TRT Targeted For Dissolution

[blaze]

TRT urges corruption probe in 3 ministries

The Thai Rak Thai Party yesterday called on the government to investigate projects in three ministries for alleged corruption.

Suthin Klangsaeng, deputy spokesman for the former ruling party, said a Thai Rak Thai panel monitoring the administration had received many complaints from people asking it to investigate alleged corruption under the current government.

"The panel is collecting the complaints, after which we will forward them to the National Counter Corruption Commission and the Assets Examination Committee," he said.

Suthin said at least three ministries were accused of corruption.

First, there were complaints about the Agriculture Ministry's compensation of Bt220 million to farmers who were affected by flash floods last year.

"The ministry did not pay cash but gave out seeds instead, which is an old method of corruption," Suthin said.

Other allegedly corrupt schemes were under the Transport and Interior ministries, the spokesman said.

He said the party had received information that supported claims by lawyer Noppadon Pattama, ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's legal adviser, that a wife of junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin took "kickbacks" from Channel 5's programming.

The party expects to expose the Channel 5 case to the public next week, he said.

"The junta spokesmen and the government should pay attention to these complaints rather than try to defend them because the people hope that the junta will help them," he said.

Source: The Nation

This is getting a bit childish. It amounts to either saying:

Look, we are not the only ones doing bad things...uhh that did not sound right.

Or

If they can do it so can we.

They need to working on cleaning their own house and not worry about others. Either way it comes across as an admission of guilt.

Context is all important. Cases aagainst TRT heavyweights are coming closer to conclusion. The minions of TRT are going to use eevry tactic to try and derail these.

Now that is not to say that any corruption in the curent governemtn should not be investigated if there is corruption. However, this should in no way be connected to ongoing court cases over what seems fairly large scale organised family based corruption, which enough evidence has been found on to at least reach court. Any investigation into current corruption should involve holding the same legal standards.

At the moment it sounds more like a commonly used political announcement of corruptuption with evidence to be produced in X more days than anything real, but we will see. I always wonder why politicians dont produce evidence now. I am usually disappointed when in X days they produce a bunch of hearsay. Of course the other context is that anything that comes out of the mouth of a Thaksin linked spokeperson is generally regarded by the Thai middle classes as lies now that he himself is so discredited through his myriad of diversionary political comments. We will see.

Is there a law in Thailand that says that if you know of corruption, by not reporting it in detail to the appropriate authorities you can be charged with being complicate (sp?) to the crime? If not, there should be.

There seems to be an attitude that the purpose of investigating corruption is solely to wound your political opponents- that the public has no stake or interest in the corruption being exposed aside from some soap operaish titillation. And this isn't new either- it's been going on long before Thaksin showed up on the scene.

[hammered]

TRT urges corruption probe in 3 ministries

The Thai Rak Thai Party yesterday called on the government to investigate projects in three ministries for alleged corruption.

Suthin Klangsaeng, deputy spokesman for the former ruling party, said a Thai Rak Thai panel monitoring the administration had received many complaints from people asking it to investigate alleged corruption under the current government.

"The panel is collecting the complaints, after which we will forward them to the National Counter Corruption Commission and the Assets Examination Committee," he said.

Suthin said at least three ministries were accused of corruption.

First, there were complaints about the Agriculture Ministry's compensation of Bt220 million to farmers who were affected by flash floods last year.

"The ministry did not pay cash but gave out seeds instead, which is an old method of corruption," Suthin said.

Other allegedly corrupt schemes were under the Transport and Interior ministries, the spokesman said.

He said the party had received information that supported claims by lawyer Noppadon Pattama, ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's legal adviser, that a wife of junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin took "kickbacks" from Channel 5's programming.

The party expects to expose the Channel 5 case to the public next week, he said.

"The junta spokesmen and the government should pay attention to these complaints rather than try to defend them because the people hope that the junta will help them," he said.

