Thailand : PM to Decide on House Dissolution in 4 Months

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Originally Posted by nostromo

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Originally Posted by Norton

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Originally Posted by Thaihome

what I do hate are the provincial strongman families, their captive kamnans and canvassers that dominate rural politics without any ideology other then being able to stay in control and get richer on the backs of the people.

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Not a good system but the way it works in Thailand and in many other countries. It is the "strongmen" who influence and bring in the votes regardless of party affiliation. Unseating the strongmen, a near impossible task, or getting them to change party allegiance is the key to election success for any party.

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During Thaksins time, this thing you call "handouts" enabled people in villages to, say, get their own car to bring their product to the market. That is important.

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And buy mobile phones, which is right at the top of poor people's expenditure.

They weren't supposed to be handouts, but loans. What percentage were paid back?

I remember a Thai complaining that unlike old style politicians, Thaksin was bribing tax payers with their own money - fairly normal in the West.

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1043189

Top Democrat Dismisses Meddling in MP Candidate Selection

UPDATE : 27 April 2011

The Democrat Party secretary general has dismissed meddling with selection of the party's MP candidates and fielding his adopted son in the upcoming election.

He has also denied rumors about coalition partners buying Democrat MPs.

Deputy Prime Minister and the Democrat Party secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban commented on the speculation on Democrat Bangkok MP Watchara Petchthong's statement that certain individuals in the party have denied his candidacy for the constituency MP and put him on the party list instead.

Suthep said that there are mechanisms and procedures to select appropriate candidate qualified for the the constituencies.


He has also denied selecting his adopted son Akekarat Promphan instead of Watchara for the constituency MP candidacy and will not argue with fellow party members on the issue.

Suthep went on to say that the Democrat Party will continue to select appropriate candidates for each constituency and they will commence their duty immediately once picked.

As for rumors about alleged buying of Democrat MPs with some 50 million baht, Suthep rejected the claim, saying there are no rifts over the party's Bangkok poll race as the candidate nomination is almost complete and pending approval from the various party committees.

Mingkwan and Supol face an uncertain future

BURNING ISSUE

Mingkwan and Supol face an uncertain future

By Piyanart Srivalo
piyanart[at]nationgroup.com
Published on April 28, 2011

Hope and reality sometimes contrast greatly. Take the case of Mingkwan Sangsuwan and Supol Fong-ngam as examples.

Mingkwan is upset with Thaksin Shinawatra, de-facto leader of the opposition Pheu Thai Party, for thwarting his aspiration to be the party's PM candidate. He reportedly was planning to leave the party to form a new one, or join an existing party affiliated with General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Snoh Thienthong.However, Mingkwan did not make the move by himself but instead Supol, who is close to Mingkwan, acted as his representative.

Political observers were surprised when Supol was appointed party secretary-general last year although people knew that unlike secretaries-general of other parties, Supol had no real authority because all decisions would be made by the real party owner.

Supol was deputy interior minister in the cabinet of Samak Sundaravej, and PM's Office Minister in the Somchai Wongsawat government, but he was seen as a low-profile minister.

Supol came into the spotlight when he leaked the news of Mingkwan's attempt to defect from Thaksin and Pheu Thai. Supol finally paid the price for starting this game. Thaksin punished the defectors by banning him and MP Chavalit Vichayasut, a close aide to Pheu Thai's former chairman General Chavalit, from running in the upcoming general election. Chavalit had recently left the party amid speculation he was upset with certain party members who allegedly made remarks offensive to the monarchy.

Dubbed a betrayer, Supol has reached a point of no return.

"He definitely cannot stay at Pheu Thai," a source close to Supol said. "If Thaksin can reconcile with Mingkwan and Snoh, Supol might give up politics for a while as he would find it difficult to join another party. But he would join Mingkwan if the latter successfully forms a new party," the source said.

Although Mingkwan has not made a decision yet, some of Pheu Thai's MPs from the Northeast believe Mingkwan may finally have to move from the party.

