EC Guilty!

[jdinasia]

Once the individuals have been selected then the names are then handed over to the Senate, who will form a series of panels to ensure that the nominated individuals are eligable to be Election Commissioners.

A couple of thoughts having nothing to do with the guilt or innocence of the EC....

Did the past EC manage to get the remaining Senators endorsed before they were jailed? If not the New Senate can't sit to endorse the EC so can the Caretaker Senate endorse an all new EC legally?

The Supreme Court may well have also breached the constitution in the last few months in refusing to nominate replacement EC candidates to the Senate in the appropriate time allotment as outlined in the constitution, 45 days from the time the post became vacant.

"3) the nominations under (1) and (2) shall be made within thirty days as from the date when a ground for the selection of persons to be in such office occurs. In the case where the Selective Committee under (1) is unable to make nomination, or unable to make nomination in the complete number, within the prescribed time, the Supreme Court of Justice shall, at its general meeting, make nomination to obtain the complete number within fifteen days as from the date of the expiration of the nomination time under (1);"

With the current EC getting a prison sentences. Who in their right mind would want to put their head on the block and become an Commissioner at this time, unless they have something major to gain from it?

Any decent reputable person that hasn't been bought off by TRT? great esteem in that job ... and a decent paycheck!

[skippybangkok]

Same treatment ? Well, most prisoners get held in big cell in the belly of the court, and then jump on a big bus.. with armed guards either side. To be sent in a white van with aircon - dont look like normal treatment to me.

Wether they stay there or not is beside the point, the fact that publicly they have been given a kiss up the rear end has sent shock waves through the system. I never thought it could happen.

Its clear that Taksin is loosing his strangle hold on things, cause if he was still in control, the Court would have said "no problem" as we have seen over the last few years.

This country is fortunate to have a wise and respected head - and I dont mean Taksin. Without him, Taksin would have taken all.

[Plus]

All of this fits nicely in conspiracy theory against Thaksin.

First there was military reshuffle that removed the link between Thaksin appointed top commanders and ground troops, then there was an election decree - to put the election process in motion and deny grounds for any coup, and put a deadline on Thaksin, too. Then the EC was jailed, without bail, to show that they mean business this time.

And the best part is that Thaksin didn't see it coming - he lost the plot when he thought the election decree was signed to accomodate him and asked the Supreme Court to fill two vacant EC seats.

With this verdict it's understandable why the decree had to be signed before the court verdict.

[sriracha john]

Chart Thai Party deputy leader Chuwit Kamol visit brought fried rice and iced coffee to the three commissioners, who spent last night in jail after the Appeals Court refused them bail. What a great character he is. :D

Prison welcomes EC three

The Bangkok Special Prison yesterday dusted off its welcome mat for the three election commissioners convicted by the Criminal Court for malfeasance in the organising of re-elections on April 23. A prison official said Election Commission chairman Pol Gen Wasana Permlap, and the other two commissioners _ Prinya Nakchudtree and Veerachai Naewboonnien _ would be held in the 11th cell of the first zone.

The commissioners were sent to spend last night behind bars after the Appeals Court refused to grant them bail.

They had appealed to the Supreme Court for bail, and the court is expected to give its ruling today.

They were given clothing and other items for personal use, as well as copies of an inmate's handbook. They were not allowed to take in any other item supplied by their families except T-shirts and shorts.

The jail official said the trio must get up at 6am this morning to exercise and answer roll call just like all other inmates. Their families were allowed to bring them meals for their first breakfast in jail. To aid in helping them to get used to prison life quickly, their families brought them smelly fish-heads and 3 day-old rice for their breakfast. If they were not released on bail within seven days, the prison may consider sending them separately to different jail zones.

Corrections Department chief Natthee Chitsawang ordered a strict surveillance on all their visitors to guarantee safety for the trio.

A source said they were treated to dinner yesterday prepared by Chuan Chom, a restaurant run by the department.

Earlier, deputy Chart Thai party leader Chuwit Kamolvisit paid the trio a visit at the Criminal Court, bringing along fried rice and iced coffee for them.

Mr Chuwit, who was greeted with loud boos from the trio's sympathisers, said he wanted to give the trio his moral support although some of their supporters felt he came just to ''rub it in''.

BP

[Jai Dee]

Three election commissioners have already been sent to Bangkok Special Prison

Three election commissioners have already been sent to Bangkok Special Prison after the Criminal Court convicted them of violating the election law and sentenced them to four years in jail.

The Appeals Court denied bail for Pol. Gen. Wasana Permlarp (วาสนา เพิ่มลาภ), Parinya Nakchatree (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรีย์) and Weerachai Naewboon-nian (วีระชัย แนวบุญเนียน).

