New EC Selects Chairperson

[Jai Dee]

EC members voted for Mr. Apichart as the new EC Chairperson

The Election Commission (EC) had a meeting at the Parliament today to vote for the new EC Chairperson, and Mr. Apichart Sukhakanon has been appointed. Mr. Apichart, the former judge of the Supreme Court, has agreed that the general election should take place soon as the society is now facing with many problems.

Prior to the meeting, the five EC members had a discussion with Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua at around 14:00 hours, and in the meantime, four EC members have now resigned from their previous vocations except for Mrs. Sodsri Satayatham (สดศรี สัตยธรรม) who is currently on a vacation.

Deputy EC members from various sections will also meet with new EC members to report the progress of the election issues as well as the possible postponement of the election.

The first plan concerns about the election on the 19th of November as the Election Act will be effective on 28th of September and the period for admission of party list members will be from 6th to 8th of October and MPs for election constancies can enrol on 9th-13th of October. Advance Voting Dates can be scheduled to 11th-12th of November.

The second plan is for the election to take place of thee 26th of November, where the Election Act will be effective on the 3rd of October. The period for admission of party list members will be from 11th - 12th of October and MPs for election constancies can enrol on 14th-18th of October. Advance voting dates will take place on 18th- 19th of November.

In the meantime, Bangkok Senator Wanlop Tangkananurak(วัลลภ ตังคณานุรักษ์) spoke about the new election date, adding that 19th of November will be the most appropriate day. He said if election takes place later than this period then it would be closed to national holiday which is the 5th of December.

Mr. Wanlop, however said it depends on the consideration of EC and has urged EC members to solve the problems of provincial EC. He said provincial EC members should resign for the convenience of new EC members.

The Bangkok Senator referred to the news claiming the independent senates would submit petition to the King as they are dissatisfied with the selection of the new EC members. He said it was just a remark from certain senates but no one would submit a petition.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 September 2006

[sriracha john]

Thai elections put back to November

General elections meant to pull Thailand out of almost a year of political deadlock will take place in late November, election officials have said.

"The new election date is either on November 19 or 26. The sooner the better, because the election cannot be delayed until next year," said Apichart Sukhakkhanon, after the first meeting of the kingdom's recently selected Election Commission.

"Personally I agree that these two dates are appropriate," said Mr Apichart, who was named as the election body's chairman.

Thailand has been on the brink of political crisis since April elections, called three years early by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to quell demands that he quit, were invalidated.

The new polls were originally scheduled for October 15, but had to be pushed back amid procedural delays, including the selection of the new Election Commission.

Three previous commission members quit in July after they were convicted of illegally aiding Mr Thaksin's ruling party in the April 2 vote.

*and remain free on bail*

A fourth resigned and the fifth has died.

Agence France-Presse

[veteran]

same old storry,TIT

[sriracha john]

Election Commission Chairman Apichart Sukhakkhanon greets the press after was chosen as the new chairman during the first commission meeting at Parliament House in Bangkok. Thailand fixed late November for controversial general elections as the kingdom struggles to break a political deadlock that has shaken government and dogged the economy.

(AFP)

[sriracha john]

Local poll panels urged to quit

EC shake-up seen as key to clean elections

Provincial election committees have been advised to step down to allow for a shake-up of the Election Commission (EC) _ thought to be vital to ensure clean and fair elections. The call for a restructuring of the polling agency at the provincial level was echoed by outgoing senator for Bangkok Wallop Tungkananurak after the five commissioners-designate of the EC voted to select Apichart Sukhagganond as chairman. According to Mr Wallop, the new commissioners were like the apex of a pyramid and the provincial committees a huge base at the bottom. The summit would not stay long if its base was wobbly. The ''clean-up'' of provincial election committees was seen as crucial by several parties to ensure a transparent election process as some local staff were alleged to have canvassed for political parties. The commissioners-designate yesterday spent just seven minutes making a decision on the chairmanship. Mr Apichart received an unanimous vote to assume the post. However, they deemed that the shake-up could wait. Restructuring of the local poll bodies is not among the urgent tasks listed by the commissioners-designate. Ranked as urgent issues are greater public participation in the election process and the guarantee of clean and fair elections. Mr Apichart expressed confidence in his ability to head the agency, saying sweeping changes were inevitable but not necessary at this time. Mr Apichart said he would take up for consideration any complaint, if lodged, against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra allegedly gaining undue political advantage by appearing in a three-part interview on Channel 5 ending today. He said the elections scheduled on Oct 15 would be postponed to a later date, but no later than early December. He personally preferred Nov 19 or Nov 26 as new poll dates. ''If the date is postponed even further, it will cause more damage. Foreign investors will lose confidence, especially if it is put off until next year,'' he said. The commissioners-designate will consider the replacement of the EC Secretary-General on Monday when they meet at the EC headquarters.

