Thread: Thai elections 2011-Thai PM sets stage for tough election

it's nice to see red monkeys turning into fascism, thanks to their leader brainwashing

TAN_Network TAN News Network

Chart Pattana Puea Pandin executive Suwat boasts that small and medium sized parties have a shot at getting member appointed PM

"From the yellow-shirt camp the other day, meanwhile, a leading speaker made a tantalising comment, pointing to the possibility of a yellow-red partial cooperation after the election" Quote from Post # 2154 above

This quote brough back vivid memories of earlier this year.

I was part of a "Red Shirt cycling team" that cycled from Ratchaprasong to Chiang Rai. Sleeping in temples and all that uncomfortable stuff.

On our way out of Bangkok, barely one hour into the 4-week cycling trip, our group encountered the PAD stage and blockage. After some discussion, the leaders of our team were invited onto the PAD stage where they explained the details of our endeavour....................BIG MISTAKE.

That little lack of judgment haunted us the rest of the 4 week trip. In some communities we were ostracised by the local Red Shirt people.

The brief appearance of our cycling leaders on the PAD stage was widely publicised, and widely condemned by Red Shirt leaders elsewhere.

So if the PAD thinks there will be some degree of co-operation as this quote suggests......I don't think so.

The military bullets that flew at Ratchaprasong, are considered PAD bullets by many. In that sense, there is little differentiation between the military and the PAD by many people in the Red Shirt Democracy Movement.

"Police indicate that up to 720 campaign billboards of the Democrat Party have been destroyed"Quote from Post #2175 above.

Awright, that finally confirms what I see.

All previous reports on this matter by the English Language media tried to hide the fact that it was Democrat Party and Abhisit images that wre primarily targetted.

As mentioned in a previous Post, what I saw on my extensive travels throughout the region reflects the above quote.

Originally Posted by Calgary

All previous reports on this matter by the English Language media tried to hide the fact that it was Democrat Party and Abhisit images that wre primarily targetted.

Disagree - there have been plenty of reports about damage to Dems' posters and often accompanied by finger-pointing, bemoaning non-democratic behaviour etc.

Quotes in bold print from Post #2175 above

This enmity toward the USA felt by the Red Shirt Democracy Movement is one area where I seriously disagree with them. But everytime I challenge them on it, I get snowed under by vitriolic feelings and opinions against the USA. The following quotes are worthy of some consideration IMHO:

But Washington could begin to treat Thailand more like other countries with serious human rights problems, criticizing abuses when they occur and taking appropriate measures, such as downgrading the military-military relationship after serious abuses, like a coup. So far, U.S. criticism has been muted, with many lawmakers still praising the Thai government, even as they criticize other countries in Southeast Asia, like Vietnam, for similar abuses.

This is absolutely true and is exactly the way the Red Shirt Democracy Movement characterize the Americans

They consider the total support and focus by the Americans on the Amart, to it's highest level, as being a major impetus for them to continue their "tyranny of the minority". It is felt that without this American support, their feathers would be trimmed considerably.

At the same time, Washington should make clear to Thailand's opposition that if it wins the election and brings Thaksin back, the United States will not tolerate a return of the abuses that characterized Thaksin's terms in office.

The Americans are in no position to make anything clear to anyone in the opposition. I suspect that any American suggesting what they will tolerate and what they will not, would get a swift boot in their hind-end from the opposition. Perhaps after considerable fence-mending this may change, but at the present time...gulp!

I wont try to enunciate all their sources of animosity toward the Americans, but believe me, they are many. I just avoid the subject around here as it leads to immediate heated discussions.

Thai-ASEAN News Network



Pheu Thai Edges Up in Poll

UPDATE : 10 June 2011

A recent opinion poll shows the Pheu Thai Party is leading the rival Democrat Party in terms of popularity.

The Turakit Bundit Poll, in cooperation with The Nation Multimedia Group, have disclosed results of an opinion poll on political parties' popularity.

