http://www.biz-day.com/politics/ Business Day Politics Headlines en-us BANGKOK, Oct 14 - Almost three-fourths of respondents in a new public opinion poll believe that attempts by the interim government to eradicate vote-buying in the upcoming general election would be unsuccessful.'In a survey conducted by Rajabhat Suan Dusit University of 4,213 eligible voters in 24 provinces nationwide, some 73 per cent of the total said they were not confident that the problem of vote-buying could be solved although the practice had been declared by the government as a... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/14_oct_07/h7fic-9/poll_suggests_that_vote_buying_will_continue.htm Bangkok, March 1 - Thai Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula announced his resignation Feb. 28, effective March 1. Pridiyathorn had disagreed with various Cabinet ministers and disapproved of the appointment earlier in the month of Somkid Jatusripitak, former deputy to Thailand's deposed prime minister, as an economic adviser, though Somkid resigned after a week on the job. No replacement has yet been named for Pridiyathorn. 'The government, apparently caught off guard by the resignation,... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/01_mar_07/d9uqc-e/finance_minister_resigns.htm Bangkok Feb. 11: Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has flown into Australia on a private visit. 'The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deposed Thai leader was in Australia but said it had no knowledge of his schedule. 'Thaksin's private jet flew into Melbourne Thursday night. 'He was deposed in a military coup in September while he was on a visit to the United States and has yet to return to Thailand, where the current government accuses him of corruption and he... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/10_feb_07/zwqd4-r/thailands_thaksin_jets_australia.htm BANGKOK, Feb 9 - A Thai government publicity centre named Rakmuangthai -- We Love Thailand -- has been established to keep the public promptly and accurately informed of government affairs and its'handling of varied situations and crises.'Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said the Rakmuangthai centre will launch a proactive publicity campaign and invite citizens networks and popular organisations from all regions of the country to'contribute to the distributing of accurate, updated... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/09_feb_07/fjjit-j/thai_government_launches_publicity_centre.htm BANGKOK, Jan 25 - Thailand's general election will likely be held on schedule this September on completion of the constitution writing process, according to Election Commission chairman Apichart Sukhagganond, and they are likely to cost less than previous trips to the polls.'Mr. Apichart spoke to reporters on the issue after a half-an-hour meeting between the four-member EC and Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont at Government House Thursday afternoon.'He disclosed that the EC assured the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/25_jan_07/gzmma-9/september_elections_likely_says_commissioner.htm Bangkok, Jan 8: Thailand's military government has selected the head of the country's Constitution Drafting Council in what is seen as a first step toward restoring democracy after last year's military coup. 'Following his election to the council Monday, political science professor Noranit Setabutr said a new draft constitution would be completed within 180 days. 'Two other candidates nominated for the same post, Sawat Chotipanich and Charun Pakdithanakul withdrew their candidacies.... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/07_jan_07/dqhx9-s/thailand_elects_chief_constitution_drafter.htm BANGKOK, Jan 5 - In an attempt to defuse rumours of a new coup following the deadly bomb attacks in the Thai capital on New Year's Eve, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), today said the military remained united and he believed no one thought of staging another coup.'Gen. Sonthi, who led the military coup last September 19 and toppled the elected government of then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said in an interview on an army-run television... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/04_jan_07/gyzbi-f/sonthi_dismisses_coup_rumours_amid_troop_movements.htm Rumors of a new coup d'etat swept Bangkok on Thursday night, but were denied by government and military authorities even as tensions remained high in the Thai capital after New Year's bombings that killed three people.'Government spokesman Capt. Yongyuth Maiyalarb said he had contacted members of the military council that overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in September, and they told him that they had received no reports of an imminent coup by opponents or unusual troop... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/03_jan_07/hwghh-u/thailand_junta_denies_coup_rumors.htm BANGKOK, Jan 3 - The Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT) has reconfirmed to the investigating Constitution Tribunal, handling vote-rigging charges against the once-ruling party, that its former leader Thaksin Shinawatra be subpoenaed as its first defendant witness. ' 'Vichit Plangsrisakul of the TRT's legal staff made his statement to the Constitution Tribunal during Wednesday's handover of a list of 77 witnesses and an estimated 200 items of material evidence and documentation in defense of the party... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/03_jan_07/bifrw-c/trt_at_constitution_tribunal_calls_thaksin_first.htm BANGKOK, Dec 21 - Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Thursday that he must discuss with Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) before he could lift orders banning political parties from conducting gatherings or other activities.'Imposed by the military coup-makers following the September 19 coup d'etat, the measures continue to have a dampening effect on political expression.'Gen. Surayud said lifting Orders 15 and 27, issued by the then Council for Democratic Reform following the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/20_dec_06/z56z6-9/pm_discussion_with_nsc_needed_lift_ban_political.htm CHON BURI, Dec 16 - The head of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) said Saturday it was impossible to buy or block votes to influence selection of members of the National People's Assembly (NPA) to become constitution drafting members. 'Meechai Ruchuphan told journalists before presiding over a seminar in Pattaya that he didn't believe votes could be blocked or bought on the eve of selecting members of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA).'The 1,982 NPA members will convene next... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/15_dec_06/gzw46-j/assembly_head_says_theres_no_vote_buying_of_charter.htm BANGKOK, Dec 7 - Thailand's Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont is not unnerved by the planned anti-coup rally on Sunday, but has appealed to its participants to conduct a peaceful gathering, Government Spokesman Yonyuth Mayalarp said on Thursday. ' 'Following the government's initiation of the partial lifting of martial law in Bangkok and another 40 provinces late last month, members of various groups including academics and activists have planned to gather at Sanam Luang in Central Bangkok on... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/06_dec_06/hkeqi-5/thai_pm_committed_peaceful_sunday_anti_coup_rally.htm Former U.S. President Bill Clinton Saturday urged Thailand's military rulers to keep their promise and return democracy to the Southeast Asian country.'"They say they are going to restore democracy in the near future, and I think it's important that they do so," Clinton said while touring a Thai gypsy village damaged by the 2004 tsunami, The Bangkok Post reported.'Thailand's army seized control of the government Sept. 19 while Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in New York for a... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/02_dec_06/i4b67-m/clinton_asks_thailand_restore_democracy.htm BANGKOK, Nov 30 - Political gatherings after the partial lifting of martial law -- including a huge rally planned by anti-coup protesters on December 10 -- pose no concern for the interim government, Thailand' s Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtat said on Thursday. ' 'The minister commented in response to reports suggesting that several civil groups have planned to gather at Sanam Luang in central Bangkok on December 10, Thailand's Constitution Day, to protest the Council for National Security... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/29_nov_06/h4hnt-f/government_accepts_post_martial_law_rallies_says.htm BANGKOK, Nov 29 - Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said that he was not worried about reports that the anti-government insurgents in the southern border provinces have set a bounty on his head, saying he was ready to die for the nation. 'At the same time, it did not appear that he expected to lose his head over the matter.' 'Speaking to reports that an insurgent group has offered a seven digit bounty for delivery of his head --and for that of Army Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, the prime... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/29_nov_06/dy6yn-i/thai_pm_unworried_over_insurgent_price_his_head.htm BANGKOK, 28 Nov - Thailand's military-appointed Asset Examination Committee (AEC), a team of graft investigators, on Monday named a five-member panel to gather evidence against the wife and brother-in-law of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and four others for allegedly colluding to evade tax, a spokesman announced on Monday. ' 'Sak Korsaengruang, a spokesman for the AEC and a panel member, said the inquiry will focus on allegations that in November 1997 Mr Thaksin's wife, Pojaman,... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/27_nov_06/f4gvz-n/panel_named_probe_former_pms_wife_tax_evasion.htm Bangkok, Nov 26: Thaksin Shinawatra's lawyer has confirmed that the ousted Prime Minister will stay out of his homeland until the political situation has returned to normal. 'Thaksin, Thailand's prime minister between 2001 to 2006, was toppled by a military coup on September 19 on charges of rampant corruption and undermining the country's democratic institutions and the monarchy. 