Anything & Everything About Thailand

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 15 March 2006 :-

Rally-weary Bangkok 'wants talks'

Bangkokians want an end to political rallies, both for and against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and peaceful talks among all parties to resolve the political crisis, according to an Abac poll conducted Tuesday and released today.

The poll by Assumption University also showed that most respondents were satisfied with the police, military forces and the media on their roles during the mass anti-Thaksin rally, now taking place at Government House.

Over two-thirds of the respondents - 69.4% of a total 1,205 interviewed respondents, including both supporters and opponents of M. Thaksin - demanded an end to the rally and indicated that all conflicting sides resolve their differences through peaceful talks.

Asked how interested they were in the anti-Thaksin rally, nearly half--47.8 per cent--said they kept abreast with the rally quite continuously on Monday and Tuesday, and 26.8 per cent said they kept themselves updated with the protest continuously.

Just 7.8% said they were not interested in such news.

Regarding the roles performed by different groups of people upon the ongoing rally, most respondents, 70 per cent, were satisfied with the police, military forces and the media doing their duties during the
demonstrations.

Nearly equal numbers were satisfied and dissatisfied--41.3 per cent vs. 39.5 per cent--with the performance of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the group core leader of the protesters.

Meanwhile, 44.1 per cent were satisfied, but 37.1 percent were unhappy with caretaker prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 15 March 2006 :-

Prem Tinsulanonda appeals for talks

Privy Council Chairman Prem Tinsulanonda has appeared for a brief interview by Thai media, and issued an appeal for to all sides in the current political standoff to talk out their differences, in the spirit of the national interest.

Choosing his words slowly and carefully, Gen Prem Privy Council Chairman Prem Tinsulanonda said he believed everyone involved in the crisis had good will. He said all "are mature - highly educated and have good intention towards the nation."

Therefore, he said, they should all talk with each other to end the ongoing political tension.

He refused to elaborate. Asked a follow-up question by one of the reporters, he said "I have said it all," and ended the encounter.

================================================== ====================

This is an unofficial, rush translation of key portions of Gen Prem's comments to the media:

"I urge all parties to quickly resolve the current political conflict for the sake of national peace.

"Everyone involved is an adult, and is well-educated, and has good intentions for the country, so I urge them all to consider what they should do for the sake of the people.

"Whoever is involved in this crisis must work to restore calm, while using peaceful means for the public good, without dividing the nation.

"I hope everyone will think about this and take action to solve the crisis.

(Reporter) "Do you think the country is in a serious crisis?"

Gen Prem: "I have already what I want to."

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Wednesday 15 March 2006 :-

Govt to rank country's top 50 universities

The Office of Higher Education Commission will release its list of the top 50 universities in the country before the end of the month.

Secretary-general Pavich Thongroj said yesterday the list should be useful for students choosing a university for the upcoming semester.

This is the first time that the Ohec has ranked higher-educational institutes, and Pavich promised to do it every year from now.

However, he said many universities had yet to submit their up-to-date information and because of this these institutions would be excluded from the list.

"That's why we plan to rank only 50," he said. The commission would also explain why some universities would not make the list.

The commission ranking would on research and teaching services at each university.

"These two areas are very important because the country's survival will depend on research and the quality of graduates," he said. Earlier this month, Srinakharinwirot University president Wiroon Tungcharoen slammed the move, saying that ranking indicators may not be comprehensive enough.

"From what I know, the indicators place too much emphasis on science, technology and health sciences," Wiroon said.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Wednesday 15 March 2006 :-

Plenty to play with at new store

Learning Curve Toys Co Ltd yesterday announced the opening of its flagship retail store in Bangkok and plans to open franchise outlets in other parts of the country.

Located on Sukhumvit Soi 24 and covering 50 square metres of space, the new flagship store will sell a full line-up of educational toys under brands such as Lamaze Infant Development System, Thomas Wooden Railway System, and Bob the Builder.

Over the next two to three months it hopes to franchise its speciality toy store outlets in major cities and tourist destinations including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Khon Kaen. It will also open a Learning Curve Toys outlet in Vietnam in the middle of next year to capture the fastest growing market in Southeast Asia.

"We are negotiating with Bumrungrat Hospital to open a second stand-alone toy shop at the hospital," said Susan Wu, marketing director of Learning Curve Toys Co Ltd.

Wu said that Learning Curve Toys started selling its products in the King Power duty free shop at Don Muang Airport at the end of last year. The company will expand its outlets through the King Power's retail network, both at its Rang Nam outlet as well as at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is scheduled to open this year.

