People's Alliance for Democracy - Thailand

LA Thais want premier out

2006-03-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

LA Thais want premier out

A number of Thais living in Los Angeles will stage a rally tomorrow to demand the ousting of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, according to Thaitown USA News, an online news outlet popular among Thais living abroad.

A group calling itself People's Alliance for Thai Democracy in the US said its members would gather in protest outside the local Thai Consulate at about 11am, thaitownusa.com reported.

The gathering in Los Angeles will be timed to coincide with an anti-government mass rally at Sanam Luang in Bangkok organised by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which has vowed to hound Thaksin from office.

Tomorrow's anti-Thaksin rally in the US will be the group's second as it already staged a demonstration at the same venue on February 26, the day anti-Thaksin demonstrators held their own mass protest in Bangkok.

Protesters in the US were reportedly wearing T-shirts with "Thaksin Get Out" slogans alongside placards written in Thai demanding Thaksin's immediate resignation. After half an hour, however, they had to disperse because they had not received permission from the municipal government.

Members of the group in Los Angeles have sought and received permission to stage their protest for an hour and a half tomorrow, the online news organ reported.

Meanwhile, Thammasat University alumni living in the US have been gathering signatures of fellow Thais in the US demanding the ousting of Thaksin.

Members of the alumni association said they were soliciting signatures in the US out of solidarity with current Thammasat students gathering signatures for the same purpose.

The Nation
4 March 2006

EC says it will keep tabs on Thaksin's rally for violations

2006-03-03T13:18:00.000-08:00

EC says it will keep tabs on Thaksin's rally for violations

Hours before caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made his speech at Sanam Luang yesterday, the Election Commission cautioned it would closely monitor the rally for possible campaign violations.

"EC officials will check on the rally in order to ensure it complies with electoral laws," EC secretary general Ekachai Warunprapha said.

Under campaign rules, electoral candidates are banned from making pledges that can be construed as vote-buying and from raising malicious charges against rival candidates or parties.

Before yesterday's rally, Thaksin promised to deny every charge relating to his involvement in the Shin Corp sell-off. He also hinted he would unveil his plans for political reform and government handouts if re-elected.

Ekachai expressed confidence the April 2 snap election would proceed as scheduled, even though a civic group had petitioned the Administrative Court to delay the ballot.

"Pending the court verdict, I see no justification to dispute the royal decree for a snap election," he said.

He also reminded government opponents they might face legal proceedings if they try to get people to refrain from voting or rig the balloting. With regard to registration for party-list candidates, two small parties tried but failed to complete the registration process before yesterday's deadline.

The EC rejected the list submitted by the Kasikorn Thai Party on the grounds that the composition of five aspiring candidates was lopsided, failing to represent every region of the country.

The Tantawan Party failed to complete its registration as a new party before submitting its electoral candidates.

A group of 20 Ramkhamhaeng University students petitioned the EC to extend the campaigning period from 30 to 60 days, arguing that voters had too little time to ponder their decision.

The Nation
4 March 2006

POLITICAL TURMOIL: Business leaders set to speak out

2006-03-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

POLITICAL TURMOIL
Business leaders set to speak out

Trade, industry and banking bodies expected to warn against instability

Thailand's three most powerful business bodies, which have stayed on the sidelines throughout the political clash, will soon break their awkward silence.

Executives at the Board of Trade (BoT), the Thai Bankers Association (TBA) and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) will address the situation on Monday after maintaining a wait-and-see attitude in the face of the political turbulence.

"We may issue a statement after holding a meeting," said Pornsilp Patcharintanakul, deputy secretary-general of the BoT.

Monday's meeting will come on the heels of heightened tensions following Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's speech at Sanam Luang yesterday and ahead of a planned anti-Thaksin rally on Sunday.

The clash has drawn people from all walks of life to take a stand, particularly academics and politicians. In 1992, when Thailand was plunged into a bloody conflict in May, the three bodies united to signal a need for former prime minister Suchinda Kraprayoon to quit.

Thawatchai Yongkittikul, secretary-general of the TBA, said the association had remained silent because weeks earlier it had joined a press conference with other bodies to express their concern about the political instability.

"Since then, we have not yet discussed it again as we have been busy. As businessmen, we should not make opinions about something that may affect the economy," he said.

Pornsilp said the BoT had already expressed its stance that there should be no confrontation to avoid a negative impact on the economy and trade.

"Our association focuses mainly on trade, not politics. Right now, politics has had no impact on trade or the economy. But we are concerned about the longer-term effects. Violence would only spoil Thailand's image. Right now, we are closely monitoring the situation," he said.

A source at the FTI said it would also discuss the issue on Monday.

"As stakeholders in this society, we should produce something to show a united stand by the private sector," the source said. "Given that the conflict is continuing, we should show the public what direction to take."

He urged Thai Rak Thai and the opposition to each take a step back. The opposition should join the election while TRT leader Thaksin should leave office temporarily.

That would allow for constitutional reform and then a new election could be called. "If Thaksin does not step down," the source said, "this will never end."

The Thai Chamber of Commerce, a unit under the Board of Trade, has meanwhile closely reviewed the situation, said Dusit Nontanakorn, secretary-general of the chamber. "Still, we have not yet called for a meeting as the situation so far has remained under control," he said.

Public concerns were mostly reflected through short-term investment, particularly equity investment.

Stock prices have stayed steady due to buy orders in large-cap energy and banking stocks. Trading volume fell this week as most investors stayed on the sidelines, waiting for the picture to clear.

The SET index yesterday closed at 753.39 points, up 1.56 per cent over the week.

The volume of trading yesterday was Bt13 billion, down from Bt16 billion on Thursday and Bt18 billion on Wednesday.

Business Reporters
The Nation
4 March 2006

POLITICAL CRISIS: TU rector tells Thaksin he must quit

2006-03-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

POLITICAL CRISIS
TU rector tells Thaksin he must quit

Other academics fear rally, remarks 'socially divisive'

Thammasat University rector Surapol Niti-kraipoj yesterday issued an open letter calling on Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to quit and make way for the installation of a royally-appointed government.

It was a surprising change of mind for Surapol, who earlier disagreed with the idea of "divine intervention" as a solution to the ongoing political stand-off. A source said the academic changed his mind after a talk with a "respected and prominent" figure.

Surapol said in his letter Thaksin should resign and ask His Majesty the King to appoint a caretaker prime minister to run the country and call a new election with a schedule that is fair to all parties.

He urged all political parties to enter into a "social contract" to ensure political reforms were made through amendments to the Constitution.

The open letter was addressed to the premier and leaders of the three main opposition parties, which are boycotting the April 2 snap election.

Senators Chirmsak Pinthong and Karoon Sai-ngam yesterday echoed calls for a royally-appointed administration during a panel discussion on "What Lies Ahead for Thai Politics", at Naresuan University.

In a related development, university administrators said before last night's rally they were worried it would inflame public sentiment, a university president said.

"Even though the government was supposed to ease tension, it chose to fan it by mobilising a crowd to outshine its opponents," Prince of Songkhla University president Prasert Chitapong said.

The government appeared to have spent a lot of money to transport rural people here for a show of support for Thaksin at Sanam Luang, Prasert said.

Thaksin should resign from his post to end social divisions, but he has snubbed his opponents by flaunting his supporters and making provocative comments.

Leaders from selected state universities will meet today at Chulalongkorn University to map out a common stand on how to end the political tension.

The Nation
4 March 2006

Deny TRT a majority, cast empty ballots - activist

2006-03-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

Deny TRT a majority, cast empty ballots - activist

A leading democracy advocate called on the public to cast their ballot for no one at the upcoming election in an effort to forestall an overwhelming Thai Rak Thai majority.

Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, vice rector for student affairs at Thammasat University, said he was afraid Thai politics might degenerate into a "bandit parliament", with Thai Rak Thai securing all 500 seats in the lower House during an election boycotted by opposition parties.

He said voters could "de-legitimise" the April 2 snap election by ticking the No Vote box on the ballot, thereby pre-empting a massive Thai Rak Thai victory.

"A vote for no vote is an act of public disobedience against an illegitimate election. It will show that, for the people, candidates [contesting in the election] are unacceptable," Prinya said at a seminar on "Thailand: Post-Thaksin" or-ganised yesterday at Thammasat University.

The scholar added that if voters overwhelmingly opted for the No Vote option, the new government - very likely another Thai Rak Thai government - would have a short life, enjoying legitimacy only so long as it took to amend the Constitution.

Prinya, a student leader during the Black May uprising in 1992, urged students to launch a "Vote for No Vote" campaign with messages on stickers, flags, posters and badges.

Senator Kraisak Choonhavan, another speaker at the seminar, said he was worried that members of the public might have become addicted to Thaksin's "quick-fix" political utilitarianism, ignoring the morality of government initiatives.

"Many Thais appreciated the extrajudicial killings of some 3,000 people allegedly involved in the narcotic business, although the international community condemned [the campaign]," he explained. He urged Thai people to change their political attitude by giving priority to politicians demonstrating probity and integrity. He also lent his support to Prinya's "Vote for No Vote" campaign.

Economist Krirkkiart Pipat-seritham said the new government should focus on sustainable economic growth and political stability. During the Thaksin era, 59 per cent of the national wealth had become concentrated in the hands of a rich few, he said.

Pennapa Hongthong,
Subhatra Bhumiprabhas

The Nation
4 March 2006

PRO-GOVERNMENT RALLY : Thaksin on warpath

2006-03-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

PRO-GOVERNMENT RALLY
Thaksin on warpath

PM urges opposition to join election; claims he won't lead again if his party gets fewer than half the votes cast

Embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday issued a war cry to his supporters and threw down the gauntlet to his opponents by pledging not to become premier if his party receives fewer votes than the number of abstentions and votes against him.

Thaksin made a last throw of the dice in front of a massive crowd of more than 200,000 people at Sanam Luang for a purported Thai Rak Thai election rally.

Facing mounting pressure for his resignation, Thaksin ruled out any lingering speculation he might quit as he becomes increasingly alienated by much of the middle-class and the intellectual community.

Buoyed by waves of rural folk who poured into Sanam Luang and spilled over into Rajdamnoen Avenue, Thaksin made no secret of his intention to turn the April 2 snap election into a semblance of a presidential election. By daring those who don't like him to mark "abstain" on their papers, Thaksin apparently is trying to legitimise the poll - by making it a virtual referendum on him.

"If my party receive less votes than the number of people abstaining combined with votes for smaller parties, I will not accept the premiership," a belligerent Thaksin told the vociferous crowd.

The challenge seemed to express concern that the opposition's boycott would encourage vast numbers of voters to follow suit, turning the election into a farce. He was also apparently worried that unless the election was generally perceived as a referendum on his leadership, the credibility of the results will be seriously questioned, thus aggravating his present political crisis.

"I beg the three opposition parties, Democrat, Chat Thai and Mahachon [which have announced a boycott of the election], to join the contest. If they really insist on a boycott, they can campaign for voters to mark 'abstention' to reject me," he said.

Voters are allowed to cast a "no vote" on their ballot card to show they do not approve of any candidate.

Thaksin said after getting elected in the snap poll, he will begin political reforms by amending Article 313 of the Constitution to allow representatives of the people to draft a new charter as occurred in 1974 after the 1973 bloodshed.

Some additional laws later would be amended, he said. The whole political reform would take about one year before a referendum to endorse the new charter and another parliament dissolution before a new election.

"By doing so, I have take two steps backward … I have scarified myself for the nation," he said.

Thaksin urged all people in conflict with him to calm down after the poll so that Thailand could celebrate with dignity the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

Thaksin's supporters - some of whom were said to have been paid between Bt300 and Bt500 to join the rally - came in groups led by megaphone-wielding guides like tourist groups.

Sanam Luang, which covers 118,187 square metres has the capacity to accommodate about 100,000 sitting people.

The crowd was far bigger than the anti-Thakin rally last Sunday and Monday called by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

"This huge presence gets rid all of my fatigue accumulated over the past five years," Thaksin said when he took the stage at 7pm.

Suranand Vejjajiva, a minister attached to Prime Minister's Office, claimed over a million attendance before Thaksin's presence. He updated the crowd figure every half an hour.

Suriyasai Katasila, coordinator of PAD, urged the Election Commission to investigate the TRT gathering as he heard the ruling party mobilised government resources to organise the rally.

Thaksin's promises during the rally were unbelievable, he said. It was impossible that Thaksin would not take up the premiership as his party would get more votes than its smaller rivals. The election turn out would be low and only TRT members would come to vote, he said.

Thaksin, moreover, has no legitimacy to champion political reform, Suriyasai added.

Key members of TRT attacked the opposition over the election boycott saying it was undemocratic and urged the supporters at Sanam Luang to vote.

Thaksin urged people throughout the nation to send postcards to Government House to show their support for democracy and the Constitution.

"Send postcards to say we want democracy. No need to love me or vote for me," Thaksin said, adding 5.3 million cards had arrived at Government House so far.

Thaksin defended the Shin Corp deal saying his family played by the rules over tax exemption. He said they still needed to pay income tax of at least Bt300 million a year.

Supporters, including thousands of motorbike taxi drivers, shouted motto: "We love Thaksin, we choose Thaksin", countering the "Thaksin get out" cry at the PAD rally.

The ruling Thai Rak Thai party tried to copy every aspect of the anti-Thaksin rally, setting the stage on the opposite side with a blue screen. Unlike the PAD on Sunday, the press was allowed to access the back of the stage without restriction and no pre-registration was required.

Suranand claimed the media was free to report on crowd numbers without fear of harassment from Thaksin supporters as anti-Thaksin protestors did with iTV last Sunday.

Students who claimed they represented 50 educational institutes took the stage to hail Thaksin. Some said the government was the best and Thaksin was their hero.

However, many students unions, including the Student Federation of Thailand, Thammasat University Student Union and high school students from Triam Udom are seeking to oust Thaksin.

Thaksin said the protest against him was the product of a conflict among his old friends.

He begged the friends-turned-foe, such as media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul and Dharma Army chief Chamlong Srimuang, to talk to him.

Somroutai Sapsomboon
upalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation
4 March 2006

Troops to be held back barring emergency

2006-03-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

Troops to be held back barring emergency

There will be no Army troop movements even in the event of a disturbance stemming from the two mass rallies over the weekend unless a state of emergency is declared, deputy Army spokesman Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng said yesterday.

"The measures possibly needed to subsequently restore peace and order will be adopted from light to intense, and [will be carried out] without lethal weapons," Thanathip said. He said any troops involved in crowd control would be armed with batons and shields.

He was speaking after the monthly meeting of commanders of the Army's combat units, including the Bangkok-based 2nd Cavalry Division and the Infantry Air Defence Division.

"The Army will only monitor the situation closely throughout the weekend period," he said. "Only normal security measures will be adopted within the compounds of the Bangkok-based units."

A source said Army commander General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who chaired the meeting, had repeated his order that all Army personnel remain neutral in the current political situation. The meeting also discussed what to do if the situation turned violent, in particular if pro-and anti-government forces confronted each other.

Sonthi also dismissed rumours that he had asked Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to resign or was planning to stage a coup.

The source said Sonthi had asked the officers to maintain their attention to the persistent problem of violence in the South - and also in some border areas in the North following an intelligence report that drug smugglers were sneaking in and out.

Thanathip said the Infantry Air Defence Division was still in charge of security inside the Army Head-quarters compound while members of the Special Operations Command served only as a personal security detail.

He also said that a total of 300,000 stickers brandishing the slogan "We Love the King" above the Army insignia had been produced and distributed among Army units to encourage neutrality towards the political turmoil.

The Nation
4 March 2006

Thaksin addresses supporters at Sanam Luang

2006-03-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

Thaksin addresses supporters at Sanam Luang

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra came on the stage at Sanam Luang at 7 pm to address his supporters.

Over 200,000 people, mostly from provinces, greeted him.

Thaksin said he would forgive his enemies as he wanted Thai people to love one another and become reconciled for the sake of His Majesty the King.

The Nation
3 March 2006

Thaksin promises another House dissolution

2006-03-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

Thaksin promises another House dissolution

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra promised during the rally at Sanam Luang that he would dissolve the House again after a new charter is drafted.

Thaksin told the crowds at Sanam Luang that after the April 2 election, he would allow a drafting committee to spend about nine to 13 months to draft a new constitution, after which he would dissolve the House and call a new election.

The Nation
3 March 2006

Thaksin to appoint media representatives on procurement panels

2006-03-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

Thaksin to appoint media representatives on procurement panels

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said during the rally at Sanam Luang that he would appoint one media representative on each mega-project procurement committee after the April 2 election.

Thaksin said now that the opposition had boycotted the election, he would make the implement of mega projects transparent by appointing a media representative on each committee.

He said if the project is worth at least Bt100 million, a media representative will be appointed as a member of its procurement committee.

The Nation
3 March 2006

Thaksin says ...

2006-03-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Thaksin says he will not take PM post if Thai Rak Thai eceives less than half of 19 million votes

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra told his supporters at Sanam Luang that he would not take the post of prime minister if his Thai Rak Thai Party did not receive at least half of votes it used to get.

The Thai Rak Thai received 19 million popular votes in the previous election.

The Nation
3 March 2006

Thais in US : "Thaksin, Get out"

2006-03-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

Thais in US : "Thaksin, Get out"

Thai nationals in the United States will stage a rally this Sunday to demand ousting of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, according to Thaitown USA News, a leading online news outlet popular among Thais living abroad.

The group that called themselves, "People's Alliance for Thai Democracy in the US" will gather in front of Thai Consul General office at about 11am (US Westcoast time), reported the agency in its website, www.thaitownusa.com.

The gathering in LA will be on the same day as the rally at Sanam Luang in Bangkok by anti-Thaskin protesters. People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) vow to continue the rally until Thaksin resigns.

The rally in LA will be the second as the group had staged a brief demonstration in front of the same venue on February 26, the day their anti-Thaksin held their mass protest in Bangkok. They were reportedly wearing t-shirts with "Thaksin Get Out" slogan, the Thais showed placards demanding Thaksin to resign immediately.

However they had to disperse after about half an hour as they did not get permission to protest.

But the group get permission from the LA authority to stage a rally on Sunday for an hour and a half, the on line reported.

Meanwhile, Thammasat University alumni in the US have gathered signatures of Thais in the US to oust Thaksin. They said they solicited the signatures to help the present Thammasat students who are also gathering signatures for the same purpose.

The Nation
3 March 2006

Some postcards to P.O. Box 888 ask PM to resign

2006-03-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

Some postcards to P.O. Box 888 ask PM to resign

About 300,000 postcards have been mailed to the Government House post box in response to a request by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, officials said on Friday.

Most of the postcards contained messages in support of Thaksin and calling on him to stay on in office despite demands by his opponents and critics for him to step down.

Many of the cards contained similar messages and were in similar handwritings. Most of them had no addresses of the senders.

However, a number of the postcards sent to Post Box 888 of the Government House Post Office urged the prime minister to resign "as a way to end on ongoing political crisis".

Some of the cards called for a salary raise for civil servants, and some others were obviously delivered to a wrong address; they were entrants for lucky draw prizes.

The post cards were put into four one-metre-by-one-metre baskets placed on the lawn of the Thai Khufa Building inside the compound.

The Nation
3 March 2006

Activisit sues PM's children

2006-03-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Activisit sues PM's children

A leading prodemocracy activist lodged a complaint yesterday with police accusing two of the prime minister's children of wilfully compromising national security in connection with the sale of their Shin Corp stakes to Singaporean Temasek Holdings last January.

Weera Somkhwankhid, who also accuses Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's sister Yingluck and two of his wife Pojaman's relatives of similar charges, said the premier's two children Panthongtae and Pinthongta had disclosed classified information about Thai telecommunications frequencies and satellite orbits to Temasek without permission.

"Those details are confidential information given to Shin Corp, which has the untransferable rights to operate mobile phone services and satelliteborn television and radio signals under [a government] concession," said Weera, who chairs the Protection of the People's Freedom and Liberty Group.

In his complaint, lodged with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), Weera cites violations of Articles 83 and 124 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum prison term of 10 years.

Meanwhile, a group of farmers in the Northeast lodged another complaint with CSD officers accusing some civil rights activists of lese majeste for petitioning the Supreme Administrative Court on Thursday to revoke the dissolution of the House.

Thepphanom Siriwitthayarak said the House's dissolution had been acknowledged in a royal decree, and that activists Phitthaya Wongkul and Rossana Tositrakool and some other people violated the royal prerogative of His Majesty the King by asking a court to countermand his decision.

The Nation
3 March 2006

One-horse race gets underway

2006-03-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

One-horse race gets underway

TRT 'plans to take power for six months'

POST REPORTERS

Academics yesterday questioned Thai Rak Thai's use of political reform as an election platform, saying caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the party leader, lacked the legitimacy to spearhead such changes.

The academics raised the question as the ruling party prepared for a rally today at Sanam Luang, as it kicks off its campaign for the April 2 snap election widely seen as a one-party contest. Mr Thaksin is expected to speak early in the evening.

''Mr Thaksin has lost his legitimacy and lacks ethics. So the election on April 2 will be just a laundering process. The one who lacks ethics and legitimacy cannot right any wrong,'' said Assoc Prof Somkiart Tangmano of the web-based learning forum Midnight University.

Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, dean of the faculty of public administration at the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida), said 1,500 university lecturers had signed up for Mr Thaksin's resignation because they thought he lacked legitimacy to lead the country. However, he not only refused to resign but had dissolved the lower house, thus complicating matters.

Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, who is due to address rallies in Hat Yai and Satun today, said the party was right to boycott the election. The boycott would ''expose'' the Thaksin regime, and make people decide for themselves what the system was worth, he said.

Mr Thaksin denounced the move, contrasting the boycott by the Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties with that of Aung San Suu Kyi, the icon of the pro-democracy opposition in Burma.

While Mrs Suu Kyi had been obstructed in her efforts to get elected and take office, ''some political leaders in our country don't want elections. I think they have to consult with Aung San Suu Kyi.''

In a stinging reply, Chuan Leekpai, Democrat party adviser and former prime minister, advised Mr Thaksin to consult the late Adolf Hitler.

''Since he has suggested consultations with Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi, I would suggest that he consult Hitler some time in the future, in the late morning or afternoon.''

Prommin Lertsuridej, the prime ministry's secretary, said Mr Thaksin will focus on political reform, notably constitutional amendments, during the rally at Sanam Luang.

A TRT source said the party would return to power as an interim government for about six months to amend the constitution and organise celebrations of His Majesty the King's 60th anniversary on the throne. After that, the House would be dissolved and power ''returned to the people'' once more, the source added.

The prime minister would also use the rally to talk about government achievements, and address accusations on several issues, the source said.

TRT expects a turnout of about 200,000 supporters from provinces close to Bangkok. For its supporters in remote provinces, TRT is preparing to beam live telecasts.

