PAD mất đồng minh vì quan điểm về đảo chính

Group quits PAD for its coup stance

 

Bangkok Post
Published: 28/04/2011

The State Enterprise Labour Relations Confederation is defecting from the movement led by the People's Alliance for Democracy because PAD leaders have said they support undemocratic political change, the confederation's secretary-general says.

Sawit Kaewwan, who was previously among the group's second-tier leaders, said PAD bosses had often suggested the country be "shut down" for national reform despite the fact that a new election was near.

They had also expressed a desire to change the political structure to an undemocratic system.

Those leaders' thoughts were in opposition to the political beliefs of the confederation, he said.

"We believe in democracy and we do not agree with the enforcement of any power or any individuals' power for political changes [coup]. We also oppose all forms of dictatorship," Mr Sawit said.

He said the board of directors of the labour confederation had resolved that its leaders should withdraw from the PAD and refrain from joining the PAD on rally stages as well as at other activities. The confederation told the PAD of its intention on Tuesday.

Somsak Kosaisuk, an adviser to the confederation, has also quit as a PAD core leader, and Mr Sawit himself has resigned from the PAD's group of second-tier leaders.

Mr Sawit said the confederation earlier agreed with the PAD's stance to campaign for the protection of Thai territory near the Preah Vihear temple.

"But after a while, we noticed that the PAD's principles and stance had changed. The movement later on aimed to benefit certain individuals. Consequently, we have to review our participation in the movement," said Mr Sawit.

The confederation began joining PAD rallies in 2006.

Its defection leaves the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect as the only powerful core support group of the PAD that has continued to campaign for the protection of Thai territory in the Thai-Cambodian border dispute.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/234122/group-quits-pad-for-its-coup-stance

UDD: Cuộc đột kích vào đài phát thanh là tín hiệu của một cuộc đảo chính

UDD: Radio station raids sign of coup

Bangkok Post
Published: 27/04/2011

The red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) believes the government raids on 13 community radio stations on Tuesday are an indication of a pending military coup.

UDD co-leader Natthawut Saikua said on Wednesday that the raids were a threat on the rights and freedom of the people and news media.

The government wanted to close the people's ears and eyes, Mr Natthawut said.

He said a week from now there was a period with a high risk of a coup, beginning with the action taken against community radio stations although everything was going in the direction of a general election.

"We are not talking about a coup out of paranoia. It's a real threat. Even some of the 111 [former Thai Rak Thai executives under a five-year political ban] who are now with the government are worried that there may not be an election," Mr Natthawut said.

UDD core member and opposition Puea Thai list MP Jatuporn Prompan said police who raided the 13 radio stations were accompanied by officials from the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc).

The raids took place when the cabinet approved a budget of 8.7 billion baht for the Isoc, he said.

Mr Jatuporn said the UDD believed there would be a coup because those in power knew it would be difficult for the current government to win the election.

Puea Thai list MP Jatuporn Prompan

UDD chairwoman Thida Thavornseth said she believed a coup was highly possible because the red-shirt movement was growing bigger every day. If there was an election, the Puea Thai Party would certainly be the winner.

"They (the military) are afraid the facts surrounding the dispersal of the red-shirts last year will be exposed. So they will stage a coup similar to the one in the Oct 14, 1973 student uprising," she said.

National police chief Wichean Potephosree said legal action would be taken against groups of people obstructing police raids on community radio stations in Bangkok and a neighbouring province.

Pol Gen Wichean’s threat came after small crowds of people prevented police from raiding a community radio station at Wongsakorn market in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district, and two others at Pathum Thani’s Lam Luk Ka district on Tuesday.

The radio stations are accused of broadcasting a speech containing comments offensive to the monarchy.

The police chief said a task force from the Central Investigation Bureau had seized transmission equipment from several community radio stations they raided on Tuesday.

Gen Wichean said the task force would again raid community radio stations in Sai Mai and Lam Luk Ka district. If people gathered in crowds to prevent them entering the premises' stations they would be charged with obstructing police in the execution of their duty.

Police yesterday raided 13 community radio stations in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces which they alleged had broadcast a controversial April 10 speech made by Mr Jatuporn, who is facing lese majeste charges for his speech.

He invokes his parliamentary immunity to stay out on bail on this and terrorism charges relating to the April-May violence last year.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/234067/udd-radio-station-raids-sign-of-coup

Bộ trưởng Quốc phòng Thái Lan để ngỏ khả năng đàm phán với Campuchia sau chuyến công du Trung Quốc

Prawit open to talks after China trip

Bangkok Post

Published: 27/04/2011

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon would be open to having talks with his Cambodian counterpart Tea Banh after he returns from a visit to China, his secretary Noppadol Inthapanya said on Wednesday.

Gen Noppadol said Gen Prawit left for China on Wednesday morning for a visit at the invitation of the Chinese defence minister issued during his visit to Thailand several months ago.

The China trip had long been planned and could not be postponed, he said.

"In fact, Gen Prawit did not have an appointment to meet Gen Tea Banh on Wednesday, May 27, when he was scheduled to leave for China.

"However, Gen Prawit said that on his return from China on Saturday he would seek a meeting with Gen Tea Banh provided that the situation has returned to normal," Gen Noppadol said.

If there is a serious problem in Thailand during his China visit Gen Prawit would immediately fly home. "He will closely monitor the situation," he added.

Gen Noppadol said that by holdiong talks with Gen Tea Banh Gen Prawit would not be admitting defeat, because neither side in the border conflict has been declared a winner or loser, and the military forces of the two countries are still holdking their positions.

The defence minister was firm about solving the problem through bilateral mechanisms and a General Border Committee meeting should be attended only by the two countries, he said.

"However, after the House is dissolved and the government becomes a caretaker Gen Prawit may not attend the GBC himself but may assign Gen Kittipong Ketkowit, the defence permanent secretary, to go instead," Gen Noppadol said.

Gen Prawit on Wednesday morning left for China amid reports that Thailand had pulled out of planned ceasefire talks with Cambodian.

Hopes of a truce had grown after the two countries announced a day earlier that their defence ministers would meet for discussions aimed at ending the ongoing clashes on their disputed border.

Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Wednesday morning that Gen Prawit would not travel to Cambodia for talks with his counterpart Tea Banh after all.

"We decided last night to cancel Gen Prawit's trip to Phnom Penh today after some Cambodia media reported Thailand agreed to ceasefire talks after it admitted defeat and losses," Col Sansern said.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/234059/prawit-may-see-tea-banh-after-china-visit

Ngân hàng Trung ương Thái Lan quan ngại về các chính sách dân túy hiện nay

BOT concern over populist polices

Bangkok Post

Published: 26/04/2011

The populist policies being promoted by electioneering political parties would increase the country's debt, Bank of Thailand governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul said on Tuesday.

"Political parties are promoting their populist policies as the general election approaches but they could cause more debt and a budget deficit in the future.

"The central bank is worried as the financial crises in other countries were caused by debt problems," Mr Prasarn said.

The governor said the financial status of Thailand remained strong and the country's public debt was below 50 per cent of the gross domestic product, but the situation must not be taken lightly.

"If we implement a wrong policy it would take a substantial time to correct the problem, and all sides need to work together," he added.


Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233785/bot-concerned-over-populist-polices

Quốc hội Thái Lan thông qua Dự luật tụ tập đông người ở nơi công cộng

House passes Public Gathering Bill

Bangkok Post
Published: 27/04/2011

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Public Gathering Bill in the third reading with a vote of 217-8 with 41 abstentions and six "no votes".

There are currently 474 MPs in the House of Representatives and at least 237 MPs are required to make a quorum.

Most speakers were in support of Article 8 which states that a gathering must not block the entrances and exits of important installations particularly residences of the King, Queen and Crown Prince as well as royal visitors.

A provision of the bill, as altered by the House of Representatives from the original draft, requires the organiser of a public gathering to seek permission from the head of the local police station 24 hours in advance of the starting time.

