By elections: No need for Banjong to resign

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...jong-to-resign

Suthep: No need for Banjong to resign

• Published: 4/11/2010 at 01:13 PM
• Online news:

It is not necessary for Boonjoing Wongtrairat to resign as deputy interior minister before running in a by-election, Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said on Thursday.

Mr Boonjong and five other MPs have lost their House seats after the Constitution Court on Wednesday ruled that their shareholdings in private companies were unconstitutional.

However, all of them, except one who was elected in the party-list system, can still run in a by-election to be called to fill the vacant House seats.

Mr Suthep said Mr Banjong does not have to follow his practice by resigning from the cabinet post before running in a by-election, adding that his and Mr Banjoing's cases are different.

The Democrat secretary-general said he resigned as deputy prime minister because he was responsible for national security affairs and acted as government's manager, so it would be inappropriate for him to hold on to the post.

Mr Suthep was among the MPs found by the Election Commission to have violated the constitution regarding shareholdings. After the EC forwarded the case to the Constitution Court, he resigned his House seat for not wanting to fight the case in court to concentrate in his work as deputy prime minister.

When a Democrat MP was disqualified and a House seat in Surat Thani became vacant, he resigned the cabinet post to run in the Oct 30 by-election and was re-elected.

Concerning this matter, Mr Boonjong said he would wait for the Bhumjaithia Party to decide, probably next week, whether or not he should resign to run in the by-election.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingn...-should-resign

Jatuporn: Boonjong should resign

• Published: 4/11/2010 at 02:05 PM
• Online news:

Boonjong Wongtrairat of the Bhumjaithai Party should resign as deputy interior minister if he plans to run in the by-election to fill his vacant House seat in Nakhon Ratchasima, Puea Thai list MP Jatuporn Prompan said on Thursday.

Mr Jatuporn said the Puea Thai Party would contest the by-election. Other candidates would be at a disadvantage if Mr Boonjong also ran in the poll without resigning from the cabinet, he added.

He claimed the constituency in which Mr Boonjong was elected was Puea Thai turf.

Mr Boonjong had been elected because he previously ran for the defunct Thai Rak Thai and People Power parties, Puea Thai's predecessors, Mr Jatuporn said.

Mr Boonjong lost his House seat when the Constitution Cpourt ruled he held shares in companies barred to politicians by the constitution.

He retains his cabinet portfolio as a non-MP deputy interior minister.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home...-30141526.html


By-election date on Dec 12 to fill five House seats



The Election Commission on Thursday set December 12 as the poll date for by-elections to fill five House seats vacated by disqualified MPs.

The advance vote for absentee voters will take place on December 4. And the candidacy registration is to open between November 22 and November 26.

The by-elections are to take place in Bangkok, Ayutthaya (two constituencies), Surin and Nakhon Ratchasima.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home...-30141516.html


Kuerkul to contest Ayutthaya by-election

The Chart Thai Pattana Party has decided to field Deputy Transport Minister Kuerkul Danchaivichit for the Ayutthaya by-election, a party adviser said on Thursday.

Somsak Prissanananthakul said his party will endorse Kuerkul's candidacy despite the Wednesday's judicial decision on his disqualification.

"Kuerkul is an Ayutthaya native and Chart Thai Pattana finds it difficult to find his replacement," Somsak said.

Kuerkul was one of the six MPs disqualified on the ground for violating the equity ban for possessing shares linked to state concessions.

The Nation

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1036959

Minister Hinges Post on Party's Decision

UPDATE : 4 November 2010

The deputy interior minister who has been stripped of his MP post says he will accept his party's final decision on whether to resign from his post in the Cabinet to run in the by election.

Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat, whose MP status was nullified by the Constitution Court for illicit stock holding, said his Bhum Jai Thai Party will make a decision next week whether to field him as its candidate in the Nakhon Ratchasima by election, to be held to seek his replacement.

Boonjong said his decision whether to remain in the Cabinet should be based on the law even though former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban set a precedent by resigning from the administration to contest the Surat Thani by election.

The deputy minister said he will respect any decision made by his party.


House Speaker Chai Chidchob, also a senior member of Bhum Jai Thai, said Boonjong is still qualified to compete in the by election as the law requires him to resign from his ministerial post and it is his individual right to do so.

