View Full Version : Dissolving parties & collapsing government?
EC to consider if PPP is TRT nominee on Wednesday
(BangkokPost.com) - Election Commissioner Prapan Naikowit said Election Commission (EC) will consider whether People Power party and its party leader Samak Sundaravej are nominees of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai party on Wednesday.
The complaint was filed by Veera Somkwamkid, the secretary-general of the People's Network against Corruption.
Mr Prapan, however, said he is not certain the EC will rule on the case that day.
He assured public that the committee will not have a problem in defining the word "nominee."
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126386
The dissolution of Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties recommended
The four-member investigative panel on Tuesday concluded its report recommending for the dissolution of two coalition parties, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya.
The panel reached an unanimous decision that the two parties were linked to electoral fraud involving their executives who had been red carded in the December 23 election.
The panel's report is expected to be submitted to the Election Commission to rule on the matter on Thursday.
Should the EC concur with the report, its next step is to petition the Constitution Court for a judicial review on whether to dismantle the parties.
Two EC members, Sumeth Upanisakorn and Somchai Juengprasert, said, however, that they found no clear legal basis to penalise the two parties by dismantling. A clear case for breakingup a party is about opposing democracy but whether the linkage to a fraud is qualified as a threat to democratic rule has no judicial precedents, Sumeth said.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30067834
Presumably they are referring to next Tuesday, March 18!?:
EC sets to rule on the dissolution of two coalition parties
The Election Commission will on Tuesday review the investigative report which recommends for the dissolution of two coalition parties, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya, EC member Prapun Naigowit said on Wednesday.
"The EC's ruling is not expected to please everyone and will rely on the legal basis in drawing the conclusion," he said.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30067947
I wonder if anyone is now wishing they had gotten stricter on electoral law decades ago! As it is, this decision could be an absolute bombshell. How ironic that it should effect PM Samak who is one of those political people who has had his head firmly stuck his **** for about the last four decades on any issue to do with meaningful reform or proper political conduct in a so-called democracy. He is not alone, of course!:
EC inquiry likely to go against PPP
Thaksin de facto party leader, panel believes
POST REPORTERS
An Election Commission inquiry is likely to find that the People Power party is a political nominee of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party, which could result in the governing party being disbanded.
According to election commissioner Sumet Upanisakorn, the sub-committee headed by Paitoon Netiphoti has indicated that deposed prime minister and TRT leader Thaksin Shinawatra is the de facto leader of the core coalition party.
The Paitoon panel recently submitted a report to the EC, which has delayed a decision for another 15 days. The commission has ordered the sub-committee to question three more people, including Mr Thaksin.
The others are Veera Somkwamkid, secretary-general of the People's Network against Corruption, who lodged the complaint against the PPP and Mr Thaksin, and Supapol Iammethawee, leader of a civic group in the Northeast.
''Evidence suggests that the PPP is a nominee of the dissolved TRT. The sub-committee has reasons to back up their findings but the EC feels Mr Thaksin should have his say,'' said Mr Sumet.
Mr Thaksin, who was granted court permission to leave the country, was allowed to defend himself in writing, Mr Sumet added.
He said Mr Thaksin would be liable to two years in prison under Article 97 of the Political Party Law if found to be involved with the PPP.
The PPP could be dissolved if it is found guilty of breaking the law governing political parties, election commissioner Prapun Naigowit said.
The article prohibits banned executives of any disbanded party from getting involved with any other party during the period of the ban, while a clause in Article 94 threatens to punish the party and its executives who allow themselves to be manipulated.
However, Mr Prapun said the five-member EC did not make a ruling regarding the case because the investigation was still incomplete.
''We want to get it over with. Once the committee completes its inquiry, we will rule on the case,'' he said.
The EC is expected to decide whether to endorse the result of the investigation by the end of this month or early April.
''A political mess is likely because many PPP executives are in the cabinet,'' said election commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham.
If the inquiry rules that the PPP is a nominee of the TRT and the EC endorses the finding, the case will be presented to the Constitution Court, which will decide whether the PPP should be dissolved or not.
The fate of cabinet members may hang in the balance because many of the PPP's executives are ministers, including Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee.
Executives may be held to account, too, if the party is in the wrong.
Questions would emerge as to whether such ministers should suspend their duties once the Constitution Court accepts the nominee case for hearing.
However, EC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn said taking down the PPP may not be easy.
There is no law that imposes punishment on a party that is a nominee of others, he said.
''I believe that Mr Samak knew the law when he declared that he was Mr Thaksin's nominee,'' said Mr Suthiphon, who is not allowed to vote on the EC.
Mr Suthiphon said that if Mr Thaksin is found guilty as accused, he will be subject to criminal charges and he alone will face the legal consequences, not the PPP.
Mr Suthiphon said the PPP could be dissolved if its member Yongyuth Tiyapairat is found guilty by the Supreme Court of electoral fraud and the PPP is found to be involved.
Mr Paitoon, head of the sub-panel, said his inquiry would issue summons to the three individuals tomorrow.
Pongthep Thepkanchana, who is Mr Thaksin's spokesman, said the former prime minister had nothing to do with the PPP and did not have a vested interest in the party.
''The object of this case is the PPP. Mr Thaksin has nothing to lose or gain,'' said Mr Pongthep.
Meanwhile, PPP-list MP Chaowarin Latthasaksiri yesterday sought a ruling on Mr Sumet's qualifications to be an EC member.
In his petition signed by 74 MPs, Mr Chaowarin wanted the Constitution Court to rule whether Mr Sumet is older than the maximum age for an election commissioner, which is set at 70. He turned 70 on March 9.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/13Mar2008_news01.php
See also previous post.
Yes, the EC's verdict is scheduled for next Tuesday, March 18:
EC will consider dissolving two coalition parties on March 18
BANGKOK, March 13 (TNA) – Thailand's Election Commission (EC) is scheduled to consider the two coalition parties' dissolution cases, following vote-buying allegations and red-cards being handed out disqualifying their executive members who contested in the December 23 general election, according to Election Commissioner Sumet Uppanisakorn
Both parties are coalition partners in the six-party coalition government led by the People Power Party.
Mr. Sumet said that subcommittee head Boonthan Dokthaisong concluded the factfinding on Thursday and would forward the result to the EC on Friday, a result which could lead to dissolution of both the Chart Thai and Matchimathipataya parties.
He said the EC was scheduled to meet and consider the result on Tuesday next week and that it could resolve the matter that day if the commissioners agreed that the case dossier was complete.
"However, if the EC thinks that more information is needed, further probing will be carried out and this could delay the election panel's resolution," he said.
Mr. Sumet stressed that the EC's duty is only to consider the subcommittee's findings and its decision and it would promptly forward the charges to the Constitution Court if it ruled the executive boards of the respective parties guilty of charges in accordance with the constitution and electoral laws.
Subcommittee member Thanaphit Mulprirk said earlier that the subcommittee had not decided whether the two coalition parties should be dissolved by the court, but had only considered whether or not the executive boards of the two parties had been involved in electoral rigging charges allegedly committed by their colleagues during the nationwide election of MPs in the December general election.
