Latest Developments on the Election Front

[Jai Dee]

PM calls for a meeting with his top officials at Baan Pitsunalok

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has called in his top officials for an urgent meeting at Baan Ban Pitsanulok (บ้านพิษณุโลก) to discuss ways to resolve the current political impasse with the opposition group and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Reports stated that Prime Minister's Office Minister Newin Chidchob (เนวิน ชิดชอบ), the Advisor to Prime Minister, Pansak Winyunratra (พันธ์ศักดิ์ วิญญูรัตน์), and the Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej (พรหมินทร์ เลิศสุริย์เดช) attended the meeting at 10.45 am.

One of the Dr Thaksin's aides indicated that the caretaker will go to the Government House to clear his work before traveling to Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี), Buriram (บุรีรัมย์), Srisaket (ศรีสะเกษ), and Nakhon Ratchasrima (นครราชสีมา) from March 13th -15th.

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

[jdinasia]

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

The famous Transparency that TRT is so fond of discussing!

[Jai Dee]

POLITICAL CRISIS

THE KING WHISPERS

TV footage of the May 1992 uprising is seen as attempt to prevent renewed bouts of violence

His Majesty the King's mediation of the bloody political turbulence in May 1992 was replayed to millions across the country on the TV Pool last night in a clear "whisper" to the prime minister of a Royal wish for the political bickering to end.

The TV footage of the eight-minute audience on May 20, 1992, showed His Majesty advising then prime minister Suchinda Kraprayoon and anti-Suchinda protest leader Chamlong Srimuang to end their confrontation and work together to rebuild the nation being torn apart by political violence.

After the royal audience, Suchinda resigned as prime minister and his opponents ended their protests, allowing peace to be restored and an interim government headed by Anand Panyarachun to be appointed.

On the night of May 17, 1992, troops under the Suchinda government opened fire at protesters gathered at Sanam Luang and the adjacent Rajdamnoen Avenue. Chamlong and many other protesters were arrested and briefly jailed. The crackdown continued in the days following, causing an unknown number of fatalities, before the King intervened.

Just over a month ago, as opposition to him began to build, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he would step aside if the King "whispered to me".

A TV Pool anchorman said in his introductory note for the special broadcast, aired at 8pm, that the May 20, 1992, Royal audience was being replayed particularly in regard to the nature of the current political situation.

"The video clip was meant as a signal for all the conflicting parties to try to find a peaceful solution, with Gen Prem Tinsulanonda [now president of the Privy Council] acting as the mediator," said a well-informed military source.

"There are fears that violence may arise between March 13 and 14 when protestors plan to march on from Sanam Luang to Government House to try to pressure the prime minister into resigning," he added.

Fears of further violence are not unfounded, as seen from the bomb blast in front of Prem's residence on Thursday. In addition, two firecracker bombs were also thrown into the residence of Dr Chai-anan Samudvanija, the director of the Vajiravudh College, later the same day. Investigators have asserted that the blast near the security booth of Gen Prem's house was the work of men in military uniform.

A political source said the Royal Palace made a request on Saturday that the TV Pool, which consists of Channel 3, Channel 5, Channel 7, Channel 9, Channel 11 and iTV, broadcast the video clip at 8pm. The footage served as a signal that His Majesty the King was very concerned about the danger the current political crisis posed to Thailand's stability and prosperity due to the threat of violence breaking out as the People's Alliance for Democracy tries to oust Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Ahead of the nationwide TV Pool broadcast last night, His Majesty's speeches given on different occasions to call for national reconciliation and unity were aired separately by TV stations over the weekend.

The bitter political divide has put Thailand on the brink of a full-blown crisis. Thaksin has been in deep political trouble since January after his family sold its majority stake in Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings of Singapore for Bt73.3 billion without paying tax. The People's Alliance for Democracy has been able to rally several tens of thousands of protestors in Bangkok to try to oust Thaksin, whom they say has lost the legitimacy to continue in office.

Thaksin responded to the pressure by dissolving Parliament, calling a general election on April 2 and promising to undertake political reform. He has publicly vowed that he would never bow to the pressure of the mob at Sanam Luang. The political situation has been further complicated by the Opposition's boycott of the general election, making its outcome seem a farce as the Thai Rak Thai is expected to totally dominate Parliament.

During the Royal audience on May 20, 1992, the King was seen advising Gen Suchinda and Chamlong to turn to each other and end the political turbulence that had culminated in a violent confrontation.

"You two should get together to talk it over how to restore the country. This is the reason why I have summoned you. Now we have to rebuild the country from shambles," the King said.

