Analysis: Nine months after coup, democracy faces uncertain future in Thailand :AP

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Despite a pledge by the military-led government to return Thailand to democracy by December, it is increasingly clear that the country's political direction will likely be determined not by voters but by lawyers, guns and money. Nine months after the bloodless ouster of elected Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the military remains
firmly in the driver's seat.

Blog master said... This country is not belong to me anymore.

Politicians of every party have been all but sidelined. Making common cause with a Thai elite that was greatly discomfited by Thaksin's brand of populist politics, the army looks to be stacking the deck for polls due in December by keeping all political parties weak.

«It will be like a directed democracy, in which aristocrats and bureaucrats become more powerful,» predicts Pasuk Phongpaichit, a political economist at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

«The new government will be weak, and it has to compromise with and be subjected to the influence of the elite.Not that Thaksin didn't give the elite an excuse. The telecommunications billionaire-turned-politician was widely accused of using the prime minister's office to enrich himself and his family.

Blog master said... She hated Thaksin and ThairakThai party , She had ever againsted Thaksin before 19 Coup. She's not apologise to Thai people for her fool in the past when she supported the 19 coup.

The charges sparked confrontational anti-Thaksin protests and eventually a political logjam that led to the coup last September.A series of moves in recent weeks has underscored the military-led government's determination to get Thaksin, who has been living overseas since the coup. An anti-graft panel ordered the freezing of more than 60 billion baht (US$1.86 billion; ¤1.39 billion) in assets belonging to Thaksin and his family.

This week, the former leader was ordered to return to Thailand to face charges that he concealed his ownership of a company from the stock exchange. And in a dramatic ruling last month, a Thai court ordered Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai Party dissolved and its 111 top executives barred from public office for five years for electoral law violations.

But Thaksin, who came to office in 2001, remains popular among rural voters who delivered him his two landslide election victories. His populist policies brought financial and social welfare benefits to the long-ignored countryside. The dissolution of his party means that the country's rural majority is likely to be denied a real choice at the ballot box.

In the Thai capital of Bangkok, though, the Sept. 19, 2006, coup had been welcomed by many who had wearied of Thaksin's autocratic style and his alleged abuse of power. An interim government, led by a respected former army commander, was appointed, as was an interim legislature and a committee to draft a new constitution. Military sympathizers and Bangkok bureaucrats heavily dominate all bodies and made known their intention to enshrine responsible rule at the expense of popular democracy.

The new government imposed martial law, which remains in effect in 35 of the country's 76 provinces, and banned all organized political party activities _ a measure lifted only earlier this month.But in recent months, the popularity of the military-installed government of interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont had begun to decline. A series of missteps on the economic front, including a bungled attempt to impose capital controls, appalled the business community.

Blog master said... It's nonsense, they can't manage this country , they didn't have capability but they have just desire. They are thinking that it's honour of their life for this special accident.

Despite good intentions, the government failed to resolve a bloody Muslim insurgency in the country's southernmost provinces.And until recently, attempts to bring Thaksin to justice for his alleged crimes had proceeded at a snail's pace. Criticism grew that the military had failed to prove wrongdoing that had been a major justification for the coup.The sense of drift was shattered by the court-ordered dismantlement of the former prime minister's party.

Blog master said... I'm not sure that the military junta sincerely solves this problem.

Ousted Thai PM Faces New Penalties

By AMBIKA AHUJA 06.18.07, 10:27 AM ET From This

Efforts to punish ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for alleged corruption gained momentum Monday, as state prosecutors said they would seek to have him and his wife tried for a suspicious land deal, and an anti-graft panel ordered more of his assets frozen.....

Blog master said... It's cheap trick of Thai Junta , they should have to press to Thaksin to negotiate with them, and they have want to counterattack to him for the speech to the muster at Sanam luang.

The new actions came just three days after Thaksin issued a bitter public complaint that efforts to dismantle his party and seize his fortune were unfair and unjust, and he would fight them.

Attorney General Phatchara Yutithamdamrong announced Monday that his office would submit to court a criminal case concerning the 2003 purchase by Thaksin's wife, Pojamarn, of some prime Bangkok real estate from the Financial Institutions Development Fund, which is directed by the central bank. The fund was established to handle assets of insolvent companies after the 1997 financial crisis.

Blog master said... Mr.Phatchara have ever met with Gen.Prem who behind the scene before 19 coup, This is Thailand, It's clean and clear.

Last month, the anti-graft Assets Examination Committee - established by the coup leaders - decided to recommend to prosecutors that Thaksin and his wife face charges of conflict of interest and malfeasance in connection with the deal.

An anti-corruption law bars prime ministers or their spouses from doing business with a government agency, and the committee said Thaksin as prime minister ultimately oversaw the FIDF.

Phatchara said at a news conference that he will submit a lawsuit Thursday to the branch of the Supreme Court that handles cases of political office holders. His office also recommended that the plot of land, valued at 772 million baht ($23.7 million), be seized.

The conflict of interest charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison while the malfeasance charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, said Phatchara. The Thaksins would not have to appear in court when the charge is submitted, he said. They will be summoned to hear the charges only if the court accepts the case.

The Assets Examination Committee Monday ordered 8 billion baht ($245.7 million) in assets belonging to Thaksin's family frozen, following up a similar action it took last week.

It had already frozen 52.88 billion baht ($1.63 billion) believed to be proceeds from the Shinawatra family's 73.3 billion baht ($1.9 billion at January 2006 rates of exchange) sale last year of telecommunications company Shin Corp. to Temasek Holdings Pte. Ltd., a Singapore state investment company. It alleged there was reason to believe the deal involved corruption.

A spokesman for the committee, Sak Korsaengruang, said it determined that the 8 billion baht had been shifted out of the earlier frozen bank accounts shortly before the order was issued covering them.

Blog master said... Mr.Sak , It's dirty job of your life, your knowledge about the Law used for destroyed the justice system of this country.

Complaining that he was persecuted, Thaksin said Friday in a video shown an a public rally of his supporters that the committee's allegations were "libelous, unfair and unethical."

"I already said that I'm retiring from politics but I am just asking that my family and I live with dignity," he said. "It doesn't mean that I'm not going to fight. I will fight for my honor to prove my innocence."

But he also said he supported political reconciliation, and was open to talks with the military-appointed government that succeeded him.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said at a press conference Monday that he was willing to negotiate with Thaksin, as long as it did not interfere with the judicial process.

"Any negotiation with (Thaksin) must not interfere with the legal cases against him ... the government will not intervene with the court process," Surayud said. "I will do what can be done lawfully but more than that, I am not willing to negotiate."

Blog master said... Yes , feudal tyrant in Thailand still have influenced for all system in this country, will they win in this war ? So, Thai people is slave forever.

