Released Red Shirt Leader Kwanchai To Contest Election As Pheu Thai Party-List Candidate

[webfact]

Kwanchai to contest election as Pheu Thai party-list candidate

The seven red-shirt leaders, who have just been released on bail, have resolved to have their peer, Kwanchai Praiphana, contest the next election as a Pheu Thai party-list candidate.

Kwanchai said Thursday that the seven leaders reached the resolution inside the Bangkok Remand Prison before their bail was approved by the Criminal Court.

He said the seven leaders want Kwanchai to enjoy the legal immunity after the election so that he will not have to be put in jail again.

Kwanchai and six other red-shirt leaders were freed on bail on Tuesday.

-- The Nation 2011-02-24

[animatic]

...the seven leaders reached the resolution inside the Bangkok Remand Prison...

So now the political candidates are being chosen directly from inside jail, rather than JUST awaiting to get caught in a graft scandal and going to jail later. And this of course balances with PTP's exemplary, law and order stance, intelligent gravitas and reputation for probity.

Even better! They want him to :

...enjoy the legal immunity after the election so that he will not have to be put in jail again...

Any clearer evidence that these guys use, or would use, their elected status to avoid jail time for criminal actions, that any NORMAL Thai would be jailed for?

Not to mention they think;

a ) this will work for crimes committed BEFORE he was elected MP.

b ) he will likely be convicted, since he case is likely quite straight forward, and so he would have to serve time, if he isn't an MP.

Any further evidence needed that this is the

Crooks Love Crooks party

[lungmi]

...the seven leaders reached the resolution inside the Bangkok Remand Prison...

So now the political candidates are being chosen directly from inside jail,

rather than JUST awaiting to get caught in a graft scandal and going to jail later.

And this of course balances with PTP, law and order stance, gravitas and probity.

Ignorant Farang I am I cannot understand this.

In Northern Europe and specially in Germany every candidate for an election (village, town, city etc.) has to present a police clearence certitificate stating that the holder

has no criminal record (including actual investigations).

[webfact]

Thai protest leaders eye parliamentary bid

BANGKOK, February 24, 2011 (AFP) - Leaders of Thailand's "Red Shirt" opposition protest movement who were released this week on bail after nine months locked up aim to stand for parliament to win immunity, one of them said Thursday.

"We talked when we were in jail and agreed that we were mistreated by the authorities. It would be better if we had immunity. We want to run for party list seats," said Kwanchai Praipana, one of seven top Red Shirts freed Tuesday.

"However, we are not the ones who decide if we can stand in the election. We have to wait for the decision of the (opposition) Puea Thai party," he added.

The party said it was too soon to say if the Red Shirt leaders would be added to its list of candidates for an election that the government has suggested will be called by June.

"We don't want any candidate to be disqualified later because we hope to form a government after this election," said spokesman Pormpong Nopparit.

The seven men were held on terrorism charges since their two-month long demonstration ended in May 2010 with a deadly military crackdown that left about 90 people dead in clashes between protesters and armed troops.

Their bail conditions include a ban on foreign travel and on making comments likely to incite unrest.

Another of the leaders, Natthawut Saikua, confirmed that he hoped to run in the election.

"Of course. I have no other plan except to become a politician," he said.

Thailand's political landscape has remained fractured since last year's unrest, the country's worst civil violence in decades.

The Reds have held a series of peaceful one-day rallies in the capital in recent weeks demanding the release of their leaders.

The mainly rural, working class Reds are broadly loyal to fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and lives overseas to avoid a jail sentence for corruption imposed in absentia.

They view Thailand's current government as undemocratic because it came to power in 2008 in a parliamentary vote after a court ruling threw out the previous administration.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-02-24

[Buchholz]

...the seven leaders reached the resolution inside the Bangkok Remand Prison...

So now the political candidates are being chosen directly from inside jail, rather than JUST awaiting to get caught in a graft scandal and going to jail later. And this of course balances with PTP's exemplary, law and order stance, intelligent gravitas and reputation for probity.

Even better! They want him to :

...enjoy the legal immunity after the election so that he will not have to be put in jail again...

Any clearer evidence that these guys use, or would use, their elected status to avoid jail time for criminal actions, that any NORMAL Thai would be jailed for?

