TRT Targeted For Dissolution

[Jai Dee]

Constitutional Tribunal gives nod to broadcast of verdict on party dissolution case

Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratglin says the Constitutional Tribunal has decided to allow the live broadcast of political party dissolution verdict to take place on May 30th.

Gen.Sonthi says the verdict broadcast was initiated in order to provide an opportunity for people across the country to listen to the verdict together at the same time. He affirms CNS will not interfere in the work of the Constitutional tribunal or pressure it.

CNS Chairman also says he is not concerned over campaigns against the constitution draft arranged by various groups of people as they do not represent the majority of Thai people.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Party dissolution's verdict to be broadcast live

The verdict of political parties’ dissolution by the Constitutional Tribunal is allowed to be broadcast live via nine television stations and Radio Thailand.

Secretary General of the Constitutional Court Paiboon Warahapaitoon (ไพบูลย์ วราหะไพฑูรย์) discloses the Constitutional Court have announced its permission for all nine television stations and Radio Thailand to broadcast live the verdict of party dissolution at 13.30 hours.

Documents and the verdict will be publicized at the court’s website, www.concourt.or.th as well.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 May 2007

[John K]

Has anyone heard of a possible booze ban for the ruling day?

[Mid]

Defence Minister not concerned over PM’s trip abroad during final phase of party dissolution case

Defence Minister Gem.Boonrawd Somtas (บุญรอด สมทัศน์) expresses confidence that the prime minister’s trip abroad during the final stage of the political party dissolution case will not affect state security.

The minister says Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who is scheduled to visit China while the Constitutional Tribunal is reaching the verdict of the party dissolution case, can return to the country immediately if an emergency situation occurs. The Constitutional Tribunal will announce the verdict on May 30th.

Gen.Boonrawd says the government has prepared a draft of the declaration of state of emergency to control possible chaotic situation. However, he admits that it is not easy to monitor demonstrators who travel individually or in a small group to Bangkok.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 May 2007

worked for the last one .....................

[John K]

I have to agree with you mid, it certainly seems odd to be out of town the day the most significant ruling in a long time is to be handed down. However all things considered, perhaps it will allow the PM to have more direct action taken by the military if needed without losing face. Communications to China can be difficult at times.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin 'upbeat on TRT fate'

Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra has recorded a message from Moscow expressing optimism that his Thai Rak Thai Party will remain intact following the May 30 verdict on electoral fraud, his lawyer said yesterday.

"Thaksin remains upbeat that his party will not be disbanded," Noppadon Pattama said.

Noppadon said he would post a video clip of Thaksin's message on the Hi-Thaksin website in a few days.

The video clip was recorded five days ago when the lawyer flew from Bangkok to congratulate his client for receiving an honorary degree from a Russian academy.

In his message, Thaksin voiced concern that Thailand might fall behind Vietnam because of negative consequences from the September coup, Noppadon said.

His client would comply with any court summonses and would inevitably return to fight charges - without disturbing social peace.

Meanwhile, activist Chanapat na Nakhorn alleged that certain Thai Rak Thai officials were trying to mobilise a big crowd to gather in Sanam Luang next Wednesday, when verdicts on electoral fraud cases will be delivered.

The former ruling party was luring villagers with a scam to hand out Jatukam Ramathep amulets, Chanapat said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

TRT told to wait for tribunal ruling before seeking airtime

PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan yesterday warned the Thai Rak Thai party that it should wait for the Constitution Tribunal ruling on alleged electoral fraud, and possible dissolution of the party, before launching a TV campaign to explain its position.

Thirapat was speaking after Thai Rak Thai's Kuthep Saikrajang said on Wednesday that party caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang had requested the Public Relations Department (PRD) to lease airtime on Channel 9 and Channel 11 to explain the dissolution of the party.

So far, the party has not received a reply from the PRD.

