Latest Developments on the Election Front

[lukamar]

Abhisit and his leadership have to travel through villages, stay in villages, eat with villagers, listen to their problems and convince them that handing out money will not solve their problems. They have to convince those villagers that they have programs that will help them long term.

I agree. They will also have to deliver on the programs and promises they make to the northerners. The bigest problem the Democrats will have is to convince the urban supporters that they are not selling out to the majority rural voter base and that they are not just becoming a TRT clone. If the urban voters feel they are being sold out after their support on the rallies, they may turn on the Democrats, very fast.

[Jai Dee]

Fewer people are expected to cast ballots overseas this year.

The Election Commission (EC) has indicated that fewer number of voters overseas are expected to cast their votes this year, due to the short period of time.

Secretary-General of the EC, Major-General Ekkachai Warunprapa (เอกชัย วารุณประภา) commented on vote-casting of Thais living abroad during March 17th to 26th that the EC has received reports that people have come to vote at the Thai embassies and consulates. He added that all ballots will be assembled and sent back to Thailand. The ballots will then be separated according to the people’s real addresses in Thailand, awaiting results on April 2nd.

The EC Secretary-general admitted that fewer people may come to vote this year, as they have only a short notice of the election. The overseas election this year will be carried out in 63 countries. Around 120,000 people have declared their intention to cast their votes. In 2005, 110,000 people declared their intention to vote while 40,000 people or 40% came to vote in the general election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 March 2006

[Plus]

It's not like Democrats don't have any presense in Isan. They used to have 30-40 MPs there - not as much as their rivals but something. They were totally crashed in the last elections though.

Without central support TRT candidates will have much harder time to maintain their dominance. Locally TRT's MPs don't have any special policies that would differentiate them from Democrats.

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Prommin has denied involvement in the money-giving accusation.

Deputy Secretary of the Thai Rak Thai Party Prommin Lertsuridej (พรหมินทร์ เลิศสุริย์เดช) insisted that he is not behind the small parties’ applications for the elections, while saying that he has prepared to sue the Secretary-General of the Democrat Party for such allegation.

Dr. Prommin commented on the accusation that he gave financial support to small parties to run in the April 2nd election that the accusation is groundless, adding that he has prepared to file a libel charge against the accuser. He said that the party will also look at legal provisions to see whether the accusation can be linked to the Election Act or the Political Party Act. However, he insisted that he and the Thai Rak Thai Party is not related in such actions, as accused.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

General Thammarak prepares to file a lawsuit against those accusing him of involvement in election fraud.

Deputy leader of Thai Rak Thai party General Thammarak Issarangkul na Ayudhaya (ธรรมรักษ์ อิศรางกูร ณ อยุธยา) prepares to file a lawsuit against those accusing him of involvement in election fraud.

General Thammarak denied accusation by MP candidate for Bangkok Noi district from the Pattanachartthai (พัฒนาชาติไทย) party indicating that he was behind the financial support for the Pattanachartthai party candidates in the election. He said that he is overseeing the Northeastern region and for the past two weeks, has been in the areas. He said that the accusation is aimed at disrupting the election by using his name. He added that he has prepared to file a lawsuit against his accuser.

Meanwhile, the Democrat party’s secretary-general Sutep Tuagsuban (สุเทพ เทือกสุบรรณ) said that he is not concerned about General Thammarak’s lawsuit, adding that he is confident about evidence he has received concerning the case. He said that he has cooperated with the party’s legal department in investigating witnesses and personally compiling evidence related to the matters. He also urged General Thammarak to file the lawsuit, so that the investigation process can begin. He added that he wants the whole case to end before April 2nd election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

EC has prepared evidence to prove their innocence in the Democrat party's accusation about election fraud.

Election Commission (EC) Secretary-general Major General Ek-ka-chai Warunprapa (เอกชัย วารุณประภา) said that the Democrat Party’s accusation about the Thai Rak Thai party’s election fraud is a normal political practice, adding that the EC has prepared evidence to prove their innocence in matters related to the election.

