How the county's 400 constituencies would be divided if the election    were held December 27, 2004.

Total (400)    Thai Rak Thai    Democrat  Chat Thai  Mahachon
                            233                  94            47            26             
Source: Nation Group's local and political academics

....In the book, activists urge parties to adopt their policy recommendations, such as the community forest bill and setting up an independent consumer organisation, a review of free trade agreements (FTA), GMOs and privatisation of state enterprises.

Ravadee Prasertcharoensuk, Ngo-Cod chairwoman, said the government's populist approach fostered cronyism among villagers.

She said the government just distributed money without empowering grassroots people or ensuring they participated in decision-making.

At the same time, the Campaign for Popular Democracy said it would kick off a ``voting caravan'' campaign, to break the government's political monopoly.

Joint statement between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Thailand
George W Bush; Thaksin Shinawatra [2001]
....
The two leaders agreed that the scourges of terrorism,
narcotics trafficking, and other transnational threats demonstrate
the continued need for a robust alliance into the 21st century.
Highlighting their vibrant program of joint military exercises and
training, including co-hosting the largest multilateral military
exercise in Asia every year, the two leaders emphasized their
determination to strengthen and revitalize the alliance, while
working with partners throughout the region to combat common
threats.
...

'Friend' - you've got to say it with meaning!
by THEPCHAI YONG  - March 2nd 2004

Less than six months ago, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra believed he was on top of the world. The Apec summit he was hosting had his approval rating soaring in a way no political leader before him had ever seen.

His ambition to be recognised as a regional leader seemed to be within reach. Thaksin could even proudly count US President George W Bush as a friend. After all, the "major non-Nato ally" status accorded Thailand by Washington was probably the best deal Thaksin could bargain for in standing side by side with the US in its war against terrorism.
....
Even his "friend" George seems to be deserting him. The damning report on the human rights situation in Thailand issued by the US State Department last week had Thaksin fuming. The Thai leader, of course, never expected his good friend in Washington to treat him this way.

Thaksin and Bush probably have different definitions of the word "friend". As a superpower, the US considers countries to be friends only when they serve its economic and political interests. And Thaksin certainly is not naive enough not to know that. ...

Thaksin and Bush are like two peas in a pod
November 19, 2004      by Thanong Khanthong
....Bush won a second term on strong leadership, portraying himself as the one to save America from the threat of terrorism. He successfully drummed up nationalist sentiment, calling for Americans to rally behind his leadership. "Either you are with us or against us" is his message.
....
... with Thaksin emerging as a strong leader on the campaign trail, resembling Bush. He is calling for the Thai public to rally behind his leadership so he can deal with the South once and for all. In so doing, he believes that his job-approval rating in the eyes of the Thai public will lead Thai Rak Thai to victory with 370 seats.

Is there a country or a leader you don't rage??

"rational, logical rebuttal mode" equals=

I noticed you dodged the question Heir sTROLLer. Is there a country or a leader you don't rage??



That is all!

But then again it appears there are those of the world who think its their business what others, who they are not a party or a factor, do or don’t do.

Where I come, we call them busy bodied old ladies. They are usually 80 year ladies peering from behind blinds with binoculars gossiping with of the other grannies doing the same.

However, I couldn’t help but note there are those here, you know who who we see are always railing against the US and Bush who as well like to the do the same with current government of Thailand.

LOSERS: Political dynasties shown the door

Some long-established political families and their often tailor-made political parties bit the dust on Sunday

Their dash is done – many powerful families who ruled politics like feudal lords and barons for decades have been brutally excised by vengeful voters. ...

Analysis: Why Thaksin succeeds

Amid the overly simplistic talk of coming dictatorship and blanket English-language press condemnation of TRT and his tactics, the reasons behind the Thaksin phenomenon are lost. His popularity is dismissed by saying he fools voters or bribes them with handouts. The reality is more complex. Thaksin is in tune with the voters and appeals to them on many levels that are not always apparent (or even understandable) to non-Thais. What factors have allowed Thaksin to succeed?
....

Official results will be announced tomorrow....