Thai General Elections – December 23, 2007

Top above: Daily News, December 24, 2007 - PPP wins - Samak brags he will form the government - Banharn joins Pua Paendin

Above: Daily News, December 25, 2007 - Parties fighting for control - divided into two groups - Banharn unlikely to join PPP - claiming he focuses on peace

Post-election headlines Above: Komchadluek, December 25, 2007 - Banharn links up with minor party - indecisive to decide which party he will join - Samak declares he will be the next PM

Above: Thairath, December 25, 2007 - PPP surprises public - Four parties join Samak

Above: Khaosod, December 25, 2007 - PPP wins less than half of all seats - PPP wins 228 seats - Thaksin calls to congratulate Samak

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Big People Power Party win - December 24, 2007

Thaksin proxy: People Power Party ready to form coalition government - TNA, December 23, 2007

Democrats in shocksweep in Chon Buri
[Changes in Pattaya: This is one of the few interesting election stories not connected with the PPP vs Democrat struggle. In Chonburi the ruling Khunpluem family has lost all their MP seats to the Democrats. Chonburi has been the fiefdom of the Khunpluem clan and has been governed as if were a separate country. Reform and rule of law issues in Chonburi--particularly Pattaya--will now likely be addressed.]

US praises 'free and fair' vote

Chalit promises: No military coup

Thai Elections Could End Country's Political Crisis - NPR
or
Thailand readies for poll unlikely to end divisions - Reuters

2Bangkok YouTube channel: Samak as PM?
2Bangkok YouTube channel: Samak Sundaravej's statement
2Bangkok YouTube channel: Are the Democrats aggressive enough?

On the forum: Weird ballots

This cracker from Not the Nation: General Prem To Cast His 10 Million Votes Tomorrow

Past articles about likely Prime Minister Samak

By 7pm on December 23, incredibly, every single election poster had been taken down to conform with election rules. A far cry from the scene the day before.

All the election-related photos, cartoons and links are being kept here: ThaiElections.com

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

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By 7pm on December 23, incredibly, every single election poster had been taken down to conform with election rules. A far cry from the scene the day before.

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

New year's message - January 8, 2008 Left: It reads: Hello New Year 2008 - Working people - Pradermchai Boonchuaylua, Bangkok council member and the team of council member of Huaykhwag district

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Thanks billboard - January 8, 2008
The billboard reads: Thirachai Vuthitham (Pae) - Happy New Year 2008 - Every vote from you will be appreciated and memorized. We eternally serve the nation.

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Happy new year from a Bangkok council member - January 10, 2008 Thanks - Wish brothers and sisters in Klong Toey happiness throughout the year 2008 - Koranit Ngamsukonwattana, Bangkok council member of Klong Toey

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

For the nation - December 23, 2007 Left: This Puea Pandin poster reads: This life is for the nation - Kitiwattana Pokmonti - For the nation, for happiness and unity of the Thai people

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Vote for an honest PM - December 23, 2007 Right: This Democrat Party poster reads: Vote for an honest PM

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Above: It reads: Puea Pandin Party - Please vote for No. 7, 8, 9 - 43 inspirations for the happiness of people in the deep south

Election photos from Yala - December 22, 2007
Our man in the Deep South notes: The election this year in the deep south is not vigorous. Not so many posters. They are only on the roads and intersections... The party that interests people are the PPP, Democrats and Puea Pandin.

(Photo: Dr. Has for 2Bangkok.com)

Above: It reads: U-pe Village would like to declare that
1. will go on the path to a democratic life
2. will vote for our rights fully
3. will not buy and sell votes
Vote for the good person to get into parliament

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Above: It reads: Luemu School - All children ask parents to vote - 23 December vote for the good person. 8.00-15.00

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Above: This Pracharaj poster reads: Sanoh Tienthong - Peaceful nation, happy people

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Above: This green Rum Jai Thai Chat Pattana poster reads: Please vote for No.10 Hassun, No.11 Chanon, No. 12 Dorif

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Above and below: Dr. Has reports: Today [December 22] the officers received the election boxes and equipment. These photos show the activities of officers who come to get the boxes and cards in Amphur Krongpinan, Yala.

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

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Mascots at Central Lat Prae - December 22, 2007
Above: Mascots at Central Lat Prae promoting election and anti-vote buying awareness.

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No. 17 - December 22, 2007 Right: An make-shift ad for a minor party candidate...

