I Am Not Evil

[John K]

John Krukowski

I believe that the reason that TRT brought up the fact that the Bangkok Governor was campaigning (or at least endorsing) the democrat party representatives, is that the Governor is supposed to be neutral in the elections, and that he should be able to work with anyone elected to the city council. As Local elections do not have the same restrictions as National elections, anyone may put themselves up for election including independant candidates.

Chownah

Not sure about other polls, but the ABAC polls have a magin of error of +/- 5%

A good read on how polls can be both inaccurate and manipulated can be found courtesy of Thai Day at:

http://www.websurvey.au.edu/article/thaiday130306.pdf

ABAC polls can be found at:

http://www.abacpoll.com/index05.html

At least where I am from, if you belong to a party, you belong to a party. Federal, state, or local. Tell me the TRT are not doing the same.

[chownah]

Slimdog,

Thanks for the ABAC link. Unfortunately the section that talks about polling methods is only in Thai...if anyone wants to volunteer to translate it here is the link:

http://www.abacpoll.th.org/polling2007.html

They also have short write ups on some of their current surveys and I found one that might be of special interest to readers here. Here is a link to the write up:

http://www.websurvey.au.edu/PollResult/mcot_06062522854.html

and here is an excerpt:

"When asked who would be most suitable to run and

solve problems prevailing in the country, two-thirds --

65.3 per cent indicated Privy Council chairman Gen.

Prem Tinsulanonda, a former prime minister, followed

by caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with

11.8 per cent and 8.2 per cent for former interior minister

and public moralist Purachai Piamsomboon.

However, Mr. Thaksin ranked first in ranking the most

knowledgeable and efficient person to solve the country's

problems. Neraly half of the respondents -- 46.9 percent

-- voted for him while Somkid Jatusripitak, deputy prime

minister and commerce minister, came second with 21.8

per cent and Gen. Prem was third with 15.3 per cent. (TNA)-E111

End of excerpt.

So....the results from one poll indicate that Prem was the first choice as "most suitable to run and solve problems prevailing in the country" (65.3% of respondents) while Toxin was the first choice as "the most

knowledgeable and efficient person to solve the country's

problems." (46.9% of respondents).

You could say that these are compatible results or not. Just depends on whether you want to find out who is thought to be most suitable to run and solve problems prevailing in the country or if you want to find out who is thought to be the most knowledgeable and efficient person to solve the country's problems. To me this is an ambiguous result. The purpose of a poll is to find a quanitiative estimate of the opinions of a population of people...an opinion about a clearly stated issue. This pole shows how the wording of a question can radically affect the responses.

Also, where did the +/- 5% come from? I couldn't find that on the web site...usually the margin of error must be calculated based on the number of respondants (among other things) so it seems unlikely that saying that their polls have +/- 5% margin of error is somewhat suspect..it should vary between polls depending on the number of respondents and the size of the population you are trying to describe...for instance a poll with 2,000 respondents that is supposed to be telling about the views of people in the greater Bangkok area might be considered to be accurate to some level of error but generally speaking if 2,000 respondents were obtained in a poll meant to describe all of Thailand then the margin of error would be larger because the population of Thailand is larger than Bangkok and the opinions are liable to be more diverse too....I am not a statistician so I might be wrong on the details here but I think the overall concept is valid.

[lukamar]

chownah I think you are right in thinking that the question asked will lend itself to the answer.

If you asked the question "Is Thai-visa the biggest forum on the Internet?" the answer would be NO.

If you added , "Is Thai-visa the biggest forum on Thailand on the Internet?" the answer would be YES.

You have to know the poll questions before you can really tell if the results are viable.

[John K]

Question;

What happens to the Bangkok (city only) TRT party members if the Party is sent packing? Meaning the people who have vote for me posters all over the city.

