Eleven Thai Protest Leaders Denied Bail

[rubl]

Thida Tojirakarn, Dr Weng's wife, said her husband will not flee prosecution as he has must run his medical clinic. She said the protest leader's congenital disease and allergies will recur when he stays in a confined area.

I'm presuming his allergy is to steel bars, but does anyone know what his congenital disease is "that can recur if he stays in a confined area"?

Anyway, he is starting to sound a lot like the disgraced Election Commission official, Vasana Puemlarp, who was convicted and sentenced to prison for 4 years in July 2006, only to be released after just 3 days because he had "allergies". Similarly, his Election Commission co-defendant, Prinya Nakchudtree, was also released for sinus problems.

If and when Weng is convicted, hopefully that sort of release-from-confinement nonsense is a thing of the past.

You forgot to mention the "he has must run his medical clinic" part. That sentence makes you wonder how come Dr. Weng found the time to protest in Bangkok for THREE months ?

[march]

The NPP candidate withdrew.

and a few more have been added:

EC to officially announce by-election candidates on July 7

BANGKOK, 3 July 2010 (NNT) — The official announcement of candidates eligible for Bangkok’s constituency 6 by-election will be announced next Wednesday, according to the Election Commission (EC).

Mr Manus Prasartrat, Director of the EC Office in Bangkok’s constituency 6, revealed that there were six candidates for the upcoming by-election after the application period from 28 June to 2 July 2010.

The six include Vice Foreign Minister Panich Vikisreth from the Democrat Party, Mr Noppadon Chairitthidej from the Chart Samuccee Party, Mr Anusorn Som-on from the New Aspiration Party, Mr Korkaew Pikulthong from the Pheu Thai Party, Mr Chuchart Pimka from the For Our Homeland Party, and Mr Kijanapat Samsila from the Prachatham Party.

Mr Manus said that the background checks of some candidates had been completed and that the official announcement of all the contenders would be made on 7 July.

The Bangkok by-election to be held on 25 July will find a replacement for Democrat MP Thiwa Ngernyuang, who passed away from cancer in early June.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255307030008

[rubl]

and a few more have been added:

EC to officially announce by-election candidates on July 7

BANGKOK, 3 July 2010 (NNT) — The official announcement of candidates eligible for Bangkok’s constituency 6 by-election will be announced next Wednesday, according to the Election Commission (EC).

Mr Manus Prasartrat, Director of the EC Office in Bangkok’s constituency 6, revealed that there were six candidates for the upcoming by-election after the application period from 28 June to 2 July 2010.

The six include Vice Foreign Minister Panich Vikisreth from the Democrat Party, Mr Noppadon Chairitthidej from the Chart Samuccee Party, Mr Anusorn Som-on from the New Aspiration Party, Mr Korkaew Pikulthong from the Pheu Thai Party, Mr Chuchart Pimka from the For Our Homeland Party, and Mr Kijanapat Samsila from the Prachatham Party.

Mr Manus said that the background checks of some candidates had been completed and that the official announcement of all the contenders would be made on 7 July.

The Bangkok by-election to be held on 25 July will find a replacement for Democrat MP Thiwa Ngernyuang, who passed away from cancer in early June.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255307030008

K. Korkaew of the PTP ? I know he's elected by PTP to stand for them, didn't know he was a member. Isn't there a minimum amount of time one has to be a member of a political party before one can stand for election for that party? Who knows details, please respond (no guesses please).

[kissdani]

K. Korkaew of the PTP ? I know he's elected by PTP to stand for them, didn't know he was a member. Isn't there a minimum amount of time one has to be a member of a political party before one can stand for election for that party? Who knows details, please respond (no guesses please).

90 days.

Its written in the constitution and in the Organic Law/Act of elections.

Kokaew was TRT member

[rubl]

K. Korkaew of the PTP ? I know he's elected by PTP to stand for them, didn't know he was a member. Isn't there a minimum amount of time one has to be a member of a political party before one can stand for election for that party? Who knows details, please respond (no guesses please).

90 days.

Its written in the constitution and in the Organic Law/Act of elections.

Kokaew was TRT member

Having been member of TRT doesn't make you a member of PTP automatically. Question only partially answered.

[kissdani]

^

I am sorry that i could not answer your question to your entire satisfaction. I will try harder next time.

