Latest Developments on the Election Front

[jdinasia]

lol

[Jai Dee]

The Foreign Affairs Ministry clarified the current political situation to foreign ambassadors in Thailand yesterday

The Foreign Affairs Ministry explained the current political situation to foreign ambassadors in Thailand yesterday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon (กันตธีร์ ศุภมงคล ), Government Spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี ), Election Commissioner Prinya Nakchatri (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรีย์), and Permanent Secretary to the Foreign Affairs Ministry Krit Kanjanakunchorn (กฤษณ์ กาญจนกุญชร) explained the current political situation and the April 2nd election to foreign ambassadors as well as foreign officials of the international organizations situated in Thailand yesterday. Spokesperson of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Kitti Waseenon (กิตติ วะสีนนท์) said that most ambassadors and officials of the international organizations understand the current situation, but admitted that some countries are worried about the government’s mega-projects. He said that the ministry reassured them that the Thai government will continue with the mega-projects, but the bidding process will be delayed from April to the end of May.

As for the approaching general election, Mr. Prinya explained the election process. On the election issue, most diplomats are worried about the possibility that there will not be enough MPs to open the parliament. However, Mr. Prinya said that the Election Commission has prepared plans for the possibility.

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

[sriracha john]

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

Has Thaksin enlisted the aid of some Neo-Nazi group to show their encouragement for the embattled Premier?

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party prepares to announce its political standing point

The Democrat Party is now preparing to declare its political standpoint prior to the grand address at Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง) tomorrow.

The Spokesperson of the Democrat Party, Mr. Ong-art Klampaiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์), said that all concerned parties have raised their opinions for solving the political turmoil. He insisted that the Democrat Party has never refused to cooperate with all organizations in solving the ongoing situation.

However, he indicated that opinions should be possible for implementation and they should also be legitimate.

Mr. Ong-art revealed that Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) will announce the party’s standpoint prior to the address at Sanam Luang tomorrow.

He insisted that there is no hidden agenda for the speech tomorrow and it is unrelated to the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

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

[sriracha john]

Spokesperson of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Kitti Waseenon (กิตติ วะสีนนท์) said that most ambassadors and officials of the international organizations understand the current situation, but admitted that some countries are worried about the government’s mega-projects.

Wonder if Kitticat read this morning's Bangkok Post for their reaction to the meeting (Post #288)...

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Banharn expresses concern over the current political turmoil

Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silpa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) has given an interview for the first time after being hospitalized for five days. He has expressed his concern over the ongoing political turmoil, and has urged all parties to cooperate as an attempt to end the crisis.

Mr. Banharn insisted that he has recovered and is expected to be discharge from the hospital tomorrow. He is worried about the current crisis, especially the confrontation of various groups. He has urged concerned parties to hold a discussion and find solutions to the situation. He has also asked them to consider the benefit of the country as the priority.

Referring to the privatization of EGAT, the Chart Thai Party Leader said that he disagrees with such idea. He reasoned that the government should look after EGAT for the benefit of the people.

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

[Jai Dee]

TRT to file both civil and criminal lawsuits against Democrat party

The Thai Rak Thai Party declares that it will file civil and criminal lawsuits against the Democrat Party for accusing the Thai Rak Thai Party for paying money to smaller political parties so that they would field their candidates in the election.

The Deputy Leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan (สุดารัตน์ เกยุราพันธุ์), revealed that she has appointed Mr. Bhokin Bhalakula (โภคิน พลกุล) to set up a team of lawyers to file a lawsuit against Democrat Party Secretary-General Suthep Thuagsuban (สุเทพ เทือกสุบรรณ) for presenting false statement and libel charges.

She added that by creating false evidences in the CD-Rom is to destroy the democratic system. She said such action has an intention to halt the general election on the 2nd of April.

Khunying Sudarat said that people will be the one to make the decision to re-elect Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. She expects such troubles will occur again. She has then urged the Opposition to present the evidences prior to the general election for clarification purpose.

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

[Jai Dee]

Majority of entrepreneurs stated that economy will be affected if the turmoil prolongs over 3 months

The majority of the entrepreneurs indicated that Thailand's economy will be affected if the political turmoil carries on more than three months, and they would like the crisis to end as soon as possible.

The Dean of the Economics Faculty of the Thai Chamber of Commerce University, Ms. Saowanee Thairungroj (เสาวนีย์ ไทยรุ่งโรจน์) evaluated the current political dilemma and its impact on the economy. She said most firms indicated that the situation has the least impact on the economy.

