New General Election Proposed For Oct. 22

[Jai Dee]

EC defies judges’ call to step down

The remaining three Election Commissioners refused to throw in the towel yesterday after the country’s three most powerful judges said the courts would not help organize the next election until “genuinely neutral” people are appointed to replace them.

The heads of the Administrative, Supreme and Constitutional courts called yesterday’s meeting after the Election Commission and 20 mostly minor political parties agreed on Monday to set October 22 as the date for the next election.

The judges discussed the resignation of commissioner Gen Charupat Ruangsuwan, and claimed the meeting between the EC and political parties was illegal because all representatives of the five-member EC were not present.

EC Chairman Wasana Permlarp did not attend the meeting, and another commissioner died last year.

After a lengthy meeting yesterday, EC spokesman Ekkachai Warunprapha told reporters that Monday’s meeting, which was boycotted by the three main opposition parties, complied with laws governing the EC if only four commissioners remain. Charupat submitted his resignation after the meeting.

The remaining three commissioners – Wasana, Virachai Naewboonnien and Prinya Nakchudtree – plan to push forward with the October 22 election proposal. Under Article 141 of the Constitution, “the remaining Election Commissioners may continue to perform their duties” if a commissioner vacates office.

“The action on Monday was carried out under the Constitutional Court’s verdict, which said that authorized organizations must discuss the election date,” Ekkachai told reporters last night. “The EC invited the leaders of political parties and the Cabinet secretary-general to have a discussion about the election date as the court verdict stated.”

“The government will be informed of the EC decision so they can continue with the proceedings under their authority,” Ekkachai added.

Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit told reporters yesterday that the Cabinet secretary-general would need to check the proposed election date with both the Election Commission and the Constitutional Court.

“We need to make sure [about the October 22 election date], because so far we have only received information through the media,” he told reporters.

Asked about the legitimacy of the EC, Chitchai said that all opinions concerning the commissioners were “subjective.”

Earlier in the day, the heads of the country’s top three courts strongly denounced the remaining three election commissioners and called on them to follow in Charupat’s footsteps. Citing the Constitutional Court verdict that nullified the April 2 election, court spokesman Jaran Pakdeethanakul told reporters that the “malfeasance of the four election commissioners has caused severe damage to the country.”

“If they are allowed to continue to organize future elections, it is very likely that they will not be able to conduct a fair and honest election as stated in the Constitution,” Jaran said. “Therefore, the courts agreed that they will only get involved in organizing a new election when a new election commission is selected from genuinely neutral, politically independent persons.”

Previously, the heads of the three courts had given the EC two options: resign, or ask the courts to help organize the election. Now resignation appears to be the only option left.

While the top judges have no legal authority to oust the embattled commissioners, they have assumed a mandate to resolve the months-long political crisis after His Majesty the King instructed them to clean up “the mess” on April 25. Prior to the speech, the courts had deferred to the election commission’s sovereignty.

The uncompromising positions of both the courts and the EC set the stage for a political deadlock between the country’s highest institutions that resembles the gridlock between political parties during the April 2 election. Some constitutional experts questioned the wisdom of the decision by the country’s highest courts to align against the Election Commission.

“I think we are now in a difficult situation because it is improper for the courts to tell the EC to resign,” Vorajet Phakheerat, a constitutional law expert at Thammasat University, said in an interview yesterday. “It’s not the mission of the courts. I think they have done too much today [yesterday].”

After the meeting of judges yesterday, Jaran cited the EC’s decision to place the ballot booths facing outward as the chief reason the commissioners should voluntarily leave office.

“We will not take part in the next elections because the Constitutional Court verdict has already found that this Election Commission mishandled the election by making the voting not confidential,” he said. “This is a very vital mistake in a constitutional monarchy because one of the most important principles of a democratic ballot is that it must be confidential.”

But whether or not the placement of polling booths justifies the resignations of every commissioner remains a matter of debate.

“The decision of the Constitutional Court was more for political reasons than legal reasons,” Vorajet said. “So it should not be considered grounds for the EC to resign.”

“People always say the EC is corrupt, but they don’t provide the evidence,” Vorajet added.

“If they are guilty, the court should go through the process, convict them of a crime and then punish them. Now if the EC stands trial, people might think that the courts are not partial, and that is not good for resolving problems or for the judicial system.”

The pressure on the commissioners to resign continues to mount as the celebrations commemorating HM the King’s 60th anniversary on the throne approach in June.

