Latest Developments on the Election Front

[Jai Dee]

The cabinet has approved over 2 billion baht for election funding

The government's Cabinet has approved of 2.151 billion baht to set up the upcoming election for the senate. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has requested the Election Commission to carry out the process in a transparent manner and support a high public turnout.

Mr. Danupol Phunnagan (ดนุพร ปุณณกันต์), the Deputy Spokesman to the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the Cabinet has approved support for the upcoming April 2nd general election as requested by the Election Commission Chairman. The funding will cover the Election Commission officials, government officials, and other related agencies at each voting station. The funding is part of the 2006 emergency budget and is valued at 2.151 billion baht.

The Cabinet will give the Election Commission the authority to liaison with the budget office in distributing the necessary funds. The Prime Minister has also asked the commission to conduct a campaign to draw in more voters.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

2.1 million baht has been approved for April 2nd election.

The cabinet approved a budget of 2.151 million baht for organizing the April 2nd general election, while the Prime Minister reiterated to the Election Commission to hold elections transparently and urge people to come out to vote.

Deputy government spokesperson Danuporn Punnakan (ดนุพร ปุณณกันต์) said that the cabinet agreed to support the Election Commission (EC) in arranging elections on April 2nd. He said that the 2.151 million budget will be drawn from the central budget, adding that the cabinet has asked that the EC to talk with the Budget Bureau about the expenses in details.

However, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat has expressed concern about the election and told the EC to urge the people to come out to vote. He also said that the EC should organize elections transparently and fairly.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

87 people have registered to run for election in Bangkok.

About 87 people registered to run for individual constituencies in the April 2nd general election in Bangkok yesterday, with the Thai Rak Thai and the Prachakornthai (ประชากรไทย) parties fielding 32 members each.

In Bangkok, 49 people applied to run for election in individual constituencies yesterday, raising the total number of applicants to 87 people. The Thai Rak Thai party and the Prachakornthai party each submitted 32 candidates, while the Thai ground party submitted 12 candidates. The Thais help Thai party sent 4 candidates, while the People’s Power fielded 3 people. The Kitsangkom (กิจสังคม), the Thai Farmers Party, and the Better Life Party and the Jit Thai Mankong (จิตไทยมั่นคง) party each submitted 1 candidate. Currently, there are 3 constituencies where there is only one candidate.

Today is the last day for registration. More candidates from Thai Rak Thai and Prachakorn Thai parties are expected to apply today, as both parties intend to send candidates to run in all constituencies.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Provincial governors instructed to urge the people to cast their ballots.

Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา ) reiterated to provincial governors to urge the people to exercise their rights bu casting ballots for their ideal candidate on April 2nd. Meanwhile state officials were instructed to stay neutral in the election.

Mr. Kongsak said before a meeting of provincial governors via video conference system that provincial governors should campaign for the people to cast their ballots in the election as much as possible. He said that the Ministry will prepare an award for any province where there is a high number of voters. He also said that government officials must maintain their neutrality in the election, so that it will be fair and transparent.

Commenting on many senior officials’ involvement in activities of the Prime Minister during this period, Mr. Kongsak said that the officials perform their duty to provide convenience for Mr. Thaksin as the Prime Minister and not the Thai Rak hai party leader. He added that officials will not get involved in canvassing.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai party insists it will not field in candidates in the April 2nd election.

Deputy leader of the Chart Thai party Somsak Prissana-nantakul (สมศักดิ์ ปริศนานันทกุล) insisted that the party will not field in candidates in this general election, although the party’s secretary-general had a meeting with the Thai Rak Thai party leader yesterday.

Mr. Somsak said that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat had a meal with the party’s secretary-general Prapat Potasuton (ประพัฒน์ โพธสุทน) because they were old friends, adding that this is not related to the party. However, he said that he wanted the Prime Minister to stop his moves and wait until the election, to avoid creating confusion for all parties.

Meanwhile, the Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silapa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) admitted that he was not feeling good about the reports, adding that he will explain to the opposition parties and the people in Supanburi during the party’s major speech planned on March 10 in Don Chedi (ดอนเจดีย์) district.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM urges the people to come out to cast their votes to demonstrate the people's power.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra invited the people to come out and cast their votes to demonstrate the people’s power, adding that he can reach an understanding with demonstrators staging protests in front of Singapore embassy.

Prime Minister Thaksin said that the Election Commission has concluded that there are 123 districts where there is only one candidate. He said the people should come out and cast their votes to demonstrate the people’s true power. He admitted that he is worried about elections in areas which are the strongholds of other political parties. He said that he will travel to all areas, especially in the south and areas where he expects that less than 20% of voters will come out to cast their votes.