Chai, however, insisted the decision whether to field Boonjong relies on a resolution by party executives while a resignation from the Cabinet should be made on his own judgment.

He also said Suthep's resignation could not serve as a common precedent and such a decision is a personal matter.

This thread should proably be merged with the other one on the subject.
https://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asi...july-23-a.html
TH

Thought about it, but that was the end of the inquiry. This is about the upcoming by elections, so I took the rash decision (!) of starting a new thread.

EC: Elections Dec 12 to fill seats of disqualified MPs


EC: Elections Dec 12 to fill seats of disqualified MPs


วันพฤหัสบดี ที่ 04 พ.ย. 2553

• • https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif

BANGKOK, Nov 4 - The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday has set December 12 as the by-election date to fill five seats vacated as a result of the Constitution Court's order disqualifying six members of parliament for breaching shareholding rules, according to Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham.

Six MPs were disqualified on Wednesday by the Constitution Court. Five were elected in constituencies and one on the party-list system which would be replaced by the next candidate on the party list.

The by-elections will take place in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Khon Kaen, Surin and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Mrs Sodsri told reporters after the EC meeting that the meeting approved the plan to hold the by-elections Dec 12. The application date for candidates was scheduled for Nov 22-26 and
advance balloting will be held Dec 4-5.

The scheduled dates will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval, she said.

Mrs Sodsri said the EC believed the flood would not have any impact on the polling as the situation would return to normal by the time the election is held.

The election budget has not been set but Mrs Sodsri said she believed that each constituency would not use more money than that for Surat Thani by-election late last month at Bt16 million (US$540,000).

The Constitution Court on Wednesday ruled by a 7-1 vote to disqualify six members of parliament including two ministers from the coalition parties of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for breaching shareholding rules by holding shares in media companies or holding stakes in firms linked to state concessions.

Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat, Nakhon Ratchasima MP of the Bhumjaithai Party, and Deputy Transport Minister Kuakul Danchaivijit, an MP for Ayutthaya from the Chart Thai Pattana Party, were among the six disqualified MPs.

A Cabinet member is not required to be an MP so the ruling did not affect the ministerial posts held by Mr Boonjong and Mr Kuakul.

The others were Democrat Bangkok MP Somkiat Chantavanich; Puea Pandin MP for Surin Maliwan Thanyasakulkij; party list MP of the Puea Pandin Party Kittiwattana Pokmontri and Opposition Puea Thai MP for Khon Kaen Preechapol Pongpanich.

The court's ruling followed the request of the Senate and House Speakers who asked the Constitution Court to rule whether 16 senators and 28 MPs had violated Section 265 of the Constitution prohibiting senators and MPs from holding shares in companies contracted with the government from holding a state concession or holding shares in media business. Violators are subject to lose their parliamentary seats.

As for the 16 senators, the court found that they were not guilty. (MCOT online news)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...nisterial-post

PT demands Boonjong quits cabinet

• Published: 4/11/2010 at 04:12 PM
• Online news: Politics

Boonjong Wongtrairat of the Bhumjaithai Party should resign as deputy interior minister if he plans to run in the by-election to fill his vacant House seat in Nakhon Ratchasima, Puea Thai list MP Jatuporn Prompan said on Thursday.

Mr Jatuporn said the opposition Puea Thai Party would contest the by-election. Other candidates would be at a disadvantage if Mr Boonjong also ran in the poll without resigning from the cabinet, he added.

He claimed the constituency in which Mr Boonjong was elected was Puea Thai turf.

Mr Boonjong had been elected because he previously ran for the defunct Thai Rak Thai and People Power parties, Puea Thai's predecessors, Mr Jatuporn said.

Mr Boonjong lost his House seat when the Constitution Court ruled he held shares in companies barred to politicians by the constitution.

He retains his cabinet portfolio as a non-MP deputy interior minister.

However, Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said it is not necessary for Mr Boonjong to resign before running in the by-election.

Mr Suthep said Mr Boonjong does not have to follow his own example and resign from the cabinet before running in a by-election. His case and Mr Banjong's were different.

