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[Jai Dee]

Constitutional Tribunal prepares inquiry into political party dissolution today

The Constitutional Tribunal is preparing to inquire into the dissolution of political parties today.

Today (March 27), 7 witnesses from Thai Rak Thai Party, Pattanachart Thai Party, and Palang Phaendin Thai Party will give their testimonies in the dissolution of political parties. The 7 witnesses include Gen Thammarak Israngoon Na Ayuddhya (ธรรมรักษ์ อิสรางกูร ณ อยุธยา), Gen.Yutthasak Sasiprapha (ยุทธศักดิ์ ศศิประภา), Lieutenant General Preun Suwantat (พฤณฑ์ สุวรรณทัต), Mr. Saman Wongwarayut (สมาน วงศ์วรายุทธ), Maj Gen M.R. Supreedee Prawit (สุปรีดี ประวิตร), Gen. Peerapong Geerawong (พีรพงษ์ จีระวงศ์), and Col. Cherdpong Boonyakiet (เชิดพงศ์ บุณยเกียรติ).

The 7 witnesses are accused of involvement in hiring small political party to throw a past election.

As for the atmosphere at the Constitutional Tribunal, people are giving roses to give moral support to Thai Rak Thai party.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 March 2007

[marshbags]

Plus, on 2007-03-26 12:11:59, said:

slimdog, on 2007-03-25 17:56:32, said:

Remember what the CNS promised when they staged the coup:

To heal conflicts within the mass population which was stirred into factional divisions to the extent of disintegrating national unity and constituting a severe social crisis.

Rallies now attract between one and three thousand demonstrators. Last year it was between one and three HUNDRED thousand. I think we can say that the junta has achieved that goal and Thaksin is not a problem of contention anymore.



Many sectors have attempted to resolve this crisis, but to no avail. Instead, there were signs of further aggravation to the point of physical violence leading to possible bloodshed and loss of life. This situation poses a serious threat to the national administration, economy and public order.

We have the government now which has operating budget for this year. We have the NLA, the laws are being debated, some have passed, some were rejected. We didn't have any of that last year. National administration was in "temporary" mode for almost nine months and there was no solution in sight for at least another half year.


It is therefore necessary to establish and apply an interim administrative mechanism that is suitable to the prevailing situation, taking into consideration the rule of law in accordance with Thailand's administrative conventions underthe democratic form of government with the King as Head of State, the revival of a conscientious affection for national unity, the economic system and public order, the development of a ,strong corruption monitoring system...

We can argue economical benefits of the current government policies vs. "it's up to Thaksin as there's no parlament" of the previous government, the rest is pretty much under control - even banned political gatherings proceed smoothly comparing to complete disruption of Democrat rallies last year.


and a virtuous ethical structure, the promotion and protection of rights and liberties of the people, compliance with the United Nations Charter, obligations under treaties or international agreements, the promotion of friendly relations with other countries...

They shafted Singapore, deservedly so. Otherwise international relations are getting back on track as Europe warmed up to the junta recently. Personal liberties of people have not been restricted, contrary to scaremongers. People participate in public anti-coup demonstrations and publicly accuse junta of (insert irony) restricting their freedom of speech.


, and subsistence under the principle of sufficient economy. At the same time, expeditious proceedings shall be undertaken to prepare a new draft Constitution with extensive public participation at all stages.

There's far more public input in drafting the new constitution than in any of the laws passed during Thaksin's time. There's going to be a referendum on the new constitution. There was no referendum on 1997 constitution at all.

That is what is written in the Interim Constitution, how many of these things would you seriously state have been achieved ?

I think they are doing ok, as long as they keep Thaksin at bay. The country has generally agreed to move forward withoug him, if he returns into the picture, it will be back to square one again.

Quote

Which members of the previous government, Chuan's, were ever prosecuted for corruption?


Former Health Minister Rakkiat Sukthana, who the Supreme Court found guilty of corruption in a drugs scam and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

Rakkiat's case has been started in Democtrat's time, not Thaksin's. In fact the rural doctors society, who blew the whistle on Rakkiat, accused Thaksin's administration (Sudarat) of covering up Rakkiat's scandal and protecting and even promoting his accomplices.

Thanks for the detailed replies Plus, and to Slimdogs in particular.

