View Full Version : TRT Judgement Day
Thaksin resigns from Thai Rak Thai
Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra resigns from Thai Rak Thai Party on Tuesday, TRT's deputy leader Pongthep Thepkarnchana said.
Pongthep was reading a letter of Thaksin sent from London.
Thaksin, TRT leader, claimed that he decided to resign to solve the chaos in the country.
Thaksin who is now in London sent his message today to party members about his political future and the party's directions. The party will give a press briefing to tell the public about the decision.
Thaksin was ousted last month when the military seized power from his government while he was in New York to attend UN General Assembly.
He then travelled to London where his family has an apartment to live with his daughter.
Thaksin's message came two days after Gen Surayud Jalanont was appointed as the prime minister of an interim government.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/03/headlines/headlines_30015263.php
Thaksin resigns as Thai Rak Thai leader
Channel 7 reported Tuesday that ousted prime minister Shinawatra sent his hand-written letter from London to state his wish to resign as Thai Rak Thai Party leader.
His three-page letter was disclosed at a press conference at the party's head office Tuesday morning.
The resignation prompted deputy leader Sudarat Keyuraphan to become acting party leader.
Thaksin said in the letter that he wanted to take responsibility for the trouble caused to the party by resigning as party leader.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30015266
His former Deputy PM & successor resigned earlier this morning: -
Somkid resigns from Thai Rak Thai Party
Former Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusipitak resigned from Thai Rak Thai Party on Tuesday.
Somkid was the latest senior party member who submitted the resignation. As of Tuesday, it is said that over 100 TRT MPs, mostly senior ones, left the party.
TRT suffered the exodus after the Council of National Security issued an order, banning executive members of any party for five years if the party is dissolved for breaking electoral laws.
TRT and Democrat Party are facing court trials on electoral irregularities. If they are found guilty, the parties would be dissolved.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30015265
An earlier 'Nation' report -which has since been pulled off their feed - suggested that there would be a press conference on this issue some time this afternoon. It was originally announced that Thaksin would announce his decision this afternoon. I suspect that this conference will go ahead, from comments in later reports.
UPDATE: The conference may revolve more around the direction or demise of what's left of TRT. Thaksin's possible party successor - Sudarat Keyuraphan - has been considering a period away from politics for some time.
Thai Rak Thai website back online
The Thai Rak Thai website (www.thairakthai.or.th) , which was inaccessible on Monday, is back online again Tuesday.
The website plays up the resignation letter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as party leader.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30015285
Somkid may be invited to head new party for former Thai Rak Thai members
The Wang Nam Yom group of Somsak Thepsuthin is seeking to set up a new party with other groups of former Thai Rak Thai MPs and would invite former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripithak to head the party, a well-informed source said.
The source said the idea was welcomed Sonthaya Kunplome, Suchart Tancharoen and Sora-at Klinpratoom so they decided to lead their groups' members out of the Thai Rak Thai.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30015281
London,
The United Kingdom,
2nd October 2006
Re: Resignation as Thai Rak Thai Party Leader
Dear Thai Rak Thai Executive Committee and Party Members,
As I have been the Thai Rak Thai party leader ever since the party was established, I would like to express my gratitude to all the party members. My gratitude, too, to the Executive Committee and the party staff members who have joined hands to build the Thai Rak Thai party into a true political party for the people - with more than 14 million members. The party received an overwhelming share of the vote in the general elections in which it ran, and was able to form the government twice.
At all times, I have dedicated myself to work with the intention of preserving the country's and people's interests. I have always been true to the oath I swore that, "(I) will be loyal to the king, and will also follow the Constitution of Thailand in every way."
There were several heavy criticisms and protests against my Government after the General Election in 2005. I have been patient, and have tried every possible way to avoid violence. So much so that I dissolved Parliament in February 2006, to let Thai people have another chance to rethink their electoral choice. I then had to take the position of Caretaker Prime Minister, in accordance with the Constitution, to prepare for a transfer of power to a new government.
However, many delays occured; and serious conflicts with anti-government groups arose. The Government was not able to implement the laws as planned. And so the coup took place on September 19, as you all of you are very aware.
According to the norms of political parties in a democracy, I believe it is the responsibility of the party leader and its executive members to sacrifice themselves - in times of dramatic political change - by resigning from their posts. Such a moves will allow party members to elect a new Executive Committee to run the party, if the law so allows.
To those who wish to change their political or personal path, I say that you will now be given such an opportunity.
As for me, after a careful consideration, I believe that I have to sacrifice myself by resigning from the post of Thai Rak Thai Party leader - with immediate effect.
I would like to send my best regards to all of the Executive Committee, the party staff members and the party members. Once again, thank you very much for your dedication to building this party. Thank you, as well, for your thoughtfulness for myself and my family.
Finally, I would like to apologise to the party members and Thai people who wish to see me remain as the party leader. I would to emphasise that I have no choice. because the new environment has forced me to make a choice that will preserve our pride and the future of those who love our party.
Yours Truly,
Thaksin Shinawatra
Editted by GWR, from original unofficial 'Nation' translation: -
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/03/headlines/headlines_30015272.php
TRT's deputy leader - Pongthep Thepkarnchana - displaying and reading out the contents of the three A4 sheets of Thaksin Shinawatra's resignation from the party at a midday news conference: -
http://www.thairakthai.or.th/Photo_gallery/03-10-49-002.jpg
[Picture: http://www.thairakthai.or.th]
Almost certainly this is not much more than a token gesture: -
Thaksin to further resign as Thai Rak Thai member: report
A radio report Wednesday morning said Thaksin Shinawatra would further announce his resignation as member of the Thai Rak Thai Party at noon on Wednesday.
The report on FM102.5 MHz quoted a party source as saying that Thaksin would make the announcement from London at noon Thailand's time.
Thaksin resigned as Thai Rak Thai leader on Tuesday.
The source said Thaksin hoped his resignation as Thai Rak Thai member would allow remaining party members to stay and carry out activities as Thai Rak Thai members.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30015351
Well, it hasn't happened yet, but if it does this is where we will try to keep you posted. As always, your contributions welcome. In the meantime, this thread will also carry information about the differing opinions on such a move:
Thai junta chief calls for emergency rule in Bangkok
Thailand's junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said Wednesday that he has asked the government to declare emergency rule in Bangkok to crack down on anti-coup protesters.
"I have proposed to the prime minister that he invoke emergency rule in order to maintain law and order," Sonthi told AFP in a telephone interview.
Anti-coup protesters have been holding weekly rallies against the junta, attracting a small but growing crowd that reached 2,000 people last Friday.
The protests have so far been peaceful, but Sonthi said he was afraid the protest movement could gather steam, much like the mass street demonstrations last year that eventually led to the coup against then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
"I have consulted with the prime minister on the current situation and have explained to him that this current situation would lead to mutiny and chaos in the country," he told AFP.
"It's up to the prime minister" to decide on whether to declare emergency rule in the capital, he said.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has the power to declare emergency rule with his cabinet's approval. The government has kept three southern provinces hit by an Islamic insurgency under emergency rule since mid-2005.
Sonthi made the call just two months after martial law was lifted in Bangkok. He had imposed martial law on Thailand immediately after seizing power on September 19, but has now lifted it across half the country.
Declaring emergency rule would give authorities many of the same powers they had under martial law.
The government would be able to detain suspects without charge for 30 days, and would have the power to seize and destroy anything deemed a threat to national security or to impede the work of the authorities.
Emergency rule also gives the government tough censorship powers as well as the right to impose a curfew and to ban public gatherings, while giving security forces broad immunity from prosecution.
Use of the provision in Thailand's south has been broadly condemned by human rights groups, who say it creates a climate of impunity that has worsened the conflict there.
Agence France-Presse
http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/28/headlines/headlines_30030459.php
28 March 2007 Chart Thai opposes the use of Emergency Decree to deal with demonstrations
Chart Thai Party opposes the idea of deploying the Emergency Decree to control demonstrations.
Char Thai Deputy Leader Somsak Prissananunthakul (สมศักดิ์ ปริศนานันทกุล) says his party sees that the government’s measures to control demonstrations should not be aggressive. He suggests that all sides concerned should use their sincerity to resolve the country’s political problems. The most urgent issue the government should deal with is the return of power to the people.
Mr Somsak adds that the PTV demonstrators should try to understand the country’s situation instead of figuring ways to defeat the government and the Council for National Security (CNS).
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255003280026&news_headline=Chart
CNS affirms government control of Friday rally security
BANGKOK, March 28 (TNA) – Thailand's Council for National Security (CNS) chairman Sonthi Boonyaratkalin reaffirmed Wednesday that only legal measures will be applied to control protesters who will rally against the military council and the interim government on Friday.
As for whether an emergency decree will be imposed to maintain peace and order in the city, The CNS chief said the decision rests with the prime minister as it is under the government's administrative authority.
Members of several anti-coup groups -- including former ruling Thai Rak Thai party MPs and supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra -- plan to gather again at Sanam Luang on Friday (March 30) after having held a rally last Friday.
Gen. Sonthi, who also serves as Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief, said the National Police Bureau will increase police personnel assigned to monitor and contain the protesters, while the army will also deploy additional forces to help maintain the situation.
No harsh measures have been put in place in response to the planned rally, said the army chief. Only normal legal measures will be employed in the first instance.
Asked about likelihood that an emergency decree may be imposed, Gen. Sonthi said the government will decide on responses to security concerns.
"Security must be taken into account. If security gets in trouble, other elements will be adversely affected, no matter investment, economy as well as tourism", Gen. Sonthi said. (TNA)-E009
Last Update : 2007-03-28 / 13:14:45 (GMT+7:00)
http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=28636
BangkokPundit
28-03-07, 08:19 PM
From Thai Rath (http://thairath.com/online.php?section=newsthairathonline&content=41665):
คมช.มองว่า เรื่องความมั่นคง มีผลกระทบต่อการลงทุนด้านเศรษฐกิจ และอีกหลาย ๆ เรื่อง หากความมั่นคงไม่เรียบร้อย การลงทุน การท่องเที่ยวจะลำบาก การร่างรัฐธรรมนูญ ก็ไม่ออกสักที คนที่ร่าง รธน.ก็จะสับสนวุ่นวาย” ประธาน คมช. กล่าว
[Translation by moi: "CNS see that the matter of security has an affect on economic investment and other matters. If security is not in good order then investment, tourism will be difficult [suffer]. The drafting of the constitution will not finish, the drafters will be confused," said the CNS Chairman.]
