Thread: Thailand : PM to Decide on House Dissolution in 4 Months

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

The Thaksin obsession is bewildering.

.....

TAN_Network TAN News Network

Thaksin phones in to red-shirt supporters at Imperial Lardprao saying if Pheu Thai forms govt, everyone will own cars and houses

Bangkok Post : Itthaporn: Air force to be impartial

Breakingnews >

• Published: 6/05/2011 at 03:25 PM
• Online news:

The air force will be impartial and will equally support all political parties to launch election campaigns at various air force bases and barracks, air force chief Itthaporn Subhawong said on Friday.

ACM Itthaporn said air force will not get involved in politics and that political parties are free to launch election campaigns in line with the rules set by the Election Commission (EC).

Asked whether it is the right time to dissolve House of Representatives as several problems still unsettled, particularly the border dispute with Cambodia, the air force chief said the prime minister might consider it is the right time, after consulting with parties concerned.

He was confident that the armed forces are capable of dealing with the border dispute and protecting the country’s sovereignty.

On the question about conflict among political parties, ACM Itthaporn said he did not want to make any comment as he wants to show his impartiality.

Asked bout the EC’s rule prohibiting political party from mentioning about the monarchy during election campaign, ACM Itthaporn said the high institution is highly respected by all Thais. Soldiers felt uncomfortable every time the monarchy was insulted, he added.

All political party should refrain from dragging the high institution into politics for political gain. They should instead show their election policies believed to win the hearts of people, he said.

ACM Itthaporn said House dissolution means the government gives the power back to people and therefore, all political groups pressuring the government to comply with their demands should wait until after the election.

After that, political party that wins highest votes can form the new government in line with democracy. Politics should be moved forward by political mechanism, he added.

"ACM Itthaporn said House dissolution means the government gives the power back to people and therefore, all political groups pressuring the government to comply with their demands should wait until after the election."

Except that there is a very important anniversary on the 19th of May....and that should be recognised. I am hoping for a large rally and remembrance events. A very emotional day for many.

I also hope Thaksin keeps the hell away on the 19th. People died and it wasn't for him. He should demonstrate respect for the dead and butt out.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

TAN_Network TAN News Network

Thaksin phones in to red-shirt supporters at Imperial Lardprao saying if Pheu Thai forms govt, everyone will own cars and houses

Really?

From the ridiculous to the really freakin' ridiculous!

Chart Thai Pattana to field 100 candidates

Chart Thai Pattana to field 100 candidates

The Chart Thai Pattana Party will field 100 electoral candidates to contest the direct vote, party spokesman Watchara Kannikar said on Friday.

The party plans to endorse candidates with a real chance of winning even though there will be 375 House seats up for grabs, he said.

For the party-list contest, the party will field the maximum limit of 125 candidates selected from leading professionals and local figures in order to attract proportionate votes, he said.

The Nation

Bangkok Post : EC says its ready for the election

EC says its ready for the election

• Published: 6/05/2011 at 03:23 PM
• Online news: Local News

The Election Commission has completed preparations to hold a general election on any single day between June 26 and July 3, commissioner Prapan Naigowit said on Friday.

Mr Prapan, commissioner in charge of election administration, said this after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he would forward the royal decree for a House dissolution to His Majesty the King today.

He believed the Constitution Court would finish its examination of the three election-related bills by the time the royal decree takes effect. The bills were passed by parliament but require verification by the Constitution Court.

If the royal decree is announced before the Constitution Court finishes its work, the EC could still delay two or three days before fixing a period of five days for the registration of candidates under the party list system and another five days for candidates in the constituency system.

Mr Prapan warned political parties to check their lists of candidates, because in the past some candidates were found to be running for more than one party.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255405060012

Poll: People demand honesty in new premier

BANGKOK, 6 May 2011 (NNT) – A recent Suan Dusit Poll indicates that people are longing for a prime minister who is honest and works for the nation while continued political demonstrations after the election is the top concern.

The survey was conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University among 1,343 residents of Bangkok and its vicinities during 1-5 May. The majority of the respondents or 52.08 percent wished for unity and commitment to national administration and development with the new government. Another 29.84 percent preferred to see honesty, transparency, justice, morality and political ethics while 18.08 percent wanted personnel who are well-rounded, capable and widely accepted.

In terms of the new prime minister, 45.10 percent anticipated an honest person who is devoted to serving the nation and the people. 34.57 percent wanted someone with leadership, farsightedness and decisiveness, whereas 20.33 percent hoped for a premier who keeps his promises.

Asked what they were worried about the most during the formation of the government after the poll, 46.04 percent mentioned people’s denial of the result and reoccurrences of political protests and chaos. Another 30.12 percent cited the government’s handling of numerous problems within the country while 23.84 percent pointed out inappropriate behaviors and bickering among politicians.

