Anyone know how much bail money each had to put up?

Anyone know how much bail money each had to put up?

20,000 baht = US$528.19 = 279.36 British Pounds

Mr. Virat : still undecided over qualifications of EC nominees

Secretary to Supreme Court Virat Shinvinitkul(วิรัช ชินวินิจกุล) stated that there is still no clear conclusion over the qualifications of the candidates for the new Election Commission. The judges are currently looking through the CVs of the nominees.

Mr. Virat spoke about the progress of sifting through the qualifications of 42 nominees, adding that the matter has not been concluded yet. However, he expects that the qualifications of accepted nominees have been verified and will be forwarded to the judges on the 7th of August for further consideration. Only 10 candidates will be chosen.

Court secretary Virat however said that there have been expectations over the individuals who will be nominated for EC members including former Supreme Court judge Nam Yimyam (นาม ยิ้มแย้ม).

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

Soon we get the trials of TRT the Demos and 3 other parties!

Soon we get the trials of TRT the Demos and 3 other parties!

Don't expect that trial to happen soon. The constitutional Court has made clear that it will not be making a ruling prior to the next election. By law, all the parties have to give the constitutional court their explanation of the charges within 15 days of the Court accepting the case. All 5 parties have asked the court for extensons, and in each case they have been granted, in addition the spokesman for the Constitutional Court has made clear that should additional extensions be required then the court would look favorably at granting them.

Democrats dog TRT Deputy Leader Somsak

Amid rumours about government interference in the ongoing selection of members of two major independent bodies, Thai Rak Thai deputy leader Somsak Thepsutin yesterday met with Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua for lunch at a hotel in Bangkok.

Their meeting at the Miracle Grand Hotel coincided with another gathering by Democrat Party members.

"Oh, s..t I'm afraid I've come to the wrong place," the TRT Party's Wang Nam Yom faction leader was quoted as saying to the Democrats who greeted him when he arrived at the hotel.

Somsak conversed with the Democrat members for a while, saying he was expecting someone at the coffee shop. Suchon arrived shortly after.

Asked whether he was going to defect to the Democrat Party or recruit Democrats to join his party, he jokingly said: "That could be. We might work together in case the parties are ordered to disband."

Matters discussed by Somsak and Suchon were not revealed to the press. The Senate is involved in the selection processes for the Election and National Counter Corruption commissions.

The Nation

/Mod Edit - the above article (minus the laughing smilie) is quoted verbatim from The Nation.

OAG to grill EC on funds

The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) yesterday told the Election Commission (EC) it must explain how it spent Bt4 billion on four elections.

The OAG reminded the EC it had to answer questions about its expenditures on Thursday.

The EC spent Bt4 billion organising the annulled April 2 election, the April 23 second-round vote and 29 re-elections, as well as the Senate election on April 19, a source at the OAG said yesterday.

On July 31 the auditor-general first asked EC secretary-general Ekachai Warunprapa to clarify the use of the money and whether he had complied with the law in endorsing the purchase of materials and services.

The office found the EC used "special methods" in recruiting contractors and questioned why the same contractors were used in all four elections. The office suggested some contractors were not qualified for the work they were employed to do. One, JJ Group 45, was hired to provide armbands for election officials. It sells insecticide. :D

Ekachai was asked to explain the criteria employed to select contractors, the source said.

The Nation

PM says extraordinary session of Parliament can take place on Aug. 15th

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has indicated that an extraordinary session of the Parliament can take place on August 15th, in order to select the new election commissioners. At the same time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is preparing to request for a budget to help out the farmers with debt who are under Farmers’ Rehabilitation and Development Fund.

Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin said that the Cabinet today will consider the royal decree on the Parliament’s extraordinary session to select the new Election Commission members. He said the Parliament is expected to be opened on August 15th, and all sides are working well together as they would like to clarify this national issue quickly.