The company hopes to play in the domestic toy market which is expected to grow 20 per cent per annum over the next decade. Industry experts point to the increasing purchasing power of Thai parents for the expected increases. Domestic demand for wooden toys is also growing at 15-20 per cent a year.

Wu said the toy industry was valued at Bt3 billion last year, of which imported speciality premium educational products accounted for 30 per cent.

The new outlet contains over 2,000 educational toys.

As the only licensed distributor in the country for Lamaze and Thomas & Friends, Learning Curve Toys yesterday introduced its third imported educational toy brand Bob the Builder. The Bob the Builder collection will engage even the youngest children in constructive play, she said.

"At Learning Curve Toys we understand that the first years of a child's life are crucial. That is why we only provide quality, classic toys and products that are internationally-recognised and endorsed by child-development experts," she said.

"We provide educational props that enhance the value of play. It is well-documented that interactive and imaginative play is integral to a child's development - it helps them make sense of the world and aids their cognitive growth and gross motor skills," she said.

Learning Curve Toys sells toys that cater to children from infancy to age eight, the fundamental learning curve period of their lives, she said.

"We also plan to diversify our merchandise to natural and organic healthcare and spa products, as well as nutrition and food supplements, to serve both children and parents," said Wu.


Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Wednesday 15 March 2006 :-

Plenty to play with at new store

Learning Curve Toys Co Ltd yesterday announced the opening of its flagship retail store in Bangkok and plans to open franchise outlets in other parts of the country.

Located on Sukhumvit Soi 24 and covering 50 square metres of space, the new flagship store will sell a full line-up of educational toys under brands such as Lamaze Infant Development System, Thomas Wooden Railway System, and Bob the Builder.

Over the next two to three months it hopes to franchise its speciality toy store outlets in major cities and tourist destinations including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Khon Kaen. It will also open a Learning Curve Toys outlet in Vietnam in the middle of next year to capture the fastest growing market in Southeast Asia.

"We are negotiating with Bumrungrat Hospital to open a second stand-alone toy shop at the hospital," said Susan Wu, marketing director of Learning Curve Toys Co Ltd.

Wu said that Learning Curve Toys started selling its products in the King Power duty free shop at Don Muang Airport at the end of last year. The company will expand its outlets through the King Power's retail network, both at its Rang Nam outlet as well as at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is scheduled to open this year.

The company hopes to play in the domestic toy market which is expected to grow 20 per cent per annum over the next decade. Industry experts point to the increasing purchasing power of Thai parents for the expected increases. Domestic demand for wooden toys is also growing at 15-20 per cent a year.

Wu said the toy industry was valued at Bt3 billion last year, of which imported speciality premium educational products accounted for 30 per cent.

The new outlet contains over 2,000 educational toys.

As the only licensed distributor in the country for Lamaze and Thomas & Friends, Learning Curve Toys yesterday introduced its third imported educational toy brand Bob the Builder. The Bob the Builder collection will engage even the youngest children in constructive play, she said.

"At Learning Curve Toys we understand that the first years of a child's life are crucial. That is why we only provide quality, classic toys and products that are internationally-recognised and endorsed by child-development experts," she said.

"We provide educational props that enhance the value of play. It is well-documented that interactive and imaginative play is integral to a child's development - it helps them make sense of the world and aids their cognitive growth and gross motor skills," she said.

Learning Curve Toys sells toys that cater to children from infancy to age eight, the fundamental learning curve period of their lives, she said.

"We also plan to diversify our merchandise to natural and organic healthcare and spa products, as well as nutrition and food supplements, to serve both children and parents," said Wu.


Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Wednesday 15 March 2006 :-

Plenty to play with at new store

Learning Curve Toys Co Ltd yesterday announced the opening of its flagship retail store in Bangkok and plans to open franchise outlets in other parts of the country.

Located on Sukhumvit Soi 24 and covering 50 square metres of space, the new flagship store will sell a full line-up of educational toys under brands such as Lamaze Infant Development System, Thomas Wooden Railway System, and Bob the Builder.

Over the next two to three months it hopes to franchise its speciality toy store outlets in major cities and tourist destinations including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Khon Kaen. It will also open a Learning Curve Toys outlet in Vietnam in the middle of next year to capture the fastest growing market in Southeast Asia.

"We are negotiating with Bumrungrat Hospital to open a second stand-alone toy shop at the hospital," said Susan Wu, marketing director of Learning Curve Toys Co Ltd.

