Thai elections 2011-Thai PM sets stage for tough election

**StrontiumDog** · 06-05-2011, 04:54 PM

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/thai-pm-set...medium=twitter

Thai PM sets stage for tough election

By Anusak Konglang | AFP News – 53 minutes ago

General view of Thai parliament in Bangkok. Thailand's prime minister has said he …

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva speaks during a press conference at Government …

Thailand's premier fired the starting gun on Friday for the first general election in the politically divided nation since deadly protests rocked Bangkok last year, with a vote expected by early July.

British-born, Oxford-educated premier Abhisit Vejjajiva, whose term finishes at the end of this year, is gambling on early polls to propel him to a second term and silence critics who say he has no popular mandate.

Abhisit, the head of the elite-backed Democrat Party, said he would submit a formal request to King Bhumibol Adulyadej asking for the lower house to be dissolved for a poll set to be held in late June or early July.

"I will submit the royal decree to dissolve the house to the king this afternoon before I leave for the ASEAN summit" of Southeast Asian leaders in Jakarta, he told reporters.

He did not reveal the election date but said he would hold a news conference on Monday.

By law, polls must be held between 45 and 60 days after house dissolution, which would take effect once the decree is signed by Thailand's 83-year-old monarch, who has been hospitalised since September 2009.

Abhisit's party, the country's oldest, with a support base in Bangkok and the south, has not won a general election in nearly two decades and faces a struggle to cling to power, even with the support of its coalition partners.

Abhisit took office in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a court ruling threw out the previous administration, and he is accused by his political foes of being an unelected puppet of the military and the establishment.

The vote comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity for the country, which remains deeply divided a year after a military crackdown on opposition protests in the capital that left 90 people dead, mostly civilians.

Parties affiliated to fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra have won the most seats in the past four elections, but the former tycoon was toppled in a 2006 coup and courts reversed the results of the last two polls.

Abhisit defied sceptics last year to survive a crippling political crisis marked by a series of clashes between demonstrators and armed troops in Bangkok. It was the country's worst political violence in decades.

Many of the mainly rural, working class Reds are loyal to Thaksin, who lives overseas to avoid a jail sentence imposed in absentia for corruption, but is considered the de facto leader of the opposition Puea Thai.

The opposition party, which is particularly strong in the rural north and northeast, has not yet announced its candidate for prime minister, although Thaksin's sister Yingluck Shinawatra has been touted as a top contender.

Thailand has suffered years of political instability, punctuated by unrest and military intervention, with 18 actual or attempted coups since 1932, when the country became a constitutional monarchy.

The current army chief has ruled out another coup, but that has not dampened speculation of possible military intervention.

"A coup is always possible but I don't think if there is one that it will be in the pre-election period," said Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a Thai political expert at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore.

"It must be more likely in the post-election period, especially if the results are unacceptable for the elite."

Pavin believes a coup would be a "last resort" for Thaksin's foes.

"They can use other tactics less damaging than a coup, like the intervention of a court again," he said.

Thaksin, a former billionaire telecoms tycoon who led his party to landslide victories in 2001 and 2005, is hailed by the Reds for his policies for the poor while in power.

But he is regarded by the Thai ruling elite as authoritarian, corrupt and a threat to the revered monarchy, and faces terrorism charges in Thailand, accused of bankrolling last year's protests and instigating unrest.

The authorities have clamped down on Red Shirt media and last month police raided more than a dozen local radio stations sympathetic to their cause.

**The Ghost Of The Moog** · 06-05-2011, 05:00 PM

There won't be any jiggery pokery. This will be a proper and free election and anyone who says otherwise is a tin-foil-hatted conspiracy theorist.

**Tom Sawyer** · 07-05-2011, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by The_Ghost_Of_The_Moog

There won't be any jiggery pokery. This will be a proper and free election and anyone who says otherwise is a tin-foil-hatted conspiracy theorist.

I guess you're joking? If not, you'll never make 'correspondent' on those instincts mate.

**The Ghost Of The Moog** · 08-05-2011, 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by Tom Sawyer

Originally Posted by The_Ghost_Of_The_Moog

There won't be any jiggery pokery. This will be a proper and free election and anyone who says otherwise is a tin-foil-hatted conspiracy theorist.

I guess you're joking? If not, you'll never make 'correspondent' on those instincts mate.

I am indeed.
Its a line directed at our non silver foil hatted wearing non conspiracy theorist sabang!

