New General Election Proposed For Oct. 22

[jdinasia]

It won't be the seated gov't setting up constitutional and political reform.

and yes I think that ANYTHING that prevents one party from having so many votes that they cannot be censured by Parlaiment. Yes I think coalition governments with better transparency will be superior to anything that Thailand has had in the past! Yes I think issues will arise and then arise again until the institutions that provide checks and balances in government have the respect and power to make things better!

It can only get better in the long run!

[tettyan]

It won't be the seated gov't setting up constitutional and political reform.

Then what does waiting until October accomplish? Aside from giving MPs enough time to switch parties not just once, but TWICE!

[jdinasia]

It still takes times to work on the defects in the constitution and come to a consensus about the exact wording of political reforms ... of course they could do it in 4 days ... and we could be at another impasse in 4 months ...

we are looking at less than 180 days and more than 120 days ... seems perfectly reasonable to me!

Edited May 16, 2006 by jdinasia

[sriracha john]

Election date, Thaksin’s future to top agenda at TRT meeting today

The proposed October 22 general election date and its ramifications for Thai Rak Thai are certain to top the agenda at the party meeting today.

The meeting, which will be attended by party executives and hundreds of former TRT MPs, is also expected to address a number of other pressing political issues.

They include whether caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the TRT leader, should keep his promise not to head the next administration – and if not, who should be his successor.

According to Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, deputy TRT leader and caretaker Agriculture Minister, the EC’s proposed election date will be put to party members – many of whom are expected to defect to other parties given the chance.

“The TRT party has no objections to the EC’s proposal to set a new election date of October 22,” she said yesterday.

“We also do not object to any members switching to other parties as well.”

October 22 was suggested by the commission after it met with representatives of some political parties, including TRT, yesterday.

The proposed date – in 159 days – would get around the constitutional requirement that aspiring MPs be members of a political party for at least 90 days before an election.

Last week, TRT executives announced that they were giving serious thought to nominating Thaksin to fill the number-one slot on its party-list roster.

They also said that the party would make political reform one of the main tenets of its election campaign.

Thaksin, who pledged not to lead the next government shortly after the April 2 election date was announced, has remained silent on the subject, fueling rumors that he intends to go back on his word.

Before the April 2 election was annulled last week, TRT members had been saying that if the election was declared invalid it would nullify Thaksin’s pledge to step down.

Khunying Sudarat said last week that the TRT’s position would be clearer once an election date was set.

The EC’s proposal for an election on October 22 will also be discussed at today’s Cabinet meeting, said Suranand Vejjajiva, the caretaker Minister attached to the PM’s Office.

He also said the TRT leadership was unconcerned by the prospect of a mass exodus of party members.

Despite the EC’s proposal, commissioners have made it clear that only the caretaker government can actually set the election date because only it can issue the Royal decree calling for new elections, which is submitted to His Majesty the King for endorsement.

- TD

[sriracha john]

Thaksin faces more troubling developments....

ADMINISTRATIVE COURT

Thaksin's leave illegal

Law Society claims PM abandoned responsibility, broke law to take 'break'

The Supreme Administrative Court yesterday accepted a legal action from the Law Society of Thailand seeking to revoke the Cabinet resolution that allowed caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to take leave, on the grounds the move was illegal.

Nithithorn Lamlaua and Nakhon Chompuchat, representing the Law Society, are accusing the Cabinet of illegally issuing circulars dated April 7 to all government agencies announcing Thaksin was taking leave.

Their suit states that Thaksin's leave was not taken in accordance with regulations on leave for civil servants because it had no time limit and the reasons for him taking leave were not valid. Moreover, the Cabinet's resolution violated the Political Office Holders Act 1992.

They claim Cabinet had no right to endorse Thaksin's leave and pay his prime ministerial salary and remuneration, and it also violated a Royal Decree on salary payments for civil servants taking leave.

