Ex-MPs leave parties to join Pheu Thai ahead of Feb 2 poll

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POLITICS
Ex-MPs leave parties to join Pheu Thai ahead of Feb 2 poll
The Nation


Former premier Somchai Wongsawat, second left, greets Matchima

BANGKOK: -- Former Matchima faction MPs, led by Somsak Thepsutin, and some former Chart Thai Pattana Party MPs have applied for membership in Pheu Thai Party in the hope of running under the ruling party's banner in the next election.

Pheu Thai leaders yesterday welcomed Somsak and more than 10 members of his faction - a breakaway bloc from the Bhum Jai Thai Party - to the ruling party's headquarters. Somsak's group includes former MPs from Sukhothai, Ratchaburi, Chai Nat and Nakhon Nayok.

Caretaker Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan, who is also Pheu Thai leader, said his party offered a warm welcome to the Matchima group as it would definitely strengthen the party.

Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat sought to allay fears that the party's bringing more factions into its fold could fuel internal conflicts by creating competition for MP seats.

Meanwhile, Chart Thai Pattana Party de facto leader Banharn Silapa-archa said he would run as the number 1 party-list MP candidate. Nominal party leader Theera Wongsamut would keep his position but would not run in the election, Banharn said.

The party was gearing up for the election and already had 100 names on its party-list MP candidate list, he said.


-- The Nation 2013-12-18

[NongKhaiKid]

How can anyone take Thai politics seriously with politicians switching sides as easily as they do ?

There is no conviction to a cause or belief only a '' what's best for me ? '' attitude.

[Robby nz]

They know they haven't got a chance of getting anywhere in their own parties so they are changing sides in the hope that they can get a constituency or high enough up the PT party list to get a place round the honey pot.

They should realize that there are 220 of the 5 year banned lot who are also going to be fighting for these places.

[WhizBang]

Piggies rushing to line up at the trough.

[noikrit]

Yep ... more fingers in the pie !! ..........

[Mosha]

How can anyone take Thai politics seriously with politicians switching sides as easily as they do ?

There is no conviction to a cause or belief only a '' what's best for me ? '' attitude.

The ex Democrat MP here was ex TRT. My wife didn't like him because of that. She still voted for him though. AFAIK he has been replaced if the Dems do contest the election.

[Ricardo]

They know they haven't got a chance of getting anywhere in their own parties so they are changing sides in the hope that they can get a constituency or high enough up the PT party list to get a place round the honey pot.

They should realize that there are 220 of the 5 year banned lot who are also going to be fighting for these places.

Didn't PTP already say, they were planning to run with their existing list, a few days back ?

If so, that might well limit their room to manouver, or offer new-arrivals & old post-ban friends anything ?

[krystian]

The Feeding begins!!

[Katipo]

How can anyone expect things to get better in Thailand when people like this run the country.

[moe666]

O God people change political parties like they change their underwear as if this didn't happen back where you come from. They do this back in the states depending on how the wind blows. Grow up boys some of you act and respond like you just went thru immigration for the first time and still think you can change the world.

[englishoak]

Nice tie though

[Robby nz]

Robby nz, on 18 Dec 2013 - 07:06, said:

They know they haven't got a chance of getting anywhere in their own parties so they are changing sides in the hope that they can get a constituency or high enough up the PT party list to get a place round the honey pot.

They should realize that there are 220 of the 5 year banned lot who are also going to be fighting for these places.

Didn't PTP already say, they were planning to run with their existing list, a few days back ?

If so, that might well limit their room to manouver, or offer new-arrivals & old post-ban friends anything ?

Don't think so Ricardo.

Is reported elsewhere today that Prompong (who should be in jail) has said that the positions will be finilised soon and that over 500 have applied for list places and over 400 for constituency .

Not allowed to link, will PM

[ggold]

The Feeding begins!!

My thoughts entirely! they look so happy now they get a seat at the trough, Let the feeding frenzy begin!

[geriatrickid]

Another interpretation is that these people wish to express their support for the incumbent government and contest for office under the PTP banner.

Despite all the claims that Suthep and others make about the "people" wanting to overthrow the elected government, it seems that there are just as many, if not more, who wish to help the PTP win the next election. As support grows, it could turn into a blow out with the Democrat part reduced to a rump representing only Bangkok and the south with its influential muslim voting blocs.

It would not be in Thailand's best interests for there to be a super majority PTP electoral win. Hopefully, the Democrats can get their act together, and distance themselves from the coup proponents and Suthep and mount a campaign that will get them seats.

