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

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011...t-30154132.html

Somsak challenges NPP poll boycott

By SOMROUTAI SAPSOMBOON
THE NATION
Published on April 28, 2011

New Politics Party leader Somsak Kosaisuk is pushing for the party to overturn the recent decision taken at its general meeting not to contest the upcoming general elections.

He is expected to seek support from the party's executive committee to reverse the decision when the board convenes tomorrow, according to a party source.Somsak's latest move is part of his faction's wrestling with four other co-leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) for control of the political party, which is viewed as the PAD's political arm.

At the party's meeting on Sunday, it was resolved that New Politics would not field any candidates in the next election, a stance backed by many PAD leaders - particularly Sondhi Limthongkul - on grounds that the election would only allow a return of corrupt politicians.

Somsak told reporters after Sunday's meeting that the decision was just an "initial standpoint" that would require endorsement from the party's executive board. He cited the Political Party Act.

The New Politics leader's stance has been at odds with that of party secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila, who does not want the party to field any candidate. Instead, he wants the party to join the PAD campaign for voters to boycott the election. Of the 20 party executive members, Suriya-sai's wing consists of more than 10, and they disagree with Somsak's idea of reversing the party resolution, according to the party source.

"It is possible that after the executive board's meeting, Suriyasai and some other members will resign to pave the way for the election of new board members," the source said.

Both Somsak and Suriyasai could not be reached by phone yesterday.

The new development in the party coincided with a decision by the State Enterprise Workers' Relations Con-federation (SERC), a key labour group, to "step back" from the PAD and for its key figures Somsak and SERC secretary-general Sawit Kaew-wan to withdraw as PAD leaders.

Sawit explained yesterday the SERC had decided none of its executives should speak on the PAD's stage, although they could take part in its rally on a case-by-case basis.

Somsak, a senior SERC adviser, is one of the PAD's five co-leaders and Sawit is one of its second-generation leaders. They have resigned from the PAD's leadership with effect from Tuesday, according to an SERC letter sent to the PAD's other co-leaders.

The SERC letter is dated Tuesday and addressed to the PAD's four remaining co-leaders - Sondhi Limthongkul, Chamlong Srimuang, Pipob Thongchai, and Somkiat Pongpaiboon. It was signed by Sawit in his capacity as the SERC secretary-general. A copy of the letter was obtained by The Nation yesterday.

The letter said SERC's executive committee resolved at its meeting on Tuesday that the group's leaders should withdraw from the PAD and "review the position of taking part in PAD rallies". The SERC's letter said the group joined the PAD in 2006 and often stood by its side in subsequent rallies. However, it said the PAD appeared to have "strayed from the original standpoint" and unfairly attacked individuals who had fought alongside them. The SERC said the PAD's current rally appeared to be aimed at inciting another coup.

Nevertheless, a PAD leader who requested anonymity, said yesterday it remained doubtful whether the SERC resolution was complete. He said Somsak's departure would not affect the PAD. Sawit insisted the SERC resolution was complete.

Rak Santi takes a few leaves out of Thai Rak Thai's book

By ATTAPOOM ONGKULNA
The Nation
Published on April 28, 2011

The Rak Santi Party yesterday unveiled improved versions of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai party's policies and said it expected its Bangkok MP candidates to be well received by the voters.

In a merit-making and official opening ceremony of the party at its headquarters yesterday, party chairman Purachai Piumsombun said it would field candidates for all the 375 constituency and 125 party-list seats in the House of Representatives. The party is stressing non-partisan and corruption-free politics.Party leader Pol Lt-General Thawin Surachetpong said Purachai was chosen by party executives to serve as chairman as he was the most experienced politically, and enjoyed high credibility in the eyes of the public. Therefore, he will be the commander of its political wing.

Purachai said he was confident that Rak Santi would win some party-list seats, while its Bangkok candidates were also very qualified.

"Most of Rak Santi's Bangkok MP candidates are people from the new generation. They are capable and have the same ideology as the party. Political experience is not a priority. Rak Santi's candidates work sacrificing their time, money, knowledge and wisdom," Purachai said.

He said that no political party had so far sought a political alliance with Rak Santi. The party was ready to cooperate with other politicians, including Pheu Thai's Mingkwan Sangsuwan, if they shared the same ideology.

Purachai made it clear that while the party would accept politicians from other parties, it would not encourage defection.

