New General Election Proposed For Oct. 22

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Commander has reaffirmed that Thai military will not stage a revolution

Supreme Commander Ruangroj Mahasaranond (เรืองโรจน์ มหาศรานนท์) has insisted that the Thai military will not stage a revolution, while requesting every side to follow His Majesty the King’s instruction to dissolve the national crisis.

He agrees with Navy Commander Satirapan Keyanon’s (สถิรพันธ์ เกยานนท์) views that all units should follow His Majesty the King’s speech, but refusing to comment on Mr. Satirapan’s demand for the Election Commission to resign according to the three court’s resolution.

He said that every side should join hands to end the problems. Referring to the armed forces’ political movement, he has reaffirmed that the Thai military will not stage a revolution, as it can cause more damage to the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 May 2006

[Hermano Lobo]

Former BKK MP believes that EC will resign after they has cleared their work

Former Bangkok MP Wattana Sengpairoh (วัฒนา เซ่งไพเราะ) believes that the remaining Election Commissioners will resign from their posts after they have cleared their works.

As for Navy Commander Satirapan Keyanon’s (สถิรพันธ์ เกยานนท์) request for the Election Commission (EC) to consider the Constitutional Court's verdict that suggested them to resign, Mr. Wattana views that the EC should be given a chance to complete their duties before they will leave their positions.

Besides, he agrees with the three courts's demand for the People’s Alliance for Democracy not to hold its rally on May 2nd. He said that every side should end their movements and wait for the courts' consideration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 May 2006

after they have cleared their work

rally on May 2nd

That should read May 22nd

[Hermano Lobo]

No rally now !

PAD cancels Monday march

The People's Alliance for Democracy Friday cancelled its march planned for Monday for fear that its show of support for the three top courts might be misperceived to undermine the judicial intervention to solve the political crisis.

"Some ill-intentioned people might exploit the planned march as a pretext to attack the courts," PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila said.

In lieu of the march, Suriyasai said, members of the public should mail postcards with encouraging messages for the judiciary to sort out the political mess. The cards should be addressed to the Supreme Court.

The march cancellation happened after judge Jaran Pakdithanakul called on the PAD to review its decision which could send a wrong signal on the judicial integrity to untangle the political problems.

The top three courts have called for the Election Commission to step aside paving way for the judiciary to restore the public trust in the electoral process and the PAD's march against the EC is seen as unwarranted and counterproductive to the courts' move.

The Nation

[jdinasia]

not an unwise decision ... since it appears after yesterday the EC may be stepping down

[sriracha john]

POLITICAL CAN OF WORMS

Legal status of PM, Cabinet at risk

Court to rule soon whether Thaksin was wrongly given leave while acting as premier

The Supreme Administrative Court is likely to rule this month on a controversial case involving a Cabinet resolution on April 7, which allowed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to take indefinite leave from office and appointed Chidchai Vanasatidya, the deputy prime minister, to take over his role.

"We have heard that the court might decide on this issue on either May 25 or 29," said one legal source.

The Supreme Administrative Court's ruling will have far-reaching political implications, as it will directly affect the entire legal status of Thaksin and his Cabinet.

Earlier this week the Law Society of Thailand filed a case to the Supreme Administrative Court charging that the Cabinet had illegally allowed Thaksin to take leave of office, although he was still caretaker prime minister.

While Thaksin has made known his intention not to perform any official duty and has been absent from Government House, he still receives a salary and all benefits as a public office holder.

The Law Society of Thailand would like Thaksin to return his salary and benefits to the state coffers and has asked the court to revoke Chidchai's role as caretaker premier on his behalf.

This legal question is emerging as an explosive political situation as Thaksin and his Cabinet could lose their status as result of the ruling.

On April 4, Thaksin announced on television that he would not take over the premiership during the formation of a new Cabinet until the political reform process is completed.

On April 7, the Office of the Secretary of the Cabinet issued a circular to announce that the prime minister would like to take leave. In that circular, Thaksin told the Cabinet that after working for five years without rest, he would like to take leave from his duties until the new Cabinet is formed.

He also said he would like to restore unity to the country.

The Cabinet approved the appointment of Chidchai as caretaker prime minister running the executive branch on behalf of Thaksin.

Thaksin also had his personal belongings removed from his office at Government House.