Source: The Nation

This is getting a bit childish. It amounts to either saying:

Look, we are not the only ones doing bad things...uhh that did not sound right.

Or

If they can do it so can we.

They need to working on cleaning their own house and not worry about others. Either way it comes across as an admission of guilt.

Context is all important. Cases aagainst TRT heavyweights are coming closer to conclusion. The minions of TRT are going to use eevry tactic to try and derail these.

Now that is not to say that any corruption in the curent governemtn should not be investigated if there is corruption. However, this should in no way be connected to ongoing court cases over what seems fairly large scale organised family based corruption, which enough evidence has been found on to at least reach court. Any investigation into current corruption should involve holding the same legal standards.

At the moment it sounds more like a commonly used political announcement of corruptuption with evidence to be produced in X more days than anything real, but we will see. I always wonder why politicians dont produce evidence now. I am usually disappointed when in X days they produce a bunch of hearsay. Of course the other context is that anything that comes out of the mouth of a Thaksin linked spokeperson is generally regarded by the Thai middle classes as lies now that he himself is so discredited through his myriad of diversionary political comments. We will see.

Is there a law in Thailand that says that if you know of corruption, by not reporting it in detail to the appropriate authorities you can be charged with being complicate (sp?) to the crime? If not, there should be.

There seems to be an attitude that the purpose of investigating corruption is solely to wound your political opponents- that the public has no stake or interest in the corruption being exposed aside from some soap operaish titillation. And this isn't new either- it's been going on long before Thaksin showed up on the scene.

Not a bad idea to have laws on this. It would probably also need a properly independent investigating body too with assured funding no government could interfere with.

In the past corruption was always limited to some extent by the nature of coalition governments - parties moved in and out as allegations came up and easily collapsed governments. The need for stronger laws and investigating bodies becomes more critical when you have single party government. Exactly how the strengthening of laws and bodies is done was missed in the 1997 constitution where even the role of the courts was largely left undefined, and bodies were easily controlled by government. This is an area that any new charter should address. Sadly nobody is probably discussing this at the moment, so we rely on the charter writers getting it right.

[sriracha john]

Activists cancel rally Friday

An anti-coup group cancelled their rally at Sanam Luang Friday for fear that its use of public addressing system would interfere with the Chakri Day ceremony at a nearby temple.

Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphumthai said his Saturday People Group decided to cancel the planned rally Friday.

But it would hold a marathon rally with other anti-coup groups starting from Saturday to Wednesday, he said.

The Nation

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

Is this Saturday People Group the same as the Saturday Voice Against Dictators of Post #483??

How many Saturdays are there in the month of May?

[sriracha john]

Protest rally to go ahead on Sunday

The operators of the pro-Thaksin PTV will press ahead with a rally against the government and the CNS scheduled for Sunday at Sanam Luang. Aree Krainara, PTV's business development manager, yesterday wrote to the BMA seeking permission to use Sanam Luang as a venue for the PTV rally. The third such gathering organised by the station, it is scheduled to take place from 4.30pm to midnight. On Sunday, PTV executives will talk about plans to push for broadcasts by the station, express opposition to the Surayud Chulanont government, as well as the pay rise awarded to staff and members of the CNS. Speakers will also touch on the free trade agreement Thailand recently signed with Japan. Mr Aree assured that the speakers would not resort to personal attacks and also not allow other groups of demonstrators to join them.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=117909

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

As for this, the other rally, PTV ARE returning to the television issue, but they are NOT allowing any of the assorted "Saturday unions" to joing THEIR rally this time...

Interestingly something is missing from their third rally's scheduled agenda that was quite prevalent during their first one... hmmmm....

Edited April 6, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

TRT convinced another coup on the way

The Thai Rak Thai Party will launch a nationwide campaign against another possible coup, saying that its political analysts have found evidence that clearly supports the theory that one will take place.