Among the 14 key policies unveiled yesterday was a public healthcare system developed from the popular Bt30 scheme started by the Thaksin Shinawatra government. The Village Fund project will also be developed as a banking project for the poor.

The Rak Santi Party also proposes to promote "hi-tech agriculture" and "agricultural zoning" to improve farming and agriculture.

Purachai, known as "Mr Social Order", was interior minister under Thaksin and one of Thaksin's close aides at one time.

Purachai's close aide Noppadon Inna said the party's 33 Bangkok MPs candidates would canvass on the party platform while tapping their diverse strengths.

Therefore, he will be the commander of its political wing.

What other commanders and wings do they have?

"Most of Rak Santi's Bangkok MP candidates are people from the new generation. They are capable and have the same ideology as the party.

The party was ready to cooperate with other politicians, including Pheu Thai's Mingkwan Sangsuwan, if they shared the same ideology.

Have the stated what their ideology is?

Pheu Thai Party offers tablets to Thai students

Pheu Thai Party offers tablets to Thai students

By THE NATION
Published on April 29, 2011

The Pheu Thai Party has highlighted one of its campaign policies, billed as "one student, one tablet computer", arguing that it plans to offer Thai youth a tangible tool to brace them for the world of high-speed Internet.

"The government is promoting its broadband policy in an intangible manner, but Pheu Thai will make available the actual tool to access ADSL or high-speed internet," Pheu Thai campaign strategist Pichai Naripthaphan said.Pichai said that his party, if elected to lead the next government, would expand Wi-Fi coverage to every school and that every primary school student would be given a tablet computer free of charge.

He said Internet access would be available without charge at education institutions, government offices and public places.

Pheu Thai expects to improve the country's competitiveness by promoting e-learning and making sure that every student can gain access to e-books, he said.

Tablet computers in China and India have a price range of Bt3,000-Bt6,000, and Thai schools could get a cheaper price by buying in bulk, he said.

In regard to campaign preparations, Pheu Thai deputy leader Plodprasop Suraswadi ruled out speculation about a merger between his party and Pracharaj.

Plodprasop said Pracharaj was an ally, arguing that switching of electoral candidates between the two parties would not undermine Pheu Thai's chances of victory.

Pracharaj and Pheu Thai are two separate parties in the same camp, he said.

Commenting on the future of Pheu Thai MP Mingkwan Saengsuwan, he said he was still waiting for Mingkwan to return to the party fold instead of trying to form a new party.

He admitted, however, that he had tried but failed to contact Mingkwan.

He said the deadline for Mingkwan and his supporters to rejoin Pheu Thai was the date for submitting the party-list electoral candidates.

If incumbent MPs fail to report to Pheu Thai by the day of party-list candidacy registration, then the party will have no choice but to cut them loose, he said.

Party cries foul over provincial EC selections

Party cries foul over provincial EC selections

By PRAPHAN CHINDALERT-UDOMDEE
THE NATION
Published on April 29, 2011

Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Plodprasop Suraswadi yesterday questioned the transparency of the selection of members of Provincial Election Commissions, saying the Interior Ministry dominated the process through provincial governors.

Provincial Election Commissions can suspend election results (yellow cards) or disqualify MP candidates (red cards). Plodprasop said governors chaired selection committees for provincial panel members. He called for strict verification of Provincial Election Commission members. Where there are questions, officers must be excluded from the job, he said.

An investigation into Provincial Election Commission members would be required in case of complaints against MP candidates.

Governors must think of their honour as government officials and not serve politicians, he said.

Plodprasop also complained that television stations twice returned a Pheu Thai Party promotional video, claiming the content could not be aired as the party attacked the government.

The party made changes and sent the tape for a third time. Plodprasop said that if the tapes were rejected again, he would burn the tapes in protest at the unfairness to the party.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011...-30154210.html

Banned politician pulls faction out of coalition

By THE NATION
Published on April 29, 2011

Former tourism and sports minister Sonthaya Khunplome, who was banned from politics, said yesterday that his family had created a new political party with him serving as adviser.

The name of the new political party - Palang Chon (Force of Chon Buri) - reflects the Khunplome family's focus on its stronghold in the province. Sonthaya said his group had decided to leave the coalition partner Bhum Jai Thai Party because Chon Buri residents wanted them to form a new political party, since "they think it's better suited for this political atmosphere".