Since April 7, he has not attended any Cabinet meeting. He also told reporters he was unemployed and not involved in any affairs of the state.

"The implication of the Cabinet's resolution is that Thaksin has made known his intention both legally and practically to resign as caretaker prime minister," said one constitutional expert. "If the court rules along this line, Thaksin will lose his caretaker premiership status. And as a result, the entire Cabinet will also lose its status."

"It is a case of a careless blunder," he said.

Legal experts said Thaksin's taking leave of office indefinitely was not supported by any law or government regulations, for during this period he was seen playing golf during official hours and going shopping with his family.

The Cabinet's resolution for Thaksin to take leave of office and still enjoy the salaries and benefits of a prime minister is illegal, they said.

Another point of contention is whether it is legal for the Cabinet to appoint Chidchai to assume the role of caretaker PM. The law only permits the appointment of someone to perform the duty on behalf of the prime minister in the event that the premier cannot perform his duty either because he is either ill or absent.

But the fact is Thaksin has been around most of this period and is not sick at all. On this basis, legal experts say that the appointment of Chidchai and other deputy prime ministers to perform Thaksin's duties might be judged illegal.

- TN

[Jai Dee]

The Constitutional Court is accused of overly exercising its power in invalidating the election

A lawyer alleges the Constitutional Court has acted beyond its power in nullifying the April 2 snap election.

Picha Wijitsilp (พิชา วิจิตรศิลป์) said there was no solid evidence to prove the poll was illegitimate so the Election Commission (EC) should be given the benefit of the doubt.

Mr. Picha said he has already asked the ombudsman to look into the use of power of the court in connection with the invalidation of the poll.

He also claimed he had evidence, which, if revealed, would help pull the EC out of its troubles. He did not elaborate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 May 2006

[Jai Dee]

EC may have to change the election date

The Election Commission (EC) will review its decision to hold the election on October 22 after the Office of the Chula Rajmontri noted that date is during the Ramadan.

EC secretary-general Ekkachai Warunprapa (เอกชัย วารุณประภา) said the 3 poll commissioners may decide the new date themselves or consult with other agencies and political parties.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Ekkachai also said the EC has not yet resolved whether to give back application fees to candidates who ran in the election on April 2 and 23. He said the EC may opt to put the application fees into the Political Parties Development Fund.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 May 2006

[sriracha john]

The Constitutional Court is accused of overly exercising its power in invalidating the election

A lawyer alleges the Constitutional Court has acted beyond its power in nullifying the April 2 snap election.

Picha Wijitsilp (พิชา วิจิตรศิลป์) said there was no solid evidence to prove the poll was illegitimate so the Election Commission (EC) should be given the benefit of the doubt.

Mr. Picha said he has already asked the ombudsman to look into the use of power of the court in connection with the invalidation of the poll.

He also claimed he had evidence, which, if revealed, would help pull the EC out of its troubles. He did not elaborate.

ahhhh.... the ever-present "unshared evidence"....

The frequently-occuring, "I got something, but I won't/don't wish to reveal it just yet".......

A bit pretentious, as well, of the solitary lawyer to opine that he's right and the Constitutional Court is wrong.

oh well... let the quaqmire continue...

[Jai Dee]

Showers of SML fund into villages are not intended to fortify TRT's votepower: MOI

The Interior Minister, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Wanthana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา), has insisted that the sudden distribution of the Small-Medium-Large, or S-M-L village assistance fund, is not intended to help encourage the speculated Thai Rak Thai Party's vox populi in the upcoming general election preset in October, but should be seen as a normal outcome of government policies.

ACM Kongsak spoke about the distribution of S-M-L funds yesterday, denying allegations suggesting that the S-M-L money is intended to help lift the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party's popularity, paving somewhat a rosy pathway toward the general election.

Giving the reason, ACM Kongsak explained that the S-M-L project in question was the project of the fiscal year 2005 and was intended to conclude within September this year as the new fiscal year is approaching. Moreover, he said that a good number of villages under the scheme have not yet received the funding until now.

He assured that the ministry under his supervision will do its best to keep up the performance and will not mess politics with the administrations.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 May 2006

[sriracha john]

The Interior Minister, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Wanthana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา), has insisted that the sudden distribution of the Small-Medium-Large, or S-M-L village assistance fund, is not intended to help encourage the speculated Thai Rak Thai Party's vox populi in the upcoming general election preset in October, but should be seen as a normal outcome of government policies.

