August 2007

31st August 2007

The ousted prime minister does not wish to support or become involved with the People's Power Party, his lawyer maintains.

But Thaksin Shinawatra wants to see efforts at national reconciliation "bear some fruit" in a general election, according to Noppadol Pattama, legal adviser to the Shinawatra family.

Mr. Thaksin had resolved not to provide financial or moral support for, or interfere with the affairs of the People's Power Party led by outspoken former Bangkok governor and veteran politician Samak Sundaravej, said Mr. Noppadol, a deputy secretary general of the party which has been alleged by some to have been secretly endorsed by the deposed prime minister.

Mr. Noppadol, who spoke with Mr. Thaksin by telephone Wednesday, quoted the leader of the dissolved, once-ruling Thai Rak Thai party, as saying he had no intention either to strengthen or undermine the stability of a post-election government.

The former prime minister had merely preferred to see a fair and clean election and hoped the race to parliament will not be swayed by any unbecoming party, according to the deputy People's Power Party secretary general.

Mr. Noppadol said Mr. Thaksin had not interfered in the naming of 37 executives of the People's Power Party or pulled the strings of the new party as though it were a political proxy.

The legal adviser confirmed Mr Thaksin's decision to stay away from Thailand's political ongoings, especially during the running up to the December 23 election. Mr. Thaksin, who has been residing in England since last year's coup d'etat, only preferred to see national reconciliatory bids put to work and, for that reason, decided not to give interviews with any foreign media, such as Reuters and CNN, in that country.

Besides, Mr. Noppadol said, Mr. Thaksin has repeatedly announced that he would not return to Bangkok until after the December election and dismissed allegations that he might ever set up a government in exile overseas. Neither had the former prime minister hired lobbyists to persuade the European Union to propose monitoring Thailand's general election.

The legal adviser added that Mr. Samak, the People's Power Party leader who had earlier called himself a
''nominee'' for Mr. Thaksin, is merely a straightforward person who would be easily prone to criticism.

However, he said, the People's Power Party leader would gain more popularity than antagonism and
would eventuallly land victories for the new party in the election.(TNA)

30th August 2007

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra seriously considered setting up a government in exile after he was toppled by a military coup last year, a close aide to the deposed premier has revealed.

"Right after the coup of September 19, 2006, we planned to launch a government in exile but a telephone call from Bangkok changed all that," Jakrapob Penkair, a former deputy chief of staff to premier Thaksin, told the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand Wednesday night.

Thaksin, Thailand's controversial populist prime minister between 2001 to 2006, was deposed by a coup while he was in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly.

He was reportedly shocked by the Thai military's political blitzkrieg against him and initially attempted to block the coup by declaring a state of emergency in a Thai TV broadcast that was quickly taken off the air.

The deposed premier at that point seriously considered setting up a government in exile at the United Nations in New York, according to Jakrapob, who was a government spokesman under Thaksin's first administration.

"It was not him who came up with the idea of a government in exile," said Jakrapob. "It came from some of us, including me."

Jakrapob claimed that Thaksin's loyalists informally approached several countries to see if they would endorse a government in exile "and they said they would."

But Thaksin nixed the notion after he received a telephone call from a mysterious person in Bangkok, whom Jakrapob refused to name, and flew to London where he has remained in self-exile since.

"When the crucial decision came, even he made the decision based on the patronage system," told correspondents in a prepared speech on "democracy versus patronage" in Thailand.

Jakrapob, a former TV presenter who joined Thaksin's first administration in 2001, was recently arrested for leading a demonstration outside the private home of former premier and current privy council president Prem Tinsulanonda.

Prem, 87, a former army commander-in-chief who led Thailand between 1979 to 1988 as an appointed prime minister, is now a senior adviser to Thailand's much-revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

29th August 2007

Cabinet yesterday approved higher excise taxes on spirits and tobacco from today.

Spirits go up by 9-12 baht a bottle and cigarettes by 1-3 baht a pack.

Deputy government spokesman Chodchai Suwanaporn said the cabinet agreed with the Finance Ministry the increase was in order to make competition fairer among the producers of liquor, special liquor, wine and beer.

"Spirits with a higher alcohol content should face higher taxes," he said.

Excise Department director-general Wisudhi Srisuphan said sin tax revenue was expected to increase by six billion baht per year.

At the same time, the higher taxes should lower consumption of spirits by 60-65 million litres a year and cigarettes by 20 million packs. Last year, 450 million litres of alcoholic drinks were consumed in Thailand and 1.7 billion packs of cigarettes.

"The tax increases have been introduced under the old law," he said.

"The department also plans to raise the tax on white spirit when the new excise tax bill is enforced. The same thing will be done with beer."

The government raised the excise tax on white spirit, blended spirit and special spirit, which all have a higher alcohol content than beer and wine.

The cabinet kept the excise tax on beer and wine unchanged yesterday.

The Excise Department now taxes alcoholic beverages based on either the ex-factory price or alcoholic content, whichever is higher.

The tax on white spirit has been doubled to 25% of the ex-factory price, and the calculation based on alcohol content upped to 1.10 baht for each 1% of alcohol per litre, up from 70 satang.

Tax for blended spirit, such as Mae Khong and Sangsom brands, remains at 50% of the value, while the calculation of tax based on 100% alcohol content has been raised to 280 baht a litre from 240 baht a litre.

Tax for special liquor, such as brandy, has been increased to 45% from 40%, and will now be 400 baht per litre. Tobacco tax goes to 80% of its value, up from 79%.

Sudhabodi Sattabusya, senior vice-president of Boonrawd Brewery, producer of Singha beer, said under the new legislation 625cc of white spirit with 40% alcohol would be taxed at 27 baht, up from the current 17 baht.

The minimum 10-baht increase was meant to discourage consumers from drinking.

"The taxes are aimed at increasing government revenue, rather than reducing consumption," he said.

28th August 2007

The government yesterday agreed to schedule the general election for Dec 23 in a move welcomed by major political parties, although analysts said the early poll would put smaller parties at a disadvantage.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont announced the date after meeting Election Commission chairman Apichart Sukhakkhanont to decide on it.

''The government promises to do its utmost to ensure the election is organised in a free and fair manner,'' the prime minister said.

Gen Surayud said the next step is to wait for the National Legislative Assembly to pass the three organic laws on the House election and the installation of the Senate, political parties, and the Election Commission.

After that, the government will draft a royal decree announcing the date for the election before presenting it for endorsement by His Majesty the King.

The decree is expected to be issued by the end of October, clearing the way for the election process to move forward. The EC will spend 1.9 billion baht organising the new poll, about four million baht more than it spent on the referendum on the draft constitution held on Aug 19.

Gen Surayud said the government is ready to provide full support and security for the election. He said some areas including Ratchadamnoen avenue, Rattanakosin island and areas surrounding Chitralada Palace will be made off-limits to all kinds of election campaign posters.

Facilities used for the referendum will be retained for use for the election, he said.

But the government was still undecided on whether to consider lifting martial law imposed in some areas, he said.

EC secretary-general Sutthipol Taweechaikarn said candidates would be able to register for the poll in early November.

However, election commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham warned that the early poll date may backfire on the government. Some political parties may feel that they were caught off-guard by the date and were not prepared for the election, she said.

They may petition the Constitution Court to call off the election, which could delay the plans even further, she added.

Democrat party spokesman Ong-art Klampaibul said the party does not have anything against the date and is ready to compete in the election as long as election authorities are able to organise the poll in a free and fair manner.

Chart Thai deputy leader Nikorn Chamnong agreed that Dec 23 is the most appropriate date for the election. Pressure from inside the country and abroad could mount on the government if the election is delayed until next year, he said.

The Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties have pledged to form an alliance in the election.

A core member of the Ruam Jai Thai group, Pradit Phataraprasit, said the election date did not pose any problems for the group.

Ruam Jai Thai plans to merge with the Matchima group led by Somsak Thepsuthin. Their planned merger could be decided by tomorrow.

Even the People's Power party (PPP), made up largely of former MPs of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party and now led by former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej, agreed with the election date.

However, former Thai Rak Thai MP and PPP member Kuthep Saikrajang expressed concern that the PPP would be treated unfairly by state authorities who want to stop it from coming to power and forming a government.

He called for martial law imposed in some areas to be lifted to ensure fairness in the election process.

''Large numbers of soldiers in areas [under martial law] make us feel less confident. We are afraid of being harassed,'' Mr Kuthep said.

He suggested that international watchdog agencies be invited to observe the polls to ensure the credibility of the results.

Sombat Chanthornwong, a political science lecturer at Thammasat University, said the early election date will benefit the better-equipped major political parties.

They will have an advantage over small, newly-formed parties, which have to struggle to find qualified candidates to field in the forthcoming general election, Mr Sombat said.

