Latest Developments on the Election Front

Jai Dee · March 15, 2006

Nomination of General Chitchai as first DPM has political significance.

The Democrat party believes that the nomination of General Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) as the first deputy Prime Minister has political significance.

Democrat spokesperson Ong-art Klampaiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์) spoke about the cabinet resolution for General Chidchai to replace Mr. Somkid Jatusripitak (สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์) as the first deputy Prime Minister that the changes in political offices while the political situation is still chaotic signals irregularity and has political significance. He said that he disagrees with the possibility that the government will implement the Emergency Executive Decree to block protestors, saying that the situation in Bangkok currently does not warrant the Emergency Executive Decree. He said that the government should be more open-minded as the protestors are acting within the boundary of the constitution.

Meanwhile, executive member of the Democrat Party,. Satit Wongnongtoey (สาทิตย์ วงศ์หนองเตย) explained claims that comments by Mr. Sutam Sangpratoom (สุธรรม แสงประทุม), tasked with following the Thai Rak Thai’s political moves, were sham, saying that Mr. Sutam’s comments are based on facts, adding that the claims are considered slanderous. Mr. Sutam earlier stated that Trang MP candidates from Democracy Development Party had asked help from the Democrat Party.

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

Jai Dee · March 15, 2006

Adjustment of DPM is related to the PAD's rally, said deputy spokesperson.

Government spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) admitted that the adjustment of deputy Prime Minister resulted from the demonstrations of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Dr. Surapong said that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (ทักษิณ ชินวัตร) told the cabinet meeting yesterday that he has to travel to the provinces more often, while the political situation is still tense. Therefore, he said the Premier said that Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) has been named the first deputy Prime Minister to act as premier in case of emergency.

Dr. Surapong admitted that the adjustment is related to the PAD’s demonstrations, but he said that the change does not have political significance. He also denied that the Prime Minister will stop working in his position.

He also reiterated that the government will not declare the state of emergency.

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

Jai Dee · March 15, 2006

EC: elections can be postponed if there are enough reasons.

The Election Commission (EC) indicated that elections can be postponed, if there are enough reasons, adding that the EC will pursue legal actions against the applicants purposefully used false documents in the application process.

EC commissioner Prinya Nakchudtri (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรีย์) said commented on the resignation of former Thai Rak Thai MP candidate Premsak Piayura (เปรมศักดิ์ เพียยุระ) that the EC is consulting with legal experts on the solution in case there are less than 100 party-list MPs. He added that the EC is prepared to postpone the elections, to allow candidates from other parties to run in the election.

Mr. Prinya also commented on the use of false documents by some candidates that if the EC can inspect false documents, it will pursue legal actions against the candidates and the parties which endorse the candidates.

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

sriracha john · March 15, 2006

Thai polls in doubt after hundreds of candidates disqualified

Posted: 15-Mar-2006 11:52 hrs

Thai election officials have disqualified more than one-third of the candidates in Thailand's April 2 snap elections, casting doubt on whether the polls could proceed.

The Election Commission has barred 326 of the 941 candidates who had registered to run in the election, an EC official told AFP. "After we received reports from the provincial election officials, many candidates were disqualified," the official said, warning that the numbers were preliminary.

Most of the candidates were barred from running for failing to meet a requirement that they belong to their party for at least 90 days before election day, the official said.

Election officials were meeting Wednesday to finalize the list of candidates, and to consider whether the polls could still take place on April 2.

The disqualifications left Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's party unchallenged in about 70 percent of constituencies.

Most of the disqualified candidates were from tiny opposition parties largely unknown to the public, though some candidates from Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party were also barred from the race.

Three leading opposition parties are boycotting the polls, which Thaksin called in a bid to end mounting street protests calling for his resignation.

The announcement by the Election Commission poses a new political headache for Thaksin, because it raises the possibility that the election may not produce a new parliament.

Thaksin now must worry about getting voters to turn out across the country. Under Thai law, candidates running for uncontested seats must win votes from 20 percent of the registered voters in their district or run in a by-election.