Moreover, if the turmoil ends within two months, then the economic will expand at 4.51 to 5 percent. However, if the circumstance extends to the months, the expansion rate will be at 3.51 to 4 percent.

The economic growth rate will be only at 3 to 3.5 percent if the turmoil carries on for 12 months. However, they believe the crisis will not last longer than 3 months.

Mrs. Saowanee said the firms perceive that political tension has lessened the number of tourists as well as the amount of public spending.

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

[Plus]

Theoretically it's EC's job to punish political parties for massive fraud, maybe they have to forward it to CC first, but it's their job to investigate.

Does anyone doubt that the allegations are true? Will it be another case of everyone knows but can't do anything?

[TokyoT]

The Foreign Affairs Ministry clarified the current political situation to foreign ambassadors in Thailand yesterday

The Foreign Affairs Ministry explained the current political situation to foreign ambassadors in Thailand yesterday.

As for the approaching general election, Mr. Prinya explained the election process. On the election issue, most diplomats are worried about the possibility that there will not be enough MPs to open the parliament. However, Mr. Prinya said that the Election Commission has prepared plans for the possibility.

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

Would be nice if they would share these plans (in regard to not having enough MP to open the parliament) with the general population???

[Jai Dee]

A research shows that enterpreneurs are still worried about the country's economic situation rather than the current political turmoil

A recent research on Thailand’s economic situation in the first quarter of this year shows that most entrepreneurs are still worried about the country’s economic situation rather than the current political deadlock.

Mrs. Yajai Chuwicha (ยาใจ ชูวิชา), the Chief of the research team from the University of The Thai Chamber of Commerce, has conducted a research with 600 business owners about the current economy of Thailand in comparison to the same period of the previous year. The research indicates that the service sector has received the largest impact, while the industry sector still maintains its composure. She said the figures of huge businesses have increased. However, the main problem of running a business concerns marketing.

Mrs. Yajai added that the factor which plays a key role on business planning is the slowdown of economic growth, which is at 92.2%. Meanwhile, the political stability ranks fifth with 67%. Oil price crisis, the national economic situation, and the ratio of currency exchange also play major influences on the business plans.

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

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Thanawat stated current political turmoil has affected public spending

The Director of the Economic and Business Forecast Centre of the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Thanawat Polvichai(ธนวรรธน์ พลวิชัย), revealed that the current political situation has affected the public spending, whereas the mega-projects will be slowed down till the 4th quarter of this year.

Mr. Thanawat said the public spending has decreased to 10,000-30,000 million baht per year, or by 10 percent from the average spending of 300,000 million baht per month.

He said if the turmoil ends within first half of the year, then Thailand’s economy is projected to expand by 4.5-5 percent. The economy over the next five years is expected to grow up by five to seven percent if investments will be made in the government’s mega-projects.

He said the bilateral cooperation framework between Thailand and Indochina, free trade agreements and the expenditure of the government are the factors for the expansion of the economy.

Mr. Thanawat has forcasted that government’s mega-projects will be slow down and the progress should take place again within the 4th quarter or the beginning of the year 2008. He has also predicted that the Thai-US FTA negotiations should not be finalized before the end of this year.

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

[sriracha john]

The Foreign Affairs Ministry clarified the current political situation to foreign ambassadors in Thailand yesterday

The Foreign Affairs Ministry explained the current political situation to foreign ambassadors in Thailand yesterday.

As for the approaching general election, Mr. Prinya explained the election process. On the election issue, most diplomats are worried about the possibility that there will not be enough MPs to open the parliament. However, Mr. Prinya said that the Election Commission has prepared plans for the possibility.

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

Would be nice if they would share these plans (in regard to not having enough MP to open the parliament) with the general population???

they did... Post #288...... "do not worry"

[Plus]

Since the problem hasn't occured yet, there's no need to think of solutions. Jai yen yen.

[boppia]

If the people have no information about the issues why would this election result in anything. What a massive waste of money by the government!

[britmaveric]

If the people have no information about the issues why would this election result in anything. What a massive waste of money by the government!

Perhaps the people do know the issues, but have come to a different conclusion then the PAD?

[boppia]

Well in that case Brit then I guess they will vote for Thaksin. I'm glad you used the word perhaps. It's important to note that you do not know the truth as I do not.

[britmaveric]

Well in that case Brit then I guess they will vote for Thaksin. I'm glad you used the word perhaps. It's important to note that you do not know the truth as I do not.

The truth is never black/white, but various shades of grey.