ขณะที่ น.ต.ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ ประธานคณะกรรมาธิการยกร่างรัฐธรรมนูญ กล่าวว่า แม้คณะกรรมาธิการฯ จะเขียนรัฐธรรมนูญขึ้นมาดีเพียงใด แต่หากบรรยากาศภายนอกไม่ดี ก็จะส่งผลกระทบต่อการทำประชามติได้ แต่การชุมนุมไม่ได้มีผลกระทบกับการทำงานของกรรมาธิกา รยกร่างรัฐธรรมนูญ
[Translation by moi: Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) chairman Squadon Leader Prasong Soonsiri said that they will draft the constitution, but if the atmosphere is not good then it will have an affect against the referendum. But the protesting will not have an affect on the work of the committee.]
Gen. Sonthi has lost the plot.
Emergency rule proposal plunges share prices
Thai share prices closed 1.40 per cent lower on Wednesday, faring worse than the regional average, as the junta leader called for imposing emergency rule in Bangkok, brokers said.
Despite investors' fears, businessmen are rather positive with the call, saying that if this is to install political stability, it should benefit the general mood in the business sector.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index lost 9.53 points to 669.04 while the blue-chip SET 50 index dropped 7.66 points to 467.67.
A source from a foreign brokerage house said that the emergency rule would exacerbate confidence among foreign investors, who have been wary of the Bank of Thailand's unclear measures.
"Foreign investors' confidence in this government is terribly low. Thus, if the government is to enforce the emergency rule, this would worsen the situation as it would indicate the government's instability," he said.
However, Suchart Chantaranakaracha, chairman of Thai National Shippers' Council, said that the emergency rule would raise political confidence among foreign and local business operators.
"Thailand has suffered from instability and this leads to low confidence. If this is to improve the security stability, this should benefit the entire business community," he said.
Business Reporters, The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/28/headlines/headlines_30030488.php
Thai Rak Thai threatens to punish former MPs for joining protests against junta
The Thai Rak Thai Party would punish any of its former executives or MPs who joined movements against the junta, the party's deputy spokesman said Wednesday.
Kuthep Saikrajang dismissed an allegation that TRT was behind the movement of PTV rally to oust the junta. He said the party prohibited its former executives and MPs to take on the stage or mobilise the rally.
Those who violated the order would be punished, which could be withdrawn the House candidacy or the party membership in the worst case, he said.
Three leaders of PTV recently resigned as TRT executives. They include Veera Musigapong, Jatuporn Phrompan and Jakrapob Penkair. However, they still hold the TRT membership.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30030490
PTV heads for rally this Friday
PTV co-founder, Veera Musigapong Wednesday insists that PTV will continue rally at Sanam Luang this Friday, and the rally will be a peaceful really as it used to.
"We just want to inform the right information to Thai people, and call back our real liberty, he said, "but we never got fairness like the others got, so we have to gather and talk about it."
He continued that he knew the CNS, the cabinet and some people are worry about such activities that PTV is continuing, but it is because those never listened to PTV.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30030492
Meechai against enacting law to regulate public gatherings
National Legislative Assembly Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan Wednesday opposed an idea to enact a law to regulate public gatherings on grounds that authorities already had sufficient mandate for crowd control.
"The attempt to impose control over public gatherings might violate democratic principles to be enshrined in the new constitution, hence the legislation, if drafted, would be unconstitutional," he said.
Meechai was reacting to the idea circulated by the Metropolitan Police Bureau and endorsed by the Council for National Security (CNS).
He said the Royal Decree on the State of Emergency was the draconian law which could be invoked to deal with unruly protests and any unforeseen circumstances.
"I see no needs to further enhance the mandate than that granted in the state of emergency," he said.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30030489
ANTI-COUP PROTESTS
Emergency on agenda as Surayud meets CNS
Premier considers taking action in Bangkok after Sonthi expresses serious concern
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said last night he will meet with the Council for National Security (CNS) today to discuss whether it is necessary to declare a state of emergency in Bangkok to deal with the many groups of protesters.
The premier said he would weigh comments from all the parties involved and heed recommendation from the CNS "because they take care of security".
His remarks came after CNS chairman and Army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, earlier in the day, expressed concern that if anti-coup protests kept on festering, authorities could lose control of the situation and there could be chaos.
"With so many distractions, the constitution drafting might veer off course and impact on security, investment, the economy and many other issues," Sonthi said, explaining why he wanted to nip the anti-coup rallies in the bud before they became a full-blown problem.
The general said it was the government, and not the CNS, which had the power to issue a decree to declare a state of emergency.
The PM, during a meeting with his advisers earlier yesterday, said if it was really necessary, a state of emergency would be inevitable, according to a source. Surayud met his top advisers, who are rectors of state universities, to assess the situation and ask for their opinions on crowd control.
Speculation over the imminent declaration of a state of emergency drew mixed reactions yesterday, with business people expressing support and politicians and political activists giving it the thumbs-down.
"We believe that investors - local and foreign - will understand why the government has to announce the emergency rule, if the government can explain [the situation] clearly to the public," said Ajva Taulananda, CP Group's vice chairman and chief corporate communications officer.
Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the Popular Campaign for Democracy, voiced opposition to any attempt to declare a state of emergency in Bangkok. "There's no need at the moment because the protesters have not yet created any trouble," he said.
Police and military officers yesterday set up checkpoints along the highways in Nakhon Ratchasima, the main link between north-eastern provinces and Bangkok, in an attempt to block prospective protesters from joining rallies in the capital.
Police Maj-General Amnat An-atngam, the provincial chief, said the operation was part of a routine check for possible criminals. He added that intelligence has shown no active movement of rally supporters from the Northeast.
CNS chairman Sonthi yesterday said he had briefed Surayud on Tuesday, updating him on the security situation.
"The situation will be the key indicator whether it is necessary to declare the state of emergency and the prime minister will make the final decision on the matter as he now has all the relevant information," Sonthi said.
Top government advisers yesterday warned that Prime Minister Surayud might be forced to declare a state of emergency in certain areas of Bangkok if anti-coup protests turned unruly.
"The state of emergency, if imposed, will be enforced in selected protest sites like Sanam Luang so as to enable anti-riot forces to restore peace," an adviser said on condition of anonymity.
Kasetsart University president Viroch Impithuksa said Surayud spent three hours soliciting ideas to pacify protesters and to prevent the protests from spiralling out of control.
Mahidol University president Pornchai Matangkasombat said Surayud had pledged not to crack down on protesters.
"Surayud informed the meeting that he remained in consultations with the CNS. I don't know about the state of emergency though he promised not to use violent means to deal with protesters," he said.
Piyanart Srivalo, Woranaree Kosachan
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/29/headlines/headlines_30030531.php
CNS links emergency law to polls
(BangkokPost.com) - The ruling military junta has advised the government to declare an emergency decree not only to control a small anti-government rally, but to prevent attempts to abolish the new constitution, spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Thursday.
Protesters may have the aim of slowing down the election scheduled for later this year.
"We are concerned not only about the rally, but also the situation of the country," said Col Sansarn, spokesman for the ruling Council for National Security.
"There are campaigns backing the abolition of the new charter even before it is conpleted, causing us to believe that this (the rally) might have an impact on the election.
"If any unrest arises, how can we hold an election?" he asked.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont is to meet with security agencies including the CNS this afternoon before deciding whether to impose the emergency decree in Bangkok.
"We advise the government what we think is best. But it is up to the government," said the spokesman
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=117742
Human Rights Commission voices opposition to emergency ruel
The National Human Rights Commission Thursday issued a formal stand against the possible declaration of state of emergency in Bangkok.
The commission held a press conference to announce its statement against the emergency rule.
The commission voiced concern in its statement that the state of emergency could worsen the situation and would be provocative action to cause the protests to escalate.
Saneh Jamarik, chairman of the commission, said the people have their rights to rally peacefully so the government should not try to block the demonstrations by announcing state of emergency.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30030567
Activists ask PM not to impose emergency rule
A group of pro-democracy activists Thursday called on Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont not to declare state of emergency in Bangkok.
The group was led by Weng Tojitrakarn, a leader of the Federation for Democracy.
They submitted their call to Government House officials.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30030566
Preparations in place to deal with Friday protest: First army area commander
The first army area commander said Thursday that a plan had been made to cope with the rally at Sanam Luang by PTV founders.
Lt Gen Prayuth Jan-ocha, commander of the First Army Area, said police would be in charge of keeping law and order while soldiers would be on the standby to provide a backup when necessary.
Prayuth said he had also ordered the commanders of provincial branches of internal security command to coordinate with the provincial governors to prevent provincial people to travel to Bangkok to join the rally against the government and coup makers.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30030565
Sanam Luang declared off-limits to all activities
(BangkokPost.com) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has decided to close Sanam Luang to all activities as of Thursday until April 5 apparently in a pre-emptive move to prevent political groups from using the spacious ground to stage anti-government or anti-CNS rallies.
Pol Lt-Gen Adisorn Nonsee, commissioner of Metropolitan Police, said the decision to close down Sanam Luang temporarily followed a meeting in the morning between city officials and representatives from the First Army Region and the Metropolitan Police.
He said that the Sanam Luang off-limits order was meant to prevent possible disturbance stemming from planned rallies to be held at Sanam Luang tomorrow and during the weekend by various groups of people. As a result of the order, he said the setting up of stage and the use of loudspeakers would be banned and violators would be dealt with the law.