If voters decide to stay home and leave a large number of seats empty, the new parliament could be hamstrung and unable to confirm Thaksin as prime minister, pushing Thailand into uncharted political territory. — AFP

Jai Dee · March 15, 2006

Economic Reporters Association has called for the govt and its opponents to end political conflicts

The Chief of the Economic Reporters Association, Ms. Vimol Ton (วิมล ตัน) has made an announcement, which demands the government and the key members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to clarify political issues through the mass media. Her intention is to end their conflicts.

She said that both two sides should seek for solutions, which will be derived after this April 2nd general election has passed, because an obvious signal has happened that members of the new government will not meet the election regulation. The problem is the result of the Opposition’s refusal to field its members to join in this election.

Following the prolonged demonstration, she views that the situation will certainly affect economic and social affairs of the country. Besides, she has requested the government to urgently solve the source of the conflicts, which also includes the constitution amendment. She said that the implementation has to be executed on a transparent basis, to prevent some groups from exploiting benefits relating to the amendment.

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

sriracha john · March 15, 2006

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

.... "what are you saying?? there's... there's... there's nothing wrong with my mind.... it's..... it's....it's as sound as ever...."

Jai Dee · March 15, 2006

DPM Chitchai has informed that the preparation for declaration of a state of emergency is ordinary matter during this time

Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) has informed that the preparation for the declaration of a state of emergency is an ordinary matter during this kind of situation. However, he said that the declaration is still unnecessary because the current political tension is still under control.

In regard to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s plan on the emergency order, Justice Minister Chitchai said that the declaration will take place when the situation turns violent. Meanwhile, he has reaffirmed that there has been no interference of the third party during the demonstration. He said he is confident with the officials’ security measures.

He has demanded every agency to inspect the reported details since many rumors have been made during this period. He said that the government is attempting to end conflicts as it has sent its representatives to negotiate with the anti-government groups.

The First Deputy Prime Minister also views that the people will decide by themselves whether the PAD’s demonstration has caused them trouble.

In the meantime, he has confirmed that no political agenda is hidden in regard to the government’s decision to appoint him as the First Deputy Prime Minister.

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

Jai Dee · March 15, 2006

Mr. Somchai believes Thai economy will be affected if PM Thaksin is not re-elected

The President of Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), Mr. Somchai Jitsuchaon (สมชัย จิตสุชน), has asserted that there will be a minor impact on the Thai economy if Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is not re-elected since the country has already overcome the economic crisis.

Mr. Somchai personally views that there will be conflicts in the policies that the current government is working on. He reasoned that many members of the general public already have confidence in the policies of the Thai Rak Thai Party’s administration.

He said it is possible for the Thai Rak Thai Party to be re-elected once again. However, the investigation on the government’s performance will be tensed as well, and therefore, the new administration may not be able to carry out its policies effectively.

The TDRI President said that the new economic policies after the general election should not only be considered by the Cabinet, but a special administration commission should be set up to look after the matter as well.

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

Jai Dee · March 15, 2006

Finance Minister has asserted that foreign investors still show its interest in investing in Thailand's mega-projects during the ongoing political tension

Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya (ทนง พิทยะ) has asserted that foreign investors still show their interest in investing in Thailand's mega-projects despite the ongoing political tension.

He disclosed that all concerned ministries are continuing their duties in carryout the mega-projects albeit the current political mire. The ministries are now primarily study the details of the projects and preparing their readiness in various areas. However, the investors will have to wait for the new government administration before they can invest in the mega-projects. Mr. Thanong said he hopes that the situation will alleviate soon.

Foreign investors have shown no sign of slowdown because they consider that the current demonstration is implementing in line with the democratic regime and in a peaceful manner. He, however, said that if the demonstration has lengthened to six months or even a year, it might affect the investment eventually.

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

Jai Dee · March 15, 2006

Gen. Prem indicates that this time is inappropriate to express his view during this current political situation

The Privy Council President and Statesman, General Prem Tinsulanonda (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์) has indicated that it is inappropriate for him to express his views on the current political situation at the moment.

