Feud Rages Between Democrats And TRT

[Jai Dee]

Feud rages between Democrats and TRT

The Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party yesterday reiterated its claim that the Democrats were behind a conspiracy to dissolve TRT by making false accusations. The Democrats in turn called for the dissolution of TRT and accused it of attempting to give the public a false image of the party and its activities.

Members of both parties vowed to file charges of election fraud against one another. Each claims that the other breached electoral law as defined in the Constitution.

According to Deputy TRT Spokesman, Jatuporn Promphan, the TRT legal team is currently drafting its complaint against the Democrats. “We want the dissolution of the Democrat party for hiring smaller parties to falsely accuse TRT,” Jatuporn said at a press conference yesterday.

The Democrat party responded forcefully, calling TRT efforts a cheap ploy to divert public attention away from their own certain guilt. The Democrats claim to be in possession of incriminating evidence, including photographs, implicating caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the TRT leader, in election fraud. They promised to produce the photographic evidence in court later this month.

Suthep Thuagsuban, pictured, secretary-general of the Democrat party, spent considerable time criticizing TRT deputy leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, who earlier released a VCD containing allegations of malfeasance against the Democrats, calling her absent-minded. He implied that Sudarat had seen the EC report before it had been released to the public.

“How can she make such vague accusations or had she already seen the report of the EC panel?” Suthep chided.

He then targeted the EC commissioners, declaring that they were more concerned about how reports had been leaked than with proceeding with the investigation.

“[EC Chairman] Wasana Permlarp was not happy with the investigation,” said Suthep. “That the EC commissioner would believe the accused is a clear indication that the EC’s actions are not above board.”

The leaked EC panel report allegedly implicates key TRT members in a plan to set up smaller parties to nominate candidates to replace those from the three opposition parties who had boycotted the election.

The Democrat party accused the EC commissioners and the TRT on Friday of conspiring in secret and demanded that all four commissioners resign. TRT then released a VCD that showed Thaikorn Polsuwan, a political activist from the Northeast, meeting with the leader of the Better Life party. Thaikorn denied that he was connected to the Democrat party and said that the TRT VCD was edited to frame him.

Source: ThaiDay - 15 May 2006

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Pongsak insists he has never hired small political parties to run the election

Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal(พงษ์ศักดิ์ รักตพงศ์ไพศาล) insisted that he did not hire small political parties to join in the previous general election. He has requested the subcommittee of Election Commission to give him opportunity to inform the facts.

Mr. Pongsak, as deputy secretary of Thai Rak Thai party referred to the accusation of Democrat party that he was involved in hiring small party to join in the previous election, citing that he does not know any leader of those small parties and said he did not hire anyone to run the election.

He said the situation was created where many characters are involved and said the alleged was made against him due to his post of Transport Minister. He has urged the subcommittee to seriously inspect the matter and to give him opportunity to clarify the facts.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 May 2006

[Jai Dee]

Democrat party views that TRT is trying to work out the political game

Democrat Party Secretary-General Suthep Thuagsuban (สุเทพ เทือกสุบรรณ) has pointed out that the Thai Rak Thai Party’s lawsuit against his party is another political game relating to the violation of the previous election. Meanwhile, he has supported the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in holding a grand rally to oust the Election Commission (EC).

In regard to the Thai Rak Thai Party’s proposal to dissolve the Democrat Party, Mr. Suthep views that Thai Rak Thai Party just wants to shift public concentration from its hiring of small political parties to join in the past election. Besides, he has reaffirmed that the Democrat Party was not involved in this case. He however has asked the general public not to be fed up of Thai politics.

He emphasizes that the most important thing of the new poll is its legitimacy.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 May 2006

[jdinasia]

TRTgate ... what a gem this will be for the next few months!

[hammered]

If the complaint of undermining democracy by hiring puppet parties to run as supported by the EC sub committeee is handled transparently the TRT is deep in it, and there is only one outcome. Time to muddy the waters methinks.

[jdinasia]

Nah ... can't get much muddier than now ... but it looks like there is a good chance that money won't buy some "big Party" out of this one!

[LaoPo]

TRTgate ... what a gem this will be for the next few months!

Thaigate is a better word....than they can all start fighting about the gems....and they will

LaoPo

[jdinasia]

TRTgate was The Nation's label from last week

[LaoPo]

TRTgate was The Nation's label from last week

OK, I see...seems to me that there are lots of 'gates' in LOS the country is full of them..