The new party, which has been registered with the Election Commission, will have be led by Chao Maneewong, who was formerly a senator for the province and former rector of Chon Buri's Burapha University, Sonthaya said.

He added that the party would be officially launched when "the time is right".

Sonthaya expected the new party to win 12 parliamentary seats in the upcoming general elections When asked about the possibility of the party winning all the MP seats in Chon Buri, he said that would depend on the voters. "Chon Buri residents will decide, because this party was born in their province," he said.

So far, the party has attracted election candidates from all regions except the South.

Sonthaya served as tourism and sport minister in the government of Thaksin Shinawatra and is among the 111 former executives of the Thai Rak Thai party who face a five-year political ban after the party was dissolved in 2007 for electoral fraud.

Bangkok Post : Pheu Thai threatens to disown Mingkwan

Pheu Thai threatens to disown Mingkwan

• Published: 29/04/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

The Pheu Thai Party has threatened to disown its prominent list MP Mingkwan Saengsuwan over his waning allegiance.

The party has given Mr Mingkwan an ultimatum _ either he declares his intention to stay or he will be dropped from its list of candidates for the next election.

Deputy Pheu Thai leader Plodprasop Suraswadi said yesterday if Mr Mingkwan failed to show up for the party's submission of its list candidates to the Election Commission then it would mean he did not want to run under the Pheu Thai banner.

The list is to be submitted after the House is dissolved, which is expected early next month.

Mr Plodprasop said the party had lost contact with Mr Mingkwan, a one-time Pheu Thai leader-in-waiting.

It had been rumoured Mr Mingkwan was leaving Pheu Thai after being sidelined by de facto party leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

<snip>

nice, attacking your team when they don't follow your orders, no doubt Democracy at work

Thaksin is still the authoritarian, things don't change

Bangkok Post : The 'Bonsai-nisation' of Thaksin

The 'Bonsai-nisation' of Thaksin

• Published: 29/04/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

It looked and felt like the good old days. On the big screen via video link from afar, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was on top form. He spoke passionately, outlining the platform to be used in the upcoming election campaign. The crowd roared and responded in a fever of enthusiasm. It was as though the opposition Pheu Thai Party correct spelling won at the polls, Thaksin would be back as prime minister again.


Election message: Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister and de facto leader of Pheu Thai Party, addresses party members at Rangsit campus of Thammasat University through a video link system, last Saturday.

Thaksin seemed comfortable and was able to express his ideas well. The speech mixed his reiteration of being loyal to the monarchy while attacking those who abused the institution for political benefits.

Thaksin's platform for Pheu Thai reads like a shopping list of ideas which include a revival of programmes successful under his administration but dismantled after the coup d'etat of Sept 19, 2006, as well as new promises for the future.

If this were a race like running a sprint, Pheu Thai would be victorious since the current government is seen as incompetent in running the economy, insincere in its national reconciliation efforts and incapable of securing a viable solution on the border conflict with neighbouring Cambodia.

And the polls and pundits are sensing a Pheu Thai win by a wide margin.

But the run is neither a short one nor without impediment. Thaksin, Pheu Thai and his red shirts have been running a triathlon of an obstruction course not unlike one of those game shows on television, virtually since the coup. They never received a ''jail-free'' card or a helping (invisible) hand. But they kept running and sticking out like a sore thumb.

Looking back, Thaksin actually was part of the Thai establishment pact _ technocrats (karachakarn or servants of ''royal'' works), military, businessmen and politicians _ which runs the country and divides up the cake. His father was an MP and he was a policeman. He made his business fortune from government telecommunications concessions and politically when the Thai Rak Thai Party was founded and later won the election in 2001, Thaksin was well received by the Thai establishment.

In Thailand, under the banner of national unity and monarchy, one must run with the pact. The TRT's progressive policies and Thaksin's aggressive projection of his own popularity, however, stepped on too many toes. That was when the skeletons in his wardrobe started to come out.

Now Thaksin is viewed as an outcast who cannot be trusted since he either wants to come back into the fold with a grudge, or is a rebel who would like to topple the entire establishment.

Aberrants must be eliminated. Thaksin needs to be ''bonsai-ed'' _ becoming ''a tree or shrub that has been dwarfed, as by pruning the roots and pinching, and is grown in a pot or other container and trained to produce the desired shape or effect'' (Dictionary.com).

