Royal Decree Sets Oct 15 Election Date

[Jai Dee]

ABAC Poll finds more than half of samples in Bangkok want caretaker PM Thaksin Shinawatra to stay out of politics

About 54% of people in Bangkok surveyed by ABAC Poll want caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to leave politics, at least temporarily.

Poll director Noppadon Kannika (นพดล กรรณิกา) said of these people, 29.1% want Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin to take a political break and 25.2% want him to resign as caretaker prime minister.

Mr. Noppadon said 42% support Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin and want him to continue administering the country.

He said 74.1% agree there should be a general election on October 15 and 64.9% believe the election can help end political uncertainties.

Mr. Noppadon, however, said ABAC Poll found that more than 50% of those in the provinces still support Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin.

The prime minister himself declined to name prospective candidates for the premiership, saying his Thai Rak Thai Party has a lot of quality members.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Commander reminds army to monitor current situation and not take sides

Supreme Commander Ruangroj Mahasaranond (เรืองโรจน์ มหาศรานนท์) has reminded his army comrades to moitor the current situation in the country especially in security. However, Gen Ruangroj reminded the Thai Army to stay neutral and not take sides.

Speaking after presiding over the meeting of forces, Gen Ruangroj said the Army should be cautious in its action as the current political situation is still very sensitive.

As for rumors floating about regarding assassination plots against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Gen Ruangroj said that his unit has not received such report yet. However, he has assigned authorities to ensure security, to prevent the possible violence.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

TRT is not certain about sweeping election victory in the Northeast

Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party deputy leader Thammarak Israngkura na Ayutthaya (ธรรมรักษ์ อิศรางกูร ณ อยุธยา) concedes he is not certain that TRT will win back all of its lower house seats in the Northeast in the October 15 general election.

Gen. Thammarak, also TRT election director for the Northeast, said he needs to see who the contenders are and from what parties. At this moment, he still was not sure whether TRT candidates could be elected in the constituencies the party won in last year’s general election.

Gen. Thammarak said most of the candidates who will run in the Northeast are former MPs from that region.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 July 2006

[Siripon]

The General himself could be running fairly soon after the election, Newin Chidchorp has now taken over some of his duties for the election campaign and of course the General himself is the main target of the Constitutional Court's verdict regarding paying small parties to run.

Regarding TRT, there was an interesting comment in one of the papers today saying some ministers are considering asking Thaksin to take a break whilst ploughing on with his populist policies, figuring the rural voters are more attached to his policies than him.

A feasible idea but could Thaksin stand it? Could he bear or dare to have someone else as PM from TRT?

I can't see it.

Edited July 28, 2006 by Siripon

[lukamar]

figuring the rural voters are more attached to his policies than him.

From the people in the North that I have talked to, some like him some don't, but they all feel connected with him with a sort of "he's one of us" view. They all seem to feel that he's working for them and their area and is not looked at as being from somewhere they do not relate to. It's very hard to put into words.

If Thaksin takes a break, the TRT would/should install another MP from the North/Northeast as PM and capitalize on that "he's a neighbor" feeling. That probably won't go down well in Bangkok or the south but those are not major TRT areas anyway.

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai, Democrat, and Mahachon leaders will have lunch together to talk about politics and election

Three former opposition parties will have lunch together today so they can jointly assess the current political situation and the preparation for the October 15th election.

Mr. Ong-art Klampaiboon, the Democrat Spokesman, said Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa, and Mahachon leader Sanan Kajornprasart will have lunch at Chon Ngen Chon Tong Restaurant at 12:00 hours today.

According to Mr. Ong-art, the core members of the opposition parties will not have any of political agreements, as each party has its own distinctive policies.

However, the three political leaders will discuss on ways to work for the good of the country and its people.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 31 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party demands PM to cancel his radio show

The Democrat Party has called for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to stop running the “Prime Minister Thaksin Talks to the People” radio programme. However, if he insists to carry on, it would be justified for other political parties to be allowed to broadcast similar presentations.

Mr. Sathit Pitutaecha, the Democrat Deputy Spokesman, commented on Prime Minister Thaksin’s firm statement that the purpose of his radio show is to update the political situation to the Thai audience. However, Mr. Sathit claimed that the programme is taking advantages of other political parties and the upcoming general election is also closing in. Therefore, in order to bring about fairness and unity in this election, he has suggested for the Prime Minister to stop airing the programme. Otherwise, other parties have to be allowed to run such shows as well, so members of the public would be informed from all sides.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ong-art Klampaiboon, the Democrat Spokesperson, said the government has to make political issues transparent if it does not want to instigate rumors. He further said the government should not use its authority to obstruct the media and it should truly listen to public opinions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 31 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Chart Thai Party announces it is ready to be the government

The Chart Thai Party announces it is ready to be the government and that it will give top priority to sufficiency economy policy.