PTV executives, including several former key Thai Rak Thai members, planned to stage a rally at Sanam Luang tomorrow and during the weekend. The rally is likely to be joined by a few pro-Thaksin groups such as the Pirub Khao group.
During a rally held last week at the venue by the PTV, some of the speakers who took to the stage criticised Privy Council chairman Prem Tinsulanonda for involvement in the September 19 coup against Thaksin regime. The criticism has angered many people in Songkhla province, the birthplace of General Prem, who threatened to arrive in Bangkok to rally in support of the privy council chairman.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=117746
I'd almost bet my bottom dollar Bangkok Emergency Rule is only a only a stone's throw away. Everything is just stacking up too neatly for it to go any other way. In which case, I will probably be proven wrong very shortly. :o :
29 March 2007 PM, CNS, NLA, and EC to have meeting on emergeny rule and election
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will have a discussion with the Council for National Security (CNS), the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), and the Election Commission this afternoon. They will consider the potential declaration of a state of emergency in Bangkok to quell the demonstration, and they will also discuss the schedule of the next general election.
This morning, Gen. Surayud joined the teleconference with Interior Minister Aree Wongaraya, Information and Communication Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom, and the governors of the southern provinces. The meeting discussed the tsunami evacuation drills.
The CNS earlier stated that the Prime Minister will make the final decision whether the emergency rule will be announced in the capital.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter03
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255003290015
I'd almost bet my bottom dollar Bangkok Emergency Rule is only a only a stone's throw away. Everything is just stacking up too neatly for it to go any other way. In which case, I will probably be proven wrong very shortly.
OK! So not today! :o The possibility has certainly not disappeared. And it's probably the right decision under the present circumstances:
Emergency decree is my call : PM Surayud
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the situation has yet to reach the point that required state of emergency be implemented.
The government is doing its utmost to prevent the country from moving towards the situation that would imposition of the decree.
"I do not want to see confrontation or clashes between Thai people. Therefore we will do our best to solve the problems facing the country," Surayud said.
He reiterated that it is in his authority to decide whether the country would need the decree or not.
Earlier Army Commander in Chief Gen Sonthi Bunyaratglin said that he asked Surayud to consider imposing the state of emergency decree that permits the detention without charge up to 30 days maximum.
It is earlier expected that the emergency decree would be imposed to prevent the mass protest of the PTV supporters scheduled for Friday.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/29/headlines/headlines_30030588.php
Sanam Luang declared off-limits to all activities
(BangkokPost.com) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has decided to close Sanam Luang to all activities as of Thursday until April 5 apparently in a pre-emptive move to prevent political groups from using the spacious ground to stage anti-government or anti-CNS rallies.
Pol Lt-Gen Adisorn Nonsee, commissioner of Metropolitan Police, said the decision to close down Sanam Luang temporarily followed a meeting in the morning between city officials and representatives from the First Army Region and the Metropolitan Police.
He said that the Sanam Luang off-limits order was meant to prevent possible disturbance stemming from planned rallies to be held at Sanam Luang tomorrow and during the weekend by various groups of people. As a result of the order, he said the setting up of stage and the use of loudspeakers would be banned and violators would be dealt with the law.
PTV executives, including several former key Thai Rak Thai members, planned to stage a rally at Sanam Luang tomorrow and during the weekend. The rally is likely to be joined by a few pro-Thaksin groups such as the Pirub Khao group.
During a rally held last week at the venue by the PTV, some of the speakers who took to the stage criticised Privy Council chairman Prem Tinsulanonda for involvement in the September 19 coup against Thaksin regime. The criticism has angered many people in Songkhla province, the birthplace of General Prem, who threatened to arrive in Bangkok to rally in support of the privy council chairman.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=117746
PTV to move rally from Sanam Luang to BMA headquarters
The management of PTV satellite station will move the planned rally on Friday from Sanam Luang to a yard in front of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration headquarters.
Veera Musigapong, chairman of the station, said the rally would be held on Friday as scheduled but the location would be the yard in front of the Bangkok City Hall.
He said the BMA and Metropolitan Police Bureau wanted to close Sanam Luang from all activities for a week since Friday to block the rally of the PTV so the station would relocate its demonstration to the City Hall.
He said the rally would begin at 4:30 pm.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30030582
Surayud denies conflicts with Sonthi
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont Friday denied that he had conflicts with Council for National Security Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin over the proposal for declaration of state of emergency in Bangkok.
"It's not an issue of being rifted. We simply have different stand," Surayud said.
...........
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30030659
Although it is worth noting that the last time I suggested it was almost inevitable it actually came to nothing: :rolleyes: Bangkok emergency rule looms
By Post Reporters
Authorities fear chaos will erupt next Wednesday, when the verdicts in the party dissolution cases are handed down. With the prime minister scheduled to be out of the country, the military would control the situation.
The government is ready to declare an emergency decree in Bangkok, anticipating feared chaos. Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas said the government has closely examined the situation and concluded that disorder is likely.
Gen Boonrawd expressed confidence that the Council for National Security (CNS) could control the situation during the absence of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who is scheduled to visit China from May 28 to 31.
If there are any untoward incidents, Gen Surayud would immediately fly back to Thailand, he said.
He said an emergency decree would be issued if the situation warrants, but it would be the government and not the CNS that issues it.
It was the duty of police to control the groups of people which are expected to gather in Bangkok to show support for political parties which are facing the threat of dissolution.
Acting national police chief Seripisuth Temiyavej said security measures have been put in place to cope with possible violence on May 29, when individual judges will issue their opinions, and on May 30, when the Constitution Tribunal will issue its formal verdict.
He said police, soldiers and the city administration were joining forces to deal with any incidents during this period.
He urged people to stay at home, as the rulings would be broadcast on radio and television.
Metropolitan police chief Adisorn Nonsee said he did not expect any clashes between opposing sides as the Constitution Court and surrounding area could accommodate only 3,000 to 4,000 people at a time.
He did threaten action against mahouts if they brought their elephants to the city to join the protests, as has been rumoured.
Both the mahouts and their elephants would be arrested, he said.
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2428
Pol Lt-Gen Adisorn said five or six companies of police would be dispatched to the venues where demonstrators were expected to gather. All police leave had been cancelled during this period.
CNS chief Sonthi Boonyaratkalin yesterday met local leaders in Nakhon Ratchasima province, in what was seen as a bid to prevent demonstrators from travelling to Bangkok next week.
Speaking to more than 800 village heads and kamnans, Gen Sonthi urged local leaders and residents to unite, to join hands with the military and state agencies to protect the country.
He said he was not worried about reports that northeastern people may join anti-military rallies in Bangkok, saying over 70% of the country's soldiers hailed from the Northeast.
Sophon Supapong, a member of the National Legislative Assembly, urged the government to take legal action against people involved in corruption and vested interests.
He also called for the abrogation of legislation that promotes corruption _ such as the State Enterprises Corporatisation Act, which provides the framework for the conversion of state enterprise assets into capital _ and for more timely action to deal with the southern unrest.
Mr Sophon said the government had not made much progress in these areas in the eight months that it had been in power
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=118953
Bangkok Pundit has provided quite a few translations of relevant short snippets of the Thai language dailies in recent days:
http://bangkokpundit.blogspot.com/2007/05/tyranny-of-minority.html
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Tyranny of the Minority
I have summarised the first part of this Thai Rath article.
First, Gen. Bonrawd is talking about protests which will occur at the end of the month when the Constitutional Tribunal will hand down its decision in party dissolution case for Thai Rak Thai and the Democrat Party. The decision is expected to be handed down on May 30. He expects there will be disorder.
Then:
รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงกลาโหม กล่าวต่อกรณีมีรายงานว่า โรงแรมระดับ 2 ดาว และ 3 ดาว ใน กทม. มีการจองเต็มเพื่อร่วมชุมนุมว่า เรื่องนี้ตำรวจเป็นคนให้ข่าว จึงเป็นเรื่องที่ตำรวจต้องวางมาตรการควบคุม กองทัพไม่สามารถป้องกันคนที่จะเข้ามาใน กทม.
[My own translation:The Defence Minister stated that in relation to reports that all 2 star and 3 star hotels in Bangkok are fully booked for protesters that the police gave this news. He said the police need to put in place measures. The Army can't prevent people from entering Bangkok. [Huh?! cough martial law cough] ]
ผู้สื่อข่าวถามว่า แสดงว่านโยบายที่มอบหมายให้ทหารไปเกาะพื้นที่ทำความเ ข้าใจกับประชาชนไม่สัมฤทธิ์ผล เพราะประชาชนยังพร้อมที่จะเข้ามาร่วมชุมนุม รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงกลาโหมกล่าวว่า เป็นส่วนน้อย ให้ดูส่วนใหญ่ว่าประชาชนส่วนใหญ่อีกกี่สิบล้านคนที่ไ ม่มา และให้คอยดูพวกที่มาชุมนุมว่ามีกี่หมื่นคน
"คนส่วนใหญ่ต่างหากที่เขาเข้าใจ มีเพียงส่วนน้อย พูดภาษาพระ เรียกว่า มีมิจฉาทิฐิ คือ ความเห็นผิด พวกนี้แก้ยากที่จะทำให้มีสัมมาทิฐิ" รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงกลาโหม กล่าว
[My own translation: Reporters asked that it shows that the policy that authorises soldiers to create an understanding with the people is not successful because people are still ready to join the protest movement. The Defence Minister stated that it is only a small section. Look at the majority of the people, tens of millions who don't come and look at those who come to protest just in there tens of thousands.
"It is the majority who understand, it is just a minority [who don't]. In monk's language it is called dogmatic which is a wrong idea. For these it is difficult to to make them see a good idea", the Defence Minister said.]
COMMENT: Umm... Didn't the coup leaders disregard the will of the majority when they staged the coup? Look at the tens of millions who didn't attend the PAD protests, but voted for Thaksin. I don't remember the coup leaders or the Surayud government taking their views into account.
Finally, Surayud and the Defence Minister will be away in China next week. Coup rumours will be non-stop. CNS are responsible for security. I just hope they don't let Gen. Saprang near the place.