Student activists deny link to Thaksin camp

APINYA WIPATAYOTIN From Bangkok Post

A group of student activists at Chulalongkorn who are against dictatorship say they have nothing to do with pro-Thaksin Shinawatra supporters. The student activists said they work individually, but merely share the anti-dictatorship idea.

Around 10 members of the group attracted media attention by performing a five-minute play against the coup in front of the university's Sala Phra Kieo.

A senior student from the faculty of engineering said he regarded the group's move as an over-reaction.

The student, who asked not to be named, also said people should wait for a general election at the end of this year.

Yesterday, the group urged people not to vote for the new constitution, saying that people should accept only the constitution written by an elected government.

The activists also handed out condoms to passers-by to deliver the message that the constitution now being drafted should be stopped in its tracks.

Nattasit Rakkiatwong, spokesman for the group, said corruption alone did not provide justification for a coup.

He says the Thai Rak Thai party had the right to reject the May 30 verdict that dissolved the party and imposed a five-year ban on political activity by its executives.

Theeranai Jaruwatra, a leader of the group, said he was more concerned about abuse of power in a democratic system than Mr Thaksin's corruption charges.

''Just leave the issue to the judicial system. I can't say whether he is right or wrong at the moment. The court will let us know. We don't care whether he is right or wrong. But the coup is unacceptable,'' he said.

Mr Theeranai insisted that the group would not join the PTV protesters. Some members, however, could choose to attend their rallies individually.

He said people tended to link coup opponents with Mr Thaksin's supporters.

Meanwhile, political science lecturer Chaiyan Chaiyaporn threw his support behind the students' move, saying they were exercising their right to express themselves politically.

A recent ABAC poll found that more than 70% of respondents were ready to ''accept'' a corrupt government if it would improve their own well-being.

Blog master Said.... That's right thing for all Thai people to against this coup. Why they were accused that they have a hidden agenda. Before the 19 coup, their lecturer in this university did rally with People allies democracy to against Thaksin, after the 19 coup , they have been support to Junta and the coup maker to destroy Thaksin and his allies. It's really shame...

Pro-Thaksin rally hopes 60,000 will join

Sanamgluang : 08/06/2007

BangkokPost.com - Leaders of Supporters of Thaksin Against Dictatorship group expect to draw some 60,000 protesters to rally against Council for National Security.

Group organiser Theerachai Saenkaew said he believed more and more people throughout the country will travel to Bangkok to join the rally that is held everyday at Sanam Luang.

"I've received responses from people in the North and the Northeastern," he said. "Although some of them say they cannot come, they ask their relatives in Bangkok to join the protest."

The group, officially established on Wednesday, was founded by some 60 former MPs of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party as key leaders. They have staged a daily protest at the venue since then.

"Public view us as an NGO campaigning for democracy and against dictatorship," he said.

Mr Theerachai also dismissed reports that the key members paid people to rally. People can't be hired to rally, he claimed.

Blog master said.... God bless us. Thai people would have to show to the world again that Democracy is not simply.

More evidence needed for land purchase deal of Thaksin's wife

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) asked the Assets Examination Committee Thursday for more evidence on the Ratchadapisek land purchase to make the case against ousted premier and his wife more solid.

Auditor General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka and public prosecutors met Udom Fuangfung, chairman of AEC's subcommittee probing the land deal, to discuss the case.

Udom said prosecutors wanted documents about the issuing of bonds by the FIDF (Financial Institutions Development Fund), which they believe will make the case stronger.

He said he would ask the FIDF for the documents and submit them to prosecutors next week.

The AEC has filed a suit accusing Thaksin and his wife for corruption over the land sale.

Deputy Attorney General Somsak Boonthong, who chairs the OAG panel examฌining the land deal, expressed confidence that prosecutors would decide on whether to accept the suit within the deadline.

Somsak said his panel would reach an opinion on a complaint from Thaksin about the landpurchase probe when they decide whether to indict him.

He said Thaksin's complaint requested prosecutors to summon evidence on the FIDF's land deal with Erawan Trust Finance and Securities Co. Thaksin claimed Udom's panel refused to include this evidence in its probe.

The FIDF sold the land plot on Rama IX Road to Pojaman in 2003 for Bt772 million, which was over an appraisal price of about Bt700 million.

The AEC claims the fund lost money on the deal because it bought the land from Erawan Trust Finance and Securities for Bt2 billion in 1995.

Blog master said...Elite Group are thinking that this case should be sure to get rid of Thaksin but its not simply , if the evidence of the Assets Examination Committee have a strong why the prosecutor have to ask for more evidence , the Assets Examination Committee always claim that could be prosecute. All the time , Thai media released to the public about this case like a court was sentence its already and Thaksin corrupted absolutely.

Meanwhile, former deputy interior minister Pramuan Ruchanaseree reported to the AEC on Thursday to hear and defend himself against corruption charges related to a government scheme to purchase rubber saplings.

Pramuan said it was unfair of the AEC to accuse Thaksin's entire cabinet because the then agriculture minister Newin Chidchob was solely responsible for the scheme.

"The corruption took place not during cabinet consideration but by people who implemented the project," he alleged.

He raised objections to the scheme in the cabinet meeting but there were no records, he said.

"The Thaksin cabinet meetings were a joke. There was no transparency. There were no signatures of those who attended the meeting, there were no meeting records," he said.

Blog master said.... Thaksin scratched him away from his cabinet because he didn't work , he worked like a bureaucrat , after that his role was changed to be the ultra royalist to against Thaksin. He lied again , the cabinet meeting of Thailand have never been record for description or anything so far.

Pramuan is among 90 people, including ministers, permanent officials, and company executives, the AEC has accused of involvement in corruption in the rubber sapling purchase scheme. Six other former ministers are scheduled to hear the charges against them.

The Nation

Final Countdown for The Coup maker

Military Government Outlaws the Opposition

June 3, 2007: In the south, nearly a thousand young Moslems demonstrated against the presence of so many soldiers in the south. The security forces have imposed a lot of movement restrictions, and are often rough if they encounter any resistance. The military government is apparently planning to impose even harsher measures in the south.

Blog master said.... These picture : Thais are protesting at Sanamluang Bangkok, I didn't know that how many , the coup maker are trying to bar many people which want to come from many part of Bangkok by used all media hype to the public that third group may be disturb , to accuse this mob , spam sms to mobile phone , don't permit the mass transportation to go the inner of Bangkok. It's really bad thing.

June 2, 2007: The military government has ordered the former prime ministers party disbanded, and banned former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from participating in politics. In response, over 5,000 people demonstrated against the coup in the capital. Thaksin was very popular, and would probably still win an election. But he offended many urban groups and government employees, who conspired to oust him. Now the military government has to try and run new elections that will not bring to power politicians who will feel obliged to punish the coup organizers. May 31, 2007: In the south, a roadside bomb killed twelve soldiers, and Islamic militants killed five Moslems near a mosque that opposed terrorism. Another four people were killed in attacks on non-Moslems in the south.

