Thaksin Flees The Capital ... And Reality

[sriracha john]

A good example of the stuff for which Khunying Jaruwan is speaking of:

Computer plan delayed

Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang yesterday stepped back from his bold promise that the Bt8.6 billion plan to procure 250,000 computers for state schools across the country would take place before the April 2 general election.

Earlier, Chaturon had repeatedly announced the plan would go ahead before a new Cabinet was formed.

"Now that I have consulted with the ministry's executives, I have found that the procurement will need to go through several procedures - and this will take time. As we are not sure whether all procedures can be completed before the new Cabinet is formed, we have resolved that we should wait for the new Cabinet to implement this project," Chaturon explained.

[PeaceBlondie]

As in the Minister of Education (gosh, this one's lasted over a month) saying, "Well, I got the key to the executive toilet last week, and yesterday they started telling me a few things about how to actually run this place, khrap. I know how to use the intercom now, and might even learn about educamashun next month, khrap. What's a computer? And what's all this balderdash about having to go through procurement procedures? Didn't my CEO give me the impression that I just wave my hand, say something in central dialect, and not actually DO anything more?" Khrap. Crap.

[sriracha john]

Seems the EC has some long workdays ahead:

200 candidates set to get the boot

Many members of minor parties found to lack qualifications, source reveals

At least 200 election candidates from small, little-known political parties were likely to be disqualified as they had been found to be ineligible, a highly placed source at the Election Commission said yesterday.

Most of the candidates had been members of parties they represent for less than 90 days before the election, the legal requirement, or had retained membership of more than one political party at the same time, the source said.

Commission chairman Vasana Puemlarp was concerned that with many candidates likely to be disqualified, the EC would be unable to endorse all 500 MPs within 30 days after the ballot, as required by law, the source said.

The EC is required by law to announce the list of qualified candidates by today.

EC member Prinya Nakchudtree said yesterday "there is quite a large number" of candidates who had qualification problems.

Local election officials had also found that many candidates in their provinces lacked basic qualifications to contest the April 2 election.

Chokchai Phonwattana, election director in Surat Thani, said yesterday that of 21 registered candidates in the province, 11 from all six constituencies could be disqualified because they lacked the qualifications to run.

Meanwhile, the TRT candidate for Samut Sakhon, the only candidate in the province, has withdrawn from the election, the EC said.

Constituency 3's Udom Kraiwatnusorn was disqualified because he failed to vote in the election last year. Electoral laws require a person to vote in order to qualify as a candidate in the next election.

Udom, who won Constituency 3's House seat in the 2005 poll, claimed the EC ruling was unjust because he contested the February 6, 2005, election and voted in the advance poll, which the EC staged for people who could not vote on polling day.

The EC, however, said it had no record to confirm Udom had actually voted, as claimed.

In Lampang, the local EC office disqualified Detduang Nasongkhla, from the Pattana Chartthai Party, because he had been a member for less than 90 days, local election director Kanok Sangngoen-on said.

Democrat and Mahachon parties, which are boycotting the election, said yesterday they had evidence to prove that many candidates from smaller parties lacked qualifications to run.

Meanwhile, in Trang, Thai Rak Thai candidate Thawee Suraban yesterday accused the Democrat Party of dirty tricks, by alleged that the ruling party paid three people to contest the election there under the banner of smaller, little known parties.

He said the Democrats initially supported the three candidates to run against the ruling party's candidates but later changed their minds.

The Democrats say "fake rival candidates" have been hired so that TRT can escape the rule that a single candidate must win at least 20 per cent of votes to get elected.

[baht&sold]

Anyone read the Nation online this a.m.? Small bit of speculating going on it appears...

[Plus]

Campaigning is smart, unfortunately the small minority of protesters whinging seems to have lost the concept!

What's he still campaigning for? It's a lost cause. Do you really think, even for a moment, that he'll stay on after all that's happening?

Two or three more groups asked Taksin to resign yesterday - classmates of his wife, apparently some other hi-so women group, and classmates of House speaker Bhokin.