The Constitution Tribunal will deliver its verdict on the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties on May 30 and the PM's Office believes that such a tactic by the Thai Rak Thai would only cause further speculation and confusion.

"It is up to the TV stations whether to give airtime or not. However, in my view, the Thai Rak Thai should hear the ruling from the Constitution Tribunal before making any comment on television," Thirapat said.

"If the party states its case before the tribunal issues its ruling, it may cause greater confusion. The party should respect the tribunal and hear the ruling before it does anything," he said.

PM's Office minister Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan said yesterday that she had not seen a letter from Thai Rak Thai asking to lease airtime from government stations.

Dhipavadee, who supervises the PRD, said she has asked about Chaturon's letter, but department staff said they had not yet seen the letter.

"I will wait for the letter before considering allowing airtime," she said.

The PM's Office minister said that in general Channel 11 did not give airtime to producers of political programmes, adding the station's main programming was news coverage and providing information from state agencies.

- The Nation

[John K]

Thaksin 'upbeat on TRT fate'

Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra has recorded a message from Moscow expressing optimism that his Thai Rak Thai Party will remain intact following the May 30 verdict on electoral fraud, his lawyer said yesterday.

"Thaksin remains upbeat that his party will not be disbanded," Noppadon Pattama said.

Noppadon said he would post a video clip of Thaksin's message on the Hi-Thaksin website in a few days.

The video clip was recorded five days ago when the lawyer flew from Bangkok to congratulate his client for receiving an honorary degree from a Russian academy.

- The Nation

Well the 180 degree rule applies for sure. Too bad the the TRT won’t shut up and take their medicine like grown men.

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party leader says his party will accept ruling of court

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva comments on the Constitutional Court’s verdict on the political parties’ dissolution case on May 30th, saying he believes many Thai people have listened to His Majesty the King’s royal speech to the judges on this issue last night (May 24). Mr. Abhisit says the judges have to be aware of the potential consequences after the ruling and everyone has to help lessen the damage.

Nevertheless, Mr. Abhisit has expressed support for the judges, telling them to do the right thing. He also insists that the Democrat Party will accept the court’s verdict, but the judgement has to be fair, honest and reasonable.

Mr. Abhisit says if the court has ruled to dissolve his party, he would not be able to take part in politics. However, he says the Democrat Party will not cause troubles following the ruling, and he believes public members will not support violence.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 May 2007

See this thread for information on HM the King's royal speech.

[Tony Clifton]

I like this one...

TRT will not contribute to disturbance after ruling: Chaturon

Thai Rak Thai Party leader Chaturon Chaisang promised Friday that he would try his best to have the party refrain from causing disturbance after the ruling on its electoral fraud case on May 30.

Chaturon said His Majesty the King expressed concern over the country's situation related to the rulings against the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat so the Thai Rak Thai would try its best not to create trouble.

Chaturon said he appreciated His Majesty's concern for the country.

The Nation

[Jai Dee]

Survey shows majority believe protest will not aggravate after party dissolution verdict

Poll says people are confident that the Constitutional Tribunal’s verdict on the political party dissolution case will not lead to protests.

The Research Institute of Bangkok conducted a survey on opinions about the political party dissolution case with 1,233 people in Bangkok and the vicinities who are eligible to vote and keep abreast of news about the case. The poll finds that more than 50% of the respondents are confident that the verdict of the case will not lead to further misinterpretation. About 70% disagree with demonstrations to pressure the court as they might trigger chaos and about 50% are not concerned over possible violent situations after the verdict as they believe that the government and the Council for National Security (CNS) can control the situation by using reconciliation means.

Asked about the second coup d’état, 76% disagree with it under all circumstances while 60% want the deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return to Thailand. 30% say he should return after the general election while 15% say he should do so after the Constitutional Tribunal reaches a verdict on the party dissolution case. 14% want him to come back in May and 40% do not want him to come back at all.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 May 2007

[Mid]

60% want the deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return to Thailand.

[sriracha john]

Things sound more definitive in this version of events...