Of course having been a member of the TRT don't mean that he must be a PTP member too, but it indicates that he isn't totally new to the scene and also not afraid of a party membership and politics.

Do you know anything more about him, that would make it more unlikely and rather surprising if it turns out that he is PTP member since a longer while than only joined very recently?

[march]

By-election campaigns heat up

BANGKOK, 4 July 2010 (NNT) – Competition for the July 25 by-election heats up as both the ruling Democrat and the opposition Pheu Thai Parties have been canvassing the constituency and launching electoral campaigns in a bid to win the vacant MP seat in Bangkok’s Constituency 6.

Former Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and former Bangkok Deputy Governor, Panich Vikitsreth, the Democrat candidate, launched an election campaign in Khlong Sam Wa areas, focusing on clarifying and detailing the government’s measures aimed at helping local residents.

Mr Panich has been constantly campaigning for the past nine days in a bid to win the upcoming by-election. Reportedly, he has been well received by local residents given he has been popular in the area for quite some time.

Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai camp on Sunday also launched an election campaign in Bueng Kum district on behalf of Korkaew Pikulthong, its candidate and core leader of the United Front of Democracy AgainstDictatorship (UDD), who has been detained on terrorism charges.

Several heavyweights of Pheu Thai Party including rabble-rousing Jatuporn Prompan, maverick Police Captain Chalerm Yubumrung, and other leaders of the party took part in the campaign today.

They also attracted throngs of listeners who came in droves to listen to the campaign speeches.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255307040020

[march]

Lawyer Demands Review of Red-Shirt By-Election Candidate Status

UPDATE : 6 July 2010

A representative from the Lawyers Council of Thailand has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission on the status of the Pheu Thai Party candidate in the upcoming by-election at Bangkok's constituency six, after the candidate has been detained.

A representative from the Lawyers Council of Thailand, Nitithorn Lamlue, has demanded a probe into the qualification of Kokaew Pikunthong, one of the red-shirt protest leaders in custody at a Bangkok prison, saying Kokaew is under detention, so his party membership status should be invalid according to the Party's rules.

The obligation states that any party member who is detained under court or legal order must be impeached immediately.

Nitithorn said although Kokaew is merely accused, the Election Commission should complete an investigation before the poll date.

Election Commissioner Prapan Naigowit said electoral campaigns have proceeded smoothly so far, while his agency vows to keep a close lookout for any grafts.

Meanwhile,, he believes the announcement of candidates should be ready this week.

On July 10th, the Election Commission and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration are scheduled to run an electoral campaign by inviting all six candidates to publicize their electoral policies to the general public.

However, the two agencies are waiting for the court to allow Kokaew to join the session.

From TAN

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1031762

[march]

Army Officer Denies Red-shirt Detention

UPDATE : 6 July 2010

The commander of the 9th Infantry Division has affirmed that no red-shirt activists are detained at a military unit in Kanchanaburi province as alleged by some Pheu Thai MPs.

Major-General Uthit Sunthorn, commander of the 9th Infantry Division of the Suranari Military Camp in Kanchanaburi, dismissed news reports that eight red-shirt supporters are being detained at a military unit in the province after the crackdown at Ratchaprasong Intersection on May 19.

Uthit said he has examined the latest information and affirmed that there is no detention of red-shirt suspects at any military unit in the province.

Kanchanaburi Governor Roengsak Mahavinijchaimontri stated that after the dispersal of red-shirt protests by the army and the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation on May 19, only one suspect was brought to the King Rama I Military Camp in Panom Tuan district, but he was then transported back to Bangkok.

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1031807

[march]

CRES to Summon Pheu Thai Spokesman

UPDATE : 6 July 2010

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situations, or CRES, will summon Pheu Thai Spokesman Prompong Nopparit to explain accusations that he made about red shirt supporters being held in a Kanchanburi military camp.

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1031802

[march]

Jatuporn Prompan, an anti-government "red shirt" protest leader, gestures during an interview with Reuters at Pheu Thai Party in Bangkok July 6, 2010. (REUTERS)

No Thai protests for now, red shirt leader says

BANGKOK (Reuters) - A leader of Thai anti-government protests that ended in a bloody crackdown in May said his supporters were unlikely to regroup in the second half of the year, citing fears for their safety.

Jatuporn Prompan, an opposition member of parliament, is the only main leader of the "red shirt" movement to be released on bail after protesters were forced out of a Bangkok shopping district they occupied for nearly two months, calling for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to quit.