Mr Sombat said Mr Thaksin was trying to mobilise supporters to counter his opponents, thereby widening rifts in society. ''The longer Mr Thaksin is prime minister, the wider the rift,'' he said.

At the National Health Foundation in Chatuchak yesterday, senior doctors showed up to call on the prime minister to step down and take a break from politics. ''Resignation and a pause from politics does not mean a defeat [for Mr Thaksin] ... or victory for the other side. We would see it as a mark of courage and sacrifice by the prime minister,'' said Banlu Siripanich, former permanent secretary for public health.

Dr Banlu's group included national researcher Dr Aree Walayasevi, former public health permanent secretaries Dr Pairote Ningsanont and Dr Mongkol na Songkhla.

A group of senators called on Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua to call a meeting of seven former prime ministers to discuss solutions to the crisis.

Bangkok Post
3 March 2006

TRT looks poised to cruise to victory

2006-03-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

POLITICS / RIVALS' TUG OF WAR INTENSIFIES

TRT looks poised to cruise to victory

Only 5 parties show up to register candidates

TUL PINKAEW & PIYARACH CHONGCHAROEN

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai party looks poised to cruise to success in the April 2 election. Lesser-known political parties were present at yesterday's registration for party list candidates, and even their supporters were cheering for the ruling party.

With the opposition coalition of the Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties deciding to boycott the election, only five parties including Thai Rak Thai showed up to register their party list candidates for the election, and draw the numbers which will be used to represent them on the ballot.

Shouts of ''Be courageous. You're the best, Thaksin, and we were not hired to come because we truly love him'' were echoed throughout the area surrounding Nimitbutr stadium, where the registration took place.

Streamers and balloons also flew the party's logo high in the sky.

The registration for party list candidates ends today. Registration for candidates running in constituencies runs from tomorrow until Wednesday.

Even followers of the other four small parties, who could be recognised by their small banners with their party's initials written on them, also waved the Thai Rak Thai flag with the name of Bangkok MP Wattana Saengpairor on it. They also chanted the Thai Rak Thai theme song and held up Mr Thaksin's picture in support.

''We also like Mr Thaksin and we want to support him too, and there's nothing wrong with that,'' said a Kaset-trakorn Thai [Thai Farmers] party supporter.

The four other parties present were Kaset-trakorn Thai, Prachakorn Thai, Palang Prachachon and Pandin Thai.

Mr Thaksin drew the number two slot on the ballot and to show his delight he gave a two-fingered 'V for Victory' salute to the crowd as a sign that he was ready to fight on.

After the event, Thai Rak Thai MP Sutham Saengpratoom helped escort Palang Prachachon party supporters who were holding banners saying ''We are ready to become the opposition'' out of the stadium.

Meanwhile, a television camera crew member's mobile phone went off, with the ring tone ''Thaksin Get Out'' in media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul's voice, during an interview with Thai Rak Thai deputy leader Sudarat Keyuraphan. She turned and said to the crew member: ''Don't you have any other ring tones or do you want me to help you find one?''

Outside Bangkok, in provinces like Kanchanaburi, a little known party also prepared to field candidates in the contest.

The Kanchanaburi-based Puen Kasetthai party will field only constituency candidates in Kanchanaburi and other provinces. Its leader, Itthipol Sukkham, anticipated that the party would gain only one place in the 500-seat lower house.

The party claims to have about 20,000 members nationwide, with half that number living in Kanchanaburi.

Its head office at Ban Thasao village in Muang district reportedly bears no resemblance to a formal-looking political party headquarters. With a fence around it, the office has a signboard showing the party's name at the entrance. It consists of two-storey houses, one of which is made of wood, covering four to five rai of land on the bank of a river.

Since its inception, the party has been recruiting new members and holding meetings to educate its members on political affairs, Mr Itthipol said.

Bangkok Post
3 March 2006

Opposition stands firm on poll boycott

2006-03-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

Opposition stands firm on poll boycott

(TNA) - Thailand's main opposition Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon Parties have reaffirmed their commitment to boycott the April 2 general election, according to Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

They had also repeated an early stance not to negotiate with caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, he said.

The parties' joint stand was announced after a two-hour meeting between Mr. Abhisit and Mahachon Party leader Major General Sanan Kachornprasat and Mr. Banharn Silpa-archa, of Chart Thai.

Mr. Abhisit said they had also agreed to set up a tripartite committee to work on a joint political agenda and to push ahead with a public campaign to set out what the parties hoped to achieve.

Each party, he said, felt obliged to explain its political stand to the people.

Mr. Abhisit himself presented a sharply-focused defence of constitutional principles and politics ethics on behalf of the three opposition parties when he spoke at length to international media representatives at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand Wednesday evening.

The opposition decision to boycott the snap poll came amid a series of mass anti-government demonstrations and mounting calls for the prime minister to step down over corruption and abuse of power allegations,

All the three parties want Mr.Thaksin to commit to constitutional reform before they will consider taking part in the election.

“We are standing firm to send a clear message to the public that there needs to be a viable solution to the political system's deepening crisis,” the Democrat Party leader said.

“The need for political reform can no longer been ignored, even the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party realises that the issue is inevitable. But it remains to be seen whether they will commit to the real political reform as proposed by the opposition or not .”

Bangkok Post
3 March 2006

EC warns Thaksin against electioneering

2006-03-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

EC warns Thaksin against electioneering

Secretary General of the Election Commission Ekachai Warunprapa cautioned Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to be careful when delivering his speech at Sanam Luang this evening, as it might violate the election rules and regulations.

Pol Maj-Gen Ekachai stated that the Campaign for Popular Democracy has made a proposal to the Administrative Court, asking the court to halt the general election on April 2nd. He said the Administrative Court will take the matter into consideration, while his commission will follow the Election Act.

He said there is no need for the Election Commission to warn the premier over his acts in the grand speech this evening since he is an experienced person. However, he disclosed that the Election Commission will send the officials to observe the situation.

Mr Thaksin denied rumours that he would resign during his Sanam Luang address. He said there are too many rumours around, and asked reporters to help to filter the news and not to publicise unreliable reports.

He said he plans to clarify issues concerning the parliamentary dissolution, and his plan to amend the constitution within 180 days after the general election.

Government media predicted a large crowd to hear the premier, both to cheer and boo him.

Radio Thailand said:

According to a survey in Sanam Luang, there are both people who agree and disagree with the Thai Rak Thai Party's movement in regard to the general election. The opposing people give the reason that the election would waste the national budget. However, most people view that this evening's address will allow them to obtain more political details.

Bangkok Post
3 March 2006

Thai democracy at another cross-road

2006-03-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

Thai democracy at another cross-road

By Peter Janssen, dpa

Bangkok (dpa) - On the face of it, Thailand's current political showdown makes no sense.

On the one hand you have an elected prime minister, whose party last year won an overwhelming mandate from the Thai people, being pressured by self-proclaimed champions of democracy to resign and pave the way for an appointed government.

On the other, you have Thailand's oldest political party, the Democrat Party - former overthrowers of military dictatorships and die-hard proponents of the democratic process - leading a boycott of the upcoming April 2 snap election.

What could be more democratic than a general election?

Abhisit Vejjajiva, the young leader of the 60-year-old Democrat Party, has been hard-pressed to explain why his party and two other opposition parties - Chat Thai and Mahachon - have decided to boycott a snap election called by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on February 24 when the premier also dissolved parliament.

Thaksin's decision to seek a fresh mandate from the people was in response to mass demonstrations against his premiership that have gained widespread support, at least in Bangkok, since his family's sale of the clan-owned Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings, an investment arm of the Singapore government.

The January 23 Shin Corp sale outraged many Thais because the 1.9 billion dollar transaction was finessed in such a way as to be tax free and because it amounted to handing over several sensitive industries in telecommunications, aviation and media to a foreign entity.

Another anti-Thaksin protest, organized by the so-called People's Alliance for Democracy, is scheduled for March 5, aiming at forcing him to resign to allow Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej to appoint a new premier and caretaker government.

While the opposition parties have vowed to stay away from the Sunday rally, by boycotting the April 2 polls they have effectively allied themselves to people power and renounced parliamentary procedure.

Asked at a recent press conference whether he wanted to go down in history as the Democrat Party leader who supported Philippines' style democracy in Thailand, Abhisit responded, "The reason some people are taking to the streets is because they have no where else to turn to."

Abhisit blames the current crisis on one man - Thaksin. "Was the problem in the Philippines under (President Ferdinand) Marcos, or the problem now in Thailand under Thaksin, the fault of the people in the streets or the fault of Marcos and Thaksin?" he asked rhetorically.

Those are strange statements from a good parliamentarian, but Thailand's democratic system has arguably entered a strange phase after five years of Thaksin rule.

Thaksin, a former police officer turned billionaire businessman turned prime minister, has brought two new factors to Thailand's political scene, namely his immense personal wealth and his populist policies that have secured him a huge electoral mandate from Thailand's rural and urban poor.

Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) Party, campaigning on a host of populist promises to deliver cheap health care, debt-write-offs for farmers and village development funds, won the January 2001 general election with the highest majority in parliament in Thai history.

In the February 2005 polls, after delivering on many of the promises made four years earlier, the TRT won 377 out of 500 contested seats, allowing them to form Thailand's first single-party government in Thai history.

With his people's mandate and personal wealth, one thing Thaksin achieved in his first term was the undermining of nearly all the checks and balances put in place by Thailand's very liberal 1997 constitution to counter the growing power it granted elected politicians.

The 1997 constitution was written in the aftermath of Thailand's last political crisis of May 1992, when street demonstrations in Bangkok led to the toppling of the premiership of Army General Suchinda Kraprayoon and the curtailment of the military's involvement in politics.

The new constitution, aimed at bolstering elected politicians over appointed military men, failed to foresee the rise of Thaksin.

"Thaksin has a very limited view of democracy," said Sunai Pasuk, Thailand representative for Human Rights Watch. "For him it is only about electoral victory, which he thinks gives him a mandate to do everything.

"Thaksin has caused so much damage to the democratic process in Thailand, to the principles, the institutions, to the point that when he came back to power last year for his second term there were no checks and balances left," said Sunai.

Thailand's lack of constraints on their populist premier was last demonstrated on February 16 when the Constitutional Court rejected a petition by 27 Thai Senators to investigate Thaksin for shady dealings in his family sale of Shin Corp.

Had the court accepted the case the Thai people may not have turned out on the streets.

"The usual ways don't work," said Sulak Sivalak, renowned social critic and one of the people who will join the anti-Thaksin protests on Sunday. "Parliament is controlled by one man and he controls almost everything so we will use people power to force him out."

A step backwards for the democratic process? "A step backwards in order to step forward," said Sulak. "Why not?"

Bangkok Post
3 March 2006

PM fights back with Friday rally

2006-03-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

PM fights back with Friday rally

No longer wants to be 'sitting duck' for critics

POST REPORTERS

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is fighting back with a counter-rally on Friday at Sanam Luang, saying he has been made a sitting duck by his opponents for too long and it was high time he set the record straight.

''I'll speak my mind on March 3 at Sanam Luang. I've been the target all along. I'd like to ask everyone who wants to hear about everything to come over. I'll tell all,'' Mr Thaksin said yesterday.

The rally is to take place two days before the March 5 deadline set by an alliance of anti-Thaksin groups for Mr Thaksin to step down as prime minister.

Mr Thaksin said he had tried to lobby Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa to come over to the government's side but Mr Banharn had already made a pledge to the core opposition Democrat party.

Last week, he also discussed the political situation with Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thuagsuban ''to a certain extent'', said Mr Thaksin.

He added that he had asked to meet Mr Suthep and Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva but they shut him out.

Bangkok Post

Top brass lunch with PM: Supreme Commander says it's 'decision time'

2006-03-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

Top brass lunch with PM

Supreme Commander says it's 'decision time'

WASSANA NANUAM

Dissolution of the Lower House is not a solution to the current problems facing the country and it is now time for the prime minister to make a decision to end the political crisis, Supreme Commander Gen Ruangroj Mahasaranont was quoted as telling Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a lunch meeting at Government House yesterday.

A source said Gen Ruangroj's remarks represented his analysis of the current political situation. Gen Ruangroj was accompanied by army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, navy chief Adm Sathiraphan Keyanont, air force chief ACM Chalit Phukphasuk and national police chief Pol Gen Kowit Wattana. Nobody suggested Mr Thaksin resign, the source said.

Gen Sonthi suggested the only way the situation could improve is if the two sides in conflict stepped back. However, the source said Mr Thaksin seemed determined to persist with the polls on April 2.

The source said Mr Thaksin called the swift and unexpected meeting with top brass as he was uncertain as to the stances held by Gen Sonthi, Adm Sathiraphan, ACM Chalit and Pol Gen Kowit, who were all students of Class 6 of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School.

The sense of uncertainty came about following a personal meeting between Gen Sonthi and Gen Pallop Pinmanee, deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command and a classmate of Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, a leader of the anti-Thaksin protest, in Class 7 of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. It was rumoured that Gen Pallop had asked Gen Sonthi to side with the anti-Thaksin movement.

Gen Sonthi, however, said afterwards that Mr Thaksin did not mention the planned March 5 rally but expressed concern over soldiers' welfare. ''The prime minister did not ask about coup rumours. He probably knows we are career soldiers,'' he said. ''I can assure you that soldiers will not interfere in politics or stage a coup. I want to make it clear that our stance is neutral,'' said Gen Sonthi, who had been rumoured to have been asked to lead a coup to bring down Mr Thaksin. He said it was normal for those in conflict to spread rumours to confuse and damage one another, including the rumours regarding a coup.

''I don't see why I would have to do so. I don't believe anyone would dare do it. I can assure you that we soldiers are disciplined,'' Gen Sonthi said.

Gen Sonthi also ruled out the possibility that officers who were classmates of Mr Thaksin in Class 10 of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School would come to the aid of the prime minister.

Another source, who was a member of the pre-cadet school's Class 10, said judging from conversations with his former fellow classmates the officers were split into three distinctive groups. However, he declined to identify them.

The source said that officers in the first group insisted on standing by the prime minister not only because they were his friends but also because they had received good support from the prime minister throughout his five years in office.

Those in the second group were undecided. But if Mr Thaksin was to blame for the country's problems, they would stand by the people. The third group could be described as believing that: ''In the end, we must perform the duties of soldiers under His Majesty the King.''

Gen Sonthi admitted he invited some officers from Class 10 who commanded armed force units for talks on Monday night. He played down speculation that Class 10 officers were preparing to come to Mr Thaksin's aid, including commanders of the 1st Army Division and 2nd Cavalry Division. He said that those who chose to do so stood to be ''losers''.

Another source from Class 10 said Lt-Gen Pornchai Kranlert, assistant army chief and a Class 10 leader, and other officers commanding army units in Bangkok, set up a task force headquarters to monitor the situation on Sunday night at the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division's officers' club at Kiak Kai intersection, under the jurisdiction of Maj-Gen Ruangsak Thongdee, the division commander. Gen Sonthi heard about it and became suspicious, so he told AAA Division soldiers to withdraw from army headquarters on Monday, replacing them with a company of Special Warfare Command soldiers.

Bangkok Post
1 March 2006

Thaksin to face a bigger rally

2006-03-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Thaksin to face a bigger rally

AMPA SANTIMATANEDOL
Anti-Thaksin demonstrators, including followers of the Dharma Army, have dispersed but vowed to come back and hold a much bigger rally on Sunday against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Monks and around 1,000 followers of the Santi Asoke, a highly disciplined Buddhist sect which only takes vegetarian food, packed their bags and returned home yesterday morning after the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) announced the March 5 deadline for Mr Thaksin to resign.

The deadline was timely as rally-goers felt there were enough reasons to justify drawing a line for Mr Thaksin, said Chamlong Srimuang.

Maj-Gen Chamlong, former Phalang Dharma party leader, insisted that the rally participants dispersed yesterday to refresh themselves. It did not result from a conflict within the PAD, but everyone agreed that the demonstrators needed a break after staying overnight at Sanam Luang, where toilet facilities were insufficient, he said.

''The rally was a success with our non-violent approach and the criticism we directed against the government,'' said Santi Asoke leader Samana Photirak, who also joined the rally.

No entertainment or talk shows will be staged at the rally next Sunday as all demonstrators were expected to move from Sanam Luang to another place, Maj-Gen Chamlong said but did not elaborate.

Maj-Gen Chamlong, Mr Thaksin's mentor, said he had consulted with media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul on a plan to cancel the ASTV broadcast of the demonstration on Sunday in a bid to entice more people to gather at Sanam Luang.

Mr Sondhi, who kicked off the popular campaign against Thaksin, is the founder of the Manager Group, which operates the China-based ASTV station.

Bangkok Post
1 March 2006

Thammasat's satirists hit another high note with revival of cycle of scorn

2006-03-01T10:39:00.000-08:00

Thammasat's satirists hit another high note with revival of cycle of scorn

The rally at Sanam Luang last Sunday saw the revival of political satire through Thammasat University's famed Chinese Opera and lam tat, a Thai-style chant.

Both shows, which relied on poetic wit and word play, delighted the audience by mocking Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his cronies in an outrageous, yet tasteful, way.

They helped keep the mood of the protestors in check after a long day of cheering and jeering.

The last time such a show was staged was 15 years ago, during the May tragedy in 1992.

"The Thammasat Chinese opera troupe has generally showed up only in crisis. The last time was Black May, 15 years ago," said troupe leader and coach Viroj Tangvanich.

Thai politics has been going through a cycle - with each one taking 15-20 years.

Before the May tragedy, Thailand experienced the October 14, 1973 pro-democracy student movement, which triggered the downfall of the Thanom-Pramas military regime.

On Sunday, Thammasat's Chinese Opera caused a sensation when it began at 11pm.

It featured a special episode - "Thaksin of Siam versus Pao Boon Jin" - referring to the ancient judge from Kaiphong whose verdicts were celebrated for the absolute honesty and integrity in which justice and equality were upheld.

The troupe's members comprised alumni and students.

Many of the 30 members are famous businesspeople from the fields of printing, service and entertainment.

The thick make-up they wore helped save them from being recognised.

Viroj, who is also an alumnus, noted that the performance 15 years ago was about a bad gunman. This time it was about a bad capitalist.

"A person holding capital can do as much harm as one holding a gun," he said.

Viroj said the troupe was assembled swiftly. Invitations were sent out via e-mail. They had only half a day to rehearse.

The Chinese opera was called "Justice Pao struggles with the Square Face".

Thaksin was depicted as a greedy ruler who tried to buy everything in sight, including the court of Justice Pao.

The script's had to be rewritten because the first draft was made before the House dissolution. The writer, who prefers to remain anonymous, said he aimed to mock the government with a light and easy-to-understand approach.

Thammasat's Thai-style antiphon - in which two choruses alternate the chanting of a verse -won equal admiration.

Snoh Thienthong, who defected from the Thai Rak Thai Party and blasted Thaksin on Monday night, was awe-struck.

The performance marked a special gathering of members of the university's antiphon-singing club, which has been around for more than 20 years.

The lead singer, whose stage name is Dome Tha-Prachan, said they usually assemble during political turbulence, such as October 1973 uprising and Black May when they won critical acclaim.

"We have made a comeback this time by squeezing into some of the 'Muang Thai Weekly Programmes' hosted by Sondhi Limthongkul. Since then, more members have started to join," Dome said.

The five lam tat performers included a civil servant, a lawyer and a reporter. The lam tat lampooned politics.

The script was written two weeks before the show, but revised a bit after the sudden House dissolution, Dome said.

Besides the Chinese Opera and lam tat, entertainment also featured poetry readings by several bards, including national artist Naowarat Pongphaiboon and Seawrite winner Komtuan Kantanoo.

Chatrarat Kaewmorakot
The Nation
1 March 2006

แถลงการณ์พันธมิตรประชาชนเพื่อประชาธิปไตย ฉบับที่ 5

2006-03-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

แถลงการณ์พันธมิตรประชาชนเพื่อประชาธิปไตย
ฉบับที่ 5/2549

เรื่อง
ยื่นคำขาดขีดเส้นเวลา 5 วันสุดท้าย
ให้ พ.ต.ท.ทักษิณ ชินวัตร ออกจากตำแหน่ง

พี่น้องประชาชนที่เคารพ

การจัดการชุมนุมใหญ่สำแดงพลังประชาชนทุกหมู่เหล่า เพื่อขับไล่ พ.ต.ท. ทักษิณ ชินวัตร ตลอดคืนวันที่ 26 ต่อเนื่องถึงค่ำวันที่ 27 กุมภาพันธ์ 2549 ของพันธมิตรประชาชนเพื่อประชาธิปไตย ได้ผ่านพ้นไปด้วยความเรียบร้อยและปลอดภัย ในท่ามกลางสถานการณ์ที่เปลี่ยนแปรพลิกผันอย่างรวดเร็วมาก

ปรากฏการณ์ที่เกิดขึ้นในระหว่างวันที่ 27 กุมภาพันธ์ ที่ พ.ต.ท.ทักษิณ ชินวัตร ได้ยื่นข้อเสนอใหม่ไม่กระทำสัตยาบันปฏิรูปการเมืองครั้งที่ 2 มิหนำซ้ำยังใช้เล่ห์เหลี่ยม ดึงเกม ซื้อเวลา โดยสร้างเงื่อนไขใหม่ที่ไร้หลักประกัน แสดงให้เห็นถึงความไม่จริงใจต่อการปฏิรูปการเมือง ตั้งใจยื้อมิให้มีระบอบประชาธิปไตยอันมีพระมหากษัตริย์เป็นประมุขที่แท้จริง

สถานการณ์เช่นนี้ยิ่งตอกย้ำทำร้ายประเทศชาติบ้านเมืองให้ทรุดโทรมเลวร้าย บอบช้ำลงไปถึงขีดสุด จนประชาชนชาวไทยไม่สามารถจะปล่อยให้สถานการณ์เช่นนี้ได้อีกต่อไป

พันธมิตรประชาชนเพื่อประชาธิปไตย จึงมีมติขีดเส้นตายขับไล่ พ.ต.ท. ทักษิณ ชินวัตร ให้พ้นจากตำแหน่งนายกรัฐมนตรี โดยไม่มีเงื่อนไข ภายใน 5 วันนับจากนี้

โดยกำหนดกิจกรรมต่อเนื่องดังต่อไปนี้

วันที่ 27 กุมภาพันธ์ 2549 เวลา 24.00 น. ขบวนนิสิต นักศึกษา พ่อค้า ประชาชน และองค์กรพันธมิตรเพื่อประชาธิปไตย จะเคลื่อนขบวนออกจากท้องสนามหลวง ไปยัง อนุสาวรีย์ประชาธิปไตย เพื่อปฏิญาณตนต่อวิญญาณวีรชนประชาธิปไตย จักต่อสู้ในทุกวิถีทางเพื่อให้ได้ชัยชนะภายในวันที่กำหนด

วันที่ 28 กุมภาพันธ์ – 4 มีนาคม 2549 องค์กรพันธมิตรประชาชนเพื่อประชาธิปไตย โดยมีกองทัพธรรม เป็นแกนนำหลัก จะจัดเวทีชุมนุมย่อย และมีกิจกรรมรณรงค์เรียกร้องประชาธิปไตยอย่างต่อเนื่อง ณ ท้องสนามหลวง

และหาก พ.ต.ท.ทักษิณ ชินวัตร ยังคงดื้อดึงไม่ยอมออกจากตำแหน่งตามมติของมหาชนชาวไทยผู้เป็นเจ้าของแผ่นดินที่แท้จริง พันธมิตรประชาชนเพื่อประชาธิปไตย กำหนดเส้นตายสุดท้ายให้กับ พ.ต.ท.ทักษิณ ชินวัตรตัดสินใจ ภายในวันอาทิตย์ที่ 5 มีนาคม 2549

เส้นตายสุดท้ายที่ประชาชนมอบให้ พ.ต.ท.ทักษิณ จะเป็นวันที่ประชาชนจะต่อสู้ให้ได้มาเพื่อทวงคืนประเทศไทยคืนมาจากน้ำมือเผด็จการธนกิจการเมืองโดยสมบูรณ์

และในวันดังกล่าว ขอเชิญชวนให้พี่น้องประชาชนชาวไทยทุกหมู่เหล่าอาชีพ ร่วมกันกันเดินทางมาร่วมชุมนุม โดยกำหนดนัดหมายการจัดตั้งขบวน ณ ท้องสนามหลวง เวลา 16.00 น. ของวันที่ 5 มีนาคม 2549 เพื่อร่วมกันประกาศชัยชนะการขับไล่เผด็จการ ในวันดังกล่าวอย่างพร้อมเพรียง

วันที่ 5 มีนาคม 2549 คือวันประกาศชัยชนะของประชาชน

ด้วยจิตคารวะ

พันธมิตรประชาชนเพื่อประชาธิปไตย
27 ก.พ. 24549
เวลา 24.00 น.