Meanwhile, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan said her ministry will ask for a budget to buy out the farmers’ debts before their assets will be confiscated. She said the government is ready to lend a hand as it truly understands their troubles. However, the assistance can take some time, and the Farmers’ Rehabilitation and Development Fund has to coordinate with other financial institutions as well.

Therefore, Khunying Sudarat would like the demonstration in front of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry to conclude soon because the officials cannot enter the ministry to perform their duties.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 August 2006

Rift among senators over EC selection timeframe

Rifts appeared among caretaker senators over the selection of new election commissioners yesterday as those with alleged links to caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra seemed determined to speed up the process so that the new general election could be held on October 15 as planned.

The apparent haste of the alleged pro-Thaksin camp was swiftly rebutted by another Senate faction known to be critical of Thaksin, whose members felt selection of the new Election Commission (EC) panel should only be made after thoroughly screening all candidates, a process that could delay the election by about a month.

The conflict emerged as caretaker Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua requested Cabinet to seek a Royal Decree to convene an extraordinary session of parliament next Tuesday at which a Senate committee could be appointed to screen EC candidates.

Wallop Tangkhanaurak, Senate whip secretary-general, said selection of the five new EC members would be completed within eight days after a selection committee was established.

“The whip meeting agreed that the process to select the new EC must be completed in eight days after the names of the 10 nominees are sent by the Supreme Court,” he said.

“After the selection committee is appointed, the committee members will work continuously everyday without a break until the selection is done.”

Wallop said that although current circumstances meant it was necessary to rush the selection process, it would still be done thoroughly.

Senate Whip chairman Surachai Danaitangtrakul said the extraordinary session would likely be held on August 15. He added that a 22-member committee, instead of the customary 11-member team, would be appointed.

The Senate whip’s announcement to expedite the EC selection process was made on the same day Thaksin insisted that the October 15 election would not be postponed.

Postponing the election to allow time for a new EC to be appointed was first suggested last month after the three remaining commissioners were jailed by the Criminal Court for election law violations.

Academics, opposition parties, outgoing senators and anti-Thaksin lobby groups, such as the People’s Alliance for Democracy, have united in calling for the election to be delayed before the Royal Decree declaring it takes effect on August 24.

Several outgoing senators have also called for a postponement, saying proper selection of the EC panel will take more than one month.

Outgoing Bangkok Senator Chirmsak Pinthong was the first to make such a statement, saying he felt some of his peers had been pressured by the government to rush the selection process.

“It is clear that they have been given orders to try to rush the selection,” Chirmsak told ThaiDay yesterday. “Historically, the selection has taken at least 40 days so if some are touting eight days it means that they are acting under orders.”

Chirmsak said that despite its announcement, the Senate Whip does not have the support of the entire Senate, which will still have to discuss the selection procedures during the extraordinary session next week.

“Many of us must speak up next week because this is highly inappropriate,” Chirmsak said.

After finalizing a list of 42 candidates last week, the Supreme Court this Thursday will select 10 names to submit to the Senate.

“If the Supreme Court selects 10 people who are all good then it will be no problem,” Chirmsak said. “But if we are not certain then we must make sure by thorough background checks, and that takes time.”

ThaiDay

The Nakhon Si Thammarat provincial refused malfeasance trial against four ex-EC members to transfer to Bangkok

The Nakhon Si Thammarat provincial court has denied the malfeasance trial against four former poll commissioners to transfer to Bangkok as requested by the defendants.

The four ex-members of the Election Commission (EC), namely Pol. Gen. Wasana Permlarp (วาสนา เพิ่มลาภ), Parinya Nakchatree (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรีย์) Weerachai Naewboon-nian (วีระชัย แนวบุญเนียน) and Gen. Jarupat Ruangsuwan (จารุภัทร เรืองสุวรรณ), have been indicted for abuse of authority and violations of the Election Commission Act by Prayad Semapat (ประหยัด เสมาพัฒน์), former mayor of tambon Pak Nakhon (ปากนคร) municipality in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Mr. Prayad alleged that the defendants acted in breach of the EC law by annulling his poll victory more than a year after the municipal election which subsequently cost him his post. The law gives the EC one year after the election to disqualified any political office holder found to have breached election rules.