Several Chart Thai candidates successfully running in Chai Nat province and a Matchimathipataya candidate winning in Prachin Buri province were disqualified with the red cards by the poll agency after they had been accused of buying votes. (TNA)-E003
Political News : Last Update : 17:36:57 13 March 2008 (GMT+7:00)
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126480
EC will rule on parties dissolution today
The Election Commission will rule on Tuesday the dissolution of Chart Thai Party and Matchima Thipataya Party, EC member Sodsri Satayatham said.
An EC fact-finding panel headed by Bunthan Dokthaisong, which investigates the parties dissolution case submitted the investigation result to EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond today.
Bunthan said he was not confident if the EC would agree with the recommendations from his panel but he said the panel worked in a neutral and straightforward manner on the case.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/18/politics/politics_30068360.php
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/18/politics/politics_30068360.php
Interpretation of law delays parties ruling
Published on March 19, 2008
Decision hinges on two articles
The Election Commission (EC) yesterday hit a legal snag and postponed its decision on the dissolution of the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties.
The EC assigned a legal panel headed by Supol Yutithada to interpret Articles 237 and 103 of the Constitution organic law as to whether the case merits a charge of party dissolution when a party executive commits fraud without the knowledge of other executives. Supol was instructed to provide legal recommendations on the issue within 15 days.
An EC fact-finding panel headed by Bunthan Dokthaisong submitted the investigation results to EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond yesterday.
The panel was supposed to recommend to the EC whether there were grounds to dissolve the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties after their executives committed electoral fraud and were disqualified.
Under the new law, political parties are accountable for their executives' misconduct.
EC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaiygarn said the fact-finding panel recommended the EC could not take recourse over the two Articles in the case. The law discussed only the issue of party executives acknowledging electoral fraud or failing to take action against electoral fraud. It was not about party executives themselves committing an electoral offence.
Suthiphon said the EC might not agree with the recommendations from the Bunthan panel once it had received a legal interpretation of the law from legal advisers.
He said the EC's decision on Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya could not be used as a norm for the dissolution of the People Power Party, because they were different in detail.
Meanwhile, Chart Thai is slated on Friday to convene its annual convention and scale down the executive board in a bid to run a tighter ship after a party executive was disqualified for vote buying in the general election.
The convention will be chaired by party leader Banharn Silapa-archa at Impact Muang Thong Thani.
Banharn will propose a new streamlined executive board of 19 members, down from 43. The new board will include a party leader, four deputies, a party secretary-general, a registrar, a treasurer and a spokesman.
ATTHAYUTH BUTRSRIPOOM
THE NATION
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/19/politics/politics_30068550.php
EC may seek Constitution Court's ruling over dissolution of Chat Thai, Matchima
The Election Commission (EC) may be left with no choice but to seek the Constitution Court ruling over the dissolution of the Chart Thai Party and Matchima Thipataya Party, Election Commission member Sumeth Upanisakorn said Wednesday.
Sumeth said he disagreed with the recommendations from the EC fact-finding panel headed by Bunthan Dokthaisong.
The Bunthan panel recommended the EC could not take recourse Articles 237 and 103 of the Constitution organic law for the case. The law discussed only the issue of party executives acknowledging electoral fraud or failing to take action against electoral fraud. It was not about party executives themselves committing an electoral offence.
Sumeth said other EC members also agreed with him, so they decided to appoint a legal team to interpret the law to see whether legal specialists agree with the legal interpretation by the Bunthan panel.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30068632
Samak angered over possible dissolution
Published on March 22, 2008
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej became irritated yesterday over speculation that his People Power Party (PPP) and two other coalition partners could be dissolved for electoral fraud.
He suspected there was a mysterious political force behind the series of moves aimed at putting an end to the three political parties.
"Aren't they content yet? They staged the coup. They seized power. And now they're killing the political parties," Samak said.
He was speaking to Government House reporters during his weekly "Meet the Press" session.
"My concern is that our country is going to die. Those people are killing it," he said.
The premier said the country was just returning to democracy and that his government needed time to ensure a stable recovery.
"It must be this country's karma. We got an election and a government that was acceptable worldwide, but problems still persist, with no end in sight," Samak said.
He called on those behind the alleged conspiracy to "think about the country".
"If you want to kill the political parties, go ahead. But I warn you that you could end up killing Thailand as a result," he said.
Although admitting to being disheartened by the matter, the PM yesterday rejected a proposal for him to dissolve the House of Representatives.
"I will continue with my duties despite the hardships and problems. This is the first chance in my life to serve as prime minister," he said.
House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat, a People Power executive, has been accused by the Election Commission (EC) of violating electoral law. If the Supreme Court endorses an EC decision to disqualify him as an MP, further legal action is likely, which could lead to the party's dissolution. The law states that a political party can be disbanded if any of its executives are found guilty of electoral fraud.
The EC is also considering whether to seek a court order for the dissolution of two coalition parties - the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties - certain of whose executives are alleged to have committed electoral fraud.
MPs from a dissolved party have 60 days from the court order to find a new party for affiliation.
Meanwhile, the PPP is preparing to take over a small registered political party in the event of a court order disbanding it, a party source said yesterday. The new party would serve as new home to PPP MPs - and possibly Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya - if they are ordered dissolved, the source said.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/22/politics/politics_30068897.php
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/22/politics/politics_30068897.php
PPP deputy leader proposes House dissolution
People Power Party deputy leader Karn Thiankaew said Saturday that he had proposed a House dissolution because he has learnt the EC is bent on to dissolve the party.
Karn said he has learnt that the EC would seek to disqualify all People Power MPs on ground that the party was a nominee of the Thai Rak Thai Party.
He said a House dissolution would be the best way out for preventing all People Power MPs from being banned from politics.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30068913
See also last 2 posts.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/22/politics/politics_30068897.php
Prasong slams PM on dissolution
(BangkokPost.com) - Former National Legislative Assembly member (NLA) Prasong Soonsiri slammed Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his People Power party for trying to amend the constitution to do away with rules on party dissolution.
He said that this shows that politicians care only for their own benefits.
He also said that it is the ill fate of the nation for having these kinds of politicians, not the ill fate of the country if political parties are dissolved as said by Mr Samak on Friday.
Sqn-ldr Prasong said that political parties whose executives committed electoral fraud should be dissolved.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126663
Panel to make decision on Chart Thai, Matchima's dissolution Wednesday
The advisory panel should complete its report on the issue of whether to disband the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties Wednesday, panel chairman Suphon Yutithada said Monday.
Under instructions from the Election Commission (EC), the panel would address two key questions - whether to disband the parties because of wrongdoing committed by two party executives and whether the EC is obliged to seek a judicial review even if it rules against party dissolution, he said.
The investigative panel found insufficient evidence to link the two parties to wrongdoing.
Before ruling on the investigative report, the EC wants to clarify its mandate on proceedings relating to the party dissolution.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30069052
EC expects to issue verdict on dissolution of Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya on April 8th
Election Commission (EC) member Sodsri Sattayatham believes that the verdict on the dissolution of Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties can be made on April 8th, if both sides do not refer to legal experts to present more explanations.