The organiser is required to be present throughout the gathering to ensure peace and order, and end the rally at the time stipulated.

If a breach of the law occurs, police can seek a court order to end the gathering.

Article 20 requires police overseeing a gathering to undergo training in crowd control and use of anti-riot equipment.

Article 22 stipulates the national police chief is the only person authorised to appoint police officers to oversee a gathering.

The bill will be forwarded to the Senate for further deliberation.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/234034/house-passes-public-gathering-bill

Chính trị gia Somsak đối mặt với cáo buộc tham nhũng

Somsak faces corruption probe

Bangkok Post

Published: 27/04/2011

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on Wednesday accepted for consideration a petition filed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission seeking to ban Somsak Prissananantakul from politics for five years for submitting false declarations of assets and liabilities.

Banned politician Somsak Prissananantakul (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)

The NACC's petition states that Mr Somsak, a former MP and education minister of the now dissolved Chart Thai Party, had since 1996 failed to report an 8.7 million baht bank deposit in his declarations of assets and liabilities to the anti-graft agency on taking and leaving the House and ministerial posts.

The Supreme Court is asked by the NACC to ban Mr Somsak from politics for five years under Section 263 of the constitution and take legal action against him under Section 119 of the NACC Act.

The court accepted the petition for consideration and gave Mr Somsak 30 days to submit a defence statement.

The first hearing of this case has been set for June 9.

Mr Somsak, a former executive of the Chart Thai party, is already been under a five-year political ban after the party was ordered dissolved by the Constitution Court for electoral fraud.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/234024/somsak-faces-corruption-probe

Đảng Yêu hòa bình sẵn sàng cho bầu cử

Rak Santi Party ready for election

 

Bangkok Post
Published: 27/04/2011

The newly-established Rak Santi Party will field as many candidates as possible in the next election, party founder Purachai Piumsombun said on Wednesday.

Mr Purachai said this in a press conference after the launch of the new party, which has been registered with the Election Commission.

Currently, Rak Santi has has Pol Lt-Gen Thawil Surachetpong as the party leader, Pornpen Phetsuksiri as secretary-general, and Viriya Techarungroj as spokesman.

Pol Lt-Gen Thawil said the party executive committee had made a resolution to appoint Mr Purachai the party chairman.

He said Mr Purachai, who has political experience and is highly recognised by the public, will act as the party's political adviser.

Mr Purachai said after the House of Representatives is dissolved the Rak Santi Party will try to field as many candidates as possible, both in the single-MP constituencies and the party list.

Rak Santi is ready to work with other parties which share the same ideology.

Apart from Mr Purachai, other party founders including Panlert Baiyok, Pirapong Sakrik and Noppadol Inna.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/234043/rak-santi-party-ready-for-election

Vận động bầu cử ở Thái Lan phải kết thúc trong tháng Năm

PR efforts must stop in May

Bangkok Post

Published: 27/04/2011

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has ordered all ministers to scrap public relations campaigns on their performance starting May 6, deputy government spokesman Watchara Kannika says.

Observers said the order was a sign that the prime minister would dissolve the House of Representatives as he had promised by the first week of May.

Mr Watchara said Mr Abhisit had been concerned about violating election laws.

Yesterday he told all ministers and political office holders to be cautious when conducting their public relations campaigns on TV, radio or billboards.

The prime minister told them to remove all billboards that feature pictures of ministers and highlights of their performance and policies by May 6.

Mr Abhisit also suggested that all ministers and political office holders should not to use their official state vehicles while on the campaign trail.

The prime minister also said next week's cabinet meeting would be the last official one, Mr Watchara said. He told the cabinet secretary-general to invite ministers and executives of relevant agencies to discuss the agenda of the next meeting in advance to make the last meeting a smooth one.

Mr Abhisit earlier announced that he would dissolve the House in early May.

Election Commission (EC) chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said the commission was ready to hold the next general election. The Senate has already approved three draft organic laws for the constitution that are related to the election.

The EC has scheduled a meeting of all political parties for May 2 to discuss new regulations requiring all political parties to refrain from referring to the monarchy during their political campaigns.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233901/pr-efforts-must-stop-in-may

Thủ tướng Abhisit yêu cầu xem xét lại quan hệ với Phnom Penh

PM orders review of ties with P.Penh

Bangkok Post

Published: 26/04/2011

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday instructed all ministries to review their cooperation with Cambodia in various fields in the wake of the continuing border clashes between soldiers of the two countries.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the cabinet passed a three-part resolution:

- Retaliatory militarily action to push Cambodian soldiers out of the disputed area.

- Diplomatic efforts to bring Cambodia back to bilateral talks.

- All ministries are to review work plans and mechanisms involving cooperation with Cambodia.

Mr Panitan said the government has important evidence to be presented in talks to bring about an end to the conflict.

The evidence will also be used to explain the situation to the international community.

He believed the siutation would improve after the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia meet at an Asean meeting in Indonesia next week. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya also has an appointment to meet with Asean chairman Marty Natalegawa on April 28.

The government will continue to provide security for the people and take steps to prevent the conflict from escalating further, although Cambodia has shown the intention to do otherwise, he said.

Mr Panitan stressed that the government and the military do not have a conflict of policy.

Even when it becomes a caretaker government following a House dissolution, it will be able to keep the situation under control, he added.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233826/ties-with-cambodia-under-review

Thượng viện Thái Lan thông qua các dự luật bầu cử nhưng bác bỏ một số thay đổi

Senate passes poll bills but rejects some changes

Bangkok Post
Published: 26/04/2011

The Senate yesterday passed three election-related bills after the Lower House showed huge support for them.

The three bills - the organic laws of the 2007 constitution - set new guidelines for the election of the single constituency members of the Lower House and the Senate, as well as the operations of the Election Commission and political parties after the amendments in the charter.

During the Senate meeting, chaired by deputy Senate Speaker Nikhom Wairatpanich, a majority voted down proposed changes to some sections of the bills made by the Senate scrutiny committee.

The committee suggested that the election law should allow government officials to vote in advance if they are appointed to work outside their residential areas on election day.

But most senators reasoned this suggestion would make it appear as though the authorities would be the only group entitled to participate in advance voting.

They finally voted 115 to 3 in the third reading to pass the bill relating to the election of MPs and senators, the same version as passed by the Lower House.

The majority also voted to maintain another two bills' versions endorsed by the Lower House.

They voted 114 to 4 to pass the bill on the responsibility of the Election Commission in the coming general election and 114 to 5 to pass the bill covering the operations of political parties.

The three bills will be sent back to the Lower House for acknowledgement without a need to set up a joint committee of the two houses for further deliberation.

The process to enact the three laws has so far gone smoothly.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who plans to dissolve Parliament in the first week of May, earlier asked legislators to speed up consideration of the bills, which are required to kick start the election.

The election is likely to be called between late June and early July.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233710/senate-passes-poll-bills-but-rejects-some-changes

Quân đội Thái Lan lại biểu dương lực lượng

Another military show of force

Bangkok Post

Published: 26/04/2011

A total of 745 soldiers from three regiments of the 2nd Cavalry Division staged a demonstration in Bangkok to show their combat readiness and support for army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha on Tuesday.

The demonstration, led by Maj-Gen Surasak Boonsiri, commander of the 2nd Cavalry Division, was another show of force to protect the monarchy.

A total of 745 soldiers stage a show of force in Bangkok to show their combat readiness to protect the monarchy and support for army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha on April 26, 2011. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)

"We are ready to comply with the army chief's orders around the clock, be it to protect the monarchy and sovereignty or to conduct security operations," he said.

Maj-Gen Surasak said cavalrymen will conduct an exercise in Lop Buri province from April 28 to March 9.

Last week, soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division in Bangkok and 2nd Infantry Division in Prachin Buri staged a similar show of force in support of Gen Prayuth after he assigned officers from the Judge Advocate-General's Department to file a lese majeste complaint against three United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship leaders, including Jatuporn Prompan.