**Mickmac** · 01-07-2011, 02:39 PM

This Thaksin must be an amazing man.
Most of the people I have spoken to up here in Chiang Mai honestly believe that the minute he returns to power there will be no more problems of any kind in Thailand and everyone will be happy.
Makes me wonder why they kicked him out of the country, if he is that good.

**Pol the Pot** · 01-07-2011, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by Mickmac

This Thaksin must be an amazing man.
Most of the people I have spoken to up here in Chiang Mai honestly believe that the minute he returns to power there will be no more problems of any kind in Thailand and everyone will be happy.
Makes me wonder why they kicked him out of the country, if he is that good.

True. The people you're speaking to are right. The best PM Thailand has ever had.

Military couldn't deal with that so they couped. Then got a court to sentence him. So he had to flee.

Coming back soon though, I hope.

Hope they don't pull a Ninoy on him when he arrives, wouldn't put it beyond those bastards.

**Calgary** · 01-07-2011, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by Pol the Pot

Originally Posted by Mickmac

This Thaksin must be an amazing man.
Most of the people I have spoken to up here in Chiang Mai honestly believe that the minute he returns to power there will be no more problems of any kind in Thailand and everyone will be happy.
Makes me wonder why they kicked him out of the country, if he is that good.

True. The people you're speaking to are right. The best PM Thailand has ever had.

Military couldn't deal with that so they couped. Then got a court to sentence him. So he had to flee.

Coming back soon though, I hope.

Hope they don't pull a Ninoy on him when he arrives, wouldn't put it beyond those bastards.

Agree Pol The Pot.

The Ninoy thing has crossed my mind also.

But the fact you and I have thought of it, I am sure it hasn't escaped smarter people in authority than you or I.

The Ninoy thing was a good warning for similar circumstances, and the scenario you describe is very similar. I trust the warning will be heeded by those who need to do the 'heeding'.

**Pol the Pot** · 01-07-2011, 03:56 PM

[Double posted.

**The Bold Rodney** · 06-05-2011, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Thai PM sets stage for tough election

Headline should have read "Thai PM sets stage for bent election".

**Norton** · 06-05-2011, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

General view of Thai parliament in Bangkok

Psst...psst...! Mark! It's lunch time.

**Mid** · 06-05-2011, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by The_Ghost_Of_The_Moog

This will be a proper and free election and anyone who says otherwise is a tin-foil-hatted conspiracy theorist.

XL please

**SteveCM** · 06-05-2011, 05:37 PM

^
If you can't get XL, I can suggest a source - from someone who's bound to have XXXL.....

**StrontiumDog** · 06-05-2011, 07:16 PM

Bangkok Post : Prayuth: Pheu Thai-led govt acceptable

Prayuth: Pheu Thai-led govt acceptable

Published: 6/05/2011 at 06:56 PM
Online news:

The mnilitary will accept the outcome if the Pheu Thai Party is able to form the next government after the general election, army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Friday

He said the army supports the election and all political parties were welcome to campaign for votes in the military barracks.

If the Pheu Thai Party is acceptable to the majority of Thai people, they army would have no reason not to accept it, Gen Prayuth said.

"Don't look down on the Thai people. Let's give them the opportunity to think, elect and make their own decisions. Don't give them too many guidelines. They are duty-bound to elect good people to take care of the country," he added.

Gen Prayuth said this to a meeting of commanders of army units from throughout the country. The meeting was called to brief them on the army's policies and the army's six-month work achievements.

The army chief said all unit commanders have been told to support the coming election, especially by providing security as requested.

However, they have been told to avoid involvement in election procedures, particularly the vote-counting process.

"The army will provide full cooperation to make sure the election is clean and fair. All army personnel and their family members are encouraged to go to the polls. All political parties are equally welcome to campaign in military units. I have made this a policy for all to comply with," Gen Prayuth said.

**StrontiumDog** · 06-05-2011, 07:18 PM

Bangkok Post : PM: I've kept my promise

PM: I've kept my promise

Published: 6/05/2011 at 05:36 PM
Online news: Politics

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Friday confirmed he has submitted a royal decree seeking a House dissolution to His Majesty the King for royal endorsement.

Mr Abhisit was speaking to reporters at Suvarnabhumi airport just before leaving for Indonesia to attend the Asean Summit.

"I have done as promised," he said.

Meanwhile, Election Commission (EC) member Prapan Naigowit said the EC has completed preparations to hold a general election on any single day between June 26 and July 3.

Mr Prapan, commissioner in charge of election administration, said he believed the Constitution Court would finish its examination of the three election-related bills by the time the royal decree takes effect. The bills were passed by parliament but require verification by the charter court.

