TRT Targeted For Dissolution

[marshbags]

Ban them all.

Regarding the banning T.C.

Let us hope that just because these unethical backstuds have jumped ship they are not allowed to walk away from their responsabilities and involvement as TRT members of the last government and they are still made accountable.

Baring this in mind they should qualify for the penalties laid out by the law on election fraud and be banned for the next five years accordingly.

This irrespective to leaving the party in default, as they broke the rules by association due to their positions at the time and must / should pay the price.

If this is the case then what they are now proposing to do would be an empty exercise.

T.I.T. comes to mind yet again i,m loathe to say.

marshbags and

Edited February 13, 2007 by marshbags

[Plus]

They will probably ban only executives related to the case, Suwat can sleep well. He and Pinij had a meeting with the generals and they have probably recieved a blessing on setting up a new party.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

They will probably ban only executives related to the case, Suwat can sleep well. He and Pinij had a meeting with the generals and they have probably recieved a blessing on setting up a new party.

That wouldn't save 'em if TRT is dissolved

[sriracha john]

TRT pins its hopes on a 'white knight' lawyer

The election cases could make history, but that's not on Somsak's mind

Somsak Torugsa has practised law for 28 years but admits that the ongoing dissolution case against the Thai Rak Thai Party is his toughest job so far. He is working under the glare of public pressure and the weight of expectation from the party's 14 million members.

However, he is confident the party will be cleared because he says there is no strong evidence against it.

"Witnesses from the Pattana Chat Thai and Thai Ground parties change their testimony all the time," he said.

Thai Rak Thai is alleged to have hired the two parties to compete in the April 2 election last year to bypass the "20-per-cent rule", which requires an unopposed candidate to win 20 per cent of total votes cast in a constituency.

The case against Thai Rak Thai is under intense scrutiny as the public wants to know if the allegations are true, said Somsak, who refused to reveal his fee, saying he preferred to get paid after the Constitution Tribunal ruled on the case.

He said money would be unimportant if he stopped the party from being dissolved.

"This is a case of honour for me: it will go down in the country's political history," he said.

Somsak has no previous connection with the party but said he admired Thaksin Shinawatra's leadership and the policies that boosted the country's economy.

When the party's legal team was looking for a lawyer, it attracted many applications.

"Someone I respect suggested that I talk with the party. It's like a presentation. Lawyers tried to convince them how they could help the party win," he recalled.

After his presentation, Somsak said he did not expect to get the job because such a high-profile case would require more experience and seniority.

"Lawyers conducting such a big case are normally over 60," he said. The 55-year-old did not know why he was picked.

The legal eagle is due to complete a doctorate at Ramkhamhaeng University this year. He read his master's and bachelor's degrees at the same school.

Somsak never thought of being famous and successful because he "started from zero".

"I had to pay for my own education. While studying for the bachelor's degree, I made a living as a tutor".

Somsak said he loved to teach and learn, which is why he is studying for his PhD and is a special lecturer at many universities.

As a graduate, Somsak opened a law firm but let his friend run the office because he wanted to teach. He rented a small space in a shop-house and was forced to take over when his friend fled leaving an incomplete case.

One of his most significant cases was defending a client who was sentenced to death.

The court dismissed the case but Somsak could only be paid in fish as the client was poor.

From then on, Somsak decided to be a full-time lawyer and only lecture when he found time between cases.

"Teaching is similar to doing cases because you have to speak: it makes me less embarrassed when I am in court."

But cases are more enjoyable, he admits, and each case teaches him something.

"Lawyers must be magnificent, confident and knowledgeable," said Somsak.

His expertise was in land cases and he was so successful that he had a Bt20-million office built for his firm in 1987. The area is the subject of his doctorate thesis entitled "Law for Protection of State's Land from Trespassing".

Thai Rak Thai's electoral fraud case was not his first political battle.

He was defence lawyer for former National Counter Corruption Commission members who were accused of power abuse for giving themselves salary raises without parliamentary approval. He lost the case and his clients were given suspended jail terms.

Later Somsak acted as plaintiff lawyer for Airports of Thailand, which has filed an ongoing criminal libel lawsuit against Post Publishing and the Bangkok Post for a news report about severe cracks on Suvarnabhumi Airport's runways.

Somsak said during his political cases his clients were often unpopular with the public but he became familiar with the pressure and learned to ignore it.

