^ Oh look Sabang, it's the government's website, with a story from and about the Pheu Thai party...
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^ Oh look Sabang, it's the government's website, with a story from and about the Pheu Thai party...
Thai-Cambodia Border Dispute Adds to Election Worries - WSJ.com
Thai-Cambodia Border Dispute Adds to Election Worries
APRIL 24, 2011, 12:52 P.M. ET
By JAMES HOOKWAY
BANGKOK—A simmering border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has killed at least 10 soldiers over the past three days and also threatens to complicate a heated political environment in Bangkok, where rumors are swirling about military coups or other ways to block planned elections.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/04/3008.jpg
Clashes enter third day along the disputed Thailand-Cambodia border as thousands of residents are evacuated to temporary shelters. Video courtesy of Reuters.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a cease-fire late Saturday and urged both sides to find a diplomatic solution to the long-running border dispute. But clashes continued into Sunday morning and Cambodian officials said shooting again erupted in the afternoon. Thai officials have reported four of their troops killed, with Cambodia acknowledging six fatalities so far in a duel fought mostly with long-range artillery shells.
Analysts say there is a strong political dimension to the border conflict, which reignited in 2008 when Cambodia secured U.N. World Heritage status for an ancient temple within the disputed area. Nationalist movements in both Thailand and Cambodia have stressed the importance of claiming the Preah Vihear temple for their own countries, and eight people were killed in clashes near the temple site in February before this latest conflict, about 160 kilometers away.
The conflict also might complicate Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's plans to dissolve Thailand's parliament next month and pave the way for elections to be held as soon as June. The 46-year-old, Oxford-educated economist is counting on the vote to end five years of instability and violence and enable Thailand, Southeast Asia's second-largest economy after Indonesia, to build on its rapid recovery from the global economic slump.
But some analysts say there is still a risk the vote might not take place at all. In recent weeks, army commander Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha has filed criminal complaints against several top opposition activists for allegedly insulting the monarchy—a serious crime here—and a move which helped trigger murmurings that a coup is being planned. People familiar with the situation say some military leaders fear that a national vote could allow supporters of ex-Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and is now living in exile, an avenue back into power.
Thai military leaders have repeatedly denied any plans to launch a coup or otherwise influence the democratic process, while government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn says the latest clashes with Cambodia were triggered by unexpected troop movements on the Cambodian side of the border.
Royalist activists who blockaded Thailand's main airport in 2008 are meanwhile urging Mr. Abhisit to call off his election plan and allow an appointed government to take over instead. Prominent newspaper columnists are adding their weight to the campaign, saying Thailand won't be ready to have a peaceful election for four or five more years.
The pre-election anxiety got the better of many Thais on Thursday when a satellite glitch knocked out television signals across the country and set off rumors that a coup was already underway.
The latest skirmishes with Cambodia—as well as the previous flare-up in February—are prompting some residents and analysts to speculate the army is now increasingly willing to assert itself.
Some opposition leaders are skeptical the vote will happen, even if Mr. Abhisit dissolves Parliament. Nattawut Saikua, one of the leaders of the opposition "Red Shirt" movement, worries that new election laws could be challenged in court and ruled unconstitutional, delaying indefinitely any election.
"I think there might only be a 50% chance of an election taking place," says Mr. Nattawut, who plans to run as a member of the opposition For Thais Party.
Many Thais are worried about the potential for instability. Red Shirt protesters, including many of Mr. Thaksin's supporters, last year cordoned off large areas of central Bangkok and put a serious dent in the country's tourism industry. As the protests grew increasingly violent, the army stepped in to stop the spreading conflict. A total of 91 people—the majority of them protesters—were killed in clashes.
Mr. Thaksin, a 61-year-old former telecommunications mogul who now lives abroad to avoid imprisonment on a corruption conviction, recently emerged from his self-imposed exile to talk with the international media and reiterate his claim that the charges against him are politically motivated. He is also urging on his followers in a series of phone-ins and messages on twitter.
Now, with neither Mr. Abhisit's Democrat Party nor the pro-Thaksin For Thais Party—which are neck-and-neck in opinion polls—likely to gain an absolute majority in the planned election, analysts fear further violence could come as the two sides try to assume control of the government.
