Latest Developments on the Election Front

[Plus]

The notion only that the southerners could join the independence struggle of the three southern provinces is ridiculous. The southern problem is ethnical/religious and nationalist and has a clear historical precedent.

They might get united in struggling against TRT government. Even in the muslim south there's little evidence that independence is high on the agenda. They clearly reject TRT government, though.

There was something about road blockades in Chumpon already. If all southereners are united by the common goals, they can do whatever they want - who's going to stop them? The army? Police?

Civil disobedince hasn't started yet, if it does, it will be ugly. If all South stops work for three days, or refuses to pay taxes. Those are hot heads, not like docile Bangkokians.

spend some time behind the stage of the PAD Rallies and observe the theatre there. It's right out of a Thai soap opera - these people are by now so far removed from any sort of reality with their fanatism

Utter b*shit. I went there today and I haven't seen any fanatics. It's the same people you see at the mall on Sunday - office workers, families, middle aged, elderly - all sitting peacefully, talking. Or more likely Chatuchak - no aircon and less kids, and less teens. I haven't seen any reports from PAD rallies to support your perceptions and I completely agree with Nation's diaries or Bulmerke's reports.

Maybe the problem lies with your attitude and prejudice.

[Siripon]

Witness’ retraction puts her in bad light

“I think the call for a royally appointed government is a step back for democracy,” said Giles Ungpakorn, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. “It’s unnecessary, and it stems from the fact that PAD and the Democrats know they will lose [in] an election. PAD and the Democrats have turned their backs on democracy and shown contempt for ordinary people, who, they say, are either bought off or ignorant.”

Source: ThaiDay - 28 March 2006

Wow, this seems to be the first Thai political scientist professor quoted that knows the definition of democracy

Giles's father, Ajarn Puay, was a very famous governor of the Bank Of Thailand who died in exile in England a few years ago. He was forcibly taken to Don Muang airport in 1976 after the right wing bloodbath of October 6.

Well known for his sense of ethics, he was a role model for economic development with a social conscience.

Giles's mother is English, like her husband, imbued with a social conscience.There is a brother, Jon, an activist too.

When George Bush came to the APEC conference over 2 years ago one of the brothers demanded he should be arrested in Thailand for international crimes, ie the war with Iraq.

Ji, or Giles in English, may disapprove of the Opposition's stance regarding the election but I doubt very much his comments on Thaksin are printable!

[Plus]

These are the "fanatics" you are talking about. Scared now? Any moment they might break into violence - smash the windows, overturn cars, torch buildings.... Separated from reality? Who?

[ColPyat]

These are the "fanatics" you are talking about. Scared now? Any moment they might break into violence - smash the windows, overturn cars, torch buildings.... Separated from reality? Who?

I don't know if was them, but the ones who have shouted at me today "Farang Get Out!" i thought slightly fanatic.

I said, by the way, "behind the stage", not "in front of the stage", that means where the leaders and their hangers-on plot and congregate.

[ColPyat]

“I think the call for a royally appointed government is a step back for democracy,” said Giles Ungpakorn, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. “It’s unnecessary, and it stems from the fact that PAD and the Democrats know they will lose [in] an election. PAD and the Democrats have turned their backs on democracy and shown contempt for ordinary people, who, they say, are either bought off or ignorant.”

Ji, or Giles in English, may disapprove of the Opposition's stance regarding the election but I doubt very much his comments on Thaksin are printable!

I have to say that i very much agree with the position of Giles Ungpakorn. This does show as well that there are critics of Thaksin who see through the PAD.

Some here on the board could learn more than a bit from that position.

Edited March 29, 2006 by ColPyat

[jdinasia]

got it .... even though Giles is making the same mistakes that many on this forum make .... making PAD and the Opposition parties out to be the same people.

then again some people think that everyone involved has an axe to grind ... so maybe that is it! not to mention that i missed the article quoting Giles as being anti-Thaksin.

Edited March 29, 2006 by jdinasia

[ColPyat]

got it .... even though Giles is making the same mistakes that many on this forum make .... making PAD and the Opposition parties out to be the same people.

then again some people think that everyone involved has an axe to grind ... so maybe that is it! not to mention that i missed the article quoting Giles as being anti-Thaksin.

