Thai Red Shirt Leader To Run In Bangkok Poll

[webfact]

Thai 'Red Shirt' leader to run in Bangkok poll

BANGKOK (AFP) -- A Thai protest leader accused of terrorism was released from prison briefly Monday to apply to run in a by-election seen as a key test of the opposition's prospects of success in nationwide polls.

Kokaew Pikulthong, a senior "Red Shirt" involved in the mass rally in Bangkok that ended last month, will stand against incumbent Panich Vikitsreth of the ruling Democrat Party in the July 25 vote in the capital.

A Thai court last week granted permission for Kokaew, the candidate of the main opposition Puea Thai Party, to be released temporarily from Bangkok Remand Prison to register to challenge Panich, a vice foreign minister.

Kokaew, who has not been convicted of any crimes relating to his role in the two-month-long street protest, was later returned to detention, but is expected to seek permission to be released again to campaign for votes.

The Red Shirts' rally, which at its peak attracted up to about 100,000 people demanding immediate elections, sparked outbreaks of violence that left 90 people dead, mostly civilians, and nearly 1,900 injured.

Enraged protesters set fire to dozens of major buildings after the army crushed the demonstration by the mostly poor and working class Reds with an assault on their vast fortified encampment in central Bangkok on May 19.

The Red Shirts were campaigning for elections they hoped would oust the government, which they view as undemocratic because it came to power with the backing of the army after a court ruling threw out the previous administration.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva proposed November polls in a bid to end the crippling protests, but shelved the plan because the Reds -- many of whom seek the return of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- refused to disperse.

Abhisit, whose government was elected by parliamentary vote in 2008 and enjoys support among the Bangkok-based elite, must call nationwide elections by the end of next year at the latest.

Many of the Red Shirt leaders are in jail facing terrorism charges for their roles in the unrest. The government has rejected the opposition's call for a state of emergency to be lifted in the capital for the by-election.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-06-28

[gotlost]

Let him run its only fitting. Then after he losses we can see what excuses they come up with.

[bkkjames]

Maybe he is thinking if he wins, all charges will be dropped against him cause he is an MP?

[d0om4gloom]

Let him run its only fitting. Then after he losses we can see what excuses they come up with.

It's not about whether he wins, it's whether he gets the expected 20% or more of the vote. If he does it's goes to show the red shirts rally is completely justified as bkk is certainly going to be one of their lowest support areas of the country. It an important indicator for their support in the so called 'rich' south

[pedro01]

Let him run its only fitting. Then after he losses we can see what excuses they come up with.

It's not about whether he wins, it's whether he gets the expected 20% or more of the vote. If he does it's goes to show the red shirts rally is completely justified as bkk is certainly going to be one of their lowest support areas of the country. It an important indicator for their support in the so called 'rich' south

Actually, if he gets 20% of the vote, it'll merely show the reds are a minority as we all know and that their 'painting the town red' in Bangkok was just thuggery.

[way2muchcoffee]

Let him run its only fitting. Then after he losses we can see what excuses they come up with.

It's not about whether he wins, it's whether he gets the expected 20% or more of the vote. If he does it's goes to show the red shirts rally is completely justified as bkk is certainly going to be one of their lowest support areas of the country. It an important indicator for their support in the so called 'rich' south

That would be a logical fallacy. It is impossible to predict the future election results country-wide by examining the results in a single district. One most know the makeup of the population in the district, their past voting record, historical party alignments, the particular region, the economic issues in that region, the performance of the previous representative for that region, etc. etc. etc

Edited June 28, 2010 by way2muchcoffee

[thaihome]

Let him run its only fitting. Then after he losses we can see what excuses they come up with.

It's not about whether he wins, it's whether he gets the expected 20% or more of the vote. If he does it's goes to show the red shirts rally is completely justified as bkk is certainly going to be one of their lowest support areas of the country. It an important indicator for their support in the so called 'rich' south

Actually, if he gets 20% of the vote, it'll merely show the reds are a minority as we all know and that their 'painting the town red' in Bangkok was just thuggery.

Actually this is a North east suburban area of Bangkok that historically has been controlled by Sudarat Keyuraphan of the Bangkok Faction, diehard supporter of Thaksin and voted overwhelmingly for the TRT in both 2001 and 2005. It was only in 2007 that a Democrat was elected MP.

I would imagine she is rather upset that Thaksin and the PTP leadership have decided to make a political statement rather then a real election that the PTP might have won.

TH

[Robby nz]

Before entering the candidate registration venue, Mr Korkaew, carrying his 10-year-old daughter, told reporters he decided to compete in the by-election because he wanted to fight for democracy.