The Law Society representatives said Thaksin also broke the law by abandoning his responsibility and showing the intention he no longer wanted to carry out the role of prime minister. As well, his order appointing a caretaker to the prime minister's post also violated the law. Therefore, he has no right to receive any salary.

they certainly have a point... just what has he done for the past nearly six weeks that he has been paid his salary?

The suit asks the court to revoke the Cabinet's resolution and order the return of Thaksin's salary, allowances and other remuneration received after April 5.

I know, for him, it's but a drop in his proverbial barrel of money, but it does seem to be the appropriate thing to do out of principle.

It also asks the court to issue an injunction to have the Cabinet, the prime minister and his secretary-general suspended from duty until the court issues a ruling on the case.

- TN

Edited May 16, 2006 by sriracha john

[jdinasia]

He DID say he was unemployed!

[Plus]

He still draws salary. Apparently illegally, according to this:

ADMINISTRATIVE COURT

Thaksin's leave illegal: lawyers

Law Society claims PM abandoned responsibility, broke law to take 'break'

The Supreme Admini-strative Court yesterday accepted a legal action from the Law Society of Thailand seeking to revoke the Cabinet resolution that allowed caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to take leave, on the grounds the move was illegal.

Nithithorn Lamlaua and Nakhon Chompuchat, representing the Law Society, are accusing the Cabinet of illegally issuing circulars dated April 7 to all government agencies announcing Thaksin was taking leave.

Their suit states that Thaksin's leave was not taken in accordance with regulations on leave for civil servants because it had no time limit and the reasons for him taking leave were not valid. Moreover, the Cabinet's resolution violated the Political Office Holders Act 1992.

They claim Cabinet had no right to endorse Thaksin's leave and pay his prime ministerial salary and remuneration, and it also violated a Royal Decree on salary payments for civil servants taking leave.

The Law Society representatives said Thaksin also broke the law by abandoning his responsibility and showing the intention he no longer wanted to carry out the role of prime minister. As well, his order appointing a caretaker to the prime minister's post also violated the law. Therefore, he has no right to receive any salary.

The suit asks the court to revoke the Cabinet's resolution and order the return of Thaksin's salary, allowances and other remuneration received after April 5.

It also asks the court to issue an injunction to have the Cabinet, the prime minister and his secretary-general suspended from duty until the court issues a ruling on the case.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Administrative Court yesterday upheld a decision by the Central Administrative Court in which it issued an injunction stopping the Election Commission (EC) from holding the third round election on April 29.

The court ruled the Central Administrative Court's injunction was justified on the grounds that the elections following the April 2 poll were illegal, holding them would be wasteful of state funds and the interests of voters should be protected.

The court dismissed the EC's argument that the Central Administrative Court had no right to hear the case because the right to configure polling stations was not an exercise of administrative authority.

The Central Administrative Court will today rule in another case brought against the EC's management of the April 2 election by Photipong and his group. This one claims the EC violated the constitutional right of voters to privacy while casting their ballots.

The Nation

[Jai Dee]

The Administrative Court's decison to suspend the April 29 poll still stands

The Supreme Administrative Court upholds the Central Administrative Court’s injunction against the Election Commission (EC)’s arrangement of an election in 14 constituencies in 9 provinces on April 29.

The court said any balloting related to the April 2 snap election is illegitimate. The Constitution Court earlier found the April 2 poll unconstitutional.

The injunction was granted at the requests of Pothipong Banleuwong (โพธิพงศ์ บรรลือวงศ์) and Pramual Veerutamasen (ประมวล วีรุตมเสน) and 9 other people. The EC appealed the decision and lost.

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

[Jai Dee]

Parties urged to review their roles to end political conflict

Agriculture Department chief Adisak Srisappakij (อดิศักดิ์ ศรีสรรพกิจ) calls on the Thai Rak Thai, Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties to put aside their egos or political conflict may not be ended.

Mr. Adisak said the political situation has not yet improved despite help by the Constitution, Administrative and Supreme courts in finding an exit.

He said he has sent his letters to the 4 parties, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the Election Commission to review their roles. He also asked government officials to help air their opinions about the current situation in the country.

