Thai News

Despite elections being held over a month ago the Thai government has yet to form. The delay in formation stems from charges of electoral fraud and the inability to form a coalition government. The electoral commision is charging many of the PPP (People's Power Party, many of whom are former Thai Rak Thai members) with electoral fraud. The election was the first attempt to form a republic government after the military coup in September of 2006. The coup overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire politician, and his Thai Rak Thai party.

The PPP gained a landslide victory at the polls acquiring 187 seats out of 450. The democrat Party gained roughly 130 seats. A handful of PPP government electorates are being given red and yellow cards for vote buying and other unlawful activity. The Electoral Commission threatened to charge the PPP deputy leader with electoral fraud which would dissolve the party. More elections will be held on the 17th and 20th of this month. In the mean time the PPP is attempting to form a coalition government with the smaller parties. Yet no announcement has been made that a coalition has been reached.

Thaksin remains at large in England. His wife recently came back to thailand to face charges. While in office Thaksin took a harsh hand on the partying in thailand imposing curfews through out the cities and demanding severe sentences on drug offenses. Many Human Rights critics at the time said that Thaksin was involved in extrajudicial killings of innocent civilians. The civilians were claimed to be drug dealers by police.

In other news the mourning period for the late princess has been extended to 100 days.

An amusement park ride recently fell apart while children were on board. About twenty children were hurt, one of whom suffered spinal damage. The owner is attempting to sell the park.

Things here are okay. I've got a little cold so I've taken a day or two off from the gym. Tonight Wong and I are going to see Cloverfield.