Barkar Nash – Page 988

Vote-buying petition filed against Pheu Thai candidate

On: May 7, 2023

Villagers from Ban Non Ruang in tambon Ban Kho of Khon Kaen’s Muang district are seen at the office of the provincial election committee on Sunday, where they filed a petition accusing a Pheu Thai Party candidate of vote-buying. (Photo: Chakrapan Natanri)

KHON KAEN: A group of villagers from a village in Muang district of this northeastern province filed a petition with the provincial election committee on Sunday morning, accusing a Pheu Thai Party candidate of vote-buying.

The villagers from Ban Non Ruang village in tambon Ban Kho of Muang district were accompanied by Pongsak Songnok, the village headman, and a lawyer, when they submitted the petition to Vachara Seesarn, director of the office of the Khon Kaen election committee.

Photos and video clips of money being handed over to villagers who turned up for the speech by a Pheu Thai candidate at a rally in the village were reportedly handed over to Mr Vachara.

After the petition was officially accepted, investigators at the Khon Kaen election office immediately started questioning the petitioners in an investigation room. Outsiders and members of the media were not allowed.

Mr Pongsak, the village chief, said he accompanied the villagers to give them moral support. The election committee was now in an investigation process, he added.

The lawyer, who asked not to be named, said he was acting as a legal advisor to the villagers who witnessed the alleged fraud.

Mr Vachara, director of the provincial election committee, said the petition was now being examined and the petitioners had been kept as witnesses. The documents and evidence submitted would be examined and the witnesses would be further investigated to establish whether the accusation had grounds.

Advance voting underway nationwide

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 7, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Advancing voting has been underway throughout the country on Sunday ahead of the May 14 election – with the highest number of voters – 52,771 – having registered to cast their votes at Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok’s Hua Mak area.

People who have registered for advance voting can cast their votes at designated polling stations nationwide from 8am – 7pm.

The Royal Thai Police Office has set up a security and peace maintenance cetre for elections under the supervision of deputy national police chief Pol Gen Roy Ingkapairote.

Pol Lt Gen Nithithorn Jintakanon, the centre’s spokesman, said all police stations where advance voting is taking place have been instructed to facilitate traffic in their areas of responsibility while voters should plan their travel ahead.

Throughout the country, there are 26 polling stations where more than 20,000 voters have registered to cast their votes – 11 in Bangkok and 15 in other provinces.

The 11 polling units with more than 20,000 registered advance voters in Bangkok are: Ramkhamhaeng University, Hua Mak – 52,711; 5th Floor of Siam Paragon shopping centre, Pathumwan – 40,787; Huay Khwang district office – 28,344; Bang Khen district office – 26,288; Thailand-Japan Youth Centre, Din Daeng – 25,383; Lat Krabang district office – 25,258; Bang Na district office – 24,661, G Floor parking area of Central Phra Ram 2 – 23,112; parking area of Wat That Thong – 22,811; Chan Kasem Rajabhat University – 22,258; and Bang Sue district office – 21,490.

The 15 polling stations with more than 20,000 registered advance voters in other provinces are: Parking area, Samut Prakan’s city hall – 36,520; Nonthaburi city hall – 33,835; Chon Buri city hall – 32,149; Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre -31,220; Central Plaza, Ayutthaya – 27,649; Wat Klang Klong 3 School, Pathum Thani – 27,631; Bang Phli Ratbamrung School, Samut Prakan – 27,188; Bang Bo Withayakhom School, Samut Prakan – 27,188; Bung Siracha Pitayakhom School, Si Racha district, Chon Buri – 25,002; Khon Kaen International Convention and Exhibition Centre – 24,702: Panthong Chanupatham School, Chon Buri – 23,647; Samut Sakhon Withayalai School – 23,064; Central Plaza, Nakhon Ratchasima – 22,846; Tessaban Bansi Maharacha School, Si Racha district, Chon Buri – 22,288; and Bang Lamung School, Bang Lamuang district, Chon Buri – 20,737.

Traisuree Taisaranakul, a deputy government spokesperson, said eligible voters are required to show Thai national ID cards or other identification cards issued by state agencies such as driver’s licences and passports.

