Royal Decree Sets Oct 15 Election Date

[Jai Dee]

Nine former poll candidates for the April election face legal action for allegedly lying about their political status

The Yala election supervisory committee files complaints to the police against nine former poll candidates for allegedly giving false information about their political status.

Election director Warothai Naewbanthad (วโรทัย แนวบรรทัด) said the nine did not meet a requirement that they must be members of any political party for no fewer than 90 days before candidacy registration.

Mr. Warothai said their membership fell short of the 90-day requirement when registration of contestants for the April 2 snap election was opened during March 4 and 8 but still their party leaders certified they were qualified to run in the poll. That was a violation of the election law, he said.

Mr. Warothai said arrest warrants will be issued for two of the nine who have not yet reported to the police.

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

[sriracha john]

Thaksin’s leadership under seige but he remains unmoved

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra ís tight lipped over whether he will seek another term as premier, which has brought about deep confusion among key members of the ruling Thai Rak Thai party.

Such uncertainty about the premier’s political future has caused Public Health Minister Pinij Charusombat to announce recently that he would not take a ministerial position even if the TRT win the October 15 general election.

Pinij also disclosed that Deputy Premier and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak would leave his political career.

Pinij’s announcement has certainly added extra pressure on the caretaker premier who has recently campaigned very hard to make the October 15 general election become a reality.

About a month earlier, six key Cabinet members, including Pinij himself, met at a Bangkok hotel for a discussion about the TRT’s course of direction, in the light of two ‘u-turn’ political events – one was the top three courts nullification of the April 2 snap election, and another was the Supreme Court’s verdict of imprisonment of the former three election commissioners.

Even though the decree to hold the next general election on October 15 has been signed by His Majesty the King, the anti-Thaksin mood still prevails in the present political arena, as the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) vowed to campaign to oust caretaker premier Thaksin from power and to terminate the so-called ‘Thaksinocratic’ and ‘Thaksinomic’ systems.

Political pundits conclude that Thaksin still keeps his mouth tightly shut over whether he would seek another term as new government head, simply to keep the ruling TRT united as much as possible.

Obviously, the TRT is facing a dilemma. If Thaksin says right now he is taking a break, the party will face major splits and the TRT would not be able to win an absolute majority in the forthcoming general election.

However, if Thaksin announces he will certainly head the new government, he will face tougher resistance from the PAD and other opposition groups.

The same group of political analysts also believe that there has been bitter dissatisfaction over Thalksin’s dictatorial style of leadership and uncompromising attitude. The dissatisfaction has widened the hidden conflicts among the various factions within the TRT.

The meeting of key cabinet members and the recent announcement by Public Health Minister Pinij concerning his departure and Deputy Premier and Commerce Minister Somkid’s decision to terminate his political career indicates that Thaksin is becoming more isolated and the TRT will sooner or later face a day of reckoning.

Thaksin’s latest words about Pinij’s departure and the possibility of Somkid’s termination of his political and economic services to the TRT best illustrate the widening gap between him and his once most trusted colleages.

Thaksin was quoted as saying Wednesday he did not think Somkid’s departure would have any great impact on his government, especially when it came to business confidence.He emphasized that he was the major force in the government and everyone else was his helper.

What else could the beleaguered premier say to save his monopoly of power in the TRT and the huge benefits that flow to the business circles? Nothing illustrates his arrogance better than this statement about he being the only political and economic leader with the intelligence to run the Kingdom of Thailand.

From now on, every political movement, whether the TRT or oppostion groups, should be closely and vigilantly monitored by independent analysts.

- Business Day Editorial

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Suranand insists he would do his best in his work in politics

Mr. Suranand Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ), the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office insisted that he would perform his utmost in the political arena until the new round of general election is up. He has however declined to talk about his role after the election.

Mr. Suranand referred to the news claiming that two minister will not accept their political role after the new election. He said he hasn’t talked to Mr. Somkid Jatusripitak(สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์) and Mr. Pinit Jarusombat (พินิจ จารุสมบัติ) about such news yet.

However, he views that both ministers and himself will continue with their duties and will assist the interim government until the new general election takes place.

He added that he would still work for the public after election but would not talk about his political role.

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

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Suranand urges all sides to work together for the country

Mr. Suranand Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ), the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office has requested all parties to pick on politics and to work together for the people and the country.

Mr. Suranand has urged them to consider for a democratic regime. He suggested that the Thai people be supporters for democracy and push for a stronger economy as political disputes will create a negative impact on various sides.