No, you didn't get it.

By boycotting the election the Democrats have made themselves partisan to a large extend to the PAD.

And the quote from Giles Ungkaporn may not contain that he is anti Thaksin, but for the few who are not aware of that fact, i have let the quote of the previous poster stay. That should make it rather clear.

It is possible to be against Thaksin, and at the same time against the PAD, and the decision of the opposition parties to boycott the elections.

By the way, your signiture about the lack of humor and especially brain is really funny in a way you may not have intended it to be.

[jdinasia]

ummm yeah I do "get it"

The Democrats are a political party .... Amazingly enough all political parties have the goal to win. The Demos never have come right out and asked for intervention and a Royally sponsored PM to the best of my knowledge. <<bet they sure wouldn't mind getting one though!>>

The PAD is NOT a political party ... they are a coalition of groups that as a whole do not have political aspirations <other than to see a Government without Thaksin> and Have called for a royally sponsored PM.

They are different animals.

as for Giles ... I don't know what axes he has to grind with whom ... nor does it matter to me :-) I don't get a vote anyways! But to insinuate that someone is "anti-thaksin" from that article you quoted is assinine. I don't see a point saying the guy proves that .... he is anti thaksin at all. He just says he doesn't approve oof the way the 2 DIFFERENT groups you talk about .

Using an insinuation that someone agrees with you from a quote that doesn't state that ..... sad

I could dig back and point out articles that have been posted by respected people in Thailand that say a Royally appointed PM would be a good move for Thailand's democracy ...

[britmaveric]

Thai, Philippine Leaders Should Stand Firm: William Pesek Jr.

March 17 (Bloomberg) -- If ever political pundits were wrong about an Asian leader, Thaksin Shinawatra is a perfect example.

A year ago, the Thai prime minister was riding high after a stunning election win. So convincing was Thaksin's victory in February 2005 that he was thought to have free reign over the economy. Other Asian leaders were considering ``Thaksinomics'' as a way of boosting their own support ratings.

Thirteen months later, the billionaire-turned-politician is fighting for his political life. On March 15, Thaksin said he was ``considering all options'' as calls for his resignation mounted.

It's a stunning turn of events for a man once tipped to be the face of Asia's economic rise. Thaksin's stepping aside could do more harm than good to Asia's eighth-biggest economy. The same is true of the Philippines if President Gloria Arroyo yields to protesters demanding her ouster.

It's difficult to defend the policies of Thaksin or Arroyo. Both leaders have had their fair share of blunders and the thousands of protesters taking to the streets have valid reasons for feeling disillusioned. Yet both leaders were, for better or worse, democratically elected and have real mandates.

If either engaged in improper activities -- Thaksin is alleged to have used his office to enrich his family; Arroyo faces claims of vote rigging -- a democratic process exists to hold them accountable.

People Power

``People Power'' isn't the answer in either case. If Thaksin were to resign, he would set a dangerous precedent that would dent investor confidence in Thailand's economy. That's also true of Arroyo, who initially was brought to power in 2001 by a popular uprising that ousted her predecessor, Joseph Estrada. Thaksin and Arroyo should stand their ground for the sake of Asia's economies.

There's a bigger lesson here, and it relates to George W. Bush's foreign-policy view that democracy can cure all. ``Raising up a democracy requires the rule of law, protection of minorities, and strong, accountable institutions that last longer than a single vote,'' he said in this year's State of the Union address.

The U.S. president repeated a similar message in India and Pakistan recently, just as he does everywhere he goes. Events in Thailand and the Philippines show the extent to which democracy can be pushed too far.

The U.S. offers a useful example. There are no moves to overthrow the Bush administration, whose policies have pushed the president's poll ratings to a record low. Congress isn't abuzz with talk of impeachment, and U.S. soldiers aren't plotting to storm the White House with People Power supporters. The reason: Credible institutions, not presidents, hold the U.S. together.

Elected Leaders

This isn't an America-does-it-best column. Efforts in 1999 to impeach Bill Clinton over an affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky created political instability in the world's biggest economy. And historians aren't likely to look kindly at the post-Sept. 11 clampdown on U.S. civil liberties. Yet the elected leaders were in power in both cases.

