Pheu Thai Sets Sights On Polls

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POLITICS

Pheu Thai sets sights on polls

By Political Desk

Opposition party urges supporters to stay peaceful; expects PM to dissolve House after final reading of Charter amendments

Uncharacteristically mild reactions by the Pheu Thai Party to the Constitution Court verdict on Monday in the first dissolution case against the ruling Democrat Party has raised speculation that the opposition has adopted a more moderate stance in preparation for elections.

The party's move may have been swayed by an unconfirmed report that Election Commission chairman Apichart Sukhagganond was pressured by his four fellow EC commissioners to take responsibility for the Court's decision and resign.

At the EC meeting yesterday, he had earlier called on the four members to resign in the wake of the decision, but was instead asked to resign by his colleagues.

Key Pheu Thai figures have refrained from severely criticising the verdict or encouraging supporters among the red shirts to protest against what they earlier termed "double standards" in favour of the ruling party.

Their sights look to be set on the general election next year, as they are aware any more political unrest is likely to delay the poll. Pheu Thai has been confident of a big victory in the Northeast, which has the largest proportion of voters.

The party, which has focused on alleged "double standards" in politics and justice, now has this case in its armament to attack the Democrats during the election campaign.

Political observers agree that a general election will be held next year but it remains unclear if it will be staged early or late in the year. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has indicated his intent to call a ballot before his term ends in early 2012.

On Monday, the court rejected the dissolution case on grounds that the Election Commission filed the matter with the court after a 15-day deadline from when they learned of the alleged wrongdoing.

The Democrats were accused of misusing Bt29 million from the Political Party Development Fund obtained from the EC.

Yesterday, Pheu Thai called on its supporters "who cherish justice and are unhappy with the verdict" to remain peaceful and refrain from making any moves that could lead to protesters being suppressed or a military coup, party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said.

"The Pheu Thai Party would like to join members of the public in fighting for democracy, justice and equality in a peaceful way. We want to bring back happiness and security to Thailand once again," the spokesman said.

Important party figures and law experts met yesterday to discuss the verdict. They felt the ruling would not help reconciliation efforts, or improve the credibility of the justice system and would add to the perception about "double standards", Prompong said.

Key Pheu Thai figure Pichai Nariptaphan urged the red shirts not to stage a violent protest for fear of possible suppression. "Any move must be peaceful," he said.

Thida Thawornset, who has replaced her husband weng Tojirakarn as the red shirts' new president, said they would make no move in response to the court verdict. "We don't want to add salt to the country's wounds in this situation. We want the red shirts to use their brains for the country's benefit," she said.

However, she said the verdict clearly underlined the existence of double standards and it explained why no justice has been served for the red shirts.

Yesterday, some 20 red shirts wore black during a gathering outside the Constitution Court in protest at what they called an "unfair verdict".

Prior to the verdict, Pheu Thai MP and red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan said "not a single red shirt" would protest over a not-guilty verdict.

The red shirts, supported by the opposition party, held a 10-week-long anti-government rally between March and May, which led to violent riots in which about 90 people died and 2,000 others were injured.

Many politicians and business people with links to Pheu Thai were on a government blacklist of people who allegedly funded the rally.

Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the Pheu Thai president, called on party supporters to be "patient" following the court verdict, according to his aide Chavalit Vichayasut, who is a party MP.

The aide said the former PM was not concerned that the ruling might worsen domestic politics or lead to a new round of violence.

Chalerm Yoobamrung, Pheu Thai's chief MP, said yesterday he respected the court verdict although he did not agree with it because the ruling seemed at odds with legal principles.

Meanwhile, Democrat MP Atthawit Suwanphakdi said "all parties are now aiming at the election".

The MP said he told British Embassy officials he met earlier yesterday that he did not think the verdict would lead to a street protest or violence, as had been feared.

Pheu Thai deputy leader Thanusak Lek-uthai said he believed the prime minister would dissolve the House of Representatives after changes to the Constitution passed their final reading in April. He did not think the government should stay on after that due to fears of possible violence.

Supachai Jaisamut, spokesman for the coalition Bhum Jai Thai Party, said he believed the PM would not call an election early next year. He also praised the PM for keeping his word to other coalition partners about amending the Constitution.

-- The Nation 2010-12-01

[siampolee]

Chalerm Yoobamrung, Pheu Thai's chief MP, said yesterday he respected the court verdict although he did not agree with it because the ruling seemed at odds with legal principles.