Thai Rak Thai won't rally after verdict

Acting Thai Rak Thai party leader Chaturon Chaisaeng vows Friday the party will not stir political unrest no matter how the verdict of the Constitution Tribunal will come out on May 30. "We will try to propose peaceful solution to avoid confontation and chaos," Mr Chaturon told reporters. "We want to follow His Majesty the King's guidance." "Ex-Thai Rak Thai party members will not stage any rally after the verdict," he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=118977

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

"Ex-Thai Rak Thai party members will not stage any rally after the verdict"

Does that also include those Ex-Thai Rak Thai party members who make up PTV ???

[Jai Dee]

CDC Chairman expects unrest after verdict of party dissolution case

Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Chairman Prasong Soonsiri expects social disorder may set in after the Constitutional Court has given a verdict on the party dissolution case on May 30th because certain groups may lose benefits from the ruling.

The CDC Chairman therefore advises the government official to take care of this matter in advance. He says the government may impose the Emergency Decree to put the situation under control, if the police forces are not adequate. Thus, the Royal Thai Army can help the government alleviate potential unrest.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 May 2007

[Mid]

strange source for that comment .......................

CDC Chairman advocates martial law ????

[John K]

Try? peaceful solution? This sound like they have some choice in the mater. If you are guilty just shut up at take your punishment like a man.

I can’t help but wonder how much money Thaksin and the TRT are offering the judges to... you know accidently check the wrong box on the vote.

[MiG16]

Democrat Party leader says his party will accept ruling of court

He also insists that the Democrat Party will accept the court’s verdict, but the judgement has to be fair, honest and reasonable.

well from what Ive heard...Khun Abhisit doesnt have much to worry about it seems so sure he will accept the verdict

[blaze]

Democrat Party leader says his party will accept ruling of court

He also insists that the Democrat Party will accept the court’s verdict, but the judgement has to be fair, honest and reasonable.

well from what Ive heard...Khun Abhisit doesnt have much to worry about it seems so sure he will accept the verdict

Did you read his interview in the Post last week- he said something pretty interesting- that he feels that he personally has been targeted by some powerful people-

some excerpts

"Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said moves for the dissolution of the party for alleged electoral fraud were being driven by an attempt by certain individuals to oust him from his seat as party leader...

... Mr Abhisit referred to certain powerful figures whom he believed disapproved of his leadership after he took over from the party leadership from Chuan Leekpai...

...what worries the Democrat leader even more is that people with a ''hidden agenda'' want to see both parties dissolved..."

''Those who have made such movements should leave the party alone,'' he said, adding that a much-talked-about trend to get rid of professional politicians could be a key factor influencing the verdict in the cases.

(full story:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/190507_News/19May2007_news01.php )

[hammered]

Democrat Party leader says his party will accept ruling of court

He also insists that the Democrat Party will accept the court’s verdict, but the judgement has to be fair, honest and reasonable.

well from what Ive heard...Khun Abhisit doesnt have much to worry about it seems so sure he will accept the verdict

Did you read his interview in the Post last week- he said something pretty interesting- that he feels that he personally has been targeted by some powerful people-

some excerpts

"Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said moves for the dissolution of the party for alleged electoral fraud were being driven by an attempt by certain individuals to oust him from his seat as party leader...

... Mr Abhisit referred to certain powerful figures whom he believed disapproved of his leadership after he took over from the party leadership from Chuan Leekpai...

...what worries the Democrat leader even more is that people with a ''hidden agenda'' want to see both parties dissolved..."

''Those who have made such movements should leave the party alone,'' he said, adding that a much-talked-about trend to get rid of professional politicians could be a key factor influencing the verdict in the cases.

(full story:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/190507_News/19May2007_news01.php )

If you look at Thai history where the Dems have been just about the only Thai party to have stood up against military rule in the past you would also think that they have something to worry about.

Also interestingly who would be classified as a profesional politician in Thailand?