Justice deputy permanent-secretary Thongthong Chandarangsu (ธงทอง จันทรางศุ) said the three commissioners have been separated from other prisoners. Since they are high-level state officials, they will be treated with some respect but within the framework of the law, Mr. Thongthong said.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Warin: the Criminal Court's verdict to sentence three election commissioners leads the positive development to the country’s politic.

Secretary General of the PollWatch Foundation, Mr. Warin Thiamcharas (วรินทร์ เทียมจรัส), indicated the verdict of the Criminal Court to sentence the three Election Commissioners leads to positive development of Thailand's political situation.

He spoke about the country's future political direction, following the imprisonments of the three EC members. He said their roles have ended and the Supreme Court will start to select five new EC members. He said that the Supreme Court will initially look for ten suitable people, and then, the caretaker senators will select five of them. He said that the process is supposed to be complete within October 15th, but if not, an expansion of the period on holding the new election must be requested.

He views that the new election commissioners should have knowledge on the laws and must be able to simultaneously maintain justice and transparency in their works.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

Process to select five new EC members should kick off soon

The Supreme Court should soon begin the process to name 10 nominees to the senate to vote five of them to the Election Commission (EC).

Court secretary Wirat Chinwinijkul (วิรัช ชินวินิจกุล) said the 10 nominees will be selected from among 86 Supreme Court judges who have the right to attend the court’s general assembly.

Mr. Wirat said the judges will call a secret vote and the 10 who are nominated must receive support of at least half of the judges at the general assembly.

He said the five new EC members should be appointed before August 24 which is the day the royal decree calling the general election on October 15 will take effect.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 July 2006

[Old Man River]

All of this fits nicely in conspiracy theory against Thaksin.

First there was military reshuffle that removed the link between Thaksin appointed top commanders and ground troops, then there was an election decree - to put the election process in motion and deny grounds for any coup, and put a deadline on Thaksin, too. Then the EC was jailed, without bail, to show that they mean business this time.

And the best part is that Thaksin didn't see it coming - he lost the plot when he thought the election decree was signed to accomodate him and asked the Supreme Court to fill two vacant EC seats.

With this verdict it's understandable why the decree had to be signed before the court verdict.

Still, at this point it is hard to see any outcome of the next election other than a TRT victory. This election will be, perhaps, the fairest on record as everybody will be watching closely for vote buying. However, if the comments we have read and heard are correct, then upcountry (outside of Bangkok) still supports the TRT, therein making the real issue being whether the PM will stand in as PM or bow out in favor of ??? Behind the scenes these discussions are intense. Does the PM trust any of the Paesano 6, or can he get comfortable with Banharn? He knows if he stands in as PM again, the issue of his personal gains will be first and foremost in the press and PAD and he does not wish these discussions to be on everyone's minds. Hence, I think he is trying to get comfortable with someone and then bow out. But who???

[Plus]

As the goal of the conspiracy is to remove Thaksin then it's irrelevant who wins the elections.

That is, if there's a conspiracy, by the "charismatic person".

In September courts will rule in criminal case agaisnt Thaksin brought by that American businessman. If convicted, Thaksin will be forced out of the picture. Or Constitution Court might rule on TRT dissolution before the elections.

Judging my yesterday's verdict, Thaksin has every reason to be afraid, to be very afraid.

Then there's PAD that will most likely to come out in numbers if Thaksin takes PMship again. Those numbers forced Thaksin to "abdicate" once already.

If Thaksin is engaged in backdoor dealings now, they are likely to involve his safe exit rather than his third PM stunt.

[hammered]

All of this fits nicely in conspiracy theory against Thaksin.

First there was military reshuffle that removed the link between Thaksin appointed top commanders and ground troops, then there was an election decree - to put the election process in motion and deny grounds for any coup, and put a deadline on Thaksin, too. Then the EC was jailed, without bail, to show that they mean business this time.

And the best part is that Thaksin didn't see it coming - he lost the plot when he thought the election decree was signed to accomodate him and asked the Supreme Court to fill two vacant EC seats.

With this verdict it's understandable why the decree had to be signed before the court verdict.

Still, at this point it is hard to see any outcome of the next election other than a TRT victory. This election will be, perhaps, the fairest on record as everybody will be watching closely for vote buying. However, if the comments we have read and heard are correct, then upcountry (outside of Bangkok) still supports the TRT, therein making the real issue being whether the PM will stand in as PM or bow out in favor of ??? Behind the scenes these discussions are intense. Does the PM trust any of the Paesano 6, or can he get comfortable with Banharn? He knows if he stands in as PM again, the issue of his personal gains will be first and foremost in the press and PAD and he does not wish these discussions to be on everyone's minds. Hence, I think he is trying to get comfortable with someone and then bow out. But who???