May 28, 2007: Six small bombs that went off in southern tourist areas yesterday were considered set by political, not Islamic militant, groups. Thirteen people were injured, and the bombs were similar to those set off in the capital last December. Australia, Canada, France and Japan have reacted by warning their citizens to think twice about going to Thailand.

Blog master said.... For the verdict of constitutional court tribunal , It's real suicide verdict. So, They think that when dissolved Thai rak Thai party then it's game over. They wake up people from fear and ignore to the politics.

The situation of southern region , the politics in Bangkok are involve about that , if the Bangkok chaos is calm then southern chaos would be calm too. The commentator in underground radio told that the eunuch is the mastermind who wanted to discredit to Thaksin 's government , but it was escalated so far.

Thailand crash !

AP, BANGKOK
Friday, Jun 01, 2007, Page 1

More than 1,000 die-hard supporters of ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday protested a stunning court ruling that banned his party and barred its entire leadership from politics for five years, saying the military-appointed tribunal lacked legitimacy.

"This is a fight by the people who are rejecting the judiciary's power," said Veera Musigapong, a former deputy leader of Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party and one of the 111 leading party members, including Thaksin, banned from politics by Wednesday's ruling.

"As someone who was personally affected, I am not accepting the decision of the tribunal which was set up by the coup leaders and their illegitimate power," Veera said.

Blog master said... I don't believe that it's true , it's really worse case , to dissolved Thai rak Thai it's not bad but they baned 111 politicians from the politics for 5 years its really mad , they will be Thai politics go to hell.

Party leader Chaturon Chaisaeng said yesterday that a new Thai Rak Thai would try to register under the same name while its banned executives would attempt to engage in political activities short of running for office.

He said that the group hoped to meet Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Monday to ask him to revoke a ban on all political activities by parties that was imposed following a bloodless coup last September that ousted Thaksin.

Surayud has promised to lift the ban in September and hold general elections in December.

Thaksin, who now resides in London, sent a handwritten letter to his party and supporters, urging them to continue their political activities for the benefit of the country.

Thailand facing uncertainty after court ruling

BANGKOK: Thailand's ailing democracy faced more uncertainty Thursday after a constitutional court shut down the political party of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and barred him and 110 other party executives from politics for five years.

The ruling late Wednesday abruptly removed country's dominant party, Thai Rak Thai, and most of its leading political figures in advance of an election scheduled for December that will redraw the political landscape.

Political analysts here said the ruling put an end for now to the political career of Thaksin, the country's most popular politician. He remains abroad after being deposed in a nonviolent coup last Sept. 19 while he was in New York.

The nine-judge constitutional court in effect ratified the coup, convicting the party and its executives of manipulating an election in April 2006 in what it called an attempt "to achieve totalitarian power."

Echoing the harsh criticism of his critics, it said Thaksin's party "shows no respect for the rule of law, which is the key to the democratic system."

Blog master said.... It's double standard for decision between Thai rak Thai and Democrat and they would broke in the basic rule of Law they can't used the new section which have been proclaim after that wrong doing to retrospect to harmful for someone. Thai politics would be in the dark , Junta would be in trouble for referendum of news constitution , Thais will be used this chance to show that how do they feel about this silly scene to against the coup. It's closed the door for the peace to happy ending in Thailand.

Thailand: Military-Backed Government Censors Internet

Blocking Cyber Dissidents Obstructs Return to Democracy

(New York, May 24, 2007) - Thailand's military-backed government is undermining free political debate and delaying the return to democracy by barring access to many political websites, Human Rights Watch said today.

Since the current government came to power after a September 2006 coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Thai authorities have been active in silencing cyber critics and dissidents. This is in stark contradiction to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's pledges to create an atmosphere conducive to democratization and political reform.

"A major complaint about Thaksin was his muzzling of the media and willingness to limit free speech," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "The military-backed government promised a quick return to democracy, but it's now attacking freedom of expression and political pluralism in ways that Thaksin never dared."

Blog master........ Thai 's media shut up their mounts , they haven't been shown something that they were professional media , many guru of them had got the reward from the coup at all for help the coup to topple Thaksin. It's really media tyrant.

Censorship of the internet is now being carried out by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MICT) and the Royal Thai Police, in collaboration with the Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT) and the Telecommunication Authority (TOT), which provide Thailand's international internet gateways. Since the coup, the MICT has employed around-the-clock "watchers" to monitor content on the internet to find information considered to be offending the monarchy (a criminal offense in Thailand punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment), threatening national security, disrupting public order, or being obscene.

Based on this continuous surveillance, officials from the MICT and the Royal Thai Police have distributed names of websites, both domestic and foreign, to government and private internet service providers (ISPs), telling the ISPs to block access to blacklisted websites.

Many of the blocked websites were established in opposition to the September 19, 2006 coup and the subsequent role of the military in Thai politics. Websites blocked include the September 19 Network ( http://www.19sep.net and http://www.19sep.org ) and websites known to be supportive of Thaksin and his Thai Rak Thai party, such as the online telecast of PTV television ( http://www.ptvthai.com ), the online broadcast of Saturday Voice ( http://www.saturdaylive.org and http://saturdayvoice.no-ip.info ) and the online broadcast of FM 87.75 Taxi Community Radio ( http://www.shinawatradio.com ). Hosts of popular political blogs used among cyber critics and dissidents, such as BlogSpot ( http://www.blogspot.com ), have also been blocked by some ISPs.

Internet users attempting to access blocked websites encounter either an "Access Denied" message, are redirected to the MICT website, or receive a notice with the MICT's logo saying that access to such websites has been blocked due to "inappropriate content" ( http://w3.mict.go.th/ci/blocked.html ).

The MICT has also blocked anonymous proxy servers through which Thai internet users can access a blocked webpage. The ministry has requested Google Thailand ( http://www.google.co.th ) and Google.com to block access to its cached web pages in Thailand by which blocked pages can be accessed, as well as to block by keyword search.

Blog master........ It's shame , I don't believe that minister of MICT which came from Mahanakorn Institute of Technology that dared to run all these measure.

In addition, Thai authorities are monitoring critical opinions and debates on popular opinion boards of Prachathai ( http://www.prachathai.com ) and Pantip.com ( http://www.pantip.com ). They have issued warnings to both websites that they, too, would be shut down if they failed to remove opinions critical of the military junta.

"The military and government are clearly worried that Thaksin may return to power and are engaging in censorship to stop this," said Adams. "But instead of resorting to draconian restrictions on free speech, the Thai authorities need to realize that their promised return to democracy requires opening the political process."

The coup leaders, now known as the Council for National Security (CNS), made their intentions to control the internet known soon after the coup by issuing Order Number 5/2549, which authorized the MICT to shut down internet sites for posting inaccurate content and material deemed to be harming government reform efforts.