The Democrat secretary-general said he resigned as deputy prime minister because he was responsible for national security affairs and was the government's manager, so it would be inappropriate for him to hold on to the post.

Mr Suthep was among the MPs found by the Election Commission to have violated the constitution regarding shareholdings. After the EC forwarded the case to the Constitution Court, he resigned his House seat saying he did not have the time to fight the case in court and would instead concentrate on his work as deputy prime minister.

When a Democrat MP was disqualified and a House seat in Surat Thani became vacant, he resigned from the cabinet to run in the Oct 30 by-election and was re-elected.

Mr Boonjong and five other MPs have lost their House seats after the Constitution Court on Wednesday ruled that their shareholdings in private companies were unconstitutional.

However, all of them, except one who was elected in the party-list system, can still run in a by-election to be called to fill the vacant House seats.

Mr Boonjong said he would wait for the Bhumjaithia Party to decide, probably next week, whether or not he should resign to run in the by-election.

Meanwhile, Chart Thai Pattana Party spokesman Watchara Kannikar said party chiefs want Deputy Transport Minister Kuerkul Danchaivichit to run for re-election, despite losing his House seat after being disqualified by the Constitution Court for unconstitutional shareholdings.

Mr Watchara said the decision rests with Mr Kuerkul and on a final resolution of the party, which would hold a meeting to consider this matter on Nov 9.

Mr Kuerkul had been elected many times in his constituency in Ayutthaya, where he enjoyed considerable popularity. So the party wants him to run in the by-election for his old seat.

The party had yet to decide whether Mr Kueakul should first resign his cabinet post, Mr Watchara said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...ek-re-election

Disqualified pair to seek re-election

• Published: 5/11/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Two cabinet members disqualified this week from holding parliamentary seats are expected to seek re-election while still in office.
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat, right, smiles while chatting with Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum during a meeting of the lower house yesterday. CHANAT KATANYU

Initial responses from the Chart Thai Pattana and Bhumjaithai parties suggest their party members, Deputy Transport Minister Kuerkul Danchaivichit and Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat, will stay on as ministers while they contest by-elections to fill seats in the lower house left vacant by their expulsion.

They are among six MPs who lost their seats in the House after the Constitution Court on Wednesday ruled they were in breach of the consitution provision which bars lawmakers from holding shares in companies with state concessions or media firms.

Chart Thai Pattana spokesman Watchara Kannikar said yesterday the party was happy with Mr Kuerkul and had agreed not to remove him from cabinet. It has yet to decide whether to field him in the re-election in Ayutthaya.

"The chance is the party will field him," Mr Watchara said. "He is a dedicated MP and there is no law barring him from contesting the poll."

Some have asked whether the ministers should follow the example of Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban, who stepped down as deputy prime minister to run in the Oct 30 by-election in Surat Thani.

A source in the Bhumjaithai Party said Mr Boonjong might seek re-election in Nakhon Ratchasima or have his wife, Kanchana, run instead.

He is expected to stay on as deputy interior minister out of concern that the Democrat Party would take away the party's seat entitlement if he withdrew.

"I'm here because of the party, so let the party decide if I should stay or go," Mr Boonjong said. A Bhumjaithai Party source said the party would decide on Tuesday which candidate to field.

The other MPs found guilty by the court are Democrat MP for Bangkok Somkiat Chanthawanich, Puea Pandin MP for Surin Maliwan Thanyasakulkij, Puea Thai MP for Khon Kaen Preechapol Pongpanich and Puea Pandin list MP MR Kitiwatthana Pokmontree.

Puea Pandin leader Charnchai Chairungrueng said the party would field candidates to contest the by-elections in Surin and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Ms Maliwan was expected to run again in Surin, while the candidate for Nakhon Ratchasima would be considered next week, he said.

The Puea Thai Party will field candidates in every by-election.

Mr Suthep insisted the cabinet members did not have to follow his example by resigning to run for the seats because the two cases were different. He chose to resign to avert risks and avoid complications which might affect the government's stability.

The Election Commission has scheduled the by-elections for Dec 12.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home...-30141597.html


Boonjong's wife likely to contest by-election



The Bhum Jai Thai Party is considering endorsing the candidacy of Kanchana Wongtrairat to contest the by-election in Nakhon Ratchasima, party's MP Prajak Klaewklaharn said on Friday.