His safest option would be a government of national unity involving all parties. However, this means sharing the ministries with more people and is hence more difficult for him to pull off.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Does this mean that those duly convicted and sentenced won't get bail to allow them to follow their current idea for all three to become monks ? LOL

[terry57]

its a brilliant decision to give big tiger a bite of these guys.

but being los we all know that money talks and id say that they will be doing real hard time in a freaking five star cell, complete with telli, aircon, hotwater,spa and just for a giggle we'll throw in a few girls from soi cowboy.

but im having a rethink on all that and i'll bet a six pack of chang they get a suspended sentence after appeal.

[george]

One is out already:

Veerachai taken to Chulalongkorn Hopsital

Prison guards took Election Commission member Veerachai Naewboonnien to Chulalongkorn Hospital for kidney dialysis at noon Wednesday.

Officials said Veerachai became ill during his detention at the Bangkok Reman Prison Tuesday night because he could not sleep well.

He was taken to the hospital at 25 minutes past noon.

-- The Nation 2006-07-26

[dr_Pat_Pong]

What can you say ? LOL

[asd]

Bangkok, - THAILAND : Policemen stand guard (Commando policemen ? ) in front of the criminal court in Bangkok, 25 July 2006 as supporters of the Thai Election Commission shout slogans. The three members of Thailand's election commission were sentenced to four years in prison after the court found them guilty of malfeasance in the handling of April's inconclusive election.

AFP PHOTO/PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL

by Boonradom Chitradon, July 25, 2006

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand's three top electoral officials were sentenced to prison Tuesday over their handling of April's inconclusive polls, in a victory for rivals of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

       

       Bangkok's criminal court sentenced the three members of the election commission (EC) to four years in prison, ruling that they had illegally acted in favor of candidates from Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party.

       

       The sentence strips them of their offices but the three commissioners vowed to file an appeal -- a move not thought likely to succeed as members of the Supreme Court have repeatedly urged the commissioners to resign.

       

       The TRT won the April 2 election, but the victory was undermined by an opposition boycott that left dozens of seats empty.

       

       The charges against the commissioners stemmed from their attempt to organize re-runs of the elections to fill the empty seats. The court ruled that the handling of the re-runs illegally benefited Thaksin's party.

       

       "The constitution requires that the EC must be politically neutral and honest to organize free and fair elections," the court said in its verdict.

       

       "But the facts in this case prove that the EC organized elections that were not free and fair and that violated the constitution," it said.

       

       The constitutional court has already invalidated the election results, clearing the way for new polls on October 15.

       

       Thaksin said the latest ruling would not delay the elections and denied that his party had received any unfair advantage.

       

       "Everything proceeded according to the rules," he said.

       

       But the verdict marked a victory for Thaksin's rivals, who have accused the commission of bias that they warned would threaten the credibility of the new elections.

       

       The case was filed by the opposition Democrat Party, which praised the verdict and urged the court not to grant the commissioners bail.

       

       "I will argue against granting them bail, to make sure that they cannot resume their work or continue their endless mistakes that have damaged our country," party official Thaworn Senniam told reporters.

       

       The verdict brings Thailand one step closer to resolving months of political crisis and to ensuring that the new elections produce a government, analysts said.

       

       "Both political parties and business leaders wanted to see the election commissioners resign," said Thanavath Phonvichai, professor at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

       

       "If a new set of commissioners are appointed, that will minimize complaints about unfair elections."

       

       Government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said the process to replace the commissioners would begin immediately.

       

       Thaksin's problems began in January, when his family earned 1.9 billion dollars from a tax-free sale of telecom stock.

       

       That angered Bangkok's middle classes, who took to the streets for months to demand Thaksin's resignation over alleged corruption.

       

       Thaksin called elections to end the protests but the opposition boycott foiled his plan and plunged the kingdom deeper into political turmoil, which has also become a drain on the economy.

       

       Leaders of the anti-Thaksin protests had vowed to return to the streets if the election commissioners organized the new polls.

       

       Somsak Kosaisook, one of the protest leaders, said the anti-Thaksin movement still wanted the premier to resign.

       

       "If he remains in office, he will continue to interfere in every issue. If he resigns, the problem will disappear," he said.

