TRT Targeted For Dissolution

[sriracha john]

Former ruling Thai Rak Thai Party gets new office

BANGKOK, April 9 – Acting Thai Rak Thai Party leader Chaturon Chaisaeng opened the former ruling party's new office Monday, expressing confidence that his party will not be dissolved in the still outstanding election case.

Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT)-- along with the Democrat Party and three other political parties -- are fighting charges of hiring smaller parties to contest a general election held early last year. The election was later declared null and void due to irregularities.

If found guilty, the parties could be dissolved and their executives will be barred from politics for five years.

Presiding over the opening ceremony of the new office without special fanfare, Chaturon told journalists that he is confident the TRT will survive the party dissolution case.

However, he stressed that TRT will tread carefully, focussing mainly on national reconciliation, and not in a confrontational manner.

"We don't want to cause any political pressure as the party is awaiting the result of the (party dissolution) case. TRT also hopes to be treated with fairness so that the party will be able to field candidates in the next election under the banner of its populist policies that have proven a big success (in the past)," said Chaturon.

He conceded, however, that the party is unable to kickstart campaigning or other political activities under the current ban of the military council, formerly known as the Council for Democratic Reform, which staged a bloodless coup toppling prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Therefore, the relocation of the new party office is necessary to cut operational costs. "Please be assured that the TRT does not want confrontation nor violence but the party will stick to its path of reconciliation as the only way to restore democracy and the economy," the acting party leader pledged.

About 100 party TRT members attended the ceremony without the presence of some key members.

Some members have left the party since its founder was ousted in the September 19 coup. Among them are former deputy prime minister and acting deputy leader Suwat Liptapanlop as well as some former MPs in his faction, saying they have joined leading politicians to create a "national conciliation" alliance.

- MCOT

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

[Jai Dee]

Thai Rak Thai headquarters inaugurated

Most Thai Rak Thai executives were absent Monday while acting party leader Chaturon Chaisang inaugurated the new party headquarters on Rama III Road.

In the presence of 100 party members, Chaturon marked the relocation of his party at the auspicious time of 9.09 am by paying respect to a Brama statue, the guardian spirit of the party's building.

Chaturon led the low-key ceremony as party bigwigs, like Sudarat Keyuraphan, Pongthep Thepkanchana, Yaowapha Wongsawat and Prommin Lersuridej, were a no-show.

"We are designating the new headquarters to fight the next general election," he said after unveiling the party's name atop the building.

He said the relocation from New Phetchaburi Road was prompted by financial consideration after ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra had decided to quit his party leadership.

He voiced optimism that he could build the party into a political institution in spite of Thaksin's retirement.

Under his leadership, the party has adopted the new slogan "Reconciliation, Democracy and Economic Revitalisation" to guide the electoral campaign, he said.

Source: The Nation - 7 April 2007

[John K]

Thamarak denies everything

Thamarak Isarangura, the former defence minister and ex-deputy leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, told the Constitution Tribunal on Tuesday he did not pay money to a small party, as claimed in the electoral fraud case.

Tuesday was the first time Thamarak testified to the Tribunal, although he and former Thai Rak Thai deputy secretary general Pongsak Ruktapongpisal were accused of hiring candidates from Pattana Chart Thai Party to run in the April 2 election last year.

The accusation by Democrat Party's deputy secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban resulted in the Election Commission (EC) investigation. The EC then filed a petition with the AttorneyGeneral who in turn brought the case to the Constitution Court before last September's military coup.

It then became an electoral fraud case that could lead to the party's dissolution.

Thamarak told the Tribunal on Tuesday he had never met nor given money to Pattana Chart Thai representatives at the Defence Ministry as accused.

He said that at the time he was accused of meeting Pattana Chart Thai representatives, he was with Nong Khai's assistant provincial governor Samarn Wongwarayut to discuss presiding over an annual event of the province.