Chaiyan Chaiyaporn, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, felt the early election date would not have much bearing on the old power clique, which has now been resurrected in the incarnation of the PPP.

He said the old power group is now ready to vie for House seats because it has achieved a certain level of success in the charter referendum, which was like a ''rehearsal'' for the forthcoming general election.

Mr Chaiyan said the rejection of the draft charter in the referendum by the northeastern region was a clear pointer to the fact that the old power group still enjoys staunch support in the region.

Meanwhile, political groups yesterday filed applications to register as political parties with the EC, ahead of the polls.

They include Public Opinion with Pramual Rujanaseri as leader, the People's Voice, and the Seh Daeng party headed by and named after Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, alias Seh Daeng.

27th August 2007

Scores of politicians are set to form a new political group in a bid to counter the People's Power party, which is emerging as a potential major political force and is seen as a nominee of the old power clique, a source said.

The source said the new group, comprising 40-50 former MPs and senators for the Northeast, will register as a political party with the aim of winning seats in Isan, the former stronghold of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party.

Wiwattanachai Na Kalasin, a former party-list MP for Thai Rak Thai, is leading the drive to form the new group.

The group is also expected to attract businesspeople, activists, scholars, artists and other influential people.

They plan to meet at a hotel in Bangkok tomorrow, the source said.

The same source said the new group is intended to challenge the rise of the People's Power party and ''take away votes'' in the Northeast from the party which is known to have links to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The move came amid speculation that the Democrats and Chart Thai are unlikely to win many seats in the Northeast, which has more MPs than any other region.

The People's Power party, which took in most former TRT members after the former ruling party was dissolved earlier this year, is expected to win widespread support in the Northeast.

Lingering support for ousted prime minister Thaksin and his party loyalists, who have recently re-emerged under the People's Power party, was evident in the region's strong rejection of the military-backed charter in the Aug 19 referendum, say analysts.

Mana Mahasuvirachai, former Democrat MP for Si Sa Ket, threw his support behind the setting up of the new group, saying the joint efforts of former northeastern MPs could help develop the impoverished region even further.

He said he had been invited to meet up with members of the new group tomorrow.

The source said Mr Mana had been invited to join the group because he has close ties with Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, who has a broad support base from the Santi Asoke Isan branch.

Karoon Saingarm, a former senator for Buri Ram, talked about attempts by certain parties to buy former MPs in the Northeast at a seminar yesterday.

He said former northeastern MPs now have a high ''price tag''.

Mr Karoon said a former MP for Surin had asked for 40 million baht to join a party, up from 30 million baht in the previous election.

He said several politicians in the Northeast have been firmly established for about 20 years, which makes it difficult for newcomers to squeeze in.

''Political parties need them [Isan MPs]. They will help boost the chance of winning seats in the region,'' he said.

He called on the Election Commission to step up efforts to take legal action against former MPs who demand payment for joining a party.

Mr Karoon said the stakes will be high at the next general election, which will see politicians make a big effort to jockey for power that could lead to electoral fraud.

Former election commissioner Yuwarat Kamolvej warned that the coming general election will be plagued with vote-buying. He said the election of constituency MPs will be highly competitive, due to the new electoral system which allows three MPs to be elected in each constituency.

Meanwhile, Ruam Jai Thai and the Matchima political groups have not yet reached a conclusion on the proposed merger between the two.

Pradit Phataraprasit, a leader of the Ruam Jai Thai and former Democrat party secretary-general, said his group will keep its options open and negotiate with other political groups on a possible merger.

He said the political future of the group will be made clear by the end of the month. Ruam Jai Thai has the backing of former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

However, despite all the talk of political parties and election campaigning, a recent poll shows that many people are concerned the election, tentatively set for Dec 23, may be postponed.

A Suan Dusit poll found that 32.7% of people questioned were concerned the election would be postponed by the military-appointed government, but only 29% were worried about the possibility of another coup.

The poll surveyed 1,379 people in Bangkok and surrounding areas.

26th August 2007

The vast majority of people view the police as corrupt and feel officers regularly victimise people, according to a recent poll. Around 80% of people questioned in an Abac poll said they were dissatisfied with the performance of the police, and complained that officers discriminated against the people they were supposed to be serving.

A further 67% of respondents said they had a negative image of police officers. The poll questioned 8,000 people nationwide from January to July.

The survey, conducted as the military-appointed government is working to reform the police force, also asked police officers about problems they face while working.

More than 55% of officers polled complained about discriminatory practices of their superiors. More than 90% complained about a lack of modern equipment to support them in their work and said they were unhappy with low salaries. Almost all officers surveyed agreed the police force needed to be overhauled.

The Police Reform Committee yesterday travelled to Chiang Mai to hear opinions on the police reform plan from residents and police officers there.

Panel head Vasit Dejkunjorn said the national police office has a centralised management structure that is mired in lengthy chains of command.

He also said the promotion and transfer system was not based on merit, adding non-commissioned officers had low morale since they stood little chance of moving up the ranks.

Pol Gen Vasit said a revamp of the Royal Thai Police force was needed to streamline the organisation. He also said the public should be given a greater role in scrutinising police.

The cabinet approved the police reform plan on July 3, in a move which underlined Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's determination to institute changes in the force's structure.

The reform plan, drawn up by retired Pol Gen Vasit, has been written into two bills. One provides for power decentralisation while the other would set up an independent body to receive and investigate complaints of police misconduct.

Under the reform plan, much authority will be channelled away from the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok to regional police directors-general. Non-commissioned police will get higher pay, better welfare benefits and more opportunities to further their studies.

However, the police reform plan has met with staunch opposition from several former police chiefs who question the timing of the proposal, which they say lacked police input and could be politically motivated.

Following pressure from the police force, Gen Surayud was forced to abandon plans to place the police force under the jurisdiction of the Justice Ministry, and agreed it could remain under the control of the Prime Minister's Office.

25th August 2007

His Majesty the King yesterday endorsed the 2007 Constitution which passed the Aug 19 referendum with a 57% approval rating nationwide. His Majesty signed the constitution as he granted an audience to National Legislative Assembly president Meechai Ruchupan and Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) president Noranit Settabutr at Chitralada Palace.

The country's 18th constitution was published in the Royal Gazette yesterday and took immediate effect.

Speaking after the audience with the King, Mr Meechai said His Majesty complimented the CDA for its hard work and efforts.

''His Majesty the King paid the CDA a compliment for a job which was very difficult,'' he said.

According to Mr Meechai, the charter contains eight elements: upholding the nation's sovereignty and security; support for all religions and faiths; upholding the monarchial institution; sustaining the democratic system under the monarchy; protecting civil rights and liberties; promoting public participation in national administration and checks and balances; supporting and sustaining the checks and balances of the legislative and executive branches; and ensuring the independence and impartiality of the courts of law and independent public agencies.

24th August 2007

Defence Minister Gen Boonrawd Somtas yesterday denied there were any divisions among the three candidates for the army's top post, saying the upcoming military reshuffle was likely being exploited to stir up political turmoil.

His comments followed rumours that assistant army chief Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr was plotting a coup to prevent his junior Gen Anupong Paochinda, also assistant army chief, from being promoted to become army commander.

It was also reported that elements of the old power clique were backing the army chief-of-staff Gen Montri Sangkhasap to take up the top post.

''They don't have conflicts, but it is outside elements. As individuals, they are not divided,'' said Gen Boonrawd.

Gen Saprang had ordered a check on the commanders of some 50 combat units in the central, northern and northeastern regions to gauge his support, said a military source.

Most combat units under supervision of the First Army Region were said to be loyal to Gen Anupong while those in the Second Army Region were reportedly loyal to Gen Sonthi, the source said, adding Gen Saprang appeared to have overwhelming support from the Third Army Region, where he was commander before moving to Bangkok.

However, the source said the support Gen Saprang had was not enough to pull him through a coup. The last coup depended largely on the First Army Region, then under Gen Anupong.

According to the source, Third Army commander Lt-Gen Jiradej Kotcharat told his subordinates in a recent meeting that relations between Gen Saprang and Gen Anupong remained strong.

''Both of them understand each other and they are not affected by the rumours,'' said the source.

It was believed that the rumours were spread by the old power group who did not want either of the two men to rise to power, said the source.

23rd August 2007

The Chiang Mai Administrative Court yesterday ruled in favour of Duentemduang na Chiang Mai, nullifying an Election Commission order disqualifying her from contesting the election for Chiang Mai mayor, which she won by a landslide.

Shortly before her election on June 25, the local EC office and the national EC disqualified Mrs Duentemduang from the race, ruling that she failed to file her candidacy registration properly. The EC found she did not affix a stamp on a deposition document she filed in a civil court, making the official paper invalid.