Suthin Klangsaeng, the party's caretaker spokesman, said his team strongly believed another coup was on the cards, citing three main indicators.

The first is the growing conflict between the government and the Council for National Security (CNS) and the political movement of some groups, especially the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Second, some media have been supporting or trying to create conditions - by citing recent protests - that make another coup necessary.

Third, there have been attempts to change the prime minister and topple the government.

Suthin said the Thai Rai Thai strongly disapproved of any attempt at another coup, believing it would create "detrimental damage" to the country. It will gather the signatures of people across the country to oppose the idea.

"The Thai Rak Thai Party will exert all efforts to fight against any coup attempts, by resorting to peaceful and democratic methods. The party believes the political problems can be solved by using an interim constitution, and the election must be held as the government has promised," he said.

Nisit Sinthuprai, a former Thai Rak Thai MP, said the party would campaign in every tambon and village for people to join it in lodging complaints against potential coup-makers.

Chaturon Chaisang, the party leader, supports the plan.

"We believe this will provide stronger immunity for democracy against a coup," he said.

PTV deputy chairman Chatuporn Prompan said he believed Thai Rak Thai coup theory because CNS deputy secretary-general Saprang Kalayanamitr has made noises about another coup for eight months.

The PAD has also staged a political campaign in the provinces over the past two months "without sound reasons", he said.

Chatuporn suspects the PAD wants to support a coup so that the coup-makers can use protests as an excuse to prevent confrontation, as they did in staging the September 19 takeover last year.

source: The Nation

Clearly the TRT have not mastered the power of suggestion. The only ones that want a coup is them to save there asses.

Edited April 6, 2007 by John K

[Tony Clifton]

PAD vs CNS?

TRT desperately pointing fingers again. Every time, like little children lying for the first time.

[sriracha john]

TRT desperately pointing fingers again. Every time, like little children lying for the first time.

[hammered]

TRT convinced another coup on the way

The Thai Rak Thai Party will launch a nationwide campaign against another possible coup, saying that its political analysts have found evidence that clearly supports the theory that one will take place.

Suthin Klangsaeng, the party's caretaker spokesman, said his team strongly believed another coup was on the cards, citing three main indicators.

The first is the growing conflict between the government and the Council for National Security (CNS) and the political movement of some groups, especially the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Second, some media have been supporting or trying to create conditions - by citing recent protests - that make another coup necessary.

Third, there have been attempts to change the prime minister and topple the government.

Suthin said the Thai Rai Thai strongly disapproved of any attempt at another coup, believing it would create "detrimental damage" to the country. It will gather the signatures of people across the country to oppose the idea.

"The Thai Rak Thai Party will exert all efforts to fight against any coup attempts, by resorting to peaceful and democratic methods. The party believes the political problems can be solved by using an interim constitution, and the election must be held as the government has promised," he said.

Nisit Sinthuprai, a former Thai Rak Thai MP, said the party would campaign in every tambon and village for people to join it in lodging complaints against potential coup-makers.

Chaturon Chaisang, the party leader, supports the plan.

"We believe this will provide stronger immunity for democracy against a coup," he said.

PTV deputy chairman Chatuporn Prompan said he believed Thai Rak Thai coup theory because CNS deputy secretary-general Saprang Kalayanamitr has made noises about another coup for eight months.

The PAD has also staged a political campaign in the provinces over the past two months "without sound reasons", he said.

Chatuporn suspects the PAD wants to support a coup so that the coup-makers can use protests as an excuse to prevent confrontation, as they did in staging the September 19 takeover last year.

source: The Nation

Clearly the TRT have not mastered the power of suggestion. The only ones that want a coup is them to save there asses.