Taksin might still fire up poor uneducated farmers with his rhetoric and empty promises, but he has lost all capital in the capital, and I'm not talking votes, I'm talking acceptance. His stubborness only damages him and further on he pushes on with duping farmers to borrow more money, the deeper he sinks.

If he refuses to listen to so many powerful people, and the message from the Royal House, he might book the Airasia flight from Udon straight to Singapore or wherever.

And THAT's the reality he is fleeing from, as stated in the topic title.

[baht&sold]

Been reading the latest bulletins on the Nation just now http://www.nationmultimedia.com

At a glance, looks like a case of 'getting the story first' (and at any cost) type journalism... "a source said this, a source said that". Akin to shouting FIRE in a movie theatre. jai yen yen

PS, anyone know who's the Thai Gal speaking perfect native English addressing the rally on ASTV just now?

Edited March 14, 2006 by baht&sold

[Plus]

It could be the live coverage of the last day of Taksin's reign. They don't have time to check and recheck and double check their sources. Give them some slack.

[Insight]

Campaigning is smart, unfortunately the small minority of protesters whinging seems to have lost the concept!

What's he still campaigning for? It's a lost cause. Do you really think, even for a moment, that he'll stay on after all that's happening?

Sadly Plus, yes I do, and so does my gf

The only big difference between this and the past rallies is that this one is being broadcast around the nation on all TV stations (not that I've seen it myself yet).

Time will tell, but I'm not risking another 500 baht on this one

[sriracha john]

10:40 am: Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop says the Cabinet agrees to make Chidchai first-order deputy prime minister to be in charge of the government when Thaksin is away.

10:44 am: Thaksin, who is in Ubon Ratchathani, finishes chairing the teleconference meeting with his Cabinet, which is at Government House. He says he asks Chidchai to take care of protesters in Bangkok.

10:47 am: Nation News Agency reports that the Metropolitan Police Bureau has prepared five fire engines and 600 commando police for dispersing protesters in case of emergency. Another 5,000 policemen have been deployed to keep law and order at the rally site.

Edited March 14, 2006 by sriracha john

[Plus]

Well, Insight, if he manages to survive today with replacement all ready to go :up: it's still only a matter of a very short time before he steps down.

I saw the live coverage on Sorayuth's Channel 3 program early in the morning. First time, yes, times a changing.

Without even taking sides or gleefully cheering Anti-Taksin's rally - that's the REALITY, like it or not.

Edited March 14, 2006 by Plus

[baht&sold]

It could be the live coverage of the last day of Taksin's reign. They don't have time to check and recheck and double check their sources. Give them some slack.

Think my record here shows I'm absolutely for an unfettered press, just a tad worried about potential to "inflame" or misread, ie this quote from an unamed source in today's Nation:

EDIT/missed this bit:

-Meanwhile a senior intelligence source said it is possible that the government would announce the state of emergency although the violence does not happen.-"The government can put the country in state of emergency by citing that the protest could cause chaos in the country. Using the state of emergency, the government can disperse the protest," the source said.

And this:

"Negotiation is taking place to ease political crisis with a change in the prime minister", a highly-placed source said on Tuesday. "The negotiation is at a high level to find potential candidate to replace embattled caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The list includes Deputy Prime Minsiter Surakiart Sathirathai and Bokhin Palangkura. The more preferrable candidate is Surakiart", said the source.

- I'm all for a peaceful protest and don't think for a minute there will be a "state of emergency" imposed but some suggestive/leading quotes can be a bit worrying (as in people's possible reactions). Best to yai yen yen, check it and get it right, is all I'm saying. All good.

Edited March 14, 2006 by baht&sold

[Plus]

Blasted smileys - don't we have something for "up"?

Yes, Baht and Sold, I read those too. Still, give them some slack. It's not about buying chicken feed - it's changing the PM who refuses to step down.

Do you think they've got a reporter in the Cabinet meeting room? Someone feeding them the latest developments from the inside, and he/she wants to remain anonimous.

If their source reports that there's a feeling that State of Emergency is in the works, we are not in a position to confirm or deny it.