According to Mr Apichart, former EC candidate Kaewsan Atipho was deemed to have the required qualifications. He also agreed with a suggestion that the other five EC finalists be brought in to help organise and supervise the next general election.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/15Sep2006_news01.php

[Jai Dee]

New EC 'unlikely to remove provincial officials before poll'

The five new election commissioners yesterday announced a series of goals that they wanted to achieve, but reorganising their provincial colleagues was not among them.

The newly selected chairman of the Election Commission, Apichat Sukhaggananda, also said the EC is likely to postpone the date for the upcoming election by one month. The election had originally been scheduled for October 15.

Apichat said it was unlikely that any provincial officials would be removed before the vote.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and other groups campaigning against the government of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had urged the new EC to reorganise the whole agency before holding the next election.

The PAD said the new election would not be transparent if most of the local EC officials in the 400 constituencies remained unchanged. The previous chairman and commissioners had been accused of being "part of the Thaksin regime".

Apichat was yesterday unanimously voted EC chairman by his fellow commissioners. His appointment and those of the other commissioners require royal endorsement.

In comments to the press, he backed away from the election's originally scheduled date. "In my view, the election should be either November 19 or 26. However, we will discuss the new date again," he said.

Apichat said the new commission had identified four urgent missions. First, the EC would place more emphasis on getting people to observe the elections.

Second, the commission would prioritise action over public comments. Apichat said the EC would appoint a spokesman to give information to the media.

The third mission is teamwork. The five commissioners would have to help each other, said the chairman.

Finally, the EC would manage fair elections for the whole country.

Apichat said the commission might not recruit someone to fill the vacant post of EC secretary-general.

"The five [commissioners] will name a person who is suited for the position. He or she must outstanding both intellectually and in their actions," Apichat said.

He said the EC secretary-general need not be a judge and could perhaps even be one of the candidates who failed to win a spot on the commission.

Apichat said the five commissioners who did make it into the new EC were knowledgeable and willing to act. However, he admitted that speaking publicly is one of the new commission's weak points.

Apichat was formerly the chief justice of the Environment Division of the Supreme Court. He has a degree in law from Thammasat University.

He has been a judge for 33 years, and became chief judge of the Supreme Court in 2001.

In 2003, He was chief judge of the Court of Appeal Region IX, and the registrar until this year.

He also worked as chief judge of regions II and V.

In addition to serving as a judge, Apichat has also worked as a special lecturer at Prince of Songkhla University and Chiang Mai University.

Meanwhile, caretaker Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua urged the new commissioners to resign from their current positions as judges and to bring him evidence that they had done so before September 24.

Source: The Nation - 15 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Chiang Mai University will not allow PAD to rally within its compound

Chiang Mai University turns down the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD)’s request to use its auditorium to hold a major rally late this month.

Assistant rector Akhom Tantrakul (อาคม ตันตระกูล) said the university was concerned about safety of demonstrators and those opposing them so it decided not to allow the rally within its compound.

Mr. Akhom said supporters of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and anti-Thaksin campaigners had already clashed several times. On one occasion, students were taken hostages and seriously wounded. At the Democrat Party’s rally in March, these people also quarreled and fought, causing damage to property while several people were injured, he said.

Mr. Akhom, however, insisted Chiang Mai University’s strong support of freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution remains unshaken.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 September 2006

[sriracha john]

Breaking News...... Busted once again... will their bail be revoked?!?!

Former Thai Election Officials Convicted

BANGKOK, Thailand - Three former election commissioners were convicted Friday of dereliction of duty and sentenced to two years in prison for their role in Thailand's election fiasco.

It was their second conviction over their handling of April 2 general elections, which were later nullified. In July, a court sentenced them each to four years in prison in a related case that they are appealing.

On Friday, the court ruled in favor of the opposition Democrat Party, which said the commissioners knew the ruling Thai Rak Thai party was paying small parties to back mock candidates in the election but failed to do anything about it.

The lawsuit was one of several filed against the commissioners by the Democrat Party.