Quite interesting that they choose to mention this now. Since about September 20 last year there have been rumors at different times of either a Thaksinista coup or a more anti-Thaksin coup. To date neither have happened. Rumors suggested the closest (not very close at all) was a few months back when there were strong rumors of a pro-Thaksin coup. Since then there have been big changes in the military command in the area where this rumor emmanted from. The other strong rumor was before this and involved one member of the CNS not getting support for a more anti-Thaksin coup. Right now since the most recent reshuffle the Thaksinistas would find it very very difficult to launch a coup although nothing can be ruled out. Right now there also seems little reason for a more anti-Thaksin coup, which inless supported by those controlling the troops would not work anyway, although again nothing should be ruled out, and events could rapidly change things. The guy that terrifies TRT and they seem to link to a new coup is quite likely the next head of the Thai army and CNS in a few months time. There is no doubt extra pressure being applied by the CNS on the government to get the investigations completed and this alone is probably enough to upset the rump TRT who thought the Surayud government may be going very light on them.

In politics it is not unknown for parties to try and drive wedges between allies and this latest TRT ploy may be as simple as this. The threat to mobilize upcountry may also be the message that TRT actually want to get over. Whether they can still effectively do this with their power base splintered remains to be seen.

[Jai Dee]

Democrat to complete announcement on the party’s dissolution case next week

Democrat Party expects to complete it announcement on the party’s dissolution case by next week.

Democrat’s chief advisor, Chuan Leekphai says the announcement will be submitted to the Constitution Tribunal which has already finished 12 sessions of witness questioning. The tribunal demanded the party to hand in the announcement within 20 days after the final session or by April 25th. The party’s first meeting on the announcement is scheduled to take place today. The announcement is expected to be not less than 100 pages.

Mr Chuan adds that testimonies and evidences presented by the plaintiff during the witness questioning sessions are not solid enough for the tribunal to dissolve the party.

Meanwhile, Democrat Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva requests the Cabinet to revoke the Council for Democratic Reform’s 15th and 27th announcements as he claims that the general public has called for the party to arrange political activities. He says the revocation of the announcements will facilitate the party’s trips to hear problems of residents in rural areas, especially the three Southern border provinces.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 April 2007

[sriracha john]

the Thaksinistas

I like that... thank you.

[hammered]

the Thaksinistas

I like that... thank you.

you're welcome. I'm not sure the Sandanistas will be so happy.

[jumnien]

Sondhistas or Sonthistas?

[John K]

Hammered,

what you are seeing is very typical. Try not to look at the TRT as a group but more as a person. It will help you to predict what is next.

So as it stands this arrogant / bully person is about to be punished for things he did. So using arrogance as a base, you can expect hollow threats and diversions to substantiate his side. The threats come from anger and the bully side. The suggestion of a coup is a veiled threat that suggests revenge will happen if punishment is carried out.

Predictably there will be a flood of accusations pointing to others from the TRT between now and the closing of this issue. This is a classic example. If you care to dig back take a look at some of the murders in the USA that were very arrogant during the trial and how they acted. More recently Saddam Hussein but he was much more arrogant and abusive towards the court. Remove the abusive nature towards the court and you will see how similar the TRT is to Saddam. One difference is Saddam was in a position of much less leverage than the TRT. Events like the PTV /TRT / Thaksin rallies are an example. In a sense it is the same arrogance against authority that Saddam showed in the court.

[Jai Dee]

TRT to open its new office on Rama 3 Rd. this Monday

The Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party is preparing to open its new office on Rama 3 Rd. this Monday (Apr 9). It will disclose the party’s direction and situation under the observation of the Council for National Security (CNS).

TRT Spokesman Kuthep Saikrajarng says the opening ceremony will be held on 9:09 hours and presided by TRT caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang. Press members report that the TRT will use this opportunity to reveal the further direction of the party and its standpoint to continue its political roles.

The party will talk about the national situation and the corruptions of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

At the same time, Deputy Army Commander in Chief and Deputy Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), Gen. Saprang Kalayanamitr (สพรั่ง กัลยาณมิตร), has assigned officials to seek further evidence of the corruptions of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 April 2007

[blaze]

Hammered,

what you are seeing is very typical. Try not to look at the TRT as a group but more as a person. It will help you to predict what is next.