Posted by Bangkok Pundit at 11:12 PM
1 comments:
The Nation printed a very succinct early evening message (no longer available) that HM the King was to have an important audience with a group of judges - to be broadcast by the major Thai TV channels at 8 pm:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/25/p1news/images/30035156-01_thumb2.jpg
[TV grab from The Nation]
KING WARNS JUDGES ON DISSOLUTION
Trouble sure to follow
His Majesty the King yesterday expressed his grave concern over the upcoming Constitution Tribunal verdict on the future of two major political parties and asked the country's top judges to do their best for the country and yet brace themselves for heavy criticism.
The message, which emphasised the country was on the brink of possibly another major crisis, was conveyed to top Supreme Administrative Court judges who were granted an audience to present the monarch a gown to commemmorate his 60-year reign.
The King described the verdict, due next Wednesday, as a "highly important" decision, which would cause a lot of trouble no matter how it turns out.
"It will be a highly important decision, which will cause you [judges in general] trouble no matter what," he said. "There will be trouble whether political parties remain or not, because [on one hand] political parties need to exist."
The monarch said even he himself was not supposed to speak out on this delicate matter.
"Regarding this issue, you [Administrative Court judges] are not supposed to say anything because you are not involved. Even I can't say if there should be or there shouldn't be political parties, or whether parties should be dissolved or not. That's why I said the gown you gave me gave me trouble. It came with no power. Whether one will wear the gown or not, there will be no power. Just like you. You have no power [regarding this matter] as well," he said.
The King asked the visiting judges, led by Supreme Administrative Court President Ackaratorn Chularat, to "rightly interpret" what he was trying to say.
"Whatever court you belong to, judges need to make the right interpretation, otherwise the country will be doomed," he said.
His Majesty reiterated that the upcoming verdict and reaction present Thailand with a potential crisis.
"You [Administrative Court judges] have the responsibility to judge, but not with the hammer. You can only decide within your heart whether the Constitution Tribunal makes the right ruling. Your responsibility and duty are to criticise the ruling. I have no right whatsoever to say if they are right or wrong, but in my heart I have to know whether they have done right or wrong. If they are wrong, there will be trouble whether or not political parties remain. I have the answer in my heart but I have no right to say it. Neither do you. But you must have the decision in your heart as to whether the Constitution Tribunal is right or wrong.
"But there will be trouble and damage, whatever ruling is made. Any decision can be a mistake. Therefore, there has to be some criticism. If there can't be official criticism, there has to be personal one. That's why I told you, you brought me trouble by bringing me this gown, because this gown means I'm also an Administrative Court judge.
"[We] can't issue any ruling because we are not the Constitution Tribunal. Being the Constitution Tribunal, they have the right to be involved in many things. But if you listen to radio over the past two days, there has been heavy criticism about the courts. You [Administrative Court judges] have to find a way to protect your fellow judges.
"...You took responsibility following what I said in Hua Hin over a year ago and consequently many things happened. And those things have their causes. But the things got entangled. And soon they may be more so. You must be well prepared to dispense some criticism - not as judges, but as individuals or specialists - to prevent our country from sinking and people saying we have done nothing or trying to solve the problem.
"You have the responsibility to prevent the country from sinking, to give more knowledge to knowledgeable people, or to educate those who have no knowledge, so that they will know which direction Thailand should take. You can think, and you can say it, because you are the ones with the knowledge. Please keep on trying to improve our country's situation, which is not good at all this year," the king said.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/25/headlines/headlines_30035153.php
Also TNA article on the audience:
http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=29559
And a rather hard to follow Bangkok Pundit interpretation on a Komchadluek report:
http://bangkokpundit.blogspot.com/2007/05/judges-seek-audience-with-hm-king.html
Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra robbed in Moscow. More here:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=14756#post14756
Thaksin 'upbeat on TRT fate'
Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra has recorded a message from Moscow expressing optimism that his Thai Rak Thai Party will remain intact following the May 30 verdict on electoral fraud, his lawyer said yesterday.
"Thaksin remains upbeat that his party will not be disbanded," Noppadon Pattama said.
Noppadon said he would post a video clip of Thaksin's message on the Hi-Thaksin website in a few days. The video clip was recorded five days ago when the lawyer flew from Bangkok to congratulate his client for receiving an honorary degree from a Russian academy.
In his message, Thaksin voiced concern that Thailand might fall behind Vietnam because of negative consequences from the September coup, Noppadon said.
His client would comply with any court summonses and would inevitably return to fight charges - without disturbing social peace.
..........
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/25/national/national_30035149.php
Meanwhile Thailand's very own 'Genghis Khan' has found a cunning way to mention party dissolution, public unrest, Thaksin and Jatukham Ramathep amulets all in the same breath:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=14757#post14757
The Nation printed a very succinct early evening message (no longer available) that HM the King was to have an important audience with a group of judges - to be broadcast by the major Thai TV channels at 8 pm:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/25/p1news/images/30035156-01_thumb2.jpg
[TV grab from The Nation]
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/25/headlines/headlines_30035153.php
Also TNA article on the audience:
http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=29559
And a rather hard to follow Bangkok Pundit interpretation on a Komchadluek report:
http://bangkokpundit.blogspot.com/2007/05/judges-seek-audience-with-hm-king.html
It appears that the Legislature had a late night session last night that dealt in part with HM the King's concerns over the party dissolution case and the current political unrest. The comments below suggest the royal audience was highly significant, and should be seen as an attempt by HM to reduce the volatility of any protests in the wake of the impending legal decision. Doubtless, Thaksin will soon make some statement of adherence to this intervention:
Meechai says HM troubled by political situation
National Legislative Assembly Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan said Friday that His Majesty the King had apparently been troubled by His concern over the current political situation.
Meechai said he listened to His Majesty's message to a group of top Administrative Court judges Thursday night and would like to sum up the message in five points as following:
1) The current political situation is troubling the mind of His Majesty like the Thais are bringing bad fortune to His Majesty.
2) His Majesty said the rulings on the electoral fraud cases were crucial and would affect the country and no matter how the rulings would come out, the verdicts would be both loved and hated.
3) His Majesty wants the judges to be brave and make the ruling with bravery and honesty.
4) After the rulings, all must use intelligence to try to explain and convince the people to accept the rulings.
5) His Majesty wished Thailand luck.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30035159
Somsak urges all groups to heed HM's message
Somsak Thepsutin, leader of the Matchima Group, Friday urged all groups to heed His Majesty the King's message to try to avert another round of political crisis.
His Majesty the King gave the message Thursday night to top Supreme Administrative Court judges.
Somsak, a former leading member of the Thai Rak Thai Party, said the Thais were all overwhelmed with gratitude to His Majesty for His concern for the country.
Somsak said he believed the political situation would change in line with His Majesty's wish.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30035158
Surayud promises to heed suggestions of NLA members
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont promised to the National Legislative Assembly that he would its suggestions and try to improve the government performance.
Surayud made the promise at five minutes after midnight or 14 hours after the NLA's debate on the government performance.
He told the NLA that he would take suggestions of the NLA members for improving the government's performance and efficiency for the public interest.
He told the NLA that the government would cooperate with the NLA and members of the public to hold celebrations to mark the 80 year-old birthday of His Majesty the King.
NLA Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan thanked the NLA members and closed the debate at 0:15 am.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30035157
The present TRT leader says he will try to keep his rank & file TRTs under control:
TRT will not contribute to disturbance after ruling: Chaturon
Thai Rak Thai Party leader Chaturon Chaisang promised Friday that he would try his best to have the party refrain from causing disturbance after the ruling on its electoral fraud case on May 30.
Chaturon said His Majesty the King expressed concern over the country's situation related to the rulings against the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat so the Thai Rak Thai would try its best not to create trouble.
Chaturon said he appreciated His Majesty's concern for the country.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30035160
Abhisit vows to accept ruling without causing trouble
Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said Friday that his party would accept the electoral fraud case ruling without causing any trouble.
Abhisit said since His Majesty the King had concern over the situation after the rulings on May 30, all Thais should try not to cause trouble or minimise the trouble.
He said he and some 30 party members would go to the Constitution Tribunal to hear the verdict against his party.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30035190
PM to cut short his visit to China
Prime Minister Surayud Chalanont decides to cut short his official visit to China late this month. The decision was made hours after HM the King warned of disturbance over the upcoming Constitution Tribunal verdict on the future of two major political parties.
Surayud said he leaves for Beijing on May 28 and returns the following day, instead of May 31 as earlier scheduled.
His earlier schedule will make him not in the country when the Tribunal ruled on May 30 on Thai Rak Thai and Democrat Party's allegations that they violated the election laws. Any party that were found guilty would be dissolved.
Surayud did not elaborate the reason. His decision came a day after HM the King said he had grave concern on the country's situation after the Tribunal delivered verdict on the trials.
by Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/25/headlines/headlines_30035177.php
Think you'd better sit up and take notice of this. If a Machiavellian coupmonger like Prasong says ER could well happen, it could well happen:
25 May 2007
CDC Chairman expects unrest after verdict of party dissolution case
Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Chairman Prasong Soonsiri expects social disorder may set in after the Constitutional Court has given a verdict on the party dissolution case on May 30th because certain groups may lose benefits from the ruling.
The CDC Chairman therefore advises the government official to take care of this matter in advance. He says the government may impose the Emergency Decree to put the situation under control, if the police forces are not adequate. Thus, the Royal Thai Army can help the government alleviate potential unrest.
FOUR DAYS TO GO
Mass rally planned at Sanam Luang on Judgement Day
Groups to use Jatukham talismans to draw protesters to turn up; Surayud confident situation to be under control
An anti-coup group vowed Saturday to hold a mass rally at Sanam Luang and warned a political upheaval could take place if two major parties are dissolved in election fraud cases on May 30.
Sudchai Boonchai, a leading member of the Saturday People Against Dictatorship said his group and 12 ally groups would hold the rally at Sanam Luang that day despite pleas from many for all sides to remain calm following concern of His Majesty the King's over possible political crisis.