The former commissioners, who were recently replaced, were widely regarded as favoring Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's party. Thaksin won the April 2 elections, but the opposition boycotted the vote and the outcome was later invalidated.

- Associated Press

[Jai Dee]

Privy Councilor indicates that Gen. Prem will not get involved in politics

Privy Councilor Surayuth Chulanond (สุรยุทธ จุลานนท์) asserted that no one can manipulate Privy Council and Statesman Prem Tinsulanonda (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์) as a political tool, while requesting all sides to jointly find a solution to the current political problems.

In response to many units’ attempt to meet Gen. Prem, he stated that they are trying to get Gen. Prem to be involved in politics. He said that such action is deemed normal as political parties want to use the figure like Gen. Prem as their supporter. However, he believes that no one can acquire Gen. Prem to take part in politics.

As for the request of academics from various universities to have a meeting with Gen. Prem, he said that it is their right, which is abided by the democracy.

In regard to the rumours of a revolution, Privy Councilor Surayuth refused to comment on this matter.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Three former EC commissioners released on bail

The three former election commissioners were released on bail Friday afternoon after the Criminal Court found them guilty of malfeasance for failing to launch investigations against the Thai Rak Thai Party.

Vasana Puemlarp, Prinyanakchudtree and Virachai Naewboonnien were released after placing assets worth Bt120,000 each as guarantee.

The court earlier the day found them guilty of failing to order an investigation against the Thai Rak Thai after an investigation panel reported that the party had bankrolled small parties to contest the April 2 election.

Source: The Nation - 15 September 2006

[sriracha john]

*sigh*.... Thai legal system goes down the crapper even further.

Already on bail for separate conviction... they post bail on their second conviction? :D

Put the SOB's behind bars... where they belong...

even though it might be "stressful" for them, it will let them see the error in their ways.

Edited September 15, 2006 by sriracha john

[cclub75]

I've told you : nothing has changed. Mister T. has won.

The cancelation of 2 april election was the only real blow to Thaksin.

And it happened at a very special moment (just after the public intervention of the King)...

Since then... well nothing. Lot of talk, movements, rumors, more frenzy talk...Ah yes, dissolution of the previous EC. OK. Anyway, TRT doesn't need a "friendly" EC to win.

Elections mi november, landslide victory of TRT. Back to square one. With a very big difference : this time with his new and shiny "democratic legitimacy", Thaksin will... take care of all his opponents.

With extreme prejudice...

*sigh*.... Thai legal system goes down the crapper even further.

Already on bail for separate conviction... they post bail on their second conviction? :D

Put the SOB's behind bars... where they belong...

even though it might be "stressful" for them, it will let them see the error in their ways.

[sriracha john]

TRT may seek ban on anti-PM rallies

Party increasingly concerned over PAD anti-Thaksin gatherings in poll

The ruling Thai Rak Thai Party said yesterday it would discuss with the new Election Commission the possibility of banning anti-Thaksin rallies once the new election decree comes into effect.

Deputy party spokesman Pimuk Simaroj said the EC should come up with a clear list of do's and dont's for the election period for all parties concerned to abide by.

"There should be a legal framework governing the rights of political parties, MP candidates, rally-goers, academics and so on after the election decree becomes effective," he said.

Thai Rak Thai officials are increasingly concerned that the anti-Thaksin movement led by the People Alliance for Democracy (PAD) will resort to holding public demonstrations during election campaigns.

The PAD has already announced a plan to hold a major rally at Sanam Luang on Wednesday to pressure caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to quit politics.

Yesterday, Thai Rak Thai officials gave mixed signals about the future of their leader, ranging from calls for him to continue leading the party and the government to a demand for a quick decision if he intends to quit politics.

"I hear that more than 50,000 Udon Thani residents will rally next Saturday [to support Thaksin]," said former MP Theerachai Saenkaew.

Theerachai was one of many politicians from the Northeast rallying behind Thaksin. He said next Friday would see a final decision on whether the caretaker premier would take a political break, before the registration of candidates for the upcoming general election.

With the new EC now in place, rival sides should end the current political discord through the electoral process, Theerachai said.

He added that rural voters still wanted Thaksin to be prime minister, and attacked the PAD for trying to prevent Thaksin's return from his overseas trip.

Thaksin is expected to arrive in Bangkok on Thursday after attending a United Nations meeting in New York, a day after the PAD's scheduled mass rally at Sanam Luang.