Regarding Thaksin, events now starting to take place, not least the criminal indictment of his wife, B.I Law and their secretary ( I reckon she has been a whatever you wish to label her ) are encouraging to say the least.

On top of this their mouthpiece of a lawyer is now keeping his comments very conservative.

His lack of comment and near silence speak volumes don,t you think ?

It reminds me of the infamous election commissioners, arrogant before conviction and grovelling after

The new constitution and it,s requisites on law and order, along with the required qualifications and lawful standing of future government officials, will, hopefully rid Thailand of the exploitation of the 1997 one and prevent corrupt officials ever being re elected.

The fact that there will be be more public involvement can only enhance the outcome.

The farcicle spectacle of certain citizens giving / trying to give the Thaksins roses, doesn,t mean they will come out of this mess smelling sweet.

Quite the opposite will eventually happen and the smell will be foul and obnoxiuos.

marshbags

Edited by marshbags, 2007-03-27 18:09:48.

[sriracha john]

Bankrolling denied by Thammarak

Former deputy Thai Rak Thai leader Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya insisted he never met any other members of the little-known Pattana Chart Thai party to discuss a deal to bankroll them to contest in the April 2 election. Gen Thammarak said he never paid money to Chavakarn Tosawat, the party leader on March 2 last year to field candidates in the constituencies where Thai Rak Thai candidates were likely to stand uncontested in the election. Earlier, the Democrat party, Thai Rak Thai's arch-rival, had shown nine still photos allegedly capturing movements in front of Gen Thammarak's office during the afternoon of March 3 last year. Gen Thammarak was accused in the photographs of paying a sum to the leader of the Pattana Chart Thai party via assistant Thawee Suwannapat.

Continued here:
http://www.bangkokpo...2007_news09.php

[hammered]

sriracha john, on 2007-03-28 05:38:49, said:

Bankrolling denied by Thammarak

Former deputy Thai Rak Thai leader Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya insisted he never met any other members of the little-known Pattana Chart Thai party to discuss a deal to bankroll them to contest in the April 2 election. Gen Thammarak said he never paid money to Chavakarn Tosawat, the party leader on March 2 last year to field candidates in the constituencies where Thai Rak Thai candidates were likely to stand uncontested in the election. Earlier, the Democrat party, Thai Rak Thai's arch-rival, had shown nine still photos allegedly capturing movements in front of Gen Thammarak's office during the afternoon of March 3 last year. Gen Thammarak was accused in the photographs of paying a sum to the leader of the Pattana Chart Thai party via assistant Thawee Suwannapat.

Continued here:
http://www.bangkokpo...2007_news09.php

Maybe Gen. Thammarak was so drunk when it happened he cannot remember. Oh but it is probably not fair to get into widely gossiped stuff about his personal problems although accounts of his allegedly somewhat inebriated actions on coup night are quite amusing.

[John K]

Thai junta chief calls for emergency rule in Bangkok

Thailand's junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said Wednesday that he has asked the government to declare emergency rule in Bangkok to crack down on anti-coup protesters.

"I have proposed to the prime minister that he invoke emergency rule in order to maintain law and order," Sonthi told AFP in a telephone interview.

Anti-coup protesters have been holding weekly rallies against the junta, attracting a small but growing crowd that reached 2,000 people last Friday.

The protests have so far been peaceful, but Sonthi said he was afraid the protest movement could gather steam, much like the mass street demonstrations last year that eventually led to the coup against then-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"I have consulted with the prime minister on the current situation and have explained to him that this current situation would lead to mutiny and chaos in the country," he told AFP.

"It's up to the prime minister" to decide on whether to declare emergency rule in the capital, he said.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has the power to declare emergency rule with his cabinet's approval. The government has kept three southern provinces hit by an Islamic insurgency under emergency rule since mid-2005.

Sonthi made the call just two months after martial law was lifted in Bangkok. He had imposed martial law on Thailand immediately after seizing power on September 19, but has now lifted it across half the country.

Declaring emergency rule would give authorities many of the same powers they had under martial law.

The government would be able to detain suspects without charge for 30 days, and would have the power to seize and destroy anything deemed a threat to national security or to impede the work of the authorities.

Emergency rule also gives the government tough censorship powers as well as the right to impose a curfew and to ban public gatherings, while giving security forces broad immunity from prosecution.