Last month, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra cited his desire to promote “national unity” ahead of the royal celebrations as the main reason he rejected the premiership in the next Parliament.

“Now the courts have raised the flag already, and everybody must bow to the flag,” said a constitutional expert sympathetic to the opposition parties, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive subject matter. “Whatever the three courts say, that will be the Constitution…but only in this situation.”

Source: ThaiDay - 17 May 2006

[Jai Dee]

Breaking with precedent, court denounces election

The Central Administrative Court ruled yesterday that the April 2 election violated Constitutional provisions requiring a secret ballot, mimicking an earlier Constitutional Court ruling that nullified the boycotted poll.

The case, brought by Pramual Weerutamasen and 10 other plaintiffs against the Election Commission, marked the first direct action by the courts following His Majesty the King’s instruction to Administrative Court judges on April 25 that they sort out the legal “mess.” Three days after the HM the King’s speech, the Central Administrative Court abruptly halted a third round of elections scheduled for April 29, paving the way for the Constitutional Court verdict that annulled the April 2 election and ordered a new poll.

Although yesterday’s verdict puts more pressure on the embattled election commissioners to resign, it also signifies a sharp reversal from previous court rulings by the Central Administrative Court, which had declined to accept numerous lawsuits asking the court to halt the April 23 by-elections.

Just a week before the Central Administrative Court took up Pramual’s case, it tossed out a lawsuit filed by Ratekkarach Ratpakdirat against the Election Commission that claimed the April 2 election should be nullified because the arrangement of ballot booths for the Lower House election in Bangkok’s constituency 33 was “inappropriate,” thereby making the election dishonest.

In a ruling dated April 21, court documents show, the Central Administrative Court declared: “The Election Commission’s authority to order another election when there is credible evidence pointing out that the election is not carried out with honesty is the authority given to it under the Constitution. It is not an administrative power.”

Four days later, HM the King told the judges: “When an election is not democratic, you should look carefully into the administrative issues. I ask you to do the best you can. If you cannot do it, then it should be you who resigns, not the government, for failing to do your duty. Carefully review the vows you have made.”

The Central Administrative Court’s past deference to the EC stems from a 2003 ruling by the Constitutional Court that restricted its ability to overturn commission decisions. The Constitutional Court took that case based on Article 266 of the 1997 charter – which gives it the power to settle disputes concerning “the powers and duties of organs under the Constitution” – and ruled that Election Commission decisions were “conclusive.”

It remains to be seen whether the Election Commission will appeal yesterday’s decision to the Constitutional Court, or whether the case will set a new precedent that reasserts the Central Administrative Court’s power to check the country’s top election officials.

Source: ThaiDay - 17 May 2006

[Jai Dee]

TRT persists with election preparations

The Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party at its meeting yesterday decided to press ahead with preparations for the new election but will wait for the new date after the country’s three top courts moved against the October 22 date proposed by the Election Commission on Monday.

Meanwhile, two TRT members resigned from the party and signs of further defection are appearing, despite uncertainty over whether the new election will be held more than 90 days from now.

Thaksin Shinawatra met with TRT executives and former MPs for nearly two hours at the party headquarters on New Phetchaburi Road to discuss what lay ahead in the current uncertain political situation.

Deputy TRT spokesman Pimok Simarot said Thaksin instructed party members to proceed with their election campaigns even though the election date remained uncertain.

However, Thaksin remained silent on whether he will renege on his promise to take a “political break” in the new government, the most important question expected to be answered during the meeting yesterday.

“Thaksin told members that it was too early for him to say now but he will make the announcement once the new election date is known,” Pimuk said.

After his announcement on April 4 that he will refuse the premiership in the new government, Thaksin has remained elusive on whether he will go back on his word to step down.

TRT executives have said that his promise has been rendered void along with the invalidation of the April 2 general election by the Constitutional Court last week.

At the meeting, Thaksin expressed concern over the current political situation and the uncertainty over the election date following the Constitutional, Supreme Administrative and Supreme court judges’ statement that the election commissioners had no right to set October 22 as the election date.

“Thaksin instructed all members to remain strong and withstand the current uncertainty and expect further changes of election laws,” Phimuk said.

“Furthermore, Thaksin also said that the TRT party will be ready to push ahead under any rules and instructed all MPs to begin campaigning in their own constituencies.”