Attempts to break up the protests unleashed violent clashes in which 90 people were killed and almost 2,000 wounded in April and May, raising fears for stability in Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy.

"I don't think we should or could gather any time soon. Under the current climate, it would lead to more deaths and could also compromise the fate of those who are in police custody," Jatuporn told Reuters in an interview.

Eleven other leaders who face terrorism charges have been denied bail while others have gone underground.

They are accused of instigating violence in connection with shadowy gunmen who mingled with protesters and occasionally battled security forces on the streets, raising the prospect of a country sliding into a civil war.

Protest leaders, including Jatuporn, have denied any links to the gunmen or the arson that followed the final crackdown.

Jatuporn said a state of emergency imposed in April also made any attempt to regroup difficult.

The government extended the emergency on Tuesday for another three months in Bangkok and 18 of the country's 76 provinces, citing danger posed by anti-government elements.

"With this, authorities have power to arrest us on various grounds," said Jatuporn, who said he sleeps in a different place almost every night for safety reasons. "I tell our supporters to bide their time. Just keep breathing and stay out of harm's way."

"EVERYONE HOLDING THEIR GROUND"

Jatuporn said he had to be careful in his comments as his bail could be withdrawn but added "continued suppression of dissent" would only radicalise the public and foster anger.

"It will only precipitate the fall of the government," Jatuporn said, adding he was certain his opposition Puea Thai Party, allied with Thaksin Shinawatra, a populist prime minister ousted in a 2006 coup and later found guilty of corruption, would win the next election, which must be held by early 2012.

The red shirts accuse the government of coming to power illegitimately after the royalist- and military-linked establishment forced out Thaksin and his allies.

They accuse an "unelected elite" of bureaucrats, the military and judiciary of frustrating the wishes of a majority of poor voters who back Thaksin and his allies.

Authorities accused Thaksin, a former telecoms tycoon turned politician who is living in self-exile, of funding the protests. Thaksin denies this and any connection with the gunmen.

Prime Minister Abhisit has said he has no plan to call early elections this year, adding that the government was going ahead with a reconciliation effort to pave a way for peaceful polls and to narrow the political rift.

But critics of the government say while authorities call for reconciliation between deeply divided political blocs, it is stifling opposition with arrests and censorship.

"This reconciliation is only for show. I don't see anyone reconciling. Everyone is holding their ground," Jatuporn said.

Jatuporn, a fiery political orator, warned the government's campaign against graft-convicted Thaksin would only enrage his supporters.

For now, however, he said the red shirts were meeting at Buddhist memorial services for those killed in the crackdown, at dinners and on online forums to discuss politics.

"Thailand will see more trouble and more division in the next few years unless those in power acknowledge there are problems of injustice and that we have legitimate grievances."

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/6/worldupdates/2010-07-06T173926Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_-499149-1&sec=Worldupdates

Edited July 6, 2010 by march

[march]

EC 'could still disqualify Kokaew'

THE NATION

Published on July 7, 2010

Pheu Thai Party candidate Kokaew Pikultong was qualified to stand for the by-election in Bangkok's Constituency 6, a poll official said yesterday.

Election director Manas Pasartrat said he had verified the qualifications of all the six candidates and found no unqualified candidate.

However, Election Commission chief Apichart Sukhagganond is still bound to investigate if Kokaew's qualifications are proper, as has been requested.

The EC was tipped to approve Kokaew by a Commission source, who said earlier that it could still move to disqualify or punish Kokaew later if his candidacy was found to be illegal.

Kokaew is one of the red-shirt leaders currently detained at Bangkok Remand Prison.

On Monday, the EC was asked to verify Kokaew's Pheu Thai Party membership, partly because he is being held in detention.

According to the party's regulations, people who have been "detained under court or legal orders" are not allowed to become members, and anybody violating this regulation will lose their membership.

The Constitution stipulates also that an MP candidate should belong to a political party for at least 90 days prior to an election.

EC chairman Apichart, in his capacity as political party registrar, had to investigate to find the true facts, including summoning Pheu Thai registrar Kamol Bandaipetch, according to the source, who asked not to be named.

The Constituency 6 by-election director had the authority to announce if Kokaew was eligible to stand. But if officials found out later Kokaew was not qualified to stand, the election director could request a Supreme Court order to disqualify him. However, the court would have to make such a ruling at least three days before the poll date.