So as it stands this arrogant / bully person is about to be punished for things he did. So using arrogance as a base, you can expect hollow threats and diversions to substantiate his side. The threats come from anger and the bully side. The suggestion of a coup is a veiled threat that suggests revenge will happen if punishment is carried out.

The coup that the TRT is warning about would not occur if punishment is carried out: it would occur if punishment is NOT carried out. Read the article again as well as Hammered's post. Much has been discussed here and in other forums about a group within the military that believes that Sonthi and most certainly Sarayuth are being a way too soft on Thaksin. Included in this group may be the PAD- though there is no evidence to suggest that the PAD would welcome a second coup- aside from statements made by some in the TRT.

Edited April 7, 2007 by blaze

[John K]

Hammered,

what you are seeing is very typical. Try not to look at the TRT as a group but more as a person. It will help you to predict what is next.

So as it stands this arrogant / bully person is about to be punished for things he did. So using arrogance as a base, you can expect hollow threats and diversions to substantiate his side. The threats come from anger and the bully side. The suggestion of a coup is a veiled threat that suggests revenge will happen if punishment is carried out.

The coup that the TRT is warning about would not occur if punishment is carried out: it would occur if punishment is NOT carried out. Read the article again as well as Hammered's post. Much has been discussed here and in other forums about a group within the military that believes that Sonthi and most certainly Sarayuth are being a way too soft on Thaksin. Included in this group may be the PAD- though there is no evidence to suggest that the PAD would welcome a second coup- aside from statements made by some in the TRT.

Many of the statement will be un-rational. It does not suggest that the TRT would suffer, only the authorities. It does also suggest that only the TRT can save the day. The closer one gets to panic the more impulsive and the less logical things become.

[sriracha john]

TRT to shift this month

The Thai Rak Thai Party plans to move from its compound on Phetchaburi Road to a new headquarters on Rama III later this month.

Caretaker deputy leader Pongthep Thepkanchana said the party needed to cut costs and its current operating base was expensive and large. He said the IFCT building on Phetchaburi Road would be returned to Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of former Thai Rak Thai party leader Thaksin.

Party executives expect to move this month. The party planned to move last year to its original home

on Rajvithee Road but scrapped that idea. The Rajvithee building belongs to the Thaicom Foundation

- The Nation

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

Pojaman doesn't allow the TRT to use her building for free??!?

Or she doesn't have the funds anymore to pay utilities??!?!! :D

sheesh... she IS one greedy B _ _ _ _ !!

Thai Rak Thai to move party head office on Monday

The Thai Rak Thai Party will move its head office from the IFCT Building to a building on Rama III Road on Monday, party spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang said Saturday.

Kuthep said the new head office would be located in Navasorn Buidling in Bang Kholaem district.

A religious ceremony to bless the new head office will be held at 8:30 am on Monday.

He said the relocation of the head office would herald the new era of the party.

- The Nation

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

I still find this so weird, given that Pokemon owns the building. What does she have up her sleeve that it sounds like she's evicting her own TRT Party?

Obviously, it's not the quoted "shortage of funds" that the Party cries.... those guys are all loaded.

[blaze]

Hammered,

what you are seeing is very typical. Try not to look at the TRT as a group but more as a person. It will help you to predict what is next.

So as it stands this arrogant / bully person is about to be punished for things he did. So using arrogance as a base, you can expect hollow threats and diversions to substantiate his side. The threats come from anger and the bully side. The suggestion of a coup is a veiled threat that suggests revenge will happen if punishment is carried out.