Thaksin also dismissed the impact TRT may suffer if members were freed of the constitutional rule that requires candidates to be members of a political party for at least 90 days in order to contest elections.

Thaksin thought it would be a good opportunity to restructure the party and said that all members who wanted to leave could do so and wished them good luck, said Phimuk.

However, despite the united front posed by Thaksin, Sarit Santimetaneedol, the leader of the Kulab Deang faction, and Likhit Theravekin, a renowned academic and party director, handed him their resignations yesterday on the grounds that the April 2 election was annulled.

“I want to work freely on political reform and join other members who are thinking of setting up new political parties,” said Sarit.

Regarding the new EC that may be in place for the fresh election, Pimuk said that it will not be a factor for TRT as long as it is right.

However, deputy TRT leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan said very few members should leave the party as rumored if the election breached the 90-day rule.

Sudarat also issued a challenge to the Democrat party to contest the election on a policy platform rather than indulge in political mudslinging.

Sudarat added that the party-list and constituents roster of the party has not been finalized as the election date remains uncertain.

However, it will resemble the roster for the April 2 election, she said.

TRT will also set up a platform to accept new members into the party who may contest the election as well.

Deputy spokesman Suthin Klangsang said Thaksin assured party members yesterday that TRT’s best days are yet to come.

“Thaksin insisted that he still has many more ideas on how to lead the party into the future,” Suthin said.

Thaksin also insisted that the case for dissolution of the TRT is untenable because the charges are false.

The TRT also announced yesterday that Thaksin’s wife Khunying Pojaman donated 80 million out of a total of 80,023,340 baht received by the party in April.

TRT will hold a seminar from June 2 to 4 when all members will be called upon to propose new ideas, as they were when TRT was founded.

Source: ThaiDay - 17 May 2006

[Jai Dee]

Dr. Thaksin will preside over the meeting concerning the progress of organizing the royal celebration

Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin Shinawatra will hold a meeting to inform the progress of organizing the exhibition of the auspicious celebration on the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne this afternoon.

Dr. Thaksin is still in his residence, and he has shown no signs that he will leave his home to continue his duties. Many sides also wonder on whether or not he will decide to resume his post.

However, the media reported that he will go to the Government House at 14:30 hours today to preside over the meeting concerning the organizing of the auspicious celebration on the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 May 2006

[tettyan]

The big assumption here is that TRT is still around to contest the next elections ... that very well may not be the fact

I`ll light myself a cigar the second that happens, if it comes about. Until then, nothing should be taken for granted.

[sriracha john]

In a prime example of double-speak and mathematical contortion.... even with the EC member resigning... there's still enough EC members :

Borwornsak says three remaining EC commissioners can still work

Cabinet Secretary-General Borwornsak Uwanno said Wednesday the three remaining members of the Election Commission can still work.

Borwornsak was responding to the three highest courts' statement which said on Tuesday that the three remaining EC commissioners could not make a forum so they should resign.

Charupat Ruangsuwan resigned Monday, leaving only three commissioners in the office.

Borwornsak said the Constitution and EC Act stipulated that the EC worked by using four fifths majority and two out of three EC commissioners could still be considered as four fifths. say wha?

He said the EC would not be able to function if there were only two members left.

- TN

[tettyan]

TRT might try to blame it anyone else, but if Democrats decide to run on "doom and gloom" they will have a rather strong message. The country is deep in the shit now, it's time to turn it around.

There`s another party in another part of the world that calls itself "Democrat" that`s tried the same thing. It`s just hard (though not impossible) to win an election if you don`t have a positive message to articulate. We all know what the Dems are against: Thaksin and everything he stands for. But what are they for? At least with Thaksin, I know what I`m getting, even if I don`t like it. The problem is, most Thais still support his economic policies (their opinions of the man himself might be something else). Is a lot of it recycled hot air? Sure, but it`s better than just saying "we`re all f***ed!" People already know that, what they want to hear is "OK, here`s exactly what we`re gonna do about it".

I found this quote by Pradit, former Democrat Secretary-General who recently quit the party, to be particularly telling:

"... politicians have to be able to answer the public [when they're asked] what they can deliver. I have to admit that Thaksinomics has greatly increased political awareness among the people. Any political parties that want to challenge the Thai Rak Thai Party must [be able to] answer this question first. If there is no answer for this, I do not want to take the risk [of returning to politics]."