Not to mention they think;

a ) this will work for crimes committed BEFORE he was elected MP.

b ) he will likely be convicted, since he case is likely quite straight forward, and so he would have to serve time, if he isn't an MP.

Any further evidence needed that this is the

Crooks Love Crooks party

An excellent candidate for MP as he has repeatedly shown his leadership skills:

On April 28, 2010 UDD leader Kwanchai Praipana led more than 2,000 "red shirts" on motorcycles and trucks from Ratchaprasong intersection to attempt to break the CRES roadblock on Vibhavadi-Rangsit highway. The security forces used road barriers, razor wires, teargas, and rubber bullets to stop the protesters from going beyond the National Memorial site near Don Muang Airport. With their way blocked, the protesters initially hurled stones, fired slingshots, and launched homemade rockets at the soldiers and police. Video footage and photos taken by foreign journalists, as well as witnesses interviewed by Human Rights Watch, confirm that some of the protesters then used guns and homemade grenades to attack the security forces.

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/04/30/thailand-end-street-battles-bangkok

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

And

July 25 2008 : Kwanchai Praiphana, leader of the Udon Thani Guard Group, admitted during an interview on Channel 3 that he let his supporters to beat up protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy. Kwanchai vowed to lead his supporters to beat PAD protesters again if they hold another rally in the northeastern province. On Thursday, Kwanchai led hundreds of protesters demolish PAD's stage and beat up PAD protesters, seriously injuring two of them. Kwanchai said he had warned local PAD supporters several times not to organise a rally in the province, because he regarded that anti-government rallies damaged the province's reputation. "Yes, I did it and I am not afraid of legal action because I will be charged only on public brawl charges," Kwanchai said. "I've warned them several times that they must not come here."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/Pro-government-activist-admits-on-TV-he-led-protes-30078978.html

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Kwanchai to enjoy the legal immunity after the election so that he will not have to be put in jail again

and to think that so many other candidates foolishly proffer civic duty or the betterment of the country or other such nonsensical reasons to run for office when clearly the best rationale for doing so is the accompanying card that comes with winning an election:

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Kwanchai Praiphana, potential Member of Parliament from Udon Thani

.

[whybother]

July 25 2008 : Kwanchai Praiphana, leader of the Udon Thani Guard Group, admitted during an interview on Channel 3 that he let his supporters to beat up protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy. Kwanchai vowed to lead his supporters to beat PAD protesters again if they hold another rally in the northeastern province. On Thursday, Kwanchai led hundreds of protesters demolish PAD's stage and beat up PAD protesters, seriously injuring two of them. Kwanchai said he had warned local PAD supporters several times not to organise a rally in the province, because he regarded that anti-government rallies damaged the province's reputation. "Yes, I did it and I am not afraid of legal action because I will be charged only on public brawl charges," Kwanchai said. "I've warned them several times that they must not come here."

http://www.nationmul...s-30078978.html

Yay for Red Democracy

Why do some people support the red shirts?

[janverbeem]

Why doesn't PTP make their headoffice at Bangkok Remend Prison.Lot easier to scout suitable candidates for their party.

[Buchholz]

July 25 2008 : Kwanchai Praiphana, leader of the Udon Thani Guard Group, admitted during an interview on Channel 3 that he let his supporters to beat up protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy. Kwanchai vowed to lead his supporters to beat PAD protesters again if they hold another rally in the northeastern province. On Thursday, Kwanchai led hundreds of protesters demolish PAD's stage and beat up PAD protesters, seriously injuring two of them. Kwanchai said he had warned local PAD supporters several times not to organise a rally in the province, because he regarded that anti-government rallies damaged the province's reputation. "Yes, I did it and I am not afraid of legal action because I will be charged only on public brawl charges," Kwanchai said. "I've warned them several times that they must not come here."

http://www.nationmul...s-30078978.html

Yay for Red Democracy

Why do some people support the red shirts?

There was information that then-Interior Minister and current Chairman of the Pheu Thai Party MP's Chalerm Yoobamrung called Kwanchai the following day and congratulated him for the attack.

