TRT Targeted For Dissolution

[Jai Dee]

Constitution Tribunal to start deliberation against Democrat, Thai Rak Thai next week

The Constitution Tribunal has scheduled next Thursday to start twice-weekly sessions for the judicial deliberation to form decisions on two electoral fraud cases - one involving the Thai Rak Thai Party and another against the Democrat Party.

The deliberation will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the tribunal is expected to convene about six sessions to finalise decisions by May 30, tribunal secretary general Paiboon Warahapaitoon said Thursday.

The defence and the prosecution will today file written closing statements, completing the hearing process on the two cases, he said.

"The judicial deliberation will be based on facts, evidence and pertinent legal issues of the two cases and not to be swayed by public sentiment," he said in reference to reports about possible eruption of protests to influence the judicial opinions.

The two major parties and three small parties have been fighting fraud charges relating to the botched general election last year. If found guilty, the parties could face dissolution and their executives might be banned from office for five years.

Source: The Nation - 19 April 2007

[sriracha john]

Former Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula

Former Deputy Interior Minister Pracha Maleenont

Former Bangkok Governor Samak Sundaravej

FIRE-ENGINE SCAM

Samak, 4 others face AEC probe

Apirak off the hook because Bt6.7-billion deal signed before he became governor

Former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej, ex-interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula and his deputy Pracha Maleenont are among five people to be investigated by the Assets Examination Committee for alleged involvement in the fire-engine corruption scandal, a source from the AEC said yesterday.

However, Apirak Kosayodhin, Samak's successor and the current Bangkok governor, who has often been linked to the case, will escape investigation because the purchase was made before he took up the post, the source said.

The AEC's chairman Nam Yimyaem yesterday said its fact-finding team had enough grounds to open a full investigation of five people, including three politicians, for their parts in the allegedly overpriced Bt6.7-billion deal. He did not name them. Nam said he had received a report from the fact-finding team and would put it to the AEC's full panel on Monday to decide whether a subcommittee should be set up to investigate the accused.

The AEC source said the five were former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula, his deputy Pracha Maleenont and Pracha's assistant Somsak Kun-ngern, former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and the former Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department chief Atilak Tanchukiat.

Nam said the charges were malfeasance or corruption in violation of Article 157 of the Criminal Code, causing damage of over Bt6 billion to the government.

Nam said the sub-committee could summon more suspects if more were involved.

Last year the Department of Special Investigation said there were seven, the present five plus Apirak and then-commerce minister Wattana Muangsuk.

Bhokin signed an agreement of understanding for the purchase at a government-to-government level. Pracha was responsible for discussing details with Austrian ambassador Herbert Traxl, and his assistant Somsak prepared the barter-trade plan for the deal.

The Foreign Trade Department sealed the barter agreement with Steyr Daimler Puch, the Austrian supplier of fireboats, fire engines and fire-fighting equipment to the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department while Wattana was commerce minister.

The source yesterday said that Apirak, who had a letter of credit for the deal opened, was not on the AEC list for investigation because he had taken up his post after Samak signed the contract with Steyr Daimler Puch, which was conditional on the issuance of a letter of credit for payment.

The Nation

UPDATE

Politicians 'took 500 million baht bribes for fire trucks deal'

Some politicians involved in the overpriced purchase of fire-fighting equipment for Bangkok flew to Singapore to collect Bt500 million in bribes, a member of the Interior Ministry panel investigating the scandal said yesterday.

"We are gathering evidence against the corrupt officials," the official said on condition of anonymity. He did not say how many politicians were bribed or when it happened.

The committee will tomorrow wrap up its probe into the Bt6.68-billion deal for fire trucks, fireboats and other equipment for the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department. Its results will be forwarded to Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya before being released to the public in the next fortnight.

"Like other panels, we found the deal to be overpriced. However, on some points our results differ from what the Assets Examination Committee [AEC] found," the official said.