Minister Suranand said new Election Commissioner should be established soon as to carry out the election transparently and acceptable by all sides.

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

[sriracha john]

Mr. Suranand urges all sides to work together for the country

Mr. Suranand Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ), the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office has requested all parties to pick on politics and...

Thanks Mr. Suranand, for giving us the green light to pick on politicians even more so than we were previously.

I'll try my best. Fortunately, there's lots of material that provides the opportunity, like this:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...st&p=854554

Edited August 19, 2006 by sriracha john

[Ricardo]

Mr. Suranand urges all sides to work together for the country

Mr. Suranand Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ), the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office has requested all parties to pick on politics and to work together for the people and the country.

Mr. Suranand has urged them to consider for a democratic regime. He suggested that the Thai people be supporters for democracy and push for a stronger economy as political disputes will create a negative impact on various sides.

Minister Suranand said new Election Commissioner should be established soon as to carry out the election transparently and acceptable by all sides.

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

Perhaps the acting caretaker minister might cast his mind back, and recall who it was that created the current confusion and negative impact, in a desperate attempt to hold on to his own job. Rather than resigning, letting the TRT government pick a new leader as PM, and avoiding the negative impact on the economy, as he might have done, in the country's best interests.

[Jai Dee]

TRT denies pressuring its leader Thaksin Shinawatra to take a political break

Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT) secretary-general Suriya Jungrungreangkit (สุริยะ จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ) denies party members are pressuring caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to take a political break.

Mr. Suriya said members still want Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin, the party leader, to contest the party list system in the general election and be No. 1 on the list.

Mr. Suriya said he believed voters have still supported TRT and Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin although an ABAC Poll survey found the people wanted caretaker deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak (สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์) to be the prime minister.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

The atmosphere at Chart Thai party leader’s residence is lively

The atmosphere at the Chart Thai party leader’s residence is lively; many members of the party and people from Suphanburi have come to his house to jointly celebrate his 74th birthday.

At Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silpa-archa’s (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) residence on Charunsanidwong 55 Road, party members comprising Deputy Leader Nikorn Jumnong (นิกร จำนงค์), Deputy head Somsak Prisana-nantakul (สมศักดิ์ ปริศนานันทกุล), Party Secretary Praphat Phothasuthon (ประภัตร โพธสุธน), Deputy Secretary-General Kasem Sorajakkasem (เกษม สรศักดิ์เกษม) and other members brought flower banquets and presents to join the birthday celebration.

Mr. Banharn said that at 10 am, he will reveal his opinion about the current political situation, including his party’s preparations for the upcoming poll.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 August 2006

[Ricardo]

This morning's TV-News says that DL & Mrs T went shopping at Paragon yesterday.

When TRT-supporters started chanting support for the beleaguered acting caretaker PM, a smaller group began to chant the familiar 'Thaksin Ow Bai' in response, so his bodyguards moved them off and then punched and kicked them.

Presumably there were no uniformed (or do I mean un-informed ?) Forestry-Department workers available to carry out their usual duties.

Hopefully the assault will be reported to the 'boys in brown'.

Edit: Oops, soory - just spotted very full reports of this, in the General-forum, Thanks SJ !

Edited August 21, 2006 by Ricardo

[sriracha john]

Somkid declines to reveal his post-election plans

Caretaker Deputy Premier and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who is seen as the favorite to replace caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra should he decide to step down, continued to keep mum on his political future yesterday and refused to respond to journalists’ inquiries.

After presiding over a religious ceremony commemorating the 86th anniversary of the establishment of the Commerce Ministry, Somkid was confronted by a large group of journalists who questioned him over reports that he had decided not to accept a Cabinet post should the Thai Rak Thai party form a government after the forthcoming election.

Yesterday was the first time the press corps had managed to pin Somkid down since Phinij Jarusombat, who is also a caretaker deputy premier as well as being health minister, publicly stated last week that he and Somkid had decided to take a political break after the upcoming election. Phinij subsequently apologized to Somkid after the latter was reported to be upset over Phinij’s statement.

Smiling and apparently in a jovial mood, Somkid declined to make any comment on politics or his future, saying only that there was still a lot of work to be done and that the reporters should go home.

Reports have also been circulating that Somkid, a former academic who used to lecture at the National Institute of Development Administration, has accepted a teaching job at Thammasat University.

ThaiDay

[John K]

This morning's TV-News says that DL & Mrs T went shopping at Paragon yesterday.