Wu said that Learning Curve Toys started selling its products in the King Power duty free shop at Don Muang Airport at the end of last year. The company will expand its outlets through the King Power's retail network, both at its Rang Nam outlet as well as at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is scheduled to open this year.

The company hopes to play in the domestic toy market which is expected to grow 20 per cent per annum over the next decade. Industry experts point to the increasing purchasing power of Thai parents for the expected increases. Domestic demand for wooden toys is also growing at 15-20 per cent a year.

Wu said the toy industry was valued at Bt3 billion last year, of which imported speciality premium educational products accounted for 30 per cent.

The new outlet contains over 2,000 educational toys.

As the only licensed distributor in the country for Lamaze and Thomas & Friends, Learning Curve Toys yesterday introduced its third imported educational toy brand Bob the Builder. The Bob the Builder collection will engage even the youngest children in constructive play, she said.

"At Learning Curve Toys we understand that the first years of a child's life are crucial. That is why we only provide quality, classic toys and products that are internationally-recognised and endorsed by child-development experts," she said.

"We provide educational props that enhance the value of play. It is well-documented that interactive and imaginative play is integral to a child's development - it helps them make sense of the world and aids their cognitive growth and gross motor skills," she said.

Learning Curve Toys sells toys that cater to children from infancy to age eight, the fundamental learning curve period of their lives, she said.

"We also plan to diversify our merchandise to natural and organic healthcare and spa products, as well as nutrition and food supplements, to serve both children and parents," said Wu.


Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Wednesday 15 March 2006 :-

Plenty to play with at new store

Learning Curve Toys Co Ltd yesterday announced the opening of its flagship retail store in Bangkok and plans to open franchise outlets in other parts of the country.

Located on Sukhumvit Soi 24 and covering 50 square metres of space, the new flagship store will sell a full line-up of educational toys under brands such as Lamaze Infant Development System, Thomas Wooden Railway System, and Bob the Builder.

Over the next two to three months it hopes to franchise its speciality toy store outlets in major cities and tourist destinations including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Khon Kaen. It will also open a Learning Curve Toys outlet in Vietnam in the middle of next year to capture the fastest growing market in Southeast Asia.

"We are negotiating with Bumrungrat Hospital to open a second stand-alone toy shop at the hospital," said Susan Wu, marketing director of Learning Curve Toys Co Ltd.

Wu said that Learning Curve Toys started selling its products in the King Power duty free shop at Don Muang Airport at the end of last year. The company will expand its outlets through the King Power's retail network, both at its Rang Nam outlet as well as at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is scheduled to open this year.

The company hopes to play in the domestic toy market which is expected to grow 20 per cent per annum over the next decade. Industry experts point to the increasing purchasing power of Thai parents for the expected increases. Domestic demand for wooden toys is also growing at 15-20 per cent a year.

Wu said the toy industry was valued at Bt3 billion last year, of which imported speciality premium educational products accounted for 30 per cent.

The new outlet contains over 2,000 educational toys.

As the only licensed distributor in the country for Lamaze and Thomas & Friends, Learning Curve Toys yesterday introduced its third imported educational toy brand Bob the Builder. The Bob the Builder collection will engage even the youngest children in constructive play, she said.

"At Learning Curve Toys we understand that the first years of a child's life are crucial. That is why we only provide quality, classic toys and products that are internationally-recognised and endorsed by child-development experts," she said.

"We provide educational props that enhance the value of play. It is well-documented that interactive and imaginative play is integral to a child's development - it helps them make sense of the world and aids their cognitive growth and gross motor skills," she said.

Learning Curve Toys sells toys that cater to children from infancy to age eight, the fundamental learning curve period of their lives, she said.

"We also plan to diversify our merchandise to natural and organic healthcare and spa products, as well as nutrition and food supplements, to serve both children and parents," said Wu.


Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Thursday 16 March 2006 :-

EC to decide on April 2 poll date

Election Commission will decide within five days whether to delay the April 2 election because of fears that pressing on with the present schedule may see the 500-MP quorum failing to be met. EC chairman Wassana Permlarp admitted he was considering postponing the election. But he wanted to wait for a ruling by the Supreme Court on whether it would disqualify any more candidates.

Many applicants have been banned from the poll, leaving only one candidate running in the contest in many constituencies.