Asia is exciting enough as an investment destination. Its 1997-1998 financial crisis wasn't that long ago, and efforts to boost transparency, improve corporate governance and tighten regulation of markets are works in progress. If investors fear popular uprisings in some of the region's most vibrant economies and advanced democracies, they should look elsewhere.

Stand Firm, Thaksin

None of this is to downplay Thaksin's woes. The 56-year-old has faced escalating calls to quit since his family's sale in January of its stake in the communications company Shin Corp. netted a tax-free $1.9 billion. He has also been attacked over issues including conflicts of interest, media freedom, ministerial ethics, education reforms, free-trade pacts, planned sales of shares in public utilities and Muslim unrest.

Since Thaksin dissolved parliament on Feb. 24 and called snap elections for April 2, Thailand has postponed the signing of a free-trade accord with Japan and put negotiations on a similar agreement with the U.S. on hold. Also at risk is a deadline for companies bidding for a slice of 1.7 trillion baht ($43.8 billion) earmarked for public works, which Thaksin proposed as an economic driver for the next five years.

The Philippines faces similar risks. It's alleged that Arroyo, 58, conspired with election officials to tilt the May 2004 election her way. On top of that were allegations of her husband's and son's involvement in illegal gambling. Arroyo's move last month to declare a state of emergency amid a supposed coup plot angered even some of her biggest supporters.

Thaksin is absolutely right not to, as he put it, ``bow to mob rule.'' Neither should Arroyo. Voters' concerns should be addressed at the ballot box or in the courts, not on the streets. Giving in to protests will only make such risks more common and make capital scarcer in Asia.

http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=1...id=ajQ0UAxquRFg

[britmaveric]

Democracy could be the loser

Bangkok's traffic jams were made worse over the weekend by two more big marches, as critics of the Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra called on voters to abstain in next Sunday's election. Though smaller than earlier protests, which brought 100,000 people on to the streets, it is still tempting to view the turmoil as a welcome manifestation of "people power". The opposition People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) accuses Mr Thaksin of undermining the state by concentrating power in his own hands. His high-handed manner has alienated supporters and he has done little to dispel suspicions of cronyism.

Given that Thailand was ruled until the 1990s by military-dominated governments, fears for democracy are understandable. Mr Thaksin has mishandled the Muslim insurgency in Thailand's southern provinces. He may also have taken insufficient account of the strains imposed upon a conservative, majority Buddhist society by globalised, free-market capitalism. That would seem to be confirmed by the uproar over the sale of a telecoms conglomerate he founded. The deal was read by many as a sign of prime ministerial arrogance, of assumed impunity, and even of criminality. The protests have been going on ever since.

Damaging and insupportable though many of Mr Thaksin's actions have been, the PAD's street-level bid to drive him from office could, if successful, be far more damaging still. Mr Thaksin won a landslide victory only last year. The protests, almost entirely confined to Bangkok, have been a largely middle-class affair, drawing support from civil servants, students, some trades unionists and a Buddhist vegetarian sect. The street opposition is united only by its desire to bring him down. Beyond that its aims and intentions are as obscure as the Bangkok skyline on a smoggy day.

More to the point, Mr Thaksin, trying to make up for past mistakes, has reacted flexibly with concessions, including his decision to call a snap general election. The intention of the opposition parties to boycott the poll is irresponsible in the extreme. Far from protecting Thailand's democracy, they could by their action irredeemably shatter it, inviting, in the worst case, violence and military intervention. If Thais want to be rid of Mr Thaksin - and there are good reasons to wish him gone - they can achieve their aim through the ballot box. If not, and unless there are persuasive reasons to question the conduct of the election, his opponents should accept the people's verdict and cease their bourgeois agitation.

-The Guardian

Leader

Monday March 27, 2006

[jdinasia]

an editorial from 13 days ago? and that has <I think> been posted beefore?

[ColPyat]

as for Giles ... I don't know what axes he has to grind with whom ... nor does it matter to me :-) I don't get a vote anyways! But to insinuate that someone is "anti-thaksin" from that article you quoted is assinine. I don't see a point saying the guy proves that .... he is anti thaksin at all. He just says he doesn't approve oof the way the 2 DIFFERENT groups you talk about .