ACM Kongsak spoke about the distribution of S-M-L funds yesterday, denying allegations suggesting that the S-M-L money is intended to help lift the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party's popularity, paving somewhat a rosy pathway toward the general election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 May 2006

Wow... impressive vernacular.... Someone's invested in a new translation dictionary over at TNNBPRD this Saturday morning...

more on the story at hand...

Chidchai denies election campaigning through budget spending

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya Saturday denied that the caretaker government intended to buy political support ahead of the next election by ordering governors to quicken spending.

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak Friday urged provincial governors to accelerate budget disbursement.

Chidchai said the government feared that if the budget had not been disbursed and spent, trades and investments would slow down.

He said the country's economy could not wait for the new government to be installed after the next election.

- TN

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

Meanwhile, with all this money going out, is there any chance the government might live up to the promises it made LAST year?:

"Fed-up farmers About 1,000 farmers gathered at Songkhla City Hall yesterday to demand the government pay Bt157 million in compensation it promised to victims of last year’s big flood."

too bad they aren't from a province that voted TRT... if they had, they'd probably already have their compensation...

[lukamar]

too bad they aren't from a province that voted TRT... if they had, they'd probably already have their compensation...

Unfortunatly, that's the way it works everywhere, not just in Thailand.

[tettyan]

too bad they aren't from a province that voted TRT... if they had, they'd probably already have their compensation...

Unfortunatly, that's the way it works everywhere, not just in Thailand.

What about your own home country? Quebec always seems to be showered with money and attention, no matter whom they vote for.

[lukamar]

What about your own home country? Quebec always seems to be showered with money and attention, no matter whom they vote for.

Quebec holds the balance of voting power in Canada. The way Quebec votes is the way the Federal Government is formed, just as the rural northern vote hold power in Thailand. The west, BC, Alberta and Sask, are akin to the south seemingly always getting the short end of the monetary stick. In the last Federal election the Conservatives worked long and hard to swing the Quebec and Ontario vote making the west, for the first time, swing the formation of the government. The long time Liberals were out and the Conservatives were in, although with a minority. The Bloc, Quebec separatists, are siding with the Conservatives and holding everything together.

In Thailand, if the Democrats would move out of their comfort zone, the South and the City, and seriously address the issues that concern the Rural North they may have a chance of picking up seats or even form a government. This is something they have not done consistently in the past and probably will not do now. They seem more interested in lawsuits and finger pointing than getting down to business and working to get their act together. They know there is an election coming in the near future and they are still not doing squat to woo the rural northern voter. They would rather, once again, hope for some intervention where an outside group makes a decision that would reduce their opposition to zero. Winning an election under those circumstances would be exactly the same as one party running in the last boycotted election. Maybe the Courts, the EC or whomever should dissolve all the parties in Thailand and let them all start from scratch, that may solve the constant bickering and allow the candidates to form new parties who would have to come up with workable policies to get elected.

[sriracha john]

EC sub-panel members quit en masse

The disgraced Election Commission could face an even bigger problem now that members of its complaint scrutiny sub-committees have resigned en masse to protest against the commissioners' lack of legitimacy. All members of the EC's 10 complaint sub-panels have, one by one, tendered their resignations after a recent meeting of the three courts agreed that the EC is legally unfit to carry out its duties.

Those who quit included all members of the sub-committee led by former judge Khiang Boonperm, who had served the EC ever since its previous commissioners, headed by Sawat Chotipanich, were in office.

A source said it was unlikely that embattled EC chairman Wasana Permlarp would resign any time soon as there are still many poll inquiries to wrap up. He and two other commissioners were asked by the Supreme, Administrative, and Constitution courts to step down.

A May 8 Constitution Court ruling found the general election they had organised on April 2 to be unconstitutional.

The EC has tried to speed up the deliberation of poll inquiries by enlisting help from its lawyers in the provinces and inspectors.

However, the statute of limitations may expire in many cases. The EC is now in a tight spot without the manpower from the complaint sub-committees to help it.