But after the coup d'etat of 2006, the ''technocrat-military'' government of Gen Surayud Chulanond and in the past two years, the Democrat Party-led government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, both of which had the support of the establishment, have as yet been unable to effectively contain Thaksin.

And the more Thaksin drums up his supporters like at Pheu Thai's mass rally last Saturday or at the various gatherings around the country, and the louder the response he gets, reflecting the wider margin of MP seats Pheu Thai would win over the ruling Democrats, the harsher the pruning. The ultimate trump card hatched and released from time to time remains the allegations of anti-monarchy and lese majeste.

Last year, during the red shirt protest, right before the crackdown and bloodshed, a ''mind-map'' charting the anti-monarchy movement was shown by the government. Now the government and the military are embarking on a mission to root out people who are deemed involved in the movement.

Army regiments in Bangkok put on a show of force with a publicly displayed preparedness exercise and a pledge of allegiance to the country and the king, stating that troops were ready to be de ployed in 30 minutes if ordered.

At least 13 community radio stations have been closed down in the past two days and the authorities said there will be more. Websites have been blocked and a new computer law is rumoured to be in the making, with many articles said to be impingements on civil liberties. The number of lese majeste cases has shot up during this administration.

Political factions within Pheu Thai face tremendous pressure and intense lobbying for them to leave the party, if not immediately, then they must plan to break away after the election.

Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh has left; Mingkwan Saengsuwan, once tipped to become Pheu Thai leader is rumoured to be contemplating a departure.

At the same time, the red shirts' core leaders, Jatuporn Prompan in particular, are using themes and words in their rallying speeches which many find discomforting and offensive. It is as if they are posing a direct challenge to the establishment so as to provoke a response. A more brutal crackdown would provide the rationale for a growing resistance. This is one of the reasons the negotiations for reconciliation have not been successful. The basis of ''trust'' cannot be set as the establishment views Thaksin as playing a ''face-off'' game, pursuing an ''iron fist in a velvet glove'' strategy to advance his personal ambitions and to threaten those currently in power.

Still to come are more legal battles, even another dissolution case against Pheu Thai, a series of scenarios that could deviate the route to the elections, and post-election manipulations to set up the new government.
The last card is, sadly, another coup.

I remember once reading a book on gardening and the author was explaining why Thais were so keen to manicure their lawns and had perfected the art of ''bonsai'' not only on those small trees but large ones in their gardens. One can see this in many temple and palace grounds, the front lawns of the rich and famous. This is due to the fact that Thai ancestors had to fight off the fast-growing natural tropical forest, and by taking care of the gardens in a detailed manner, the sense of control was more comforting. Tropical gardens have only recently become popular with the new middle class Thais as city life has rekindled a longing for the natural. And one could never really ''bonsai'' the whole forest.

The Thai establishment must realise they cannot control everybody to the shape and form of their liking. They may be able to finally quell the rebel in Thaksin. But in the long run, diversity must be recognised and respect given to human beings as equals. Accommodation, compromise and power sharing are essential. The forest is growing, and burning down the forest just to contain it will only burn the house down.


Suranand Vejjajiva served in the Thaksin Shinawatra cabinet and is now a political analyst.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

The Thai establishment must realise they cannot control everybody to the shape and form of their liking. They may be able to finally quell the rebel in Thaksin. But in the long run, diversity must be recognised and respect given to human beings as equals.

Bingo- says it all. Bravo.

Bangkok Post : The 'Bonsai-nisation' of Thaksin


The 'Bonsai-nisation' of Thaksin
....At the same time, the red shirts' core leaders, Jatuporn Prompan in particular, are using themes and words in their rallying speeches which many find discomforting and offensive. It is as if they are posing a direct challenge to the establishment so as to provoke a response. A more brutal crackdown would provide the rationale for a growing resistance. This is one of the reasons the negotiations for reconciliation have not been successful...

Bingo- says it all. Bravo.
TH

Originally Posted by sabang

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

The Thai establishment must realise they cannot control everybody to the shape and form of their liking. They may be able to finally quell the rebel in Thaksin. But in the long run, diversity must be recognised and respect given to human beings as equals.

Bingo- says it all. Bravo.

I agree, but Thaksin is doing everything he can to remain central. If he was to vacate what movement would there be? Nobody know. People talk about the 'real reds', but can't clearly identify this group -it's just wishfull thinking.