Use of the provision in Thailand's south has been broadly condemned by human rights groups, who say it creates a climate of impunity that has worsened the conflict there.

Agence France-Presse

[Plus]

The Nation posted this AFP article on their site, nothing from their own reporters yet. Let's see if the story holds tomorrow.

Their own headline today had quite an opposite meaning and quoted CNS spokesmen.

[ando]

http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/topstories/to...s.php?id=117736

"Top two political parties face dissolution

By Manop Thip-Osod
Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) spokesman Atthapol Yaisawang said yesterday that both the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties were almost certain to be dissolved for cheating in the last election.

Weak testimony to the Constitution Tribunal by both parties has been insufficient to defend themselves against electoral fraud allegations.

The comment by Mr Atthapol, who led the OAG team working on the party dissolution cases, came as nine judges of the Constitution Tribunal continue to hear testimony and evidence offered by the two major political parties.

Mr Atthapol, who has been observing the proceedings, said he felt both parties had still been unable to produce enough evidence to counter allegations of misconduct in last year's April 2 election.

"But the final decision will rest with the court," Mr Atthapol said.

The Democrat party faces the charge of hiring small political parties to accuse Thai Rak Thai of electoral fraud while Thai Rak Thai is accused of bankrolling smaller parties to run against it in the election so that it could avoid the requirement of obtaining 20% of all eligible votes if candidates had to run uncontested in a constituency.

However, Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he was confident his party had been able to answer all questions raised over its alleged electoral fraud.

The Democrat party has another two hearings today and next Thursday while Thai Rak Thai faces another three hearings. The verdicts will be given within 30 days after the hearings are complete.

Executives of the two parties could be banned from politics for five years if their parties are dissolved, according to an order made by the then Council for Democratic Reform, which staged the coup in September last year."

So funny. I dont think it was meant to end this way. Looks like the courts are getting carried away with doing their job. Perhaps the generals can bring about a more posatitive conclusion to their cause. This could see the emergance of a new party called "Thai Rak Army".

Edited by ando, 2007-03-29 10:42:45.

[sriracha john]

Plus, on 2007-03-28 22:27:55, said:

The Nation posted this AFP article on their site, nothing from their own reporters yet. Let's see if the story holds tomorrow.

Their own headline today had quite an opposite meaning and quoted CNS spokesmen.

PM puts off emergency declaration

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont yesterday stopped short of signing an order to invoke the decree for a national emergency in order to head off a mass anti-government rally looming tomorrow. Speaking to reporters last night, he said the government would not rush to declare an emergency situation as advised by the Council for National Security. The government would discuss the matter with the coup makers today and assess the situation before making a decision, Gen Surayud said. ''We need to talk first,'' the prime minister said. According to Gen Surayud, CNS chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin cited national security and fears of confrontation when suggesting the emergency decree be invoked.

Continued here:
http://www.bangkokpo...2007_news01.php

[John K]

ando, on 2007-03-29 10:41:18, said:

http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/topstories/to...s.php?id=117736

"Top two political parties face dissolution

By Manop Thip-Osod
Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) spokesman Atthapol Yaisawang said yesterday that both the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties were almost certain to be dissolved for cheating in the last election.

I do find it a bit odd that a spokesman would say such a thing when it may just be their own opinion. All evidence must be heard before any conclusions can be made. I conclude only say this is some sort of political spin. I guess that means Chuwit will be the next PM.

[Plus]

What does AOG's office know about the courts proceedings that the rest of the country doesn't?

Even CNS generals are tight lipped about the outcome of the court battle.

[Tony Clifton]

John K, on 2007-03-29 11:16:58, said:

ando, on 2007-03-29 10:41:18, said:

http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/topstories/to...s.php?id=117736

"Top two political parties face dissolution

By Manop Thip-Osod
Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) spokesman Atthapol Yaisawang said yesterday that both the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties were almost certain to be dissolved for cheating in the last election.

I do find it a bit odd that a spokesman would say such a thing when it may just be their own opinion. All evidence must be heard before any conclusions can be made. I conclude only say this is some sort of political spin. I guess that means Chuwit will be the next PM.

I believe it was publicly said that the Dems are likely to be dissolved as well only to avoid more cry-baby protests from TRT, PTV, anti-coup and Thaksin supporters, until the verdict is announced.

Weren't all these allegations against the Dems created by TRT once they were caught red handed?