Gen. Prem presided over an opening ceremony of a project to help the southern local people. During the ceremony, he gave a speech to 60 youngsters who are joining this project. He said this project aims at relieving violence in the Deep South. He also instructed the youngsters to simultaneously study the courses provided by the Education Ministry and the religious principles. He has deemed that the restive situations in the Deep South have derived from misunderstandings.

At the same time, Privy Councilor General Surayud Julanon (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์) has refused to disclose his opinion over the current political turmoil as well. He suggested that the best solution to end this rift is by having a negotiation between the government and its anti-government group.

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

Jai Dee · March 15, 2006

Amata Foundation indicates that the current political instability has caused a slowdown of the investment in Thailand

The President of Amata (อมตะ) Foundation, Mr. Vigrom Grommadit (วิกรม กรมดิษฐ์), has indicated that the current political instability has caused a slowdown in the investment in Thailand, while demanding the government and its opponents to dissolve conflicts within one month; otherwise, grass-root people will receive the hugest impact.

He said that foreign investors have holdup their investments at this period of time. He said the foreign businesses relating to electronics have turned to invest in Vietnam instead, and as a result, Thailand has lost its potential investment budget of more than 300 million US dollars. Besides, Thailand has to temporarily suspend its project on setting the country as the hub of electronic appliances.

He said that if the new government is unable to place confidence among investors, Thailand’s economy will still fluctuate.

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

Jai Dee · March 15, 2006

Luang Pho Khoon has encouraged PM to continue his role

The well-known abbot of the Ban Rai (วัดบ้านไร่) Temple, Luang Pho Khoon Parisutho (หลวงพ่อคูณ ปริสุทโธ), has encouraged Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to continue his role, while reiterating to every unit to help solve the problems. The premier has affirmed that he will travel to the Government House tomorrow at around 10:00 hours, in order to chair the meeting with the board members who are responsible in organizing the grand event to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 60th year of accession to the throne.

This afternoon, the premier had a discussion with Luang Pho Khoon at Suthajinda (สุทธจินดา) Temple, where the press members were allowed to hear the discussion and to question about the current political situation.

Luang Pho Khoon said that Dr. Thaksin is a good man who devotes himself for the country, while demanding the premier to develop the country and eradicate narcotics.

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

kyselak · March 15, 2006

=Thai PM says tactical, temporary withdrawal an option=

By Trirat Puttajanyawong

BURIRAM, Thailand, March 15 (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister

Thaksin Shinawatra, battling a growing campaign to oust him,

gave his first indication on Wednesday that stepping aside

temporarily to defuse the crisis was an option.

But he also indicated that he was not yet ready to accept a

suggestion to have him name one of his deputies as caretaker

prime minister while political reforms demanded by the

opposition were thrashed out.

"It is a good suggestion," Thaksin said during a campaign

stop in the northeast for a snap election he called for April

2. The three main opposition parties are boycotting the poll,

saying it cannot be fair with him in charge.

But then he added in response to a question: "No, I haven't

thought of taking a break."

"I hope this is not something you had already written

before you came to put these words in my mouth," he told

reporters.

"I consider all ideas which people raise," Thaksin said.

"I will disclose my decision only when the time is right

and the decision will be based on the benefit of the country,

not influenced by the demands of those losers."

With thousands of protesters camped outside his office at

Government House in central Bangkok and vowing to stay until he

quits, Thaksin has offered to set up a neutral body to reform

the constitution and hold another election within 15 months.

The opposition turned that down flat, saying no panel he

appointed could be neutral.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Thaksin, accused of corruption and abuse of power by an

extra-parliamentary coalition trying to oust him, said his

staff had been in contact with all parties making suggestions

to end the political turmoil he said was hurting the economy.

"Of course, it has an impact on the economy," Thaksin said

after 100,000 protesters marched to his office on Tuesday

morning following an all-night rally demanding that he quit. He

has declared frequently he will not bow to "mob rule".

David Marshall, managing director of Asia financial

institutions at Fitch Ratings, told Reuters the agency might

have to cut its economic growth forecast if the crisis

persisted.

"I think we probably won't do that if the political

problems can be resolved within a matter of weeks, but if they

persist for a month, it will have a negative impact on the

economy and then we may have to take another look," he said.