From Monday, the three remaining commissioners will be ''on tour'' to fight malfeasance cases in court for organising the April 2 snap election and the subsequent by-elections, which were later nullified by the court. On Monday, the commissioners must testify to the criminal court in Nakhon Si Thammarat as they are being sued by some election candidates for unlawfully ordering a by-election.

On May 29 and June 5, they must testify in court on two separate malfeasance cases brought by former Democrat MP Thavorn Senniam and acting Ubon Ratchathani senator Niran Pitak- watchara.

Yesterday, Democrat deputy leader Alongkorn Ponlabutr revealed that the party's legal team would next week lodge criminal and civil lawsuits against the three commissioners and caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra through the National Counter Corruption Commission and the Finance Ministry, respectively, for damages of over two billion baht resulting from the voided April 2 poll.

- BP

[sriracha john]

Thaksin returns to work 'for the country'

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday declared he was returning to work, saying that if he stayed away any longer the whole country would face difficulties. Everything's been just peachy the last 6 weeks, Takky.

"When I said I would take a break [early last month], I thought an election would be held soon, but the situation now is that it will be many months before the election takes place, so I have to work, otherwise the country will be in trouble."

Wonder how it got to be that way... wonder who started this whole mess... hmmmm...

Thaksin told reporters he would have a meeting with his deputy Chidchai Vanasatidya tomorrow to devise plans to tackle the growing tension in the southernmost provinces, following a bloody attack on two women teachers taken hostage in Narathiwat on Friday.

Shocking isn't it, Takky... and in 2004, you promised everything would be just dandy in the South and we would all live in peace and harmony forever after you solved all the problems there in 6 months.

Thaksin's return to office comes as the next general election looks likely to be called later rather than sooner and the caretaker government runs a real risk of being declared illegitimate over his six-week break from official duties.

But don't worry... hopefully the charges against you will processed fast, Takky.... and oh yeah, I know it's not a big deal for you... but have you returned your PM salary for the past 6 weeks yet that you didn't do squat, except shop in Emporium and go golfing at Alpine???

After his emotional pledge not to accept the post of prime minister after the April 2 election, Thaksin returned to Government House for the first time on Monday, then again on Wednesday and Thursday.

Thaksin met about 300 drivers of the vans commonly called Subaru buses who came to ask for his help.

Don't let the taxi drivers hear about you stepping out on them... They'll get jealous of your new found love.

They said the Metropolitan Police were starting to fine them when their small vans ran on main roads, claiming they were poaching passengers on routes assigned to licensed buses.

The operators insisted that they had used the routes around Bangkok for more than 10 years with no problems or complaints.

Thaksin said he would consult with the transport minister and the Metropolitan Police chief to see how he could settle the dispute.

Maybe they could just take a 6-week long "break" or "rest" or whatever you're calling it this week... and have their wages paid for by the government.

- TN

Edited May 20, 2006 by sriracha john

[penzman]

The Constitutional Court is accused of overly exercising its power in invalidating the election

A lawyer alleges the Constitutional Court has acted beyond its power in nullifying the April 2 snap election.

Picha Wijitsilp (พิชา วิจิตรศิลป์) said there was no solid evidence to prove the poll was illegitimate so the Election Commission (EC) should be given the benefit of the doubt.

Mr. Picha said he has already asked the ombudsman to look into the use of power of the court in connection with the invalidation of the poll.

He also claimed he had evidence, which, if revealed, would help pull the EC out of its troubles. He did not elaborate.

ahhhh.... the ever-present "unshared evidence"....

The frequently-occuring, "I got something, but I won't/don't wish to reveal it just yet".......

A bit pretentious, as well, of the solitary lawyer to opine that he's right and the Constitutional Court is wrong.

oh well... let the quaqmire continue...

Circus clowns, even maybe pseudo-magicians who just won't reveal the secrets of their tricks.

[sriracha john]

The Constitutional Court is accused of overly exercising its power in invalidating the election

A lawyer alleges the Constitutional Court has acted beyond its power in nullifying the April 2 snap election.

Picha Wijitsilp (พิชา วิจิตรศิลป์) said there was no solid evidence to prove the poll was illegitimate so the Election Commission (EC) should be given the benefit of the doubt.

Mr. Picha said he has already asked the ombudsman to look into the use of power of the court in connection with the invalidation of the poll.