It is common knowledge that Giles Ungpakorn is a strong critic of Thaksin, has always been. You can't blame me that you neither know that, nor find out in Google about his view before arguing with me about it.

And you are free to dig out whatever article you want about whoever you want - it will not change the fact that i do like neither Thaksin nor the PAD, and prefer the position and argumentation of political scientist Giles Ungkaporn, and historian Thongchai Winichakul.

I will only revaluate my position when new facts have developed that might force me to do so.

Right now though, after having been screamed at today by yellow clad demonstrators "farang get out" i may be slightly biased and am rather pissed off with what the PAD is about to set lose here.

[jdinasia]

5555

Got it .... the use of a quote that doesn't support the argument you make is a valid argument! I am shocked you were screamed at though! You spend time with PAD leaders! Why wouldn anyone scream at someone that spends times with their leaders?

Edited March 29, 2006 by jdinasia

[jdinasia]

Democracy could be the loser

Bangkok's traffic jams were made worse over the weekend by two more big marches, as critics of the Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra called on voters to abstain in next Sunday's election. Though smaller than earlier protests, which brought 100,000 people on to the streets, it is still tempting to view the turmoil as a welcome manifestation of "people power". The opposition People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) accuses Mr Thaksin of undermining the state by concentrating power in his own hands. His high-handed manner has alienated supporters and he has done little to dispel suspicions of cronyism.

Given that Thailand was ruled until the 1990s by military-dominated governments, fears for democracy are understandable. Mr Thaksin has mishandled the Muslim insurgency in Thailand's southern provinces. He may also have taken insufficient account of the strains imposed upon a conservative, majority Buddhist society by globalised, free-market capitalism. That would seem to be confirmed by the uproar over the sale of a telecoms conglomerate he founded. The deal was read by many as a sign of prime ministerial arrogance, of assumed impunity, and even of criminality. The protests have been going on ever since.

Damaging and insupportable though many of Mr Thaksin's actions have been, the PAD's street-level bid to drive him from office could, if successful, be far more damaging still. Mr Thaksin won a landslide victory only last year. The protests, almost entirely confined to Bangkok, have been a largely middle-class affair, drawing support from civil servants, students, some trades unionists and a Buddhist vegetarian sect. The street opposition is united only by its desire to bring him down. Beyond that its aims and intentions are as obscure as the Bangkok skyline on a smoggy day.

More to the point, Mr Thaksin, trying to make up for past mistakes, has reacted flexibly with concessions, including his decision to call a snap general election. The intention of the opposition parties to boycott the poll is irresponsible in the extreme. Far from protecting Thailand's democracy, they could by their action irredeemably shatter it, inviting, in the worst case, violence and military intervention. If Thais want to be rid of Mr Thaksin - and there are good reasons to wish him gone - they can achieve their aim through the ballot box. If not, and unless there are persuasive reasons to question the conduct of the election, his opponents should accept the people's verdict and cease their bourgeois agitation.

-The Guardian

Leader

Monday March 27, 2006

That's FUNNY Brit!

That last paragraph shows an incredible lack of insight into Thai politics!

[ColPyat]

5555

You are free to find that very funny.

But you also may find out that the PAD is rapidly loosing not only the support and goodwill of the Thai population here, but also the initial support of the national and international media due to their xenophobia, disruptive behavior and increasing aggressivenes. Don't think that this was a single incident, and don't think that this sort of behavior does escape the radar of the media.

If the PAD keeps on with their present strategy aimed at maximum of disruption of public life, i dare predict that rather soon they will isolate themselves from the general public.

A rather ironic observation at today's rally in front of Siam Paragon was the brisk business in the 7/11s there. I wonder where the appeal to boycott Thaksin allied CP group owned 7/11s was today as the shops were packed with yellow clad shoppers stocking up on smokes, snacks and water. Seems that convenience rules over principle.

[britmaveric]

5555

You are free to find that very funny.

But you also may find out that the PAD is rapidly loosing not only the support and goodwill of the Thai population here, but also the initial support of the national and international media due to their xenophobia, disruptive behavior and increasing aggressivenes. Don't think that this was a single incident, and don't think that this sort of behavior does escape the radar of the media.