TAN_Network TAN News Network

PM confirms before leaving for ASEAN Summit in Indonesia that he has submitted House dissolution decree for royal endorsement already

MCOT_Eng MCOT English News

PM: Royal decree on House dissolution, to clear way for general election, is submitted to King

-----

Time for a new thread....

It was a bit longer than 4 months...but we appear to have gotten there....

Unless some folks have other ideas!

Mid's first post....

Originally Posted by Mid

PM to Decide on House Dissolution in 4 Months
31 July 2010

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been quoted by as saying he will give MPs 4 months' time to prepare and by that time, if the situation in the country has returned to normal, he will consider a House dissolution.

He has also asked Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to compile a list of names of MPs who often miss Parliament sessions.

thailandoutlook.tv

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

TAN_Network TAN News Network

Thaksin phones in to red-shirt supporters at Imperial Lardprao saying if Pheu Thai forms govt, everyone will own cars and houses

Where any details given? Such as make of car or size of houses? What about those who already have cars and houses?

Maybe it's just a red shirt thing. During the protests, there were rumors of big bonuses if they won. When I hear things like this it makes me wonder if they are true.

Originally Posted by SteveCM

The air force will be impartial and will equally support all political parties to launch election campaigns at various air force bases and barracks, air force chief Itthaporn Subhawong said on Friday.

naive ........................

As and when the provisions of Section 108 of the 2007 Constitution are properly executed, the dissolution will become actual rather than promised. At that point, there's the bigger part of two months before the (promised) election should take place and thus itself become "actual". And then........ ?

TiT - many a slip twixt cup and lip......

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Thaksin phones in to red-shirt supporters at Imperial Lardprao saying if Pheu Thai forms govt, everyone will own cars and houses

and everyone will become rich within 6 month since they will be issued credit cards to pay off their debts with..

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

The Thaksin obsession is bewildering.

Yours?

when is the next coup should be the right question,

I hope soon,

I've got an idea. Maybe they should exile Qadaffi to Thailand. He'd have lots of buddies here.

The problem is they are fighting for total control, not just a majority to govern. Thaksin dropped the ball once before and won't be so quick to do so again.

He's a vindictive bastard and has promised a WOD.

When the death squads are killing thousands, will the red shirt/PTT/Thaksin supporters sit back quoting ABAC polls and saying it's OK cause he has a mandate.

Originally Posted by Buksida

He's a vindictive bastard

we all know that, hence I don't think he will return here alive.

if PT wants to stage a political coup by voting an immunity bill, then a coup might be the only viable option before civil war. It might not be bloodless this time though, as the red monkeys are inherently violent and want their big payoff.

The only way to stop this silly cycle is to shoot Thaksin, a bit ala OBL like Sabang was advocating before. Perfectly legitimate target

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

TAN_Network TAN News Network

Thaksin phones in to red-shirt supporters at Imperial Lardprao saying if Pheu Thai forms govt, everyone will own cars and houses

If he phoned in to a rally in Yala and Narathiwat and told them if they voted for Pheu Thai they could have their 21 virgins BEFORE they died he'd sink the Dems.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

MCOT_Eng MCOT English News

PM: Royal decree on House dissolution, to clear way for general election, is submitted to King




Time for a new thread....

Let's wait til it's signed. Launching a coup after that would be both LM and Treason. Capital offence.

Originally Posted by Tom Sawyer

Let's wait til it's signed.

Precisely.

From the blog world.....

Thailand, April 10: The day that changed the game? | Asian Correspondent

By Siam Voices
May 07, 2011 12:13PM UTC

By Dan Waites


In Thailand’s modern history, April 10 is already a date to remember. On that day last year, at the height of the red shirt protests, at least 25 people were killed during clashes in Bangkok, including Reuters cameraman Hiroyuki Muramoto, 19 Thai civilians and five soldiers. This year, it seems the date has become doubly significant. On April 10, 2011, core red shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan made a fiery speech at a rally at Democracy Monument to mark the anniversary of the violence. Almost one month on, the speech, in which he savaged the army for shooting protesters while claiming to be the defenders of the monarchy, has had important consequences in the unruly scrabble for power under way in advance of Thailand’s looming elections.

Two days after the rally, Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha had lèse majesté (insulting the monarchy) charges filed against Jatuporn and two other UDD leaders. To repeat the contents of Jatuporn’s speech would be reckless because, as has been widely noted, even relaying comments deemed to be lèse majesté can result in charges. What’s clear, however, is that whatever Jatuporn said gave the hardliner army chief – who had set up a “war room” to monitor red shirt speeches – just the excuse he was looking for to crack down on the UDD.

The Department of Special Investigation was quick to follow suit. Ever since the DSI made the unfortunate mistake of suggesting 13 people who died during the April 10 clashes may have been killed by the Royal Thai Army – igniting the wrath of Gen Prayuth – DSI chief Tharit Pengdit has been anxious to ensure the generals are kept happy. The DSI has now filed lèse majesté and sedition charges against not three but 18 red shirt leaders in connection with the speeches. As UDD leader Thida Thavornseth joked at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand last month, she herself was essentially being charged for standing on the sidelines of the stage and failing to rush forward to gag Mr Jatuporn. They have a name for this: guilt by association.