A group of army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha's supporters hold a sign saying 'We love the army chief'. (Photo by Wassana Nanuam)

Also on Tuesday, 750 people calling themselves "Thai national development participants" from 14 northeastern provinces went to the army headquarters to present flowers to Gen Prayuth.

These former communist insurgents, wearing pink shirts, were brought to Bangkok by the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) in 14 buses. They first went to Siriraj Hospital to sign the well-wishers' book for His Majesty the King.

They were received by Lt-Gen Surasak Kanchanarat, assistant army chief-of-staff for civilian affairs.

A source said that Isoc, which has formed mass organisations with over 700,000 members throughout the country, plans to organise "masses in pink" to protect the monarchy.

Boonloey Champachan, a leader of Thai national development participants from Sakon Nakhon, said he wanted to show his support for Gen Prayuth.

Mr Boonloey said he wants Gen Prayuth to help each former insurgent's family get 15 rai land so they can make a living, or a payment of 225,000 baht, as promised by past governments.

About 5,000 former insurgents have not yet received either the promised land or money, he said.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233841/another-military-show-of-force

Thủ tướng Abhisit khẳng định quân đội Thái Lan không nổ súng trước

PM: Thai troops not aggressors

 

Bangkok Post

Published: 22/04/2011

Thai troops did not start the fight with Cambodian soldiers along the border in Phanom Dong Rak district of Surin province on Friday morning, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said.

The prime minister insisted that Thai troops were not the aggressors.

He had instructed officials to find out the cause of the clash and to ensure that villagers in the area were well cared for.

Mr Abhsit was concerned that any movements by Thai or Cambodian troops along the border now could trigger fresh fighting.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/233222/pm-thai-troops-not-aggressors

Lo ngại đảo chính quân sự ở Thái Lan lan rộng

TV blackout triggers coup fears

Satellite glitch to blame, say Thaicom, PM Abhisit

Bangkok Post
Published: 22/04/2011

The nationwide television blackout yesterday afternoon caused by a satellite technical glitch sparked rumours of a coup which spread like wildfire.

Media organisations were bombarded with calls from businessmen, heads of local government bodies and leaders of ethnic minority groups along the borders seeking to verify if a coup d'etat had taken place or not.

Red shirt supporters in Chiang Mai who spoke during a radio show yesterday said that the TV blackout might be related to persistent coup rumours.

The show was broadcast on a community radio station run by the Rak Chiang Mai 51 group.

The red shirts said they would be ready to come out in opposition to any military putsch.

Military exercises by soldiers yesterday morning and on Tuesday have also fuelled speculation of a coup.

The exercises were seen as a show of support for army commander-in-chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has shown strong opposition to any acts and remarks deemed offensive to the monarchy.

However, Thaicom Plc issued a statement at 6.10pm yesterday explaining that the Thaicom 5 satellite had suffered some technical problems at about 4.10pm. The company was fixing the problems to ensure the satellite would resume broadcasting shortly.

The company said the satellite had not left its orbit.

Arak Chonlatanon, chief executive of Thaicom, said the root cause of the cable network collapse yesterday was an electrostatic discharge failure on the Thaicom 5 satellite.

This resulted in a signal control system failure for the satellite transmission downlink of both the C and Ku bands.

It took the country's sole satellite service provider about three hours to bring its service back to normal

Mr Arak insisted that the satellite remained located at 78.5 degrees East and had not de-orbited.

The network collapse affected all cable broadcasting stations in the provinces where cable and free TV are popular.

The network disruption also affected broadcasting networks in neighbouring countries in Indochina, Burma and India.

A Thaicom source said the situation showed that Thailand needed a backup satellite system for national security.

Thaicom 5, constructed by a French company, was launched as a substitute for the Thaicom 3 satellite.

However, the Thaicom 3 was retired from service before schedule, resulting in the lack of a backup satellite for Thaicom 5, he said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday insisted the TV blackout had been caused by technical problems.

Soldiers from 12 battalions of the 2nd Infantry Division, the "Tigers of the East", staged an exercise to show their preparedness for combat yesterday morning, spurring the coup rumours in the wake of the TV blackout.

Around 1,600 soldiers took part in the exercise at Phrom Yothi military camp in Muang district of Prachin Buri province.

An array of military weapons including tanks, artillery and machine guns were also paraded during the exercise.

Maj Gen Pisit Sithisarn, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, said the exercise was part of the 1st Army's plan to ensure that troops could be assembled in 48 hours for combat and border defence operations.

Maj Gen Pisit said all soldiers were duty-bound to protect the monarchy.

A similar exercise was staged on Tuesday by soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division _ a major force in past coups.

Maj Gen Pisit belongs to the Burapha Phayak brotherhood of soldiers based at the 2nd Infantry Division in Prachin Buri. It is the base that Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and Gen Prayuth served at.

About 1,500 people in Prachin Buri yesterday gathered outside the provincial hall and handed a letter to provincial governor Siripong Hantrakul calling on him to safeguard the monarchy.

Thanit Sorat, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, played down the coup rumours. However, he said if a putsch does take place, then it would definitely hurt the country's image, the economy and tourism.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/233111/tv-blackout-triggers-coup-fears

Tướng Thiradet được bổ nhiệm làm phát ngôn viên của Thượng viện Thái Lan

Gen Thiradet is new senate speaker

 

Bangkok Post

Published: 22/04/2011

Gen Thiradet Meepien, an appointed senator and a former chief ombudsman, was elected the new senate speaker, an informed source at the parliament said on Friday.

Gen Thiradet Meepien (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)

At a meeting called to select a new speaker, 91 senators voted in support of Gen Thiradet, reports said.

Other candidates: Chacheongsao senator Nikom Wairatpanich received 52 votes ,and Bangkok senator Rossana Tositrakul three votes, the reports said.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233212/gen-thiradet-is-new-senate-speaker

Tổng thư ký đảng Dân chủ Suthep: Đảng Dân chủ muốn điều hành chính phủ tới

Suthep: Dems want to run next govt

Bangkok Post

Published: 22/04/2011

The Democrat Party is ready to work with all parties to set up a new government after the next general election, Deputy Prime Minister and Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said on Friday.

"The Democrats can work with all parties that share our ideas and we intend to run the next government," Mr Suthep said.

On the Chart Thai Pattana Party's announcement that it expected to be part of the next government coalition, Mr Suthep said it would depend on the election result. The political situation is changing every day, he added.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233204/suthep-dems-want-to-run-next-govt

TRC: các đảng cần phải làm rõ lộ trình hòa bình

Parties urged to explain path to peace

TRC says crackdowns,amnesty aren't enough

Bangkok Post

Published: 22/04/2011

Political parties should announce their stance on reconciliation and outline measures to prevent post-election disputes, the Truth for Reconciliation Commission says.

Parties should also try to ensure that the election is fair and free from violence, said TRC chairman Kanit na Nakhon.

He was speaking as the TRC yesterday released its first six-monthly progress report.

It is investigating the April-May 2010 clashes.

"The TRC believes that an election without a clear passage toward reconciliation cannot permanently solve the conflict," the report states.

"TRC asks that all parties state explicitly, in advance of the election, their intended policies for leading our country to reconciliation and away from disputes after the election."

Neither an amnesty for those involved in the clashes nor strict enforcement of criminal law against the red shirt demonstrators was a sustainable solution, the report said. "The best solution to this problem is for people to understand how our country arrived in this situation and to learn together how to find a way out."

The government and those involved in law enforcement and the judicial process should also fairly exercise state authority and enforce the law, as well as ensuring fairness in the judicial process, the TRC said.

The charges pressed against anti-government protesters should not be exaggerated, and those protesters should have the chance to defend themselves against the charges.

The government and law enforcement officers should give them an assurance that agencies in the judicial system under the supervision of the executive branch would carry out their duties independently and impartially without any intervention.