[terry57]

What can you say ? LOL

yes im hearing you dr pong,

all said and done the only punters who spit the dummy are the ones who think there in a law court in some european country and justice is administered in the same fashion.

cricky's they need to lighten up a bit and realise this is good old los and things are a tad different here.

a fella just has to pay a little bit a tea money to the officials as they are only human after all and get real thirsty.

problem is that they got that much tea money there buying up all the tea in los and that can be a problem when john want a nice cuppa.

hey dr pong,

were did you get that cracker name as its a real nice one.

respect my good and learn'ed friend

[Plus]

His safest option would be a government of national unity involving all parties. However, this means sharing the ministries with more people and is hence more difficult for him to pull off.

I'm afraid he stepped on toes too big for ministerial posts, and people eager to get into the cabinet do not have a say in what happens to him.

the CIA better change their credit rating on Thailand

now it says stable democratic country

NOT

I dont see this as a positive move I see it as another straw to break the back.

It shows this country is not politically stable

Add this to all the other nonsense thats gone on over the past 5 years and Thailand really needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat or else OS investment will go to Malaysia and Vietnam

If they haven't changed their ratings after letter to Bush, or when EC allowed candidates to hop constituencies - run here this week, run there next, or when Thaksin "resigned" on April 4, or when Thaksin was aqcuited by Constitutional Court back in 2001, then it's too late now.

Thailand is moving from stable dictatorship to unstable democracy.

Theoretically it would be nicer if the changes were forced by people themselves, if the courts reacted to peoples protests earlier in the year, but that's the uniqueness of Thailand - the monarchy, not democracy, is what holds the country together.

[Plus]

a fella just has to pay a little bit a tea money to the officials as they are only human after all and get real thirsty.

problem is that they got that much tea money there buying up all the tea in los and that can be a problem when john want a nice cuppa.

The problem is that this time around the "officials" are outright pissed off and don't want any of his tea.

And who is "John"? In this particular case I wouldn't say anything that can misconstrued. 30% of Bangkokians thought Thaksin is fighting with the King himself.

[Old Man River]

His safest option would be a government of national unity involving all parties. However, this means sharing the ministries with more people and is hence more difficult for him to pull off.

Actually, since he would have to deal with more people as it pertains to no further questions on his personal assets, this is probably his least safest option (albeit the best for the country). His safest option, assuming the TRT wins the next election, would be to step down in favor of one person he feels he can trust.

My bet (and I hope I am wrong) is Khun Banharn. The Thai's who have been following politics for a long time tell me that Banharn never, ever does anything unless he gains. Dr. Thaksin is a master at putting things together, and at present, Khun Banharn is on the outside looking in......

[terry57]

a fella just has to pay a little bit a tea money to the officials as they are only human after all and get real thirsty.

problem is that they got that much tea money there buying up all the tea in los and that can be a problem when john want a nice cuppa.

The problem is that this time around the "officials" are outright pissed off and don't want any of his tea.

And who is "John"? In this particular case I wouldn't say anything that can misconstrued. 30% of Bangkokians thought Thaksin is fighting with the King himself.

yes plus,

the officials are a tad unhappy with all this but one must remember that at this level of government

there all mates and are well aware of the short commings of ones compat'riot's.

they are hes'itant to wield the big stick as it could be one off there own who end up in this situation.

there profession's are made mainly to placate the baying public and to be seen to be making an effort at stamping out corruption.

if one is honest this can never be achieved as its an ingrained part of thai society.

even thaksin has publicly admitted that corruption its an accepted part of one's thai'ness.

now this is incredible that a prime minister would state this in such a public forum but being from los we all know that he is speaking the truth.

people not knowing los would be horrified at such a statement and could never understand.

people new to thailand and trying to do business, must be very worried indeed and it does nothing to instill confidence.

in conclusion:

A. some will refuse to have a nice cup of tea but there's a hel_l of a lot of politicians out there that are dehydrated and will scull the whole pot.

B. the majority will overwelm the minority and all this will go underground in a few weeks.

C. "JOHN" is the honest politition.

cheers plus

sorry for not making myself clear but sometimes i talk in shorthand

[Jai Dee]

Pol. MajGen. Ekachai hands resignation letters for the 3 EC members to sign

Police Major General Ekachai Warunprapa (เอกชัย วารุณประภา), the Secretary General of Election Commissioner has brought resignation letters for three election commissioners to sign at the Bangkok Special Prison.

Speaking before visiting the three election commissioners sentenced in the Bangkok Special Prison, he said that he has prepared documents and resignation letters for the three election commissioners to sign their names. He said that the authority and duties from the EC members will cease right after they signed their names in the documents.

He revealed that the three election commissioners have already assigned tasks for him to manage. However, he admitted that the unfinished work may face difficulties.

As for the atmosphere in front of the Bangkok Special Prison, EC officials have brought food and drink to visit the three election commissioners.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 July 2006

[lopburi3]

The 6 PM newscast of ITV has reported that the Supreme Court has refused to allow bail for the three but details of why were not yet available.