Is Abhisit up to the challenge? I`m still watching and waiting...

Edited May 17, 2006 by tettyan

[sriracha john]

In the TRT government's long-held tradition of working closely, peacefully, and respectfully with Thai Muslims and always having held Muslim concerns in such high measure....

Govt urges new election date

The Cabinet said Wednesday that the proposed October 22 election date should be changed because it falls during the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The October 22 date may cause problems for Thai Muslims who have to use their mosques for the celebrations," cabinet secretary Borwornsak Uwanno said, as mosques are often used as polling stations in predominantly Muslim provinces.

The election commission proposed new polls for October 22, but Thailand's three highest courts rejected their decision and said the commissioners should resign for organising the flawed April 2 poll.

- TN

--------------------------

Gee... Khun Bornwithoutasack... that's two stupid announcements in a row... will you be trying for the trifecta???

Edited May 17, 2006 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Abhisit requested EC to resign form their post

Democrat Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) has requested the remaining three members of the Election Commission (EC) to follow the suggestion of the three courts by resigning from their positions in order to end the political crisis.

He added that many people have now become aware of issues related liberty and rights. He further said that it is necessary to find ways for people to have more opportunities to participate in Thai politics continuously.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 May 2006

[Old Man River]

Breaking with precedent, court denounces election

The Central Administrative Court ruled yesterday that the April 2 election violated Constitutional provisions requiring a secret ballot, mimicking an earlier Constitutional Court ruling that nullified the boycotted poll.

The case, brought by Pramual Weerutamasen and 10 other plaintiffs against the Election Commission, marked the first direct action by the courts following His Majesty the King’s instruction to Administrative Court judges on April 25 that they sort out the legal “mess.” Three days after the HM the King’s speech, the Central Administrative Court abruptly halted a third round of elections scheduled for April 29, paving the way for the Constitutional Court verdict that annulled the April 2 election and ordered a new poll.

Although yesterday’s verdict puts more pressure on the embattled election commissioners to resign, it also signifies a sharp reversal from previous court rulings by the Central Administrative Court, which had declined to accept numerous lawsuits asking the court to halt the April 23 by-elections.

Just a week before the Central Administrative Court took up Pramual’s case, it tossed out a lawsuit filed by Ratekkarach Ratpakdirat against the Election Commission that claimed the April 2 election should be nullified because the arrangement of ballot booths for the Lower House election in Bangkok’s constituency 33 was “inappropriate,” thereby making the election dishonest.

In a ruling dated April 21, court documents show, the Central Administrative Court declared: “The Election Commission’s authority to order another election when there is credible evidence pointing out that the election is not carried out with honesty is the authority given to it under the Constitution. It is not an administrative power.”

Four days later, HM the King told the judges: “When an election is not democratic, you should look carefully into the administrative issues. I ask you to do the best you can. If you cannot do it, then it should be you who resigns, not the government, for failing to do your duty. Carefully review the vows you have made.”

The Central Administrative Court’s past deference to the EC stems from a 2003 ruling by the Constitutional Court that restricted its ability to overturn commission decisions. The Constitutional Court took that case based on Article 266 of the 1997 charter – which gives it the power to settle disputes concerning “the powers and duties of organs under the Constitution” – and ruled that Election Commission decisions were “conclusive.”

It remains to be seen whether the Election Commission will appeal yesterday’s decision to the Constitutional Court, or whether the case will set a new precedent that reasserts the Central Administrative Court’s power to check the country’s top election officials.

Source: ThaiDay - 17 May 2006

If it hasn't already been said, we owe three big Chaiyos to the good people at P-Net who worked tirelessly to put together the proof (including tape) of the lack of confidentiality during the April 2nd election (and subsequently filed a lawsuit to this effect). I have been told that their first meeting with Pol. Gen. Wasana was anything but pleasant. It was only when their Chairman, General Saiyud (former Supreme Commander of the Military) accompanied the group in their second meeting that the EC begin to realize this issue was not going to go away.

[Old Man River]

Mr. Abhisit requested EC to resign form their post

Democrat Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) has requested the remaining three members of the Election Commission (EC) to follow the suggestion of the three courts by resigning from their positions in order to end the political crisis.

He added that many people have now become aware of issues related liberty and rights. He further said that it is necessary to find ways for people to have more opportunities to participate in Thai politics continuously.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 May 2006

Whispers in Bangkok are that Pol. Gen. Wasana will not resign unless he receives direction to do so from "above". Personally, I think it just a matter of time that they do resign, regardless of whether direction comes, as processes will be carried on without their involvement. Now it is more a matter of finding ways to save face.