Sriyan Pietersz, head of research at JPMorgan in Thailand

said the crisis could put off foreign investors.

"If you are a sensible investor you want to know that the

underlying conditions determining that investment will not

change," he said.

Fears of violence have been rife since the anti-Thaksin

campaign caught fire in late January following his family's

tax-free $1.9 billion sale of the business empire he founded to

a Singapore state investment firm.

Thaksin said on Tuesday he would declare a state of

emergency if the demonstrations got out of hand, an act that

could bring troops onto the streets of a country with a long

and relatively recent history of coups.

Military chiefs, however, said they saw no reason for an

emergency decree at the moment.

The anti-Thaksin campaign has been peaceful so far, but

there is fear that violence would erupt if thousands of

government supporters travelling to Bangkok come near the

Thaksin foes.

About 6,000 farmers with hundreds of trucks and tractors

were heading down from the north and were expected to arrive on

the outskirts of the capital later on Wednesday.

Police said they had persuaded the Thaksin supporters to

stay away from Government House to avoid a potential

confrontation.

REUTERS

150828 Mrz 06

ENDOFMSG

kyselak · March 15, 2006

Thai snap poll may have to be delayed

BANGKOK, March 15 (Reuters) - Thailand's snap election on

April 2 may have to be postponed because it is unlikely to

yield the full 500-seat parliament required by the constitution

to name a prime minister, the Election Commission (EC) said on

Wednesday.

EC chairman Wassana Permlap told reporters he believed the

election, being boycotted by the three main opposition parties,

could not produce the required quota of 100 "party list"

parliamentary candidates.

He also said there was also a "high probability" that some

of the remaining 400 constituency seats would not be filled.

"We are thinking about it," Wassana replied when asked if

the EC was considering a postponement.

"We could meet today or tomorrow to discuss among ourselves

what to do next," he said when asked when the four-member EC

would decide on a postponement.

Under the constitution, the elections must be held within

60 days after parliament is dissolved, which Thaksin did on Feb

24.

The election will be deemed completed only if winners can

be declared for all 500 seats -- 100 party-list seats and 400

constituency seats -- and a complete lower house parliament

must be convened within 30 days to name a prime minister.

But there have been many factors which could prevent the

election of a complete parliament, Wassana said.

The boycott means candidates from Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai

(Thais Love Thais) party will be unopposed in 271 of the 400

constituencies and they would need 20 percent of the eligible

vote to be elected, he said.

Analysts said there were constituencies where that was

unlikely, especially in the mainly Muslim south where more than

1,100 people have been killed in a two-year separatist

insurgency. Thai Rak Thai did not win a single seat from the

region in the last election in February 2005.

Wassana said by-elections would have to be held in

constituencies where no candidate got 20 percent of the

eligible vote until one did.

For the party list, each party is required to submit up to

100 names and must get at least 5 percent of the popular vote

to win one seat.

With the main opposition parties boycotting the election,

it was very unlikely that other small parties could get that 5

percent, Wassana said.

Thai Rak Thai cannot get all 100 because one of its

candidates on the party list withdrew after the final deadline

to become a monk, saying he hoped that would mean an incomplete

parliament and the feuding parties would have to talk to find a

way out of the crisis.

Lourens · March 15, 2006

=Thai PM says tactical, temporary withdrawal an option=
But then he added in response to a question: "No, I haven't

thought of taking a break."

"I hope this is not something you had already written

before you came to put these words in my mouth," he told

reporters.

And then the wonderful BBC just announced that Taksin is considering a break.

Jai Dee · March 15, 2006

The Democrat Party has changed its strategy of clarification address

The Democrat Party has changed its strategy in making an address to the general public. The party will not emphasize the reason why it has decided to boycott the upcoming general election, but it will now focus on disclosing corruption issues under Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's administration.

He has informed that Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) and the party's Chief Advisor, Mr. Chuan Leekpai (ชวน หลีกภัย), are scheduled to give an address in Trang (ตรัง) and Phatthalung (พัทลุง) Provinces.