As for protests against the Prime Minister, Mr. Thaksin said that there are no problems, as police must take care of them. He added that supporters who have come to Bangkok to demonstrate their support for the Prime Minister on March 14 should be patient to avoid confrontation. As for calls by many parties that he stays away from politics to solve problems, he said that he is not the problem, adding that he has followed the law.

He also experienced that he will be able to make an understanding with Singapore authorities about the demonstrators in front of the embassy who demand a review on the Shin Corp takeover deal.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

The EC concluded the latest number of candidates in the election, sent in by provincial EC.

The Election Commission concluded the latest number of election candidates in this April 2nd general election, sent in by election commissioners in the provinces.

There are 939 people registering to run for constituencies in this election. The Thai Rak Thai party sent candidates in all constituencies. Other parties submitting candidates are the Thai Farmer’s party, Krit Thai Man Kong (กฤษไทมั่นคง) party, Kasikornthai party, the Better Life party, the Thai Chuay Thai (ไทยช่วยไทย) party, the Prachakornthai (ประชากรไทย) party, the Siam party, the Thai ground party, the Kitsangkom (กิจสังคม) party, the People’s power party, the Democracy Development party, the Pattanachartthai (พัฒนาชาติไทย) party, the Kon Koh Plod Nee (คนขอปลดหนี้) party, the Dharmathipathai (ธัมมาธิปไตย) party, the Farmers’ friends party, the Rak Pan Din Thai (รักษ์แผ่นดินไทย) party, and the Palang Dharma (พลังธรรม) party.

Many provinces have only candidates from Thai Rak Thai party. Four provinces, which are Chiang Rai (เชียงราย), Pa Yao (พะเยา), Samutsakorn (สมุทรสาคร), and Amnaj Charoen (อำนาจเจริญ), have only one candidate in each constituency, requiring the Thai Rak Thai candidates to receive more than 20% of the total votes.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

EC in Buriram expects 60% turnout vote.

Buriram Election Commissioner Serm Chainarong (เสริม ไชยณรงค์) expressed confidence that more than 60% of eligible voters will cast their votes on April 2.

Mr. Serm said that 14 candidates registered for constituency elections in Buriram during March 4-8. He said that the candidates are from 4 political parties, adding that Thai Rak Thai party sent candidates in all 10 constituencies, while Thai ground party fielded two candidates, and the Thai Chuay Thai (ไทยช่วยไทย) and Rak Pan Din Thai (รักษ์แผ่นดินไทย) parties each fielded candidates in only one constituency.

Mr. Serm said that there are 7 constituencies where there is only one candidate, but he said that there should not be a problem in organizing elections. However, he said that the EC expects that 60% of voters will come out to cast their votes, adding that there have been no reports of election violations yet.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM gives his reason for not resigning from his premiership post

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has indicated that he does not want to step down from the premiership position because he would like to maintain the democratic regime. He also would like to continue his poverty eradication policy and strenghthen the country.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Thaksin's address on his reason to continue his role as a Prime Minister was made while he was inspecting the people's quality of lives at the OTOP Center in Trat (ตราด) Province.

He has also called the general public to excercise their rights to vote during the upcoming general election on April 2nd. He said this would help uphold the democratic rules.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

NHRC: The People should get involved in charter amendment.

The National Human Rights Commission issued the first declaration urging the people to participate in the constitutional amendment process to end the current political conflicts.

President of the Commission Professor Saneh Jamarik (เสน่ห์ จามริก) and his colleagues issued a declaration, which states that the National Human Rights Commission is deeply concerned about the current political conflicts. The commission said that the calls for constitutional amendments consider only how to interpret the law to benefit one’s own party.

The commission said that constitutional amendments should also address rights and freedom violations, such as cases related to FTA negotiations and privatizations. The group also urges those involved in amending the charter to take social and cultural effects into account, adding that the content of the current constitution is already good, but enforcement mechanisms are flawed and unable to create tangible results. Therefore, the group said all sectors, including the general public, should be involved in the constitutional amendment process.

Professor Saneh also commented on the march to Government House planned by the People’s Alliance for Democracy on March 14 that he personally pays more attention to the people’s power, which wants the society to push for creative ideas to improve the current chaotic situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Navy commander asks the people to respect the rule of law and maintain order in the country.

Commander of Naval forces has asked the people to respect the rule of law and not demand what is beyond the limits of law, so that order int he country will be sustained.