[sriracha john]

Associated Press:

Thailand's prime minister vowed Tuesday to declare an emergency if anti-government protests turned violent, as tens of thousands marched on his office to demand his resignation for alleged corruption.

"I am ready to sign the decree if the situation becomes violent, I have the papers in my hand," Thaksin told reporters during a campaign stop in Ubon.

Thaksin, who has repeatedly said he will not bow to the protesters, said cameras and other high-tech equipment have been put in place to monitor the protests and record any violations.

Thousands of demonstrators seeking Thaksin's resignation marched in Bangkok on Tuesday, vowing to continue peaceful protests until he steps down.

The demonstrators made their way from the Grand Palace, the former royal residence, down a broad boulevard toward Government House, a few miles away, carrying placards and shouting "Thaksin, Get Out!"

The crowd appeared to number about 100,000, according to an Associated Press reporter, but an accurate estimate was difficult. Police spokesman Col. Pinit Maneerat put the number at 30,000 to 40,000 while organizers said more than 200,000 participated.

Thousands of protesters have been demanding Thaksin's resignation in regular weekend rallies, accusing the tycoon-turned-politician of corruption, mishandling a Muslim insurgency in southern Thailand, stifling the media, and allowing cronies to reap gains from state policies.

"I'm one of the 19 million people who voted for the wrong person. I have to correct what I did wrong," said Ratanaporn Rattanawongsarot, a 39-year-old housewife taking part in the protest. "I can't stand Thaksin cheating the country."

On the eve of the march, farmers, teachers and state employees opposed to Thaksin's rule convened on a vast field in front of the Grand Palace and listened to anti-Thaksin speeches, musical performances and political satire skits. Between performances, the crowd chanted, "Thaksin get out!"

[baht&sold]

Do you think they've got a reporter in the Cabinet meeting room? Someone feeding them the latest developments from the inside, and he/she wants to remain anonimous.

YES, likely. Perhaps after the dust settles, all sorts of insiders and party members will likely come out and say they had to 'toe the line' publicly but privately wanted out, blah, blah. Wait for it.

As stated, I don't have a horse in this race, just want to see everything unfold in a peaceful manner, ultimately, rapidly advancing Thailand's fledgling democracy years along. That would be the best result for all and for all sides (whether some see it or not)

Meanwhile, first rain drop just fell on Sukhumvit, cooler heads will prevail it seems

[sriracha john]

ahhh yes, the rain. That might explain the ever-so-wonderful Newin's comments:

bloomberg.com

Thaksin is suffering from a cold and decided to stay away from today's protest to "avoid confrontation'', Newin Chidchob, minister for the Prime Minister's Office, said in a Channel 3 interview from the northern city today.

[baht&sold]

Case in point, this just in:

I will not step down : Thaksin

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra dismissed reports that he will step down and Deputy Prime Minister Pol Gen Chidchai Wannasathit will replace him.

He said this groundless report could possibly come as the cabinet today promoted Chidchai, the second deputy premier, to be the first, replacing Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

"The decision is made because there is rally in Bangkok and Chidchai is overseeing the national security. So if something happens, he could be in charge," Thaksin said.

Earlier there were reports that negotiation is taking place to ease political crisis with a change in the prime minister, a **highly-placed source said on Tuesday.

[sriracha john]

still, it's rather a telling move that Somkid, who is in charge of economic affairs was replaced by Chidchai, who is in charge of national security affairs.

[baht&sold]

still, it's rather a telling move that Somkid, who is in charge of economic affairs was replaced by Chidchai, who is in charge of national security affairs.

mmmm....

Here's the 'play by play' - bit of a chuckle from the latest one

(btw, where's JaiDee today?) Report!

REAL-TIME COVERAGE

Government House besieging

The People's Alliance for Democracy says it's now time for the final measure to pressure Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to resign - besieging the Government House. Here's minue-by-minute reports from The Nation's reporters at the protest.

12:47 pm: The crowd burst into laughter when an announcer says Thaksin's wife, Pojamarn Shinawatra, is gathering signatures of friends to ask her own husband to resign.