[tomacht8]

"Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat sought to allay fears that the party's bringing more factions into its fold could fuel internal conflicts by creating competition for MP seats."

competition for MP seats
Sounds as if this is something new?

intruders!
There must probably still internally rotate more state money.

[GrantSmith]

How can anyone take Thai politics seriously with politicians switching sides as easily as they do ?

There is no conviction to a cause or belief only a '' what's best for me ? '' attitude.

The ex Democrat MP here was ex TRT. My wife didn't like him because of that. She still voted for him though. AFAIK he has been replaced if the Dems do contest the election.

Just like a certain former DPM and now former Labour Minister who cut his teeth with the Democrat party...

[steveromagnino]

Another interpretation is that these people wish to express their support for the incumbent government and contest for office under the PTP banner.

Despite all the claims that Suthep and others make about the "people" wanting to overthrow the elected government, it seems that there are just as many, if not more, who wish to help the PTP win the next election. As support grows, it could turn into a blow out with the Democrat part reduced to a rump representing only Bangkok and the south with its influential muslim voting blocs.

It would not be in Thailand's best interests for there to be a super majority PTP electoral win. Hopefully, the Democrats can get their act together, and distance themselves from the coup proponents and Suthep and mount a campaign that will get them seats.

I agree - the Dems need to step up big time, and even if they don't win if they increase their seats, they show a shift in opinion, not just in Thailand but worldwide.

However, that's why Thaksin is buying up these additional seats.

the reasons IMHO why candidates who control their constituency would consider/switch parties, I would say the main reason is simply because PT has appeared to be the leader of the current government coalition (not surprising since they are the largest party in it) but also because they have used a lot of government budget to help their image to win elections (all those billboards featuring Yingluck and various other affiliates are mostly paid for by government agencies). In addition, running under PT means having the power of Thaksin's money, which dwarfs any other party, especially the smaller parties who have struggled for fund raising in this era of large TRT/PPP/PT influence on the makeup of parliament.

Why they are willing to be PT MPs

1. In return for giving up any neutrality and ability to ask for anything publically and being forced to vote on party lines, the deal is that they get specific cabinet seats/budget provided they deliver the votes in their constituency. Other things are negotiable such as police oversight in their area or enforcement/lack of enforcement of regulations etc that might affect their businesses. In effect, they are basically like a prostitute, selling their 'body' (1 vote in parliament).

2. They are also downright scared of standing against a PT candidate who might be able to benefit from point 1 - meaning 'if you are lost at sea, better in the raft pi$$ing out, than in the water, getting covered in someone else's pi$$'. Particularly with the banned politicians returning. Most of the civil service I know (and a fair few of the politicians) admittedly a minority of all the people out there, but I can only comment on personal observations and discussions, are terrified of Thaksin; when the coup came they thought he was done. When Pojaman got the photo talking to Prem and with all the political intereference, there is a clear signal "We do not care who you are, we can get to you, so either be with us, or we will crush you". The vindictiveness and personal purges in 2007 and again in 2011 were proof of this. By comparison, no one is scared of the Dems

3. BJT faction switching to PT has been a while coming, some of these smaller parties really failed to deliver, and their leaders are probably tapped out financially and so the candidate makes more money going with PT (this is all about the benjamins, if they were a Thai rapper called MC Curry and his fly girly girls with gumby gold, this is what they might say) - you must be in govt to skim after all

Rest assured this is not about sending any sort of signal of support related to policy or moral stand...this is mostly a business decision. Elections are expensive. The payout is a government post to skim, and in the last 2 years, the skim for the upcountry robber barons has been (alledgedly) huge via rice pledging, flood investment, tablets and now the big payout if this idiotic rail system ever gets done. No one need rock the boat, as long as they have an absolute majority, there's almost no checks and balances. PT are already working really hard to neutralise the senate, they have infiltrated the police, armed services, the civil service. So it's only a few places left that can ask the basic question "why are we paying for this thing, is it the right strategy, is it a fair price"

Because for sure the PT lackies aren't asking that, the only thing they are asking is "where's my money"

My guess the real reason PT is running around offering cash to candidates to switch parties is that they cannot afford to win less votes than last time and they know they are going to lose seats, so this is their way to publically (to the rest of the world) appear to show they still have the same or more support than last time by winning the same or more seats, even though their popularity has decreased - they do it by absorbing smaller parties. It's a bait and switch.

The Dems need to step it up, and none of this no vote idiocy, they need to just step and win some seats like they won Don Muang. With guys like Chalerm, Nattawut and Kittirat, who have no skill set, we, as a country, are doomed.