After that he met with then commander of the First Infantry Division of the Royal Guards, MajGeneral Pruen Suwannathat, to discuss security measures at a Thai Rak Thai rally that evening.

Thamarak said he had never known Pattana Chart Thai coordinator Chawakarn Tosawat, nor Pongsri Siwamoke and Toi Chulapat who accompanied him.

Meanwhile, Tawee Suwannapat, who the Democrats described as a close aide to Thamarak, was an independent reporter who had given information about violence in the deep South to Thamarak as the defence minister, Thamarak said.

However, he claimed that Tawee wasn't close to him and that Tawee always left the information with Thamarak's close aide Colonel Cherdpong Boonyakiat, who was in charge of the information on violence in the restive South.

Tawee never handed the information to him directly, Thamarak said.

He said the close circuit cameras at the ministry were in a "test run period" at the time. He approved the installation himself and would not have had done so to catch pictures of him doing anything wrong.

Suthep used nine pictures captured from the closecircuit cameras as evidence to accuse Thamarak.

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation

[Tony Clifton]

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

Could it be that the old TRT headquarters or the land it sits on are or will be under scrutiny? Something fishy about that move...

Edited April 9, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

HM stresses importance of giving people justice

His Majesty the King yesterday advised Supreme Court judges to do their best in upholding justice for the sake of the public interest and national stability.

In his speech to the judges during an oath-taking ceremony at Chitrlada Palace, His Majesty asked the judges to honour their vow to do their duty to the utmost under Royal endorsement.

"Maintaining public justice is most important since justice means peace and the survival of the country. If judges fail to correctly do their duty it could lead to the fall of the country," he said.

People put their hope on dependability of the justice system but any mistake that might occur could shatter their hopes. This makes the work of judges even harder, the King said.

"Do the best you can although it is a difficult work.

"There are things that you can do and others you cannot. Just do the best you can and be honest and resolute," he said.

His Majesty also told the judges to behave well outside their working hours to build public trust in them and to set a good example for other people.

"I wish you all physical and mental strength so as to remain dependable for the general public and the nation. There is nothing that can mar the virtue of judges," he said.

- The Nation

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

Long Live The King...

[marshbags]

The Nation Tue, April 10, 2007 : Last updated 0:45 am (Thai local time)

Quote:-

HARD TALK

PTV protests nothing more than a masquerade

The pro-Thaksin remnants are trying to turn the tables on the Council for National Security (CNS) with the same charges that their former boss faces.

And it's turning out to be more a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

To rally support for their fight against the junta and the military-appointed Surayud government, the pro-Thaksin advocates need to come up with something provocative to draw people to their weekly rallies. Their own credentials alone are far from sufficient to create excitement.

It can be seen as tit for tat. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was brought down essentially because of the wads of charges of corruption and conflicts of interest against him. So his supporters apparently believe they can probably undermine the CNS generals' credibility and the legitimacy of their September 19 coup using the same tactics employed by the anti-Thaksin coalition.

General Saprang Kalayanamitr, an assistant Army chief and a key player in the power seizure last September, has become the lightning rod largely because of his high profile. The PTV executives who are spearheading the anti-CNS movement are zeroing in on the outspoken general, who has been accused of abusing his position as chairman of the board of directors of the Airports Organisation of Thailand (AOT) by taking family members along on a recent official trip overseas. Then, during their rally at Sanam Luang on Sunday, the TV station's executives unleashed another salvo against Saprang by accusing him of conflict of interest. They cast doubts over the recent awarding of a Bt12-million research and PR contract to a group of private analysts headed by Saprang's younger brother.

Of course, the PTV executives and other pro-Thaksin groups shouldn't be denied the right to air their views publicly, even though what they say may be unpalatable to the military. After all, even the all-powerful junta needs to be held accountable in the absence of constitutional mechanisms of checks and balances.