Thaksin dissolves his last claim to credibility

2006-03-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

SIDELINES
Thaksin dissolves his last claim to credibility

It was another desperate wriggle out of a tight spot for an embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra when he decided to dissolve the House of Representatives for a snap general election on April 2.

Certainly he needs a break from the intolerable pressure born from the widespread public outrage against his corruption-ridden government.

This follows his repeated insistence that he would not dissolve the House or resign to accommodate the demands of a broad-based, pro-democracy movement made up of many different groups and representing people from all walks of life.

The House dissolution, which is regarded as a tricky strategy to buy more time, is expected to fire up the determination of the movement seeking to evict him from office. He will be the target of severe verbal attacks during the rally scheduled for this afternoon at Sanam Luang.

The movement foresaw that Thaksin would opt for this game plan in order to take some of the fizz out of the rally. Leaders issued a statement saying that only Thaksin's resignation was acceptable, and denouncing his decision to dissolve the House as a devious trick to gain the upper hand in the polls.

"I will not dissolve the House, for it would be a betrayal of those 19 million people who voted for me." It proves again that Thaksin cannot be seriously taken as a man of his word. The boast was eventually revealed as just another falsehood.

Thaksin did not look perturbed in the least by the public's perception that he can never be expected to be sincere and honest in his statements. The House dissolution was clearly a betrayal of the public in order to allow him to save his own neck.

Appearing on TV and radio programmes to explain the decision, he was the same old Thaksin who blamed everyone but himself for the political troubles he and his family had endured all these months due to allegations of big-time corruption and other misdeeds.

It is truly unfortunate that Thailand must bear with a national leader who frequently goes back on his word without blinking an eye. He proves that people stand ready to believe bigger and bolder lies as long as these falsehoods are presented with audacity and shamelessness.

During the past two months, Thaksin has used this kind of erratic behaviour to survive growing political adversity and threats to his premiership due to his corroding credibility and public image. The sale of Shin Corp stocks, owned by his family members, has enabled the public to see his true colours and dispel all illusions.

Thaksin has become a politician with a businessman's instinct for survival. As part of the effort, he resorted to selling his business empire together with concession rights for TV broadcasting, a mobile phone network and four satellites to a Singapore government-owned fund.

The promise to come clean and tell us all about the Shin Corp deal during a special joint session of Parliament proposed for next week served as a temporary diversion. It will never happen now that the House was dissolved.

The Shin Corp deal enabled the people to comprehend the true definition and reality of how a man can betray his motherland.

At least Thaksin must feel his self-inflicted predicament to the degree that his friends have become his enemies. The last to do so was a mentor and former patron, Maj-General Chamlong Srimuang, who has now joined the movement to oust him.

The passionate plea for public understanding on Friday night and yesterday morning was aimed at rural grassroots voters who can expect a flood of cash from now until the election. In the same pitch he sought sympathy and support, fingering the pro-democracy movement as the main cause for all of his misfortunes.

Once behind a microphone, Thaksin has always been excellent with his snake-oil salesman's talent for the soft sale. The spin, although superb, was only effective in inspiring more public wrath against him.

Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai Party will likely win the general election, but not by as big a margin as last time, if it takes place at all. From now on, the anti-Thaksin movements will pile more pressure on him to leave politics, and the country, for good.

It depends on how long the movement can keep up the momentum and fan the fire of public opposition to Thaksin, especially in the provinces.

Whether he wins or loses, Thaksin appears ruined as far as his credibility and public image are concerned after going back on his word a countless number of times. He will never be regarded as a national leader who can be trusted for his integrity and honesty after the Shin Corp deal and previous corruption scandals.

With a heated election campaign in the offing, people can expect more sugar-coated lies from power-hungry, self-serving politicians who prey on naive and gullible voters, as they fight for spots in the House and opportunities to enrich themselves from ill-gotten gains and taxpayers' money.

Sopon Onkgara
The Nation
27 Feb 2006

THAI TALK: Resolve crisis by removing root cause - Thaksin

2006-03-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

THAI TALK:
Resolve crisis by removing root cause - Thaksin

The current political crisis isn't all that complicated - and the "deadlock" isn't all that hard to resolve.

This isn't about a conflict between the government and the legislative branch. Neither is it about a confrontation between the government and the opposition.

The crux of the issue is Thaksin Shinawatra. It's about the end of his legitimacy as the country's prime minister. It's about his blatant violation of political ethics. It's about how he has failed miserably in managing social conflicts. The last thread of trust between the governor and the governed has snapped.

Thaksin claims he dissolved the House of Representatives and called a snap election on April 2 to "return the power to the people." The truth is more frightening. He simply wanted to silence the growing number of people calling for his ouster and to come back for another four-year term.

Thaksin has become "the country's No 1 problem" because he would do anything to stay in power even if it means that in the process he will tear the nation apart. He has wrapped himself in a cocoon of delusion, arguing that 19 million people had voted for him in the last election and acting under the misguided notion that winning an election gives you the blanket right to commit any political crime and ignore any dissident opinion.

Thaksin's most serious political mistake was to confuse legality with legitimacy - putting self-interest above moral judgement. His legitimacy was lost forever when he ignored the ethical aspect of his family's sale of Shin Corp's shares to Singapore's Temasaek, defending the controversial sell-off of the country's major satellite and television stations only on legal grounds.

Even when every tax-paying citizen was questioning the dubious technicalities used to avoid paying a single baht of tax of the Bt73 billion deal, Thaksin was still out there provoking public anger with his deadpanned: "But I have done nothing wrong, legally anyway."

When the crowd calling for his ouster grew louder, instead of facing the challenge head-on, Thaksin dragged the whole country into a political quagmire by dissolving the House of Representatives, calling a snap election that will put him back in a more powerful position in the hope that he can use this electoral mandate to stop any call for his impeachment or for embarking on genuine political reform. This despite the fact that there was no real conflict between the executive and the legislative branches, usually the only legitimate reason to "return the power to the people."

Thaksin has become the country's real problem because with his latest political act, he has put the nation in a precarious position. He has forced people to go back to the polling booths, not to choose between his policies and those of the opposition - but to force the voters to make a very bizarre choice: Between him and what he arbitrarily labels "mob rule" - painting himself as the good, devoted politician being bothered by what he portrays as a group of law-breaking citizens, who happen to include some of the country's most respected academics, opinion-leaders, independent law-makers, a large segment of the middle-class, local community leaders, disgruntled teachers, members of the non-government organisations (NGOs) and the critical media.

Thaksin has become the country's biggest political liability because he no longer can claim the right to lead the nation's political reform despite his desperate attempt to exploit "political reform" to legitimise his further consolidation of power.

With the opposition parties boycotting the snap election,

Thaksin is effectively isolated. The country has been plunged into a state of confusion that threatens to get worse if he stubbornly clings on to power.

When all is said and done, it's not the system that's the issue. It's not even the constitution that has caused the current political turmoil. It's Thaksin manipulating the system and exploiting the constitution that is the only cause of the ongoing political "impasse."

It wasn't that long ago that people were asking: "If not him, who?"

Now, the question on everybody's lips, it seems, is: "If he stays, everybody else will go down the drain."

The time has come for Thaksin to realise that he will serve the country best when he stops serving.

Suthichai Yoon
The Nation
2 March 2006

Thai students in France call on Thaksin to step down

2006-03-01T09:18:00.000-08:00

Thai students in France call on Thaksin to step down

Somruek Chantara-amporn, a Thai student activist in France, said Thai students in France believe that Thaksin has lost his legitimacy and therefore should resign immediately from his post as the country's prime minister.

"We are calling on Thaksin to resign immediately and put an end his political career," Somruek said.

Thaksin had failed to show that he understand and has faith in democracy system. He has committed many acts that are deemed constructive to democratic values and system," the letter said.

It said Thaksin has consistently brush off just about all forms of criticism against him and employed improper tactics against his critics

The letter also questioned the sell off of Shin Corp to Tamasek of Singapore and accused Thaksin of abusing his position as the prime minister in order to avoid paying taxes.

The letter said Thaksin was a successful businessman but failed as the country's political leader.

The students said House dissolution does not constituted a responsible on the part of the premier. The letter was signed by 15 Thai students in Grenoble, Paris and Bordeux.

Meanwhile an on-line petition at www.petition49.org has attracted 306 signatures of Thai students overseas including in Europe, the United States, Australia and Japan.

The petition that is due to submit to Thai newspapers today is a campaign to oust Thaksin. The petition said Thaksin's decision to dissolve Parliament will not solve the political crisis and refers to numerous incidences of alleged corruption and wrongdoing by Thaksin.

The Nation
1 March 2006

Thai Rak Thai is ready for snap election

2006-03-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

Thai Rak Thai is ready for snap election

Thai Rak Thai Party is ready to compete in the snap election on April 2 and has already in hand list of partylist and constituency MPs candidates although opposition coalition have boycott the poll.

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra meanwhile dismissed widespread rumours that he will resign at the pressure from the rallies and opposition parties.

"Rumours in the stock markets say I will resign. Don't believe it. Somebody wanted to manipulate the market," Thaksin said.

He added he would lead the party-list candidates of his party to register their candidacy with the Election Commission on Thursday. He would submit the TRT list of 100 party-list candidates to the EC at 8 am on Thursday.

Thaksin has earlier announced he would be candidate No 1 on the Thai Rak Thai party-list.

Earlier Thaksin on Tuesday said he would agree if the snap election was postponed. However Election Commission confirmed that the election will not be changed.

He also denied that he had met Privy Council's chairman Gen Prem Tinsulanondh this morning. "I am asking for an appointment with him," he said.

Thaksin this morning left the Government House to chair TRT's executive board meeting at his party headquarter.

Speaking after the meeting, Sutham Saengprathum, TRT executive member, said that the premier, as the party leader, has ordered all party members to work in full gear for the snap election.

"We have been ready for the snap election. We have in hand name of candidates for each region. Our candidates are ready to launch their election campaigns," Sutham said.

The Nation
1 March 2006

Democrat cancels rally at Royal Plaza

2006-03-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

Democrat cancels rally at Royal Plaza

The Democrat Party Wedenesday cancelled its plan to hold a mass rally at the Royal Plaza on Saturday in order to avoid inflaming political tensions.

“The prevailing political situation is very volatile and the Democrat rally, if held, might be exploited to serve the government,” said party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon.

The Democrats had scheduled the rally to explain their decision to boycott the snap election before the Thai Rak Thai Party said this week it would hold a rally tomorrow at Sanam Luang.

The People’s Alliance for Democracy also plans to repeat its Sanam Luang rally on Sunday.

Ong-art said the close timing of opposing rallies might result in unforeseen events, which the government might use to its advantage.

The Nation
1 March 2006

SNAP ELECTION: Thaksin to promise charter amendments, another House dissolution at Friday rally

2006-03-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

SNAP ELECTION
Thaksin to promise charter amendments, another House dissolution at Friday rally

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will announce on Friday that the new House would spend 180 days to amend the Constitution after which another snap election will be held.

A high-ranking source from the Thai Rak Thai Party said Thaksin would make the announcement during the rally at Sanam Luang which the Thai Rak Thai would hold to show of support for the embattled prime minister.

"The prime minister will make it as a pre-poll promise to have the Constitution amended within 180 days after the election," the source said.

"Then, he will dissolve the House and call a snap election under the rules of the amended Constitution. The announcement will be a social contract."

The source said the Thai Rak Thai expected to have about 200,000 to 300,000 people, mostly from provinces, rally at Sanam Luang in support of the prime minister.

Each Thai Rak Thai former MP was asked to lead about 5,000 to 20,000 constituents to the rally, the source said.

Thaksin yesterday remained defiant against the growing call for nearly all walks of life for him to resign.

"The rumours that I've quit were not true. Actually, I've left office since the day I dissolved the House. But I will have to be caretaker prime minister until the election is done and a new government is formed," Thaksin said.

Thaksin told reporters at Government House at 1:40 pm that he would submit the Thai Rak Thai list of 100 party-list candidates to the EC at 8 am on Thursday.

Thaksin has earlier announced he would be candidate No 1 on the Thai Rak Thai party-list.

Meanwhile, the Democrat Party announced on Wedenesday that it had cancelled its plan to hold a mass rally at the Royal Plaza on Saturday in order to avoid inflaming political tensions.

"The prevailing political situation is very volatile and the Democrat rally, if held, might be exploited to serve the government," said party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon.

The Democrats had scheduled the rally to explain their decision to boycott the snap election before the Thai Rak Thai Party said this week it would hold a rally tomorrow at Sanam Luang.

The People's Alliance for Democracy also plans to repeat its Sanam Luang rally on Sunday.

Ong-art said the close timing of opposing rallies might result in unforeseen events, which the government might use to its advantage.

The Nation
1 March 2006

BUSINESS SENTIMENT: Political concerns scare off investors

2006-03-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

BUSINESS SENTIMENT
Political concerns scare off investors

Political strife is having an impact on investor sentiment as private investment and consumption slowed in January, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) said yesterday.

Suchada Kirakul, the central bank's senior director, said political uncertainty was influencing decisions by investors to bring in funds, especially for the government's planned mega-projects.

According to the bank's January study, the country's political woes had shaken the confidence of investors as many sat on the sidelines, waiting to get a clearer picture of what the future holds for Thailand.

The Business Sentiment Index (BSI) in January stood at 45.2, compared with 45.4 in December. That was the index's first fall in four months.

A separate index of expectations for the next quarter stood at 53.2, compared with 53.4 in the fourth quarter of last year.

The central bank refused to forecast how economic growth would be affected by the situation.

It also did not want to comment on the Finance Ministry's forecast, which said growth would slow by half a point because of the protests.

"We have to wait and see how the situation affects the economy," Suchada said.

As the conflict had been drawn out over the months, the private sector appeared to have factored in some of the side-effects, she said.

Suchada believes manufacturing sectors that had no political affiliation should continue to perform well.

But the BOT warned that a delay in mega-projects would affect expected investment inflows.

The bank sees investment growing to Bt135 billion this year against the government's target of Bt250 billion.

A change in government would also delay 2007 budget disbursement by five to six 6 months, she said.

Suchada said government investment accounted for 7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

As private consumption depended on incomes, she suspected spending patterns would not change too much as employment levels remain constant.

The BOT forecasts total investment will grow 10.5- 11.5 per cent this year. Private investment should rise about 9.5-10.5 per cent.

Private consumption was expected to hover around 4-5 per cent.

Asked what the impact would be if there was a coup, Suchada noted that the economy in 1992, the time of the last popular uprising, the economy grew 8 per cent, slightly below the previous year's level of 8.6 per-cent.

Anoma Srisukkasem
The Nation
1 March 2006

STOPPAGE: Hello and goodbye from Democracy scorned

2006-03-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

STOPPAGE
Hello and goodbye from Democracy scorned

Dear Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra:

I am not sure whether this is supposed to be a greeting or a farewell. It could be both, though, because while we've never talked before, I may not have a chance to write again. No, I'm not going anywhere, but you might be. Politics is funny, huh? Although you may not be laughing, for obvious reasons.

I was tempted to write a long time ago, when you made that world-renowned statement about me in December 2003. "Democracy is not my goal," you said. In your opinion, one "can't drive a Rolls-Royce to a rural village and fix people's problems", and there are times when "a pickup or good off-road vehicle will do". I was said to be just a "tool", something that was "good and beautiful" but which should not be the nation's ultimate aspiration.

Great speech! But here's my take: you don't miss the water until the well runs dry. It seems the Sanam Luang crowd and the opposition bloc don't want to use a Rolls-Royce at the moment, either.

I must confess that the election boycott hurts me like hell, but let me tell you a little secret: I've gone through this kind of "surgery" before, in other countries with leaders like you.

I'm not one to harbour a grudge. In fact, I'm the most accommodating and forgiving of the lot. Check out my counterparts like Fascism or Communism or even Socialism. Yes, you might have flourished with some of them, but when it comes to downfall, you would never find a place for a soft landing. My point, however, is that the leader of a socialist or communist country could be hanged if he insulted his nation's overriding ideology the same way you did.

I'm not boasting that I'm the best. But it pains me to be insulted by people like you, those who are given opportunities that are hard to come by in other countries, to climb from rags to riches. I had to fight back tears every time you invoked those "19 million votes" to defend your actions, knowing full well that deep in your heart, you never really appreciated my real merits and principles. Without me, your assets-concealment scandal would not have gone through the National Counter Corruption Commission, where they allowed you to defend yourself, and then the Constitution Court, where you again could defend yourself. Without me, you could have easily ended up in a summary investigation like the one launched against the Chatichai administration in 1991.

To be fair to you, I'm different things to different people. Leaders who shared your belief that I'm just a "tool", not an inspiration, have often used me as a stepping stone. Once they got what they want, they forgot all about me. They all have one thing in common though: whenever their backs were against the wall, they called for me.

I'm fed up with those losers, you know. The pattern is all too familiar. They order drug suspects or alleged militants shot in the morning, force news outlets to sack editors in the afternoon, buy off those employed in checks and balances in the evening and come to me with flowers when they have nowhere to go. They don't really know me or my essence. I'm only their springboard and last resort, nothing else.

So, don't be surprised if I act like a woman scorned from time to time. Before asking what's wrong with Thailand's "democracy", following the announced election boycott and considerable public support for it, ask yourself these questions: do you recognise the rights of the Sanam Luang demonstrators to air their disappointment with you? Do you think it's justified for your Shin Corp to sue someone for hundreds of millions of baht for simply questioning its alleged profits from government decisions? Do you honestly think it's right for the government to help provinces that supported your political party first? And when members of the public criticise you, are they "stupid", or are they just performing their duty as Thai citizens?

If you think you can break the rules, then so can I. And don't worry about me, because I can take care of myself. You can go on and complain about anything you like, but please don't pretend this is the end of me. I exist in places where they cherish and foster my real values and spirit.

You said on Monday that you had done your best. Well, sorry, my friend, your best wasn't good enough.

Goodbye from someone you never really knew,
Democracy

Tulsathit Taptim
The Nation
1 March 2006

Non-violence is not simply the absence of physical violence

2006-03-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

Non-violence is not simply the absence of physical violence

Many, but especially the organisers of this past Sunday's anti-Thaksin rally at Sanam Luang, are fond of referring to the campaign to oust Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as a "peaceful" and "non-violent" way of demonstrating their frustration with the premier, who is widely perceived to be self-serving and corrupt. But is this true?

The principle of non-violence covers both physical and verbal actions.

Strongly worded criticism of Thaksin and his family is understandable, but the outright vulgarities demonising him at Sanam Luang could not possibly be termed "non-violent expression".

Campaign tools, too - T-shirts, banners, stickers, badges - that were distributed containing hateful and foul language against Thaksin; could these be considered non-violent?

Sanam Luang on Sunday was not the site of a peaceful campaign, as the organisers would have had the public believe. Contrary to its stated mission, representatives of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) themselves seemed to enjoy using verbal violence to stir up hatred.

For example, social critic Sulak Sivaraksa on stage compared Thaksin to a dog that protesters should pity. Speaker Auychai Watha went too far with his show of extremely bad taste. "Whoever cheated [the country], may their children become whores infected with venereal disease!" exclaimed Auychai, who is chairman of a northeastern teachers' group.

On the ground, a group of protesters harassed an iTV journalist reporting from the scene. Was that peaceful expression?

And that was not the first time for journalists to be heckled or threatened with physical harm at an anti-Thaksin demonstration. With the exception of media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul's ASTV, the protesters were repeatedly told that virtually all other electronic media were enemies bent on distorting the news in favour of the Thaksin government. Television networks might be pro-government, but describing working journalists as enemies is far-fetched and simply paranoid.

Many still recall the hate speeches separating "us" and "them" that were the precursor to the violence between right-wing pro-government militiamen and student activists. The students were brutally hunted down and slaughtered in large numbers in the 1976 bloodbath in that very same Sanam Luang and adjacent Thammasat University.

The non-violent movement has been around in Thailand for a long time, but Thai society still seems unfamiliar with the concept. It is shameful that we have failed to learn non-violent discourse with which to interact with others.

The harassment of the iTV news crew is a case in point. Peace advocates and organisers should do more than simply say "sorry". The PAD, as one of the organisers of the demonstration, cannot avoid its responsibility by blaming it on rogue elements bent on discrediting the movement, as it tried to do. Unfortunately, the "Manual for Peaceful Demonstration", hundreds of which had been distributed by Phra Phaisal Visalo and his Buddhika Buddhist Network, went ignored by the emotional demonstrators.

"The Buddhika Buddhist Network set up a booth [on Sunday at Sanam Luang] because we saw a problem," said Phra Phaisal, founder of the Religions for Society Group in 1973, Thailand's first organisation for the promotion of non-violent approaches. At Sunday's demonstration, the network unveiled "Ethics first" as its motto to promote a peaceful demonstration.