Thaksin's reaction to the broadcast is not yet known, but political sources said he has signalled that he would like to temporarily step down from politics after the April 2 election, depending on its outcome. If the result is overwhelmingly in his favour he will stay on. If not, he will retire temporarily and assign Dr Somkid Jatusripitak to succeed him as prime minister.

The King has previously intervened to end two major political crises. Before the Chamlong-Suchinda confrontation in 1992, he intervened during the pro-democracy movements led by the students to oust the Thanom-Prapas regime. The two leaders lost power on October 13, 1974.

Source: The Nation - Mon, March 13, 2006

[Jai Dee]

TV pool replays HM's mediation of May 1992 bloodshed

His Majesty the King's mediation of the bloody political turbulence in May 1992 was replayed to millions across the country on a TV pool Sunday night under theRoyal Household Bureau's request in a clear signal of a Royal wish for all parties engaged in the current political bickering to reconcile.

The TV footage of the eight-minute audience on May 20 1992 showed His Majesty advising then prime minister Suchinda Kraprayoon and anti-Suchinda protest leader Chamlong Srimuang to end their confrontation and turn to work together to help rebuild the nation being torn by political violence.

After the royal audience, Suchida resigned as prime minister and his opponents ended their protests, allowing peace to be restored and an interim government to be appointed. The mass rally, attended by hundreds of thousands of people, had been triggered by Suchinda's assumption of premiership after toppling the elected government of Chatichai Choonhavan in a coup.

On the night of May 17 1992, security troops under the Suchinda government opened fire at protesters gathering at Sanam Luang and adjacent Rajdamnoen Avenue. Chamlong and many other protesters were arrested and briefly jailed. The crackdown continued the following days, leaving an unknown number of fatalities before the King intervened.

A TV Pool anchorman said in his introductory note for the special broadcast, aired at 8pm last night, that the May 20 1992 Royal audience was to be replayed particularly in regard with the nature of the current political situation.

A well-informed source said the special broadcast had been made on request by the Royal Household Bureau.

Source: The Nation - Mon, March 13, 2006

[bulmercke]

POLITICAL CRISIS

THE KING WHISPERS

TV footage of the May 1992 uprising is seen as attempt to prevent renewed bouts of violence

His Majesty the King's mediation of the bloody political turbulence in May 1992 was replayed to millions across the country on the TV Pool last night in a clear "whisper" to the prime minister of a Royal wish for the political bickering to end.

The TV footage of the eight-minute audience on May 20, 1992, showed His Majesty advising then prime minister Suchinda Kraprayoon and anti-Suchinda protest leader Chamlong Srimuang to end their confrontation and work together to rebuild the nation being torn apart by political violence.

After the royal audience, Suchinda resigned as prime minister and his opponents ended their protests, allowing peace to be restored and an interim government headed by Anand Panyarachun to be appointed.

On the night of May 17, 1992, troops under the Suchinda government opened fire at protesters gathered at Sanam Luang and the adjacent Rajdamnoen Avenue. Chamlong and many other protesters were arrested and briefly jailed. The crackdown continued in the days following, causing an unknown number of fatalities, before the King intervened.

Just over a month ago, as opposition to him began to build, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he would step aside if the King "whispered to me".

A TV Pool anchorman said in his introductory note for the special broadcast, aired at 8pm, that the May 20, 1992, Royal audience was being replayed particularly in regard to the nature of the current political situation.

"The video clip was meant as a signal for all the conflicting parties to try to find a peaceful solution, with Gen Prem Tinsulanonda [now president of the Privy Council] acting as the mediator," said a well-informed military source.

"There are fears that violence may arise between March 13 and 14 when protestors plan to march on from Sanam Luang to Government House to try to pressure the prime minister into resigning," he added.

Fears of further violence are not unfounded, as seen from the bomb blast in front of Prem's residence on Thursday. In addition, two firecracker bombs were also thrown into the residence of Dr Chai-anan Samudvanija, the director of the Vajiravudh College, later the same day. Investigators have asserted that the blast near the security booth of Gen Prem's house was the work of men in military uniform.

A political source said the Royal Palace made a request on Saturday that the TV Pool, which consists of Channel 3, Channel 5, Channel 7, Channel 9, Channel 11 and iTV, broadcast the video clip at 8pm. The footage served as a signal that His Majesty the King was very concerned about the danger the current political crisis posed to Thailand's stability and prosperity due to the threat of violence breaking out as the People's Alliance for Democracy tries to oust Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Ahead of the nationwide TV Pool broadcast last night, His Majesty's speeches given on different occasions to call for national reconciliation and unity were aired separately by TV stations over the weekend.

The bitter political divide has put Thailand on the brink of a full-blown crisis. Thaksin has been in deep political trouble since January after his family sold its majority stake in Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings of Singapore for Bt73.3 billion without paying tax. The People's Alliance for Democracy has been able to rally several tens of thousands of protestors in Bangkok to try to oust Thaksin, whom they say has lost the legitimacy to continue in office.