Earlier this year, the AEC concluded the deal was overpriced to the tune of Bt1.9 billion. It accused former interior minister Bhokin Bhalakula, his then-deputy Pracha Maleenont and then-assistant secretary Somsak Khun-ngern of corruption for their roles in the deal with an Austrian company.

The AEC also said there was evidence against former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and the head of the fire department Police Maj-General Atilak Tanchukiat.

It found no evidence against incumbent governor Apirak Kosayodhin.

The member of the Interior Ministry's panel investigating the scandal said, "We have not ignored evidence against persons the AEC has not named as suspects."

Officials who had failed to co-operate in the probe will be named, the panel member said. Former Bangkok city clerk Khunying Nathanon Thavisin has already been identified as uncooperative.

"Although they are not corrupt they avoided giving information that could be useful," the official said.

Members of the police must take some responsibility for designing the specifications of the deal while Krung Thai Bank will face action for opening the letter of credit, he added.

The eight-person panel probing the scandal is chaired by Assoc Professor Veerapong Boonyopas, head of the business crime and money-laundering centre at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Law.

The deal can be traced back to 2004 when Bhokin, as interior minister, signed an agreement of understanding with the Austrian ambassador to purchase fire trucks, fireboats and other fire-fighting equipment.

Pracha and Somsak helped draft the agreement. Samak signed it just before his term ended.

- The Nation

and yet ANOTHER one...

CORRUPTION CLAIM

Second fire deal faces DSI probe

School project was questionable, says Democrat Party

The Democrat Party yesterday lodged a request to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) asking it to probe an Interior Ministry project to establish a fire-fighting school as it contained "many questionable" conditions.

Deputy party spokesman Yuttapong Charassatien, speaking after meeting with DSI officials, said the school project was "similar in many ways" to the fire-truck scandal that has already engulfed the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

The fire-fighting school, with a project cost of Bt3.73 billion, was launched in 2004 not long after the Bt6.68-billion fire-truck deal that has been investigated by the DSI, resulting in many local and national politicians being implicated.

Yuttapong said a number of contract conditions in the school project had been changed. For example, tax-exemption conditions had been altered. Similarly, there are still legal disputes going on as to whether the BMA would have to shoulder the tax burden for the fire-truck deal, in which the tax exemption was not stated clearly in the original contract.

The school project involves a Bt1.19-billion facility network, a Bt1.9-billion budget for equipment and vehicles, and a Bt636-million budget for overseas inspection.

Yuttapong also questioned the legality of a contract condition that an Austrian ambassador gave his written endorsement that Steyr Daimler Puch was an Austrian company, even after it was taken over by the US firm General Dynamics.

The fire-truck project has been questioned for the inflated price of equipment and vehicles involved. All 350 vehicles were overpriced and could have been manufactured in Thailand at much lower costs.

Yuttapong said the school project also contained similar inflated prices - a 10,000-litre water tank was priced at Bt22 million, although the BMA could obtain it for Bt2 million less, and a 40-seater bus was set at Bt12 million, yet the BMA could buy it for half the price.

Yuttapong said the school project was initiated and approved during the reign of two ministers at the Interior Ministry and he called on incumbent Aree Wongsearaya to "tackle corruption seriously".

DSI director-general Sunai Manomai-udom said he would look carefully into Yuttapong's complaint about the school project and had assigned the case to be initially studied by a deputy who had been probing the fire-truck scandal.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

PTV joins calls for a state faith

Issue threatens to provoke new rifts

The backers of banned satellite-broadcaster PTV have thrown their weight behind calls for the recognition of Buddhism as the state religion in the new charter, a contentious issue that could present a new catalyst for political confrontation. PTV executive Veera Musikapong said the station supported the proposals from Buddhist groups under the principle that Thailand should have Buddhism enshrined in the constitution as the national religion. Another PTV executive, Jakrapob Penkair, said the banned station favoured the declaration because it would heighten Thailand's image as a world centre for Buddhism. The former government spokesman under Thai Rak Thai dismissed concerns that such a clause would alienate or marginalise other religions.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Apr2007_news01.php

[Jai Dee]

Govt asked to back up cash claims

The government was under pressure yesterday to back up its accusation that old power groups paid former MPs to carry out political activities aimed at toppling the regime.