Meanwhile, a former Democrat Party MP in Songkhla Province, Mr. Thavorn Sennium (ถาวร เสนเนียม), has handed a letter to the Election Commission (EC). The message of the letter opposes the issuance of a certification to ensure the candidates' qualifications. He alleged that many candidates, who come from small political parties, have incomplete qualifications. He said that there is a big party behind this action in order to avoid the election regulation.

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

bulmercke · March 15, 2006

One of my neighbours - a staunch Thai Lak Thai canvasser and supporter - was reportedly seen early this morning, sat alone, outside at a table in the soi, drinking heavily and mumbling incomprensibly to himself.

Is this a further sign of the times?

Edited March 15, 2006 by bulmercke

Jai Dee · March 15, 2006

Democrat party believes no third party is trying to overthrow the government in the demonstration of PAD

Democrat Spokesperson Ong-art Klampaiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์) is confident that there is no third party in the rally of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who is trying to bring down Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s government administration. He commented that the Prime Minister raised the third party issue during his grand speech because he can use it as an excuse.

Mr. Ong-art said that the Democrat Party has evaluated the current political situation and the demonstration of the PAD. He said there has been no sign from any party that it would like to overthrow the current government by creating certain situations.

He also added that no information has been given that narcotics or illegal lottery dealers are behind the gathering.

The Democrat Party Spokesperson said that the information provided by the premier during his speech was to create anxiety among the demonstrators.

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

h90 · March 15, 2006

The Democrat Party has changed its strategy of clarification address
The Democrat Party has changed its strategy in making an address to the general public. The party will not emphasize the reason why it has decided to boycott the upcoming general election, but it will now focus on disclosing corruption issues under Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's administration.

He has informed that Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) and the party's Chief Advisor, Mr. Chuan Leekpai (ชวน หลีกภัย), are scheduled to give an address in Trang (ตรัง) and Phatthalung (พัทลุง) Provinces.

Meanwhile, a former Democrat Party MP in Songkhla Province, Mr. Thavorn Sennium (ถาวร เสนเนียม), has handed a letter to the Election Commission (EC). The message of the letter opposes the issuance of a certification to ensure the candidates' qualifications. He alleged that many candidates, who come from small political parties, have incomplete qualifications. He said that there is a big party behind this action in order to avoid the election regulation.

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

I like the democrates but what do they tell in trang and phatthalung, does he want to get from 99.5 to 99.6 % aggreement?

Plus · March 15, 2006

What do you mean?

bulmercke · March 15, 2006

Democrat party believes no third party is trying to overthrow the government in the demonstration of PAD
Democrat Spokesperson Ong-art Klampaiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์) is confident that there is no third party in the rally of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who is trying to bring down Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s government administration. He commented that the Prime Minister raised the third party issue during his grand speech because he can use it as an excuse.

Mr. Ong-art said that the Democrat Party has evaluated the current political situation and the demonstration of the PAD. He said there has been no sign from any party that it would like to overthrow the current government by creating certain situations.

He also added that no information has been given that narcotics or illegal lottery dealers are behind the gathering.

The Democrat Party Spokesperson said that the information provided by the premier during his speech was to create anxiety among the demonstrators.

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

"He also added that no information has been given that narcotics or illegal lottery dealers are behind the gathering."

This is what really riles Thaksin...that his opponents and the anti-Thaksin protesters are decent, civil people with no ulterior motive other than to topple him from power.

They can achieve their objectives through peaceful protest!

And further, they are peaceful types who haven't resorted to disobedient or unlawful means to achieve their goal.

This is what must really irk him!

This evening the BBC's Kylie Morris was interviewed by Thailand's channel 7 news and she remarked that it was very impressive that a demonstration of such magnitude could take place without any untoward or violent incidents and it was, indeed, a credit to Thai people.

And citizens in other countries should learn from this Thai approach - that a major demonstration doesn't neccessarily have to precipitate a violent confrontation.

george · March 15, 2006

APRIL 2 ELECTION

Poll could be a waste of funds: EC

More than 300 candidates already disqualified; delay looks likely

The Election Commission is considering postponing the election because over one-third of the candidates have been disqualified, leaving more than half of the constituencies in 71 provinces with just one candidate, EC chairman Vasana Puemlarp said yesterday.