The court said claims by the defendants that the transfer is necessary because they fear for their safety if they have to travel to Nakhon Si Thammarat were unfounded. The case will be tried in Nakhon Si Thammarat, it said.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 August 2006

Mr. Virat is concerned on the selection of new EC members

Supreme Court Secretary Virat Shinvinitkul (วิรัช ชินวินิจกุล) is worried about the selection process of the new election commissioners as ten candidates must win the half of the judges’ votes.

Mr. Virat said the meeting at 9:30 hours today will select 30 out of 42 people, and then, 10 out of 30 people will be chosen. Each of the 10 nominees must gain at least 44 votes. Nevertheless, he is confident that the selection process will not be interfered by any group.

The Supreme Court will announce the selection result in accordance with Article 138 of the constitutional law at 17:30 hours today.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 August 2006

The ex-EC chairman insists there is no evidence that TRT hired small parties to run in the April poll

Former Election Commission Chairman Wasana Permlarp (วาสนา เพิ่มลาภ) told a court hearing yesterday that there is no clear proof that the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party hired some small parties to contest the April snap election.

Pol. Gen. Wasana is standing trial for negligence. Democrat Party Secretary-General Suthep Thuagsuban (สุเทพ เทือกสุบรรณ) accused him of failing to take action against wrongdoers.

Pol. Gen. Wasana said he could do nothing because the report of an EC investigation panel did not clearly identify TRT as having involvement in the alleged bribery. There also is no evidence that TRT Leader Thaksin Shinawatra was involved, he said.

Mr. Suthep alleged that TRT paid small parties to compete with its candidates in constituencies where they were sole contestants.

The law requires a lone poll candidate to win at least 20% of votes of the total number of voters but this rule is not applied in constituencies with two or more contenders.

The Democrat, Mahachon and Chart Thai parties boycotted the April 2nd election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 August 2006

Vasana takes stand, denies neglect of duty

Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban insisted yesterday he would not withdraw his case accusing the three former election commissioners of malfeasance.

Suthep, speaking at the Criminal Court aside from yesterday's hearing for a defence witness, said he was confident in his evidence.

The Criminal Court last month sentenced Election Commission chairman Vasana Puemlarp and colleagues Prinya Nakchudtree and Virachai Naewboonnien to four years in jail for improper oversight of the April 2 poll.

In testimony at the Court yesterday, Vasana denied he violated electoral laws by failing to take legal action against the Thai Rak Thai Party. He was cross-examined in proceedings stemming from the criminal suit filed by Suthep alleging dereliction of duty.

Suthep accused Vasana, Prinya and Virachai of failure to investigate a complaint that Thai Rak Thai hired the Pattana Chart Thai and the Thai Ground Party to contest the April 2 ballot, which was later annulled.

Vasana defended himself, saying he had appointed a panel headed by Nam Yimyaem, to investigate the charge on March 20 - the same day Suthep lodged the complaint. He said the panel asked for the probe to be allowed to continue till April 8 as many witnesses and much evidence had to be dealt with.

Vasana said he had instructed the sub-panel to expedite the probe but never exerted any controlling influence. The panel submitted its findings on April 7 but he said the results did not clearly conclude that TRT heads had bankrolled small parties in the poll.

Vasana said he instructed the panel to investigate the matter further till April 12. It panel eventually reached a finding on May 8, at 5.40pm - the same day the plaintiff lodged his suit for dereliction of duty.

Vasana said the accusation was unjustified because he had not learnt the findings of the panel's inquiry.

The Nation

Supreme Court judges select five of ten EC candidates

The Supreme Court judges Thursday afternoon voted to select five of ten Election Commission candidates.