Campaign for Popular Democracy secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila called on the government to reveal the financial routes behind the alleged move.

"If the government does not reveal the evidence, the old power groups can claim that they are the victims of political harassment. The government will lose public support as a result," he said.

Thai Rak Thai Party caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang accused the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) of being a tool of the government by releasing a claim that former Thai Rak Thai MPs in northern and northeastern provinces each received Bt3 million to carry out activities to bring down the government.

"We have never had policies to topple the Council for National Security through such methods. We want to be in power through election only. We also will not join with anyone who seized power through staging a coup," he said.

Thai Rak Thai spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang said the allegation about financial support was groundless. "It is a political move to discredit that was made without moral integrity," he said.

Justice Minister Charnchai Likitjitta denied that Amlo had checked the financial transactions of politicians and leaked the reports. He had checked with Amlo secretary-general Pol Colonel Yuthabul Dissaman, who denied the allegation.

Charnchai said Amlo did not have the right to conduct secret examinations of anyone's financial transactions. He said the agency could conduct an investigation only if someone committed offences relating to money laundering.

Paichit Sriworakan, a former Thai Rak Thai MP in Nakhon Panom, said he and other former MPs from the same province had filed complaints with police against Amlo for defamation.

Source: The Nation - 23 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

Deliberations on poll fraud cases

The Constitution Tribunal this week starts twice-weekly deliberations on rulings in two electoral-fraud cases - one involving the Democrat Party and the other Thai Rak Thai.

It is expected to take six sessions before a ruling by May 30.

Source: The Nation - 23 April 2007

[John K]

Govt asked to back up cash claims

The government was under pressure yesterday to back up its accusation that old power groups paid former MPs to carry out political activities aimed at toppling the regime.

Campaign for Popular Democracy secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila called on the government to reveal the financial routes behind the alleged move.

"If the government does not reveal the evidence, the old power groups can claim that they are the victims of political harassment. The government will lose public support as a result," he said.

Thai Rak Thai Party caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang accused the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) of being a tool of the government by releasing a claim that former Thai Rak Thai MPs in northern and northeastern provinces each received Bt3 million to carry out activities to bring down the government.

"We have never had policies to topple the Council for National Security through such methods. We want to be in power through election only. We also will not join with anyone who seized power through staging a coup," he said.

Thai Rak Thai spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang said the allegation about financial support was groundless. "It is a political move to discredit that was made without moral integrity," he said.

Justice Minister Charnchai Likitjitta denied that Amlo had checked the financial transactions of politicians and leaked the reports. He had checked with Amlo secretary-general Pol Colonel Yuthabul Dissaman, who denied the allegation.

Charnchai said Amlo did not have the right to conduct secret examinations of anyone's financial transactions. He said the agency could conduct an investigation only if someone committed offences relating to money laundering.

Paichit Sriworakan, a former Thai Rak Thai MP in Nakhon Panom, said he and other former MPs from the same province had filed complaints with police against Amlo for defamation.

Source: The Nation - 23 April 2007

I know the government would like to keep the evidence under raps to avoid another round of hide and seek, and I also see the need for the people to know. If I were to recommend a solution it would be to disclose this information to Suriyasai Katasila with the promise to keep it confidential. Then he could report the evidence he saw was satisfying or not.