Commander of Naval forces, Sathirapan Keyanon (สถิรพันธุ์ เกยานนท์) said that as this year marks His Majesty the King’s 60th anniversary of accession to the throne, he asks that the people respect the constitution and not demand anything that is outside the limits of laws. He expressed agreements with proposals by all sides, suggesting solutions to the current political conflicts. He said that related people should be more cooperative to end all conflicts and bring order back to the country.

He insisted that the navy will maintain political impartiality, adding that all parties will be allowed to campaign in the naval forces’ areas. He also reiterated to naval officials that they should go and cast their votes on April 2.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM will call a meeting of senior officials to instruct them to maintain political neutrality.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat will call a meeting of senior officials of all ministries yesterday to instruct them to maintain neutral during election.

Government spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) said that the Prime Minister has said since early this week that he wants to call a meeting of senior officials of all ministries, permanent secretaries of all ministries, including state employees.

He said that the meeting will explain how the officials should act during the election period, as to not cause damage their current work.

He also reiterated that the government will ask government officials to perform their duty as best as they can and maintain political impartiality.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

More than 76% of eligible voters are expected to cast votes in Phuket for the April 2 election

More than 76% of voters’ turnout is expected in Phuket, and the Election Commission officials there are encouraging people to cast their votes.

Ms. Prapha Kayee (ประภา กาหยี), the head of the Phuket Election Commission, said the provincial administration will soon call a meeting of EC officials who will man each polling station, in order to foster understanding about staging the election and to make preparations.

207,817 people are eligible to vote in Phuket's two constituencies.

The EC in Phuket expects voters’ turnout to be no less than 76%, a figure close to that of the last general election. The public in the province will be encouraged to come out to cast their votes, and the EC hopes this would foster a success in the number of voters like in the last election where Phuket province ranked number three for the most turnouts of voters.

In Phuket, a total of five candidates are running for the House of Representatives election, including two from Thai Rak Thai Party, one from Thai Chuay Thai Party, one from Thai Ground Party, and the other from Pattana Chartthai Party.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Journalist Association demands PM Thaksin to inform all the facts prior to the General Election

The Journalist Association of Thailand has submitted a letter to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, asking him to inform all the problems again prior to the general election date.

The Vice Chairman of the Journalist Association, Mrs. Vimolphan Pitathawatchai (วิมลพรรณ ปิตะธวัชชัย), has submitted a letter to Prime Minister Thaksin through the Spokesman to the Prime Minister's Office, Mr. Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี), at the Government House.

She said the association would like the premier to notify all the facts to the general public once again before the general election will take place on the 2nd of April. Mrs. Vimolphan added that such action will create better understanding among different parties and ease the ongoing tensions.

Dr. Surapong said that such idea will be a stage for people to eliminate their apprehension. He also assured that he will report the suggestion of the Journalist Association to the premier. He said it is likely that Prime Minister Thaksin will take this advice into consideration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

EC to organize a concert to promote election among the workforce

Mr. Charupong Ruangsuwan (จารุพงศ์ เรืองสุวรรณ), the Permanent Decretary for the Justice Ministry, revealed that the Election Commission in cooperation with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare will organize two concerts to urge laborers and workforces to vote in the next election.

He said the employers and employees will receive accurate information about the upcoming general election, and the concerts will also encourage people to exercise their voting rights.

Many famous singers from Grammy Public Company Limited will perform in these concerts. The first concert will be held in Rayong (ระยอง) Province while the second one will be held at Lad Krabang (ลาดกระบัง) Industrial Estate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 March 2006

________________________________________________________________

Thaksin to meet local press

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will meet the local press and answer every question on his leadership style, government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said Fridya.

The meeting is at the invitation of Thai Journalists Association and will take place before the April 2 election.

"The prime minister as well as his government would like to thank the media professionals for arranging a question-and-answer session so as to allow well-rounded information to reach the public," Surapong said.

He said he understood that senior editors from major print and broadcasting outlets would query Thaksin.

The TJA initially suggested for the tentative date between Monday and Thursday and Thaksin would confirm the meeting after checking his appointments.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News

[kyselak]

Outside Bangkok, embattled Thai leader still adored by

rural masses

AP Photo BK103

ROI ET, Thailand (AP) _ The television in a roadside

eatery in Thailand's rural northeast starts broadcasting

news of growing protests in Bangkok against the prime

minister, and the owner changes the channel in disgust.