"It's difficult for him to stay at Pheu Thai. He feels hurt about what they have done to him. He cannot stand being in the party without dignity," a party MP, who asked not to be named, said.

If Mingkwan did really have to go, the likely way out is for him to join Snoh at Pracharaj Party whose name might be changed in accordance with its economic theme, such as Setthakit Mai (New Economy) Party, a source from Mingkwan's camp said.

However, the path is not paved with roses. The big issue is how many Pheu Thai MPs will follow Mingkwan. At first, they expected around 40-50 MPs to join them at the new party but now only 10 MPs close to Chavalit would follow Mingkwan, the source said.

"The MPs are hesitant as they are afraid of losing the election. Especially those who have no strong political bases but instead depend on Thaksin's popularity. Moreover, they are afraid of being accused of betraying Thaksin," the source said.

Mingkwan's close party colleague Rai Surasit Jiamvichak, Pheu Thai MP from Chiang Mai, said earlier that Mingkwan had 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.

MP Sakda Kongpetch from Roi Et said although he was with Snoh at New Aspration Party, he won't leave Pheu Thai.

"I will lose the election if I run the election under other parties. I think no MP from the Northeast will defect from the party. If we leave, we will lose for sure. We will then turn from MPs into a street dog," he said.

Thaksin reportedly tried to reconcile with Mingkwan because Mingkwan, in fact, took part in creating several of the party's policies. Most importantly, Mingkwan has a "generous" financial supporter, who could help relieve Thaksin, although he had no idea who the financier was.

In the end, if Thaksin and Mingkwan can kiss and make up, Supol may have to walk away alone.

Bangkok Post : Group quits PAD for its coup stance

POLITICS

• Published: 28/04/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

The State Enterprise Labour Relations Confederation is defecting from the movement led by the People's Alliance for Democracy because PAD leaders have said they support undemocratic political change, the confederation's secretary-general says.

Sawit Kaewwan, who was previously among the group's second-tier leaders, said PAD bosses had often suggested the country be "shut down" for national reform despite the fact that a new election was near.

They had also expressed a desire to change the political structure to an undemocratic system.

Those leaders' thoughts were in opposition to the political beliefs of the confederation, he said.

"We believe in democracy and we do not agree with the enforcement of any power or any individuals' power for political changes [coup]. We also oppose all forms of dictatorship," Mr Sawit said.

He said the board of directors of the labour confederation had resolved that its leaders should withdraw from the PAD and refrain from joining the PAD on rally stages as well as at other activities. The confederation told the PAD of its intention on Tuesday.

Somsak Kosaisuk, an adviser to the confederation, has also quit as a PAD core leader, and Mr Sawit himself has resigned from the PAD's group of second-tier leaders.

Mr Sawit said the confederation earlier agreed with the PAD's stance to campaign for the protection of Thai territory near the Preah Vihear temple.

"But after a while, we noticed that the PAD's principles and stance had changed. The movement later on aimed to benefit certain individuals.

Consequently, we have to review our participation in the movement," said Mr Sawit.

The confederation began joining PAD rallies in 2006.

Its defection leaves the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect as the only powerful core support group of the PAD that has continued to campaign for the protection of Thai territory in the Thai-Cambodian border dispute.


Writer: Penchan Charoensuthipan
Position: Reporter

^

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Originally Posted by Bkk Post

"But after a while, we noticed that the PAD's principles and stance had changed. The movement later on aimed to benefit certain individuals..."

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:mid:

Might mean a fair few previously "No Vote" crosses looking for a new home come the (promised) election.....

With the oligarchical alliance of military and judicary employing tactics to sway the election outcome and now the police getting involved in the crackdown on free speech, its not any wonder that some previous PAD supporters are starting to wake up they have been duped.

quite a few interesting development, rats leaving ship, boarding new ones etc...

Bangkok Post : Thai politics trapped in a populist spiral

Opinion > Opinion

MAKING SENSE

Thai politics trapped in a populist spiral

• Published: 28/04/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Brace yourself. Your politicians want to help you. With general elections imminent, we can anticipate a flood of messages from the political parties espousing their policy programmes and the benefits to you, the voter, in exchange for your support.