When TRT-supporters started chanting support for the beleaguered acting caretaker PM, a smaller group began to chant the familiar 'Thaksin Ow Bai' in response, so his bodyguards moved them off and then punched and kicked them.

Presumably there were no uniformed (or do I mean un-informed ?) Forestry-Department workers available to carry out their usual duties.

Hopefully the assault will be reported to the 'boys in brown'.

Edit: Oops, soory - just spotted very full reports of this, in the General-forum, Thanks SJ !

I came across this link while looking for something else not related to this thread. The website is for children who experience bullying and look to understand why. Below is an excerpt from the FAQ page. Seeing as Thaksin has now resorted to physical bullying I though it was a good read.

http://www.bullying.org/public/frameset.cfm

Why do people bully?

There are lots of reasons why people bully.

Bullying is a behaviour, it is something people learn. Bullies may also be bullied themselves, or they were bullied at one time or another in their lifetime. People bully because it makes them feel superior to others. They might get power and strength from bullying others. People bully to get attention. They think that it makes them popular, or that bullying may be a way to fit in. Bullying doesn't make someone popular or cool, it just makes them mean. People who bully are often scared about something about themselves, so they try to scare others to hide their feelings or pick on others so they won't get picked on first. People who bully are unhappy and they take out their unhappiness on others. People who bully feel little or no responsibility for their actions, and often feel the need to control others and may always feel the need to win. People who bully may be jealous of the people they are bullying. People who bully are unable to understand and appreciate the feelings of others. People who bully always choose the one person they know they can win against (basically bullies are chickens). People who bully are excellent observers of human behaviour.

People who bully use 'differences' to make victims feel badly about themselves, such as "You're ugly, stupid" etc. as an excuse for their bad behaviour. It's not the 'difference' in the victim that's the problem - it's the bullies who have the problem because they are afraid, jealous, envious, cruel, angry, insecure, and unhappy.

Remember, it's our "differences" that makes us special and unique. You should be proud of who you are. Don't let people who bully take that away from you. Don't give people who bully that power over you.

Even though people who bully cause a great deal of pain for others, they need help too. If they do not learn how to change their behaviours, they usually end up in trouble with the law. By age 24, 60 percent of people who were childhood bullies have at least one criminal conviction. People who continue to bully have many other problems as adults who show more alcoholism, antisocial personality disorders and need for mental health services.

Some people who bully may not even understand how wrong their behaviour is and how it makes the person being bullied feel.

The best defense against a people who bully is to LIKE YOURSELF, be CONFIDENT in YOURSELF, and DONT LOOK LIKE A VICTIM. You should never try to beat people who bully at their own game. You can't bully someone who bullies into not being a bully. If you need help, tell an adult you know and trust. It is hard to solve such problems on your own.

[hammered]

This morning's TV-News says that DL & Mrs T went shopping at Paragon yesterday.

When TRT-supporters started chanting support for the beleaguered acting caretaker PM, a smaller group began to chant the familiar 'Thaksin Ow Bai' in response, so his bodyguards moved them off and then punched and kicked them.

Presumably there were no uniformed (or do I mean un-informed ?) Forestry-Department workers available to carry out their usual duties.

Hopefully the assault will be reported to the 'boys in brown'.

Edit: Oops, soory - just spotted very full reports of this, in the General-forum, Thanks SJ !

No surprise there. All the violence in the politcal stand off has come from one side so far.

It is disappointing that a so called forward looking prime minister does not understand the role of public dissent and protest in a democracy. On the other hand it is good to see the Thai public do understand and use the role of dissent and protest in democracy. Democracy is more than winnign elections and the Thai people seem to be progressing quicker at embracing democracy than the people of the more established democracies did in the past. Good on the Thai people for showing their politicains the way, and at the same time setting a good example for others in the world. One can only hope that intimidation and fear will not stifle protest.

[John K]

I just posted this in SJ’s thread. The more I think about it the more concerned I am.

Thaksin failed to provoke violence all this year will rallies and gatherings. So now apparently decided to start the violence himself.

Prediction: First step to imposing martial law.

I hope I am wrong but I do recall some remarks Thaksin made when the PAD rallies started.

Thaksin needs some excuse to stop the chain of events that are closing in on him. I think we can all agree this is may be part of a strategy on Thaksin’s part to assume 100% control of all government agencies.

[Jai Dee]

TRT fully supports PM Thaksin Shinawatra to stay in politics

The Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT)’s support for its leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, remains unwavering as members want him to lead them to election victory once again.