The coup that the TRT is warning about would not occur if punishment is carried out: it would occur if punishment is NOT carried out. Read the article again as well as Hammered's post. Much has been discussed here and in other forums about a group within the military that believes that Sonthi and most certainly Sarayuth are being a way too soft on Thaksin. Included in this group may be the PAD- though there is no evidence to suggest that the PAD would welcome a second coup- aside from statements made by some in the TRT.

Many of the statement will be un-rational. It does not suggest that the TRT would suffer, only the authorities. It does also suggest that only the TRT can save the day. The closer one gets to panic the more impulsive and the less logical things become.

Many of what statement is 'un-rational'?

[ColPyat]

Hammered,

what you are seeing is very typical. Try not to look at the TRT as a group but more as a person. It will help you to predict what is next.

It always is comfortable to bend facts to suit ones argumentation.

Try to look at reality, please, for a change, and see TRT as what it always was - a large conglomerate of often widely differing vested interests that Thaksin was able, for a certain period of time, to manage by balancing out each group's benefits against the other, and drawing his own advantage out of it as well.

TRT was doomed to collapse from the inside, as indeed happened, when powerful people such as Chavalit, Sanoh Tienthong, Sondhi L. and Chamlong distanced themselves from Thaksin.

Some of those groups of vested interest have split before and culminated into the the formation of PAD (yes, not all members of the PAD were TRT, but the two most powerful - Sondhi L. and Chamlong Srimuang definately were TRT).

Other groups now after the coup have taken a wait and see path, and will ally themselves, as usual, and as they have always done, with whom comes out as the most powerful clique.

And some are still carrying the TRT banner.

This is Thai politics, nothing is monolithic, things are always in a flux, only the uninformed believe that there is a change in the air for more democracy, less corruption etc beyond pure lip service. Maybe you haven't been here long enough, but pre Thaksin Thailand was not exactly a pillar of democracy, upholding of human rights, and all the other nice stuff.

[sriracha john]

Opposition using rent-a-mob, says minister

Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas claimed he has obtained information that protesters from the provinces have been paid to join anti-government and anti-coup rallies in Bangkok. Gen Boonrawd said steps would be taken against these people if they were found to have been paid to stage rallies, although he declined to elaborate. He said he has received information about the hiring of people from the provinces to join rallies at Sanam Luang. The CNS has coordinated with the BMA to deal with demonstrators. Venues would be arranged if those demonstrators acted within the scope of the law, he said. The operators of PTV earlier announced that they would press ahead with a rally against the government and the CNS tomorrow at Sanam Luang. In Nakhon Ratchasima, a group of supporters of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday gathered at the Thao Suranaree monument to denounce anti-coup groups over their moves to petition His Majesty the King to remove Gen Prem from his post. In Songkhla, around 1,000 people joined a rally to give Gen Prem moral support.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=117928

[ThaiGoon]

Opposition using rent-a-mob, says minister

Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas claimed he has obtained information that protesters from the provinces have been paid to join anti-government and anti-coup rallies in Bangkok. Gen Boonrawd said steps would be taken against these people if they were found to have been paid to stage rallies, although he declined to elaborate. He said he has received information about the hiring of people from the provinces to join rallies at Sanam Luang. The CNS has coordinated with the BMA to deal with demonstrators. Venues would be arranged if those demonstrators acted within the scope of the law, he said. The operators of PTV earlier announced that they would press ahead with a rally against the government and the CNS tomorrow at Sanam Luang. In Nakhon Ratchasima, a group of supporters of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday gathered at the Thao Suranaree monument to denounce anti-coup groups over their moves to petition His Majesty the King to remove Gen Prem from his post. In Songkhla, around 1,000 people joined a rally to give Gen Prem moral support.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=117928

Awesome! I hope the gov't will nail all these sh*t-stirring unpatriotic b*st*rds who are willing to do anything just for their personal political gains. The way they've been trying to create unrests in the country just sickened me.

[hammered]

Hammered,

what you are seeing is very typical. Try not to look at the TRT as a group but more as a person. It will help you to predict what is next.