They are:

1 Wicha Mahakhun, chief of family and juvenile division of the Supreme Court

2 Wasant Sroypisut, chief of labour cases division of the Supreme Court

3 Apichart Sukhakkhanon, chief of environment cases division of the Supreme Court

4 Udom Fuangfung, a senior judge from the South Bangkok Criminal Court

5 Somchai Juengprasert, senior judge of the Supreme Court

The selection of the five remaining candidates began at 1:30 pm.

The Nation

The Supreme Court judges select five EC candidates

The Supreme Court judges began a selection process of five EC candidates this morning, where Mr. Wicha Mahakhun (วิชา มหาคุณ) has received the highest points at 57.

Secretary of the Supreme Court Wirat Chinwinijkul (วิรัช ชินวินิจกุล) stated that the Supreme Court judges has voted the first five EC candidates namely; Mr. Wicha Mahakhun (วิชา มหาคุณ) , chief of family and juvenile division of the Supreme Court, Mr. Wasant Sroypisut (วสันต์ สร้อยพิสุทธิ์), chief of labour cases division of the Supreme Court, Mr. Apichart Sukhakkhanon (อภิชาต สุขัคคานนท์), chief of environment cases division of the Supreme Court, Mr. Udom Fuangfung (อุดม เฟื่องฟุ้ง), a senior judge from the South Bangkok Criminal Court, and Mr. Somchai Juengprasert (สมชัย จึงประเสริฐ), senior judge of the Supreme Court.

The Court will present the names of eligible EC candidates to the Senate tomorrow (August 11).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 August 2006

All Ten Election Commission candidates selected

The Supreme Court judges finished their votes to select the ten Election Commission candidates another five of ten Election Commission candidates.

They are:

1. Prapan Naikowit, Deputy Attorney-General

2. Kaewsan Atipoti, a former Senator

3. Sodsri Satayathum, a senoir Supreme Court judge

4. Sumet Upanisathorn, a senior Criminal Court judge

5. Nam Yimyam, retired judge

6 Wicha Mahakhun, chief of family and juvenile division of the Supreme Court

7 Wasant Sroypisut, chief of labour cases division of the Supreme Court

8 Apichart Sukhakkhanon, chief of environment cases division of the Supreme Court

9 Udom Fuangfung, a senior judge from the South Bangkok Criminal Court

10 Somchai Juengprasert, senior judge of the Supreme Court

The Nation

All Ten Election Commission candidates selected

The Supreme Court judges finished their votes to select the ten Election Commission candidates another five of ten Election Commission candidates.

They are:

1. Prapan Naikowit, Deputy Attorney-General

2. Kaewsan Atipoti, a former Senator

3. Sodsri Satayathum, a senoir Supreme Court judge

4. Sumet Upanisathorn, a senior Criminal Court judge

5. Nam Yimyam, retired judge

6 Wicha Mahakhun, chief of family and juvenile division of the Supreme Court

7 Wasant Sroypisut, chief of labour cases division of the Supreme Court

8 Apichart Sukhakkhanon, chief of environment cases division of the Supreme Court

9 Udom Fuangfung, a senior judge from the South Bangkok Criminal Court

10 Somchai Juengprasert, senior judge of the Supreme Court

The Nation

Is it just me or will the new EC be dominated by the courts now. It does not matter who the Senate votes in the deciding vote will now always be with a judge mathematically. A lot of those on the list I am not familiar with but you have to think they have similar thinking and mindset to those who nominated them. Personally, I would have liked to see a bit more diversity in the nominees.

Ruling party in clear, say ex-EC members

Two former election commissioners testified yesterday in the Criminal Court that they did not punish the Thai Rak Thai Party because it had not been proven to have committed electoral wrongdoing.

Prinya Nakchudtree and Virachai Naewboonnien were defending themselves against a charge of failing to take legal action against the Thai Rak Thai Party after an Election Commission (EC) subcommittee found that its executives had hired the Pattana Chart Thai and Thai Ground parties to contest the April 2 general election.

The Criminal Court on July 25 sentenced Prinya, Virachai and the then EC chairman Vasana Puemlarp to four years in jail for mishandling the election.