[Plus]

Life is not "doom and gloom" in the US yet, there's no runaway inflation, oil prices don't force farmers to employ buffaloes, and the main problem is somewhere in Iraq. Why fix something that is not really broken?

>>>>>>>>

TRT doesn't have ANY economic policies at the moment. People still think they do, out of habit, mostly. If it comes to campaigning, they'll have to think up something really quick, just like Democrats. Democrats can play weak economy and rising cost of living to their advanatge. All they have to do is promise to end the slump, just like after 1997. They can portray themselves as a "fix-it" party.

"It's the economy, stupid" might work here, for Thai Democrats. Life is not what it used to be back in 2003-2004, people just don't realise it yet.

I'm speculating, btw.

[jdinasia]

TRT might try to blame it anyone else, but if Democrats decide to run on "doom and gloom" they will have a rather strong message. The country is deep in the shit now, it's time to turn it around.

There`s another party in another part of the world that calls itself "Democrat" that`s tried the same thing. It`s just hard (though not impossible) to win an election if you don`t have a positive message to articulate. We all know what the Dems are against: Thaksin and everything he stands for. But what are they for? At least with Thaksin, I know what I`m getting, even if I don`t like it. The problem is, most Thais still support his economic policies (their opinions of the man himself might be something else). Is a lot of it recycled hot air? Sure, but it`s better than just saying "we`re all f***ed!" People already know that, what they want to hear is "OK, here`s exactly what we`re gonna do about it".

I found this quote by Pradit, former Democrat Secretary-General who recently quit the party, to be particularly telling:

"... politicians have to be able to answer the public [when they're asked] what they can deliver. I have to admit that Thaksinomics has greatly increased political awareness among the people. Any political parties that want to challenge the Thai Rak Thai Party must [be able to] answer this question first. If there is no answer for this, I do not want to take the risk [of returning to politics]."

Is Abhisit up to the challenge? I`m still watching and waiting...

HUH? in the last election the Demos in that other part of the world got beat down on knee jerk social issues <gay marraige, abortion,etc>

the funny thing is they took debt left by Reagan Bush ... (largest debt in History) and turned it into surplus $$ for the gov't .... then lost and now the USA has the largest debt in history yet again! <but the Rep's are seen as fiscally better by people? what utter BS .... anyways ... it wasn't policy that beat the demos in the USA it was lack of solidarity and the right-wing Xians <see the DaVinci code thread to see how that can happen

[ColPyat]

Is Abhisit up to the challenge? I`m still watching and waiting...

One question:

Is Abhisit just a nice face put in place for the public (or better - a particular sector of the society that is responsive for a good looking educated global urbanite) or is he really part of the decision making process in the Democrat Party?

He appears to me an intelligent person, his educational qualifications do speak for themselves, and therefore i really wonder why so far the Democrats have not come out yet with any positive message or policy other than being against Thaksin.

Anyone?

[ColPyat]

HUH? in the last election the Demos in that other part of the world got beat down on knee jerk social issues <gay marraige, abortion,etc>

I always thought they were beat down because nobody knew what Kerry actually wanted, what he stood for. Such as, first he was for the Irak war, than against it but had no different policy on the continuation than Bush?

[jdinasia]

<not rising to the bait of a self confessed yank basher :-) >

[slimdog]

From what I gather, the reason that none of the main opposition parties have put forward any future policies is that this could be construed as campaigning. Until an election date has been set by Royal decree, campaigning is banned by the constitution.

Penalties are rather severe..

Had they announced any policies after the last Royal decree was issued then they were afraid that this would have given legitimacy to the April 2nd election.

[Jai Dee]

ACM refused to organize the new poll

The Interior Minister, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Wanthana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา), has insisted that he will not present himself to organize the new poll, but he will support every unit who have been assigned to take care of the matter.

ACM Kongsak stated that he would like the new poll to take place soon as it could help end many problems in Thailand including the national economic recession. He expressed his concern over the budget for 2007 as it cannot be utilized until all seats in the House of Representatives are filled. Thus, the government will be able to use the budget to administer the country.

Besides, he agrees with the call for Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra to resume his post in order to help work out the national issues.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 May 2006

[Old Man River]

Is Abhisit up to the challenge? I`m still watching and waiting...