Chart Thai deputy leader Weerasak Kowsurat (วีระศักดิ์ โควสุรัตน์) said the party now has all the tools of a good administration, including quality members and policy platform.

Mr. Weerasak said during election campaigning, the party will sell to voters its policies on sufficiency economy, corruption elimination, education promotion and political reform.

Chart Thai will also make voters understand that populist policies have done the country more harm than good, he said.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 31 July 2006

[chownah]

Democrat Party demands PM to cancel his radio show

The Democrat Party has called for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to stop running the “Prime Minister Thaksin Talks to the People” radio programme. However, if he insists to carry on, it would be justified for other political parties to be allowed to broadcast similar presentations.

Mr. Sathit Pitutaecha, the Democrat Deputy Spokesman, commented on Prime Minister Thaksin’s firm statement that the purpose of his radio show is to update the political situation to the Thai audience. However, Mr. Sathit claimed that the programme is taking advantages of other political parties and the upcoming general election is also closing in. Therefore, in order to bring about fairness and unity in this election, he has suggested for the Prime Minister to stop airing the programme. Otherwise, other parties have to be allowed to run such shows as well, so members of the public would be informed from all sides.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ong-art Klampaiboon, the Democrat Spokesperson, said the government has to make political issues transparent if it does not want to instigate rumors. He further said the government should not use its authority to obstruct the media and it should truly listen to public opinions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 31 July 2006

This seems like a reasonable request. If Toxin makes a media presentation which is covered by a news network then I think that the same news network should provide equal time to the opposition. It seems to me that this is a policy in the US so there is even a precedent for this.

[chownah]

The Chart Thai Party announces it is ready to be the government

The Chart Thai Party announces it is ready to be the government and that it will give top priority to sufficiency economy policy.

Chart Thai deputy leader Weerasak Kowsurat (วีระศักดิ์ โควสุรัตน์) said the party now has all the tools of a good administration, including quality members and policy platform.

Mr. Weerasak said during election campaigning, the party will sell to voters its policies on sufficiency economy, corruption elimination, education promotion and political reform.

Chart Thai will also make voters understand that populist policies have done the country more harm than good, he said.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 31 July 2006

I'm very happy to hear that Chat Thai Party has all of its administrative tools in order....and I'm glad that they have outlined the areas which their policies cover. Now I hope that they put these tools to good use and flesh out the outline of their policies with some substantial details and then get that message out to the voters. Doing this is what real democracy is all about...in my opinion.

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai requests PM to be careful with his words

Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silpa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) has asked Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra to be careful with his words as they can cause negative consequences again. He said they can deter the reconciliation process.

In regard to the premier’s trip to the northern and northeastern regions, Mr. Banharn said that the trip was made before the electoral royal decree would be issued, and therefore, the premier can travel to those areas. However, if the trip was made after the electoral royal decree, it would be considered inappropriate.

The Chart Thai leader also commented that Thailand’s political arena would be livelier as he referred to the new Pracharaj Party, founded by political veteran Sanoh Thienthong (เสนาะ เทียนทอง).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

Caretaker PM will have dinner talk with Burma's military junta

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will take an unprecedented trip to Burma today, an informed source said on Wednesday.

Thaksin will depart around noon, the source said, agenda of his brief visit is still unclear. Thaksin will meet senior Burma officials during the visit and will have dinner with them before returning to Bangkok in the evening.

His visit came days after Asean countries, including Thailand, issued statement demanding Burma to have political reform. However the statement failed to mention about Aung San Suu Kyi who has been in detention for years.

Thai Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai who is contesting for UN top post said in the sideline of Asean meeting in Kuala Lumpur last week that he will take up Burma issues if he is elected.

Source: The Nation - 2 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Teerayuth: judical power has an importance on Thailand's political development

Thammasart University’s academic Teerayuth Boonmee (ธีรยุทธ บุญมี) viewed that the judicial power is playing a key role in Thailand’s political development. However, he indicated that the country will still deal with the political crisis for awhile even though the new election commissioners will be designated.

According to His Majesty the King’s speech on April 25th, Mr. Teerayuth said that His Majesty has caused a crucial development in Thai politics, as the judicial power can help resolve the conflicts in the society. In addition, politicians have to be more careful in using the power of the court because they will also be examined.