It also faulted her on an anomaly in her tax records. A local tax she was supposed to pay for buildings she leased bore someone else's name.

Mrs Duentemduang filed a complaint against the EC order with the Chiang Mai Administrative Court, which eventually granted her a provisional dispensation allowing her to run in the June 25 election.

In its 46-page verdict, the court yesterday ruled the EC order disqualifying Mrs Duentemduang was unlawful. Phongphan Rewthongthawee, director of the Chiang Mai EC, said the national office had 30 days to appeal the verdict.

22nd August 2007

The narrow win in Sunday's referendum on the draft charter underlines the need for the Council for National Security (CNS) and Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) to revise their political strategy to win the allegiance of people in the Northeast, army chief-of-staff Montri Sangkhasap said yesterday.

Gen Montri, also Isoc's secretary-general, said the CNS and Isoc will have to explore why the majority of northeastern voters rejected the constitution. The high number of ''no'' votes in the region has been widely construed as a protest against the military and a sign of allegiance to deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

The outcome of the referendum showed that nearly 63% of voters in the Northeast, a stronghold of the defunct Thai Rak Thai party, voted against the charter.

Gen Montri blamed the ''defeat'' in the region partly on the military's slow budget disbursement and implementation of schemes to end poverty.

He said the Isoc's poverty eradication schemes under the principle of the sufficiency economy did not fully materialise and he expected to solve the problem in the next fiscal year.

''People care about themselves first. Poverty is a root cause of all problems. Once it is eradicated, people will think beyond themselves. If we can fix it, people are likely to swing to us,'' he said.

However, he said populist policy-oriented schemes, which were adopted by the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party, would not be introduced.

Instead, the people will have a say in their problems and initiate projects to address their needs, he said.

The army, the Isoc and the CNS have undertaken anti-poverty projects costing more than 10 billion baht and disbursement of the funds will be expedited.

Gen Montri said that since the constitution was endorsed and the general election goes ahead, the military should be freed up to try to sway people who disagree with the constitution.

He said CNS chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin is expected to summon commanders of the Second Army and Third Army to discuss the referendum outcome in the North and the Northeast.

Even though the charter was endorsed, the winning margin was much lower than the CNS had expected.

Internal military polls suggested the charter would pass with 70% support on average from every region, as opposed to the actual 57.8% nationwide approval rating. A total of 42% voted against the charter nationwide.

Gen Montri said the referendum results could have been ''rigged'' by charter opponents offering cash to voters.

''The military conducted polls in every region before the referendum day and found that 70% of voters would accept it. It is possible that money came into play,'' he said.

Gen Sonthi and CNS members yesterday went for a round of golf in the Bang Na area in what was seen as an informal meeting to revise the political strategy after the referendum.

A source close to the CNS said the army chief has dispatched over 50,000 troops to villages and communities across the country and spent some 10 billion baht on many projects since last September's coup to rally support.

A military source said the CNS's strategy was a flop and it was time for the troops to return to barracks.

''I think Gen Sonthi should pull the soldiers out. We have been there for almost a year and it isn't working.

''The people are good to us and cooperative. But here comes the result and we know we failed,'' said the source, an officer stationed in a northeastern province.

The outcome of the referendum has also cast a shadow over Gen Sonthi's reported plan to enter politics after his retirement at the end of September, according to observers.

In Lop Buri, which is said to be Gen Sonthi's support base, only 59% approved the constitution while 37% rejected it. The voter turn-out in the province was also low, at 55.2%.

According to observers, the referendum result in Bangkok was also not an encouragement.

The city's voters, who showed support for the military takeover, did not, however, give the constitution overwhelming support.

21st August 2007

The outcome of Sunday's referendum forced the Matchima and Ruam Jai Thai political groups to merge yesterday in a move reflecting their concerns about their prospects in the general election.

But the Thai Rak Thai group quickly pointed to the political marriage, which brings about 100 former MPs together, as a clear statement of intent to block it from entering the House after it enjoyed a strong showing in the referendum.

Matchima leader Somsak Thepsuthin declared the merger as a decision to position the merged party, whose name has not yet been decided, as a third option in the polls _ an alternative to the alliance of the Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties on one side and the Thai Rak Thai forces on the other.

Other political factions, including the Bangkok 50, led by Suranand Vejjajiva, a group led by Suwat Liptapanlop and the Pracharaj party of Sanoh Thienthong will be approached to join, he said.

The decision to merge was made yesterday morning after the result of the referendum was made clear, admitted Pradit Phataraprasit, a key leader of Ruam Jai Thai.

A source involved in the merger said Uthai Pimchaichon, a former House speaker, would be approached to lead the new party and former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh could be chief adviser if Mr Sanoh agreed to join later.

The referendum results showed the northeastern region rejected the new charter, with only 36.5% of people there voting ''yes''. The charter passed in the northern region but with only 53% backing. The combined number of voters rejecting it in the two regions was 7.4 million, or about 70% of the total number of 10 million who voted against it.

Political observers pointed to the outcome as an indicator that Thai Rak Thai remains influential in the two regions.

Anek Laothamatas, a key figure in Ruam Jai Thai, admitted to pressure from the referendum result, saying it forced the merger.

''We have to unite or we'll die,'' he said.

The merger combines their strengths with Matchima having a rural base and Ruam Jai Thai being strong in urban areas, Mr Anek added.

Ruam Jai Thai's key leader is former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who was a key economic policy maker when Thaksin Shinawatra was in power before the Sept 19 coup.

Sompong Amornwiwat, a leader of the Thai Rak Thai group, saw the merger as a direct challenge to his group in the next poll but shrugged off its importance. ''They want to beat us but we will fight to see them fail,'' he said

Chaiwat Satha-anand, a political analyst at Thammasat University, said it was premature to panic about Thai Rak Thai remaining popular because of the 10 million votes against the draft charter. The votes were not the voices of Thai Rak Thai, the analyst said.

Surapong Suebwonglee, a core member of Thai Rak Thai, said his group did not interpret the result as a reflection of its popularity.

People who voted against the constitution in those areas simply did so because they disagreed with the content of the charter or because they wanted a general election soon, he said.

Thai Rak Thai candidates in the election would not rely on the number of no votes as part of their campaign planning.

He said the high number of no votes was a result of his group's hard work in educating people in their constituencies about the charter's flaws.

The general election is expected to be held on Dec 16 or 23.

The Democrat party and Thai Rak Thai group yesterday called for a clear direction on the election after the draft charter was approved by voters.

Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva urged the Council for National Security (CNS) and the government to announce the general election day by the end of the month

Mr Surapong said announcing the election date would ensure there will be a return of democracy.

19th August 2007

The popularity of the coup makers and the future of Thai politics will be put to the test today when voters go to the polls to cast referendum ballots on the draft constitution backed by the Council for National Security (CNS) and the military-picked government.

A defeat would be a huge embarrassment for both the CNS and the government. But the chance of that appears almost nil, as both analysts and coup critics share the view that the draft is sure to be accepted.

The critical points now appear to be winning margins and vote patterns, which could be an indicator of opposition to the Sept 19 power play by CNS leader Sonthi Boonyaratkalin.

Some 45 million people are eligible to vote today, and the Election Commission (EC) hopes at least 70% of them will turn out.

But most analysts expect only half of eligible voters to show up.

Many will vote because they are weary of the political deadlock, said political analyst Sukhum Nualsakul of Ramkhamhaeng University.

"Many voters believe a new election will break the impasse, but that will start with a new constitution," he said.

On the eve of today's vote, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, in his nationally broadcast radio programme, called for a high turnout so the results would be credible.

Though there is no rule regarding minimum turnout, he said: "If it is less than 50%, it means we didn't pass the test" on efforts to promote public participation in politics.

Gen Surayud expected a better political outlook once the draft charter passes. This would clear the way for efforts to gear up for a new election, he said.

The draft charter is opposed by several groups, including former members of the now banned Thai Rak Thai party. Positions vary from opposition to the coup to issues involving the proposed constitution.

Supporters of the draft charter have said the new version would close the legal loopholes abused by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, while many anti-draft activists and former Thai Rak Thai members claim the new charter doesn't reflect democracy because it was written by people handpicked by the armed forces. Others say it gives judges too much power.

The September 19 Network against the Coup, a staunch opponent of the CNS and the coup, predicts five million voters will say no to the draft charter. Such a high number, it says, would be enough to justify their position to never accept military interference in politics.

Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, an analyst with the National Institute for Development Administration, agreed with that assessment. He said if the results show a close race, loyalists of Mr Thaksin, who was ousted in the coup, could claim victory. A high rejection rate would give them a boost in the upcoming election, he added.

But if the referendum produces a huge win for the draft charter, it would encourage the government and CNS to look forward to the new poll, he said.