[hammered]

PTV joins calls for a state faith

Issue threatens to provoke new rifts

The backers of banned satellite-broadcaster PTV have thrown their weight behind calls for the recognition of Buddhism as the state religion in the new charter, a contentious issue that could present a new catalyst for political confrontation. PTV executive Veera Musikapong said the station supported the proposals from Buddhist groups under the principle that Thailand should have Buddhism enshrined in the constitution as the national religion. Another PTV executive, Jakrapob Penkair, said the banned station favoured the declaration because it would heighten Thailand's image as a world centre for Buddhism. The former government spokesman under Thai Rak Thai dismissed concerns that such a clause would alienate or marginalise other religions.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Apr2007_news01.php

I wonder how the so called left wing members of TRT and the so called left wing academic anti-coup groups will react to this reactionary statement. Of course I realise it is only a bit of political opportunism but it will interesting to see if the so called left wingers in the TRT/anti-coup camp still have principles or not.

[jumnien]

Personally, I think it's not skillful to include a "Buddhism is the national religion" statement in the military's new constitution.

[hammered]

Personally, I think it's not skillful to include a "Buddhism is the national religion" statement in the military's new constitution.

I think we agree on that. State religion is a bad idea. But that is not say that a lot of people in Thailand dont want it in. And that is not to say that in Thailand there a lot of people who dont want it in - including Buddhists who follow Buddha's teaching maybe more strictly.

[blaze]

PTV joins calls for a state faith

Issue threatens to provoke new rifts

The backers of banned satellite-broadcaster PTV have thrown their weight behind calls for the recognition of Buddhism as the state religion in the new charter, a contentious issue that could present a new catalyst for political confrontation. PTV executive Veera Musikapong said the station supported the proposals from Buddhist groups under the principle that Thailand should have Buddhism enshrined in the constitution as the national religion. Another PTV executive, Jakrapob Penkair, said the banned station favoured the declaration because it would heighten Thailand's image as a world centre for Buddhism. The former government spokesman under Thai Rak Thai dismissed concerns that such a clause would alienate or marginalise other religions.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Apr2007_news01.php

I wonder how the so called left wing members of TRT and the so called left wing academic anti-coup groups will react to this reactionary statement. Of course I realise it is only a bit of political opportunism but it will interesting to see if the so called left wingers in the TRT/anti-coup camp still have principles or not.

Well let me help you out: I think this is a contemptible ploy by the PTV to wrap itself in the symbols of the state and thereby extend its appeal to the more socially conservative elements of the society.

I see it as total political opportunism at its most cynical.

I wish I could say that this is what happens when people are deprived of democratic channels- sadly- it occurs in the most democratic nations also.

[sriracha john]

PTV joins calls for a state faith

Issue threatens to provoke new rifts

The backers of banned satellite-broadcaster PTV have thrown their weight behind calls for the recognition of Buddhism as the state religion in the new charter, a contentious issue that could present a new catalyst for political confrontation. PTV executive Veera Musikapong said the station supported the proposals from Buddhist groups under the principle that Thailand should have Buddhism enshrined in the constitution as the national religion. Another PTV executive, Jakrapob Penkair, said the banned station favoured the declaration because it would heighten Thailand's image as a world centre for Buddhism. The former government spokesman under Thai Rak Thai dismissed concerns that such a clause would alienate or marginalise other religions.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Apr2007_news01.php

I wonder how the so called left wing members of TRT and the so called left wing academic anti-coup groups will react to this reactionary statement. Of course I realise it is only a bit of political opportunism but it will interesting to see if the so called left wingers in the TRT/anti-coup camp still have principles or not.

Well let me help you out: I think this is a contemptible ploy by the PTV to wrap itself in the symbols of the state and thereby extend its appeal to the more socially conservative elements of the society.

I see it as total political opportunism at its most cynical.

and if that's not disingenuous enough... just start the talk up again of buying an English Premier League football team:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1265845

the hi_thaksin.net folks are working overtime..