They can also show electronic identification cards using ThaiID app, DLT QR LICENCE app, or the application for people with disabilities.

Advance voters queue nationwide as temperatures soar

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 7, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Advance voters are seen at the Thai-Japanese youth centre in Din Daeng, Bangkok on Sunday. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)

Advance voters queued under the blistering sun outside temples, shopping centres and schools to cast their early ballots on Sunday ahead of the much-anticipated election on May 14.

The highest number of voters – 52,771 – registered to cast their advance ballots at Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok’s Hua Mak area.

People who have registered for advance voting can cast their votes at designated polling stations nationwide from 8am – 5pm.

More than two million Thais nationwide are registered to vote early ahead of the kingdom’s May 14 election, which is shaping up to be a clash between army-backed establishment parties and resurgent opposition movements.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who took power in a 2014 coup before cementing control in a controversial 2019 election, has been languishing in opinion polls with voters favouring old-school opposition party Pheu Thai and the more radical Move Forward Party.

But with an electoral system seen by many as heavily stacked in favour of the army-backed parties, challengers must achieve a landslide victory to have any hope of forming the next government.

“I hope this election will change the country in a better way,” said shopping mall worker Srisuda Wongsa-ad, 28, after casting her ballot.

She was among hundreds queuing quietly at a polling station in the city’s fashionable Ekkamai district to vote at the Wat That Thong temple, overlooked by golden standing buddhas.

“I am voting for a candidate and party that I like, that can answer my needs,” she said, adding that she was voting early as it was more convenient for her.

Elsewhere in the city, the Royal Paragon Hall shopping centre was packed with voters, albeit cooler ones, enjoying the complex’s air conditioning.

Despite the early hour, temperatures across the capital were soaring and expected to hit 39 degrees Celsius later Sunday.

But crowds were still out in force, with traffic and congestion around busy polling stations.

“I am quite excited,” said first-time voter Pasawee Sriarunothai, 20, who will be out of Bangkok on May 14.

“I decide to cast my vote based on the party’s policies, and I hope this election will bring the country a better future,” Ms Pasawee said.

An additional 100,000 Thais living overseas will also vote early, with some having already done so.

More than 52 million citizens are eligible to vote in this election.

The Royal Thai Police Office has set up a security and peace maintenance centre for elections under the supervision of deputy national police chief Pol Gen Roy Ingkapairote.

Alcohol sales are banned nationwide until 6pm.

Throughout the country, there are 26 polling stations where more than 20,000 voters have registered to cast their votes – 11 in Bangkok and 15 in other provinces.

They can also show electronic identification cards using ThaiID app, DLT QR LICENCE app, or the application for people with disabilities.

People cast their votes in Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi on Sunday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Conscription blues

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 6, 2023

In: South-East Asia

measuring up: Young men undergo a physical check-up during a military conscription call-up in Bang Khuntian district, Bangkok.

The issue of compulsory military service has gained national attention in the lead-up to the May 14 polls, with several parties pledging to end it in favour of voluntary enlistment if elected as the next government.

In Thailand, serving in the armed forces is considered a national duty under the law. Physically fit men at the age of 21 must undergo military service for up to two years.

Party proposals to scrap conscription have struck a chord with many voters who see compulsory military service as a hindrance to the pursuit of personal interests and career opportunities.

They also associate it with poor welfare, labour abuse and harsh treatment.

The Defence Ministry insists it has heard the call to end conscription and put in place a programme to switch to voluntary enlistment.

However, it has only met 30–40% of the quota, and the need for conscription to make up the shortage remains.

Maintaining national defence

According to Gen Kongcheep Tantravanich, spokesman for the Defence Ministry, the military needs about 100,000 new recruits each year to help fill various posts.

After 10 weeks of basic training, about 30,000 conscripts, or one-third of new recruits, are sent to fill seven border defence units, including those in the South, he said.

The rest of the recruits are sent to various units of the three armed forces, the Defence Ministry and the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, and their roles are assigned according to their units, such as those mitigating the threat of drugs and cybercrime or engaging in disaster relief operations.

“When there is a flood or fire near a military unit, these conscripts can be relied on to help people in distress, although it isn’t their core mission,” Gen Kongcheep said.