[lopburi3]

Supreme Court denies bail for 3 ex-EC members

The Supreme Court Wednesday rejected bail application of the three former election commissioners.

The Nation

[Plus]

the officials are a tad unhappy with all this but one must remember that at this level of government

there all mates and are well aware of the short commings of ones compat'riot's.

they are hes'itant to wield the big stick as it could be one off there own who end up in this situation.

Their third and final bail request has been rejected, now they will stay in jail at least until the appeal is lodged - something mates don't do to each other. I doubt that they will stay in jail for long or that they will eat fishhead soup there but that's nonetheless is the worst thing that can happen to them. Loss of face and all that, too.

They crossed the people and powers way above them, not their mates.

Thaksin will also be allowed safe exit, I think, but he'll surely won't see it as a practical joke.

There are powers at play that are not the usual "you sratch my back" type, if someone gets hurt, it will be lethal.

[terry57]

the officials are a tad unhappy with all this but one must remember that at this level of government

there all mates and are well aware of the short commings of ones compat'riot's.

they are hes'itant to wield the big stick as it could be one off there own who end up in this situation.

Their third and final bail request has been rejected, now they will stay in jail at least until the appeal is lodged - something mates don't do to each other. I doubt that they will stay in jail for long or that they will eat fishhead soup there but that's nonetheless is the worst thing that can happen to them. Loss of face and all that, too.

They crossed the people and powers way above them, not their mates.

Thaksin will also be allowed safe exit, I think, but he'll surely won't see it as a practical joke.

There are powers at play that are not the usual "you sratch my back" type, if someone gets hurt, it will be lethal.

yes plus i agree totally,

thaksin will surely walk away safely as this is normal practice for a powerfull man in his situation wether it be in an western or eastern country.

saving of face so to speak without bloodshed and placating the people at the same time.

as far as a practical joke goes i put to you, who is laughing at the situation?

A. the people ? well maybe a little bit but at the end of the day another of his same ilk will step up.

i hope this is not true as someone has posted that his predecessor is a good man.

time will tell.

B thaksin himself ? i can hear him laughing from here and im in borneo at this moment.

he has made a huge amount of money whilst he's been in office and he was a millionaire 10 times over before he even became prime minister. his corruption was of legendary status and now he will just retire and continue to make more money.

got to be a bit of a giggle, for him anyway.

things could possibly turn lethal but thats the norm in los.

id say thaksin aint got too much to worry about and i think thats what you are refering too?

yes the bad boys are in the slam for now, a bit of loss of face as you say but hey the'll walk away soon enough and things will carry on as usual in good old loss.

certainly not the worst thing that can happen to them as spending real hard time behind bars would be the worst thing but i take your point about loss of face as thai's do tend to do there lolly when that happens.

cheers plus.

[Heng]

Chuwit's fried rice + iced coffee care pack was a nice som nam nar opportunity. They (probably at the urging of Goh Lak, also of the bathing business) nixed his MP status but in all probability he'll get that back if he wants it. The EC crew probably will probably have to settle for living on whatever wealth they have acquired up until this point.

[asd]

Election commissioners imprisoned

By Daniel Ten Kate

The courts finally removed the three remaining election commissioners from power yesterday, effectively ending the institutional stand-off that had paralyzed the country for six months.

Policemen stand guard in front of the Criminal Court

The Criminal Court sentenced the embattled trio to prison for four years and stripped them of the right to vote for 10 years after finding them guilty of letting unqualified candidates stand in a run-off to the ill-fated April 2 election. The Appeals Court also denied bail to Election Commission Chairman Wassana Permlarp, pictured leaving the courtroom, and commissioners Prinya Nakchudtree and Virachai Naewboonnien, all of whom spent last night in Bangkok Remand Prison.

Election Commission Chairman Wassana Permlarp

Prinya Nakchudtree

Virachai Naewboonnien

The Appeals Court said that even though the Constitutional Court "nullified the April 2 election because of a problem of legitimacy," the election commissioners"still stayed in their positions despite the doubt and skepticism of the people," according to Chusak Sanaboonyarit, a defense lawyer who read the court verdict to reporters last night.

Supporters of the Thai Election Commission in front of The Criminal Court.

He was arrested by policemen after kicked the unsupporter of the three commissioners.

"If the defendants are released on bail they can continue to work on their posts to organize another election that will cause severe damage that may affect the peace in the country," the verdict added. "Therefore, the court does not approve bail."

In denying the commissioners bail, the court effectively forced them to resign their positions. The election commissioners have 30 days to appeal the decision, and legal experts said the appeal process could drag on for months.