If the PAD keeps on with their present strategy aimed at maximum of disruption of public life, i dare predict that rather soon they will isolate themselves from the general public.

A rather ironic observation at today's rally in front of Siam Paragon was the brisk business in the 7/11s there. I wonder where the appeal to boycott Thaksin allied CP group owned 7/11s was today as the shops were packed with yellow clad shoppers stocking up on smokes, snacks and water. Seems that convenience rules over principle.

To be honest this coming from the Guardian a very liberal leaning newspaper is well very surprising.

[jdinasia]

The fact that you seem to get along so well with people behind the stage and not in front is funny :-) Your using quotes to claim an affinity to the beliefs of someone that are not evident in those posts is funny :-)

Your skipping over the obvious mistakes in the post is funny as well!

Though, I think this last bit ...

coly-

"If the PAD keeps on with their present strategy aimed at maximum of disruption of public life, i dare predict that rather soon they will isolate themselves from the general public."

... is the funniest. You either get to claim that the PAD is isolated from the majority already .... or not:-)

re: 7-11's .... Has anyone spoken out against them or CP at the protests yet?

[jdinasia]

Brit??

[slipper1]

The fact that you seem to get along so well with people behind the stage and not in front is funny :-) Your using quotes to claim an affinity to the beliefs of someone that are not evident in those posts is funny :-)

Your skipping over the obvious mistakes in the post is funny as well!

Though, I think this last bit ...

coly-

"If the PAD keeps on with their present strategy aimed at maximum of disruption of public life, i dare predict that rather soon they will isolate themselves from the general public."

... is the funniest. You either get to claim that the PAD is isolated from the majority already .... or not:-)

re: 7-11's .... Has anyone spoken out against them or CP at the protests yet?

[slipper1]

lets just get rid of thaxin,,,,the thai baht is already going very weak to the £,,it is no good,,,all i am getting for my £ is around 68 baht,,,,,,we need the thai baht to increase to around 72 or 73 baht again!!!!

You are free to find that very funny.

But you also may find out that the PAD is rapidly loosing not only the support and goodwill of the Thai population here, but also the initial support of the national and international media due to their xenophobia, disruptive behavior and increasing aggressivenes. Don't think that this was a single incident, and don't think that this sort of behavior does escape the radar of the media.

If the PAD keeps on with their present strategy aimed at maximum of disruption of public life, i dare predict that rather soon they will isolate themselves from the general public.

A rather ironic observation at today's rally in front of Siam Paragon was the brisk business in the 7/11s there. I wonder where the appeal to boycott Thaksin allied CP group owned 7/11s was today as the shops were packed with yellow clad shoppers stocking up on smokes, snacks and water. Seems that convenience rules over principle.

To be honest this coming from the Guardian a very liberal leaning newspaper is well very surprising.

[britmaveric]

Brit??

Actually they were protesting 711 weeks ago - boycott was the word used if I recall.

[jdinasia]

Slipper ---if the Baht is at 68 vs the Pound ..... thenthe Baht is strong and the Pound is weak .....

Brit: re 7/11's.... missed that entirely ... was it just in Oxford? searched TV and missed it too

Brit ... re post 436 this thread .... "Brit huh?" is what I meant

Edited March 29, 2006 by jdinasia

[sriracha john]

after having been screamed at today by yellow clad demonstrators "farang get out" i may be slightly biased and am rather pissed off with what the PAD is about to set lose here.

One might wonder why your experience seems to be so unique among all the many Thaivisa members that have attended the rallies at various times.

No one else has reported anything remotely similar. The only other post that mentions a similar response was the one that you posted regarding "your friend."

Telling more tall tales?

[jdinasia]

i skipped making that remark SRJ ... but just barely ....

REALLY guys ... was a boycott of 7-11's called? and if so by whom and when and why?

[lukamar]

REALLY guys ... was a boycott of 7-11's called? and if so by whom and when and why?

AFP Business News

Nearly 100 firms face boycott in drive to oust Thai PM

Thursday March 9, 2006, 4:28 am

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thai protesters threatened to boycott nearly 100 companies and products linked to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, racheting up the pressure for him to resign.