The manual listed 10 approaches for peaceful demonstration, including treating everyone politely, even those holding opposite viewpoints. Obviously, not many protesters or organisers - certainly not the speakers up on stage - read the manual, judging by the speakers and the harassment of the iTV crew.

Amnesty International (Thailand) chairwoman Somsri Hananantasuk seems to have been among the few who did read it. She sent an e-mail to PAD members.

"It would be great if demonstration leaders tried to control the speakers' language on stage. The way we've condemned Thaksin and his family has been rather rude. Aueychai Watha words about prostitutes [in regard to Thaksin's daughter] was not proper," she wrote.

"Sulak did not have to compare Thaksin to a dog, and the moderator [Suvit Watnu] should have called for the demonstrators to respect the rights of the iTV reporters, as well as of every member of the pro-Thaksin camp who came to distribute their leaflets. I was saddened to hear the speaker call for Thaksin's execution. I myself am strongly against the death penalty, and this is not funny. We do not support violence, and neither should we foster conditions that would provoke violence."

Respected peace scholar Chaiwat Satha-anan, in praising those struggling for democracy, said courage and hatred were incompatible with each other. He said the mark of non-violence was the courage to defeat fear and hatred in solving a conflict.

The peace scholar said he had followed the anti-Thaksin movement in the news and approved of some of the satire and humour used in speaking out against Thaksin and what he represented.

"A sense of humour is important and a weapon of non-violence, but inciting hatred against others is unacceptable," he said.

Hateful speech that demonises other people limits the effectiveness of a non-violent approach, and it actually sets back freedom of speech, as well.

The PAD has announced its next demonstration to oust Thaksin through what it claims is a non-violent campaign. But the organisation needs to take a deep breath and think about what "non-violence" actually means.

Subhatra Bhumiprabhas
The Nation
1 March 2006

BURNING ISSUE: Stand-off Fuels Coup Rumours

2006-03-01T08:50:00.000-08:00

BURNING ISSUE
Stand-off Fuels Coup Rumours

PM needs to meet with Abhisit to break stalemate and reform political scene

Politics has reached a stand-off and an urgent solution is needed to prevent democracy being derailed. Opponents of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are resolute in doing whatever it takes to oust him from office.

But the embattled Thaksin is equally determined to cling to power, whatever the cost.

The three main opposition parties - the Democrats, Chat Thai and Mahachon - have said they will boycott the snap election next month. This is seen as an act of political retaliation at Thaksin's runaway power and negative influence over many state agencies.

The public remains divided, with many urban residents disgusted about Thaksin's leadership style while many rural voters feel bound by the patronage system to follow rather than challenge a leader.

Business leaders want the political storm to blow over as soon as possible in order to ensure a robust economy, and academics have yet to reach a consensus on how the constitution needs to be amended to best suit Thai society.

Political suspense has been heightened by rumours of an imminent military coup, which, if allowed to happen, would entrench dictatorial rule in Thaksin's favour because key commanders are close to him.

Rival parties must pause, take stock of the situation and do everything in their power to resolve the stand-off.

Jointly holding the key to end the political turmoil are Thaksin and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, who represents his opposition allies, Banharn Silapa-archa and Sanan Kachornprasart.

Thus far, Thaksin and Abhisit have been talking through the press. The two need to meet face-to-face and map out how to launch a new round of political reform via constitutional amendments.

At the heart of reform is the charter rewrite to break down the power concentrated in the hands of Thaksin. In order to achieve this, Abhisit has made it clear that Thaksin must remove himself from power to prevent the drafting process being contaminated.

The Thaksin-Abhisit negotiations, if they happen, could follow a number of options via charter provisions and democratic precedents.

In a worst-case scenario, the talks would break down and Thaksin would seek a fresh
mandate to govern in spite of the opposition's boycott.

He already has the backing of minor parties to shun the opposition alliance in the electoral process.

However, the turmoil would persist and the country would be dragged into political trauma, from which no one would emerge a winner.

But, judging from his renewed call for talks with the opposition, Thaksin realises the political perils he would face if he were to return to power by a hollow election triumph.

Under Article 7 of the Constitution, politicians are obliged to rely on democratic precedents whenever an impasse occurs without a legal solution.

After the October 1973 uprising resulted in bloodshed and unprecedented turmoil, relevant parties sought and received a prime minister bestowed by His Majesty the King.

At the time, a political vacuum was thwarted and society was able to move on.

Under the present circumstances, Thaksin and Abhisit can choose either to work things out themselves - to name a caretaker prime minister, or petition for royal intervention to wipe the political slate clean.

Should the two fail to agree on a politically neutral leader while the charter is rewritten, mediation by the president of the Privy Council may be deemed necessary.

Given a possible stalemate in the political chess game, it may be best if rival parties take a breather before resuming the game under improved rules.

Your comments are welcome. Contact the Political Desk at poldesk@nationgroup.com.

Avudh Panananda
The Nation
1 March 2006

Move to oust PM goes international

2006-03-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Move to oust PM goes international

The campaign to oust Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has spread abroad, with a rally in Los Angeles and the launch of an online petition for overseas students.

The petition calling for Thaksin's resignation at www.petition49.org includes signatures from Thai students in Europe, the United States, Australia and Japan.

It says the decision to dissolve Parliament will not solve the political crisis and refers to numerous incidences of alleged corruption and wrongdoing by Thaksin.

"Those who sign the petition are of the opinion that Thaksin has adopted policies that could harm the country's economy in the long term. His government's short-term policies to stimulate the economy have caused a skyrocketing of public and family debts," it says.

Thaksin's government has allowed widespread corruption among its inner circle to go unchecked, damaging the competitiveness of the private sector, it adds. The petition also condemns the House dissolution called by Thaksin on February 24, saying the problems the country faces are of Thaksin's making, not the Parliament.

As of yesterday evening, more than 200 Thai students abroad, mainly PhD students in the US and Europe, had signed the petition.

They include students at the London School of Economy, Harvard University in the US and Cambridge in the UK.

Those who set up the website set today as the deadline to sign the petition. It will be sent to a Thai newspaper tomorrow.

Meanwhile, on Sunday some 100 Thais staged a peaceful protest calling for Thaksin's resignation, in front of the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles.

They wore white T-shirts emblazoned with slogans like "Thaksin Get Out" and called themselves "The People's Alliance for Thai Democracy in the US".

The protest lasted only an hour because the group did not have official permission, a protester told ThaitownUSANews, an online newspaper for Thais in LA.

Marisa Chimprabha
The Nation
1 March 2006

PAD to PM: Think only of resigning

2006-03-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

PAD to PM: Think only of resigning

Premier Thaksin Shinawatra should spend five days alone to consider his situation -then step down, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy said yesterday.

Suriyasai Katasila said the group's decision to have a five-day break before another rally at Sanam Luang was because the group wanted Thaksin to have time to think.

Society would also have time to consider different ideas and clear up any confusion in their minds. People would realise the origin of all problems was Thaksin, he said.

During the five-day break, the group will prepare to co-ordinate with Alliance members in the provinces, who will come to gather in Bangkok and remain demonstrating until Thaksin resigns.

Various anti-Thaksin groups have been protesting in the provinces in parallel with the big rally in Bangkok. Suriyasai said it was too late for Thaksin to see and talk with former opposition parties. He should spend the little remaining time deciding to resign. The situation was far from a dead end and was not so serious that it required a royally-appointed government.

The social contract Thai Rak Thai Party signed with minor political parties meant nothing, he said, because it was a promise based on the morality of those who signed it.

Meanwhile, a political scientist suggested that Thaksin should withdraw from politics to end the crisis over his leadership.

"The political deadlock will be resolved if Thaksin decides to remove himself from the upcoming elections," Chaiyan Chaiyaporn of Chulalongkorn University said.

The PAD would end its protest if Thaksin withdrew, he added. With or without Thaksin, the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party was likely to win a fresh mandate to form the next government, he said.

By taking the bold decision not to stand for re-election, Thaksin would win public praise.

Sathien Viriyapanpongsa
The Nation
1 March 2006

Charter reform 'won't solve all problems'

2006-03-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

Charter reform 'won't solve all problems'

A larger cross section of the public should participate in any constitutional change and in deciding what a post-Thaksin Shinawatra society should look like, social commentator Chaiwat Thirapanthu said yesterday.

"Constitutional reform is a difficult task because people have differing assumptions about it," said Chaiwat, the director of Bangkok Forum, a civic group made up of middle-class members.

"A constitution is just a rule aimed at ensuring the democratic rule of law. Democracy should not be for democracy's sake but must serve people and ensure justice, the well-being of the people, as well as ensuring human dignity. This ought to be the preamble of the constitution," he said.

But the charter was not a tool for solving every problem, Chaiwat said. This view was outdated because society has become more complex.

Vote-buying would continue to distort the country's electoral system and it could take at least five to 10 years to ensure free and fair elections, he said.

University students could play a greater role in ensuring clean elections.

He said an independent electoral court could be set up to supplement the Election Commission, which has been widely criticised for failing to be impartial.

Media independence had to be ensured, and policing and the judicial system need reform, he added.

Chaiwait said it was unlikely he would vote in the election next month because he expected it would be unfair and used to "whitewash" Thaksin.

Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation
1 March 2006

POLITICAL CRISIS: Opposition rejects PM's poll-delay sop

2006-03-01T08:41:00.000-08:00

POLITICAL CRISIS
Opposition rejects PM's poll-delay sop

Abhisit says he won't meet Thaksin, EC hints it's too late

The opposition parties yesterday spurned an olive branch offered by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who suggested he was open to the April 2 snap election being postponed.

The premier's move came in response to the opposition's decision on Monday to boycott the polls.

The Election Commission (EC), however, remained firm on the election date. Commissioner Prinya Nakchudtree said that unless there was a good reason to delay the poll, the agency would continue with its plans for an April 2 vote. "We will have to consider whether a postponement will bring any benefit."

Earlier, at the Cabinet meeting, Thaksin instructed Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam to discuss with the EC about the possibility of delaying the election, a Government House source said.

Wissanu said afterwards that it was possible that the commission would put off the election in order to give political parties more time to prepare. He added that if the election was really postponed, it would be held by April 25, the maximum legal limit of 60 days after the House dissolution on Friday.

"If the political parties do not want to participate in the election and the date is the condition, I am willing to co-operate," the premier told reporters, in an apparent concession to his opponents.

Thaksin said an intermediary was trying to arrange a meeting between himself and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, who had rejected talks with the premier.

"I am willing to meet anywhere, to go see Abhisit at his house or at the Democrat Party headquarters," Thaksin said.

Democrat leader Abhisit said he had not received any official contact from the prime minister.

"Even if we had been contacted by him, we would not change our stand," he said. "We don't know why the premier rejected our proposal [to amend the Constitution] in the beginning."

Abhisit ruled out a meeting with Thaksin, saying the PM was now revealing his true self. "He is claiming that he is ready to compromise, yet in the past he has showed he was not able to do this," he said.

Chat Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa said his party would not change its decisionon the boycott. "Some party members told me that if I will not field candidates I should not live in Thailand. But if I field Chat Thai candidates I wouldn't be a human, but a dog," Banharn said.

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Students take EC to court

The Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU) filed a complaint with the Administrative Court yesterday, accusing the Election Commission of illegally issuing an order to organise the general election on April 2.

In the complaint, the student union said the commission committed an offence last Friday by giving the go-ahead for the snap poll without gaining a quorum of four of the five commissioners. One EC commissioner was abroad and one had died earlier.

The court has accepted the complaint and will now consider whether it has the jurisdiction to hear the case.

The Nation
1 March 2006

Democrats to explain decision

2006-03-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

Democrats to explain decision

The Democratic Party is to explain why it and the two other main opposition parties decided to boycott the snap election on April 2.

Party executive Sathit Wongnongtoey said a multimedia kit would be produced and officials would visit areas throughout the country, starting today in Chumphon province, to explain its stance.

The campaign would be aimed at dispelling any rumours. The party was confident it could do this successfully, he said.

Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said the campaign would end with a large gathering at the Royal Plaza on Saturday. This had nothing to do with the anti-government rally at Sanam Luang planned for Sunday, he said.

The Nation
1 March 2006

Suthep: I didn't ask PM for cash

2006-03-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

Suthep: I didn't ask PM for cash

Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thuagsuban yesterday denied allegations that he met Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Sunday to ask for money.

He did, however, admit he met Thaksin on Sunday at Ban Pitsanu-lok by prior arrangement with his aide Padung Limcharoenrat.

"I have never asked for money from Thaksin. The Democrat Party has been in existence for 60 years and has honour and prestige. It does not do such a thing,'' he said.

He said Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva did not have any knowledge of the meeting.

Suthep said he talked to Thaksin about taking recourse to Article 7 of the Constitution in revoking the royal decree dissolving the House and asked His Majesty the King to appoint a neutral prime minister. Then he said he wanted a public referendum to amend Article 313 of the Constitution.

Suthep claimed that Thaksin had said he would consider the proposal.

The Nation
1 March 2006

PM lunches with top brass amid coup talk

2006-03-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

PM lunches with top brass amid coup talk

Amid rumours of a possible military coup, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday had a working lunch with top military brass at Government House.

Seen enjoying the meal were Supreme Commander General Ruengroj Mahasaranont, Army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratklin, Navy chief Admiral Satirapan Keyanont, Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk and Police chief General Kowit Watana.

Thaksin's deputy Chidchai Vana-satidya and Defence Minister Tham-arak Isarangura also joined the table.

"I came to eat lunch," Sonthi said, side-stepping a direct question on the possibility of a military coup.

He dismissed speculation about an unusual movement of troops on Monday night, saying that soldiers remained at their barracks.

He said the military would not get involved in politics and ruled out the possibility that key commanders who were classmates of Thaksin in Military Preparatory Class 10 would stray from the line of command.

Following lunch, Ruengroj said Thaksin wanted to assess the welfare of military and police officers assigned to peacekeeping.

He expressed confidence that the anti-Thaksin rally slated for Sunday would not spiral out of control and denied rumours that soldiers from special warfare units had been deployed in Bangkok.

The Nation
1 March 2006

Snap decision seems to have split PM's personality

2006-03-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

ANALYSIS
Snap decision seems to have split PM's personality

Over the last couple of days, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been extremely erratic - acting sombrely one minute and belligerently the next.

At first he rejected all proposals brought by the opposition parties, but then he almost knelt down before Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, saying he would be pleased to meet Abhisit either at the Democrat Party office or his house.

It seems Thaksin has just realised he had underestimated his rival.

On Sunday, Thaksin woke with delight, knowing that the opposition parties could not agree to boycott the April 2 election because the Chat Thai Party had not made a decision.

He seemed confident that Chat Thai would not join forces with the Democrat and Mahachon parties.

There were rumours that Thai Rak Thai deputy leader Sudarat Keyuraphan had lobbied Chat Thai against joining the opposition in a show of solidarity.

Sunday was, therefore, a day of some leisure for Thaksin. He wore a red jacket to preside over the launch of a "We Care" housing project in Bangkok's Lat Krabang district, and was greeted with bunches of roses and kisses that left lipstick stains on his cheeks to match his jacket.

The caretaker prime minister then went to the Dusit Thani Hotel to have his nails done. He was surprised to learn that Korean pop sensation Rain had stayed at the hotel. He said he wished he had seen Rain's concert on Saturday night but had been too tired.

Then the opposition parties held a press conference. They gave Thaksin an ultimatum to sign a pact agreeing to change the Constitution, or face a boycott of the April 2 snap election. Thaksin neither accepted nor rejected the proposal, promising instead to set up an independent panel to reform politics.

He might still have been confident that he had the upper hand.

He spent his Sunday night watching football. But instead of seeing it through, he switched off in the belief that it was too hard for Wigan to comeback after trailing Manchester United 1-0.

"Man U striker Wayne Rooney has too much power," he said on Monday. "I went to bed at 10.30pm and slept well. I wasn't anxious."

Monday was not Thaksin's day. It was believed he would sign the pact with the opposition parties because it would help him survive the political crisis and at least the snap election would take place.

But Thaksin opted to play his own game by proposing a social contract to amend Article 313 of the Constitution, instead of the proposed pact. He then tried to play leader by inviting all political parties to discuss the implementation of charter amendments at Parliament House.

The opposition rejected the proposal.

Thaksin's tensest moment came when he learned of the opposition parties resolution to boycott the election.

He had not been expecting it.

Oh! Really? Thaksin responded, with an awkward smile. He went ahead and met small parties about the Charter amendment.

He looked tired, and rested his face on his hand while reading Thai Rak Thai's statement. Sometimes, during the meeting, he appeared to be deep in thought.

Key party members believe Thaksin's game has gone wrong for two reasons, a Thai Rak Thai source said yesterday.

The first is Thaksin himself. Known as an arrogant person, he never lets anyone force or assign him to do anything. He believes that his party has a majority, so he should be setting the pace and not the opposition.

The second reason, the source said, is Sudarat Keyuraphan. She lacks the power to lobby or coordinate with the opposition. She is also known as a rival of the Democrats and for the Democrats to have a peaceful talk with Sudarat is impossible.

Abhisit has denied receiving any contact or letter from Sudarat so far, the source said.

Thaksin was clearly up against the wall yesterday and did things quite unlike his former self would do. He badly needs the election to go ahead on April 2 to clear him from the current crisis.

Despite insisting on Monday that the April 2 election could not be postponed because it was called with royal command, Thaksin yesterday asked the Cabinet to consult with the Election Commission about postponing it.

Then he made a plea to meet Abhisit and said he was willing to sign the opposition's pact, as demanded.

Then, late yesterday, it appeared Thaksin was all but berserk.

It was said he planned to go ahead with the election. Moreover, he planned to stage his own political rally at Sanam Luang on Friday.

A psychologist has advised Thaksin to get plenty of sleep.

"When you wake from a nice, long, deep sleep, you will feel refreshed and that is the best protection from stress," according to Associate Professor Naipinit Kachapakdi.

Political Desk
The Nation
1 March 2006

------------------------

High anxiety

A poll of 1,173 residents of greater Bangkok yesterday and Monday found the following:

What do you think about the political situation?

Concerned 52 per cent

Unconcerned 48 per cent

Will the political situation contribute to people's stress?

Yes 69 per cent

No 31 per cent

What concerns you most about the political crisis?

Economic situation/ 32 per cent

people's livelihood

Severe protests 19 per cent

Disharmony in the country 16 per cent

Source: Suan Dusit Poll

30 senators call on premier to quit, want King to pick new PM

2006-03-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

30 senators call on premier to quit, want King to pick new PM

A group of senators yesterday urged caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to resign to pave the way for His Majesty the King to appoint his own government leader, which could be made possible by a "constitutional coup".

But key Thai Rak Thai members and academics disagreed, saying such an act could breach the charter when there was still room for constitutional solutions.

Amid the political crisis undermining the country - including uncertainty over the April 2 election after three opposition parties imposed a boycott, and a further mass rally this Sunday to oust Thaksin - 30 senators signed a letter asking the PM to resign. They plan to hand the note to Thaksin on Friday.

"We are concerned that the situation is getting worse and worse," Senator Sak Korsaengruang said. "We want Thaksin to resign because it will bring back peace to the country."

If Thaksin did quit, his caretaker Cabinet would be disqualified, according to the law, Sak said.

The circumstances would then lead to a "crisis of the national administration", as the government would no longer function, he said.

With the House, whose members vote to select the prime minister, no longer officially in office at this point after Thaksin dissolved it last Friday, no other bodies would have the authority to do its duty, Sak said.

Given this, Senator Chirmsak Pinthong believed that imposing the Constitution's "Section 7" would be the best option.

It states that whenever no provision under the Constitution applies, it shall be decided in accordance with constitutional practice in the democratic regime of government with the King as head of state.

"It is clear that His Majesty can appoint an acting government to run the country as it will be an 'applicable practice' mentioned in the charter," Chirmsak said.

The senators planned to petition His Majesty to appoint a "royal prime minister and Cabinet members" after Thaksin resigns, Sak said.

Democrat Party executive Sathit Wongnong-toey believed that applying Section 7 to enable the installation of royal-selected premier could resolve the crisis.

But deputy TRT leader Bhokin Bhalakula disagreed that Section 7 could be applied to the current situation, with people wanting to oust Thaksin from the premiership.

He said the law mentioned several reasons why the PM would leave the post, but did not include royal appointment of a new premier while the current one still held office.

If someone believed Thaksin had broken the law in several areas, they should launch a legal action rather than force him to resign, Bhokin said.

TRT party executive Veera Musigapong blamed the senators campaigning to oust Thaksin and wanting to apply Section 7 for the ongoing tension.

"There are several ways out if we are strict on the Constitution, but those senators just ignore them," Veera said. "Any attempts to impose Section 7 would mean that they are intending to rule out the Constitution."

Veera claimed that, as Section 65 allowed him to block any attempts to break constitutional rules, he would use every possible means to stop those persons.

Section 65 states that a person shall have the right to resist peacefully any act committed for the acquisition of power to rule the country by a means not in accordance with modes provided in the Constitution.

Suraphol Nitikraipoj, Thammasat University's rector, said he did not see any reasons to apply Section 7 with the current situation.

At present, there was no conflict related to the charter because His Majesty approved a decree to dissolve the House on Friday and another one to allow a snap election, he said. "Everything still carries along the charter's framework," he said.

The Nation
1 March 2006

POLITICAL CRISIS: Thaksin Defiant

2006-03-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

POLITICAL CRISIS
Thaksin Defiant

Premier says election will go ahead; plans his own show at Sanam Luang on Friday

Embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra last night declared his plan to fight mounting public pressure for him to quit by holding a rally at Sanam Luang on Friday, two days ahead of the deadline given by protesters for him to step down.

"Forget about making me resign. They have attacked me one-sidedly for too long. I will let the people hear it all from me at the rally. I will speak my heart out," he said, looking tense with red eyes after three hours in a meeting with Thai Rak Thai Party executives.

Thaksin's belligerent statement is a strong indication that the snap election will go ahead on April 2 despite the boycott called by the main opposition parties. His renewed defiance came after an uncharacteristic plea - for the Opposition to change its mind - was snubbed.

Government spokesman Sura-pong Suebwonglee said last night a government-sanctioned public rally was scheduled at Sanam Luang on Friday for Thaksin to clarify all issues that his opponents have raised over his legitimacy to govern.

"The premier will spend at least one hour addressing the rally and speak his heart out about all those matters," Surapong said.

The PM's Secretary General Prommin Lertsuridej said Friday's rally could be considered as a kick-off of the party's election campaign after registration of party-list candidates on the first day of the application process tomorrow.

"This can be taken as the party's first election campaign. The premier will counter all unfounded allegations against him at the rally," Prommin said.

An informed source said last night that, during the party meeting, Thaksin described the protests against him as political foul play and insisted that he would not give in to the pressure.

He also called on his supporters to gather at Sanam Luang on Friday to demonstrate their "silent power". The rally will be broadcast via teleconference to major government offices nationwide.