"We are thinking of [postponing the election day] because of the information we have now," Vasana said.

"I have asked myself whether it would be a waste of state funds if the election goes ahead and a House of Representatives cannot convene and a government cannot be formed," he said.

"I am worried that the EC may not be able to ensure a perfect election. This is a big issue. It's not easy to make a decision about this. But we will have to do it soon," the EC chief said.

The election is currently scheduled to be held on April 2. A new election would have to be held by April 25 because of constitutional requirements that a poll be organised within 60 days of a House dissolution.

Of the 941 candidates registered earlier this month, 320 have failed to qualify, mostly because of they held dual party membership or failed to meet the 90-day rule, Vasana said yesterday.

A total of 271 out of the 400 constituencies in 71 provinces have just one candidate contesting, according to the EC chief.

Samut Sakhon's Constituency 3 is likely to have no candidate after Thai Rak Thai's Udom Kraiwatnusorn was also disqualified. A Supreme Court ruling is expected tomorrow on whether the EC order stands, following an appeal by Udom.

Vasana said the polling agency was going to request the Supreme Court revoke the right of another 84 candidates who had earlier been endorsed by regional EC offices but were later found to lack certain qualifications.

"If the court agrees, there will be more constituencies with just one candidate," he said.

Earlier in the day, election commissioner Prinya Nakchudtree said it was likely the agency would go ahead with the April 2 general election. "As of now, we will have to go ahead as planned," Prinya said.

However, he said the EC would postpone the election if political parties agreed to that. But certain major parties had told the agency they would not take part in the election even if it was set back, he said.

--The Nation 2006-03-16

ColPyat · March 15, 2006

The Democrat Party has changed its strategy of clarification address
The Democrat Party has changed its strategy in making an address to the general public. The party will not emphasize the reason why it has decided to boycott the upcoming general election, but it will now focus on disclosing corruption issues under Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's administration.

He has informed that Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) and the party's Chief Advisor, Mr. Chuan Leekpai (ชวน หลีกภัย), are scheduled to give an address in Trang (ตรัง) and Phatthalung (พัทลุง) Provinces.

Meanwhile, a former Democrat Party MP in Songkhla Province, Mr. Thavorn Sennium (ถาวร เสนเนียม), has handed a letter to the Election Commission (EC). The message of the letter opposes the issuance of a certification to ensure the candidates' qualifications. He alleged that many candidates, who come from small political parties, have incomplete qualifications. He said that there is a big party behind this action in order to avoid the election regulation.

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

That's excellent.

Changing strategy towards the people who anyhow vote for them.

When might they think changing strategy might be in order to sway the TRT voters in the north and Isaarn? Haven't really heard them making any sort of speaches there yet.

I never thought i gonna say this, but slowly i think we might be better off with Thaksin for a while, than what might come after him.

So far, neither the parliamentary opposition nor the PAD appear to have made any contingency plans, or wasted any thought on that these upcountry folks will get seriously pissed off if Thaksin gets forced out. Regardless what one may think about Thaksin (and yes, i do think he should be tried for numerous crimes one day), millions of upcountry folks are supporting him in a way they have never supported any politician.

If the opposition will not VERY fast find a way to convince these people not only that Thaksin is a crook, but also that they can do it better, i see only two things happening: Either Thaksin will come back with a vehemence, or somebody far worse will get in with the same strategy Thaksin has used, taking advantage of the enormous rift in Thai society.

Some people here on the board, and many in the leadership of the PAD seem to disregard completely the support Thaksin has upcountry. I don't think that these upcountry folks will tolerate much longer to be treated that way. Especially not after Thaksin has managed to politicise them. The old days of handing out a few Baht at election times not bee seen again until the next electionare over now.

I think the difficult times have just begun, and forcing Thaksin out will lead to a long time of instability that might easily end up in a coup. The phenomenon Thaksin is only a symptom of a far larger issue in Thai society, and that issue might come into the open soon: a completely fractionalised society behind that thin veneer of the Land of Smile.

sriracha john · March 15, 2006

The Democrat Party has changed its strategy of clarification address

The Democrat Party has changed its strategy in making an address to the general public. The party will not emphasize the reason why it has decided to boycott the upcoming general election, but it will now focus on disclosing corruption issues under Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's administration.