The parties in opposition when Mr Thaksin was in power would have a stronger chance of victory, he said.

The Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties, which sat in opposition when Thai Rak Thai was in power, declared support for the draft charter to open the way for an earlier general election.

Mr Sukhum said voting patterns could also reveal public opinion about the coup. If voters in Bangkok and big cities voted against the draft charter, it would indicate middle-class people were against the coup.

But if the vote against the charter was high in rural areas, especially in provinces under the influence of the Thai Rak Thai politicians such as Buri Ram, it means support for the banned party remained strong upcountry.

If voters shoot down the draft, the CNS and government will select a former charter.

The EC expects the results will be unofficially announced by 9pm today. The agency vowed make sure that the country's first referendum is held freely. It also said attempts to crack down on fraud were continuing, especially in political strongholds of Mr Thaksin and other Thai Rak Thai members, mostly in the North and Northeast.

18th August 2007

Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday urged proponents and opponents of the draft constitution to put an end to all conflicts if the charter is passed at tomorrow's referendum, and move on towards the general election.

He said the old power clique and those in power must put their differences aside as the country is crossing an important threshold with the general election lying ahead. Besides, public acceptance of the charter would signify the people's wish to proceed.

'If it [the constitution] passes the referendum, I consider it as an end [to the conflicts]. We will move on in the process to get organic laws and election laws,'' he said.

Mr Abhisit also rejected criticism that the new constitution would weaken politics and political parties and lead to another coup.

''No coups have ever been staged because the administration was a coalition government or was weak. They were staged because of corruption and failure of the existing (checks and balance) mechanisms,'' he said.

The Democrat leader said the 2007 constitution would probably be amended, and many voters who are likely to vote for the charter hope changes will be made after it passes the referendum.

''Most people want politics to move forward and want the problems to be resolved.

''And they believe the problems can be put behind us when the political direction is clear,'' he said.

National Legislative Assembly president Meechai Ruchupan yesterday urged the public to vote for the draft rather than face continued uncertainty.

Mr Meechai said the public is aware of what lies ahead if the draft constitution is endorsed. But everything would go back to square one if the draft was voted down.

He said the constitution was not perfect and admitted that certain articles, including the transitory provisions, would have to be amended once the political crisis was resolved.

A coalition of 19 civic groups yesterday came out to support the constitution in the referendum tomorrow.

The coalition, however, said it would campaign for the charter to be modified to kick-start meaningful political reform.

''Certain provisions offer too much power to the bureaucrats and we take it as our mission to push for amendments,'' it said.

The 19 groups included the Campaign for Popular Democracy, the Four Regions Slum Network, and the Northeastern People's Network.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) yesterday defended its role in holding the referendum following a complaint by the Thai Rak Thai group that some election staff failed to maintain neutrality.

EC member Sodsri Sattayatham insisted election officials did their job straightforwardly and any party was welcome to monitor the referendum process.

She said that the observers would be allowed to monitor the process outside polling stations only.

EC secretary-general Sutthipol Thaweechaikarn called on the Thai Rak Thai group to stop discrediting the EC and play by the rules.

The Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) yesterday admitted a charter opposition movement had taken root across the country, especially in the Northeast.

Thammanit Pitaneelabutr, CDA member on public participation in the Northeast, said cash offers to voters were rampant in Loei, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Ratchasima, Yasothon, Roi Et, and Buri Ram.

He also warned of money dumping on the eve of referendum day and urged the EC to keep a close watch.

Prasong Soonsiri, chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), called on authorities to investigate the ''We Vote No'' red T-shirts.

He said authorities should inquire how people obtained the T-shirts.

''If the distributors give out the T-shirts with an intention to lure recipients into voting against the charter, then it is against the referendum law. The T-shirt is considered as an enticement,'' he said.

17th August 2007

Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will not return to face charges against him in Thailand anytime soon, his lawyer Noppadon Pattama confirmed yesterday.

Mr Noppadon said Mr Thaksin, who is now in England, would not appear in a Thai court for the first hearing set for Sept 25, as ordered by the Supreme Court's criminal division for holders of political positions.

Mr Thaksin is wanted on an arrest warrant for the Ratchadaphisek land purchase case, in which he is accused of abusing his authority while he was prime minister, which enabled his wife to buy the land at a below-market price.

The lawyer said the timeframe the court has set for Mr Thaksin's return in time for the Aug 25 hearing in the land purchase case is inappropriate and there is no guarantee that if he does return, he will be safe and be given justice.

He said the Council for National Security and government are in a position to influence witnesses and use of evidence against Mr Thaksin and his family.

Mr Noppadon also said Mr Thaksin has assigned a team of lawyers to compile necessary information for submission to the British government to oppose a Thai government attempt to have him extradited to face charges in Thailand.

The British government is not required to extradite Mr Thaksin if there is any political issue involved in the move to have him extradited, the lawyer said.

Mr Thaksin may choose to fight the case in Britain rather than in Thailand as the British judicial system is recognised for being rigorous in protecting the accused's basic rights, he added.

Meanwhile, Sarawuth Benjakul, spokesman for the Judiciary Office, warned authorities to study the extradition treaty between Thailand and Britain carefully before lodging a request for Mr Thaksin's extradition.

The charges made against Mr Thaksin must be in compliance with the British law and must not be linked to politics or religion, Mr Sarawuth said.

He cited the case of fugitive financier Pin Chakkaphak as a precedent to avoid repeating similar mistakes.

Mr Pin and other executives of Finance One were charged with misappropriating 2.1 billion baht from the firm, leading to its collapse in the 1997 financial crisis.

Mr Pin fled to the United Kingdom. He was apprehended by British authorities in December 1999 after Thailand sought his extradition.

In April this year, the British High Court ruled that Thai authorities had not presented adequate evidence of Mr Pin's alleged offence and rejected the extradition request.

16th August 2007

Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is facing another arrest warrant, this time in a case handled by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

He is also up against another legal battle over alleged fraud investigated by the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) which includes the Suvarnabhumi airport X-ray scanners controversy.

Mr Thaksin and his wife Khunying Potjaman, now in London, must appear tomorrow to testify in the share concealment case involving SC Asset Co, a property firm run by his family.

DSI director-general Sunai Manomai-udom said he would meet officials handling the case and seek new arrest warrants for the couple if they fail to show up.

Also accused in the SC Asset case are Mr Thaksin's sister-in-law Bussaba Damapong, his younger sister Yingluck Shinawatra and Pensom Damapong. They are either present or former executives of SC Asset.

Mr Sunai said these three had made it clear they were ready to testify to the DSI if the process was not postponed.

The case stems from an investigation by the DSI and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

They found the accused had hidden shares in an Overseas Growth Fund and an Offshore Dynamic Fund without informing the SEC.

Their shares in SC Asset and the two firms which acted as their nominees gave them full control of the board and the shareholders' meeting.

The former prime minister and his wife already face arrest warrants issued on Tuesday by the Supreme Court's criminal division for holders of political positions after they refused to attend the first hearing in the 772-million-baht Ratchadaphisek land purchase case.

A former deputy leader of the now dissolved Thai Rak Thai party, Pongthep Thepkarnchana, subsequently talked with Mr Thaksin.

During a rally against the draft constitution at Sanam Luang, he conveyed Mr Thaksin's message to supporters _ that the land deal was transparent and the former party leader was ready to fight the case in court.

But he said Mr Thaksin had no desire to return now, due to concerns about the political situation.

''Mr Thaksin will definitely return to fight the charge,'' Mr Pongthep said.

Mr Thaksin has been charged with abusing his authority as prime minister to influence the purchase of the 33-rai block of land by his wife from the Financial Institutions Development Fund four years ago.

Yesterday officials of the Office of the Attorney-General (AG) received the warrants from the court and handed them to acting police chief Seripisuth Temiyavej, the ASC, which launched the investigation into the land purchase, and the Foreign Ministry, which will liaise with the British government.

Seksan Bangsombun, the AG office's director-general for special litigation who is responsible for the case, said prosecutors were studying legal channels to seek the extradition of Mr Thaksin and his wife from Britain.

Thailand and Britain have an extradition treaty signed in 1912.

The AG's office spokesman Atthapol Yaisawang said extradition would depend on how the British court responds to the Thai request.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday adjourned the Ratchada land case hearing until Sept 25.

If Mr Thaksin and his wife do not appear then, the court has the option of shelving the case until the defendants eventually appear, or going ahead with the trial in their absence in line with the 1999 law governing the prosecution of holders of political positions.

ASC chairman Nam Yimyaem said yesterday the committee was ready to submit four more cases against Mr Thaksin to the AG's office.