"In this case, the safest decision for the election director is to firstly announce Kokaew's candidacy, as looking into the issue needs some time. If the EC disqualified him but the court later ruled him eligible, the EC could be sued," the source explained.

If a court disqualifies Kokaew, the political party registrar could take legal action against Kokaew and Pheu Thai Party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit.

The penalties for a person who applies - or a party that fields - an ineligible candidate are severe. Conviction for such offences could result in a jail term of one up to 10 years, a fine of Bt10,000 to Bt200,000 and the revoking of voting rights for 10 years.

Pheu Thai Party registrar Kamol said Article 102 of the Constitution said that a person detained by court or legal order was prohibited from voting but not prohibited from being a candidate.

"Any laws or regulations that are in breach of the Constitution have no effect," he said, adding that although the Political Party Act said Kokaew's membership ends, the charter protected his right as a Thai citizen.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/07/07/politics/EC-could-still-disqualify-Kokaew-30133237.html

[march]

Pheu Thai Spokesman Ready to Defend Controversial Claim Before CRES

UPDATE : 7 July 2010

The Pheu Thai spokesman says he's prepared to defend his claim before the Center of Resolution for Emergency Situations that the red-shirt protesters are being detained in Kanchanaburi.

Pheu Thai spokesman Promphong Nopparit said he is ready to defend his claim that red-shirt protesters are being detained in Kanchanaburi, before the Center of Resolution for Emergency Situation or CRES.

He insisted that he can present facts, as those who were detained sought help from the Pheu Thai Party.

He added that he is ready to investigate the claim in cooperation with the CRES and the National Human Rights Commission in Kachanaburi, to prove his innocence.

Commenting on the summon order issued for him, he said it is politically motivated and an attempt to silence the Pheu Thai Party.

He remarked that the renewal of the Emergency Decree is done without taking human rights into consideration.

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1031841

[march]

Detention approved for 2 bomb suspects, extended for 3 others

BANGKOK, 7 July 2010 (NNT) - The Criminal Court has endorsed the detention of two new suspects in the Bhumjaithai Party bombing case while the other three earlier arrested are to remain in custody for another 12 days for questioning.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) today sought the first detention of Mr Kobchai Boonplod and Ms Varissareeya Boonsom, who are alleged of masterminding the bomb blast near the Bhumjaithai Party Headquarters in Bangkok on 22 June. The two were captured in Cambodia and were extradited back to Thailand on Monday.

As a result, the court granted approval for the investigator's request for their custody.

Mr Kobchai was reportedly taken to the Bangkok Remand Prison while Ms Varissareeya was sent to the Central Women's Prison.

In addition, the DSI also asked the court for the second detention of three other suspects in the same case, namely Mr Anek Singkhunthod, Mr Kampol Kamkong and Mr Dejpol Puthajong.

The court sentenced them to 12 more days of detention during 8-19 July 2010.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255307070035

[march]

*Very sorry, the above was posted in wrong thread and too late to edit it out.

Reposted in proper thread:

Please delete the above and this post.

[march]

Pheu Thai and Democrat candidates visit Constituency 6 early on Thursday

BANGKOK, 8 July 2010 (NNT) – Electoral campaign of Pheu Thai and Democrat candidates for Bangkok’s Constituency 6 started off early on Thursday morning.

Competition for the July 25’s by-election is heating up as both the ruling Democrat and the opposition Pheu Thai candidates have been fiercely competing in the electoral campaigns in a bid to win the vacant MP seat in Bangkok’s Constituency 6.

Pheu Thai MP for Bangkok Wicharn Minchaiyanan launched an election campaign, on behalf of Korkaew Pikulthong at the Raminthra Km7 Market. Korkaew has been in custody since last month on charges of terrorism. Following the recent egg and sugar price surge, Mr. Wicharn vowed to focus on improving household economy enabling people to cope the high cost of living.

On the same day, Panich Vikitsreth, Democrat candidate, introduced himself to the villagers and residents living on Khubon road and Tourism School students nearby. Mr Panich urged people in the constituency to vote for him on the Election Day. In response to residents’ request, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva might help him running the campaign as mentioned previously, said the candidate.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255307080031

[march]

Extended detention of 11 UDD leaders approved

BANGKOK, 8 July 2010 (NNT) - The Criminal Court has approved the police investigator's request to detain 11 anti-government leaders for another 12 days for further questioning.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Thursday sought the third detention of the 11 core leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) for terrorism. The court sentenced the group to 12 more days of detention during 9-20 July 2010.