Publicly, the Samak-Cabinet Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung incredulously blamed PAD for the incident in which 29 were injured by the rampaging Red Shirts, "If the PAD doesn't stop this practice of holding rallies in the provinces, they will always face angry government supporters." Chalerm said the PAD's recent activities upcountry had upset government supporters as their beloved politicians, especially Thaksin Shinawatra, were "unfairly" criticised.

http://www.bahtsold.com/news?id=773

[SomTumTiger]

The silences from the Thaksin lovers is deafening.

[AleG]

Ah yes, that's part of their platform for improving the lives of Thai people? "vote for me so I don't go to jail".

[rubl]

"We talked when we were in jail and agreed that we were mistreated by the authorities. It would be better if we had immunity. We want to run for party list seats," said Kwanchai Praipana, one of seven top Red Shirts freed Tuesday.

Immunity to do what? Fight for democracy and justice? What about the other red-shirts still awaiting their process? Same same, or different?

[phiphidon]

"We talked when we were in jail and agreed that we were mistreated by the authorities. It would be better if we had immunity. We want to run for party list seats," said Kwanchai Praipana, one of seven top Red Shirts freed Tuesday.

Immunity to do what? Fight for democracy and justice? What about the other red-shirts still awaiting their process? Same same, or different?

Well as it appears that the Judges have had a change of heart, because, god forbid, it cannot be that the judicial system could be interfered with in a political sense to set the Red Shirt Leaders free (on bail despite turning down request several times before). One can only assume that up and down the breadth of the country other Judges hearts will be filled with joy and love and in a real sense of reconciliation realise that the hundred or so red shirts still awaiting charges or facing ridiculously high bail conditions will also be set free, if only to remain on bail, but at home or so they can get back to earning an income again. Who knows even Tharit might overcome his personal vendetta, but in reality...................

[MaiChai]

This reminds me of the early days of Nazi Germany. The Red Shirts/Peua Thai are a fascist organisation in the making. Lets hope they never get in power, and if they do I am sure the Army will stage another coup.

[webfact]

Natthawut to contest election as Pheu Thai candidate

Natthawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader, said Thursday that he would contest the next election as a Pheu Thai Party candidate.

He said it would be up to the party to decide whether he should run as a party-list candidate or constituency-based candidate.

He said other red-shirt leaders, who were released on bail Tuesday, were also interested to contest the election.

Natthawut said he would continue fighting along side the red-shirt people for democracy.

He claimed that he was told by a police officer that there were four assassination attempts against him.

-- The Nation 2011-02-25

[webfact]

Red-shirt leaders want to contest poll as pheu thai candidates

By The Nation

The seven red-shirt leaders, who have just been released on bail, have decided to contest the next election as Pheu Thai party-list candidates.

Kwanchai Praipana said yesterday that the seven leaders had made the decision in Bangkok Remand Prison before their bail was approved by the Criminal Court.

Kwanchai and six other red-shirt leaders were freed on bail on Tuesday.

Kwanchai said the seven leaders wanted to have legal immunity after the election so that they will not be put in jail again.

He said the Pheu Thai executive board is yet to consider and approve the decision of the seven red-shirt leaders.

During their six months in the Bangkok Remand Prison, he and other red-shirt leaders suffered a lot because prison officials, who support the yellow-shirt movement, tried to find fault with them, Kwanchai said.

He said he deserved to be fielded as a Pheu Thai party-list candidate because he has been successful in building up the "red-shirt empire" in Udon Thani.

"When I returned home, thousands of people turned up to welcome me back. Now, about 300 red-shirt people show up at the Udon Loving People community radio station a day to provide me moral support," Kwanchai said.

"Actually, I don't want to play politics but I have sacrificed myself so much that my life has been affected by several issues."

He said the 10 Pheu Thai MPs from Udon Thani should not be opposed to his candidacy.

"You, the Udon MPs, should listen to me because the people visit me all the time. I could even contest as a constituency MP if the party allows it," Kwanchai said.

Political observers believe if Kwanchai contests as one of the top 60 candidates in the Pheu Thai Party list, he will be guaranteed a House seat.

There will be 125 party-list House seats available in the next election and the Pheu Thai is expected to win at least half of the seats due to its strong political bases in the North and Northeast.