[Jai Dee]

FTI VP asks all sides to stick to peaceful methods

The Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries, Mr. Nipon Suraponrakcharoen, has called for all sides to adhere to peaceful means, adding that the solution on the election problem has to be quick. He said this would restore the investors’ confidence in the national economy.

Mr. Nipon talked about the People’s Alliance for Democracy’s (PAD) adjusted plan on its demonstration tomorrow by submitting certain documents to different embassies in Thailand. The Vice President said this is a good solution as it would not infuse violence and damage the country, especially in the eyes of foreign investors. He said the demonstration must be under the framework of law and His Majesty the King’s royal address.

Mr. Nipon would like for all sides to help solve and clarify various national issues, so Thailand’s economy would not be affected further. He said those problems include the southern unrest, the FTA negotiation, and the upcoming general election. Once the government is accepted by all sides, the Vice President believes that the administration will improve and the country will be developed positively.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Constitutional Court will today consider the petition for dissolving five parties

The Constitutional Court will today consider the petition of the Attorney-General for dissolving five political parties.

Today's agenda will involves the issue on whether the Constitutional Court will accept the petition for dissolving five political parties. They include Thai Rak Thai, Democrat, Pattana Chart Thai (พัฒนาชาติไทย), Progressive Democracy, and Paendin Thai (แผ่นดินไทย).

However, 16 interim Senators led by Acting Senator Jermsak Pinthong (เจิมศักดิ์ ปิ่นทอง) submitted a letter to request the Constitutional Court judges, Mr. Jumpol Na Songkla (จุมพล ณ สงขลา) and Mr. Suwan Suwanvecho (สุวรรณ สุวรรณเวโช), to withdraw themselves from being the committee of the meeting. The 16 interim Senators consider that their works are not neutral.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

ACM Kongsak refused that he has never ordered village security units to hold a demo to support PM

The Interior Minister, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Wanthana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา), asserted that he has never ordered village security units to hold a demonstration to support Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, while indicating that he will not dispatch more officials to provide security.

As for the People Alliance for Democracy’s plan to submit a document to nine embassies in Asean group, ACM Kongsak affirmed that this is not a problem. However, he has cooperated with relevant units to closely monitor the situation and already assigned authorities to ensure security around the embassies.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

TRT is willing to clarify if the Constitutional Court accepts to consider the petition to dissolve five parties

The Thai Rak Thai Party is willing to clarify to the Constitutional Court if the court decides to consider the petition on the dissolution of five political parties.

Speaking about whether the Constitutional Court will consider the petition, Thai Rak Thai Party Deputy Leader Pongthep Thepkanchana (พงศ์เทพ เทพกาญจนา) said that the party has already prepared the details to clarify to the court.

He said that the party must consider the Constitution Court's document before deciding on whether it would be necessary for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to inform the facts by himself.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 July 2006

[jdinasia]

NEWS!

[hammered]

The Court have accepted the case to disolve TRT and Dems.

Court accepts electoral fraud case - Nation

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Korn agrees with PAD’s decision to change their protest strategies

Democrat Party Deputy Secretary-General Korn Chatikavanija (กรณ์ จาติกวณิชย์) agrees with the changes in the protesting strategies of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), as big gatherings are not suitable for the current situation.

Mr. Korn spoke about the PAD's decision to adjust their demonstration strategies, saying that they have made a right decision as the current situation does not support any big gathering.

He added the country lacks confidence in many aspects as there is no leader to direct the nation. He said the nation has lost various opportunities. However, he stated that organizing good administration framework for the country will lead to higher confidence of the country in the future.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

TRT leader says he has no idea over the consideration of the constitutional court to dissolve the party

Thai Rak Thai Party Leader Thaksin Shinawatra disclosed that he has no idea over the consideration of the Constitutional Court to dissolve five political parties. He insisted that no ministers have resigned yet.

Prime Minister Thaksin said he does not know whether the party would send its representatives to inform the court as the party’s legislative team is taking care of such issue. He said it is unnecessary to appoint a special committee.