The TRC also gave a recommendation on the lese majeste law, saying that all sides should be careful about invoking the law during political conflicts.

Enforcement of the law should not create a condition that any political group could abuse for its own interest.

Mr Kanit said the crisis in April and May last year seemed to have derived from the disputes between political groups.

In fact, the crisis developed from problems in the country's political and social structures. Those factors were complicated by a weakness in the country's judicial process and legitimacy of state mechanisms after the 2006 coup that toppled the Thaksin Shinawatra regime.

The TRC has handed its progress report to the government, Mr Kanit said.

The report mainly covers the TRC's inquiry into the deaths during the clashes between protesters and security forces. The victims comprised 89 people killed in Bangkok, two in Ubon Ratchathani and one in Khon Kaen.

The report said three issues are holding back its inquiries.

They are a lack of power to subpoena witnesses or evidence, a lack of witness protection and a lack of credibility due to the fact that the TRC was established by the government.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233116/parties-urged-to-explain-path-to-peace

Đảng Yêu hòa bình hy vọng được Ủy ban bầu cử phê chuẩn trong tuần này

Rak Santi expects EC ratification within week

Bangkok Post
Published: 22/04/2011

The Rak Santi Party is hoping to be officially endorsed by the Election Commission in a week, its founder Purachai Piumsombun says.

Mr Purachai yesterday said that once the party was officially up and running he would unveil its policy platform and candidates.

He said the Rak Santi Party was seeking to tap into a large sector of the population who were undecided voters.

"Our party won't go after the fan clubs of other parties. We want the 'single' ones who haven't signed up for any party," he said.

Quoting a recent survey, Mr Purachai said about 58% of voters had not decided which party to vote for or whether they would go to the polling booths.

He said the party's focus in the upcoming general election would be on Bangkok even though it has some of the toughest constituencies.

Mr Purachai said campaign spending in Bangkok was considered small when compared to other provinces and noted that city voters were not too hard to please.

"If you understand voters' sentiment and you have fresh faces with educated backgrounds and some achievements, you will get support," he said.

On the EC's new rule regarding a ban on the mentioning of the monarchy in campaigning, Mr Purachai said he had no opinion about the EC's authority.

However, he stressed that the institution should never have been talked about in the first place, with or without the rule in place.

Mr Purachai yesterday also welcomed British ambassador Asif Ahmad who paid him a visit at the party headquarters.

After a one-hour meeting, Mr Ahmad said he had been assured there would be elections in Thailand.

Mr Ahmad, who was appointed last year, said he believed that the upcoming polls would bring peace to the country and expressed confidence in the Rak Santi Party's potential.

Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Phataraprasit yesterday unveiled his plan to join the Chart Thai Pattana Party for the next election.

He was welcomed by Chart Thai Pattana chief adviser Banharn Silpa-archa and Maj Gen Sanan Kachornprasart, the deputy prime minister and an adviser to the Chart Thai Pattana Party.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233117/rak-santi-expects-ec-ratification-within-week

Một ủy ban của Quốc hội Thái Lan yêu cầu chính phủ ngăn ý định xây đập thủy điện của Lào

House panel demands govt block Laos dam proposal

Bangkok Post

Published: 22/04/2011

The government should ask Laos to scrap its controversial Xayaburi dam project on the Mekong River, says a house committee.

The committee on political development, mass communications and public participation said the government should explain the project to the public. However, members also want the government to ask Laos to abandon the idea, said Democrat MP for Bangkok Boonyod Sukthinthai, the panel's secretary.

Boonyod: Power deal needs scrutiny

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand is likely to buy 95% of the dam's output.

The government should bring the proposed power purchase contract to parliament so MPs could examine it, he said.

Section 190 of the constitution requires that any crucial binding international treaty must be endorsed by parliament.

The panel would investigate state-run Krung Thai Bank over its role in granting a loan to Ch Karnchang, the contractor, Mr Boonyod said.

Watchara Phethong, another Democrat MP for Bangkok and spokesman for the house panel, said the committee unanimously opposed the dam project, which it believes would adversely affect riverside residents and the environment.

The panel's stance comes amid rising opposition against the dam project by environmental groups.

They fear that building a dam in the lower Mekong would trap vital nutrients, increase algae growth and prevent dozens of species of migratory fish _ including the giant catfish _ swimming upstream to spawning grounds.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233119/house-panel-demands-govt-block-laos-dam-proposal

UDD tái khẳng định rằng quân đội đang chuẩn bị đảo chính quân sự

UDD again claims army preparing for a coup

Bangkok Post

Published: 21/04/2011

Core members of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) claim the army's show of force this week is clear evidence of preparations for a coup to block the general election.

At a press conference on Thursday, UDD leading member Natthawut Saikua claimed he had information from an army general still in active service that the public show of force by the military was a check on the army's preparedness for a coup.

Mr Natthawut was referring to gatherings by soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division on Tuesday and of the 2nd Infantry Division today, both part of the 1st Army Region which includes Bangkok.

He believed a coup was planned to prevent a general election because the results of recent opinion polls showed that the opposition Puea Thai Party would win government.

It was noticeable that the units involved in the show of force were close to a top army officer currently in power, Mr Natthawut said, but would not name him.

He said the demonstrations showed what units would be involved.

"This coincides with the current political situation, beginning with the move to withdraw bail for red-shirt leaders before a House dissolution, and then a coup," Mr Natthawut said.

Puea Thai list MP and UDD co-leader Jatuporn Prompan said the units in the shows of force took part in the military crackdown on anti-government protesters on April 10 and May 19 last year.

"I want to ask Gen Dapong Rattanasuwan, the army chief-of-staff, if it is true that he called a meeting of the commanders of the 1st, 2nd and 9th Infantry Divisions at the house yesterday [April 20] and what orders he gave them," Mr Jatuporn said.

Maj-Gen Pisit Sithisarn, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, said soldiers from 12 battalions of the 2nd Infantry Division, the "Tigers of the East", staged an exercise to show their preparedness for combat this morning.

He said the exercise was part of the 1st Army's plan to ensure that troops can be assembled in three hours for combat and border defence operations.

The exercise was seen as another show of military support for Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the army commander-in-chief, who has shown staunch opposition to any act deemed offensive to the monarchy.

Maj-Gen Pisit said all soldiers are duty-bound to protect the monarchy.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233060/udd-army-preparing-for-a-coup

Liên minh dân chủ chống độc tài: Quân đội đang chuẩn bị một cuộc đảo chính

UDD: Army preparing for a coup

Bangkok Post

Published: 21/04/2011

Core members of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) claim the army's show of force this week is clear evidence of preparations for a coup to block the general election.

At a press conference on Thursday, Natthawut Saikua, a UDD leading member, claimed he had information from an army general still in active service that the public show of force by the military was a check on the army's preparedness for a coup.

Mr Natthawut was referring to gatherings by soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division on Tuesday and of the 2nd Infantry Division today, both part of the 1st Army Region which includes Bangkok.

He believed a coup was planned to prevent a general election because the results of recent opinion polls showed that the Puea Thai Party would win government.

It was noticeable that the units involved in the shows of force were close to a top army officer currently in power, Mr Natthawut said, but would not name him.

He said the demonstrations showed what units would be involved.

"This coincides with the current political situation, beginning with the move to withdraw bail for red-shirt leaders before a House dissolution, and then a coup," Mr Nathawut said.

Puea Thai list MP Jatuporn Prompan said the units in the shows of force took part in the military crackdown on the red-shirts on April 10 and May 19 last year.

"I want to ask Gen Dapong Rattanasuwan, the army chief-of-staff, if it is true that he called a meeting of the commanders of the 1st, 2nd and 9th Infantry Divisions at the house yesterday [April 20] and what orders he gave them," he said.

Mr Jatuporn also advised red-shirts to cease any criticism of Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's resignation from the Puea Thai Party.