On September 29, 2006, access to a leading non-formal education center, the Midnight University website ( http://www.midnightuniv.org ) - which recorded more than half a million visitors per month from all over the world, thousands of articles and discussion boards - was temporarily blocked after its staff held a protest against the coup. Access to the Midnight University website was possible again only after its staff obtained a temporary restraining order from the Administrative Court ordering the MICT to unblock their website.

On November 15, 2006, the government introduced a draft law to criminalize the generation, possession, storage, dissemination of and access to prohibited information on the internet. The Bill on Computer-Related Offenses passed its first reading on the same date. On May 9, 2007, the legislation was quickly passed in the second and third readings by an overwhelming 119-1 vote by members of the National Legislative Assembly. The law provides broad powers to officials appointed by the MICT minister to intercept and seize computer data, and seek court warrants to block the dissemination of information on the internet if such information is considered as a threat to national security according to the Penal Code. The law carries harsh penalties for those found guilty of offenses, including a penalty of up to five years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht (US$2,700). Lawyers, internet and media professionals, and bloggers fear that in a tense political environment, these provisions could easily be misused by the authorities against political opponents and critics of military rule.

Human Rights Watch said that freedom of expression and pluralism, including tolerance of dissenting views, is vital if Thailand wants to be a rights-respecting democracy. Active exchanges of peaceful ideas and opinions should be encouraged, not punished.

"Freedom of expression, including offering opinions on the internet, is an essential basis of any functioning democracy," Adams said. "Blocking critical websites resembles the behavior of China and Vietnam. Is this the company that Thailand's leaders want to keep?" From Source

Blog master said........ The last , they blocked "Shout Box" which used to conversation in little group , it's installed on many website in Thailand ,yes, the Saturday voice 's website include, MICT blocked it already. Many of young webmaster in Thailand didn't know that why MICT blocked the Shout Box server. Somebody thought that arise from dirty word which used in their chat room :)

The King concerned

The King have a speech to justice of administrative court about the case of dissolve two political party (Thai rak Thai and Democrat ) which is authority of constitutional court which appointed by military junta. They have to sentence these case in 30 May among the political tension , rumor about the conflict of Junta and the coup maker , between the coup maker and their allies which have want to destroy the root of Thaksin with the head of Junta which believed that they compromised with Thaksin. (It may be just a rumor)

H.M. the King would try to hint about these case particularly , and say that if the justice of constitutional court misrepresent that Thailand may be collapse, It 's mean that the ex-speech to the justice of administrative at last year , it may be misrepresent , because after that it 's brought to cancel the election result of 2 April , and ran the measure to pressure to the election committee to resign. In Thailand , H.M. the King can't intervene to the politics but may be suggest for something like that which have want to show to the public.

31 May : People 's power of Thailand

31 May 2005 , all anti-coup groups and PTV will be pack all together for show their power. They have appointed to rally at Lan Pra Roop it 's near to Dusit Palace.

Local news reported that 2 - 3 star Hotal in Bangkok were booked by people which come from many provinces to assembly for this event. The press was identify that Thai politicians back up for them and try to do every things for pressure to Constitution court to sentence in the historical political case in 30 May.

The coup maker and PAD allies would be dissolve Thai rak Thai party , they think that it 's to be useful to destroy political base of Thaksin and his allies , But it 's not easy. For the situation of The coup maker , they have been isolate because their behavior and the query about their transparency for many case, the last , the core of coup maker had tried to forced the Junta to sell the IRPC 's share back to the business man who supported them to stage a coup in lower than the market price, but the Junta isn't allow. Now , the IRPC became to the State Enterprises which hold by many of government funds.

It 's clear that why The coup maker and PAD allies would have to engage with The Junta.

It 's really the conflict of interest Coup.

PTV Rally to Democracy monument , Junta blocked website

Yesterday , The PTV Group which campaign against to the coup. They started to hydepark at Sanamluang Square in 18.00 (local time) , they have people to ally them about 10,000 up. After that they are rally to the Democracy monument and open stage to hydepark from there.

Saturday Voice Anti-coup group did live from there also via their internet radio station, but it was blocked by Information and comm. tech. ministry later. ICT also have blocked all website that support to Thaksin since last night until now. And surprise ICT blocked the shoutbox element service also , because people who anti Junta used it via to communication among themselves but they have changed to used MSN instead , I don't know that when will ICT block it.

Junta are working so hard to block all information from people because Anti coup groups appointed to big rally in the end of this month and the constitution court will judge a case to dissolve two big Partys at 30 May. The political tension will near to climax and mix with the news about the conflict inside the military.

Thaksin telephone in Saturday voice Radio , Last night

Surprise at Last night , Thaksin did phone from London to talk with DJ of Saturday Voice radio program its via internet only. He bade the vitality and morale to Thais who fighting for Democracy , he did concerned about many of his policies which useful for Thais it was gave up by military junta. He didn't talk about the plan to comeback to the politics. That 's short time to interview.

Saturday Voice radio program established by the anti - coup group called Saturday Voice which their movement doing for democracy in Thailand to topple feudalism which the aim is Gen.Prem the chief of privy council who supported the military to stage a coup last year. They campaign for petition to the King to discharge him from the privy council.

: Link about Saturday voice may be crash, sometime its was blocked by Junta.

UPDATE sorry for them...This is Thailand.

Radio station closed after Thaksin speaks

2007/5/18
BANGKOK, Reuters

A small Bangkok radio station was raided and closed on Thursday after it broadcast a live interview with former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who lives in exile in London, a senior government official said.

Broadcast regulators filed a complaint to the police after FM 87.75 ran a live interview with Thaksin in its morning show, accusing it of broadcasting without a license and airing content that undermined the national security, the official said.

"When we arrived at the station, they all ran away and took away their transmitter. So the station is now closed," Public Relations Department chief Pramoj Rathavinij, who supervises all radio stations in Thailand, told Reuters.

Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng, a coup council spokesman, told reporters FM 87.75 had to be closed because it was airing content that could "instigate unrest" and "bring instability" to the country.

Thaksin made two calls to the station late on Wednesday and Thursday asking about the impact of a quake in northern Laos which rattled Bangkok and thanking his supporters, Thai newspaper Web sites reported.

It was the first time Thaksin had spoken on a Thai radio station since he was ousted in a bloodless coup last September.

Despite repeated announcements he would not return to politics, Thaksin has never been out of the public eye for long.

Shortly after his ouster, Thaksin hired an American public relations firm to help him counter accusations of running a corrupt government.

His supporters have opposed the military-installed government through street rallies and Web sites.

On Thursday, Thaksin also called two other community radio stations, which have limited range, urging reconciliation, the anti-coup prachathai.com site reported. There was no immediate word on whether they had been closed.

"Today's darkness won't last long. When democracy returns to Thailand, all lights will brighten up your life," he was quoted as saying on one of the stations.

Blog master said... It 's double standard !!! The radio of PAD 92.25 FM which try to raise to confrontation all the time but it 's happy to release that its since 19 coup. Is this called FOR UNITY ?