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

[Jai Dee]

EC sets Oct 22nd for new election, Jaran resigns.

The Election Commission yesterday proposed to hold a new general election on October 22nd. The Democrat Party, however, continued to press for the resignation of EC members, saying they have lost their credibility.

The three top courts of Thailand will meet again today to discuss their next move. It will be the third time the top judges of the Supreme, Administrative and Constitution Courts meet to discuss the political crisis.

Supreme Court Secretary-General Jaran Pakdithanakul said yesterday the senior judicial chiefs would also discuss a report that Charupat Ruangsuwan (จารุภัทร เรืองสุวรรณ), one of the four election commissioners, had resigned.

The EC promised to propose the new election date so that Cabinet can issue a royal decree as soon as possible.

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

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Bawornsak will not report the new poll date to the Cabinet

Secretary-General of the Cabinet Bawornsak Uwanno (บวรศักดิ์ อุวรรณโณ) revealed that he will not report the new poll date and the issuance of the royal decree on setting the new poll date to the Cabinet meeting today.

He reasoned that he has not received an official letter of the matter yet.

As for the today’s meeting, Acting Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) will preside over the meeting instead of Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra.

The meeting will cover the new general election issues.

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

[jdinasia]

Nice having you back on the scene JaiDee

[Jai Dee]

Acting PM informed that the today's meeting will unofficially discuss on issuing the royal decree

Acting Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) said that today’s Cabinet meeting will unofficially discuss on the issuance of the royal decree on setting the new polling date even though the Cabinet has not received the report from the Election Commission (EC) yet.

In response to the criticism that the government is trying to extend its period, Pol. Gen. Chitchai argued that the government does not set the new poll date, but it is up to the EC's discussion with other political parties.

Following many people's call for Dr. Thaksin to resume his position, he said that he is glad to hear that they accept Dr. Thaksin and want him to continue his role. However, it depends on Dr. Thaksin’s decision.

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

Nice to be back jdinasia... although the holiday in Chiang Mai was much needed.

[Jai Dee]

Acting PM insisted that TRT did not connive with EC to set the long period of the new poll

Acting Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) insisted that the Thai Rak Thai Party is not involved in setting the new poll date.

He has warned the media for releasing the news alleging that the Thai Rak Thai Party conspired with the Election Commission to set the long period of the new poll. He has affirmed that his party does not get involved with the matter.

As for Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silpa-archa’s proposal (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) for Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra to continue his duties, he said that the political situation has now changed.

Currently, Dr. Thaksin is responsible for organizing the auspicious celebration on the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne, welcoming UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and solving the national economic problems.

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

[tettyan]

It still takes times to work on the defects in the constitution and come to a consensus about the exact wording of political reforms ... of course they could do it in 4 days ... and we could be at another impasse in 4 months ...

A consensus among whom? The PAD, opposition and TRT? I'm all for that. But the PAD and Democrats have spurned every offer from TRT to hold talks since March. At first, I thought it justified, after Thaksin's little ploy to water down their voices by trying to include the minor parties in the negotiations. But it doesn't look like the opposition & PAD is willing to meet TRT at any negotiation table under any circumstances anytime soon.

Just looking at the current conditions, it's virtually impossible to agree on any reforms until after an election. So the point in delaying the election until October would be???

Edited May 16, 2006 by tettyan

[Jai Dee]

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra attracts the attention of cameramen and photographers as he arrives at Government House yesterday to chair a meeting of the organising committee for the 60th anniversary celebrations of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne.

Source: The Nation - 16 May 2006

[sriracha john]

EC sets Oct 22nd for new election, Jaran resigns.

Supreme Court Secretary-General Jaran Pakdithanakul said yesterday the senior judicial chiefs would also discuss a report that Charupat Ruangsuwan, one of the four election commissioners, had resigned.

free TNNBPRD headline assistance provided for accuracy sake:

EC sets Oct 22nd for new election, SC's Jaran says SC to discuss EC's Charupat's resignation.

[Jai Dee]

EC sets Oct 22nd for new election, Jaran resigns.