12:44 pm: An announcer on the main stage said Phitsanulok Road and the part of Rajdamnoen Road from Royal Plaza to the Golden Mountain are closed to traffic.

12:29 am: Amarin Yipeng, a protest leader, tells the crowd that he led demonstrators to protest against Thaksin when he visited Sa Kaew. He says he threw a water bottle against Thaksin's vehicle.

12:23 pm: An announcer on the main stage says two truck-load protesters from southern provinces are arriving at the rally site. He says some firms on Silom Road will allow their workers to join the rally in the afternoon.

12:01 pm: Nation News Agency reports that the Office of His Majesty the King's Principal Private Secretary issued a statement saying TVs could replay His Majesty the King's speech given in May 1992 following the May bloodshed. The statement says the speech has been aired and become public information, so it could be replayed anytime.

11.05 am: Chamlong dismissed a report that he fainted because he is so tired. He then showed his strength by walking back and forth.

10:47 am: Nation News Agency reports that the Metropolitan Police Bureau has prepared five fire engines and 600 commando police for dispersing protesters in case of emergency. Another 5,000 policemen have been deployed to keep law and order at the rally site.

10:44 am: Thaksin, who is in Ubon Ratchathani, finishes chairing the teleconference meeting with his Cabinet, which is at Government House. He says he asks Chidchai to take care of protesters in Bangkok.

Thaksin says he will go on working for the country and will not announce a state of emergency yet. But he appears tensed when reporters ask what he would do if the protest continues nonstop. Thaksin leaves Ubon Ratchathani for Si Sa Ket.

10:43 am: Senator Karun Sai-ngam takes a stage. He says Thaksin escapes political trouble to Ubon Ratchathani. He says Thaksin has gone out of his mind, judging from the way he appeared and gestured while speaking to media.

Karun calls on the national police chief to arrest Thaksin for cheating the country.

10:40 am: Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop says the Cabinet agrees to make Chidchai first-order deputy prime minister to be in charge of the government when Thaksin is away.

10:20 am: The Education Ministry allows protesters to use toilet rooms in the ministry's compound.

10:00 am: Sondhi tells the crowd to brace the heat and blazing sun for the sake of the country. Sondhi says the five decision makers of the PAD are willing to face arrest if the government declares state of emergency.

Chamlong tells the protesters to sacrifice for the country by staying put at the rally site.

9:50 am : Soracha Pornudomsak asks the protesters if they will stay there until Thaksin resign. The protesters shout, "yesss."

9:20 am: Suriyasai Taksila, secretary-general of the Popular Campaign for Democracy takes the stage set up in front of the Government House. He says many taxi drivers initially planned to join pro-Thaskin rally have changed their minds and join the anti-Thaksin protest at the Government House.

He also denies reports that some members of People's Alliance for Democracy had held talks with the government in order to cease the protest

9:15 am : Thaksin says his government is ready to announce state of emergency if the protest in Bangkok turns violent.

9:00 am: PAD sets up three stages with the main one is at Phitsanulok intersection.

8:45 am: Protesters are seen on TV gathering in front of Government House.

The tail of the procession reaches the Pan Fah Bridge.

8:30 am: The leading amplifier truck of the procession reaches Government House, ASTV reports.

Organisers of the protest say there are some 200,000 protesters but police estimate the number only at 50,000.

"This is more than any previous rally," a Special Branch police commander told AFP, estimating the crowd at between 50,000 and 60,000.

The five decision makers of the PAD ask the crowd to stay calm and not destroy government property.

8:28 am: The head of procession, comprising villagers and mobile stage, reaches in front of Civil Service Commission Office's head office.

8:23 am: PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchob denied speculation that Thaksin had offered to take a sick leave instead of resigning in exchange for protesters to stop besieging Government House.

8:22 am: The head of the procession enters Phitsanulok Road.

8:19 am: ASTV reports quoting Cabinet Secretary-General Bowornsak Uwanno as saying that the venue of weekly Cabinet meeting will not be moved from Government House. Bowornsak has reached Government House.

[Siripon]

The Electoral Commission has stated that it will look into all candidates for proper paperwork. You can't point an inquisitorial finger unless you can prove it in a court of law.

