Election Commission Bombshell On Yingluck

[webfact]

POLITICS

EC bombshell on Yingluck

By Prapasri Osathanon

The Nation

Abhisit, Jatuporn among 16 candidates yet to be endorsed as MPs

The Election Commission rattled would-be prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party last night after it delayed endorsement of her election win and those of 11 other party candidates.

The commission said the endorsement of Yingluck was delayed pending an inquiry into "several" legal matters regarding her party's election campaign. Yingluck was portrayed by Pheu Thai as its prime ministerial candidate with a controversial slogan "Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts". She was also accused of violating vote-buying rules by cooking and distributing noodle dishes to constituents. Subsequently, the accusation was dropped by the EC.

The EC also held back endorsement of former Democrat leader and outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva over complaints of vote-buying.

However, the EC has never "suspended" top party-list candidates in the past.

After a meeting lasting 10 hours, the EC yesterday endorsed the victories of 358 MPs, including 249 constituency and 109 party-list MPs.

Among the other 14 party-list candidates not yet endorsed by the EC are red-shirt leaders Jatuporn Promphan, Natthawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakarn, Democrat Ong-art Klampaiboon and Bhum Jai Thai's Chai Chidchob.

The EC traditionally does not immediately endorse those who have had complaints lodged against them. The EC will meet again on July 19 to reconsider those have not yet been endorsed. EC member Sodsri Sataya-thum said a subcommittee would look into legal matters concerning the cases of Yingluck and Abhisit and report to the EC in seven days.

Endorsed members of Parliament were advised to pick up documents for their House of Represen-tatives registration from tomorrow.

The EC will have 30 days to investigate the cases of the other 55 MPs-elect who were questioned, the source said. By August 1, at least 475 MPs must be endorsed so that the House can assemble and begin work.

At the Government Office Centre, site of the Election Commission headquarters, 100 red-shirt supporters gathered for the EC's announcement of the vote results, expecting to hear the endorsement of red-shirt leader Jatuporn at 4pm. When the time passed and the EC meeting was still in progress, and despite the presence of crowd-control police, the group sang a song and called for Jatuporn's release and his endorsement as an MP.

A middle-aged man came out claiming to be speaking for red-shirt chairman Thida Thawornseth and told them to disperse. Jatuporn's lawyer Winyat Chartmontri stayed at the meeting.

Cabinet secretary-general Ampon Kittiampon said after the Cabinet meeting that it had approved the petition asking for royal endorsement to open the House of Representatives.

As yesterday saw the last meeting of outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's Cabinet, Abhisit signed the petition. However, the date for the royal ceremony will not be designated until after 475 MPs-elect have been endorsed by the EC.

Ampon said the EC was well aware the latest day for the House opening is August 1 and it would manage the necessary process in time.

Bhum Jai Thai spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said there were complaints against five of the party's MP candidates who won the election with the highest votes.

They include Lop Buri MPs-elect Mallika Jirapanwanich and Kiat Lueangkachornwit, who were accused of mudslinging, causing opponents to lose popularity. Ratchaburi MP-elect Charworalat Chinthammamit was accused of running an election campaign during an entertainment event. Sukhothai MPs-elect Chakkrawan Chaiwirat-nukul and Manu Pook-prasert were accused of vote-buying.

Democrat spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks said the party would have an orientation meeting for new MPs at the Four Seasons hotel today. And next Tuesday, the party's caretaker executive will meet to discuss the process of selecting new party executives. The party members' general meeting, MPs and party branches would all be involved in the selection, he said.

-- The Nation 2011-07-13

[ozzieman05]

Smart move to not give the okay for both the top runners

Now the Red shirts can not claim preferential treatment for the Democrats

[whybother]

Apparently, the reason given for not endorsing Abhisit is because:

Mr Abhisit has been accused of vote-buying by providing "Blue Flag" economic goods for sale when campaigning in Samut Prakan province.

I wasn't aware that selling things during campaigning was grounds for being banned.

Some additional news on "Blue Flag" fairs: http://thainews.prd....id=255407100007

Blue Flag fairs help cut people's cost of living by 180 million THB

BANGKOK, 10 July 2011 (NNT) - Permanent Secretary for Commerce Yanyong Puangraj revealed that three recently organized Blue Flag Fairs can help reduce burden on people's high cost of living for altogether 180 million baht.