He said that political tension is subsiding but has not ended yet.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 August 2006

[jdinasia]

Seems rather clear that some people have forgotten that the three branches of government are supposed to balance each other ....

The last official election spun everything out of balance when the parlaiment could not censure the executive and the judicial was completely subborned or ignored.

Since then we have seen the people insist on balance being restored.

All that is REALLY gonna take is TRT to have a smaller margin of control in the parlaiment and to re-establish the independant judiciary and oversite groups ... the EC and the NCCC etc being foremost

[Jai Dee]

The Democrat Party plans to restructure the energy sector to help cut retail oil prices if it wins the election

The Democrat Party pledges to restructure the energy sector to help cut retail oil prices if it is elected the government.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธ์ เวชชาชีวะ) said the party believed it could make motorists pay 2.50 baht cheaper per litre of oil after restructuring the management of the Oil Fund, PTT Public Company Limited and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.

Mr. Abhisit said the party also has measures to reduce electricity rates. He said the party is preparing its energy policy and will today discuss with labour leaders on minimum wage adjustment.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM reveals the purpose of his trip to Myanmar

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has disclosed the purpose of his recent trip to Myanmar. He said this visit will cover the discussion on all types of cooperation between both countries, including bilateral and multilateral levels.

At around 12:30 hours today, Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin talked about his abrupt trip to Myanmar. He said Foreign Affairs Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan, and Army Commander-in-Chief Sonthi Boonyaratkalin will also travel to Thailand’s neighboring country with him.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 August 2006

[chownah]

Bilateral and multilateral cooperation? boy I'm glad he explained exactly why he was going........

[Netfan]

Pick up a few tips on how to deal with these pesky critics??

[Martin]

"Bilateral and multilateral cooperation"

Don't these Thai reporters probe what the words mean?

Are we supposed just to be impressed by the length of them?

[John K]

Hmmm maybe it means Hi neighbor, can I borrow your army, mine is not working right...... .

[Plus]

Remember how he crossed to Burma and back pretend that he left the coutry, to clear his bad karma.

[Netfan]

Looking at (early) retirement property? Checking out the size of safe-deposit boxes in local banks?

[Jai Dee]

A police motorcycle – part of a motorcade protecting caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra – collided with a car on the way to Bangkok’s military airport yesterday. The car owner was in a serious condition and a policeman was injured. Thaksin was on his way to Burma to meet with junta leaders.

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gestures while explaining to reporters how an accident involving his motorcade took place en route to Don Muang military airport yesterday.

Source: The Nation - 3 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thailand urges Suu Kyi release timeframe

Thailand says it was disappointed at military-ruled Burma's refusal to put a timeframe on the release of detained democracy icon and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"Our position is clear. We would like to see them move quickly in the process of national reconciliation and democracy," Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon told Reuters after a surprise one-day trip to see Burma junta supremo, Than Shwe.

"They are in the process of consideration, but no concrete timeframe," he said. "It is disappointing."

Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy (NLD) party won a 1990 election landslide only to be denied power by the army, has been in jail or under house arrest for more than 10 of the last 17 years.

Her latest period of detention is now more than three years long.

Kantathi accompanied Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on the sudden trip to the junta's new jungle capital at Naypyitaw, near Pyinmana, the first foreign leader to visit there.

He was accompanied by army chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin, as well as the agriculture and environment ministers, stoking speculation about possible hidden agendas for the trip.

Thaksin said the visit involved "multilateral and bilateral issues", but declined to elaborate.

However, Kantathi said the two sides also discussed bird flu, illegal Burma workers in Thailand and the narcotics industry on the Burma side of the border.

Thailand is one of the former Burma's biggest foreign investors and trading partners, particularly in telecommunications and energy.

In line with its colleagues in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Thailand has preferred a policy of "constructive engagement" with Yangon's recalcitrant generals over the sanctions and isolation favoured by Europe and the United States.

Source: AAP - Thursday Aug 3 2006

[sriracha john]

*photo replaced by one with a different angle* (Manager Online)

A police motorcycle - part of a motorcade protecting caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra - collided with a car on the way to Bangkok's military airport yesterday. The car owner was in a serious condition and a policeman was injured. Thaksin was on his way to Burma to meet with junta leaders.

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gestures while explaining to reporters how an accident involving his motorcade took place en route to Don Muang military airport yesterday.