General Ek-ka-chai said that it is normal for political parties to release information accusing the other side of election fraud, adding that the accused party can file a lawsuit if it sees that the accusation has caused damages to the party. He added that the EC has prepared evidence to prove their innocence in matters that the Democrat has mentioned the EC. He added that the Democrat party should pinpoint clearly the EC officials they said are responsible for the election fraud, as mentioning the EC tarnishes the whole organization. He said that the legal division is compiling evidence on the matters, adding that if the accusations cause damage to the EC, it is prepared to file a counter lawsuit. However, he said that the EC has not received any proofs, as suggested by the Democrat party.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson of the Democrat party Ong-art Klampaiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์) said that he has presented additional documents about election fraud to the EC president, adding that today, the party’s secretary-general Mr. Suthep Tuagsuban (สุเทพ เทือกสุบรรณ) will testify to the EC.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

The tripartite meeting to find solutions to end the current political conflicts failed yesterday, as the related parties cannot reach an agreement on live broadcast of the debates

The tripartite meeting to find solutions to end the current political conflicts failed yesterday, as the related parties cannot reach an agreement on live broadcast of the debate stage.

The three parties met at Ban Manangkasila (บ้านมนังคศิลา) yesterday to find a way out of the current political turmoil. Representative of the People’s Alliance of Democracy (PAD) was Mr. Suriyasai Katasila (สุริยะใส กตะศิลา), while the opposition bloc sent Mr. Sathit Wongnongtoey (สาทิตย์ วงศ์หนองเตย) to attend the meeting. The government’s representative was the government’s spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี). However, the meeting ended with no conclusions as the parties did not accept proposals of the other sides, especially on the issue of live broadcast of the debate. The government side believes that there is no need for such live broadcast, adding that the broadcasting of the debate will deepen social division. Meanwhile, the PAD and the opposition bloc insisted that live broadcast of the events will bring more transparency to the current political situation, adding that the government must not have any preconditions in this negotiation.

Meanwhile, the P-net, the organizer of the debate, insisted that on March 22nd, representatives from all three sides will be invited for another meeting before the debate takes place on March 24th. He said that if the three parties do not send representatives to the meeting, the P-net will make a public statement to the people regarding the current situation.

Mr. Sathit, also an executive member of the Democrat party, said that the opposition parties agree to attend the debate in a public arena without any preconditions, but if the Thai Rak Thai has any requirement that they will use the results of the debate in elections, the opposition will boycott the debate, as it does not want to endorse the election. He said that the opposition parties will not attend the March 22 meeting, but will attend the March 24 debate, if the Thai Rak Thai Party does not propose any prerequisites.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Somkid stated the current situation has caused less public spending

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak (สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์) said prior to the Cabinet meeting at the Government House that the current economic situation is still normal. However, he admitted that the investors are worried about the long term impacts.

Moreover, Dr. Somkid revealed that the current political turmoil has caused less public spending. He said the government is trying its best to take care of the impacts on the national GDP.

As for the reports made by the retail businesses that the amount of sales at the department stores has dropped 4-5 percent, the Commerce Minister said it is due to the political stability matters, and people do not feel like spending during this period.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 March 2006

[sriracha john]

EC has prepared evidence to prove their innocence in the Democrat party's accusation about election fraud.

Election Commission (EC) Secretary-general Major General Ek-ka-chai Warunprapa (เอกชัย วารุณประภา) said that the Democrat Party’s accusation about the Thai Rak Thai party’s election fraud is a normal political practice, adding that the EC has prepared evidence to prove their innocence in matters related to the election.

General Ek-ka-chai said that it is normal for political parties to release information accusing the other side of election fraud, adding that the accused party can file a lawsuit if it sees that the accusation has caused damages to the party. He added that the EC has prepared evidence to prove their innocence in matters that the Democrat has mentioned the EC. He added that the Democrat party should pinpoint clearly the EC officials they said are responsible for the election fraud, as mentioning the EC tarnishes the whole organization. He said that the legal division is compiling evidence on the matters, adding that if the accusations cause damage to the EC, it is prepared to file a counter lawsuit. However, he said that the EC has not received any proofs, as suggested by the Democrat party.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson of the Democrat party Ong-art Klampaiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์) said that he has presented additional documents about election fraud to the EC president, adding that today, the party’s secretary-general Mr. Suthep Tuagsuban (สุเทพ เทือกสุบรรณ) will testify to the EC.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 March 2006

Hmmm... does anyone know if within the Election Committee (EC), which position is higher? The "Chairman" or the "Secretary General"???.

The reason I ask is because the "S-G" above proclaims the EC's innocent of any staff wrong-doing while the "C" below acknowledges that three EC staff have been transferred pending investigation, which at least gives rise to some degree of suspicion of guilt.