"Gen Chavalit has never hurt us. He is not our enemy. He had made a difficult decision," Mr Jatuporn said.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233055/udd-shows-of-force-coup-preparations

Đảng Vì người Thái: không lập đảng dự phòng

Puea Thai: There is no reserve party

Bangkok Post

Published: 21/04/2011

Puea Thai has not registered the Puea Tham party name with the Election Commission as a reserve home for its MPs in the event it is dissolved, as was reported by the media, list MP Lt-Gen Ma Phongam said on Thursday.

No Puea Thai MPs had any thought of leaving the party to join other political camps, including the Pracharaj Party of Sanoh Thienthong, as the media reports said, he insisted.

“I have discussed the issue with Mr Sanoh and Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and they confirmed that no MPs would defect to other parties,” said Lt-Gen Ma.

The list MP also said it is not possible that he would join the Democrat Party, as reportedly said by the ruling party’s spokesman Buranat Samutrak, because he is a rival of the Democrats.

“I never have a thought of abandoning my friend [ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra] during his hard time,” he said.

Lt-Gen Ma said several executive members of his party resigned because they were preparing to run in the coming election and need more time for election campaigning.

Puea Thai leader Yongyuth Wichaidit also insisted that there is no reserve party as a fall back option as was reported by the media.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233024/puea-thai-there-is-no-reserve-party

Quân đội Thái Lan lại phô diễn sức mạnh

Another military show of force

Bangkok Post
Published: 21/04/2011

Sáng thứ 5 ngày 21 tháng 4 năm 2011, quân lính từ 12 tiểu đoàn của Sư đoàn Bộ binh mang biệt hiệu "Những con hổ phương Đông" đã thực hiện diễn tập, thể hiện tinh thần sẵn sàng chiến đấu.

Soldiers from 12 battalions of the 2nd Infantry Division, the "Tigers of the East", staged an exercise to show their preparedness for combat on Thursday morning.

Maj-Gen Pisit Sithisarn, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, said the exercise was part of the 1st Army's plan to ensure that troops can be assembled in three hours for combat and border defence operations.

The exercise was seen as another show of military support for Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the army commander-in-chief, who has shown staunch opposition to any act deemed offensive to the monarchy.

A similar exercise was staged by soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division on Tuesday.

Maj-Gen Pisit said all soldiers are duty-bound to protect the monarchy.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233020/east-tigers-show-of-force

Banharn: sau tổng tuyển cử tình hình sẽ khá hơn

Banharn: It'll be better after the polls

Bangkok Post
Published: 21/04/2011

Chính trị gia kỳ cựu Banharn Silpa-archa tin rằng tình hình Thái Lan sẽ được cải thiện sau tổng tuyển cử. Ông không nghĩ rằng việc quân đội phô diễn sức mạnh và thể hiện sự trung thành với hoàng gia là có ngụ ý gì với nền chính trị đất nước.

Veteran politician Banharn Silpa-archa believes the national situation will improve after the general election and does not think the military's show of force and loyalty to the monarchy has anything to do with politics.

Mr Banharn who is chief adviser to the leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party. said he expects Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will dissolve the House early next month and call a general election in late June.

Mr Banharn declined to comment on reports the Bhumjaithai Party may be using its loyalty to the royal institution to woo voters' support.

It was a sensitive issue and he would discuss it only with Bhumjaithai figures, he said. He did not think it would lead to any serious problem.

Mr Banharn also said that the military's show of force and determination to protect the royal institution was not political and he did not think there would be a coup d'etat in the near future.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233015/banharn-expects-better-national-situations-after-polling

Nhiều kẻ thù của Thaksin được bổ nhiệm trong Thượng viện mới

Thaksin foes appointed in newly formed Senate

Puea Thai says process is 'undemocratic, unfair'

Bangkok Post

Published: 13/04/2011

Many of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's staunchest opponents were among 73 new members of the Senate announced by the Election Commission yesterday.

The senators were selected by a committee comprising representatives from the Constitution Court, the Election Commission (EC), the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the Supreme Court, the Ombudsman and the Supreme Administrative Court.

The 73 selected senators consist of 14 people nominated by academic organisations, 14 representatives of governmental organisations, 15 nominees from the private sector, 15 from professional organisations and 15 from other groups.

EC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn said the selection of the senators represented different parties and were based on the participation of men, women and the underprivileged.

Of the 73 selected senators, 31 were former senators and 23 of them came from a faction of 40 senators opposed to Thaksin, such as Thasana Boonthong, a former deputy Senate Speaker, Somchai Sawaengkarn and Khamnoon Sithisamarn.

The selection also includes Gen Somjet Boonthanom, former chief of the secretariat of the Council for National Security that toppled the Thaksin government in the Sept 19, 2006 coup; Adm Sathiraphan Keyanont, deputy head of the coup-making council; and Sak Korsaengruang, former member of the disbanded Asset Scrutiny Committee (ASC) that the coup council formed to investigate allegations of corruption by the Thaksin government.

Many well-known figures failed to make it to the final list. They include Nam Yimyaem, former ASC chairman; Udom Fuangfung, another former ASC member; Pol Gen Noppadol Somboonsap, former director-general of the Department of Special Investigation; former Bang Chak chief Sophon Suphapong, child rights activist Wallop Tangkhananurak; former senator Imron Maluleem; former senator Ruengkrai Leekitwattana; former appointed senator Gen Lertrat Ratanawanit; and former member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Krirkiat Pipatseritham.

Mr Khamnoon and Mr Somchai denied that some seats of selected senators had been reserved for certain people. They said the selection committee comprised representatives of constitutional organisations and the committee members "had their dignity and could not be influenced".

However, a source at the Senate insisted that some senatorial seats had been reserved for people with close connections to key politicians, including those from the coalition Bhumjaithai Party and even the opposition Puea Thai Party.

Puea Thai's predecessor, the Thai Rak Thai Party, had many people appointed as members of independent organisations and these people were involved in this selection of senators.

Puea Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit commented yesterday that the selection reflected attempts to prolong power. He referred to the selection of Gen Somjet, Mr Sak, Mr Somchai and Mr Khamnoon. He said that the selection by a panel of only six or seven members was undemocratic.

Mr Prompong also said that selected senators were inefficient and did not represent people like elected senators. He called for the Senate to be formed completely with elected senators in the future.

Under Section 111 of the 2007 constitution, the Senate consists of 150 members. They comprise 76 elected senators, while the rest are selected. Their term is six years and those who serve the full term are prohibited from a back-to-back return to their seat.

To prevent complications, Senate Speaker Prasobsuk Boondej will remain in office until the next Senate Speaker is elected. As he was an appointed senator, another senator will take his place later.

Deputy Senate Speaker Nikhom Wairatpanich, who acts as the Senate Speaker, said he convened the next session of the Senate for Monday, when it would consider three amended organic laws relating to election, other important bills and criteria for the establishment of 22 Senate committees.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/231714/thaksin-foes-appointed-in-newly-formed-senate

Thaksin ủng hộ Yingluck làm thủ tướng Thái Lan

Thaksin pushes Yingluck for PM

Array of cohorts in line for Puea Thai list spots

Bangkok Post

Published: 12/04/2011

Yingluck Shinawatra is expected to be named the Puea Thai Party's No.1 party-list candidate, giving her an opportunity to become the country's first female prime minister.

Yingluck: Has ‘strong party support’

A Puea Thai source yesterday said the party's key figures had travelled to meet former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the party's main supporter and de facto leader, in Dubai and they had agreed to put Ms Yingluck, Thaksin's youngest sister, as No.1 on the party list and name her as a candidate for the premiership.

The source said Thaksin was pushing for Ms Yingluck as Puea Thai's prime ministerial candidate. However, the source said the candidacy for prime minister is not limited to Ms Yingluck. Candidate numbers 2-10 on the party list also stand an equal chance of being nominated for the premiership if they prove more qualified than Ms Yingluck, the source said.