If only one candidate contests, he or she must win at least 20% of the vote in that constituency. This raises concerns some will fail to meet that requirement and there will not be the full quorum of 500 MPs to open parliament.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 16 March 2006 :-

APRIL 2 ELECTION : Poll could be a waste of funds: EC

More than 300 candidates already disqualified; delay looks likely

The Election Commission is considering postponing the election because over one-third of the candidates have been disqualified, leaving more than half of the constituencies in 71 provinces with just one candidate, EC chairman Vasana Puemlarp said yesterday.

"We are thinking of [postponing the election day] because of the information we have now," Vasana said.

"I have asked myself whether it would be a waste of state funds if the election goes ahead and a House of Representatives cannot convene and a government cannot be formed," he said.

"I am worried that the EC may not be able to ensure a perfect election. This is a big issue. It's not easy to make a decision about this. But we will have to do it soon," the EC chief said.

The election is currently scheduled to be held on April 2. A new election would have to be held by April 25 because of constitutional requirements that a poll be organised within 60 days of a House dissolution.

Of the 941 candidates registered earlier this month, 320 have failed to qualify, mostly because of they held dual party membership or failed to meet the 90-day rule, Vasana said yesterday.

A total of 271 out of the 400 constituencies in 71 provinces have just one candidate contesting, according to the EC chief.

Samut Sakhon's Constituency 3 is likely to have no candidate after Thai Rak Thai's Udom Kraiwatnusorn was also disqualified. A Supreme Court ruling is expected tomorrow on whether the EC order stands, following an appeal by Udom.

Vasana said the polling agency was going to request the Supreme Court revoke the right of another 84 candidates who had earlier been endorsed by regional EC offices but were later found to lack certain qualifications.

"If the court agrees, there will be more constituencies with just one candidate," he said.

Earlier in the day, election commissioner Prinya Nakchudtree said it was likely the agency would go ahead with the April 2 general election. "As of now, we will have to go ahead as planned," Prinya said.

However, he said the EC would postpone the election if political parties agreed to that. But certain major parties had told the agency they would not take part in the election even if it was set back, he said.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 16 March 2006 :-

Has PM turned to black magic?

On his tour of the Northeast, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra consulted a few apparent experts in Cambodian black magic but Newin Chidchob, the Prime Minister Office's minister, stood out.

In Surin, Thaksin rode an elephant and performed the old ritual carried out by warriors before a battle of walking under the beast's belly to boost his power and fortune.

In an unusual but deliberate act, carried out with precision, Thaksin toured Baan Taklang, also known as Elephant Village, which is Newin's hometown and where his father was a mahout.

To scare off his enemies, Thaksin was given a magical elephant prod. He happily responded: "I will use this prod, along with spells and talismans, to control the fierce opponents who are trying to oust me."

Newin also apparently instructed Thaksin to increase his strength by paying respect at the mahout's shrine, where he conducts rites for the elephants, and a Khmer temple.

Meanwhile in Bangkok, Buri Ram Senator Karun Saingam also called on murky powers when he asked female protesters to pass pictures of Thaksin between their legs to curse the embattled premier.

It is an open secret that during recent weeks Thaksin has followed strict routines and instructions from astrologers and black magic masters.

[U-Need]

BANGKOK, March 16 (TNA) – Property developers are likely to postpone their investment in new projects if Thailand's current political turbulence persists, according to an industry executive.

Chainid Ngowsiri, Executive Chairman of Property Perfect Public Company Limited, said on Wednesday that he felt concerned with the current political turmoil.

Should the conflict drag on, it would have an impact on the business sector as a whole in 3-6 months ahead, he cautioned.

Under the circumstance, he said, property developers would have no choice, but to delay investment in new projects.

However, the ongoing construction of existing projects will remain intact.

Mr. Chainid said he hopes to see the current political woes solved peacefully and quickly so that the country’s economy could maintain its growth.

He viewed consumers still had confidence that there would be a political change without any violence.

Meanwhile, Tanachai Tanachai-aree, Senior Executive Vice President of United Overseas Bank, said the number of applications of housing had not yet declined.

It is expected that the loan amount extended to purchase new houses this year will reach around 180-200 billion baht. (TNA) – E005

[U-Need]

BANGKOK, March 16 (TNA) – Singapore’s state-owned Temasek Holdings is unlikely to withdraw Shin Corporation Public Company Limited from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) after the company and its subsidiaries hold a majority stake, according to SET’s Senior Executive Vice President Sopavadee Lertmanaschai.

Currently, Shin Corp is 96.12 per cent owned by Temasek when its subsidiaries Aspen Holdings and Cedar Holdings took up some stakes in the company.

