2007 Thai general election

none Thailand parliamentary 2006 Thai general election 2006 2011 Thai general election 2011 All 480 seats in the House of Representatives 241 23 December 2007 44,002,593 72.40% ( 7.63pp) Constituency vote % and swing Proportional vote % and swing Samak Sundaravej.JPG 190 120 160 0 37 Samak Sundaravej People's Power Party (Thailand) 233 26,971,230 36.09% 12,338,903 39.84% Abhisit Vejjajiva 2009 official (cropped).jpg 160 120 160 10 20 Abhisit Vejjajiva Democrat Party (Thailand) 164 22,128,334 29.61% 12,148,504 39.23% Banharn Silpa-archa (cropped).jpg 180 120 160 0 25 Thai Nation Party Banharn Silpa-archa 34 6,486,553 8.68% 1,213,532 3.92% Suwit Khunkitti (9to12).jpg 130 120 160 0 5 Suwit Khunkitti Puea Pandin 24 6,647,193 8.89% 1,596,500 5.16% NDP Neutral Democratic Party Anongwan Thepsuthin Neutral Democratic Party 12 3,912,330 5.23% 450,382 1.45% 2007 Thai General Election Result.svg A map presenting the results of the election. Prime Minister Prime Minister-designate Surayud Chulanont Independent (CNS) Samak Sundaravej People's Power Party (Thailand) General elections were held in Thailand on 23 December 2007. They were the first elections after the Council for National Security, a military junta, had overthrown Thailand's elected government and abrogated the constitution on 19 September 2006.https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna14916631 Thai coup leader: No vote for another year 20 September 2006 NBC News Bangkok The junta had canceled general elections scheduled for October 2006 and promised new elections within 12 months. The Constitutional Tribunal then outlawed the Thai Rak Thai party, the largest political party in Thailand, and banned TRT executives from contesting in the elections for five years. After their political party had been dissolved, the former TRT members regrouped under the band of People's Power Party (PPP) led by Samak Sundaravej, a seasoned politician. Following its formation, the junta issued a classified order to suppress the activities of the PPP and to frame it for lèse majesté. The order was leaked to the public, leading to a complaint towards the Election Commission from the PPP. However, the Election Commission dismissed the complaint on the grounds that the Council for National Security (CNS) had granted itself immunity in the 2007 Constitution of Thailand. Bangkok Post http://www.bangkokpost.com/election2007/131207/election_131207_02.html Poll agency clears CNS for role in issuing classified order 2007-12-13 2010-10-11 The junta deployed 200,000 soldiers and police officers to maintain security and 1,500 officers to supervise after election fraud. Charnchai Silapauaychai, a popular former Democrat Party member from Phrae who switched to the PPP for the 2008 election, was assassinated. Five men, one of them cousin of a powerful Democrat Party MP were arrested, but all denied involvement.IHT, Thailand to deploy 200,000 police and soldiers for post-coup elections https://web.archive.org/web/20081208010454/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/17/asia/AS-GEN-Thailand-Election-Security.php 2008-12-08 , 17 December 2007 Despite being the junta's target for suppression, the PPP won 233 out of 480 parliamentary seats, close to controlling the majority in the House of Representatives. The Democrat Party came in a distant second with 165 seats, followed by Chart Thai with 37, For the Motherland with 24, Ruam Jai Thai Chat Pattana with 9, the Neutral Democratic Party with 7, and Pracharaj with 5. Timing Although the junta initially scheduled the elections within 12 months after the September 2006 coup, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Thirapat Serirangsan later announced that the elections might not occur until one year and five months, which would put the election in February or March 2008.The Nation, Drafting new charter 'may take 17 mths' https://web.archive.org/web/20070930004950/http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/18/politics/politics_30016453.php 2007-09-30 , 18 October 2006 On the other hand, the chairman of the Constitution Drafting Council, Noranit Sethabutr, said in January that the timetable was to hold a constitutional referendum in August and elections between October and December; any problems in drafting the constitution or ratifying it through the referendum would delay the election date.http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411749/957929 Thai elections expected at year end 12 January 2007 Reuters Television New Zealand 19 November 2011 This timetable was later tightened even further, with elections planned by the end of September 2007. A preliminary date was set in March 2007 for the elections to be held on 16 December 2007 or 23 December 2007.Beth Jinks and Suttinee Yuvejwattana, "Thai Election in December, Referendum by September", Bloomberg.com, 29 March 2007. After the constitutional referendum, it was announced that the most likely date would be 23 December,Suttinee Yuvejwattana, "Thai King Approves Constitution, Allowing Election", Bloomberg.com, 24 August 2007. which was formally agreed upon on 27 August 2007.