He said the Blue Flag Fairs, which offer inexpensive consumer goods, held at Impact Muangthong Thani, Thupatemi Royal Thai Air Force Sport Stadium and Samut Prakan City Hall had 1.7 million visitors and generated a total revenue of 760 million baht which was deemed satisfactory.

He added that during 30 May - 5 July, 340 fairs were also held in 340 districts nationwide which attracted 1.36 visitors and generated revenue of 408 million baht. Blue Flag fairs will soon be organized once again in Bangkok and its vicinities as well as in 268 locations in other provinces.

In addition, the fourth Blue Flag fair, currently held in Nakhn Pathom, is anticipated to generate 80-100 million baht in total sales and simultaneously help cut people's expenses by 35-40 million baht.

Edited July 13, 2011 by whybother

[geriatrickid]

Interesting. However, I am not one to push the panic button and predict instantaneous public disorder. I believe there are some discussions going on as to how to politely send a message that Mr. Thaksin should be more discreet. The refusal to endorse former PM Abhisit may be intended to show impartiality or it just be another indirect knife in the man's back. What are the options if the PTP victory is not endorsed? A new election? A slide into another military junta? Eventual protests? The EC has the bull by the tail now and if it doesn't let go, the end result will be a bigger mess. I'm not faulting the EC. They have a job to do, but I do hope they don't cause turmoil in an attempt to rein in the PTP. On the plus side, it will allow the PTP to be better organized when and if they are allowed to form the government. A few days can make a difference.

I'm sure the usual tossers of slurs, innuendo and gleeful soothesayers of violence will soon appear.

Edited July 13, 2011 by geriatrickid

[whybother]

Interesting. However, I am not one to push the panic button and predict instantaneous public disorder. I believe there are some discussions going on as to how to politely send a message that Mr. Thaksin should be more discreet. The refusal to endorse former PM Abhisit may be intended to show impartiality or it just be another indirect knife in the man's back. What are the options if the PTP victory is not endorsed? A new election? A slide into another military junta? Eventual protests? The EC has the bull by the tail now and if it doesn't let go, the end result will be a bigger mess. I'm not faulting the EC. They have a job to do, but I do hope they don't cause turmoil in an attempt to rein in the PTP. On the plus side, it will allow the PTP to be better organized when and if they are allowed to form the government. A few days can make a difference.

I'm sure the usual tossers of slurs, innuendo and gleeful soothesayers of violence will soon appear.

"What are the options if the PTP victory is not endorsed?"

Is that actually suggested anywhere?

"475 MPs must be endorsed so that the House can assemble".

"EC yesterday endorsed the victories of 358 MPs"

The other paper says that 126 are expected to be endorsed next week.

Even if the 475 were not reached, it would just mean a delay while by-elections were held.

It's still possible that Yingluck will be banned, but very unlikely that PTP won't get into government.

[animatic]

By August 1, at least 475 MPs must be endorsed so that the House can assemble and begin work

The line in the sand...

so what happens if party head designates are not yet cleared and seated on opening day when debates and voting for a PM commences... Well one thing for sure is a riot scene out side the EC office if she isn't seated in time for that 1st round of votes.

Appearances are everything and it seems the appearance of balance is being maintained.

If bad news is delivered to BOTH sides, to make it sure one side gets nailed, this would be a very Thai solution.

[whybother]

By August 1, at least 475 MPs must be endorsed so that the House can assemble and begin work

The line in the sand...

so what happens if party head designates are not yet cleared and seated on opening day when debates and voting for a PM commences... Well one thing for sure is a riot scene out side the EC office if she isn't seated in time for that 1st round of votes.

Appearances are everything and it seems the appearance of balance is being maintained.

If bad news is delivered to BOTH sides, to make it sure one side gets nailed, this would be a very Thai solution.

They can't sit until 475 are endorsed.

I don't think they elect the PM in their first sitting, so Yingluck would have until the second sitting to be endorsed.

[pmgthailand]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_republic

[whybother]

http://en.wikipedia....Banana_republic

That falls over for Thailand on so many levels.