"Kanchana is a party's option to avoid controversy surrounding her husband and Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat," he said.

The Nation

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...st-be-followed

PM: Political norms must be followed

• Published: 5/11/2010 at 03:53 PM
• Online news: Politics

Disqualified MPs planning to stand for re-election should respect "political norms" and follow Suthep Thaugsuban's example of resiging from the cabinet, Prime Minister and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Friday.

The Constitution Court on Wednesday convicted six MPs, including two cabinet members, who hold shares in companies barred to them by the conflict of interest provisions of the charter.

The two cabinet members are Deputy Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai Party key member Boonjong Wongtrairat and Deputy Transport Minister Kuerkul Danchaivichit of the Chart Thai Pattana Party.

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
Kuerkul Danchaivichit (left) and Boonjong Wongtrairat

"I have talked with Mr Boonjong, but he will discuss it with Bhumjaithai members before deciding whether he will step down," Mr Abhisit said on Friday.

He said the Democrats had already set an example, when party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban last month decided to resign as deputy prime minister after the charter court's decision upholding the Election Commission's ruling that he breached the constitution by holding shares in businesses involved with the mass media or state contracts.
Mr Suthep then ran successfully for re-election in the Oct 30 by-election.

"I have instructed Mr Suthep to meet Mr Boonjong and Mr Kuerkul and I believe they will come to a better understanding, since Mr Suthep has gone through this situation before," the prime minister said.

Chart Thai Pattana spokesman Watchara Kannikar said the party's executives will meet on Tuesday to discuss Mr Kuerkul's case.

The party will decide if it will again field Mr Kuerkul in the by-election for his former seat and whether he should quit as deputy transport minister first, Mr Watchara said.

"I believe the party executives will continue supporting Mr Kuerkul as they are satisfied with his performance and he is popular with the people," the spokesman said. "The party will decide if he should resign first as cabinet minister, even though there is no legal obligation."

Bhumjaithai MP chairman Prachak Kaewklaharn said the party might field Mr Boonjong's wife, Kanchana Wongtrairat, in the by-election.

"The party might not want to take any risks, as Mr Boonjong will be one of the party's leading figures in the next major election," Mr Prachak said.

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
Suthep Thaugsuban

Mr Suthep said the law does not require cabinet ministers to resign before contesting an election.

"I decided to resign as deputy prime minister before running in the Surat Thani by-election because my position is close to the prime minister and I was in charge of security affairs and administering the government.

"I stepped down because I didn't want the government's image to be affected," he said.

Mr Suthep, who won the Oct 30 by-election in Surat Thani by a landslide, said he would meet with prominent figures of the coalition partners and exchange views on this issue next week.

"I believe that if there is a cabinet reshuffle it would not affect the coalition, because not many changes would be made," he said.

http://asiancorrespondent.com/bangko...e-by-elections

Who will win the by-elections?

Nov. 08 2010 - 08:00 pm
The Bangkok Post reports on 6 MPs from 5 political parties losing their House seats when the Constitution Court on Wednesday found them guilty of holding shares in violation of the constitution:

They are Somkiat Chanthawanich of the Democrat Party, Boonjong Wongtrairat of Bhumjaithai, Kuerkul Danchaivichit of Chart Thai Pattana, Preechapol Pongpanich of Puea Thai, and Maliwan Thanyasakulkij and MR Kittiwattana Pokmontree of Puea Pandin.

Two of them are in the present cabinet. Mr Boonjong is deputy interior minister and Mr Kuerkul is deputy transport minister. They retain their portfofolios.
...
The cases were referred to the court by the Senate and House speakers,who asked it to rule whether 16 senators and 28 MPs had violated Section 265 (2) and (4) of the constitution, which prohibits senators and MPs from holding shares in companies which have government concessions or firms involved in the media.
...
Those who lost their House seats are not banned from politics as a result of the verdict. They can still run in the by-elections which will soon be held to fill their vacant seats.

BP: Not quite sure why the court acquitted the other 38 because they purchased the shares before they were MP - can't see anything in Sections 265 (2) or (4) that makes an exception (buy lots of shares before you are an MP!) . Nevertheless, the punishment is one that BP approves of. None of this banning. Let voters decide.