He said the number of people volunteering to join the military has gradually increased from about 20% to 35–40% over the recent years. During conscription season this year, a total of 35,617 people, or 38% of the quota, have joined voluntarily, he said. The rest are recruited through the conscription draw.

Responding to claims there are too many conscripts, the spokesman said only one-fifth, or 100,000 out of 500,000 soldiers, are drafted each year.

Those who do not want to enter service can undergo territorial defence training, known as Ror Dor, for three years to be exempted from the draft, he said.

Former army commander Gen Apirat Kongsompong relaxed some of the rules and cut back on physical training to encourage students to join Ror Dor training.

Transition to voluntary system

The army offers incentives to attract new volunteers, including job opportunities, said Maj Gen Sirichan Ngathong, deputy spokeswoman for the army.

Conscripts who are about to leave the service can apply to continue as non-commissioned officers, while those who apply at an army sergeant school are awarded extra points, she said.

About 4,000 positions in the army are available for conscripts who are about to be discharged, she said.

In addition, the army provides vocational training for conscripts who want to leave after fulfilling their military obligations, she said, adding the army has joined hands with the Department of Skill Development, the Department of Employment and the private sector to find jobs and boost employment opportunities.

According to Maj Gen Sirichan, people aged 18–22 are also allowed to apply to join the military, not just those who are 21 — the group legally required to report for duty.

Those who sign up can apply online and choose units in their home provinces, she said.

Regarding welfare, the army has improved the living conditions of conscripts, adding they are considered “the army’s youngest brothers”.

Abuse scandals

Media reports of assault and abuse stir controversy with the conscription system, according to a source.

Although scandals involving hazing or labour abuse are less frequent, when a scandal erupts, it casts the armed forces in a bad light, making military service less attractive, the source said.

Compulsory enlistment is seen as depriving people of their opportunities to pursue their interests or make money to support their families.

While conscripts are given salaries and allowances, the amount is not enough, and some complain about their food allowance being embezzled.

The armed forces have implemented measures to address these issues, such as directly transferring money to conscript accounts, creating Line groups for conscripts to stay in contact with their families and opening barracks for family visits.

Gen Kongcheep insisted there is no such thing as “servants” in the military, but said there are thurakarn conscripts who perform tasks and errands as their official duty, and they do not run personal errands for officers.

“Thurakarn conscripts are not given jobs like doing laundry or household chores. If this happens, the unit commander will be held accountable,” he said.

However, an army source said the practice of assigning one or two conscripts to work at the houses of senior officers remains and their tasks include doing laundry, cooking and driving.

According to the source, some conscripts, after completing basic training, prefer being assigned as aides to officers because they want to avoid more training, with a chance of being given extra allowances or considered for work after being discharged.

“If their bosses are high-ranking officers, they can expect other benefits and support. It is a deep-rooted practice in the military,” said the source.

However, this could change due to growing calls for the abolition of conscription and the downsizing of conscription numbers.

Avoid hate speech

Politicians and the armed forces may have to sit down for talks and find a consensus when it comes to downsizing the number of troops, according to Gen Kongcheep.

He said both should define the scope of national security and see if their definitions match because there are several dimensions of national security, such as food and energy.

“Let’s say if we want to build a fence for our house, we have to figure how high it should be to protect us from threats.

“If we agree on a 1-metre-high fence and somehow it can’t deal with the threat, it’s our responsibility,” he said.

The armed forces are scaling down troop numbers, but many must be maintained especially along the border, he said, adding the armed forces are looking for ways to boost voluntary enlistment.

“An important thing is to refrain from devaluing the military and spreading hate.

“People may not want to enter the service because they are afraid of being scorned. It is a profession that its members are proud of,” he said.

A source said some people only see the military in a bad light because of its intervention in politics.

He was asked about growing negative sentiment towards the military, especially on social media.

According to the source, anti-militarism appears to have grown following the 2014 coup led by then-army chief Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, whose prolonged stay in power is aided by the constitution.

Charles III finally wears the crown

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 6, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Prime minister hails ‘proud expression’ of British traditions

Historic ceremony: Britain’s King Charles III with the St Edward’s Crown on his head attends the Coronation Ceremony inside Westminster Abbey in central London yesterday.