Supreme Court Secretary-General Jaran Pakdithanakul said yesterday the senior judicial chiefs would also discuss a report that Charupat Ruangsuwan, one of the four election commissioners, had resigned.

free TNNBPRD headline assistance provided for accuracy sake:

EC sets Oct 22nd for new election, SC's Jaran says SC to discuss EC's Charupat's resignation.

Maybe you should offer your services to them SJ... or perhaps the Bangkok Herald-Examiner could work side by side with the TNNBPRD's interpreters?

[Jai Dee]

Students protest outside the Election Commission office yesterday - The Nation - 16 May 2006

[Plus]

Jdinasia, why do you think the reform must be completed before the elections?

What do TRT and Democrates are supposed to negotiate? Consensus on what? Offers of what?

You lost me here.

The reform work will commence only after elections.

[sriracha john]

Source: Bangkok Herald-Examiner - 16 May 2006

Edited May 16, 2006 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

EC sets Oct 22nd for new election, Jaran resigns.

Supreme Court Secretary-General Jaran Pakdithanakul said yesterday the senior judicial chiefs would also discuss a report that Charupat Ruangsuwan, one of the four election commissioners, had resigned.

free TNNBPRD headline assistance provided for accuracy sake:

EC sets Oct 22nd for new election, SC's Jaran says SC to discuss EC's Charupat's resignation.

Maybe you should offer your services to them SJ... or perhaps the Bangkok Herald-Examiner could work side by side with the TNNBPRD's interpreters?

The Bangkok Herald-Examiner and The Nation have a similar arrangement with their respective photography departments.

[Jai Dee]

The Bangkok Herald-Examiner and The Nation have a similar arrangement with their respective photography departments.

"same-same... but different..."

[Jai Dee]

Acting PM revealed that the today's Cabinet meeting has not concerned on the details of the new poll issues

Acting Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) revealed that the government has not discussed the details of the new general election because the government is waiting for the report from the Election Commission (EC) first.

Speaking after presiding over today’s Cabinet meeting, Pol. Gen. Chitchai said that the government and the Cabinet are waiting for the official report on the new poll issues from the EC.

In the meantime, he refused to comment on whether the government will set October 22nd as the new poll date following EC’s proposal.

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

[Jai Dee]

TRT is opened for its members to transfer to other party

Executive member of Thai Rak Thai Party and Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office Suranand Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ) stated that his party is opened if its members would want to transfer to other political party.

Mr. Suranand said that the Thai Rak Thai Party is ready to take part in the upcoming general election on the 22nd of October. He said there should not be any problem if the party members would like to transfer to another political party, in order to find their standpoints. He said such action could be done according to the law.

However, he personally would like all the members to remain with the parties as they have worked together and established a strong organization. He indicated that it depends on the decision of the general public whether they would still vote for Thai Rak Thai Party. However, he insisted that the caretaker government will continue its work in the remaining five months to solve various issues.

As for the suggestion of Chart Thai Party Leader for Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return to work, Mr. Suranand said that Dr. Thaksin is ready to work for the country but not to create disunity.

He disclosed that Dr. Thaksin has assigned concern agencies to speed up their work for organizing the auspicious celebration on the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne.

He talked about the return to politics of Pol. Capt Purachai Piumsonboon (ปุระชัย เปี่ยมสมบูรณ์) who will not join the Thai Rak Thai Party, adding that Pol. Capt Purachai is a talented figure and affirmed that it will not affect the party’s votes in Bangkok.

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

[Jai Dee]

Election date, Thaksin’s future to top agenda at TRT meeting

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is surrounded by reporters after arriving at Government House yesterday.

The proposed October 22 general election date and its ramifications for Thai Rak Thai are certain to top the agenda at the party meeting today.

The meeting, which will be attended by party executives and hundreds of former TRT MPs, is also expected to address a number of other pressing political issues.

They include whether caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the TRT leader, should keep his promise not to head the next administration – and if not, who should be his successor.