But while the pro-Thaksin groups deserve political space, one cannot help questioning the motive behind their ongoing campaign to discredit the military and the Surayud government. The PTV people have dropped all pretence that they are fighting for media freedom.

It's really pathetic for obvious reasons that these PTV executives are crying foul over what they claim to be an infringement on press freedom after their attempts to broadcast their programmes on a cable channel were scuttled. Since when have these people started to care about freedom of expression anyway? And since when did they transform themselves from politicians to "media people"?

It's laughable that people like Chakrapob Penkair, Veera Musigapong and Chatuporn Prompan, among the most ardent supporters of former prime minister Thaksin and now PTV executives, expect people to suddenly consider them media professionals the moment they take off their Thai Rak Thai label. And they want the world to believe that if they are singing Thaksin's praises today, they are doing it as journalists and not as his political stooges.

It doesn't require people of much intelligence to see through this political masquerade. Despite all the fanfare and initial media attention, PTV has proven itself to be nothing but a mouthpiece for the pro-Thaksin movement. In short, PTV was meant to be a propaganda machine and doesn't even deserve to be referred to as part of the mass media.

If Chakrapob, Veera and Chatuporn care so much about media freedom, where were they when their political master Thaksin started interfering with the media at the height of his political power. They didn't utter a word when TV and radio programmes critical of Thaksin were taken off the air one after another. They also pretended that all was going well when Thaksin used his political power and personal wealth to bear down on the print media.

And if they sincerely want to make an issue out of alleged abuse of power and conflicts of interest involving a CNS general, they certainly deserve applause from members of the public. But first, they need to answer questions about the skeletons hidden in their political master's closet.

The fact that Thaksin is the subject of a massive investigation for alleged corruption and conflicts of interest shouldn't be lost on the PTV executives. By ignoring the alleged misdeeds of the former prime minister, the PTV executives are turning their weekly protest into a charade. Or was it intended to be a political charade from the beginning?

Thepchai Yong

Unquote.

Five plus years of cronyism, self interest and pillaging on a grand scale without any accountablity...

The TRT really are the height of hypocrisy, but then let us remember they are the original renowned Honest Dishonest party when it comes to ethical behaviour and the charades they presented to the Thai nation, before, during their admistration and more importantly now ????????????

They truly are the pinnacle of absurdity and pretence

Leopards changing their spots comes to mind when I read this article and all the other stuff of a similar nature relating to their conveniently forgotten past. It will never happen

Yet they would have us believe it would under the reinvented TRT

marshbags

Edited April 10, 2007 by marshbags

[sriracha john]

King: Justice key to survival

His Majesty the King yesterday called on a new batch of Supreme Administrative Court judges to uphold justice so as to preserve peace in the country. In his address to the new high court judges gathered at Dusit Palace yesterday, the King said the public today was putting greater hope and trust in the judiciary than ever before. So, the judges must keep their oath that they would work in his name and strive to preserve democracy. The country would survive only under the rule of law, said the King, adding that if the judges do not uphold goodness and work for the public interest, the corrupted and wrongdoers would go unpunished. The country would not be able to survive in such an environment. ''You have made an oath to work in my name, and that is very important to me personally'' said the King. ''If you do your duties right, I will gain face. If you make mistakes, I will be damaged. I hope you will give your very best.''

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/10Apr2007_news06.php

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

Long Live The King...

[sriracha john]

TRT opens HQ

Thai Rak Thai's leader Chaturon Chaisaeng opened the party's new headquarters yesterday with a vow to revive ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's controversial policy of privatising state enterprises. About 100 former party executives and MPs attended the opening of offices on the first floor of the Nawasorn Building in Bang Kholaem district. The party previously occupied an entire building on New Phetchaburi road. Thai Rak Thai did not want to confront any other political groups or trigger any violence, he said. The party, according to Mr Chaturon, decided to relocate because it is trying to become a political institution. The previous costly headquarters on New Phetchaburi road was intended to accommodate 400 MPs, he said. ''Our key members and other members are certain that we'll be treated fairly and the party won't be dissolved. In the next general election we'll be able to wear Thai Rak Thai jackets when running for an MP's seat,'' the acting leader said

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/10Apr2007_news07.php

[John K]

It has been quiet for too long, they are up to something. The only things that have happened in recent days were announced some time ago. I think this is the calm before the storm and I hope the storm does not include too many explosives.