He added that it depends on the constitutional court’s decision whether he would have to inform the court by himself or not.

Dr. Thaksin confirmed that no ministers have resigned from their posts, following the news claiming that Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak (สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์), Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai (สุรเกียรติ์ เสถียรไทย) and Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Suranand Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ) will submit their resignation letters.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 July 2006

[Martin]

"Once the government is accepted by all sides, the Vice President believes that the administration will improve and the country will be developed positively."

And the sky will be full of flying pigs, from which CP will provide free 'moo' for all.

[John K]

I have noted what appears to be a new emerging strategy of the PAD. Simply get Thaksin to act like Thaksin and let his supporters see it. Meaning, he does not appear to be hiding his dirty laundry now as it is all in the open. The PAD apology letter to other countries about Thaksin seems to point to that. Does anyone else see this?

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party challenges gov to prove its sincerity to farmers

The Democrat Party calls on the government to show that it really cares for farmers by urgently tackling rising consumer goods prices and increasing their income.

Democrat deputy leader Witthaya Kaewparadai (วิทยา แก้วภราไดย) said farmers now have to buy diesel oil at 30 baht per litre while still being unable to get help from the government after their farmland and farm produce had been destroyed by the floods.

Mr. Witthaya said only 30% of farmers received help under the paddy mortgage scheme while 70% has still been taken advantage of by middlemen.

He said the government should show its sincerity to grassroots people by selling diesel oil to them at low prices so they can cut their production costs.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Chart Thai Party suspects the government is looking to gain political advantage through a gathering of grassroots administrators

The Chart Thai Party has suspected that the government has “hidden political agenda” in calling a two-day gathering of executives of local administration organizations.

Chart Thai Deputy Leader Somsak Prissana-nanthakul (สมศักดิ์ ปริศนานันทกุล) said the government claimed the gathering at Wat Dhramakaya (ธรรมกาย), which begins today, was part of the celebrations of the auspicious year this year. Mr. Somsak, however, said he looked at all schedules and suspected the government might brief its policies to those grassroots executives.

He said the government may be looking for ways to be at an advantage position in the general election, tentatively set on October 15th.

Mr. Somsak said the gathering, which ends tomorrow, is a waste of the budget given the traveling expenses of those executives. He said the gathering can be held separately in each region or via video conferences to save state budget.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 July 2006

[Khun Jean]

Yes... Yes that is the solution. Subsidise the diesel.

But leave the middle man in place. No point in undermining the position of family and friends.

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Praphat : Mr. Banharn is suitable to be political mediator

Secretary to Chat Thai party Praphat Phothasuthon (ประภัตร โพธสุธน) insisted that his proposal for Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silpa-archa to be a political mediator is because he is the most suitable person.

Mr. Praphat disclosed that the current political crisis will be discussed during the meeting of the party today. He personally viewed that if the issue persists, then many problems will follow. He said the problems will still occur despite the establishment of the new government.

He added that the best solution is to set up a mediator to negotiate the problems. However, he doesn’t want to state that Mr. Banharn is the suitable figure but he admits that Chart Thai leader is a respectful figure. He insisted that the Chart Thai Party is not taking advantages of the circumstance and will not intervene in politics.

He also referred to conformity suggestion of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, adding that he agreed with such proposal and that all sides should accept the facts of the current situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM Thaksin gives a chance for anyone to be political mediator

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra stated that he is willing to give a chance for anyone to be a political mediator to ease the tension.

Dr. Thaksin said restoring conciliation is now under progress. As for the proposal of the Chart Thai Party for its leader, Mr. Banharn Silpa-archa(บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา), to be a coordinator for all sides to end the current political impasse, he said it could be anyone who could help ease the tension and push forward the democratic regime.

He said resolving the issues can be done in any kind of forms but it should not be holding a debate in public venues.

