New Senate could decide PM Yingluck's fate

[webfact]

POLITICS
New Senate could decide PM's fate
The Nation

Jaruwan maintaka tops vote in Bangkok, pro-govt figures lead in Isaan and the north

BANGKOK: -- POLLS opened yesterday for 77 Senate seats that could hold the key to the fate of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who, after five months of street protests, may face impeachment for negligence of duty.

While the Senate is officially non-partisan, in reality the two main political camps - the ruling Pheu Thai Party and opposition Democrat Party - are trying to control the 150-seat Upper House in the absence of a functioning Lower House after the election last month was annulled.

From unofficial results last night, it was obvious that winning candidates are likely to come from the two rival parties, or the red-shirt and anti-government camps. Most top contenders are former ministers or party members, MPs, or politicians' relatives. Some of them are close to anti-government protesters.

Former Auditor General Khunying Jaruwan Maintaka appeared to win the Senate poll in Bangkok with more than 500,000 votes while about one million people voted. Jaruwan, who is known as a tireless opponent of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, vowed not to disappoint the people who voted for her. "I will be determined in protecting the national assets," Jaruwan said after she learned the unofficial results.

Appointed Senator Khamnoon Sitthisamarn posted a note on Facebook saying Jaruwan is qualified to contest the post of Senate speaker if she wants.

The anti-Thaksin regime group, or representatives of the Democrat Party, are also likely to sweep seats in several southern provinces and some eastern provinces such as ex-Democrat MP Boonsong Khaiket in Trat.

In Prachuap Khiri Khan, former provincial administrative organisation president Suebyos Baiyaem is the likely winner. He is backed by former Democrat secretary |general Chalermchai Sri-on. In Chumphon, Pol Colonel Narin Butsayawit, son of former Chumphon MP Narrong Butsayawit, got a big boost from a key leader of the People's Democratic Reform Committee and is likely to win

Senate candidates likely to win who are government supporters include former Chart Thai Pattana MP Jongchai Thiangtham in Suphan Buri and Monthien Songpracha in Chai Nat. Monthien is believed to be a Pheu Thai supporter as his wife has become a party member.

In Chiang Mai, Adisorn Kamnerdsiri, former Chiang Mai deputy governor, who has close ties with Pheu Thai, is tipped to win.

In Khon Kaen, red-shirt lawyer Wan Suwanpong has left his competition far behind. In Udon Thani, red-shirt hardliner Kwanchai Praipana's wife Arporn Sarakham won up to 300,000 votes to take the seat.

Anti-government protesters are pushing for the removal of Yingluck as PM. The earliest this could happen would be through an impeachment, which would require votes from three-fifths of the Senate if she is found guilty by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on charges of dereliction of duty for her role in overseeing the rice-pledging scheme. Yingluck is due to appear before the NACC today.

Observers said the elected portion could install many pro-government members to help bolster the administration in the face of looming legal challenges. However, a Senate dominated by anti-government politicians could hasten her exit.

The unelected senators are appointed by institutions seen as allied to the anti-government protesters, such as the Constitutional Court and the Election Commission.

Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said the half-Senate ballots went smoothly across the country yesterday except in Narathiwat, where two police were killed in a bomb attack. In Nakhon Pathom, a voter was charged with destroying a ballot paper. Six electoral complaints were filed - two in Bangkok and others in Nakhon Pathom, Nong Bua Lamphu and Chiang Mai.

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra turned up at about noon to vote at polling unit No 32 at Khlong Lamchiak School in Bung Kum district.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he would submit a doctor's certificate to the EC to prove he could not physically cast a ballot.

He said his doctor had instructed he rest and refrain from moving his body after undergoing surgery to fix his collarbone. Abhisit slipped in a bathroom last week at his house on Sukhumvit road. He said the injury is still painful after the surgery.

EC deputy secretary general Somsak Suriyamongkol said many provinces in the North saw a high voter turnout, such as Loei, Phayao and Chiang Mai, plus regions such as Phetchabun and Chachoengsao.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, there were many "no votes" in the 32 districts with many constituencies in Muang district seeing a higher number than the total votes received by the winner.


-- The Nation 2014-03-31

[Cricketnut]

Surely Abhisit could have had a tramadol and his driver quickly drop him in and scoot him out. <snip>

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited March 30, 2014 by soundman
Unnecessary name calling.