LaoPo

[penzman]

Bill Gates was here on June 30th.

[jdinasia]

probably getting Biz ideas fromShincorp!

[jdinasia]

Looks like some parties are actively recruiting expected TRT defectors ... with all that is happening will the Demos get some too?

[Jai Dee]

TRT seeks dissolution of Democrats

The Thai Rak Thai party yesterday petitioned the Election Commission to dissolve the Democrat party, claiming it was guilty of undermining democracy.

The Democrats stood their ground in the face of the allegations, maintaining that TRT’s claims were wild accusations intended to divert attention away from its own election law violations.

Yesterday’s continuation of the weekend row between the country’s two biggest political parties saw TRT’s legal team, led by Kuthep Saikrajang, submit an official complaint against the Democrats with EC commissioner Parinya Nachakri.

The TRT complaint demanded the dissolution of the Democrat party on the grounds that it had committed “dangerous acts” against democracy by taking part in demonstrations held by the People’s Alliance for Democracy that called for the resignation of caretaker Prime Minister and TRT leader, Thaksin Shinawatra.

The complaint also asked for charges to be brought against the Democrats for requesting the invocation of Article Seven of the Constitution, under which His Majesty the King would appoint a replacement prime minister.

The Democrats stopped pursuing this option after His Majesty’s comments on the political crisis were broadcast on April 25.

“The Democrats joined the PAD’s efforts to topple the Thaksin regime and wanted to turn the public into [our] enemies,” said Kuthep.

“They also boycotted the previous election and called for the invoking of Article 7.”

TRT’s legal team also wants the EC to investigate the leaked report of an EC sub-committee that said a large political party had hired smaller parties to stand against it in the annulled April 2 general election.

Kuthep said TRT wanted to know if the leaked report was genuine because it had damaged the reputation of the unnamed large party.

Suthep Thaugsuban, the Democrats secretary-general, countered the TRT assault.

“They are just trying to divert attention from their own party because TRT has violated election laws by hiring smaller parties to contest the election,” he said.

Suthep was also critical of the EC’s meeting yesterday with TRT and some minor parties, which proposed October 22 as the new election date.

“It does not matter how far away the election is because we no longer trust the EC commissioners,” he said. “We have sued the EC in the Criminal Court and are now in a legal battle against them.”

The Democrats and the two other main opposition parties refused to attend yesterday’s meeting, saying the EC commissioners have lost legitimacy after the Constitutional Court last week annulled the April 2 general election.

“We insist that the three courts be the ones to resolve the political crisis,” Suthep said, reiterating that the country’s top courts had been instructed to do so in His Majesty the King’s address last month.

Source: ThaiDay - 16 May 2006

[elkangorito]

With all this childish political 'carry on' in Thailand, I'll bet that most other countries now view the Thai political system as a laughing stock...which I think it is.

There was one pollie in Oz who used an acronym to describe similar governments to Thailand...& he got into a little trouble with this. He was Alexander Downer (current Foreign Minister), who mentioned something about B.A.C. countries. The B.A.C. means 'busted arse countries'.

I don't agree with Downers comment but he does indicate a general belief held by many.

It's tragic that the stupidities of the Thai government officials have a direct affect on the good people of Thailand.

[jdinasia]

well the TRT legal stuff won't fly .... but will TRTgate cause TRT to fall? Didn't the EC already rule against them?

[Jai Dee]

The Democrat party will file a lawsuit against EC and Dr. Thaksin on damaging country allegation

The Democrat Party plans to file a lawsuit against the Election Commission and Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin Shinawatra. The Democrats claim that the EC and the caretaker Prime Minister have damaged the country by holding an illegitimate election.

Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party Alongkorn Polabutr (อลงกรณ์ พลบุตร) disclosed that his party is currently considering whether it will prosecute against the three remaining Election Commissioners and Dr. Thaksin. Apart from Mr. Jaruphat Ruangsuwan (จารุภัทร เรืองสุวรรณ), he will be kept as the witness of the case. Mr. Alongkorn stated that if the remaining Election Commissioners have decided to resign today, the party will file a lawsuit against Dr. Thaksin only. He said that Dr. Thaksin dissolved the parliament in order to avoid being scrutinized due to the distribution of Shin Corp’s shares.

The Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party added that many MPs, including Colonel Winai Sompong (วินัย สมพงษ์), have shown their intention to join his party. Col. Winai has resigned from the Thai Rak Thai Party on February 25th before the Constitutional Court has issued a verdict of nullifying the April 2nd general election.

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

[jdinasia]

hmmm with enough time to build a solid front and enough defections from TRT ... the Demos COULD have a chance to force a coalition gov't next time. They could make claims with a bit of legitimacy that with the infux of former TRT people AND taking up some of the TRT platform planks that they were more in touch with the rural Northern and North Eastern electorate

[elkangorito]

To my way of thinking, the whole issue is about 'change'.

When the Thai people can truly witness an honest 'swinging seat', the Thai governments (plural) will no longer be so complacent. Of course, this can only happen if the 'idiots' at the helms (plural) of government realise that they are accountable for their cockups.

These twits may sooner or later realise that they need to catch up with the 21st century. Their last resort is to ban all internet connections outside of Thailand so that people can no longer look at what the rest of the world is doing. Thai television has already done this by having endless hours of moronic programs, purely designed to stop the masses from being too informed.

Sounds a bit like the USA

[Jai Dee]

TRT deputy spokesman denies involvement in a rape case

Thai Rak Thai Party deputy spokesman Jatuporn Prompan (จตุพร พรหมพันธ์) denies he used to be sued in the Criminal Court for alleged rape.

Mr. Jatuporn said accusation by Democrat Party member Thaikorn Polsuwan (ไทกร พลสุวรรณ) that he once had to stand trial for allegedly raping a Ramkhamhaeng University student was totally groundless.

He said he would resign from TRT and leave politics if Mr. Thaikorn could prove he really was involved in a rape case.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 May 2006

[jdinasia]

hmmmm now THERE would be a valid defamation case if the charge is not true!

[Jai Dee]

More charges are leveled against EC and TRT

The Election Commission and the Thai Rak Thai party yesterday faced another wave of complaints from members of the Democrat party and the Senate concerning their alleged unlawful actions.

Deputy leader of the Democrat party Alongkorn Polabutr said the party’s legal arm has been assigned to level both civil and criminal charges against the Election Commission and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for causing two billion baht worth of damage to the country.

He cited the official verdict of the Constitutional Court on May 10 which said the EC’s organization of the election was unconstitutional under Articles 2, 3, 104 (3) and 144 and led to an unfair result.

Alongkorn praised Gen Charupat Ruangsuwan’s decision to resign as an election commissioner, calling the move a sacrifice for the sake of the country.

Charupat will not be included in the charges against the EC but he may be asked to be a witness. Alongkorn added if the remaining three commissioners decide to resign, the party will only take legal action against Thaksin Shinawatra.

“I think EC members should take responsibility for their mistakes by resigning. I see this as the last chance for them to retain their honor or they will imprisoned for upsetting the stability of the nation. I insist that someone must be responsible for the two billion baht in damages,” Alongkorn said, referring to the cost of holding the nullified April 2 election.

Four well-known former senators yesterday filed a petition with the Office of the Attorney General in an effort to have the TRT party dissolved under article 63 of the Constitution.

Former Bangkok Senator Chirmsak Pinthong, who yesterday submitted a petition to Deputy Attorney-General Prapan Naikowit, along with the three ex-senators, said he believes that the evidence submitted is strong.

“I’m sure that the evidence handed to the Attorney-General is clear enough to enable the authority to dissolve TRT,” Chirmsak said.

Source: ThaiDay - 18 May 2006

[jdinasia]

I think that may be the death march for TRT I hear playing in the background!

[Jai Dee]

Mr.Ong-art says EC members behind scene to help TRT dissolve Democrat party

Democrat Party said that the reason as to why Election Commissioners have not resigned is because they are helping Thai Rak Thai party behind the scene to dissolve the Democrat Party.

Democrat Spokesperson Ong-art Klampaiboon(องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์) referred to the statement of EC chairman that he will not resign as he would like to complete his assignment. He said the reason is not sufficient since the new EC can consider the proposal. He indicated that EC will not be capable of considering all the proposals within a short period.

Mr. Ong-art added that his party views that EC members are trying to buy time and that nobody knows the real reason behind. He said EC has an intention to consider the proposal of TRT for dissolving Democrat party.

