Tuesday Is Judgement Day: Thai Election Commission

[webfact]

Tuesday is judgement day: EC

By Prapasri Osathanon

Pimnara Pradabwit

The Nation

The Election Commission is standing by its goal of deciding on Tuesday whether to endorse the Pheu Thai Party's prime-ministerial candidate Yingluck Shinawatra and caretaker Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as MPs.

Sodsri Satayathum, the election commissioner in charge of political party affairs, affirmed yesterday that the EC would complete its consideration of the complaints against Yingluck and Abhisit at its Tuesday meeting. "There are only a few complaints left to consider," she added.

Sodsri said the EC would not require further testimony from Yingluck and Abhisit, as the agency's investigators had collected sufficient information. She added that the election commissioners would only consider legal issues in deciding whether to endorse the two MPs-elect.

Both Yingluck and Abhisit are the top candidates on their respective parties' party lists.

At the Tuesday meeting, the EC is also expected to endorse another 40 MPs-elect, including the 12 red-shirt leaders with qualification problems, according to an EC source.

A total of 126 candidates who won seats in the July 3 election failed to gain EC approval in the first round of endorsements last week. Even with the 40 MPs expected to be confirmed on Tuesday, the number of endorsed MPs would still be short of the 475 required for the 500-member House of Representatives to convene its first meeting.

The source said the EC was likely to endorse the 12 red-shirt leaders among Pheu Thai's party-list candidates, as there were no complaints of electoral fraud against them. They also had problems involving their qualifications, but this matter would be referred to the Constitution Court, according to the source.

Abhisit, the outgoing prime minister, said yesterday that the EC had not informed him in writing about its decision not to endorse him as an MP.

He earlier resigned as Democrat leader to take responsibility for the party's election loss.

Abhisit said he expected the EC to endorse most of the MPs-elect within 30 days of the election to allow the new House of Representatives to convene its first meeting, which in turn would allow a new government to be formed.

However, Abhisit also called on all parties involved to respect the decisions of the EC, which was doing its duty as the "referee". He said politicians should avoid using their supporters to pressure the commission to make decisions in their favour. He also noted that unlike in the past, the EC was not allowing MPs-elect to explain themselves against fraud allegations.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai leader Yongyuth Wichaidit said yesterday that the party would again field Somkid Banthaisong as its candidate in a fresh poll for Nong Khai Constituency 8 called by the EC. Somkid's victory in the constituency was annulled because of evidence that he won dishonestly.

"The party will field Somkid again and we are confident that he will be elected again," Yongyuth said.

The MP-elect yesterday said he was framed for electoral fraud by a group of people. He said he would take legal action against the culprits and expressed confidence he would win the new election to be held on July 31.

Yingluck said she had no concerns that the EC had postponed its decision to endorse her because of allegations of electoral fraud. "I believe the EC will ensure justice, and I am ready to explain," she said.

When asked what she thought about the term "judicial coup" used by some foreign media to describe the legal problems against her and Pheu Thai, Yingluck said she did not want such a thing to happen again in Thailand.

-- The Nation 2011-07-16

[Tanaka]

If she is elected and becomes PM then Thailand can look forward to a bright future. A PM with no political experience but who has committed perjury and MP's who are terrorists. Amazing Thailand indeed.

[lannarebirth]

If she is elected and becomes PM then Thailand can look forward to a bright future. A PM with no political experience but who has committed perjury and MP's who are terrorists. Amazing Thailand indeed.

It's too depressing to contemplate.

http://notthenation.com/2011/07/specter-of-yet-another-election-too-depressing-to-contemplate/

[slapout]

I am reminded of the old "hot potato toss", those right out of the fire will be tossed to someone else quickly. Once things are cooled down they are easier to handle and eventually those involved will get their rewards. consumption of the spoils in either case is probably inevitable.

[chillhunter]

is it really important who run the country ?

it's like in every other 'democratic' country in the world, democrats and republicans, socialists and conservatives, red and yellow

what does it matter ? no governement make decisions for the people , only for themselves

you can only choose - black death or cholera

so let us wait and see what happens in the next act of the thailand puppet theatre

Edited July 16, 2011 by chillhunter

[OzMick]

I wonder if Somkid will have the gall to campaign with B300/day minimum wage and scrap the oil fund, or if he will ever identify the "culprits" who "framed" him for vote-buying.

He might find his majority a little reduced this time around. Any one from Nong khai have an input on local feeling?

[Maestro]

A post using a wrong name for a former Prime Minister and the replies to it have been deleted.

[geriatrickid]

If she is elected and becomes PM then Thailand can look forward to a bright future. A PM with no political experience but who has committed perjury and MP's who are terrorists. Amazing Thailand indeed.

When was the PM designate convicted of perjury?