Commenting on the election boycott, Thaksin said he would leave the matter in the hands of the opposition parties since they had shunned his efforts to make them change their mind.

"I have tried my best but they would not co-operate. Their only goal is my resignation, not negotiations. Now I will just follow democratic rules," he said.

The People's Alliance for Demo-cracy (PAD), which organised a mass rally against Thaksin on Feb 26 has given an ultimatum for the premier to resign or face another massive protest at Sanam Luang on Sunday.

In response to Thaksin's remark about his planned speech on Friday, PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said last night that he viewed the Thai Rak Thai rally as an attempt to "frighten" the protesters.

"This is Thaksin's final bid to survive the political crisis," he said.

Suriyasai expected the ruling party would mobilise a large number of supporters to gather at Sanam Luang. The activist urged the Election Commission to check if state funds are used to mobilise TRT supporters at the rally.

In the press conference room at the ruling party's headquarters, a new banner was posted. It had the message: "The country has progressed considerably. April 2 will decide our future. We must not go backwards."

The Nation
1 March 2006

Thaksin's mentor may join protests

2006-02-28T00:10:00.000-08:00

PM-CHAMLONG
Thaksin’s mentor may join protests

PM’s erstwhile mentor set to announce his position today

An anti-government protest scheduled for next Sunday at Sanam Luang may be a political watershed if political veteran Chamlong Srimuang shows up to support the ouster of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

But Chamlong, respected for his clean image, has not yet said he will attend. In a telephone interview, he would only say that he would today announce his political stance and the direction of his Santi Asoke group.

Once Thaksin’s mentor, Chamlong has recently been critical of the leader, and his participation in a rally might pile pressure on the embattled premier.

In May 1992 Chamlong challenged the legitimacy of military strongman General Suchinda Klaprayoon’s regime.

While Suchinda stepped down, Chamlong was also forced to leave the political stage to atone for bloodshed that erupted during a confrontation between the opposing forces. If Chamlong returns, observers wonder if a political replay could be in the offing.

As of yesterday, Chamlong remained tight-lipped about his next move, but his aides said they were sure he would attend the rally.

A press conference has been scheduled for this afternoon to announce the split between Thaksin and Chamlong, said Democracy Confederation adviser Weng Tojirakan yesterday.

“Chamlong will himself announce whether he will attend the rally after confirming his break with Thaksin at the news conference,” Weng said.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin yesterday defied the government by indicating that the city administration would approve the use of Sanam Luang as the venue for Sunday’s protest.

“Pending a final meeting with organisers this week, I foresee no problem in holding a peaceful demonstration there,” he said.

Apirak said the People’s Alliance for Democracy had applied for a permit to hold a rally and city officials would have no objection to the request if there were no prior events scheduled at the site.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he was the victim of a smear campaign.

“Ill-intentioned people have even falsified my signature in fake government memos, sent to various agencies, claiming that I have ordered military units to merge with provincial administrative organisations due to budgetary constraints,” he said.

It was a shameless ploy to mislead people into thinking the country was plunging into a dire financial situation, he said.

Rumours about the government selling state assets were groundless, he added.

“I plead with the people to judge my government on its performance in the past five years and not to be swayed by rumour,” he said.

He said he had steered the country to new heights of prosperity and urging people to check the facts with the state hotline on 1111 or his Thai Rak Thai Party call centre on 1212.

He made the comments during his weekly radio address.

On constitutional amendments, Thaksin said he had had a useful meeting with more than 130 university rectors on Friday.

“I talked with the academics because I wanted an objective solution, not one based on emotion, in reviewing the Constitution,” he said.

Universities will study amendment proposals before laying them before the public for a final say, he said.

Interior Ministry adviser Surachai Baochanya said the grass roots had not wavered in their support for Thaksin.

“The anti-Thaksin protests have attracted only a fraction of urban residents,” he said.

The call for either Thaksin’s resignation or a snap election is meaningless because voters would give an overwhelming mandate to the Thai Rak Thai Party again, he said.

Surachai also blamed academics for being swayed by the government’s opponents into lending their names to the protest.

“I suspect that former Mahachon Party leader Anek Laothamatas is behind the mobilisation of university lecturers and students, because of his close ties with them,” he said.

The student union of Prince of Songkhla University’s Pattani Campus has launched a signature campaign to start impeachment proceedings against Thaksin.

“In just one day 3,000 people have signed calling for the removal of the prime minister,” student leader Ekarin Tuansiri said.

About 1,000 students rallied to support the drive. Their speeches focused on corruption plaguing the state and Thaksin’s failure to quell violence in the South.

Meanwhile Thammasart University’s student union yesterday stated they had gathered 25,000 signatures, half of the required 50,000 for the premier’s impeachment. Among them will be that of Mahachon Party leader Sanan Khachornprasart, who intended to sign yesterday but failed to bring his ID card. Sanan said he would sign today.

Also yesterday the Federation of State Enterprises joined the Student Federation of Thailand in launching a public campaign in Chatuchak Park seeking Thaksin’s resignation.

The Nation
20 Feb 2006

A snap election is best option

2006-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

POLITICAL CRISIS
A snap election is ‘best option’

PM is ‘not ready’ to go to the polls, but his critics say his choices are becoming limited

Among the limited options available, either House dissolution or resignation were the best – and most likely – way out for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the face of mounting pressure from society, academics and politicians agreed yesterday.

Political scientist Prayad Hong-thongkham said he did not think Thaksin would opt to step down.

“House dissolution is the best option available for the prime minister and is likely to please anti-Thaksin protesters,” he said.

The academic said Thaksin had tried several tactics to appease the dissatisfied elements and that if he ran out of ideas, his trump card would be to dissolve the House and call a snap election.

Thaksin and his Thai Rak Thai Party would benefit most from this option as they had a high chance of returning to power due to strong support from voters in the grassroots sector, said the academic.

“By winning the [snap] election, Thaksin would be able to save face and show his opponents that most voters still had trust in him,” Prayad said.

He suggested Thaksin should allow his “political heir” to head a new government in order to lessen opposition against the administration. “But if he’s really smart, he should leave the country to live on the Bt70 billion,” Prayad said, referring to income from the Shina-watras’ recent sale of their shares in Shin Corp.

Trakul Meechai, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, said he believed Thaksin would dissolve the House.

“It’s not that he’s come to a dead-end but he’s trying to get the upper hand,” Trakul said, adding he believed the premier would dissolve the House some time during a joint general debate of the two Houses next month. It was likely Thaksin would blame a “serious parliamentary crisis” as the reason for dissolving the House.

“This way, he will also be able to remove thorns in the side of his party,” said the academic. He was referring to dissident MPs in the TRT who would be unlikely to meet the 90-day legal requirement to contest the next election under another party’s banner if the PM called a snap election.

He forecast that the ruling party was unlikely to win any seats in Bangkok but would grab between 270 and 280 seats from the provinces, far less than its present number of MPs but still enough to return to power.

Thaksin yesterday rejected a rumour he would dissolve the House of Representatives and call a snap election by May.

“That’s what you think and say. I have not said a word about it,” he told reporters at Government House in the morning.

The premier also appeared to play down the participation of his former political mentor, Chamlong Srimuang, in a campaign to call

for Thaksin’s resignation. When asked to comment on Chamlong’s

latest move, Thaksin responded, “Buddhadasa [a late respected monk] once said, ‘That’s the way it is’.”

Thaksin told his Cabinet members during an emergency meeting on Sunday night, shortly after Chamlong’s announcement, that “he will not resign, but if the situation deteriorates, he will dissolve the Parliament”, according to government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee.

The premier has ruled out resigning his seat, arguing that he would not upset people who voted for his party and want him to serve his full four-year term. He also made it clear he wants to keep his status quo intact by offering compromises to critics and opponents to a certain extent.

Sarit Santimethaneedon, a Thai Rak Thai MP who is close to Chamlong, yesterday called on Thaksin to “make a great political sacrifice” by stepping down.

He said the government was unlikely to stay on comfortably in the current political situation, which he said was heading for a dead-end.

The government MP said he did not think House dissolution would be the best option for the ruling party as it would definitely win less than 300 House seats in the snap election.

Senator Wanlop Tangkhananurak agreed Thaksin should step down as he no longer had the legitimacy to run the country.

Retired General Panlop Pinmanee, an adviser to the defence minister, yesterday ruled out the possibility of a military coup.

“The current military leadership is highly professional. Bringing about political change through military force is a thing of the past,” he said.

In a related development, senators and opposition politicians yesterday expressed suspicion at Thaksin’s proposal for a joint general debate between the two Houses to discuss “the political crisis”.

Wanlop said it appeared such a debate was a political farce aimed at reducing the pressure on the prime minister.

Senator Seree Suwanpanont said if the government was really sincere, it should not limit the topics to be discussed at the joint meeting.

Democrat Party and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday the general debate was unlikely to dispel doubts because Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam had already said many topics were off limits. “The most appropriate move is to censure the prime minister because all problems have stemmed from him,” Abhisit said.

Government spokesman Surapong said the joint debate was not aimed at reducing political pressure or whitewashing the government. “The prime minister is ready to answer all questions about himself,” he said.

The Nation
21 Feb 2006

Chamlong tightens noose on PM

2006-02-27T23:49:00.000-08:00

SHIN CORP FURORE
Chamlong tightens noose on PM

Thaksin’s crisis deepens as former mentor vows to bring out the ‘Dharma Army’

Opponents of Thaksin Shina-watra must be tempted to compare his rise to power to the tale of Dr Frankenstein. Chamlong Srimuang’s decision to boost the already massive alliance against his “Creature” with his formidable “Dharma Army” is one of the severest blows yet to be dealt to the embattled prime minister.

At a characteristically composed press conference, Chamlong unceremoniously disowned Thaksin and called on him to resign, citing the “unprecedented” social force bent on ousting him because of his “loss of legitimacy”. The arrival of the prime minister’s one-time political mentor to the fray was late, but it provides a major boost to an anti-government rally scheduled for Sunday at Sanam Luang.

Thaksin called a meeting with several Cabinet members yesterday evening, and while the gathering was described as something unusual, speculation grew over a major political change, be it a Cabinet overhaul, dissolution of the House or even the still unlikely scenario of the prime minister’s resignation. Whereas Chamlong’s political clout has waned over the years, his following in the Santi Asoke unorthodox Buddhist sect remains strong, and the burnt bridges with Thaksin will weigh heavily on the latter’s already wobbly public standing.

“I and members of the Dharma Army [as Santi Asoke members call themselves] will join the gathering at Sanam Luang next Sunday,” Chamlong said.

“We will gather with people coming from all parts of Thailand. If hundreds of thousands of people show up, I believe the prime minister will resign.”

Stopping short of saying “I started it so I have to end it,” Chamlong admitted his mistake in inviting a young, promising business tycoon into politics in the early 1990s, and downplayed concern that the arrival of the Dharma Army would raise the prospect of violence on Sunday or in subsequent weeks. The situation, he insisted, was different from May 1992, when he led a bloody street protest that eventually ousted the military-backed government of General Suchinda Kraprayoon.

Chamlong said that whereas Thaksin, unlike Suchinda, was elected and supported by 19 million voters, the prime minister could not use that to proclaim undisputed, ever-lasting legitimacy. “I was one of the 19 million people who voted for him, too,” said the former leader of the Palang Dharma Party. “Election votes are not something irrevocable. They are not a licence to do whatever you like. That’s not democracy. Votes come and go, depending on legitimacy. Democracy belongs to the people all the time, not only on election day.”

The normally politically inactive Dharma Army is said to comprise tens of thousands of Santi Asoke followers, who worship the unconventional monk Bodhirak as their spiritual leader and see Chamlong as the layman head of the sect. Rumours have it that Chamlong has been under pressure from certain Santi Asoke figures including Bodhirak to come out against Thaksin.

Chamlong told the press conference that it was the controversial Shin Corp sell-off to Singapore’s Temasek Holdings that cost Thaksin his political legitimacy. He noted it was the Shinawatras’ decision to sell national assets – from which they had made huge profits – to foreigners that had triggered unprecedented social outrage. “Thai people – in Bangkok and other provinces and including university lecturers and students – are up in arms like never before. They are speaking in unison – that the prime minister has lost legitimacy to rule the country,” Chamlong said.

Thaksin’s former mentor had been criticised for his initially muted reaction to the Temasek deal, which earned the Shinawatras Bt73 billion tax-free. But after suggesting that Thaksin donate Bt26 billion to charity, Chamlong upped his demand to unconditional resignation, and even implied a House dissolution was not enough.

“From what I have heard from the people, they want him to resign. If he doesn’t, divisiveness will worsen and will cause serious damage to the country,” Chamlong said. He reminded Thaksin of four key elements in the soldier’s oath – patriotism, dignity, discipline and courage – all of which “require” him to step down.

“A patriot won’t allow this kind of divisiveness to continue. And if you are a man with dignity, you have to listen to reason. If hundreds of thousands of people come out with good reasons, you have to listen to them. Discipline requires you to listen to those people, and you must have the courage to do what they want you to do,” he said.

Chamlong said another factor influencing his decision to come out was the recent attack on Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda by Thaksin’s “mouthpiece”, Samak Sundaravej. Chamlong served as Prem’s secretary-general when he was prime minister. Although Samak quit his controversial TV programme, Chamlong said he had been contacted by “a lot of my brothers in the armed forces who asked me if I wouldn’t do more than just write a caution letter to the prime minister.”

The trigger for Samak’s attack had been a speech by Prem in which, speaking generally, he said that national leaders needed to possess moral authority. According to Chamlong, the reaction from many top soldiers to Samak’s attack was “beyond my expectations, so much so that it was hard to listen to it on the phone”.

The last time Chamlong came out like this blood spilled on the streets and a government fell. But whereas he guaranteed that the military would stay away from the showdown, the decision of Thaksin’s mentor will make this week one of the most tense in Thai political history.

Pressure will also mount on former Chamlong proteges in the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party like deputy leader Sudarat Keyuraphan. Having escaped, probably temporarily, a Constitution Court impeachment process, Thaksin, isolated in the only comfort zone of his overwhelming command of the House of Representatives, is watching his crisis deepen with each passing day.

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, said the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) welcomed Chamlong’s participation in the rally but noted that the spearhead of the 1992 uprising would have to accept his role as part of a committee instead of trying to lead the rally all alone.

“Chamlong has to be ready to accept that the shape of the rally will be decided through consultation in a committee. The PAD’s working principles are that we all take part in the thinking and doing and that this will be no one-man show,” Suriyasai said.

He said the PAD also emphasised peaceful rallies and that the political alliance would call a press conference to announce its stand on Chamlong’s participation.

The Nation
21 Feb 2006

Thaksin tackles Critics: 'Me or them'

2006-02-27T23:41:00.000-08:00

THAKSIN TACKLES CRITICS
'Me or them'

PM dissolves House; sets snap poll for April 2 n Democracy leaders meet today to decide on theme for tomorrow's rally

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra last night announced that he was "returning power to the people" by dissolving the House of Represen-tatives and calling a snap election for April 2.

"Now that political conflict has arisen, I would like to ask you to decide if you want to use the services of this government again. I will respect the decision of the public, not just one group of people," Thaksin said during a televised address lasting just over 10 minutes.

"Let me return the power to you so that the public will decide again. The next election will be extraordinary. I ask my fellow countrymen to turn out in force in making this important decision," said Thaksin.

He said he had dissolved the House because of "attempts to overthrow the government by people who stand to lose their benefits".

He also blamed "those who are unhappy with the government and various political groups".

"I can't stand it when mob rule tries to override the law," he said.

Thaksin said he had consulted with "people with good intentions towards the country" before coming up with the decision.

If political uncertainties were allowed to continue, he said, the country's economy would suffer.

The premier said the House dissolution was aimed at preventing a repeat of the violence that broke out in May 1992, the impact of which is still being redressed.

He was concerned another clash could break out at a public rally scheduled for tomorrow at Sanam Luang.

Before Thaksin's address, an announcer read out a statement by the Prime Minister's Office explaining the political situation that led to the decision.

The announcement came after mounting pressure on Thaksin to bring about political change.

Just a few weeks ago, Thaksin insisted he would stay his full four-year term.

He told his political opponents and critics to "wait until their next lives" for him to step down.

Thaksin broke the news of the House dissolution to reporters waiting at Thai Rak Thai Party headquarters.

He had had an audience with His Majesty the King at the Chitralada Palace at about 5pm.

"I have dissolved the House. There's no Cabinet reshuffle," he said.

The premier was heard humming a melody when he arrived at the party headquarters, shortly after 6pm.

He patted the shoulder of party deputy spokesman Pimuk Simaroj and said: "Let's do it over again; contest a new election."

Sources said Thaksin was also considering a Cabinet shake-up as an option to break the stand-off with his opponents.

He also raised the matter when meeting with Privy Council president General Prem Tinsulanonda at the latter's house on Thursday, according to a source, who added that Prem recommended dissolving the House.

Rumours of an imminent House dissolution were prevalent earlier yesterday.

Thaksin fuelled rumours while presiding over a ceremony to mark the 90th anniversary of the Cooperative League of Thailand (CLT) in the morning.

"If you want to use me, please vote for me," he said to a cheering crowd of CLT members who convened a meeting to boost morale at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani.

A Government House source said Thaksin decided to dissolve the House because he could not find a suitable candidate to replace him as prime minister.

Thaksin wanted a snap election to be held as soon as possible, preferably on April 2 or April 9, according to the source.

Earlier in the day, Election Commission (EC) member Prinya Nakchudtree said the agency would be able to make preparations in time for the general election to take place on April 2.

He said the EC would have to send lists of eligible voters to each household at least 20 days before election day but he was confident preparations could be made in time.

The EC yesterday announced that registration of candidates would be open from Wednesday until March 5.

Suriyasai Katasila, a coordinator of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), said the group was unhappy with Thaksin's decision to dissolve the House and saw it as a selfish act.

He said the House dissolution would not solve the current problems but would allow Thaksin to seek a comeback and prolong his rule.

Suriyasai said that with the House being dissolved, tomorrow's rally would shift its theme from demanding the premier's resignation to urging people not to vote for the ruling party again.

PAD leaders will hold a meeting today to decide how to organise the demonstration at Sanam Luang, he said, adding that he believed it would not last longer than one day, as expected. The anti-Thaksin campaigners earlier vowed to "fight until we win".

Chamlong Srimuang, who has led his Dharma Army Foundation to join the anti-Thaksin campaign, yesterday said the premier should have resigned as it was him, not the House of Representatives, who was "the cause of all the problems".

"An election won't help ease social conflict. Thaksin and the Thai Rak Thai Party will be re-elected because their voter support is still strong," said Chamlong in a tired voice.

The Nation
25 Feb 2006

ANALYSIS: PM's departure must usher in reform or it will mean nothing

2006-02-27T23:23:00.000-08:00

ANALYSIS
PM's departure must usher in reform or it will mean nothing

All political signs, indicators and rumours were pointing yesterday at something unthinkable only a few weeks ago: Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's immediate resignation.

Having recently taunted opponents demanding his ouster or House dissolution that they had to wait until their “next life”, the embattled leader would be surprised to know that the current political debates no longer revolve around his future, but a post-Thaksin Thailand.

He could still choose to dissolve the House of Representatives, then lead an caretaker government and hope for a new election mandate. But what was once a “wishful” scenario of his opponents and rivals has, apparently, become his own best option. Buoyed by the continued arrivals of new allies, the anti-Thaksin coalition now doesn’t want to give him a sniff of a chance at coming back. They want him to go – now and for good – or else.

Thaksin’s omnipresence has evaporated. This was underlined on Tuesday when a group of high school students who should have been playing ragnarok at home organised a press conference to declare war on this “Satan”. Whether or not someone is behind the kids, Thaksin’s problem is that nobody cares. Such is the dismal state of his besieged legitimacy.

Whispered rumours had it that he might call it a day before Sunday, when one of the biggest political rallies in modern history is expected. It was said that the prime minister has come under heavy pressure from left, right and centre, directly and implicitly, to exit politics now so he can maintain some grace. He can hold out and wait to see how the joint House-Senate special session transpires, but this option comes with the risk of being knocked out in the assembly hall, and even greater fuel for public resentment.

A House dissolution today or in the near future may ease some pressure. But the coalition won’t stop and the intertwined crises of Thailand and Thaksin will come back if he manages to stage a comeback. The House dissolution won’t resolve two key issues – the controversial Shin Corp takeover and the new clamouring for political reform. His opponents don’t want him to seek a new mandate because they know he is more than capable of getting re-elected, but then everything would be back to square one. In other words, the coalition does not want him to go to the grassroots and use their support to justify alleged policy corruption, further ruin of checks and balances and a decline of political morals.

Yet Thaksin’s resignation does not guarantee a peaceful transition, especially if Thailand’s new leadership is perceived as a vehicle for the Shinawatras. Whoever replaces him would probably have to oversee a highly acrimonious constitutional-amendment process. The new prime minister would also have to deal with lingering questions concerning the Temasek deal, a very unenviable job especially if the new leader comes from the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party.

An ideal scenario would be for Thaksin to bow out and give way to a respectable figure – like Chaturon Chaisaeng – from his own party. The new leader would then have to facilitate a special constitutional amendment process, probably starting with a set of drafters, not from the Parliament but accepted by the public, and ending with parliamentary deliberation. The process should be precise and directed at just a few key clauses. When that is done, a new election could be called under the new rules.

But even this wishful scenario cannot address the question of what should be done in regard to what the Shinawatras “have taken away” from Thailand. Should Singapore’s Temasek Holdings still be allowed to control Thailand’s telecom assets? What about the alleged tax evasion? The alleged insider trading? And so on. The family’s enormous fortunes have become a major stumbling block in efforts to find a peaceful solution to the political crisis dividing the country.

But there are those who think the present pain and impasse are the best testimony that Thailand’s priority is to get back what it lost when trying to accommodate Thaksin in 2001. According to this school, nothing else should matter. So much has been said about who should replace him, about the lack of challengers, and, about economic continuity. But the current crisis may be the nation’s straightforward cry for reform. This was the cost of his ascent to power, so his much-demanded departure must bring it back, or everything will come to nothing again.

Tulsathit Taptim
The Nation
23 Feb 2006

TRT figures urge Thaksin to step down

2006-02-27T23:12:00.000-08:00

POLITICAL CRISIS
TRT figures urge Thaksin to step down

Sources say PM prefers dissolving the House; Chaturon, Bhokin seen as possible successors

Pressure is growing for the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to stand down – even from inside the ruling party.

Certain figures in the Thai Rak Thai Party have advised the premier to step down as a way out of the ongoing political crisis, a source in the TRT said yesterday.

The TRT figures believe that with the premier resigning, the governing party would be able to maintain most of the status quo, while placating the anti-Thaksin campaigners focused on bringing him down because of the Shin Corp sell-off scandal, according to a source.

These figures agreed that with the ruling party remaining in power, it would play an important role in efforts to amend the Constitution, the source said.