However, Mrs. Sodsri says she would like to open a public seminar for the general public, media members, academics to discuss and exchange their ideas on the Chart Thai's and Matchima Thipataya's dissolution case. She says it is an important matter, and she does not want the public to misunderstand that the EC is running the country or playing a key role in politics. She says the EC is only responsible for holding elections.
She says the purpose of this public seminar is not to prolong the consideration of this case, but it would allow the EC to make correct decisions.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255104050006&news_headline=EC
EC may vote Friday on fate of two parties
The Election Commission is scheduled to decide later this week to determine whether to push for the dissolution of the Chart Thai and Matchimathipataya parties on charges of electoral fraud iin relation to last years's general election.
Commissioner Somchai Juengprasert said his colleagues are scheduled to rule on the fate of both parties either on Friday (April 11) or April 18, after they hear and consider the personal judgment made by poll agency chief Apichart Sukhagganond, in his capacity as registrar of political parties.
The EC has postponed its decision several times during the past month.
Mr Praphan's judgement is expected to be taken into account hours before the commissioners pass their ruling as to whether or not the Chart Thai and the Matchimathipataya parties may be dissolved due to their respective executive candidates having been barred from politics (issued a red card) for alleged involvement in varied electoral frauds.
The commissioners' ruling was meant to be submitted to the Office of the Attorney General and finally to be forwarded to the Constitution Court, should the decision come out against either party.
The top leaders of both parties testified before the elections' commissioners with additional information in bids to fight for their political survival Tuesday.
Commissioner Praphan Nayakowit said the poll agency will strictly observe the rule of law and evidence in order to make any ruling on such sensational issues.
In the case of the Matchimathipataya Party, Mr Praphan added, the commissioners were bound to decide whether or not Sunthorn Vilavan, former deputy leader of the coalition party, who was issued a red card on electoral rigging charges while contesting an MP seat in Prachin Buri province, should be considered as a non-executive member of the party, or in effect, an acting leader, as former leader Prachai Liewphairatana had called it quits earlier. (TNA)
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=127006
EC seeks to disband Chart Thai and Matchima Thiptaya Parties
The Election Commission on Friday decided to petition the Constitution Court to rule whether to disband two coalition parties, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya.
Their decisions based on grounds that their executives were involved in electoral fraud in the December 23 election.
The EC's decision was based on the majority vote of four members.
One dissent member was Somchai Juengprasert.
Should the high court rule against the two parties, the mandatory punishment is by party dissolution.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/04/11/politics/politics_30070640.php
One more year of uncertainties
The Election Commission's decision yesterday to seek dissolution of two government coalition parties - Chat Thai and Matchima Thipataya - means Thais will have to endure another year of high political tension and unpredictability.
Here are answers to key questions being asked after the EC decided to ask the Constitution Court to disband the two parties on grounds that their executives committed electoral fraud:
1. What's next for Chat Thai and Matchima Thipataya?
Prosecutors have 30 days to decide whether to forward the EC's decision to the Constitution Court. If the prosecutors decide they will not proceed with the case, they and the EC will have another 30 days to sit together and argue. If they remain divided after that, the EC can go ahead and send the case to the Constitution Court by itself.
2. How long will the Constitution Court take?
It's anyone's guess, but it should take at least six months to elaborate the case.
3. What will be the court's ruling?
This crucial question will depends almost totally on who are the nine new judges to be selected to sit in the court.
4. Who will be the nine new judges?
Four are nominees proposed by a selection committee for approval by the Senate. According to initial reports, three of the nominees are hardliners who won't be swayed by government power.
Three are judges from the Supreme Court, which had made key rulings against the former Thaksin government.
Two are judges from the Supreme Administrative Court, which, like the Supreme Court, was not a good friend of the former Thaksin government.
5. What will happen to the People Power Party, whose senior executive Yongyuth Tiyapairat is also accused of poll fraud?
Yongyuth's case is at the Supreme Court now, as it is currently treated as a fraud case involving an individual MP.
But once or if the Supreme Court finds him guilty _ the trial can last up to six months _ the EC will have to decide if it's a collective guilt of PPP executives. If the EC decides that Yongyuth's guilt represents his party's guilt, the same ECprosecutorsConstitution Court process will begin. If the PPP case finally goes to the Constitution Court, it will take probably another six months for a trial.
6. What happens if the Constitution Court disbands a party?
That party's executives will be banned from politics for five years. The party's MPs, however, can join any legally registered party within 60 days without losing their MP status.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/04/11/politics/politics_30070667.php
Chart Thai's, Matchima Thipataya's fate will be decided today
The Election Commission and public prosecutors will on Friday decide on whether to indict the Chart Thai Party and Matchima Thipataya Party in the party dissolution case.
The EC will withdraw the case from the Office of the Attorney General and file the suit with the Constitution Court by itself if the latter decides not to indict the two parties, a source from the EC said.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/07/11/politics/politics_30077868.php
EC decides to ask Constitution Court to dissolve Chart Thai, Matchima
The Election Commission reached a decision Friday to ask the Constitution Court to dissolve the ChartThai and Matchima Tipataya parties.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30077885
Entirely predictable reaction from the 'bouncing cheque' world of Thai politics.
The final paragraph seems to assume that PPP could itself be banned in future. Is it really that likely? I haven't heard it anywhere else.
PPP ready to form new party with Chart Thai, Matchima: Kuthep
The People Power Party is ready to form a new party with the Chart Thai and Matchima Tipataya parties if the three are dissolved, PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrajang said Saturday.
Kuthep said the three parties do not have to worry about party-dissolution suits against them.
He said MPs of the three parties could stick together and join a new party and retain the political power.
"We need to be united instead of breaking apart because MPs can join a new party if their party is dissolved," Kuthep said.
The Election Commission has decided to ask the Constitution Court to dissolve the Char Thai and Matchima after their executives committed election frauds.
The PPP is expected to meet the same fate after the Supreme Court affirmed the red card against its former deputy leader, Yongyuth Tiyapairat.
The Nation
Democrat Party may face dissolution
The Democrat Party could look uncertain as Election Commission (EC) member Prapan Naikowit on Monday said an EC investigative panel was looking into the electoral fraud allegation against Deputy Democrat Party leader Witoon Nambut.
Prapan said the EC had once reviewed the electoral fraud case against Prapan who had been accused of distributing movie tickets while he was campaigning for the general election. However, the EC found that the investigation file was incomplete and needed more evidence so it instructed the provincial EC to further investigate the matter.
Prapan downplayed that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej was pressuring the EC by giving a comment during "Talk Samak Style" that the Democrat Party may also face dissolution.
EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond however said the EC did not leak the information regarding the electoral fraud case against the Democrat MP and he did not know how Samak knew about the case. He said the EC has yet to receive the investigation file from Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Election Commission.
He denied that the information was leaked to bargain over possible dissolution of the ruling parties.
The EC resolved on Friday that Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties be dissolved because their executives were involved in election fraud during the 2007 general election.
