EC Guilty!

[Scott]

Well, it certainly doesn't sound like business as usual these days. Although, I am sure that Mr. T is looking for a way to bend whatever rules he needs to. I think care will be taken not to "break" them anymore.

[Scott]

I wonder if the former EC members are having Whine with their rice!

[Jai Dee]

The Supreme Court denies bails for three poll commissioners

The Supreme Court upholds the Appeals Court’s denial of bails for the three election commissioners handed a four-year jail term by the Criminal Court on Tuesday.

Pol. Gen. Wasana Permlarp (วาสนา เพิ่มลาภ), Parinya Nakchatree (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรีย์) and Weerachai Naewboon-nian (วีระชัย แนวบุญเนียน) were convicted of violating the election law in connection with the national polls in April. They are now in Bangkok Remand Prison after the Appeals Court denied them bails. Another applications for bail were rejected by the Supreme Court yesterday.

The court said the trio were convicted of offences that could cause damage to democracy and division in the country and if temporarily released they might cause problems.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

EC and the interm senate will make preparations for the Oct 15 general election

Election Commission (EC) secretary-general Ekkachai Warunprapa (เอกชัย วารุณประภา) will make preparations for the October 15 general election for the five new poll commissioners with the interim senate.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Ekkachai said the new EC members can stay in office only until the term of their predecessors end in October, 2008.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Ekkachai said there might be problems, however, because the five former commissioners did not leave office at the same time. Charan Buranapansri (จรัล บูรณพันธ์ศรี) died in 2005. had passed away. Gen. Jarupat Ruangsuwan (จารุภัทร เรืองสุวรรณ) resigned a few months ago. The rest, Pol. Gen. Wasana Permlarp (วาสนา เพิ่มลาภ), Parinya Nakchatree (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรีย์) and Weerachai Naewboon-nian (วีระชัย แนวบุญเนียน) resigned yesterday after the Criminal Court found they had breached the election law.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Ekkachai said the EC will find out how long each new commissioner can be in office after they are appointed.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

EC secretary-general Ekkachai Warunprapa is concerned about possible fraud in the Oct 15 poll

Election Commission (EC) secretary-general Ekkachai Warunprapa (เอกชัย วารุณประภา) voices concern about possible fraud in the October 15 general election now the conviction of poll commissioners has created a vacuum that can be exploited by cheats.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Ekkachai said the EC will have to set up teams charged with intelligence gathering in prevention of election malpractices when the royal decree calling for the general election takes effect on August.

These teams must be appointed by the EC chairman, he said. EC chairman Wasana Permlarp (วาสนา เพิ่มลาภ) and two other commissioners, Parinya Nakchatree (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรีย์) and Weerachai Naewboon-nian (วีระชัย แนวบุญเนียน) resigned yesterday after the Criminal Court found they had breached the election law.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Ekkachai also said the caretaker cabinet’s appointment of Somchai Wongsawat (สมชาย วงศ์สวัสดิ์) as justice permanent-secretary has to wait for endorsement of the new EC.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

Ex-EC commissioners to be moved to Bang Khen detention centre

The three former election commissioners will be moved from Bangkok Remand Prison to Bang Khen detention centre, Corrections Department director-general Nattree Jitsawang said Thursday.

The detention centre is located in the compound of the non-commissioned police academy in Bang Khen district.

Officials said preparations were made for the transfer of the trio from Bangkok Remand Prison to the detention centre.

Source: The Nation - 27 July 2006

[Jai Dee]

Prison guards escort convicted election commissioner Virachai Naewboonnien to Chulalongkorn Hospital for dialysis treatment yesterday. He accepted a white rose from nurses before being taken back to Bangkok Remand Prison.

Source: The Nation - 27 July 2006

[sriracha john]

Prison guards escort convicted election commissioner Virachai Naewboonnien to Chulalongkorn Hospital for dialysis treatment yesterday. He accepted a white rose from nurses before being taken back to Bangkok Remand Prison.

Source: The Nation - 27 July 2006

The Meaning of Rose Colors

White: Purity, Innocence, Silence, Secrecy, Reverence, Humility, Youthfulness

Purity and Innocence and Reverence and Humility and Youthfulness obviously don't apply this convict.