The Brussels-based International Crisis Group this month warned of a potential bloody conflict if the Thailand's powerful armed forces and royalist bureaucrats pressure smaller parties to stay away from forming a coalition government with the For Thais Party if it wins the largest number of seats.
"Arm-bending by the royalist establishment is an obvious recipe for renewed street protests and violence," says Jim Della-Giacoma, the ICG's Southeast Asia director.
In the meantime, international efforts to end the border conflict continue. In addition to the UN, Indonesia, which is the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has also tried to mediate a solution to the conflict. Thailand, though, has refused to allow Indonesian military observers into the disputed area and says the conflict can be settled in direct talks with Cambodia. Cambodia says it prefers third-parties to help broker a settlement.
Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya on Saturday denied Cambodian allegations that Thailand had fired shells loaded with "poisonous gas" into Cambodia, while army officials have also denied using cluster bombs.
Thailand earlier admitted using cluster bombs in previous border spats with Cambodia, but said they weren't the kind banned by 108 countries under an international treaty. Cluster bombs spread small bomblets across a broad area and can lay dormant for years. They pose a similar hazard as land mines to civilian populations.
^ No doubt Calgary will be along soon to tell everyone about how the foreign media get it wrong...
Thaksin video speech may have broken law
Thaksin video speech may have broken law
By Atthayut Butrsripoom
The Nation
Published on April 25, 2011
The Pheu Thai Party is likely to escape being dissolved - but fugitive ex-pm Thaksin Shinawatra may face a jail term for making an address via video link to an event to launch the party's political campaign platform and its candidates on Saturday.
The programme was broadcast live over the red-shirt satellite TV, Asia Update.
Thaksin, a banned politician, has been deprived of his election rights and prohibited from joining any political activities and becoming an executive member of a political party.
A source from the Election Commission said Thaksin's action on Saturday would be scrutinised to see if he acted as a party executive board member, although he does not hold an executive position.
Officials must check the Pheu Thai Party's regulations regarding the roles and responsibilities of its party executive board members.
Even if Thaksin violated the election law by acting as party executive member, it is unlikely the Pheu Thai Party would be dissolved.
Article 97 of the Constitution organic law on Political Parties states that banned executive members of any dissolved party are prohibited from becoming executive members of other parties or establishing another party. But the law also stipulates that punishment is for individual guilt, carrying a two year imprisonment or Bt40,000 fine or both.
The Election Commission has not been able to take legal action against other banned executive members of dissolved parties - such as the banned Thai Rak Thai Party executives and Banharn Silapa-archa of the dissolved Chat Thai Party - due to lack of evidence.
Small partIes vie for power
ANALYSIS
Small parties vie for power
By Somroutai Sapsomboon
The Nation
Published on April 25, 2011
With neither Democrats nor Pheu Thai likely to win majority, they would need small parties' support to form govt
While the two major parties - Democrat and Pheu Thai - are fighting fiercely against each other to win the upcoming election and get a chance to become the coalition leader, medium-sized and small parties are also manoeuvring intensely to win a chance to become coalition partners.
The party seen with the best chance of becoming a partner of the next coalition government is the Chart Thai Pattana. It is expected to be brought in as a partner no matter which party wins the election.
The Chart Thai Pattana will be left out only if a major party scores a landslide victory, sweeping more than half the House seats. In that scenario, the coalition leader may need only a small party, not the Chart Thai Pattana, to boost its strength.
The Chart Thai Pattana's clear stand was announced by party chief adviser Sanan Kachornprasart when the party welcomed a group of politicians led by Pradit Phattaraprasit last week.
Sanan announced that the Chart Thai Pattana would definitely become a coalition partner because he expected that neither the Democrats nor Pheu Thai would sweep more than half the House seats. The Chart Thai Pattana has made it clear it is ready to join a coalition of either party.
But if the election's result does not come out as Sanan expected - if a major party scores a landslide victory, the Chart Pattana Pua Pandin will become the party with the biggest chance of being chosen as a partner.