One question:

Is Abhisit just a nice face put in place for the public (or better - a particular sector of the society that is responsive for a good looking educated global urbanite) or is he really part of the decision making process in the Democrat Party?

He appears to me an intelligent person, his educational qualifications do speak for themselves, and therefore i really wonder why so far the Democrats have not come out yet with any positive message or policy other than being against Thaksin.

Anyone?

You have worded it correctly. He is part of the decision making process. Khun Bichai, Khun Chuan and a few others still wield a lot of power within the party. However, at the end of the day, the Head of the party has the final say. This is why there was disagreement by some of the older line Democrats about his replacing Khun Bunyat. It isn't a paper tiger position. It is real, and so is Khun Abhisit. However, being Thai, you can expect Khun Abihist will greatly rely on his senior advisors.

On a political platform, I think you will remember that prior to the TRT, parties didn't run on political platforms. It was as Plus has said, pick an area of the economy and say you will fix it. Whoever was believed the most (with payouts in the right directions) would win the elections. Hence, while as expats we can't believe that there has been no concrete statements of policies yet, really there isn't any need yet for Thai voters (I know it is changing, but changes are slow). There still is plenty of time to see how things play out, and then be the "fix it" party as Plus has so correctly stated above.

[Jai Dee]

Vasana denies he stays put to protect Thai Rak Thai

Election Commission chairman Vasana Puemlarp Wednesday denied that he stays put to try to protect the Thai Rak Thai in a case in which it was accused of funding small parties to run in the April 2 election.

Vasana said he had several unfinished missions so he decided to remain in office.

He said he carried out his duty by adhering to fact.

The Supreme Court, Administrative Court and Constitution Court have called on the three remaining EC commissioners to resign after Charupat Ruangsuwan stepped down on Monday.

Source: The Nation - 17 May 2006

[jdinasia]

Is Abhisit up to the challenge? I`m still watching and waiting...

One question:

Is Abhisit just a nice face put in place for the public (or better - a particular sector of the society that is responsive for a good looking educated global urbanite) or is he really part of the decision making process in the Democrat Party?

He appears to me an intelligent person, his educational qualifications do speak for themselves, and therefore i really wonder why so far the Democrats have not come out yet with any positive message or policy other than being against Thaksin.

Anyone?

You have worded it correctly. He is part of the decision making process. Khun Bichai, Khun Chuan and a few others still wield a lot of power within the party. However, at the end of the day, the Head of the party has the final say. This is why there was disagreement by some of the older line Democrats about his replacing Khun Bunyat. It isn't a paper tiger position. It is real, and so is Khun Abhisit. However, being Thai, you can expect Khun Abihist will greatly rely on his senior advisors.

On a political platform, I think you will remember that prior to the TRT, parties didn't run on political platforms. It was as Plus has said, pick an area of the economy and say you will fix it. Whoever was believed the most (with payouts in the right directions) would win the elections. Hence, while as expats we can't believe that there has been no concrete statements of policies yet, really there isn't any need yet for Thai voters (I know it is changing, but changes are slow). There still is plenty of time to see how things play out, and then be the "fix it" party as Plus has so correctly stated above.

I would Mostly agree with this ... the major complaint about the Demos are that they take time withing the party to build a concensus .... <a really good thing> ... it would be WAY better if they had a concensus on a platform to start ... as this would GREATLY reduce the time it takes to make decisions!

[ColPyat]

You have worded it correctly. He is part of the decision making process. Khun Bichai, Khun Chuan and a few others still wield a lot of power within the party. However, at the end of the day, the Head of the party has the final say. This is why there was disagreement by some of the older line Democrats about his replacing Khun Bunyat. It isn't a paper tiger position. It is real, and so is Khun Abhisit. However, being Thai, you can expect Khun Abihist will greatly rely on his senior advisors.

On a political platform, I think you will remember that prior to the TRT, parties didn't run on political platforms. It was as Plus has said, pick an area of the economy and say you will fix it. Whoever was believed the most (with payouts in the right directions) would win the elections. Hence, while as expats we can't believe that there has been no concrete statements of policies yet, really there isn't any need yet for Thai voters (I know it is changing, but changes are slow). There still is plenty of time to see how things play out, and then be the "fix it" party as Plus has so correctly stated above.