It must have been given for the Secrecy under which the Elections Commission frequently operated.

[hammered]

EC secretary-general Ekkachai Warunprapa is concerned about possible fraud in the Oct 15 poll

Election Commission (EC) secretary-general Ekkachai Warunprapa (เอกชัย วารุณประภา) voices concern about possible fraud in the October 15 general election now the conviction of poll commissioners has created a vacuum that can be exploited by cheats.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Ekkachai said the EC will have to set up teams charged with intelligence gathering in prevention of election malpractices when the royal decree calling for the general election takes effect on August.

These teams must be appointed by the EC chairman, he said. EC chairman Wasana Permlarp (วาสนา เพิ่มลาภ) and two other commissioners, Parinya Nakchatree (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรีย์) and Weerachai Naewboon-nian (วีระชัย แนวบุญเนียน) resigned yesterday after the Criminal Court found they had breached the election law.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Ekkachai also said the caretaker cabinet’s appointment of Somchai Wongsawat (สมชาย วงศ์สวัสดิ์) as justice permanent-secretary has to wait for endorsement of the new EC.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 July 2006

It is a shame that he didnt worry so much about the April 2 unconstitutional and fraudulent election that has cost tax payers so much. Now when most people seem to be thinking that the next election will be fair because of the jailing of the three election commisioners who were found guilty of criminal charges, he is worried about cheating. That sure is an amazing statement considering where the old EC are as he speaks and consdiering why they are there.

[Old Man River]

EC secretary-general Ekkachai Warunprapa is concerned about possible fraud in the Oct 15 poll

Election Commission (EC) secretary-general Ekkachai Warunprapa (เอกชัย วารุณประภา) voices concern about possible fraud in the October 15 general election now the conviction of poll commissioners has created a vacuum that can be exploited by cheats.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Ekkachai said the EC will have to set up teams charged with intelligence gathering in prevention of election malpractices when the royal decree calling for the general election takes effect on August.

These teams must be appointed by the EC chairman, he said. EC chairman Wasana Permlarp (วาสนา เพิ่มลาภ) and two other commissioners, Parinya Nakchatree (ปริญญา นาคฉัตรีย์) and Weerachai Naewboon-nian (วีระชัย แนวบุญเนียน) resigned yesterday after the Criminal Court found they had breached the election law.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Ekkachai also said the caretaker cabinet’s appointment of Somchai Wongsawat (สมชาย วงศ์สวัสดิ์) as justice permanent-secretary has to wait for endorsement of the new EC.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 July 2006

It is a shame that he didnt worry so much about the April 2 unconstitutional and fraudulent election that has cost tax payers so much. Now when most people seem to be thinking that the next election will be fair because of the jailing of the three election commisioners who were found guilty of criminal charges, he is worried about cheating. That sure is an amazing statement considering where the old EC are as he speaks and consdiering why they are there.

Its almost humorous if it wasn't so pathetic. It just goes to show us how warped their thinking really is.

[chownah]

If they broke the law (and apparently they did) then they should suffer the consequence under the law. I do, however, see how they could easily have justified their actions in regards to pushing the election forward even though not all the legal requirements were met. I expect that when they make their appeal this will come out and they will be let off or only lightly punished.....by then it won't matter because their guilt or innocence is not the courts motivation here (in my opinion)....the courts motivation is to expedite the resolution of the political impasse. It is only necessary to remove the 3 EC members to facilitate this resolution so there is no reason for them to spend 4 years in jail and in fact even if they are acquitted at some point in the future they are out of the way now which is really all the courts wanted anyway. It's too bad that the courts didn't handle this in a more just way...but maybe there wasn't any way to justly expedite the courts wishes. The courts as much as stated that bail was not allowed because this would cause problems with the political situation...thus the court is perhaps admitting that they have handled this matter in a way to expedite something other then justice for these 3 men. I'm reasonably sure that they did in fact break the law so I'm not argueing thier guilt or innocence...I am merely argueing that the courts have not handled this with justice as the primary factor...clearly expedience is the most important thing to the courts today....in my opinion....