[NongKhaiKid]

YL turned up to vote yet never seems to have the time to attend various committees, especially those she chairs, parliamentary debates, supervision of protests and probably the NACC.

Obviously no problems with her ankle yesterday but it will flare up again today.

[howzat]

flare up for next lottery draw

[Cricketnut]

YL turned up to vote yet never seems to have the time to attend various committees, especially those she chairs, parliamentary debates, supervision of protests and probably the NACC.

Obviously no problems with her ankle yesterday but it will flare up again today.

Think you're right. What's Sutheps excuse for not fronting up to court, burdened by whistles I suppose....

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[tezzainoz]

Surely Abhisit could have had a tramadol and his driver quickly drop him in and scoot him out. <snip>

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

wow Yingluck has a sprained ankle and you cry at her feet

Abhist has a broken collar bone and you call him a pussy

Please make a note in your diary

More men come to Thailand for finding pu...y that a kick in the pants

[tezzainoz]

YL turned up to vote yet never seems to have the time to attend various committees, especially those she chairs, parliamentary debates, supervision of protests and probably the NACC.

Obviously no problems with her ankle yesterday but it will flare up again today.

Think you're right. What's Sutheps excuse for not fronting up to court, burdened by whistles I suppose....

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

suthep like most real men believes in

A man must know his limitations, and put his priorities first

Suthep is not the PM of Thailand and resigned as a PM before starting this protest

Yingluck hides behind her title

she uses democracy to destroy real democracy

Edited March 31, 2014 by tezzainoz

[Cricketnut]

Surely Abhisit could have had a tramadol and his driver quickly drop him in and scoot him out.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

wow Yingluck has a sprained ankle and you cry at her feet

Abhist has a broken collar bone and you call him a pussy

Please make a note in your diary

More men come to Thailand for finding pu...y that a kick in the pants

tezza, you just woke me up didn't mention anything about Yinglucks feet. Just quoted a post. Turn over and get out of the right side of bed lol. As usual putting words in peoples mouths

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Cricketnut]

YL turned up to vote yet never seems to have the time to attend various committees, especially those she chairs, parliamentary debates, supervision of protests and probably the NACC.

Obviously no problems with her ankle yesterday but it will flare up again today.

Think you're right. What's Sutheps excuse for not fronting up to court, burdened by whistles I suppose....

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

suthep like most real men believes in

A man must know his limitations, and put his priorities first

Suthep is not the PM of Thailand and resigned as a PM before starting this protest

Yingluck hides behind her title

she uses democracy to destroy real democracy

And Suthep hides behind an apparent minority to destroy democracy. Next!

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[newatthis]

"POLLS opened yesterday for 77 Senate seats that could hold the key to the fate of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who, after five months of street protests, may face impeachment for negligence of duty."

That is probably why the protesters did not interfere with these elections.

[NongKhaiKid]

YL turned up to vote yet never seems to have the time to attend various committees, especially those she chairs, parliamentary debates, supervision of protests and probably the NACC.

Obviously no problems with her ankle yesterday but it will flare up again today.

Think you're right. What's Sutheps excuse for not fronting up to court, burdened by whistles I suppose....

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Maybe he had to stop for a pea.

[tezzainoz]

Surely Abhisit could have had a tramadol and his driver quickly drop him in and scoot him out.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

wow Yingluck has a sprained ankle and you cry at her feet

Abhist has a broken collar bone and you call him a pussy

Please make a note in your diary

More men come to Thailand for finding pu...y that a kick in the pants

tezza, you just woke me up didn't mention anything about Yinglucks feet. Just quoted a post. Turn over and get out of the right side of bed lol. As usual putting words in peoples mouths

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yes correct

I just woke up to the BS you talk

Sorry unlike you i not find her feet that attractive

You acuse me of putting words in peoples mouth

My are you ever the pot calling the kettle black

[tezzainoz]

YL turned up to vote yet never seems to have the time to attend various committees, especially those she chairs, parliamentary debates, supervision of protests and probably the NACC.

Obviously no problems with her ankle yesterday but it will flare up again today.

Think you're right. What's Sutheps excuse for not fronting up to court, burdened by whistles I suppose....

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

suthep like most real men believes in

A man must know his limitations, and put his priorities first

Suthep is not the PM of Thailand and resigned as a PM before starting this protest

Yingluck hides behind her title

she uses democracy to destroy real democracy

And Suthep hides behind an apparent minority to destroy democracy. Next!