[John K]

Well it matches what Thaksin implied, 'If I go down so do you.'

[ando]

John K, on 2007-03-29 10:43:09, said:

Well it matches what Thaksin implied, 'If I go down so do you.'

Are you inferring that those who opposed Thaksin might also be corrupt?

[Siripon]

ando, on 2007-03-29 18:39:33, said:

John K, on 2007-03-29 10:43:09, said:

Well it matches what Thaksin implied, 'If I go down so do you.'

Are you inferring that those who opposed Thaksin might also be corrupt?

No he's implying that Thaksin was smugly confident that the judges wouldn't dare to banish TRT alone.
He's always believed he's above the law since his ' honest mistake' in 2001.

[sriracha john]

TRT to shift this month

The Thai Rak Thai Party plans to move from its compound on Phetchaburi Road to a new headquarters on Rama III later this month.

Caretaker deputy leader Pongthep Thepkanchana said the party needed to cut costs and its current operating base was expensive and large. He said the IFCT building on Phetchaburi Road would be returned to Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of former Thai Rak Thai party leader Thaksin.

Party executives expect to move this month. The party planned to move last year to its original home
on Rajvithee Road but scrapped that idea. The Rajvithee building belongs to the Thaicom Foundation

- The Nation

========================


Pojaman doesn't allow the TRT to use her building for free??!?
Or she doesn't have the funds anymore to pay utilities??!?!!

sheesh... she IS one greedy B _ _ _ _ !!

[sriracha john]

John K, on 2007-03-26 08:40:09, said:

PTV RALLY
Generals probing TRT role in protest

Former members will be prosecuted if they financed demonstration, CNS chief warns

Former Thai Rak Thai Party members are under investigation and will be prosecuted if found to have financially supported an anti-government rally on Friday, junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said yesterday.

Seripisuth orders website probe

Police chief: Abort move against Prem

Acting national police chief Seripisuth Temiyavej has ordered an investigation into a website which is trying to gather signatures to petition for the removal of Gen Prem Tinsulanonda as president of the Privy Council. The acting police chief said Gen Prem cannot be removed by such a petition as his post was not political in nature and he was installed in that position by His Majesty the King. Opponents of the Sept 19 coup d'etat, who accuse Gen Prem of masterminding the putsch that toppled Thaksin Shinawatra from power, are trying to collect 100,000 signatures to petition for his removal. The signature collection campaign began on Friday during a protest outside City Hall led by a group of former Thai Rak Thai politicians wanting to establish the satellite-based PTV television station.

Continued here:
http://www.bangkokpo...2007_news09.php

=========================

If it wasn't such a seriously disruptive matter, it is a rather comical and juvenile attempt to do an on-line petition... many of the entries have Thai ID card numbers of 1234567890000 or 66666666666, etc.

[hammered]

sriracha john, on 2007-04-03 07:43:18, said:

John K, on 2007-03-26 08:40:09, said:

PTV RALLY
Generals probing TRT role in protest

Former members will be prosecuted if they financed demonstration, CNS chief warns

Former Thai Rak Thai Party members are under investigation and will be prosecuted if found to have financially supported an anti-government rally on Friday, junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said yesterday.

Seripisuth orders website probe

Police chief: Abort move against Prem

Acting national police chief Seripisuth Temiyavej has ordered an investigation into a website which is trying to gather signatures to petition for the removal of Gen Prem Tinsulanonda as president of the Privy Council. The acting police chief said Gen Prem cannot be removed by such a petition as his post was not political in nature and he was installed in that position by His Majesty the King. Opponents of the Sept 19 coup d'etat, who accuse Gen Prem of masterminding the putsch that toppled Thaksin Shinawatra from power, are trying to collect 100,000 signatures to petition for his removal. The signature collection campaign began on Friday during a protest outside City Hall led by a group of former Thai Rak Thai politicians wanting to establish the satellite-based PTV television station.

Continued here:
http://www.bangkokpo...2007_news09.php

=========================

If it wasn't such a seriously disruptive matter, it is a rather comical and juvenile attempt to do an on-line petition... many of the entries have Thai ID card numbers of 1234567890000 or 66666666666, etc.

PTV/TRT and the Saturday Network have managed to get themselves in acomplete mess with their latest sign up stunt. It is interesting watching PTV try to wriggle free from another TRT front group. It also exposes the lack of tactical and strategic politcal thinking in the TRT remnants when without the former dear leader and his first lady.