Suchai said his group would distribute 70,000 Jatukham talismans to draw people to join the rally.
He said if the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties are dissolved by the rulings, a political upheaval would definitely take place as the party's supporters would not accept the rulings.
"If the parties are dissolved and their executives are not allowed to form new parties, disturbances will take place and the situation will be uncontrollable," Sudchai said.
He said even if only the party leaders and certain executives and banned from politics, their supporters would not accept it and would definitely cause trouble.
He said supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would think that the Council for National Security wanted to unfairly persecute Thaksin with such a ruling.
But Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont expressed confidence on Saturday there would be no disturbance on May 30 when the rulings in electoral fraud cases are announced.
Speaking during the Poed Ban Phitsanulok programme on Channel 11, Surayud said he believed not many people would come out to demonstrate on that day.
He said he had talked to both rural people and Bangkokians and found out that they would accept the judgement without causing trouble.
"I believe some will definitely be dissatisfied and will come out to express their dissatisfaction but their number will not reach one hundred thousand," Surayud said.
He said the government would be able to control the situation because the International Security Operations Command had been working closely with the Royal Thai Police to make preparations for handling the situation on May 30.
Also on Saturday, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva poposed a joint meeting of the government, CNS and political parties after May 30.
Abhisit said all sides should come together after rulings on the electoral fraud cases on May 30 and discuss how to make the next election clean and fair.
He said political trouble could be averted by leading the country back to democracy so all sides must discuss how to bring the country back to democracy.
He said if political parties reach an agreement during the meetings, their supporters would also accept the agreement and would not try to cause trouble.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/26/headlines/headlines_30035267.php
PTV vows to go ahead with May 31 rally
The founders of PTV satellite TV station vowed Friday to go ahead with its plan to hold a mass demonstration at the Royal Plaza on May 31, a day after the reading of verdicts in two alleged electoral fraud cases against the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat.
Jatuporn Promphan, deputy chairman of PTV, said the PTV want to hold the rally against the Council for National Security and the planned rally had nothing to do with the case against the Thai Rak Thai.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30035196
'Pitak' here is probably used in the sense of 'to protect' rather than the name of a Thai handheld war weapon:
MAY 30
CNS steps up security ahead of judgements
New blueprint anticipates mass rallies by Thai Rak Thai followers if the party is dissolved for electoral fraud
The Council for National Security (CNS) has adopted a new security blueprint for Bangkok and nearby provinces ahead of Wednesday's tribunal verdicts on the fate of the country's two major political parties, sources said.
General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the CNS chairman, issued the order last week for all top security officials in charge of the capital to follow what is called the "Pitak 1" security plan in dealing with potential unrest. CNS sources believe that the previous government is planning to trigger unrest if the Constitution Tribunal rules to disband a major political party.
Both Thai Rak Thai and the Democrat parties could be dissolved in separate verdicts due on Wednesday. The "Pitak 1" security blueprint has replaced the "Pattapee 149" plan used since the September 19 coup last year that ousted the previous Thaksin administration.
"Pitak 1 is designed to cope with mass support of one of the major parties which could be dissolved. The situation could be very delicate in coming days since we have to deal with large numbers of people," said one of the CNS sources.
"We have to do our best to avoid making mistakes since that could spread the unrest further. These masses may also stage rallies to oppose the CNS and the current government.
"We received reports that these supporters, including those who have been hired to cause unrest, have been travelling into the capital from places in the North and Northeast. These people could join groups of taxi drivers and motorcycle taxis in Bangkok and nearby provinces to cause trouble. They reportedly plan to wear red shirts as the symbol to fight, starting tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday suggested a meeting of all parties concerned to sort out the political turmoil and map out a clear plan for the next general election.
"After the two verdicts on electoral fraud, I think an independent organisation should invite all sides, including the government, the CNS and all key politicians, to pledge a free and fair election," he said.
Abhisit said he expected such a meeting to ease the political volatility.
Although the Democrats would respect the judicial decisions on May 30 and accept them with calm, post-verdict anxiety might arise due to unforeseen consequences, he said.
"I think it is a good idea for the CNS to pledge no repeat of military intervention and for the government to chart a clear course for elections," he said.
"If every political leader, and their supporters, agree to steer the country toward elections, then I believe the situation will not spiral out of control," he added.
Commenting on the political jitters, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said some people might not be happy with the verdicts though they were not likely to join unruly protests.
"Regardless of the outcome of the two electoral-fraud cases, some people will be dissatisfied with the judicial decisions, but I don't think a large number of protesters will take to the streets," he said.
He said parties and their supporters should uphold the outcome of the judicial review, otherwise society would turn lawless. "We talk about justice and the rule of law but if we refuse to abide by a court ruling, then I don't know what justice means," he said.
Thai Rak Thai Party executive Sudarat Keyuraphan said she believed justice would prevail, although she could not predict the ruling on her party.
"If, in the worst scenario, the party is found guilty and ordered disbanded, we are willing to accept our fate, and no party members and supporters will act in defiance of the court order," she said.
She said the party would invite its loyal members to chart a future course if faced with a dissolution, adding that punished party executives would work behind the scenes to help carry on party activities under a new banner.
She revealed that acting party leader Chaturon Chaisang had had a telephone conversation with ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra to plan for political contingencies.
PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan said the judicial decisions on electoral fraud would not have any impact on the referendum for the new constitution.
Thirapat also voiced confidence that authorities could keep the situation under control if PTV, a pro-Thaksin group, decided to go ahead with its plan for a rally at the Royal Plaza coinciding with the verdicts.
Chiang Mai Provincial Police also stepped up road checks in Saraphi district yesterday and they will continue to do so through next Sunday in order to discourage villagers from joining the planned protests in the capital. Provincial Police Region 3 has deployed similar measures in eight northeastern provinces.
Activist Chanapat na Nakhon alleged that PTV protest organisers were coordinating with Thaksin's military allies from the Pre-Cadet Class 10 to incite unruly protests on Thursday following the verdicts.
"I think pro-Thaksin protesters will try to provoke anti-riot forces to fire the first bullet, triggering bloodshed," he said.
Anti-coup activist Sudchai Boonchai said he expected tens of thousands of protesters to rally peacefully on Wednesday during the verdict session.
He said he planned to hand out 70,000 Jatukam Ramathep amulets at Sanam Luang, the rally site.
PTV rally organiser Jatuporn Phromphan said he would mobilise the crowds to submit a petition to His Majesty the King to dissolve the junta if the Thai Rak Thai Party was dissolved by the court order.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/27/headlines/headlines_30035304.php
Chaturon predicts TRT will escape
(BangkokPost.com) - Acting Thai Rak Thai party leader Chaturon Chaisaeng said Saturday he is "one hundred per cent certain" that his party will not be dissolved for electoral fraud on Wdnesday.
Mr Chaturon said his confidence came after he studied the laws relating to the case.
He added that the coup-makers' announcement No 27, saying executives of a dissolved party automatically lose their political rights for five years, has no retroactive effect as it was issued after the party was indicted.
He also "guaranteed" that party members will not lobby the Constitution Tribunal.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=118999
FarangBha
27-05-07, 04:39 PM
What time is the decision being announced???
Haven't found an answer to that last question just yet!
ICT shuts down hi-thaksin.org, 16 other websites
The Information and Communications Technology Ministry has now shut down as many as 17 websites for their support of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Access to hi-thaksin.org has been denied following Thaksin's chief counsel in Thailand, Noppadon Pattama, saying he would post a video of his client's latest speech on the site.
Similar action has been taken against saturdayvoice.no-ip.info for reporting the deposed leader's movements.
Among other popular sites established by Thaksin supporters to be blocked are rakchat.org, saturdaylive.org, saturdaycenter.com, dday5450.org and saturdaycenter.com.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30035330
The only time I have for the decision right now is Wednesday 30th May in the morning, which I suppose indicates some time after 10 AM:
Chaturon calls on TRT supporters not to gather in front of Constitution Court office
Thai Rak Thai Party leader Chaturon Chaisang Sunday called on supporters of his party to avoid gathering in front of the Constitution Court on Wednesday to avoid causing trouble.
He said the party supporters should stay home to monitor the reading of verdict against the party in the election fraud case by the Constitution Tribunal.
He reaffirmed the party's stand to accept the ruling and the party will not stage any protest.
"I would like to call on party's supporters not to go to the Constitution Court to hear the verdict because the area has little space," Chaturon said.
"I don't want party supporters to become police's burdens and they should not distract the judges when they read the verdict," Chaturon said.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30035321
THREE DAYS TO GO
Party supporters urged to gather at party headquarters
The Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties Sunday encouraged members and supporters to gather at their party headquarters ahead of Wednesday's landmark election-fraud rulings.
The parties reiterated calls for calm ahead of and following the Constitution Tribunal announcements and said they would accept the rulings.
The tribunal will announce its decisions in cases against the two main parties and three smaller ones at the Constitution Court on Wednesday.
"No matter what the verdicts our party will do all it can to prevent confrontation that could cause disturbance and hardship to society," Thai Rak Thai leader Chaturon Chaisang said.
He called on supporters to avoid the court because it offers limited public space.
"I don't want supporters to cause trouble for the police and they should not upset the concentration of judges and representatives of political parties," Chaturon said.
The Thai Rak Thai is preparing refreshments and an area for supporters outside its new headquarters.
Chaturon will meet with party executives and former members of Parliament in the evening following the rulings. An announcement about the party's future will be made in a bid to avert unrest.
Democrat spokesman Ongart Klampaiboon agreed supporters should avoid the court. "You don't have to go to the court to provide moral support to party executives.
"The party understands your feelings well. If you want to take part but don't want to watch it on television come to the party's head office," he said.
Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and party executives will pay homage to the statue of King Rama VII at Parliament on Wednesday morning before going to the Constitution Court to hear the rulings.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/27/headlines/headlines_30035327.php
FarangBha
27-05-07, 10:13 PM
Thanks for that. I'll be watching it, but hopefully somewhere with the net incase the shit hits the fan and they start cutting the telly.