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I did not notice you out on the streets yesterday telling them to go home they are a minority

safety behind a computer screen is your moto I see

Democracy you say

Your mob is using there opinio of democracy

to destroy True democracy

But no worries, it give you a chance to be a hero in your own lunch time

Edited March 31, 2014 by tezzainoz

[Cricketnut]

Surely Abhisit could have had a tramadol and his driver quickly drop him in and scoot him out.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

wow Yingluck has a sprained ankle and you cry at her feet

Abhist has a broken collar bone and you call him a pussy

Please make a note in your diary

More men come to Thailand for finding pu...y that a kick in the pants

tezza, you just woke me up didn't mention anything about Yinglucks feet. Just quoted a post. Turn over and get out of the right side of bed lol. As usual putting words in peoples mouths

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yes correct

I just woke up to the BS you talk

Sorry unlike you i not find her feet that attractive

You acuse me of putting words in peoples mouth

My are you ever the pot calling the kettle black

Prove it.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[northernjohn]

YL turned up to vote yet never seems to have the time to attend various committees, especially those she chairs, parliamentary debates, supervision of protests and probably the NACC.

Obviously no problems with her ankle yesterday but it will flare up again today.

I wonder if she has figured out how to vote this time?

[tezzainoz]

Surely Abhisit could have had a tramadol and his driver quickly drop him in and scoot him out.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

wow Yingluck has a sprained ankle and you cry at her feet

Abhist has a broken collar bone and you call him a pussy

Please make a note in your diary

More men come to Thailand for finding pu...y that a kick in the pants

tezza, you just woke me up didn't mention anything about Yinglucks feet. Just quoted a post. Turn over and get out of the right side of bed lol. As usual putting words in peoples mouths

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Thai wife just red you post

you not only want to control Thailand

You want me to take over her side of the bed as well

Typical male, you want to control everything

[Cricketnut]

YL turned up to vote yet never seems to have the time to attend various committees, especially those she chairs, parliamentary debates, supervision of protests and probably the NACC.

Obviously no problems with her ankle yesterday but it will flare up again today.

Think you're right. What's Sutheps excuse for not fronting up to court, burdened by whistles I suppose....

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

suthep like most real men believes in

A man must know his limitations, and put his priorities first

Suthep is not the PM of Thailand and resigned as a PM before starting this protest

Yingluck hides behind her title

she uses democracy to destroy real democracy

And Suthep hides behind an apparent minority to destroy democracy. Next!

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I did not notice you out on the streets yesterday telling them to go home they are a minority

safety behind a computer screen is your moto I see

Democracy you say

Your mob is using there opinio of democracy

to destroy True democracy

But no worries, it give you a chance to be a hero in your own lunch time

Apparently Tezza, you have forgotten that on TV we are all entitled to our opinions will take your advice about lunch time though and try and do something nice for someone without being noticed. That's about as close as u can get to being a hero today, so thanks for the inspiration. Try to have a good day Tezza enjoy your posts

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Fryslan boppe]

It is interesting to note that none of the anti-democrats decided to block the Senate election. Of course, this is because the anti-democrats know that, as the Senate is half-appointed, they are guaranteed to "win" in the sense that they really only need a couple of elected Ammart Elitists to consider that they have a "win."

It is only elections that the anti-democrats think they might lose that they choose to boycott and block.

This election of a prominent Ammart Elitist in former Auditor-General Jaruvan Maintaka proves their point....I understand there were several telling instances indicated in her previous "career", her desperation to hold her post in this AG office, despite rules that required her to leave.

Jaruvan claimed that her continued occupation of her office represented an effort to “save the country.” And was supported by various Ammart Elitist groups.

Welcome to a Senate who this article indicates, will rule on the legitimacy of an elected Prime Minister.

Edited March 31, 2014 by Fryslan boppe

[Phuket Stan]

YL turned up to vote yet never seems to have the time to attend various committees, especially those she chairs, parliamentary debates, supervision of protests and probably the NACC.

Obviously no problems with her ankle yesterday but it will flare up again today.

I wonder if she has figured out how to vote this time?

She would be watching a TV Monitor to make sure she voted correctly this time

[tezzainoz]

YL turned up to vote yet never seems to have the time to attend various committees, especially those she chairs, parliamentary debates, supervision of protests and probably the NACC.

Obviously no problems with her ankle yesterday but it will flare up again today.

Think you're right. What's Sutheps excuse for not fronting up to court, burdened by whistles I suppose....

