2 replies to this topic

[B.I.G.]

"The Democrat Party claims vote buying and intimidation have already begun in the lead-up to the by-election in Bangkok's Constituency 6 on July 25. Bangkok MP Samai Charoenchang, who is supervising the party's campaign for the by-election, alleged yesterday attempts were being made to pay 500 baht to eligible voters in communities including the Ua Arthorn and Kankheha housing estates. He said each community leader and former community leader has received money that is to be "distributed" to residents.

Mr Samai said threats continue to be made against Democrat candidate Panich Vikitsreth. A group of people banged on the police vehicle that took Mr Panich to the district office on the day he registered his candidacy and when he was about to start his campaign.He has also received threatening phone calls and other callers have cursed him. His campaign posters are being vandalised.

Prathuang Chom-ngam, the Election Commission's Bangkok chief, said his office has turned down a Puea Thai Party suggestion that the commission keep ballot boxes at police stations instead of the district offices for better safety.

Mr Prathuang said the Corrections Department has informed the EC's Bangkok branch that it has allowed Puea Thai members to visit detained Puea Thai candidate Korkaew Pikulthong to record speeches for playing on the campaign trail.Mr Korkaew is among the red shirt protest leaders detained on charges of terrorism.

Democrat MPs yesterday discussed their preparations for the by-election.
Party deputy spokesman Warong Detkitwikrom said Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban has asked all party MPs to help Mr Panich campaign for votes. However, Mr Suthep and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva are not sure if they should join the campaign because of the safety risk."

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1...ty-tricks-begin

[Hedda]

However, Mr Suthep and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva are not sure if they should join the campaign because of the safety risk.

Although there may be genuine safety risks involved, they arise from the fact that Abhisit and Suthep are widely seen among many voters as poison. Red shirt supporters despise Abhisit for obvious reasons and many PAD supporters see him as weak and ineffectual. The folks in high places who put him where he is may decide, when all the "reconciliation" dirty work is done, that he's served his purpose as the government's civilian fig leaf and it's time to go.

My bet is that most Democrat politicians would also prefer not to be too closely associated with Abhisit in any election campaign, even one in Bangkok where the Democrats have significant middle class and wealthy Chinese support. The problem is that Abhisit has become a lightening rod and you know what can happen to you if you stand too close to one in a storm. It's probably the reason that Abhisit will be history by the time the next general election rolls around. If he does campaign, he'll probably show up at some upscale mall having a "reconciliation sale."

[Garcia]

I cannot imagine a bigger loss of face for Abhisit and his party than the Pheu Thai guy winning this election from jail. It's the kind of news that will spread around the world just like Bobby Sands' win did when he won a seat in parliament while being confined by the British in an Irish jail.