Who appoints them ?

Under the new"People's Constitution" of Thailand B.E. 2540 [1997],The Senators select the 5 members of the Election Commission of Thailand [ECT], appointed by the king.

Part 4 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.

EC Constitution Page

Fine words, but unfortunately money has made sure that most members of the EC, NCCC have connections to the current authorities,they're not even paper tigers, unlike the former NCCC which indicated there were grounds for Thaksin's impeachment.

The sad truth is The Senate has been far from neutral as intended in the Constitution, just last month allegations were made about how much certain Senators were being paid to vote according to the government's whim. Don't forget the disgraceful attempt to remove Khunying Jaruwan.

As for The House Speaker of Parliament, his old friends from Assumption University have just sent him an open letter asking him to resign.

[baht&sold]

Bkk Post moments ago:

Wage hike for state employees

Bangkok (dpa) - The Thai cabinet, surrounded by more than 100,000 protestors calling for the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, on Tuesday pushed through a salary hike for state enterprise employees, many of whom had joined the anti-government demonstration.

The 5 per cent salary hike, effective retroactively from October 1, 2005, was apparently designed to placate thousands of state enterprise employees who have joined the swelling ranks of Thais determined to see Thaksin step down.

More than 100,000 anti-Thaksin protestors were camped outside Government House, where the Cabinet was meeting on Tuesday, vowing to stay put until the premier resigns.

-and the Nation updates:

1:49 pm: Sakon Nakhon Senator Maleerat Kaewka takes the main stage. She says the Thaksin regime is a dictatorial regime. She says former Senate speaker Manoonkrit Roopakhachorn will address the protesters in the evening.

1:40 pm: A member of National Human Rights Commission, Sunee Chairoj, tells the crowd that they need to fight for their basic human rights.

1:34 pm: An announcer says three companies on Rajdamri Road let workers go home in the afternoon so that some 500 of them could join the rally at Government House.

1:20 pm: A man wearing sunglasses tries to storm into the back of stage where PAD leaders are resting. He runs away after people boo him.

1:13 pm: Sondhi says live broadcast on TVs alert people of the national problem. He says Thaksin's wife, Pochamarn, and children became "resigned to the fate" after seeing so many people joining the protest.

He tells the crowd that Thaksin is planning to take a leave and make a foreign trip and appoint Chidchai as caretaker prime minister.

1:09 pm: Sondhi takes the stage to ask the crowd to applaud for themselves for enduring the heat to fight for the country. "Many have to put up with the heat just beacuse a shameless person".

1:00 pm: Sunee Chairoj, a member of the National Human Rights Commssion, will take the stage in the evening to tell demonstrators about their rights to campaign, an announcer says.

[Plus]

Sorry to go a few days back, but I just found a quote to reply to Lukamar

A business transaction of that size would be orchestrated by a team of lawyers, accountants and assorted other specialists. All he would have to do is say "See if you can make a deal I want $xxx per share."

Actually what he said was:

“I don’t know about that kind of stuff,” the young man said. “It’s up to the big guys. If they want to sell, then it will be sold.”

http://nationmultimedia.com/search/page.ar...date=2006-01-11

[Orion76]

Are you sure? Are Prime Ministers of those all pretty much developed countries allowed to own major telecom, satellite, TV, and airline businesses in the first place? Italy's an exception.

It is very common for politicians in developed countries to cut their ties with their business interests and enter politics. If you need examples the most obvious one is Cheney / Haliburton and the oil business of the Bush family and there are plenty of other examples in European countries. You can't tie them directly to these businesses but controversy is common.

While these issues are controversial in developed countries they do not land you in prison in the west but taking bribes, buying votes and selling positions of power guarantees a one way ticket to prison if it ever comes out.

[Plus]

It wouldn't land Taksin in prison here either, he'd be just banned from politics for five years if indeed found guilty.

Controversy is one thing, complying with the law is another. AFAIK, in the West politicians are required to sell their shares or put them into blind trust, whatever that means, just as in Thailand. Keeping the shares through nominees is illegal here, and politicians are required to declare any such shares to NCCC. That was the case against Taksin in 2001 - the shares were secretly kept in gardeners and drivers names.