Police found The explosive material in Bangkok

Yesterday, the police did go through the room in apartment on the east of Bangkok , they found the power gel bomb and another material of its , also they found the fillet prints "liberate" and armlets its belong to P.A.D. This room is belong to nephew of Pean Yongnu the core of P.A.D. and core of E.G.A.T labor union. For the own room is still escape.

This is special phenomenon for Unseen Thailand , all time in the past for many bomb explode in Bangkok , nobody was arrested.

After these case , the night bomb was happened near to the King's Palace and Pean Youngnu did go to petition to relive the PM of Junta for last week.

I think it 's stem from the first case because its challenge to somebody , someone could bomb near to the Gen.Prem's house or wherever but not there.

Also , it seem to be sending the significant sign to all of political faction that should stop and quiet.

Constitution for the coup and feudalism

The coup 's constitution would be push to vote for referendum immediately when its finish. For many section in this constitution was designed for feudalism to reduce the politician power its their aim. This is the first aim before , but the situation has been change. For the section about the judge can intervene the power of the authority and the lawmaker when the political dead lock , its was bomb from many political faction , particularly reaction from the court. They released the officially comment that they don't want to involve to the political conflict in the future. The constitution draft team did lose face on this case very much.

For 299 section , It was designed for amnesty to the coup and all action which happened since 19 coup for every guilty that they did. This case is necessary, if this section was cut off then the coup may stage a coup again. Nobody know that how much money did the coup spend for special allowance. You know, the ex coup leader , when he died , he left the portion about 100 million USD (its 15 years ago). He didn't have a business. Where is the money from ?
Now , we are lucky, we have a money laundry laws , but this section could be help them from their guilty.

They have been invest for this coup by their honour and everything that they have. They don't surrender simply.

People's Alias for Democracy act for dictatorship

The Assembly of Isaan People will hold a rally in Roi Et before the end of the month in the hope that the junta will eventually agree to its demand to dismiss Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, protest leader Chaiwat Sinsuwong said yesterday.

"The assembly has reached a consensus that Surayud must go, although members have differing opinions on ways to drive him out office," Chaiwat said.

He said some assembly members did not want to rally, although the majority deemed it necessary to back up their demand.

He voiced optimism that junta leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin might agree to remove Surayud, despite his rejection of the demand on Tuesday.

"Just as Sonthi repeatedly denied that he was preparing to stage a coup before September 19, a change of prime minister might happen any day," he said. Chaiwat added after the dismissal of Surayud, he was ready to name five candidates as possible replacements.

He dismissed the allegation that his assembly was a puppet of the People's Alliance for Democracy, the leading anti-Thaksin group which soon became disillusioned with Surayud's leadership. From Here

Blog master said.... "The Assembly of Isaan People" Never heard it before , but I know him "Chaiwat Sinsuwong" , he is a divine of Santi Asoke its the same group of PAD which exiled Thaksin in last year.

1. They think that PM of Junta may be compromise with Thaksin. So, they would have to do everything for stop it. They (all of their faction) are afraid of Thaksin to revenge them when he come back to the politics. They would be fighting for survive , after the secret agreement had done among Thaksin with the VIP , the role of them would be drop out , for this time they have just like a dust to exclude them from the stage , can't do anything. Don't do anything, they have not the remote control.

2. Or , the capitalist who supported the coup may be used to pressure to PM of Junta for buy his share back from the government in the cheap price which PM of Junta would not be allowed.

It 's complicated, the NGO its called PAD (people 's alliance of democracy) , but they are acting for dictatorship. What's happen ?

Low Support for Thaksin's Return to Thailand

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Very few people in Thailand would welcome Thaksin Shinawatra’s return to the country, according to a poll by ABAC. Only 16 per cent of respondents think the deposed prime minister should go back immediately to help solve problems, such as the current the economic slowdown.

Conversely, 24 per cent of respondents believe Thaksin should not return because this could spark episodes of violence in the unstable nation, while 23 per cent think the deposed prime minister should wait at least a couple of years before considering going back to his country. (From Here)

ฺBlog master said.... About Poll in Thailand , we have two poll which famous , Dusit Poll and ABAC Poll , but Dusit Poll did stop to release the result of political article before 19 coup , chief of Dusit poll 've ever told that he didn't want to report it because the result 'd shown that social thinking was separated , he didn't want to go round for it.

For ABAC Poll, its different, they are still report it almost daily, they reported that 90% in Thailand supported the coup , or something like that almost of Thais hate Thaksin. :)

I don't believe it , if Thais don't want Thaksin anymore why coup leader and the allies (this poll would be also) will have to be afraid of Thaksin to comeback. They can't get rid of the influence of Thaksin. So, they have got the news about the man who behind the scene compromise with Thaksin already. They would have to try to turn the tide to stage a coup twice. But they are not sure yet that who will win because of military was separated from the coup assured, the another military which under control by the man who behind the scene would keep watch on the coup leader's troop for block them.

The Bomb was near to The Palace last night.

Last night, the bomb was blow up in Rajavithi Road near to The Palace of the King , Police officer said that to create a situation , it 's the same type with the bombs its was happen in several place which before and after the coup , but this bomb was near to the palace called "Suan Jitlada" , never happened before , his majesty still live in this palace , his majesty is not yet back to The "Glai gung won" Hua hin Palace.
remark ....

1. The bomb was laid in the phone booth near to the house of lady Praneedsilpa Watcharapol who is Kumpol Watcharapol's wife the holder of Thairath the most big newspaper in Thailand. Thairath it 's the influence newspaper, in later, the behavior was changed , It began to engage direct to the Junta and military coup leader further more, particularly criticize about conflict of interest in coup leaders , as the last , Gen. Saprang have got allowance from several of state enterprises , he is FULL UP. It may be cause of this bomb.

2. It was happened to opposite the Palace , where Junta and military coup was lay down the HQ troop all around the palace for security and to protect the King , and It would have installed CCTV in this area. This is mean that bomber could known better about the security in this high risk area , he is not ordinary people absolutely. CCTV in Bangkok could have never capture the bomber , It 's always nonfunctional.

So, the bomber would have try to shown something to the Public that Its have more power , or beam to the palace to request something from there. Because if the bomber want to threaten to Thairath Its would be bomb it near to the office , not to be there , may be to claim that Bangkok was pinch.

Sonthi still don't Stop

The Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary has defended its chief against media mogul Sonthi Limthongkul's accusations linking the royal secretary to a key figure in the Temasek nominee controversy.

The agency said that even though the King's principal private secretary, Arsa Sarasin, is the younger brother of businessman Pong Sarasin, he "has no connections whatsoever" with the issue.

It said Sondhi made "incorrect allegations" against the royal secretary. "Sondhi's statement indicated that he failed to double-check the facts and had intended to frame and cause damage to Arsa Sarasin and the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary," read the letter sent to Thailand Dot Com Co.