If the royal decree is announced before the Constitution Court finishes its work, the EC could still delay two or three days before fixing a period of five days for the registration of candidates under the party list system and another five days for candidates in the constituency system.

The commissioner warned political parties to check their lists of candidates, because in the past some candidates were found to be running for more than one party.

Chart Thai Pattana Party spokesman Watchara Kannikar said his party would field candidates in about 100 of the 375 new single-seat constituencies in the general election.

Mr Watchara said if the House of Representatives is dissolved next week, the party expects candidate registration to be from May 23 to 29 and that the people will go to the polls on July 3.

The party would field a full 125 candidates in the party list system, and expected to get five to 10 seats.

In the constituency representation system, the party would field only about 100 candidates.

The spokesman said the party's executive committee members would not run in either the constituency or party-list system, to avoid taking the risk of the party being dissolved for electoral fraud.

A large number of respondents in a latest survey conducted by Suan Dusit Poll said parties which receive the biggest number of votes overall should be given first chance to form the new government after the general election.

The pollster surveyed 1,343 people in Bangkok and nearby provinces from May 1 to 5.

The idea of allowing parties which gather the highest number of votes to form a government was supported by 42.75 of the respondents; 37.02 per cent said the party with the highest number of MPs from both the single-MP constituencies and the party list should be given the chance; while 20.23 per cent said the winner in the single-MP constituency system should have first go.

To a question whether a party which does not get the highest vote should be allowed to form a government, over half (56.02 per cent) said it should be able to do so if it could put together a majority coalition, while 43.98 per cent said the party which does not come first should not be allowed to do that.

On who should be prime minister, 53.69 per cent said the leader of a party which does not have the most votes could still lead the government if he or she is capable enough and is supported by MPs or other parties which form a coalition, but 46.31 per cent felt this would not respond to the needs of the people.

Asked about their concerns after the election, 46.04 per cent said possible chaos caused by those who did not accept the election results, 30.12 per cent said the new government would certainly face a lot of social, political and economic problems, and 23.84 per cent pointed to the improper conduct of politicians.

**TizMe** · 06-05-2011, 07:58 PM

What's the point, if the wrong party wins then the military will just get rid of them and put who they want in anyway.

They should just limit voting to the Generals.

**gbt71fa** · 08-06-2011, 11:08 PM

ok, more importantly, where is your avatar from????

**SteveCM** · 06-05-2011, 08:28 PM

^^^

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

If the Pheu Thai Party is acceptable to the majority of Thai people, they army would have no reason not to accept it, Gen Prayuth said.

Care to define "majority", General?

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

The mnilitary will accept the outcome if the Pheu Thai Party is able to form the next government after the general election, army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Friday

Of course, if enough MPs are "nobbled" and/or the EC/courts render it impossible for a PT government to form/survive..... then the question of the military accepting one becomes rather academic.

**Bangyai** · 06-05-2011, 09:19 PM

Bit of a hobsons choice for the electorate any way you look at it. They've got 55 potential parties to choose from but the only option they havn't got is one that would be squeeky clean if elected.

The Thai electorate have often stated in polls ( ABAC etc ) that they don't mind a bit of graft so long as the country moves forward and the crumbs falling from the political table are enough for most people to get by on.

Nonetheless , if you're about to get buggered , it would be nice to have a free say on who's going to be doing it without the military sticking their oar in if they don't like the look of the tackle of whoevers elected.

**dirtydog** · 06-05-2011, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by SteveCM

Care to define "majority", General?

I think you will find he thinks that "majority" is plural for army majors.

**Butterfly** · 06-05-2011, 10:15 PM

let's hope there is a coup, they fully deserve it

**StrontiumDog** · 07-05-2011, 12:26 AM

Thaksin offers easy credit, credit cards for taxi drivers

Thaksin offers easy credit, credit cards for taxi drivers

By Praphan Chindalert-udomdee
The Nation
Published on May 7, 2011

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday promised his taxi-driver vote base he would launch a tax refund campaign for first-time car buyers, credit cards for taxi drivers and personal loans that allow cross guarantees.

Through video-link at Imperial World Lat Phrao, Thaksin and some Pheu Thai MPs listened to problems raised by an audience of taxi and motorcycle taxi drivers and told them how the party would help.

"Farmers will be getting credit cards, now taxi drivers should get them, too," Thaksin said. The credit card would be for fuel costs, Thaksin said, adding that he did not want to give out details for fear that rival parties would copy the policies.