Thaksin responded to the pressure by dissolving Parliament, calling a general election on April 2 and promising to undertake political reform. He has publicly vowed that he would never bow to the pressure of the mob at Sanam Luang. The political situation has been further complicated by the Opposition's boycott of the general election, making its outcome seem a farce as the Thai Rak Thai is expected to totally dominate Parliament.

During the Royal audience on May 20, 1992, the King was seen advising Gen Suchinda and Chamlong to turn to each other and end the political turbulence that had culminated in a violent confrontation.

"You two should get together to talk it over how to restore the country. This is the reason why I have summoned you. Now we have to rebuild the country from shambles," the King said.

Thaksin's reaction to the broadcast is not yet known, but political sources said he has signalled that he would like to temporarily step down from politics after the April 2 election, depending on its outcome. If the result is overwhelmingly in his favour he will stay on. If not, he will retire temporarily and assign Dr Somkid Jatusripitak to succeed him as prime minister.

The King has previously intervened to end two major political crises. Before the Chamlong-Suchinda confrontation in 1992, he intervened during the pro-democracy movements led by the students to oust the Thanom-Prapas regime. The two leaders lost power on October 13, 1974.

Source: The Nation - Mon, March 13, 2006

Last night I wasn't sure how to interpret this move by His Majesty and the Royal Household of showing again old TV footage and to quote from the above report:

"The TV footage of the eight-minute audience on May 20, 1992, showed His Majesty advising then prime minister Suchinda Kraprayoon and anti-Suchinda protest leader Chamlong Srimuang to end their confrontation and work together to rebuild the nation being torn apart by political violence.

After the royal audience, Suchinda resigned as prime minister and his opponents ended their protests, allowing peace to be restored and an interim government headed by Anand Panyarachun to be appointed. "

Last night Sondhi said it was a clear indication that His Majesty was dissatisfied with Thaksin and the political overtones of this unprecedented broadcast were a clear signal to Thaksin - calling for him to resign.

Inclined to agree.

>>>>>>

A sign that Thaksin must go, says Sondhi

Sondhi Limthongkul, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), yesterday interpreted the showing of old footage of HM the King by the Television Pool of Thailand as a sign that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must go.

At around 8pm last night, the Television Pool of Thailand broadcast a video clip showing HM the King telling then-premier Suchinda Kraprayoon and protest leader Chamlong Srimuang to turn to each other and resolve a political crisis following a bloody uprising in May 1992.

After the audience with HM the King, Suchinda resigned.

"The signal is clear. When such social division has taken place, the premier must resign. The current situation is very much similar to Black May. But this time we are not fighting against military dictatorship, but against a [single] politician," Sondhi said yesterday on stage during a rally in Sanam Luang.

Sondhi said Channel 5, which is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Army, had acted as a transmitter during the broadcast for five other stations. Sondhi said Thaksin had not nominated General Sonthi Boonyarataklin as Army commander-in-chief, but rather Sonthi had won royal endorsement for his post.

Chamlong, who is also a leader of the PAD, said he and his fellow protesters would leave Sanam Luang and return to their normal lives once Thaksin had resigned.

Suchinda said last night the current political stalemate had come to a dead-end and the best way out was to form an arbitration committee to mediate between the two sides. He suggested the most appropriate mediator was Privy Councillor Santi Thakral, a former Supreme Court president.

A large number of people have been protesting in Sanam Luang, demanding that Thaksin step down. They have threatened to stage a mass rally at the Government House tomorrow.

Lt-General Palangkul Klaharn, who heads the Supreme Command Office's directorate of joint civil affairs, said the broadcast had served to remind everyone the country had suffered a crisis before.

"If you listen to HM the King, you should make it better for the country. Everyone wishes for unity," Palangkoon said.

A key member of the Thai Rak Thai Party yesterday described the TV Pool move as "good." He said it was a move for peace and unity. "This should remind all parties to exercise caution and stop setting conditions," he said.

Government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee declined to interpret the Television Pool of Thailand's decision to broadcast the important clip at this juncture. "So far, this clearly tells all parties that they should turn to one another and avoid any conflict. Turning to one another will open a way for the best solution," he said.

Surapong said it did not matter which of the two sides should initiate compromise because the main point was to end the ongoing conflict.

"Recently, the government has agreed to join a debate for which the University Presidents Council of Thailand (UPCT) has offered to act as a mediator," Surapong said.

UPCT president Pratya Vesarach, president of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, said he had been impressed by the Television Pool of Thailand's move.