The company operates the TV programme called "Yam Fao Phaendin" (Guard of the Land), on which Sondhi made the statement in question on April 27.

The letter, dated April 30, was signed by Arsa's deputy, Jitrapat Krairiksh.

Sondhi had said an amendment to the anti-corruption law passed by the National Legislative Assembly had been "stuck" for a month after being submitted for royal endorsement, and suggested the "delay" could be due to Arsa and Pong's family ties.

Pong was a major shareholder in Kularb Kaew, a company accused of acting as a nominee to Singapore's investment arm Temasek Holdings in its controversial purchase of shares of telecom giant Shin Corp from ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra's family.

In its letter, the agency said it had received the amendment from the Cabinet secretariat on April 2 and forwarded it to the Privy Council on April 10. It received royal endorsement on April 22, after the long Songkran holiday, and was returned to the Cabinet secretariat on April 24. Source from Nation

Blog master said.... Sonthi Limthongkul said in his TV program yesterday that Mr. Arsa don't arrogate his position to protect himself by used this letter. Mr.Arsa who direct serve to the King, this is special phenomenon in Thailand , nobody have ever been dare to counter with them before.

I think he did it to save his face , if he stop then he became to the joke in public eye , his divine may be not respect him anymore. Before that in this TV program , he said that he achieved in success to duped the people to topple Thaksin but the military junta can't get rid of the root of Thaksin. This mention was transcribed to shown in his website couple days, after its had adapt to duped by military junta instead.

This case will be proof among the lie and freedom of media. I 'm waiting for other measure from Mr. Arsa to counter attack to Sonthi. I 'm push forward every day. :)

Gen.Saprang's blur !

Gen.Saprang the key man of the coup told to the press in Bangkok that he would have to send his troop to patrol with the police department in Bangkok for the security because he was informed from London's Police that they arrested the accused from the apartment in London with the terrorist handbook plan to execute in Bangkok.

I was try to search the news about it , but I 'm not found. So , I think he would got it from Saprang's intelligence unit. He didn't talk about it anymore but he hector talked to some politician that "NO MERCY" if he come back. I would try to think It 's mean "Thaksin" or who is him??? It 's the cheap trick of Thai military management style for propaganda to public by always used the politician to be victim , and He is the hero in public eyes.

Besides, Gen.Saprang who is the president of The Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited by ex offices , decided to abolish the contract of the King power of duty free public co.,ltd. who have got the concession to manage the business area in Bangkok Airport. It 's trouble certainly, because this corp would have to stop everything and demolish all of their construction to bring it from the airport suddenly. the King power duty free have to charge to Administrative court Its hard to surrender.

The King power of duty free shop have got concession from AOT in the Thaksin era , after the 19 coup in last year , the new committee board director who appointed by military junta started to investigated about contract in Suvannabhumi Airport. They were being tried to seek the evidence about corruption. For this case they had new estimated about the value of contract to force its to be wrong, they were success to find out the guilt to abolish this contract finally.

The political news of Thailand or front page of the newspaper its have to have the news about Thaksin one news at least. So, he would not try to get the media arena, but his activities could have to be the news. As the news about Thaksin is biding for share of Manchester city football team , the news about Thaksin was appointed to president of Thai - Pro golf association by its committee.

I heard that the member of Thai rak Thai Party who is member of The Thai Sugar cane association will be enter Thaksin for president of this association. I think that it 's may be have other associations in Thailand would do it also , It 's not joke for military junta faction who can't do anything , just watch these activities by puzzled and moody when they have to inform to the press about these issues. It 's mean they were humiliated to be shame around the world , leave them alone in the dark aged.

In now, Junta is changing to the Joker in the public eyes , Junta can't solve any problems , so they are making waves all the time. They are foolish sense and non experience in their job. "The Expire men" when they will be stop to destroy my country.

Technorati : Thai rak Thai, Thaksin, junta, political

Sonthi have to declare !

I have see in the news The Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary (HMPPS) announce that Mr. Sonthi Limthongkul the black media have to declare to the public and the media for the truth about the law of National counter corruption commission, by Sonthi have told in ASTV program(cable TV) that Mr. Arsa Sarasin secretary of HMPPS had try to stall to send this law to the King for endorsement , Sonthi claimed that he did it to help for Thaksin. In the announcement said that Sonthi always try to pull the King to involve in the political tension.

It 's surprised , this announcement is harsh and conform with this situation which I have ever told that Gen.Prem's Junta may be compromise with Thaksin already , and Gen.Prem's Junta may be conflict with the military coup leaders , but someone told me that It 's may be the mirage by their propaganda for exclude Gen.Prem from the coup maker.

This is the significant from the palace again , I think the palace try to show to the public that they don't want to involve in the political situation and everyone can't to use them to claim for political advantage anymore, otherwise , the palace would have send the sign direct to Mr.Sonthi that Your time is up , Stop and Shut up, before it 's too late.

Technorati : ASTV, Sonthi Limthongkul

Thailand's Council for National Security chairman Sonthi Boonyaratkalin on Tuesday expressed astonishment at the election of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as president of the Professional Golf Association of Thailand.

He said the nomination was caused by certain individuals who have problems with their thinking process, and should be admitted for mental consulting, according to the Bangkok Post's website.

Sonthi said the nomination might have something to do with Thaicom Foundation having donated some money to the golf group. The foundation, initiating the satellite education program for young children in remote areas unable to continue their education at the secondary school level, was founded by Mr. Thaksin.

However, the military leader did not reveal if the authorities will intervene the golf post of the nation.

Pongsak Raktapongpaisal, who was deputy secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai party, said Monday Thaksin was delighted to accept the post, adding that he was suitable for the title due to his contribution to the association. Source: Xinhua

Blog master said... Oh ! Our military leader, why he spoke like that. He told that Thais would be check their thought ! , I don't understand , president of the Professional Golf Association of Thailand that came from the vote by Association's member, its not by Thais, he 's crazy because the situation in this time was change over. He would be in chaos because he was got the pressure surround , he 's in confusion , Gen.Prem leave him alone. He is not keep in mind and reveal his leadership so clear.

Thailand killed two Buddhist villagers

PATTANI, Thailand --Suspected Muslim insurgents in southern Thailand killed two Buddhist villagers, beheading one of them, and left a note saying the attack was revenge for a deadly weekend bombing at a mosque, police said Monday.

The two burned bodies, one of them headless, were found on a road in Pattani province's Nong Chik district, said police Lt. Natachai Janpho. He said they were apparently killed Sunday night.

A spray-painted message on the road near the bodies said: "This is revenge for Hutae Bongor," Natachai said. Hutae Bongor is a nearby town where the mosque bombing Saturday night killed a Muslim man and injured three others.

The message suggested that the attackers believed the culprits in the mosque attack were members of the security forces of Thailand's Buddhist-dominated government. However, authorities said they suspected the mosque attackers were Muslim militants bent on stirring up communal tension.