[Mid]

wow , HM's address reminds one how fast a year goes ..........................................

[hammered]

Thamarak denies everything

Thamarak Isarangura, the former defence minister and ex-deputy leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, told the Constitution Tribunal on Tuesday he did not pay money to a small party, as claimed in the electoral fraud case.

Tuesday was the first time Thamarak testified to the Tribunal, although he and former Thai Rak Thai deputy secretary general Pongsak Ruktapongpisal were accused of hiring candidates from Pattana Chart Thai Party to run in the April 2 election last year.

The accusation by Democrat Party's deputy secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban resulted in the Election Commission (EC) investigation. The EC then filed a petition with the AttorneyGeneral who in turn brought the case to the Constitution Court before last September's military coup.

It then became an electoral fraud case that could lead to the party's dissolution.

Thamarak told the Tribunal on Tuesday he had never met nor given money to Pattana Chart Thai representatives at the Defence Ministry as accused.

He said that at the time he was accused of meeting Pattana Chart Thai representatives, he was with Nong Khai's assistant provincial governor Samarn Wongwarayut to discuss presiding over an annual event of the province.

After that he met with then commander of the First Infantry Division of the Royal Guards, MajGeneral Pruen Suwannathat, to discuss security measures at a Thai Rak Thai rally that evening.

Thamarak said he had never known Pattana Chart Thai coordinator Chawakarn Tosawat, nor Pongsri Siwamoke and Toi Chulapat who accompanied him.

Meanwhile, Tawee Suwannapat, who the Democrats described as a close aide to Thamarak, was an independent reporter who had given information about violence in the deep South to Thamarak as the defence minister, Thamarak said.

However, he claimed that Tawee wasn't close to him and that Tawee always left the information with Thamarak's close aide Colonel Cherdpong Boonyakiat, who was in charge of the information on violence in the restive South.

Tawee never handed the information to him directly, Thamarak said.

He said the close circuit cameras at the ministry were in a "test run period" at the time. He approved the installation himself and would not have had done so to catch pictures of him doing anything wrong.

Suthep used nine pictures captured from the closecircuit cameras as evidence to accuse Thamarak.

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation

One wonders if Mr. Thammarak was actually sober while giving evidence. Now the next thing they will be wheeling out Mr. Trairong as though he were of outstanding character. The rump TRT still includes just about the worst of Thailand's political elite. Shame really.

[sriracha john]

Thamarak aide denies charges as Thai Rak Thai hearing wraps up

The aide to former defence minister General Thamarak Isarangura accused of being a go-between in an electoral-fraud scam has denied any involvement in the alleged attempt by the former ruling party to buy candidates in last year's botched election.

Lt-General Phadungsak Klansanoh yesterday testified in his and the Thai Rak Thai Party's defence at the Election Tribunal. He said he never met with members of the Thai Ground Party or gave its members money. The former ruling party is accused of paying small parties to run against it in an election last April that was subsequently annulled.

Phadungsak told the tribunal he could not have met with members of the Thai Ground Party on the days alleged because he was busy arranging his father's funeral then, and friends could back this up.

Thatima Phawalee, a party-list candidate for Thai Ground, said Phadungsak met her at a petrol station near Samsen railway stop. Phadungsak said there was no petrol station at that location.

Thamarak, a former deputy leader of Thai Rak Thai, is accused of paying candidates from small parties to run in constituencies where Thai Rak Thai candidates had no opponents. Candidates running without opponents are required to win 20 per cent of the vote to take a seat. Phadungsak allegedly acted as his go-between.