The guilty verdict was widely expected after the heads of the Supreme, Administrative and Constitutional courts all stepped out of their jurisdiction in early May and called for the election commissioners to resign. Many analysts saw the removal of commissioners as the last obstacle to fulfilling His Majesty the King?s instructions to the country?s top jurists on April 25 to "solve the problem."

The court said the commissioners violated Articles 24 and 42 of Election Commission law when organizing the second round of voting on April 23. The judges said the commissioners improperly instructed local election officials to allow small-party candidates to switch constituencies, a decision that allowed Thai Rak Thai candidates to circumvent a requirement that uncontested candidates receive at least 20 percent of the eligible vote.

The election commissioners can ask the Supreme Court today to release them on bail. But that is unlikely, given that the Supreme Court said yesterday it would start the process of selecting candidates for a new Election Commission today.

"The selection process of new EC commissioners will be kicked off straightaway," Virat Chinvinijkul, secretary to the Supreme Court, told reporters yesterday. "The process will take about 20 days only and it will be completed in time before the October 15 election for sure."

The Election Commission normally consists of five members. One commissioner died last year, and the other, Gen Charupat Ruangsuwan, resigned after the Constitutional Court nullified the April 2 election.

Although the Constitutional Court verdict that scrapped the election said ?the intention of the EC for planning the new election is honest and aimed at creating fairness," the country's top judges made an unprecedented extra-judicial call for the commissioners to step down. The Supreme Court then refused to fill the vacant positions on the EC until the trio resigned.

Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua plans to meet with his legal staff tomorrow. He must formally ask the Supreme Court to nominate candidates that the Senate can then approve.

The Criminal Court decision yesterday prompted loud cheers and minor scuffles from rival factions waiting outside the courtroom. The three commissioners remained defiant immediately after the decision.

"I will continue working until the last minute,"Prinya said in an interview with iTV immediately after the court verdict." I insist I did nothing wrong. I'm still willing to take care of the next election."

Just a few hours later, the commissioners were escorted to the Bangkok Remand Prison on Ngam Wong Wan Road in Chatuchak district. All three spent last night in a room with other prisoners, and prison officials said they would receive no special treatment.

Wassana Permlarp were escorted to the Bangkok Remand Prison.

Wassana Permlarp sit in a white van.

-------------------------------------------------

Quote of the day

" I will continue working until the last minute," Prinya

[sriracha john]

They are officially gone:

EC trio quit but denied bail

Supreme Court rejects latest request, saying they damaged democracy and could obstruct judicial proceedings

The convicted election commissioners had to stay in jail for a second day yesterday after the Supreme Court turned down their request for bail - despite them finally resigning from their posts.

"The commissioners have been seriously indicted of damaging democracy under the constitutional monarchy and causing a deep rift in society," the court said in its refusal to grant bail.

"We believe that if the three defendants were granted temporary release, they could cause more damage and obstruct the judicial proceedings," the statement said.

The court's dismissal of the bail request came after EC chairman Vasana Puemlarp and commissioners Prinya Nakchudtree and Virachai Naewboonnien resigned.

EC secretary-general Ekkachai Warunprapha was believed to have brought letters of resignation for the three to sign when he visited them in the morning.

Hours later, Ekkachai informed Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua in writing that the commissioners had resigned and that the process to select new election commissioners could go ahead. The document was attached to resignation letters from the EC trio.

Copies of the letters, addressed to the EC secretary-general, were also attached to the bail request lodged at the Supreme Court.

Vasana did not give any reason in his letter, but Prinya and Virachai stated that they want to comply with the court's order.

EC lawyer Jessada Chandee said he would appeal again for the commissioners' release.

The Criminal Court on Tuesday convicted Vasana, Prinya and Virachai of mishandling the April 2 snap election. They were sentenced to four years in prison and had their right to vote revoked for 10 years.

The three applied for release on bail, but Criminal Court and then the Appeal Court both rejected their applications, which led to their being taken to Bangkok Remand Prison on Tuesday afternoon.

The two courts claimed that, if the EC members were released on bail, they could return to oversee a new general election, and there was a risk that errors committed in the April 2 election - later nullified - could be repeated.

Virachai said yesterday he accepted the Criminal Court verdict. He had not resigned earlier, he said, because public opinion was split between those who wanted the election commissioners to resign and those who wanted them to stay on; there had not been a clear decision on the matter.

"I thought I was still entitled to work. But since the court verdict, everything is over."

Virachai spoke during a temporary release from prison to get treatment at Chulalongkorn University Hospital for a kidney complaint.