According to Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, deputy TRT leader and caretaker Agriculture Minister, the EC’s proposed election date will be put to party members – many of whom are expected to defect to other parties given the chance.

“The TRT party has no objections to the EC’s proposal to set a new election date of October 22,” she said yesterday.

“We also do not object to any members switching to other parties as well.”

October 22 was suggested by the commission after it met with representatives of some political parties, including TRT, yesterday.

The proposed date – in 159 days – would get around the constitutional requirement that aspiring MPs be members of a political party for at least 90 days before an election.

Last week, TRT executives announced that they were giving serious thought to nominating Thaksin to fill the number-one slot on its party-list roster.

They also said that the party would make political reform one of the main tenets of its election campaign.

Thaksin, who pledged not to lead the next government shortly after the April 2 election date was announced, has remained silent on the subject, fueling rumors that he intends to go back on his word.

Before the April 2 election was annulled last week, TRT members had been saying that if the election was declared invalid it would nullify Thaksin’s pledge to step down.

Khunying Sudarat said last week that the TRT’s position would be clearer once an election date was set.

The EC’s proposal for an election on October 22 will also be discussed at today’s Cabinet meeting, said Suranand Vejjajiva, the caretaker Minister attached to the PM’s Office.

He also said the TRT leadership was unconcerned by the prospect of a mass exodus of party members.

Despite the EC’s proposal, commissioners have made it clear that only the caretaker government can actually set the election date because only it can issue the Royal decree calling for new elections, which is submitted to His Majesty the King for endorsement.

Source: ThaiDay - 16 May 2006

[sriracha john]

He's BACK!!!. .... or is he? His pre-condition to returning to work and actually earning his paycheck seems to be rather impossible to meet :

PM Thaksin ready to return to work

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is ready and willing to return to work at Government House-- on condition that no more divisions among members of society emerge, Thai Rak Thai Party executive Suranand Vejjajiva said today.

Party executive Mr. Suranand's comment apparently was in response to a suggestion from Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silpa-archa that the caretaker prime minister return to work instead of "wasting precious time at department stores."

However, Mr. Thaksin is preoccupied with preparations for the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

Mr. Suranand also said that Mr. Thaksin is working to solve the country's economic problems.

... he went on to say that in an effort to show some effort, albeit a token one, to resolving the country's economic problems, he was returning his pay for the past six weeks to the Treasury Department.

The caretaker prime minister, who had pledged not to accept the premiership following the general election, had taken a long 'recess' from active work in the face of accumulating political pressure on him over the last several months.

Mr Suranand assured the public that the TRT will gladly contest the next general election tentatively scheduled for October 22 by the Election Commission and that it will review its populist platforms which may be reintroduced during election campaign only if criticised by the people.

The TRT will not keep any party member from defecting and running for MP seats under the ticket of other parties, he added.

The October 22 election date will automatically free politicians from worry regarding the 90-day timeframe currently required by law to have sufficient time to enroll for party membership elsewhere.

- BP

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin ready to return to lead Govt: Suranand

PM's Office Minister Suranand Vejjajiva said Tuesday that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is now ready to return from his political break to lead the caretaker government.

Suranand said Thaksin's main mission would be organizing the celebration of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne.

He said the second priority was to tackle economic crisis.

After the April 2 election, Thaksin announced his "indefinite leave" from duty and assigned his duty, Chidchai Vanasatidya, to carry out the PM's duty on his behalf.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News - May 16, 2006 : Last updated 12:04 pm (Thai local time)

[sriracha john]

The Bangkok Herald-Examiner has expanded their media resources by announcing that they and Thai Day have a inked a new agreement to cooperate with each other's photos:

Source: Bangkok Herald-Examiner - 16 May 2006

[Jai Dee]

A case of jumping ship into uncharted waters

After enduring heaps of criticism for agreeing to set the April 2 election only 37 days after Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra dissolved the House, the beleaguered Election Commission took away some ammunition from its many critics yesterday in proposing an election in 159 days.