Prinya said he did not remember if the EC had filed a complaint against caretaker Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura and caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Ruktapongpisal. The EC subcommittee had implicated both Thai Rak Thai executives in the bankrolling of small parties to contest the April 2 election.

Testifying to the court on Wednesday, Vasana said the accusation that he failed to act against the Thai Rak Thai Party was unjustified because he had not yet learnt the EC panel's findings when Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban filed a lawsuit against him and his colleagues for dereliction of duty.

The Nation

Court’s choice of EC nominees applauded

The Supreme Court’s selection yesterday of a shortlist of 10 candidates for a new Election Commission (EC) was greeted with optimism and confidence that the agency can carry out His Majesty the King’s instruction to ensure a free and fair election.

Most political analysts also believe that the final five commissioners, to be selected by the caretaker Senate from the list of 10 nominees beginning next week, will spell bad news for the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party led by caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

In an exhausting day, the General Assembly of Supreme Court judges finalized its selection from a total of 42 proposed names after nine hours.

Announcing the final selection, Virat Shinvinitkul, the secretary-general of the Supreme Court, said the public should be content with the 10 nominees. The list will be forwarded to caretaker Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua early this morning.

“The General Assembly of the Supreme Court has selected the most appropriate persons, five of whom will be appointed EC members,” Virat said.

The 10 nominees are Wicha Mahakhun, chief of the family and juvenile division of the Supreme Court; Wasant Sroypisut, chief of the labour cases division of the Supreme Court; Apichart Sukhakkhanon, chief of the environment cases division of the Supreme Court; Udom Fuangfung, a senior judge in the South Bangkok Criminal Court; Somchai Juengprasert, a senior judge in the Supreme Court; Somchai Juengprasert, a senior judge in the Supreme Court; Prapan Naikowit, Deputy Attorney-General; Kaewsan Atibodhi, a former senator; Sumet Upanisathorn, a senior Criminal Court judge; Sodsri Satayathum, a senior Supreme Court judge; and Nam Yimyam, a retired judge.

“There should be no public objections to the 10 individuals selected by the Supreme Court,” said Surat Horachaikul, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. “I would love to see the likes of Kaewsan, a renowned and respected academic who has not been afraid to counter the wrongs he sees in society, on the new EC.”

The 10 nominees have proven track records that instill confidence that the October 15 general election will not be a repeat of the April 2 general election, which was described by His Majesty in a televised address as “undemocratic,” and annulled by the Constitutional Court less than two weeks later.

“Nam Yimyam, Wicha Mahakhu and most of the nominees have glittering judiciary career paths. They are more than qualified to ensure a free and fair election if selected as EC commissioners,” said Surat.

Nam headed an EC investigation that found the TRT guilty of election fraud – the basis of a case for its dissolution before the Constitutional Court.

In the absence of a functioning House of Representatives, the Supreme Court had to initiate efforts to select the new EC after the three former commissioners – Wassana Permlarp, Prinya Narkchudtree and Virachai Naewboonnien – were convicted and imprisoned by the Criminal Court for malfeasance last month.

Yesterday’s selection process involved two sessions to select two groups of five candidates. Each session comprised three rounds of voting to reduce the candidates to 30, 10 and then the final five, all of whom had to acquire at least 44 votes from the 83 judges present.

Besides performing its function in the morning session to select the EC nominees under Article 138 (2) of the Constitution, the Supreme Court also had to act as the selection committee in the afternoon session under Article 138 (1) of the Constitution.

In his April 25 address, His Majesty instructed the judiciary to find a solution to the political crisis. His Majesty also added an unprecedented remark on the July 21 Royal Decree scheduling the October 15 election by stating that it must be free and fair.

Political analysts say that the selection of eight judges out of 10 nominees signals the Supreme Court’s clear determination to ensure that the King’s advice is implemented.

“Analyzing the selection, it is likely that the judges chose to select persons they knew would be able to do the job right, and that is why most of the nominees are judges,” said Surat.