He also claimed he had evidence, which, if revealed, would help pull the EC out of its troubles. He did not elaborate.

ahhhh.... the ever-present "unshared evidence"....

The frequently-occuring, "I got something, but I won't/don't wish to reveal it just yet".......

A bit pretentious, as well, of the solitary lawyer to opine that he's right and the Constitutional Court is wrong.

oh well... let the quaqmire continue...

Circus clowns, even maybe pseudo-magicians who just won't reveal the secrets of their tricks.

wikipedia:

Breaking the Magicians' Code: Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed was aired on the FOX Network. The show featured performances from the Masked Magician. He was revealing all major magics and how it was done. On the final show, the Masked Magician unmasked himself and revealed it was Val Valentino.

Perhaps the "wolf" Khunying Jaruwan (the Auditor-General) could play the role of Val in the Thai spin-off version of this show... she seems to have a penchant for revealing these clowns' and magicians secrets.....

[sriracha john]

Thaksin to go back to work

Country needs me before poll, he says

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will take the helm back from his deputy Chidchai Wannasathit next week. ''I have to work. There are several months to go before the general election. If I don't work, the country will be in trouble,'' he said.

...if he DOES work, the country will be in MORE trouble...

Mr Thaksin took indefinite leave after the April 2 snap election, saying he would return when the new government was formed.

He said security authorities would discuss the situation in the deep South tomorrow following the hostage situation in Narathiwat's Rangae district.

Mr Thaksin yesterday accepted a petition from 200 operators of Subaru mini-vans who gathered in front of his residence on Charan Sanitwong road to seek help.

The Subaru operators faced a crackdown after being accused by private bus and minibus operators of providing services on their routes and stealing their income.

Mr Thaksin promised to bring the matter to the attention of the Transport Ministry and the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

Meanwhile, Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon yesterday raised concerns about the caretaker government's plan to hasten spending of the 30-billion-baht fund.

He also demanded the caretaker government ensure the budget is not spent in a way that benefits a particular party.

On Friday the caretaker government ordered governors to speed up disbursement of the 30-billion-baht fund to shore up the economy.

The government also revived the war on drugs and offered scholarships, in what was seen as a sign that Mr Thaksin wants to take back the national leadership.

Sondhi Limthongkul, leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said Mr Thaksin had gone back on his word. A few days after the April 2 general election, Mr Thaksin had gone on television pledging to step aside as prime minister to defuse escalating political tension.

- BP

[sriracha john]

Airborne coincidence raises questions

That Wasana Permlarp bumped into Sawang Mankongcharoen in the first-class cabin of Thai Airways International's flight 995 bound for Sydney on May 10 could be coincidental. Literally speaking, the two did not just bump into each other. They were seated together throughout the flight from Bangkok to its destination. Is there anything wrong with two controversial individuals, whose paths do not normally cross, bumping into each other? The answer is no.

The fact the two figures were in the same first-class cabin of THAI, seated next to each other, on the same flight back to Bangkok five days later has many political watchers wondering whether their airborne ''get-together'' might have been coincidental after all.

Two coincidences within a short period of time are one too many and too good to be true.

Gen Wasana, the chairman of the Election Commission, did not mention Mrs Sawang when questioned by reporters last Thursday about his recent trip to Australia.

However, he mentioned Paithoon Pongkaesorn, deputy director-general of the Revenue Department, who, perhaps coincidentally, happened to be in the same first-class cabin with him on the outbound flight.

The election commissioner insisted that he travelled alone to visit his son and that he paid for the ticket himself. But what he said to the media did not end the puzzle about the ''coincidental get-together'' of the two plus one, Mrs Paithoon, all of whom are known to be connected, in one way or another, with the Thai Rak Thai party and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's family.

Gen Wasana stands accused by his political opponents of impartially favouring the TRT, while Mrs Paithoon, in her capacity as the revenue deputy chief, ruled that the controversial share transfers of Mr Thaksin, his wife and relatives were tax free.

Mrs Sawang, meanwhile, is well known within business and political circles as one of the country's front-running brokers and a lobbyist with very deep pockets and very solid connections, especially with the political parties in power, the TRT in particular.

Even if there was nothing fishy about the in-flight ''coincidental get-together'', the EC chairman appears to still be in deep trouble as pressure mounts for his resignation.