"I agree to do cases when I can help my clients win. I don't care if they are political. If I see no chance of winning, I will reject the case because my clients are not guinea pigs," he said.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

TRT acting leader is confident that his party will not be abolished

The acting leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT), Mr. Chaturon Chaisang, considers that the Constitutional Court does not have a resolution to dissolve his party because the dissolution would cause public members to have sympathy.

Mr. CannotChatGottaRun sure does believe in pushing things... wonder if he's still counting "public members to have sympathy" with his latest antics:

Defiant Chaturon stumps in Kalasin

TRT leader says CNS has no right to stop politicians talking to voters

Thai Rak Thai Party caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang yesterday defied a junta ban on political meetings and vowed to continue doing so.

He is the first politician to openly challenge the Council for National Security (CNS) order.

The former deputy prime minister said the CNS did not scare him.

He visited residents of Na Khoo in Kalasin with Thai Rak Thai executive member Adisorn Piengket and former members of Parliament before moving on to Khao Wong, where 300 people turned out to hear him speak.

He plans to visit Khon Kaen today.

He addressed his audience using a loudspeaker. It was his first public activity since assuming the caretaker leader's role following the September coup.

The CNS banned political meetings and activities following the takeover. Many have demanded the bar be lifted well ahead of the coming general election.

The Election Commission is scheduled to make a recommendation to the CNS soon.

Chaturon said politicians must serve the people because the military-backed rulers had no time to listen to grassroots problems.

He added the CNS had no right to prohibit such visits. Politicians seeking election need to know what worries voters, he said.

Chaturon said the CNS had nothing to fear from his trips.

He learned voters still supported Thai Rak Thai policies, although this government had changed their names.

The party will not instigate insurrection because the "people cannot fight tanks and guns" but can do battle at the ballot box.

The Nation

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

Sacrificial lamb hoping for martyrdom status?

[John K]

Actually I see this as just another example of Thais not thinking things out more than 1 or 2 steps. The sweet innocent self portrait of the TRT that they have been working on over the past several months has now been shattered with the reality of their arrogance. All this does is serve to remind everyone of their true nature, that is everyone including the people that will be deciding their fate.

(Be nice to me or I will hit you) Sound familiar?

[sriracha john]

"Abandon ship!....Abandon ship!"

Thai Rak Thai to lose three more members

Thai Rak Thai acting party leader Chaturon Chaisaeng admitted yesterday that the party would soon lose three more members, who would be quitting to operate an independent television station. Mr Chaturon said former party-list MP Veera Musikapong, a Southerner, recently told him that he planned to resign from the party to open a television station of his own. Thai Rak Thai deputy spokesman Chatuporn Prompan and party member Natthawut Saikua will also leave the party and team up with Mr Veera to help him run the TV station. Commenting on the PTV move, Mr Chaturon said they were entitled to open their own station, but warned them that they must be free from political interference and not back any political parties. ''Thai Rak Thai will not accept responsibility for the actions of these three men,'' he said. *hahaha... now there's a ringing endorsement*

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/20Feb2007_news08.php

Edited February 19, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Former TRT Party member Pinij Charusombat, former member of the Advisory Board of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, former Minister of Industry, former Minister of Science and Technology, former Deputy Prime Minister, and former Minister of Public Health all within the former Prime Minister and TRT Party Leader Thaksin Shinawatra's Cabinets.

Pinij Lied In Asset Claim: Group

The anti-graft agency has been urged to check asset declarations made by the former public health minister Pinij Charusombat

Chayan Inson, a co-ordinator for an anti-Thaksin Shinawatra group known as the Isaan Liberation Front, alleged that Pinij intentionally concealed both his and his family's assets and said the National Counter-Corruption Commission (NCCC) should verify the former minister's assets.

In the declaration document, Pinij said he was single - but had actually lived with his wife Noree Suksawat for 10 years, with whom he had two children.

Pinij intentionally refused to reveal his marriage so he could put his assets in the names of his wife and children, Chayan claimed.

Noree accompanied Pinij to social parties and was widely known as "Pinij's wife".

His daughter's school registration also stated that she was Pinij's daughter.

He said Pinij told the NCCC he had 4 million baht of debt, but the creditor, TNN Engineering Supply, belongs to Noree.

Pinij also said he had two buildings worth 8 million baht, but his family compound in Nong Khai had at least five buildings including his office, which he used as a venue to meet with members of his Wang Phayanak faction.

The buildings were worth at least 100 million baht, said Chayan.

Pinij also owned a timber plant and a resort named after his children, he said.

According to the law, Pinij should have declared assets that listed as belonging to his wife Noree and another board member of TNN Engineering, Chayan said.