He also referred to the proposals of many sides for the members of the Election Commission to resign as a condition for the general election, saying that it is their personal rights and the government will not interfere with such matter.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 July 2006

[John K]

PM Thaksin gives a chance for anyone to be political mediator

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra stated that he is willing to give a chance for anyone to be a political mediator to ease the tension.

Dr. Thaksin said restoring conciliation is now under progress. As for the proposal of the Chart Thai Party for its leader, Mr. Banharn Silpa-archa(บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา), to be a coordinator for all sides to end the current political impasse, he said it could be anyone who could help ease the tension and push forward the democratic regime.

He said resolving the issues can be done in any kind of forms but it should not be holding a debate in public venues.

He also referred to the proposals of many sides for the members of the Election Commission to resign as a condition for the general election, saying that it is their personal rights and the government will not interfere with such matter.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 July 2006

Cockroaches don’t like the light too. or are they same same.

[John K]

Ok here is a challenge and a bit of a game at it. The highest score gets to go out and buy dinner for themselves.

One point:

Name something Thaksin did that was self serving.

Two points:

Name something Thaksin did that served himself and Thailand.

Three points:

Name something Thaksin did that served Thailand and not himself.

[Old Man River]

Yes... Yes that is the solution. Subsidise the diesel.

But leave the middle man in place. No point in undermining the position of family and friends.

Khun Jean, the idea is that nobody is supposed to understand this.

[John K]

Anti-Thaksin leaders refuse to report to police

NAKHON RATCHASIMA - Five core members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a strong coalition united against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, on Monday refused to report to metropolitan police, citing four reasons to evade the police's order.

PAD core member Somkiart Pongpaiboon told journalists that all the five of the democracy coaltion leaders resolved not to appear before the metropolitan police at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok.

He cited four reasons to ignore the police order--the plaintiff was unclearly changed from Pilot Officer Chalard Warachat and his associates to Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatchawal Suksomchit, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau; that charges against them were added unreasonably, including threatening national security and rebellion to illegally blocking traffic.

The PAD activists also claimed that the charges were added even though the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) had earlier rejected the case.

They alleged that the police are protecting what the democracy actvists call "Thaksin Rule," but treated them (the PAD activists) discriminatively, which they claimed violates Article 30 of the constitution.

Mr. Somkiart, an academic who teaches at Rajabhat University Nakhon Ratchasima, said he was authorized by the other four PAD leaders, including Pol. Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, Sondhi Limthongkul, Pipop Thongchai and Somsak Kosaisuk, to inform the media of their position on behalf of the coalition. (TNA)

more at link below

http://www.bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=109515

[John K]

PAD threatens to sue police officers

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) Monday threatened to sue certain police officers it said bullied witnesses into corroborating treason charges against it.

"Some senior officers are trying to coerce witnesses to give statements accusing the PAD of posing a security threat by organising street protests," said PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila, adding that these police officers had dropped hints about arresting witnesses and their relatives if they refused to cooperate.

The list of witnesses includes social critic Sulak Sivarak, activist Pitaya Wongkul, labour leader Wilaiwan Sae Tia and student leader Kochawan Chaiyabutr.

PAD leader Somkiart Pongpaiboon said he and four colleagues would not report to the police for questioning and reserved their right to testify in court.

Police are acting suspiciously in trying to charge PAD leaders with treason even though public prosecutors have refused to file such charges citing weak evidence, Somkiart said.

The Nation

More here

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30008923

[sabaijai]

Ok here is a challenge and a bit of a game at it. The highest score gets to go out and buy dinner for themselves.

One point:

Name something Thaksin did that was self serving.

Two points:

Name something Thaksin did that served himself and Thailand.

Three points:

Name something Thaksin did that served Thailand and not himself.

The score will depend on whom you ask. Many (perhaps most) Thais still laud him, and would give him more points in your last category than to either of the first two. Regardless, with the backing of the army (Class 10 power now exceeding Class 5 and successors), the business community and the bureaucracy, Thaksin's not going anywhere.