He has informed that Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) and the party's Chief Advisor, Mr. Chuan Leekpai (ชวน หลีกภัย), are scheduled to give an address in Trang (ตรัง) and Phatthalung (พัทลุง) Provinces.

Meanwhile, a former Democrat Party MP in Songkhla Province, Mr. Thavorn Sennium (ถาวร เสนเนียม), has handed a letter to the Election Commission (EC). The message of the letter opposes the issuance of a certification to ensure the candidates' qualifications. He alleged that many candidates, who come from small political parties, have incomplete qualifications. He said that there is a big party behind this action in order to avoid the election regulation.

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

That's excellent.

Changing strategy towards the people who anyhow vote for them.

When might they think changing strategy might be in order to sway the TRT voters in the north and Isaarn? Haven't really heard them making any sort of speaches there yet.

With all due respect to the reliability of TNNBPRD...I don't believe that too much validity should be placed into this report as it's written.

Who exactly is the "He" mentioned in the first sentence of the 2nd paragraph? All I can sort out from the sentence structure is that "He" is the Democrat Party, which I thought was an entity and not a singular person.

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

EC must push back poll date

The opposition's boycott of the April 2 snap election has made the upcoming poll a one-horse race, with the ruling Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party predicted to take almost all of the 400 constituency seats under contest, plus the 100 party list seats, even though more than a dozen little-known parties have also fielded candidates in the contest. The entry of these small and insignificant parties is window dressing by Thai Rak Thai to give some legitimacy to the hastily-arranged election.

None of these parties is likely to win any seats at all unless of course the TRT decides otherwise, to spare them a couple of seats so as to give the impression that it does not enjoy complete domination of the next House.

Even some candidates of these parties could not recall the names of their party leaders when asked by reporters as they registered their candidacy a week ago.

But as the day of reckoning draws closer, it is becoming more and more apparent that the forthcoming poll will likely turn into a circus with a politically nightmarish ending.

Dozens of unknown candidates have already been disqualified by the Election Commission for their failure to meet the 90-day party membership requirement, leaving the constituencies open to TRT candidates.

And more are likely to be disqualified by the election watchdog. Even if they can appeal their cases to the Supreme Court, the verdicts are not expected before the vote.

The disqualification of several unknown candidates, especially in constituencies where the TRT does not enjoy strong public support such as in the southern provinces where the ruling party won just one seat in the last general election, amounts to the opening of a Pandora's box.

For the TRT, this means their candidates will have to receive 20% of the eligible votes to be declared the winners _ which may prove unachievable, particularly in light of the election boycott.

In which case fresh elections will have to be held until successful candidates are elected, otherwise the opening of parliament would not be possible without a full House of 500 members.

Apart from the grim prospect of repeated elections, the recent decision of TRT party list candidate Premsak Piayura to enter the monkhood has also complicated matters.

Assuming that the TRT will win all the 100 list MP seats _ which is a certainty given the absence of any real challenge from the contesting parties _ Mr Premsak's disqualification for entering the monkhood will render the ruling party one seat short of the 100 required for the opening of parliament.

With parliament unable to convene its first sitting, it will not be possible to pick a prime minister and a government cannot be formed.

Therefore, the country will be thrown into a political vacuum _ neither a functioning parliament nor a functioning government.

The Election Commission must realise that it may never achieve the 500-membership target no matter how many fresh elections it is empowered to hold, because of the anticipated strong public opposition to the snap election, especially in the deep South.

To proceed with the election will only invite more trouble and, possibly, yet another political impasse.

It is time the Election Commission put national interest before that of any political party's.

The Election Commission must postpone the farce now, by extending the vote to the last of the 60-day limit.

The opposition would probably welcome this and might be prompted to rethink their stand and return to the ballot box once the ongoing political crisis tapers off.

- BP

16/03/06

Edited March 15, 2006 by sriracha john

Jai Dee · March 16, 2006

With all due respect to the reliability of TNNBPRD...I don't believe that too much validity should be placed into this report as it's written.
Who exactly is the "He" mentioned in the first sentence of the 2nd paragraph? All I can sort out from the sentence structure is that "He" is the Democrat Party, which I thought was an entity and not a singular person.