Pro-government activist Kamta Kaenboonchan said his "Caravan of the Poor" was ready to support Thaksin's re-election bid. He said Thaksin should not oblige his opponents by quitting politics.

"His opponents know they cannot defeat him at the polls, so they are trying to force him out of office by other means," Kamta said.

The ruling party has started distributing copies of Thaksin's hand-written letter, detailing his activities at the Asia-Europe Meeting in Finland last week, party deputy spokesman Pimuk Simaroj said.

A second letter about Thaksin's activities at the Non-Aligned Movement's meeting in Cuba will be ready for distribution this week, he said.

The two letters are meant to keep constituents informed and their contents are in compliance with electoral rules, he said, dismissing allegations from the Democrat Party that the letters might violate the law.

Thai Rak Thai campaign spokesman Ekkaporn Rakkwamsuk said the media should stop using the term "political break" when speculating on Thaksin's future, saying it has no meaning in political lexicon.

Ekkaporn said no one should draw hasty conclusions before seeing the list of candidates of the ruling party.

Caretaker Labour Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said Thaksin should make up his mind soon.

"Thaksin is still the party leader and as long as he has not said anything, everything will remain the same," he said, hinting that the ruling party can move on only after its leader decides whether to stay on or leave politics.

He said it was too early to debate about contenders to succeed Thaksin, referring to the premier's two deputies, Somkid Jatusripitak and Chidchai Vanasatidya.

- The Nation

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

TRT must be getting nervous. The courts have already ruled that non-political party entities like PAD have a constitutional right to protest and stage rallies against politicians and are not bound by the same rules governing political parties.

[John K]

Yes I agree there reaction is very out of nature for people that are confident. Is also reflect a certain level of arrogance. Things are obviously worse behind the scenes.

[sriracha john]

Opponents of Thai PM plan anti-government rallies

Bangkok (Thailand): Opponents of Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, said Saturday they would resume anti-government rallies next week in an effort to prevent the embattled leader from running in the upcoming national elections.

"We want to express our view that Thaksin should not return to politics again,'' said Somsak Kosaisuk, one of the leaders in the anti-government coalition known as People's Alliance For Democracy.

"He should not seek another term as prime minister,'' he said.

"He should take a rest which will make it easier to examine several allegations against him.''

Massive rallies earlier this year amid allegations of corruption and abuse of power forced Thaksin to dissolve Parliament and call for a snap election in April.

The poll was boycotted by Opposition parties and later annulled by Thailand's top courts, leaving the country without a working legislature.

New elections are scheduled for October 15, but are likely to be postponed until at least November.

A major anti-Thaksin rally is scheduled for Wednesday, 20 September, at Democracy Monument in the capital Bangkok, Somsak said.

"Demonstrators will then march to the Royal Plaza for an evening rally," he said.

Thaksin is currently attending the Non-Aligned Movement summit in Cuba and is scheduled to attend the UN General Assembly in New York before returning to Bangkok on Thursday.

In an interview given to local media during his trip Friday, Thaksin said he is certain that his Thai Rak Thai party will win the next election, but added that he is mulling leaving politics ahead of the poll.

"I can assure you that my party will not lose,'' he told reporters. "Even if I take a break from politics, it will not affect the party.''

- Associated Press

[Jai Dee]

TRT seeks EC investigation on alleged fraud in the July election of Bangkok's city and distrct councilors

The Thai Rak Thai Party will ask the new Election Commission (EC) to investigate alleged fraud in the election of Bangkok’s city and district councilors on July 23.

TRT deputy spokesman Chakrapob Penkair (จักรภพ เพ็ญแข) said complaints were lodged with TRT candidates that politicians had pressured officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to act in favour of contestants of a certain party.

Mr. Chakrapob called on the Democrat Party to stop interfering with the work of BMA officials.

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

[Jai Dee]

New EC acknowledges the details of their works

Two acting Election Commission (EC) members today visited the EC Office in preparation for their new tasks. However, complaint letters were delivered to the office even though the new EC has not started working yet.

Although no royal command has been issued to appoint the new EC Chairperson at the moment, acting Election Commissioners Sumet Upanisakorn (สุเมธ อุปนิสากร) and Somchai Jungprasert (สมชัย จึงประเสริฐ) traveled to their new workplace so they would be set in carrying out their new responsibilities. Upon their arrival, they were also briefed on the details of their works. Mr. Sumet will be responsible in the activities involving other agencies’ participation, while Mr. Somchai will look after the works involving investigation.