Key figures expected to be placed highly on Puea Thai's party list include Bannapot Damapong, an adopted brother of Thaksin's ex-wife Potjaman na Pombejra, and Boonklee Plangsiri, the group chairman of Shin Corporation, the source said.

However, the source said the party has to wait for confirmation from Mr Boonklee. If Mr Boonklee refuses to run in the election, the party may approach Niwatthamrong Bunsongphaisarn, vice chairman of Shin Corporation, to stand as party list candidate. The two are considered right-hand men to Thaksin in terms of business.

The source said the party's financiers were also sending their representatives to register as party-list candidates.

The names of all party-list candidates will be finalised after House dissolution.

The source said Thaksin had not yet decided who would be named as party list candidates 2-5.

Those qualified for positions 2-5 on the party list are equally important, the source said, adding that Thaksin suggested they be chosen by drawing lots.

However, the source said the party will use the principle of political seniority to decide who will get which position in the party list.

The source said Puea Thai has also prepared a separate list of MPs from both the constituency system and the list system who will be named as cabinet ministers and cabinet secretary if the party wins the election.

They include Wiroon Techapaiboon, Santi Prompat, Apiwan Wiriyachai, Witthaya Buranasiri, Wicharn Meechainant, Surapong Towijakchaikul, Worawat Uea-apinyakul and Supol Fong-ngam. There are also non-MPs on the list of cabinet ministers. These include Olarn Chaipravat, Pichai Naripthaphan and Pol Lt-Gen Chat Kuldilok.

The source said almost 100 members of the red shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship had been named as party candidates to run in the election.

But after checking their qualifications, the party had found many of them had been disenfranchised and were not eligible to run in the election because they had failed to exercise their voting rights in the most recent local government elections.

Key red shirts such as Jatuporn Prompan and Nattawut Saikua are expected to be ranked between 11 and 20 on the list system, while Korkaew Pikulthong, another key red shirt figure, is expected to be ranked lower than No.20, the source said.

The source said while Thaksin was pushing for Ms Yingluck to be Puea Thai's prime ministerial candidate, the former premier was concerned that some MPs, particularly those in a faction led by list MP Mingkwan Saengsuwan - another possibility for prime minister - might not support Ms Yingluck.

Thaksin, therefore, had ordered Puea Thai MPs who will run in the election to sign resignation letters in advance as a bargaining chip to ensure they will vote for Ms Yingluck to be prime minister after the election, the source said.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/231528/thaksin-pushes-yingluck-for-pm

Ba dự luật bầu cử bước đầu gặp thuận lợi

Three election laws get initial green light

Bangkok Post

Published: 12/04/2011

The three draft organic laws on the elections have passed the first reading in the Senate.

A committee was set up to scrutinise the three bills, which are expected to be tabled for second and third readings in the upper house on Monday.

After they are endorsed by the Senate, the bills will be submitted to the Constitution Court to consider if they are constitutional.

The three bills proposed by the EC implement changes in the constitution and will enable the EC to effectively organise and run the general election without fear of legal repercussions.

The bills govern the election of MPs and senators, political parties and the operations of the EC.

The House of Representatives previously has approved in principle the three proposed election bills to pave the way for House dissolution.

During the debate on the bills yesterday, senator for Kamphaeng Phet Krit Arthikaew voiced disagreement with advance voting out of concerns of poll rigging.

Senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana also wondered if advance voting might be in breach of the constitution.

Election Commissioner Prapun Naigowit explained that advance voting is in line with the constitution.

Mr Prapun said advance voting, which would be held one day before the election, is actually aimed at encouraging and enabling voters who are not free on election day to go to the polls.

Meanwhile, Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang, a key leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said Somkiat Pongpaiboon, a PAD co-leader, and other key supporters will travel to Khon Kaen on Wednesday next week to push a "vote no" campaign asking voters to not choose any of the political parties running in the election.

Maj Gen Chamlong said the existing political system is flawed as politicians have failed to resolve the problems besetting the country and failed to protect the country's territorial sovereignty.

Man Gen Chamlong dismissed suggestions that the PAD, which has taken to the streets in protest against the government's claimed mishandling of the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, is actually promoting the cause of the New Politics Party, its political offshoot.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/231532/three-election-laws-get-initial-green-light

Thượng viện Thái Lan chấp nhận thảo luận về các dự luật bầu cử

Senate accepts polls bills for debate

Bangkok Post

Published: 11/04/2011

The Senate on Monday passed the three election-related bills proposed by the Election Commission in the first reading by unanimous vote.

Suradet Jirattichaoren, the Prachin Buri senator and deputy chairman of the Senate committee on affairs of organisations under the constitution, suggested that the bills, which seek to amend organic laws in line with the amended 2007 constitution, be passed in the first reading.

The committee was assigned by the Senate to study the bills ahead of today's deliberation.

During the debate, some senators raised reservations on limiting advance voting to one day, saying that it could allow electoral fraud, while others said there should be no advance voting at all.

Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana said he was not sure if advance voting was constitutional.

Concerning this matter, Prapan Naigowit, an election commissioner for elections, said advance voting is not against the constitution since it is intended to allow people who may not be able to vote on election day to exercise their voting right.

After more than three hours of debate, the Senate passed the bills governing elections of MPs and senators, political parties and the EC in the first reading by unanimous vote.

A 15-man committee was set up to scrutinise the bills in one day.

It was believed the bills would be ready for Senate deliberation in the second and third readings on Monday, April 18.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/231459/senate-votes-for-election-bills

Thủ tướng Abhisit: Chính phủ không chia rẽ về vấn đề biên giới

Govt united on border observers, says Abhisit

Bangkok Post

Published: 11/04/2011

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva insists that there is no conflict between the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the army over Thailand's refusal to accept Indonesian military observers into the disputed area on the Thai-Cambodian border.

The prime minister said Sunday that the ministry and the army understood the government's stance that Thailand would not allow Indonesian observers to enter the 4.6 square-kilometre disputed area around the Preah Vihear temple.

"If the Indonesian observers were allowed to go into the disputed area, it would make the border situation worse," said Mr Abhisit.

He was responding to Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, who said he was disappointed that Thailand had refused to accept Indonesian military observers into the disputed area.

Mr Hor Namhong was quoted as saying that Thailand sent conflicting messages on Indonesia's role as mediator in the border dispute between the two countries. "Frankly speaking, it's really difficult to deal with them," he said.

"The government, the foreign minister, says one thing while the military says another thing.

"We don't know who we can trust, who to deal with. We don't know who really has the right to negotiate."

Mr Hor Namhong was speaking to reporters in Jakarta ahead of the Special Asean-Japan Meeting to discuss post-disaster assistance for tsunami-hit Japan.

But Mr Abhisit said Thailand had discussed the matter with Indonesia and it was well understood.

Mr Abhisit also said that the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia which ended last Friday in Bogor, Indonesia, went smoothly. He said Thailand could tell the international community that Thailand and Cambodia could successfully resolve their border conflict through these kinds of bilateral talks.

Meanwhile, Thailand is being criticised in the region for its decision to deploy cluster bombs in its February border clashes with Cambodia.

The Cluster Munition Coalition, based in the UK, last week condemned Thailand's use of the munitions. The army responded, denying it used cluster bombs.

Lao Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith was quoted Sunday by the Phnom Penh Post as saying that use of cluster bombs during the clashes was a serious concern, as they were "horrific" weapons.

Thailand has admitted using 155-millimetre Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) - large shells launched from the ground that split open and release dozens of smaller bomblets across a wide area - but the the army said it does not define the weapon as a cluster munition.

Mr Thongloun urged all countries to sign and adhere to the 2008 convention banning the use of cluster bombs.

 

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/231345/govt-united-on-border-observers-says-abhisit

Đảng vì người Thái hoãn công bố chính sách tranh cử

PT postpones policy announcement

Bangkok Post

Published: 10/04/2011

The Puea Thai Party has decided to postpone the announcement of its policy platform from April 24 to another date which will not be later than April 27.

