EC Votes To Remove 'No' Vote Billboards

[webfact]

JULY GENERAL ELECTION

EC votes to remove 'No' vote billboards

By The Nation

The election commissioners yesterday voted 4-1 to have the "No" vote billboards removed for violating the electoral law and the cleanliness ordinance.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the Heaven and Earth Party yesterday unveiled a second batch of 5,000 billboards designed to promote the "no vote" campaign in Bangkok.

The billboards will feature candidates with buffalo, crocodile and tiger heads, as well as caricatures of Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"The billboards have been sponsored and used for campaigning by the Heaven and Earth Party," PAD spokesman Panthep Pourpongpan said.

The party is a PAD ally and has joined the race in order to encourage people to cast "no" votes.

Candidate Samdin Lertbut said the party had added its logo and No 18 to every billboard in compliance with campaigning rules.

Samdin said his party would take legal action against vandalism or any attempts to remove the billboards.

The first billboard will depict the idea of running from a tiger into the clutches of a crocodile. It will show a tiger-headed candidate in blue, the colour of the Democrat Party, and a crocodile-headed candidate in red, signifying the red shirts.

The second billboard will depict two buffalo-headed candidates dressed in blue and red suits.

The third will present caricatures of Abhisit and Thaksin with the message: "July 3, the day to knock politicians in the head".

The fourth billboard will carry the message: "Join in protest against politicians without having to rally".

-- The Nation 2011-06-09

[CosmicSurfer]

The removal of a billboard such as the one pictured, is an absolute case of Censorship and the Denial of 'Freedom of Speech'!

This is not a Placard littering the street.. this is a permanent advertising installation... and any attempt to remove it under the Guise of a Cleanliness ordinance is Pure Buffalo Dodo...

If Thai authorities is so worried about "cleanliness" there is plenty of garbage stinking up the streets and Soap missing from Public toilets.

"Amazing" Thailand demonstrating it Discriminatory, Corrupt, Repressive philosophy to the World, yet again.

CS

[FOODLOVER]

WHERE'S THE MONKEY!Noooooo!

[webfact]

EC orders removal of notorious ‘No Vote’ billboard

BANGKOK, 9 June 2011 (NNT) – The Election Commission (EC) has resolved to order the Puea Fa Din Party to take down the controversial billboard for the ‘No Vote’ campaign with the image of animals and is now deciding on the appropriate penalty.

Election Commissioner Somchai Juengprasert revealed that the EC had come to a conclusion with a majority vote of 4:1 to require the Puea Fa Din Party to dismantle its infamous ‘No Vote’ campaign sign, which carries a message ‘Don’t Let Animals into Parliament’ and a picture of animals in suit.

The EC also agreed on the establishment of a committee comprising officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the National Police Office for studying whether the party had violated the EC regulation pertaining to election campaigns as well as the Public Cleanliness and Orderliness Act BE 2535 (1992).

As the forbidden billboard is clearly election-related, the Puea Fa Din Party could face punishments ranging from a yellow or a red card to party disbandment.

-- NNT 2011-06-09

[FOODLOVER]

Darwin's Theory of Evolution - The Premise

Darwin's Theory of Evolution is the widely held notion that all life is related and has descended from a common ancestor: the birds and the bananas, the fishes and the flowers -- all related. Darwin's general theory presumes the development of life from non-life and stresses a purely naturalistic (undirected) "descent with modification". That is, complex creatures evolve from more simplistic ancestors naturally over time. In a nutshell, as random genetic mutations occur within an organism's genetic code, the beneficial mutations are preserved because they aid survival -- a process known as "natural selection." These beneficial mutations are passed on to the next generation. Over time, beneficial mutations accumulate and the result is an entirely different organism (not just a variation of the original, but an entirely different creature).The Monkey clearly had the advantages. Yet is not included? Slight of hand with changing the lizard into a crocodile? What is going on? Ten billion gone and now the buffalo only eats arugula and water cress salads! Answers, WE NEED ANSWERS!