Rather like his offspring who ran away to another country to evade the due course of law, remaining there until daddy had oiled the wheels of justice and encouraged witnesses to review their thoughts about certain matters.

Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the Pheu Thai president, called on party supporters to be "patient"

In patient or out patient at the mind loss clinic ?

[Thailand]

A sensible move by PTP. Gives then time to consolidate and make a genuine election campaign push to achieve their objectives.

The majority of the "red" supporters were appalled by the violence of last April, regardless of who was to blame and this is a step in the right direction.

Perhaps a "free and fair election" contested by the various parties in the right manner is exactly what Thailand needs.

Sadly I doubt if that is possible.

[jayjay0]

A sensible move by PTP. Gives then time to consolidate and make a genuine election campaign push to achieve their objectives.

The majority of the "red" supporters were appalled by the violence of last April, regardless of who was to blame and this is a step in the right direction.

Perhaps a "free and fair election" contested by the various parties in the right manner is exactly what Thailand needs.

Sadly I doubt if that is possible.

Unfortunately you are rite.

The PTP will never allow that to happen. The very fact that there leader is a criminal who has taken up citizenship in another countrry speaks volums to what they are all about.

[siampolee]

jayjayO.

Fine rhetoric and right on target too.

However in the honesty stakes race the P.T.P. party is a non starter.

No profit or win in honesty is there ?

[Thailand]

A sensible move by PTP. Gives then time to consolidate and make a genuine election campaign push to achieve their objectives.

The majority of the "red" supporters were appalled by the violence of last April, regardless of who was to blame and this is a step in the right direction.

Perhaps a "free and fair election" contested by the various parties in the right manner is exactly what Thailand needs.

Sadly I doubt if that is possible.

The PTP will never allow that to happen.

I doubt if any of the major protagonists would accept any election result that was not in their favor whatever their political leanings.One side or the other would be calling foul.

[Buchholz]

Uncharacteristically mild reactions by the Pheu Thai Party to the Constitution Court verdict

Key Pheu Thai figures have refrained from severely criticising the verdict

Important party figures and law experts met yesterday to discuss the verdict. They felt the ruling would not help reconciliation efforts, or improve the credibility of the justice system and would add to the perception about "double standards", Prompong said.

Chalerm Yoobamrung, Pheu Thai's chief MP, said yesterday he respected the court verdict although he did not agree with it because the ruling seemed at odds with legal principles.

a very strange and conflicting contrast from other reports in the other paper, particularly in regards to Chalerm and Prompong:

Reading the other paper this morning reveals that Chalerm is leading the Puea Thai Party's plan to have the four judges impeached and if that fails, to have the Election Commissioner Apichart expelled.

The Pheu Thai Party Spokesman Prompong announced that Pheu Thai's legal team would discuss today if the Party should launch another lawsuit against the Democrat Party in the Constitution Court over the case.

[ogb]

The court decision is just the latest occurence to show the double standard is alive and kicking.

PT Party has good reason to be confident of an election victory as the Thaksin aligned party has won the last 4 general elections convincingly, and after the last election the vote buying excuse has been eliminated for the red herring it is (the biggest spenders were the military backed parties).

The big question is whether the election results will be accepted by certain influentual players who think they know better than the thai people, or will the merry-go-round of the last 5 years just continue?

(my guess is they will accept the results as long as the constitution, military, police chiefs stay, but if the new government tries for reform then the judiciary, PAD & military will once again 'do their duty').

Edited December 1, 2010 by ogb

[TAWP]

The court decision is just the latest occurence to show the double standard is alive and kicking.

PT Party has good reason to be confident of an election victory as the Thaksin aligned party has won the last 4 general elections convincingly, and after the last election the vote buying excuse has been eliminated for the red herring it is (the biggest spenders were the military backed parties).

How exactly does one read newspapers when 'facts' like these emerges in ones mind?

[Bagwan]

Quote :-

The party's move may have been swayed by an unconfirmed report that Election Commission chairman Apichart Sukhagganond was pressured by his four fellow EC commissioners to take responsibility for the Court's decision and resign.

At the EC meeting yesterday, he had earlier called on the four members to resign in the wake of the decision, but was instead asked to resign by his colleagues.

Unquote.

It's all your fault.

No it isn't.

Yes it is.

No it isn't.

Is.

Isn't

True to form. Nobody takes the blame for anything. Deja vu. A nation of 14 year olds governed by 16 year olds.

.