[terry57]

If they broke the law (and apparently they did) then they should suffer the consequence under the law. I do, however, see how they could easily have justified their actions in regards to pushing the election forward even though not all the legal requirements were met. I expect that when they make their appeal this will come out and they will be let off or only lightly punished.....by then it won't matter because their guilt or innocence is not the courts motivation here (in my opinion)....the courts motivation is to expedite the resolution of the political impasse. It is only necessary to remove the 3 EC members to facilitate this resolution so there is no reason for them to spend 4 years in jail and in fact even if they are acquitted at some point in the future they are out of the way now which is really all the courts wanted anyway. It's too bad that the courts didn't handle this in a more just way...but maybe there wasn't any way to justly expedite the courts wishes. The courts as much as stated that bail was not allowed because this would cause problems with the political situation...thus the court is perhaps admitting that they have handled this matter in a way to expedite something other then justice for these 3 men. I'm reasonably sure that they did in fact break the law so I'm not argueing thier guilt or innocence...I am merely argueing that the courts have not handled this with justice as the primary factor...clearly expedience is the most important thing to the courts today....in my opinion....

this is an extremely complex case with many differing opinions being thrown up.

the consensus leaning towards the opinion that they will walk.

can hardly wait for the conclusion of this case.

many of the long termers with inside contacts cant seem to agree so we will see who turns out to be right at the end of the day.

its a very important topic as it will have far reaching consequence's regarding points of law within thailand.

[Ned]

Today's Sydney Morning Herald quotes a Chulalongkorn Uni political scientist, Giles Ungpakorn who "called the decision to jail the commissioners "absolutely bizarre" because "there was basically no evidence they did anything particularly wrong". What did they do wrong, incidentally? Four years are not to be sneezed at!

I can't agree with those who are calling this a victory for justice. Makes you wonder, doesn't it , who the judges at the Criminal Court are working for. Sounds like someone with charisma eh.

[terry57]

Today's Sydney Morning Herald quotes a Chulalongkorn Uni political scientist, Giles Ungpakorn who "called the decision to jail the commissioners "absolutely bizarre" because "there was basically no evidence they did anything particularly wrong". What did they do wrong, incidentally? Four years are not to be sneezed at!

I can't agree with those who are calling this a victory for justice. Makes you wonder, doesn't it , who the judges at the Criminal Court are working for. Sounds like someone with charisma eh.

good point ned,

my money's still on they will walk not to far in the near future.

[Chang_paarp]

The Meaning of Rose Colors

White: Purity, Innocence, Silence, Secrecy, Reverence, Humility, Youthfulness

Purity and Innocence and Reverence and Humility and Youthfulness obviously don't apply this convict.

It must have been given for the Secrecy under which the Elections Commission frequently operated.

Funny it looks like a lotus flower to me. They are known for their ability to recycle sh*t and still smell good.

[AlexLah]

I am just amazed of the people that feel sympathy with them.

[bobfla]

What a blessed relief for the people of the devine LOS if these convictions remain! How long before the three will be singing like canaries, implicating all to get themselves of the hook?

[sriracha john]

Meanwhile... they get to hear their THIRD bedtime story :

Ex-EC to spend third night behind bars

Three ex-EC commissioners convicted of malfeasance will have to spend third night behind bars on Thursday as their lawyer said he could not forward bail request to court in time.

Jessada Chandi said team of lawyers would have to discuss many topics such as whether the bail request would be done on individual basis and whether to use cash as a guarantee for the requested bail.

"Therefore, I don't think that we could put forward the bail to the Court by today," Jessada said.

He was speaking after visiting the convicted ex-EC members; EC chairman Vasana Puemlarp and commissioners Prinya Nakchudtree and Virachai Naewboonnien.

The trio were found guilty of malfeasance and mishandling the April and subsequent elections and sentenced to four years in prison as well as their election rights be stripped of for 10 years on Tuesday.

They were then put behind bars at Bangkok Remand Prison.

Their bids to be released on bail were rejected by all three top courts even though they have resigned from the positions.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court rejected the former EC members' request for bail on grounds that their release could cause further political turmoil.