The survey was conducted between June 3 and 6 on 8,616 eligible voters in 33 areas of Bangkok.

According to the poll, the Pheu Thai Party is ahead of the Democrat Party in 19 constituencies, while the Democrats are leading in six constituencies.


Both the pro-Democrats and pro-Pheu Thai areas have declined by one each since the previous survey.

The poll shows that the Democrat Party is also losing its stronghold to the Rak Santi and the Rak Thai parties.

There is a close fight in the remaining nine constituencies.

In terms of popularity, the Democrats are still trailing behind Pheu Thai, with 39 percent of votes against 47.

A total of 86 percent of Bangkok residents will cast ballots on July 3.

However, five percent will not cast a vote, while nine percent remain undecided.

At the same time, 55 percent of respondents have already made their decision.

Nine percent see a high possibility of changing their mind.

Thirty-one percent have yet to decide which party they will vote for.

Five percent say they will abstain or will vote no.

Thai-ASEAN News Network

Army Defends Legal Action against Poll Candidate

UPDATE : 10 June 2011

The army spokesman comfirms pressing charges against a Pheu Thai election candidate for obstructing military officers performing their duty in an anti-drug operation.

Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd denied that the army has spread a false allegation against the Pheu Thai Party's MP candidate Pairoj Issaraseripong for obstructing officers who were on duty under the anti-drug Operation 315.

He confirmed that Pairoj was with six to seven supporters, one of whom allegedly showing a gun tucked at his waist, while threatening the officers.


The Pheu Thai candidate was distributing leaflets to educate people on drug problems in Bangkok's Nong Chok District when he encountered the officers.

Sansern expressed no concern if a countersuit will be filed against him.

Meanwhile, the army spokesman admitted that his earlier comment comparing red-shirt leader Nuttawut Saikua with water that got filthy after being used to clean feet was improper, but affirmed he will offer no excuse why he said so.

Regarding the probe into the deaths of 91 red-shirt protesters and others during the riot crackdown last year, Sansern said he will not give his testimony in the case in favor of or against any particular political party.

He added he is willing to testify as many times as needed until justice is served in the case.

Thai-ASEAN News Network

Mae Rim Superintendent Transferred After Allowing Red Shirts to Disrupt PM's Campaigning

UPDATE : 10 June 2011

The INN News Agency is reporting that the superintendent of Mae Rim Police Station in Chiang Mai Province has been transferred to the Mae Oon Police Station. Reasons behind the transfer are reportedly his failure in preventing red shirt supporters from disrupting Abhisit Vejjajiva's campaigning in Chiang Mai.

Bangkok Post : Abhisit opposes referendum plan

Abhisit opposes referendum plan

• Published: 10/06/2011 at 12:52 PM
• Online news:

Prime minister and Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he disagrees with the Pheu Thai Party’s plan to hold a national referendum on royal pardon seeking for all sides.

“I am not sure whether the referendum holding is constitutional. It could once again create a problem of social division to the country.

“The best thing to do at this time is to move the country forward without any impact on the effort to resolve problems facing by people. The best way is not to do this kind of thing,” he said.

The claim that the royal pardon seeking will be for equally benefit of all sides is unlikely, Mr Abhisit added, giving an example that if the government will have to return confiscated assets to former prime minister Thaksin, the country would be damaged.

Asked about the report on an establishment of pro-red-shirt villages, Mr Abhisit said he had no idea about the objective of such action but was reported that it might be for building up network of red-shirt people.

On the question about Chartthaipattana leader Chumpol Silpa-archa was not happy with the article Mr Abhisit wrote in Face Book and said coalition partners were looked down on without any given honour, Mr Abhisit said Mr Chumpol might misunderstand his point of view as he had not yet gone through it.

He said it is not necessary for him to clear up the misunderstanding as he believes Mr Chumpol would finally understand.

Originally Posted by Calgary

The brief appearance of our cycling leaders on the PAD stage was widely publicised....

I didn't hear about it, was it on the news?