Images of the growing movement in the capital to oust Prime

Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are not welcome among millions

of poor rural Thais who remain the embattled leader's

staunchest supporters. «I can't stand it anymore!» said

Lampai Hakaew, the owner of the eatery, flipping the

channel to an evening soap opera. «No one who eats here

likes the protesters! The prime minister has done nothing

wrong.» While tens of thousands of protesters in Bangkok

accuse Thaksin of corruption and demand his resignation,

his populist policies and a tough anti-drug campaign have

earned him solid support among the country's rural

majority. They account for more than 80 percent of

Thailand's 63 million people. Nowhere is Thaksin's

popularity stronger than in the impoverished northeast,

where thirsty crops poke out of the ground and pro-Thaksin

billboards dot the dusty landscape.

100707 mar 06GMT

[britmaveric]

Can't boot a popular leader unless the majority of the voters are against him.

[JAG]

But Britmaveric, as someone actually said on one of the posts on this forum last week, Thaksin is not a suitable person to be prime minister.

switches irony off !!

[britmaveric]

But Britmaveric, as someone actually said on one of the posts on this forum last week, Thaksin is not a suitable person to be prime minister.

switches irony off !!

I don't like Cheer Beer - please take it off the shelves now!!! (not suitable for drinking pleasure)

[Plus]

If the Food and Drug Administration finds that it's unsuitable than it will be taken off, like it or not. If, however, FDA's lab is sponsored by Thai Pacific Brewery don't expect them to put public interests first.

[jdinasia]

Can't boot a popular leader unless the majority of the voters are against him.

Studied Thai politics much? Upcountry elects the PM ... BKK gets rid of them. But we'll see in the next month or two how accurate your statement is.

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Banharn's Chart Thai Party chooses not to send a candidate for April 2nd elections

The head of the Chart Thai Party, Mr. Banharn Silpa-acha (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา), spoke with candour when stating the reason for his party's decision of not sending a candidate for the upcoming senate elections on April 2nd.

Mr. Banharn, along with other leading members of his party, conducted an open-heart speech Don Chedi (ดอนเจดี) District, in Suphanburi Province, to address the reason for his party's decision to refrain from sending a candidate for the upcoming April 2nd election. He cited the government's refusal to make amendments to the constitution as the main reason for his party's course of action. The second reason was that if the government did make changes to the constitution, there was no guarantee that the Thai Rak Thai Party's changes would be in a positive political direction.

The Chat Thai leader also urged residents of Suphanburi to show up for the elections, but to choose not to give their vote to any candidate on their ballot card. Mr. Banharn said this would serve as a lesson to the Prime Minister. Mr. Banharn added that he has acted as an advisor to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in many instances of crisis, but the premier has never heeded his advice, and instead chose to take a course of action that resulted in political upheaval.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM Thaksin reaffirms that he will not resign voluntarily

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reaffirmed that he will not resign voluntarily, because he has not done anything wrong.

The Prime Minister stated during a television broadcast on Modern 9 TV that he will not voluntarily resign as he has not done anything wrong. This was after addressing various concerns of the public, such as the government's announcement to dissolve the Senate, and the setting of what is seen by many as a hasty election date for senate representatives.

Dr. Thaksin stated that he would agree with the Election Commission's decision to allow the opposition coalition to send senate representative candidates for the election. The Prime Minister said he would always remain in line with democratic rules and regulations, but that certain people in society have used these rules to force politics to their will. He added that the April 2nd election should determine whether the public supported his government or not, and that if his party received less than half of senate representation, then he would be forced to resign. He will also be glad to set up a commission to investigate his sales of stocks to Temasak.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 March 2006

[bulmercke]

PM Thaksin reaffirms that he will not resign voluntarily

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reaffirmed that he will not resign voluntarily, because he has not done anything wrong.

The Prime Minister stated during a television broadcast on Modern 9 TV that he will not voluntarily resign as he has not done anything wrong. This was after addressing various concerns of the public, such as the government's announcement to dissolve the Senate, and the setting of what is seen by many as a hasty election date for senate representatives.

Dr. Thaksin stated that he would agree with the Election Commission's decision to allow the opposition coalition to send senate representative candidates for the election. The Prime Minister said he would always remain in line with democratic rules and regulations, but that certain people in society have used these rules to force politics to their will. He added that the April 2nd election should determine whether the public supported his government or not, and that if his party received less than half of senate representation, then he would be forced to resign. He will also be glad to set up a commission to investigate his sales of stocks to Temasak.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 March 2006

The Prime Minister stated during a television broadcast on Modern 9 TV that he will not voluntarily resign as he has not done anything wrong.

Right!