He further added that there is no progress in the case where the small parties were hired to run in the previous election.

He has urged the group of people who have traveled to encourage the EC members to respect the rights of others and not to stir any violence. The police officials have been urged to prevent the rampage as well.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 May 2006

[hammered]

I seriously doubt whether this EC could dissolve or not dissolve any party right now. They have been described, by neutral bodies, as having caused damage to the country and continuing to do so. They have also been described as not neutral. They seem to have no credibility left outside of the TRT and its supporters.

Hopefully the remaining three are just looking for a face saving way out in the very near future, although it seems as if it is not easy to actually get your resignation letter to whom it is meant to go.

It would be interesting to see how a new neutral EC would find on the allegation that the TRT hired small parties.

[jdinasia]

I thought it was the CC that dissolved parties

[Jai Dee]

PRD to investigate into a community radio station alleged to cause split inthe country

The Public Relations Department (PRD) is looking into the Democrat Party’s allegation that a community radio station is causing divisions in the country.

The Democrat alleged that FM 94.25 MHz supported the government but attacked its opponents, particularly a phone-in program which provoked the audience to turn hostile towards dissenters to the government.

Kanop Ketchart (กณพ เกตุชาติ), secretary to caretaker PM’s Office Minister Suarand Vejjajiva (สุรนันท์ เวชชาชีวะ), said investigation should be completed in one week and warning would be issued if the station was found to have damaged reputation of certain people or groups.

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

[Jai Dee]

The Democrat Party asks for damage fees from Dr. Thaksin and the EC

The Democrat Party will hand its petition to the Constitutional Court through the Ministry of Finance. The party is asking for the damages from Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra and the Election Commission (EC) for holding an illegitimate election.

Democrat Party Deputy Leader Alongkorn Polabutr (อลงกรณ์ พลบุตร) said that the previous election has caused 2 billion baht of damage to Thailand.

He also criticized Thai Rak Thai Party Deputy Spokesman Jatuporn Prompan (จตุพร พรหมพันธ์), saying that he should stop arguing for his own good. Mr. Alongkorn also asked him to thoroughly study politics so the general public would not lose their faith in the Thai Rak Thai Party.

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

[ratcatcher]

Thaksin to be granted an audience with HM the King

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be granted an audience with HM the King this afternoon, a highly-place source said on Friday.

Thaksin will meet the King who is now at Klaikangwon Place in Hua Hin, Prachub Khiri Khan.

Confiriming the planned audience, Government Spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee described it as a routine meeting.

But it comes as parties in and outside government are seeking to resolve political dilemma.

Earlier Thaksin who refused to resign announced his resignation in March hours after he was granted audience with HM the King.

HM the King last month called on the nation's three top courts to act to end the deadlock, and they responded by nullifying the results of an April 2 general election won by Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party.

The courts as well as opposition parties have called on members of the Election Commission to resign before new polls are held. They claim the commissioners unfairly favor Thaksin's government.

Three commissioners remain in their jobs, however, leaving the situation in a stalemate.

THE NATION.

Looks like Pol.Lt.Col,Dr, Acting Caretaker P.M. in absentia, "I'm unemployed",Kamoey in Chief,Thaksin may be offered an opportunity to resign in the same fashion as Nero.

Let's hope his tears are more genuine this time around.

[penzman]

Looks like Pol.Lt.Col,Dr, Acting Caretaker P.M. in absentia, "I'm unemployed",Kamoey in Chief,Thaksin may be offered an opportunity to resign in the same fashion as Nero.

Let's hope his tears are more genuine this time around.

[bulmercke]

This tit-for-tat fighting between the main political parties continues without any apparent sign of abaiting. It's gotten real dirty of late! The Election Commission have proven to be almost entirely in the pocket of Thai Rak Thai. And the three remaining "shamed" commissioners still won't resign!

Tomorrow evening at Lumpini Park, the PAD will hold another of their regular rallies. (5.00 pm)

There is to be a music concert, amongst other attractions for those attending the event.

However, IMHO, I think there is a strong possibility that another 'third party' will try to disrupt proceedings and instigate a violent incident.

There was a violent incident outside the Election Commission last Wednesday, and another at the same location two weeks before that.

Remember where you first heard this!