Latest Developments on the Election Front

[Jai Dee]

EC in Ubonrajtani said the province is ready for early election this weekend.

Ubonrajtani Election Commissioner Songsak Chantarukkha (ทรงศักดิ์ จันทรุกขา ) insisted that the province is ready for early election on March 25-26.

Mr. Songsak said that the EC has assigned officials to 11 constituencies ahead of the advanced election on March 25-26. He said that about 888 people in the province have registered to vote outside their hometown. He added that the EC will educate the officials at the constituencies before this weekend so that elections can be carried out transparently and fairly and to prevent any possible mistakes.

As for the ballots, the EC said that the central EC will send to post offices of districts which are central election units in each constituency for the advance election on March 25-26.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

... it seems that Jai Dee has some explaining to do

I don't make 'em up SJ.... although sometime they read like it hey?

[sriracha john]

... it seems that Jai Dee has some explaining to do

I don't make 'em up SJ.... although sometime they read like it hey?

Apparently you failed to read the fine print in The Thailand News Clippings Moderator Contract before signing on:

Page 98, Paragraph 312, Subsection 57

The moderator shall verify the veracity of all articles and the authenticity of all positions referenced prior to posting articles related to the government. Failure to do so can result in the following possible punitive actions:

1) Immediate bondage, with or without accompanying discipline

2) Confiscation of all lewd photographs contained within said moderator’s computer

3) Nothing

[Jai Dee]

A lawsuit has been filed against the Democrat Party, the party leader, and 4 other people, who charged that the Thai Rak Thai party is involved in election fraud

Lawyer representing the deputy secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai party prepares to file a lawsuit against the Democrat Party, the party leader, and 4 other people, who charged that the Thai Rak Thai party is involved in election fraud.

Mr. Sittikorn Yampantanai (สิทธิกร แหยมพันธะนัย), representing deputy secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai party Prommin Lertsuridej (พรหมินทร์ เลิศสุริย์เดช), filed lawsuits with the criminal court against the Democrat party, its leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ), Secretary-general of the Democrat party Sutep Tuagsuban (สุเทพ เทือกสุบรรณ) and spokesperson Ong-art Klampaiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์) for libel charges. He said that the 5 defendants held a press conference defaming the plaintiff, saying that they have evidence and witnesses indicating that the Thai Rak Thai party is involved in election fraud. He said that the charges state that the Thai Rak Thai party threatened and paid money for small parties to field candidates in the election, adding that the defendants mentioned the names of deputy Thai Rak Thai leader General Thammarak Issarangkul na Ayudhaya (ธรรมรักษ์ อิศรางกูร ณ อยุธยา) and deputy secretary-general Pongsak Raktapongpaisal (พงษ์ศักดิ์ รักตพงศ์ไพศาล).

Mr. Sittikorn said that the charges are false, aimed at misleading voters that the Thai Rak Thai party cheated in the election. The court accepted the petition and ordered a hearing on May 22 at 9AM.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

Note to SJ: Boo has already performed the appropriate discipline on me in the Mods Forum.

[Jai Dee]

The Constitution Court rejected a petition filed by the EC, asking for its deliberation on three cases related to the election.

The Constitutional Court rejected a petition filed by the Election Commission (EC), asking it to deliberate three cases related to the election.

The EC asked that the court decide whether the EC can restart the application for MP candidates in the constituency 3 in Samutsakorn, where there is no candidate. It also asked the court to deliberate the possibility that there will be less than 100 party-list MPs as well as the possibility that some constituencies may see less than 20% of the votes.

However, secretary-general of the Constitution Court Paiboon Warahapaitoon (ไพบูลย์ วราหะไพฑูรย์) said that the court believes that the first issue lies in the EC’s authority, and therefore, it is the EC’s responsibility to fix any problems that may arise. He said that the issue does not meet Article 266 and the Court cannot accept the petition. As for the other two issues, the Court views that they are just expectations and do not meet Article 266. He said that the Court, therefore, decided to reject the petition.