[John K]

Perhaps, or perhaps genius. They are doing a very good job at calling attention to themselves. The question is are they the village idiot or is this just one step in a elaborate plan that too few pieces are together to see the picture. With Thaksin behind all of this, the game moves up to another level. A bit like going from checkers to chess.

[sriracha john]

THAILAND: Anti-coup rallies upset Prem backers

PTV's backers deny involvement in move to oust Privy Council head Gen Prem from office

Supporters of Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday expressed dissatisfaction over the anti-coup rallies led by PTV executives who criticised the Privy Council president for his alleged involvement in politics. The group was outraged by a reported attempt by Gen Prem's opponents to gather 100,000 signatures to support a petition to His Majesty the King to remove the general from his job as president of the Privy Council, alleging he was behind the Sept 19 coup.

Songkhla Mayor Uthit Choochuai, also a leader of Gen Prem's supporters in the province, said Songkhla locals would not stand idly by and allow such a move by supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The group is due to meet today to discuss what action it should take to counter the moves against Gen Prem, who was born in the southern province. However, Mr Uthit said they would not opt for any measures that would throw the country into deeper chaos.

Gen Prem's supporters in Songkhla province have put up posters in central Muang district and Hat Yai towns, with messages condemning the anti-coup protesters and expressing support for Gen Prem.

National Legislative Assembly (NLA) chairman Meechai Ruchuphan warned that petitioning His Majesty to dismiss a privy councillor could be an infringement of the royal authority.

He said appointing privy councillors was an issue of royal preference and the positions were not political in nature that others could comment or offer their opinion on.

Such decisions and other affairs in the palace were the King's private business, Mr Meechai said.

He said it was inappropriate for protesters at the PTV-led rallies to drag Gen Prem into their political conflicts.

PTV deputy chairman Chatuporn Prompan denied his group was involved in the move to oust Gen Prem. The move was an initiative of the Saturday Voice anti-coup group which joined the PTV rally on Friday, he said.

However, Sudchai Boonchai, leader of the Saturday Voice anti-coup group, said the campaign to push for the removal of Gen Prem was a joint effort of several anti-coup groups.

Mr Sudchai vowed to continue with the controversial campaign despite the strong opposition from Gen Prem's supporters and some royalists. He claimed that "a large number" of people had joined the signature campaign, which was officially launched on Friday during the PTV-led rally at City Hall.

Mr Chatuporn said PTV will not join the other 12 anti-coup groups planning to rally on April 5 and 11. PTV will hold a separate rally before the long Songkran holiday (April 13-15) and another protest after the festival, he said.

- Asia Media

Edited by sriracha john, 2007-04-03 09:39:12.

[John K]

I was entertaining the thought of the Junta making use of a flying water tanker like the ones used to put out forest fires and launch Songkran early on the next rally. That may help to cool down the overheated sound system.

[hammered]

sriracha john, on 2007-04-03 09:37:22, said:

THAILAND: Anti-coup rallies upset Prem backers

PTV's backers deny involvement in move to oust Privy Council head Gen Prem from office

Supporters of Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday expressed dissatisfaction over the anti-coup rallies led by PTV executives who criticised the Privy Council president for his alleged involvement in politics. The group was outraged by a reported attempt by Gen Prem's opponents to gather 100,000 signatures to support a petition to His Majesty the King to remove the general from his job as president of the Privy Council, alleging he was behind the Sept 19 coup.

Songkhla Mayor Uthit Choochuai, also a leader of Gen Prem's supporters in the province, said Songkhla locals would not stand idly by and allow such a move by supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The group is due to meet today to discuss what action it should take to counter the moves against Gen Prem, who was born in the southern province. However, Mr Uthit said they would not opt for any measures that would throw the country into deeper chaos.

Gen Prem's supporters in Songkhla province have put up posters in central Muang district and Hat Yai towns, with messages condemning the anti-coup protesters and expressing support for Gen Prem.

National Legislative Assembly (NLA) chairman Meechai Ruchuphan warned that petitioning His Majesty to dismiss a privy councillor could be an infringement of the royal authority.

He said appointing privy councillors was an issue of royal preference and the positions were not political in nature that others could comment or offer their opinion on.