[blaze]

Democrat Party leader says his party will accept ruling of court

He also insists that the Democrat Party will accept the court’s verdict, but the judgement has to be fair, honest and reasonable.

well from what Ive heard...Khun Abhisit doesnt have much to worry about it seems so sure he will accept the verdict

Did you read his interview in the Post last week- he said something pretty interesting- that he feels that he personally has been targeted by some powerful people-

some excerpts

"Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said moves for the dissolution of the party for alleged electoral fraud were being driven by an attempt by certain individuals to oust him from his seat as party leader...

... Mr Abhisit referred to certain powerful figures whom he believed disapproved of his leadership after he took over from the party leadership from Chuan Leekpai...

...what worries the Democrat leader even more is that people with a ''hidden agenda'' want to see both parties dissolved..."

''Those who have made such movements should leave the party alone,'' he said, adding that a much-talked-about trend to get rid of professional politicians could be a key factor influencing the verdict in the cases.

(full story:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/190507_News/19May2007_news01.php )

If you look at Thai history where the Dems have been just about the only Thai party to have stood up against military rule in the past you would also think that they have something to worry about.

Also interestingly who would be classified as a profesional politician in Thailand?

Add to that the fact that the junta is well aware that as a western educated hipster (prefers REM) Abhisit would probably be less likely to play ball with the old elites and their military henchmen than even Thaksin... and the court case could be a real surprise...

[sriracha john]

Rulings will not be leaked, judge vows

The Constitution Tribunal judges will take "utmost care" to avoid any leak of their judgements before Wednesday, when they are scheduled to make rulings in separate electoral fraud cases against five political parties, one of the judges said yesterday.

"There will be no way that the judgements will be leaked," said tribunal judge Ackaratorn Chularat, who is also president of the Supreme Administrative Court.

He said all nine judges would meet to present their individual judgements and discuss the final, joint rulings either on Tuesday or Wednesday. Ackaratorn also ruled out the possibility that the judges would be lobbied to make decisions in favour of certain parties.

The Democrat, Thai Rak Thai and three smaller political parties are defendants in the two separate cases. They face dissolution if found guilty.

Ackaratorn said yesterday that the judges would apply the principle and spirit of the law when making their rulings. He also said the judges "must be brave" to ensure justice for the parties concerned.

He added that the judges should carefully read His Majesty the King's remarks made on Thursday.

ML Krairerk Kasemsant, another tribunal judge, declined to comment on the cases before the rulings are handed down.

He said the judges had agreed among themselves not to make any comments on the cases prematurely.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Things sound more definitive in this version of events...

Thai Rak Thai won't rally after verdict

Acting Thai Rak Thai party leader Chaturon Chaisaeng vows Friday the party will not stir political unrest no matter how the verdict of the Constitution Tribunal will come out on May 30. "We will try to propose peaceful solution to avoid confontation and chaos," Mr Chaturon told reporters. "We want to follow His Majesty the King's guidance." "Ex-Thai Rak Thai party members will not stage any rally after the verdict," he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=118977

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

"Ex-Thai Rak Thai party members will not stage any rally after the verdict"

Does that also include those Ex-Thai Rak Thai party members who make up PTV ???

I guess it doesn't....

PTV vows to go ahead with May 31 rally

The founders of PTV satellite TV station vowed Friday to go ahead with its plan to hold a mass demonstration at the Royal Plaza on May 31, a day after the reading of verdicts in two alleged electoral fraud cases against the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat.

Jatuporn Promphan, deputy chairman of PTV, said the PTV want to hold the rally against the Council for National Security and the planned rally had nothing to do with the case against the Thai Rak Thai.

- The Nation

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

The fact PTV consists entirely of former Thai Rak Thai MP's and Employees.. is PURELY coincidental and "has nothing to do with the case against Thai Rak Thai."

[John K]

So let me see how this may work.....

May 30, 2007 1:30 pm: The court announces the TRT has been dissolved.