They concern alleged irregularities in the procurement of CTX luggage scanners for Suvarnabhumi airport, the purchase of 90 million rubber saplings, a low-cost housing project for the poor, and the four-billion-baht credit for Burma through the Export-Import Bank.

Secretary-general of the Council for National Security (CNS) Gen Anupong Paochinda, an assistant army chief, said the CNS would be responsible for Mr Thaksin and Khunying Potjaman's safety upon their return.

He criticised them for saying they were worried about their safety should they return at the present.

Thailand was not a barbaric land and their remarks had damaged the nation, Gen Anupong said.

15th August 2007

The draft charter, if passed in the Aug 19 national referendum would lead to more coups, said former leader of ousted pm Thaksin Shinawatra’s Thai Rak Thai party, Chaturon Chaisaeng.

The draft constitution was illegitimate as it came from dictators, he said. The draft was undemocratic and allowed the coup-makers to exert power through independent organisations. Mr Chaturon said that the draft constitution has ''poisoned'' the country's political party system.

''If the draft is accepted, making amendments will be easier said than done,'' Mr Chaturon told a seminar at the King Prajadhipok's Institute yesterday.

It was only a matter of time before the 2007 charter was ripped apart by another generation of coup makers who would cite the same reasons for staging their revolt; rampant corruption, crippled accountability, weak and fractious politics and politicians lacking ideology.

Former parliament president Uthai Pimchaichon said another coup would be unavoidable if the draft charter was accepted.

He was certain those in power would not amend controversial clauses after it was accepted.

''I am sure no constitutional amendments will be made. If those changes are made, cut my neck,'' said the former chairman of the assembly which drafted the 1997 constitution and a former Thai Rak Thai member.

Mr Uthai said he failed to see why the next government would be willing to initiate changes to the charter which brought them into power.

''This charter will lead to another coup. I should warn the Council for National Security that they must not confront people by picking a bad charter [used in the past] as an alternative, if this draft is rejected in the referendum,'' said Mr Uthai.

He would reject the draft and would not contest any election again. Nor would he join any political group.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said his party decided to accept the draft charter because it wanted the country to move ahead.

Accepting the draft constitution would give some sense of political stability with a timeframe set out for issuing organic laws, he said.

The party could not predict which constitution would be picked if the draft was rejected.

Mr Abhisit said the draft and the 1997 constitution did not differ much from each other both emphasised people's rights and freedoms as well as checks and balances.

Differences occur with respect to the origins of cabinet members and MPs. However, the draft was not as flawed as some people feared.

Akapol Sorasuchart of the Mahachon party said his party would vote for the draft as it did not want the country to be held back by political instability.

Veerasak Khowsurat, deputy Chart Thai leader said that his party backed the draft and would push for amendments later.

Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is facing another arrest warrant, this time in a case handled by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

He is also up against another legal battle over alleged fraud investigated by the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) which includes the Suvarnabhumi airport X-ray scanners controversy.

Mr Thaksin and his wife Khunying Potjaman, now in London, must appear tomorrow to testify in the share concealment case involving SC Asset Co, a property firm run by his family.

DSI director-general Sunai Manomai-udom said he would meet officials handling the case and seek new arrest warrants for the couple if they fail to show up.

Also accused in the SC Asset case are Mr Thaksin's sister-in-law Bussaba Damapong, his younger sister Yingluck Shinawatra and Pensom Damapong. They are either present or former executives of SC Asset.

Mr Sunai said these three had made it clear they were ready to testify to the DSI if the process was not postponed.

The case stems from an investigation by the DSI and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

They found the accused had hidden shares in an Overseas Growth Fund and an Offshore Dynamic Fund without informing the SEC.

Their shares in SC Asset and the two firms which acted as their nominees gave them full control of the board and the shareholders' meeting.

The former prime minister and his wife already face arrest warrants issued on Tuesday by the Supreme Court's criminal division for holders of political positions after they refused to attend the first hearing in the 772-million-baht Ratchadaphisek land purchase case.

A former deputy leader of the now dissolved Thai Rak Thai party, Pongthep Thepkarnchana, subsequently talked with Mr Thaksin.

During a rally against the draft constitution at Sanam Luang, he conveyed Mr Thaksin's message to supporters _ that the land deal was transparent and the former party leader was ready to fight the case in court.

But he said Mr Thaksin had no desire to return now, due to concerns about the political situation.

''Mr Thaksin will definitely return to fight the charge,'' Mr Pongthep said.

Mr Thaksin has been charged with abusing his authority as prime minister to influence the purchase of the 33-rai block of land by his wife from the Financial Institutions Development Fund four years ago.

Yesterday officials of the Office of the Attorney-General (AG) received the warrants from the court and handed them to acting police chief Seripisuth Temiyavej, the ASC, which launched the investigation into the land purchase, and the Foreign Ministry, which will liaise with the British government.

Seksan Bangsombun, the AG office's director-general for special litigation who is responsible for the case, said prosecutors were studying legal channels to seek the extradition of Mr Thaksin and his wife from Britain.

Thailand and Britain have an extradition treaty signed in 1912.

The AG's office spokesman Atthapol Yaisawang said extradition would depend on how the British court responds to the Thai request.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday adjourned the Ratchada land case hearing until Sept 25.

If Mr Thaksin and his wife do not appear then, the court has the option of shelving the case until the defendants eventually appear, or going ahead with the trial in their absence in line with the 1999 law governing the prosecution of holders of political positions.

ASC chairman Nam Yimyaem said yesterday the committee was ready to submit four more cases against Mr Thaksin to the AG's office.

They concern alleged irregularities in the procurement of CTX luggage scanners for Suvarnabhumi airport, the purchase of 90 million rubber saplings, a low-cost housing project for the poor, and the four-billion-baht credit for Burma through the Export-Import Bank.

Secretary-general of the Council for National Security (CNS) Gen Anupong Paochinda, an assistant army chief, said the CNS would be responsible for Mr Thaksin and Khunying Potjaman's safety upon their return.

He criticised them for saying they were worried about their safety should they return at the present.

Thailand was not a barbaric land and their remarks had damaged the nation, Gen Anupong said.

14th August 2007
The Supreme Court's political crime section yesterday issued arrest warrants for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Khunying Potjaman for failing to appear for the first hearing in the 772-million-baht Ratchadaphisek land purchase case.

The two-hour hearing was attended only by their lawyers, Pichit Chuenbarn and Apisak Apassomphob.

The prosecution asked the court to issue arrest warrants for the couple despite efforts by their lawyers to seek the postponement of the hearing.

Mr Pichit and Mr Apisak argued that the couple did not appear at the hearing out of fear for their lives.

Mr Thaksin and his wife would appear in court within 30 days of an elected government being installed, they said.

The lawyers said the couple's current addresses were in Britain and asked the court to have the summonses delivered there.

On July 12, a summons was delivered to Mr Thaksin's residence on Charan Sanitwong Soi 69 in Bang Phlad district and another to Khunying Potjaman's residence on Rama V road in Dusit.

But the court rejected the lawyers' argument and issued arrest warrants.

The court said it considered the Thailand addresses as their real addresses and the summonses were legally correct.

''I am aware of the decision in Thailand,'' Mr Thaksin said in an email to the Associated Press released by a public relations company.

''I shall consult with my legal advisers and make an announcement in due course.''

The court rescheduled the first hearing on the case for Sept 25.

Public prosecutor Seksan Bangsombun, chief of the Office of the Attorney-General's special case division, said he will today give the arrest warrants to acting national police chief Seripisuth Temiyavej. ''There will be enough time until Sept 25 to seek the arrests of the couple,'' he said.

If the couple cannot be brought before the court by that date, it is up to the court to decide whether to conduct a trial with the accused in absentia, Mr Seksan said.

Nanthasak Pulsuk, deputy chief of the special case division, said if convicted Mr Thaksin and his wife will be liable to sentences of up to 10 years in jail.

Mr Thaksin was accused of using his authority as the prime minister to influence the purchase of the 33-rai plot of land by his wife from the Financial Institutions Development Fund in 2003. Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Chaarungvat said the ministry is ready to initiate a process to have Mr Thaksin extradited from Britain if requested by the prosecution.

However, the British government would interpret whether an extradition request by Thailand complies with the British law, Mr Tharit said.

Council for National Security (CNS) chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin called on the couple to appear in court. The CNS and the government would do their best to provide security for them, he said.

Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said Mr Thaksin and Khunying Potjaman could be arrested on sight if seen in Thailand.

The ASC yesterday resolved to freeze 232 million baht worth of assets of Mr Thaksin's younger sister Yingluck and his son Panthongtae in connection with its investigation into the Shin Corp share sales to Singapore's Temasek Holdings early last year.