The 11 UDD key figures currently held for terrorism comprise Mr Veera Musikapong, Mr Nattawut Saikua, Mr Kwanchai Praipana, Mr Wiphuthalaeng Phatthanaphumthai, Mr Yosawarit Chuklom, Mr Nisit Sinthuprai, MD Weng Tochirakarn, Mr Korkaew Pikulthong, Mr Bhumkitti Sukchindathong, Mr Sombat Makthong and Mr Amnat Intarachote.

All of them have been incarcerated at the Bangkok Remand Prison.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255307080041

[march]

It's good that they are finally facing up to their exploits from three years ago.

Interesting that Weng is apparently exempted from leg irons:

Detained anti-government protest leaders Natthawut Saikua (front) and Weng Tojirakarn arrive at the Criminal Court in Bangkok July 8, 2010. Natthawut and Weng, who are from the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), are accused of holding an unlawful gathering of more than 10 people and causing a disturbance during a protest outside the house of the chairman of the king's advisory body July 22, 2007. The court scheduled the next hearing on August 23.

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//100708/ids_photos_wl/r3874699697.jpg/?.src=news

Detained anti-government protest leaders Wiphuthalaeng Phatthanaphumthai (front R) and Weng Tojirakarn (2nd L) walk near prison cells at the Criminal Court in Bangkok July 8, 2010. Wiphuthalaeng and Weng, who are from the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), have been accused of holding an unlawful gathering of more than 10 people and causing a disturbance during a protest outside the house of the chairman of the king's advisory body on July 22, 2007. The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 23.

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//100708/ids_photos_wl/r501035398.jpg/?.src=news

Detained anti-government protest leaders Weng Tojirakarn (L) and Natthawut Saikua (2nd R) walk from prison cells at the Criminal Court in Bangkok July 8, 2010. Natthawut and Weng, who are from the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), are accused of holding an unlawful gathering of more than 10 people and causing a disturbance during a protest outside the house of the chairman of the king's advisory body on July 22, 2007. The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 23.

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//100708/ids_photos_wl/r1091381102.jpg/?.src=news

[march]

Red-shirt Leaders Deny Trespassing Charges

UPDATE : 8 July 2010

Four leaders of the anti-government red-shirt movement have denied charges they stormed the private residence of Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda following the indictment yesterday.

Bangkok Remand Prison officials escorted red-shirt leaders Veera Musikapong, Nuttawut Saikua, Wiputalaeng Pattanaphumthai and Weng Tojirakarn to the Ratchadapisek Criminal Court this morning.

The four were summoned by the court to respond as defendants to charges of violating the Emergency Decree, illegal possession of weapons, disturbing public peace, trespassing and defying police order.

The charges, brought up by the Attorney-General's Office, stemmed from the four's leading of red-shirt protesters to rally in front of Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda's Si Sao Tewes residence on July 22, 2007. The protest escalated into unrest.

All the defedants denied the charges.

A court review of evidence is scheduled for August 23.

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1031909

[march]

Looks like Veera is another one that is exempt from wearing leg irons today like the other fellows do.

Edited July 8, 2010 by march

[march]

Veera also seems to feel that 3 years isn't long enough and his lawyer will ask for further delays:

The court has scheduled August 23 for the examination of evidence from the prosecution and the defence before setting a trial date.

Defence lawyer Jessada Chandee said his client Veera would petition for the suspension of the trial pending the completion of another judicial review, in which the red-shirt leaders sued former national police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan and the public prosecutors for malfeasance for wrongfully indicting them in this case.

09 July 2010

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/07/09/politics/British-red-shirt-pleads-guilty-faces-deportation-30133404.html

[rubl]

Pheu Thai Spokesman Ready to Defend Controversial Claim Before CRES

UPDATE : 7 July 2010

The Pheu Thai spokesman says he's prepared to defend his claim before the Center of Resolution for Emergency Situations that the red-shirt protesters are being detained in Kanchanaburi.

Pheu Thai spokesman Promphong Nopparit said he is ready to defend his claim that red-shirt protesters are being detained in Kanchanaburi, before the Center of Resolution for Emergency Situation or CRES.

He insisted that he can present facts, as those who were detained sought help from the Pheu Thai Party.