Now, with Panthongtae, transferring/selling shares to his son is ok, but if his son still acts only as a nominee, it's not.

In 2001 the Court established that drivers and gardeners were Taksin's nominees, now it can, theoretically, establish if Panthongtae is a nominee too. I believe they have their own methods and precedents.

It was at "controversy level" here up until Shin sale, too - as long as Panthongtae and Taksin kept low profile. When Taksin publicly declared that the deal was all legal people stirred to action. If he'd just managed to keep his mouth shut and beg forgiveness, he wouldn't be in this mess right now.

And I don't think Halliburton executives would dare to publicly say something like

“I don’t know about that kind of stuff,” the chairman said. “It’s up to Cheney. If he wants to sell, then it will be sold.”

[boppia]

I expect in the end Thailand will get relief from the highest power.

This protest is simple. It's against a totally corrupt leader who refuses to be accountable for his actions and uses censorship to keep information away from his own people.

Some people know the truth; be one of them.

Edited March 14, 2006 by george

[baht&sold]

Who's RITE?

4:37 pm: Uaychai Watha, an activist from northeastern provinces, says he has learnt that Thaksin will perform a superstitious rite in Si Sa Ket with help from PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchob to try to prolong his power.

But he says the rite will not work as the anti-Thaksin coalition has performed another rite to block Thaksin's rite.

[Insight]

Who's RITE?

4:37 pm: Uaychai Watha, an activist from northeastern provinces, says he has learnt that Thaksin will perform a superstitious rite in Si Sa Ket with help from PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchob to try to prolong his power.

But he says the rite will not work as the anti-Thaksin coalition has performed another rite to block Thaksin's rite.

Do you do voodo?

[Plus]

I think that when it comes down to talks with PAD and Opposition, Taksin will push for his own man to run the country, and for an opportunity for a comeback. PAD will push for royally sponsored PM. Then they'll have to agree on a timetable and future course of action - Constitutional reform and new elections, and 60 years on the throne celebrations.

The problem is - Taksin is still refusing to step down at all. He doesn't seem to be ready to accept his fate and negotiate the exit.

He might still be tied up with Shin sale that is just being finalised with the tender offer payments. He might wait until any threat to calling off the deal is over. I'm just speculating here.

[baht&sold]

Who's RITE?

4:37 pm: Uaychai Watha, an activist from northeastern provinces, says he has learnt that Thaksin will perform a superstitious rite in Si Sa Ket with help from PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchob to try to prolong his power.

But he says the rite will not work as the anti-Thaksin coalition has performed another rite to block Thaksin's rite.

Do you do voodo?

Copied it from the Nation site - stranger than fiction, you just can't make stuff like this up!

[Insight]

True....

I loved the below comment from this BBC article:

In fact there are not many rallies in the world where people would politely wait for traffic and stand respectfully as the national anthem was played.

Great stuff...

[Orion76]

It wouldn't land Taksin in prison here either, he'd be just banned from politics for five years if indeed found guilty.

Controversy is one thing, complying with the law is another. AFAIK, in the West politicians are required to sell their shares or put them into blind trust, whatever that means, just as in Thailand. Keeping the shares through nominees is illegal here, and politicians are required to declare any such shares to NCCC. That was the case against Taksin in 2001 - the shares were secretly kept in gardeners and drivers names.

I'm not defending Thaksin's actions "because it's OK in the west". I understand perfectly the things that Thaksin did wrong but I do take the position that his opponents aren't much better and toppling the government is not good for this nation, except for those who wish to scare away foreign investors.

I was just pointing out that I find it interesting that the thing that escalated this whole thing was the sell off of a large Thai company to a foreign entity while there were so many much more serious wrongs committed

The selling of large companies to foreign entities is perfectly acceptable in most other countries. If you take the US for example they think nothing of selling their sea ports to a foreign entity... as long as it's not an Arabic entity

Edited March 14, 2006 by Orion76