On the scheduled December 12 by-elections, Bangkok Poll surveyed constituents in 5 of the seats (the other MP was a list MP so the next person on the list becomes an MP), "would you the same candidate again?":

.................................................. ...Yes..... No ....Unsure
Dem MP for Bangkok, Somkiat .....32.3... 19.7... 48.0
CTP MP for Ayutthaya, Kuerkul ....25.0 ...22.0... 53.0
PPD MP for Surin, Maliwan ..........18.9... 18.9... 62.2
BJT MP for Khorat, Boonjong....... 27.2... 19.5... 53.3
PT MP for Khon Kaen, Preechapol 50.5.. 7.4.... 42.1

NOTE: CTP = Chart Thai Pattana, PPD = Puea Paendin, BJT = Bhum Jai Thai, PT = PUea Thai

BP: Obviously, this is not conclusive and a change in candidate or a noteworthy new candidate may change people's minds, but it is still interesting what their instant reaction on who they would vote for was.....

btw, for Boonjong, Puea Thai have engineered the defection of the Puea Paendin candidate in Nakhon Ratchasima/Khorat and are trying to convince the Puea Paendin faction (who are currently not part of the government after BJT engineered the Democrats kicking them in June 2010 for voting against the BJT Ministers in the no-confidence debate) not to contest and make it BJT vs Puea Thai.

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1037101

Cabinet Members Must Resign before Competing in By-Elections

UPDATE : 8 November 2010

The Constitutional Court issued a verdict against two Cabinet members, Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat, a Nakhon Ratchasima MP from the Bhum Jai Thai Party, and Deputy Transport Minister Kuerkul Danchaivichit, an Ayutthaya MP from Chart Thai Pattana Party, dismissing them from their MP seats. The court ruled that both violated Article 265, Clause 48 of the Constitution, prohibiting government officials from owning shares in telecommunication businesses, including concessionaires of government contracts. The leadership of both political parties have initially expressed their intention to field both Boonjong and Kuerkul in the upcoming by-elections without having them resign from their Cabinet posts. However, this has been met with strong criticism from the public.

The criticism has forced Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, as the leader of this government, to announce that everyone should follow the example set by former Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the national security Suthep Thaugsuban in order to uphold political ethics and legitimacy.

Last year, the court also dismissed Suthep from his MP seat for violating the Article 265, Clause 48. To set a good example, Suthep resigned from his position as deputy prime minister before filing for candidacy in the by-election in Surat Thani province held on past October 31. He won a landslide victory. It would now be considered appropriate if Suthep is reappointed as deputy prime minister in charge of the national security.

Even though the charter does not prohibit one from being both MP and a Cabinet member simultaneously, it is entirely different from having a Cabinet member running for an MP seat without having resigned from his ministerial post, which is grossly inappropriate and politically unethical. A true democratic politician must be true to his political ethics, not becoming an opportunist who is only aims to exploit a gap in the electoral laws in order to win an election without propriety. If a politician cannot even be true to political ethics, there is no way he will be true to the people and the nation.

Taken from Editorial Section, Naewna Newspaper, Page 3, November 8, 2010

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/opinion/o...-sod-editorial

Khao Sod Editorial

• Published: 9/11/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's ethical standing is being challenged by two cabinet ministers, who are refusing to resign their positions after having been found to be holding shares in companies which are state concessionaires.

Under the constitution, ministers are not allowed to hold shares in firms contracted by the state, as this is deemed a conflict of interest.

The Constitution Court last week found them guilty of violating the shareholding law, and stripped them of their parliamentary status.

Despite criticism from the public and media, the two ministers say they will keep their positions, as they are not required by law to quit the cabinet.

But this is a matter of conscience. People expect public office holders to have high moral standards. Their conduct must be an example for others to follow.

Upon taking office, Mr Abhisit announced 9 iron rules for his cabinet members, one of which is strict adherence to political ethics and high moral standards.