Edited December 1, 2010 by Bagwan

[hammered]

Quote :-

The party's move may have been swayed by an unconfirmed report that Election Commission chairman Apichart Sukhagganond was pressured by his four fellow EC commissioners to take responsibility for the Court's decision and resign.

At the EC meeting yesterday, he had earlier called on the four members to resign in the wake of the decision, but was instead asked to resign by his colleagues.

Unquote.

It's all your fault.

No it isn't.

Yes it is.

No it isn't.

Is.

Isn't

True to form. Nobody takes the blame for anything. Deja vu. A nation of 14 year olds governed by 16 year olds.

.

Who took responsibility for the failure of the double standards cases that allowed Snoh to walk free in the countries biggest ever land scandal on a technicality or that several cases against mega rich Thaksin fell on technical reasons? Or of course who fell for not protecting the basic democratic right of right to trial for the thousands slauhgtered on death lists a few years ago? Who fell fo rthe failure to protect witnesses in the nightclub killing of a police officer a few more years ago?

Until there is equal consideration of these issues alongside ones currently being aired, there is no real consideration for double standards and holding all to equal standards and there certainly are no human rights in many cases and there are zero people trying to uphold human rights unless they are campaigning equally for those killed in May as they are for those killed in the Thaksin years. There is a lot of mass hypocricy out there and few if any ideals.

[jayboy]

Quote :-

The party's move may have been swayed by an unconfirmed report that Election Commission chairman Apichart Sukhagganond was pressured by his four fellow EC commissioners to take responsibility for the Court's decision and resign.

At the EC meeting yesterday, he had earlier called on the four members to resign in the wake of the decision, but was instead asked to resign by his colleagues.

Unquote.

It's all your fault.

No it isn't.

Yes it is.

No it isn't.

Is.

Isn't

True to form. Nobody takes the blame for anything. Deja vu. A nation of 14 year olds governed by 16 year olds.

.

Who took responsibility for the failure of the double standards cases that allowed Snoh to walk free in the countries biggest ever land scandal on a technicality or that several cases against mega rich Thaksin fell on technical reasons? Or of course who fell for not protecting the basic democratic right of right to trial for the thousands slauhgtered on death lists a few years ago? Who fell fo rthe failure to protect witnesses in the nightclub killing of a police officer a few more years ago?

Until there is equal consideration of these issues alongside ones currently being aired, there is no real consideration for double standards and holding all to equal standards and there certainly are no human rights in many cases and there are zero people trying to uphold human rights unless they are campaigning equally for those killed in May as they are for those killed in the Thaksin years. There is a lot of mass hypocricy out there and few if any ideals.

Hammered

Thanks for reminding me of these past "technical get offs".I made a post a little while ago rather sarcastically claiming no memory of technical get offs (horrible phrase but it will suffice) for the Democrats' opponents.I was wrong.

I suppose what one can say however is that the system in Thailand tends to favour those in the driving seat.It also of course took some time before "elite" interests worked up a position where it could overturn by various strategems the Thai peoples' electoral preferences.

I was mocked today for using the word "amart", actually a fair enough tease.It does seem a bit pretentious.On the other hand "elite" doesn't really work in the Thai context.Suggestions for suitable terms welcomed.

My understanding is that in the Red areas of the country there is surprisingly little agonising on the recent court decision, and the bleatings about double standards are made just for the sake of form (not that the essential premise is disputed just a sense of pointlessness in banging on about it).It was not unexpected and the focus is very much on the next election.

Personally I am wholly agnostic about the Court's decision.It seems absurd to dissolve a whole party for individuals' offences.Absurd when done to TRT and absurd option in the case of the Democrats.

[jdinasia]

The court decision is just the latest occurence to show the double standard is alive and kicking.

PT Party has good reason to be confident of an election victory as the Thaksin aligned party has won the last 4 general elections convincingly, and after the last election the vote buying excuse has been eliminated for the red herring it is (the biggest spenders were the military backed parties).

The big question is whether the election results will be accepted by certain influentual players who think they know better than the thai people, or will the merry-go-round of the last 5 years just continue?

(my guess is they will accept the results as long as the constitution, military, police chiefs stay, but if the new government tries for reform then the judiciary, PAD & military will once again 'do their duty').

Not accurate at all --- when you look at raw numbers the Dems did better in the 2007 elections than PPP. When you look at constituencies and take out those of BJT etc ... the next elections should end up with a coalition quite similar in composition to the government today.

[asiawatcher]

jayjayO.