Meanwhile, former Election Commission secretary-general Ekachai Warunprapa said the watchdog had filed a complaint against one of its officials, Amornwit Suwanpha, for allegedly modifying membership records of small parties.

It never filed a complaint against the Thai Rak Thai or its executives.

He denied seeing a commission report into electoral fraud allegedly committed by the Thai Rak Thai, saying it went to another commission member.

The hearing will wrap up tomorrow. The tribunal will set a date for closing arguments and for delivering its ruling.

- The Nation

[hammered]

It is so heartening to know that the TRT never did anything wrong ever without exception. It is so heartening to know that nobody fronm the TRT ever lies and as good Buddhists they know what awaits them if they lie, so they would never do it. It is nice to know that when they were in total control of the country with a grip on power unparalleled ever in Thailand's democratic histroy that it was evil ones of the totally skint Dem party and associated allies with no power who were able to construct an elaborate web of conspiracy theory like plots that even Bush et al or the x-files would have been proud of to undermine the high minded and self sacrificing demi-gods of the TRT. It is strange that it is almost impossible to find a Thai person who believes this undeniable truth as stated by the always sober Thammarak and his assorted servitors. What is the world coming to?

Enjoy Songkhran.

Edited April 12, 2007 by hammered

[John K]

It is so heartening to know that the TRT never did anything wrong ever without exception. It is so heartening to know that nobody fronm the TRT ever lies and as good Buddhists they know what awaits them if they lie, so they would never do it. It is nice to know that when they were in total control of the country with a grip on power unparalleled ever in Thailand's democratic histroy that it was evil ones of the totally skint Dem party and associated allies with no power who were able to construct an elaborate web of conspiracy theory like plots that even Bush et al or the x-files would have been proud of to undermine the high minded and self sacrificing demi-gods of the TRT. It is strange that it is almost impossible to find a Thai person who believes this undeniable truth as stated by the always sober Thammarak and his assorted servitors. What is the world coming to?

Enjoy Songkhran.

I wonder if the Thais will bother taking the water out of the bottle before throwing it at the TRT.

[sriracha john]

Mark your calendars with the Democrats up first that day, then Thai Rak Thai:

Thai Rak Thai's future to be known on May 30

The Constitution Tribunal will give the verdict on May 30 whether Thai Rak Thai, Thai Ground and Pattana Chart Thai parties will be dissolved in the electoral fraud case, Constitution Tribunal member Thanit Kesawapitak said Thursday.

The ruling appointment is the same day as set for the case against Democrat and Progressive Democratic parties, which has been set at 1.30pm. The ruling for TRT is expected to be announced at 2.30pm.

The TRT was accused of hiring candidates of small parties to run in the election on April 2 last year (2006), to avoid the required 20 per cent of votes according to the law, as many of the party's candidates were the only candidate for the constituency.

Four charges against Democrat include joining with the People's Alliance for Democracy to topple and frame the Thai Rak Thai government, hiring MP candidates from the Progressive Democratic Party to frame Thai Rak Thai, obstructing MP candidate registration in Songkhla, and hiring the leader of the Better Life Party to set up Thai Rak Thai.

Democrat is alleged to cooperate with other smaller parties to hire people not to contest in the election.

Referring to TRT trial, Thanit said The plaintiff and the defendants have to hand their closing statements for the case by May 2. They would not need to present their statements verbally.

Thursday was the last hearing for the case relating to TRT, Thai Ground and Pattana Chart Thai parties. Witnesses from the two small parties denied the party receiving money from Thai Rak Thai or any major party.

The Attorney-General last year asked the Constitution Court to rule party dissolution for TRT, Democrat and three small parties because of alleged electoral fraud in the April 2 election.

The last hearing for electoral fraud case against Democrat and Progressive Democratic parties took place on April 5. The tribunal requires them to file their closing statements for the case by April 25.