[sriracha john]

The Foreign Affairs Ministry clarified the current political situation to foreign ambassadors in Thailand yesterday

The Foreign Affairs Ministry explained the current political situation to foreign ambassadors in Thailand yesterday.

As for the approaching general election, Mr. Prinya explained the election process. On the election issue, most diplomats are worried about the possibility that there will not be enough MPs to open the parliament. However, Mr. Prinya said that the Election Commission has prepared plans for the possibility.

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

Would be nice if they would share these plans (in regard to not having enough MP to open the parliament) with the general population???

they did... Post #288...... "do not worry"

The government has just now come out with a new report that will clarify things much better now and answers everyone's questions:

Govt prepares options to convene new House

Should the Election Commission fail to fill 500 House seats within the 30-day deadline following the April 2 vote, the caretaker government has prepared some legal options to deal with situation, a senior official said Thursday.

"A number of possible solutions are ready although caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is yet to issue his instructions," Cabinet secretary-general Bowornsak Uwanno said.

Bowornsak voiced optimism that regardless of the anticipated election hurdles, the new House of Representatives will be able to convene and elect the next prime minister.

- TN

-----------------------------------------------------------

so there you go... it's all settled now, right?

[Plus]

Perhaps the people do know the issues, but have come to a different conclusion then the PAD?

Perhaps, there's no evidence though. Latest poll results on Shin sale show that only 10% of population is satisfied with Thaksin's explanations, a significant drop from 16% who believed him on day one.

[britmaveric]

Perhaps the people do know the issues, but have come to a different conclusion then the PAD?

Perhaps, there's no evidence though. Latest poll results on Shin sale show that only 10% of population is satisfied with Thaksin's explanations, a significant drop from 16% who believed him on day one.

Polls prove little.. how were questions asked, where were they asked, how big was the sample??? I bet if you polled up North they would find a direct contradiction.

[jdinasia]

and who knows what results you'd get if you polled in the UK?

[britmaveric]

and who knows what results you'd get if you polled in the UK?

Exactly!!! I don't give polls any credibility anywhere! (1000 person snapshot that extrapolates for the entire population is silly)

[boppia]

There are things you are missing here Brit. Not everything is in the papers. This wasn't started by the Protesters by the way.

The newsstories posted here are even questionable. It's too bad this country is being led by someone who doesn't want the people to know or think.

Does Thaksin have plan to turn back the clocks to year zero?

IT - Information Technology

In Thailand:

NIOT No Information Only Thaksin

Can there ever really be an 'IT' fair in Thailand?

[Plus]

Perhaps the people do know the issues, but have come to a different conclusion then the PAD?

Perhaps, there's no evidence though. Latest poll results on Shin sale show that only 10% of population is satisfied with Thaksin's explanations, a significant drop from 16% who believed him on day one.

Polls prove little.. how were questions asked, where were they asked, how big was the sample??? I bet if you polled up North they would find a direct contradiction.

I know, I know. The polls were held in Bangkok.

Is there any evidence that people know the issues and come to different conclusions from PAD? Did you just make it up, for the sake of variety of views?

[boppia]

It would seem so.

[Jai Dee]

Govt is confident that the election will take place on April 2nd, despite planned major rallies.

The government continues campaigning for the people to come out and cast their votes on April 2nd election, as it is confident that the election will take place despite planned major rallies.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra expressed his confidence that many people will cast their votes on April 2nd, but said that a number of people will cross in the “no vote” box. He also commented on the Democrat Party’s accusation that the Thai Rak Thai part hired small parties to field candidates in the election, saying that it is the first time that election is most transparent, as there are inspections since application process. However, he said that if there are less than the required 500 MPs for the opening of parliament, the law will provide a way out and everything should follow the rule of law.

Meanwhile, government spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) commented on a campaign by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) for the people not to cast their votes on April 2nd that the government will consider the actions, adding that if they are violations of the law, the perpetrators will have to face legal actions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 March 2006

[lukamar]

Army swings in behind poll

WASSANA NANUAM - BP

The army has shown its support for the April 2 poll, saying candidates can campaign for votes over its airwaves. Until March 31, the army will provide free airtime on its 126 radio stations nationwide for party leaders to deliver campaign speeches.

Army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin told the army to allow its media to be used in support of the election.

All army-run radio stations can play election-related music between programmes during the day.

They will also give airtime from 12.30pm to 1pm for the leaders of Thai Rak Thai and small parties contesting the election to campaign for votes.

The army will deploy its officers to guard polling stations and count votes if requested by the Election Commission.

Draftees who must report for duty on April 2 are permitted to go to polling stations first.