Thaikorn Polsuwan, leader of the Isaan Liberation Front, accompanied Chayan to file documents at the NCCC yesterday.

Pinij is now a member of the National Legislative Assembly.

He was a former deputy Thai Rak Thai leader before resigning last year.

Another key Thai Rak Thai member, Suwat Liptapanlop, and his 29-member Lam Ta Kong faction announced this month that they were resigning from Thai Rak Thai.

Suwat, whose voter base is also in the Northeast, said he had discussed whether the Ta Kong and Wang Phayanak should form a political alliance.

However, Pinij said the outcome was still unclear.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

Three more to quit TRT

Thai Rak Thai caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang yesterday admitted three "outstanding members" are preparing to quit the party to become media business operators. Chaturon was speaking during a visit to Khon Kaen province.

Party executive Veera Musiga-pong, deputy spokesmen Jatuporn Promphan and Natthawut Sai-kua will resign from the party in order to open their own media company.

The three have reportedly already formed the Peuan Pong Nong Pee Co Ltd to air programmes from cable TV - under the name PTV. The company, whose name means "brotherly friends" , will start broadcasting next month.

The group has already erected billboards to promote the channel at many crowded spots around Bangkok. Besides the three TRT members, a picture of former government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair *AKA Jakob the Liar* is shown.

Veera will hold a press conference on Saturday to explain the reasons for his resignation and the founding of the TV company.

Chaturon, however, said it was a private business and had nothing to do with the party.

"People might assume that PTV will support the TRT, *naw... really? do ya think?* but I don't know what will happen from now on. I only said it should report all sides because it is a state media and should not attack anyone," he said.

There are reports that a former TRT Cabinet member, who already runs a media company, has spent 50 million baht on establishing PTV. *normally you might think it's Thaksin, but any number of his co-horts in his Cabinet have that kind of money laying around*

The Nation

[John K]

"Abandon ship!....Abandon ship!"

Thai Rak Thai to lose three more members

Thai Rak Thai acting party leader Chaturon Chaisaeng admitted yesterday that the party would soon lose three more members, who would be quitting to operate an independent television station. Mr Chaturon said former party-list MP Veera Musikapong, a Southerner, recently told him that he planned to resign from the party to open a television station of his own. Thai Rak Thai deputy spokesman Chatuporn Prompan and party member Natthawut Saikua will also leave the party and team up with Mr Veera to help him run the TV station. Commenting on the PTV move, Mr Chaturon said they were entitled to open their own station, but warned them that they must be free from political interference and not back any political parties. ''Thai Rak Thai will not accept responsibility for the actions of these three men,'' he said. *hahaha... now there's a ringing endorsement*

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/20Feb2007_news08.php

............OK here the plan, you three quit the TRT and go and work in a TV station like Thaksin taught us. Then once we control the media we will have our sheep back. However we will have to use a disclaimer saying we did not authorize this stack of pro TRT statements and news plants................

[sriracha john]

Mr. CannotChatGottaRun sure does believe in pushing things:

Defiant Chaturon stumps in Kalasin

TRT leader says CNS has no right to stop politicians talking to voters

Thai Rak Thai Party caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang yesterday defied a junta ban on political meetings and vowed to continue doing so.

He is the first politician to openly challenge the Council for National Security (CNS) order.

The former deputy prime minister said the CNS did not scare him.

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

Sacrificial lamb hoping for martyrdom status?

Ask and ye shall find, Chaturon...

CNS to check on Chaturon

A spokesman for the junta said yesterday defiant Thai Rak Thai acting leader Chaturon Chaisang might have violated its ban on political activities after meeting voters in the Northeast on the weekend.

Colonel Sansern Kaewkam-nerd said the Council for National Security (CNS) would discuss Chaturon's actions today. It has assigned officers from the Second Army Region, which has authority over northeastern provinces, to "check" on the real motives behind his visit.

Chaturon went to the Northeast on Sunday and yesterday and spoke with groups as large as 300. He said the CNS did not scare him and it had no right to impose the ban.

Sansern explained politicians had no need to travel the country explaining policies, saying they were "not the government now".

"The CNS allows politicians to meet together but not to visit people. However, Chaturon can meet people if he visits in a private capacity but not in the name of his party," the junta spokesman added.

"If we consider Chaturon has broken the CNS announcement, we will invite him to explain," he said.

He admitted Chaturon's actions could be considered a "challenge" to CNS authority but added it was yet to be determined if the former deputy prime minister had done anything wrong.