Earlier, the premier ruled out resigning, arguing that he would not upset people who voted for his party and wanted him to serve a full four-year term. He also made it clear he wanted to keep the top job by offering compromise deals to critics and opponents.

Public pressure is growing for Thaksin to resign in the wake of the Shin scandal and wealth concealment allegations against him, and the decision by the Constitution Court to reject a petition by 27 senators to investigate the charges. The anti-Thaksin campaign has gained momentum with the participation of many groups.

The TRT source said that if forced to choose, Thaksin would favour House dissolution rather than resignation.

That Rak Thai MP Chalermchai Ulankul said yesterday that dissolving the House without first amending the charter would leave many problematic issues unsettled.

“If the TRT returns to power, the same problems will exist and the same disputes won’t go away,” he said.

The government MP called on Thaksin to give clear explanations about allegations against him at the general parliamentary debate, expected to take place from Monday week (March 6). “If he fails to answer the questions, discontent will grow,” he said.

Gothom Arya, chairman of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council, suggested yesterday that Thaksin should step down to make way for amending certain “problematic clauses” in the Constitution.

“This way, the government can do the caretaker job while Parliament can continue with its work,” he said.

Student leaders yesterday echoed the calls for Thaksin to resign.

Kotchawan Chaiyabutr, secretary general of the Students Federation of Thailand, said it was time for the prime minister to go.

“He should not dissolve the House. The problem involves his personal matters. If he does so, Thai politics will remain in the same old cycle. If he resigns, he will let the political reform process to begin, which will benefit the country more,” she said.

Student leaders from five universities in Nakhon Ratchasima agreed at their meeting yesterday they no longer trust Thaksin to lead the country, said Samak Sopha, from Suranaree University of Technology.

If Thaksin opts to resign, there is a limited list of possible successors. The Constitution requires that the prime minister must be an elected member of Parliament, so one of TRT’s top 10 party-list MPs is likely to replace Thaksin.

Political pundits said possible candidates were Deputy PM and Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who is No 2 on the list, Education Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng, fourth on the list, and House Speaker Bhokin Bhalakula, ninth on the list.

They said while Suriya is the first candidate, he is the worse possible choice. Suriya leads the Wang Nam Yom faction, which has more than 100 MPs, making it the second biggest faction in the ruling party. Thaksin has realised that Suriya’s faction is too big to control.

Thaksin knows that once Suriya tastes life as premier it would hard to bring him down, one of the pundits said.

Moreover, Suriya is still scarred by the CTX scanner scandal. It was unlikely the public believed the government investigation, which found no evidence of corruption at the new airport.

Chaturon seems to be the most likely choice, they said. With his character of compromise they thought Chaturon would receive support from TRT MPs. They also pointed out that with Chaturon’s clean image – he is seen as one of the good politicians – the public might easily accept him.

A few years ago, Asiaweek magazine hailed Chaturon as an up-and-coming young politician with the potential to become prime minister. However, his weak point is he lacks leadership experience, so the public would be uncertain whether he could be really free from Thaksin or might be considered his puppet.

Bhokin is the second likely choice. He is now House Speaker and senior enough to replace Thaksin, they said. Moreover, Thaksin trusts Bhokin and he could serve Thaksin in every way. But the weakness for Bhokin is that he has no political clout, so TRT MPs are hardly likely to accept him.

Unfortunately, two of Thaksin’s close aides, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan cannot occupy the post because they are not MPs.

The Nation
23 Feb 2006

From Sanam Luang Day 2

2006-02-27T22:53:00.000-08:00

REAL-TIME COVERAGE
From Sanam Luang Day 2

The first day of the massive rally against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra ends peacefully with the announcement by the coalition that the rally will go on until Thaksin resigns.

The People's Alliance for Democracy ends the first day by reading a statement at midnight that the rally will go on until Thaksin agrees to resing.

The PAD announces that the rally on the second day will be bigger as more people are expected to join.

The PAD urges working people to join the rally after work.

[Click here to read the report of the first day. ]
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/02/26/headlines/headlines_20001597.php

0:03 am: Apichart Damdee, a popular talk-show entertainer, reads a poem in criticising of Thaksin.

0:31 am: Sarocha Pornudomsak goes up on stage. She criticises state-owned TVs for not giving fair reports of anti-Thaksin rallies.

0:39 am: Sarocha greets foreign media in English and thanks them for reporting the rally.

Soracha also asks the protesters to shout "Get out" in English after she shouts "Thaksin".

0:40 am: An announcer urges the people to monitor news from the PAD closely.

2:00 am: Demonstrators start returning home. Reporters estimate less than 10,000 remain at Sanam Luang.

4:00 am: Chamlong Srimuang, former Palang Dharma Party leader, returns to the stage and tells the crowds that they may have spend another night at the rally site. "I don't know how many nights we will have to remain here but we will go on rallying until the prime minister resigns."

Followers of the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect wake up and start cleaning the rally ground. They spend two hours to clean up the area.

4:58 am: A spokesman of the People's Alliance for Democracy tells a news talk show programme on Channel 3 that about 20,000 people remain at the rally site.

5:40 am: Chamlong walks around to greet demonstrators who remain there.

6:00 am: Sondhi goes up on the stage and lead the demonstrators to exercise for five minutes. He then spends about half an hour to attack Thaksin.

Sondhi asks people who have to work to resume their work but come back to join the rally in the evening. He says the number of people will be much higher when people from provinces arrive.

6:30 am: Chaiwat Sinsuwong, a former Palang Dharma Party leader, goes up on the stage to attack Thaksin.

9:00 am: Sarocha and two speakers tell demonstrators not to be angry against TV reporters who misinform audience of the number of protesters.

ASTV halts live broadcast of the rally for the day and resumes studio programme. The satellite station will resume live broadcast of rally at 3 pm when key speakers will resume their attack against Thaksin on the stage.

The rally organiser stops using amplifier system. Phra Photirak, the leader of the Santi Asoke sect, gives sermon to his followers.

11:00 am: Metropolitan Police commissioner Pol Lt Gen Wiroj Chantharangsi holds a meeting of senior officers up from commander posts to discuss security measures for Sanam Luang.

11:30 am: Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya expresses confidence that the rally will remain peaceful although demonstrators will stay put at Sanam Luang for indefinite days.

1:30 pm: Caretaker Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan says Prime Minister Thaksin will hold a press conference at 4 pm about the party's stand on the opposition's call on for the Thai Rak Thai to sign a pact to promise charter reform.

She says the Thai Rak Thai's stand is similar to the call of other parties.

3:48 pm: Nation News Agency reports that the Democrat has completes a draft which seeks to set up a national constitution drafting committee with seven members. The committee would be empowered to draft a new charter in six months and submit it to be approved by MPs and senators.

4:00 pm: Thaksin tells a press conference about his party's stand on drafting a new charter. He says the Thai Rak Thai agrees to amend Article 313 as proposed by the Democrat. He says the new charter can be drafted by either a neutral committee or a people's assembly. The Thai Rak Thai wants the draft constitution will be subject to a national referendum and wants all political parties to ratify the new draft constitution.

Thaksin says all political parties will meet at Rook 309 of Parliament Building to discuss the details of how to implement the charter amendment at 6 pm.

Article 313 spells out how the Constitution could be amended. Currently, the people cannot take part in charter amendments. The Democrat proposes amending Article 313 to allow people's participation in the amendments.

Some 4,700 policemen from the Metropolitan Police Bureau are deployed to keep law and order at Sanam Luang.

4:20 pm: Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban denies rumours that he has met Thaksin and was lobbied by the prime minister to cancel the Democrat's plan to boycott election. Speaking to ASTV, Suthep says he has never met Thaksin for a long time.

4:30 pm: Leading members of Democrat, Chat Thai and Mahachon parties hold a meeting at Parliament to discuss Thaksin's proposal on how to amend the Constitution.

4:40 pm: iTV submits a letter of complaint to the Broadcast Journalist Association of Thailand about the case that its TV crew were besieged and intimidated by protesters at Sanam Luang Sunday night. The station asks the association provide protection for reporters who are doing their duty.

5:00 pm: The Hyde Park at Sanam Luang resumes. Two announcers, Samran Rodphet and Suwit Watnoo, tell the demonstrator that they have reviewed tape of iTV and found that the station did not report the number of protesters Sunday night. They apologise iTV reporter Thapanee Iadsrichai for the misunderstanding and intimidation against her and her crew by demonstrators Sunday night.

5:40 pm: The opposition coalition announces the boycott of the election. Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva tells the press conference that the Democrat, Chat Thai and Mahachon will not meet Thaksin at 6 pm. He says the three parties will not field candidates in the election because Thaksin tried to distort the spirit of real political reform proposed by the three parties. Abhisit says Thaksin's counter-proposal would run against the principle of political reform and would complicate the reform.

5:45 pm: Thaksin says "I've done my best" when he learns of the opposition's decision to boycott the election and refusal to attend a meeting with him.

6:00 pm: Thaksin holds a meeting with small parties at Parliament.

6:30 pm: Nimit Thian-udom, director of Access to AIDs, speaks on the stage, urging more people to join the rally. The number of protesters is estimated at about 10,000. Nimit says Thaksin's plan to sign a free trade agreement with the United States will affect poor people.

6:53 pm: Suwit Watnoo, an announcer, tells the crowds the opposition has boycotted the election.

Samran Rodphet, another announcer, urges the demonstrators to boycott the election.

Nation News Agency reports that Snoh Thienthong, leader of the Wang Nam Yen faction, will address the protesters at 8 pm.

6:55 pm: Torphong Senanon, secretary-general of the Association of the Blind in Thailand, appears on stage. He says the Government Lottery Office should be called Thaksin's Assets Office because it generates money for Thaksin to spend at will.

7:20 pm: Sirichai Mai-ngam, the president of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand Union, says Thaksin opens up the country to be bought up by foreign investors, and workers will be robbed of their social security and will become second-class citizens under the rule of foreign investors.

Thaksin gives interview to reporters after a meeting with small parties that the Thai Rak Thai will go on "carrying out our duty". He says although the Chat Thai, Democrat and Mahachon would boycott the election, there are 10 other small parties, which will participate in the election.

7:30 pm: Samran Rodphet, an announcer, tells the crowds the people start gathering to watch live broadcast of the Sanam Luang rally in several provinces, including, Phetchabun and Lampang.

7:56 pm: Field reporters estimate the number of protesters at a little bit over 10,000.

8:11 pm: Chaiwat Sinsuwong, former Palang Dharma Party leader, addresses the protesters. He announces that the organiser gathered over Bt300,000 in donations on Sunday.

8:40 pm: Police Commissioner General Gen Kowit Watana visits the rally site. He says it is common duty of police to provide safety for the protesters.

9:00 pm: Former Thai Rak Thai MP, Sanoh Thienthong, takes the stage with Pramual Rojanaseri. He says today is a historic day and he has opportunity to stand before such a large crowd. He asks the crowd if they want to learn of Thaksin's background. The crowd cheer, "yes."

Sanoh apologises the crowd for supporting Thaksin in the past. "I regret that I had supported a wrong person. Now I am well aware that he is the one who has corrupted throughout his term," Sanoh said.

Sanoh says he had warned Thaksin that the country has been in dilemma because of his administration, but Thaksin never listened to. Sanoh even gave the warnings to Thaksin's aides, but to no avail.

9:57 pm: Social critic Sulak Sivalak says Thaksin is serving his own wife. Sulak says Pojaman Shinawatra, Thaksin's wife is worse than Imelda Marcos.

10:03 pm: Amarin Khoman, a social critic, goes up on stage. Amarin likens the anti-Thaksin rally to the pro-democracy rally in Philippines against then president Marcos 20 years ago.

Amarin blames Thaksin for the deaths of thousands of drug suspects.

He faults Thaksin for thousands of deaths of people by tsunami. He says if Thaksin was an effective minister, the deaths could have been prevented. Amarin says Indonesia declined to warn Thailand because Thaksin failed in foreign policy and infuriated Indonesia by accusing it of supporting terrorists in the deep South.

Amarin tries to urge people to march to Government House to oust Thaksin.

10:22 pm: Suwit, an announcer, says the five leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy will issue a statement before midnight.

10:39 pm: An announcer says former student activists, who have fought against dictatorial regimes in the past, are now gathering at the back of the stage.

10:41 pm: Senator Nirand Pithakwatchara says Thaksin creates a monopoly economic system of to benefit only a handful of businessmen.

He says the last straw which makes people to uproar against Thaksin is the sale of Shin Corp without paying taxes.

He says Thaksin worsens the situation in the deep South by using violence to try to tackle problems there.

10:59 pm: The Rural Doctors Society issues a statement saying Thaksin has lost legitimacy to rule.

11:09 pm: The crowds cheer and applaud when Wutthipong Piapjariyawat announces that former interior minister Purachai Piumsomboon joins the anti-Thaksin coalition and has come to the back of the stage.

11:10 pm: Unconfirmed reports has it that the demonstrators may soon move to the Democracy Monument to announce a deadline for Thaksin to resign.

11:17 pm: An announcer says Sondhi will make a very important announcement after a concert by Nga Kharawan.

Sources say the march would begin at 11:30 pm and the leaders would demand Thaksin to resign within five days.

11:37 pm: Sondhi goes up on the stage. Sondhi says the PAD has set the ending day for Thaksin.

Sondhis announces the people will move to Democracy Monument. People cheer.

Sondhi asks the people to promise not to damage any government property, including the Government Lottery Office.

He says the demonstrators will move to the monument to announce that the people will give Thaksin five days to resign.

Sondhi says ASTV will not be broadcast live to provinces on March 5 because he wants all provincial people to descend on Bangkok to oust Thaksin.

"March 5 will be the day to check bill against Thaksin," Sondhi says. People cheer.

People applaud to promise to march peacefully to Democracy Monument. The demonstrators give another big applause to promise they will come to rally on March 5 to oust Thaksin.

"Don't miss a chance to be part of the history to rebuild the country which has been damaged by Thaksin," Sondhi says.

11:51 pm: Suwit, an announcer, tells the crowds about details how the march will be organised.

11:52 pm: The people start to make formation for the march.

11:54 pm: The PAD makes a statement on stage while the demonstrators are making formation for the march.

The announcer says the PAD cannot allow Thaksin to go making damages to the country so it sets a deadline for Thaksin to leave office.

[Read the report on the third day of the raly, click here]

Thaksin announces House dissolution

2006-02-27T22:48:00.000-08:00

SNAP ELECTION
Thaksin announces House dissolution

updated - Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced a House dissolution Friday evening after he was granted an audience with His Majesty the King.

Thaksin told a TV live broadcast that he could not allow a group of people to use mob rule to force him to comply so he decided to return the mandate to the people by holding a snap election on April 2.

Thaksin said he considered that returning the mandate to the people is the best way-out under democratic rule.

"I would like to ask the people to decide whether you still want this government to serve the country … I have to uphold the democratic rules to return the mandate to the people … No matter how the people will decide, I'll accept it," Thaksin said on TV, which was broadcast at 8:40 pm on all TV channels.

The prime minister said a group of people, who had lost benefit because of his government, were trying to topple the government while a larger group of people wanted him to stay.

"I beg your permission to return the mandate of the people to make a decision again," Thaksin said on TV.

"I can't accept a decision of people who don't respect the system but claimed to decide for other people.

"April 2 will be an important day for the country. It will not be an ordinary election but it will be a time for you all to show your decision force and I'll accept it with respect."

Before he appeared on TV, he had a spokesman read a statement criticising his opponents for not playing by the rule.

Thaksin entered the Chitralada Palace at 5 pm to be granted the audience and left the palace shortly before 6 pm.

The prime minister then went to the Thai Rak Thai party head office and told reporters there that he had received a royal command to dissolve the House of Representatives.

He appeared relaxed and humming a song.

"Only House dissolution, no Cabinet reshuffle," Thaksin told reporters at his party's head office.

A Government House source said Thaksin decided to dissolve the House because he could find a suitable person to replace him as the prime minister.

The source said Thaksin wanted the snap election to be held as soon as possible. The source said Thaksin wanted to have the election held on April 2 or April 9.

Election Commission member Parinya Nakchattree said the EC would be able to make preparations in time for the election to take place on April 2.

He said the EC would have to send lists of eligible voters to each house at least 20 days before the Election Day but he was confident that the preparations could be made in time.

Suriyasai Katasila, a coordinator of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said the PAD was unhappy with the House dissolution and saw it as an selfish act of the prime minister.

He said the House dissolution would not solve the current political problems but would allow Thaksin to try seek a political come back and prolong his political power.

Anek Laothamthap, a former leader of Mahachon Party, denounced Thaksin for dissolving the House without informing other parties first as he had promised in the past.

Anek said Thaksin used to say he would inform MPs and other parties at least 90 days before a House dissolution so that MPs could switch party.

"He lied and took the edge over other parties," Anek said.

The Nation
24 Feb 2006

The Royal Plaza Rally Overview

2006-02-27T22:46:00.000-08:00

see at:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/royalplaza/
The Nation

Dissolution shrewd but ignores discontent

2006-02-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

HARD TALK
Dissolution shrewd but ignores discontent

In his speech to justify his decision to dissolve the House of Representatives last Friday night, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra tried to portray himself as a defender of democracy against what he disparagingly described as "mob rule".

Thaksin pointed an accusing finger at every imaginable political foe. Any and everyone opposing him or questioning his leadership were lumped together as "troublemakers" or "lawbreakers" bent on overthrowing his government.

On the surface, "returning power to the people" - as Thaksin tried to describe his decision to dissolve the House - sounds perfectly fair. After all, in a democracy, calling a snap election is the constitutional prerogative of an incumbent. But political traditions require that such power be exercised only in the event of a serious political confrontation between the executive and the legislative branches or when the legislative branch becomes non-functional.

Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai Party has absolute control of the House to the point of being labelled a "parliamentary dictatorship", and Thaksin has been able to execute his policies practically unhindered.

The legislative branch, therefore, is in no way at fault for the fast-snowballing discontent directed at the executive branch, particularly at the prime minister.

It is Thaksin - and certainly not MPs in the House - who stands accused of conflicts of interest and abusing political power. And it is Thaksin and his family - and certainly not members of the legislative branch - who stand accused of betraying the public trust by selling off their stakes in Shin Corp to Singapore's Temasek Holdings and exploiting legal loopholes to avoid paying tax on their Bt73.3-billion windfall.

Thaksin's political manoeuvring is nothing more than an attempt to whitewash his tainted political leadership. By going to the polls, Thaksin apparently believes he can avoid answering all of the embarrassing questions about morality and conflicts of interest stemming from his family's sale of the stake in Shin Corp to Temasek of Singapore.

From a purely political point of view, this is without a doubt a shrewd move. In one stroke, Thaksin turned the tables on his critics and at the same time paved the way for him to reclaim political legitimacy through the ballot box. Thai Rak Thai has all of the advantages of any incumbency and an unrivalled war chest. Thaksin is also obviously confident that his popularity and the appeal of his populist policies will ensure his return to power will be smooth sailing.

The abrupt dissolution of the House and the limited time frame given to political parties to prepare for the election has already raised questions of fairness - in regard to not only non-Thai Rak Thai politicians, but also the voters themselves.

The Election Committee didn't even bother to try to maintain a semblance of independence when it quickly consented to a government request that the snap election be held 37 days after the House dissolution. That's barely enough time for political parties - except Thai Rak Thai, of course - to prepare.

By dissolving the House, Thaksin has also ensured that choices will be limited to existing political parties. Any alternatives for voters are practically ruled out.

The April 2 election will essentially be less a democratic process to elect a government than a referendum on Thaksin. It will be Thailand's first general election in which policies and political platforms are irrelevant.

But Thaksin is dead wrong to believe that once given a new mandate, popular challenges to his legitimacy to rule will die down. Thaksin has all along underestimated the level of discontent that has spread among all sections of society.

Even if Thaksin is swept back into power, there will still be a big question mark hanging over his legitimacy to govern, as long as the grievances against him are not addressed. The peaceful protests by more than 100,000 at Sanam Luang and tens of thousands more at anti-Thaksin rallies around the country on Sunday should serve as a reminder to the PM that he will be ruling a deeply divided country.

The proposal by the three main opposition parties for Thaksin to sign a commitment to amend the Constitution after the election may provide a way out of the current political deadlock and ensure the country will not be further polarised. But the chances that Thaksin will buy the idea are very slim, given that he is more than assured of re-election without having to compromise. Probably he will simply offer lip service in hopes of pacifying his critics before the election.

In trying to justify the House dissolution, Thaksin in his televised speech invoked the image of the bloody street demonstrations during the May 1992 uprising. But he deliberately chose to twist that historic political event, in order to raise the spectre of violence at Sunday's Sanam Luang rally.

The peaceful manner in which the demonstration proceeded more than disputed Thaksin's claim that he needed to dissolve the House to prevent potential bloodshed. He cited alleged intelligence reports that certain groups of people would try to incite violence similar to that of Black May.

The event, despite Thaksin's dire predictions, passed without a drop of blood being shed. But if Thaksin continues to allow the arrogance of power to blind him to rising discontent among the people, his purported fears of another May uprising may turn out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Thepchai Yong

The Nation
28 Feb 2006

Counter punch has floored the heavyweight

2006-02-27T22:36:00.000-08:00

ANALYSIS
Counter punch has floored the heavyweight

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is down for an eight count. The opposition's decision to boycott the snap election, the first such political walkout in Thai history, has turned the tide and left him with just two options: Leave the ring while he can, or switch to suicide mode and continue the fight.

It was a somewhat below-the-belt blow by the opposition, but the growing crowd at Sanam Luang believed it was what he deserved. With the House dissolution, called by Thaksin last Friday, viewed as the latest in an endless series of "abuses" of democracy by the PM, the poll boycott was deemed a response in kind.

If the opposition parties, which have flip-flopped over the past two days regarding the boycott plan, manage to stand their ground, Thaksin's crisis will reach epic proportions. Since every MP is legally required to be elected by at least 20 per cent of voters in his or her constituency, there is a good chance the April 2 snap election will not produce 500 MPs, as required by the Constitution. Whether an "incomplete" House of Representatives can elect the next prime minister could become a big constitutional issue.

The Democrats' strong support in the South make it very likely that, if the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party decides to go ahead with the poll unchallenged, it won't get the much-needed 20 per cent backing for many of its candidates. The same might also happen in some Bangkok constituencies.

Even without such mammoth legal and constitutional dangers, Thaksin will still be in a bind. His current crisis stems from widespread fears of his domination, and winning a virtually uncontested general election would be the last thing he needs. But talk about "winning" might be premature, as many observers believe that if common sense still prevails, there is no way such an election could take place. While a boycott may be condemned by Thaksin's supporters, he lacks backing from the country's intellectuals who have all joined the alliance campaigning for his ouster.