Sorry, but that photo is JUST BEGGING for a different comment line or an inserted balloon statement. It's almost tooooooo difficult to resist.

Edited August 3, 2006 by sriracha john

[Losangels]

[Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gestures while explaining to reporters how an accident involving his motorcade took place en route to Don Muang military airport yesterday.

Source: The Nation - 3 August 2006

Caretaker PM Thaksin Shinawatra slapping a reporter that questioned about whether the trip was personal business related.

[Jai Dee]

PM insists that his yesterday trip to Myanmar was not involved with his business

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra affirmed that his trip to Myanmar yesterday was unrelated with his own business.

The premier claimed his abrupt trip to Myanmar yesterday was to discuss on matters related to politics, economy, and social affairs. He said that he did not inform his schedule as Myanmar was not ready to welcome leaders of foreign countries. He said that he cannot reveal the details of the issues that he had discussed with the representatives of Myanmar.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that all discussed issues are beneficial for every side, including Asean members. He also denied that this trip was to pave way for his business as many units had claimed earlier.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin mum on visit to Myanmar

Reporters gather around a damaged police car that collided with the lead car of Thaksin’s motorcade on the way to the air force airport. Three people were injured in the crash.

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gave little away last night after returning from a surprise visit to military-ruled Myanmar, insisting the trip was strictly to discuss bilateral issues with the junta’s top brass.

On his return to Bangkok last night, Thaksin sidestepped reporters’ questions about the purpose of his visit, insisting his meeting with Myanmar’s leader Gen Than Shwe was to talk about “social, economic and political matters.”

Asked if he had made an attempt to negotiate the release of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Thaksin said: “I don’t know, I cannot say.”

The premier met the generals at the new administrative center of Naypyidaw, which is nestled in the jungles near Pyinmana, 400km north of Yangon.

Thaksin was the first high level visitor to the government’s new administrative capital, which some analysts say was created either out of paranoia of a US invasion or Gen Than Shwe’s obsession with astrology.

The hastily arranged visit came amid increasing international pressure on Myanmar to free Suu Kyi and speed up its democratic reforms.

Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratakalin, Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon, Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan, and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat also made the trip.

Government officials were not available for comment yesterday while the Foreign Ministry said it was not in a position to speak about the high-level visit.

On the way to the air force airport, three people were wounded when a highway police car collided with the lead car of the motorcade.

Four cars were badly damaged as a result of the head-on smash-up, which injured both drivers and one other as the cars spun out of control.

Kraisak Choonhaven, a former chairman of the Senate foreign affairs committee and staunch critic of Thailand’s “constructive engagement” policy with the junta, speculated that Thaksin’s visit may be trade related.

“I’m surprised Thaksin made this trip to meet with the Burmese dictator without prior planning,” he said. “But I suspect this might be more business than diplomacy.”

Thailand is one of the biggest investors in Myanmar, mainly in its telecommunications and energy sectors. It pumped more than US$1.3 billion into 55 projects in the country last year.

Source: ThaiDay - 3 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

Democrat and Mahachon congratulate the inauguration of Royal People Party

Two former opposition parties, namely Democrat and Mahachon, congratulated the inauguration of the Royal People Party.

The Royal People Party held an opening ceremony at TPI Building this morning, and the atmosphere was generally lively, as members from many political sides came to the event to offer their wishes. Some of them include Mahachon leader Sanan Kajornprasart and Democrat Secretary-General Suthep Thuagsuban.

During the ceremony, Mr. Suthep praised the Royal People leader, Mr. Sanoh Thienthong, saying that he has truly worked for democracy and the people of the country. In addition, the Democrat is ready to work together with the Royal People, while announcing that it is ready to be a political alliance regardless of the election result.

Mr. Snoh unveiled the party’s signboard on the 18th floor of TPI building this morning.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party's plan to cut energy prices is criticized as impractical

Caretaker Energy Minister Viset Choopiban (วิเศษ จูภิบาล) criticizes the Democrat Party’s plan to cut retail oil prices by 2.50 baht per litre and cut contributions to the Oil Fund as impractical.

Mr. Viset said the cut would only cause financial problems to the Oil Fund. Contributions to the fund have already been low at less than one baht from sales of every litre of gasoline and diesel oil, he said.

Mr. Viset said that at present, 85 satang from sales of a litre of diesel is sent to the fund. As for gasoline, the contribution will reduce to 54 satang per litre after sales of octane 95 are scrapped in December.

He said the government opted not to subsidize petrol prices as a way to make users to help save energy.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 August 2006