[animatic]

The billboards are the funniest thing in the whole election cycle, even better than Chutwits posters.

But sadly the idea of 'Vote None Of The Above', while provided for on ballot, and legal, is counter productive, and more a move of vindictiveness against the Dems for ceasing any pretense of leaning Pro-PAD, and we know PAD always hated all Thaksin bent Pols anyway.

Vote for the party that most closely mirrors your ideals,

or least ruins you idea of what a government should be doing.

Putting it in more cynical terms.

Voting No simply helps PTP take over and restart a move towards 'dictatorship based on cash to buy elections', imho and voting No abets that take over.

All voters know they can chose' no one' as long as they cast a ballot, and don't need PAD telling then to do it. And besides if EVERYONE voted NO, it wouldn't reverse the trend of politicians to be greedy, it would just mean another new election would be needed and the same faces would run again. But the [public would then foot a second bill for election costs.

So vote for people as MP's, and don't vote for Party Lists.

This would go a LOOOOOONG way to making the voices of the people to be really heard.

Edited June 9, 2011 by animatic

[webfact]

PAD to seek injunction on no vote billboards

By The Nation

The People's Alliance for Democracy will apply for a court injunction blocking the removal of billboards on "animal" politicians, designed to promote the no vote campaign, spokesman Panthep Pourpongpan said on Thursday.

The Election Commission ruled in a four-to-one vote on Wednesday that the billboards violated the campaigning rules as well as the city ordinance. It authorised the city administration to remove the billboards.

Panthep said the PAD legal team was checking pertinent provisions before petition either the Central Administrative Court or the Civil Court to launch an emergency inquiry into the issue.

-- The Nation 2011-06-09

[whybother]

EC claims Puea Fah Din Party cannot file suit against removal of 'Vote No' campaign posters because they violate municipality regulations

I hope they take all the other election posters down then, as they must all violate municipality regulations.

[animatic]

EC claims Puea Fah Din Party cannot file suit against removal of 'Vote No' campaign posters because they violate municipality regulations

I hope they take all the other election posters down then, as they must all violate municipality regulations.

They certainly violate rules on good taste.

[samurai]

EC claims Puea Fah Din Party cannot file suit against removal of 'Vote No' campaign posters because they violate municipality regulations

I hope they take all the other election posters down then, as they must all violate municipality regulations.

Give them a call, telling them that.

[webfact]

Ban for no vote billboards due to campaign rules

By The Nation

The Election Commission has banned the no vote billboards because of campaign violations, EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said on Thursday.

"The EC ruling did not touch on the message but the size and quantities of the billboards," he said in reference to the attack on "animal" politicians.

The EC has authoried the city administration to remove the billboards which failed to meet the standard set under the campaign regulations, he said.

The ban applied to the first batch of billboards sprouting up around the capital and the EC has appointed a panel to scrutinise whether the second batch of billboards would comply with the campaign rules, he said.

Earlier Thursday, the PAD announced it would apply for a court injunction blocking the removal of billboards on "animal" politicians, pokesman Panthep Pourpongpan said.

Panthep said the PAD legal team was checking pertinent provisions before petition either the Central Administrative Court or the Civil Court to launch an emergency inquiry into the issue.

-- The Nation 2011-06-09

[Awohalitsiktoli]

WHERE'S THE MONKEY!Noooooo!

Actually, of all of them--monkey, lizard, buffalo, dog, etc.--I thought the monkey would make the best PM, and he (at least I think) would give us all free bananas! I think the monkey should run for real And once in office, fire every person responsible for removing the billboards which, IMHO, are good because they touch on a political reality. Oooooooopppppppsssssssss, maybe that is why they are being removed.

[FOODLOVER]

WHERE'S THE MONKEY!Noooooo!

Actually, of all of them--monkey, lizard, buffalo, dog, etc.--I thought the monkey would make the best PM, and he (at least I think) would give us all free bananas! I think the monkey should run for real And once in office, fire every person responsible for removing the billboards which, IMHO, are good because they touch on a political reality. Oooooooopppppppsssssssss, maybe that is why they are being removed.