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

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Credit card debt - December 22, 2007 Right: It reads: Select the wrong party, repeat [the same] people. Thai Rak Thai government, credit card debt all over. Vote the Democrat Party to solve the crisis of the nation

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Help us win half of the seats... - December 22, 2007 Left: It reads: Solving Crisis. No time for more quarrel. Help us win half of the seats and the economy will recover. People Power Party – No. 12.

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Election poster - December 20, 2007 Chart Thai Party – Bangkok, Unit 1 Dr. Mano Mettananto Laohawanit, Ph.D. - No. 10 Kusuman Patchimsawas - No. 11 Aran Phantumajinda - No. 12 Dusit, Phra Nakon, Pomprab Satru Pai, Samphantawong, Bangrak, Pathumwan, Rajdhevi.

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Something for everyone - December 19, 2007 It reads: Ruam Jai Thai Chat Pattana Party – No. 2 People with a salary of 20,000 baht at most won’t be taxed. Allowances Parents allowance - 50,000 baht Disabled person allowance - 30,000 baht First-time home buyers under installment purchase contracts will get a tax discount of 300,000 baht. New SMEs to be exempted from taxes for five years, existing SMEs to get a 5-10% tax discount. Traditional convenience stores to get 95% tax reduction. Baby Bond – Children under 18 to get one-million-baht fund for education.

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

More from the Artist Party - December 19, 2007 It reads: Save energy, stop destroying nature, cancel unfair FTAs, and grow a fair economy. Artist Party – No governing principle is the best.

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Voting - December 19, 2007
It reads: Please use your right to vote in the general election on December 23, 2007.

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Democrats - December 18, 2007 Please vote for us all: No. 4 – M.L. Abhimongkol Sonakul No. 5 – Orn-anong Karnchanachusak No. 6 – Chermmas Junglertsiri

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

The Artist Party - December 17, 2007
People, I know what you are thinking about.
The Kingdom is going to be in trouble.
The Artist Party. No governing principle is the best.

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Banharn - December 14, 2007
It reads: Chart Thai Party - Making ideas reality - Please vote for No. 13 - Party List

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Easy to study at Chula - December 12, 2007 It reads: Please vote for No. 36, Dr. Thep Wechwisit. Free tuition programs for people above 18 will be easy. * Don’t have a father who is the Prime Minister; * Don’t want to cheat on the entrance exam; * But want to enter Chulalongkorn University. Vote for me and I’ll encourage the Parliament to offer anyone an opportunity to study at Chulalongkorn University.

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Thinking of Thaksin - December 12, 2007 A ClubThaksin sticker: Economy on the downswing… Thinking of Thaksin. Below is a sticker for the People Power Party.

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Pracharaj Party - December 4, 2007 Left: Royal People Party [Pracharaj] - Please vote for Sombat Metanee, No. 9, an MP candidate on a proportional-basis for Bangkok, Nontaburi and Samut Prakarn. [This was Snoh's party before he jumped to Chart Thai which made Pracharaj a minor party.]

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

No. 19 - December 4, 2007 Left: Pramuan Rujanaseri - Please vote for Prachamati Party, No. 19 - Party List [This is a minor party.]

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com) Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party - December 4, 2007 [The appearance of one of these candidates is unusual. Anyone know why this is?] Thais United National Development Party [Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana] Choose as you wish for Bangkokians No. 25: Pornsak Srilaman No. 26: Bun-anan Piampongsan No. 27: Weerayut Potharamik For Zone 3: Lad Phrao, Huay Kwang, Wang Thong Lang, Din Dang.

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Banharn! - December 3, 2007 It reads: Chart Thai Party -“Making ideas become reality.” Please vote for No. 13 - Party-list MPs

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Democrat promises - December 3, 2007 99-day practical intensive plan 1. Free tuition fees and free textbooks, study supplies, and uniform, starting May 2008 2. Setting up a sufficiency economy fund. Initial budget of 1-2 million baht to be allocated to each tambon. 3. Setting up a special organization to solve problems in the south. 4. Using 15 first electricity units for free (up from 5 units at the present). 5. Canceling contribution to oil fund for diesel and gasohol. Please choose the Democrat Party to form the government. No. 4

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DemocratSociety.com - December 1, 2007
How does a 43-year-old aristocrat connect with youth? With a website full of crazy skateboarding images and a "chat with P' Mark" section...