Originally Posted by Buksida

Originally Posted by Calgary

The brief appearance of our cycling leaders on the PAD stage was widely publicised....

I didn't hear about it, was it on the news?

Yeah, it was...unfortunately.

Television clips, front page of several newspapers.

The news media thought it really interesting to see Red Shirts on the PAD stage.

Many Red Shirt events were planned in communities around our arrival, many of which were cancelled.........They did not appreciate Red Shirts on the PAD stage.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Police: Democrat suffers most damages on campaign posters

BANGKOK, 10 June 2011 (NNT) – Police indicate that up to 720 campaign billboards of the Democrat Party have been destroyed, which is more than other partie

no mention of the total number of billboards as opposed to other parties ?

thus the above is simply garbage .

Originally Posted by Mid

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Police: Democrat suffers most damages on campaign posters

BANGKOK, 10 June 2011 (NNT) – Police indicate that up to 720 campaign billboards of the Democrat Party have been destroyed, which is more than other partie

no mention of the total number of billboards as opposed to other parties ?

thus the above is simply garbage .

Yeah, a valid question Mid.

720 campaign billboards out of how many???????????

But my travels here have been extensive the last month or so. Trips to Mahasarakham, Kalasin, Udon Thani. Khon kean, Korat, Chaiyaphum and outlying villages...........and I think I am quite accurate that 95 % of the sign mutilation is that of the Democrat party. In fact, I recall seeing only a couple PT posters damaged.

With much of the damage being cut-out of Abhisit image, graffiti on his face saying 'murderer' etc.

When I posted this info before, somebody said that in Bangkok this ratio was not in evidence, and that damages were more evenly spread.

Originally Posted by Calgary

and I think I am quite accurate that 95 % of the sign mutilation is that of the Democrat party.

Originally Posted by DrB0b

Every Democrat poster has been defaced. None of the others, not even Bum Jai Thai, have been touched.

There you go ,

percentages and first hand observations ,

wonder why that is beyond Thai journalists ( sic ) ?

Thai-ASEAN News Network

Economists Raise Concern over Populist Campaign Promises

UPDATE : 10 June 2011

Many economists are concerned that some populist campaign promises from both the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties could jeopardize the state coffer and encourage people to remain dependent on state assistance programs.

At the “Economists Meet Politicians” seminar organized by Thammasat University, Patamawadee Suzuki, who is the dean of the Faculty of Economics at the university, pointed out that while some campaign promises could be soundly explained, there are many more of which feasibility is questionable.


At any rate, Patamawadee has expressed concern that these populist policies could jeopardize fiscal discipline and encourage people to remain dependent on the government's assistance programs.

Patamawadee said she prefers the Democrat Party's agricultural product price guarantee scheme over Pheu Thai's pledging program, saying that the first has better accountability and does not put as much strain on the state coffer.

Former deputy prime minister Korbsak Sabhavasu of the Democrat Party pledged that if elected back to power and once the political situation is stabilized, the party will try to boost the country's competitiveness by decreasing state role in the industrial sector and look after businesses which may be affected by the planned minimum wage hike.

Moreover, the Democrat-led government will invest five billion baht to enhance the labor force's skills with minimal need of additional outside fund.

Former finance minister Suchart Thadathamrongvej of the Pheu Thai Party boasted that the party's pledging policy will see the formation of a company to intervene in the rice market and conduct negotiations for higher prices.

At the same time, the Pheu Thai-led administration will reduce corporate income tax to encourage private businesses to increase their employees' wages.

Pheu Thai is also aiming to raise the standard of living by providing low-cost housing, five-year zero-percent mortgage for first-time home buyers, and a sale of excise tax-free automobiles.

Furthermore, the party is looking to jointly develop the disputed area along the border with Cambodia for the benefit of both countries.

The populist policies and various mega projects will be funded by foreign capital, which will also strengthen overseas investors' confidence in Thailand.

Apichart Satitniramai, an economics professor at the Thammasat University, pointed out that both parties have distinguished platforms as the Democrats are focusing on sound and sustainable growth and Pheu Thai is planning to stimulate the economic by injecting money into the system despite some potential long-term problems.