The Lizard (a.k.a. Crocodile) ,Buffalo and Dog do not have opposable thumbs and wont for presumably tens of thousands of years. Is Thailand willing to wait this long?

Edited June 9, 2011 by FOODLOVER

[Awohalitsiktoli]

WHERE'S THE MONKEY!Noooooo!

Actually, of all of them--monkey, lizard, buffalo, dog, etc.--I thought the monkey would make the best PM, and he (at least I think) would give us all free bananas! I think the monkey should run for real And once in office, fire every person responsible for removing the billboards which, IMHO, are good because they touch on a political reality. Oooooooopppppppsssssssss, maybe that is why they are being removed.

The Lizard (a.k.a. Crocodile) ,Buffalo and Dog do not have opposable thumbs and wont for presumably tens of thousands of years. Is Thailand willing to wait this long?

That is a valid point. I wish I had thought of that. Monkey.........Monkey.........Monkey.......Ling.........Ling.......Ling............Ling............I can hear it now

[lannarebirth]

WHERE'S THE MONKEY!Noooooo!

Actually, of all of them--monkey, lizard, buffalo, dog, etc.--I thought the monkey would make the best PM, and he (at least I think) would give us all free bananas! I think the monkey should run for real And once in office, fire every person responsible for removing the billboards which, IMHO, are good because they touch on a political reality. Oooooooopppppppsssssssss, maybe that is why they are being removed.

The Lizard (a.k.a. Crocodile) ,Buffalo and Dog do not have opposable thumbs and wont for presumably tens of thousands of years. Is Thailand willing to wait this long?

Well that makes them of a higher order than todays current crop of politicians. Presumably, with no opposable thumb, they'll be able to grab less cash.

[webfact]

Poll Panel Chief: 'Vote No' Signs Can Be Re-installed

The poll panel says the Puea Fah Din Party is allowed to re-install its 'Vote No' campaign posters if their size is adjusted in line with election regulations.

Chairman of the Election Commission, or EC, Apichart Sukhagganont said his panel's four-to-one resolution to remove the Puea Fah Din Party 's 'Vote No' animal posters was based on their size and amount, which could lead to an unfair advantage for the poll.

Apichart stated his panel did not take into consideration if messages and statements displayed on the signs were appropriate.

The EC chief said the pictures of animals displayed on the posters can draw people's attention and raise awareness for them to exercise their right to vote in the July 3 election.

He recommended that the re-installation of the posters will be allowed if their size is adjusted in accordance with his panel's requirements and they are put up in permitted zones.

Chairman of the Bangkok EC office Police Major General Suthep Rommayanont said the Puea Fah Din's 'Vote No' signs cannot be classified as election campaign posters as they do not display the party's campaign number or the name of MP candidates.

He said the EC has the authority to order them removed as they are related to the election while the suggestion that they hurt the image of MP candidates will be brought into consideration of his panel if a complaint is lodged.

Suthep said related agencies will enforce the removal order, and if they fail, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will take over the job.

He then advised Puea Fah Din to review if the signs are in line with poll regulations before seeking the Administrative Court's injunction against the order.

EC Secretary General Suthipol Taweechaiyakarn said the signs clearly violate his panel's requirements and Puea Fah Din will be asked to remove them.

Suthipol said if the party refuses to comply with the order, authorities will remove the signs by themselves.

He noted the EC's regulation requires messages displayed on campaign posters to be polite.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-09

[Thai at Heart]

Someone connected owns the print shops. This can be the only reason for this shamozzle.

[Awohalitsiktoli]

WHERE'S THE MONKEY!Noooooo!

Actually, of all of them--monkey, lizard, buffalo, dog, etc.--I thought the monkey would make the best PM, and he (at least I think) would give us all free bananas! I think the monkey should run for real And once in office, fire every person responsible for removing the billboards which, IMHO, are good because they touch on a political reality. Oooooooopppppppsssssssss, maybe that is why they are being removed.

