PPP must play by the rules

Today's General News - Wednesday December 12, 2007

DATELINE BANGKOK

PPP must play by the rules

Thai Rath Editorial _ Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is in the news once again, thanks to the recent uproar over his website and the distribution of a videoclip in which the ex-premier allegedly urges his supporters to vote for the People Power party. Political activist Veera Somkhwamkid said he had obtained a VCD containing Mr Thaksin's statement from a PPP member.

The VCD allegedly implies that the ex-premier was behind the formation of the PPP after his Thai Rak Thai party was dissolved by the Constitution Tribunal last May. According to Mr Veera, 5 million copies of the VCD have been distributed to political canvassers in northern and northeastern provinces.

Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham said it is illegal for a party or its candidates to give or offer to give any benefits to the electorate. Fellow Commissioner Sumet Upnisakorn said the PPP might have violated the Election Act, which bars former executive members of a dissolved party from political activities. The EC must speed up its investigation into this matter, which should serve as a lesson for all parties contesting the Dec 23 general election. The EC is in charge of organising a free and fair election, while the political parties must abide by the Election Act.

In a democratic society, everyone must respect the regulations designed to promote political transparency and fair play. Political parties aspiring for power must play by the rules.

The PPP is comprised mostly of former members of the disbanded TRT. For their own sake, PPP candidates must refrain from actions that may land them or their party in hot water. The Constitution Tribunal has already set a precedent by dissolving the TRT for electoral fraud.

Bangkok Post