In the meantime, Democrat Party executive Yuthapong Charas-sathian (ยุทธพงศ์ จรัสเสถียร) handed a letter, requesting the EC to scrutinize the recent military reshuffle. A representative group from Ban Beung (บ้านบึง) District in Chonburi (ชลบุรี) Province has also issued a complaint on electoral frauds in their areas.

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

[womble]

I think it's highly likely Thaksin will announce he is not to be Prime Minister after the next election, will take a break and apoint a pupet PM. He will still be no 1 on party list and will return eigher straight after the election or not long after. He will do this to stop the PAD rallies. He will still campaign for TRT and after a landslide win he will mobilise people from N.E to rally and call for him to return as PM. He will use the landslide victory and the people asking for his return as legitimacy for his return.

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai turns down the news that M.R. Preediyathorn will join the party

Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silpa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) has declined the news of inviting the Governor of the Bank of Thailand, M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula (ปรีดียาธร เทวกุล), to join his party and take part in the upcoming general election.

Mr. Banharn has made an announcement that the members of his party's economic team include Mr. Thamma Pinsukanchana (ธรรมา ปิ่นสุกาญจนะ), Mr. Sawad Haureungreon (สวัสดิ์ หอรุ่งเรือง), Mr. Jirayu Wasurat (จิรายุ วสุรัตน์), and Mr. Kridchai Mukkayathorn (กฤษณ์ชัย มรรคยาธร). He said that they will look after the problems related to huge retail businesses, Free Trade Agreement (FTA), macroeconomics, energy consumption and alternative energy.

The Chart Thai Party leader added that he will be the head of his economic team.

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

[Jai Dee]

Dr. Promin insists the govt did not violate electoral law

Prime Minister’s Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej (พรหมมินทร์ เลิศสุริย์เดช) affirmed that the current caretaker government's policies did not violate the electoral law. He said that the government only wants to clarify its policy to the people.

Mr. Chuwit Kamolvisit (ชูวิทย์ กมลวิศิษฎ์), the deputy head of the Chart Thai party, has raised doubt on the government’s publication of books containing details of the government’s projects. The books are distributed to people nationwide. Mr. Chuwit said that the government is taking advantage from its position during the electoral period.

Dr. Promin argues that such action is deemed normal as every government also does it. Besides, he reaffirmed that what the government has done, did not violate any law.

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

[Jai Dee]

PM says Thai government adheres to freedom of expression under democracy

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has asserted that the government of Thailand is adhered to the freedom of expression within the democratic system, and the government does not want the conflicts to amplify.

Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin gave an address on the issue of international relations by focusing on the meaning and the importance of democracy. He said the fundamental of democracy is to allow people to have the freedom in expressing their views equally with regards to strong economic background. As for Thailand, the fundamental of democracy involves the rights and contribution of members of the public, which are set in the constitution and law. He said in a strong democracy, people’s wealth and their obedience to the democratic system are two important aspects, despite the changes and conflicts in the country. Therefore, the general election under the framework of democracy must be liberated and just, and it must not yield to the individuals who are not satisfied with the result of the poll.

At the same time, the government must persevere without the use of violence to dissolve the demonstration in spite of being incited all the time. If violent methods have been used, democracy will change into a dictatorial regime.

The Prime Minister also talked about the poverty problems in Asia, the divergences of economy, the loopholes in democracy, and the obstacles of political development. He said the Asian countries have to cooperate and work on these issues, while referring to Asean, APEC and ACD. He said the US plays in an important role in supporting democracy in Asia, such as the free trade agreements and the reduction of trade barriers.

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

[hammered]

Dr. Promin insists the govt did not violate electoral law

Prime Minister’s Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej (พรหมมินทร์ เลิศสุริย์เดช) affirmed that the current caretaker government's policies did not violate the electoral law. He said that the government only wants to clarify its policy to the people.

Mr. Chuwit Kamolvisit (ชูวิทย์ กมลวิศิษฎ์), the deputy head of the Chart Thai party, has raised doubt on the government’s publication of books containing details of the government’s projects. The books are distributed to people nationwide. Mr. Chuwit said that the government is taking advantage from its position during the electoral period.

Dr. Promin argues that such action is deemed normal as every government also does it. Besides, he reaffirmed that what the government has done, did not violate any law.

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

TV programs on the PM, TV ads on government achievements, books on government achievements. Of course none of this is aimed at trying to make people think the government should be reelected! One would have to be stupid to think so!