Quote from Buksida above

"I agree, but Thaksin is doing everything he can to remain central".

He is central. He was elected to be central. Just because his political enemies not want him to be central, doesn't mean he should relinquish to them. They are the anti-electoral coup people, Mr. Thaksin was a democratically elected PM......he would be remiss acquiescing to their autocratic, militaristic, anti-democratic actions.

^ Hey Calgary, got any photos from that rally you attended last night? I'd love to see them and I'm sure other members would too...if you took any that is.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

^ Hey Calgary, got any photos from that rally you attended last night? I'd love to see them and I'm sure other members would too...if you took any that is.

Not into photography SD.

I understand that tomorrow will be the mother-of-all Red Shirt democracy Movement rallies in Khon kean.

I am sure the State Media will give it wide coverage

Seeing the enormity of these rallies puts into perspective one of the reasons why they want this election sooner than I expected.

Continuance of this trend can only jeapardize (sp?) the electoral prospects of the current non-elected ruling minority

Originally Posted by Calgary

... Much easier just to appoint our own people. ...CAL

Was wondering how you explain the elected Members of Parliament that voted to make Abhisit the current PM?

Can you name one MP that is not elected?

Can you even name one MP other then Jutaporn?

Can you name the MP’s from Korat or Khon Kean?

If those provinces are indeed represented by elected MP’s (and they are) why do they need a "democracy advocate" to show up for a rally?

What would be the goal for such a rally if there is already democratically elected representation?


TH

Bangkok Post : Chai favours House dissolution on May 6

Breakingnews >

• Published: 29/04/2011 at 03:14 PM
• Online news:

House Speaker Chai Chidchob has proposed that the House be dissolved on May 6 and insisted that fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border will not affect the government’s plan to dissolve the parliament.

Mr Chai said on Friday he believed the House dissolution would proceed as planned though there were clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border.

The two countries have recently agreed to a ceasefire after days of exchange of heavy gunfire along the Thai-Cambodian border in northeastern Surin province. However, border clashes still erupted.

The House speaker said Prim Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had not discussed his plan to dissolve the House with him. However, he had earlier told the prime minister that the House should be dissolved on May 6, a day after the auspicious Coronation Day on May 5.

If the prime minister chose to dissolve the House on the day he decided, the parliament’s work would not be affected as the work would be handled by the Senate, said Mr Chai.

Mr Abhisit earlier said he would call for House dissolution on the first week of May.

On the lack of quorum that forced the April 28 House session to deliberate pending bills to end its meeting, Mr Chai said he had instructed MPs and sought their cooperation to help push for the passage of the seven bills during the House session on Friday. If there were enough MPs attending the session, the bills would be passed during this parliament term.

As the House dissolution is looming, it is normal for MPs to spend more time visiting their constituents, rather than attending House sessions, said Mr Chai.

Parliament is expected to hold its last meeting on May 4, he said. The Constitution Court is expected to interpret whether three election-related bills, which set new guidelines for the election of the single constituency members of the Lower House and the Senate, as well as the operations of the Election Commission and political parties after the amendments in the charter, are constitutional or not during the court’s meeting on May 2.

If no changes are made, the three bills will be sent back to parliament, which will forward them to the prime minister, who will seek royal endorsement on May 4, said Mr Chai.


Writer: Aekarach Sattaburuth
Position: Reporter

Originally Posted by Calgary

Was wondering how you explain the elected Members of Parliament that voted to make Abhisit the current PM?...Quote TH

....Ho-hum....once more with feeling.

Two major parties....the one lesser than the other in numbers....but the latter and their Oxford educated (can't forget to add that of course) pre-selected favoured son was preferred by the Amart....So what to do?.....Hmm, use extra-parliamentary strong-arm tactics to move all those other disparate smaller social groups (not ideologically based political parties in any sense of the word) into the preferred minority major party column with their OXFORD EDUCATED leader, and voila, we have a so-called coalition........ Even sounds parliamentary. Never mind the OXFORD EDUCATED leader never came close to winning a national election.....we can't let electoral democracy get in the way of good governance, now can we.

But then, everyone besides TH knows this.

You do know that the PPP government formed in January 2008 was a coalition of "not ideologically based political parties in any sense of the word" as well? But there was no problem when they had the majority. Its only now, that your guys are in the minority in Parliment that there is a problem.

And you dare to use the words "tyranny of a minority" in previous posts.