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif Men atop a truck in Surin province travel past an election campaign poster showing a Pheu Thai candidate posing with Thaksin Shinawatra.

Naturally, the incumbent Democrat Party has the advantage, and has ramped up its marketing with slogans touting a mix of policies enacted over the past two years with teasers of promises to come: diesel fuel price caps, a 25% hike in minimum wages within two years, free electricity for poor households and interest-free loans for new homebuyers.

The Pheu Thai Party , likely the biggest threat to the Democrats, have also been trickling out details of their own programmes. Thaksin Shinawatra, the party's de facto leader-in-exile, has been touting his own grandiose plans to build 10 new mass transit routes in the capital with fares fixed at 20 baht each, a minimum wage of 300 baht per day for workers and monthly starting salaries of 15,000 baht for new university graduates.

Choices, choices. Both parties are promising something that is sure to appeal to someone, whether it be rural farmers, business leaders and entrepreneurs or the urban poor. Both parties focus broadly on what the state, under their stewardship, can do to improve the lot of ordinary citizens, albeit with minor differences in the details.

And both parties have attracted their own fair share of critics, namely from economists who question how a sharp escalation in public welfare spending - populism - can possibly be sustained or financed in the years ahead.

Of course, it is rational for voters to want. A choice between salaries of 8,000 to 9,000 baht per month versus 15,000 baht is no choice at all. What farmer, faced with escalating fertiliser and pesticide costs, would want to sell their crops at a loss? Or which motorist among us does not feel a sense of angst when faced with fuel bills that seem to rise with every passing day?

And it is equally rational for politicians to give. After all, it is in their own self-interest to do so, as democracy all too often ranks popularity over merit in the election process. Giving the people what is wanted, not necessarily what is needed, is what wins votes and elections. The more practical statecraft can always come later.

Alas, limited resources mean that policy-making is always an act of compromise, a give-and-take that ideally maximises benefits for the populace with minimum damage. Part of the politicking process involves communicating decisions to curry maximum support, or viewed another way, to minimise resistance from those who must bear the cost.

Take the recent decision to slash taxes on diesel fuel to help keep pump prices under 30 baht per barrel. Ministers naturally played down the fact that these subsidies represent a transfer in wealth from petrol vehicle owners to diesel vehicle owners. Instead, arguments focused on the broader picture, that diesel remains the fuel of choice for much of the country's supply chains and lower-income motorists. Allowing diesel fuel to increase with market forces would require a 20% hike based on current prices, resulting in a knock-on effect across the entire economy and a relatively heavier cost burden for the rural poor.

A logical argument. But a convenient one, as it avoids the larger question of why Thailand ranks among the worst countries in the region in terms of energy efficiency. Cargo transport depends overwhelmingly on land vehicles rather than the more efficient railway system.

And while the government has been loud in touting the superiority of NGV (natural gas for vehicles) as a cheaper alternative to conventional diesel and petrol, only 12% of the country's trucks use NGV systems.

Agricultural subsidies are similarly short-sighted. Yes, it is true that Thai farmers rank among the poorest job occupations, with all too many scraping the soil as tenant farmers to only just hover above the poverty line.

But successive Thai governments have propped up Thai farmers with subsidies with little progress to show in terms of productivity or efficiency gains. Crop yields remain poor relative to other competing nations. Pesticides are used lavishly by all too many farmers, perhaps to the detriment of the environment and public health.

We have plenty of policies aimed at supporting Thailand's agri-businesses, but lack a comprehensive strategy to raise competitiveness and productivity at the small farm level.

And consider the promises of both major parties to hike minimum wages. Personally, I felt gratified to see Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva commit to a plan to raise wages by 25% within two years. I recall vividly seeing Mr Abhisit speak with one factory worker, who after 30 years of work earned just 300 baht per day, including overtime. My first thought was that even though I earned many times the amount this person did, I still feel pressure in making ends meet and setting aside enough for my retirement. But 300 baht per day? Forget about the future - each day must represent a fight for survival.