Bangkok MP Anudith Nakornthap said the tax refund campaign would be provided for first-time car buyers, no matter whether the car was for personal use or to be hired. Excise tax would be cut so car prices would fall.

Thaksin gave the example that the cost of a new taxi could be reduced from Bt900,000 to a little over Bt600,000 after the excise tax refund.

Addressing the problem of drivers being unable to get loans to buy taxis as they could not find a guarantor, Thaksin said his policies would allow fellow taxi drivers to cross guarantee for the loans, even though they were all borrowers.

Thaksin said if Pheu Thai formed the government, he would reorganise government agencies and stop the practice of positions being brought, which was corruption that led to officers bullying taxi drivers.

**who** · 07-05-2011, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Thaksin offers easy credit, credit cards for taxi drivers

Thaksin offers easy credit, credit cards for taxi drivers

By Praphan Chindalert-udomdee
The Nation
Published on May 7, 2011

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday promised his taxi-driver vote base he would launch a tax refund campaign for first-time car buyers, credit cards for taxi drivers and personal loans that allow cross guarantees.

Through video-link at Imperial World Lat Phrao, Thaksin and some Pheu Thai MPs listened to problems raised by an audience of taxi and motorcycle taxi drivers and told them how the party would help.

"Farmers will be getting credit cards, now taxi drivers should get them, too," Thaksin said. The credit card would be for fuel costs, Thaksin said, adding that he did not want to give out details for fear that rival parties would copy the policies.

Bangkok MP Anudith Nakornthap said the tax refund campaign would be provided for first-time car buyers, no matter whether the car was for personal use or to be hired. Excise tax would be cut so car prices would fall.

Thaksin gave the example that the cost of a new taxi could be reduced from Bt900,000 to a little over Bt600,000 after the excise tax refund.

Addressing the problem of drivers being unable to get loans to buy taxis as they could not find a guarantor, Thaksin said his policies would allow fellow taxi drivers to cross guarantee for the loans, even though they were all borrowers.

Thaksin said if Pheu Thai formed the government, he would reorganise government agencies and stop the practice of positions being brought, which was corruption that led to officers bullying taxi drivers.

- What's this about 'farmers getting credit cards' ??

**nostromo** · 08-05-2011, 12:58 AM

Very improperly said, to discredit the moto taxis who support red.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Thaksin offers easy credit, credit cards for taxi drivers

Thaksin offers easy credit, credit cards for taxi drivers

By Praphan Chindalert-udomdee
The Nation
Published on May 7, 2011

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday promised his taxi-driver vote base he would launch a tax refund campaign for first-time car buyers, credit cards for taxi drivers and personal loans that allow cross guarantees.

Through video-link at Imperial World Lat Phrao, Thaksin and some Pheu Thai MPs listened to problems raised by an audience of taxi and motorcycle taxi drivers and told them how the party would help.

"Farmers will be getting credit cards, now taxi drivers should get them, too," Thaksin said. The credit card would be for fuel costs, Thaksin said, adding that he did not want to give out details for fear that rival parties would copy the policies.

Bangkok MP Anudith Nakornthap said the tax refund campaign would be provided for first-time car buyers, no matter whether the car was for personal use or to be hired. Excise tax would be cut so car prices would fall.

Thaksin gave the example that the cost of a new taxi could be reduced from Bt900,000 to a little over Bt600,000 after the excise tax refund.

Addressing the problem of drivers being unable to get loans to buy taxis as they could not find a guarantor, Thaksin said his policies would allow fellow taxi drivers to cross guarantee for the loans, even though they were all borrowers.

Thaksin said if Pheu Thai formed the government, he would reorganise government agencies and stop the practice of positions being brought, which was corruption that led to officers bullying taxi drivers.

**StrontiumDog** · 07-05-2011, 06:11 PM

Return Happiness to Thais: Peau Thai Pre-Election Sign

Posted on May 7, 2011 by admin

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
The sign reads: Return Happiness to Thais – Return democracy to the people – Puea Thai Party

**Gerbil** · 08-05-2011, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Return Happiness to Thais: Peau Thai Pre-Election Sign

Posted on May 7, 2011 by admin

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
The sign reads: Return Happiness to Thais – Return democracy to the people – Puea Thai Party

That sign is attached to public property in breach of election laws... they're off to a good start

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

Thread Tools

Display

Hybrid View

Thai elections 2011-Thai PM sets stage for tough election

Amazing Thaksin

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

Posting Permissions