Despite the courts' rejections, the trio are entitled to resubmit their request for bail.

The Nation

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

Sleep tight, guys... and don't let the bed bugs bite....

[ovenman]

Meanwhile... they get to hear their THIRD bedtime story :

Any word on whether Chuwit dropped off any fried rice and ice coffee today?

[asd]

Any word on whether Chuwit dropped off any fried rice and ice coffee today?

Wednesday July 26, 2006

The jail official said the trio must get up at 6am this morning to exercise and answer roll call just like all other inmates. Their families were allowed to bring them meals for their first breakfast in jail.

If they were not released on bail within seven days, the prison may consider sending them separately to different jail zones.

A source said they were treated to dinner yesterday prepared by Chuan Chom, a restaurant run by the department.

Earlier, deputy Chart Thai party leader Chuwit Kamolvisit paid the trio a visit at the Criminal Court, bringing along fried rice and iced coffee for them.

Mr Chuwit, who was greeted with loud boos from the trio's sympathisers, said he wanted to give the trio his moral support.

[lukamar]

I can't agree with those who are calling this a victory for justice. Makes you wonder, doesn't it , who the judges at the Criminal Court are working for. Sounds like someone with charisma eh.

A couple of people are asking the right questions, rather than gloating. We didn't really even need to have a trial as the outcome was announced by all the courts, some time ago, when the courts all got together and told the press the EC had to go. There are other questions that have to be asked as well. Why has the Supreme court not put forward EC replacements for over a year, in one case, when the Constitution states it has to put the names forward within 45 days of the vacancy when the Senate asked repeatedly that this be done? You also have to ask yourself are the courts now "above the law" and if so who is allowing it or controlling them? If the Supreme court could not put forward names for replacements on the EC how can they expediently put up names for a full replacement and is a third party pushing for specific people? It would be a golden opportunity to put in an EC with a very specific itinerary by nomination only people that the court knew had a certain leaning, in that way you could in effect allow the Senate no choice as all candidates would be the same and the EC would be totally dominated.

It's time some start to ask hard questions about who is really running Thailand and if the current situation is actually democratic or is being orchestrated behind the scenes by a third party.

[sriracha john]

The criminal court that convicted these men of crimes never previously called for the EC to resign.

The rest of the previous comments sound exactly the same as what Thaksin was saying with his remarks. When asked who he meant by the charismatic individual, he never directly answered (as per usual).

**edited by moderator sbk***

[lukamar]

**edited by moderator sbk**

Sorry John, but you can't drag me into a debate on this, you know the forum rules. But you can ask yourself the question and come up with your own conclusion in the privacy of your own mind.

The Supreme court who disallowed the bail request did make the statement to the press.

The verdict and the denial of bail was nothing more than a show of power & strength and maybe even a warning. Bail is always allowed pending an appeal, but not this time... WHY?

[sriracha john]

**edited by moderator sbk**

Sorry John, but you can't drag me into a debate on this, you know the forum rules. But you can ask yourself the question and come up with your own conclusion in the privacy of your own mind.

The Supreme court who disallowed the bail request did make the statement to the press.

The verdict and the denial of bail was nothing more than a show of power & strength and maybe even a warning. Bail is always allowed pending an appeal, but not this time... WHY?

Not wishing to drag anyone into anything. Just giving a direct response to questions you and Thaksin raised. I asked myself who Thaksin meant when he said it and there's only one answer.

The verdict was given in a criminal case and convicted three men of crimes. You can certainly intepret that as a show of "power"... the same as any other court anywhere in any criminal case. I don't think any court anywhere would want a convict found guilty to feel that he/she is in charge of the proceedings or has the "power." And yes, it can also be interpreted as a "warning." Again, the same in any criminal case. Sending guilty people to jail is a good deterrent for people not to commit all other crimes, as well.

Lastly, in case you are unaware, people in Thailand are denied bail in criminal cases here everyday.

Edited July 28, 2006 by sbk

[lukamar]

Lastly, in case you are unaware, people in Thailand are denied bail in criminal cases here everyday.