He added that he is ready to investigate the claim in cooperation with the CRES and the National Human Rights Commission in Kachanaburi, to prove his innocence.

Commenting on the summon order issued for him, he said it is politically motivated and an attempt to silence the Pheu Thai Party.

He remarked that the renewal of the Emergency Decree is done without taking human rights into consideration.

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1031841

Now is two days later and we're still waiting for the facts K. Promphong says he can present. Before the CRES or NHRC goes to investigate there should be a little bit more than just an MP saying so.

[bacchanal]

Looks like The Remand Diet is working well for Natthawut to shed some of his extra weight.

[march]

Request for revocation of General Prem’s home siege trial rejected

BANGKOK, 9 July 2010 (NNT) - The Criminal Court has turned down the request for nullification of criminal charges lodged against 4 anti-government leaders for besieging the home of Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda in 2007.

The court denied its approval for the petition submitted by Mr Peera Limcharoen, lawyer representing the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), reasoning that the charges previously filed by the prosecutor against the 4 UDD leaders were deemed justifiable.

On Wednesday, the public prosecutor filed criminal charges against the four suspects, comprising Mr Nuttawut Saikua, MD Weng Tojirakarn, Mr Veera Musikapong, and Mr Wiphuthalaeng Phatthanaphumthai, for their leading roles in a mass protest outside the residence of General Prem on 22 July 2007.

The charged defendants, currently held for terrorism, were yesterday summoned for the case by the Criminal Court.

They denied all charges leveled against them.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255307090035

[march]

Court rejects Korkaew’s temporary release

BANGKOK, 29 June 2010 (NNT) - The Criminal Court has turned down the request for a temporary release of anti-government leader Korkaew Pikulthong to open a bank account for his Bangkok by-election campaign fund.

Having another go at it tomorrow:

UDD lawyer to seek Korkaew’s release on 13 July

BANGKOK, 12 July 2010 (NNT) – The lawyer of the anti-government group is planning to seek the court's approval tomorrow for a temporary release of Mr Korkaew Pikulthong, by-election candidate currently held for terrorism.

Mr Karom Polthaklang, lawyer representing the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), revealed that the request for the temporary release of Mr Korkaew, UDD core figure and opposition Puea Thai Party candidate for the upcoming Bangkok by-election, would be submitted to the Criminal Court on 13 July.

The court will be asked to allow Mr Korkaew to take part in the last leg of his campaign ahead of the advance voting on 17-18 July and the official election day on 25 July.

Mr Korkaew, one of the 11 UDD leaders currently detained on terrorism charges at the Bangkok Remand Prison, was selected by the opposition Pheu Thai Party to run in the 25 July by-election in Bangkok’s Constituency 6 against five other candidates, including Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Panich Vikitsreth of the Democrat Party.

The winner will assume the post left vacant by Democrat MP Tiva Ngernyuang, who earlier passed away from cancer.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255307120032

[ThaksinKharma]

Court mediation collapsed; red and yellow leaders sue the other for libel

The court mediation session on Thursday collapsed after the red and yellow leaders refused to drop nine cases which they sue one another for libel.

The three red-shirt leaders, Veera Musigapong, Jatuporn Promphan and Natthawut Saikua, filed seven lawsuits charging yellow-shirt leader Sondhi Limthongkul for defamation.

Sondhi filed two counter-lawsuits against the three.

Veera and Natthawut, presently being under remand on terrorism charges, attended the mediation session while Jatuporn and Sondhi were represented by their lawyers.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/Court-mediation-collapsed;-red-and-yellow-leaders--30133853.html

[ThaksinKharma]

Pheu Thai Party to Use Candidate's Speech Recorded in Prison for Campaign

The National Election Commission has approved the use of a speech recorded in prison by the Pheu Thai Party candidate Korkaew Pikulthong, for campaigning.

President of the Pheu Thai Party's Bangkok MPs, Wicharn Meenchaianant, who is also the party's campaign director for the upcoming by-election for Bangkok's District 6 MP seat, has reported that the Department of Corrections has allowed the party's jailed candidate, Korkaew Pikulthong, to record his speech in prison, to be used for the campaign. Wicharn added that Korkaew's speech will be recorded within the next few days.

Meanwhile, the the National Election Commission or EC has indicated that according to the law, airtime on public radio must be equally allocated among the candidates for campaigning.