[OzMick]

Interesting. However, I am not one to push the panic button and predict instantaneous public disorder. I believe there are some discussions going on as to how to politely send a message that Mr. Thaksin should be more discreet. The refusal to endorse former PM Abhisit may be intended to show impartiality or it just be another indirect knife in the man's back. What are the options if the PTP victory is not endorsed? A new election? A slide into another military junta? Eventual protests? The EC has the bull by the tail now and if it doesn't let go, the end result will be a bigger mess. I'm not faulting the EC. They have a job to do, but I do hope they don't cause turmoil in an attempt to rein in the PTP. On the plus side, it will allow the PTP to be better organized when and if they are allowed to form the government. A few days can make a difference.

I'm sure the usual tossers of slurs, innuendo and gleeful soothesayers of violence will soon appear.

To summarise; If the EC does not allow Thaksin and PTP to blatantly break electoral law, you think "turmoil" will result.

Sounds like an accurate prediction of violence IMHO - but does that make you a "tosser"?

Edited July 13, 2011 by OzMick

[webfact]

EC has finalized the election results

BANGKOK, 13 July 2011 (NNT)-The Election Commission of Thailand has finally been finalized the election results although it has not been determined when official announcement will be made. Meanwhile, there are reports saying that the political profiles of both Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva and Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra could not be verified at this time due to complaints.

According to the report, the EC has finished reviewing the election results yesterday although the date for the announcement has not been set yet. However the EC has not approved the MP profiles of Ms. Yingluck and Mr. Abhisit along with Red Shirt core leaders.

These include Mr. Jatuporn Prompan, Mr. Nattawut Saikeu and MD Waeng Torjirakarn. Their qualifications will come under EC inspections as complaints against them have been made to the EC.

-- NNT 2011-07-13

[whybother]

Actually, I'm surprised by the title "Election Commission Bombshell On Yingluck".

Everyone knows that the EC has been investigating issues relating to Yingluck.

The bombshell should actually be about Abhisit, since there hasn't been much discussion prior to this about his campaigning being an issue.

[webfact]

EC endorses MP status of 358 candidates, excluding Abhisit and Yingluck

BANGKOK, July 13 -- The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday officially endorsed 358 member of parliament candidates but delayed the endorsement of 142 MP candidates including outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and prime minister-to-be Yingluck Shinawatra.

The core leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the Red Shirt movement, including jailed Jatuporn Prompan and Nattawut Saikua, did not appear in the first batch of endorsed MPs.

After considering for more than 10 hours, the five Election Commissioners announced the first group of endorsed MPs.

EC Secretary General Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn told a press briefing that the agency endorsed 358 candidates -- 109 for party list seats and 249 for constituency based candidates -- from 500 overall seats in the House of Representatives.

One hundred forty-two candidates remain unendorsed -- 16 party listed and 126 constituency based.

Among the candidates not yet endorsed are former House Speaker Chai Chidchob from the Bhumjaithai Party and Patcharin Munpan, the sole winning MP of the New Democrat Party.

As for the Democrat Party, apart from Mr Abhisit, other winning candidates forced to wait for endorsement were Ongart Klampaiboon, outgoing Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office and Siriwan Prasjaksattru, deputy secretary general of the party.

Meanwhile, in additional to Ms Yingluck, other winning candidates of the Pheu Thai Party who must wait for endorsement are mostly UDD leaders, including Mr Jatuporn, Mr Nattawut, Weng Tojirakarn, and Korkaew Pikulthong as well as former deputy house speaker Col Apiwan Wiriyachai.

Mr Suthiphon said the EC did not immediately endorse the 142 candidates because there were complaints against them for irregularities including vote buying and slander during the election campaign and the agency needed more time to investigate the complaints on a case by case basis.

The five Election Commissioners will meet again on July 19 to consider endorsing the rest of the candidates. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-07-13

[animatic]

By August 1, at least 475 MPs must be endorsed so that the House can assemble and begin work

The line in the sand...

so what happens if party head designates are not yet cleared and seated on opening day when debates and voting for a PM commences... Well one thing for sure is a riot scene out side the EC office if she isn't seated in time for that 1st round of votes.

Appearances are everything and it seems the appearance of balance is being maintained.

If bad news is delivered to BOTH sides, to make it sure one side gets nailed, this would be a very Thai solution.

They can't sit until 475 are endorsed.

I don't think they elect the PM in their first sitting, so Yingluck would have until the second sitting to be endorsed.

Yes, but that still leaves 25 possibly in limbo,

those 25 could be quite 'interesting choices'.