Pratya said UPCT would continue to do its best in a bid to bring the government, PAD and the three major parties that boycott the upcoming general election together for talks.

Edited March 13, 2006 by bulmercke

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin ‘afraid’ to hold live TV debate

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva taunted caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday for refusing to participate in a televised discussion aimed at resolving the political impasse.

“I don’t understand why the prime minister is afraid of having the debate between Khun Sondhi [Limthongkul] and I televised,” Abhisit told ASTV, a satellite cable channel owned by anti-Thaksin crusader Sondhi.

“When [Thaksin] went on his reality TV show he showed off his pa kao-ma, and he was happy being on TV. But now that it’s about national issues, he’s afraid.”

Calls for all sides to settle their differences have increased since a bomb exploded outside Privy Council President Gen Prem Tinsulanonda’s residence last week. And with tomorrow’s mass march to Government House looming, Thaksin has offered to meet his opponents – but only behind closed doors.

“The prime minister will not join [televised talks] as we don’t want to see more debates during the current situation,” Thai Rak Thai spokesman Suranand Vejjajiva told reporters yesterday. “So far, we have seen so much confrontation.”

Asked whether Thaksin was justified in fearing his detractors would turn the live television appearance into a media stunt, Abhisit replied: “I think [Thaksin] is afraid of the truth.”

“The deal for talks is that everyone should move back one step,” Abhisit said. “If the opposition parties send candidates to run in the election and the protesters discontinue their rallies, what does Thaksin have to offer? Resignation? The problem that we are facing is about the righteousness of Thaksin.”

The Democrat leader implied that his party could not negotiate with a Thaksin-led Thai Rak Thai party, but stopped short of saying so.

Asked if he could envision a scenario that does not involve the premier leaving politics for good, Abhisit replied evasively: “I’m sure Thaksin sees that scenario.”

Analysts questioned the merits of a live debate which they say would test wit and intellectual prowess, but would fail to reach a compromise. The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) insists it will accept nothing short of Thaksin’s departure from politics, a condition the premier has refused to accept.

“There is no middle ground in the sense that he can’t half-resign,” Abhisit said, adding: “Obviously there will be no progress” if one side comes to the talks unwilling to compromise.

The prospect of a live TV debate was raised when Thaksin appeared on Channel 9 Friday night and said he was willing to debate either Sondhi or his former political mentor, Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang. But on Saturday Thaksin backpedaled, telling reporters: “Who said it would be a debate? It would be fine to have a talk between the three of us.”

For months, all sides have chosen to talk through various media outlets, rather than face to face. The opposition says that it cannot trust what Thaksin says behind closed doors, even if there was a written agreement read to the media at a joint press conference at which reporters could ask questions.

“Private talks with Thaksin have not been very fruitful,” Abhisit said. “He’s not known to keep his word for long.”

Analysts said disagreement over the minor details of the talks showed that all parties concerned were not ready to negotiate. Thaksin, the opposition parties and PAD want to give the impression that they are prepared to compromise without actually giving ground.

“In principle, talks are good if they avert violence and lead to a compromise,” said Somchai Pakapatwiwat, a political scientist at Thammasat University. “But I’m not sure a live debate would achieve anything. It would just shift a violent clash into a rhetorical clash that would seek to win over the public to each side. So how can this lead to compromise?”

Concrete proposals to solve the crisis are still lacking as all parties doggedly refuse to talk except under their own terms. An acceptable solution will only be reached when all sides conclude that they cannot win, he said.

“All sides are saying ‘yes, yes, yes’ for compromise, but the question is how?” Somchai said.

“They all realize the road is a long one, but we are not at the point of reaching a compromise yet because they need more time to make sure that this is indeed a stalemate that will produce no winner. Right now they are maneuvering for position, and we are still very far from a deal.”

Source: ThaiDay - 13 Feb 2006

[Jai Dee]

Candidates ‘bribed’ to run in April 2 poll

Minor party members claimed yesterday they were bribed to contest the April 2 general election, despite being ineligible to stand.

Secretary-General of the main opposition Democrat party, Suthep Thaugsuban, said yesterday that three candidates representing the Democratic Progressive Party had approached him concerned that by running in the election they were breaking the law and could face fines of up to 200,000 baht under Section 100 of the election law. Nipa Chanbho, Rachanu Tangsi and Suwit Ob-oon said they were each paid 30,000 baht by Pramuan Chooklom, a former stand-up comic, to join the party and contest seats in Trang. They were told to submit their candidacy last Wednesday.

Suthep said the three candidates grew concerned when the media reported that some minor party candidates had not been party members for the required minimum of 90 days and were therefore not entitled to enter the election.

Suthep advised the three to inform the Election Commission that they wished to withdraw their nominations on the grounds that they were not qualified to contest the election.