Fine rhetoric and right on target too.

However in the honesty stakes race the P.T.P. party is a non starter.

No profit or win in honesty is there ?

I agree - and PTP has no use for the word honesty either. It does not compute. But laughable as to how they are trying to restrain their members now after they seized and trashed Bangkok. Would anyone want this rabble controlling Thailand? Let the votes really count this time. And love to see how long Takky will hold his tongue. Best are being taken by the punters now.

[hammered]

Quote :-

The party's move may have been swayed by an unconfirmed report that Election Commission chairman Apichart Sukhagganond was pressured by his four fellow EC commissioners to take responsibility for the Court's decision and resign.

At the EC meeting yesterday, he had earlier called on the four members to resign in the wake of the decision, but was instead asked to resign by his colleagues.

Unquote.

It's all your fault.

No it isn't.

Yes it is.

No it isn't.

Is.

Isn't

True to form. Nobody takes the blame for anything. Deja vu. A nation of 14 year olds governed by 16 year olds.

.

Who took responsibility for the failure of the double standards cases that allowed Snoh to walk free in the countries biggest ever land scandal on a technicality or that several cases against mega rich Thaksin fell on technical reasons? Or of course who fell for not protecting the basic democratic right of right to trial for the thousands slauhgtered on death lists a few years ago? Who fell fo rthe failure to protect witnesses in the nightclub killing of a police officer a few more years ago?

Until there is equal consideration of these issues alongside ones currently being aired, there is no real consideration for double standards and holding all to equal standards and there certainly are no human rights in many cases and there are zero people trying to uphold human rights unless they are campaigning equally for those killed in May as they are for those killed in the Thaksin years. There is a lot of mass hypocricy out there and few if any ideals.

Hammered

Thanks for reminding me of these past "technical get offs".I made a post a little while ago rather sarcastically claiming no memory of technical get offs (horrible phrase but it will suffice) for the Democrats' opponents.I was wrong.

I suppose what one can say however is that the system in Thailand tends to favour those in the driving seat.It also of course took some time before "elite" interests worked up a position where it could overturn by various strategems the Thai peoples' electoral preferences.

I was mocked today for using the word "amart", actually a fair enough tease.It does seem a bit pretentious.On the other hand "elite" doesn't really work in the Thai context.Suggestions for suitable terms welcomed.

My understanding is that in the Red areas of the country there is surprisingly little agonising on the recent court decision, and the bleatings about double standards are made just for the sake of form (not that the essential premise is disputed just a sense of pointlessness in banging on about it).It was not unexpected and the focus is very much on the next election.

Personally I am wholly agnostic about the Court's decision.It seems absurd to dissolve a whole party for individuals' offences.Absurd when done to TRT and absurd option in the case of the Democrats.

I would say it is time to move on from disolutions. I once posted about banning those guilty of undermining electoral process for their entire life and make them do community service on a farm in the blazing sun with it aired on live relaity TV paid for at the expense of the offender. Nothing short of that will end the circus imho. A lot of people in red and non-red areas are it seems sick of it all, which isnt really good in dmeocratic terms. The reds current leadership is pretty much on the r wing which doesnt play so well in the villages too, but that wing are probably positioning for the future. These disolutions as I have said a few times before get in the way of an early election that may suit extremists on both sides but in reality Chalerm side PTP and the Abhisit wing Dems may be more into getting it on

A good post by the way imho. I think there are bigger events to pass before we see the beginning of an end. At a guess it may be a choice between managed gradual change under Abhisit and Korn or a hard coup

[whybother]

I wonder if the PTP will come up with any policies besides "bring back Thaksin".

It is good that they are now concentrating on elections. It beats using threats and violence to try to bring down a legitimate government.

Maybe they are actually learning what democracy means.

... doubt it though.

[Buchholz]

Thida Thawornset, who has replaced her husband Weng Tojirakarn as the red shirts' new president, said they would make no move in response to the court verdict. "We don't want to add salt to the country's wounds"

but that doesn't stop "President" Thida from later saying,

Weng's Wife Announces Rally on December 10

The wife of red shirt leader Weng Tojirakarn has come out to criticize the Constitution Court's decision to drop charges against the Democrat Party, saying it is implementing a double standard.

She has announced the gathering of a red shirt rally for December 10, which is Thailand's Constitution Day, at the Democracy Monument.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-01

[Ricardo]

The court decision is just the latest occurence to show the double standard is alive and kicking.