[Crushdepth]

There were some complaints against these candidates, therefore the EC is investigating them. Normal operating procedure, no conspiracy theories required.

[whybother]

Yes, but that still leaves 25 possibly in limbo,

those 25 could be quite 'interesting choices'.

The 25 in limbo will probably be red or yellow cards and lead to by-elections. (or, I assume, the next person on the party list).

[animatic]

http://en.wikipedia....Banana_republic

That falls over for Thailand on so many levels.

Kleptocracy

http://en.wikipedia....iki/Kleptocracy

Also see; Thaksinomics, Thaksinocracy, subterfuge,

propaganda, Perception Management, Machiavelli.

Epic fail for a nation.

http://www.thefreedi...tion+management

Actions to convey and/or deny selected information and indicators to foreign audiences to influence their emotions, motives, and objective reasoning as well as to intelligence systems and leaders at all levels to influence official estimates, ultimately resulting in foreign behaviors and official actions favorable to the originator's objectives.

Who does it? Well among others.

http://www.perceptio...agement.com.my/

http://www.fno.org/o...perception.html

When veracity is sent packing to loud applause from the general public, the society lurches like a runaway freight train screaming down a mountain grade. The Roman Circus kept folks happy and entertained as Rome's reach exceeded its grasp and its world ambitions led to its eventual decline.

Edited July 13, 2011 by animatic

[otherstuff1957]

Interesting. However, I am not one to push the panic button and predict instantaneous public disorder. I believe there are some discussions going on as to how to politely send a message that Mr. Thaksin should be more discreet. The refusal to endorse former PM Abhisit may be intended to show impartiality or it just be another indirect knife in the man's back. What are the options if the PTP victory is not endorsed? A new election? A slide into another military junta? Eventual protests? The EC has the bull by the tail now and if it doesn't let go, the end result will be a bigger mess. I'm not faulting the EC. They have a job to do, but I do hope they don't cause turmoil in an attempt to rein in the PTP. On the plus side, it will allow the PTP to be better organized when and if they are allowed to form the government. A few days can make a difference.

I'm sure the usual tossers of slurs, innuendo and gleeful soothesayers of violence will soon appear.

^That pretty well sums it up!

I think that if a constituent MP is disqualified they just have a new local by-election. I don't know what happens if a Party List MP is disqualified... maybe the next person on the list just moves up?

[scorecard]

Interesting. However, I am not one to push the panic button and predict instantaneous public disorder. I believe there are some discussions going on as to how to politely send a message that Mr. Thaksin should be more discreet. The refusal to endorse former PM Abhisit may be intended to show impartiality or it just be another indirect knife in the man's back. What are the options if the PTP victory is not endorsed? A new election? A slide into another military junta? Eventual protests? The EC has the bull by the tail now and if it doesn't let go, the end result will be a bigger mess. I'm not faulting the EC. They have a job to do, but I do hope they don't cause turmoil in an attempt to rein in the PTP. On the plus side, it will allow the PTP to be better organized when and if they are allowed to form the government. A few days can make a difference.

I'm sure the usual tossers of slurs, innuendo and gleeful soothesayers of violence will soon appear.

Sure will - why be polite to the paymaster about anything?

[hammered]

A couple of tweets form Tulsathit of the Nation:

"EC reasoning is mind-boggling. It registered red leaders as poll candidates but is now questioning their qualifications."

"If EC considers the "Thaksin thinks..." slogan a serious matter, it begs question why only individual winners are targetted."

[siampolee]

In depth Banana Republic.

http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com

“Strange - for some reason I feel more at home there than I do in the USA!”~ George W. Bush on the Banana Republic

The Socialist Republic of Banana is an actual country located somewhere between Puerto de las Manzanas and Strawberryland in Latin America. It was found by Juan Estevez Silverback that created the Banana's Republican Army to fight guerillas campaigns and eventually ending spanish rule in theBanana war of independence, ending centuries of tiranny, oppression and banana price inflation. Says the legend that country's origin name was because Silverback was very fond of bananas and so named it as an homage to it. Charlie Weis is the current "president" of Banana Republic meanwhile Zlatan Chopstics Miletic is the Banana King of the Banana Republic. The Banana King of the Banana Republic is an example banana citizen since he follows the constitution of the Banana Republic, as well as encouraging the citizens of the Banana Republic to trust in bananas. Thus the quote:

“In bananas we trust”

~ the Banana King, Zlatan Chopsticks Miletic on trusting bananas

Economy Edit

Since 64% of the country's economy depends on banana exportation, the previous government made important contributions to fight the banana price inflation that has been affecting the banana exportation in the last years. It was decided to give both primans and gorillas, farms and land in exchange for banana plantations and production. However, this gave rise to the Peel City protests of 2024 between Gorillas and Orangutans, since Orangutans have been claiming these lands as legitimately theirs, to compensate the gorilla oppression that has been happening for centuries, repercussion and hominid segregation. The new government, which coincidentally has one Gorilla in one of the seats, has yet to respond to the last riots in the city and to promote an equal primate social justice. The republic's main exports are bannanas potassium, and clothes.

Demographics Edit

Banana Republic's population is ethnically diverse. Priman (those of mixed Spanish/Human and Primate ancestry) are by far the largest of all ethnic groups and constitute over 63 per cent of the current population. Gorillas are second in numbers and account for approximately a 25% of the people. Orangutans are mainly criollos, unmixed descendants of Spanish colonists, and account for 8% of the Banana Republic population. The Homini community, including chimpazees and bonobos, constitutes the remaining 4%. Many migrants especially from Santa Moruña, Puerto de las Manzanas and Pinãlandia have moved here since there are better pay for them in the Banana Republic. In 2007, there were a reported 8,000 arctic monkeys who immigrated from the north pole. Many were tired of santa's oppression of the poor and innocent elves. Based on current demographic trends and the oppressive tactics of dominant groups, sociologists estimate there will be a rebellion in 150 years--that is, if the chimps can agree to stop eating the gorilla's food. National Geographic reportedly plans a documentary, should this occur, called "The Natives are Restless."

Military Edit

A division of chimpazees during a raid in the Banana-Lemon war

Added by Sunsneezer

Did you know...that in the Banana Republic, the odds of slipping on a banana peel is one million in a hundred?

Did you know...that in the Banana Republic, the crime rate is 0% because there is nothing to steal except for bananas?

The Banana Republic Armed Forces comprises a total force of 560,000 priman/gorillas/orangutans/chimpazees. Bonobos are not allowed since they don't know how to throw any bananas although they can assume non-combatant positions in the army such as cleaning the toilet or flipping burguers in the army. There is no discrimination in the Armed Forces although some orangutans bitch about poorer conditions in relation to their gorillas counterparts, but nothing serious. Recently Banana Republic bought three Tucanos aircraft from Brazil and a new chimp destroyer and a submarine from Venezuela. The United States already claimed to have proofs that Banana Republic is trying to militarize the region and thus making it insecure although minister of defense Carlos Pygmaeus refused to comment on it. Banana Republic also upgraded it's army recently providing firearms and troop uniforms to gorillas. Notice that Gorillas previously mostly were primate shields or sappers. This is a great deal in the army.

[lannarebirth]

A couple of tweets form Tulsathit of the Nation:

"EC reasoning is mind-boggling. It registered red leaders as poll candidates but is now questioning their qualifications."

"If EC considers the "Thaksin thinks..." slogan a serious matter, it begs question why only individual winners are targetted."

It is mind boggling, Either naturally totally incompetent or incompetent by design.

My own observations of Thai people (not all by any means), is that they tend to ignore all signs of a pending disaster and then when it happens say "How did I know"? In fairness to Thais, the US Federal Reserve works very similarly.

[moe666]

A couple of tweets form Tulsathit of the Nation:

"EC reasoning is mind-boggling. It registered red leaders as poll candidates but is now questioning their qualifications."

"If EC considers the "Thaksin thinks..." slogan a serious matter, it begs question why only individual winners are targetted."

It is mind boggling, Either naturally totally incompetent or incompetent by design.

My own observations of Thai people (not all by any means), is that they tend to ignore all signs of a pending disaster and then when it happens say "How did I know"? In fairness to Thais, the US Federal Reserve works very similarly.

Maybe the Ec has new information not availiable at the time they registered the candidates. maybe some canidates where more dependant on Thaksin thinks than others. Who knows it's what makes Thailand very interesting and a fun place to live.

[animatic]

A couple of tweets form Tulsathit of the Nation:

"EC reasoning is mind-boggling. It registered red leaders as poll candidates but is now questioning their qualifications."