Such decisions and other affairs in the palace were the King's private business, Mr Meechai said.

He said it was inappropriate for protesters at the PTV-led rallies to drag Gen Prem into their political conflicts.

PTV deputy chairman Chatuporn Prompan denied his group was involved in the move to oust Gen Prem. The move was an initiative of the Saturday Voice anti-coup group which joined the PTV rally on Friday, he said.

However, Sudchai Boonchai, leader of the Saturday Voice anti-coup group, said the campaign to push for the removal of Gen Prem was a joint effort of several anti-coup groups.

Mr Sudchai vowed to continue with the controversial campaign despite the strong opposition from Gen Prem's supporters and some royalists. He claimed that "a large number" of people had joined the signature campaign, which was officially launched on Friday during the PTV-led rally at City Hall.

Mr Chatuporn said PTV will not join the other 12 anti-coup groups planning to rally on April 5 and 11. PTV will hold a separate rally before the long Songkran holiday (April 13-15) and another protest after the festival, he said.

- Asia Media

Reading between the lines it seems that PTV do not want to rule out negotiation with the current regime. As PTV includes some politicians that would no doubt like to remain active this is no surprise. It will be interesting to see if apart from denying they are involved which may seem tenuous to much of the public, they will go as far as stating they do not agree with attacks on the head of the privvy council, a statement which would go a long away to prove their distance from the other fringe TRT lunatic groups. We will see. The other front TRT organizations may not care about negotiations, national reconciliation or roles in upcoming elections.

[John K]

Hammered, are you suggesting that the former TRT members now PTV are trying to cut a deal, or perhaps influence things with the media and public opinion?

If or should I say when the TRT is dissolved, what limitations will they have in talking about politics on PTV? I don’t think any laws have addressed that yet, but I could be wrong.

[blaze]

hammered, on 2007-04-03 10:29:37, said:

sriracha john, on 2007-04-03 09:37:22, said:

THAILAND: Anti-coup rallies upset Prem backers

PTV's backers deny involvement in move to oust Privy Council head Gen Prem from office

Supporters of Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday expressed dissatisfaction over the anti-coup rallies led by PTV executives who criticised the Privy Council president for his alleged involvement in politics. The group was outraged by a reported attempt by Gen Prem's opponents to gather 100,000 signatures to support a petition to His Majesty the King to remove the general from his job as president of the Privy Council, alleging he was behind the Sept 19 coup.

Songkhla Mayor Uthit Choochuai, also a leader of Gen Prem's supporters in the province, said Songkhla locals would not stand idly by and allow such a move by supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The group is due to meet today to discuss what action it should take to counter the moves against Gen Prem, who was born in the southern province. However, Mr Uthit said they would not opt for any measures that would throw the country into deeper chaos.

Gen Prem's supporters in Songkhla province have put up posters in central Muang district and Hat Yai towns, with messages condemning the anti-coup protesters and expressing support for Gen Prem.

National Legislative Assembly (NLA) chairman Meechai Ruchuphan warned that petitioning His Majesty to dismiss a privy councillor could be an infringement of the royal authority.

He said appointing privy councillors was an issue of royal preference and the positions were not political in nature that others could comment or offer their opinion on.

Such decisions and other affairs in the palace were the King's private business, Mr Meechai said.

He said it was inappropriate for protesters at the PTV-led rallies to drag Gen Prem into their political conflicts.

PTV deputy chairman Chatuporn Prompan denied his group was involved in the move to oust Gen Prem. The move was an initiative of the Saturday Voice anti-coup group which joined the PTV rally on Friday, he said.

However, Sudchai Boonchai, leader of the Saturday Voice anti-coup group, said the campaign to push for the removal of Gen Prem was a joint effort of several anti-coup groups.

Mr Sudchai vowed to continue with the controversial campaign despite the strong opposition from Gen Prem's supporters and some royalists. He claimed that "a large number" of people had joined the signature campaign, which was officially launched on Friday during the PTV-led rally at City Hall.

Mr Chatuporn said PTV will not join the other 12 anti-coup groups planning to rally on April 5 and 11. PTV will hold a separate rally before the long Songkran holiday (April 13-15) and another protest after the festival, he said.