PT Party has good reason to be confident of an election victory as the Thaksin aligned party has won the last 4 general elections convincingly, and after the last election the vote buying excuse has been eliminated for the red herring it is (the biggest spenders were the military backed parties).

How exactly does one read newspapers when 'facts' like these emerges in ones mind?

Perhaps they read it in 'Red News', or learn it at a red-shirt 'school' ?

[DP25]

The court decision is just the latest occurence to show the double standard is alive and kicking.

PT Party has good reason to be confident of an election victory as the Thaksin aligned party has won the last 4 general elections convincingly, and after the last election the vote buying excuse has been eliminated for the red herring it is (the biggest spenders were the military backed parties).

How exactly does one read newspapers when 'facts' like these emerges in ones mind?

He doesn't need newspapers, he's told the real 'facts' every morning on the village announcement system

[animatic]

PTP sets sights on Election, but Arissaman sets his sights on a coup.

Please come out and cause chaos, or I can never come home and croon again!

He an Jakrapob seems to on the same page.

[hammered]

Thida Thawornset, who has replaced her husband Weng Tojirakarn as the red shirts' new president, said they would make no move in response to the court verdict. "We don't want to add salt to the country's wounds"

but that doesn't stop "President" Thida from later saying,

Weng's Wife Announces Rally on December 10

The wife of red shirt leader Weng Tojirakarn has come out to criticize the Constitution Court's decision to drop charges against the Democrat Party, saying it is implementing a double standard.

She has announced the gathering of a red shirt rally for December 10, which is Thailand's Constitution Day, at the Democracy Monument.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-01

"Weng's Wife..." I think she does have a name and doesnt just exist as an adjunct of her husband. I used the same description before and after giot to thinking about how it was a tad sexist and I should really use Thida her name. And now I see a newspaper repeating my mistake.

[Buchholz]

Thida Thawornset, who has replaced her husband Weng Tojirakarn as the red shirts' new president, said they would make no move in response to the court verdict. "We don't want to add salt to the country's wounds"

but that doesn't stop "President" Thida from later saying,

Weng's Wife Announces Rally on December 10

The wife of red shirt leader Weng Tojirakarn has come out to criticize the Constitution Court's decision to drop charges against the Democrat Party, saying it is implementing a double standard.

She has announced the gathering of a red shirt rally for December 10, which is Thailand's Constitution Day, at the Democracy Monument.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-01

"Weng's Wife..." I think she does have a name and doesnt just exist as an adjunct of her husband. I used the same description before and after giot to thinking about how it was a tad sexist and I should really use Thida her name. And now I see a newspaper repeating my mistake.

Need to remember to include her title with her name, President Thida.

[Born2lag]

great, anyone looking forward to khun. thaksin coming back? Thats if pheu thai wins...

[Buchholz]

great, anyone looking forward to khun. thaksin coming back? Thats if pheu thai wins...

c'mon on back

[Buchholz]

Thida Thawornset, who has replaced her husband Weng Tojirakarn as the red shirts' new president, said they would make no move in response to the court verdict. "We don't want to add salt to the country's wounds"

but that doesn't stop "President" Thida from later saying,

Weng's Wife Announces Rally on December 10

The wife of red shirt leader Weng Tojirakarn has come out to criticize the Constitution Court's decision to drop charges against the Democrat Party, saying it is implementing a double standard.

She has announced the gathering of a red shirt rally for December 10, which is Thailand's Constitution Day, at the Democracy Monument.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-01

"Weng's Wife..." I think she does have a name and doesnt just exist as an adjunct of her husband. I used the same description before and after giot to thinking about how it was a tad sexist and I should really use Thida her name. And now I see a newspaper repeating my mistake.

Need to remember to include her title with her name, President Thida.

When "President" Thida announced the Red Shirt rally above, she neglected to mention the Red Shirt rally below, which is on a different day.

Curious, if Thida is "President", what does that make Sombat? Vice-Sub-Deputy-Assistant President?

Police on Close Watch for Red-shirt Rally

The national police chief has ordered a close watch on the planned red shirt rally on December 5 and warned the group to carry out activities appropriately on this auspicious month.

National police chief Police General Wichien Potposri said the planned red shirt rally and talk show by key red shirt member Sombut Boon-ngamanong on December 5 at Imperial Department Store Ladprao, can be carried out if it does not violate any rule and regulation.

The national police chief added that the activity must be organized at an appropriate location as December 5 is considered the country's important day being the King's birthday.