Secondly, the "S-G" is demanding that the Democrat Party identify the EC staff, while the "C" apparently knows who they are, that although he declined to identify them, he did transfer them... so I hope we can presume he knows which staff he is transferring, yes?

Do the "S-G" and the "C" know each other? Do they communicate?

Officials in charge of database transferred

The Election Commission (EC) has ordered the transfer of three officials pending an investigation into the Democrat party's allegation that electoral officials manipulated data to enable small parties to run in the April 2 election.

Pol Gen Wassana Permlarp, the EC chairman, did not name the three officials but said they handled the commission's database on political parties. The transfer is to allow a 16-member subcommittee to finish its probe by March 29, he said.

Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban on Thursday said EC officials had been hired to hack into the commission's database, and accused three Thai Rak Thai (TRT) executives of being involved in a bid to enable disqualified candidates to run in the April 2 poll.

- BP

[sriracha john]

However, the meeting ended with no conclusions as the parties did not accept proposals of the other sides, especially on the issue of live broadcast of the debate. The government side believes that there is no need for such live broadcast, adding that the broadcasting of the debate will deepen social division. Meanwhile, the PAD and the opposition bloc insisted that live broadcast of the events will bring more transparency to the current political situation, adding that the government must not have any preconditions in this negotiation.

Why is the government so reluctant to accept a live, televised event? The TRT Party prides itself on the buzzword, "transparency," yes? So why does it now want to back down at such a crucial time in Thailand's history to display it's belief in their own principle?

What is the rationale the government uses to say it will deepen social division?

Edited March 21, 2006 by sriracha john

[ColPyat]

It's not like Democrats don't have any presense in Isan. They used to have 30-40 MPs there - not as much as their rivals but something. They were totally crashed in the last elections though.

Without central support TRT candidates will have much harder time to maintain their dominance. Locally TRT's MPs don't have any special policies that would differentiate them from Democrats.

There are wo main reasons why they have crashed.

1) they have relied on the old local patronage sythem of not interfering with local influental people while TRT has successfully undermined and replaced this sythem with its populist policies, speaking directly to the villagers.

2) the candidate of the Democrats was Banyat, who was initially put over the head of Chuans favourite Abhisit by Sanan, who then even left the Democrats. Banyat's only campaign policy was begging to people to also give him some votes so that there will be a functioning opposition. He had no policies whtsoever. This is obviously not really building up voter confidence.

[sriracha john]

Mr. Somkid stated the current situation has caused less public spending

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak (สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์) said prior to the Cabinet meeting at the Government House that the current economic situation is still normal. However, he admitted that the investors are worried about the long term impacts.

Moreover, Dr. Somkid revealed that the current political turmoil has caused less public spending. He said the government is trying its best to take care of the impacts on the national GDP.

As for the reports made by the retail businesses that the amount of sales at the department stores has dropped 4-5 percent, the Commerce Minister said it is due to the political stability matters, and people do not feel like spending during this period.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 March 2006

So, c'mon Thailand... spend, spend, spend.... lest we suffer under the yoke of the "evil" IMF once again...

Because all the foreign traders are staying away, it's up to Thailand to run up their accounts to supplant the lost revenue and investments. Remember now, we lost 60,000 Chinese tourists, so we have to replicate their spending, otherwise we'll be placed under the controlling thumb of the IMF.

With the Emporium (or some other mentioned "department store dropped 5 percent") sales off, we have to go there in droves with our MasterCards ablaze and burn up some registers with some big ticket items... otherwise, we'll become a slave to the IMF.

And what's this nonsense about not "feeling like spending"??? C'mon!...Think of Your Country!! Get up right now and march down to Robinsons and blow at least 20,000 baht on your Visa card or better yet, hit up that Bangkok Bank ATM and toss down some cold cash into the system... otherwise, we'll become an indentured servant to the IMF.

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Banyat advises PM Thaksin to consult the ongoing political turmoil with Gen. Chavalit

Deputy Chief Advisor of the Democrat Party Banyat Bantadtan (บัญญัติ บรรทัดฐาน) has advised Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to discuss current political situation with General Chavalit Yongchaiyuth (ชวลิต ยงใจยุทธ) as to compare the situation with the crisis in the year 1998.

Mr. Banyat said the premier should accept the facts that the current situation is not at the critical level. He said the issues are not between three people but it has become a national problem. He stated that it can be seen from the movement of various groups.

As for Prime Minister Thaksin’s decision to ease the turmoil by running in the general election on the 2nd of April, Mr. Banyat said such act would not help solve the problems. However, he believes that it would rather worsen the situation.