Yesterday's appearances in Khon Kaen by Chaturon attracted fewer people. There was some opposition to his visit by residents, too. *people are wising up*

Chaturon toured a fresh market with former TRT party members of Parliament. Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra once visited the same market where supporters thronged him. Chaturon's call attracted few. *yep, people are definitely wising up; the fake lustre of Thaksin's magic ball is fading*

He told listeners the Thai Rak Thai Party would remain true to its signature populist policies.

He promised to reveal to a news conference at the party's headquarters on Sunday if those policies were considered contrary to the sufficiency-economy theory favoured by the military-backed government.

He said he had seen the results of his former government's policies during his visit.

Last Sunday, Chaturon told Kalasin listeners many still supported Thai Rak Thai policies - even if the junta had changed their names.

After the Khon Kaen-market visit, Chaturon and his entourage attended the 36th anniversary of Sri Kranuan Wittayakom School where he had been asked to deliver an address.

But, a group of 50 residents demonstrated his presence. Banners told Chaturon he should quit Thai Rak Thai if he wanted to make a political comeback.

Protest leader Dej Tetnoi disagreed with the school's decision to invite Chaturon and said it was extended because its director was a relative of a former provincial member of Parliament, Chatuporn Charoencheua. :D *quite appropriate that people are wising up at a TRT campaign rally held at a school*

He alleged the school had a "hidden agenda" because it did not invite provincial dignitaries to attend. The group called for the school director to resign. *here here*

Democrat party deputy leader Witoon Nambutr believed the trip was simply to revive party spirit after many members quit following the coup. He said yesterday Thai Rak Thai's popularity in the Northeast had waned and former supporters were now "disappointed" in it.

The Nation

Edited February 20, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

Mr. CannotChatGottaRun sure does believe in pushing things:

Defiant Chaturon stumps in Kalasin

TRT leader says CNS has no right to stop politicians talking to voters

Thai Rak Thai Party caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang yesterday defied a junta ban on political meetings and vowed to continue doing so.

He is the first politician to openly challenge the Council for National Security (CNS) order.

The former deputy prime minister said the CNS did not scare him.

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

Sacrificial lamb hoping for martyrdom status?

Ask and ye shall find, Chaturon...

CNS to check on Chaturon

A spokesman for the junta said yesterday defiant Thai Rak Thai acting leader Chaturon Chaisang might have violated its ban on political activities after meeting voters in the Northeast on the weekend.

Colonel Sansern Kaewkam-nerd said the Council for National Security (CNS) would discuss Chaturon's actions today. It has assigned officers from the Second Army Region, which has authority over northeastern provinces, to "check" on the real motives behind his visit.

Chaturon went to the Northeast on Sunday and yesterday and spoke with groups as large as 300. He said the CNS did not scare him and it had no right to impose the ban.

Sansern explained politicians had no need to travel the country explaining policies, saying they were "not the government now".

"The CNS allows politicians to meet together but not to visit people. However, Chaturon can meet people if he visits in a private capacity but not in the name of his party," the junta spokesman added.

"If we consider Chaturon has broken the CNS announcement, we will invite him to explain," he said.

He admitted Chaturon's actions could be considered a "challenge" to CNS authority but added it was yet to be determined if the former deputy prime minister had done anything wrong.

Yesterday's appearances in Khon Kaen by Chaturon attracted fewer people. There was some opposition to his visit by residents, too. *people are wising up*

Chaturon toured a fresh market with former TRT party members of Parliament. Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra once visited the same market where supporters thronged him. Chaturon's call attracted few. *yep, people are definitely wising up; the fake lustre of Thaksin's magic ball is fading*

He told listeners the Thai Rak Thai Party would remain true to its signature populist policies.

He promised to reveal to a news conference at the party's headquarters on Sunday if those policies were considered contrary to the sufficiency-economy theory favoured by the military-backed government.

He said he had seen the results of his former government's policies during his visit.

Last Sunday, Chaturon told Kalasin listeners many still supported Thai Rak Thai policies - even if the junta had changed their names.

After the Khon Kaen-market visit, Chaturon and his entourage attended the 36th anniversary of Sri Kranuan Wittayakom School where he had been asked to deliver an address.

But, a group of 50 residents demonstrated his presence. Banners told Chaturon he should quit Thai Rak Thai if he wanted to make a political comeback.