The Chart Pattana Pua Pandin has just resulted from a merger between the Ruam Chart Pattana and Pua Pandin's faction of the so-called 3Ps politicians - Phairoj Suwanchawee, Pinij Charusombat and Preecha Laohapongchana. The Chart Pattana Pua Pandin Party should win no more than 20 House seats.
The Chart Pattana Pua Pandin is expected to win a sizeable number of MPs in Nakhon Ratchasima because of cooperation between Suwaj Liptapanlop and Phairoj, who enjoy high popularity there.
The Chart Pattana Pua Pandin has made it clear it will make no enemies. It has a policy of gradually building up itself. The party has recently announced that former tennis player Paradorn Srichaphan and Yaowapha Burapolchai, a champion taekwondo player, have joined the party. So far, it is not clear whether the two will contest the election or whether they will only act as PR persons for the party.
Among the small and medium-sized parties, the Bhum Jai Thai Party has the biggest risk of being left out as an opposition party, especially if Pheu Thai wins the election.
Bhum Jai Thai de facto leader Newin Chidchob is regarded as the archenemy of the Pheu Thai 'real' leader, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. For Thaksin, Newin cannot be forgiven.
However, Newin has manoeuvred to join a Pheu Thai-led coalition by announcing an alliance with the Chart Thai Pattana of Banharn Silapa-archa.
At first glance, the alliance between the Bhum Jai Thai and Chart Thai Pattana is seen as an effort by the two parties to contest for the leadership of the next coalition. But with more subtle examination, the alliance also appears a means to increase the chances of the Bhum Jai Thai to be included in the next coalition.
"Without our partnership, the Bhum Jai Thai will have to become an opposition party if the Pheu Thai wins the election. But staying with us, it will have a chance to become a coalition partner," a core member of the Chart Thai Pattana analysed.
In the latest assessment, the Bhum Jai Thai is expected to emerge as the third largest party in terms of MPs in the next election. It may win less than 60 or 70 House seats as earlier aimed at by the party because at least two groups of current MPs have changed their minds and will not join the Bhum Jai Thai.
The first group of MPs is headed by Sonthaya Khunplume. This group has decided to form its own party called the Palang Chon Party. The second group of MPs is headed by Pradit, who has led his group to resign from the Ruam Chart Pattana to join the Chart Thai Pattana. Pradit used to be the secretary-general of Ruam Chart Pattana.
Anyway, some analysts see the Palang Chon as only an interim party for the Khunpluem politicians to temporarily separate from Newin. The family has been under tremendous pressure from canvassers, who are mostly red-shirt supporters, to separate from Newin or else its candidates may fail to win the election in eastern provinces. The Palang Chon may join hands with Newin after the election.
There are no permanent friends or foes in politics and everything depends on mutual interests. The cooperation between the Bhum Jai Thai and Chart Thai Pattana and between Newin and his close friend, Sonthaya Khunpluem, may depend on their mutual interests as well.
The future of a new party, Rak Santi, of former interior minister Purachai Piumsombun, is still uncertain. Purachai himself appeared reluctant to decide whether to contest the election as a party-list candidate or constituency candidate. He even refused to lead the party.
Purachai's uncertainties led the Rak Santi to lose its momentum although its establishment was announced with a big fanfare.
It was reported earlier that Purachai would contest the next election as a party-list candidate. In that case, Purachai, who is described as being straightforward as a ruler, will definitely fail to win a seat although he announced the social order as a selling point of his party.
A political party must earn at least 250,000 votes to get a party-list MP - and it will be hard for a new party without a strong base in Bangkok to earn so many votes.
But if Purachai contests a Bangkok constituency, he will still have a chance to become an MP.
But since the Rak Santi has former police chief Pol General Phatcharawat Wongsuwan, a brother of Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, as a founding member, the Rak Santi is seen as a branch of the Bhum Jai Thai.
All in all, not only the two major parties should be watched during the run-up to the election, other small and medium-sized parties should be monitored closely as well.