The joint decision by the Supreme, Supreme Administrative and Constitution courts not to join the EC in overseeing fresh elections which the EC planned for Oct 22, and to nullify the polls constitutes yet another devastating blow to the remaining three commissioners' credibility _ if they still have any credibility left.

Despite mounting pressure, Gen Wasana and his two lieutenants, Prinya Narkchattri and Veerachai Naewboonnien, remain defiant although the commission chairman has indicated that he was considering quitting but only after he has completed unfinished work.

Hundreds of cases of electoral fraud and irregularities are pending final scrutiny by the commission. Most important among them appears to be the case in which the EC's investigating team, headed by Nam Yimyam, a retired Supreme Court deputy chief justice, has found the TRT guilty of hiring small parties to contest the April 2 election and subsequent by-elections to spare its own candidates the need to obtain at least 20% of eligible votes in order to win a seat in the House of Representatives. The panel also held Mr Thaksin responsible for the electoral scam and wanted him barred from politics for five years.

Gen Wasana wants the probe team to carry out further enquiries, claiming the case is inconclusive. But the chief investigator, Mr Nam, has refused to comply, saying the case has been concluded.

The controversial case poses as much of a dilemma for the TRT and Mr Thaksin as it does for Gen Wasana himself. With the public watching closely from the sidelines, how the general will resolve the dilemma remains to be seen.

This may be the toughest decision he has ever made.

Veera Prateepchaikul

Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Bangkok Post

[jdinasia]

Hmmm the group that had the duty of doing the groundwork says ... done' he's guilty/they are guilty .... but the boss says ... more time ... and hops on a plane with .....

Ugh!

[sriracha john]

hmmm...

"Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow" - Benjamin Franklin

No hurry to select new EC commissioners

Caretaker Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua said yesterday that the Upper House would begin the process of filling the two vacant positions on the Election Commission 30 days from when Gen Charupat Ruangsuwan resigned on May 15.

After lunching at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel with caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his Cabinet – who earlier attended the ceremonial return of the Brahma image at the Erawan Shrine – Suchon said in an interview that he will discuss the matter with the parliamentary secretary-general and the senatorial secretary-general, among others, tomorrow.

“At the moment, the procedure for filling the two vacant commissioners seats has not been decided,” said Suchon. “However, I can assure you that the matter will definitely not be passed to the Constitutional Court,” he said.

“As for the matter of when the selection process will be conducted, we have to wait until 30 days after election commissioner Charupat Ruangsuwan submitted his resignation, according to the Constitution Article 138 (2) and (3).”

According to these clauses, the Supreme Court can select candidates to be election commissioners 30 days after a vacancy arises.

“However, we have not yet decided if the matter should be sent to the Supreme Court for consideration,” he said.

- TD

22 May 2006

[Jai Dee]

A human rights advocate does not believe constitutional amendments and political reform can really solve political problems

National Human Rights Commission chairman Saneh Chamarik (เสน่ห์ จามริก) sees constitutional amendments and political reform as a merely a superficial approach to solve Thailand’s long-standing political problems.

Mr. Saneh said altering the constitution will not tackle problems at their roots while calls for a new round of political reform by politicians is just their struggle to have a balance of power.

Mr. Saneh said political problems will never be solved if grass-roots people are not given a say in administering their country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 May 2006

[sriracha john]

Southern army chief says he willing to be replaced

Lt Gen Ongkorn Thongprasom, commander of the Fourth Army Region, announced Sunday that he was willing to be removed as the southern army chief to show responsibility for Friday's hostage taking of teachers.

==================================================

Narathiwat governor seeks self-transfer

The provincial governor of this volatile southern border province has asked the Interior Ministry to transfer him to another post to show responsibility for the mob attack against two teachers on Friday.

====================================================

While it's admirable of these men to seek responsibility, one wonders if the "ultimate" leader shares the same degee of a sense of responsibility.

[sriracha john]

EC proposes Oct 29 as new election date

Election Commission on Monday proposed delaying plans for parliamentary elections by one week to October 29, after Muslim officials said the initial proposed October 22 date clashed with Islamic Ramadan, according to commission spokesman Prasert Suthison.

The decision was reached after officials in the Southern said Muslims give food offerings and donations during Ramadan that are forbidden by election law. Ramadan this years falls between September. 24 and October. 23.