[hammered]

PTV joins calls for a state faith

Issue threatens to provoke new rifts

The backers of banned satellite-broadcaster PTV have thrown their weight behind calls for the recognition of Buddhism as the state religion in the new charter, a contentious issue that could present a new catalyst for political confrontation. PTV executive Veera Musikapong said the station supported the proposals from Buddhist groups under the principle that Thailand should have Buddhism enshrined in the constitution as the national religion. Another PTV executive, Jakrapob Penkair, said the banned station favoured the declaration because it would heighten Thailand's image as a world centre for Buddhism. The former government spokesman under Thai Rak Thai dismissed concerns that such a clause would alienate or marginalise other religions.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Apr2007_news01.php

I wonder how the so called left wing members of TRT and the so called left wing academic anti-coup groups will react to this reactionary statement. Of course I realise it is only a bit of political opportunism but it will interesting to see if the so called left wingers in the TRT/anti-coup camp still have principles or not.

Well let me help you out: I think this is a contemptible ploy by the PTV to wrap itself in the symbols of the state and thereby extend its appeal to the more socially conservative elements of the society.

I see it as total political opportunism at its most cynical.

I wish I could say that this is what happens when people are deprived of democratic channels- sadly- it occurs in the most democratic nations also.

Agreed on that. I am still interested to see if a middle group can emerge from the current situation. Ther eis till potential from some of the original anti-coup groups but they need to state their line now. Recent statements by the CPD also see it moving away from the PAD line. More to the point that is what my Thai wife and her politcal friends are looking for. Also what is the line of the political aprties on this: official TRT, Dem, Chart Thai and Maha Chon are very quiet. Sadly it seems we will be stuck with a choice of pro-T or pro-J for sometime yet, and it also seems in the battle to win any ploy will be tried whatever so called principles it means abandoning. This is going to get very nasty with divisions getting worse than now.

[sriracha john]

PTV joins calls for a state faith

Issue threatens to provoke new rifts

PTV executive Veera Musikapong said the station supported the proposals

This is going to get very nasty with divisions getting worse than now.

If Veera's hand gesture indicates anything... it would seem that's true:

PTV executive Veera Musikapong

Bangkok Post

[hammered]

PTV joins calls for a state faith

Issue threatens to provoke new rifts

PTV executive Veera Musikapong said the station supported the proposals

This is going to get very nasty with divisions getting worse than now.

If Veera's hand gesture indicates anything... it would seem that's true:

PTV executive Veera Musikapong

Bangkok Post

Nice catch.

[Old Man River]

PTV joins calls for a state faith

Issue threatens to provoke new rifts

The backers of banned satellite-broadcaster PTV have thrown their weight behind calls for the recognition of Buddhism as the state religion in the new charter, a contentious issue that could present a new catalyst for political confrontation. PTV executive Veera Musikapong said the station supported the proposals from Buddhist groups under the principle that Thailand should have Buddhism enshrined in the constitution as the national religion. Another PTV executive, Jakrapob Penkair, said the banned station favoured the declaration because it would heighten Thailand's image as a world centre for Buddhism. The former government spokesman under Thai Rak Thai dismissed concerns that such a clause would alienate or marginalise other religions.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Apr2007_news01.php

I wonder how the so called left wing members of TRT and the so called left wing academic anti-coup groups will react to this reactionary statement. Of course I realise it is only a bit of political opportunism but it will interesting to see if the so called left wingers in the TRT/anti-coup camp still have principles or not.

Well let me help you out: I think this is a contemptible ploy by the PTV to wrap itself in the symbols of the state and thereby extend its appeal to the more socially conservative elements of the society.

I see it as total political opportunism at its most cynical.

I wish I could say that this is what happens when people are deprived of democratic channels- sadly- it occurs in the most democratic nations also.

Also what is the line of the political aprties on this: official TRT, Dem, Chart Thai and Maha Chon are very quiet.

There is something in the Thai law that does not allow a political party to politic until a certain time period prior to an election being called. It may have been in the previous constitution, not sure, but it would explain why we haven't heard anything specifically from any of Thailand's political parties.

