitutional problem?

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand 2007, CHAPTER III, Part 7:

"

Section 48.

No person holding a political position shall be the owner of, or hold shares in, newspaper, radio or television broadcasting or telecommunication business, irrespective of whether he so commits in his name, or through his proxy or nominee, or by other direct or indirect means which enable him to administer such business as if he is the owner of, or hold shares in, such business."

source

Since when in Thailand has anybody stopped anybody from changing the law and/or consitution to suit their own ends ? Its par for the course. The more corrupt you are the more money you can accumulate - and more money means more respect from the Thais. Perverse I know but true. Crime really does pay here.

Like Thaksin, Sondhi will just transfer all the media assets to his son 1 day before. Proxy???

[Plus]

Sondhi has been officially declared bankrupt. It's a big question if he is even eligible for running, even if it happened ages ago.

PAD can judge its popularity by the number of ASTV subscriptions in each constituency, btw.

Phue Thai is a headless chicken, without credible leaders and a platform. Last time they campaigned as Thaksin proxy, in the days when Thaksin still had a relatively clean image of a coup victim. Situation has changed dramatically, their one year stint in power didn't convince anyone of their abilities, and Thaksin has bored everyone to death with his self-serving agenda and bloody revolutions.

Now some of their MPs openly protest against Thaksin's choice while others say that it's time they found a leader on their own.

I don't think even their supporters believe that PTP can revive golden age of TRT.

PTP is heading for a huge electoral disaster.