However , neither date may be acceptable since the commissioners are under pressure from the top courts as well as opposition political parties to step down over claims that they unfairly favor the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

- TN

[sriracha john]

*overactive mouse operation caused double-posting deleted*

Edited May 22, 2006 by sriracha john

[jdinasia]

Hmmm I'd kinda like to see a thread about "Thailand's Untouchables"

Auditors ... M.E.'s etc ... it's gonna take people like them to make a real difference

as well as politicians that stand up and say ... I really am accountable and I really do put Thailand FIRST

[Jai Dee]

The interim senate speaker will put on hold the nomination of new EC members

Interim senate speaker Suchon Chaleekrua (สุชน ชาลีเครือ) has decided not to seek a Constitution Court ruling on whether 2 new members of the Election Commission (EC) can be nominated under Article 138 (3) of the charter.

Mr. Suchon said that the EC can still function with 3 poll commissioners, none of them has asked to resign. Two seats on the EC have been left vacant by the death of Charan Buranapansri (จรัล บูรณพันธุ์ศรี) and the recent resignation of Jarupat Ruangsuwan (จารุภัทร เรืองสุวรรณ).

Mr. Suchon said he will inform agencies concerned of his decision to put on hold the selection of 2 new EC members at a meeting tomorrow.

He might consult the matter with the Supreme Court president after the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s ascension to the throne in June. Article 138 (3) of the constitution requires the Supreme Court’s general assembly to name EC candidates in case the selection committee can not function as normal.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 May 2006

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai leader requests remaining EC members to step back

Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silapa-archa(บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) has requested the remaining Election Commission members to step back or they should speed up in deciding the new election date.

Mr. Banharn disclosed that he is not satisfied with the performances of EC members. He is not sure whether the process of the new election under the supervision of them will be transparent and acceptable by the society.

He said if they insist to carry on with their performances, they should designate the new polling date as many parties, especially the member of the House of Representatives are concerned over transfers of the party members within 90 days.

In regards to Dr Thaksin's comeback, Mr. Banharn said only Dr Thaksin has the full authority in directing his government. He further added that although Dr Thaksin is only a caretaker PM, he still has the power to make changes in the government policies. Therefore it is necessary for Dr. Thaksin to return and address the issues by himself.

He added that the cabinet should not launch any new projects but should work on the pending and important matters such as economic and the unrest situation in the Deep South.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 May 2006

[sriracha john]

Never known for their lack audacity...

Thai Rak Thai asks EC to revamp Nam Yimyaem panel

The Thai Rak Thai Party Monday petitioned the Election Commission to revamp its Nam Yimyaem panel on grounds for acting unfairly toward the ruling party relating to the alleged funding for small parties to contest the April 2 election.

"The panel has overstepped its mandate to accuse the ruling party of acting like a menace to the national security and the Constitution by clinging to power via unconstitutional means," party's legal adviser Wichit Plansrisakul said.

Wichit said his party had four reasons to demand the panel's revamp.

The leaks on the panel's report had tarnished the ruling party's reputation and the accused were not given a chance to present defence evidence, he said outlining the first two reasons.

The third reason was that some panel members were close to the Democrat Party, he said. The final reason was the panel might have mistakenly invoked certain provisions to charge the ruling party, he added.

The Nation

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

"we didn't like their decision, so get a new one with our people on the panel"

Edited May 22, 2006 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

Poll commissioners face an abuse of authority lawsuit in Nakhon Si Thammarat

Three poll commissioners and a former Election Commission (EC) member heard a charge of abuse of authority filed by a former local-level administrator at the Nakhon Si Thammarat Court yesterday.

The plaintiff, Prayad Semapat (ประหยัด เสมาพัฒน์), alleged that EC chairman Wasana Permlarp (วาสนา เพิ่มลาภ), commissioners Parinya Nakchatree (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรีย์) and Weerachai Naewboon-nian (วีระชัย แนวบุญเนียน) and Jarupat Ruangsuwan (จารุภัทร เรืองสุวรรณ), who quit the EC recently, had stripped him of his post of mayor of tambon Pak Nakhon (ปากนคร) municipality after he had been in office for one year and one day.

The trials were set on July 12 and 21.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 May 2006