The EC will ask the Constitution Court to dissolve the Chart Thai and Matchima following its ruling.
The People Power Party is expected to meet the same fate after the Supreme Court affirmed the red card against its former deputy leader, Yongyuth Tiyapairat.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/07/14/politics/politics_30078048.php
Let's just say you might soon get to say you read it here first. :D:D:D (Well maybe NOT!)
I am told by certain sources (admittedly not real political insiders) that the current administration of PM Samak Sundaravek could collapse during the next 2 days.
This is a gamble on my part, for which I am prepared to be completely vilified & ridiculed if this notion proves to be wrong. (Blame the moderator rather than the site itself!)
That said, I have today already noticed a number of developments that could be leading in this direction.
Here's just one. The Chidchob Clan would probably never run second place to that certain insect 'life' form that is often reputed to be capable of surviving a nuclear blast. Much as many Democrats would rather NOT have this 'family' in their party, I would not put it past the 'banned' Newin Chidchob to plot the downfall of this government in return for immunity against prosecution:
Suthep denies reports of PPP mass defection
Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban on Thursday dismissed a report that People Power Party faction led by Newin Chidchob would defect to join the Democrat as totally groundless.
Suthep denied that any PPP MPs had contacted the Democrats to talk about joining the party.
"I do not believe that MPs under Newin can work with us because we have totally different ideologies,'' Suthep said.
He pointed out the PPP's move to amend the charter to restrict the right to peaceful gathering is for instance unacceptable by the Democrats.
He offered his analysis that the rumours could be released to divert attention, or to vie for the leadership in the PPP or to get more money in return for defection.
House Speaker Chai Chidchob, the father of Newin also denied the report saying Newin was a target of mudslinging. He said his son still faced the five year ban from politics and could not engage in such political activity.
Reports had said that Newin decided to betray fomer prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra by leading some PPP MPs to form a government with the Democrats after seeing Thaksin facing a doomed future as a result of graft cases against him.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/07/politics/politics_30080012.php
POLITICS
PPP may need pow-wow to quell growing rifts
By The Nation
Published on August 8, 2008
People Power Party might arrange talks between its faction leaders in a bid to quell infighting and rifts, Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said yesterday.
"I think the atmosphere within the party is improving as party elders and members have engaged in talks aimed at understanding one another," he said.
Somchai, who is a deputy party leader, dismissed speculation that the party was on the verge of breaking up. He argued that under the existing political system, MPs were not allowed to establish a new party banner on a whim, as "rumour mongers" had suggested.
He said he was not in a position to judge how or why People Power MP Sakda Kongphet accused an aide of the prime minister of seeking a bribe.
"We should talk more among ourselves before making any move," he said, reminding Sakda to consult party elders instead of making a hasty decision he might regret later.
He was also unaware that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra now had certain allies trying to stab him in the back. Thaksin had quit politics, he said.
Observers believe Thaksin, who is Somchai's brother-in-law, retains his political influence, particularly within the ruling party.
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who is also PPP leader, refused to comment on party infighting and ignored all questions posed by reporters about links between his aide Thiraphol Noprumpha and the bribery allegation.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Chai Chidchob denied that his son - banned Thai Rak Thai executive Newin - wielded influence in the PPP.
"Newin is one of the 111 party executives banned from political activities for five years and I see only the media trying to hype up Newin's involvement in the 'Gang of Four'," he said.
Chai said Newin was not in a Gang of Four, which wielded control over the PPP and allegedly selected the new Cabinet. The four have been reported as Samak, his aide Thiraphol, Newin and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee.
A source from the PPP said it was likely that Sakda and other MPs from the Isaan Pattana (Developed Northeast) faction had been encouraged to "act up" by certain senior figures linked to the ruling party who had seen their influence receding.
And while conflict was growing within the party, it appeared Samak had avoided dealing with the issue, the source said.
"The party's seniors will need to talk in order to end its problems. This is to retain the government's stability," said the source, who requested anonymity.
Meanwhile, deputy PPP spokesman Suthin Klangsaeng said Newin had phoned Thaksin to deny allegations he double-crossed the former premier.
"Newin told me that he called Thaksin to explain about rumours that he was back-stabbing him. And Thaksin told him that he had no hard feelings about the rumours," Suthin said.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/08/politics/politics_30080062.php
Suthep denies holding talk with Newin
Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban Friday denied that he had ever held a talk with Newin Chidchob, a former Thai Rak Thai executive, on political cooperation.
Suthep said he had never talked to Newin or anyone from the People Power Party because the Democrat and People Power have different political stand and cannot work together.
He said the reported rifts inside the People Power were its internal affairs and had nothing to do with the Democrat.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30080111
Vote on deputy speaker 'awaiting nod from Thaksin'
By The Nation
Published on August 8, 2008
The House yesterday postponed its election of a deputy speaker until next Wednesday to allow time for People Power Party to select one candidate from its shortlist of four.
"The coalition and opposition whips have agreed on the postponement," Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai said while chairing yesterday's session.
Apiwan successful in convincing Democrat MP Thepthai Senpong to withdraw his motion to debate and elect the second deputy speaker to replace Somsak Kiartsuranont. Somsak resigned to become culture minister.
Thepthai lodged the motion on the grounds there was a shortlist of four candidates. But Apiwan said the opposition endorsed the whips' decision for a delay and that overrode Thepthai's motion.
After the session, Thepthai told reporters he suspected the PPP was awaiting a green light from former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra before naming the deputy speaker.
The four candidates are Samart Kaewmeechai, Worawat Ua-apinyakul, Paichit Sriworakhan and Suthin Klangsaeng.
Thepthai said each of the four was qualified for the job, yet the PPP was reluctant to make a move without Thaksin's approval.
House Speaker Chai Chidchob said while he wanted to fill the vacancy quickly, he was obliged to wait for PPP to make a final decision on the matter.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/08/politics/politics_30080074.php
Wisarut
08-08-08, 11:34 AM
Now, AI Newin has come to talk with Ai maew to show that he is NOT GOING to set up the new party AGAINST his own boss.
Now, PPP faction of Ai newin has pointed out that Ai Chaloem, Ee Sudarat, and Ai Youngyut is the masterminds of Isan Phattha Faction AGAINST Newin alogn with instigatign the wedge to splic Ai newin from AI Maew - with consent from Ai Samak.
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000093501
Ajarn Samart Rajpholasit has REFUSED to ACCEPT 300 Million Baht Bribery from AI Samak's men to Remove the ligitation case AGAINST Ai Samak.
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000093470
There is little doubt that Newin is up to no good.
Newin, Surapong to register new party for PPP MPs
Former Thai Rak Thai executives have agreed with leading members of the People Power Party to set up a new party for People Power MPs to move to if their party is dissolved, a well-informed party source said Friday.
The source said the agreement was reached during a discussion at the 111 Thai Rak Thai Foundation on Thursday.
The source said Newin Chidchob and Surapong Suebwonglee have made preparations to register a new party.