[sriracha john]

PTV joins calls for a state faith

Issue threatens to provoke new rifts

PTV executive Veera Musikapong said the station supported the proposals

This is going to get very nasty with divisions getting worse than now.

If Veera's hand gesture indicates anything... it would seem that's true:

PTV executive Veera Musikapong

Bangkok Post

Nice catch.

It seems now that the BMA has returned the same hand gesture to Veera:

PTV threaten to stage rally at Democracy Monument

Maverick broadcaster PTV may move its anti-junta rally on Friday from Sanam Luang to Democracy Monument after claiming the city government was deliberately scheduling parallel events at the park.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is using the ground for April 23 to May 1 concerts honouring His Majesty the King.

PTV organiser Jatuporn Prompan claimed yesterday the rally would go ahead as scheduled but the venue may be reconsidered in light of the concerts.

He said PTV believed the BMA was deliberately disrupting it by scheduling activities to coincide with its weekly rally. PTV said it should have been informed of the schedule clash when it sought permission to use Sanam Luang.

"The BMA is trying to hide its activities to block our rally. The public can see that when PTV plans to rally at Sanam Luang the BMA holds another activity, every time," Jatuporn said. He alleged the city administration would continue to schedule parallel activities every time PTV sought to demonstrate.

Jatuporn said the Democracy Monument was an alternative to Sanam Luang and City Hall.

Deputy Governor Wallop Suwandee said yesterday that room at Sanam Luang was limited but believed PTV could be accommodated. "We gave permission for the concert before PTV sought to use Sanam Luang. The BMA will talk to PTV in the hope that it will understand."

The Bangkok Governor's spokesman Chanin Rungsaeng said many groups have sought to use Sanam Luang.

- The Nation

========

This Jatuporn character seems also a deserving recipient of one of the aforementioned hand gestures. Just how cocky and self-important does he think PTV is that they should have priority over anything.... let alone a previously scheduled concert for....

Edited April 23, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

I guess they have a hard time getting a subtle hint not to divide the country. With the 20,000,000,000 baht Shin tax announcement by the AEC it looks like things will be picking up on this front. I wonder if they will bother to stop the traffic for the PTV / TRT / Thaksin rally at the Democracy monument. Having all sorts of cars busses and whatever running through the crowd may be interesting to see.

[sriracha john]

I guess they have a hard time getting a subtle hint not to divide the country. With the 20,000,000,000 baht Shin tax announcement

Total Thaksin check-bin is now up to 27,420,000,000.00 Baht

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1267197

not sure if that includes ABF or not.

[John K]

I guess they have a hard time getting a subtle hint not to divide the country. With the 20,000,000,000 baht Shin tax announcement

Total Thaksin check-bin is now up to 27,420,000,000.00 Baht

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1267197

not sure if that includes ABF or not.

That’s no check bin, that’s a 55 gallon drum.

[Jai Dee]

DSI deputy shifted over Thaksin links

Department of Special Investigation deputy director-general Thawee Sodsong has been transferred to the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), reportedly because of his connections to many ministers in the ousted Thaksin Shinawatra government.

Thawee had been targeted for transfer ever since the military coup on September 19 last year, following his apparent reluctance to proceed with many criminal cases against Thai Rak Thai (TRT) ministers.

A source said Thawee deliberately under-performed in handling the Picnic gas scandal case, which saw public prosecutors eventually drop charges against a TRT minister.

The source said the former police colonel put extra effort into pursuing cases against the political enemies of the TRT, including an investigation into the Democrat-controlled Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, over a corruption scandal involving a number of road construction projects.

In his written approval granted yesterday for Thawee's transfer, Justice Ministry permanent secretary Charan Pakdithanakul said Thawee's role at the ONCB would give anti-narcotics operations a wider area and make them "possibly more efficient".