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

suthep like most real men believes in

A man must know his limitations, and put his priorities first

Suthep is not the PM of Thailand and resigned as a PM before starting this protest

Yingluck hides behind her title

she uses democracy to destroy real democracy

And Suthep hides behind an apparent minority to destroy democracy. Next!

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I did not notice you out on the streets yesterday telling them to go home they are a minority

safety behind a computer screen is your moto I see

Democracy you say

Your mob is using there opinio of democracy

to destroy True democracy

But no worries, it give you a chance to be a hero in your own lunch time

Apparently Tezza, you have forgotten that on TV we are all entitled to our opinions will take your advice about lunch time though and try and do something nice for someone without being noticed. That's about as close as u can get to being a hero today, so thanks for the inspiration. Try to have a good day Tezza enjoy your posts

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I thought TCF was all about different opinions

In poitics many members are at each other throats and afterwards together for a meal in the dining room

If you want to IP my you phone number I have no problems buying you a beer in Bkk

[Fryslan boppe]

It is interesting to note that none of the anti-democrats decided to block the Senate election. Of course, this is because the anti-democrats know that, as the Senate is half-appointed, they are guaranteed to "win" in the sense that they really only need a couple of elected Ammart Elitists to consider that they have a "win."

It is only elections that the anti-democrats think they might lose that they choose to boycott and block.

This election of a prominent Ammart Elitist in former Auditor-General Jaruvan Maintaka proves their point....I understand there were several telling instances indicated in her previous "career", her desperation to hold her post in this AG office, despite rules that required her to leave.

Jaruvan claimed that her continued occupation of her office represented an effort to “save the country.” And was supported by various Ammart Elitist groups.

Welcome to a Senate who this article indicates, will rule on the legitimacy of an elected Prime Minister.

"It is interesting to note that none of the anti-democrats decided to block the Senate election. Of course, this is because the anti-democrats know that, as the Senate is half-appointed, they are guaranteed to "win" in the sense that they really only need a couple of elected Ammart Elitists to consider that they have a "win."

It is only elections that the anti-democrats think they might lose that they choose to boycott and block."

Permit me to make one additional point to this quote.

You will note that there was no "reform before elections" needed in this case.

[Mango Bob]

If anyone need to be reformed it's Jaruwan Maintaka. Just did a quick search to see who the hell she is and came up with dirt already. With includes the following from Wikipedia:

The Rural Doctors Society has been critical of Jaruvan for the lack of transparency of state audits. As a result, Jaruvan demanded that the Ministry of Public Health investigate the Society.

An NGO formally criticized her for hiring her son, Kittirat, as her personal secretary while paying him with a state budget of over 30,000 Baht a month.

Jaruvan was also accused of taking her two children, Kittirat and Supang, on a government-funded week-long trip to Russia.

She is no better than Suthep.

[gabruce]

Surely Abhisit could have had a tramadol and his driver quickly drop him in and scoot him out. <snip>

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Stupid thing to say. Much easier to vote than to make up a story. I am sure that really has broken his collarbone, really has surgery, and isn't able to get about. Have you ever had surgery, especially with anasthetia? I am sure not, otherwise you wouldn't have made this comment.

[gabruce]

If anyone need to be reformed it's Jaruwan Maintaka. Just did a quick search to see who the hell she is and came up with dirt already. With includes the following from Wikipedia:

The Rural Doctors Society has been critical of Jaruvan for the lack of transparency of state audits. As a result, Jaruvan demanded that the Ministry of Public Health investigate the Society.

An NGO formally criticized her for hiring her son, Kittirat, as her personal secretary while paying him with a state budget of over 30,000 Baht a month.

Jaruvan was also accused of taking her two children, Kittirat and Supang, on a government-funded week-long trip to Russia.

She is no better than Suthep.

Get a grip. This is minor nepotism at best. Hiring her son (presumably he was an adult?) at the outrageous salary of 30,000 baht a month? Did he actually do the job? How many billions did she get? On the other hand, it does sound like she is autocratic like most politicians and many senior officials - just like in the USA. Not good, and not surprising.