The source said some 70 northeastern MPs under control of Newin would move to the new party if the People Power is dissolved because a red-card case against former Parliament President Yongyuth Tiyapairaj.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30080137
To think we all pay taxes to allow these childish brats to have an easy life!: ;) :mad:
No match for table-thumpers
Transport Minister Santi Promphat was all fired up and ready to put his mediating skills to the test when rebellious party MPs marched into Government House demanding to know why their key man was denied a seat in cabinet.
Mr Santi failed terribly.
The Isan Pattana (Northeastern Development) faction of the People Power party saw red after its core leader Preecha Rengsomboonsuk, a Loei MP, was left without a seat in the cabinet reshuffle.
The group was enraged and the person they could take it out on was Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.
Last Thursday, heavyweights of the faction led by Mr Preecha made an unannounced visit to the Thai Ku Fah building in the Government House compound, hoping to run into Mr Samak.
They felt betrayed that the prime minister gave the culture portfolio to Somsak Kiatsuranont - a former deputy House speaker who had deserted the faction, severing all ties, as the feud over the allocation of cabinet seat raged. They demanded the post go to Mr Preecha, known as the wallet of the faction.
The four angry faction members were met at the main building by Mr Santi who tried to turn them away, only to be snubbed just as quickly.
He said the group should leave Mr Samak in peace, and they should have told him first before coming.
Raising his voice, one member said Mr Santi had no business meddling with the faction's problems. He said Mr Santi has been an MP for a shorter time than the faction members have.
"But we weren't lucky enough to get a shot [at a cabinet post]. So back off," he said, pounding his fist on the table.
Mr Santi was at a loss for words as it began sinking in that he was powerless to keep the faction members from confronting Mr Samak.
Mr Samak finally agreed to see them and after seating them at a table, lost no time bemoaning the countless obstacles he faced in drawing up the latest cabinet line-up.
But he was cut short by the irate faction members, who reminded him they were there to talk about their problem, not to listen to his moaning.
He reluctantly settled into a chair, in a position to bear the full force of the wrath that was about to be unleashed at him.
Mr Preecha asked if Theerapol Noprampa, the PM's secretary-general, had passed on the faction's request for its quota share of cabinet posts. They also asked if Mr Samak still had any recollection of his promise that Mr Preecha would be in the new cabinet.
Mr Santi cut in by suggesting the MPs should have called and discussed their problem with him. Again, the group's response was a loud whack on the table.
The angry MPs recited Mr Santi's phone number and said they called him hundreds of times, but he did not pick up the phone.
"You people don't know anything about sincerity, do you?" said one Isan Pattana member.
Mr Samak said Mr Preecha's name was not brought to his attention prior to the shake-up and it was too late to change anything now. He gave his word Mr Preecha would not miss out in the next reshuffle.
Unmollified, the group said the government was living on borrowed time and there would not be another reshuffle. They threatened to expose dishonest practices committed by people close to the prime minister.
Mr Samak apologised and said he could not ditch his secretary-general. He said if the faction continued to pressure him and the party, the government would be short-lived. The faction, however, was unrelenting in its demand for Mr Theerapol's resignation.
Mr Santi tried to calm things down by inviting the MPs to a meal, but they refused. Mr Santi was entrusted with the unenviable job of persuading the faction not to turn against the party - a futile exercise if their only response is to thump the table again.
http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/070808_News/07Aug2008_news026.php
No plans for dissolution of House, says Surapong
By NAYA JAIKAWANG
THE NATION
Published on August 9, 2008
Surapong Suebwonglee, deputy PM and finance minister, insisted yesterday the government had no plans to dissolve the House of Representatives but instead aimed to complete its four-year term.
Surapong, who is also secretary-general of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), said there were no reasons for House dissolution, even though there were "differences of opinion" within the party.
He also said the country's problems were easing despite an ongoing rally by the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy.
"I don't expect political violence that may lead to a coup," he added.
Surapong's words came as the government MP who is blowing the whistle against his colleagues in the administration yesterday said he would bring the matter to the national anti-graft agency.
Sakda Kongphet, a People Power MP for Roi Et, has alleged that certain politicians close to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who is also PPP leader, are involved with questionable deals.
Sakda said he would discuss with other members of his Isaan Pattana faction whether to petition the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) before next Tuesday, which was the date originally planned.
He said he had explained to certain senior members of PPP that his group's campaign was aimed at protecting the party and that they had no self-interest in mind.
Sakda also claimed he had heard that members of the so-called "Gang of Four", who are close to Samak, had threatened to seek dissolve the House if his faction filed its petition with the NCCC.
In a related development, a PPP source said yesterday that many members of the 111 banned executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party had met on Thursday to discuss forming a new political party to prepare for the possible dissolution of the PPP.
Surapong and Newin Chidchob, one of the 111 politicians, have arranged for the registration of a new party, the source said.
Meanwhile, the PPP registrar, Samarn Lertwongrat, said yesterday that Samak had stressed with his colleagues the need to "find a new home" due to concern that "they are about to burn our house".
Samarn said it was lawful for the PPP to have a substitution party in case it were to be dissolved. The Constitution Court is expected to rule soon on a case in which PPP deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat is accused of involvement in electoral fraud. If found guilty, the party is destined for dissolution.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/09/politics/politics_30080168.php
PM set to form new political party if PPP is dissolved
BANGKOK, Aug 8 (TNA) -- Believing that his People Power Party (PPP) will likely be dissolved following court action last month disqualifying its former deputy party leader for vote buying, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has ordered appropriate PPP working teams to register a number of new political parties, a PPP executive committee member said on Friday.
Samarn Lertwongrut, a member of the party's executive committee and also the PPP's registrar, said the prime minister had ordered the working committee members and the PPP registry to quickly "find a new house because they're going to burn our house soon".
Of course, Mr. Samak is worried because both he and Surapong Suebwonglee, PPP secretary-general, have until Wednesday to explain to the sub-committee of the Election Commission (EC) to defend PPP dissolution case. If the two men could not appear in person, they could submit their case in writing.
The EC inquiry followed a verdict of the Supreme Court's Division for the Political Office Holders on July 8 ruled that Yongyuth Tiyapairat, a deputy leader of PPP, violated election law in a general election held last December 23.
Mr. Yongyuth now lost his member of parliament status and is barred from politics for five consecutive years.
Although the final decision whether the PPP would be dissolved would take another five or six months, PPP has now registered between two-three political parties to cater its members if it has to be dissolved, said Mr. Samarn.
However, he declined to name names of the parties or the new party leader if Mr. Samak is banned from politics. (TNA)
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=5662
Anti-government groups unsurprised at new PPP clones
BANGKOK, Aug 9 (TNA) -- The anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Saturday said it is not surprised that the ruling People Power Party (PPP) is preparing to register a number of new political parties in case the PPP is ordered dissolved.
Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, a core PAD leader, said its members are not worried over reports that the PPP, as the core of the coalition government, is registering new political parties because the government party is following an old-fashioned political style and is focused only on corruption.
As the government continues its struggling on amending the Thai constitution, the PAD remains on its stance on opposing the government's moves, he said.