I see only one huge uncertainty there:

Thaksin has politicised the masses of especially the rural areas as they were never before. Will these people accept the old status quo?

Thaksin has promised them a lot (delivered a little, i know, but more than anyone else has yet), and therefore has raised expectations on which any future government will be measured. I am not saying that this is right or wrong (most of those promises built on false hopes and knee jerk populist policies), but it does somehow put all the parties under pressure to deliver in order to keep social peace. The dangerous part i see is that the expectations raised under Thaksin will be almost impossible to fulfill by anyone as they were to the most part completely unrealistic (no drugs, no poverty anymore within a specified amount of years, the agro-schemes, etc).

The jeanie is now out of the bottle, and i have certain fears that as soon as a government cannot deliver on those false hopes, than we will have round after round of crippling demonstrations bocking any development here, as you can be sure that there will be selfserving vested interests and selfstyled fix-it merchants using this dangerous precedent set by the PAD.

[sriracha john]

The chorus of voices calling for the EC to get the frick out is reaching a deafening crescendo!:

30 caretaker senators to tell EC to resign

A group of some 30 caretaker senators plans to submit a letter to the Election Commission on Thursday to demand the three remaining commissioners to resign.

Nipon Wisityutthasart, acting Senate deputy speaker, said his group of some 30 caretaker senators considered that the current EC had caused damages to the country's democracy and caused the country to waste some Bt3 billion in election handling budget.

He said his group also considered that the EC could not continue working now that there are only three of them left in the office.

"The EC no longer has legitimacy left so all of them should resign," Nipon said.

- TN

[cclub75]

Vasana said he had several unfinished missions so he decided to remain in office.

He said he carried out his duty by adhering to fact.

This guy is pathetic. Like the Titanic, if there will one last on board, he will be that one.

And proud too !

He is a fascinating mixing of stupidity, asian proudness, face and inaptitude, and of course deceitfulness.

The King has spoken a few weeks ago already, courts have spoken too. Plus many other people. The situation is clear : EC, TRT, governement have received many blows.

And Mister Vasana is still "adhering to fact".

It's amazing.

[ColPyat]

The King has spoken a few weeks ago already, courts have spoken too. Plus many other people. The situation is clear : EC, TRT, governement have received many blows.

If we really have to bring The King into it again, than let us at least stick with the facts: every side has received serious and justified criticism in that speach, including the PAD with their outlandish demands of a Royally appointed Prime Minister.

Edited May 17, 2006 by ColPyat

[jdinasia]

lol ...

the PAD has done nothing of note for ages .... they won't unless some backtracking of Thaksin happens .....

i guess deflecting from TRT and Thaksin is important though

[Siripon]

Contradictory stories in today's Post and Nation. Is Purachai (Mr. "Social Order" Campaign) making a return to politics? Is he going to join Sanoh (his former rival within TRT) and his Maharaj Party? Or the hithero unheard of Palang Pandin Party, which the Nation says may merge with Maharaj anyway.

In the end, I don't think TRT is going to bleed very many members, probably no more than 30-40 at most. Having Thaksin on your campaign poster is still very much a vote-winner in most areas upcountry.

====

New parties sprouting already

The Nation

May 17, 2006

The People's Alliance for Democracy has decided to jump into the political fray by founding a new party called the "Mass Party". And its one aim is to crusade against Thaksinomics.

The party has an unconventional political agenda. It vows not to field any MP candidates in its first five years.

"Our objective is to campaign against Thaksinomics," a PAD leader, Somkiat Pongpaibun, said yesterday. "If we field MP candidates, we will be trapped in vicious circles of money politics."

Somkiat would be joined by former Palang Dharma Party leader Chaiwat Sinsuwong and the Campaign for Popular Democracy's Pipop Thongchai to continue the political activities established under the PAD banner, a source said.

Mass Party will be just one of the new political parties that are set to spring up following the apparent ability of MPs to change allegiance with 90 days to establish party membership and qualify for candidacy under the terms of the Constitution.

Mahachon Party leader Sanan Kachornprasart is lobbying former Democrat Party secretary-general Pradit Pattaraprasit, who recently quit the Democrats, to join Mahachon and bring his businessmen colleagues to finance the party.

The reason behind Pradit's departure from the Democrats became clear when he spoke about a return to politics.