Thawee was once questioned directly by Charan for unauthorised phone tapping.

Thawee's transfer is in line with an ongoing effort to reduce the presently-illegal number of former police officers serving with the DSI.

The law states that no more than one third of DSI officials can come from one single agency. Currently, more than half of its staff are former police officers. Thawee's position has been filled by ONCB secretary-general Phinyo Thongchai.

Source: The Nation - 24 April 2007

[ovenman]

I guess they have a hard time getting a subtle hint not to divide the country. With the 20,000,000,000 baht Shin tax announcement

Total Thaksin check-bin is now up to 27,420,000,000.00 Baht

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1267197

not sure if that includes ABF or not.

Or an airport transfer?

If I were the Thai gov't, I wouldn't be in any rush to spend that money as I doubt they'll be seeing a single satang anytime soon...

[sriracha john]

I guess they have a hard time getting a subtle hint not to divide the country. With the 20,000,000,000 baht Shin tax announcement

Total Thaksin check-bin is now up to 27,420,000,000.00 Baht

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1267197

not sure if that includes ABF or not.

Or an airport transfer?

If I were the Thai gov't, I wouldn't be in any rush to spend that money as I doubt they'll be seeing a single satang anytime soon...

Maybe their wait will be worth it if they can boost the inevitable "Plus VAT", that's added to every bill, in the interim:

VAT Set To Rise To 10%? thread

Edited April 24, 2007 by sriracha john

[jumnien]

Whatever. Anyway, the prosecution of all the military's adversaries, including Thaksin, will best be left for a time when Thailand is not occupied and controlled by a military junta. Otherwise, any outcome is meaningless.

[sriracha john]

Whatever.

[jumnien]

Afraid of the rest of the quote, are we?

[sriracha john]

sorry, just couldn't get passed the typical teenager-sounding retort....

anyhoo.... first I've heard of the following... although given TRT's background, can't say I'm surprised:

PTV allowed to rally at Sanam Luang

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration agreed on Tuesday to allow PTV satellite TV operator to organise an anti-government rally at Sanam Luang on Friday.

BMA Governor Apirak Kosayothin announced the approval after a meeting with senior metropolitan police officers.

Apirak said the BMA agreed to cancel its concert Friday night to allow the PTV to use Sanam Luang for its demonstration.

He said the approval was aimed at preventing more violence, like what happened Monday night.

A group of people, who called themselves Thai patriots, gathered in front of the concert stage Monday night and pelted objects at dancers and singers, prompting the concert to be stopped sooner than scheduled.

- The Nation

===========

Amazing considering it was during a concert honoring........

[Tony Clifton]

When will they start making arrests when such disgraceful actions take place?

Following this PTV cult member act of throwing objects at performing artists, I would give in and allow them to protest while the concerts are going on but only allowing them to bring mimes on stage.

[sriracha john]

PTV chief Veera Musigapong displays a court document after leading station executives to file a libel suit against Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas at the Criminal Court yesterday. The plaintiffs sought Bt50m in damages and said Boonrawd wrongly accused them of being funded by the former government.

===========

Yep, they're just a bunch of freely-independent, civic-minded concerned citizens that have absolutely nothing to do with the TRT Party or Thaksin.

[Tony Clifton]

PTV chief Veera Musigapong displays a court document after leading station executives to file a libel suit against Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas at the Criminal Court yesterday. The plaintiffs sought Bt50m in damages and said Boonrawd wrongly accused them of being funded by the former government.

===========

Yep, they're just a bunch of freely-independent, civic-minded concerned citizens that have absolutely nothing to do with the TRT Party or Thaksin.

That may keep PTV afloat for a little while, must be hard to find anyone wanting to advertise with them. Unless , of course, financing is not a worry with Mr. T's generous backdoor contributions.

Bunch of self-serving clowns.

[John K]

I would think that one of the complaint documents may read; “We are not funded by the former government, we hit the paper trail real good this time.”