The sanctity of the prime minister's declaration will be compromised if the two ministers cling to their cabinet portfolios.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...kuerkul-nov-15

CTP decision on Kuerkul Nov 15

• Published: 9/11/2010 at 12:03 PM
• Online news:

The Chart Thai Pattana Party will hold a meeting on Monday, Nov 15, to decide on a candidate for the Dec 12 by-election in Ayutthaya, party leader Chumpol Silpa-archa said on Tuesday.

The Election Commission set Dec 12 for by-elections in five constituencies after the Constitution Court disqualified six MPs, five from constituencies and one from the party-list system, over shareholdings in violation of the constitution.

Deputy Transport Minister Kuerkul Danchaivichit, of Chart Thai Pattana, was one of the five disqualified constituency MPs. His seat was in Ayutthaya.

Mr Chumpol said the party would consider this matter on Nov 15, when a decision would be made whether to field Mr Kuerkul for re-election, or not.

He said Suthep Thaugsuban of the Democrat Party resigned as deputy prime minister to run in a by-election in Surat Thani because the party decided that he should. It was not his own decision to quit the cabinet.

It is not obligatory that Chart Thai Pattana take the same path regarding Mr Kuerkul, Mr Chumpol said.

The party would decide whether he would run in the by-election in Ayutthaya, and the decision should be respected by all parties.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...on-chai-status

EC asked to rule on Chai's status

• Published: 8/11/2010 at 01:59 PM
• Online news:

Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana has requested the Election Commission to reconsider his petition and rule whether House Speaker Chai Chidchob has lost his MP status for allegedly holding shares in a company granted a concession by the state.

Mr Ruangkrai said that in the request he asked the EC to reconsider a petition he submitted on Nov 28, 2008.

In that petition he asked the EC to rule whether Mr Chai had violated Section 265 of the constitution because he held shares in Silachai Buriram (1991) Co and later transferred them to his son Chalor while still an MP.

Section 265 prohibits a senator and MP or his/her spouse from holding shares in companies which have been granted a concession from the state or from holding shares in media business.

The EC rejected the petition, reasoning that Silachai Buriram (1991) Co had only been granted a licence from the state to operate a quarry in land owned by a private individual.

However, he said the Nov 3 Constitution Court verdict on a share case involving MPs and senators implied that "granting a concession means giving the right for someone to make use of the nation's resources." Therefore, the licence for operating the quarry might also be regarded as a state concession, he said.

After being elected MP, Mr Chai on Feb 8, 2008 stated in his assets declaration to the National Anti-Corruption Commission that he held 75,000 shares and his wife 135,000 shares in Silachai Buriram (1991) Co.

Mr Ruangkrai wanted the EC to reconsider his petition and rule on Mr Chai's status.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...oonjong-nov-11

BJT decision on Boonjong Nov 11

• Published: 9/11/2010 at 01:23 PM
• Online news:

The Bhumjaithai Party will meet on Thursday and decide whether or not Boonjong Wongtrairat should resign as deputy interior minister before running in the by-election for his former seat in Nakhon Ratchasima, party leader Chavarat Charnvirakul said on Tuesday.

Mr Boonjong is one of the six MPs disqualified by the Constitution Court for unconstitutional shareholdings.

Mr Chavarat declined to comment on a report that Newin Chidchob, the de facto leader of Bhumjaithai, wanted Mr Boonjong to resign from the cabinet, saying that the matter would be decided by a party resolution.

Moreover, the situation was changing on a daily basis, he added.

The Election Commission has tentatively set Dec 12 for by-elections in five constituencies. The sixth disqualified MP was on a party list, and will be replaced by the next person on the list.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

The criticism has forced Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, as the leader of this government, to announce that everyone should follow the example set by former Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the national security Suthep Thaugsuban

---

is this the same Suthep who is quoted in the OP as saying their resignations are not necessary ? :mid:

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1037218

Bhum Jai Thai Leader Silent on Ministerial Post Resignation ahead of By-Election

UPDATE : 11 November 2010

Newin Chidchob, the de facto leader of the Bhum Jai Thai Party, has not confirmed whether Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat, a party member, would resign from his Cabinet post before filing for candidacy in a parliamentary by election.

Newin Chidchob, the de facto leader of the Bhum Jai Thai Party, has refrained from saying whether the party will field Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat in the upcoming parliamentary by election in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Newin also did not say whether Boonjong will be required to resign from his Cabinet post if he is chosen as a party candidate.