The Deputy Chief Advisor of the Democrat Party said the premier should sacrifice for the country. He has advised Prime Minister Thaksin to hold a discussion with former Prime Minister Chavalit who ended the crisis in the year 1998 by resigning from his post.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 March 2006

[Neeranam]

I just heard that Taksin stepped down - is there any truth in this?

I can't see anyone dancing in the streets yet.

[Jai Dee]

Local residents of Chiang Rai province expressed dissatisfaction with Modern 9 TV

Local residents of Chiang Rai (เชียงราย) Province are unpleased with Modern 9 TV station for presenting false news about the number of people who gathered to listen to the speech of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

A few moments ago, 30 local people gathered at the City Hall of Chiang Rai Province during the Cabinet meeting where the premier is the chairperson.

The group presented a wreath to the local news agency of Modern 9 TV as a sign of their anger.

They claimed that the channel has distorted the facts about the number of people who attended the grand address of the premier. The news reported that less number of people gathered at the venue, but over 100,000 people gathered to listen to the speech of Prime Minister Thaksin.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

I just heard that Taksin stepped down - is there any truth in this?

I can't see anyone dancing in the streets yet.

No bulletins issued by any of the usual sources yet Neeranam.

[sriracha john]

I just heard that Taksin stepped down - is there any truth in this?

I can't see anyone dancing in the streets yet.

heard how? where?

[kyselak]

Thai PM's countryside rallies highlight rich-poor divide

by Sarah Stewart

CHIANG RAI, Thailand, March 21, 2006 (AFP) - Pelted with red

roses and deafened by cheers, Thaksin Shinawatra's triumphant

countryside rallies are highlighting a divide between Thailand's

urban elite and its rural masses.

With the premier's office in Bangkok besieged by protesters

urging him to quit, and calls for a compromise to end the political

impasse growing louder, the premier has been taking refuge in his

rural strongholds.

On Monday night he addressed a rapturous crowd of 50,000 people

in this northern town near the infamous drug-producing Golden

Triangle, exploiting the perception gap that has widened into

hostility in recent months.

Deriding protest leaders as "Bangkok people", he accused them of

ignoring the landslide election victory he scored last year, and

said that "academics and senators" in the capital were waging a

vendetta against him.

"They want a new government, but they forget there is big

support for this government," he said after bounding onto the stage

at a local stadium.

"Do you think I should resign or should I fight?" he roared at

the crowd, who brandished thousands of Thai flags and yelled back:

"Thaksin, Fight fight!"

Since early February, the prime minister's opponents have staged

a series of demonstrations in Bangkok drawing tens of thousands of

people accusing him of corruption and abuse of power.

In their straw hats and ragged shirts, the crowds at the Chiang

Rai rally were a far cry from the middle-class workers and social

activists who have thronged the anti-Thaksin rallies.

"Within three years I don't want to see any poor people in

Thailand. I want to see every family with a house and a healthcare

card. I want every Thai person to have their own land, with a proper

title deed," the premier told them.

His comments have great resonance here, but less so in the city

where his expensive schemes to boost the rural sector -- debt

relief, investment funds and cheap medical care -- are criticised as

thinly disguised vote-buying.

"What the protesters are doing in Bangkok is not good for the

country... many people here hate the people in Bangkok," said

27-year-old Hataikarn Ponnarat who had forced her way through the

crowds to greet Thaksin as he arrived.

"They think we're lowly educated and that we're stupid because

we're not graduates of their good universities. But you should

remember that most Thais are poor people in the countryside," she

said.

Political analysts say that by neglecting the rural masses, who

account for roughly 60 percent of Thailand's 63 million population,

the urban elites handed Thaksin the opportunity to become the

nation's first populist leader, and virtually unbeatable at the

ballot box.

Thaksin called elections for April 2 in a bid to break the

deadlock, but the polls are now in doubt after the main opposition

parties declared a boycott.

"There is an attitude among the anti-Thaksin camp that the poor

people are stupid and that they don't understand democracy, which is

profoundly elitist," said prominent social commentator and academic

Giles Ungpakorn.

"If a new government comes in which doesn't address the issues

of workers and peasants then there is a danger of social division."

Although both sides accuse each other of paying people to attend

rallies, the emotion in Chiang Rai seems genuine, with a sea of red

roses and heart-shaped stickers in a tribute to the ruling party --

Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais).