NPP decides to join PAD vote boycott
NPP decides to join PAD vote boycott
By Wattana Khamchoo
The Nation
Published on April 25, 2011
The New Politics Party yesterday resolved to boycott the upcoming election and to join the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)'s campaign for voters to cast a 'no-vote'.
Following hours of heated debate during the annual general assembly, the party's majority members voted to boycott the election, NPP leader Somsak Kosaisuk told a press conference.
The assembly started in the morning at Phowleng Assosiation of Thailand and ended at 1 pm. The election issue was the last issue on the meeting's agenda, with some 1,000 general members of the party taking part.
Party members were asked to raise their hands if they disagreed with contesting the election. When most did so, the chairman of the meeting did not ask the other side to raise their hands, calculating the majority had decided to boycott the election.
During the debate, party members were divided into sides wanting to boycott the election and the other wishing to contest the poll.
Members of the two sides heatedly exchanged opinions and turmoil occurred briefly when a group of members, who disagreed with contesting the election, staged a walkout. Somsak then urged them to return to the assembly hall.
Somsak said the party members' decision must be endorsed by the party's executive board, which would make an official resolution. The Election Commission would then be informed of the resolution of the NPP.
Somsak said the Political Parties Act allows a party to continue as a political party for eight years without having to contest an election. The party will not face dissolution but will not receive subsidy from the EC, he added.
NPP secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila said most party members wanted the NPP to join the PAD's campaigns to urge voters to mark the "no-voting" slot on the ballots so the no-vote choice would lead to political reform.
Suriyasai said the NPP saw that the upcoming election would do no good for the country.
"I am confident that if we can create public sentiment about casting a no-vote vote, it will become a crucial force," Suriyasai said.
He said the NPP would become more powerful by taking the same stand as the PAD because the NPP was born out of the PAD.
He said NPP members, who disagreed with the PAD's stand, should leave the party.
Suriyasai said he would resign as NPP secretary-general to show his responsibility for failing to coordinate unity between the NPP and PAD.
He said he would submit his resignation this week.
Mingkwan not dropped from partylist MPs: Pheu Thai
Mingkwan not dropped from partylist MPs: Pheu Thai
By Olarn Lertrattanadamrongkul
The NatIon
Published on April 25, 2011
Pheu Thai has dismissed recent reports that the names of Mingkwan Saengsuwan and two of General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's close aides have been omitted from the party-list MP candidates for the upcoming election.
Mingkwan, whose ambitions of vying for premiership were nipped in the bud by fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, and about 20 MPs close to him and Chavalit did not show up at the launch of the party's political campaign platform and its candidates on Saturday.
Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said only Chavalit and General Jiradej Kacharat had submitted their resignations from the party but no one else including Gen Panlop Pinmanee. "If Mingkwan wants to run as party-list MP candidate, we can provide a place for him as he is a current MP," Prompong said.
He said Mingkwan had informed the party in advance that he would be occupied with some business and hence would not be able to attend the launch event on Saturday. Besides Mingkwan, two of Chavalit's close aides - Sornchai Montriwat and Chavalit Witchayasut - were also rumoured to have defected from the party. Mingkwan and his faction are being watched closely if they are going to form a new party with Chavalit.
Meanwhile, Pichit Chuenban, Thaksin's personal lawyer, is on the list of party-list MP candidates. Pichit was sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court after allegedly handing out a bag of cookies stuffed with Bt2 million to court officials.
Pol General Pracha Promnok, a former Peau Pandin party-list MP, will also apply as a Pheu Thai member. A source said Pheu Thai leaders would also talk to Pracharaj Party leader Snoh Thienthong into teaming up with the party after reports that he had changed his mind.
Among people in the list of Pheu Thai party-list MP candidates are Jatuporn Promphan, Natthawut Saikua, Arisman Pongruangrong, Kokaew Pikulthong, Wisa Kanthap, Chinawat Habunpad.
Pheu Thai MP from Chiang Mai, Surapong Towichakchaikul, said the fact that Mingkwan did not show up yesterday at the party's event made him believe the reports that he would form a new party with Chavalit and Snoh. He said if this is the case, Mingkwan should leave the party in good faith and not resign on the last day of MP candidacy registration. "I wish Mingkwan has a sense of good sportsmanship. I wish that he form a new party without any hassle. We do not have any intention of expelling him. We only have best wishes for him. But once he has formed a new party, he should not copy Pheu Thai Party's policies," he said.
Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai Party revealed that a poll conducted by it involving 2,500 respondents in five regions across the country, following the unveiling of the party's policy on Saturday, showed that more than 71 per cent will vote for the Opposition party, Prompong said.
Of the respondents, 83 per cent said they had listened to the party announcement of its policies and 81 per cent said they believe the party is capable of translating its policies into action. Prompong added that more polls will be conducted after the party unveils more of its election campaign policies.
They certainly 'tend' not to- for example the Asian financial crisis had repercussions in investment markets around the world, particularly emerging markets. Call that a token face saver- because why on earth are you showing me a chart of the US Trade Deficit (both as $ & as % of GDP) to compare with a chart of Thai Real GDP growth? :rofl: :rofl:Quote:
Originally Posted by StrontiumDog
FYI- "The early 2000s recession was a decline in economic activity which occurred mainly in developed countries. The recession affected the European Union mostly during 2000 and 2001 and the United States mostly in 2002 and 2003.
The early 2000s recession had been predicted by economists for years, because the boom of the 1990s, which was accompanied by both low inflation and low unemployment, had already ceased in East Asia during the 1997 Asian financial crisis."
Early 2000s recession - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
You will note that, actually, the EU and US economies were not doing well in the early 2000's- which to state the bleedin' obvious, blows your 'argument' out of the water.
I hardly need to, because it speaks for itself. Thaksin's stimulus package was widely praised, and widely studied. Even China sent an economic delegation to Thailand to study it, as did a number of other countries. Again- the years before and up to the year Thaksin was elected Thailands economy was very weak indeed, because of the financial collapse of '97 and it's repercussions. Thaksins stimulus package was widely credited for turning that around. Fact.Quote:
Originally Posted by StrontiumDog
That is how the somewhat disengenous term 'thaksinomics' came about- the term was not 'invented' in Thailand btw.
Whilst you've got me on economics, I may as well stoop to blow another piece of Bangkok bullshit out of the water- being that takkie's populist policies, such as cheap health care & 'village loans', were sending the country broke. Unfortunately, a glimpse at the government spending figures at the time shows that considerably more of Thaksins stimulus package was allocated to propping up the banks/ finance sector and infrastructural projects than was ever allocated to social or populist policies. Plus, of course, there is the inconvenient fact that Thai government debt actually went down under Thaksin.
So-
1- Once again:rolleyes:, you are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.
2- Do yourself a favor, and stay out of the dismal science. You are utterly lost there.
Now thats rich. :smileylaughing:Quote:
Originally Posted by StrontiumDog
The Democrats actually copied many TRT policies, after they were appointed to power.
One reason why, whatever happens to takkie on the political front, his influence will remain profound- the other main reason being that, of course, the 'peasants' now realise the power of their vote. That is not something that is unlearnt.
As far as the current political situation is concerned however, specifically the impending (?) elections, it seems to me Thaksin is well justifying his nickname of Toxin. If Mingkwan and his sizable faction go, I don't see how PT can possibly win the election.
Weird, you appear to think you know what you are talking about, while clearly being utterly unaware of just how wrong you are. I guess there's no arguing with someone like that. They will continue to feel they are correct, despite all of the evidence pointing to the contrary. Your inability to comprehend how Thailand's economic fate is affected by global events is astounding. Your apparent bewilderment at the inclusion of the GDP chart for the world's biggest economy is just so telling. You're unable to join the dots.Quote:
Originally Posted by sabang
As I said, I'm rather shocked, you are usually a lot more astute.
Btw, I have already answered your points already. Only going to add (and repeat) a couple.
FYI, Gordon Brown was also widely praised for his economic performance. He had people come to visit him. Books written about. International acclaim. However, when the global economy hit the fan, he was exposed as the fraud he was.