Suthep added that they did not know if the Thai Rak Thai party was behind the scam.

“I was contacted by someone in the village to submit my candidacy,” said Suwit. “I do not know who is behind it. When I found out that there was something dubious, I sought advice and was advised to consult Suthep.”

Source: ThaiDay - 13 Feb 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM says the broadcast of His Majesty's words last night came after a request by the Bureau of the Royal Household

Prime Minster Thaksin Shinawatra has affirmed that the broadcast of His Majesty the King's words last night came after a request by the Bureau of the Royal Household, in which all parties must heed to.

Prime Minister Thaksin has indicated that His Majesty's words broadcasted last night, which were extracted from a royal speech back during the Black May period in 1992, had to be heeded to by all parties. He said the Bureau of the Royal Household had coordinated for the broadcast, and the government had the duty of carrying out the request.

Dr. Thaksin also said the meeting at Phitsanulok (พิษณุโลก) House today was not a Cabinet meeting, but he called in responsible ministers to assign them work during the period he will be away for state affairs in the provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Sri Saket, Buriram, and Nakhon Ratchasima. The premier said he will consider whether a Cabinet meeting will take place by using video conferencing or not.

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

[Jai Dee]

DPM Wissanu admits he did not know solution for case where MPs in House of Representatives amout to less than 500

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-Ngam (วิษณุ เครืองาม) admitted he did not know the solution for a case where a number of House of Representatives members amounted to less than 500 people at the first House meeting.

Mr. Wissanu spoke on the concerns from many parties about the inability to open the House of Representatives if MPs did not amount to 500 people. Various comments have been expressed on the matter, such as the House would be able to be opened citing the case used with the Senate whereas some parties have argued that the two Houses should not be compared. On this matter, Mr. Wissanu admitted he did not know the solution and the Election Commission would have to send the matter to the Constitutional Court for its judgment.

As for many parties' view that the problem at the moment may prompt the enforcement of article 7 of the Constitution, Mr. Wissanu said this was probably not possible, but he personally did not know how the solution would be.

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

[bulmercke]

Hailed a taxi last night and asked the driver to take me to Banglamphu, to which he added, Sanam Luang? - instead of the normal Khoa San Road.

Is this a sign of the times?

Also, of late, for the first time in all the years I have known her, the wife appears to have given up watching news on the state run channels and now occupies herself instead with non-stop viewing of Big Brother on UBC.

Is this another sign of the times?

[Jai Dee]

EC disqualifies Thai Rak Thai candidate

The Election Commission on Monday disqualified a Thai Rak Thai Party candidate in Samut Sakhon.

The EC announced that Udom Kraiwatnusorn, the Thai Rak Thai candidate in Samut Sakhon's Constituency 3, was disqualified because he did not exercise his voting right during the previous general election.

Udom could appeal against the ruling in seven days.

Source: The Nation - 13 Feb 2006

[Jai Dee]

Writers call on Thaksin to resign

The Writers' Association of Thailand Monday called on Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation and resign to restore peace in the country.

Maitree Limpichart, the president of the association, said its committee saw only political crisis and division, which could not be solved because the call for peace and proposals asking for all parties to talk have been unsuccessful. Neither have government supporters and the opposition agreed to talk about amendments to the Constitution and political reform, so the April 2 election would not solve anything.

Source: The Nation - 13 Feb 2006

[Jai Dee]

Defiant Thaksin refuses to budge

Ubon Ratchathani — Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Monday told an election rally in this northeastern province that he would not resign as called on by his opponents.

Thaksin told the rally that he had done nothing wrong and he was elected and mandated to run the country by the "People's Constitution".

Thaksin also denounced the rallies against him in Bangkok as being financed and organised by those who had lost interest because of the government's policies. They included underground lottery operators, he said.

Thaksin asked the voters to empower and give him mandate again by voting for the Thai Rak Thai in the April 2 election.

Thaksin said he would go on serving the country as the prime minister and would try to eliminate poverty within three years.

Source: The Nation - 13 Feb 2006

[Plus]

He might meet a violent end if he doesn't stop soon. He's clearly lost all sense of reality - how can he think of staying on after last night broadcast? Does he really think that he'll be able to stay on after talks with Oppostion and PAD? That everybody will just go home and forget about him?

According to the Constitutions a person is disqualified if he is - Rule number - (1) being of unsound mind or of mental infirmity;

Ages ago I was wondering if the present day Taksin will meet the similar end to the King Taksin the founder of Bangkok-Thonburi. After driving off Burmese invaders (IMF), King Taksin reestablished the Kingdom of Siam, but ended his life after descending into some mental condition.