Tharit is also, once again, attempting to revoke the bail of Jatuporn and eight UDD leaders recently bailed on terrorism charges connected with last year’s protests. All 18 leaders are due to report themselves to the authorities any day now to hear the new charges against them. They deny the accusations, and it’s anyone’s guess whether they will end up behind bars again. But it can be guaranteed that jailing them would be seen by the red shirt movement as a highly provocative act. And with many of the leaders planning to contest the next elections for the Pheu Thai Party, there’s no doubt it would hobble their campaigns – as red leader Kokaew Pikulthong found out in the Constituency 6 by-election last year.

And this really is all about the elections. As I wrote in my last post for Siam Voices, the army has a hell of a lot at stake. It is desperate to ensure victory for Abhisit Vejjajiva’s Democrat Party, desperate to prevent the opposition from taking power, and desperate to ensure the devil himself, Thaksin Shinawatra, does not return to Thailand. If it can avoid staging a coup, it will. The generals have learned that the best way to get they want – control over national security, bloated budgets, magical bomb-detecting dowsing rods – is to hide behind a pliant civilian administration.

So Prayuth is using the April 10 speeches as a pretext to tilt the election playing field in the Democrat Party’s favour. First, we have the charges themselves, which may result in the jailing of several prospective Pheu Thai candidates. And second, we see Prayuth doing everything he can to ensure the stain of lèse majesté leaks from the UDD onto the Pheu Thai Party. Here was The Nation on April 13:

A high voter turnout is the key to safeguarding the monarchy and bringing about change under a democracy, Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said yesterday, urging the people to voice their aspirations via the ballot box.

“I believe if all 60 million [eligible] Thai citizens come out to cast their votes, they can change the country,” he said.

Prayuth said he was optimistic that the upcoming general election could end the political turmoil that had gripped the Kingdom.

Through balloting, the people could safeguard the country’s revered institution by weeding out ill-intentioned politicians, he added, speaking on the sidelines of a merit-making ceremony to mark the Songkran holiday.

Everyone knows what Prayuth meant: a vote for Pheu Thai is a vote against the monarchy. After using most of the interview to play politics, the army chief took a swipe at red shirt leaders “for trying to link the military to politics in a bid to sway the crowds.” The army is above politics, you see.

Of course, accusations of lèse majesté have long featured in the Thai political playbook. But rarely have they “stuck” as firmly as they appear to be sticking now to the UDD, which has long been suspected of disloyalty to the monarchy anyway. Perhaps the most obvious indicator of this has been former prime minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh’s decision to resign as chairman of the Pheu Thai Party, reportedly claiming he could not be associated with a party that was not loyal to the institution. The former army chief only joined the party in October 2009, having served as deputy PM under the premiership of Thaksin’s brother-in-law Somchai Wongsuwan. Then, Chavalit was accused by Privy Council president – and alleged mastermind of the 2006 coup – Prem Tinsulonda of betraying the country.

Here’s Matichon Weekend (April 22 – 28) on Chavalit’s resignation (page 9, my translation):

We must not forget that when General Chavalit came back to work together with the Pheu Thai Party again, he announced that he would investigate to see whether the people in the party were loyal to the monarchy. But already, Gen Chavalit, who has previously been army chief, supreme commander of the armed forces and prime minister, has had to be the first person to leave the party, because he couldn’t accept the speeches of the red shirt leaders. This means we can understand that his mission to examine the loyalty to the monarchy [of the party] has failed. Which solidifies the image of “overthrowing the monarchy” that the red shirts and the Pheu Thai Party are constantly being attacked with. The “red shirt masses” might not care or worry about this issue very much. But if they hope to win the general election, the red shirts certainly aren’t enough on their own. They have to rely on the general population too.

In a country in which the vast majority of people still have great love for their king, the image Prayuth is painting of the red shirts – and, perhaps, that they have helped to paint themselves – will do the Pheu Thai Party no favours at all in the coming election. A new ban on references to the monarchy during the election campaign could spare the party from the worst. But some damage has probably already been done.

And Prayuth’s machinations didn’t end there. Last Monday, as Human Rights Watch reported, hundreds of armed police launched raids against thirteen community radio stations associated with the red shirts in Bangkok and surrounding provinces. Accompanied by officials from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, the police forced the stations off the air and seized equipment, computers and documents. “The upcoming elections can hardly be credible if the government closes down opposition radio stations and websites,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. The raids, HRW charged, were ordered by Gen Prayuth. The reason? The stations had broadcast Jatuporn’s April 10 speech. You can only wonder if the fiery red shirt leader regrets it.


Dan Waites can be contacted at jamesdanielwaites[at]gmail.com or followed on Twitter: www.twitter.com/danwaites.