While one party is emphasizing on financial security, another is looking to create economic opportunities.

He gave both parties equal marks.

However, Aprichart added that many of the campaign promises offered by both parties are simply not feasible and may even create larger problems in the long-run.

The economics professor is doubtful about large-scale projects outlined by both parties as the plans lack clear directive and accountability.

Thai-ASEAN News Network

The Candidates’ Multi-Billion Baht Gambling

UPDATE : 10 June 2011

Just over the past two weeks, tens of billions of baht have simply been siphoned out and vanished from the system. It would be very interesting to know where all the money has gone and why this is happening during the period leading up to the general election.

Assistant to the National Police Chief Police Lieutenant-General Rapeepat Palawong has ordered all officers involved to keep a close eye on the money trail. The matter needs to be investigated.

Thai politics has never gone beyond vote-buying. This has always been the case and it will set an example for the future.

However, it may not be easy to probe into the matter as many financial forensic experts must be brought in. Even with the dedicated economic crime unit, the investigation is expected to take months. Normally, all financial transactions with the value of two million baht or above must be reported to the Anti-Money Laundering Office to verify to what the money is intended for.

To start the investigation, investigators must determine whether politicians were involved and where the money went.

Local enforcement alone cannot get to the bottom of this unless the offender is caught red-handed, but that is unlikely as the vote-buying process has become more sophisticated.

A betting operation on the upcoming election has commenced. Similar to horse race betting, the gamblers only need to bet on candidates that they think would win by checking a box on their ballots. They could even recruit their friends and family on the bet. Sometimes, they could even make more money by betting on the underdogs.

Everyone must be reminded that gambling is against the law, especially betting on elections, which is twice as illegal. The attempt to buy-votes could also be disguised as something else.

The poll panel in Ubon Ratchathani Province has prohibited betting on the traditional rocket races, fearing that they could be facades for the vote-buying operations.

As the authorities become stricter, the vote-buying operations or other electoral fraud have become much more complex. The police must anticipate the politicians’ tricks.

Only 40 percent of the 10 billion baht, some politicians receive as a kickback for a certain project is four billion baht. Each of the MPs receive about five million baht in salary during his or her four year term. However, some of them seem to have been unusually wealthier while in office. It is needless to say that many candidates will look to reap the dividends of their investments.

Taken for Lieb Kye Column by Analus, Kom Chad Leuk Newspaper, Page 2, June 10, 2011

Translated and Rewritten by Kongkrai Maksrivorawan

Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingn...ikes-back-army

Ex-MP files complaint against Sansern

• Published: 10/06/2011 at 05:20 PM
• Online news:

A former Pheu Thai MP lodges a complaint with the Election Commission against an army spokesman for saying he intimidated military officers in a drug search operation.

Pheu Thai's Pairoj Isarasereepong, an election candidate for Bangkok's constituency 9, on Friday filed a petition along with photo evidence with the EC’s centre for administration of parliamentary election-related investigation on Friday afternoon, accusing Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd for slandering him in the media.

In his complaint, Mr Pairoj called for the EC to take legal action against the army spokesman under Section 53 of the Parliamentary Election Act which regulates the act of defaming and undermining support of an election candidate.

Col Sansern accused MP Pairoj and his aides of intimidating military officers of the government's 315 drug task force in a search at Sap Charoen estate in Nong Chok district on May 23.

The officer said the two men accompanying Mr Pairoj allegedly opened their shirts to show they had guns before the three task force members left the area.

Mr Pairoj insisted his aides did not carry firearms nor intimidated the three officers.

^ The 4th legal threat/action from someone in the PTP in 8 days or so.

Originally Posted by Gerbil

For a party who seem to be convinced that they are ahead and going to win, they certainly seem to throw a lot of legal threats

Quite. Why don't they do what other parties do and have hitmen bump off the people they're having problems with? After all, they have an army of terrorists to call on, don't they?