Is having Visabucha day the next day a good or a bad thing, I wonder??
27 May 2007
Live Broadcast on the Judgement Day
The Public Relations Department Director-General, Mr. Pramoj Rathavinij (ปราโมช รัฐวินิจ) has authorized state media to broadcast the upcoming Constitution Tribunal verdicts concerning the party dissolution, live on May 30th starting from 13:00hrs onwards. Radio Thailand and TV Channel 11 will broadcast the Constitution Tribunal's verdicts without interruption of commercials.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255005270015
Verdicts go to president today
Nine judges of the Constitution Tribunal will today present their personal rulings on the dissolution cases involving the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties, a Supreme Court judge said yesterday.
The Supreme Court judge, who was speaking on condition of anonymity, said the tribunal would meet at the Supreme Court. Each judge would report on his personal verdict to Supreme Court president Panya Boonrod, as the tribunal president, in a closed-door session before the official tribunal verdict is announced tomorrow.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/29/headlines/headlines_30035429.php
See also this attempt to link the bombings to May 30 attempts in Bangkok. I wouldn't entirely discount this, but I think some of us would prefer this theory to be accompanied by hard objective evidence:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=14852&postcount=27
POLITICAL PARTY RULINGS
Bangkok on high alert for violence
13,000 soldiers, police to be deployed in areas considered to be flashpoints; Democrats, TRT deny mobilising supporters
Security will be tightened in areas likely to be flashpoints for violence ahead of tomorrow's landmark rulings of the Constitution Tribunal on the electoral fraud cases against the country's two largest political parties.
A 13,000-strong combined force of police and soldiers will be deployed to maintain order and prevent violence, Council for National Security chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said. He was speaking after a meeting of officials in preparation for judgement day.
There has been concern that supporters of the rival parties are likely to gather in great numbers in the capital and could cause trouble if they find the rulings disappointing.
From this afternoon, police will seal off the Constitution Tribunal building and search its compound to ensure no explosive devices have been planted, Police Lt-General Adisorn Nonsee, the Metropolitan Police commissioner, said.
He said the police would also secure nearby bridges tomorrow, when the tribunal is scheduled to read its verdicts on the separate cases against the Democrat and Thai Rak Thai parties, as well as three smaller political parties.
Police will work with military officers and city officials to prevent any violent incidents, Police General Vichien Pojphosri, a senior police commander in charge of security, said.
Hundreds of police officers will be stationed at Sanam Luang and the Royal Plaza, where Thai Rak Thai supporters are expected to gather, and at the headquarters of both the Democrat and Thai Rak Thai parties.
Authorities have been on alert after receiving intelligence that party supporters from the provinces are travelling to the capital. However, the Democrat and Thai Rak Thai parties have dismissed reports that they are mobilising their supporters.
Thai Rak Thai's caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang yesterday accused the junta of spreading rumours to paint a bad image of the "old power clique" of which the party was a part.
The use of a backup military force, comprising another 43 companies from Bangkok-based Army units, if needed, would be "decisive" and "lawful", Army commander General Sonthi said yesterday.
Sonthi said he gave direct orders during yesterday's meeting with unit commanders that all soldiers participating in all security operations "must be unarmed" and would not be positioned in areas involving direct confrontations with protesters.
The 13,000-strong force comprises soldiers from 29 companies, Bangkok-based policemen and municipal policemen. Its main duty is to guard against possible violent incidents between supporters of Democrat and Thai Rak Thai parties, or anti-junta activists and the soldiers themselves.
Police will concentrate their efforts on curbing anti-junta movements that could be supported by taxi motorcyclists and taxi drivers.
A police intelligence report warned that the groups, referred to as "mobs in red shirts", might operate across the capital to create disorder if the verdicts dissolve any of the parties, or both.
Bangkok police chief Pol Lt-General Adisorn Nonsee said all 88 police stations had been observing the group's ongoing movements and their expected activities in the next few days.
Checkpoints will be set up on major city streets to intercept their vehicles or make arrests in case the group members showed signs of disobedience.
Elephants will also be barred from entering Bangkok at this time.
A bomb threat was received on telephone at the Thai Rak Thai Party's former headquarters on New Phetchaburi Road yesterday morning.
The caller said explosives would be set off but did not specify at which TRT office the attack would take place.
The official who received the call at 10am then telephoned the party's new headquarters at Navasorn Building on Rama 3 Road. Security officials and two sniffer dogs were called in to search the building but found nothing suspicious.
Meanwhile, Chaturon has called a meeting of party members to ensure there are no disturbances tomorrow when the Constitution Tribunal rules on the party's possible dissolution.
Chaturon is worried that if there is any disorder following the ruling, or if ill-intentioned people disguise themselves as Thai Rak Thai Party supporters and create disturbances, the Council for National Security may blame the party for any turmoil.
The party plans to send a few members to hear the verdict but Chaturon has instructed all other party members and supporters not to go to the tribunal but to hear the verdict at the party's headquarters.
TRT has also asked the police to deploy 200 officers at its headquarters tomorrow to maintain security.
Areas where trouble could possibly erupt:-
Sanam Luang: Tomorrow, when the Saturday People Against Dictatorship plans an anti-coup rally. Popular Jatukam Ramathep amulets will be given away to gatherers.
The Royal Plaza: Thursday, when PTV plans a rally at a nearby location.
Headquarters of the two main parties involved: the Democrats, off Rama VI Road, and Thai Rak Thai at the Navasorn Building on Rama III Road.
Checkpoints will be set up at Pok Klao, Pin Klao and Krung Thon bridges and on all roads connecting to them. These bridges and certain sections of the roads will be closed if the protest becomes too large.
------------------------------------------------
Places to avoid
Source: The Royal Thai Police
Areas with heavy police presence:
Within the Constitution Court compound on Chakra Phet Road, where only 500 people will be permitted inside.
Around the compound, where 900 policemen and a back-up force
comprising an unspecified number of soldiers and municipal police will be
on duty. Only 3,000 supporters of both parties and onlookers will be allowed near the compound.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/29/headlines/headlines_30035426.php
FarangBha
29-05-07, 12:12 PM
So the result is actually known by (how many??) by the end of today, but the result not made public till tommorrow- not quite the same as a jury reading a verdict, is it????
so what will this do to the rumour mill. There's bound to be rumours sweeping around by this evening of people claiming the results, based possibly on nothing. Jeez, if you wanted to stir the pot, it really wouldnt take much.
Foreigners warned ahead of Thai court ruling
Foreigners in Bangkok were on Tuesday warned to exercise caution amid mounting security fears ahead of a landmark court decision over whether to dissolve Thailand's two largest political parties.
Australia, Canada, France and Japan all advised their citizens to show a high degree of personal security awareness as Wednesday's verdict could trigger violent demonstrations in the Thai capital.
"You should avoid demonstrations, political rallies and concentrations of military personnel," the Australian embassy in a statement.
The Japanese embassy called on its citizens to "stay away from expected political rallies" and "act very cautiously so as not to get involved in possible unrest and terror attacks."
Thailand is the fourth most popular foreign destination for Japanese tourists after the United States, China (including Hong Kong) and South Korea.
Some 900 police will be deployed on Bangkok's streets Tuesday evening, protecting the Constitutional Tribunal offices and setting up checkpoints to deter party supporters from travelling to the capital from the provinces.
Some 15,000 Thai troops were on alert Tuesday across the country to deter possible violence, officials said.
The Canadian embassy warned that planned protests might turn violent and urged its citizens to "maintain high level of personal security awareness" and avoid "unnecessary travel" in Bangkok.
The US embassy here has left its travel advice unchanged, urging tourists and expatriates to monitor events and avoid large public gatherings.
The British embassy's travel advice, which was updated on Wednesday last week, also urged its citizens to avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
On Wednesday, Thailand's Constitutional Tribunal must decide whether Thai Rak Thai, the party formed by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and the Democrat Party are guilty of a slew of charges of electoral fraud related to annulled elections in April last year.
The tribunal has the power to dissolve the parties and ban their executives from politics for five years.
The potentially divisive ruling comes after more than a year of political upheaval culminating in the September 19 coup against Thaksin.
Agence France Presse
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/29/headlines/headlines_30035495.php
Rumor of a succession surprise in the junta hierarchy as it prepares for May 30:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=14855#post14855
The run-up to Judgement Day was previously covered in a thread entitled 'May 30 Countdown':
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=14868&posted=1#post14868
I'm going to use this new thread as a placeholder for tomorrow's verdicts. In the meantime, The Nation has mapped seven likely scenarios for the judgement:
ONE DAY TO GO
In the dock: Seven possible scenarios
As the clock ticks down to the May 30 'Judgement Day', the rival Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties can only wait and hope as the Constitutional Tribunal nears its decision on thier possible dissolution because of alleged electoral fraud in the April 2, 2006 election.
The Nation's Political Desk explores the scenarios and analyses the political implications of the Constitution Tribunal's possible rulings.
Scenario 1:
Both parties are dissolved. All party executives get a five year ban.
Although such a verdict would expel a number of unpopular and nasty politicians, it could have the worst prospects for the country.
The heavyweights and influential figures who have dominated Thai politics for decades would be kicked out for five years. All 118 TRT executives and another 49 from the Democrats would be barred from assuming political posts - MPs, senators and ministers included.
The list of "possible victims" includes Thaksin Shinawatra, Abhisit Vejjajiva, Apirak Kosayodhin, Somsak Thepsuthin, Somkid Chatusripitak, Suthep Thaugsuban, Newin Chidchob and Sudarat Keyuraphan.
Somsak's plan to found a new party led by his ally Somkid would be sunk.
In the meantime, it could revive veteran politicians like Chuan Leekpai, Banharn Silapa-archa and General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh for a comeback to rule the country.
The dissolution of both parties would give legitimacy to the junta's belief that key politicians were dishonest and had caused trouble.
Thus, military intervention to save the country from an ongoing crisis would be more legitimate and unavoidable.