Their names might be spelt differently, but the similarities do end in their names only.

I meand do NOT end...

[Bryan in Isaan]

He might meet a violent end if he doesn't stop soon. He's clearly lost all sense of reality - how can he think of staying on after last night broadcast? Does he really think that he'll be able to stay on after talks with Oppostion and PAD? That everybody will just go home and forget about him?

According to the Constitutions a person is disqualified if he is - Rule number - (1) being of unsound mind or of mental infirmity;

Ages ago I was wondering if the present day Taksin will meet the similar end to the King Taksin the founder of Bangkok-Thonburi. After driving off Burmese invaders (IMF), King Taksin reestablished the Kingdom of Siam, but ended his life after descending into some mental condition.

Their names might be spelt differently, but the similarities do end in their names only.

I meand do NOT end...

It will be a sad day for the tens of millions of Thaksin supporters here in the Northeast and North if the Bangkok mob succeeds in driving the PM out.

[Jai Dee]

Open debates will lead to confrontations, said Suranand

Executive member of the Thai Rak Thai party, Suranand 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. Suranand said that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra 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. Suranand 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

[george]

PM agrees to join dialogue, not debate with critics

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has agreed on a proposed direct dialogue with his critics, but has firmly rebuffed a proposed debate forum.

Government Spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee told journalists on Monday that the caretaker premier had agreed with the the Rectors' Conference of Thailand's proposal on the direct talks with his conflicting parties, including the former three opposition parties--the Democrat, the Chart Thai and the Mahachon Parties--and the People Alliance for Democracry (PAD).

The caretaker prime minister had assigned a team of his cabinet members, led by caretaker Public Health Minister Pinij Jarusombat, to liaise with the organizer.

"Progress had been reported to the caretaker prime minister," he revealed.

The Rectors' Conference of Thailand said it would contact with the two other parties for the talks with a hope that the proposed tri-partite negotiation between Mr. Thaksin and representatives of the PAD and the three former opposition parties would help end the country's current political crisis.

Apart from the three parties concerned, a recognized mediator would also be invited to join the talks who would observe his/her neutral role, said the organizer.

Dr. Surapong noted, however, that Mr. Thaksin and the caretaker government had rejected a live TV debate forum proposed by the People's Network for Elections (P-Net) to avoid any confrontation.

Meanwhile, police forces from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the Special Branch Bureau and the Border Patrol Police Bureau have beefed up security measures at the Government House, where PAD-led demonstrators--marching from Sanam Luang--will rally Tuesday morning, as well as along the roads. Plainclothes officers have also been deployed.

The PAD has, however, insisted that Mr. Thaksin resign without any condition.

Referring to a TV Pool broadcast Sunday night of the royal advice made by most revered and beloved His Majesty the King to end the military-led bloody crackdown on the popular uprising on May 20, 1992 and to restore national reconciliation, PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila said on Monday that he hopes Mr. Thaksin would step down voluntarily as the then premier in 1992, Gen. Suchinda Kraprayoon.

--TNA 2006-03-13

[bulmercke]

Strange how Thaksin has been suddenly galvanised into talking seriously with his opponents -

just hours before the largest protest of his premiership is due to take place.

Yet again he "buckles" when the chips are down!

[baht&sold]

If this should all (somehow) go the distance, remember this:

(sect 98, Thai Consititution- a bit ambiguous)

Section 98:

"The House of Representatives consists of five hundred members, one hundred of whom are from the election on a party-list basis under section 99 and four hundred of whom are from the election on a constituency basis under section 102.

In the case where the office of a member of the House of Representatives becomes vacant for any reason and an election of a member of the House of Representatives has not been held to fill the vacancy, the House of Representatives shall consist of the existing members of the House".

In relation to:

Phra Premsak Pemsakko, the former Thai Rak Thai party list candidate who recently quit, has urged caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to "let go".

Phra Premsak's departure for the monkhood left Thai Rak Thai with a party list of 99, one short of the 100 required.

Edited March 13, 2006 by baht&sold

[bulmercke]

If this should all (somehow) go the distance, remember this:

(sect 98, Thai Consititution- a bit ambiguous)

Section 98:

"The House of Representatives consists of five hundred members, one hundred of whom are from the election on a party-list basis under section 99 and four hundred of whom are from the election on a constituency basis under section 102.

In the case where the office of a member of the House of Representatives becomes vacant for any reason and an election of a member of the House of Representatives has not been held to fill the vacancy, the House of Representatives shall consist of the existing members of the House".

In relation to:

Phra Premsak Pemsakko, the former Thai Rak Thai party list candidate who recently quit, has urged caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to "let go".

Phra Premsak's departure for the monkhood left Thai Rak Thai with a party list of 99, one short of the 100 required.