In a separate case of violence Monday, a bomb was detonated at a roadside restaurant in Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok district, injuring one worker. The bomb was hidden in a carry-on bag that belonged to a customer who left the restaurant before the detonation, said police Lt. Tem Intasara. It was triggered by a mobile phone that was later found near the scene, he said.

Thailand is overwhelmingly Buddhist, but Muslims are a majority in the deep south, where they have long complained of discrimination.

Since a Muslim rebellion flared up in the three southernmost provinces in early 2004, near-daily bombings, drive-by shootings and other attacks in the area have killed more than 2,000 people.

More than 20 of the victims are believed to have been beheaded in the attacks.

Insurgents have targeted Buddhist civilians in what is believed to be an attempt to drive them from the area and to rouse animosity between followers of the two religions.

Muslim citizens -- especially those seen as collaborating with the government -- also have been killed. Link to This news

Blog master said... I read the news about southern unrest everyday. It have not been changed from the past , before military stage a coup , the opposite of Thaksin former PM accused that the unrest its stem form him because his policy , if depose him out then the abyss would be calm , what of it ?

My friend in nakorn sri thammarat the southern province told me that the guy in his city was arrested because the police officer found that he involved in the bomb case in Yala province , they 'd had the evidence in CCTV that he did. You know , nakorn sri province have far from 3 province in the southern unrest about 300 Km , and he 's not Muslim....

I ever have a remark in case the ranger soldier from the North was arrested in Bangkok railway station with his many bombs in bag - pack , his destination 's Narathiwat. I didn't get the news or anything about him so far. It 's gone with the wind again. If I 'm use the conspiracy theory to solve it, the southern unrest would have to plot by someone who have a brutal power. 2,000 peoples have to died for what. I still don't know what they want.

Technorati : Thailand, beheading, southern, unrest

Today , PTV It 's the people television cable TV that 's never on air , but now , It 's on air at Sanam-luang park of Bangkok , Mr. Jakrapob Penkae discuss about the important case , HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited to Singapore last week , that 's the significant sign , after the military to stage a coup in last year , the military junta and organizations appointed by the coup , they have been try to propaganda that Singapore 's the dangerous capitalism country , bad moral , and try to dominate Thai economics.

They have been try to accused Thaksin that betray the country by sold his family's share of Shin corp to Singapore. And collaborate with Singapore to dominate Thailand. They 're bad influence that Shin Satellite , AIS and ITV are internal affair and dangerous for security of Thailand. Many of minister in military junta baste to Singapore for many times , as Gen. Sonthi the coup leader accused that Singapore was tapping cell-phone of the coup maker in Thailand , as Minister of ICT announced that they will buy Shin Satellite back from Singapore , as the PAD its support by the coup maker was try to eject the Singapore Air force base in the north of Thailand , all those case are gone with the wind , It 's just daily propaganda for discredit to Thaksin only , make it current day by day , they 'r so think that Thais are fool.

Mr. Jakrapob Penkae told with the mob that it 's special thing for this time. I think HRH Crown Princess visited to Singapore in the good timing. The relationship of Thailand and Singapore have been worsen because the role of military junta and the coup maker.

Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratanaglin threat to wake up his mob its claim that a hundred thousand they support to him , I think he was just threat to opposite groups that 's mean Pro-Thaksin group and Anti-Thaksin but Pro- democacy.

I think his mob that 's not meaning muslim in Thailand , he was wrong if he think all muslim in Thailand that support him because he 's just muslim also (he came from Hi-so-shia family , because major of muslim in Bangkok (in 3 provinces of the south are not include) are low profile but high profit , they 're landlord and live in real sufficiency economy) , I 'm think that understand him but his word 's not smart for this situation. It 's not suitable for his status now. And he 's just against brother of Thaksin who promise that to revenge the coup in the future. Besides , he was talk about his military 're still remain in Bangkok and set to high alert , they could be get in half an hour (for stage a coup again or for suppress to the people in the street , I 'm read it).

The Press in Thailand always try to hint that Gen. Sonthi have wanted to be a prime minister but I don't think so. He would be just try to break the game and sustain himself for through this situation because he will be retire in this October. I have never believed that he want to hold on his power and try to inherit (If he 's smart enough), because he known that he have never had the real power so far , he 's just a little jigsaw and the puppet only.

So, he would be try to do everything for sustain himself , don't want to get injured from the big political conflict and struggle through its , for the rest with another part of his life or not , he could be back in the future when political calm if he 's assured that he have not any wound. Under condition , he doesn't believe in his supporter who fawn over him.

You can Vote for him at The TIME 100 :)

Coup leader VS Military junta

My opinion about political of Thailand , Now, It 's clear that Gen.Sonthi Bunyaratanaglin the coup leader conflicted with Surayuth Julanond PM of the coup already, I think that 's because Gen. Prem who Surayuth's boss would be negotiate for compromise with Thaksin Shinnawat by pass through his proxy. The significant signs were start at the prosecutor was break the Thaksin's lese majeste case (I dosen't mean that the justice system could be intervene) , in Thai new year day (Song-kran) , all of feudalism and members of CNS were have to go to show the respect to Gen.Prem (its normal tradition of Thai feudalism) , Gen.Prem had shown that he wasn't support Gen.Sonthi and Gen.Saprang anymore and clear that he was support Gen.Anupong. Gen.Anupong would be Commander in Chief of the Army in this October after Gen.Sonthi have retired.

I think that Gen.Sonthi and Gen.Saprang are useless for Gen.Prem anymore, particular behavior of Gen.Saprang usually make waves in political situation further more. He 's real man who destroy the harmony in nation by his mount all the time. He don't understand that who 's real master mind , who 's really control for everything , meanwhile the master mind is planing to hold his power , they don't care anything except to make trouble all the time. One way to stop it , Gem. Prem could have to shown he 's not delight to two Generals that 's clear.

And Sonthi Limthongkul the black media mogul , who 's feel more trouble that he was used by trick of the master mind to topple Thaksin , he 's feel like two generals in this time. And he 's being engage the military junta in day by day. He would try to claim from his job to the master mind. I think that he would be most afraid to close his mount forever.

Hundreds of Buddhist monks led elephants through Bangkok to demand that Thailand's new post-coup constitution enshrine Buddhism as the national religion.

Elephants, considered sacred by many Buddhists, are often used in Thai religious ceremonies.

Police had hoped to persuade the monks, who were joined by hundreds of supporters, to leave the elephants at the city limits as they marched into the capital, said Bangkok Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Adisorn Nontree.

But protesters pushed their way through a police line as they entered Bangkok, briefly scuffling with police. Marchers planned to meet up with protesters at Bangkok's parliament building.

Police said they feared the elephants would make the rally difficult to control, and that the scorching sun would make Bangkok's streets too hot for the animals to walk on.

