'Thai politics would be the same' after ban of 111 Thai Rak Thai executives expires: Poll

BANGKOK, May 20 - Most poll respondents or 47 percent viewed that Thai politics would be the same after the five-year ban from political life imposed on 111 executives of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT) expired at the end of this month, according to an opinion survey conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University.

The Suan Dusit Poll, gathering public opinion on the so-called 111 club's roles in the near future as some of them could possibly become Cabinet members, was conducted among 2,592 people across the country over the period of May 12-19.

Respondents said Thai politics would be the same, as political conflicts can still be seen and were difficult to improve. Thirty-one percent said the political situation would improve, as the government would have more competent people to help run the country, which would create confidence among the public. The remaining 20 percent said the coming back of the 111 club could lead to another conflict and the government could be criticised.

When asked if the expiration ban will help strenghthen Pheu Thai Party, 62 percent of those surveyed believed the party will be stronger, since the disbanded TRT executives wouldsupport Pheu Thai to work more efficiently and to give a boost to moral support and confidence among the party's members. The remaining 37 percent said no, as they viewed the 111 club could be a source for party disharmony regarding benefits and positions in the government.

On a related topic, politicians of the 111 executives receiving the most positive feedback were ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra (86 per cent) for his assistance to the poor and popularity them, Sudarat Keyuraphan (79 percent) for her strength working as an equal to men, and Paveena Hongsakul (73 percent) for her role helping society, children, and women in particular.

Suwat Liptapanlop ranked fifth (59 percent) for his straightforward character and long experience in politics, while Newin Chidchob came the eighth position (42 percent) for his football team and the support of the Friends of Newin Group.

The Constitution Court in 2007 dissolved the Thai Rak Thai party, headed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Two senior party members were found guilty of election law violations after they were directly involved in bribing candidates from smaller parties to contest in particular constituencies ensuring the minimum of 20 percent of eligible votes to win the seat in the 2006 election could be achieved.

The party dissolution was accompanied by a five-year ban on political activities for its 111 executive members.

The ban will expire on May 30 amid reports that many former TRT executives expected to return to politics and take ministerial posts within the Yingluck Shinawatra administration. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-05-20

Newin Chidchob came the eighth position (42 percent) for his football team and the support of the Friends of Newin Group.

Of course it will be the same.

Just like the school playground is the same after a handful of kids are let out of their detention for writing graffiti in the toilets.

Thai politics would be the same if they replaced the entire government, opposition and other parties at all levels.

Its a perfect microcosm of the whole country.

Oops! That doesn't sound very complimentary ....

Thaksin Shinawatra (86 per cent) for his assistance to the poor

He assist the poor the same way dumbass tourist assist bar cruising beggars with spare change.....the beggars stay begging and thanks to Toxin's help the poor stay poor.

Some of them may decide that they don't want to come back now that Yingluck is cracking down on corruption.

same same but different

"BANGKOK, May 20 - Most poll respondents or 47 percent "

Since when did 'most' equal less than 50%?