[Jai Dee]

Open debates will lead to confrontations, said Suranan.

Executive member of the Thai Rak Thai party, Suranan Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ) expressed disagreement with the debate organized by P-net, saying that it will lead to confrontations, but said that the Thai Rak Thai party is ready for closed-door negotiations.

Mr. Suranan said that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat will not participate in the debate organized by the People’s Network for Elections, or P-net, on March 24, as the debates may lead to confrontations between the two parties. He said that the people want all parties to sit down and talk to find the most creative way out of the current political situation. He said that close-door negotiations will allow everyone to speak their mind, adding that they do not mean lack of transparency.

Mr. Suranan added that the Thai Rak Thai party pays more attention to proposals by the meeting of university rectors, urging all sides to talk to find solutions to the current political impasse. He said that the Thai Rak Thai party is ready, but he cannot yet reveal details.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Academics urged all parties to solve current political crisis peacefully.

Academics urged all parties to solve the current political crisis peacefully, adding that negotiations will end problems.

Director of the Peace Studies and Development Center of the Mahidol University, Kotom Areeya (โคทม อารียา) chaired a seminar on the roles of academics and society in the current political situation at the National Economic and Social Advisory Council yesterday. The meeting was attended by academics from many sectors who expressed their views on how to find a way out of the current political impasse.

Director of Peace and Good Governance Center, Wanchai Wattanasub (วันชัย วัฒนศัพท์) said that the current political problems resulted from differences in opinions. However, he said that both sides maintain the view that they want to uphold democracy. Therefore, he said that the two parties should find a common ground and negotiate by using reasons. He also suggested that the Thai Rak Thai party should begin negotiations with opponents, as elections will lead to many other problems.

Dr. Wanchai expressed belief that negotiations are key to the current political deadlock. He added that conflicts among family members have begun to develop, as they share different political opinions. He said that the people should talk to bridge the differences and create an understanding among each other.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Dr. Thaksin campaigns for party in Ubon Ratchathani

The Head of the Thai Rak Thai Party, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thaksin Shinawatra, has traveled to Ubon Ratchathani Province today to help campaign for his party members.

Mrs. Pramaporn Srisinwarakul (ปรมาภรณ์ ศรีสินวรากูล), the Public Relations Officer of Ubonratchathani Province, revealed that Dr. Thaksin has begun campaigning for votes in the province today. At 15:30, he is expected to visit OTOP program residents, village fund members, and other groups at Baan Boung Waey, Tambon Boung Waey in Warinsamrab District (บ้านบุ่งหวาย ต.บุ่งหวาย อ.วารินชำราบ).

At 18:00, the Prime Minister will conduct a speech at the Ubon Ratchathani Sports School, and on March 14th, he will conduct a cabinet meeting via video-teleconference from the Ubon Ratchathani City Hall.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 March 2006

[Maejo Man]

PM Thaksin reaffirms that he will not resign voluntarily

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reaffirmed that he will not resign voluntarily, because he has not done anything wrong.

Dr. Thaksin stated that he would agree with.............

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 March 2006

and then........The Head of the Thai Rak Thai Party, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thaksin Shinawatra, has traveled to Ubon Ratchathani Province...........

Is this meant to lend a little credence? I was under the impression that once you had resigned/left/got too old you were referred to as "Lt. Gen retired" or did they change the rules again while I wasn't looking?

[Stephen Cleary]

PM Thaksin reaffirms that he will not resign voluntarily

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reaffirmed that he will not resign voluntarily, because he has not done anything wrong.

Dr. Thaksin stated that he would agree with.............

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 March 2006

and then........The Head of the Thai Rak Thai Party, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thaksin Shinawatra, has traveled to Ubon Ratchathani Province...........

Is this meant to lend a little credence? I was under the impression that once you had resigned/left/got too old you were referred to as "Lt. Gen retired" or did they change the rules again while I wasn't looking?

In Thailand you are allowed to keep your rank and state it, even if you are retired or the what not!

BTW: The last i heard, Thaksin was a Pol. Lt Col. ! No idea where this Gen. bit came from! Or did Thaksin decided to give himself a bit of promotion over night!

[Maejo Man]

you are allowed to keep your rank and state it, even if you are retired or the what not!

BTW: The last i heard, Thaksin was a Pol. Lt Col. ! No idea where this Gen. bit came from! Or did Thaksin decided to give himself a bit of promotion over night!

Amazing how promotion moves faster in Bangkok. Even when you have stopped "policing"

As far as I know, he is/was still a Pol. Lt. Col.