TH

Bangkok Post : Banharn: Election won't heal social rift

Banharn: Election won't heal social rift

• Published: 29/04/2011 at 04:19 PM
• Online news: Local News

Thai society will probably remain deeply divided after the elections, former prime minister Banharn Silpa-archa, de facto leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party, said on Friday.

The CTP chief adviser said that regardless of the outcome of the general election, the red-yellow divide and problems facing the country would remain.

Most people have put their faith in the coming elections, which they expect will bring a change for the better, he said, but he remained doubtful.

He said a House dissolution would return the mandate to people to decide which parties would be in the next government.

He refused to predict which of the two major political parties would or would not be the core party forming the next government.

Mr Banharn did predict there would be no recurrence of the 1975 election, which saw the late former prime minister MR Kukrit Pramoj become prime minister after his Social Action Party won just 18 seats in the House after the bigger parties could not agree on a choice for prime minister.

".....You do know that the PPP government formed in January 2008 was a coalition...." Quote by TH, Post #1396

The PPP party was the majority with so-called coalition non-ideological social groups posing as political parties same as now. But at least it was a majority that was electorally based.

But not acceptable by TH and his/her friends.....What to do?

Offer millions to some of these 'social groups', especially the uncorruptable Newin, to move according to the desired formula....and voila, we have the preferred Govt., with the preferred Oxford Educated favorite son as PM, elections be damned.

Damn, that was easy......grease the wheels and move 'em around. No ideological chasms to overcome. And it even looks parliamentary

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1043296

The Final Act

UPDATE : 29

April 2011 With the current administration quickly coming to a close, the term “final act” has begun to become prevalent when referring to its twilight works. It has become political tradition in Thailand for outgoing governments to use their final acts to their own benefit, allowing themselves a few going away gifts.

The problematic practice has been curbed somewhat in the latest constitution, which states clearly in its Article 181 that the outgoing administration signs into use the “most necessary” acts to keep the nation moving forward until a new government is selected. The article even outlines four criteria to help officials deem what is necessary.

The Abhisit Administration should have actually avoided final acts all together, since its end was foretold months in advance. All of the ministries, knowing that their work would be cut short in May, should have begun wrapping up their essentials long ago. The prime minister even urged his Cabinet members not to propose matters in need of thorough scrutiny ahead of the dissolution.

Lo and behold however, the second to last Cabinet meeting saw fit to approve tens of billions of baht in ministry proposals, with the military alone receiving 17 billion baht in funds. No matter how it explains this finale gesture, the government cannot silence suspicious grumblings.

The Cabinet can argue that all of its approvals were necessary, but with many of the heavily funded projects obviously matters of political gain and loss, it is an argument hard to accept. Foremost amongst the questionable signings was the aforementioned military budget, or more specifically the “confidential fund” given to the Internal Security Operations Center and various armed forces. How can the government hope to clam the nerves of the public on its spending, when it won't even disclose what it is spending upwards of 10 billion baht on?

The Thai Kingdom has been through a monsoon of social, political and economic woes in the past two years. The country's finances have only been propped up by its strong private sector, which in the face of adversity has found ways to grow and bring in revenue. It would be very infuriating to find that the finances generated by the nation's hard working private sector were being squandered to secure votes and maintain party ties. That would not be a final act surely remembered in infamy.

Matichon, April 29, 2011

Translated and Rewritten by Itiporn Lakarnchua

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.

Originally Posted by Calgary

".....You do know that the PPP government formed in January 2008 was a coalition...." Quote by TH, Post #1396

The PPP party was the majority with so-called coalition non-ideological social groups posing as political parties same as now. But at least it was a majority that was electorally based.

But not acceptable by TH and his/her friends.....What to do?

Offer millions to some of these 'social groups', especially the uncorruptable Newin, to move according to the desired formula....and voila, we have the preferred Govt., with the preferred Oxford Educated favorite son as PM, elections be damned.

Damn, that was easy......grease the wheels and move 'em around. No ideological chasms to overcome. And it even looks parliamentary

If voters are not satisfied with what their elected representatives do, they vote them out at the next election or if really angry, they get them impeached.

Several MP’s that moved to the current coalition have run in by-elections since then and have been re-elected. Not a single MP that switched sides has faced any backlash from the voters of their district.

Sure sounds like the voters are satisfied with what happened.

Isn’t that how democracy works?

TH