Moreover, such a verdict would close the door on attempts to wreak revenge on the coup makers.
For, while they wanted a "safe landing" by joining a party with political heavyweights to win the next poll, and form a coalition government, it is very risky for them to trust former allies of Thaksin. Such people could switch sides if the balance of power shifted in favour of the former premier.
But without the two main parties, democracy may be fragile if the public feels the country is starting to become a military state.
The Army would turn into the most powerful interest group and the system of checks and balances may erode under those circumstances.
As a result, anti-junta and pro-Thaksin groups may gain momentum to overturn military rule.
TRT may mobilise their supporters to rally against an "unfair" ruling. And the Democrats and democratic activists could even join TRT protests if dark clouds loomed over their future.
Scenario 2:
Only Thai Rak Thai is disbanded, along with a five year ban on its executives. The Democrats escape punishment.
This verdict could cause unrest by Thai Rak Thai supฌporters.
A TRT executive was recently accused of leaking "possibly true" verdicts that both parties would be guilty and disbanded.
The message was intended to warn Thai Rak Thai supporters who still have faith in deposed premier Thaksin that the party would be disbanded regardless of the legal process.
The supposed "leak" was like a bomb thrown at the junta and the Constitution Tribunal.
The underlying message is that a verdict that disbands only Thai Rak Thai would suggest to its supporters and the public that the judges had been swayed to change their mind at the last minute in favour of its oppoฌnents.
Furthermore, a ruling against Thai Rak Thai would suggest the Democrats were allies of the junta, and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) - all Thaksin's bitter enemies.
This verdict could fuel anti-CNS rallies led by People's TV, which have the potential to gain momentum.
The rallies recently turned into a pro-Thaksin event with more supporters taking part every week. Indeed, most PTV executives are former senior TRT members.
If this ruling is made, the door for former TRT heavyweights Somsak and Somkid to form a new party would close as they would be hit with fiveyear bans.
And junta leaders may have to cancel any plan to enter politics democratically if Somsak is forced to take a long break.
Scenario 3:
Only Thai Rak Thai is disbanded. However, its executives escape the five year ban. The Democrat Party is found innocent, and its executives are free to stay in politics.
This outcome would block Thaksin from making a return, as he was party leader during the April 2 poll and would be pressured to take responsibility for the party's guilt.
However, supporters of Thai Rak Thai and Thaksin may stage rallies to call for "justice" for the party and ex-premier.
TRT executives would be free to join hands with junta leaders to form a new party, which would have a strong chance of winning the next election and forming government.
The junta would be able to shift to democratic rule. By being in the next administration, military leaders would be able to protect themselves from any act of revenge by ousted premier Thaksin.
However, the outcome of such a joint force could be like a step back to the bad old days of semi-military regimes. Junta leaders would have to compromise with influential politicians, whom they earlier ousted with charges of corruption.
Such a situation may sway public perception that the September coup was a farce, and that military only intervened to regain power they had lost in recent years.
It would be similar to the coup in 1991, when junta leader General Suchinda Kraprayoon assumed the premiership despite the junta having promised earlier to back an elected prime minister.
If the people feel they have been betrayed, rallies against military rule could grow stronger and this could lead to unrest.
Scenario 4:
Both parties are dissolved. However, all party executives escape a five year ban.
Such a verdict might indicate that the Council for National Security (CNS), as the junta calls itself, plans to form a political party with heavyweights from Thai Rak Thai and possibly other parties.
This ruling would point out that Thai Rak Thai and the Democrats caused a serious crisis by acts linked to the controversial election on April 2, 2006. They were greedy for power so ended up working against the country's best interests.
However, if all executives of both parties were banned for five years, the CNS would find it hard to deliver its plan.
Hence, they should be found innocent while the guilt could be pinned on "individuals", because the parties did not issue any resolutions to undertake illegal acts.
The CNS leaders hope to end their rule as national heroes, who return democracy to the people.
A national poll will surely take place. A party made up of junta leaders and TRT heavyweights - including factions which recently left TRT to form a new political group - could potentially win the next poll and form government.
But the joint force and implications would be similar to Scenario 3, which could end in a people's uprising.
Scenario 5:
Only the Democrat Party is dissolved, and a five year ban imposed on its executives. Thai Rak Thai is acquitted.
and Scenario 6:
Only the Democrat Party is dissolved but its executives escape the ban from politics. Thai Rak Thai is acquitted.
These two scenarios are least likely to happen on May 30. With the junta wanting to ruin Thai Rak Thai and Thaksin, any result that would let them free appears at odds in the current political context.
Scenario 7:
Both parties are found innocent, and their executives escape any punishment.
On the political front, this verdict would possibly lead to reconciliation among groups in the ongoing conflict, at least for the near future.
Supporters of both parties could stay at home.
Political heavyweights would be free to focus on their campaigns for the next poll rather than their survival. The PAD might cry foul over a verdict that lets TRT and Thaksin free. However, it has lost power and the possibility of a new round of protests is unlikely to cause trouฌble.
However, such an outcome may cast doubt on the legal process.
If both parties are not found guilty, the Constitution Tribunal could suddenly be in the hot seat.
The judges would have to explain why they ruled the controversial poll on April 2 last year as "untainted by fraud" - after His Majesty the King calling it the "worst crisis".
The Administrative Court, moreover, suspended by elections in southern constituencies. The Constitution Court soon folฌlowed by cancelling the April 2 poll.
Three election commissioners at the time were later sent to jail for their abuse of power in overseeing the April 2 election.
This outcome would lead to controversy if it questioned the legitimacy of the anti-Thaksin protests and Sept 19 coup.
The Nation
Countdown Begins
Constitution Tribunal judges have entered the final phase of the election fraud cases. They have compared their individual rulings inside a well-secured room at their court's headquarters.
Rumours that they have already cast votes for the verdict could not be verified. Tuesday 29, 2007.
7:00 pm: Soldiers arrive at Nation Multimedia Group head office to protect Nation Channel at about 7 pm and they are also sent to other stations.
5.15 pm : Narenthorn Rescue Centre Director Dr Surachet Sathitniramai said ambulances will be on standby at risky spots across the capital on Wednesday in the face of growing concerns that the Constitution Tribunal's verdict on the country's two largest political parties may trigger violence.
"There will be 80 - 90 ambulances stationed at major spots in Bangkok. In case an emergency arises, the ambulances are ready to reach the scene within five minutes," he said.
Permanent secretary Dr Prat Boonyawongvirot said people could call hotline number 1669 around the clock if they needed urgent medical assistance.
According to him, all state hospitals across the country were already instructed to be on high alert. He said medical staffs, tools, equipment, supplies and ambulances must be ready to respond to any emergency that might arise.
5pm : International and local media arrived at the tribunal court to prepare for their works on Wednesday.
4.54 pm : Pol Lt Gen Kittithat Ruenthip, a Chiang Rai police chief insisted that there were no movement of people from Chiang Mai to Bangkok to take part in the mass gathering to greet the court's ruling.
However, Kittithat said he is not taking any chances and assigned police to closely monitor the situation.
Pol Col Worapat Wattanawisarn, a Kanchanaburi provincial police force, said he assigned police to investigate if there was any recruitment of local residents to take part in the gathering in Bangkok.
Police checkpoints have been set up along the roads leading to Bangkok to monitor movement of possible demonstrators. Authorities have encouraged people to stay put at their houses and to watch the court's rulings through television instead.
4.30 pm : Police and security officials checked security preparation of the Constitutional Tribunal court again in the afternoon. Bomb squads were deployed to inspect areas in and around the court's compound. Security measures, including the use of bomb squad, will continue tomorrow.
Police have set up iron bars around the court to prevent non-essential persons from entering the area. Abandoned residences near the court are being watched closely around the clock. Police are unable to search without a proper warrant.
3.15pm : Police said all mobilephone signals will be cut off in the court's area from noon on Wednesday until the judges completed the verdict delivery.
3 pm Police will clear banks of Ong Ang Canal which is near the court out of fear of unauthorised entry from the bank.
2 pm : Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr, assistant secretary-general of Council for National Security, says army officers are keeping close watch on key members of the Thai Rak Thai Party for fear that they would incite unrest.
Saprang says Third Army Area commander Lt Gen Jiradej Khajarat had been told to ensure that Yongyuth Tiyapairaj, a leader of Thai Rak Thai, would be under close monitoring.
He said not many top leading members of the party would be watched but many middle-level and local leaders would be closely watched.
1 pm : Nine Constitutional Tribunal judges start their historic meeting at the Supreme Court near Sanam Luang to consider whether to dissolve the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties.
Security around the Supreme Court has been tight since Tuesday morning. Some 40 police were posted at three entrances of the court. City police barred vendors from doing business near the court's compound.
Meeting room of the judges was changed for unknown reason from third to second floor.
12.30 pm : Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin chaired a meeting of senior city officials and Metropolitan police officers to discuss in details security measures in Bangkok as the Contitutional Court was about to entered their historic meeting to discuss the future of the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties.
The governor's meeting also discussed strategic plans to handle the situation on the eve and on the day of the judgement day following reports that large number of supporters of both parties are planning to converge in Bangkok as a show of force at a number of locations in the capital.
Authorities have designed a number of high risk areas, which include compound of the Constitution Tribunal office on Sathorn Road and Sanam Luang where the supporters are said to gather. The Public have been urged to stay away from these areas for fear that the verdict could set off a street protest.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/29/headlines/headlines_30035497.php
Judgement Day verdicts and events will be placed in the following thread. One article has already been placed in the thread which discusses seven possible scenarios in tomorrow's verdicts:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=14866#post14866
Entire thread URL for the above:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=14866#post14866
The court's verdicts on the Democrat Party will be delivered at 1.30 pm today. The verdicts on the Thai Rak Thai Party will follow at 2 pm.
Events so far. This post will be occasionally updated up until the verdicts:
8:25 am: Constitution Tribunal members arrive at the Constitution Court amid tightened security. The judges enter the court building through a backdoor without giving interview to reporters.