So, yes, I do think that wages must be increased and income gaps closed within society. But once again, I fear expedience is taking precedence over the more difficult but beneficial path. Thailand needs to look beyond low-skilled, low-paying assembly work to higher-value, creative and innovative industries. But this is impossible without genuine reforms in the educational system, vocational system and skills training for the labour force.

I am afraid that all too many of the policies bandied about today are half-measures to address very real problems faced in our society. I can only wish that our politicians are enlightened enough to deliver not just what the people want, but more importantly, what the people need. If that entails sacrifice for the long-term good, then so be it.

Alas, I see our political machinery trapped within a populist spiral, where votes are bartered in a competition for who can promise the most. We are being fed candy each day. Eat too much and cavities are inevitable.

Wichit Chantanusornsiri is a senior business reporter for the Bangkok Post.

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Originally Posted by SteveCM

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

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Is it just me or is that a bad photoshop of Thakki?

it's a bad PS job,

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Originally Posted by Buksida

Is it just me or is that a bad photoshop of Thakki?

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Of both.

"Calgary, if this is intended to include/refer to the post above yours, you should know that the material reproduced there is far from being "stuff the State has produced". The blogger Saksith is anything but a supporter of the present regime/"State" - but he does often express views that question and criticise UDD/redshirts links to Thaksin"

I hope you are correct about Thaihome not being just another run-of-the-mill Thaksin hating, reproducer and parrotter of State material SteveCM. Material that has been produced as part of the State initiative to destroy someone they cannot defeat in a Democratic election.

You have been on this board longer than me and know this better.

I have seen so much of that anti-Thaksin, Farang regurgitation of State material, that I tend to lump them all together. The idiots over at TV just cannot get enough of it.

Let them focus on that angelic pair of Newin and Suthep to get some real food-for-thought. The State media wouldnt have enough ink to document their background. But that is not their inclination. I wonder why?......Not really....I know!

And true to form,farangs dont do it either......because the State media has not fed them this stuff

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Originally Posted by Calgary

I hope you are correct about Thaihome not being just another run-of-the-mill Thaksin hating reproducer of State material produced as part of their initiative to destroy someone they cannot defeat in a Democratic election.

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My post just pointed out that the reproduced text doesn't qualify as "State material". I didn't express any view about Thaihome for it to be "correct" or otherwise. That's a different conversation.

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Originally Posted by Calgary

I have seen so much of that anti-Thaksin, Farang regurgitation of State material, that I tend to lump them all together.

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I sympathise. It's an easy mistake to make and many here make it - not just in the way you mention.

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Originally Posted by Panda

its not any wonder that some previous PAD supporters are starting to wake up they have been duped.

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Yet many foreigners remain fooled by them, or just too embarrassed to admit they had it wrong.:smileylaughing:

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Originally Posted by sabang

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Originally Posted by Thaihome

In both cases the TRT candidate was overwhelming voted in. That person also won the 2007 election, but not as part of the PPP. There is no UDD activity in that area.

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I do not know which area you refer to- but there is considerable UDD activity in Newin's stronghold, Buriram.


BURIRAM, 15 August 2009 (NNT)-United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship members in Buriram have begun to make their way to Bangkok to take part in the groups Royal Pardon petition submission gathering this Monday.
The Buriram UDD members rented 10 buses to transport their numbers to Sanam Luang but were recently denied use by bus operators who reasoned requests to the provincial transport office were denied.
UDD from Buriram making their way to Bangkok : National News Bureau of Thailand

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Puea Thai wants security law lifted
Published: 30/08/2009 at 04:04 PM

The Puea Thai party called on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to lift the Internal Security Act as the red-shirt group cancelled its planned rally. The opposition party also demanded the government to dismiss Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu.
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) decided to postpone its anti-government demonstration in front of Government House on Sunday after the government imposed the Internal Security Act in Bangkok's Dusit district from August 29 to September 1 to deal with the protesters.