Edited December 18, 2013 by steveromagnino

[NongKhaiKid]

How can anyone take Thai politics seriously with politicians switching sides as easily as they do ?

There is no conviction to a cause or belief only a '' what's best for me ? '' attitude.

The ex Democrat MP here was ex TRT. My wife didn't like him because of that. She still voted for him though. AFAIK he has been replaced if the Dems do contest the election.

Just like a certain former DPM and now former Labour Minister who cut his teeth with the Democrat party...

The minister for Ear Medicine ?

[GrantSmith]

How can anyone take Thai politics seriously with politicians switching sides as easily as they do ?

There is no conviction to a cause or belief only a '' what's best for me ? '' attitude.

The ex Democrat MP here was ex TRT. My wife didn't like him because of that. She still voted for him though. AFAIK he has been replaced if the Dems do contest the election.

Just like a certain former DPM and now former Labour Minister who cut his teeth with the Democrat party...

The minister for Ear Medicine ?

He's been promoted to Ambassador for Ear Medicine, not a bad gig if you can get it or so I've heard

[Costas2008]

What's that in front of them in the photo?

Is it a coffin?

[steveromagnino]

What's that in front of them in the photo?

Is it a coffin?

Official style table with table cloth. Very typical Thai style for 'garn muang' type stuff.

[Baerboxer]

Another interpretation is that these people wish to express their support for the incumbent government and contest for office under the PTP banner.

Despite all the claims that Suthep and others make about the "people" wanting to overthrow the elected government, it seems that there are just as many, if not more, who wish to help the PTP win the next election. As support grows, it could turn into a blow out with the Democrat part reduced to a rump representing only Bangkok and the south with its influential muslim voting blocs.

It would not be in Thailand's best interests for there to be a super majority PTP electoral win. Hopefully, the Democrats can get their act together, and distance themselves from the coup proponents and Suthep and mount a campaign that will get them seats.

Absolutely. They are all convinced PTP have the best policies for developing Thailand, building a sound expanding and successful economy and ensuring a law abiding democracy prevails.

No hint of wanting to get in on the gravy train before the 2.2 trillion flush or selfish reasons,

Thailand - hub of selfless public servants.

[scotbeve]

O God people change political parties like they change their underwear as if this didn't happen back where you come from. They do this back in the states depending on how the wind blows. Grow up boys some of you act and respond like you just went thru immigration for the first time and still think you can change the world.

And actually in the US, the 2 parties actually switched / swapped their platforms (or names of....) around Abe Lincoln's election time.

[billd766]

With apologies to some ladies of the night all of this bunch are nothing but politicals whores who don't give a rats ass about the people they represent or have done until now.

At least with ladies of the night you know what you will get but with this lot you know you will get what Thaksin wants.

[englishoak]

looks like they are all wearing Thai shell suits, or off to the olympics i still love that tie, goes real well with the rest of the kit

[PREM-R]

With the dems unable to make their minds up if they are going to 'play' maybe PTP are getting enough 'players' in order to put out A and B teams.

[SOTIRIOS]

...the buying has begun....another fair election.....

[Frank James]

O God people change political parties like they change their underwear as if this didn't happen back where you come from. They do this back in the states depending on how the wind blows. Grow up boys some of you act and respond like you just went thru immigration for the first time and still think you can change the world.

And actually in the US, the 2 parties actually switched / swapped their platforms (or names of....) around Abe Lincoln's election time.

That is an extreme over-simplification. The Republican Party of Abe's day was brand new, arising out of the ashes of the old Whig party. The Democrats of those days were for a weak federal government, and strong for "states rights".

Today, there is little practical difference between the major US parties. They are both bought and paid for by multinational corporations, just like Thailand. "Two cheeks of the same a--", was how someone termed it.

Back to the topic: PT will win bigger this time, for good or ill. And the Dems will realize they should have muzzled Suthep weeks ago.

[gerry1011]

These MPs could have chosen to join the Dems.

But why would any MP do that?

It would be suicidal for their carreer to join the only party that aims at destroying democracy and allow the minority to rule the majority through an unconstitutional set up.

They also know that the Dems will never be able to win an election, as long as they persist in favoring dirty tricks rather than doing real politics.

Having heavyweights of other parties joining PT could be a good way to flatten the Dems even more in the next election.

A party that openly supports the overthrowing of an elected government and the mob rule does not deserve respect.

It is good to see politicians join hands under the PT banner to kick these criminals out of the game

Sent from my HTC One using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[LuckyLew]

me me me is what Thailand is all about

give me power

give me money

or me just gonna take it