The best way forward for the government now is to "either dissolve the parliament or to resign as suggested earlier by the PAD", Maj-Gen. Chamlong said.
The move for the PPP to form new political parties is designed at providing homes for its members if it is dissolved comes as Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Surapong Suebwonglee, PPP secretary-general, have until Wednesday to explain to an Election Commission (EC) sub-committee to defend the PPP against dissolution.
If the two men could not appear in person, thction Commission ey could submit their case in writing.
The EC inquiry follows the verdict of the Supreme Court's Division for Political Office Holders on July 8 which ruled that Yongyuth Tiyapairat, a PPP deputy leader, violated election law in the general election last December 23.
Mr. Yongyuth lost his membership in parliament and is barred from politics for five years.
Meanwhile, Chaturon Chaisang, former acting leader of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, said that one of the party names chosen earlier in the event that the Thai Rak Thai was dissolved was 'Pua Thai Party', but members of Thai Rak Thai then opted for PPP instead, Mr. Chaturon said. (TNA)
Political News : Last Update : 15:53:30 9 August 2008 (GMT+7:00)
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=5672
Isaan Pattana suspends a graft complaint against gang of four
The Isaan Pattana faction will delay the filing of a graft complaint against the gang of four in the People Power Party following the exile of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to England, MP Paijit Sriworakan said on Wednesday.
"The faction needs to assess the political situation before deciding whether to go ahead with the complaint," Paijit said.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30080433
..........
The faction earlier threatened to expose the involvement of the gang of four in the alleged irrigularities relating to the planned leasing of 6,000 buses for Bangkok commuters.
The threast is seen as aiming at banned party executive Newin Chidchob who is part of the gang of four.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/13/politics/politics_30080434.php
PPP's executive board convenes an urgent meeting amidst rifts
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has today at 10 am convened an urgent meeting of his People Power Party executives, party spokesman Kudep Saikrajang said on Wednesday.
Kudep said Samak did not specify the meeting agendas and that there was no linkage between the meeting and the exile of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30080439
Apiwan denies a defection rumour
Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai on Wednesday dismissed the speculation that he and other MPs from the People Power Party would switch the loyalty to the New Aspiration Party.
"I am not thinking about adopting a new party's banner but want to strengthen the People Power Party," he said.
Rumour spreaded that the party's Isaan Pattana faction might join the NAP if former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh came out of retirement to assume the party leadership.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30080455
PPP to survive punishment by dissolution:Sompong
Even if the People Power Party is penalised by party dissolution, it will still survive because two new parties have already been formed as a back-up, Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat said on Thursday.
Sompong was commenting on the ongoing litigation to punish the party for electoral fraud committed by its executive Yongyuth Tiyapairat.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30080539
...........
Sompong also said that the infighting among the factions dissipated and that the majority members of the Isaan Pattana faction would not switch loyalty to the New Aspiration Party as speculated.
He admitted, however, that there might be some splinter groups in the future but the party would remain intact either under the existing banner or a new one in case of dissolution.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/14/politics/politics_30080538.php
Big boss's departure leaves PPP factions scrambling
By Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation
Published on August 14, 2008
Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's escape to the United Kingdom does not mean the end of his era.
But one thing is sure. Without the big boss, the People Power Party will inevitably become disorganised and drift apart. Its members are still in shock. They do not know who will now take care of them. Who will they take orders from? Each faction in the party is desperately struggling to find its way.
When Thaksin fled, the expectation was that the country was going into election mode. Having looked at the readiness of political parties for the next election, who will be most prepared in terms of manpower and money?
The Friends of Newin (Chidchob) faction - with more than 100 MPs - is the most powerful faction in the party. This group has a long-term vision. It has reportedly accumulated money to prepare for an election. It has already allocated a 2009 budget for its political base.
While other factions were still stunned, the Newin group showed its power to other PPP factions.
A member of Newin's group revealed that Thaksin had directly contacted him and asked him to take care of the party after he fled. The group claimed Newin was Thaksin's most trusted man. Meanwhile, the Isaan Pattana faction claimed Thaksin trusted his brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat more than Newin.
Newin reportedly urged his old friend Suchat Tancharoen, leader of the Baan Rim Nam faction of the Puea Pandin Party, to join him in the next election.
Among other groups in the PPP, Thaksin's sister Yaowapa Wongsawat was busy gathering allies. Chalerm Yoobamrung was approaching PPP MPs who were former members of the New Aspiration Party,
Other banned Thai Rak Thai executive members like Somsak Thepsuthin from Matchima Thipataya, Pinij Jarusombat from Puea Pandin, and Suwat Liptapanlop from Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, have reportedly formed an alliance for the next election.
This group is not likely to merge their MPs and found a new party. Instead they will stay in different parties and then join forces after the election to gain more bargaining power in forming a coalition.
"We learnt our lesson when we merged with a big party like the now-defunct TRT [Thai Rak Thai]. We felt like we lived in another person's home, not ours. It was difficult for us to have any say. It will be more dignified if we are a small or medium-size party and form an alliance to join the coalition," said a faction leader, who asked not to be named.
Another source said there would not be one single party forming the government like the TRT, which won a landslide in 2005. Thai politics will return to the old days in which smaller parties form coalitions, he said.
Former PM General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was recently in the spotlight after he expressed the hope of becoming a candidate for the PM's post.
For the PPP's main rival, the Democrats, it appears to be the best chance for them to win the election with its rival party scattering.
Apart from Democrats' stronghold in the South, the party is likely to gain most votes in Bangkok and the Central and Eastern regions. However, the Democrats are facing an obstacle. The party is waiting for a ruling on an electoral fraud case by the Election Commission concerning its executive Witoon Nambutr.
If the EC issues a red card against Witoon, the Democrats could face dissolution.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/14/politics/politics_30080523.php
ELECTION COMMISSION
People Power Party on the road to oblivion
By ATTHAYUT BUTRSRIPOOM
THE NATION
Published on August 15, 2008
The ruling People Power Party came a step closer to extinction yesterday when an Election Commission panel decided that the agency should seek a Constitution Court ruling for the party to be dissolved.
Executives of the PPP, however, said they were not discouraged by the prospect of the party being dissolved, as a 'Plan B' was already in place for a worst-case scenario.
The EC subcommittee agreed the PPP deserved to be disbanded, as its deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat was found by the Supreme Court to be involved with electoral fraud, a source said. The entire political party should be held responsible for Yongyuth's offence, as he was a party executive and his actions benefited the party.
EC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaiygarn said the subcommittee's report and conclusions, along |with relevant documents, would be submitted to the agency's chairman, Apichart Sukhagganond.
Apichart, in his capacity as the political party registrar, will seek a decision from the five election commissioners, Suthiphon said.
The subcommittee's secretary, Thanit Sriprathet, said the panel would submit its report to the chairman no later than today.
Election commissioner Prapun Naigowit said he expected the EC to discuss the subcommittee's report next week.
He said the EC would initially determine whether the panel had provided sufficient proof to support its conclusions.
"We will make our decision based on evidence and the relevant laws. We will stick to the truths and won't be swayed by all the pressure.