Conscripts are usually required to report to their respective army units before 8am.

===============================

You can safely say you know the military stand now.....

[sriracha john]

Witnesses: TRT paid us to stand

PM's party implicated in electoral fraud case

Four witnesses in a case of alleged electoral fraud yesterday confirmed to the Election Commission (EC) that Thai Rak Thai party executives had paid them to contest the April 2 general election. Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban accompanied the four witnesses to the Region 8 Police Bureau in Surat Thani, where they were questioned by the EC's investigation team headed by Pol Lt-Col Suvicha Bunmee.

The four are Chavakarn Tosawat, a Pattana Chart Thai candidate in Bangkok's constituency 29 (Bangkok Noi); Suksant Chaithes, Pattana Chart Thai's campaign director; Monthiraporn Pimchan, Mr Suksant's assistant; and Rattima Pavalee, a Phaendin Thai party list MP candidate.

Mr Suthep said last week that three TRT executives _ deputy leader Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya and deputy secretaries-general Pongsak Raktapongpaisal and Prommin Lertsuridej _ were behind the ruling party's tampering with the EC's database to allow unqualified candidates from smaller parties to run in the election.

Mr Suthep asked the EC investigators to question the witnesses in Surat Thani instead of Bangkok for safety reasons.

The four witnesses yesterday implicated Thai Rak Thai in the poll fraud case.

Mr Chavakarn said he met TRT executives at the TRT office in Bangkok to discuss the payment. He also said he was later called to receive 50,000 baht in cash from a TRT executive at the Defence Ministry.

Mr Suksant said he had been paid to falsify documents about his party's candidates to enable them to run in the election.

''I admit that of the total 33 party candidates, there are only three qualified candidates running in Prachin Buri, Phrae and Lampang. We have 22 candidates in the South, but no single candidate meets the 90-day party membership requirement,'' he said.

Mr Suksant said he had visited the EC headquarters on March 13 and 14 to tamper with the EC's database, to enable unqualified candidates from his party to stand in the poll, and that he had evidence showing him entering the building.

Deputy TRT leaders Sudarat Keyuraphan and Gen Thammarak yesterday threatened to file defamation lawsuits against Mr Suthep.

Khunying Sudarat said deputy TRT leader Bhokin Balakula was looking into possible legal action against Mr Suthep for making false accusations against her.

She branded Mr Suthep's conduct as ''political Ang-Yee'', referring to an illegal secret organisation run by Chinese gangsters in the past. She accused Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva of tearing apart the constitution by boycotting the April 2 election. And she said she believed the Democrats would employ more political tactics to create chaos before the election.

Gen Thammarak, meanwhile, denied paying the four witnesses to contest the poll. He accused Mr Suthep of telling lies and playing dirty politics to discredit TRT, saying he was preparing legal action against the Democrat secretary-general.

Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police will today travel to Mr Suthep's house in Phunphin district of Surat Thani to meet one of the four witnesses, whose sister says she was illegally detained there. The move follows a complaint by Jinthana Jitman, accusing Mr Suthep of illegally detaining Mrs Rattima. Ms Jinthana claimed that Mrs Rattima told her and the CSD chief on the phone that she was being detained against her will at Mr Suthep's house.

Suriyasai Katasila, the co-ordinator of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), will today testify before the Election Commission about alleged election violations involving caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

On Wednesday, the PAD petitioned the EC to disqualify Mr Thaksin as a list candidate for ordering state authorities to mobilise people to the TRT campaign rally at Sanam Luang on March 3 and for making campaign promises.

- BP

[sriracha john]

Election complaints flood Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has been besieged by an unprecedented number of poll-related complaints. Of the 301 complaints lodged by candidates and the Election Commission, the court has ruled on 17.

Twenty-one panels of judges have been formed to look into the cases as the April 2 election draws near.

Somjit Thongsri, secretary to the Supreme Court's panel on election cases, said the court's working hours have been extended with judges rostered to work on weekends as well.

To date, the court has endorsed the EC's revocation of five candidates.

They are Thai Ground party contenders Wichat Masapha in Khon Kaen's constituency 11 and Det Kwaosibsam in Phrae's constituency 2; Pattana Chart Thai party contender Anusorn Somtha in Phrae's constituency 2; and Khonkhopbodnee party contenders Kwanruan Thepnarong in Suphan Buri's constituency 2 and Boonsueb Insawang in Suphan Buri's constituency 1.

The court may continue to accept poll complaints from the EC until election day, Mr Somjit said.

- BP