[Siam Simon]

If she is elected and becomes PM then Thailand can look forward to a bright future. A PM with no political experience but who has committed perjury and MP's who are terrorists. Amazing Thailand indeed.

When was the PM designate convicted of perjury?

She will be, if necessary.

[Ashoka]

Lies to keep the majority from winning the election democratically and keeping the aristocracy in power to rule over us and steal from us like always. If you think Abhisit is going to save the country you are delusional, he was not elected he was installed by those who forcefully took our democratically elected government. Please support the wishes of the people of Thailand and stop insulting our intelligence by telling us we don't know what is best for us.

[Thaddeus]

Lies to keep the majority from winning the election democratically and keeping the aristocracy in power to rule over us and steal from us like always. If you think Abhisit is going to save the country you are delusional, he was not elected he was installed by those who forcefully took our democratically elected government. Please support the wishes of the people of Thailand and stop insulting our intelligence by telling us we don't know what is best for us.

The aristocracy don't steal from you, they never have done, every time you make a 'donation' to grease the wheels, a proportion of that is filtered up, you have been funding them willingly for countless years.

It's people engaged in graft that steal from you, and they would be?

[whybother]

If she is elected and becomes PM then Thailand can look forward to a bright future. A PM with no political experience but who has committed perjury and MP's who are terrorists. Amazing Thailand indeed.

When was the PM designate convicted of perjury?

He didn't say "convicted of". He said "committed".

She submitted false documents and lied to the SEC. They didn't follow it through because "she didn't have to submit the documents" and "she wasn't under oath".

[rixalex]

When asked what she thought about the term "judicial coup" used by some foreign media to describe the legal problems against her and Pheu Thai, Yingluck said she did not want such a thing to happen again in Thailand.

Which foreign media might that be? The Economist perchance?

Amsterdam is obviously earning his money.

[jayboy]

When asked what she thought about the term "judicial coup" used by some foreign media to describe the legal problems against her and Pheu Thai, Yingluck said she did not want such a thing to happen again in Thailand.

Which foreign media might that be? The Economist perchance?

Amsterdam is obviously earning his money.

The term "judicial coup" is widely used both in the foreign and local media.Your heavy handed suggestion that Thaksin's PR man is bribing the Economist is not only lame and childish, but quite possibly defamatory.If you have evidence produce it.

[rixalex]

When asked what she thought about the term "judicial coup" used by some foreign media to describe the legal problems against her and Pheu Thai, Yingluck said she did not want such a thing to happen again in Thailand.

Which foreign media might that be? The Economist perchance?

Amsterdam is obviously earning his money.

The term "judicial coup" is widely used both in the foreign and local media.

How would you know? You read Thai?

That aside, all judicial coup has come to mean these days is breaking electoral law, getting caught, and then blaming the people who caught you because you think they are in cahoots with the big dark dastardly invisible hand that's out to get you.

Your heavy handed suggestion that Thaksin's PR man is bribing the Economist is not only lame and childish, but quite possibly defamatory.If you have evidence produce it.

My suggestion was simply that Thaksin's PR man works his influence. That is after all what he is paid to do. No?

As for bribing, i wouldn't be naive enough to rule it out, but nor would i rule it in. I simply don't know. Nor i assume do you?

As for defaming, please my dear chap, relax yourself. Perhaps an overly generous intake of Sunday morning caffeine (i assume it is Sunday morning where you are?) has got you a little over-excited?

[geriatrickid]

If she is elected and becomes PM then Thailand can look forward to a bright future. A PM with no political experience but who has committed perjury and MP's who are terrorists. Amazing Thailand indeed.

When was the PM designate convicted of perjury?

He didn't say "convicted of". He said "committed".

She submitted false documents and lied to the SEC. They didn't follow it through because "she didn't have to submit the documents" and "she wasn't under oath".

You do know what the definition of perjury is right? She did not swear a false oath nor did she willfully provide false information while under oath. How then can anyone claim she committed perjury? . Spreading falsehoods is a criminal offense in Thailand and I believe that a person making a false accusation of perjury is the criminal.

[letitbe]

Lies to keep the majority from winning the election democratically and keeping the aristocracy in power to rule over us and steal from us like always. If you think Abhisit is going to save the country you are delusional, he was not elected he was installed by those who forcefully took our democratically elected government. Please support the wishes of the people of Thailand and stop insulting our intelligence by telling us we don't know what is best for us.

you dont know whats good for you but im happy to see the people have their saviour Taksin. In meantime I know whats best for my family and thats to get what we can out of here and before you say good riddance I think it will in end be poor who eventually will regret their stupidity.

[geriatrickid]

When asked what she thought about the term "judicial coup" used by some foreign media to describe the legal problems against her and Pheu Thai, Yingluck said she did not want such a thing to happen again in Thailand.

Which foreign media might that be? The Economist perchance?

Amsterdam is obviously earning his money.