"There is a double standard in our country and it is causing conflicts, as we can see. I want to return democracy to the people.

"If you want democracy choose Korkaew, but if you want injustice choose the Democrat Party," the detained red-shirt leader said.

Link to full story

//link to BP deleted by Admin//

Carrying on the reds fight for democracy.

Anyone see how they did it last time, how many will be out of work and pocket and what will he burn down to acheive it?

"Mr Korkaew's campaign will focus on who burned the buildings and other property during the riot last month, but the government may have some advantage since the emergency decree is still in force," Mr Jatuporn said.

Now we will find out who really did it not just who told them to do it from the reds stage.

Edited June 28, 2010 by webfact
link to BP is not allowed

[jackdawson]

if he's let out of the slammer to campaign , authorities , especially mall security guards , need to be very careful that the red running for office is not carrying any flammable material ; they have a history of playing w/ matches

Edited June 28, 2010 by jackdawson

[kissdani]

The New Politics Party withdrew its candidate. Could one of the reason be that the Democrats candidate will join NPP anyway after the the dissolution of the Democrats?

[hammered]

The New Politics Party withdrew its candidate. Could one of the reason be that the Democrats candidate will join NPP anyway after the the dissolution of the Democrats?

Wont happen. Take a look at some of the recent stuff in Thai by NPP and PAD about the government. It also isnt all as expected in their analysis if you read it but it is very very critical of government especially on corruption, bureacracy and coalition manouvering with Abhisit getting blasted unusually hard. NPP and Dems might compete for an overlapping electorate but their own aims and nuances are quite different. Even Kasit has been slammed by NPP/PAD

[scorecard]

Let him run its only fitting. Then after he losses we can see what excuses they come up with.

It's not about whether he wins, it's whether he gets the expected 20% or more of the vote. If he does it's goes to show the red shirts rally is completely justified as bkk is certainly going to be one of their lowest support areas of the country. It an important indicator for their support in the so called 'rich' south

Actually, if he gets 20% of the vote, it'll merely show the reds are a minority as we all know and that their 'painting the town red' in Bangkok was just thuggery.

Actually this is a North east suburban area of Bangkok that historically has been controlled by Sudarat Keyuraphan of the Bangkok Faction, diehard supporter of Thaksin and voted overwhelmingly for the TRT in both 2001 and 2005. It was only in 2007 that a Democrat was elected MP.

I would imagine she is rather upset that Thaksin and the PTP leadership have decided to make a political statement rather then a real election that the PTP might have won.

TH

I just hope:

- That the Pollwatch group and similar groups are highly active to watch for vote buying etc. And active in terms of solid critique of the reds claims and promises and also ensuring that any lies and twists are revealed and countered.

- The democrats go all out to display their achievements to date (and there are many) and to convince the voters that their long-term policies will bring strong benefits to all.

Edited June 28, 2010 by scorecard

[Theoutsider]

So its ballot box stuffing time again.

[kissdani]

The New Politics Party withdrew its candidate. Could one of the reason be that the Democrats candidate will join NPP anyway after the the dissolution of the Democrats?

Wont happen. Take a look at some of the recent stuff in Thai by NPP and PAD about the government. It also isnt all as expected in their analysis if you read it but it is very very critical of government especially on corruption, bureacracy and coalition manouvering with Abhisit getting blasted unusually hard. NPP and Dems might compete for an overlapping electorate but their own aims and nuances are quite different. Even Kasit has been slammed by NPP/PAD

So why the NPP don't contest in this election? They could campaign with all these points.

Abhisit and the coalition aren't criticized from outside the parliament and from the PAD only. Inside the Democrats and the Democrats in the parliament - there is a strong yellow faction. It is an illusion to believe that the PAD and the Democrats have nothing in common and are two totally different entities. That may true for the leaders, but not for the members, there are many overlaps.

[way2muchcoffee]

The New Politics Party withdrew its candidate. Could one of the reason be that the Democrats candidate will join NPP anyway after the the dissolution of the Democrats?

Wont happen. Take a look at some of the recent stuff in Thai by NPP and PAD about the government. It also isnt all as expected in their analysis if you read it but it is very very critical of government especially on corruption, bureacracy and coalition manouvering with Abhisit getting blasted unusually hard. NPP and Dems might compete for an overlapping electorate but their own aims and nuances are quite different. Even Kasit has been slammed by NPP/PAD

So why the NPP don't contest in this election? They could campaign with all these points.

Abhisit and the coalition aren't criticized from outside the parliament and from the PAD only. Inside the Democrats and the Democrats in the parliament - there is a strong yellow faction. It is an illusion to believe that the PAD and the Democrats have nothing in common and are two totally different entities. That may true for the leaders, but not for the members, there are many overlaps.