However, he said that if the problems do arise and the EC wants the court decision, it can file another petition to the court, but the Constitution Court will still have to consider whether the issues meet any articles in the Constitution.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

[sriracha john]

A lawsuit has been filed against the Democrat Party, the party leader, and 4 other people, who charged that the Thai Rak Thai party is involved in election fraud

Lawyer representing the deputy secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai party prepares to file a lawsuit against the Democrat Party, the party leader, and 4 other people, who charged that the Thai Rak Thai party is involved in election fraud.

Mr. Sittikorn Yampantanai (สิทธิกร แหยมพันธะนัย), representing deputy secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai party Prommin Lertsuridej (พรหมินทร์ เลิศสุริย์เดช), filed lawsuits with the criminal court against the Democrat party, its leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ), Secretary-general of the Democrat party Sutep Tuagsuban (สุเทพ เทือกสุบรรณ) and spokesperson Ong-art Klampaiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์) for libel charges. He said that the 5 defendants held a press conference defaming the plaintiff, saying that they have evidence and witnesses indicating that the Thai Rak Thai party is involved in election fraud. He said that the charges state that the Thai Rak Thai party threatened and paid money for small parties to field candidates in the election, adding that the defendants mentioned the names of deputy Thai Rak Thai leader General Thammarak Issarangkul na Ayudhaya (ธรรมรักษ์ อิศรางกูร ณ อยุธยา) and deputy secretary-general Pongsak Raktapongpaisal (พงษ์ศักดิ์ รักตพงศ์ไพศาล).

Mr. Sittikorn said that the charges are false, aimed at misleading voters that the Thai Rak Thai party cheated in the election. The court accepted the petition and ordered a hearing on May 22 at 9AM.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

Will they then file additional lawsuits to address the later charges?

His new targets were TRT deputy leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan and party spokesman Sita Divari.

The lawyers will be a busy bunch over the following weeks...

Note to SJ: Boo has already performed the appropriate discipline on me in the Mods Forum.

VERY, VERY interesting that she chose NOT to do NOTHING....

oops...

I forgot to include the latest amendment to the Moderator's Contract:

Page 98, Paragraph 312, Subsection 57, Amendment 1

Any punitive actions conducted as a result of a violation of this portion of the Contract will be fully documented with photographic proof and posted in The Forum.

[Jai Dee]

All agencies under the Department of Public Relations have been told to carry out public relations campaign for the election.

Director of the Public Relations Department Dussadee Sinjermsiri (ดุษฎี สินเจิมสิริ) ordered all agencies under the Department to organize a public relations campaign for the elections.

Mr. Dussadee said while on a trip to Surattani (สุราษฎร์ธานี) that the department has prepared plans to campaign for the snap election on April 2nd since the parliament dissolution. He said that despite the low budget allocated by the Election Commission, the Acting Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office has told the department to use normal budget for the purpose before additional budgets are allocated. He said that all agencies under the Department have been ordered to campaign for the elections.

The Director also publicized the election in 7 upper southern provinces during this trip.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

EC has been urged to evaluate itself if the general election doesn’t process in a transparent manner

The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has urged the Election Commission (EC) to revise its role if the general election for House members does not proceed in a transparent manner.

The PAD rally has gathered at the National Stadium in Pathumwan (ปทุมวัน)ม following the appointment of the PAD core leaders that the rally will march to the Office of the Election Commission of Thailand (OECT).

PAD claimed that its movement to the OECT is to pressurize the EC to halt the general election on the 2nd of April. The core leaders of the group have gathered at the venue. However, one of the leaders, Mr. Sonthi Limthongkul (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล), has not joined the rally this morning.

In the meantime, Mr. Phiphop Thongchai (พิภพ ธงไชย) said that the PAD will propose the EC to revise its role if it fails to carry the general election without fraud activities. He said the EC will also be urged to consider the problems that could follow from the upcoming April 2nd election.