"Our decision may please some and may upset others, but that's beyond our authority," Prapun said.
In a related development, PPP executives yesterday said preparations had been made to cope with the possibility of the ruling party being dissolved.
Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat, in his capacity as a PPP deputy leader, said the party's registrar had registered two "substitute parties" in case of a worst-case scenario.
He expected some MPs from the PPP to join other parties, but added that he believed most of them would join a new party to replace a disbanded PPP.
Sompong said he saw no serious problem about the ongoing disputes between factions within the main governing party.
Another deputy leader, Kan Thienkaew, said the number of party executives would be reduced to between seven and 15 in a new party to be set up by MPs from the PPP.
"Nobody wants to take a risk," he said, referring to the fact that executives of a disbanded political party are stripped of their electoral rights for five years.
He added that the new party's executive board would consist of failed PPP election candidates.
He also suggested that the party's prime ministerial candidate might even come from outside of the executive board, citing the fact that the Constitution does not require the premier to be part of a party executive board.
Meanwhile, PPP legal expert Wattana Sengpairoh said MPs would move to a new party called Puea Thai (For Thailand) if the PPP were to be dissolved. He said he believed most of the PPP's current MPs would stay together in a new party, even though some might move to other parties.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/15/business/business_30080640.php
People Power MPs up in arms over Thaksin
By THE SUNDAY NATION
Published on August 17, 2008
Seek explanation from Samak on why he failed to protect ex-PM's reputation
People Power Party members yesterday vented their anger at Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej for failing to protect the reputation of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
Almost 200 party MPs and election candidates signed a letter urging Samak to clarify why police needed to circulate arrest warrants throughout the country with pictures of Thaksin and wife Pojaman.
They said the move was "disturbing" to many Thaksin supporters throughout the country.
About 40 MPs and party members from all regions met yesterday at the party headquarters.
Among those present were Yasothon MP Peeraphan Phalusuk, Chiang Mai MP Suraphong Tovichakchaikul, Bangkok MP Anusorn Panthong and Samut Prakan MP Natee Sutinphuak, an actor better known as Krung Sriwilai.
Peeraphan told a press conference after the meeting that their reaction reflected the general sentiment of people in their constituencies.
Suraphong said that almost 200 MPs and party members have signed the written request.
It will be presented to Samak tomorrow and they expect Samak to clarify the matter in person during a party meeting on Tuesday.
The group claimed many Thaksin supporters were disturbed and unhappy about the development. They agreed that Thaksin was treated unfairly as he has not |been convicted of any wrong-|doing, according to Peeraphan.
They also argued that Thaksin, as a former national leader who had contributed to the country, did not deserve to be treated as a criminal.
The opposition, however, criticised the prime minister for failing to respond publicly about Thaksin's attack on the country's justice system.
Deputy secretary-general of the Democrat Party Theptai Senpong yesterday lashed out at Samak for not making a public statement denouncing Thaksin's allegations about the judiciary. He said Thaksin's comments tainted the monarchy and Samak's silence cast doubt on his loyalty to the crown.
Theptai added that perhaps Samak was happy Thaksin is now no longer in Thailand because he had a more free hand at running things.
Meanwhile, deputy chair of the Senate foreign committee MR Preeyananthana Rangsit yesterday described Thaksin as "ungrateful". He said Thaksin has tainted the Kingdom's image in a statement defending his decision to skip bail.
Preeyananthana, an appointed senator, said none of Thailand's past leaders in exile had ever criticised the country like Thaksin did.
The senator defended the judiciary saying it was Thaksin who tried and failed to interfere with the process. He is a "sore loser".
The committee would meet with Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag to discuss Thaksin's extradition.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/17/politics/politics_30080740.php
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/17/politics/politics_30080740.php
Isaan MPs considering their own party, one claims
MPs from the Northeast in all government groups plan to form a new political party with their colleagues from the Isaan region if People Power is dissolved, a coalition MP said Sunday.
Ronrithichai Khankhet, a Puea Pandin MP for Yasothon, said his colleagues from PPP, Matchima Thipataya and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana all agreed it would "best serve the interest of Isaan people" if MPs from the region were in the same political party.
"Isaan MPs must unite or we won't be able to solve problems of the region. MPs from the Northeast will go together. Those from other parties like Ruam Jai Thai and Matchima have talked about this all along," Ronrithichai said.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30080763
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/07/14/politics/politics_30078048.php
Democrat to accept outcome, if dissolved
(BangkokPost.com) - Former prime minister and chief advisor to the Democrat party, Chuan Leekpai, said there are certain people who want his party dissolved, but the Democrat core members agreed that they have to respect the law.
Mr Chuan said his party has to accept the consequences, if it is at fault, and this principle also applies to other political parties. However, he expressed confidence that the Election Commission (EC) is a highly capable organization and will not be intervened as before when the court-dissolved Thai Rak Thai party administered the country.
He said the government has to explain its reasons to the public, if the parliament dissolution takes place because the government must treat all sides fairly.
According to the Democrat advisor, in order for the country to overcome the crisis, all of the negative factors from the “Thaksin regime” have to be removed to prevent new conditions from being set up.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=129720
See today's previous 2 posts
Certainly, I saw some TV footage yesterday that showed one provincial branch replacing its PPP signboards with the Peua Thai logo - which is once again a TRT logo clone:
PM: Parliament will not be dissolved
(BangkokPost.com) - Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej insisted the parliament will not be dissolved.
On his weekly programme broadcast on NBT on Sunday, Mr Samak, who acts as the People Power party leader, said he can manage the problems inside his party, adding that the government will complete its four-year term, should it be free from obstructions and legal cases.
The premier said he was not informed about his party’s provincial branches removing their sign boards and changing the name to Puea Thai party, if the political group is dissolved by the Constitution Court for electoral fraud in relation to the general election last year.
Regarding the new parliament building, he said there is a need for a new parliament to be constructed in Dusit district’s Kiak Kai. He said many state agencies and communities in the area are ready to move out and the government is also ready to compensate them accordingly.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony of the new parliament can be held on December 5th as scheduled and it should be completely built within three years, Mr Samak anticipated.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=129714
See also today's previous 3 posts
Will this also include a 116-day reprieve for the PPP cut-Thaksin-a- bit-of-slack constitutional amendments?
Government promotes 116-day unity campaign
(BangkokPost.com) - Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej said provincial governors nationwide will receive flags to celebrate the government’s Mother Day to Father Day campaign on August 30. The 116-day campaign is being held to promote national unity, and it runs between Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday on August 12 and His Majesty the King’s birthday on December 5.
During the premier’s talk show at the state-run NBT television channel on Sunday morning, he said His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will attend the ceremony of presenting flags carrying the royal emblems of Their Majesties the King and Queen together with the national flag to all provincial governors. He said the ceremony will be held at the Government House on August 30.
The governors will bring the flags to their respective provinces for celebration, and parades will be organized from district to district and province to province, Mr Samak said.