So as it stands this arrogant / bully person is about to be punished for things he did. So using arrogance as a base, you can expect hollow threats and diversions to substantiate his side. The threats come from anger and the bully side. The suggestion of a coup is a veiled threat that suggests revenge will happen if punishment is carried out.

Predictably there will be a flood of accusations pointing to others from the TRT between now and the closing of this issue. This is a classic example. If you care to dig back take a look at some of the murders in the USA that were very arrogant during the trial and how they acted. More recently Saddam Hussein but he was much more arrogant and abusive towards the court. Remove the abusive nature towards the court and you will see how similar the TRT is to Saddam. One difference is Saddam was in a position of much less leverage than the TRT. Events like the PTV /TRT / Thaksin rallies are an example. In a sense it is the same arrogance against authority that Saddam showed in the court.

While I understand what you are saying I tend to view things less from the psychological angle but rather from a mix of the economic, political and sociological, which leads me to conclude that while Mr. Thaksin may be first among equals there are also some other powerful and vested interests in TRT that have their own agendas. Yes TRT was for a long time the most rigidly controlled party we have ever seen in Thailand. Now however, it has already split assunder and while undoubtedly there are still those who remain at the beck and call of their former leader there are also a few consumate albeit not very nice politicians who will still no doubt put their own self serving interests before anything Mr. Thaksin wants. Right now I am sure Mr. Thaksin would love to have Newin Chidchob leaping around Buri Ram organising mass unrest, which to be honest he could do, but where is he? Similarly our old friend Yuth "dooyen" seems to be keeping a low profile up in Chiang Rai. Both of these very powerful regional politicians are still TRT members but seem to have their own interests at heart rather than rousing for their former leader who could of course do with their support now. Similarly Chaturon (he of TRT leadership) and Jatuporn (the PTV big man) have publically fallen out. All of this to me indicates that TRT are actually now as fractious as any other party and as their power wanes and with less central control not only do their tactics look less effeicient than they used to but the main players start to disagree on these tactics. I may be wrong on this but to me the TRT do not look anything like as powerful as they used to. Similarly the fractious government and CNS may not be as powerful as they could be because of theuir factional nature too.

Peace.

[John K]

Hammered,

what you are seeing is very typical. Try not to look at the TRT as a group but more as a person. It will help you to predict what is next.

So as it stands this arrogant / bully person is about to be punished for things he did. So using arrogance as a base, you can expect hollow threats and diversions to substantiate his side. The threats come from anger and the bully side. The suggestion of a coup is a veiled threat that suggests revenge will happen if punishment is carried out.

The coup that the TRT is warning about would not occur if punishment is carried out: it would occur if punishment is NOT carried out. Read the article again as well as Hammered's post. Much has been discussed here and in other forums about a group within the military that believes that Sonthi and most certainly Sarayuth are being a way too soft on Thaksin. Included in this group may be the PAD- though there is no evidence to suggest that the PAD would welcome a second coup- aside from statements made by some in the TRT.

Many of the statement will be un-rational. It does not suggest that the TRT would suffer, only the authorities. It does also suggest that only the TRT can save the day. The closer one gets to panic the more impulsive and the less logical things become.

Many of what statement is 'un-rational'?

Blaze, The statement about a new coup is un-rational, Allow me to refresh. In September their was a clear split. People were either pro or anti Thaksin. There was little if any people on the fence. That split fell along educational lines in many places.

During the time from the coup the TRT has been trying to stir up problems suggesting mass unrest, but the split remained as it does today. Any talk of a coup comes totally from the TRT rumor mill. That is the sense they were trying to build that there was great underlying unrest. Even the accusations that the government was working too slowly came from the TRT. Remember were are more or less on the time table that was given in September.

Certainly there will be sheep who will listen to them as is true anywhere. Add to that they can’t seem to get people to come for free to their rallies adds to the support that they have few if any true followers. The ones that come certainly look like they are in it for the money. I for one would not stand out in a rally during peek Bangkok summer heat.