LONDON: Charles III finally met his date with destiny yesterday after a lifetime as heir to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, as he was officially crowned king in the first coronation in Britain since 1953.

At exactly 12.02pm (11.02 GMT), the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed the solid gold St Edward’s Crown on King Charles’ head as a sacred and ancient symbol of the monarch’s authority.

Cries of God Save the King rang out from the 2,300-member congregation at Westminster Abbey and trumpet fanfares sounded at the climax of the solemn religious confirmation of his accession.

Outside, ceremonial gun salutes blasted out across land and sea while bells pealed in celebration at churches.

King Charles, 74, will wear the St Edward’s Crown only once during his reign. His wife, Queen Camilla, 75, was crowned queen in a simpler ceremony soon afterwards.

The build-up to the Christian ceremony of prayer and praise — steeped in 1,000 years of British history and tradition, with sumptuous robes and priceless regalia — has been mostly celebratory.

But even before King Charles and Queen Camilla left Buckingham Palace for a rainy procession to the abbey, police arrested dozens of protesters using new powers rushed onto the statute book to crack down on direct action groups.

The anti-monarchy movement Republic — which wants an elected head of state — said six of its organisers were detained, while climate activists Just Stop Oil said 19 of its number were held.

Nevertheless, dozens of Republic activists held aloft banners on the route of the procession route, declaring: “Not My King.”

Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International voiced concern at the arrests. “This is something you would expect to see in Moscow, not London,” HRW said.

London’s Metropolitan Police has some 11,500 officers on the streets in one of its biggest ever security operations. It has warned it has an “extremely low threshold” for protests.

As well as being the first coronation in 70 years, it was the first of a king since 1937. It was only the second to be televised and the first in colour and streamed online.

Much of the two-hour Anglican service, in which King Charles pledged “I come not to be served but to serve”, would have been recognisable to the 39 other monarchs crowned at Westminster Abbey since 1066.

But while many of the intricate rituals and ceremony to recognise King Charles as his people’s “undoubted king” remained, the king sought to bring other aspects of the service up to date.

Female bishops and choristers participated for the first time, as did leaders of Britain’s non-Christian faiths, while its Celtic languages — Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic — featured prominently.

A gospel choir sang for the first time at a coronation while a Greek choir intoned a psalm in tribute to Charles’s late father, Prince Philip, who was born on the island of Corfu.

As king, Charles is supreme governor of the Church of England and has described himself as a “committed Anglican Christian”.

But he heads a more religiously and ethnically diverse country than the one his mother inherited in the shadow of World War II.

As such, he sought to make the congregation more reflective of British society, inviting ordinary members of the public to sit alongside heads of state and global royalty.

In another change, the coronation themes mirrored his lifelong interest in biodiversity and sustainability.

King Charles was anointed out of sight of the congregation behind a three-sided screen in front of the High Altar, to the strains of Handel’s soaring anthem Zadok the Priest, sung at every coronation since 1727.

Rishi Sunak — Britain’s first prime minister of colour, who gave a reading from the Bible at the service — has described the coronation as “a proud expression of our history, culture and traditions”.

King Charles’ eldest brother Prince Andrew — sidelined due to his friendship with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein — was booed as he headed to the abbey.

Another royal exile, Prince Harry, who has criticised the family since leaving for the US in 2020, attended the coronation on his own. AFP

MFP popularity is no surprise, says Pannikar

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 6, 2023

In: South-East Asia

The growing popularity of the Move Forward Party (MFP) is not just a trend, says spokeswoman of the Progressive Movement Pannikar Wanich.

Those voters who are now being counted by the pollsters were always interested in the party without being influenced by the current online wave of publicity, she said. The party is doing increasingly well in polls amid significant buzz.

Speaking at a rally in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district yesterday, she cited the large number of attendees as evidence of the party’s broad appeal to voters.

“This means the MFP can get more votes in this election than the [now-dissolved] Future Forward Party did in the last,” said Ms Pannikar.

Ms Pannikar also said the MFP is ready to govern but still has a fall-back party in ready in case it, too, is dissolved.

