EC, PM agree Dec 23 as election day

But failure to consult parties could invalidate poll, govt warned

Published on August 28, 2007

The general election will be held on December 23, Elec-tion Commission (EC) chairman Apichart Sukhagga-nond said yesterday after consulting with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

EC member Sodsri Sata-yathum, however, criticised Surayud and Apichart for announcing the election day without consulting the political parties. She warned that when the previous EC did the same thing, the April 2006 election was declared void by the Constitution Court.

Apichart said the meeting concluded that December 23 was the most proper day for holding the national poll. The EC will ask the government for Bt1.9 billion to run the election.

EC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaigarn said the election decree was expected to be effective by late October after being announced in the Royal Gazette.

MP candidates will be able to register by early November, he said.

Surayud said he would have to wait until three organic bills related to the election management became law before he handed the election decree for royal endorsement. The bills covering political parties, elections and the EC are now under readings of the National Legislative Assembly.

 

He said the vote would enable the existing caretaker civilian government to give way to a popularly elected government with a mandate to revive the economy and maintain national unity......

Full article : http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/28...es_30046777.php

 

 

As usual bars have to be closed. Persons wishing to vote have to travel to their registered address. I think that the massive influx of tourists for the Christian holiday season was not a factor in their deliberations.

 

 

WP: Here in the states, the 24th is Christmas Eve. They move it up in England and/or Pattaya?

Because all the bars will be closed...... Bondi Hotel PARTY..23 December

 

I'll advise which suite when I get there.... see you all (with notable exceptions)

Now was that the Alzheimer's or the Johnny Walker?

Because all the bars will be closed...... Bondi Hotel PARTY..23 December

 

Hi Jinks,

 

Serving cokes, soda, and . . .

 

I seem to recall something about no "parties" serving alcohol on election day -- there was a story going around a few years back about a farang being arrested for having a party on election eve night serving alcohol to other farangs in attendance -- true??? Who knows as such things both true and untrue tend to circulate in the expat community. Anyway, I did a google and found this in an old edition of Pattya Mail:

 

Election laws of municipalities (year) 2482, amended 2523, section 12CH states: “...as of 18:00 hours on the day before the election until the end of the day of the election, it is forbidden for anyone to sell, distribute, give away alcohol or have parties or social events that have alcohol served...” Section 76 states: “...whoever breaks this law is subject to a fine of no more than 10,000 baht or jail of no more than 1 year or both...” (emphasis added)

 

However, more recent articles seem to show the authorities seem to be enforcing only the "selling" of alcohol. Anyway, it appears the ban will be over with at 6pm on the 23rd (election day) -- it is the evening (after 6pm) of the 22nd that will be affected by the ban.

 

 

OK scrap that idea...... Maybe a non alcoholic orgee - me and 4 or 5 boys.