Thaksin may have put in place a package consisting of unoriginal measures, which of course helped, but that doesn't mean he was adept/exceptional, and he did benefit enormously from the global economic boom. He rode that wave and Thailand prospered, but that was due to external factors. He got all the plaudits. That's not opinion Sabang. That's reality.
The final tell on just how skillful Thaksin is, comes with his new policies. The proposed list of promises would be impossible to implement, unless there is a massive global economic boom during his theoretical upcoming tenure. But I guess you are completely unaware of the reasons why.
:smileylaughing:Quote:
Originally Posted by sabang
.....
Bangkok Post : EC: Border row might affect elections
Breakingnews >
The violent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia might affect the approaching general election, Election Commission member Sodsri Sattayatham said on Monday.
- Published: 25/04/2011 at 12:29 PM
- Online news:
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif Election commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham (Photo by Kitti Kreetiyutanon)
Mrs Sodsri said more troops and security units would have to be deployed to the disputed border area when they should be used elsewhere to help oversee the election process.
She called on the government to quickly end the border row before the election is held.
The EC will meet the different political parties on May 2 to discuss regulations regarding election campaigning, she said.
Mrs Sodsri said the commission will consider the role of politicians who are still banned from politics, as some of them still have direct or indirect political influence.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reiterated previously that the government will hold an election in June or early July following a likely House dissolution in the first week of next month.
here it comes :(Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveCM
From Twitter:
Aim_NT Aim_The Nation
Urgent!! The Senate approves amended election law proposed by the House with.115: 3 vote. 5 Abstained.
28 minutes ago
tulsathit tulsathit
RT [at]Aim_NT: The election can happen as PM planned, as the Senate has passed organic law related to election.
23 minutes ago
Bangkok Post : Election watch on gunmen for hire
News > PoliticsCrime Suppression Division police throughout the country have been instructed to keep a close watch on the movements of known gunmen who may be hired to kill ahead of the general election.
- Published: 25/04/2011 at 03:52 PM
- Online news:
CSD commander Pol Maj-Gen Supisan Pakdinaruenart said special attention wasa being give to a 50 people blacklisted as gunmen for hire.
These shooters were often hired by politicians or other influential people to get rid of their opponents, particularly political canvassers, prior to a general election.
The CSD will also follow up any suspicious financial transactions made by influential persons in all regions, he said.
Special attention will also be given to provinces where assassinations of political canvassers and candidates are frequient -- such as Phetchaburi, Chon Buri and Nakhon Sawan.
^ More "Normal for Thailand"..... :rolleyes:
Thaksin stays politically visible ahead of Thai elections
Anasuya Sanyal
25 April 2011
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/image.../phpxCm41C.jpg
Puea Thai supporters
BANGKOK: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra stays visible in politics with his involvement in Thai opposition Puea Thai Party's campaign that kicked off in Bangkok over the weekend, even though elections have yet to be called.
Party supporters chanted "Thaksin thinks, Puea Thai acts" at Thammasart Rangsit University's Rangsit Campus outside Bangkok - where redshirts and party officials came together to launch their election campaign.
Mr Shinawatra spoke in a two-hour video address outlining all of Puea Thai's policies before the upcoming elections, and shattered any notion that Puea Thai may have cast off his influence.
For his supporters, it was the highlight of the event.
Former commander-in-chief and Puea Thai Party member Gen Chaiyasit Shinawatra said the party's policies were initiated by Thaksin and are practical.
"When Thaksin was prime minister, he traveled to different regions and stayed with people so he knew their problems and found solutions to them. People who benefit from the policies remember Thaksin. Those who have benefited from the 30 baht health care scheme and village fund always think of Thaksin," he said.
Redshirt leaders who are also part of Puea Thai see the upcoming elections as a major turning point in their fortunes, but are wary about the fairness of the polls.
"If the election is held in a free and fair manner and people's decisions are respected, the election can lead to a solution to conflicts and create unity. If not, the country will never find a solution to the conflicts," said UDD leader and Puea Thai member Nattawut Saikua.
That is because Thailand's last three Prime Ministers were disqualified in court decisions that saw them stripped of their offices, or removed by military coup.