The deputy SET chief said on Wednesday that she believed Temasek would not seek a de-listing of Shin Corp’s shares from the Thai bourse because it is the country’s leading company well known among Thai people.

Should the company do be withdrawn, it would definitely affect the market capitalization of SET because the firm is considered a large blue-chip stock.

She said although Shin Corp would be finally de-listed, SET would not revise a target to see its market capitalization increase to 10 trillion baht in the next five years.

As of March 14, the market capitalization of Shin Corp totaled 136 billion baht, the 9th highest in the Thai bourse, while that of its subsidiary Advanced Info Services Public Company Limited amounted to 281 billion baht, the 4th highest in the market.

Umares Singnarong, Senior Vice President of Adkinson Securities Public Company Limited , said it is very likely Shin Corp’s shares would be de-listed from SET since a free-float of the shares on the market is now less than 5 per cent after Cedar and Aspen acquired its shares from the Shinawatra and Dhamapong families. (TNA) – E005

[U-Need]

BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) – Foreign funds are not worried about a current political turmoil in Thailand because they believe the situation is a short-term risk factor that can normally occur in developing countries, according to a leading fund manager

Robert Pennolosa, Senior Executive Vice President of Aberdine Asset Management Co, which is one of the foreign funds, said on Wednesday that the continuing political disturbance is just a short-term volatile situation that could occur in all countries, particularly developing ones.

So, the situation would not affect the foreign funds’ investment decisions because most prefer to long-term investment.

He conceded the current political uncertainty is a risk factor that foreign funds consider before making an investment decision in Thailand. But to minimize risks, the funds normally invest in many countries in different regions.

Mr. Robert said investing in the developing countries is exposed to high political uncertainty risk.

However, it is worth investment because product prices are low and have big discounts. (TNA) – E005

[U-Need]

By JOCELYN GECKER
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

BANGKOK, Thailand -- Mixing business and politics was a winning strategy for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra back in 2001. A self-made billionaire, Thaksin called himself a new breed of politician, a "CEO prime minister" who could revitalize Thailand by running it like a company.

But there were early signs of trouble. A week before the 2001 election, Thaksin was charged with concealing assets in his telecommunications empire by transferring shares to relatives, his chauffeur, maid and others. At one point, two of his domestic servants were among the top 10 shareholders on Thailand's stock exchange.

Five years and many corruption allegations later, a growing number of Thais say they're fed up with Thaksin. Thousands of protesters are demanding his ouster, saying his business ties have hurt the country.

At the center of Thaksin's problems is Shin Corp., the media conglomerate he founded. It was his transfer of Shin shares that raised eyebrows in 2001 and the sell-off of the family's controlling stake in January that triggered the current political crisis.

"It's an ironic downfall," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political science professor at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University. "The sale of Shin Corp. was supposed to clear him of nagging conflict of interest accusations. But in the end, it was the last straw."

Thaksin's family sold its 49.6 percent stake in Shin to Singapore's state investment company, Temasek Holdings, for $1.9 billion, and found loopholes to avoid paying any tax on the sale.

The 56-year-old leader, who denies any wrongdoing, indicated Wednesday for the first time that he would consider stepping aside temporarily to defuse the protests, though it remained uncertain if or when he would do so.

Critics say the Shin deal involved insider trading and tax dodges and complained that national assets - including communications satellites - were sold to a foreign government.

Thaksin rose to power on a raft of nationalist policies, winning over voters by accusing the incumbent prime minister of failing to lift Thailand out of the 1997 Asian financial crisis and of neglecting the poor.

The new prime minister's corporate management approach to government became known as "Thaksinomics" - heavy spending to promote growth and wean the country from dependence on imports and foreign loans. Critics say it's a recipe for long-term debt.

Thaksin, a former police officer, cast himself as a champion of the poor. He introduced virtually free health care, a three-year debt suspension program for farmers and low-interest loans for poor villages.

"He used taxpayers' money for massive handouts to the poor. What poor person wouldn't vote for that?" said Sompop Manarangsan, an economics professor with Chulalongkorn University.

The country's rural majority, which accounts for more than 80 percent of Thailand's 63 million people, propelled Thaksin to another term in 2005; his party won 377 of 500 parliamentary seats.

The victory made Thaksin the first civilian prime minister to finish a full four-year term in Thailand. It was also the first time a single party had swept a majority of the legislative seats.

However, discontent has been brewing for years among the educated classes.