"I need more time to decide, because politicians have to be able to answer the public [when they're asked] what they can deliver," he said. "I have to admit that Thaksinomics has greatly increased political awareness among the people. Any political parties that want to challenge the Thai Rak Thai Party must [be able to] answer this question first. If there is no answer for this, I do not want to take the risk. I am already happy."

Pradit said a deciding factor on whether he goes back to politics is his desire to contest a clean and fair ballot under a new Election Commission.

If he finally decides to join Mahachon, political analysts believe Pradit will opt for the position of party secretary-general rather than its leadership, as he believes he is more suited to the former role.

Although many factions in Thai Rak Thai Party have so far refused to switch camps, academic Likhit Theeravekin, a founding member of the party, has decided to defect, with a plan to establish a new party to push for political reform.

Likhit is not the first defector. Several other key founding members of Thai Rak Thai Party have also left, including Social Order crusader Purachai Piumsombun. Anek Laothammathat, the former Mahachon Party leader, has joined the Maharaj Party and is lobbying Purachai to head the party with Anek as secretary-general.

The party will include academics from Mahachon, plus political activists calling themselves "Crisis Watch" and led by Uaychai Watha. The New Aspiration Party, led by Chingchai Mongkoltham, is also planing to merge with Maharaj.

Outgoing Senators Kraisak Choonhavan and Karun Saingam will also join Maharaj Party, and are lobbying other senators to join, a source said.

====

Parties urge Purachai to make poll comeback

Bangkok Post

May 17, 2006

Former deputy prime minister Purachai Piumsombun has been asked to make a political comeback in the coming general election by some leading parties, his close aide said yesterday. Noppadol Inna said many parties had contacted Mr Purachai and there was a possibility his boss would return to politics.

However, Mr Purachai needed to thoroughly consider everything, including the present political situation, before making a decision, Mr Noppadol said.

Mr Purachai had vowed not to remain idle while the country had problems, but this did not mean he would re-enter politics to help tackle them, the aide said.

It was also too early to say which party he would join.

But sources said he had two options _ either take over the leadership of the Pracharaj party from Sanoh Thiengthong or form a new party under the Palang Pandin banner.

Palang Pandin has been linked to former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, former Mahachon party chief Anek Laothamatas and some popular academics and politicians, the sources said.

Defections from the Thai Rak Thai party have already begun, with at least two members resigning yesterday _ Likhit Dhiravegin, a party-list member, and Sarit Santimataneedol from Khon Kaen.

Mr Likhit, a political science lecturer at Thammasat University, said he wanted to concentrate on teaching. But he admitted he had also been asked to set up a new political party by former members of the New Aspiration party.

Mr Likhit also praised Mr Purachai for his anti-corruption efforts and his ''Mr Clean'' image. But his lack of flexibility was his weakness, the academic said.

Mr Purachai was not available for comment yesterday.

Mr Purachai, as straight as a ruler, I remember when he was Interior Minister and the Democrats asked him to investigate the sale of temple land to Sanoh who then sold it to Thaksin,(the Alpine golf club), Thaksin described it on TV as one of the best buys he ever made.

Yet Purachai, a man who considers himself a devout follower of Buddhist teachings, refused to investigate the case, of course the fact he was a former Shinawat employee may have had something to do with it.

Yet it boggles the mind to conceive of him in a party run by Sanoh, 2 strange bedfellows indeed. As mentioned above his weakness is his inflexilibity, as well as his aloofness, when Minister it was very diffiicult to meet him, one had to go through several aides of his to get a face to face meeting.

He seemed more suitable to the academic world, NIDA where he was once the director I believe.

An aside,The Colonel, my reference to learning Polish regarding overseas scholarships started by Thaksin is that one of the conditions is the students mustn't learn in English.

[ColPyat]

lol ...

the PAD has done nothing of note for ages .... they won't unless some backtracking of Thaksin happens .....

Yeah, well, other than several PAD leaders forming now a political party, even though according to you a few weeks ago they had no political ambitions...

Edited May 17, 2006 by ColPyat

[ColPyat]

An aside,The Colonel, my reference to learning Polish regarding overseas scholarships started by Thaksin is that one of the conditions is the students mustn't learn in English.

I thought that to study most subjects proficiency in at least written English is nowadys a must anyhow, besides the language one is learning in. I don't see no harm in having them learn another language as well.

[ColPyat]

Mr Purachai, as straight as a ruler,

Through the grapevine i have heard some different gossip about him...more like a product of the Thai version of don't-ask-don't-tell policy...