From a quote in your favorite news source The Nation.."the Criminal, Appeals and Supreme courts all denied them bail out of fear they could cause more trouble and obstruct judicial proceedings."

Then they, according to the Nation, " were given special privileges, such as a private room with a television and the chance to make five phone calls, he said." and "Their new cells would be renovated." and "Despite prison rules banning the use of mobile phones, the three men took theirs with them into prison," . I guess that happens every day as well..

They are not a flight risk, they did not commit a violent crime and they resigned. So "denied them bail out of fear they could cause more trouble and obstruct judicial proceedings." sounds to me like they are being gagged and not punished. But that would never happen in Thailand under the fantasy umbrella of Constitutional reform, transparency, democracy and free speech, would it, could it? You bet it could.....

Edited July 27, 2006 by lukamar

[John K]

The ex EC still have phones so they can still influence people on the outside. I would not dwell on the EC too much, Thaksin is still doing his thing and probably more so while everyone is captivated by the EC saga. I feel people should now press for answers from Thaksin citing the EC as proof of his involvement in underhanded actions. He has not answered any hot questions at all this year, and only provided distractions. Don’t let him forget that is part of the PM job as a servant of the people to keep them informed and provide transparency.

[lukamar]

I feel people should now press for answers from Thaksin citing the EC as proof of his involvement in underhanded actions.

Once again from the Nation..

" found guilty of violating the election law .... guilty of mishandling the April 2 election and a subsequent election."

You can't site the EC as proof of Thaksin's involvement in underhanded dealings. That's like me saying that some therapist was charged with malpractice and you must be guilty by association with your profession.

[sriracha john]

The EC was convicted of illegal actions that were directly beneficial to the TRT Party. Thaksin is the head of the TRT Party. If anyone thinks that Thaksin wasn't involved is either extremely naive or too far removed from the situation to comprehend the simplicity of the conclusion, or both.

It's more like saying a therapist is convicted of manipulating people into flying on one particular budget airline or chosing one particular telecom to use. You're saying that that those businesses aren't guilty of duplicity. Common sense and I are both saying they are.

[sriracha john]

Lastly, in case you are unaware, people in Thailand are denied bail in criminal cases here everyday.

From a quote in your favorite news source The Nation.."the Criminal, Appeals and Supreme courts all denied them bail out of fear they could cause more trouble and obstruct judicial proceedings."

Then they, according to the Nation, " were given special privileges, such as a private room with a television and the chance to make five phone calls, he said." and "Their new cells would be renovated." and "Despite prison rules banning the use of mobile phones, the three men took theirs with them into prison," . I guess that happens every day as well..

They are not a flight risk, they did not commit a violent crime and they resigned. So "denied them bail out of fear they could cause more trouble and obstruct judicial proceedings." sounds to me like they are being gagged and not punished. But that would never happen in Thailand under the fantasy umbrella of Constitutional reform, transparency, democracy and free speech, would it, could it? You bet it could.....

There are many reasons for a criminal to be denied bail.

I applaud the courts for attempting to dampen the heightened tension by keeping the wrong-doers in prison in an attempt to quell the turmoil they created.

Just like your Canada and my America, a convicted criminal does not have an absolute right and gurantee to be released on bail here in Thailand, particularly following the conviction phase.

The Corrections Department has been cutting them some slack in some really relatively minor ways. These exceptions I suspect will not last too long and the concessions are relative to the EC members' position. Don't forget that they all held prestigious places in Thai society, even before becoming EC members.

Their life in prison isn't so horrific if Chuwit can bring them ice coffee.

I enjoy your quoting the Nation. What does the Canadian news say about the EC's situation? Anything? Despite its shortcomings, the Nation is still the go-to source for many stories regarding Thailand. It's the ONLY source of information in many situations. That's why it's my favorite.

[lukamar]

What does the Canadian news say about the EC's situation? Anything?

Absolutely nothing in any of the Canadian news sources or from American sources, other than a tribute to the King that plays about once a day on CNN. It as if Thailand and it's politics are a non entity. Now if there was some good quality riots CNN may give that a bit of press. There was a report a Thai got shot along with some others in Lebanon in a 10 second spot on CNN the other morning.