"The government should lift the security law to restore the confidence of Thais and foreigners and promote reconciliation in the country," Puea Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said.

Mr Prompong also called on the prime minister to dismiss Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon for failing to tackle the southern insurgency and Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu following the allegations of massive corruption in the Sufficiency Community project.

According to the spokesman, the red-shirt group had put off its mass protest after it received a report about a group of people from Buri Ram province who may instigate violence if the rally took place.

^ I suggest that people posting a news item from 2009 clearly identify it as such. The quoted example does. The post containing it doesn't.

Matubhum to sweep 8 seats in 3 southern border provinces: Sonthi

BREAKINGNEWS »

28 April 2011

Former Army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin announced Thursday that his Matubhum Party would sweep eight House seats in three southern border provinces.

The Matubhum leader said his party would leave only three seats for the Democrat to contest against the Pheu Thai.

Sonthi, a Muslim, said his party would turn the three southern provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat into peaceful region.


The Nation

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Originally Posted by SteveCM

I suggest that people posting a news item from 2009 clearly identify it as such.

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agree .

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Originally Posted by English Noodles

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Originally Posted by Panda

its not any wonder that some previous PAD supporters are starting to wake up they have been duped.

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Yet many foreigners remain fooled by them, or just too embarrassed to admit they had it wrong.:smileylaughing:

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I think you will find they are more farangs being fooled by UDD than by PAD :smileylaughing:

This country is never short of farang suckers :)

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Originally Posted by SteveCM

^ I suggest that people posting a news item from 2009 clearly identify it as such. The quoted example does. The post containing it doesn't.

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Thanks, not sure why the date didn’t paste. Edited now.

All articles should have the date. You just missed one as well.
TH

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Originally Posted by Thaihome

You just missed one as well.

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Point it out and I'll attend to it. If you mean the one at #1367 above, I've now inserted it. In any case, it's logically today's news.

Sonthaya's family sets up Palang Chon Party


28 April 2011

BREAKINGNEWS »

Sonthaya's family sets up Palang Chon Party

Sonthaya Khunplome, a banned politician and former tourism and sport minister, said Thursday that his family has formed a new political party, with him serving as its adviser.

The name of the new political party - Palang Chon (Force of Chon Buri) - reflects its focus on the Khunplome family's stronghold of Chon Buri province.

Sonthaya said that his group decided to leave the coalition Bhum Jai Thai Party after residents of Chon Buri wanted them to form a new political party as "they think it is better suited for this political atmosphere".


The Nation

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Originally Posted by The Nation

".....they think it is better suited for this political atmosphere".

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Translation: Easier to choose whom to hitch up with most profitably after the (promised) election.

Bangkok Post : Pracha Santi opens head office

Breakingnews >

• Published: 28/04/2011 at 03:11 PM
• Online news: Local News

The Pracha Santi Party will field candidates if there is a general election, party leader Seri Suwannaphanont said on Thursday.

Mr Seri, a former Bangkok senator and member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly, was speaking at a press conference after a religious ceremony to inaugurate the new headquarters of Pracha Santi on Amnuay Songkhram road in Bangkok.

He said Pracha Santi holds to the line of not exploiting politics for personal gain.

The party supports the setting up of a national government to solve the country's problems, end division among the people, eradicate corruption and discourage political gatherings which may lead to more conflict, Mr Seri said.

Mr Seri admitted he was not sure whether there would be a general. There were too many uncertainties at the moment.

But if there is, the party would field candidates and emphasis would be given to Bangkok, he added.

It was earlier reported that Mr Seri and Purachai Piumsombun, former interior minister in the Thaksin Shinawatra government, would join hands to run a political party. They, however, split following conflicts of opinion.

Mr Purachai on Wednesday held a religious ceremony to open the head office of his new Rak Santi Party, whose registration has been endorsed by the Election Commission.

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Originally Posted by Bkk Post

Mr Seri admitted he was not sure whether there would be a general.

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I'm assuming this means "general election" rather than recruiting a military/police trophy. If so, I'd say he's justified in not being sure whether there'll be one.