The constitition is not absolute and there are several grey areas. Section 98 under mitigating circumstances (such as those that are sure to develop on 2 April) can be interpreted with regard to the best possible interest of the nation.

Anyway, all of the above is an irrevelance as Thaksin, IMHO, is guaranteed not to make it through to election day - the way things are goin'.

[baht&sold]

The constitition is not absolute and there are several grey areas. Section 98 under mitigating circumstances (such as those that are sure to develop on 2 April) can be interpreted with regard to the best possible interest of the nation.

You mean, the best possible interest of WHOM controls and thus "interprets" the law under the current "democratic" system? (certainly not the nation tho)

Anyway, all of the above is an irrevelance as Thaksin, IMHO, is guaranteed not to make it through to election day - the way things are goin'.

Hmmm, you may be right but never underestimate big fragile egos, big face, big interests- don't count on it

Edited March 13, 2006 by baht&sold

[baht&sold]

PS, if anyone's wondering where I actually stand on these events, I'll repeat my position:

Being a foreigner, I have no horse in this race of course. But as an independent business person/guest, the most foreign investment friendly politician would ‘appear’ to be Taksin (ridiculous closing times aside). Also favourable for business, would be stability (therefore continuation of status quo some would argue).

Having said that, when we as foreigners “adopt” a homeland, there comes a time (for some) where we start to care for Thailand as a country, in a hopeful way- which supersedes how we may benefit personally.

Now I don’t think for a minute a band of left leaning academics, anti foreign investment types, pro-unionists, State industry jobs for life advocates (Egat etc) and another potential telecoms giant scorned makes for the best possible alternatives...

Nor do I honestly believe you can have a fair election without allowing politicians to switch parties (cynically planned timing with the 90 day rule;). Nor do I believe it’s fair to in effect ‘buy’ the rice farmer vote (by keeping them dependent on your hand outs or by out and out buying their vote) but this is what’s happened in the past. Get the poor, uneducated people to vote for you in any way possible and keep them dependent and voting for you and presto, you’re the man.

So, as it stands, some folks here are vocal about the anti-Taksin crowd being “undemocratic” for launching a protest to remove an otherwise irremovable leader. There’s validity in that.

On the other side, using the ‘democratic vote’ method as it stands, ensures continued representation by one party’s manipulations of a cynically targetted and somewhat captive audience. WHO do they represent in actuality though and is it “legitimate representation of the whole”?

Looks like it’ll come down to a vote regardless and that’s as it should be. In this case, the likely scenario being TRT can’t muster 20% of the vote needed in some southern constituencies, therfor, the house can’t convene and it’s a total stalemate (well, re-poll after re-poll, endless).

Others can vote their displeasure by checking NO on their voting cards. It's still democratic.

All in all, I’m extremely hopeful for the future of Thailand (no doubts in fact) and like it or not, this is THEIR democracy and it’s great to see it going through a peaceful evolution. If nothing else, this dispute along the way will likely (ultimately) propel Thailand fast forward after the dust settles, fast tracking democratic maturity. Left as is, it would have taken years and years to expose the warts in the system and evolve democratic processes/institutions/watchdogs/policies for the betterment of ALL.

As long as it remains peaceful (and it should depending on the fragile egos involved) it’s all good for the country and some who care about Thailand for well into the future, might agree.

[jdinasia]

it's all as clear as mud ... but from what I have read (in the Thai and Eng...) to seat the house ..... gotta have all 500 (and 100 have to be party list)

After the house is seated .. and vacancies occur .... is another matter

[bulmercke]

The constitition is not absolute and there are several grey areas. Section 98 under mitigating circumstances (such as those that are sure to develop on 2 April) can be interpreted with regard to the best possible interest of the nation.

You mean, the best possible interest of WHOM controls and thus "interprets" the law under the current "democratic" system? (certainly not the nation tho)

Anyway, all of the above is an irrevelance as Thaksin, IMHO, is guaranteed not to make it through to election day - the way things are goin'.

Hmmm, you may be right but never underestimate big fragile egos, big face, big interests- don't count on it

Time will tell.

There's a huge amount of uncertainty and indecision (at least eminating from the government's quarters) now.

Let's hope justice prevails tomorrow and in the ensuing days!

[Jai Dee]

PM insisted that he will not resign from the post if the people re-elect him.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat helped party members campaign in Buriram provinces, insisting that he will not resign from the post if the people re-elect him.

Prime Minister Thaksin helped his members campaign in ten constituencies of Buriram last night. He was welcomed by many local villagers at the Rajabaht Buriram University. Prime Minister Thaksin said that he will not resign from the position, as he is elected by the people according to the democratic system. He asked the people to re-elect the Thai Rak Thai party back to the administration to continue many projects, especially poverty-eradication schemes.