It's really pretty simple. The NPP knows they won't win. They fear that by running they would harm the chances of the Democrat candidate. They would prefer a Democrat in the position compared with a PTP representative. So they withdrew. Nothing mysterious here.

[jayjay0]

Let him run its only fitting. Then after he losses we can see what excuses they come up with.

It's not about whether he wins, it's whether he gets the expected 20% or more of the vote. If he does it's goes to show the red shirts rally is completely justified as bkk is certainly going to be one of their lowest support areas of the country. It an important indicator for their support in the so called 'rich' south

Nobody doubts the protest was justified.

What they object to was all the terroism and complete disregard for the rights of the people in Bangkok.

Not sure where you live but would you call it a protest if you were stopped from working and making a living, invasion of your hospital, attempt to burn your town down and a outrite refusal to discuss the subject just a my way or the highway no matter what attitude a protest. I personaly call that terrorism

[dindong]

Let him run its only fitting. Then after he losses we can see what excuses they come up with.

It's not about whether he wins, it's whether he gets the expected 20% or more of the vote. If he does it's goes to show the red shirts rally is completely justified as bkk is certainly going to be one of their lowest support areas of the country. It an important indicator for their support in the so called 'rich' south

Nobody doubts the protest was justified.

What they object to was all the terroism and complete disregard for the rights of the people in Bangkok.

Not sure where you live but would you call it a protest if you were stopped from working and making a living, invasion of your hospital, attempt to burn your town down and a outrite refusal to discuss the subject just a my way or the highway no matter what attitude a protest. I personaly call that terrorism

[dindong]

Can a person, convicted with a terrorism charge become an M.P in Thailand?????????

[eggomaniac]

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva proposed November polls in a bid to end the crippling protests, but shelved the plan because the Reds -- many of whom seek the return of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- refused to disperse.

So Sondhi's demand for Abhisit's resignation and threat to topple the Government had no influence on changing his mind? I mean, why would a PM think Sondhi would stand a chance at removing a PM, eh? >>> Yellow Marching Orders as of May 6, 2010>>> http://www.thaivisa....age__hl__sondhi

Thailand's 'Yellow Shirts' call for premier to stand down BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's pro-establishment "Yellow Shirts" Thursday called on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to stand down, criticising his reconciliation roadmap which envisages fresh elections in November. The Yellows, who had previously backed Abhisit's embattled administration, accused the premier of bowing to the demands of the rival "Red Shirts" who have mounted weeks of crippling street protests to push for snap polls. The group, formally known as the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), also accused Abhisit of conducting secret negotiations with representatives of the Reds' hero -- ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted in a 2006 coup. "We demand the prime minister reconsider and cancel the election date, and for the prime minister to step down and make way for another person," said Yellows spokesman Suriyasai Katasila. The group said Abhisit should not have announced election plans for November 14, and vowed to oppose any attempt to change the constitution or grant an amnesty for politicians hit with bans after their parties were dissolved.

Remember, the Yellows have warned that the next time things don't go THEIR way, they will destroy the economy by getting all of there rich backers to withdraw money from banks en mass. Quote of Sondhi.

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

I have Posted, a few times now, that the next general elections, under the more volatile situation than the beginning of the year, can best be described as a 'fuse' set to ignite the explosives! The INSTANT wrangling over news of this one bi-election lends considerable weight to that viewpoint.

Calling elections while the Yellow and Red gangsters are still 'dictating' will make May 2010 seem like a picnic!

NOBODY seems to be grasping the IMPORTANCE of the attempted assasination attempt of the Bhum Jai Thai leaders.

----------------

In a few years from now there are going to be some serious good, low price property opportunities when the 3 or 4 new countries begin to rebuild!

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

On the other hand, via The Joseph Plan, Thailand could be stable and peaceful within weeks and G30 prosperous within years.

The first step would be internet polling of millions to educate the People on what their similarities, goals and aspirations are, instead of the spot light always on the differences between the minority reds and yellows. This one small step for Thailand, but one giant step in signalling the way to go.>

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/378810-thailand-polls-reds-yellows-here-to-stay/

Built into The Joseph Solution is a peaceful dissolution of ALL red and yellow 'activities'.

Sondhi, Thaksin and all of the other yellow and red mobsters get exactly what they deserve, jail, exile, censure. While there does not, and should not, have to be 'amnesty' for any of them, sentencing could be tempered with compassion. In a perverted sense, they were also the victims of a broken system created by the KR & foriegn powers.