TRT deputy spokesman Jatuporn Prompan (จตุพร พรหมพันธ์) said all former party MPs agreed Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin must be placed first on the list of candidates who will contest the general election under the party list system.

Mr. Jatuporn said Pol. Lt.Col. Thaksin also must accept the post of prime minister if TRT won the October poll. Without the caretaker prime minister leading the election campaigning, TRT could be in trouble, he said.

It has still been unclear what Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin will decide about his own political future.

TRT will hold its weekly meeting tomorrow to make preparations for the general election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 August 2006

[sriracha john]

TRT fully supports PM Thaksin Shinawatra to stay in politics

The Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT)’s support for its leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, remains unwavering as members want him to lead them to election victory once again.

TRT deputy spokesman Jatuporn Prompan said all former party MPs agreed Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin must be placed first on the list of candidates who will contest the general election under the party list system.

"all"???? Are you sure about that, Khun Jatuporn? There's fewer now than before, but there are still hundreds of them, remember. This "all" statement also conflicts with what other reports have said. Lastly, just to be sure if they are "all" agree to place him #1, are they "all" willing to sign a dated document attesting to that position?

Mr. Jatuporn said Pol. Lt.Col. Thaksin also must accept the post of prime minister if TRT won the October poll.

"must"???? Just why "must" he? Particularly when he has said in a staged, tearful appearance said he would not.

Without the caretaker prime minister leading the election campaigning, TRT could be in trouble, he said.

"could"???? I think they're already there, Khun Jatuporn...

It has still been unclear what Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin will decide about his own political future.

ok... so he doesn't know what he wants to do, but the Party already does and will decide for him????

TRT will hold its weekly meeting tomorrow to make preparations for the general election.

good luck... sounds like they need it..

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 August 2006

a great source for material...

Edited August 21, 2006 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

The Mahachon Party will support two of its political allies to be prime minister

The Mahachon Party will support either Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) or Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธ์ เวชชาชีวะ) to be the next prime minister other than its own leader.

Mahachon leader Sanan Kachornprasart (สนั่น ขจรประศาสน์) said his party will back either of the two political allies to head the new government if it does not win the general election in October.

Maj. Gen. Sanan said Mahachon will field 120 candidates in the Northeast in the poll. In Khon Kaen in particular, its candidates will run in all 11 constituencies.

He said the party will declare its policies on August 27th.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva will show his visions to Asian executives at a meeting in Indonesia

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธ์ เวชชาชีวะ) will attend the meeting of Asian leaders in Indonesia on August 23rd and 24th to show his visions to high-level political and business executives in the region.

Before he leaves for Indonesia, Mr. Abhisit will lead party members to gather public opinions on health issues for its declaration of the people’s agenda on health development which is part of its human development policy.

Today, the Democrats will meet parents at various child care centers in Bangkok where health programmes should be implemented.

They will discuss problems concerning health and medical services with officials at health centers tomorrow.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

TRT urges PAD and certain parties to stop promoting anti-Thaksin groups

Thai Rak Thai Party Spokesperson Sitha Tiwaree (ศิธา ทิวารี) has urged the People’s Alliance for Democracy or PAD and certain political parties to stop dispatching anti-Thaksin groups to places where the premier visits.

Squadron Leader Sitha said anti-Thaksin groups have been formed in many areas both in Bangkok and other provinces where Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra usually visited. He said the groups were formed to create chaos.

He added that the officials have reported that a group of 10-20 people will be formed from the PAD and also individuals from certain political parties at Central World Rama I where the premier would be visiting today.

He stated that such action should be halted and has urged the groups to follow the rules and to accept the general election and not to create situation to stir violence.

In the meantime, Deputy Spokesperson of TRT remarked that the confrontation of both groups at Siam Paragon shopping complex was rather a set-up scene.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 August 2006

[John K]

Four injured in scuffles between Thaksin's supporters, protesters

At least four people were injured and received treatment at the Police Hospital after protesters and supporters of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra clashed at Central World Plaza Monday afternoon.

The brief clashes occurred although the Metropolitan Police briefed up security at the mall in anticipation of protests by Thaksin's opponents. The Metropolitan Police deployed 12 policemen from each of eight police stations to keep law and order.

The clash occurred after Thaksin sneaked out of the mall by using an elevator at the back. He went to Central World Plaza to chair the opening ceremony of Digital TK Park.

While reporters were following Thaksin out of the shopping mall at the back gate, a group of small protesters ran after them and shouted abuses against the prime minister.