Protest leader Dej Tetnoi disagreed with the school's decision to invite Chaturon and said it was extended because its director was a relative of a former provincial member of Parliament, Chatuporn Charoencheua. :D *quite appropriate that people are wising up at a TRT campaign rally held at a school*

He alleged the school had a "hidden agenda" because it did not invite provincial dignitaries to attend. The group called for the school director to resign. *here here*

Democrat party deputy leader Witoon Nambutr believed the trip was simply to revive party spirit after many members quit following the coup. He said yesterday Thai Rak Thai's popularity in the Northeast had waned and former supporters were now "disappointed" in it.

The Nation

Perhaps the low turnout was because he was not handing out money, however I hope you are right.

[Tony Clifton]

Sounds fishy. Three bottom dwelling TRT members on a media venture? There's no mention of a broadcast license or of a programming content agreement? Are they planning to record content here, stream outside the country via internet and rebroadcast here via satellite? They may be trying to get around it by also being considered a content provider, the only way ASTV was able to broadcast content here under Thaksin who prevented Manager Media Group from acquiring a broadcasting license.

[Jai Dee]

CDA Chirmsak supports PTV

Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) member Chirmsak Pinthong has voiced his support for the former members of the Thai Rak Thai Party who have opened up a new television channel called PTV.

Mr. Chirmsak said it would be legitimate for the former Thai Rak Thai members to operate an independent television station, and the channel will allow Thai people to be more exposed to various news and information. The channel will be aired in Thailand via a foreign satellite.

Mr. Chirmsakd said PTV would be another alternative for public members. In response to the report that PTV will be the medium for former Thai Rak Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra to challenge media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, Mr. Chirmsak believes people are smart and more attentive to the accuracy of the information being presented.

Besides, Mr. Chirmsak said everyone has the right to be informed and refute any inaccurate information, including the Thai Rak Thai members.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2007

[Tony Clifton]

The PTV name has already been in use for years by a Chonburi cable company.

[sriracha john]

CDA Chirmsak supports PTV

Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) member Chirmsak Pinthong has voiced his support for the former members of the Thai Rak Thai Party who have opened up a new television channel called PTV.

Mr. Chirmsak said it would be legitimate for the former Thai Rak Thai members to operate an independent television station, and the channel will allow Thai people to be more exposed to various news and information. The channel will be aired in Thailand via a foreign satellite.

Mr. Chirmsakd said PTV would be another alternative for public members. In response to the report that PTV will be the medium for former Thai Rak Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra to challenge media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, Mr. Chirmsak believes people are smart and more attentive to the accuracy of the information being presented.

Besides, Mr. Chirmsak said everyone has the right to be informed and refute any inaccurate information, including the Thai Rak Thai members.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2007

Former Bangkok Senator Mr. Chirmsak is certainly one of Thailand's more colorful characters. The pages of his 2005 book, Khwam Dee Khong Thaksin, or "The Good Deeds of Mr. Thaksin,'' were only 5cm wide and were all blank.

:D

[Jai Dee]

An expressway hoarding declares PTV cable television is the station of former Thai Rak Thai executive Veera Musigapong and deputy spokesman Jatuporn Promphan. They plan to go on air next month.

Source: The Nation - 20 February 2007

[Tony Clifton]

All dressed in white, a symbol of purity. They look like DMC members.

[John K]

All dressed in white, a symbol of purity. They look like DMC members.

Good call Tony,

Did you ever wonder why cigarettes have the whitest of white wrapping paper?

Well the sign says it all it’s the brand new TRT TV station. Guess Thai visa will have to open a new forum section just for that called “Gag and choke”

[Jai Dee]

TV mogul says PTV founder responsible if network establishment does not abide to law

Sondhi Limthongkul (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล), Manager Newspaper Founder, views that the PTV television channel can be set up, but its registration and regulations should abide by the law.

PTV, a new TV station to be set up by MPs of the Thai Rak Thai party will be broadcast to Thailand from a foreign satellite dish. Mr Sondhi said he does not oppose to the establishment of PTV but warns the TV station that its broadcast material should stick with facts and reality.

Mr. Sondhi also said that ASTV still exists and is under the protection of the Supreme Court.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 Febuary 2007

[Tony Clifton]

Have these political TRT chameleons ( who wore yellow and now have faded to white) even bothered applying for a broadcasting licence to begin with? No. A warning about their true intentions right from the start. I give PTV the life expectancy of a fart on a motorcycle.

ASTV actually fought in court and won it's case when they resorted to streaming content to Hong Kong and then broadcast it here, becoming a content provider. They did so because they were denied a licence to broadcast directly from within Thailand, Thaksin wanting to prevent Sonthi from hurting his image and grip on the country.