9:00 am: Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt Gen Adisorn Nonsee says mobilized groups of villagers from provinces may begin rallying about noon, especially at Sanam Luang. Police will be deployed to keep security at Sanam Luang as well.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30035570
Metropolitan chief expects rally at Sanam Luang at noon
Metropolitan Police Commander Lt Gen Adisorn Nonsee said mobilized groups from provinces might begin rallying about noon. They might come but the leaders would not show up.
He said 150 Metropolitan Police were assigned to take care of the situation at Sanam Luang where "Saturday Anti-Coup" group said they would give away Jatukam Ramathep amulet for one baht (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2296). A lot of people were expected to be there. They reportedly planned to move to the Democracy Monument later.
If the parties are not ruled dissolved, the police would have to continue security measures for the next few days but if they are dissolved, the police will have to revise their security strategies and plans, he said.
The Nation
10:00 am: Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, chairman of the Council for National Security, Defence Minister Gen Boonrawd Somtas, Army assistant chief Gen Anupong Paojinda, First Army Area commander Lt Gen Prayuth Ocha arrive at Government House to meet Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.
Deputy Bangkok Governor Wallop Suwandee arrives at the Constitution Court to inspect security measures.
10.15 am: Democrat's Secretary General Suthep Thueksubhan [the Party's current powerbroker] says Party advisor Chuan Leekpai is suitable to be new party leader if in worst case scenario that the party is dissolved.
11:10 am: Key TRT members Sutham Saengprathoom and Adisorn Piengket begin the stage proceedings at the party headquarter. They attack the junta for staging the coup of September 19, 2006. They say the cases of party dissolution are illegitimate because they belong to the 1997 Constitution, which was cancelled by the coup. They want the junta to step down and return democracy to the people.
11:50 am: After meeting with CNS chief Sonthi, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont says his government is ready to impose the state of emergency if the situation is threatening to get out of control. He his government and CNS will meet again after the Tribunal delivers verdict and will stay at the Government House all day long to monitor the situation.
However, the premier says there's no report of such threat.
Sonthi confirms that there are no mobs heading to Bangkok from other provinces. However, he says officials are now closely monitoring some areas in the capital such as Chatuchak and Khlong Toei.
12:30 pm: Abhisit arrives at the Constitution Court. He has to push through an army of policemen and reporters waiting outside the court. About 500 reporters, both Thais and foreigners, are covering the event.
12:50 pm: The number of people in front of the Constitution Court rose to about 20.
12:55 pm: The Saturday People Against Dictatorship Group announces it fails to meet the schedule to hand out Jatukam Ramathep talismans at Sanam Luang at noon. The group claims police have stopped its truck carrying the talismans. About 300 people are waiting at Sanam Luang for the talismans. Police tell the group to cancel the plan to distribute the talismans if they fail to do it by 1 pm. Observers believe the group plan to use talismans to draw people to join its demonstration.
1:00 pm: The nine judges start presiding over the bench, getting read to read the verdict at 1:30 pm.
1:15 pm: Channel 3 reruns King's recent audience with Supreme Court Judges.
1:25: pmChanged Schedule? Thai Rath reported changes at 12:40. They say that the Democrat Party decision will be handed down at 1:30pm and the TRT decision at 2:30pm.
1:30 pmAll indications are that the Democrat Party decision is pending. The panel of judges has arrived and the assembled party officials are standing for their arrival.
I'm relying on rather sporadic interpretation, so the decision will initially be reported here in an extremely brief manner. Mainstream media reports will be used to pick up the fine detail.
1:30 pm: Constitution Tribunal judge Jaran Hatthakam starts reading the verdict. He says the reading will take so long that attendants in the court room are allowed to sit while the verdict is read.
The events that led to the party being charged with electoral malpractice are now being detailed.
It looks as if the Democrat Party will avoid being dissolved; at least in some form. Some outside observers are already jubilant.
2:40 pm: Tribunal judge Nurak Mapraneet reads the Democrat's defense.
mdechgan
30-05-07, 03:44 PM
Are there any mass rallies in Sanamluang or Democracy monument?
So are the Democrats off the hook?
If TRT is to be dissolved, what are the consequences to the people living in BKK? More riots or the people jsut won't care?
People don't care. I am wondering, is it sad or not. Are westerners just over-reaction, too interested and worried about political situation in Thailand, a popular tourist destination and hence interesting, or too many Thais just "too ignorant". As Bangkok Post and The Nation websites are both currently totally frozen and my mates in BKK tell that their girlfriends and their friends couldn't care less about events today or political situation in general. "Everything is just dandy since coup" so to speak. I find this whole thing fascinating, the idea of westerners "over reacting" and Thais being "over ignorant"...Here we have thanks to GWS minute by minute timetables of events, and same time, I think there is not many Thai contacts of mine who would give a rats ass about todays events.
I may not be able to observe the TRT decision. I have some commitments to attend to. I'd be glad if some of the online observers here (Yeah, I can see you're there!) could please take over a bit and post a few media reports on the TRT decision.
'Struth. I can't even hang around for the Dems decision. Glad if some of you could just post a few articles and quotes on how stuff works out.
BFN!
Tribunal rules suit against Democrat legitimate
The Constitution Tribunal ruled Wednesday that the Democrat Party had not breached the MPs and Senatorial Election Act because the act had lapsed after the coup.
The ruling was the first of four points of legal considerations related to the case of the Democrat.
Reading the legal interpretations before the verdict, Judge Somchai said the organic election had not been exempted by any coup order so it was annulled by the coup.
But the Democrat lost in the second, third and fourth points of legal disputes.
In the second point of judicial reviews, the tribunal ruled that the suit against the Democrat was legitimate because the party was not given enough time and the election commission did not rush to file charges against the party as claimed by the Democrat.
In the third point of review, the tribunal ruled that EC chairman had filed the suit against the Democrat in line with the party law.
In the fourth point of disputes, the tribunal ruled that the suit was still legitimate although the election was annulled because the alleged crime had already committed.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30035581
Ahoerstemeier
30-05-07, 05:48 PM
Democrat not guilty of using "Thaksin Regime" in campaign
The Constitutional Tribunal rules as groundless that allegations against Democrat Party's party leader and executive members that they used a clause, "Thaksin Regime" in their campaigns to convince people not to join in the April 2 election.
The tribunal said Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva did not create the clause, "Thaksin Regime," but it has been used by academicians and media for long time.
Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had actually created his unique style of administration and caused divisions among the public.
Therefore, Democrat party did not wrongly accuse Thai Rak Thai and Thaksin by using the clause. The tribunal delivered the verdict on the first accusation after reading the verdict since 2pm.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/30/headlines/headlines_30035584.php
Ahoerstemeier
30-05-07, 06:13 PM
The Tribunal clears Democrat and Taikorn from hiring small party to run in April election
The Constitutional Tribunal cleared two senior Democrat members of accusations that they involved in hiring smaller parties to contest in the April 2 election.
They were party spokesman Sathit Wongnongtoey and party's secretary general Suthep Thueksubhan.
Attorney General office had accused both of involving in the hiring of Prachathippatai Kaona party to run in Phuket in the April election.
However the Tribunal said that after examining the evidence, they found that both did not involve in the accused acts. Both also did not pay money to the smaller party to contest in the election.
The Tribunal also said Taikorn Palasuwan, did not hire Wattawit Tantipirom, leader of Better Life Party to wrongly accuse Thai Rak Thai. What Taikorn did was merely seeking evidence.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/30/headlines/headlines_30035587.php
Democrat not guilty of leading electoral candidates to frame Thai Rak Thai
The Constitution Tribunal acquitted the Democrat Party of leading three electoral candidates from Progressive Democratic Party to frame the Thai Rak Thai Party for bankrolling them.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30035586
Thanks Ahoerstemeier :)
I am wondering how long before they get to the TRT verdict ... have to go out soon to play comedy.
Waerth
Ahoerstemeier
30-05-07, 06:42 PM
Democrat escapes party dissolution
The Constitutional Tribunal rules on Wednesday that Democrat Party is not guilty of violating the election laws, so it is not subject to party dissolution.
The Tribunal delivered the sentence after reading the verdict since 2pm.
Senior Democrat party members who sit in the court room seemed to be relieved after the Tribunal read the final verdict.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/30/headlines/headlines_30035592.php
Ahoerstemeier
30-05-07, 06:49 PM
I am wondering how long before they get to the TRT verdict ... have to go out soon to play comedy.
As they needed 2 hours for the much smaller case, I wouldn't be surprised if it takes overnight to give the TRT verdict.
BTW: I just saw you in that maniac bus driver movie and impressed my Thai family a bit by knowing a real actor :-)
Thanks for the posts, guys!
I'll eventually get round to posting some of the verdicts that escaped. Here's another for example. I'll try and look out for an overall summation eventually, but I'm still at work and just having a five minute break:
Democrat not guilty of framing Thai Rak Thai by attacking Thaksin regime
The Constitution Tribunal acquitted the Democrat of framing the Thai Rak Thai during election campaigns.
The tribunal ruled that it was not wrong for the Democrat to attack the Thaksin regime during the period of election campaigns.
The ruling was the first in six rulings being read by the tribunal.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30035583
Richard Barrow
30-05-07, 09:10 PM
I may not be able to observe the TRT decision. I have some commitments to attend to. I'd be glad if some of the online observers here (Yeah, I can see you're there!) could please take over a bit and post a few media reports on the TRT decision.
'Struth. I can't even hang around for the Dems decision. Glad if some of you could just post a few articles and quotes on how stuff works out.
BFN!
Ron, that was some good commentary from you on ASTV2 satellite tv this evening about the present political situation. I just finished watching it. You are obviously very knowledgeable on this subject and I look forward to reading your report when you get back from the studio. I have seen you a couple of times on that channel now, but didn't realize it was you!
Good luck with all your endeavors. Obviously 2bangkok.com is in very capable hands and it deserves to be at the top of everyone's bookmarks for websites about Thailand. 2Bangkok.com is the best place to go if you want to untangle the complexities of the political scene in Thailand.