The supporters ran after the protesters, who were outnumbered, and surrounded them. The two sides then engaged in a quarrel and fist-fight.

Police later took two protesters to the Royal Thai Police headquarters nearby.

But several more clashes followed and four men were injured and taken to the Police Hospital nearby.

Senior police officers were heard on police radio ordering policemen at the area to arrest all who engaged in the fights.

On Saturday, the protesters and supporters of Thaksin also clashed in Siam Paragon after the protesters booed Thaksin who went there to open an exhibition to honour His Majesty the King.

The Nation

[John K]

I find this very disturbing to deliberately bring harm to children. I think Thaksin will find this will not go down well with all people Isaan included. There is an inherent response to protect the young even if they are not your own. If Thaksin is attacking young children, it won’t take much air time with that story to change the political outlook for the next election.

He lost my respect in May.

This month he insulted me along with every other person who is educated.

And now he is beating up small children.

From where I come from the people would treat him the same as a pedophile. He has hit a primal chord here and parents will react to protect their young. The passive protection approach would be to vote him out, the non passive method will be simply put him out of his misery.

The below are quotes from post #62 in Thaksin not returning as Pm thread.

Phongsri (pseudonym).

She said she was smiling at three children shouting for Thaksin to resign. She heard people shouting "Thaksin fight on" so responded by shouting "Seller of the country". Security staff approached her and assaulted the nearby children.

Yurachat Chatsutthichai - a university student who was photographed as he was punched by some of the prime minister's security staff.

He said he saw a five-year-old child shout out at Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Some of Thaksin's security team arrived soon after, grabbed his arms and punched him. He suspects the bodyguards thought he was the heckler.

The security staff also kicked the child before onlookers came to their aid.

"If it's this cruel in Bangkok, at Siam Paragon, in the heart of the city, in front of the prime minister and the media, what will happen to those disagreeing with the prime minister in remote areas? To be straight, I have begun to fear danger even in the city," he said.

Edited August 21, 2006 by John K

[penzman]

Police later took two protesters to the Royal Thai Police headquarters nearby.

And not a single pro-Thaksin goon made it there...

The Metropolitan Police deployed 12 policemen from each of eight police stations to keep law and order.

96 policemen on the scene and this situation is allowed to happen... I see the metro police is as efficient as the traffic police, wearing countless badges and decorations Another bunch that needs to be flushed.

Edited August 21, 2006 by penzman

[sriracha john]

As a father of two children who have both gone through the 5 year-old stage, I can attest to the fact they can be unruly at times and so I fully understand the need for nearly a hundred uniformed policemen in order to protect the PM from the verbal onslaught by one of them. If things were allowed to escalate, there's no telling where the 5 year-old would have stopped.... perhaps he might have even been so brash as to call the PM a "booger-face..."

or some other equally-powerful threat to national security.

[Tony Clifton]

TRT urges PAD and certain parties to stop promoting anti-Thaksin groups

Thai Rak Thai Party Spokesperson Sitha Tiwaree (ศิธา ทิวารี) has urged the People’s Alliance for Democracy or PAD and certain political parties to stop dispatching anti-Thaksin groups to places where the premier visits.

Squadron Leader Sitha said anti-Thaksin groups have been formed in many areas both in Bangkok and other provinces where Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra usually visited. He said the groups were formed to create chaos.

He added that the officials have reported that a group of 10-20 people will be formed from the PAD and also individuals from certain political parties at Central World Rama I where the premier would be visiting today.

He stated that such action should be halted and has urged the groups to follow the rules and to accept the general election and not to create situation to stir violence.

In the meantime, Deputy Spokesperson of TRT remarked that the confrontation of both groups at Siam Paragon shopping complex was rather a set-up scene.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 August 2006

Now THIS IS a load of fresh manure from the Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department!

The cameras tonight are clearly showing EC supporters who were already told by the court to lie low and steer clear from public protests. More faces were familiar from the events that took place in front of Sondhi's office building a while ago. Paid goons and yappers if you ask me.

TRT is clearly blaming the other side while all along they're the ones using any methods to cling on to power.

Edited August 21, 2006 by Tony Clifton

[Jai Dee]

The Women’s Movement for Political Reform urges political parties to field more women in the general election

The Women’s Movement for Political Reform will be out meeting leaders of big political parties to discuss the role of women in politics.

Amara Pongsapich (อมรา พงศาพิชญ์), the movement’s leader and dean of Chulalongkorn University’s faculty of political science, said the group will ask those parties to field in more female candidates in the forthcoming general election.