The EC has also said that the content of the speech will be scrutinized by corrections officials, to check whether there is any violation of the emergency decree.

Afterward, the EC will listen to the tape to determine if any violations of electoral regulations have been committed.

Once the official receives the recorded speech, it could be broadcast as soon as next week.

However, the EC has expressed doubt that there will be any offensive messages in the three-minute speech, which is barely enough to make a self-introduction.

TAN

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1032296

[ThaksinKharma]

Does anyone have the names of the other 10 besides Veera?

From the TAN Network:

Nuttawut Saikua

Veera Musikapong

Weng Tohjirakarn

Wiphutalaeng Pattanabhumitai

Kwanchai Praipana

Kokaeo Pikulthong

Yoswarit Chooklom

Nisit Sintuprai

and three unnamed, who are Red Shirt Guards

There's also four additional red leaders who remain at large as fugitives from their warrants

Arisaman Pongruangrong, Suporn Attawong (aka Issan Rambo), Jakrapob Penkair, and Thaksin Shinawatra

Arisaman hiding in Cambodia

Red-shirt fugitive Arisaman Pongruangrong is hiding in Cambodia after fleeing at the end of the unrest in May, red terrorist suspect Surachai "Rang" Thewarat told his investigators from the Department of Special Investigation.

On Friday, Surachai attended the remand hearing on terrorism charge at the Criminal Court after his Thursday's arrest in Lop Buri.

In his statement given to DSI, he said he accompanied Arisaman to take refuge in Cambodia. He returned to his Buri Ram home on June 26, but Arisaman has remained in the neighbouring country.

Surachai admitted he was one of the red-shirt guards firing the Tavor assualt rifle into Dusit Thani Hotel at Saladaeng, causing property damage and the evacuation of guests and foreign reporters inside the hotel.

He said the rifle attack was meant as a reprisal for the killing of his military leader Major-General Khattiya "Seh Daeng" Sawasdipol.

He confirmed his earlier statement that Khattiya took him and a group of 20 red guards to China in March, 2009 and paid for their expenses. He did not clarify whether the arms training took place abroad.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/07/16/politics/Arisman-hiding-in-Cambodia-30133934.html

[ThaksinKharma]

Advance voting for Bangkok by-election kicks off

BANGKOK, 17 July 2010 (NNT) — Eligible voters are gradually traveling to the voting booths after the advance voting for Bangkok’s Constituency 6 by-election commenced this morning.

The two-day early polling for the by-election in Constituency 6 started at 8.00 hrs today after authorities finished setting up the polling booths. So far, there have been no reports of irregularities while the officials are anticipating more voters in the afternoon.

There are 389,493 eligible voters and 550 voting units within Constituency 6, which covers Khlong Sam Wa, Khan Na Yao, Bueng Kum and Nong Chok districts. Adjacent to the Khlong Sam Wa District Office, the authorities have also deployed vehicles with signs to encourage people to exercise their electoral rights.

With the official by-election scheduled for 25 July, the Election Commission (EC) has approved six candidates in the running.

Two major candidates, namely Democrat Party MP Panich Vikitsreth and Mr Korkaew Pikulthong from the opposition Pheu Thai Party, are expected to go head to head.

The Constituency 6 by-election is being held following the death of Democrat MP Tiva Ngernyuang in early June.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255307170003

[ThaksinKharma]

16,000 people in advance voting in Bangkok's constituency 6 by-election

BANGKOK, 19 July 2010 (NNT) – The Election Commission (EC) has disclosed the voter turnout in the advance voting of Bangkok’s Constituency 6 by-election on 17 and 18 July 2010 to stand at 16,097 people, or 4.16% of the total eligible voters.

It was earlier expected that the turnout in the two-day advance voting would stand at about 5%. The voter turnout was reported at 6,106 people on Saturday and 9,991 on Sunday. There are 386,660 eligible voters in total in Bangkok’s Constituency 6.

On Sunday alone, voter turnout in each district was recorded as follows -- 1,329 in Khan Na Yao, 3,109 in Khlong Sam Wa, 2,112 in Nong Chok, and 3,441 in Beung Kum. No complaints regarding electoral law violations have been filed thus far.

Pheu Thai MP for Bangkok, Group Captain Anudith Nakornthap, stated that the party would arrange its teams to monitor around the clock the protection of advance voting ballot boxes, now kept at district offices, until the ballots are counted to ensure transparency.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255307190020