"The opposition has turned the table on Thai Rak Thai, which now has only two options - confrontation or compromise," said Somchai Phakapaswiwat of Thammasat University. Confrontation means going ahead with the poll while trying to discredit those boycotting it at the same time. This carries major risks including violence that could have far-reaching consequences.

Compromise would mean Thaksin resigning, which could salvage something for Thai Rak Thai and its embattled leader. But according to Somchai, neither option bodes well for the Thai economy, as the PM's departure in a compromise scenario would also disrupt a lot of major policies and projects.

But other academics blamed Thaksin for the impasse. Pairoj Vongvipanond, a lecturer of Thurakitbundit University, said dissolving the House was a mistake. "It has been proven he is no longer fit to rule the country, so the planned snap election has not given hope - just fear that it will be used to whitewash [him] so he can again reclaim a mandate to govern Thailand," Pairoj said.

Teerana Bhongmakapat, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, could not foresee a one-horse election race. "A lack of election legitimacy would fuel public displeasure," he said.

Thai Rak Thai's desperate and intense lobbying efforts yesterday confirmed the ruling camp was aware that the boycott would deprive them of political and constitutional leverage. The impasse has already prompted political pundits to start talking about "divine intervention". Attention was drawn yesterday to Article 7 of the charter, which experts believe gives His Majesty the King power to resolve unprecedented deadlocks "through traditions of the constitutional monarchy."

The Nation
28 Feb 2006

Poll Boycott corners PM

2006-02-27T22:31:00.000-08:00

POLITICAL CRISIS
Poll boycott corners PM

Rally praises opposition parties as Thaksin demands all groups put up a binding 'social contract' instead of a policy platform

In a move unprecedented in Thai politics, the three opposition parties yesterday announced a boycott of the April 2 election as Thai Rak Thai began gathering support from little-known political groups to bolster its campaign.

The leaders of the opposition parties - Abhisit Vejjajiva (Democrat), Banharn Silapa-archa (Chat Thai) and Sanan Kachornprasart (Mahachon) - called a press conference late in the afternoon to announce their decision.

With the opposition's latest move, the options for embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shina-watra are now limited to going ahead with the election plan or resigning, something the anti-Thaksin coalition, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), is demanding. The PAD's mass rally at Sanam Luang continued into the second day yesterday.

Key opposition members said they would not take part in a meeting called by the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party at 6pm to discuss political reform. TRT later went ahead with the meeting at Parliament with more than 10 little-known political parties participating.

On learning of the opposition's decision, Thaksin commented: "I have performed my duty to the best of my abilities."

Thaksin, who arrived at the meeting with representatives from obscure parties amid tight security, said TRT was simply performing its duty in proceeding to contest the election. He rejected a call by the three main opposition parties for the four parties with elected MPs in the just-dissolved House of Representatives to draft a pact to allow for constitutional amendments to make way for another round of political reforms.

TRT suggested all political parties taking part in the upcoming election draft their own "social contracts" stating their platforms and detailing their plans on constitutional changes and political reform.

"The social contract is greater than a pact as it is a commitment to the public that they have to keep," said Thaksin. "We agree to the opposition's call for party political leaders to meet. I invite them to meet me to discuss all matters in detail. All the parties that have registered are invited," he added.

Thaksin said the ruling party agreed with the opposition's proposal to have a "neutral body" draft constitutional amendments, but it also believed the public should be represented.

The opposition had given Thaksin an ultimatum to agree to amend the Constitution or face a boycott of the April 2 election. Thaksin countered by saying his party had come up with possible solutions after it had long been studying the strengths and weaknesses of the charter.

The three opposition leaders met for about half an hour at Parliament yesterday and called a press conference afterwards.

In a joint statement, the three opposition leaders said the only way out of the current political crisis was not a snap election but rather the amending of the Constitution by a group of respectable and neutral figures in order to ensure political reform.
"The election is not the answer to the country's problems. It is merely a tool for Thaksin Shinawatra to bring about his desired path, which could lead to great damage to the country," the statement said.

The opposition parties said they had ignored TRT's invitation for a meeting last night because they viewed it as "completely irrelevant to the desired goal". They also said there were signs the April 2 election "is unlikely to be free and fair" and that was why they decided not to take part in the election.

At Sanam Luang yesterday, leaders of the anti-Thaksin rally praised the opposition parties for going ahead with the boycott. On Sunday, the opposition was assailed during the rally for a possible pullback from its earlier threat to boycott the election.
"I think we must praise [the opposition parties'] decision to stand on the side of the people," PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila said. "The opposition parties are taking the mood and feelings of the people into consideration."

Sondhi Limthongkul, the media firebrand and key anti-Thaksin protagonist, thanked the opposition parties for sticking to their decision to boycott the election. He said the decision "shows they still understand the aspirations of the Thai people".
TRT's legal experts called a press conference yesterday at the party's headquarters to denounce the opposition parties' decision.

Vichit Plangsrisakul said the three opposition parties were refusing to play by the rules of democracy by failing to abide by the Constitution and the royal decree calling the snap election.

"The Thai Rak Thai Party is adhering to the Constitution by fielding candidates in the election. There has been no political dead end. What's going on is a political game," he said.

Phumtham Vejchayachai, a deputy TRT secretary-general, said the opposition parties were focusing too much on political benefits.

The Nation
28 Feb 2006

From Sanam Luang Day 3

2006-02-27T22:25:00.000-08:00

REAL-TIME COVERAGE
From Sanam Luang Day 3

The anti-Thaksin rally enters the third day with the People's Alliance for Democracy leading the demonstrators to march from Sanam Luang to the Democracy Monument.

The PAD announces that the demonstrators go to the monument to make a pledge that they will fight to overthrow Thaksin.

The PAD sets the deadline for Thaksin to step down by March 5.

Media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul, a leading PAD member, asks people from provinces to take a few-day leave from job to "make history" by participating in the rally against Thaksin on March 5.

The march begins at midnight.

[Click here to read the report of the rally on the second day]
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/02/27/headlines/headlines_20001652.php

12:06 am: Channel 9 reports the march.

The march continues peacefully. The march is led by a vehicle on which announcer Suwit Watnoo is. The Dharma Army forms the second line of the march. Protesters make the third line after the Dharma Army.

12:17 am: ASTV reports that the march will take about half an hour to reach the Democracy Monument.

12:21 am: The head of the march reaches the Democracy Monument.

12:25 am: The PAD set up mobile amplifier system at the Democracy Monument. An announcer says the rally will continue at the monument throughout the night and will not return to Sanam Luang for the night.

The announcer tells demonstrators who arrive at the monument to sit down in good order.

Demonstrators who are still marching wave flags.

12:32 am: Sondhi who walks among the demonstrators reach the monument.

12:35 am: Channel 9 announces urgent breaking news that the demonstrators reach Democracy Monument.

12:38 am: ASTV reports that the tail of the parade is still at Sanam Luang.

Organisers of the rally distribute a candle to each demonstrator.

12:42 am: The demonstrators shout "Thaksin get out" in rhythm nearly all the time.

12:48 am: Suwit, an announcer, announces the statement from the PAD saying the demonstrators come to pay respect to spirits of democracy heroes who have died in their fight for democracy.

12:50 am: Kochawan Chaibutr, secretary-general of the Student Federation of Thailand, addresses the demonstrators from the amplifier-system vehicle.

12:54 am: Announcer Suwit leads the demonstrators to shout "Thaksin get out" in English.

12:55 am: Sarocha Porn-udomsuk goes up on the amplifier vehicle to speak. She says the people's victory is within reach now.

12:57 am: An announcer asks the crowds to give big applause for police for providing good care and protection for demonstrators.

12:58 am: Sondhi tells the crowds that "today is a historic day" for people have joined a fight for democracy without shedding their blood.

Sondhi says the current political situation is worse than those in 1976 and 1992 because of Thaksin.

1:05 am: Sondhi calls on people from around the country to come to Bangkok on March 5 to demonstrate to topple Thaksin.

1:07 am: Sondhi asks demonstrators to launch PR campaigns to urge more people to come to the planned rally on March 5.

1:13 am: Demonstrators light up candles in memory of heroes who have died in their fight for democracy.

Crowds stand in silence for one minute in memory of the democracy heroes.

1:15 am: PAD leaders lead the crowds to sing a song as a symbol of their pledge to fight to bring down evil ruler.

1:20 am: Demonstrators are told to disperse and come back on March 5 to rally again, this time, the announcer says, the rally will continue until Thaksin is brought down. Many also help collect litter.

[Thank you for staying with us, see you again on March 5th - The Nation]

Protesters set March 5 as deadline for PM to resign

2006-02-27T22:23:00.000-08:00

Protesters set March 5 as deadline for PM to resign

Activistsissued an ultimatum early Tuesday demanding that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra resign, or be ousted from office by a mass protest after he dissolved parliament and called new elections.

Mediamogul, Sondhi Limthongkul the key organiser of the anti-Thaksin demonstrations announced the utlimatum at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday at the huge rally. Thousands of protesters eventually dispersed peacefully, but is expected to reconvene next Sunday.

"Thaksin will have until Sunday March 5 to resign, or face the biggest show of opposition ever,'' Sondhi said.

The Nation
28 Feb 2006

Thaksin agrees to draft new charter

2006-02-27T22:13:00.001-08:00

Thaksin agrees to draft new charter

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Monday announced that he agreed with the Democrat’s proposal to amend the current Constitution so that a new better version of charter could be drafted.

Thaksin told a press conference that the Thai Rak Thai agreed to amend Article 313 as proposed by the Democrat so that the new charter could be drafted by either a neutral committee or a people's assembly.

After drafting the new draft constitution would be subject to a national referendum and ratification by all political parties.

Thaksin said all political parties will meet at Rook 309 of Parliament Building to discuss the details of how to implement the charter amendment at 6 pm.

The Nation
27 Feb 2006
published on 28 Feb 2006

Thaksin agress to draft new charter

2006-02-27T22:13:00.000-08:00

Voters must choose wisely

2006-02-27T22:08:00.000-08:00

DATELINE
Bangkok

Voters must choose wisely
Post Today Editorial

_ It may not please everyone, but Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has chosen to dissolve the House of Representatives, setting a showdown with his die-hard opponents who insist he must step down. Many observers believe Mr Thaksin chose to go to the polls because he believes his Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party can make a comeback in the snap election set for April 2.

But the House dissolution will not end the political crisis because Mr Thaksin's opponents will not stop their street protests until he resigns. They believe Mr Thaksin is morally unfit to lead the country. Even if he wins the snap election, his opponents will continue their protests. There will be no peace in the country. By calling a new election in just one month, the government is in a good position to beat the opposition parties, which will not have enough time to select good candidates and campaign effectively nationwide. With plenty of money and power to control state mechanisms, the TRT has a clear advantage over the opposition Democrat party.

Mr Thaksin could have chosen a better way out by resigning and picking a fellow party member to replace him. This could have paved the way for a second round of political reform as demanded by civic groups.

Without political reform, the next House of Representatives will be the same as the current one, even though the TRT might have a smaller number of MPs in the new parliament. It is now up to the electorate to exercise their rights wisely.

published in Bangkok Post
28 Feb 2006

POST Bag

2006-02-27T22:04:00.000-08:00

POST Bag

Understanding the law of karma

Eric Bahrt claims the Thai people need to be educated about the true teachings of Buddhism. But does he fully understand Buddhism? I am not sure it is something that is so easily fathomable. On the surface, karma is simply a matter of reaping what you sow. One who becomes rich is rich because of what he has sown, either through honest or dishonest means, in this lifetime and/or in past lifetimes. In the future he will reap his honest or dishonest efforts as well. The Buddha was born wealthy supposedly because of his past karma. That he chose to renounce his wealth is indeed something that Buddhists are supposed to emulate; at least they are supposed to renounce attachment to wealth. But what one "should" do is not relevant to the epistemological question of what "is" _ in this case, the "is" is about the true nature of karma and how it works.

On the other hand, there is a deeper ripple to the mystery of karma that needs unravelling. Buddhism also recognises the interdependence of all things. So everything that happens is also influenced by the complex web of all actions that have been whirling around since the dawn of time. No man is an island so his own efforts are not the only things that determine what happens to him. But the precise interplay between all these actions and one's own conscious decision-making and actions is a mystery; perhaps it is unknowable. All that the law of karma says is that when it's time for one's karma to ripen it will bear fruit at the appropriate time. Of course, I might be missing a piece to this puzzle; perhaps I don't understand it very well at all. If someone more enlightened has a better understanding, I welcome him to step forward.

A STUDENT OF BUDDHISM
Thaksin has done the right thing

I am a Malaysian and would like to comment on the dissolution of Thailand's parliament. I am of the opinion that the move by PM Thaksin to dissolve parliament is not only brilliant, but wise and best for the nation. No one should resign from office by intimidation or harassment.

Thailand is a democratic country and my recent travel by car from Kuala Lumpur to Mae Sai proved to me that Thailand is a big and peaceful country. My question is: Why rob the nation of such peace?

I have respect for the PM. He did not return evil with evil but instead chose the path of peace by going to the polls. I am confident he will be returned as the country's PM come April. When that happens, I appeal to the Opposition to hold their peace and accept the democratic process with grace and humility. Thaksin himself recently advised that power snatched by unethical means will haunt the victor come one day. This, again, is a wise statement.

ALBERT CHEW

Still waiting to be enlightened

If you want a prime minister who is accountable and transparent, or whose reputation is clean, don't cheer because Prime Minister Thaksin has dissolved parliament; for now questions cannot be put in the House and we cannot be enlightened by their answers, which might have cleared or condemned PM Thaksin. An ill-informed electorate is like the blind men and the elephant, each person jumping to conclusions on the basis of half-truths, accusations and suspicions. This is hardly in the best interests of our country. As John F Kennedy said, "A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people."

I propose that the broadcast media should arrange debates between the Government and Opposition on issues of the day. On each matter, invite the one who should know best about the matter, or anybody he nominates; that way, nobody can plead inconvenience. On the Shin sale, for example, if the seller (Khun Panthongtae) cannot come, he can send anybody else to speak on his behalf.

If I had something to hide, I just wouldn't show up for the talk, thus keeping voters in the dark. This must not happen. So, if one side cannot come, the show must go on, with the no-show party represented by an empty chair. Let us know the truth, and be free of ignorance.

BURIN KANTABUTRA

Birds of a feather

Interesting to see that Thaksin has followed Suchinda's advice, but I suppose that all dictators must stick together?

PAUL CHEESMAN

Uncertain times ahead

I can't shake the feeling that the upcoming snap elections are just going to be another Thai farce. This is what I think will happen: Thai Rak Thai will be victorious again, albeit with a much smaller majority, and Thaksin will make everyone believe that this gives him a mandate to rule again, probably without changing his conniving tactics and his aversion to criticism.

Although it was decent of him to dissolve parliament, Mr Thaksin shouldn't run again for the post of PM. The so-called democratic movement opposing him and his cronies will never stop their battle until someone else with a clean image takes charge of the country.

By the way, TRT's popularity shouldn't just be measured by the number of votes cast for them, but also by the number of votes they lost since the last election (19 million). If they lose a good chunk of that vote, TRT won't have the necessary moral mandate to go on governing as if nothing happened. This scenario would just leave Thailand in turmoil, lead to political and economical uncertainty, and keep investors away.

JOHN JONES
Nonthaburi

published in Bangkok Post
28 Feb 2006

Boycott:

2006-02-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

COMMENT / THAI POLITICS

Boycott: the easy, but wrong, way out

Tempting though the option is, the Opposition is ill-advised to boycott the general election. Instead, it should uphold good faith beyond Mr Thaksin

By THITINAN PONGSUDHIRAK

Thailand's opposition parties are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has snookered them with his decision on Feb 24 to dissolve the Lower House to pave way for a new general election.

The House dissolution has taken some steam off the anti-Thaksin coalition protesting in the streets, putting the onus on the Democrat party-led Opposition to play by the rules in what is almost certainly going to be another overwhelming victory for the Thai Rak Thai party at the polls and a new mandate for Mr Thaksin's prospective third time at the helm.

In dissolving the Lower House and setting the poll date for April 2, Mr Thaksin has demonstrated his unsportsmanlike conduct and his disdain for fair play yet again.

Just hours prior to announcing the snap election, he exploited incumbency advantages by increasing salaries for civil servants, publicising a one-sided open letter to his constituents to clear his name from the Shin Corp scandal, and putting a tight time-frame on the snap election.

These manoeuvres were designed to maximise the element of surprise and leave the Opposition with an insufficient interval to field candidates, mobilise funds and prepare campaign platforms.

The opposition parties, in other words, are being challenged into the ring as a lightweight with one hand tied, against the TRT as heavyweight with the referee and the rules apparently in its favour, and the spectators paid and enticed to cheer it on.

Unsurprisingly, the Opposition wants to baulk. As the Chart Thai party dithered, the Democrat and Mahachon parties opted to boycott the general election, thereby denying the TRT the electoral legitimacy that would come from its probable triumph at the polls.

Boycotting the election would also be an act of protest against the government's manipulation and Mr Thaksin's usurpation of constitutional mechanisms.

Staying out of the election would also save scarce funds. While the TRT's war chest is practically infinite, given the government largesse that Mr Thaksin has deployed in his populist policies and given Mr Thaksin's huge family wealth following the Shin Corp sale of 73.3 billion baht, the opposition parties can ill-afford to squander their limited coffers.

Given the rising political temperature, there may well be more than one election this year, and hence the need to conserve campaign funds among opposition parties.

At the same time, however, staying out of the election would incur political costs for the Opposition.

It is likely to be seen as undemocratic by large swathes of the electorate, undermining the Opposition's credibility.

It would also be a bizarre counter-measure by international standards, where professional politicians are supposed to contest elections eagerly, energetically and enthusiastically.

Boycotting the election would further preclude opposition politicians from taking over in the event the prime minister succumbs to the anti-Thaksin forces and is forced into resignation after the election, as only sitting MPs are eligible to lead the government.

Perhaps most fundamentally, skipping the election goes against the basic instincts of many opposition politicians who have weathered through the ups, downs and sideways of Thai elections over decades.

In view of the inadvisability of the boycott, the Opposition has thrown the ball back into Mr Thaksin's court by issuing a de facto ultimatum of political reform to which the government must agree in return for opposition participation in the election.

This move puts pressure on Mr Thaksin, as he is compelled to show his true intentions towards rewriting the rules for greater accountability and a level electoral playing field.

But regardless of Thai Rak Thai's decision on the pre-election pact for political reform _ which prospectively begins with the revision of Article 313, the Opposition _ particularly the Democrat party, will have to bite the bullet on whether to contest on April 2.

It is a tempting counterpunch to boycott the election and thereby deprive Mr Thaksin of personal satisfaction and electoral legitimacy. The parliamentary Opposition is being urged to take this road by the anti-Thaksin movement in the streets, revolving around the People's Alliance for Democracy, who will settle for no less than Mr Thaksin's immediate resignation.

However, the Opposition should take a long view. They should try to maintain their own semblance of legitimacy in the eyes of the electorate, even if this will mean suffering another major defeat at the polls.

The Thai people deserve to have a viable government-in-waiting in the event of Mr Thaksin's political demise in the months ahead.

If the Opposition opts out of the election, the people will be robbed of parliamentary forces who they could look to in the near future as a replacement if Mr Thaksin's rule comes to an abrupt end.

Participation in the election demands hard campaign work with heavy financial burdens and uncertain rewards.

Opposition numbers may not rise at the polls, but the Democrats in particular should think beyond Mr Thaksin's departure. They need to provide the Thai people with an alternative leadership with a workable foresight into what is wrong and what is right about Thailand and where and how it should proceed in future.

They need to act in good faith and maintain popular trust in the spirit of the reform movement that led to the 1997 Constitution.

Such patience and perseverance is not as attractive as an election boycott, but it is likely to yield greater dividends in anticipation of Mr Thaksin's growing excesses, abuses of power and eventual downfall.

Indeed, there is sometimes virtue in defeat.

** Thitinan Pongsudhirak is assistant professor of International Political Economy with Department of International Relations, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University.

Bangkok Post
28 Feb 2006

On the Move - 28 Feb 2006

2006-02-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

Late news on Feb 28, 2006

Shortly after midnight, tens of thousands of protesters marched from Sanam Luang to the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the venue of major demonstrations and confrontations which preceded changes of government in October 1973, October 1976 and May 1992.

Police closed the outbound lane to allow the marchers access to the Democracy Monument and there was no sign of their progress being obstructed.

On arrival the protesters fanned out around the monument.

Media activist Sondhi Limthongkul said the protesters would give Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra a five-day deadline to step down and the rally would reconvene on Sunday, March 5.

He predicted that thousands would converge on Bangkok for this major rally. There would be no televised coverage on March 5 on ASTV so that protesters from the provinces would travel to Bangkok to join the rally, he said.

The marchers started disbanding at 1.30am.

Bangkok Post
28 Feb 2006

Sanoh labels PM 'a thief and a cheat'

2006-02-27T21:53:00.000-08:00

Sanoh labels PM 'a thief and a cheat'

POST REPORTERS

Sanoh Thienthong, who led members of his Wang Nam Yen faction to resign from the Thai Rak Thai party on Sunday, yesterday branded caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra "a thief and a cheat" as the anti-Thaksin rally continued at Sanam Luang for a second day.

An estimated 20,000 people attended the demonstration, which livened up at about 5pm when several protest leaders arrived at the rally.

The protesters, mostly employees of private companies and university students, applauded loudly and cheered on learning that the major opposition parties had decided to boycott the April 2 election.

Mr Sanoh, accompanied by close aides Pramual Rujanaseri and Boonthueng Polpanich, took to the stage for his attack on the prime minister at about 9pm.

He vowed to reveal the truth and praised the opposition's decision to boycott the polls.

Mr Sanoh said it was a "historic day" to be standing in front of so many people who shared the same goal. He apologised for having helped bring the Thai Rak Thai party into power.

He said Mr Thaksin had asked him on April 1, 2000 to help him gain power by claiming he owed a great deal to the country and wanted to work for it in return. He said Mr Thaksin said he would keep all his assets for his children and keep "just enough" for himself and his wife.

"I thought this person would change when he became rich. But I finally realised he had become rich by cheating the country. He has dared to burn his own house and his country for the insurance money. And everything he did was well-planned," Mr Sanoh said.

Mr Sanoh also accused Mr Thaksin of pushing for Thanong Bidaya to become the finance minister during the administration of Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and of reaping huge profits from Mr Thanong's decision to float the baht.

"I admit having helped a thief to rule and cheat the country. But I have conscience and remorse because I'm 72 now. When I was in the government, I rejected several laws proposed by him [Mr Thaksin], which upset him. I warned him several times by warning his wife first that several cabinet members were corrupt, but they didn't take any action," he said.

"He [Mr Thaksin] works alone in the cabinet and in Thai Rak Thai. Without the opposition, he would work alone as well in parliament," Mr Sanoh said.