The term judicial coup was indeed used by multiple news sources, and is found on many political commentators' blogs, none of which are under the control of Mr. Amsterdam. Here are some examples;

1. 'Judicial coup' ousts Thai premier By Amando Doronila Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 02:48:00 12/05/2008

2. Judicial coup murmurs in Thailand Asia Times Nov. 22, 2008

3. Is there a judicial coup in the offing in Thailand? Bangkok Pundit 14/07/2011 02:30:05

A quick visit to Mr. Google will reveal additional multiple references.

Many of the references are prior to the May 3, 2010 when the former PM Thaksin retained the legal counsel of Mr. Amsterdam.

In consideration of the above, your suggestion that the use of the term "Judicial Coup" is somehow the work of the "Economist" whilst under the direction of Mr. Amsterdam is proven false.

Really, you shouldn't write such things.

Edited July 17, 2011 by geriatrickid

[rixalex]

The term judicial coup was indeed used by multiple news sources, and is found on many political commentators' blogs, none of which are under the control of Mr. Amsterdam. Here are some examples;

I didn't say anyone was under the control of Amsterdam. I was alluding to the influence he has and his ability to get certain desired messages exposure. To repeat, THIS IS HIS JOB. Do you deny that?

In consideration of the above, your suggestion that the use of the term "Judicial Coup" is somehow the work of the "Economist" whilst under the direction of Mr. Amsterdam is proven false.

Really, you shouldn't write such things.

You shouldn't imagine things that haven't been written.

The only thing you have proven is what you wish to believe.

[lannarebirth]

If she is elected and becomes PM then Thailand can look forward to a bright future. A PM with no political experience but who has committed perjury and MP's who are terrorists. Amazing Thailand indeed.

When was the PM designate convicted of perjury?

He didn't say "convicted of". He said "committed".

She submitted false documents and lied to the SEC. They didn't follow it through because "she didn't have to submit the documents" and "she wasn't under oath".

. Spreading falsehoods is a criminal offense in Thailand

You make his point rather well.

[geriatrickid]

you dont know whats good for you but im happy to see the people have their saviour Taksin. In meantime I know whats best for my family and thats to get what we can out of here and before you say good riddance I think it will in end be poor who eventually will regret their stupidity.

If you feel that you and your family must leave, then that is your judgement call and I wish you the best. Hopefully, you will be able to provide for a similar standard of living whereever you relocate. The poor that you call stupid have nothing to lose. They are already poor. What the PTP offers is hope. When people only know poverty and are blocked from advancement because of the colour of their skin, or regional origins, or not coming from the "right" family, this is what happens.

You may find that if you have a Thai family with children, that you may soon have a taste of what some Thais endure every day. Relocate to some European nations and the chances of your children coming home crying after being bullied or called monkies is likely. Some kids will harass them because they are different. Also likely is that some idiots will assume your wife is a beer bar whore because she married a farang, particularly if she is younger than you. This is a hurtful ignorant assumption, but one that is widely held by people from outside of Thailand. She might be an educated woman as was the case of one of my friends and still get treated like a hooker. In this particular case, the woman is a US and UK qualified accountant. Because she is young looking and somewhat attractive, she gets the "treatment" at various foreign immigration desks when she travels on business. She's fed up of the assumptions. She audits books and is a decent person. Her bedmate is a cat. Yet, she is treated like some sort of riff raff. Your relocation may work for you, but it will be tough on the Thai part of the equation.

[geriatrickid]

The term judicial coup was indeed used by multiple news sources, and is found on many political commentators' blogs, none of which are under the control of Mr. Amsterdam. Here are some examples;

I didn't say anyone was under the control of Amsterdam. I was alluding to the influence he has and his ability to get certain desired messages exposure. To repeat, THIS IS HIS JOB. Do you deny that?

In consideration of the above, your suggestion that the use of the term "Judicial Coup" is somehow the work of the "Economist" whilst under the direction of Mr. Amsterdam is proven false.

Really, you shouldn't write such things.

You shouldn't imagine things that haven't been written.

The only thing you have proven is what you wish to believe.

And you conveniently gloss over the fact that the term "judicial coup" was used long before Mr. Amsterdam was retained.

[rixalex]

And you conveniently gloss over the fact that the term "judicial coup" was used long before Mr. Amsterdam was retained.

And you have conveniently imagined things never written.

Since when did i claim Mr Amsterdam invented the term?

[geriatrickid]

And you conveniently gloss over the fact that the term "judicial coup" was used long before Mr. Amsterdam was retained.

And you have conveniently imagined things never written.

Since when did i claim Mr Amsterdam invented the term?

Scroll up. You have been on a tear about Mr. Amsterdam earning his money. Now that your innuendo has been proven false you are skating about. Instead of going off about Mr. Amsterdam and intimating that he has somehow put the term "judicial coup" into paly in conjunction with the Economist, why don't you just accept the fact that the expression was in use before Mr. Amsterdam was retained.