“They will pose a threat to the Thaksin regime and the illicit doings of the TRT, which the previous EC treated leniently.”

The new EC’s mission to promote democratic values and oversee a national election will face a severe test.

“Judges do not have friends in all walks of life. They are not supposed to,” Surat said. “But the point is: do they have the network to perform the role of the EC? They can adapt easily.”

“The nominations spell bad news for Thaksin, but the EC alone can only do so much. We need all the other independent organizations, like the NCCC, to be functional and free from political intervention, too.”

ThaiDay

Top election official to quit?

Ekkachai Varunprapa is rumoured to be stepping down as the Election Commission secretary-general after he finishes his vacation, an EC source said yesterday.

The most senior EC official after the last three commissioners resign, he went on holiday on August 1, the source said.

According EC rules his resignation must be approved by the EC chairman. Sources said that after the three last commissioners were convicted and quit, the EC was under a strain, and now that Ekkachai is leaving, the EC will be struggling even more.

Deputy EC secretary-general Praving Kahaceewa said the EC would open recruiting for local EC members today and appoint them next Friday. Each electorate has nine EC members and one EC director.

He had reports from 89 electorates in 20 provinces that 1,525 candidates were vying to become local EC members and 226 for local EC directors. But he worried that some electorates might lose candidates so he will consult with the selection committee again.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/08/11...cs_30010807.php

Wanna-be-EC Wicha Mahakhun says he is ready to be examined by the Senate

Wicha Mahakhun (วิชา มหาคุณ) says he is ready to be scrutinized by the Senate in the process of getting approval to become an Election Commissioner, adding that he would lead the judiciary network in making sure of fair elections if he gets appointment.

Mr. Wicha is chairperson of the Supreme Court's juvenile and family section. He is among the nominees that made it through the last 10, and he ranks at the top with 57 votes from this morning's voting by the Supreme Court.

Mr. Wicha is confident there has been no vote-blocking during this morning's voting process by the Supreme Court. He said the reason he was selected was probably because he had worked with the Supreme Court when he was head of the Court of Appeals regions 1 and 2. He said he was also a Court of Justice committee member for 2 terms, and does not have any stains in his work record, regarding fairness & transparency.

Mr. Wicha added that if he really gets appointed to the Election Commission then he will work unbiasedly and emphasise more on work coordination instead of stressing organizational management. He indicated he would also use regional court networks in the monitoring of elections.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 August 2006

Mr. Wicha added that if he really gets appointed to the Election Commission then he will work unbiasedly and emphasise more on work coordination instead of stressing organizational management. He indicated he would also use regional court networks in the monitoring of elections.

Want to know what people think about using the "regional court networks" in running the EC.....is this good or is this bad? Will it make the process more credible or will it make the process more prone to manipulation and corruption? Will it make it easier to bribe officials because they will be scattered far and wide so they will not be in the spotlight so the bribing will be harder to find and prove?...or will it make each bribe smaller and more affordable to small parties and thus making the process more equitable?

I don't know much about the judiciary so I'm asking for other's opinions...especially those hard core political luminaries who inhabit this news forum and who always seem to know what's what.

The Supreme Court's general assembly names 10 nominees for EC posts

The Supreme Court’s general assembly selected seven active judges, a retired judge, a former senator and a prosecutor as contenders for five vacant posts on the Election Commission (EC) yesterday.

The seven active judges, five from the Supreme Court and two others from the Criminal Court are Sodsri Sattayatham (สดศรี สัตยธรรม), Sumet Upanisakorn (สุเมธ อุปนิสากร), Wicha Mahakhun (วิชา มหาคุณ), Wasant Soipisut (วสันต์ สร้อยพิสุทธ์), Apichart Sukhakhanon (อภิชาต สุขัคคานนท์), Udom Fuangfung (อุดม เฟื่องฟุ้ง) and Somchai Jungprasert (สมชัย จึงประเสริฐ).