[Martin]

PAD is borrowing an old trick here:

"Democrat deputy leader Witthaya Kaewparadai (วิทยา แก้วภราไดย) said farmers now have to buy diesel oil at 30 baht per litre......... He said the government should show its sincerity to grassroots people by selling diesel oil to them at low prices so they can cut their production costs."

Castigate the Government for not doing something that would be very popular, if it were possible, though it is actually totally impracticable.

(There is a lower-taxed diesel for farmers in the UK, coloured red, but it is only kept to the farms by virtue of draconian penalties for mis-use in other vehicles, policed by properly-salaried officials who won't let off the captured transgressor for a 'backhander'. A totally different situation from Thailand, where the majority of vehicles would soon be running on 'agricultural diesel'!!)

But the only politicians who can use this trick are those who know they won't beat the Government, get power, and then have the goody (which they wouldn't dare to deliver) demanded of them.

So the Democrats are revealing that they know they are not going to be leading the next Government.

At least, they are realistic.

[Jai Dee]

Academic Sangsit Piriyarangsan charged with libel by PM Thaksin

Well-known academic Sangsit Piriyarangsan (สังศิต พิริยะรังสรรค์) yesterday heard the libel charge filed against him by caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the Crime Supression Division.

Mr. Sangsit, of Rajabhat (ราชภัฏ) Univesity Chandrakasem (จันทรเกษม), was alleged of producing a report damaging to Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin and tarnishing his reputation in connection with the sales of Shin Corporation shares worth 73 billion baht at a recent seminar.

Mr. Sangsit denied the charges. He said information in his research came from the Stock Exchange of Thailand and was not fabricated.

He said he will counter-charge the prime minister for alleged violation of freedom of speech.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Suranand: 6 ministers last night did not discuss on resignation issue but to analyze political situation

Mr. Suranand Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ), the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Thai Rak Thai Party executive member, disclosed that the discussion during last night’s dinner with six ministers was to analyze the current political situation. He insisted that it was unrelated to the resignation issue.

He also said that the dinner last night was also to celebrate Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak’ s (สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์) birthday. Besides the celebration, the ministers were trying to find a solution for the current political situation. In the meantime, he also insisted that this meeting was unrelated to the issue of their possible resignation.

As for the result of the analysis, he refused to reveal the solution as he would like to discuss it again today’s Cabinet meeting.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM Office’s Minister Suranand Vejjajiva smiles before attending the cabinet weekly meeting on Tuesday. He denied a news report that five ministers, including Suranand, met on Monday to discuss a plan to resign en masse. He said they met only to celebrate belated birthday of Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jutusripitak.

Source: The Nation - 18 July 2006

[Old Man River]

PAD is borrowing an old trick here:

"Democrat deputy leader Witthaya Kaewparadai (วิทยา แก้วภราไดย) said farmers now have to buy diesel oil at 30 baht per litre......... He said the government should show its sincerity to grassroots people by selling diesel oil to them at low prices so they can cut their production costs."

Castigate the Government for not doing something that would be very popular, if it were possible, though it is actually totally impracticable.

(There is a lower-taxed diesel for farmers in the UK, coloured red, but it is only kept to the farms by virtue of draconian penalties for mis-use in other vehicles, policed by properly-salaried officials who won't let off the captured transgressor for a 'backhander'. A totally different situation from Thailand, where the majority of vehicles would soon be running on 'agricultural diesel'!!)

But the only politicians who can use this trick are those who know they won't beat the Government, get power, and then have the goody (which they wouldn't dare to deliver) demanded of them.

So the Democrats are revealing that they know they are not going to be leading the next Government.

At least, they are realistic.

That is exactly what is happening. The Demo's are now grasping at straws. They are now making outlandish proposals that they, themselves, would never do. Now that the opposition is coming to this, it is better that we have the election quickly and get the country back on track.