Mr Sak said 202 million baht of the amount belongs to Ms Yingluck and has been invested in the Asset Plus Nippon Growth fund of Asset Plus Fund Management Co. Another 30 million baht is in the form of 12 Krung Thai Bank cashier cheques Mr Panthongtae issued as payment for White & Case Co.

Mr Sak also revealed that Revenue Department staff had already sent tax invoices targeting Mr Panthongtae and his younger sister Pinthongta in connection with their Shin share sales to Temasek. The department demands each of them pay 5.9 billion baht. The total amount of 11.8 billion baht are their taxes estimated as of Aug 31.

13th August 2007

Buddhist activists have decided to discontinue their campaign for Buddhism to be acknowledged as the state religion in the new constitution. The decision was made after Her Majesty the Queen said in her 75th birthday address on Saturday that Buddhism should be free of politics and kept out of the new charter.

Government agencies are also stepping up efforts to solve pollution and environmental problems after the Queen also expressed concern about the dire state of the country's environment.

Thongchai Kuea-sakul, leader of the Buddhism Network of Thailand, said it would be appropriate for members of Buddhist organisations to pay heed to the Queen's advice and end their activities.

He said he would bring up the matter in discussions with representatives of 800 to 900 Buddhist organisations, and he believed they would all agree to cease campaigning.

Gen Thongchai said Buddhist activists previously had to stop their activities for fear that they could be infiltrated by politicians who wanted to use them for political gain.

The original plan, prior to Her Majesty's advice, was for the Buddhist groups to wait for the outcome of Sunday's referendum on the draft constitution.

If the charter was passed in the referendum, he said, the groups had planned to push for its amendment by collecting 50,000 signatures.

Critics of the campaign fear that even though the writing of the draft charter is complete, without any mention of Buddhism as the national religion, those pressing for such a clause may be rallying supporters nationwide to shoot the charter down at the referendum.

The Constitution Drafting Assembly earlier considered and then voted down their proposal to enshrine Buddhism as the national religion in the constitution.

''We should now follow the Queen's advice and put the issue to rest,'' Gen Thongchai said.

Phra Thepwisutthikavi, secretary-general of the Buddhism Protection Centre of Thailand, said the centre would also cease its campaign, to avoid causing any offence to the Queen.

The monk said Buddhism was currently in bad shape and monks and laymen would have to take the necessary steps to revive and strengthen it.

The centre's next move would be be to push for amendments to the Ecclesiastic Act to streamline the organisation of Buddhist monks and better promote Buddhism.

Phra Thepwisutthikavi said monks would educate Buddhists in the provinces about various threats to Buddhism.

Government agencies and political parties yesterday promised to act on the Queen's call to preserve the environment.

Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaibul said the issue would be discussed at party meetings and they would hold activities to raise public awareness of the matter.

Royal Irrigation Department director-general Samart Chokekanapitak said the department would meet representatives of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Agriculture Ministry today to brainstorm urgent measures to tackle pollution in the Chao Phraya river.

Mr Samart said some major dams, such as the Pasak Jolasid dam, now have sufficient water stored and some would be released to decontaminate the polluted Chao Phraya and flush out the salt water in the river.

He said the department had also requested funds for a reforestation project from the cabinet, through the Agriculture Ministry.

Mr Samart said Their Majesties the King and Queen disagreed with the department's plan to buy water from Laos and Burma.

Their Majesties noted that Thailand had plenty of rain each year for its needs, but there were not enough reservoirs to store it, he said.

Their Majesties asked the department to seek ways to store as much rainwater as possible.

''The King's sufficiency economy principle suggests each local area make use of natural resources available in their locality. It's better than depending on others,'' Mr Samart said.

12th august 2007

Her Majesty the Queen agrees that religion should not be mixed with politics and Buddhism should be kept out of the constitution. The Queen was speaking yesterday in her broadcast birthday address to a gathering of cabinet ministers, high-ranking government officials and members of the public who came to the Dusitdalai Pavilion to wish her well on the eve of her 75th birthday.

The Queen said that on her recent tour of Russia, Germany and Austria, Thais who lived overseas asked for her opinion on the issue of declaring Buddhism the state religion in the draft constitution.

''I didn't think before that the question about Buddhism and the constitution would be put to me.

''I had to explain to them that Buddhism is a noble religion, which has been looked after since the Sukhothai era,'' she said.

The Queen added politics sometimes goes wrong and is tainted with things that are not always straightforward.

''Everybody does not want Buddhism to be mixed with politics. It should be held in high esteem as a guiding light for all Thais,'' she said.

She said Buddhism was a religion that has belonged to Thais since the Sukhothai period.

Upon being crowned, every monarch including the present one must take a vow to protect Buddhism with his life, she said.

The Queen said many foreigners told her during the overseas trips that they thought highly of Bangkok as a city of religious tolerance where Buddhist temples, Muslim mosques and Christian churches can stand side by side without conflict.

''It is the kind of reciprocal treatment between people who have the noblest souls,'' she said.

However, she said, the situation in the far South where monks are killed and stopped by insurgents from making morning alms rounds must be treated as a special case.

The Queen said all Thais have the right to profess any religion or belief they see fit. But if their actions go far beyond acceptable limits, they must be warned or restrained.

She also expressed concern about environmental problems, including deforestation and pollution.

Deforestation will affect water sources, she said, citing a forecast that fresh water would be in short supply in the next 20 years.

She called on the prime minister and relevant agencies to preserve forests.

''We have forests with highly valuable wood. Although they are difficult to look after, we still have to protect them.''

The Queen said she had called for the preservation of forests since her early years as queen but her calls appear to have fallen on deaf ears. She blamed greedy people for cutting down forests, leading to mudslides that kill people and devastate property.

She cited His Majesty the King's advice that forests help soak up rainwater and prevent mudslides, but nobody takes heed of it.

''We have to see the deaths of people and we will then heed the advice,'' she said.

The Queen had ''a heavy heart'' about the contamination of the Chao Phraya river. She believed practically every species of freshwater fish in the river could become extinct because the river has been fouled by chemical discharge from factories and rubbish.

She called on relevant agencies and city residents to restore the river to its former state as a source of food for Thais.

The Queen also referred to the King's difficult struggle to protect mangroves which serve as nurseries for baby fish and prawns.

In her speech, the Queen recounted her trips to European countries, including Russia where she visited Peterhoff Summer Palace in St Petersburg, where King Rama V stayed during his visit in 1897.

11th August 2007

Students are needed to fill empty stadiums at the University Games and prepare for the 2010 Youth Olympics, said Tourism and Sports deputy minister Nat Intrapana. The 2007 Universiade has been running smoothly for two days, but still lacks spectators. At some event, only the athletes, volunteers, participants and security guards are present.

Mr Nat said overall the event was satisfactory, but unfortunately the fans did not show up as expected. More students should have a chance to watch the games, he said.

The organising committee should ask the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority to provide free bus services for sports fans from the Victory Monument to Thammasat University's Rangsit Centre.

Thai students should be more interested in the games, especially now the International Olympics Committee is organising the inaugural Youth Olympics in 2010, Mr Nat said.

Sumet Yamnoon, executive director of the executive office of the 2007 Universiade, said that during yesterday's meeting, the chiefs of the athletes' delegation had praised Thailand for organising the games within a limited time of about nine months.

''Many countries gave us a thumbs up for hosting such a big event with limited time for preparation,'' he said. However, Mr Sumet felt disappointed by the small turnout of fans for the event.

''I am concerned that there are so few supporters in the stadiums. Moreover, people have not had the chance to watch the games on TV, especially their favourite sports. We are now improving all the time,'' he said.

Thammasat Klongluang school deputy director Pornchai Kuyyakhont, who yesterday took 700 of his grade eight students to watch badminton, said this big sporting event should have been given more support from fans.

''I feel sorry for the fans not watching this event. Maybe the public relations did not work,'' he said.

10th August 2007

Lawyers of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, his family members and relatives have formally pleaded for the Assets Examination Committee to consider unfreezing their respective assets in seven days.

The lawyers have separately lodged petitions for the AEC to consider unfreezing varied bank accounts owned by Mr Thaksin and others, including a frozen batch of Bt40 billion owned by Panthongtae and Pintongtha Shinawatra, son and daughter of the deposed prime minister respectively, a frozen Bt500 million account belonging to Mr. Thaksin, a frozen Bt2.8 billion account of his wife Pojaman, a frozen Bt100 million account of Yinglak Shinawatra, a sister of the former prime minister, and a frozen B19 billion account of Bannaphot Damaphong, Mrs. Pojaman's stepbrother.

The bank accounts were frozen on the order of the AEC which had litigated Mr. Thaksin and his family and relatives on corruption and misconduct charges pertaining to last year's sales of their Shin Corp stocks to Singapore's Temasek Holdings.