Khakamma Thawat, a 46-year-old rice farmer and village chief

stood anxiously at a barricade, trying to pass a box of Buddhist

amulets to one of the policemen guarding the stage.

"I'm unhappy about the protests in Bangkok. We saw Thaksin was

in trouble so we wanted to give him these amulets, they are very old

and sacred," he said.

His village, San Kred Thong, now has a water supply and

electricity thanks to Thaksin's policies, he said.

"We hope these amulets will help him to maintain his position

and to win over his troubles. He's a good person. He gave an

opportunity to the poor people to improve their lives."

sls/gs/pch

AFP 210435 GMT MAR 06

[bulmercke]

Constitutional Court rebuffs EC - The Post -

The Constitutional Court today turned back a request from the Election Commission to consider three election scenarios, because the issues raised by the EC were theoretical.

Constitutional Court Office Secretary-General Paiboon Warahaphaithoon said the judges told the EC to refile any case that came true, but refused to rule on issues which had not happened.

The EC was trying to get a ruling on three matters:

- Whether it had the authority to reopen nominations for MP for Samut Sakhon province, where it threw out the only nominated candidates;

- Whether it could reopen nominations for party-list candidates, after a Thai Rak Thai candidate entered the monkhood and therefore was no longer eligible to run, and,

- What it should to in constituences where no candidate is able to get 20% of the vote in the election, scheduled for April 2 but which may be delayed.

None of these was yet a problem, said the judges, since no action had yet actually occurred.

"If the problems come true then a filing may be made again," said Mr Paiboon.

>>>>>>>>

Why can't the Constitution Court make a ruling on the aforementioned very important and pressing political matters?

Their assistance is wanted by the Election Commission - why else would they be seeking their legal advise.

Again this politically biased Constitution Court - the same court that has sided with Thaksin in the past shows it's true colours and where it's allegiance lies!

They're simply snubbing their noses at the Election Commisssion for having the temerity and courage to question the validity of Thai Lak Thai candidates (and those of minor parties) who aren't qualified to run in this election.

"None of these was yet a problem, said the judges, since no action had yet actually occurred."

What a lame excuse! Another example of the critical divide that is fast emerging in this country!

[h90]

The Constitution Court must be the same people as the technical support of where my server stays, at least the answers are very simillar.

Ticket closed...

Constitutional Court rebuffs EC - The Post -

The Constitutional Court today turned back a request from the Election Commission to consider three election scenarios, because the issues raised by the EC were theoretical.

Constitutional Court Office Secretary-General Paiboon Warahaphaithoon said the judges told the EC to refile any case that came true, but refused to rule on issues which had not happened.

The EC was trying to get a ruling on three matters:

- Whether it had the authority to reopen nominations for MP for Samut Sakhon province, where it threw out the only nominated candidates;

- Whether it could reopen nominations for party-list candidates, after a Thai Rak Thai candidate entered the monkhood and therefore was no longer eligible to run, and,

- What it should to in constituences where no candidate is able to get 20% of the vote in the election, scheduled for April 2 but which may be delayed.

None of these was yet a problem, said the judges, since no action had yet actually occurred.

"If the problems come true then a filing may be made again," said Mr Paiboon.

>>>>>>>>

Why can't the Constitution Court make a ruling on the aforementioned very important and pressing political matters?

Their assistance is wanted by the Election Commission - why else would they be seeking their legal advise.

Again this politically biased Constitution Court - the same court that has sided with Thaksin in the past shows it's true colours and where it's allegiance lies!

They're simply snubbing their noses at the Election Commisssion for having the temerity and courage to question the validity of Thai Lak Thai candidates (and those of minor parties) who aren't qualified to run in this election.

"None of these was yet a problem, said the judges, since no action had yet actually occurred."

What a lame excuse! Another example of the critical divide that is fast emerging in this country!

[cclub75]

They're simply snubbing their noses at the Election Commisssion for having the temerity and courage to question the validity of Thai Lak Thai candidates (and those of minor parties) who aren't qualified to run in this election

It's funny but I have a totally different "reading" than you.

I think the EC is working for Thaksin.

Therefore, they ask the CC a "greenlight" on one or another choice (actually 3).

What does Thaksin want ? An election.

But with the present configuration, this election is seriously flawed.

I imagine the following dialog :

-Hello. My master wants election on 2 of april. But we have some little problems of "organization". It's very anoying. So what should I do in order to claim that we are perfectly legal ?

-Wait for the Thai people vote. I will tell you after.