Mrs. Amara said support of the women’s role in politics is a step towards promotion of gender equality and development of women’s potential.

She said female lawmakers can also take part in drafting and amending laws to promote women’s rights.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry seeks a ban on monks getting involved in politics

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has asked the Sangha Council to bar Buddhist monks from performing rituals in ways that can be in the political interest of any party.

Ministry spokesman Surapong Wichakchaikul (สุรพงษ์ วิจักษณ์ชัยกุล) said the Democrat Party had brought some monks to its office to drive away bad luck on August 11 which was inappropriate as monks should stay away from politics.

Mr. Surapong said the ritual was carried out one day after Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat (ยงยุทธ ติยะไพรัช) went to the Democrat office to seek information about alleged corruption over some eucalyptus plantations from deputy party leader Alongkorn Pollabutr (อลงกรณ์ พลบุตร).

He alleged the Democrats had dragged the monks into politics and he was waiting to see how Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธ์ เวชชาชีวะ) will be responsible for that.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 August 2006

[hammered]

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry seeks a ban on monks getting involved in politics

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has asked the Sangha Council to bar Buddhist monks from performing rituals in ways that can be in the political interest of any party.

Ministry spokesman Surapong Wichakchaikul (สุรพงษ์ วิจักษณ์ชัยกุล) said the Democrat Party had brought some monks to its office to drive away bad luck on August 11 which was inappropriate as monks should stay away from politics.

Mr. Surapong said the ritual was carried out one day after Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat (ยงยุทธ ติยะไพรัช) went to the Democrat office to seek information about alleged corruption over some eucalyptus plantations from deputy party leader Alongkorn Pollabutr (อลงกรณ์ พลบุตร).

He alleged the Democrats had dragged the monks into politics and he was waiting to see how Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธ์ เวชชาชีวะ) will be responsible for that.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 August 2006

Thats a laugh. Doesnt the PM always try to be pictured with monks on his travels?

Anyway I'm sure Yuth dooyen could do with spending some time as a monk in a temple. After all his chosen path seems to have involved him in more than a few incidents of controversy. Not least the maching gunning of an elderly couples house that earned him his nick name.

[sriracha john]

Chuckling about why the "Tree Ministry" is asking the Sangha Council to control its monks... what on Earth is their connection to the issue.... other than their boss telling them to do so?

[Jai Dee]

Constitutional Court to discuss Mr. Suchon's appeal with Aug. 24th

The Constitutional Court will have a meeting with the judiciary on August 24th to discuss the Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua’s appeal on the interpretation of the five National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) candidates’ qualifications.

Mr. Paiboon Vrahapaitoon (ไพบูลย์ วราหะไพทูรย์), the Constitutional Court Office Secretary, said the court has received Mr. Suchon’s appeal. The Senate Speaker asks the Constitution Court to consider the problem relating to the Senate’s authority in selecting the NCCC members. Mr. Paiboon said the deliberation on this issue should be within August 24th.

He also stated that the reason the Constitutional Court has decided to accept Mr. Suchon’s appeal is due to the conflict between the NCCC selection committee and the Senate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 August 2006

[Ricardo]

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry seeks a ban on monks getting involved in politics

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has asked the Sangha Council to bar Buddhist monks from performing rituals in ways that can be in the political interest of any party.

Ministry spokesman Surapong Wichakchaikul (สุรพงษ์ วิจักษณ์ชัยกุล) said the Democrat Party had brought some monks to its office to drive away bad luck on August 11 which was inappropriate as monks should stay away from politics.

Mr. Surapong said the ritual was carried out one day after Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat (ยงยุทธ ติยะไพรัช) went to the Democrat office to seek information about alleged corruption over some eucalyptus plantations from deputy party leader Alongkorn Pollabutr (อลงกรณ์ พลบุตร).

He alleged the Democrats had dragged the monks into politics and he was waiting to see how Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธ์ เวชชาชีวะ) will be responsible for that.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 August 2006

Thats a laugh. Doesnt the PM always try to be pictured with monks on his travels?

Anyway I'm sure Yuth dooyen could do with spending some time as a monk in a temple. After all his chosen path seems to have involved him in more than a few incidents of controversy. Not least the maching gunning of an elderly couples house that earned him his nick name.

I thought that our acting caretaker PM was more of a believer in fortune-tellers, especially ones who cost a fortune, but tell him whatever he wants to hear ?

[Tony Clifton]

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry seeks a ban on monks getting involved in politics

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 August 2006