The party early scheduled to announce its policy on April 24 and reveal some of its election candidates on the party list system.

The first person on the party list would be the candidate for prime ministership, it said.

Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the postponement was made because the venue for the activities and campaign signs would not yet be ready by that day.

On a major rally of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship scheduled for today to mark the first anniversary of the clash between red-shirt protesters and government security forces on April 10 last year, leaving many people killed and wounded, Mr Prompong said he was afraid people of a third-hand party affiliated to the government would create unrest to mar the rally and discredit the UDD.

If the rally turned violent, the government might take it as an excuse not to call an election, he added.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/231287/pt-postpones-policy-announcement

Thủ tướng yêu cầu thượng nghị viện ủng hộ các dự luật bầu cử

Senate asked to endorse election bills

Bangkok Post

Published: 10/04/2011

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva made a call through his Sunday television show "Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit" on Channel 11 for senators to pass the three election-related bills to facilitate the next general elections.

Mr Abhisit said Senate Speaker Prasobsuk Boondej had tabled the three bills, endorsed last week by the House of Representatives, for the Senate to deliberate on Monday, April 11.

He believed everything would go as planned and the House of Representatives would be dissolved in the first week of May to make way for the general elections.

On flooding in the South, Mr Abhisit said the cabinet last week agreed to initially provide 5,000 baht for each of the families affected by by flash floods and deluge or whose houses were damaged in mudslides.

The affected families were expected to get the money after the Songkran Festival. The government expected to spend about 3,000 million baht for this purpose, he said.

On the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting in Indonesia on April 7-8, Mr Abhisit said Thailand had told the world that the Thai-Cambodian conflict could be resolved by the two counties.

He said the exact date for the 8th General Border Committee (GBC) meeting had not been discussed as it was not an urgent matter. The Foreign Affairs and Defence ministries had agreed that the GBC could be held in either Bangkok or Phnom Penh, he said.

The prime minister reaffirmed Thailand's stance of not wanting Indonesian observers to be deployed in the 4.6 square kilometre disputed area on the Thai-Cambodian border. The foreign ministries of the two countries would hold talks to reach a settlement on this matter.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/231286/pm-asks-senate-to-endorse-election-bills

Thaksin khẳng định vai trò của mình trong đảng Vì người Thái

Thaksin confirms his role in Puea Thai

Says he will definitely influence policy

 

Bangkok Post

Published: 8/04/2011

Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra says he plans to assert a strong influence on Thailand's economic and political policy, from abroad, if the opposition Puea Thai Party wins the coming general election.

Thaksin said in a press interview in Dubai with the Wall Street Journal that his short-terms goals would be cutting corporate tax rates and an amnesty for all people charged with politically related offences since the military coup that ousted his government in September 2006.

"This conflict has been going on for five years and many people have suffered mentally and physically.

"We should start all over again to help the country prosper," he said.

Thaksin's full interview: http://newley.com/2011/04/08/todays-wsj-thaksin-on-new-elections/

Meanwhile, the pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) plans to file a civil suit demanding 39.8 million baht compensation for damages on behalf of 16 red-shirts who were killed or wounded in the clash between soldiers and UDD protesters at the Khok Wua intersection on April 10 last year.

The lawsuit was announced on Friday by Udom Prongfa, a lawyer for the 111 Thai Rak Thai Foundation, and Pol Gen Wiroon Fuensaen, a Puea Thai Party list MP.

Mr Udom said the lawsuit would be filed with the Civil Court. Three government agencies would be named as defendants - the Finance Ministry, the Defence Ministry and the army. The charges would be brought under the law concerning offences committed by state officials.

He said since Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, as director of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), were not attached to a particular state agency, the Finance Ministry had to take the responsibility on their behalf.

Since the army chief, deputy army chief and soldiers who were involved in the crackdown on the red-shirts are officials attached to the Defence Ministry and the army, the two agencies have to take responsibility, he added.

The lawyer did not say when the lawsuit would be filed.

Metropolitan Police Bureau spokesman Piya Uthayo said seven companies of police will be deployed at the Democracy Monument and nearby areas to ensure law and order during the UDD's planned mass gathering on Sunday.

Police expect about 50,000 red-shirts from Bangkok and other provinces will turn out, but believe the gathering will not be prolonged, Pol Maj Gen Piya said.

Police will also ensure there will be no confrontation between the red-shirts and the yellow-shirts rallying against the government at Makkhawan Rangsan bridge near Government House, said the spokesman.

The red-shirt group plans a mass protest rally on Sunday, April 10, to mark the first anniversary of the deadly clash between red-shirt protesters and the military at Khok Wua intersection last April.

The demonstration at the Democracy Monument will begin about noon and finish about 2am on Monday, according to the organisers.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/231027/thaksin-begins-puea-thai-campaign

Ủy ban bầu cử Thái Lan cảm ơn các nghị sĩ vì đã thông qua các dự luật bầu cử

EC thanks MPs for passing bills

Bangkok Post

Published: 8/04/2011

The Election Commission on Friday thanked the House of Representatives for approving the three election-related bills and believed they would be passed by the Senate no later than April 20.

Prapan Naigowit, election commissioner in charge of elections, said he believed the Senate would start to deliberate the three bills on Monday, April 11.

The bills, proposed by the EC, were expected to be endorsed by the Senate no later than April 20, he said. After that they would be forwarded to the Constitution Court to see if they contravene the amended constitution.

Mr Prapan expected the process to be completed in time for the prime minister to call a House dissolution in early May.

On the bill governing elections of MPs and senators in which the two days proposed for advance voting were cut down to one, Mr Prapan said this would pose no problems but more staff must be put at each polling unit because more people were expected to turn up than usual because of the time limitation.

Mr Prapan said the EC would complete drawing boundaries of the 375 new constituencies by the middle of April so that election candidates could make their plans for campaigning.

The new Bung Kan province in the Northeast would have two constituencies with one MP each.

On April 18, the EC would call a meeting of chairmen of all provincial election committees to ensure preparedness for elections, he said.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/230984/ec-thanks-house-for-passing-election-bills

Thaksin khởi động chiến dịch tranh cử của đảng Vì người Thái

Thaksin begins Puea Thai campaign

Bangkok Post
Published: 8/04/2011

Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra says he plans to assert a strong influence on Thailand's economic policies from abroad if the opposition Puea Thai Party wins the coming general election.

Thaksin said in a press interview in Dubai with the Wall Street Journal that his short-terms goals would be cutting corporate tax rates and an amnesty for "all people charged with politically related offences" since the military coup that ousted his government in September 2006.

"This conflict has been going on for five years and many people have suffered mentally and physically.

"We should start all over again to help the country prosper," he said.

Link to Thaksin's full interview: http://newley.com/2011/04/08/todays-wsj-thaksin-on-new-elections/

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/230982/thaksin-begins-p-thai-campaign

Cam kết không đảo chính của Songkitti chỉ mang tính cá nhân

Hành động đầy ngạc nhiên của Chỉ huy tối cao quân đội Thái Lan Songkitti Jaggabatara khi dẫn đầu nhóm những sĩ quan cấp cao tuyên bố không có đảo chính đang được nhiều người coi là nỗ lực thu hút sự chú ý của công chúng đối với ông, người vốn lâu nay bị che khuất bởi Tổng tham mưu trưởng và Bộ trưởng Quốc phòng

Songkitti no-coup pledge is personal

Bangkok Post

Published: 7/04/2011

Supreme Commander Songkitti Jaggabatara's surprise move to lead the military top brass in shooting down coup rumours is being viewed by many as an attempt to raise his public profile long overshadowed by the army chief and the defence minister.

As Gen Songkitti chaired the press conference on Tuesday, the armed forces' leaders appeared to be caught off guard when they were asked by Gen Songkitti to promise they would not stage a coup.

Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, who stood behind the supreme commander along with navy commander Kamthorn Phumhiran and air force chief Itthaporn Subhawong, gave slight nods of approval when their boss turned and ask them whether "you share the opinion with me [about not staging a coup]".