Wichien went on to say that he has ordered the Special Branch Police to closely monitor the content of the talk show, and the show will be recorded as evidence if any lawsuit is later filed.

The police chief confirmed that strict measures will still be imposed for any act against the Monarchy and suggested all parties show their respect to the royal institute on the auspicious day rather than express political viewpoints.

Asked to comment on the army's concern about lese majeste websites which are still prevalent, Wichien said the police are keeping an eye on those websites but some classified details cannot be revealed to the public.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-02

[Buchholz]

Government Positive to Change in Red-shirt Group

A Democrat deputy prime minister hopes the change in the leading post of the red-shirt group will reshape its movement into a more peaceful direction, hence leading the nation to peace.

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Suthep Thaugsuban said the red-shirt group should follow a non-violent approach.

There has been a shift in the movement's leadership after Thida Thawornseth, wife of detained red-shirt leader Weng Torjirakarn, was selected as the group's chairperson to replace veteran leader Veera Musikapong, who has withdrawn from the group.

Suthep said that if the red-shirt group really abides by its pledge of a peaceful movement, the country will see the restoration of peace.

The deputy prime minister also said he is not worried about the red-shirt rally on December 10 and that of the People's Alliance for Democracy on December 11.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-02

[rubl]

There has been a shift in the movement's leadership after Thida Thawornseth, wife of detained red-shirt leader Weng Torjirakarn, was selected as the group's chairperson to replace veteran leader Veera Musikapong, who has withdrawn from the group.

A few months ago k. Thida said her husband should be released as he was sorely missed in their hospital. I guess she's not missed ?

As for k. Veera 'has' withdrawn, it may have to do with his bail conditions. Probably he's also been sent to Coventry as he was open-minded enough to negotiate with the government April - May and not all of his co-leaders (or main sponsor) really knew or know how to appreciate such attitude

[hanuman1]

There has been a shift in the movement's leadership after Thida Thawornseth, wife of detained red-shirt leader Weng Torjirakarn, was selected as the group's chairperson to replace veteran leader Veera Musikapong, who has withdrawn from the group.

A few months ago k. Thida said her husband should be released as he was sorely missed in their hospital. I guess she's not missed ?

As for k. Veera 'has' withdrawn, it may have to do with his bail conditions. Probably he's also been sent to Coventry as he was open-minded enough to negotiate with the government April - May and not all of his co-leaders (or main sponsor) really knew or know how to appreciate such attitude

Agreed. K Veera was probably the most diplomatic - and wise - of the red shirt ex-leaders, but got sidelined when the fervor of events overtook level headed reasoning. It is unfortunate for the red shirt movement that he got indicted on similar counts as his more vociferous and radical colleagues, because he was probably the only one with sufficient experience to know that shouting alone doesn't bring about change in more powerful political opponents.

[Buchholz]

There has been a shift in the movement's leadership after Thida Thawornseth, wife of detained red-shirt leader Weng Torjirakarn, was selected as the group's chairperson to replace veteran leader Veera Musikapong, who has withdrawn from the group.

A few months ago k. Thida said her husband should be released as he was sorely missed in their hospital. I guess she's not missed ?

As for k. Veera 'has' withdrawn, it may have to do with his bail conditions. Probably he's also been sent to Coventry as he was open-minded enough to negotiate with the government April - May and not all of his co-leaders (or main sponsor) really knew or know how to appreciate such attitude

Mustn't forget also that she wanted him freed from prison because his allergies were acting up and gosh darn, the sniffles are excerbated being in a confined area...

PLUS, goodness knows, how in the world could he ever contemplate fleeing as he has work and a job on the outside? Apparently she feels only jobless people flee when released on bail:

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.

The court, however, denied granting temporary release of the detained leaders saying the accused may escape as they face severe punishment, even the death penalty.

http://www.mcot.net/cfcustom/cache_page/73856.html

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

Additionally, the last sentence turning down the Red President's request for her husband is interesting in terms of the prosecutor allowing Jatuporn to stay free.

.

[Buchholz]

Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the Pheu Thai president, called on party supporters to be "patient"

In patient or out patient at the mind loss clinic ?

I think he means patience while he's PM...

General Chavalit is ready to take the PM post if his party wins in the next election

BANGKOK, 8 December 2010 (NNT)- General Chavalit Yongjaiyuth has said he is ready to be Thailand’s next Prime Minister if his party wins the next general election.

-- NNT 2010-12-08

Edited December 8, 2010 by Buchholz