Enjoy the moment Sonthi Limtongkhul., imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

Edited February 20, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

Thai Rak Thai may split into three groups

'Die-hards' under Chaturon and Sudarat, plus off-shoots headed by Suwat and Somsak look likely; Northeast will be key

Thailand is undergoing a re-alignment of power and the Northeast will be a decisive battleground to elect the next coalition government of three to five parties - a sharp contrast to the authoritarian rule of the ousted administration.

If the current party hopping is any indication, the Thai Rak Thai Party is gradually breaking up into several offshoots. This is happening regardless of the outcome of the judicial review on electoral fraud.

Political veterans have started to form new alliances and the once mighty party is slated to take a backseat in politics should the Constitution Tribunal allow it to stay intact.

The emerging political landscape will see several Thai Rak Thai segments become the swing vote to decide the formation of coalition and opposition alliances.

Although their party is virtually history, former government MPs still have close ties with the north-eastern constituents who elect one-third of House seats - a decisive voting block.

Mainstream parties like the Democrats, Chat Thai, Mahachon and Pracharaj have claimed the South, the Central region and the North as their backyards, but their combined efforts have failed to achieve a significant presence in the Northeast.

As things stand, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa are the leading contenders to form the next coalition.

But this will happen only if either one of them can mend fences with the Thai Rak Thai offshoots.

If political animosity persists, the next coalition will face mounting instability and the Democrats might see themselves in opposition once again.

Banharn is known to have successfully executed many political flip-flops, hence his party is expected to smoothly ally with former rivals.

The Thai Rak Thai offshoots are emerging to group around three main factions destined to evolve into new parties.

The first faction is being led by key figures like Thai Rak Thai acting leader Chaturon Chaisang and three party executives: Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Newin Chidchob and Pongthep Thepkanchana.

Should the former ruling party be dismantled for electoral fraud, Chaturon is expected to form and lead a new party for die-hard supporters of populist policies.

His best prospect is to become the next opposition leader if his party can manage to win sufficient votes.

The second faction is under the leadership of political veteran Suwat Liptapanlop. Its key ally is Pinij Charusombat - who is a National Legislative Assembly member - and seen as close to the junta.

Suwat's voting block from Nakhon Ratchasima alone would ensure coalition seats for his faction. He may also emerge as the kingmaker to name the next prime minister should Abhisit or Banharn falter in forming the coalition alliance.

Under this scenario, doubts linger that Suwat may cast his decisive vote to support a prime minister who has not run in the general election.

The third faction is now known as the Matchima Group under the leadership of Somsak Thepsuthin. It has evolved from a Thai Rak Thai splinter - the Wang Nam Yom faction.

Somsak's original strongholds are located in the lower northern provinces and Matchima's clout has been enhanced by support from several cliques of former north-eastern MPs.

Many of these MPs used to be members of the New Aspiration Party under the leadership of former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.

They still have hopes of reviving their old banner and may part company with Somsak if Matchima fails to evolve into a major party.

Somsak's trump card will be if he manages to install former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak as the party's leader. If the wooing of Somkid fails, Matchima might become only a minor voice in politics.

Waiting in the wings to welcome splinter groups are Sanan Kachornprasart of Mahachon and Snoh Thienthong of Pracharaj.

Key political players, like Abhisit, Banharn, Suwat, Chaturon, Somsak, Sanan and Snoh, have worked together before and witnessed so many ups and downs in their past alliances.

They are flag bearers to ensure that democratic rule moves forward, but if the new power alignments fail to take off, then the political prospects look bleak and the military will become a permanent fixture in politics as a quick fix for volatility.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

The PTV name has already been in use for years by a Chonburi cable company.

It may very well end up being the sole user of those letters...

PTV debut 'illegal'

The Public Relations Department (PRD) will warn the operators of a new cable TV service, who have connections with the Thai Rak Thai Party, that they do not have legal permission to launch on March 1.

Director-general Pramote Ratvinij said yesterday he was prepared to call in the Thai Rak Thai members involved to explain the law to them.

Veera Musigapong, Jatuporn Phomphan and Natthawut Sai-kua have said they would resign from the party in order to launch the new cable TV service called PTV, or People's Television.

Pramote warned they could not launch the service as it would be against the law.

He said the PTV was in a similar situation to ASTV, a service of Thai Day Dot Com Company, part of Sondhi Limthongkul's Manager Group.