- Asia Media

Reading between the lines it seems that PTV do not want to rule out negotiation with the current regime. As PTV includes some politicians that would no doubt like to remain active this is no surprise. It will be interesting to see if apart from denying they are involved which may seem tenuous to much of the public, they will go as far as stating they do not agree with attacks on the head of the privvy council, a statement which would go a long away to prove their distance from the other fringe TRT lunatic groups. We will see. The other front TRT organizations may not care about negotiations, national reconciliation or roles in upcoming elections.

Are there any organizations currently demonstrating against the junta that are not front organizations for the TRT?

[Plus]

Who knows what have actually happened at the last PTV rally? Now PTV tries to distance themselves from signature campaign yet a few thousand people have already signed up. How many of them were PTV supporters? How many of them regret doing that now? Did Jatuporn agreed with the idea initially only to retreat on the second thought and sue everyone for a gazillion if they mention his name in public.

They publicised their rallies for weeks, then when shit happened they claim total innocence and deny all responsibility. For average Somchai PTV and petition to the King to sack his Privy Council president are one and the same now. I don't know if PTV's damage control will do them any good.

I think now it's too late.

[hammered]

blaze, on 2007-04-03 11:12:29, said:

hammered, on 2007-04-03 10:29:37, said:

sriracha john, on 2007-04-03 09:37:22, said:

THAILAND: Anti-coup rallies upset Prem backers

PTV's backers deny involvement in move to oust Privy Council head Gen Prem from office

Supporters of Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday expressed dissatisfaction over the anti-coup rallies led by PTV executives who criticised the Privy Council president for his alleged involvement in politics. The group was outraged by a reported attempt by Gen Prem's opponents to gather 100,000 signatures to support a petition to His Majesty the King to remove the general from his job as president of the Privy Council, alleging he was behind the Sept 19 coup.

Songkhla Mayor Uthit Choochuai, also a leader of Gen Prem's supporters in the province, said Songkhla locals would not stand idly by and allow such a move by supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The group is due to meet today to discuss what action it should take to counter the moves against Gen Prem, who was born in the southern province. However, Mr Uthit said they would not opt for any measures that would throw the country into deeper chaos.

Gen Prem's supporters in Songkhla province have put up posters in central Muang district and Hat Yai towns, with messages condemning the anti-coup protesters and expressing support for Gen Prem.

National Legislative Assembly (NLA) chairman Meechai Ruchuphan warned that petitioning His Majesty to dismiss a privy councillor could be an infringement of the royal authority.

He said appointing privy councillors was an issue of royal preference and the positions were not political in nature that others could comment or offer their opinion on.

Such decisions and other affairs in the palace were the King's private business, Mr Meechai said.

He said it was inappropriate for protesters at the PTV-led rallies to drag Gen Prem into their political conflicts.

PTV deputy chairman Chatuporn Prompan denied his group was involved in the move to oust Gen Prem. The move was an initiative of the Saturday Voice anti-coup group which joined the PTV rally on Friday, he said.

However, Sudchai Boonchai, leader of the Saturday Voice anti-coup group, said the campaign to push for the removal of Gen Prem was a joint effort of several anti-coup groups.

Mr Sudchai vowed to continue with the controversial campaign despite the strong opposition from Gen Prem's supporters and some royalists. He claimed that "a large number" of people had joined the signature campaign, which was officially launched on Friday during the PTV-led rally at City Hall.

Mr Chatuporn said PTV will not join the other 12 anti-coup groups planning to rally on April 5 and 11. PTV will hold a separate rally before the long Songkran holiday (April 13-15) and another protest after the festival, he said.

- Asia Media

Reading between the lines it seems that PTV do not want to rule out negotiation with the current regime. As PTV includes some politicians that would no doubt like to remain active this is no surprise. It will be interesting to see if apart from denying they are involved which may seem tenuous to much of the public, they will go as far as stating they do not agree with attacks on the head of the privvy council, a statement which would go a long away to prove their distance from the other fringe TRT lunatic groups. We will see. The other front TRT organizations may not care about negotiations, national reconciliation or roles in upcoming elections.

Are there any organizations currently demonstrating against the junta that are not front organizations for the TRT?

Yes there are organizations that are not TRT fronts but we are not talking about those who opposed Thaksin and the Junta. We are talking about a TRT front rally that has landed the various groupings in a bad position. This is particularly true of PTV who organised the rally where the signature campaign took off from even if theoretically they were not the initiating group.