The Caravan of the Poor for Democracy also requested the EC to hold the general election as scheduled, for people to exercise their voting rights in accordance with the democratic system.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Foreign ambassadors will be invited to listen to policies on megaprojects and the current poltiical situation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kantathi Supamongkol (กันตธีร์ ศุภมงคล) prepares to invite foreign ambassadors in Thailand and representatives from international organizations to listen to the policies on mega projects and election amid the current political turmoil.

Mr. Kantathi said that today, the Foreign Ministry has invited foreign ambassadors and representatives from international organization for a meeting explaining the mega-projects, after the bidding process has been expected to be delayed by another month.

The Foreign Minister will also answer questions about the current political problems and the April 2nd election, as well as the opposition’s boycott of the election.

He said that Government spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) and Election Commissioner Parinya Nakchatri (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรี) have been invited to explain issues related to the current political crisis and the election.

However, Dr. Kantathi said that other countries still maintain confidence in investing in Thailand’s mega-projects, despite the current political situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Khunying Sudarat filed a lawsuit against Suthep on defamation charge

The Deputy Leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan (สุดารัตน์ เกยุราพันธ์), prepares to file a lawsuit against Democrat Party Secretary-General Suthep Thuagsuban (สุเทพ เทือกสุบรรณ ) for defamation.

Khunying Sudarat said that she has prepared to file a lawsuit against Mr. Suthep, who has accused the party of hiring some political parties to field candidates in the election even though they are unqualified. She urged Mr. Suthep to bring the witnesses forward and reveal everything, adding that he should explain clearly when the money was paid, who paid the money. She stated that the lawsuit is necessary as her name and other people’s names have been mentioned although she does not know the witness. She said the claims intend to tarnish her image and that of the party. She said that Mr. Suthep is attempting to demonstrate that the elections are illegitimate, adding that all evidence should be made public without waiting for court procedures, as she is ready to prove herself.

Meanwhile, Mr. Suthep said that he has submitted all evidence to the Election Commission, adding that it will have to proceed with the case. He added that he will reveal witnesses and evidence later.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Journalist Association demands a response from PM Thaksin whether he would inform all the facts to the general public

The Journalist Association of Thailand has demanded a response from Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra whether he would answer all the questions that are in the interest of the society and the press.

The Journalist Association earlier submitted a letter to the premier, asking him to inform all the problems again prior to the general election date.

However, the Vice Chairman of the Journalist Association, Mrs. Vimolphan Pitathawatchai (วิมลพรรณ ปิตะธวัชชัย), has resubmitted a letter to the Prime Minister again. The letter is demanding the premier to response on this issue. The letter was submitted through the official of the Office of the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson.

Mrs. Vimolphan insisted that clarifications given by the premier will be useful for the society. She said people take all the facts into their consideration before they will make any decision.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Banharn insists to be a middleman to solve the current political turmoil

Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silpa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) insisted that he is ready to be a coordinator for all sides should they hold a discussion to end the current political situation. He has urged all parties to be conscious and patient.

The Deputy Secretary of the Chart Thai Party, Mr. Waravuth Silapa-archa (วราวุธ ศิลปอาชา), revealed that Mr. Banharn's stance is to be a middleman and he will coordinate with all related parties to hold a discussion so as to find solutions to the ongoing crisis.

Mr. Banharn has made such decision since he is a senior political figure and has worked with all parties before. However, he said every party has to agree to the condition that they are willing to step back a step and listen to all opinions.

Mr. Waravuth added that the Chart Thai Party Leader has expressed his concern over the confrontations of various rallies.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Democrat party is not worried about TRT's prosecution against its party

The Democrat Party is not concern about the Thai Rak Thai Party’s prosecution against them. The Democrats stated that they are ready to reveal more fraudulent activities in relation to the upcoming general election.

The Spokesperson of the Democrat Party, Mr. Ong-art Klampaiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์), and the party’s lawyer team, made an announcement that the Thai Rak Thai Party’s lawsuit has not affected the Democrat Party.