The boycott list includes several top international brands, such as Toyota, Heineken, Nescafe and Seven-Eleven.

"We will see to it that Thai people don't drink Nescafe coffee or buy goods at Seven-Eleven convenience stores," said Parnthep Puurpongpan, a spokesman for the anti-Thaksin coalition that has led weekly protests in Bangkok.

The boycott would begin Thursday if Singapore state-linked investment firm Temasek completes its purchase of Shin Corp, the telecom giant founded by Thaksin, Parnthep said.

The list includes dozens of companies with links to Thaksin's business empire, to his party or to Temasek.

Thaksin's family sold its nearly 50 percent stake in Shin Corp to Temasek in late January, making 1.9 billion dollars in the tax-free deal. Public anger at the deal snowballed into weekly protests and plunged Thailand into political turmoil.

"A boycott is the general right of the Thai public to protest against Shin Corp's sale to Temasek," Parnthep said.

The People's Alliance for Democracy released a list of nearly 100 boycott targets, including Thailand's largest mobile phone operator, two international airlines and two banks.

Among Shin Corp's companies are Thailand's biggest mobile phone operator Advance Info Service (AIS), discount carrier Air Asia, Internet provider CS Lox Info, and iTV television station.

Temasek's varied interests include banks DBS, Thai Danu Bank and UOB, the Hard Rock Cafe franchise, Tiger Beer and Heineken, and Singapore Airlines.

Billionaire Thaksin counts many top businessmen among his party's members and supporters, including people with ties to Toyota, Nescafe and Seven-Eleven -- putting all those firms on the protesters' list as well.

The latest threat from the protesters came as they ready for their next major rally Monday night, to be followed early Tuesday by a march on Government House during Thaksin's cabinet meeting.

The head of the Senate foreign affairs committee, Kraisak Choonhavan, also wrote to Singaporean leaders Wednesday, saying the protests could damage relations and urging them to "clarify" allegations of wrongdoing in the Shin Corp sale.

The Securities and Exchange Commission late Wednesday denied allegations it had altered or withheld documents related to its investigation of the Shin Corp sale.

"The allegation is aimed to discredit the SEC even though we have done everything with transparency," assistant secretary general Prasong Vinaiphat said in a statement.

The protesters got a major boost this week when the nation's biggest union vowed to mobilize 100,000 workers to join them.

Unions representing Thailand's 42 state enterprises are set to meet Thursday on whether to join the protest, but divisions have begun to emerge. A group of railway workers said they want to remain neutral in the political crisis.

Adding to the pressure on Thaksin, the army chief warned that the ongoing political upheaval could unsettle revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

"The king may be upset because he knows that we are having these problems in the country," General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said.

"It's time for (all Thais) to help each other to end this situation."

Scores of prominent politicians and academics have petitioned the 78-year-old king -- who this year celebrates the 60th anniversary of his coronation -- to appoint an interim prime minister as a way out of the crisis.

Thaksin has dissolved parliament and called snap elections for April 2 in hopes of ending the crisis, but opposition parties have said they will boycott the polls, casting doubt on the vote's legitimacy.

As the election filing deadline passed late Wednesday, the election commission said that no one will be running against candidates from Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party in 123 of the country's 400 districts.

[sriracha john]

The importance of the selecting the "NO VOTE" option on the ballot:

100 TRT candidates 'likely to fail'

About 100 Thai Rak Thai candidates standing without rivals in Sunday's snap election are unlikely to get enough votes for a seat in parliament, according to a party source. Citing internal party surveys, the source said about 100 candidates, out of 168 with no rivals, are deemed unable to win at least 20% of the electorate to secure the seat.

According to the source, the finding was confirmed by separate polls carried out to check the first polls' credibility.

The results were announced by Somkiat Pongpaiboon, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), who claimed to have received the information from a foreign-owned pollster.

The findings have prompted party heavyweights to send an urgent letter warning these candidates and urging them to whip up support as the campaign enters its last leg.

Among them are the candidates running in the constituencies of Phra Nakhon, Dusit, Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi and Bang Rak.

Another party source said leaders were concerned about support in the capital and in major towns in the provinces, as the campaign for ''Vote for No-Vote'' gains momentum.

