New Mandala

Manager Online reports that Samak Sundaravej will give a formal interview at the PPP party’s election headquarters at 8.30pm (Thailand time, 12.30 AM in Canberra). Samak hinted that the People Power Party had talked about forming a coalition government along with two other parties.�
Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejajiva seems increasingly accepting of the result shown by the exit poll predictions saying that the [...]

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New Mandala’s live coverage of Thailand’s 2007 general election began at 6 pm (Canberra time) on Sunday, 23 December.�
We are providing:
Latest count: Up-to-date information on results as they come to hand.
Analysis: New Mandala commentary on the election and its implications.  Throughout the night we will be discussing the implications of the results for the country.  Do [...]

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Readers will be interested to know that this is the 1000th New Mandala post since the site was launched on 16 June 2006.  Since then we have also received well over 7000 comments from readers.  Tonight will be a busy one for New Mandala, and for many of our regular contributors and commentators.  Once the [...]

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Voting is well underway in Thailand. Our live coverage will commence at 6 PM (Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time), one hour before voting closes. New Mandala readers can submit opinions, reports, analysis or images by email or by making comments on the special election coverage pages that we will make available at 6 PM. Background [...]

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On December 19, 2007, advertising trucks announced yet another supposedly non-partisan campaign event by members of the “House number 111″ group, especially the local hero, Chaturon Chaisaeng, and his political pal, Adisorn Piangket. Picture 1 shows such a truck parked near sala thai, while its driver played football with his friends on the adjacent multi-purpose [...]

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On December 15 and 16, 2007, advance voting took place. This concerned two groups of people. First, voters who live in Chachoengsao but have their residence registered in a different province. They could vote in Chachoengsao for candidates running in their home provinces. However, they had to apply with the provincial election commission (PEC) in [...]

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Sparked by comments made by Chalerm Yoobamrung, news media around the world are reporting that Thaksin will return to Thailand on 14 February 2008.
The only time I saw Thaksin in the flesh, his entourage – including heart-throb politico “Sam” Yuranan Pamornmontri – was beseiged by well-wishers carrying roses. 

Is this what Chalerm has in mind?

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International Conference on Shan Buddhism and Culture and Shan New Year Celebration at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
As I consider the Shan a little bit under-represented here on New Mandala, I would like to take this chance to report on a recent event in London.
On Saturday and Sunday, the 8th and 9th [...]

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A regular New Mandala reader has forwarded this important snippet:
Matichon 21 December 2007, p. 15
Interview with General Prem
Q. After the election, should everyone accept the result?
A. Of course. There are rules. These rules have to be accepted.
Q. Even were PPP to win the election and its leader Samak Sundaravej form the government, must the rules [...]

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This opinion piece appeard in  today’s Canberra Times.

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