Kwanchai said that he would take part in a ceremony to commemorate the red-shirt victims at the Pathum Wanaram Temple on Sunday and will take part in a rally at Democracy Monument on March 12.

Meanwhile, Natthawut Saikua, one of the red-shirt leaders out on bail, said yesterday that he would contest the next election as a Pheu Thai Party candidate.

He said it would be up to the party to decide whether he should run as a party-list candidate or a constituency candidate.

He said other red-shirt leaders were also interested in contesting the election.

Natthawut said he would continue fighting alongside the red-shirt people for democracy.

He claimed he was told by a police officer that there were four assassination attempts against him.

-- The Nation 2011-02-25

[Ricardo]

Why doesn't PTP make their headoffice at Bangkok Remend Prison.Lot easier to scout suitable candidates for their party.

At least they would secure the 'captive vote' !

[timekeeper]

Natthawut to contest election as Pheu Thai candidate

Natthawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader, said Thursday that he would contest the next election as a Pheu Thai Party candidate.

He said it would be up to the party to decide whether he should run as a party-list candidate or constituency-based candidate.

He said other red-shirt leaders, who were released on bail Tuesday, were also interested to contest the election.

Natthawut said he would continue fighting along side the red-shirt people for democracy.

He claimed that he was told by a police officer that there were four assassination attempts against him.

-- The Nation 2011-02-25

pity they failed.......

[Robby nz]

If the seven heros of the revolution combined with the sister of the big boss as party leader are the best PTP can put forward as candidates to govern then god help the country if they ever get into power.

But then any of the seven, with their inside knowledge, would be a good candidate for minister of prisons.

Now that they are all out it will be great to see the full 'Goon Show' back on stage again after Neddy having to do the whole show on his lonesome for so long.

[phiphidon]

Natthawut to contest election as Pheu Thai candidate

Natthawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader, said Thursday that he would contest the next election as a Pheu Thai Party candidate.

He said it would be up to the party to decide whether he should run as a party-list candidate or constituency-based candidate.

He said other red-shirt leaders, who were released on bail Tuesday, were also interested to contest the election.

Natthawut said he would continue fighting along side the red-shirt people for democracy.

He claimed that he was told by a police officer that there were four assassination attempts against him.

-- The Nation 2011-02-25

pity they failed.......

More reasoned debate of the issues..................

[timekeeper]

Natthawut to contest election as Pheu Thai candidate

Natthawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader, said Thursday that he would contest the next election as a Pheu Thai Party candidate.

He said it would be up to the party to decide whether he should run as a party-list candidate or constituency-based candidate.

He said other red-shirt leaders, who were released on bail Tuesday, were also interested to contest the election.

Natthawut said he would continue fighting along side the red-shirt people for democracy.

He claimed that he was told by a police officer that there were four assassination attempts against him.

-- The Nation 2011-02-25

pity they failed.......

More reasoned debate of the issues..................

when a man makes revolutionary threats against his own government and incites a mob to destroy the capital city, i call that treason

in many countries treason is still a capital crime

however i believe assassination is cheaper than a lengthy trial and multiple appeals while the person who said it tries to squirm away from it when his life is on the line

now tell me pingpong, does living in Chang Mai make being a red supporter compulsory or are you just intimidated into it?

[phiphidon]

when a man makes revolutionary threats against his own government and incites a mob to destroy the capital city, i call that treason

in many countries treason is still a capital crime

however i believe assassination is cheaper than a lengthy trial and multiple appeals while the person who said it tries to squirm away from it when his life is on the line

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/446121-red-shirt-leader-natthawut-we-will-never-accept-a-coup/

[timekeeper]

when a man makes revolutionary threats against his own government and incites a mob to destroy the capital city, i call that treason

in many countries treason is still a capital crime

however i believe assassination is cheaper than a lengthy trial and multiple appeals while the person who said it tries to squirm away from it when his life is on the line

http://www.thaivisa....-accept-a-coup/

thank you

i think you just made my case for squirming when its your life that is on the line;

"When I told the protesters that if they were terrified they should raid shopping malls, I just wanted to discourage people who planned to use violence against the people. Watch the whole speech. At the end of each speech I said I did not mean for them to really do so," he said.