He also alleged that Chart Pattana leader Suwat Liptapanlop agreed to merge his party with Thai Rak Thai because Mr Thaksin vowed not to seek legal action with regard to Mr Suwat and his men over the controversial Klong Dan project.

"Everyone should join forces to oust Thaksin. In ancient times, we would not only oust him but also hang him," Mr Sanoh said amid cheers from the crowd.

He also alleged that Mr Thaksin had evil intent towards the country and dissolved the House because he had been caught red-handed by the people as a "thief who had robbed the country".

Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, leader of the Dharma Army, said his group would remain with the rally right through to the end because they all agreed Mr Thaksin must go because he had lost the legitimacy to govern the country.

Bangkok Post
28 Feb 2006

Thaksin keen to ink Japan pact personally

2006-02-27T21:51:00.000-08:00

EPA signing, FTA parleys postponed
Thaksin keen to ink Japan pact personally

ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT

Thailand has postponed the signing of its Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, and suspended free trade area (FTA) negotiations with the US until the formation of the new government, chief negotiators for the two pacts said yesterday.

Pisan Manawapat, deputy permanent secretary of the Foreign Ministry, said the EPA signing, which had been set for April 3, a day after the elections, would not be possible as the new government would not be properly in place by then.

"We need to wait until we have the new government," he said. Since the draft legal text listed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as the signing party on the Thai side, "we cannot continue", he said.

A Japanese diplomat said technically anyone authorised by the government could sign the agreement, but Mr Thaksin wanted to do it himself. Tokyo needed the signature from the Thai side to put forward the treaty to the Diet for endorsement before the Japanese parliament ended its current session in June.

Mr Pisan insisted that the postponement would in no way hurt the process.

"On a positive note, the postponement should give legal experts more time to refine the words and re-check the consistency of the draft ... , while the sectors that would be affected by the EPA, such as iron producers, would also have more time to prepare for tariff reductions."

However, those benefiting from the EPA, such as jewelry, textile and garment exporters, would just have to endure a longer wait, he said.

Permanent secretary of commerce Karun Kittistaporn said the seventh round of FTA negotiations with the US were being suspended because the caretaker government was not in a position to make any commitments.

"It is a political tradition in terms of ethics to avoid creating or binding new policy commitments and we have to wait for the new government to have a say, said Mr Karun, the chief negotiator who took over the responsibility from Nitya Pibulsonggram who quit last month.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak acknowledged the postponement and will make it official today after chairing a meeting of the International Economic Policy Committee.

Witoon Lianchamroon, of FTA Watch, said a caretaker government had no legitimacy to sign the pacts. He said both the EPA signing and FTA negotiations should be halted amid the political upheaval.

Bangkok Post
28 Feb 2006

EC will seek a B22bn budget to organise April 2 polls

2006-02-27T21:35:00.000-08:00

BOYCOTT OF THE APRIL 2 ELECTION

EC will seek a B22bn budget to organise April 2 polls

MONGKOL BANGPRAPA SIRIKUL BUNNAG

The Election Commission (EC) is seeking 22 billion baht to organise the April 2 general election, which could also see a drop in campaign spending by candidates.

Commissioner Parinya Nakchatri said the EC would seek 22 billion baht from the state, about one billion baht less than the budget allocated for the previous general election on Feb 13, 2005.

The EC is also considering lowering the campaign expense ceiling, currently fixed at 1.5 million baht per candidate, on the grounds that the campaigning period will be very short.

The agency plans to discuss this issue with political party leaders following the candidacy registration.

Registration of party-list candidates is scheduled for Thursday and Friday at the National Stadium's Nimitbutra Gymnasium in Bangkok, Constituency candidates contesting in Bangkok must report for registration at the Public Relations Department's auditorium on Saturday. For those contesting in the provinces, the venues for registration will be announced by the provincial election commissions.

The opposition Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties announced yesterday they would boycott the snap polls as caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the Thai Rak Thai party leader, refused to agree to constitutional reform plans proposed by the opposition camp.

Due to population growth, four provinces will each have an additional constituency seat.

The four provinces are Chiang Mai _ from 10 to 11, Krabi _ from 2 to 3, Chon Buri _ from 7 to 8, and Narathiwat from 4 to 5.

Meanwhile , four other provinces which have seen their populations decreased will have fewer MPs.

Phetchabun will have six MPs, down from seven, Suphan Buri will elect five MPs, down from six, Phitsanulok will have five MPs, down from six, while Bangkok will elect 36 MPs, instead of 37.

All these adjustments have to be put into effect by virtue of a royal executive decree.
Advance voting will be held on March 25 and 26. Overseas voters will be allowed to cast ballots during March 17-26.

Meanwhile, Basic Education Commission secretary-general Pornnipa Limpaphayom said all teachers under the Education Ministry are duty-bound to lend their support to the EC's preparations for the April 2 snap election.

Mrs Pornnipa cited the Election Commission Law empowering the EC to order other state agencies and officials to make necessary contributions towards organising elections. Those who fail to act accordingly without good reason will face disciplinary action, she said.

She said teachers had always played a crucial role in previous elections.
Out of a total of about 500,000 teachers countrywide, some 200,000 had served as election panel members, she said.

Concerns have been raised because many teachers are opposed to plans for the transfer of schools from the Education Ministry to provincial administration organisations (PAOs), and in light of this they may also boycott the election.
Mrs Pornnipa also said teachers who fail to complete their tasks during the semester break will face a disciplinary investigation. She was referring to a call by teachers opposed to the transfer plan for their colleagues to stop teaching and join a campaign to oust Mr Thaksin.

She said teachers are required to attend schools to carry out their duties, such as grading exam papers, during the semester break.

Bangkok Post
28 Feb 2006

POLITICIANS CROSS PATHS WITH THE PUBLIC

2006-02-27T21:23:00.000-08:00

POLITICS / BOYCOTT OF THE APRIL 2 ELECTION

POLITICIANS CROSS PATHS WITH THE PUBLIC

Opposition going same way as anti-PM forces

With the opposition's announcement yesterday not to meet caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to discuss political reform and to boycott the general election called for April 2, the parallel paths taken by opposition parties and the anti-Thaksin movement have merged.

Yesterday's announcement by the Democrat party-led opposition was a U-turn from the one it announced only the day before and brought the Opposition full circle in just two days.

On Saturday, leaders of the three main opposition parties _ Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon _ reached a tentative agreement to boycott the election.

However, meeting again on Sunday, they reached a different resolution. They demanded instead that Mr Thaksin sign a joint declaration on constitutional amendments leading to political reform.

After Mr Thaksin rebuffed them with his own proposal, challenging them to make a social contract on political reform, they announced their boycott.

Core members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which is spearheading the demand for Mr Thaksin to step down, reacted to yesterday's announcement with delight. For some in the anti-Thaksin movement, it is a big shot of confidence.

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of Campaign for Popular Democracy and one of its founders, praised the opposition's decision.

"It's the right thing to do. It shows the opposition has principle and the right spirit by choosing to do something for the sake of the nation and its people," he said.

Before yesterday's announcement, both the Opposition and the anti-Thaksin alliance had maintained that even though they shared the common goal of wishing to see another round of political reform, the two sides took to separate paths to fight "Thaksinocracy" _ a system in which the Thaksin-led Thai Rak Thai party has near-complete control of political and economic affairs.

PAD's core members have said they wanted their movement to be truly a "people's movement" for political reform to ensure ethics and transparency in government with no ulterior motives or support from the political opposition.

Likewise, the Opposition has taken pains not to appear to be in cahoots with the anti-government alliance so that it could not be accused of encouraging extra-parliamentary activities.

While the two camps tried to maintain distance from each other, it is hardly a secret that there has been communication between them even if there might not be formal consultations.

For some analysts, the opposition's latest move is a clear sign that it did not wish to appear to go against the anti-Thaksin people's sentiment, that totally rejects Mr Thaksin's rule, either now or after the new election.

Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silpa-archa was the main concern for those in the Opposition who wondered if their parties could hold together. But a veteran politician like Mr Banharn must have sensed that the popular tide is increasingly turning against the telecom-tycoon-turned-prime minister who until recently appeared invincible.

Analysts point out that the Opposition's turnaround from demanding a joint declaration for political reform with Mr Thaksin to boycotting the election came only a day after the rally at Sanam Luang drew the largest crowd since the first rally at the Royal Plaza on Feb 4.

Another sign of the political sector meeting the people's movement came last night when the anti-Thaksin rally welcomed Sanoh Thienthong, former senior adviser to the ruling Thai Rak Thai, to its stage. Mr Sanoh who resigned from Thai Rak Thai after Mr Thaksin dissolved parliament cheered the crowd with tales of Mr Thaksin's "sins".

Some political observers have raised concerns that the opposition's decision to boycott the next election could push the political situation to a dead end that could only be resolved, in a worst-case scenario, by a military coup d'etat, something that most Thais be lieved was a thing of the past.

However, core alliance members dismissed the fears. They said since the fall from grace of Gen Suchinda Kraprayoon, who staged Thailand's last coup, the military has turned more or less into a professional armed forces and the country has gone too far along the democratic development path. "The military had been politicised enough in the past. It's time to let the people decide their own future, and the rally is totally in accord with the democratic system," said Surichai Wangaeo, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. "I don't think the military would come out."

He dismissed the idea that the Opposition boycott would lead to deadlock.

"The boycott represents a new dimension in Thai politics. It shows the Opposition has respect for itself, the people and the country's interest. It will not lead to a deadlock because politics is dynamic. Eventually, a way will be found to resolve the problem," he said.

"The only problem is Mr Thaksin and his arrogance in power. If he insists on holding a new election, he will have mispositioned himself."

Bangkok Post
28 Feb 2006

Little known parties ignor boycott move

2006-02-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

BOYCOTT OF THE APRIL 2 ELECTION

Little known parties ignore boycott move

At least 15 little known political parties yesterday ignored the decision by three major opposition parties to boycott the April 2 snap election, saying they will join the race.

The parties, none of which currently have a single seat in parliament, joined Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for talks on political reform, which were shunned by the Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties.

Representatives of the Palang Prachachon and Cheewit Tee Dee Kwa parties held a press conference at parliament yesterday, saying they would be fielding candidates in the election.

Kan Thienkaew, chief adviser of Palang Prachachon, said the party would uphold democracy and "play by the rules".

According to Mr Kan, two other small parties, Thai Chuay Thai and the Social Action party, had also agreed to contest the election.

Mr Kan said Palang Prachachon was ready to unveil a candidate for Bangkok's constituency 1.

Currently, there are 30 registered political parties. Of these, two cannot field candidates because the parties have been registered for less than 90 days before the April 2 election was called.

iTV news team found 'not guilty'

2006-02-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

BOYCOTT OF THE APRIL 2 ELECTION

iTV news team found 'not guilty'

The Thai Broadcast Journalists Association yesterday confirmed that iTV had not given an estimate of rally participants on Sunday night at 6,000-7,000 as alleged.

The TBJA said it had reviewed the tape recording in question and found the iTV reporter did not give that estimate.

On Sunday night, an iTV news team narrowly escaped being attacked by angry demonstrators who were led to believe the team had reported during a live broadcast that there were only about 6,000- 7,000 people at the rally. The team was later whisked off by police.

The TBJA voiced concern over the incident and urged both rally organisers and police to ensure security for all journalists covering the rally.

Since the gathering attracted people from unknown backgrounds, some of them could be exploited by those with ill intentions to stir up trouble and escalate tensions, the TBJA said in a statement.

It also appealed to the demonstrators to keep the rally peaceful and to exercise fair judgement based on reasons without jumping to a conclusion.

Meanwhile, media firebrand Sondhi Limthongkul yesterday said he had nothing against the iTV news crew on Sunday night and applauded them for having done their job properly.

However, Mr Sondhi took a swipe at the iTV management, accusing them of distorting running phone-in messages shown during its news programmes.

When the Mantra loses its spell,

2006-02-27T21:02:00.000-08:00

COMMENT / THAI POLITICS

When the mantra loses its spell, save the face of the guru

By METTANANDO BHIKKHU

"No resignation. No parliament dissolution." The mantra was repeated countless times, loudly and clearly by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to the media and the Thai people during the past two months of struggle against the political pressure imposed on him since the national rally of media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul, who had stood up and demanded the resignation of the prime minister.

Out of the blue, on the evening of Feb 24, the prime minster had an audience with His Majesty the King and then went on television to tell the people that parliament had been dissolved.

A retrospective analysis of the political struggle deserves national attention in that it reveals the reality of the political situation in Thailand, and the reasons behind each decision of the prime minister.

For almost a month, gurus in Thai politics have been expressing their opinion that the prime minister should dissolve parliament to cool down the heat of the anti-Thaksin rally, which had spread nationwide since the end of last year.

But the prime minister was confident that he had under his control more than enough seats belonging to his Thai Rak Thai MPs, to ensure that he could his stay in office for a further three years _ until news of his sale of Shin Corp to a Singaporean corporation shocked the public and sparked an outcry.

At this point, it became increasingly clear that his government had become a lame duck. However, there was still some hope of fighting to maintain his position. The anti-Thaksin rally at the Royal Plaza on Feb 4 was a huge setback, however, with the resignation of two members of his cabinet, and the scheduling of a "decisive rally" for Feb 26.

Three rescue operations were suggested by Mr Thaksin's colleagues: firstly, to create a decoy protest in parliament where he was in absolute control of the situation; second, to divert the attention of his critical masses and the academics by offering huge concessions for constitutional amendments; and lastly, to launch his own rally with the promise of a Buddhist monk who runs a mega-temple to support him with a huge mass of the people this Friday March 3, to prove to the public that the prime minister still retained great popularity among the Thai citizens.

Resignation from the post of the prime minister was unthinkable, since it would mean a total defeat and termination of his political career. The only option that remained open for him was the dissolution of parliament.

The public announcement by Chamlong Srimuang was the final blow to the prime minister. His credibility was badly damaged and no reconciliation with Chamlong would now be possible. The longer the political tug-of-war lasted, the greater the risk of another coup, which would be very bad for everyone.

By Monday, Feb 20, the prime minister had realised that all the frantic attempts to rescue his position had turned out to be futile. Clearly, the last-minute decision was to dissolve parliament. But this would be entirely against his words, "No resignation. No parliament dissolution."

Surprisingly, General Suchinda Kraprayoon, an ex-prime minister who has been living the life of a recluse after the bloodbath of the Black May uprising in 1992, showed up publicly to tell Mr Thaksin to resign. It is known that Gen Suchinda has a good relationship with Mr Thaksin. The suggestion, made publicly, was a face-saving mission launched by Gen Suchinda, followed by a visit by Mr Thaksin to the President of the Privy Council, General Prem Tinsulanonda. The news of the meeting was intentionally leaked to the media, and the date for the dissolution of parliament was set for the following day.

The meeting was more important to the prime minister than whatever suggestion Gen Prem might have actually given him. It was the perception of the public that Mr Thaksin cared about _ Thai culture requiring that he had to honour the suggestion of a phuyai, a senior authority. The goal was simple: cut down the number of participants at Sunday's rally, and save face. Parliament's dissolution was the last and best choice for the prime minister, who still believes that the majority of the Thai people are on his side, and therefore will allow him to return for a third round.

The bad news is that the snap election will be an entirely different scenario from the general election of 2004. It is likely to be a very ugly chapter in Thai politics. Before launching his face-saving mission, the prime minister lost many opportunities to defuse the crisis. Although Mr Thaksin is known to be a quick-minded administrator, apparently his decisions seem to have come a day too late. Now, his enemies have worked out what to do. Many believe that the political career of Mr Thaksin has officially ended, and there is no hope of resurrecting it.

But for a fighter like Mr Thaksin, it is a new challenge. Time will tell.

*** Mettanando Bhikkhu is an outspoken Buddhist monk and a doctor. He currently serves as adviser on Buddhist affairs to the secretary-general of the World Conference on Religion and Peace, and is the main representative of WCRP to the UN office in Bangkok.

Political Reform is now a must

2006-02-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

COMMENTARY

Political reform is now a must

Anuraj Manibhandu

Whether it's a healthy exercise in democracy or a struggle for power limited to a minority of people, the dilemma the country is in cries out for reform.

The plot is no longer simple, with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra standing on one side and his opponents on another. The plot thickened dramatically on Sunday, when demonstrators who spearheaded the public campaign against the prime minister began blasting political parties. This emboldened the line between the loose network of civic groups in the People's Alliance for Democracy and the opposition parties that had stood faintly in the background. That was because the rules of parliamentary democracy constrain MPs from showing undue support for action in the streets. More importantly, the demonstrators' outcry against political parties gave ammunition to defenders of the now caretaker prime minister to heap scorn on their rivals.

But the demonstrators had some reason to grieve. As far as they could see, the opposition had extended the prime minister's political life by backtracking on their earlier plan to boycott the snap elections , and calling on him to enter into a pact for political reform.

More than that, as far as most radio monitors and television viewers could hear and see, opposition parties did not have one position but apparently three on the process towards political reform.

The fine lines between the Democrats, Mahachon and Chart Thai was music for Thai Rak Thai, whose spokesmen yesterday seized the opportunity to accuse the opposition of flip-flopping from one stand to another, first threatening to boycott the elections, then advocating political reform.

Apart from the fact that the flip-flop was only a perception, as the opposition parties later yesterday did announce their decision to boycott the polls, TRT itself was in no position to preach. The most glaring example of TRT's inconsistency was the switch from the call for a joint parliament session to a dissolution of the Lower House. Was that change of mind a response to public outrage at the terms the government had set for the debate _ promising plenty of time for MPs and senators, but indicating limits on scope, notably the sale of Shin Corp shares to Temasek Holdings of Singapore? Or was it an admission of fear that the opposition in both houses would find a way of exposing secrets government members preferred to keep under wraps?

TRT further pushed hard the line that it was not for four political parties to set the course for political reform. Pongthep Thepkanchana, the former government chief whip, noted that there were more than 20 political parties in this country. Caretaker PM's Office Minister Suranand Vejjajiva said it was for the people, that is the electorate, to decide the matter.

The cross-fire between the government and its opponents is inevitable and instructive. Inevitable because the government exploited loopholes in the Constitution. Instructive because it shows the limits each side is willing to bear.

But there is no doubt now that reform must go forward. Needing particular attention are provisions that led to the current situation. These concern the difficulties of placing checks and balances against the prime minister, and the ease with which independent agencies can come under political influence through the selection of their commissioners.

The figures set by articles 185 and 186 _ two-fifths of the Lower House to hold a general debate leading to a vote of confidence in the prime minister, and one-fifth for a vote against a cabinet minister _ reflect a general objective of the Constitution to ensure stable government.

As this government has blocked such checks on its performance by virtue of its overwhelming majority, widespread calls for reductions in numbers must be answered, or new benchmarks that do not involve numbers be considered.

Though change to the charter may improve matters, this is only one part of the reform needed to go forward.

The people who implement laws must also change. That it is more difficult to inspire people to have a social conscience, as the prime minister's coterie has shown over the Shin Corp sale, is no reason to stop trying _ through a blend of carrots and sticks.

Anuraj Manibhandu is News Editor, Bangkok Post.

Premier Thaksin at a crossroads

2006-02-27T20:46:00.000-08:00

Bangkok Post 's EDITORIAL
28 Feb 2006

Premier Thaksin at a crossroads

It was the hot season outdoors and in political circles last evening, as the government accepted a few suggestions for meaningful constitutional and political reform, and the opposition announced a boycott of the April 2 elections.

Just as it seemed the highest political temperature since the 1992 uprising to throw out the last military dictators was cooling, the boycott announcement raised the heat again. The three main opposition parties and smaller allies got a grudging concession from caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra that talking is better than fighting, but core issues remain unsolved. Vital constitutional changes are to be talked to death. But the chief obstacle to a smooth, working constitutional system remains Prime Minister Thaksin.

Yesterday's tense manoeuvring briefly seemed to reduce the possibility of a grave political crisis. The Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties played their boycott card, Mr Thaksin agreed in principle to amend the Constitution. But literally minutes before a meeting between the Opposition and the ruling Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party, deals fell apart. Now, the Opposition has skated to the very thin edge of the Constitution with their threats of a total election boycott. Polls have already indicated voters are very uncomfortable with a boycott. Still, the Opposition has an important point. The threat to sit out the polls is extreme. But a new TRT government elected without important changes in the system would be no more legitimate than a new government elected without any opposition.

The presence of an opposition is one of the lynchpins of a democratic system. Mr Thaksin has treated the official, three-party Opposition with disdain since last year's election. Arguably worse, he has suborned, intimidated, sweet-talked or (perhaps in a few cases) even convinced leaders and members of 38 small parties to join him in what can only be called a parliamentary dictatorship. Even the agreement yesterday by TRT to free those parties again was a baby step forward.

It is ironic that the Opposition has done its best work in more than a year over the last few days _ after parliament was dissolved. By insisting on meaningful reform for the next parliament, the loyal Opposition is on solid ground. The men and women who drafted the 1997 Constitution produced the best charter in Thai history. But no one claimed it was perfect, and amendments always were expected. Mr Thaksin, in what can only be described as his typical style, has never felt the need to address reform. A shortcoming of the Constitution is the requirement for more than 120 MPs to institute a non-confidence debate. As a result, the short-handed Opposition never has had a proper chance to grill ministers and make the government accountable to parliament. Mr Thaksin's authoritarian style would never allow proper opposition questioning. There always was going to be a tipping point when Mr Thaksin's expensive, vote-getting populism ran up against the demands of democratic accountability. That point was reached last month, when Mr Thaksin's family sold the country's leading technology to a foreign corporation. The sale of Shin Corp was controversial, but Mr Thaksin poured on can after can of gasoline, defending the failure to pay taxes, his own failure to give something back to the Thai community, and even the law-breaking charged against his son. Contrary to his opinion, Mr Thaksin is not irreplaceable. His contempt for the loyal opposition and democratic government of compromise and consensus will continue to create crises. Mr Thaksin has undoubted achievements. But his continued presence as prime minister is likely to increase divisions at all levels, not solve them.

This morning marks the beginning of another day. A democratic election and representative parliament is preferable to the path that Mr Thaksin has put the Opposition on. TRT members know well the dangers of the present political tinderbox. Thai democracy is at risk. The Opposition should remain amenable to real offers for reform by the government. The government has the responsibility to come up with an acceptable solution to the problem, and fast.

Introduction

2006-02-23T23:29:00.000-08:00

People's Alliance for Democracy - Thailand was established on 11 February 2006 a midst the public gathering oppose the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who takeover the office since 2001. People's Alliance for Democracy is a multi-sectoral movement composed of various groups in the society namely the workers, farmers, students and youth, academic, intellectual, professional, journalists, social workers, as well as the marginalized groups with the broad range of social sector throughout the country. Up to date (as of February 24, 2006), there are already 99 organizations, groups and networks nationwide join the Alliance.