The Lizard (a.k.a. Crocodile) ,Buffalo and Dog do not have opposable thumbs and wont for presumably tens of thousands of years. Is Thailand willing to wait this long?

Well that makes them of a higher order than todays current crop of politicians. Presumably, with no opposable thumb, they'll be able to grab less cash.

Excellent point....no opposable thumb means less ability to grab the cash. AND, less ability to do nose mining which I find disgusting. Maybe the monkey is not the right choice after all (they also like to smoke cigarettes and steal things). I have always liked dogs. Maybe the dog is the one to save the day: dog, dog, dog, dog.....ma, ma, ma, ma........

[FOODLOVER]

True the dog is loyal but is not a leader but a follower. What would happen if he is meeting with a world leader and cant control his tail and even pees a little during negotiations. What if he stuck his nose up Merkels yoo hoo? What then? Licks his nuts and passes gas next to Berlusconi, actually that he may enjoy, but for the rest? Sure the monkey hurls his poo but he does this with precision. As for your contention about the monkey smoking and stealing, i say BAH! I have evidence, yes hard photos of your candidate.

As for the buffalo as well!

As for the Crocodile(aka Lizard), animal that will surely bite the hand that feeds him.

The only hope for Thailand is Monkey!

(Hallelujah Choir sings at this moment)

Edited June 10, 2011 by FOODLOVER

[Puccini]

Heaven and Earth Party...Candidate Samdin Lertbut said the party had added its logo and No 18 to every billboard in compliance with campaigning rules.

The party officials must be reading ThaiVisa and are trying to follow the advice given here:

...section 59 [of the "Organic Act on election of members of the house of representatives and installation of senators"] says that candidates, not parties, must be allowed to put up posters. Therefore, the "Vote No" poster should identify the candidate making that suggestion and, I think, state more clearly what box on the ballot paper he suggests should be marked since there is no box labelled "Vote No"...

If No. 18 identifies the party, they got it wrong. They should put up a photo of the candidate and his number, plus the line from the ballot paper for the "no vote" and the box marked with "x". Leave out the English word "NO", which does not appear on the ballot sheet. Leave out the animal faces.

Dear Heaven and Earth Party officials, for EUR 1,500 per day plus expenses I am disposed to fly over to Bangkok and advise you.

Edited June 11, 2011 by Puccini

[rubl]

Heaven and Earth Party...Candidate Samdin Lertbut said the party had added its logo and No 18 to every billboard in compliance with campaigning rules.

The party officials must be reading ThaiVisa and are trying to follow the advice given here:

...section 59 [of the "Organic Act on election of members of the house of representatives and installation of senators"] says that candidates, not parties, must be allowed to put up posters. Therefore, the "Vote No" poster should identify the candidate making that suggestion and, I think, state more clearly what box on the ballot paper he suggests should be marked since there is no box labelled "Vote No"...

If No. 18 identifies the party, they got it wrong. They should put up a photo of the candidate and his number, plus the line from the ballot paper for the "no vote" and the box marked with "x". Leave out the English word "NO", which does not appear on the ballot sheet. Leave out the animal faces.

I've seen posters with only (Thai) text, the (latin) number 16 and of course x marks the spot. Luckily the law on elections and posters seems broad enough.

Now if we were in Tennessee, US of A:

"A new Tennessee law makes it a crime to "transmit or display an image" online that is likely to "frighten, intimidate or cause emotional distress" to someone who sees it. Violations can get you almost a year in jail time or up to $2500 in fines.

The Tennessee legislature has been busy updating its laws for the Internet age, and not always for the better. Last week we reported on a bill that updated Tennessee's theft-of-service laws to include "subscription entertainment services" like Netflix.

The ban on distressing images, which was signed by Gov. Bill Haslam last week, is also an update to existing law. Tennessee law already made it a crime to make phone calls, send emails, or otherwise communicate directly with someone in a manner the sender "reasonably should know" would "cause emotional distress" to the recipient. If the communciation lacked a "legitimate purpose," the sender faced jail time."

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/06/tenn-law-bans-posting-images-that-cause-emotional-distress.ars