Exactly SJ... the bulletins issued by the TNNBPRD are translated into English by Thais... who whilst they normally do a pretty fair job, sometimes the translation loses a little bit of coherence in the process.

Anyway, here is the latest:

Prime Minister's itinerary for March 16

The itinerary of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra today will involve a 6:30 AM departure from the Royal Princess Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel to return to Bangkok. Along the way the Prime Minister will host the opening of the Cowboy restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima.

At 8:40 AM, Mr. Thaksin will travel to meet with supporters who have traveled from the northern regions to meet him, and are awaiting his arrival at Wang Noi (วังน้อย) district of Ayutthaya.

The Prime Minister will reach Bangkok at 10 AM and will shortly thereafter arrive at the Santimitree (สันติไมตรี) government headquarters to host a meeting to discuss the preparations to commemorate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's ascension to the throne.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 March 2006

Jai Dee · March 16, 2006

Disqualification of MP candidates may pose problems to advanced election, said EC secretary-general.

Secretary-general of the Election Commission (EC) Major-general Ekachai Varunprapha (เอกชัย วารุณประภา) commented on the disqualification of 84 MP candidates, saying that it may pose slight problems to the electoral pre-voting on March 25th and 26th.

Major-general Ekachai said that the EC will file lawsuits to the Supreme Court to decide whether the 84 candidates are qualified to run for MPs positions.

The EC Secretary-general also said that 490,000 people have said they want to cast their ballots in advance on March 25-26.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 March 2006

Jai Dee · March 16, 2006

3 MP candidates in Pitsanulok have been disqualified, leaving the province with only candidates from TRT.

Phitsanulok (พิษณุโลก) Election Commission prepares to file a lawsuit to a provincial court to revoke rights of the candidates from Kon Kor Plod Nee (คนขอปลดหนี้) party and the Thai Farmers Party, after finding that the candidates do not meet the 90-day party membership requirements. The move will leave the province will only candidates from the Thai Rak Thai party in all constituencies.

Pitsanulok EC official, Supoj Preuksawan (สุพจน์ พฤกษะวัน) said that after the EC inspected qualifications of MP candidates, it has found that candidate from the Kon Koh Plod Nee (คนขอปลดหนี้) party for constituency 1, Poomkhom Srinara (พูมคม ศรีนรา) and for constituency 3, Thassani Panyuak (ทัศนีย์ ปั้นหยวก), as well as Pramoj Pengcharoen (ปราโมทย์ เพ็งเจริญ) from the Thai Farmers Party who run sfor constituency 5, do not register with the said political parties.

He said the Central EC has confirmed that the three candidates do not meet the 90-day party membership requirement, adding that the directors of all three constituencies will file lawsuits for the provincial court to disqualify and revoke their rights as MP candidates.

Mr. Supoj said that the disqualification of the three will leave the province with only candidates from the Thai Rak Thai party.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 March 2006

Jai Dee · March 16, 2006

Gen. Prem urged all sides to find the best way out of the current conflicts.

Privy Council Chairman and statesman General Prem Tinsulanonda (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์) urged all sides to find the best way out of the current conflicts, adding that they should consider peace and harmony of the general public.

General Prem spoke to reporters about the current political situation that all sides related to the current political situation should find a way to solve problems, as they are all knowledgeable adults who can be a precious asset of the country.

He said that the involved parties should think and do the best for the nation and the people. He added that all parties should think how to end the current conflicts, expressing hope that they will be able to find a way to stop the current political turmoil soon.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 March 2006

Jai Dee · March 16, 2006

PM changed his plan to go to Government House for security reasons

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra went to Foreign Ministry instead of Government House to chair a meeting for security reasons.

Thaksin who returned from his northeastern trip headed to Foreign Ministry to chair a meeting of a committee in charge of preparing commemoration for HM the King's 60 years on the Throne.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News - March 16, 2006 10:34 am

Jai Dee · March 16, 2006