The Nation

[hammered]

Mark your calendars with the Democrats up first that day, then Thai Rak Thai:

Thai Rak Thai's future to be known on May 30

The Constitution Tribunal will give the verdict on May 30 whether Thai Rak Thai, Thai Ground and Pattana Chart Thai parties will be dissolved in the electoral fraud case, Constitution Tribunal member Thanit Kesawapitak said Thursday.

The ruling appointment is the same day as set for the case against Democrat and Progressive Democratic parties, which has been set at 1.30pm. The ruling for TRT is expected to be announced at 2.30pm.

The TRT was accused of hiring candidates of small parties to run in the election on April 2 last year (2006), to avoid the required 20 per cent of votes according to the law, as many of the party's candidates were the only candidate for the constituency.

Four charges against Democrat include joining with the People's Alliance for Democracy to topple and frame the Thai Rak Thai government, hiring MP candidates from the Progressive Democratic Party to frame Thai Rak Thai, obstructing MP candidate registration in Songkhla, and hiring the leader of the Better Life Party to set up Thai Rak Thai.

Democrat is alleged to cooperate with other smaller parties to hire people not to contest in the election.

Referring to TRT trial, Thanit said The plaintiff and the defendants have to hand their closing statements for the case by May 2. They would not need to present their statements verbally.

Thursday was the last hearing for the case relating to TRT, Thai Ground and Pattana Chart Thai parties. Witnesses from the two small parties denied the party receiving money from Thai Rak Thai or any major party.

The Attorney-General last year asked the Constitution Court to rule party dissolution for TRT, Democrat and three small parties because of alleged electoral fraud in the April 2 election.

The last hearing for electoral fraud case against Democrat and Progressive Democratic parties took place on April 5. The tribunal requires them to file their closing statements for the case by April 25.

The Nation

Hmmmmm. 6 weeks for paranoid TRT cadres and executive members to resort to......? Any ideas? Hopefully Gen. Thammarak wont hit the bottle.

[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

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

Well, it wasn't on this fire truck scam... but Samak just got sentenced to two years in prison:

Court sentences ex-BKK governor Samak to two years in jail on defamation suit

Court sentenced Thursday former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and veteran politician Dusit Siriwan to two years in jail on defamation suit against a former deputy Bangkok governor.

Court said that Samak and Dusit said libellous statements against Samart Ratchaponlasit in their television talk show programme on the Channel 5 last year.

- 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.

Well, it wasn't on this fire truck scam... but Samak just got sentenced to two years in prison:

Court sentences ex-BKK governor Samak to two years in jail on defamation suit

Court sentenced Thursday former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and veteran politician Dusit Siriwan to two years in jail on defamation suit against a former deputy Bangkok governor.

Court said that Samak and Dusit said libellous statements against Samart Ratchaponlasit in their television talk show programme on the Channel 5 last year.

- The Nation

Unfortunately I heard something on the Thai telly that these two reactionary thugs get to pay a couple of hundred thousand baht to stay out of stir. I guess it is bail pending an appeal. Shame really.

[John K]

They may find jail the safer place to be. I think fuses may be a bit short.

[sriracha john]

May 30 now D-Day for TRT, Democrats

The Constitution Tribunal will give its verdict in the electoral fraud case against Thai Rak Thai, Thai Ground and Pattana Chart Thai parties on May 30, Tribunal member Thanit Kesawapitak said yesterday.

The verdict is expected to be announced at 2.30pm, one hour after the Tribunal is to give its verdict in the electoral fraud case against the Democrat and Progressive Democratic parties.

Yesterday saw the last hearing in the case against Thai Rak Thai, Thai Ground and Pattana Chart Thai.

Thanit said the plaintiff and the defendants should hand in their closing statements for the case by May 1. They would not need to present their statements verbally.

