Politics: Abhisit political dinner that raised “750 Million Baht” & a famous singer to compose “Campaign Song”

/ March 12, 2011

Blog Note:

 

Like is anyone watching what is going on in Thai politics at all?

Like does not anyone care anymore?

Like first, they got the constitutional changes to erase some 30-40 opposition MPs off. Then they pass a mid-year budget of some US$ 3 billion. Then a cooking oil crisis that is linked to massive corruption of the Democrat Party “King Maker.”  Then they rushed in to talk to the military a day before announcing a house dissolution. Then they cement ties with the current coalition parties.

That off course, comes off US$ countless billions in subsidy and freebies to the Thais-with just about every academic says is politically motivated to win votes.

Then the Democrat Party governor of Bangkok, goes about taking down the opposition party posters, leaving only the Democrat Party up. Then billions more on posters of government policies, with massive picture of politicians on them.

Then off course, the killing of the some opposition party canvasses. Then hundreds of political prisoners still in prison and massive internet censorship and politically convenient use of lese majeste.

Like is anyone in Thailand watching these activities-and trying to figure out if this is perhaps, not just the most corrupt time in Thailand‘s history as the poll of the Thais says-but the most dirty time politically as well.

Then just so great, the icing on the cake? A Democrat party fund raising that got about 800 million baht and a famous folk song writer to write the party’s campaign song.

Like can Thai Intel readers imaging the above occurring in a developed country?

The Following is from the Bangkok Post:

Democrat dinner raises B750m

Banquet draws business leaders, politicians, stars

Published: 9/03/2011 at 12:00 AM

The ruling Democrat Party collected at least 750 million baht through its fund-raising banquet last night, prompting suspicion from the opposition that the event may have contravened political party law.

About 2,000 people, including politicians, prominent business figures and celebrities, attended the 200-table banquet at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

Each table reportedly cost about 2 million baht and all were booked.

Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said through table sales and donations, the party raised about 750 million baht from the event – exceeding the 600-million-baht target.

At the dinner, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva delivered a speech entitled “65 years of the Democrats: Building Thailand’s Future”.

In the address, broadcast by Channel 9, Mr Abhisit said the Democrats had made great progress in improving the quality of life for Thai people through a series of schemes, from free education and a 500-baht allowance for the elderly, to community land deed issuance and a campaign to promote savings.

The Democrats took office two years ago at a time of political and economic crisis in Thailand, but the party has steered the country through all the turbulence, he said.

However the prime minister conceded there was more to be done to ease the rising prices of commodities.

As the country was now getting back on track, Mr Abhisit said, it was the right time to return power to the people. He announced a tentative election date would be set after he discussed the matter with the Election Commission on Friday.

“It’s time to decide if you will choose a party that works for the well-being of the people, or the party that talks about past political conflicts,” he said.

Apart from senior members of the coalition parties, several notable business figures also showed up, including steel and real estate tycoon Sawat Horrungruang, S&P chairwoman Patara Sila-on, and Areeya Property chief executive Wisit Laohapoonrungsee.

Puea Thai MP for Lampang Nikom Chaokittisophon announced his move to the Democrats, while singer and composer Yuenyong “Ad Carabao” Ophakul, once a staunch critic of the Democrats, also switched sides and will write the party’s election campaign songs.

But the Puea Thai Party yesterday petitioned the Election Commission to investigate if the banquet contravened the Political Party Act of 2007.

Puea Thai deputy spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said his party had received complaints that executives of some state enterprises and government agencies had forced people and companies to pay for 10 to 20 dinner tables each.

Election commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham said under Section 54 of the Political Party Act, the Democrat Party was required to report all donations over 100,000 baht to the EC in 30 days.

If the complaint of forced donations was true, those responsible would face both a jail sentence and a fine, she said.

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