Edited June 28, 2010 by eggomaniac

[animatic]

He'll just use the race as an excuse to twist the story some more, just like Jatuporn is doing.

Bets on whether Jatuporn will be campaigning for him and continuing the red rants endlessly.

As the personal robot....

Edited June 28, 2010 by animatic

[JUDAS]

Can a person, convicted with a terrorism charge become an M.P in Thailand?????????

I wouldn't be surprised, a number of convicted IRA terrorists have gone on to be elected to the UK parliament. One. Bobby Sands was actually on hunger strike at the time of him winning the Fermanagh and South Tyrone by election in 1981, he died as a result of his hunger strike shortly after.

[Robby nz]

Still havent seen any actual policy from PTP in any of the statements so far.

Would like to know how the propose to help the poor they say they support.

what would they do to improve: education, health, housing, etc.

And how would they bring about their version of democracy........ whatever that is. Possibly they could explain?

Seems to me democracy is being able to vote for your chosen candidate in a free and fair election.

Would what our man is about to contest not be about as free and fair as it gets in this part of the world?

[Rucharee]

I hope he gets ZERO vote.

[animatic]

I hope he gets ZERO vote.

That would be a few too many, he needs recall votes from PTP, before he even runs.

No these PTP guys don't have policy beyond hating the opposition and wanting control.

Their platform is not as strong as bambo, and not as broad or as intelgent as a Sukhumvit sewer rat.

[pedro01]

I hope he gets ZERO vote.

He wont get zero but if the number of votes are considerably less that the last PTP candidate there, it may show that the voters are sick of the Reds and that may in turn make PTP think a little.

On the other hand (although it defies my ideals), it could be that PTP/Reds have more support. I just hope that isn't the case.

[webfact]

Court not allow Kokaew to leave prison to meet EC officials Wednesday

The Criminal Court Tuesday rejected the request of Pheu Thai Party candidate Kokaew Pikultong for him to be released temporarily Wednesday.

Kokaew had his lawyer file the request, saying he had to submit financial statement to the election officials on Wednesday.

But the court reasoned that Kokaew could have his account file the election spending statement to the Election Commission on his behalf.

-- The Nation 2010-06-29

[kissdani]

The New Politics Party withdrew its candidate. Could one of the reason be that the Democrats candidate will join NPP anyway after the the dissolution of the Democrats?

Wont happen. Take a look at some of the recent stuff in Thai by NPP and PAD about the government. It also isnt all as expected in their analysis if you read it but it is very very critical of government especially on corruption, bureacracy and coalition manouvering with Abhisit getting blasted unusually hard. NPP and Dems might compete for an overlapping electorate but their own aims and nuances are quite different. Even Kasit has been slammed by NPP/PAD

So why the NPP don't contest in this election? They could campaign with all these points.

Abhisit and the coalition aren't criticized from outside the parliament and from the PAD only. Inside the Democrats and the Democrats in the parliament - there is a strong yellow faction. It is an illusion to believe that the PAD and the Democrats have nothing in common and are two totally different entities. That may true for the leaders, but not for the members, there are many overlaps.

It's really pretty simple. The NPP knows they won't win. They fear that by running they would harm the chances of the Democrat candidate. They would prefer a Democrat in the position compared with a PTP representative. So they withdrew. Nothing mysterious here.

Yes, simple answer, NPP know they will not win - so they don't run for election. Same as Mark did 2006.

And if the Democrats candidate win - 100% for sure that he will join NPP after the dissolution. Nothing mysterious here.

[whatsupdoc]

Kokaew opened a bank account for the election campaign. But why at the Bangkok Bank? That was the bank that was boycotted and attacked by the reds wasn't it???

[Siripon]

[

simple answer, NPP know they will not win - so they don't run for election. Same as Mark did 2006.

And if the Democrats candidate win - 100% for sure that he will join NPP after the dissolution. Nothing mysterious here.

The Democrat MPs who were not executives at the time of any alleged offences and thus not banned, will form a new party

as TRT became PPP and then PPT.There's no need to join NPP.

[kissdani]

simple answer, NPP know they will not win - so they don't run for election. Same as Mark did 2006.

And if the Democrats candidate win - 100% for sure that he will join NPP after the dissolution. Nothing mysterious here.

The Democrat MPs who were not executives at the time of any alleged offences and thus not banned, will form a new party

as TRT became PPP and then PPT.There's no need to join NPP.

^repaired broken quote.

They will split, falling apart into different factions. Bangkok MPs will most likely join the NPP. Under Chuan Leekpai, as the elder leader, the 'New Democrats' will become a strong regional party of the South.