Since taking office, Thaksin has battled accusations of corruption and cronyism. Critics accused him of crafting national policy to benefit Shin and handing out mega-project contracts to wealthy friends.

He quickly showed an intolerance for criticism, trying to muzzle what was once Asia's freest media and blocking Shin-owned television stations from broadcasting anti-government content.

In one case that had a chilling effect on freedom of speech, a media critic was sued for $10.2 million for suggesting Shin Corp. profited from government connections. A court acquitted the critic, Supinya Klangnarong, on Wednesday.

Thaksin also came under fire for his handling of a Muslim insurgency in southern Thailand, and drew criticism for being authoritarian, arrogant and brash.

His war on drugs left 2,300 people dead during a three-month period in 2003. Human rights groups complained police were turned loose to kill drug dealers and users at will. Thaksin defended the police, saying drug lords turned against each other, and he noted that drug use dropped.

When the U.S. State Department joined critics of the crackdown, Thaksin called Washington a "useless friend." And when the United Nations worried that the killings amounted to summary executions, Thaksin said the world body "isn't my father."

Critics also said Thaksin routinely failed to honor the reformist 1997 constitution, which was aimed at promoting democracy.

He was accused of filling independent bodies - the Election Commission, the National Counter Corruption Commission, the Constitutional Court - with allies. It was the anti-corruption commission that indicted Thaksin in 2001 for hiding assets and the court that acquitted him by an 8-to-7 decision.

To defuse protests, Thaksin dissolved parliament last month and called for elections April 2. The opposition has vowed to boycott the vote.

"Thaksin hasn't yet come to realize that the boycott of the snap election is not a rejection of democracy," The Nation newspaper said in an editorial. "But, rather, a reaction to his refusal to accept fundamental democratic values like transparency, honesty and freedom of speech."

[U-Need]

by Richard Lloyd Parry

Thailand’s election may have to be abandoned after a key MP chooses to take holy orders


THAILAND sank deeper into political crisis yesterday after a party candidate suddenly abandoned politics to become a Buddhist monk.
The Thai election commission said that a snap election called by Thaksin Shinawatra, the embattled Prime Minister, may not take place because it was unlikely to return the required number of elected MPs.



The problem is largely due to Premsak Phiayura, a veteran politician who announced that he was taking holy orders.

Mr Premsak, formerly a member of Mr Thaksin’s ruling Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) Party, was all but guaranteed a seat as one of 100 MPs elected by proportional representation.

But his decision to join a monastery means that the new parliament will almost certainly be short of the full house necessary to appoint a new government. Demonstrators have picketed Mr Premsak’s monastery, accusing him of sabotaging the election in return for a bribe. But the prayers of Mr Thaksin’s enemies have been answered.

“We are thinking about [a postponement],” General Wassana Permlar, the chairman of the election commission, said in the first official acknowledgement that the controversial poll may not take place.

Opposition to Mr Thaksin has led to an election boycott and brought 100,000 Thais out in protest on to the streets of Bangkok. Yesterday the chief adviser to King Bhumibol Adulyadej urged the squabbling parties to act their age. “All those involved in the situation are grown-ups,” said Prem Tinsulanonda, the head of the country’s Privy Council. “I would like to appeal to all parties involved to think and act for the best for our country and our people.”

Mr Thaksin has led Thailand for five years, during which he has won the adoration of many poor, rural Thais, and the bitter enmity of its urban middle class. The former love him for his cheap loans to farmers, his provision of affordable health care and his often brutal “war” on drugs. The latter hate him for his alleged corruption, questionable business deals and cavalier attitude to human rights and freedom of the media.

When his telecommunications and media conglomerate, Shin Corporation, was sold tax-free to the Singaporean Government in January for £1.14 billion, it was the last straw for his opponents, who organised ever larger demonstrations calling for his resignation.

Mr Thaksin responded by dissolving Parliament and calling a general election to allow the people to pass their verdict on him. The main opposition parties accused him of using Thailand’s constitution as a means of whitewashing his own corruption, and boycotted the election, which is scheduled for April 2.

Mr Thaksin has vowed to campaign on anyway, but constitutional technicalities mean that even if the election does go ahead, it promises to result in a legal and political mess. To choose a new prime minister, all 500 newly elected MPs must be present, but for several reasons this is unlikely.

Mr Premsak’s resignation from the list of Thai Rak Thai’s 100 proportional representation candidates is one of them — none of the minor parties contesting the election is likely to achieve the 1.5 million votes necessary to win any of these seats, meaning that at least one will remain unoccupied.