He said the issue is insignificant and the people should not think about it too much.

Meanwhile, Bhum Jai Thai Party Spokesperson Supachai Jaisamut has announced that the party will hold a meeting on November 15 to discuss the upcoming parliamentary by elections in Nakhon Ratchasima and Surin provinces.


The issue of Boonjong's resignation will also be decided at the meeting.

At any rate, Supachai claimed the party is prepared for the by elections as all candidates have been selected.

At the same time, Interior Minister Chaovarat Charnveerakul, leader of the Bhum Jai Thai Party, believes it's still too early to decide whether the deputy interior minister must resign from his Cabinet position and that too much discussion on the issue could lead to a misunderstanding.

Chaovarat also claimed that he has yet to talk with Newin, who recently met with Banharn Silpa archa, leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party, and Suthep Thaugsuban, the secretary general of the Democrat Party.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...constituencies

BJT eyes 4 constituencies

• Published: 11/11/2010 at 02:06 PM
• Online news:

The Bhumjaithai Party will field candidates in the Dec 12 by-elections in four of the five constituencies being contested, party leader Chavarat Charnvirakul said on Thursday.

Mr Chavarat, the interior minister, did not reveal the candidates or the constituencies, saying details would be included in a party resolution to be made on Monday, Nov 15.

The resolution would also reveal whether Boonjong Wongtrairat would resign as deputy interior minister to run for re-election in Nakhon Ratchasima's Constituency 6, he said.

Mr Chavarat admitted the competition in Nakhon Ratchasima's Constituency 6 would be fierce, but believed Mr Boonjong would be re-elected if he was fielded by the party.

The Dec 12 by-elections will be for five constituencies in five provinces: Constituency 2 in Bangkok, Constituency 2 in Khon Kaen, Constituency 6 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Constituency 1 in Ayutthaya, and Constituency 3 in Surin.

New Politics Party ask ECT to consider taking legal action against two MPs
NUPPOL SUVANSOMBUT

BANGKOK, 11 November 2010 (NNT)-The New Politics Party yesterday submitted a letter to the Office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) requesting that it conduct an investigation relative to the two ministers who were found to have violated the Constitution but continue to hold on to their cabinet seats.

According to Assistant Secretary to the New Politics Party, Jaturun Boonbenjarat, Deputy Ministers from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Transport; Mr Boongjong Wongtraieatrat (บุญจง วงศ์ไตรรัตน์) and Mr. Kuekoon Danchaivijist (เกื้อกูล ด่านชัยวิจิต), should have lost their ministerial positions as a result of the constitutional court’s verdict. The ruling stripped six elected MPs, among them the two ministers, of their status for holding stocks in companies with state concessions.. However, the constitution did not stipulate whether ministers must also be stripped of their portfolios.

Mr. Jaturun said he would like the constitution court to set a precedent by interpreting the law in connection with the issue.

thainews.prd.go.th

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1037249

Ruling Sought on Two Ministers' Posts

UPDATE : 11 November 2010

The New Politics Party petitions the election panel to make a ruling whether the two ministers who have been stripped of their MP status can retain their Cabinet seats.

New Politics Party Assistant Secretary General Jaturun Bunbenjarut and member of the party's legal team Prakit Jansomwong submitted a petition with chairman of the Election Commission, or EC, Apcichart Sugghakanont.

The party called on the poll panel to decide if Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat of Bhum Jai Thai Party and Deputy Transport Minister Kuakul Danchaiwijit must give up their Cabinet posts after the Constitution Court revoked their MP status.

They were stripped of their MP status due to their illegal holding of shares in telecommunications firms and/or companies with state contracts.


Meanwhile, secretary general of the ruling Democrat Party Suthep Thaugsuban said he has yet to brief the prime minister on his meeting on Wednesday with chief adviser of Chat Thai Pattana Party, Banharn Silpaarcha, and co founder of Bhum Jai Thai Party, Newin Chidchob.

Suthep said the meeting was merely an exchange of opinions.

He also said it remains unclear if the two embattled ministers will resign to run in by elections.

The polls will be held in December in constituencies where MP seats became vacant after the disqualification of both Boonjong and Kuakul.