Gen Prayuth has repeatedly insisted there will be no coup. However, some critics recall the putsch in 2006 by then army chief Sonthi Boonyaratkalin who had given a similar assurance the army would not overthrow the government.

Gen Songkitti's success in getting all the armed forces commanders to stand behind him and deny the coup rumours which have intensified in recent weeks has put him in the spotlight before his retirement in September this year.

Songkitti: Resents being overlooked

An insider quoted Gen Songkitti as telling his close aide that he would resign if the military staged a coup d'etat before his retirement.

Appointed to the top armed forces post three years ago, Gen Songkitti has kept a low profile and has rarely given interviews or offered public comments on controversial issues.

One reason, as is generally known, is that his position is less powerful than the army chief's who has direct command over the country's soldiers and who has been traditionally the key player in the country's coup history.

Although by his position, the supreme commander oversees all armed forces, in practice he has no direct control over the army which has been instrumental in major political changes in the past.

At the press briefing, Gen Songkitti reminded the public of the importance of the Supreme Command Headquarters' role in helping the country in both military and non-military affairs.

Apart from supporting the Internal Security Operations Command with its personnel, the Supreme Command Headquarters has also been involved in helping the government solve the country's problems.

These included the ongoing disaster relief operations in the flood-hit southern provinces.

"We've not publicised our work because we are doing it with our love and our bond with the people," he said.

A military analyst said the reason for Gen Songkitti's surprise press conference was also believed to be him trying to make known his feelings about being overlooked by the other commanders and the Democrat-led government.

Both Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who oversees national security, know well that Gen Songkitti has no real military power and is not able to stage a coup.

So when the government needed to talk to soldiers, "Mr Suthep simply called Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and Gen Prayuth without going through the chain of command by first contacting the supreme commander", he said.

When the two wanted to work with the Supreme Command Headquarters, they would directly contact the joint chief of staff Thanasak Patimakorn, who is a classmate of Gen Prayuth in Class 12 of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School. Gen Thanasak is reportedly tipped to succeed Gen Songkitti.

Gen Songkitti is a classmate of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Class 10 and this could be one of the reasons why he has never had the full trust of the government.

The source said Gen Songkitti was not happy with Gen Prawit and Gen Prayuth for "getting soldiers involved in politics too much and making the army a power base for the Democrat-led government".

The press conference was an opportunity for Gen Songkitti to let his feelings be known. He wanted to "open his mind", his close aide told reporters.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/230731/songkitti-no-coup-pledge-is-personal

Thủ tướng Thái Lan chọn ngày diễn ra tổng tuyển cử là vào cuối tháng 6 hoặc đầu tháng 7

Thủ tướng Abhisit Vejjajiva hy vọng rằng cuộc tổng tuyển cử sắp tới sẽ diễn ra vào khoảng từ giữa tháng 6 đến đầu tháng 7. Ông cũng yêu cầu các đảng viên của đảng Dân chủ dốc toàn lực cho cuộc chạy đua đầy khó khăn này.

PM picks late June,early July election

Bangkok Post
Published: 7/04/2011

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expects the next general election to take place between late June to early July and he has asked his Democrat Party members to brace for a tough race.

Citing recent poll results which showed a difference of less than 1% in the popularity of the Democrats and the Puea Thai Party, Mr Abhisit said yesterday the Democrats would have to work much harder to win again.

If the Democrats capture enough seats to form a government, the party would be able to proceed with its policies that it has been implementing over the past two years, he said.

But if Puea Thai wins, many of the priorities that the opposition party had announced it would push through could trigger a new wave of conflict. Political violence would take place instead, said Mr Abhisit.

One of the goals Puea Thai has announced if it wins the election is that it intends to bring home ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the premier said.

Thaksin has been living mostly in Dubai and Montenegro to escape a two-year jail term for corruption at home.

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions found him guilty of abusing his authority to help his former wife Potjaman na Pombejra purchase land on Ratchadaphisek Road.

Mr Abhisit's comments about the timing of the election expand on remarks he made recently when he said the House may be dissolved in the first week of May to set the stage for a general election in the following month.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban told Democrat MPs at a merit-making ceremony yesterday to mark the 65th anniversary of the party's establishment that they should not be discouraged by the poll results and should carry on with their duties.

Mr Suthep said that since the Democrats took the helm of the government two years ago, the party and Prime Minister Abhisit have implemented many policies to benefit people, especially the 15-year free education programme and boosting people's incomes. They wanted to carry on the good work.

Mr Suthep, who is also the party's secretary-general, asked Democrat MPs to place their trust in him.

Democrat spokesman Buranat Samuttarak said after a party meeting yesterday that it had unanimously approved policies drafted by the party's committee on electoral strategies and policies.

Entitled "Moving Forward with Policies for the Public", they had been proposed by Korbsak Sabhavasu, chairman of the panel, said Mr Buranat.

The policies are grouped into three main areas: the well-being of families, the economy and the nation.

For family well-being, the Democrat Party will maintain its seven social welfare programmes, including free electricity for 90 units of usage or less, its crackdown on drugs and monthly allowances for the elderly.

As for boosting the economy, the Democrats have set out seven major goals, including increasing farmers' profits from selling products under the farmers' income insurance scheme by 25%.

Some of the other goals here are to hike minimum wages by 25% in two years and issue more title deeds for state land to another 250,000 farmers under the community land title deed project.

As for improving the country's well-being, the party also intends to achieve seven projects, including the Chinese-Thai joint development of a high-speed rail route that will link China with Thailand and Malaysia.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/230733/pm-picks-late-juneearly-july-election

Nippon Steel của Nhật Bản đầu tư 300 triệu USD vào Thái Lan

Nippon Steel to invest US$300m

Bangkok Post
Published: 5/04/2011

Nippon Steel Corp, Japan's largest steelmaker, will invest US$300 million (9.07 billion baht) to build a plant in Thailand to produce high-grade steel for the automobile and electrical appliance industries.

The plant will be located next to the Siam United Steel (SUS) plant in Rayong in which Nippon Steel is a major shareholder. With annual production capacity of 360,000 million tonnes of galvanised steel, the facility plans to be operational in 2013.

SUS owns an area of about 250 rai in Rayong, of which slightly more than 100 rai have been used by the existing plant that produces cold-rolled steel sheets, said Payungsak Chartsutipol, a former executive vice-president of SUS and now the company's adviser.

"This is to serve a sharp rise in steel demand from the automotive sector, projected to jump from 1.8 million units this year to 2.5 million in three to five years," said Mr Payungsak.

About half of the cold-rolled steel required for the Nippon Steel plant will be supplied by SUS and the balance will be imported from Japan, he added.

Wikrom Vajragupta, president of the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand, said Nippon Steel and its competitors were eyeing Thailand's galvanised steel annual consumption of 800,000-900,000 tonnes.

Source:http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/230344/nippon-steel-to-invest-us-300m

Chính phủ Thái Lan trợ giá dầu diesel thêm 30 satang lên 5,4 baht mỗi lít

Diesel subsidy raised another 30 satang

Bangkok Post
Published: 5/04/2011

The government has raised the diesel subsidy by 30 satang to 5.40 baht a litre.

Energy Minister Wannarat Channukul said after chairing the National Energy Policy Committee meeting yesterday that the subsidy has been increased to comply with the government's policy of keeping the retail diesel price at 30 baht a litre.

He said the increase would cost the state Oil Fund 348 million baht a day or 10.4 billion baht a month.

Heightened violence in the Middle East and signs of economic recovery in the US have pushed up oil prices.

Diesel oil in Singapore was quoted at an average of US$134 a barrel, while crude oil in Dubai rose to $110 a barrel. That trimmed the retail gross margin of oil traders to 80 satang a litre from a viable level of 1.50 baht.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/230345/diesel-subsidy-raised-another-30-satang