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6965194.stm Thailand sets date for election BBC News 27 August 2007 Electoral system right|thumb|Map of electoral areas With the new constitution the number of MPs was reduced to 480, with 400 elected directly by the 157 constituencies and 80 elected by proportional votes in each of the eight electoral areas. Depending on the size of the population, each constituency may have up to three MPs.A proportional Election System for Thailand http://www.kpi.ac.th/public_files/mod_news/File/KPIProportionalElectionedMN.doc Michael H. Nelson DOC https://web.archive.org/web/20080626043512/http://www.kpi.ac.th/public_files/mod_news/File/KPIProportionalElectionedMN.doc 26 June 2008 KPI Thai Politics Up-dateMinistry of Foreign Affairs' Special Bulletin Countdown towards the General Election http://www.mfa.go.th/internet/news/22293.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080216060358/http://www.mfa.go.th/internet/news/22293.pdf 2008-02-16 Early voting started on 15 December 2007.Early voting of Thai general election begins http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6321461.html December 15, 2007 The eight electoral areas were designed such that they contain equal numbers of population. Area 1: 11 provinces with 7,615,610 population - Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet Area 2: 9 provinces with 7,897,563 population - Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Phetchabun, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Lop Buri, and Uttaradit Area 3: 10 provinces with 7,959,163 population - Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Loei, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Nong Bua Lamphu, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, and Amnat Charoen Area 4: 6 provinces with 7,992,434 population - Roi Et, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, and Buri Ram Area 5: 10 provinces with 7,818,710 population - Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Pathum Thani Area 6: 3 provinces with 7,802,639 population - Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan Area 7: 15 provinces with 7,800,965 population - Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram Area 8: 12 provinces with 7,941,622 population - Surat Thani, Phang Nga, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Phuket, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala right|thumb|Constituency ballot Competing political parties Some of the political parties contesting in this election, covering 157 constituencies and 80 party-list seats, are: People's Power Party (Phak Palang Prachachon) led by Samak Sundaravej. Democrat Party (Phak Prachatipat) led by Abhisit Vejjajiva. Thai Nation Party (Phak Chart Thai) led by Banharn Silpa-Archa. For the Motherland (Phak Pua Paendin) led by Suwit Khunkitti th สุวิทย์ คุณกิตติ. Thais United National Development Party (Phak Ruam Jai Thai Chat Pattana) led by Chettha Thanajaro th เชษฐา ฐานะจาโร. Neutral Democratic Party (Phak Matchima Thippathai) led by Prachai Leophai-ratana. Royalist People's Party (Phak Pracha Raj) led by Sanoh Thienthong. Opinion polls An opinion poll in late August saw the Democrat Party in the lead with 43.0%, followed by the People's Power Party with 20.7% and Thais United with 7.7%."Thais Want Democrats to Form Government", Angus Reid, September 11, 2007. A poll from November 2007 saw the PPP lead with 39%, followed by the Democrat Party with 32%, the Thai Nation Party with 10%, the Neutral Democratic Party with 9% and For the Motherland with 5%.Former Ruling Party Spin-Off First in Thailand http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/28993/former_ruling_party_spin_off_first_in_thailand 2007-11-15 Angusreid Global Monitor usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20071213203649/http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/28993/former_ruling_party_spin_off_first_in_thailand 2007-12-13 However, another poll from late November saw the Democrat Party lead with 43% to the PPP's 24%.Thais Want Former Opposition Leader as PM http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/29162/thais_want_former_opposition_leader_as_pm 2007-11-27 Angusreid Global Monitor usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20071213203654/http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/29162/thais_want_former_opposition_leader_as_pm 2007-12-13 Results Two exit polls gave the PPP a clear first place, with either 256 to the Democrats' 162 seats (giving them an absolute majority of the 480 seats) or