May 30, 2007 2:00 pm: PTV announces that it has hired all the people of the now dissolved TRT.

Now that the TRT is dissolved no matter if everyone that was in the party was at a rally, technically it is not a TRT rally.

That certainly would be an interesting play on words.

[Mid]

according to a time line i saw somewhere .............

the individual judges will publish individual statements the day prior ?????

sounded weird to me too .

[John K]

according to a time line i saw somewhere .............

the individual judges will publish individual statements the day prior ?????

sounded weird to me too .

I think what you read was some misinformation deliberately planted to raise the possibility of violence and give excuses to cry foul. If you will recall there was even a rumor that the judges already voted and the results were shown. The only thing that I felt was inappropriate was some members of the government and military expressing what they thought should be the ruling. Because they are in a influential positions they should reserve their opinions until after the ruling.

However the statement that will decide only on the day before strikes me as a bit odd. The ruling must be long and show how they arrived at their decision. For me to sit down and write something of that magnitude would take a few days at least. There must be great detail given.

[hammered]

according to a time line i saw somewhere .............

the individual judges will publish individual statements the day prior ?????

sounded weird to me too .

I think what you read was some misinformation deliberately planted to raise the possibility of violence and give excuses to cry foul. If you will recall there was even a rumor that the judges already voted and the results were shown. The only thing that I felt was inappropriate was some members of the government and military expressing what they thought should be the ruling. Because they are in a influential positions they should reserve their opinions until after the ruling.

However the statement that will decide only on the day before strikes me as a bit odd. The ruling must be long and show how they arrived at their decision. For me to sit down and write something of that magnitude would take a few days at least. There must be great detail given.

What is stated publically to keep pressure off and to avoid rumors is one thing. I would guess that the court has almost certainly made a decision and in a case like this had a member rather than a staffer draft a written piece. Keeping the decision quiet until the announcement will be quite an achievement. The day before thingy probably relates to judges making final private statements and the court trying to fine tune a decision that is unanimous or at least minimizes dissent. The last major politically linked decision involving Thaksin was by a majority of one with one of the judges admitting he ignored the law in finding for Thaksin. That kind of close and tenuous decision again will not serve the country well.

[John K]

Whatever happens good or bad, it most certainly will be a significant event in the history of Thailand.

I was giving this some thought and this is just as good a time and place as any.

Although we who post on TV have little input in the workings of the Thai government, we have become part of Thailand’s history. In the threads of TV are the chronicled events of Thailand as they unfold as viewed by us. Some of them are minute by minute in the case of the September coup. When I think back to some of the documentary programs that have depicted letters from soldiers the wars, I can’t help but see a parallel here.

At some future date historians will read what we have posted to get a clear picture of this time in the History of Thailand. I must say when I realized that technology has allowed this to happen, I can’t help but wonder how historians will view us.

[Mid]

it's a small world this global village ..............................

[blaze]

I can’t help but wonder how historians will view us.

Yeah- I worry about that too.

[younghusband]

Although we who post on TV have little input in the workings of the Thai government, we have become part of Thailand’s history. In the threads of TV are the chronicled events of Thailand as they unfold as viewed by us. Some of them are minute by minute in the case of the September coup. When I think back to some of the documentary programs that have depicted letters from soldiers the wars, I can’t help but see a parallel here.

At some future date historians will read what we have posted to get a clear picture of this time in the History of Thailand. I must say when I realized that technology has allowed this to happen, I can’t help but wonder how historians will view us.

There is little to cheer us up these days but this post did a great deal to make my day.From someone else it would be a comment of close to comic genius, but with this fellow the incredible truth is that it's meant to be taken entirely seriously.

On a serious note however and back to the topic I have a feeling that there is little comprehension on this forum of the implications of the recent very high level comment on the impending decision.It must as a consequence be quite doubtful whether the dissolution of TRT let alone of the Democrats will happen now.Let's see.