“The law mentions that the government fixes the election date, but now the one who is accused is the EC,” Commissioner Parinya Nachakri told reporters in announcing the date yesterday. “As we all know, the EC has no power or right to fix the election date, but today the responsibility of the EC is to carry out the necessary actions in accordance with the verdict of the Constitutional Court to nullify the election.”

If the suggested date of October 22 stands, then the contentious rule that says candidates must be a party member at least 90 days before candidate registration opens for an election will no longer automatically chain MPs to their current party, allowing the many factions that comprised TRT’s 377 lawmakers in the last government a short window of time to leave. Since applications for party-list candidates will be accepted on August 29, MPs only have 15 days (until May 31) to make a decision.

Even so, just because the MPs can leave the party doesn’t mean they will. In fact, analysts say, many ruling party lawmakers may find it safer to stay on the lush TRT ship instead of jumping into murky political waters.

“I don’t think an election past 90 days is a major thing for Thai Rak Thai,” said a TRT aide yesterday, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Nobody would like to invest a lot in the next election, since there will likely be another election after constitutional changes are made.”

The Democrats and other opposition parties will likely benefit, because they will have more time to prepare, the aide said. But since members of both the Democrats and TRT, the two largest parties, have said the next government should limit its mandate to focusing on constitutional changes, the opposition may want to save money on those factions that will sell themselves to the highest bidder.

“We’ll see if any factions go in the next few weeks,” the aide said. “To be frank, everything is about money. It’s not about ideology.”

Thaksin, of course, has never been accused of lacking cash. His party is under investigation for paying off minor parties to field candidates in the April 2 election, a charge that could lead to Thai Rak Thai’s dissolution. TRT has countered by calling for the Democrat party to be dissolved, claiming that the main opposition party set it up.

The EC, with many questioning its legitimacy and possibly one fewer commissioner, must sort out this mess. Analysts expect that the confusing jumble of conflicting evidence could make the whole episode a wash.

Assuming that the two major parties are not dissolved (although anything seems possible these days), then lawmakers could start looking around. On their minds, in addition to any cash payments, will be two important questions: Which party will accept them? And, if so, can that party win? Since it’s unclear whether the three main opposition parties, which all boycotted the last election for reasons of principle, would make alliances (or have the money to do so) with any TRT factions, the most viable option could be veteran power broker Sanoh Thienthong’s newly formed Pracharaj party. Sanoh, who formerly led the dissident Wang Nam Yen faction, has said he is confident that many disgruntled TRT members will likely join Pracharaj. But though Sanoh may very well attract some wayward members, it’s unclear if he pulls the same weight that he used to. The Wang Nam Yen faction has shrunk to 30 or so lawmakers, and many of them did not follow Sanoh after he finally left TRT.

“If Thaksin wants to keep the party together, he has the money to pay,” said Prudhisan Jumbala, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. “Apart from fringe MPs who already don’t get much from the party, I imagine the party will hold together.”

Though Thaksin has the money, it’s unclear how much he’s willing to spend on the next election – especially if it will be held in about a year’s time. News reports have indicated that the Shinawatras weren’t happy with shouldering most of the bill for the nullified April 2 poll.

If a large faction does break away, it still may not be altogether bad news for Thaksin. Some party sources suggest that Thai Rak Thai could rule in a coalition government with whatever party a large faction chooses to join, which may deflect some of the ire of street protestors.

However, it remains to be seen what any opposition parties or breakaway factions can offer voters as alternatives to Thai Rak Thai. Sixteen million mostly poor rural voters largely rewarded the ruling party on April 2 (and in the previous two elections) for its pro-poor policies regarding healthcare (30-baht scheme), lending (Village fund) and sustainable development (One Tambon, One Product).

“What policies do the opposition parties have other than claiming they are not corrupt?” said Giles Ungpakorn, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. “As things stand now, Thai Rak Thai’s big advantage is policy. If anyone in the party does jump ship, then they can only be seen as an unprincipled politician. This is not an endorsement of Thai Rak Thai, but is that really something we should be voting for?”

Source: ThaiDay - 16 May 2006