'He was in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time of the bloodless putsch, and... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/25_nov_06/bbqcd-8/thaksin_may_drop_out_of_politics.htm BANGKOK, Nov. 26 - The popularity of Thailand's Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has increased and exceeded that of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra merely two months after his assumption of the post, according to latest ABAC Poll.'Public approval of Surayud's premiership rose to 70.5 percent, up from 55.2 percent on November 11 and 60.9 percent in early October, shortly after the military leaders appointed him the leader of the interim government following the September 19 coup. The 63-year-old... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/25_nov_06/g8icm-p/pm_surayud_more_popular_than_ex_pm_thaksin_abac_poll.htm BANGKOK, Nov 22 - The dissolution of five political parties will be debated by Thailand's Constitution Tribunal at the end of this month, which could be 'the end of the road' for both the Thai Rak Thai party of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Thailand's oldest party, the Democrat Party, which formerly led the opposition. ' 'Secretary Paibul Warahapaithoon announced that the Constitution Tribunal, chaired by Supreme Court president Panya Thanomrod, will deliberate the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/22_nov_06/fbujp-x/party_dissolutions_be_debated_by_constitution_tribunal.htm BANGKOK, Nov 22 - American business leaders are confident in regard to the Thai government's policies following clarifications made by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Vietnam last weekend, according to Commerce Minister Krirkkrai Jirapaet. ' 'Speaking after a meeting with US Ambassador to Thailand Ralph Boyce Jr, who made a courtesy call to him, he said the envoy informed him of the US private sector's satisfaction with the Thai premier's... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/22_nov_06/bnec7-j/us_business_envoy_confident_of_thai_government_policy.htm BANGKOK, Nov 18 - Two new ministers in the interim Cabinet of Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont will be sworn into office at an oath-taking ceremony before His Majesty the King on Monday. 'The two new Cabinet members are former deputy permanent secretary for finance Sommai Phasee who will be appointed deputy finance minister and Prasit Kowilaikula, a former dean of the faculty of law of Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, who will become Minister to the Prime Minister's Office.... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/18_nov_06/zdgpw-a/two_new_cabinet_ministers_be_sworn_monday.htm BANGKOK, Nov 17 - Thai Defence Ministry permanent secretary Winai Phattiyakul said on Friday that Chaturon Chaisang, acting Thai Rak Thai Party leader, should "name the names" of military personnel he claimed had sought meals, money and other favours from former TRT officials and MPs, suggesting that the military guards 'protecting' TRT members were instead intimidating them.'Gen. Winai, in his capacity as secretary general of the Council for National Security (CNS) which conducted the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/17_nov_06/zz8pb-s/thai_rak_thai_says_officers_extort_meals_favours_won_t.htm Bangkok, Nov 14: Thailand's military-installed government has revealed that it had no immediate intentions to lift martial law, the prime minister said Tuesday, casting doubt on an earlier comment that it might end before this weekend's Asia-Pacific leaders' meeting. 'Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the government feels martial law remains a national security matter following a Sept. 19 coup that ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra. '"I don't have the answer at the moment." AP... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/14_nov_06/ztcze-i/no_immediate_plans_now_end_martial_law_pm.htm NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Nov 13 - Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra should not return to Thailand until a new elected government is formed--about one year from now, according to Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont.'Prime Minister Surayud's remarks were made Sunday following comments by ex-prime minister Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's suggestion that he allow Mr. Thaksin come back to his residence in Thon Buri which would give authorities to keep an eye on him more easily, rather than letting the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/13_nov_06/eb8in-i/surayud_thaksin_wait_year_before_returning.htm Bangkok, Nov 10: Thailand's National Legislative Assembly voted Thursday to lift a ban on public gatherings of more than five people, the assembly president said. 'Meechai Ruchupan announced the decision of the military-appointed assembly. The decision becomes effective when it is published in the Royal Gazette, a pro-forma action expected to take place in coming days. 