The lawyers of the defendants argued that acquisitions of all the frozen fortunes had by no means involved the controversial Shin Corp transactions as earlier alleged and that they had held their stocks well before Mr Thaksin became prime minister several years ago.

In Mr. Bannaphot's case, one lawyer said, Mrs. Pojaman's brother had held his stock for 11 years before they changed hands last year.

However, AEC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said it is very unlikely for his panel to consider the petitions in such a short period of time and that the defendants themselves, and not their lawyers, should show up and testify before an AEC subcommittee in charge of verifying assets acquisitions. (TNA)

Members of the National Legislative Assembly yesterday sharply criticised the government's handling of the country's foreign exchange system. In a mammoth 11-hour session, 20 NLA members took to the floor to offer their views on the economic conditions and the sharp appreciation of the baht.

Most were generally critical of the government and the Bank of Thailand (BoT), arguing that insufficient attention and resources had been given to preserving exchange rate stability.

Over the past two years, the baht has gained nearly 17% against the US dollar, putting pressure on local exporters. Exchange rate volatility has also increased in recent months due to instability in the global financial markets.

Ammar Siamwalla, a prominent economist and NLA member, proposed the BoT adjust its policies from a managed float of exchange rates to a target system.

Exchange rates would not be rigidly fixed, he said, but set around a target band most appropriate for the economy.

''Since the 1997 economic crisis, the central bank has used the managed float system. But in reality, the baht has floated more than it has been managed. As a result, with capital inflows, the baht has appreciated at a faster pace than our neighbours' [currencies],'' he said.

The central bank's experience during the economic crisis, when intervention in the exchange markets nearly bankrupted the country, remained an ''open wound'' for the central bank and had led to its general tendency to allow the baht to float freely, he added.

Mr Ammar said the central bank's decision to impose capital controls last December with the 30% reserve rule on inflows was a shock to the markets.

But a similar response could have been gained if the central bank had only cut interest rates.

NLA member Praphan Khoonmee noted that 138 members of the NLA had agreed with the petition to raise the issue of baht appreciation to signal their concerns to the government.

''The baht is not moving in line with normal market forces. Yet the government has taken the view that this situation has not yet reached a crisis. The government's measures have failed to create confidence or stemmed the sale of dollars, and modest interest rate cuts have proven insufficient,'' he said.

Jada Wattanasiritham, another NLA member and a former president of Siam Commercial Bank, said the government should consider alternative measures to help curb the problems of exchange rate volatility and speculation.

One possibility was to impose a capital gains tax on exchange gains, she said.

''Even if the government does not implement these measures, it should at least communicate to the public that it does have options in hand. We should not create a surprise [such as with the 30% rule],'' Khunying Jada said.

Economist Sangsit Piriyarangsan suggested the government create a new currency management system to handle the baht appreciation.

Mr Sangsit said the country's currency issue is now far more complicated for the central bank governor alone to handle and take responsibility for.

Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn argued the appreciation of the baht stemmed from imbalances in the global markets.

But while developed markets had the tools to manage exchange rate volatility, smaller, developing countries such as Thailand lacked the market depth and breadth to adequately manage rapid changes in capital flows, he said.

''Our exchange rate policy is to allow the currency to gradually adjust, whether it be up or down. We must create a certain degree of uncertainty [in the direction of rates]. We cannot have the rate simply move in a single direction,'' Mr Chalongphob said.

He insisted that even as the government gave the central bank a free hand in managing the exchange rate, overall policy rested with the government.

Mr Chalongphob also rebutted claims the baht was unnaturally strong, noting that Thailand's current account surplus of $11.22 billion in the first half was the main factor driving baht strength.

''The baht has not appreciated abnormally, but we might have appreciated [against the dollar] faster than other countries in relative terms,'' he said.

Mr Chalongphob insisted that the baht was fairly priced based on economic fundamentals, but agreed that exchange rate policies should also consider where the baht stands relative to the country's trade competitors.

9th August 2007

Thailand's army-appointed government withdrew its draft Foreign Business Act on Wednesday after parliament inserted a clause at the last minute preventing foreigners from having majority management control.

Diplomats have said the new law, which already tightened restrictions on new foreign investment by defining ownership in terms of voting rights instead of shareholding, would trigger a challenge at the World Trade Organisation.

Despite this, analysts say the goverment's draft left scope for foreigners to control the companies in which they invested by having a majority presence on the board -- a loophole the last-minute addition was designed to close.

Previously, foreigners investing in many Thai sectors were limited only to holding 49 percent of equity, but could still exercise control of the company by having preferential voting rights.

It is not known when the draft law will be resubmitted to the parliament, which was appointed by the army after a military coup last September against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The last minute insertion of a clause on management control was voted through by 76 votes to 64.
The government then withdrew the bill, saying it would have to make it all consistent with the clause on management control -- which foreign businessmen say smacks of economic nationalism.

At face value, revision of the law stemmed from probes into Thaksin's business dealings, most notably his family's $1.9 billion sale of its controlling stake in the Shin Corp telecoms empire to Singapore.

However, it is also about Bangkok's old business elite -- many of whom supported the September coup against Thaksin -- getting payback for having to sell their family firms to foreigners after the 1997 Asian financial crisis, analysts say.

8th August 2007

The day after the Aug 19 referendum has been declared a public holiday, to encourage rural voters to go back to their homes to cast their ballot on the draft constitution. But banks will remain open on Aug 20, a Monday, due to the short notice of the announcement made by the cabinet yesterday.

The additional day off will be for all public and private organisations across the country, deputy government spokeswoman Netpreeya Chumchaiyo said.

The holiday was proposed by the Election Commission, which believes it will encourage voters living away from their home province to return there and participate in the referendum on whether to accept the new constitution drafted by the military's chosen writers.

Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn said all financial institutions would be open on Aug 20.

However, officials who have to travel to the provinces to vote could take leave that day, which would not be considered part of their annual leave entitlement, he said.

Mr Chalongphob discussed with the Thai Bankers Association the possibility of all banks closing on Aug 20.

The association said it was preferable they remain open as they had not made preparations for a bank holiday.

Unlike election days, the sale of alcoholic drinks will be allowed on referendum day because it does not come under electoral law.

But people found gambling or attempting to obstruct the referendum or damaging the ballot papers will face punishment of up to 10 years in jail.

About 46 million people are eligible to vote on the draft charter. The booths will open from 8am to 4pm.

To encourage a high voter turnout, the Interior Ministry will launch a major pubicity campaign on Monday.

About 20,000 police and members of the armed forces will be deployed on referendum day to provide extra security for voters.

If the draft charter is rejected, the Council for National Security and the cabinet will sit down together to decide which of the previous constitutions to reinstate.

Their favoured choice is said to be the abrogated 1997 constitution, with amendments.

But their official position will not be announced until the outcome of the Aug 19 referendum is known.

Embattled Lt Sunisa Lertpakawat has tendered her resignation to the army after coming under intense pressure for writing a pocket book about former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. She will also have to testify to the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC), which is investigating Mr Thaksin and his family on a variety of charges, including graft and abuse of authority.

A source close to Lt Sunisa said she has offered her resignation letter but Maj-Gen Veeran Chantasart-kosol, the army secretary who is Lt Sunisa's superior, has not approved it.

Lt Sunisa is facing a disciplinary panel appointed by Council for National Security (CNS) chief General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin for taking 21 days of unauthorised leave to interview Mr Thaksin in London.

The interviews with Mr Thaksin provided material for her book, Thaksin, Where Are You?, launched last Wednesday. The Channel 5 reporter claimed she spent 200,000 baht out of her own pocket to finance the trip to London.

The source said the army had asked Lt Sunisa to send recordings of the two days of interviews to the ASC and to prepare to testify to the panel.

Besides giving an account of Mr Thaksin's life, the book contains critical remarks by him directed at the ASC and the 'Superpower', an apparent reference to Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda. In the interview, Mr Thaksin slammed the ASC for ordering a freeze on his assets.

He also denied secretly financing the anti-coup protests.

Lt Sunisa yesterday refused to comment, saying she did not want to cause any more controversy.

The source said the printing house which published Lt Sunisa's pocket book has declined to print any more copies, citing an order by the CNS.

7th August 2007

The remaining six leaders of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) still in custody were released on bail yesterday after almost two weeks in detention.

The Criminal Court agreed to free them on condition that they must not instigate trouble and give interviews that could mislead the public or incite chaos.

The six detainees were set free on bail of 200,000 baht each.

Veera Musikhapong, Jatuporn Phromphan, Jakrapob Penkair, Natthawut Saikua, Viputhalaeng Pattanaphumthai and Apiwan Wiriyachai left Bangkok Remand Prison's compound at about 7pm to the cheers of their families and supporters.