[geriatrickid]

You make his point rather well.

I would appreciate it if you didn't edit my statements to substantiate your erroneous position. If you want to quote me, use the entire quote. It's not that difficult.

A claim was made that there was perjury. I showed that the claim is false. You have no basis upon which to claim perjury occurred. Give it a rest. You can't accuse people of crimnal acts if there was no criminal act. If there had been perjury, a charge would have been laid and a conviction rendered. there was nothing of the sort. Stop claiming perjury. It is a false accusation.

[lannarebirth]

You make his point rather well.

I would appreciate it if you didn't edit my statements to substantiate your erroneous position. If you want to quote me, use the entire quote. It's not that difficult.

A claim was made that there was perjury. I showed that the claim is false. You have no basis upon which to claim perjury occurred. Give it a rest. You can't accuse people of crimnal acts if there was no criminal act. If there had been perjury, a charge would have been laid and a conviction rendered. there was nothing of the sort. Stop claiming perjury. It is a false accusation.

I didn't claim perjury occured, maybe the charge if any will be "providing false testimony" which is a seperate but still severe law. As for pulling your quote out, don't blame me but the mods. My favored method is to highlight text while leaving it in context. time and time again the mods have ruled that is not allowed here. they claim that THAT is altering a post. I still maiintain you kicked one into your own goal. Nice.

[rixalex]

Scroll up. You have been on a tear about Mr. Amsterdam earning his money.

Haven't been "on a tear" about anything. I have repeatedly asserted that Mr Amsterdam's job as PR man to Thaksin is to get his message out there and to get the most favourable exposure possible. I don't think i'm going out on a limb by saying that. Do you?

Now that your innuendo has been proven false you are skating about.

There was no innuendo and you have proven zero, except where your loyaltiesce lies.

Instead of going off about Mr. Amsterdam and intimating that he has somehow put the term "judicial coup" into paly in conjunction with the Economist, why don't you just accept the fact that the expression was in use before Mr. Amsterdam was retained.

Why should i need to accept a fact i have never questioned? What next? Do you demand i accept that Thai people like somtam?

Amsterdam didn't invent the expression "judicial coup", just that he has been one of the main ones trotting it out to whomever cares to listen as often as he can since taking up his position.

Does he have the ear of someone at The Economist? I don't know... and nor for that matter, do you. With what has been going on at News Corp of late, i think we can safely say with regards the Western press, anything is possible.

[Lite Beer]

A post discussing Moderation has been removed as per Forum Rules

[animatic]

If she is elected and becomes PM then Thailand can look forward to a bright future. A PM with no political experience but who has committed perjury and MP's who are terrorists. Amazing Thailand indeed.

When was the PM designate convicted of perjury?

He didn't say "convicted of". He said "committed".

She submitted false documents and lied to the SEC. They didn't follow it through because "she didn't have to submit the documents" and "she wasn't under oath".

You do know what the definition of perjury is right? She did not swear a false oath nor did she willfully provide false information while under oath. How then can anyone claim she committed perjury? . Spreading falsehoods is a criminal offense in Thailand and I believe that a person making a false accusation of perjury is the criminal.

She did not swear a false oath

It appears not.

"nor did she willfully provide false information while under oath."

This is what is in dispute.

There are legitimate reports in the papers, including quotes,

stating that what she did say IN COURT was false in relation to the facts.

And that she could reasonable be expected to know this as she made the statements.

She has not yet been tried as to her intent, but that, though not yet proven in court, is somewhat self explanatory. This case was likely left as a sword of Damocles and warning to steer clear of causing trouble, a warning clearly ignored.

How then can anyone claim she committed perjury?

Because the quoted court records show she gave false information while under oath in the court. Very simple actually.

But she is not convicted of this... yet.

Edited July 17, 2011 by animatic

[Ashoka]

Lies to keep the majority from winning the election democratically and keeping the aristocracy in power to rule over us and steal from us like always. If you think Abhisit is going to save the country you are delusional, he was not elected he was installed by those who forcefully took our democratically elected government. Please support the wishes of the people of Thailand and stop insulting our intelligence by telling us we don't know what is best for us.

you dont know whats good for you but im happy to see the people have their saviour Taksin. In meantime I know whats best for my family and thats to get what we can out of here and before you say good riddance I think it will in end be poor who eventually will regret their stupidity.

Resort to calling us stupid. I hope your legally elected officials never get overthrown with a military coup because it is a sad day for democracy.

I would never wish for you to leave that is not my nature but if you feel that way I say good luck for you and your family.

I really don't believe many know the truth and those who do just ignore it and believe what they want. I don't care who is the PM as long as the person is legally elected in a democratic way by the people as in most of your countries and you wouldn’t have it any other way would you.