The spokeswoman added that an over-idealistic belief in capitalism could sometimes block a country’s development, and could lead to parties prioritising anything but the needs of the voters who lifted them to power.

To eliminate that mindset, the MFP promises not to forget its “debt” to the public, said Ms Pannikar.

‘Think for yourself,’ says PPRP

The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) does not buy into the idea of strategic voting and hopes voters will make up their own minds, says one of its election chiefs.

Sakoltee Phattiyakul, a member who is in charge of the party’s election strategy, claimed at a rally in Lat Phrao district yesterday that the notion of strategic voting, along with recent poll results, had the psychological effect of encouraging voters to vote for those who were more popular.

He said the idea came from an institute that does not have a neutral voice, which might affect the choice of the voters.

The PPRP had also conducted its own polls; however, the decision is solely in voters’ hands, not pollmakers’, Mr Sakoltee said.

“With that said, we suggest you try to choose reliable sources for your media and then cast your vote for whichever candidate you like the most without caring about any polls or strategies,” added Mr Sakoltee.

Mr Sakoltee also talked about the party’s take on the traffic problem in Huai Khwang and Wang Thonglang districts, where the Yellow Line project was covered, as well as their public health policy.

Varawut not in the minority

The Chartthaipattana Party yesterday opposed talk of a minority government taking office after the polls, saying such a coalition would be short-lived and likely to result in House dissolution in less than a year.

“It is also a waste of money and time. The national administration would be disrupted as the country goes on hold,” said party leader Varawut Silpa-archa.

He also rejected talk about the emergence of two opposing political camps, saying the focus on coalitions should wait until after the May 14 election.

Mr Varawut, accompanied by his sister and chief adviser, Kanchana, and his mother, Khunying Jaemsai, yesterday led party-list candidates to meet people in U Thong district in Suphan Buri, a party stronghold.

Cops to arrest alleged accomplices of ‘Aem Cyanide’

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 6, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Police will seek the arrest of those who helped suspected serial killer Sararat “Aem” Rangsiwuthaporn obtain cyanide, says deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn. The request for warrants will be made to the Criminal Court.

Pol Gen Surachate said yesterday Ms Sararat had purchased cyanide using other people’s names to avoid leaving traces. Police are sure there must have been accomplices who helped carry out Ms Sararat’s scheme. Police claim she used cynanide to poison and kill her victims.

However, he said that does not necessarily mean her ex-husband was involved. “We will have to look into the evidence before charging 1-2 accomplices for murder,” said Pol Gen Surachate.

Meanwhile, the death of Ms Sararat’s 15th alleged victim, Monthathip “Sai” Khao-in, was under the jurisdiction of the Thong Lor police. Officers will request a warrant in relation to this case soon. “We have been informed of a few suspicious deaths. Officers are investigating if they are related to Ms Sararat,” he said.

Even though Ms Sararat, now detained at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution in Bangkok, has not confessed, Pol Gen Surachate said police are certain the evidence they have is sufficient to prove her guilty. Police will meet tomorrow to discuss the case and also a revision of cyanide regulations.

A search as Ms Sararat’s house in Tha Maka district of Kanchanaburi on Friday found a back Honda Jazz without a licence plate.

Capital ‘ready’ for advance voting

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 6, 2023

In: South-East Asia

3,000 police deployed to maintain order

Advance voting will take place today for more than 800,000 people registered for early voting in Bangkok, with almost 3,000 security officers deployed to maintain order.

Pol Maj Gen Jirasant Kaewsaeng-ek, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), yesterday said security measures are in place for today’s voting.

A total of 1,421 polling stations have been arranged for 809,748 people registered for advance voting outside their constituencies, with 1,550 officers on security duty.

Another 54 polling stations have also been set up for 4,329 people registered for advance voting in their own constituencies, with 62 security officers deployed, Pol Maj Gen Jirasant said.

He said rapid response teams, officers assigned to investigate election law violations, and traffic police have also been put on duty, taking the total number of officers on standby for advance voting in Bangkok to 2,997.

Pol Maj Gen Jirasant said patrols have been stepped up to prevent vote-buying as well as the vandalism of campaign posters.