The march came a day after coup leader Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin backed the idea of recognizing Buddhism as the national religion, amid a worsening Islamic insurgency in the south.

The uprising has killed more than 2,000 people since it flared in 2004. More than 90 percent of Thailand's 64 million people are Buddhists, and Muslims who form the majority in the deep south have long complained of discrimination.

The first draft of a new post-coup constitution, made public last week, retains the wording on the topic from Thailand's previous constitution, from 1997. It does not name Buddhism as the national religion, and says the state will protect all faiths.

However, Sonthi said he expected the charter's drafting committee to "review its decision on this issue," The Bangkok Post newspaper reported Wednesday.

"If a stipulation in the charter to this effect leads to peace in the country, then it is better that it is included. Those who say there is no need for such a stipulation don't take the issue that seriously," the newspaper quoted Sonthi as saying.

Sonthi also recommended adding a clause requiring the government to "take care of other religions, including Christianity and Islam."

Wednesday's protest was the latest in a series of demonstrations by monks. It revives a debate dating back to 1997, when a campaign to make Buddhism the national religion was dropped amid concerns that it would divide the country.

Thailand's 1997 constitution was scrapped after a September 19 coup that ousted then-leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

Coup leaders appointed a committee to draft a new constitution that is expected to be put to voters in a referendum as early as September, ahead of elections scheduled for the end of the year. Source

Blog master said.... This case is abnormal , never happened before , In Thai web board said that The Dhammakaya meditation group was back up this mob. All monks are in Mahanikaya sect , they are opposite of People Alliance for Democracy who had been role to topple the former Thaksin in last year. They were keep in quite all the time , I don't understand that why they have the activity in this time.

U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Urges Government To Negotiate on Drug Pricing

U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Ralph Boyce on Monday after talking with Thai Public Health Minister Mongkol Na Songkhla said compulsory licensing could be avoided if the Thai government and international pharmaceutical companies work to find a compromise on drug pricing, the Thai News Agency reports (Thai News Agency, 4/23).

The Thai government in November 2006 and January issued compulsory licenses to produce lower-cost versions of Merck's antiretroviral drug Efavirenz and Abbott Laboratories' antiretroviral Kaletra, respectively. Since then, the government and drug companies have continued negotiations (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 3/28). "We respect the Thai government decision to issue compulsory licensing under" World Trade Organization regulations, but "what we would like to see is the negotiations between the Thai government and representatives of major drug companies," Boyce said. He added, "The result of the talks may lead to those companies' decision to lower their price of the drugs that will be affordable to all and that compulsory licensing may not be needed." Mongkol said he plans to travel to the U.S. next month to talk with trade officials and other agencies about the issue (Thai News Agency, 4/23).

Blog master said... Yes , I 'm understand Ralph try to protect US 's profit in Thailand , I would try to understand Monkol too , because I 'm Thai , but I 'm not agree with him about this case , I think he 's fool that used this method to pressure to drug companies , I 'm watching the end of this case what 's going on , if US government have come along . USA would not be surrender absolutely , because another countrys may be use this way the same.

This is the letter from the anti-coup activist group name "Saturday Voice Against Dictators" or "Kon-wan-sao" , to send it to the press in Bangkok for show that they have got the list for the petition to His Majesty the King to adjudicate for decommission..... Gen.Prem

Thaksin children told to pay $600m

The son and daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, the ousted Thai prime minister, have been ordered to pay $616m in outstanding taxes and fines from the sale of the family's telecommunications business.

An anti-graft panel on Monday ordered Pinthongta and Panthongtae Shinawatra to pay the sum in connection with the sale of Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings, the Singapore government's investment arm, for $2.3bn.

"The AEC ruled that [the children] intended to avoid taxes by selling the shares in an indirect manner," Kaewsan Athipho, an AEC member, said.

"They registered the company abroad but conducted business in the country. They have to pay taxes like other corporations in Thailand."

Pinthongta and Panthongtae have the right to appeal the ruling to a civil court.

Family affair

The decision by the AEC, a panel that was established after Thaksin was deposed in a coup last September, is the latest setback for the family of the media tycoon.

This month, the AEC ordered Thaksin's children to pay another $172m in taxes and penalties over allegations that they had profited by buying Shin Corp shares at below-market prices before reselling them.

Pojaman Shinawatra, Thaksin's wife, her brother and secretary were charged in March with evading millions of dollars in taxes over a 1997 share transfer.

The sale of Shin Corp sparked widespread anti-government protests that eventually contributed to Thaksin's downfall.

Opponents were angered that Thaksin avoided taxes and sold off what many considered a strategic national asset to a foreign country.

Aljazeera

Blog master said... This is daily dirty joke from the feudal tyrant's Job , I 'm not excited about information of this committee and don't feel anything about fate of this family , but I want them to stop to destroy our country now. Its Job are breaking the confidence of investment in Thailand , foreign investment and local investment its gone down further. Thailand have been wanted foreign to invest in the country because the scale of local economics is too small yet , Thailand can't stand alone , and local investment was balked , but the feudal tyrant's committee still don't care anything , they have just want to destroy the opposite only.

Thais are waiting for the white knight for stop it again.

Thailand draft constitution presented by military-backed commission

The Constitution Drafting Council in Thailand [JURIST news archive] Wednesday presented the new draft constitution, which will be put to a referendum later this month. The 2007 draft, which would replace the 1997 constitution [text], calls for national elections to take place by the end of 2007. The 35-member drafting committee said the new constitution will prevent graft and restore democracy to the nation; new provisions address abuses of power and appear to limit the power of elected politicians. The draft constitution limits prime ministers to two four-year terms, and reduces the number of parliament members from 500 to 400 and the number of senators from 200 to 160. Under the new constitution, senators will be appointed rather than elected. A new provision also mandates that any lawmaker found guilty of corruption in a criminal or civil court is automatically removed from office.

Thailand is presently governed by an interim constitution [JURIST report] imposed by the military leaders who seized power from former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra [JURIST news archive] in a coup [JURIST report] last year. The Constitutional Drafting Council was established [JURIST report] in January and given a six-month deadline to prepare the new constitution. Military leaders have said that if this new draft constitution is not approved by the public, they will impose their own constitution. AFP has more.

Blogmaster said... I 'm not faith in this dictator's constitution , Team of draft appointed by the coup , most of them are old technocrats and bureaucrats, they have not ever understand that what people want. They have just draft it by guide order from military coup and feudalism group that they hate politicians and not faith in democracy, they 'r not trust in politicians and usually affront to the people that they 'r foolish , greedy and lack of information. It 's crazy !!

The special issue of this coup's constitution that if It have the political deadlock then they will be appoint the special committee to solve their problem. I've never heard before , what 's committee ? Almost of them will come from bureaucrats. I don't understand why we have to appoint the important decision to them in place of us.

Why don't we appoint them to choose the government in the name of us ?
Why do we have to waste time and budget for the election ?