So this non decision might be good : the game is still open.

You can be sure that after april 2, the court is going to be flooded with requets, appeals etc.

[lukamar]

Hmmm... does anyone know if within the Election Committee (EC), which position is higher? The "Chairman" or the "Secretary General"???.

Section 136. The Election Commission consists of a Chairman and other four Commissioners appointed, by the King with the advice of the Senate, from persons of apparent political impartiality and integrity. The President of the Senate shall countersign the Royal Command appointing the Chairman and Commissioners under paragraph one.

There is no mention in the constitution, or the amendments to it, of a Secretary General of the EC, so my guess the Chairman is the top guy.

[lukamar]

I just heard that Taksin stepped down - is there any truth in this?

I can't see anyone dancing in the streets yet.

heard how? where?

Maybe it was on the front page to the Nation..

[jdinasia]

From the same "The USA isn't ...." source?

[lukamar]

From the same "The USA isn't ...." source?

Yup it is, and I see you still have nothing meaningful to add just another snipe about a quote I made while back that I should have elaborated on more when I posted. It's time you got over it and realized that we do not agree on the current situation and probably never will. I act civil to you and your posts. I reply to them in a respectful manner, even if I do not agree. It's time you did the same.

Edited March 21, 2006 by lukamar

[jdinasia]

Thai PM's countryside rallies highlight rich-poor divide

by Sarah Stewart

CHIANG RAI, Thailand, March 21, 2006 (AFP) - Pelted with red

roses and deafened by cheers, Thaksin Shinawatra's triumphant

countryside rallies are highlighting a divide between Thailand's

urban elite and its rural masses.

With the premier's office in Bangkok besieged by protesters

urging him to quit, and calls for a compromise to end the political

impasse growing louder, the premier has been taking refuge in his

rural strongholds.

On Monday night he addressed a rapturous crowd of 50,000 people

in this northern town near the infamous drug-producing Golden

Triangle, exploiting the perception gap that has widened into

hostility in recent months.

Deriding protest leaders as "Bangkok people", he accused them of

ignoring the landslide election victory he scored last year, and

said that "academics and senators" in the capital were waging a

vendetta against him.

"They want a new government, but they forget there is big

support for this government," he said after bounding onto the stage

at a local stadium.

"Do you think I should resign or should I fight?" he roared at

the crowd, who brandished thousands of Thai flags and yelled back:

"Thaksin, Fight fight!"

Since early February, the prime minister's opponents have staged

a series of demonstrations in Bangkok drawing tens of thousands of

people accusing him of corruption and abuse of power.

In their straw hats and ragged shirts, the crowds at the Chiang

Rai rally were a far cry from the middle-class workers and social

activists who have thronged the anti-Thaksin rallies.

"Within three years I don't want to see any poor people in

Thailand. I want to see every family with a house and a healthcare

card. I want every Thai person to have their own land, with a proper

title deed," the premier told them.

His comments have great resonance here, but less so in the city

where his expensive schemes to boost the rural sector -- debt

relief, investment funds and cheap medical care -- are criticised as

thinly disguised vote-buying.

"What the protesters are doing in Bangkok is not good for the

country... many people here hate the people in Bangkok," said

27-year-old Hataikarn Ponnarat who had forced her way through the

crowds to greet Thaksin as he arrived.

"They think we're lowly educated and that we're stupid because

we're not graduates of their good universities. But you should

remember that most Thais are poor people in the countryside," she

said.

Political analysts say that by neglecting the rural masses, who

account for roughly 60 percent of Thailand's 63 million population,

the urban elites handed Thaksin the opportunity to become the

nation's first populist leader, and virtually unbeatable at the

ballot box.

Thaksin called elections for April 2 in a bid to break the

deadlock, but the polls are now in doubt after the main opposition

parties declared a boycott.

"There is an attitude among the anti-Thaksin camp that the poor

people are stupid and that they don't understand democracy, which is

profoundly elitist," said prominent social commentator and academic

Giles Ungpakorn.

"If a new government comes in which doesn't address the issues

of workers and peasants then there is a danger of social division."

Although both sides accuse each other of paying people to attend

rallies, the emotion in Chiang Rai seems genuine, with a sea of red

roses and heart-shaped stickers in a tribute to the ruling party --

Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais).

Khakamma Thawat, a 46-year-old rice farmer and village chief

stood anxiously at a barricade, trying to pass a box of Buddhist

amulets to one of the policemen guarding the stage.