"I would like to tell soldiers that they have a duty to protect and maintain national sovereignty and security. Political problems shall be solved by political means and the military shall not interfere in politics. The military must help support democracy," said former deputy director of ISOC and Puea Thai Party member Gen Pallop Pinmannee.
Recent military exercises and a multi-hour satellite failure that cut out TV signals last week had many Thais on edge that the Thai army may intervene once again.
channelnewsasia.com
Bangkok Post : Chalerm: Mingkwan won't leave P.Thai
Breakingnews >Chalerm Yubamrung, the former opposition Puea Thai chief MP, has shrugged off speculation that party-list MP Mingkwan Saengsuwan will quit and form a new political party, saying the marketing guru-turned politician knows well he could not beat Puea Thai at the polls.
- Published: 25/04/2011 at 05:52 PM
- Online news:
Mr Chalerm, who is still a party list MP, said he believed Mr Mingkwan would realise that leaving the party to form a new party would not be a good decision. The North and the Northeast were still major strongholds of Puea Thai.
He admitted that if Mr Mingkwan, who has aspirations to be the next prime minister, were to leave Puea Thai it might have some affects on the party, Mr Chalerm admitted - but he personally did not expect Mr Mingkwan to leave.
Asked about the recent resignation from Puea Thai of Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who was party chairman, Mr Chalerm said he would try to persuade him to return and assist the party in its work.
Gen Chavalit resigned from Puea Thai last week, but gave no explanation why. His decision coincided with the Department of Special Investigation’s move to level security-related charges under the Criminal Code against some red shirt leaders, including Puea Thai MP Jatuporn Prompan.
Sources close to Gen Chavalit said he was uncomfortable with the party being closely identified with people suspected of not being completely loyal to the monarchy.
Bangkok Post : Senate passes 3 election bills
Breakingnews >The Senate on Monday passed all three election-related bills in the second and third readings without making any change.
- Published: 25/04/2011 at 06:18 PM
- Online news:
They are the bills governing elections of MPs and senators, political parties and the Election Commission.
The bills will be forwarded for the Constitution Court to examine if they contravene the constitution.
They will take effect after being endorsed by the Constitution Court and published in the Royal Gazette.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255404250018
Pracha applies for Pheu Thai membership
BANGKOK, 25 April 2011 (NNT) – Former leader of the Puea Pandin Party Police General Pracha Promnok has submitted his membership application with the opposition Pheu Thai Party amidst warm welcome.
Pol Gen Pracha and his entourage traveled to the Pheu Thai Party Headquarters today to officially apply for a membership position with the party. He was warmly greeted by party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit as well as his soon-to-be colleagues. Afterwards, Pol Gen Pracha also joined the meeting of the Pheu Thai coordination committee, during which he expressed enthusiasm and readiness to begin his duty.
Recently, leading figures of the Pheu Thai Party paid a visit to the former Puea Pandin leader at his residence to personally invite him to join their party. The visitors included Mr Yongyuth, Ms Yingluck Shinawatra, younger sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as well as party deputy leaders Plodprasop Suraswadi and Police Lieutenant Colonel Chat Kuldilok.
Newin is a banned politician who actively and openly organizes Bhumjaithai. The prime Minister hugged him and gave him flowers when BJT joined his military backed government. The double standards are just incredibly blatant.Quote:
Originally Posted by StrontiumDog
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011...-30153936.html
Two Pheu Thai MPs banned, party source says
By THE NATION
Published on April 26, 2011
Thaksin Shinawatra, de-facto leader of the opposition Pheu Thai Party, has banned at least two incumbent MPs suspected of planning to defect from the party in the upcoming general election, a party source said yesterday.
Pheu Thai former secretary-general Supol Fong-ngam and MP Chavalit Vichayasut have been punished as a warning to possible defectors, according to the source. No short messages were sent to inform them about yesterday's party meeting.
Supol is close to Mingkwan Sangsuwan, the party's prime ministerial candidate in the recent censure debate who has since fallen out of favour with party chief Thaksin.
Chavalit is a close aide to Pheu Thai's former chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who recently left the party amid speculation he was upset with certain party members who allegedly made remarks offensive to the monarchy.