At yesterday's hearing, witnesses from the two small parties denied that they received money from Thai Rak Thai or any other major party.

The Attorney-General last year asked the Constitution Court to rule on whether the Thai Rak Thai, Democrat and three small parties should be dissolved because of alleged electoral fraud in the April 2 election.

Thai Rak Thai was accused of hiring the two small parties to contest the election to avoid its candidates facing the requirement for a minimum of 20 per cent of eligible votes from an uncontested constituency.

The Democrat Party was charged with joining the People's Alliance for Democracy to topple and frame the Thai Rak Thai government, hiring MP candidates from the Progressive Democratic Party to frame TRT, obstructing candidate registration in Songkhla, and hiring the leader of the Better Life Party to frame Thai Rak Thai.

The Nation

[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

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

Well, it wasn't on this fire truck scam... but Samak just got sentenced to two years in prison:

Court sentences ex-BKK governor Samak to two years in jail on defamation suit

Court sentenced Thursday former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej and veteran politician Dusit Siriwan to two years in jail on defamation suit against a former deputy Bangkok governor.

Court said that Samak and Dusit said libellous statements against Samart Ratchaponlasit in their television talk show programme on the Channel 5 last year.

- The Nation

Unfortunately I heard something on the Thai telly that these two reactionary thugs get to pay a couple of hundred thousand baht to stay out of stir. I guess it is bail pending an appeal. Shame really.

As he wasn't directly a card-carrying member of the TRT Party, I felt he deserved his own thread:

Former Bangkok Governor Sentenced To 2 Years In Prison, Samak out on bail during appeal

[sriracha john]

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

I remember Yongyuth saying that he was going to go to Canada to work on a doctoral degree .... but it appears now... he's got other plans:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/13Apr2007_news11.php

[hammered]

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

I remember Yongyuth saying that he was going to go to Canada to work on a doctoral degree .... but it appears now... he's got other plans:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/13Apr2007_news11.php

Considering his rather unsavory business in the north of Thailand he was never likely to go to Canada. No doubt he would like to remove the Junta who it seems have put the dampers on the said business which thrived under Mr. T. No doubt a return of turn a blind eye to anything TRT members get up to PM would see Mr. Yongyuth's business begin to fluorish again. Let the good times roll.

[John K]

Chaturon to visit northern and northeastern provinces during Songkran

Thai Rak Thai caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang Thursday said he and the party's working committee plan to visit many provinces in the North and the Northeast to celebrate the Songkran festival.

Chaturon said the trip is not against the Council for National Security's ban on political activities.

"Our visit is to join with people during the Songkran festival," he said.

According to the party's schedule, the Chaturon trip will visit Chiang Mai, Lamphun in North and Udorn Thani in the Northeast.

Two months ago, Chaturon defied the junta by visiting the party's constituencies in the North and the Northeast.

The Nation

how many ways can they display their arrogance? We may not need wait for May 30 if this keeps up.

By the way where is he from? Is that home for him? perhaps not as province is in the plural.

[sriracha john]

Chaturon represents Thaksin at Songkran

Thai Rak Thai party leader Chaturon Chaisaeng joined Songkran celebration in Chiang Mai on Friday, saying he would like to represent ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra at the traditional festival in his hometown. Mr Thaksin, founder of Thai Rak Thai party, was a native of Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand. The province was a stronghold of the party.

He vowed that the party would not do anything to confront or to expel Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Council for National Security or the Constitution Tribunal before the court was expected to hand down its verdict on alleged electoral fraud charge it was facing on May 30.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=118062

[John K]

Chaturon represents Thaksin at Songkran

Thai Rak Thai party leader Chaturon Chaisaeng joined Songkran celebration in Chiang Mai on Friday, saying he would like to represent ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra at the traditional festival in his hometown. Mr Thaksin, founder of Thai Rak Thai party, was a native of Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand. The province was a stronghold of the party.