"If EC considers the "Thaksin thinks..." slogan a serious matter, it begs question why only individual winners are targetted."

It is mind boggling, Either naturally totally incompetent or incompetent by design.

My own observations of Thai people (not all by any means), is that they tend to ignore all signs of a pending disaster and then when it happens say "How did I know"? In fairness to Thais, the US Federal Reserve works very similarly.

Maybe the Ec has new information not availiable at the time they registered the candidates. maybe some canidates where more dependant on Thaksin thinks than others. Who knows it's what makes Thailand very interesting and a fun place to live.

Or maybe they just chose to avoid the tough issues till they had no other option.

Avoid confrontation at all costs, till the choice is not yours.

Register the reds and then ignore election violations

until it makes some sort of difference to do something,

and there is no choice but to act.

[rubl]

Bombshell?

"Red shirts warn EC of backlash

By The Nation

Published on July 14, 2011"

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/07/14/national/Red-shirts-warn-EC-of-backlash-30160245.html

"NATIONAL

ANALYSIS

A new storm brewing?

By Political Desk

The Nation

Published on July 14, 2011"

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/07/14/national/A-new-storm-brewing-30160239.html

[bkkjames]

More pressing matter-is the Elite Card Programme still on E-bay?

[moe666]

Bombshell?

"Red shirts warn EC of backlash

By The Nation

Published on July 14, 2011"

http://www.nationmul...h-30160245.html

"NATIONAL

ANALYSIS

A new storm brewing?

By Political Desk

The Nation

Published on July 14, 2011"

http://www.nationmul...g-30160239.html

There man eh I mean girl won the election and they are still bulling and threating. These guys need to be put back in the nursery.

[RubbaJohnny]

You need both barrels to shoot yourself in both feet

A bit like withdrawing from UN heritage sites to damage tourism or holding tourists/clients hostage at an airport for days

Never underestimate a cornered rat

[whybother]

Apparently, the reason given for not endorsing Abhisit is because:

Mr Abhisit has been accused of vote-buying by providing "Blue Flag" economic goods for sale when campaigning in Samut Prakan province.

I wasn't aware that selling things during campaigning was grounds for being banned.

Some additional news on "Blue Flag" fairs: http://thainews.prd....id=255407100007

Blue Flag fairs help cut people's cost of living by 180 million THB

BANGKOK, 10 July 2011 (NNT) - Permanent Secretary for Commerce Yanyong Puangraj revealed that three recently organized Blue Flag Fairs can help reduce burden on people's high cost of living for altogether 180 million baht.

He said the Blue Flag Fairs, which offer inexpensive consumer goods, held at Impact Muangthong Thani, Thupatemi Royal Thai Air Force Sport Stadium and Samut Prakan City Hall had 1.7 million visitors and generated a total revenue of 760 million baht which was deemed satisfactory.

He added that during 30 May - 5 July, 340 fairs were also held in 340 districts nationwide which attracted 1.36 visitors and generated revenue of 408 million baht. Blue Flag fairs will soon be organized once again in Bangkok and its vicinities as well as in 268 locations in other provinces.

In addition, the fourth Blue Flag fair, currently held in Nakhn Pathom, is anticipated to generate 80-100 million baht in total sales and simultaneously help cut people's expenses by 35-40 million baht.

And now more information on why Abhisit hasn't been endorsed.

- Top Democrat party-list candidate Abhisit Vejjajiva: Abusing his power as prime minister by getting the Commerce Ministry to hold a fair selling items at discounted prices in Samut Prakan on the day of advance voting, asking a "subordinate" to buy votes, using amplifiers in prohibited areas and intimidation.

I'm not sure how supposedly organising a fair in one district on the "advanced voting day" would help their chances. Also, given that there were 340 fairs over a 6 week period that there must have been fairs in other provinces on both "advanced voting day" AND election day.

"asking a "subordinate" to buy votes, using amplifiers in prohibited areas and intimidation"

- asking to buy votes - they'd need some good proof.

- using amplifiers in prohibited areas - there were prohibited areas? But would that come down to the local organiser?

- intimidation - 555.

[whybother]

You need both barrels to shoot yourself in both feet

A bit like withdrawing from UN heritage sites to damage tourism or holding tourists/clients hostage at an airport for days

Never underestimate a cornered rat

"Holding hostages"? That's a new one.