Hence my point they have not mastered the power of suggestion. If you look just behind the mask the TRT is trying to paint, you will see things just don’t make sense or match what they are saying. All they are trying to do is get the sheep to follow, however many of the sheep have memories of the last time they followed the TRT and tend to look a little more closely before they leap.

[Tony Clifton]

I think we can also expect, once guilty verdicts start popping up, a few more rats jumping ship and revealing what really goes on behind closed doors with TRT/PTV when the sh*t hits their fan.

[sriracha john]

Thai Rak Thai is relocating its HQ

Current head office now unaffordable

The Thai Rak Thai party will move into a new office building tomorrow as it can no longer bear the high maintenance costs of running its current headquarters. The party spokesman said the relocation was also an attempt to distance the party from its former party leader and deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Khunying Potjaman, who own the current building. Party leader Chaturon Chaisaeng will preside over the inauguration ceremony at the new headquarters tomorrow, he said.

He said the party was relocating because its headquarters on Phetchaburi road was too spacious and required several million baht a month for its upkeep. "The new head office is more appropriate and rental and maintenance fees are not so high either," he said. However, he admitted that some Thai Rak Thai members were unhappy with the move. He said Mr Thaksin and Khunying Potjaman, who are Thai Rak Thai founding members, had nothing to do with the party's decision to relocate.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/08Apr2007_news09.php

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In view of the fact that TRT Party seems to be so poor that they are being evicted by Pokemon, I would encourage the members of thaivisa to contribute to a fund to help them out. I'll start it off with the 25 satang coin I just found under the kitchen sink. C'mon guys... surely we can help provide an office for these poor millionaires/billionaires that make up the TRT Party.

Edited April 8, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

I think we can also expect, once guilty verdicts start popping up, a few more rats jumping ship and revealing what really goes on behind closed doors with TRT/PTV when the sh*t hits their fan.

One interesting date is May 30. This is the day when the dissolution of the Dems will be announced. If they go down we can expect mass panic in the TRT because the case against them is far far stronger. The Dem decision also allows them quite a bit of time to regroup and reform before the election, and in Chuan if he is agreeable they have a fairly popular potential leader if Abhisit is banned. The later the TRT decision the less time they will have to organize and they dont really have any leadership potential.

[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

[hammered]

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

Most of the Thai people I know interested in politcs will have a party if the old reactionary Samak gets his comeupance.

[Jai Dee]

CNS Spokesman Sansern thinks state document on Internet is not real

The Council for National Security (CNS) Spokesman, Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, believes the confidential government document on “Hi-Thaksin” website is a counterfeit.

Col. Sansern says the CNS will have a meeting today (Apr9) at around 10 AM to discuss the details of this document. He says the document contains the hiring of investigating and public relations officials by the CNS. The document also includes an article of an undisclosed newspaper. Col. Sansern says he initially believes the document is not genuine because confidential government documents should not be leaked out, and the document may also be altered.

He says the document will be inspected today, and if it is a real government document, the CNS will then have to examine its work structure to identify the loopholes in the system. However, if the document is a fake, Col. Sansern says the CNS will not take action against anyone since it would not benefit any party. He says the document may attempt to discredit the CNS.

Col. Sansern says the content of the document on "www.hi-thaksin.net" may not be dangerous or affect national stability. It only describes the details on the activities to promote social reconciliation and the hiring of academics.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 April 2007

[sriracha john]

Thai Rak Thai moves to new office

Thai Rak Thai party, founded by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has officially launched the new office, which was moved from the Petchaburi Road to the Rama III Road in Bangkok, on Monday.

The opening ceremony took place at 9.09 a.m. at Navasorn building, which houses the new office. TRT acting leader Chaturon Chaisaeng said the relocation was to cut down operation cost.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=117961