TRT Judgement Day

[GWR]

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...s_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/brea...ewsid=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/brea...ewsid=30015265

[GWR]

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.

[GWR]

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/brea...ewsid=30015285

[GWR]

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/brea...ewsid=30015281

[GWR]

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...s_30015272.php

[GWR]

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: -



[Picture: http://www.thairakthai.or.th]

[GWR]

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/brea...ewsid=30015351

[GWR]

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/...s_30030459.php

[GWR]

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/newsenglis...headline=Chart

[GWR]

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]

From Thai Rath:

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.

[GWR]

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...s_30030488.php

[GWR]

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/brea...ewsid=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/brea...ewsid=30030492

[GWR]

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/brea...ewsid=30030489

[GWR]

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...s_30030531.php