The operator of ASTV has filed a criminal lawsuit against the PRD, alleging it abused its state powers when it questioned ASTV's legal status.

Pramote said it was not acceptable for the Thai Rak Thai members to launch the service when they clearly knew it was illegal.

"If they still go ahead and air their programmes on PTV, I will tell them to come in and explain themselves," the PRD chief said.

Natthawut said he, Veera and Jatuporn were preparing to resign from Thai Rak Thai and that PTV would not be a voice for the party.

He said he would be ready to meet Pramote if they were called in and welcomed the chance to cooperate with the state.

The Nation

[Tony Clifton]

I give PTV the life expectancy of a fart on a motorcycle.

There ya go.

The PTV name has already been in use for years by a Chonburi cable company.

It may very well end up being the sole user of those letters...

PTV debut 'illegal'

The Public Relations Department (PRD) will warn the operators of a new cable TV service, who have connections with the Thai Rak Thai Party, that they do not have legal permission to launch on March 1.

Director-general Pramote Ratvinij said yesterday he was prepared to call in the Thai Rak Thai members involved to explain the law to them.

Veera Musigapong, Jatuporn Phomphan and Natthawut Sai-kua have said they would resign from the party in order to launch the new cable TV service called PTV, or People's Television.

Pramote warned they could not launch the service as it would be against the law.

He said the PTV was in a similar situation to ASTV, a service of Thai Day Dot Com Company, part of Sondhi Limthongkul's Manager Group.

The operator of ASTV has filed a criminal lawsuit against the PRD, alleging it abused its state powers when it questioned ASTV's legal status.

Pramote said it was not acceptable for the Thai Rak Thai members to launch the service when they clearly knew it was illegal.

"If they still go ahead and air their programmes on PTV, I will tell them to come in and explain themselves," the PRD chief said.

Natthawut said he, Veera and Jatuporn were preparing to resign from Thai Rak Thai and that PTV would not be a voice for the party.

He said he would be ready to meet Pramote if they were called in and welcomed the chance to cooperate with the state.

The Nation

[John K]

More wonderful reminders about the nature of the TRT to not listen to laws and do as they want. I guess between this and marching around Isaan over the last few days has oiled rusty memories. It is an exact fit to the reasons this thread is here and matches the charges. More well thought out plans I see, or are they just conceding that the TRT will soon be history.

[slimdog]

Witnesses deny earlier evidence

Witnesses at the electoral fraud case involving the Thai Rak Thai Party told the Constitution Tribunal yesterday Election Commission (EC) investigators forced them to frame the ruling party.

Yesterday was the sixth hearing for the case. Witnesses in a few earlier hearings also testified in favour of Thai Rak Thai.

Boonchoo or Chuwit Soonsuwan, an MP candidate for the Thai Ground Party, said he didn't personally know Gen Trairong Intaratat and Lt Gen Phadungsak Klansanoh but EC panel members including Police Captain Manoon Wichiennit told him to say they did and promised they would protect him.

General Trairong is a senior military officer close to some TRT leaders while Lt Gen Phadungsak was a close aide to former defence minister Gen Thamarak Isarangura, a Thai Rak Thai deputy leader.

But Boonchoo said he accepted Bt60,000 from Thatima Pawalee, the party's coordinator, as a subsidy for the election campaign. If a candidate had to pay a registration fee themselves, the party agreed to provide them Bt150,000 each.

His receipt was evidence for the case.

Boonchoo said that after he saw a media report about his testimony to the EC panel, he wanted to reverse his words and tell the truth. He then filed a document to the EC, asking to "correct" his testimony, he said.

Fandy Pasu, an MP candidate for the Thai Ground Party, also said he did not know Trairong and Phadungsak. But the EC investigation panel told him he should admit to that so if he wanted to escape the allegations

Fandy and Boonchoo were disqualified from being candidates in the last election because they had not been members of the political party for 90 days, which is a legal requirement for all MP candidates.

Both men previously told the EC panel that Trairong and Phadungsak contacted leaders of small parties to hire them to run in the April 2 election.

Fandy said: "The investigators said, 'Other (witnesses) have said so, why don't you say so'."

He claimed he was tired at that time so he did what he was told to.

Pattana Chart Thai candidate Direk Noosai told the Tribunal members he heard from his party leader Boontaweesak Amornsin that Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban offered him Bt15 million to frame Thai Rak Thai, but that was all he heard.