He indicated that the Thai Rak Thai Party just wants to avoid embarrassment as the Democrat Party earlier alleged them for hiring smaller parties to field their members to run in the general election.

The Democrat party has requested the Election Commission (EC) to help provide security for its witnesses, who will expose details of fraud of the Thai Rak Thai Party. He further said that if the EC does not provide protection for the witnesses, they will not be brave enough to reveal further corruption activities.

Besides, the Democrat Party has handed the EC with the profiles of other three Thai Rak Thai Party members, who are suspected to register the candidates with incomplete qualifications as the EC has required.

He has demanded the EC to withdraw the politicians who do not reach the 90-day election requirement. He has also warned the EC to implement on the transparent basis; otherwise, the EC will be alleged on neglecting its task.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Waravuth says that the Chart Thai Party is examinig the evidece before making any decision

The Deputy Secretary of Chart Thai Party, Mr. Waravuth Silpa-archa (วราวุธ ศิลปอาชา), said that his party's standpoint is still neutral since the party has no details or information on the hiring small parties to field certain candidates in the upcoming general election.

After the Democrat Party and the Thai Rak Thai Party have disclosed the fraudulent activities, Mr. Waravuth said that his party does not know that the actual facts of the matter. Hence, the party has deemed it is improper to view over the issue at the moment, adding that the two sides must show their evidence in order to prove their justification.

Mr. Waravuth has informed that the Chart Thai Party is neutral on this issue and would like to sift through the evidence before making any movement.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Senate has issued its announcement saying its concern over the country's current political tension

The Senate has expressed its concern over Thailand's current political tension, while demanding every related unit to solve this crisis for the good of the country. The Senate will coordinate with different sides to seek ways to end this difficulty.

The President of Ad Hoc Committee on Senate Affairs, Mr. Surachai Danaitangtrakul (สุรชัย ดนัยตั้งตระกูล), said that the meeting of the Senate Whip has agreed to play the role of a middleman, in order to coordinate with every side. He has informed that the Senate will only be concerned over the framework of the negotiation so that the public will be confident on its impartiality.

He said that the Senators will use their personal relationships to coordinate with the units, to jointly seek solutions to the current political turmoil.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

[bulmercke]

Jai Dee and others - many thanks for all your posts from the various news agencies.

For the VERY latest information on the political front - I go to The Post, The Nation, ThaiDay (not so current sometimes) and Thaivisa

You're doing a great job.

[boppia]

It's too bad information just isn't there. There's no real open talk on radio or TV in Thailand. That eliminates a lot of knowledge that could get to the people. The anti-thaksin people have to get up and go to the countryside to inform the people there what this is all about. They plan to form what I heard a week ago. The TRT plans to print up 500,000 VCDs or CDs to send their message to the countryside. Why? Are they afraid of something? Oh, what a wicked web the TRT weaves as it practices to decieve. hel_l,it's well beyond practicing! Mafia.

[sriracha john]

Foreign ambassadors will be invited to listen to policies on megaprojects and the current poltiical situation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kantathi Supamongkol (กันตธีร์ ศุภมงคล) prepares to invite foreign ambassadors in Thailand and representatives from international organizations to listen to the policies on mega projects and election amid the current political turmoil.

Mr. Kantathi said that today, the Foreign Ministry has invited foreign ambassadors and representatives from international organization for a meeting explaining the mega-projects, after the bidding process has been expected to be delayed by another month.

The Foreign Minister will also answer questions about the current political problems and the April 2nd election, as well as the opposition's boycott of the election.

He said that Government spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) and Election Commissioner Parinya Nakchatri (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรี) have been invited to explain issues related to the current political crisis and the election.

However, Dr. Kantathi said that other countries still maintain confidence in investing in Thailand's mega-projects, despite the current political situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 March 2006

.... and the unsurprising results :

Envoys not impressed after political briefing

Some diplomats were not impressed by yesterday's government briefing on the political situation and the coming general election, saying it left many questions unanswered. ''It was a surprisingly short briefing on technical questions concerning the election law,'' a European diplomat from an international organisation said.