"I'm unhappy about the protests in Bangkok. We saw Thaksin was

in trouble so we wanted to give him these amulets, they are very old

and sacred," he said.

His village, San Kred Thong, now has a water supply and

electricity thanks to Thaksin's policies, he said.

"We hope these amulets will help him to maintain his position

and to win over his troubles. He's a good person. He gave an

opportunity to the poor people to improve their lives."

sls/gs/pch

AFP 210435 GMT MAR 06

This was an interesting piece of literature! Not very well Balanced .... look at the flowing pretty descriptions of the Pro-Thaksin rallies and the total lack of descriptive words for the anti-thaksin rallies. Even the choice of ways that they use #'s show a bias in this article.

(well worth reading but do people see the language as suspicious?)

[sriracha john]

Hmmm... does anyone know if within the Election Committee (EC), which position is higher? The "Chairman" or the "Secretary General"???.

Section 136. The Election Commission consists of a Chairman and other four Commissioners appointed, by the King with the advice of the Senate, from persons of apparent political impartiality and integrity. The President of the Senate shall countersign the Royal Command appointing the Chairman and Commissioners under paragraph one.

There is no mention in the constitution, or the amendments to it, of a Secretary General of the EC, so my guess the Chairman is the top guy.

Thank you, lukamar.

By posting articles quoting "Election Commission (EC) Secretary-general Major General Ek-ka-chai Warunprapa" it seems that Jai Dee has some explaining to do

It does help explain why his comments contrast so sharply with the "Chairman"

[sriracha john]

Thai PM's countryside rallies highlight rich-poor divide

by Sarah Stewart

"Within three years I don't want to see any poor people in

Thailand."

Although both sides accuse each other of paying people to attend

rallies, the emotion in Chiang Rai seems genuine, with a sea of red

roses and heart-shaped stickers in a tribute to the ruling party --

Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais).

This was an interesting piece of literature! Not very well Balanced .... look at the flowing pretty descriptions of the Pro-Thaksin rallies and the total lack of descriptive words for the anti-thaksin rallies. Even the choice of ways that they use #'s show a bias in this article.

(well worth reading but do people see the language as suspicious?)

If Thaksin's history is any indication, the poor people will either:

a ) be "eliminated" by hit squads in the same fashion as the "war on drugs"

b ) be hidden from view with huge curtains as the poor neighborhoods were to prevent embarassment during APEC.

Not sure why Sarah seemed to think the emotion was "genuine" in Chiang Rai because of free flags (hope none of them were of the disrespectul-to-the-Royal-family variety), free roses, and free cute stickers given out to the participants. I'm not saying the people weren't genuine in their admiration, but she should come up with some other reasons to justify her assessment, instead of basing it on the receipt of some free trinkets.

Edited March 21, 2006 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Candidacy fiasco: Fresh start likely

The Election Commission will most probably go ahead with opening a new round of candidate registration for Samut Sakhon's constituency 3 after the Constitution Court rejected its petition to clear up the candidacy tussle. Samut Sakhon's constituency 3 is now without a candidate after the EC purged Thai Rak Thai party contender Udom Kraiwatnusorn on the grounds he failed to vote in the last general election.

Mr Udom was the lone candidate in the constituency.

The disqualification presented a legal dilemma for the EC which referred the matter, along with two other points of contention, to the Constitution Court for interpretation.

The court yesterday found the issues at the heart of the petition involved speculation on which it had no authority to make a ruling.

The court voted 9:1 against answering the EC's first question on whether a new round of candidacy registration could be called in Samut Sakhon's constituency 3.

EC chairman Pol Gen Wassana Permlarp emerged from the EC meeting yesterday morning ''looking stressed''.

He said the EC may exercise its power by calling election re-runs where there were problems first and then tackling any problems which may arise later.

The EC will hold an emergency meeting today to decide whether to call a quick new round of candidacy registration in Samut Sakhon's constituency 3.

If the meeting approved the re-registration, the new round will open for one day for all parties, including Thai Rak Thai. On the following day, the EC will review candidates' qualifications, said EC secretary-general Ekkachai Varunprapa.

All this rushing about with just 12 days until election day... I feel sorry for Samut Sakhon's residents.

He insisted, however, that postponement of the snap election was not on the agenda, The commission needs to act fast to meet upcoming advance voting, set for March 25-26, he said.