He vowed that the party would not do anything to confront or to expel Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Council for National Security or the Constitution Tribunal before the court was expected to hand down its verdict on alleged electoral fraud charge it was facing on May 30.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=118062

This excuse to campaign is about as valid as a smokers excuse to smoke. I doubt the government will see it the same way.

[sriracha john]

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

I remember Yongyuth saying that he was going to go to Canada to work on a doctoral degree .... but it appears now... he's got other plans:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/13Apr2007_news11.php

Considering his rather unsavory business in the north of Thailand he was never likely to go to Canada. No doubt he would like to remove the Junta who it seems have put the dampers on the said business which thrived under Mr. T. No doubt a return of turn a blind eye to anything TRT members get up to PM would see Mr. Yongyuth's business begin to fluorish again. Let the good times roll.

Now his location, again as a doctoral degree student, is supposedly the USA:

Demonstrators: Yongyuth says he's not behind rally

Former natural resources and environment minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat yesterday denied a news report that he was mobilising people in Laos for an anti-government rally.

Speaking by phone, Yongyuth said he had been living in the United States and studying for a doctoral degree.

He said the report, citing a national intelligence agency, that he was gathering people together to cross the border into Chiang Rai was groundless. Either the source made up the story or the intelligence agency is very bad, he said.

"I haven't been following Thai politics and won't comment on it. I just want the country to be at peace … There is no danger of any move on my part, so no one should set up an enemy to make themselves look important. That will do the country no good. Thais shouldn't be set at each other's throats."

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

AEC 'has had long enough'

A high-ranking member of the Thai Rak Thai Party yesterday opposed a draft bill to extend the term of the Assets Examination Committee tasked with rooting out corruption involving the ousted Thaksin government.

"The AEC is ineffective, as shown by its inability to uncover evidence to back up its 13 cases of corruption allegedly linked to Thai Rak Thai and Thaksin," Kuthep Saikrajang said.

If the AEC has not been able to prove its worth within a year, it should not be given extra time because this would amount to an unfair attempt to fault the former ruling party, he said.

"I don't know why the National Legislative Assembly has chosen to debate the AEC's term instead of giving attention to addressing the people's grievances," he said.

Reacting to Kuthep's remarks, AEC spokesman Sak Korsaengrueng said concerned parties were free to air their views on the extension.

"No one should rush to judge the AEC before learning the outcomes of graft cases. Just wait and see the judicial decisions on the cases built by the AEC," he said.

- The Nation

[John K]

It would appear that the TRT are very worried about the AEC. If they were innocent then all of this would pass like a bad meal. To even mention this is nearly an admission of guilt. I seem to remember the TRT suspending a key figure with some trumped up reason when they were in power.

Attack the Junta because they took away their power and excessive cash flow.

Attack the AEC because they are uncovering all the corruption in the TRT

Attack the new draft of the constitution because it has teeth and encourage it to be rejected at all costs.

Be more or less nice to the PM because so far he has let them rally. (Causing increasing fallout for the PM)

Thaksin being more and more identified with PTV, a sure sign of once again attempting to divide Thailand.

What was once described as political undercurrents has now surfaced. Other than the democrats there is no other party with enough power and money to replace the government in December. This is clearly a political campaign designed to set the clock back to September 18, 2006, reinstall Thaksin as PM and then start pay backs. At that point Thailand will no longer be known as the land of smiles.

This matches Thaksin style of piece by piece disassembling democracy. I have no doubt Thaksin is behind this and funding every baht.

Before anyone considers saying the Junta should be removed, consider what you are asking for. As I said give them time to do their job. So far they have been holding to their original schedule fairly well considering the delays put up by the TRT.

Edited April 15, 2007 by John K

[Plus]

I don't know why the National Legislative Assembly has chosen to debate the AEC's term instead of giving attention to addressing the people's grievances,"

Nailing Thaksin and Co. is one of people's grievances.