[lostinsurin]

Surely Abhisit could have had a tramadol and his driver quickly drop him in and scoot him out.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

wow Yingluck has a sprained ankle and you cry at her feet

Abhist has a broken collar bone and you call him a pussy

Please make a note in your diary

More men come to Thailand for finding pu...y that a kick in the pants

tezza, you just woke me up didn't mention anything about Yinglucks feet. Just quoted a post. Turn over and get out of the right side of bed lol. As usual putting words in peoples mouths

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE 8.2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yes correct

I just woke up to the BS you talk

Sorry unlike you i not find her feet that attractive

You acuse me of putting words in peoples mouth

My are you ever the pot calling the kettle black

"My are you ever the pot calling the kettle black"

Big bang theory?

[Morch]

It is interesting to note that none of the anti-democrats decided to block the Senate election. Of course, this is because the anti-democrats know that, as the Senate is half-appointed, they are guaranteed to "win" in the sense that they really only need a couple of elected Ammart Elitists to consider that they have a "win."

It is only elections that the anti-democrats think they might lose that they choose to boycott and block.

This election of a prominent Ammart Elitist in former Auditor-General Jaruvan Maintaka proves their point....I understand there were several telling instances indicated in her previous "career", her desperation to hold her post in this AG office, despite rules that required her to leave.

Jaruvan claimed that her continued occupation of her office represented an effort to “save the country.” And was supported by various Ammart Elitist groups.

Welcome to a Senate who this article indicates, will rule on the legitimacy of an elected Prime Minister.

Jaruvan Maintaka hardly qualifies as Ammart, not to mention "prominent Ammart".

[Morch]

If anyone need to be reformed it's Jaruwan Maintaka. Just did a quick search to see who the hell she is and came up with dirt already. With includes the following from Wikipedia:

The Rural Doctors Society has been critical of Jaruvan for the lack of transparency of state audits. As a result, Jaruvan demanded that the Ministry of Public Health investigate the Society.

An NGO formally criticized her for hiring her son, Kittirat, as her personal secretary while paying him with a state budget of over 30,000 Baht a month.

Jaruvan was also accused of taking her two children, Kittirat and Supang, on a government-funded week-long trip to Russia.

She is no better than Suthep.

How is this anywhere near Suthep's level of corruption?

I'm actually quite surprised you're bothered about these examples. Not saying these three items aren't problematic (well, at least two of them, the first isn't a very conclusive statement), just that in the scope of Thai politics and corruption, they are quite miniscule.

One would think that the way she was appointed for the job matter more, not to mention her conduct later on.

Edited March 31, 2014 by Morch

[shiok]

It is interesting to note that none of the anti-democrats decided to block the Senate election. Of course, this is because the anti-democrats know that, as the Senate is half-appointed, they are guaranteed to "win" in the sense that they really only need a couple of elected Ammart Elitists to consider that they have a "win."

It is only elections that the anti-democrats think they might lose that they choose to boycott and block.

This election of a prominent Ammart Elitist in former Auditor-General Jaruvan Maintaka proves their point....I understand there were several telling instances indicated in her previous "career", her desperation to hold her post in this AG office, despite rules that required her to leave.

Jaruvan claimed that her continued occupation of her office represented an effort to save the country. And was supported by various Ammart Elitist groups.

Welcome to a Senate who this article indicates, will rule on the legitimacy of an elected Prime Minister.

"legitimacy" please look up the definition, am sure it will not include buying votes!!!! hey wake up!!!

[shiok]

If anyone need to be reformed it's Jaruwan Maintaka. Just did a quick search to see who the hell she is and came up with dirt already. With includes the following from Wikipedia:

The Rural Doctors Society has been critical of Jaruvan for the lack of transparency of state audits. As a result, Jaruvan demanded that the Ministry of Public Health investigate the Society.

An NGO formally criticized her for hiring her son, Kittirat, as her personal secretary while paying him with a state budget of over 30,000 Baht a month.

Jaruvan was also accused of taking her two children, Kittirat and Supang, on a government-funded week-long trip to Russia.

She is no better than Suthep.

How is this anywhere near Suthep's level of corruption?

I'm actually quite surprised you're bothered about these examples. Not saying these three items aren't problematic (well, at least two of them, the first isn't a very conclusive statement), just that in the scope of Thai politics and corruption, they are quite miniscule.

One would think that the way she was appointed for the job matter more, not to mention her conduct later on.

it's the Shins that should be erased from the face of the earth, no one! and no one wld be worse than those scum!

[Scamper]

The Senate will likely consider Yingluck's impeachment next month. For that, they will duly and soberly study the evidence and render a judgement, as is their constitutionally duty. The constitutional process must be allowed to go forward.