Former Information Technology and Communications Minister Sora-at Klinprathum who oversees Thai Rak Thai's candidates for the Central Region, yesterday said the party has already prepared a replacement for Mr Udom to run in Samut Sakhon's constituency 3.

makes it sound like TRT candidates are "a dime a dozen" and are as easily replaced as a Walkman's batteries

Mr Sora-at said the new candidate is a former New Aspiration party MP who had been elected several times in the past to represent Samut Sakhon in parliament.

The party would make a formal announcement in a few days.

sheesh...and then he/she is certified by the EC in a "few more days".... sheesh, the poor voters will have the final candidate the morning of the election... and shame really, that it appears likely there will only be a single candidate... This is no one way to run a free, open, honest, and democratic election...

The Supreme Court yesterday ordered the revocation of the candidacy of four more people for failure to meet the 90-day party membership requirement.

the news just keeps getting worse with this election...

The court's ruling came in response to a request by the EC to purge the candidacy of Wichat Masapha of the Thai Ground party for Khon Kaen's constituency 11, Det Kwaosibsam of Thai Ground for Phrae's constituency 2 and Anusorn Somtha of the Pattana Chart Thai party for Phrae's constituency 2.

The court also dismissed a request by Sunthorn Suk-am of the Thai Chuay Thai party, a candidate in Bangkok's constituency 13, to reverse the EC's rejection of his application.

A court official said the EC has informed the court that it had so far rejected 320 applications and is prepared to revoke the candidacies of more than 80 hopefuls.

Democracy in Thailand died the day that Thaksin called for these snap elections without justification...

- BP

[sriracha john]

Democrat hits hard at TRT in poll fraud row

Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban was still on the war path yesterday, aiming his fire at two more senior Thai Rak Thai party (TRT) executives and two senior election officials, accusing them of conspiring to forge election documents to enable unqualified candidates to contest the April 2 snap election. His new targets were TRT deputy leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan and party spokesman Sita Divari, as well as a deputy Election Commission secretary-general and an unnamed EC division director.

He accused them of playing a part in the hiring of small parties to run in the election to enable TRT to avoid running uncontested in some constituencies where they would need at least 20% of the vote.

The Democrat's offensive led to the cancellation of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's campaign appearance yesterday to assess the situation, said a TRT source.

The source said party executives were concerned about the impact of Mr Suthep's disclosure of alleged electoral fraud on the April 2 election, especially the planned major rally by the Democrat party on Saturday.

At Democrat party headquarters yesterday, Mr Suthep produced video footage showing Rattima Pavalee, Phaendin Thai (Thai Ground) party's list MP candidate, accusing Khunying Sudarat, Mr Sita and two senior military officers identified only as Seh Ice and Seh Phadung, of paying Phaendin Thai leader Boon-itthipol Shinarat to field candidates in the April 2 election.

According to Ms Rattima's account, Mr Boon-itthipol met caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Feb 27, and later told her and another party member Phanthamitr Duangthip to prepare for candidacy registration.

She was told to pay 50,000 baht for list MP candidacy registration and was promised reimbursement by the TRT.

Mr Phanthamitr was later asked by Mr Sita to field bachelor's degree holders to run in Bangkok, saying ''Khunying Noi'' (Khunying Sudarat's nickname) would pay 30,000 baht per head later.

On March 4, Paithoon Wongvanich from Surat Thani, who claimed TRT deputy leader Thammarak Issarangkura na Ayudhaya would sponsor candidacy registration in the South, telephoned Gen Thammarak and said the party was ready for registration in the deep South. And the general allegedly replied he would pay the party through Seh Ice.

Seh Ice later told the Phaendin Thai party at a party meeting to field candidates in every constituency in the South in return for 100,000 baht per head. His aide Seh Phadung later showed up with 1.45 million baht in cash to make payment.

The party leader later told her that members with less than 90 days membership could apply for MP candidacy because the EC would help change the name lists, Ms Rattima said.

Mr Suthep said he has obtained evidence that a deputy EC secretary-general and an EC division director conspired with TRT to forge documents to enable Natpracha, or Jarey, Kuasakul to contest the poll in Nakhon Si Thammarat's constituency 3. He claimed Mr Natpracha was no longer a TRT member.

Mr Suthep later presented EC chairman Pol Gen Wassana Permlarp with evidence and VCDs featuring statements by many witnesses and nearly 10 Democrat ex-MPs, demanding investigations against Thai Rak Thai, Phaendin Thai and Pattana Chart Thai and dissolution of the parties if they were found guilty.

- BP 22/03/06