''There are a few questions about the possible scenarios that the Thai parliament might not have a quorum,'' an Asian diplomat said.

The briefing, by Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon and Election Commissioner Prinya Nakchatree, was arranged after several embassies made inquiries about the political situation.

However, the 40-minute briefing did little to clarify what they had already learned about the domestic political situation, diplomatic sources said.

Diplomats had asked how the Election Commission (EC) would deal with the problem if candidates in the 271 constituencies with only one one candidate failed to receive 20% of the vote, as required by the constitution.

Mr Prinya's reply was not to worry as the EC had prepared solutions, the sources said. wonderfully complete and specific response...

The briefing was attended by 43 ambassadors and 52 other diplomats and officials from embassies and international organisations.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Kitti Wasinondh said it was aimed at boosting the international community's confidence and reassuring them of the continuation of current foreign policy, especially in terms of good relations with neighbouring countries.

Mr Kantathi reaffirmed that state megaprojects would continue. Technical proposals could be sent to the caretaker government one month later than the earlier deadline of April 28, he said.

There were no controversial questions such as whether the April 2 general election could be held, or concerns for the security of foreigners or the hasty elections for Thais living abroad, Mr Kitti said. Perhaps they were still too baffled and reeling over his earlier answers to ask...

- BP

Edited March 23, 2006 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Anand said all Thais do not want violence, urging all sides to use judgment in solving the current political problems.

Former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun (อานันท์ ปันยารชุน) expressed his belief that all Thais do not want violence, urging all sides to use judgment in solving the current political problems, while the senate pleads that all sides consider national interests as the first priority in solving the crisis.

Mr. Anand said that the current situation is quite gloomy and sensitive, adding that all Thais are concerned about the situation. He added that the people do not want to see violence and expect related people to use judgment in solving the problems.

Meanwhile, Senate Whip Surachai Danaitangtrakul (สุรชัย ดนัยตั้งตระกูล) said that from the joint meeting of the presidents of all senate committees, everyone has agreed to release a joint statement that the Senate is deeply concerned about the current political situation. The Senate has also urged all related parties to bear national interests in mind while attempting to resolve the crisis.

As for the neutral tone of the statement, Mr. Surachai said that the Senate wants everyone to have confidence that the Senate maintains its neutrality. He stated that the Senate intends to use the senators’ personal connections in coordinating with all sides before mobilizing ideas on how to end the chaos.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

P-net has proposed setting up a neutral body to investigate the premier, while urging the EC to consider delaying election date.

P-net has proposed to set up a neutral body to investigate Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, while urging the Election Commission (EC) to consider delaying the election date.

P-net released the fourth declaration after the scheduled third meeting of representatives from the government, the opposition bloc, and the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) failed with absences of all parties. P-net said that open negotiations are still available as a way out, but expressed concerns that it may be too late before all parties agree to enter negotiations.

P-net has also proposed that a neutral independent body be set up to investigate and decide on all issues, adding that the body must comprise of members accepted by all groups. P-net said that the government side and the opposition and PAD side can each propose five people and select three people from the list proposed by the other side. The P-net said the body can investigate the issues within two months, adding that during the investigation, the PAD should stop demonstrations. P-net said that it is willing to act as a mediator if any party agrees to the proposal. The group said that the parties should respond before 9PM today, adding that the major demonstrations of the PAD calling for the premier’s resignation may cause the situation to escalate.

P-net also recommends that the election date should be postponed as it sees that the election may cause other problems. The Election Commission urges the EC to consider the proposal and bring the matter to the Cabinet to issue the additional decree within 60 days so that other political parties may re-enter the election process.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 March 2006

[jdinasia]

60 days won't ever cut it for the other parties to re-enter. It'll take 120 at the very minimum to allow the TRT folks that want to bail and stay involved in Gov't to do so ... but hey ... it is progress. ((well not really progress ... but maybe HOPE for progress))

Edited March 23, 2006 by jdinasia

[Jai Dee]

EC has decided to allow a reapplication process for MP in constituency 3 of Samut Sakhon

The Election Commission (EC) has decided to allow a reapplication process for MP candidates for the constituency 3 of Samut Sakhon (สมุทรสาคร) Province.