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Young generation - November 30, 2007 Left: Chart Thai Party - Party list Vote number 13 If you do not vote for young generation. If no young generation volunteer for the public. When Thai politics will improve? Vote number 10, 11, 12 Apikiat Jenpanitch (Bo) and team Young generation, we can do, we're honest Constituency 2: Yannawa, Bangkolaem, Satorn, Klongtoey, Watana

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Keeping promises - November 30, 2007 Left: Everyone can make up any good policies, but the people who keep their words are in the People Power Party. Please vote for us, People Power Party, No. 12.

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Time to clean the political parasites - November 30, 2007 Left: Chart Thai Party - Party list Vote number 13 "It is time to clean the political parasites" Vote number 10, 11, 12 - Apikiat Jenpanitch (Bo) and team - Young generation, we can do, we‘re honest [The drawing is a bottle of vermicide medicine to remove intestinal parasites.]

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

The return of Leena Jang - November 29, 2007
After several false starts, colorful character Leena Jang is running under the Palang Pandin Party.

Above left: Could you vote for Leena using the white ballot? [The "?" represents the vote for her.]
Please vote for Leena Jang to give her a chance to be an MP for the 4th area of Bangkok
No. 34 (Leena Jangjanya) Leena Jang
A female fighter for social justice.

Above right: Laksi, Bang Sue, Jatujak, Phyathai
No. 34 (Leena Jangjanya) Leena Jang
A lawyer for poor people who are treated unfairly.

Earlier: Leena Jang was famously disqualified during the 2004 Bangkok Governor election

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

"We volunteer to be your voice" - November 29, 2007 Chart Thai Party Party list vote number 13 “We volunteer to be your voice” Vote number 10, 11, 12 Apikiat Jenpanitch (Bo) and team Young generation, we can do, we‘re honest Constituency 2 Yannawa, Bangkolaem, Sathorn, Klongtoey, Watana

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New generation - November 28, 2007 Democrat Party People of the new generation, determined and expert in economics 10 – Boonyod Sungthinthai, an independent news reporter 11 – Atthawit Suwanphakdi, an economic layer 12 – Sakonthee Phakdisakul, a social lawyer MP candidates for Bangkok Bang Sue, Laksi, Jatujak, Phyathai Please vote for us.

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Young generation - November 28, 2007 Chart Thai Party Party list vote number 13 Vote for the young generation team for new politics Vote number 11, 10, 12 Apikiat Jenpanitch (Bo) and Team Young Generation, we can do, we ‘re honest Constituency 2: Yannawa, Bangkolaem, Satorn, Klongtoey, Watana

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Cast your vote - November 17, 2007
It reads: Cast your vote for democracy’s sake. General election on December 23, 2007. From 08:00 am to 03:00 pm.

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Election billboard - November 9, 2007
It reads: Thailand - General election scheduled for December 23, 2007. Use your right to save the nation.

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Anti-vote buying billboard - November 6, 2007
Left: Taking bribes [vote buying] is bad
Right: Electoral fraud violates the law and damages the nation

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Political party billboard- October 27, 2007
Above: Puea Pandin Party - We will rebuild the transportation system to be better and provide skytrain to as many people as possible. We will grow the trees to make Bangkok become a green city within four years. Furthermore, we will get rid of drugs and provide Thai people more security and safety for your life and assets. Select Puea Pandin Party for your happiness.

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Political party billboard - October 12, 2007
It reads: "For the land - For the happiness of the Thai people" Motherland party [and in the smallest type] Strengthen the nation, maintain religion and respect the royal throne for the Kingdom

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Changing billboard - October 6, 2007
Above (until September 30): Faster is better [crossed out] - Better is faster - Thais unite to promote sufficiency lifestyle

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Above (from October 1): An alternative and answer for Thai society - Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana

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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

The "threatening billboard" gone in 5 days - October 3, 2007
Just a note that the billboard threatening the return of a prominent figure in November (below) was only up for 5 days before being replaced with a more innocuous Democrat Party billboard (above). It is likely that the original billboard was considered too provocative in the current political situation--even though it was only advertising an upcoming movie.
The Democrat Party billboard reads: Textbooks, school uniforms and school supplies provided for free. Free tuition fees until college. People come first. Democrat Party

(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)

Earlier: The return of...? - September 8, 2007
The black billboard reads: Watch carefully! World image maker will come back this November.
This has been a typical advertising tactic--put up a black and white billboard with a vague but menacing message--in this case implying that Thaksin will return in November. As in the past, it is most likely that this is a billboard advertising a new movie.