A source close to Supol said yesterday that he might give up politics for a while as he would find it difficult to join another party.
Chavalit, the party MP, said he would decide in a week if he would leave politics or stay on. He said he had not got any message from Pheu Thai about yesterday's party meeting.
Mingkwan's close party colleague, Pheu Thai MP Surasit Jiamvichak, said yesterday that Mingkwan told him last week he would not move to another political party. Surasit said he did not think other party MPs would follow Mingkwan if he did defect. He said he backed Mingkwan as the party's PM candidate because he viewed him as the best choice.
Mingkwan could not be reached by phone yesterday.
BJT likely to team up with Democrats
BJT likely to team up with Democrats
By THE NATION
Published on April 26, 2011
The Bhum Jai Thai Party was likely to join a Democrat-led government after the election, if neither the Democrats or Pheu Thai win a complete majority, Bhum Jai Thai spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said yesterday.
When asked about the possibility of Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva returning as prime minister, Supachai said it was likely if no single party managed to win a majority of House seats in the election."Abhisit is the leading candidate to become prime minister and if no parties win a majority in the House, the party [Bhum Jai Thai] is likely to join the government formation," the spokesman said.
Bhum Jai Thai would contest 250 out of 375 constituencies, according to the spokesman, who added that the party expected to win at least 40 House seats.
He denied Bhum Jai Thai's decision not to contest all constituencies was part of a secret deal with the Democrat Party.
Bhum Jai Thai would unveil its policy platforms and election candidates at a function on Saturday, he said.
Laws passed to pave way for poll
Laws passed to pave way for poll
By KORNCANOK RAKSASERI
THE NATION
Published on April 26, 2011
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Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's pledge to dissolve the House of Representatives next week looked much firmer yesterday when the Senate finally passed the three organic laws needed to call an election.
The laws on the election and acquiring of senators, Election Commission and political parties were revised to conform to the amendments made to the Constitution in February on the election system.The Senate decided to accept the House versions of the bills in full, even the controversial change to advance balloting.
The House cut advance voting to only one day instead of the whole weekend, as in the past, but the Senate's vetting committee proposed revoking advance voting except only for election staff.
However, the Senate voted 115-3 to approve the House versions intact, with five abstentions.
During hours of debate, many senators such as Kamphaeng Phet Senator Krich Atitkaew attacked advance voting as a loophole leading to fraud.
Jitipot Viriyaroj, chairman of the Senate panel scrutinising the laws, also cited Articles 107 and 108 of the Constitution that say "election day must be the same day all over the Kingdom".
Cancelling absentee polls would also save the country the cost of holding them.
However, other senators said scrapping advance elections would infringe on people's right to vote.
They cited Article 72 of the charter that says voting is both the right and duty of Thai citizens. Election rights are stripped - albeit not permanently - from a citizen who fails to vote without an acceptable reason.
They also raised a question of discrimination if only government officials are allowed to cast votes early. Many people, not only election staff, might have some business to do on election day.
They also said advance voting had been organised in past elections and should not be considered as against the Constitution.
"Election fraud can happen even if the balloting is held for one day. It's unreasonable to remove advance voting because of that, but the regulators must solve the graft problems," said Wanchai Sornsiri, a recently appointed senator.
The law on political parties, which was tightened up to prevent unjust conduct by parties, was also endorsed by a 114-5 vote, with four abstentions.
The Election Commission law, which changes the EC's authority and duties to be in line with the changed numbers of MPs, was approved by a 114-4 vote with three abstentions.
The Constitution has been amended to provide for 375 constituency MPs and 125 party-list MPs instead of 400 constituency MPs and 80 proportionate MPs. Each constituency will send only one MP instead of multiple MPs to Parliament.
The organic laws will be proposed for royal endorsement before they are published and go into effect.
Abhisit and government members had earlier urged the Senate to enact the laws so that the House dissolution and subsequent election would not face problems.
Some senators were concerned that opposition to some articles as passed by the House of Representatives would prolong the legislative process.
According to the law, a Senate-House joint committee must be formed to work out a compromise if there is significant disagreement between the two versions.