Direk was disqualified as he was listed as a Thai Rak Thai member.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/21...cs_30027409.php

From previous reports, TRT will call Thaksin as their first witness. Therefore all witnesses to date have presumably been for the Prosecution..

[sriracha john]

PTV labelled 'clearly illegal'

The new satellite television channel PTV, which former Thai Rak Thai party members plan to put on air on March 1, is ''clearly illegal'', the Government Public Relations Department (PRD) chief said. Pramoj Rathavinij said the station cannot operate without a licence and the licence issuer, the National Broadcasting Commission, has yet to be established. Former Thai Rak Thai MP Veera Musikapong, TRT deputy spokesman Chatuporn Prompan and party member Natthawut Saikua unveiled this week a 24-hour television station to be broadcast via a Hong Kong-based satellite. The station is to be located at the Imperial Lat Phrao department store, which is owned by a former Thai Rak Thai MP. Mr Natthawut, a PTV co-founder said PTV would offer a variety of programmes, including political and economic, to be run by experts in those fields. He admitted Samak Sundaravej and Dusit Siriwan might be invited to join the team. The duo are known to be staunch defenders of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He said the channel would not serve as a mouthpiece of any particular person or group.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/21Feb2007_news17.php

Edited February 21, 2007 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

"Challenger, go at throttle up"

[hammered]

Witnesses deny earlier evidence

Witnesses at the electoral fraud case involving the Thai Rak Thai Party told the Constitution Tribunal yesterday Election Commission (EC) investigators forced them to frame the ruling party.

Yesterday was the sixth hearing for the case. Witnesses in a few earlier hearings also testified in favour of Thai Rak Thai.

Boonchoo or Chuwit Soonsuwan, an MP candidate for the Thai Ground Party, said he didn't personally know Gen Trairong Intaratat and Lt Gen Phadungsak Klansanoh but EC panel members including Police Captain Manoon Wichiennit told him to say they did and promised they would protect him.

General Trairong is a senior military officer close to some TRT leaders while Lt Gen Phadungsak was a close aide to former defence minister Gen Thamarak Isarangura, a Thai Rak Thai deputy leader.

But Boonchoo said he accepted Bt60,000 from Thatima Pawalee, the party's coordinator, as a subsidy for the election campaign. If a candidate had to pay a registration fee themselves, the party agreed to provide them Bt150,000 each.

His receipt was evidence for the case.

Boonchoo said that after he saw a media report about his testimony to the EC panel, he wanted to reverse his words and tell the truth. He then filed a document to the EC, asking to "correct" his testimony, he said.

Fandy Pasu, an MP candidate for the Thai Ground Party, also said he did not know Trairong and Phadungsak. But the EC investigation panel told him he should admit to that so if he wanted to escape the allegations

Fandy and Boonchoo were disqualified from being candidates in the last election because they had not been members of the political party for 90 days, which is a legal requirement for all MP candidates.

Both men previously told the EC panel that Trairong and Phadungsak contacted leaders of small parties to hire them to run in the April 2 election.

Fandy said: "The investigators said, 'Other (witnesses) have said so, why don't you say so'."

He claimed he was tired at that time so he did what he was told to.

Pattana Chart Thai candidate Direk Noosai told the Tribunal members he heard from his party leader Boontaweesak Amornsin that Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban offered him Bt15 million to frame Thai Rak Thai, but that was all he heard.

Direk was disqualified as he was listed as a Thai Rak Thai member.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/21...cs_30027409.php

From previous reports, TRT will call Thaksin as their first witness. Therefore all witnesses to date have presumably been for the Prosecution..

There a very very few if any people in Thailand who are ever going to really give evidence against General Trairong. No surprise about a quick testimony change here. Probably a very wise decision in fact.

[sriracha john]

Government to try to shut down PTV if it airs

Station insists it will broadcast on March 1

The government will lodge a complaint asking police to shut down the new satellite television channel PTV, which is linked to the Thai Rak Thai party, if it starts broadcasting on March 1 as scheduled, director-general of the Public Relations Department Pramoj Rathavinij said yesterday. Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan to decide the fate of PTV, Mr Pramoj said the station had been established illegally, without a licence from the state. "We are ready to lodge a complaint asking police to arrest them [the PTV operators] if they still launch it in March," he said. Earlier, Mr Thirapat, who supervises government media policy, said the government would no longer allow new community radio, satellite and cable television stations in the country and said existing stations would be regulated and managed by the rule of law. Mr Thirapat blamed the previous government of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for letting media outlets mushroom so they became out of control.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/22Feb2007_news07.php