i would really admire these people a lot more if they did not flip flop and back peddle so much

if you genuinely have the belief in something then go with it, admit what was said, how it was meant and stand by it

the reds are like many global political protagonists who urge others to carry out terrorist and treasonous acts but they are cowards when coming to face justice themselves

i could even respect an accused Muslim terrorist if just for once they stood up and said they were guilty as charged

if they truly have the courage of their convictions then just admit it, shout it out loud, tell the world

say yes i was going to kill people, i am sorry i got caught before i could do so and i would do it again if i could

they want to be a martyr for the cause, let them be that, enter a guilty plea and then execute them, simple, instant martyrdom

surely its actually denouncing their convictions and their faith by pleading not guilty ?

consequently, i would respect the reds more if they would man up and stop whining about how badly they have been done to by Abhisit

they knew the risks before they went, they knew there would be gun-play, in fact they brought along their own guns, rockets, grenades, bombs and mercenaries to guarantee it

when they were outgunned after they drew first blood, they should have left when they had time to do so

Abhisit gave them concessions that Veera nearly agreed to on national TV but that was no good for Thaksin of course

one phonecall from his 5* hotel room put paid to that

he was happy to be in Dubai , many miles from any danger, directing his paid for followers on how create the most havoc whilst awaiting his glorious comeback

it never came Mr Thaksin, your red revolution failed, people died needlessly to support your aching ego

unfortunately, you were not one of them.

death and criminal charges are the risks one takes when attempting a revolution and to the winner the spoils..........

[pedro01]

He said the 10 Pheu Thai MPs from Udon Thani should not be opposed to his candidacy.

"You, the Udon MPs, should listen to me because the people visit me all the time. I could even contest as a constituency MP if the party allows it," Kwanchai said.

I am wondering if this is going to cause defections from PTP.

This guy thinks he has the right to kick aside another MP because he's popular & 300 people come to see him every day.

On the other hand, someone with a life long career in politics might need to stand aside for this lout.

Perhaps the release of the 'magnificent seven' will cause PTP to implode.

[hammered]

Nothing to do with political beliefs, ust openly about avoiding jail and rubber stamped by the party that is the personal property of Thailands biggest human rights abuser in decades. Business as usual in Thai politics. God help the people if they have to be reresented by vile carcasses like this lot or the other side for that matter

[janverbeem]

Natthawut said he would continue fighting alongside the red-shirt people for democracy.<BR sab="1793"><BR sab="1794">He claimed he was told by a police officer that there were four assassination attempts against him.<BR sab="1795"><BR sab="1796">

Strange nobody,including himself, has noticed any of the attemts

[Thai at Heart]

Has anyone ever heard of such a bastardisation of the election process anywhere in the world?

Please Abhisit, get your boys in gear and remove the right to immunity for prosecution for MP's.

[Robby nz]

Have a look at:

New agency to provide land to farmers

On the second page of todays news on this site.

Then I would like to see some of the red shirt supporters tell me why, if the reds are there for the poor and, particularly the farmers from Issan, then why is it that the landless farmers have to come out and protest themselves?

[frodo]

Does Kwanchai have a university degree? I cannot seem to find much information about his education, but if I am not mistaken, MP's must have a degree.

Looking at the privileges for the MP's it does say this:

"No member of the House can be arrested, detained or summoned by a warrant for an inquiry as the suspect in a criminal case unless permission of the House of which he or she is a member is obtained or he or she is arrested in flagrante delicto." (Love the translation for that, blazing offence or caught red-handed). If this also includes past arrests (attacks and killings of PAD demonstrators, etc), he may not be entitled to immunity.

Thailand House of Representatives

[hyperdimension]

I wonder what other non-pro-Thaksin factions think of this, particularly those who are protesting for true democracy and equality etc.. Protesting alongside the pro-Thaksin faction is, in effect, supporting them, yet can't they see that the goals and actions of the pro-Thaksin faction are very much in conflict with their ideologies? The non-pro-Thaksin factions should protest against the pro-Thaksin faction.

[hoaker]

How wonderful to allow criminals run for election in thailand. Soon thailand will be run by crooks. Maybe that should be a criteria for election. a wrap sheet!!