''Not only are we racing against ourselves in 100 constituencies, we're fighting those who will tick the no-vote box,'' said the source.

The campaign, spearheaded by social elite groups and opinion leaders, looked promising.

The source said the party was also worried about its support base: grassroots people who, according to the party's internal polls, appeared to doubt the party.

Grassroots supporters who once enjoyed populist policies including the one-million-baht village fund, were now having second thoughts. ''Grassroots supporters are split 50-50,'' said the source.

The situation had also divided party leaders.

Some had confidence in grassroots voters, while others were feeling the pinch of waning popularity among the middle class.

''Without support from middle-class people who have the power to negotiate, we are in a difficult position.

''This group can sell their ideas far better than grassroots people. It's not one-man one-vote any longer. Middle-class people have more than one vote,'' said a key party leader.

However, Thai Rak Thai deputy secretary-general Prommin Lertsuridej has denied that such polls exist.

He said candidates standing in constituencies without rivals will have to work hard.

''No matter how many votes we get, we respect the results,'' said Mr Prommin. The Election Commission says 168 constituencies in 52 provinces have only one candidate standing.

EC chairman Wassana Permlarp said the number is not yet final and the Supreme Court is hearing complaints about candidates' qualifications.

Provincial election committees have refused to endorse the candidacy of 315 people.

As of yesterday, the Supreme Court has ruled to disqualify 89, and approved the candidacy of seven.

The Supreme Court has been flooded with an unprecedented number of poll-related complaints. Small parties are accused of being bribed to contest the polls to avert a one-horse race while Thai Rak Thai executives have been accused of meddling with the EC's database to allow disqualified candidates from smaller parties to run.

- BP 30/03/06

[jdinasia]

Wow ... Never heard crap about those boycotts from 21 days (yes 3 whole weeks ago)!! Must be like the stuff that comes out of the TRT side!

But to give Coly credit ... a boycott of 7-11 was! threatened at least once 3 weeks ago!

[jdinasia]

Wow ... Never heard crap about those boycotts from 21 days (yes 3 whole weeks ago)!! Must be like the stuff that comes out of the TRT side!

But to give Coly credit ... a boycott of 7-11 was! threatened at least once 3 weeks ago!

and another wow to SRJ ... even TRT thinks they may lose 100 seats ... to nobody? that's genuinely impressive!

[Jai Dee]

The three opposition party leaders will appear on a TV program today to explain reasons of election boycott

The three opposition party leaders will appear on the Tueng Look Tueng Kol (ถึงลูกถึงคน) program today, to explain why their parties decided not to field candidates in this election.

Director of the Chart Thai party, Nikorn Chamnong (นิกร จำนง), said that today, the three opposition party leaders will appear on the Tueng Look Tueng Kol (ถึงลูกถึงคน) program on channel 9, to explain the reasons behind the opposition’s boycott of the election as well as the parties’ future and the solutions to the current political crisis.

As for the joint speech on stage, Mr. Nikorn said that the parties are discussing about the appropriateness of such event, as joint appearance on the TV program will also let the people across the country listen to the opposition’s reasons. Mr. Nikorn said that the opposition parties chose this program, because earlier the premier has also appeared on the same program.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM cancelled appearance on state TV program to prevent accusations of resorting to state media for up coming elex.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat has returned to Bangkok, after deciding not to appear in the Krong Satanakarn (กรองสถานการณ์) program, for fear of criticisms that he used state media before the election.

After a two-day short vacation in Chiang Mai, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat and his son, Panthongtae Shinnawat (พานทองแท้ ชินวัตร), traveled back to Bangkok last night. Prime Minister Thaksin said that initially, he planned to stay in Chiang Mai longer because he was scheduled to appear on the Krong Satanakarn (กรองสถานการณ์) program. However, he said that he decided to cancel the program, because he was afraid he may be attacked for using state media before the election. He added that the Thai Rak Thai party will not have a grand gathering at Lumpini (ลุมพินี) park to avoid confrontation with the protestors.

The Prime Minister added that the businessmen, who are waiting to hear about the government’s economic policies, will have to wait after the April 2nd election. Commenting on the protests in front of Siam Paragon, the premier said that he was informed of the demonstrations, which have caused trouble for the people and business.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 March 2006