He added that on Thursday and Friday, police cracked down on crime, ahead of the advance voting today and election day on May 14.

A total of 231 wanted suspects were apprehended, while 88 were arrested on computer crime charges, he said.

Twenty-eight unlicenced firearms, 31 licensed firearms, 2,437 ammunition rounds, 25,740 methamphetamine pills and 196.14 grammes of crystal meth were also confiscated, he said.

Alcohol sales are banned nationwide until 6pm today, he said, adding betting on the outcome of the polls is also prohibited.

Pol Maj Gen Chokchai Ngamwong, another MPB deputy commissioner, said traffic congestion is expected around some polling stations where large numbers of people have registered for advance voting.

Ramkhamhaeng University will serve as a polling station for 52,771 people for the 14th constituency in Bang Kapi district, he said.

A total of 40,750 people have also registered for advance voting for the second constituency in Pathumwan district at a polling station at the Siam Paragon shopping mall.

For the sixth constituency in Din Daeng district, 25,383 people have registered for advance voting at the Thai-Japan Bangkok Youth Centre, Pol Maj Gen Chokchai said.

According to the Election Commission, 2,350,969 people have registered for early voting nationwide. There are 52,287,045 eligible voters in this poll.

Ex-monk nabbed on fraud rap

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 6, 2023

In: South-East Asia

A former monk, Phra Ajarn Khom Abhivaro, has been arrested, along with two others, for embezzling 180 million baht from Wat Pha Dhammakiri, the temple where he resides in Nakhon Ratchasima, according to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).

Mr Khom, 39, a former famous meditation expert, along with Wutthima, a former Phra Mor, 38, and Juthathip, 35 (surnames withheld) were arrested under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, said Pol Maj Gen Montri Thetkhan, the Crime Suppression Division commander, who is under the CIB, yesterday.

A police source said they were arrested mid-last week.

The CIB joined the case after they received a report from the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) into claims that Mr Khom collected temple donations for his own expenses.

One donation was given through Mr Wutthima (surname withheld), a former temple abbot, who passed the cash onto Ms Juthathip — Mr Khom’s sister.

Ms Juthathip put the money into Mr Khom’s bank account, while some other donations amounting to over 51 million baht were stored in foam boxes and suitcases at her house. The money has been seized by police.

The probe also found a 130-million-baht transaction that Mr Khom had managed to carve out from temple donations, bringing the total he embezzled to at least 180 million baht, the source said.

The suspects were accused of embezzlement and abuse of duty.

Ms Juthathip was also charged with receiving stolen goods, Pol Maj Gen Montri said.

Wissanu no fan of ‘possible’ minority govt

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 6, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Wissanu: Saying otherwise is lying

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has denied supporting the formation of a minority government after the May 14 election following heavy criticism from several quarters.

He insisted he had neither backed the idea nor signalled to anyone to do so.

“I only provided an explanation when reporters asked me about the matter,” he said.

“When reporters asked whether a minority government is possible, I said it is possible. If I said otherwise, I would be lying. But under normal circumstances, that should not happen.

“In principle, any party that wins a majority of House seats should have the right to form a government. But in the event of a deadlock, a minority government is possible.

“Moreover, even a prime ministerial candidate who is nominated by a party that fails to win a majority must still secure the most votes of support in parliament to win,” Mr Wissanu said.

“I hope the next government will be formed by a party that wins a majority of House seats so the business of running the country can proceed smoothly,” he said.

Politicians and academics say they strongly oppose any attempt to form a minority government after the May 14 election, warning this could spark street demonstrations culminating in another coup.

Critics said such a government is not stable and can lose in a vote of no-confidence or a vote on key financial bills.

The warning came after Mr Wissanu on Wednesday dismissed the possibility of a political vacuum or deadlock arising after the election.

However, he expressed concern the formation of a new government may take longer than usual.

His remarks came as polls show some of the front-running parties drawing closer in the popularity stakes.

While Mr Wissanu said he believes that any party that wins a majority of House seats could form a new government, he said there are some uncertainties which could result in the victorious party getting fewer seats and having to work instead to form a coalition government.

Barkar Nash (Page 988)