He said Chat Thai Pattana and Bhum Jai Thai will make their decision about the future of each of those two ministers.

Suthep also added he has yet to discuss with the premier his reinstatement as deputy premier in charge of national security.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...ver-flood-cash

MP claims foul play over flood cash

Government abused scheme, says Anuwat

• Published: 12/11/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

A Puea Pandin MP has accused the government of abusing an emergency cash payment scheme for flood victims, saying the money was distributed primarily in districts where by-elections are scheduled to take place next month.

Anuwat Wisetjindawat, of Nakhon Ratchasima, told the House yesterday he suspected foul play in last weekend's cash hand-out scheme by certain cabinet ministers in Nakhon Ratchasima.

The government resolved to pay cash of 5,000 baht to about 632,000 affected families nationwide via the Government Savings Bank as initial assistance. He said the cash payment and distribution were concentrated in six districts of Constituency 6 which would see by-elections on Dec 12 after deputy interior minister Boonjong Wongtrairat was stripped of his seat in parliament.

Mr Boonjong lost his seat representing Nakhon Ratchasima when the Constitution Court on Nov 3 found him guilty of unlawful shareholdings. He will not need to resign as the deputy interior minister.

Mr Anuwat said in an interview later that cabinet ministers who inspected the flood in Nakhon Ratchasima canvassed votes for the Bhumjaithai candidate.

He said he suspected irregularities in the provincial administrative organisation's scheme to buy medication to treat athlete's foot for distribution.

He said the PAO reportedly signed a contract to purchase the anti-fungal medication using a special procurement method on Nov 9. Mr Anuwat said the scheme was deemed unnecessary because the flood had already receded.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told the House he would ensure all victims received proper assistance.

He also said the government was working to improve its disaster mitigation and management plan to ensure prompt and efficient relief.

Several flood victims in Phatthalung were taken by surprise when they saw the names of politicians in the Commerce Ministry's rice sacks. A 43-year-old resident said he found a piece of paper with the name of a politician in a rice sack. He said the practice was reportedly limited to the political base of the politician in question.

Some flood victims also reported that they found the name of a senator in the Commerce Ministry's rice supplies.

Phatthalung governor Pisit Boonchuang said the province asked the ministry to supply the rice for distribution. He said he had a record of agencies which collected the rice but none of them were politicians.

The ministry has supplied 30,000 rice sacks to the province _ 17,000 on Tuesday and 13,000 yesterday. It is reported that most of them ended up in politicians' hands for distribution.

In a related development, the Election Commission yesterday warned MPs who donate more than 3,000 baht to help flood victims to include the extra amount in their next election campaign's expense report.

EC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaiygarn said the EC had ruled the donation fell under Section89 of the Political Party Act which caps MPs' donations at 3,000 baht. He said the excess amounts must be included as part of election campaign expenses if the MPs contest the next polls.The EC's ruling came after the parliament wanted to know if MPs could contribute more than 3,000 baht to the campaign to raise funds for flood victims.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...-same-standard

Suthep: PM demands same standards

• Published: 12/11/2010 at 01:19 PM
• Online news:

Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban met the Chartthai Pattana leader late Friday morning and said later he had made it clear that the prime minister wants cabinet members to resign before they run for vacant seats in House by-elections.

“I resigned as deputy prime minister before running in the Surat Thani constituency 1 by-election and the prime minister wants my standard to be followed,” said Mr Suthep.

Chartthai Pattana leader Chumpol Silpa-archa, the tourism and sports minister, said he understood the objective of Mr Suthep’s visit.

“Chartthai Pattana will meet on Monday to decide on the matter. Before that day, anyone can express their point of view. but the party’s resolution will be final and party members must adhere to it,” Mr Chumpol said.

Mr Suthep was scheduled to meet Bhumjaithai leader and Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul this afternoon to discuss the same issue.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stressed that any ministers who want to contest a by-election should resign from the cabinet first.

He demanded Chartthai Pattana's Deputy Transport Minister Kuerkul Chaivichit and Bhumjaithai's Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat step down before running in the by-election to fill their vacant former seats.

Mr Kuerkul and Mr Boonjong were disqualified by the court for having shareholdings barred to MPs by the constitution.