He added that the flags will be presented to His Majesty the King on December 3, and they will represent a milestone of unity among Thai people.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=129709
See today's previous 2 posts
Certainly, I saw some TV footage yesterday that showed one provincial branch replacing its PPP signboards with the Peua Thai logo - which is once again a TRT logo clone.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=129714
Phua Thai party to welcome PPP MPs after looming dissolution
People Power Party spokesman First Lieutenant Kuthep Saikrajang (กุเทพ ใสกระจ่าง) admitted that the establishment of Phua Thai party establishment was to receive MPs from the People Power Party should the latter dissolve.
Despite all preparations to defend the existence of PPP, Mr. Kuthep still believes that PPP may be disbanded. In this connection, some PPP’s MPs have moved to the newly established Phua Thai party already. He said other MPs who were once with the Thai Rak Thai party are expected to join the new party as well.
Despite of the new name, Mr. Kuthep said Phua Thai party would still stick to policies initiated by the PPP, which he said have gained recognition from the general public.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255108170011&news_headline=Phua
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/17/politics/politics_30080740.php
Somchai backs PPP Mps over Thaksin arrest warrants
Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat on Monday supported the move by the People Power Party MPs to seek clarification from Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej over the arrest warrants on former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife.
Somchai denied that the MPs' move was a showdown of political factions in the PPP; neither was the move to pressure Samak and challenge his leadership.
Somchai said the PPP MPs wanted to know why he allowed the Royal Thai Police to humiliate Thaksin and his wife by distributing the arrest warrants for them across the country when they knew that the couple lived in the United Kingdom.
A number of PPP MPs are gathering their signatures for the petition to get the answer from Samak on Tuesday.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/18/politics/politics_30080808.php
See also today's previous post
Tuesday: EC judgment day for PPP
The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday will resolve on whether to dissolve the People Power Party (PPP), EC Chairman Apichart Sukhakagganond said on Monday.
He said if the five EC commissioners agreed that the ruling party be disbanded for electoral frauds committed by former PPP deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat, the EC would recommend the Office of Attorney General to dissolve the party.
He said the EC would not resort to public sentiment to make the decision but would go by fact and evidence. The commissioners would adopt the same standards used in the dissolution case of Chart Thai Party and Matchima Thipataya Party.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/18/politics/politics_30080828.php
Some 200 PPP MPs sign open letter to Samak
Some 200 People Power Party MPs have signed an open letter to demand Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to explain why police had embarrassed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra by distributing arrest warrant against him and his wife nationwide.
Samut Prakan MP Songkram Kijlertpairoj said about 200 MPs had signed the open letter, which would be submitted to Samak Monday evening.
He said Samak would be demanded to explain in his capacity as the chairman of the Police Commission why police distributed copies of warrants in a way that embarrassed Thaksin and his wife.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30080830
The Enforcer!
18-08-08, 04:52 PM
He said Samak would be demanded to explain in his capacity as the chairman of the Police Commission why police distributed copies of warrants in a way that embarrassed Thaksin and his wife.
...and I suppose having "Maew - Or – national cheating criminals" across the front page of Phutjatkhan was not embarrassing?
The Enforcer!
See also today's previous post
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/18/politics/politics_30080828.php
Two articles:
People Power Party dissolution case
By The Nation
Published on August 19, 2008
The Election Commission (EC) will decide today if the People Power Party should be dissolved and whether to submit the case to the Office of the Attorney General.
If the EC decides the party should face dissolution, the Constitution Court will consider the matter, but the soonest it is likely to reach a verdict will be the end of the year.
Step by step:
l Election Commission submits case to the Attorney General.
l If the Attorney General agrees with the EC's decision, it submits the case to the Constitution Court within 30 days. If it disagrees, a joint-panel made up of members of the EC and Office of the Attorney General is appointed to study the case and submit it to court within 30 days. Otherwise, the EC can submit the case itself.
l After the Constitution Court accepts the case, nine judges are expected to take three or four months before delivering a verdict.
l If the party is dissolved, party executives could face losing their voting rights for five years. Other MPs would have to join a new party within 60 days.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/19/politics/politics_30080910.php
PPP demands answers on arrest warrants
By The Nation
Published on August 19, 2008
A group of 200 MPs from the People Power Party yesterday circulated an open letter demanding to know why the police were distributing warrants for the arrest of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Khunying Pojaman.
"The letter wants Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to explain why the police has been encouraged to openly treat Thaksin and Pojaman like ordinary criminals," MP Songkhram Kitlertpairoj said, adding that he and his fellow MPs would be asking the premier to justify his actions at the party meeting today.
"If Samak doesn't show up, we will record our thoughts and criticism on video and give it to later," he said.
At this juncture, he said, the MPs needed to hear Samak's rebuttals before deciding their next move. However, he dismissed speculation about there being any attempts to remove Samak from his post as party leader.
Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri said the party's faction led by Newin Chidchob still saw Samak as the most qualified person as prime minister. However, he added, that Samak could have been approached for an explanation directly instead of the MPs releasing an open letter endorsed by 200 signatures.
He said his faction was in no way involved in the letter nor in the formation of the Puea Thai Party, seen as a backup in case the main coalition party is dissolved.
MP Paijit Sriworakan from the Isaan Pattana faction said he had co-signed the letter because his faction wanted to question the mistreatment of Thaksin.
Chiang Mai MP Surapong Towijakchaikul said he and other MPs from the North and Northeast were ready to go under the banner of the Puea Thai Party if their main coalition party were to be disbanded.
"If Samak decides to call a snap election before PPP is dissolved, then the MPs will immediately adopt the Puea Thai banner," he said.
Meanwhile, Khunying Pojanee na Pomphet, Thaksin's mother-in-law, had lunch with several PPP MPs yesterday, but refused to talk to reporters.
Party sources said Pojanee often had lunch with some party officials and MPs because the party's |headquarters are located in a |building owned by her daughter Pojaman.
Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat encouraged the move to ask Samak about the arrest warrants, though he denied that it was in any way a showdown between factions in the party and neither was it a move to pressure or challenge Samak's leadership.
Somchai said the MPs just wanted to know why the Royal Thai Police was allowed to humiliate Thaksin and his wife by distributing arrest warrants for them nation-wide when they clearly knew that the couple were living in Britain.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/19/politics/politics_30080908.php
See also today's previous post
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/18/politics/politics_30080828.php
EC postpones decision on PPP to next Tuesday
The Election Commission decided Tuesday to postpone its decision in the party-dissolution case against the People Power Party to next week.
The EC reasoned that it would like to hear testimony from certain election officials involved before making a final decision.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30080934
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30080934
EC puts off PPP dissolution decision to Sept
The Election Commission has postponed its decision to September 2 on whether the People Power Party must be dissolved for electoral frauds committed by former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat, a source said.
The EC had earlier planned to resolve on the dissolution of the PPP on Tuesday.
Some Election Commissioners recommended that the EC extend the time to further probe because they believe the electoral frauds committed by former PPP deputy leader Yongyuth was an offence committed by one person.
Suthipol said the investigation file that the EC panel working on the PPP dissolution case submitted had only the conclusion but lacked details of witnesses testimonies. The EC will call the panel to a meeting on August 26 to provide details.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/19/politics/politics_30080925.php
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