'However Thailand's national security will remain under close surveillance following the revocation of the ban... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/10_nov_06/gvvfx-g/people_can_now_discuss_politics_they_will_be_under.htm BANGKOK, Nov 8 - Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula on Wednesday appeared defensive and irritated over mounting criticism of the Cabinet's decision to remunerate members of the Council for National Security (CNS) and the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), saying it was made in line with government policy. ' 'Interviewed on the Cabinet's approval for a draft royal decree on remuneration for CNS and NLA, he said the matter stemmed from the Assembly's proposal... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/08_nov_06/frddx-u/finance_minister_loses_cool_over_coup_maker_legislator.htm BANGKOK, Nov 2 - Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Sonthi Boonyaratkalin said on Thursday that the deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is now in China--confirming earlier reports---but he said the possible return of the fallen leader is up to the prime minister.' 'Gen. Sonthi, who is also chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), formerly known as Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) which staged a bloodless coup toppling Thaksin on September 19, told journalists here before flying... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/02_nov_06/hzkc6-u/ousted_thai_leader_china_army_chief.htm Beijing, Oct 30: Thailand's military-installed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has told Chinese and Southeast Asian leaders at an ASEAN summit in Nanning that his country will return to democracy within a year.'Prime Minister Surayud's arrival at the ASEAN summit on Monday is his first appearance at an international meeting since being appointed at the start of October.'The Thai prime minister was accompanied by two key Cabinet ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nitya Pibulsonggram... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/29_oct_06/b9v93-5/surayud_chulanont_tells_asean_thailand_will_return.htm BANGKOK, Oct 19 - The military Council for National Security (CNS) on Thursday appointed a committee to oversee the selection process of the new constitution drafting panel that will pave the way for Thailand's permanent charter.'One month after military leaders staged bloodless coup d'etat on September 19, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, the Army chief, and head of the CNS, endorsed an order appointing a new 17-member committee. 'The new panel, chaired by Air Force Chief Chalit Pukbhasuk,... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/21_oct_06/dr9au-q/article.htm.htm BANGKOK, Oct 9 - Thailand's 24th Prime Minister, Surayud Chulanont, led his Cabinet to a swearing-in ceremony before His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Monday, one day short of three weeks after the bloodless September 19 coup d'tat staged by military leaders. 'The interim government is set to serve the kingdom until elections promised for October 2007. 'Affirming it as the focus of his one-year mission, the former army chief-appointed-premier by the military coup makers pledged to... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/09_oct_06/cihia-j/new_cabinet_sworn_before_hm_king.htm Bangkok, Oct 9: Thailand's army-installed premier today unveiled his post-coup cabinet, with few roles given to the military and key posts handed to prominent bureaucrats, academics and bankers. 'The unveiling of a cabinet paved the way for Thailand's return to normalcy following the bloodless coup that last month toppled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. 'Of the 26 new cabinet members, only two are retired or serving military officers besides the premier, who is a former army... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/08_oct_06/crc6j-n/thailands_interim_pm_announces_26_member_cabinet.htm Bangkok, Oct 4: The United States has on Tuesday urged Thailand to hold democratic elections after a bloodless coup last month deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. '"We call for clear and unambiguous protection for civil liberties by the interim authorities and the military, and a quick return to democratic elections," Reuters quoted a White House spokeswoman Dana Perino as saying in a statement. '"Thailand's image in the eyes of the world and U.S.-Thai relations will suffer until... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/04_oct_06/ef842-p/white_house_calls_quick_thai_elections.htm Bangkok, Oct 3: Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's pledge to put "people's happiness" above economic growth may not be a sign for foreign investors to hit the panic button. But it's unlikely to draw them in the short term to a country where economic growth has slowed this year, under pressure from high oil prices and a political crisis that has delayed the national budget and billions of dollars in infrastructure projects. 'Thai business leaders and investors yesterday welcomed their... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/03_oct_06/hawwx-v/thai_pm_pledges_happiness_investors_want_growth.htm Bangkok, Oct 3: Thaksin Shinawatra, the deposed prime minister of Thailand, has resigned from the leadership of his Thai Rak Thai party, throwing the once powerful political group into total disarray. 'Thaksin, who is in London, announced his leadership resignation through copies of a handwritten statement distributed to reporters by a party spokesman in Bangkok. 'Thaksin insisted his Thai Rak Thai party would survive but other key members and analysts pronounced the mass exodus and... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/03_oct_06/it694-x/thailands_ousted_premier_thaksin_quits_party_head.htm BANGKOK, Oct 2 - Bank of Thailand (BoT) Governor Pridiyathorn Devakula has accepted an invitation to join the interim Cabinet, but to what position he will be assigned was not announced. 'Speaking after a 20-minute meeting with newly-appointed Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont at Government House on Monday, Pridiyathorn said that the prime minister approached him to join the Cabinet, and he accepted. 'The central bank governor did not disclose what portfolio he was offered, saying the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/02_oct_06/fesvj-8/thailands_central_bank_chief_join_new_cabinet.htm BANGKOK, Sept 30 - Thailand's Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) said Friday it would soon release former ministers of the deposed government led by Thaksin Shinawatra in the next few days.'Thaksin's former close aides--former deputy prime minister and justice minister Chidchai Vanasatidya and Thaksin's former secretary general, Prommin Lertsuridej, have been detained since the bloodless coup on September 19.'Newin Chidchob, former prime minister's office minister and Yongyut... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/30_sep_06/ft5qh-g/former_cabinet_members_be_released_soon.htm BANGKOK, Sept. 29 - Thai businessmen believe that the nation's political situation will remain a major influence in the business environment well into the third quarter of next year though most of them said political conflict has eased and their operations will now be more profitable.'These are the main findings from a survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce among 580 Thai businessmen September 22-27 after the seizure of power by the Council for Democratic... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/29_sep_06/i227g-v/businessmen_say_coup_cleared_air.htm BANGKOK, Sept 27 - Thailand's Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) named advisory councils in various fields to help the new administration proceed with an appropriate balance of caution, decisiveness and transparency, to benefit the country and the people. 'Citing a need to enhance the efficiency of its administration, in a written command, the CDRM said Tuesday it had appointed the various advisory councils.'Caught in the public eye is the advisory council... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/27_sep_06/cyfms-n/cdrm_appoints_varied_advisory_councils.htm Bangkok, Sept 26: Thailand's ruling Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy has named Supachai Panitchpakdi as interim prime minister, The Nation reported. 'The newspaper said that Supachai, who is now the secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), has tentatively accepted invitation to lead an interim government. 'Appointing Supachai, who also served as deputy prime minister as well as secretary-general of the World Trade... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/26_sep_06/esimd-a/ex_wto_chief_supachai_may_become_new_thai_pm.htm Bangkok, Sept 21: The United States has denounced the military coup that seized control of Thailand and has hinted that U.S. aid, military cooperation and improved trade relations might be in jeopardy. The Bush administration has also urged a quick restoration of democracy in Thailand, saying that there was no justification for the coup. 'Washington said it would move forward on a free trade agreement only after democracy was restored. The trade deal has been under negotiation for more than... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/21_sep_06/hsbfw-c/us_condemns_thai_coup.htm BANGKOK - Bank of Thailand (BOT) Governor M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula on Wednesday denied a rumour he had been approached to take the premiership by the Administrative Reform Council, a group of top military brass who staged a bloodless coup d'etat against the government of Thaksin Shinawatra Tuesday night. 'Speaking on his return from the annual meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Singapore, he said that no one had approached him to discuss taking up the... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/20_sep_06/ibryz-x/bot_chief_denies_being_asked_take_premiership.htm BANGKOK: Thailand's new military ruler pledged Wednesday to resign from power in two weeks and restore democracy in a year, after sweeping aside Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless coup. 