The EC President, General Wassana Permlab (วาสนา เพิ่มลาภ), said that the EC meeting yesterday agreed to allow another application process for the constituency 3 in Samut Sakhon Province, as no candidates from any political parties are available.

He said that all political parties, including the Thai Rak Thai Party, can field candidates in this election.

However, he said that due to time restriction, the application process must be done quickly, as the advance election will be held on March 25th and 26th.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 March 2006

[Plus]

If Thaksin resigns, TRT will be a very different animal. The first and foremost task of the new parlament would be Constitution Reforms, and with Thaksin out of the picture there's a chance that the reform panel will do it's job independently. Then there will be no more 90 day rule and MPs will quickly re-allign themselves.

But it's too far in the future to speculate.

[Jai Dee]

PM returns to work in the Government House

At 9:20 hours today, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived at the Government House. It is the premier's first day to the office since the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has blockaded the place to demand him to withdraw from his political role. Since then, the premier has left the Government House for 10 days.

In the meantime, only tents of certain PAD members have been seen on Phitsanulok (พิษณุโลก) Road. This is because many PAD members have marched to gather in front of the Finance Ministry and nearby the Public Relations Department.

Before Dr. Thaksin reached the Government House, officials removed the White Power's cloth boards with many supportive messages to the premier.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 March 2006

[ColPyat]

If Thaksin resigns, TRT will be a very different animal.

If Thaksin resigns TRT will be lots of different tiny animals.

TRT is Thaksin, he has pushed out anybody from the original founders who does not completely follow his line, and has managed to take power from most independent fraction leaders.

[jdinasia]

"Have they gone? Can I sneak into my office to run the country again?"

6 hours later ...

"Oh CRAP! How am I gonna leave?"?

Edited March 23, 2006 by jdinasia

[Plus]

Yes, Colpyat, but until the party is dissolved and MPs can freely move anywhere they want, TRT will stay. With Thaksin or without - it's just there.

That's, of course, unless EC dissolved TRT for commiting electoral fraud.

[jdinasia]

Kinda gotta give Th some credit for his first ballsy move in a couple of months though ... swinging into Gov't house the same day as the new ultimatum is up!

Sad that it may be a ploy to incite a response that calls for him to invoke a state of emergency

[lukamar]

That's, of course, unless EC dissolved TRT for commiting electoral fraud.

The EC couldn't make a decision on reopening applications for one riding in BKK without running to the constitutional court. Do you think they could make one of that much national importance and significance. One that it would be taught in every Thai history class for the next century. Not a chance in hel_l, they don't want to be the fall guys on that one. They are already being put in the middle too often for their comfort zone.

[sriracha john]

EC has decided to allow a reapplication process for MP in constituency 3 of Samut Sakhon

The Election Commission (EC) has decided to allow a reapplication process for MP candidates for the constituency 3 of Samut Sakhon (สมุทรสาคร) Province.

The EC President, General Wassana Permlab (วาสนา เพิ่มลาภ), said that the EC meeting yesterday agreed to allow another application process for the constituency 3 in Samut Sakhon Province, as no candidates from any political parties are available.

He said that all political parties, including the Thai Rak Thai Party, can field candidates in this election.

However, he said that due to time restriction, the application process must be done quickly, as the advance election will be held on March 25th and 26th.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 March 2006

More Thaksin Democracy in action. Unfortunately that anyone in Samut Sakhon wishing to vote in the advance election will be sh*t out of luck. Today's the 23rd. Select a candidate and then have the EC certify the candidate ... all within 2 days. Don't think so.

Shame really and such an injustice to the residents there. The TRT Party was running unopposed... all they had to do was select one guy... just one... who could pass muster with the EC and they failed by chosing an ineligible candidate to represent their party....

T otally

R eprehensible

T wats