He denied reports he had to be hospitalised due to the stress from being jailed. He said he had suffered from kidney problems for several years and had to see doctors three days a week.

Virachai was undecided about whether to go into the monkhood after his sentence was over.

After being treated, he was sent back to prison to await the Supreme Court decision on whether he and his colleagues would get bail.

Family members and dozens of supporters went to the prison last night to visit Virachai, Vasana and Prinya. Guards could not allow them all in, so they gave the new inmates a list to pick who they most wanted to see.

Prinya's wife Darapan, admitted her husband was under stress because he had never been in such a situation and was worried about whether he would be granted bail.

She said she was proud of her husband and shocked that he had met such a fate.

Worawee, his son, said he was proud of his father for "protecting democracy" and was confident of his innocence. "I never doubt that my father is a man of integrity. I believe what he has done was right," he said.

Senior officials who visited the three included trade representative Sompong Amornwawit, permanent secretary of the Interior Ministry, Sucharit Patchimnand, and Department of Special Investigations deputy chief Police Col Thawee Sodsong.

On the second day in prison, Vasana wore shorts and a yellow T-shirt; Prinya wore long trousers and yellow T-shirt, but Virachai was still in the same clothes he wore yesterday.

Vasana and Prinya ate rice porridge brought to them by EC officials who visited.

The Nation

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

It's stressful in prison :

3 EC commissioners receive medical check-up behind bars

The Corrections Department chief said the three election commissioners became very stressed so a doctor was deployed to perform their medical check-up.

Natthi Jitsawang, director-general of the Corrections Department, said a doctor was sent in to perform a check-up and talk to them so that they could become less stressed.

Natthi said the three did not receive any special treatment except they were detained in a separate room from other detainees and were allowed to feed on foods provided by relatives.

Their room does not have any air conditioner, Natthi said.

awwwww.... how terrible.

The Nation

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

The first hurdle is taken:

Suchon sends official request for Supreme Court to nominate EC candidates

Caretaker Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua said Wednesday that he has submitted an official request to the Supreme Court Office, asking it to begin a process to select candidates for the Election Commission.

Suchon told a press conference at 3:30 pm that he had submitted the request to inform the court that the general meeting of Supreme Court had to nominate all ten candidates for five EC posts because an EC selection committee, which normally nominates five candidates, could not be set up.

Suchon said the Senate might spend about 30 days to select the five candidates for the posts after receiving nominations from the Supreme Court.

The Nation

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

It might take awhile:

Selection process could delay Oct 15 poll

The process of picking five new members of the Election Commission (EC) will take almost three months, probably delaying the October 15 election, Senator Chirmsak Pinthong said yesterday.

Chirmsak, who has been involved in dozens of Senate subcommittees vetting the backgrounds and qualifications of candidates for independent agencies, said it will take the Senate at least two months to complete its task. "I would like the October 15 election to go ahead as scheduled. But when I look at all the facts, I think it is impossible to meet the deadline, unless we pick the members without doing the screening process," he said.

The EC is now facing a deep crisis without any serving commissioners. The Constitution requires the EC to be served by five commissioners.

On Friday, His Majesty the King endorsed a Royal Decree for the October 15 election as requested by the government. The election cannot be held without the EC.

Without any serving members of Parliament, the Supreme Court will be tasked with the responsibility of nominating 10 candidates to the Senate for screening of their backgrounds and qualifications and a final vote. The Senate will eventually pick five out of 10.

The problem is that it will take 20 days for the Supreme Court to come up with the shortlist of 10 candidates and a further 60 days for the Senate to vet the candidates.

During this time, the Senate will ask the government to seek two Royal Decrees for this nomination and voting process of the new commissioners. One decree will serve for the opening of a special Senate session to vet the candidates. The other is to open the Senate session to vote for the five commissioners.

Chirmsak said that if the Senate fails to vote for the five commissioners in time, it would need to ask the government to seek a Royal Decree requesting that the election date be delayed.

"I think delaying the election date for another month to November is the most probable solution," he said.

Chirmsak said he would like the Supreme Court to nominate the 10 best candidates for the EC. "If all the candidates are good fish, no matter how we vote, we'll get the good fish," he said.

Chamlong Khrutkhunthod, an executive member of the Thai Rak Thai Party, said: "This is an extraordinary time. If all the parties cooperate with each other, I think we should be able to pick the new EC members in time for the election."

He added: "If the Supreme Court displays its neutrality by vetting the qualifications of the candidates in a straightforward way, then the Senate will not have to take much further time."

But Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua indicated yesterday that the Senate would speed up the process to make sure that the new EC members are selected in time. He said the Senate would need at least 30 days to appoint commissioners from nominees submitted by the Supreme Court, but it should not take more than 60 days because of the urgency to the country.