Meanwhile, the Chart Thai party explained to the people in Supanburi (สุพรรณบุรี) the reason why the party does not field candidates in the election and insisted that the party will continue developing the province and helping the people, though it has no MPs in the parliament.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

EC launched the first caravan transporting ballots to other regions, expecting all ballots to be shipped before election.

The Election Commission (EC) launched the first caravan transporting ballots to other regions, expecting to transport all ballots in time.

EC commissioner Parinya Nakchatri (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรีย์), secretary-general of the EC, Major-general Ekkachai Warunprapa (เอกชัย วารุณประภา), and deputy managing director on operation of Thai Post, Wuttipong Moleechart (วุฒิพงษ์ โมฬีชาติ) inspected the preparedness of the coordinating center for the ballot transport yesterday. They also released convoys of trucks sending the first batch of ballots to various regions in the country. The EC expects all ballots will be sent within next week, in time for the advanced election on March 25-26.

As for the election ballots for elections held overseas, the EC officers said that the ballots have been shipped since March 10, in preparation for the advanced elections on March 17-26. The EC expects that the ballots will be shipped to all areas inside and outside the country before the election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary issued a declaration explaining the broadcasting of His Majesty the King’s speech.

The Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary issued a declaration explaining the broadcasting of His Majesty the King’s speech on May 20, 1992, saying that the speech is information which can be aired by any agencies.

The media reported on the broadcasting of His Majesty the King’s speech given during the Black May incident on May 20, 1992. On this matter, the Office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary explained that the speech is considered information which can be broadcast to the public.

The office said that the people know that the incident occurred on May 20, 1992, and therefore, any agency or media is allowed to air the speech under their responsibility again.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

DPM Chitchai has been assigned as the first DPM.

The cabinet meeting via a Video Conference system from Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี) yesterday assigned General Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) as the first deputy Prime Minister.

The cabinet meeting yesterday replaced first Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak (สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์) with General Chitchai, who will act as premier in case of emergencies. General Chitchai commented on the change that the adjustment of the Deputy Prime Ministers does not have political significance, but said that it is due to the right timing.

Government spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) said that the changes in the rank of the Deputy Prime Ministers will be temporary, based on situation. He commented on declaration of a state of emergency, saying that the government will have to take the issue to the cabinet meeting. He said, however, that if the situation is very urgent and a cabinet meeting cannot be called, the Prime Minister is allowed to declare the state of emergency first and ask for approval from the cabinet within three days.

Army commander General Sondhi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญรัตนกลิน) said that the current situation does not warrant a declaration of a state of emergency, adding that doing so will cause damage to the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 March 2006

[Plus]

PM insisted that he will not resign from the post if the people re-elect him.

People don't elect him. The House majority party/coalition does.

If the House is not full, the House cannot sit and the vote cannot take place.

Hundreds of small party candidates have been disquified already. The number of constituencies with only TRT candidate is 274. Lots of them in the South and other strongholds of the opposition parties where TRT will not gather 20% of votes to have their candidate endorsed.

It will be a dead end situation - EC will be forced to hold endless elections after elections in dozens of constituencies where people don't vote TRT, and then they don't know yet what to do with the party list - they can't make 100 out of 99 candidates and there are no provisions for nationwide party list by-elections.

Smaller parties might try to register constituency candidates again but in many, if not most, places they just don't have any people on the ground - constituency candidates must be tied up to their provinces in some ways - you can't just ship them out of Bangkok. Those who only just now registered as party members will have to wait 90 days to stand in elections.

So, even if everything goes Taksin's way, it will be many many months before he can become the PM. In the meantime the country faces major celebrations in June and it won't even have a government! What a nice present to HM The King!

[lukamar]

it's all as clear as mud ... but from what I have read (in the Thai and Eng...) to seat the house ..... gotta have all 500 (and 100 have to be party list)

After the house is seated .. and vacancies occur .... is another matter

He's a what-if..

It's just a normal election year all the parties are running candidates, everyone is friends and there appears to be no voter fraud. It's election day and while one of the candidates is leaving his office after hearing that he has won his seat the Taxi he is riding in is hit by a bus and he is unfortunately killed.

1:- Would the house sit with 499 seats and a by-election be called to fill the vacancy.

2:- Would Parliament be in limbo for the 45 days until the seat was filled in a by election.

3:- Would the Caretaker government remain in power until the house had 500 members so it can sit the new government.

4:- Would the monarchy invoke article 7 and give power to the party with the most seats won and the remaining vacant seat would go to by-election.

I've probably missed a lot of possible what-ifs so you can fill in more.