'General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who orchestrated Tuesday night's coup while the premier was out of the country, said Thaksin had been pushed out in line with the wishes of the people after months of political turmoil. '"I will resign as interim prime minister within two weeks, and now we are... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/20_sep_06/jk79q-w/thai_general_vows_restore_democracy_year.htm In a sudden move the Thai military Tuesday evening seized the goverment house while caretaker PM Thaksin Shinawatra was attending the UN General Assembly meeting. In response the PM declared state of emergency and Army Commander in Chief Sondhi Bunyaglarin was transferred to PM's Office. Some sources have claimed that the military has established a curfew, but this can not be confirmed. 'Thai news channels were set to discontinue normal broadcasting during Tuesday, and instead playing songs... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/19_sep_06/gzhxk-s/thai_military_takes_over.htm SINGAPORE : Japan got off lightly at a weekend meeting of Group of Seven finance chiefs, where European ministers had hoped for a strong statement evoking the dangers of a weakening Japanese yen. 'In the event, a final communique from the session on Saturday, drafted by Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, made no mention of recent movements in the yen. 'Several European governments, Germany in particular, had wanted a frank discussion of the yen, a desire... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/19_sep_06/b57t5-f/japan_gets_off_lightly_at_g7_talks.htm Bangkok, Sept 18: The latest World Bank Survey has revealed that Thailand's governance has fallen over the past 10 years, especially I areas like political stability, human rights and law. 'The report, "Governance Matters 2006: Worldwide Governance Indicators," which covers 209 countries, painted a sobering picture of global trends in governance. It was launched on the sidelines of the joint International Monetary Fund-World Bank annual meetings here. 'Drawn from the responses of more... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/18_sep_06/gvhcd-f/thailands_world_bank_governance_rating_declining.htm BANGKOK, Sept 14 - Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva launched a policy campaign towards a lasting peace for the Deep South region, under which the emergency decree imposed by the Thaksin administration will be reviewed while human rights and justice for the predominantly Muslim villagers will be served. 'The Democrat Party leader said the Thaksin government had mishandled and worsened the situation, while almost daily violence and continued divisions among villagers in the southernmost... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/15_sep_06/dgngn-b/democrats_launch_peace_policy_southernmost_provinces.htm Thailand's new Secretary-General to the Cabinet was officially appointed on Tuesday.'The cabinet approved the appointment of the key post at its weekly meeting at Government House here, Deputy Government Spokesman Danuporn Punnakan told a press conference after the cabinet meeting Tuesday.'Rongphol Charoenphanthu, former permanent secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister, was appointed to be the new Secretary-General to the Cabinet, replacing Borwornsak Uwanno who resigned last month,... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/04_jul_06/zmpdj-e/rongphol_cabinet_secretary_general.htm THE Constitutional Court rejected a petition accusing members of the country's Election Commission of pro-government bias because the 35 senators who filed the case are no longer in office.'The senators have no authority to file the petition because their terms have expired, Paiboon Varahapaitoon, the court's secretary general, told a press conference in Bangkok on Thursday. 'An April 19 senate election has not been ratified by the commission.'The Constitutional Court last month nullified... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/22_jun_06/ghyh7-b/court_rejects_petition_remove_ec.htm The majority of Thailand's 82 Supreme Court justices agreed Wednesday not to nominate candidates for two vacancies on the five-member Election Commission as requested by caretaker Senate Speaker, a Supreme Court secretary announced Thursday. 'After hours of unprecedented, sustained and vigorous debate, Supreme Court secretary Wirat Chinwinijkul told a media conference that the conclave of the top court voted 72-4, to reject the proposal submitted by Suchon Chaleekrua, caretaker Senate Speaker,... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/01_jun_06/czdqf-n/court_turns_down_ec_nomination_request.htm The Thai Rak Thai Party could possibly be dissolved if found implicated in an alleged rigging in which small, little-known political parties contested the April 2 general election as puppets for the ruling party.'Election Commission secretary general Ekkachai Warunprapa said the EC will soon judge if the TRT, headed by caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, had been involved in an allegation in which the candidacies of small parties were forged and doctored to only nominally contest... http://www.biz-day.com/read/politics/23_apr_06/dqmen-s/trt_status_jeopardy.htm