They joined the gathering of UDD supporters at Sanam Luang last night but did not go on stage to speak to their sympathisers. ''Be it in or out of jail, we can campaign for democracy,'' said Mr Veera, president of PTV.

He also said that he and the others were exercising their rights when asked about their vow not to post bail.

UDD leaders, represented by lawyer Jesda Jandee, yesterday asked the court to consider bail for the six who earlier said they would not seek it.

According to Mr Jesda, the six eventually agreed to ask for bail in order to gather evidence to defend themselves against police charges.

On Aug 2, the Criminal Court freed on bail Weng Tojirakarn and Manit Jitjanklab on 200,000-baht bail each. Jaran Ditapichai, a human rights commissioner, had been released earlier.

The nine UDD leaders were detained following the July 22 clashes between UDD demonstrators and police at the Si Sao Thewes residence of Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda.

They were charged with gathering with more than 10 other people with the intention of causing a disturbance, inciting violence and obstructing the operations of police and other authorities.

The release order came a few hours after the court agreed to a police request to further extend the detention of the six protest leaders.

Police investigators, represented by Pol Maj-Gen Jutti Dharmmanovanich, claimed they needed more time to question 150 additional witnesses.

As bail was being processed, around 500 anti-coup demonstrators rallied outside the United Nations' office, seeking help to win the six detainees' release.

They also submitted a letter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, asking for assistance in securing their release.

''We would like you to aid their release and to do something to expedite the process of the police's investigation too, to make sure our people are treated fairly.

''We are pleading for your help. Please take a proactive stance towards Thailand's growing political situation and see to the restoration of our human rights,'' read the letter.

Carrying banners against the Council for National Security, the demonstrators also urged the voters to vote against the military-backed constitution that will be put up for a referendum on Aug 19.

Meanwhile, a leader of Saturday Voice Against Dictatorship, Suchart Nakbangsai, yesterday turned himself in to Samsen police after an arrest warrant was issued for him for trespassing into another person's residence.

Mr Suchart was accused of trespassing into the house of Col Suchart Noinak near Gen Prem's residence on July 22.

He denied the charge, saying he did not climb into Col Suchart's residence. He had walked through an open door and just used a toilet in the house.

Mr Suchart was also charged with trespassing into the army headquarters on July 7 when he demanded the release of anti-coup activist Sombat Boonngarm-anong, who is also chairman of the Mirror Foundation.

6th August 2007

Veteran politician Sanoh Thienthong warned coup leader Sonthi Boonyaratkalin yesterday not to jump into politics when the country still needs a guarantee of free and fair elections.

Mr Sanoh's remarks came on the same day as Panlop Pinmanee, a close aide to Gen Sonthi, declared himself ready to run in the election under the Rak Chart party with an intention to lure the army leader into taking the top post.

At the election, former deputy prime minister Purachai Piemsombun is also likely to make a comeback to politics.

His aide, Noppadon Inna, said yesterday Mr Purachai was considering leading a new party with backing from some National Legislative Assembly members and former members of the Palang Dharma party. The decision would be made soon after he returned to Bangkok from New Zealand today and he would probably make a political comeback, according to Mr Noppadon.

Gen Panlop claimed that the party, which has not been registered with the Election Commission, would be launched once election day is announced.

Speculation about whether army chief Gen Sonthi will enter politics has intensified as he has never clearly rejected the rumour. Taking the leadership at Rak Chart is seen as one of his most likely choices.

But Mr Sanoh said the timing was not in favour of Gen Sonthi to run in the election, and he hoped that he would not do so.

The leader of the Pracharaj party praised Gen Sonthi for leading the coup on Sept 19 last year to end the political crisis which emerged after the strong opposition to then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The armed forces were the only option to end the previous government which had taken over control of parliament, he said.

The opposition parties could not end the parliamentary dictatorship, according to Mr Sanoh.

The 74-year-old politician from Sa Kaeo said the mission would not be complete until the country returned to democracy, with political stability and unity. Another task was to ensure fairness and transparency in the election, he added.

"I don't think Gen Sonthi should enter politics now. As a person more senior than him, I would like to warn him again that now is not the time," he told a forum on democracy at Impact Muang Thong Thani.

After the coup, probes were conducted on whether Thai Rak Thai committed fraud in the election last year, which culminated in the Constitution Tribunal's decision in May to ban the party and its 111 executive members, including Mr Thaksin, from politics for five years.

Mr Sanoh, who was behind the success of Mr Thaksin's rise to power until both men fell out, said Gen Sonthi would be quickly branded a dictator by members of the former Thai Rak Thai party if he decided to lead a political party to run in the elections.

Gen Sonthi would face criticism that the coup was staged with the political motive of removing Mr Thaksin from power so the army chief could enter politics. He denied making the warning out of fear that the coup leader would become his political competitor.

The exact date of the election has not been set. But it will not be held beyond mid-January if the new charter is approved at the referendum on Aug 19. The most likely date is in mid-December.

Pracharaj has joined the Democrat and Chart Thai parties in backing the draft charter so the elections will be held sooner rather than later.

Gen Panlop, adviser to the chief of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), declared his intention to run as a candidate in Bangkok's Dusit constituency, the area where he once stood unsuccessfully for the Democrats.

The Isoc chief is under Gen Sonthi.

Gen Panlop claimed that soldiers will follow him to become members of Rak Chart and hailed Gen Sonthi as the right person to lead the country to overcome problems, due to his decisiveness.

He denied that Gen Sonthi's decision to enter politics was due to his fear that former Thai Rak Thai MPs would seek revenge once they returned to parliament.

A pink ''Hello Kitty'' armband wrapped around a khaki-clad arm is shouting for attention at the police Crime Suppression Division.

It is a new disciplinary measure introduced especially for police investigators who refuse to play by the rules.

Starting this week, the warning will come in the form of the popular Japanese cat cartoon sitting on a heart on a pink background.

''The same old warnings no longer work for some officers,'' CSD acting chief Pongpat Chayaphan said.

''This new approach is intended to engender a feeling of guilt and discourage them from repeating the offence.''

Pol Gen Pongpat said 10 armbands were available. In addition to wearing it, a first-time offender must accompany the officer rostered as deputy chief of the day. That means walking to all parts of the CSD office, and being seen wearing the armband.

The wearers are prohibited from disclosing their offence with other officers or discussing the armband.

In the case of a second offence, a panel comprising 18 warrant officers will decide on an appropriate punishment, which could be standing guard, or detention, or even a harsher penalty. This would have to be approved by the CSD chief.

Pol Gen Pongpat said police must practise self discipline. Otherwise, their behaviour could get out of hand to the point of abusing the law or mistreating the public.

''Like a thief, once the first crime is committed the next one is always a worse offence,'' he said.

Offences liable to earn an officer the pink Kitty include failing to report for duty, parking in a prohibited area, fighting, or being the subject of a complaint about poor service.

Policemen see it as a bitter pill to swallow. Most agree it would be quite embarrassing to have to wear the pink armband, which stands out in vivid contrast against their uniform.

5th August 2007

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and the coup leaders were also pressured to assure the public that the 1997 constitution would be reinstated if the draft charter is rejected.

Somchai Preechasilpakul, dean of Chiang Mai University's faculty of law, said the lifting of martial law, which is still in place in 35 provinces, was essential to allow people to openly discuss whether the draft charter was good enough for a "yes" vote.

He made the call while criticising the Aug 19 referendum as being illegitimate.

Speaking at a forum held by the Midnight University and the Thai Journalists Association, Mr Somchai said the imposition of martial law in some 35 provinces since last year's coup has created a climate of fear.

"It has also made a lot of people in those areas feel paranoid at a time when they need to have a democratic environment for the referendum," he said.

The lifting of martial law will allow these people to freely question the merits of the draft constitution before deciding whether they should accept it or shoot it down. The public has also been given a very short time, about 20 days, to study and discuss the details of the charter, which is not enough, he said.

The Election Commission (EC) must treat both the opponents and supporters of the draft fairly, by providing them with equal access to the public media to voice their opinions on the constitution, Mr Somchai said.

Krit Ua-wong, of the EC office, agreed that the EC should be strictly neutral.

However, he stressed that the EC had no power to provide media exposure to those wishing to air their views about the constitution. The EC only has the authority to publicise and organise the vote, he said.

Midnight University's Nidhi Eoseewong urged the prime minister to inform the public of his next choice of constitution in advance in case the draft charter was rejected in the referendum.

The interim charter empowers the Council for National Security (CNS) and the government of Gen Surayud to pick one of the previous constitutions for promulgation within 30 days if the new draft constitution is rejected.

The people are being asked to make a choice and should know in advance what they will get if they choose to reject the draft constitution, Mr Nidhi said. The government has not made it clear if it will opt for the 1997 constitution or not.

"This is ridicul