The three remaining nominees are retired judge Nam Yimyaem (นาม ยิ้มแย้ม), ex-senator Kaewsan Atibhothi (แก้วสรร อติโพธิ) and Deputy Attorney-General Prapan Naikowit (ประพันธ์ นัยโกวิท).

The interim senate will vote five of these 10 finalists to the EC next week.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 August 2006

ACM Kongsak: every unit is satisfied with the yesterday's result of selecting new election commissioners

The Interior Minister, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Wanthana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา), indicated that the new Election Commission nominees have proper qualifications, while believing that the new election commissioners would be able to bring back public confidence.

ACM Kongsak said that every unit is satisfied with the result of the selection process of the Election Commission candidates. He hopes that it will help create positive image to the upcoming general election, and foreign countries will also be confident in Thailand’s political situation.

The Interior Minister believes that political parties will send their MPs to run in the new poll on October 15th, and he is confident that political conflicts will end after the new poll has passed.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 August 2006

Mr. Suchon urges every party to believe in the selection of the new EC members by the Senate

Senate speaker Suchon Chaleekrua (สุชน ชาลีเครือ) said the Supreme Court has officially forwarded the ten names of Election Commission nominees as well as their profiles to the Senate.

Mr. Suchon said the matter will be discussed in the Senate meeting on the 15th of August as to establish the committee to investigate the candidates’ profiles and to designate the timeframe for such investigation.

He insisted that the Senate will finish the progress in seeking five members of EC prior to the general election on the 15th of October since the Senate members are aware of the on-going problems. He personally views that 10 members selected by the Supreme Court are all competence.

Whereas, Mr. Sawai Prammanee (ไสว พราหมณี), the Chairman of Senate, has urged all sides to be confident that the Senate will be neutral in selecting the individuals for this position.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 August 2006

ACM Kongsak: every unit is satisfied with the yesterday's result of selecting new election commissioners

The Interior Minister, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Wanthana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา), indicated that the new Election Commission nominees have proper qualifications, while believing that the new election commissioners would be able to bring back public confidence.

Nice to see yet another endorsement of the choices made by the Supreme Court...

particularly from a TRT-Party Cabinet Ministry as important on this issue as Interior.

Royal decree to convene Senate meeting approved

His Majesty the King has signed a royal decree to convene a special Senate meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting will be convened on 1:30pm.

The Senate will use the special meeting to set up committee to screen qualifications of ten candidates for the posts of election commissioners and to elect nine National Counter Corruption Commission members.

Source: The Nation - 11 August 2006

Mr. Suchon urges every party to believe in the selection of the new EC members by the Senate

Senate speaker Suchon Chaleekrua (สุชน ชาลีเครือ) said the Supreme Court has officially forwarded the ten names of Election Commission nominees as well as their profiles to the Senate.

Mr. Suchon said the matter will be discussed in the Senate meeting on the 15th of August as to establish the committee to investigate the candidates’ profiles and to designate the timeframe for such investigation.

He insisted that the Senate will finish the progress in seeking five members of EC prior to the general election on the 15th of October since the Senate members are aware of the on-going problems. He personally views that 10 members selected by the Supreme Court are all competence.

Whereas, Mr. Sawai Prammanee (ไสว พราหมณี), the Chairman of Senate, has urged all sides to be confident that the Senate will be neutral in selecting the individuals for this position.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 August 2006

another endorsement of the selectees...

and it's nice to see things might be moving along without excessive delay and they will try to move things along.

Royal decree to convene Senate meeting approved

His Majesty the King has signed a royal decree to convene a special Senate meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting will be convened on 1:30pm.

The Senate will use the special meeting to set up committee to screen qualifications of ten candidates for the posts of election commissioners and to elect nine National Counter Corruption Commission members.

Source: The Nation - 11 August 2006

Everything is coming in to place... and moving along...

Get well soon, Your Majesty...

LONG LIVE THE KING

There's still a lot of work - the staff on the ground needs to be evaluated and replaced if necessary. A lot of funny business that was going on under the previous EC commissioners was discovered by AG .