The interim Senate would set up a committee to verify the backgrounds of the candidates, as required by law, he said.

The Senate is already checking out nominees for the National Counter Corruption Commission.

The speaker's legal team, led by Nakhon Ratchasima Senator Sawai Prammanee, will meet the EC secretary-general today, he said.

Suchon said the Senate had been informed of the three remaining election commissioners' resignations. After their formal resignation certificates are received from the EC, he will ask the Supreme Court to start the recruitment process. The new EC members would serve out the remaining term of the commission.

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said no political parties would be involved in the EC selection process as the House of Representatives was not sitting now.

Since the last EC members were endorsed on October 21, 2001, their replacements will work until 2008 when the seven-year term ends.

Supreme Court president Charnchai Likhitjittha was reportedly preparing to open up nominations. The court's judges are required to submit the names, resumes and records of applicants to the court's secretary by Tuesday.

The court has also appointed 10 judges to a committee to screen candidates based on their applications.

The candidates' qualifications will be posted on www.supremecourt.or.th in a bid to restore public trust in the next EC.

Outgoing Bangkok Senator Seree Suwanpanont believes the new EC members will be on board in time to conduct the October 15 general election.

According to election law, after the Royal Decree takes effect, the candidates for Members of Parliament must file their applications within 20 days. But the EC must exist handle all the electoral process.

Ekachai Warunprapa, secretary-general of the EC, said normally the EC must exist before the Royal Decree takes effect because the EC must issue various announcements in preparation for the election, including forming working committees to prevent vote-buying during the election.

Ekachai said that if a process to pick the new EC members cannot be completed in time, it will be necessary to ask the government to request for a delay of the election.

The Nation

Edited July 26, 2006 by sriracha john

[sua yai]

Chuwit's fried rice + iced coffee care pack was a nice som nam nar opportunity. They (probably at the urging of Goh Lak, also of the bathing business) nixed his MP status but in all probability he'll get that back if he wants it. The EC crew probably will probably have to settle for living on whatever wealth they have acquired up until this point.

Unfortunately, I agree with you.

C'est la vie.

[John K]

Looking at Thaksin’s comments in today’s Nation about the severity of the sentence, it would suggest his thoughts reflect “I need to get them out of there.” However I suspect he was thinking about the judges and not the EC at that time. He watches out for himself more than others, but that is part of the survival instinct.

COURT VERDICT

Thaksin 'amazed' at jail terms

TRT leader warns of a new era in politics that requires candidates to keep 'clean'

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is shocked at the lengthy jail sentences handed to the three election commissioners, according to a Thai Rak Thai insider.

The source said Thaksin told members yesterday the verdict was way beyond what he expected.

Thaksin was speaking to party faithful gathered to celebrate his 57th birthday. The source noted the atmosphere at the party was subdued.

Thai Rak Thai members were instructed not to criticise the court verdict.

"We have to respect the court's verdict. The court is trying to tackle the country's crisis and following the advice of His Majesty the King,'' he said.

Thaksin tried to boost morale by explaining opinion polls showed strong support for himself and Thai Rak Thai.

The party would win big in the October election, he promised.

"Every one must believe in the good deeds that we have done. The party has contributed enormously to the country. There has never been any government that has helped the people this much.

"Less fortunate students get to study, businesses that collapsed get rehabilitated, drug-addicted children return to the embrace of their parents. Do not lose heart,'' he said.

He called on members to uphold democracy, the monarchy, and the Constitution. "If you stick with these three you will return to work for the country again,'' he said.

Thaksin said there must be no offences against electoral laws in the upcoming election campaign, adding the political landscape had changed.

"Never break the law. You are MP candidates. Do not act like you have won the election. Talk to voters about economic and social problems but do not talk about politics. Surveys show the public is bored with political wars of words,'' he said.

Five new Election Commissioners would soon be picked and they would be neutral, he said.

"Actually it is good that there will be a new EC because the party can end all allegations that we won the [April] election because of the EC.

"If we win this election, the public will believe that we are innocent and the opposition cannot claim that we won because the EC helped us,'' he said.

He lashed out at the People's Alliance for Democracy saying it was campaigning hard against him and the party.

But, Thai Rak Thai election workers must explain the party's side of events to voters.

"The law of karma is real. Those who do good deeds will receive good deeds in return. Those who do bad deeds will receive bad deeds in return. The PAD is not democratic and always lies," he said.

Thaksin said he had become the most attacked prime minister in the history of Thailand's democracy.

Thaksin gave each member Bt200,000 for election-campaign expenses.

More here

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/27...cs_30009699.php