with 202 to the Democrats' 146. Four smaller parties also took seats. While the Democrats acknowledged their election defeat and stated it was the PPP's right to form the government, it is unclear what the military will do now, as the PPP is based mostly on former TRT supporters.Polls: Thaksin Allies Win in Thailand https://www.theguardian.com/worldlatest/story/0,,-7174185,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20071224045248/http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-7174185,00.html 2007-12-24 2007-12-23 Guardian Unlimited LondonThaksin-linked party claims 'victory for democracy' in Thai polls https://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2007/12/23/afx4470687.html 2007-12-23 Forbes dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071224020552/http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2007/12/23/afx4470687.html December 24, 2007 The preliminary final results gave the PPP 226 seats, the Democrat Party 166 seats and Chart Thai 39 seats. For the Motherland got 26 seats, Ruam Jai Thai Chat Pattana 10, the Neutral Democratic Party 7 and Pracharat 4 seats. Thaksin ally wins Thai election https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7158354.stm 2007-12-23 BBC News According to final results, the PPP won 233 seats, the Democrat Party 165 seats and Chart Thai 37 seats. For the Motherland got 24 seats, Ruam Jai Thai Chat Pattana 9, the Neutral Democratic Party 7 and Pracharat 5 seats.Thai general election results announced http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/25/content_7310435.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080102090801/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/25/content_7310435.htm dead January 2, 2008 2007-12-25 Xinhua News Agency File:Thai House of Representatives composition (2007).svg Proportional Constituency People's Power Party 12338903 34 26971230 199 233 Democrat Party 12148504 33 22128334 131 164 Puea Pandin Party 1596500 7 6647193 17 24 Thai Nation Party 1213532 4 6486553 30 34 Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party 740461 1 3482904 8 9 #FFEF00 Neutral Democratic Party 450382 1 3912330 11 12 Pracharaj Party 408851 0 1675205 4 4 #FF8C00 Farmer Network of Thailand Party 180575 0 204191 0 0 New Aspiration Party 159117 0 198176 0 0 Thai Pen Thai Party 137518 0 279674 0 0 Thai Farmer Party 128006 0 35589 0 0 Prachamati Party 115404 0 329290 0 0 Rakmuangthai Party 88918 0 31403 0 0 Thai Rum Ruay Party 62802 0 247682 0 0 Farmer Force Party 61503 0 33034 0 0 Power Ground Party 43040 0 20419 0 0 Pattana Prachathippatai Party 40633 0 21366 0 0 Thai Citizen Party 28163 0 292297 0 0 Moral Party 28027 0 10970 0 0 Dumrongthai Party 11477 0 25276 0 0 Palang Pandin Thai Party 10829 0 38106 0 0 Chatsamuccee Party 6961 0 12653 0 0 Independent Party 6904 0 27338 0 0 Thai Law Jurisprudence Party 6730 0 2491 0 0 Ratsadonrakthai Party 5297 0 Num Vidhi Party 5124 0 12339 0 0 Labour Party 4323 0 Mahachon Party 2248 0 11428 0 0 Sangkomdhibataya Party 1216 0 Yudi Misuk Party 973 0 Kirs Thai Maankong Party 577 0 2933 0 0 Siam Santi Party 27783 0 0 Voices of the People Party 21670 0 0 Puen Kasetthai Party 9890 0 0 Sri Siam Party 7079 0 0 Kasikorn Thai Party 6540 0 0 Prachachati Party 6143 0 0 Powthai Party 5730 0 0 Siam Party 4415 0 0 Utopia Party 3557 0 0 Rak Thai Party 3180 0 0 Social Thai Party 1661 0 0 Social Democratic Front Party 932 0 0 Blank votes 935306 1499707 y 30033504 30438386 1823436 837775 44002593 44002593 Election Commission By province ProvinceTotalseatsSeats wonPPPDemTNPPPDRJTCPNDPPRP Amnat Charoen211Ang Thong22Bangkok36927Buriram1091Chachoengsao431Chai Nat22Chaiyaphum752Chanthaburi33Chiang Mai11911Chiang Rai88Chonburi88Chumphon33Kalasin66Kamphaeng Phet523Kanchanaburi532Khon Kaen1111Krabi33Lampang55Lamphun33Loei44Lopburi5311Mae Hong Son211Maha Sarakham66Mukdahan211Nakhon Nayok211Nakhon Pathom541Nakhon Phanom431Nakhon Ratchasima16565Nakhon Sawan712211Nakhon Si Thammarat1010Nan33Narathiwat51121Nong Bua Lamphu33Nong Khai66Nonthaburi642Pathum Thani642Pattani422Phang Nga22Phatthalung33Phayao33Phetchabun6411Phetchaburi33Phichit4121Phitsanulok523Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya541Phrae33Phuket22Prachinburi321Prachuap Khiri Khan33Ranong11Ratchaburi51211Rayong44Roi Et871Sa Kaeo33Sakon Nakhon77Samut Prakan77Samut Sakhon312Samut Songkhram11Saraburi422Satun22Sing Buri11Sisaket9711Songkhla88Sukhothai4211Suphan Buri55Surat Thani66Surin972Tak33Trang44Trat11Ubon Ratchathani114331Udon Thani1010Uthai Thani22Uttaradit33Yala312Yasothon4112Area 110541Area 2105311Area 310721Area 4106211Area 51034111Area 610451Area 710352Area 810181Total4802331653724975Source: National Assembly Aftermath Disqualifications A number of MPs (mainly those elected for the PPP) were given so-called "red cards" for suspected vote-buying, meaning they will not be able to contest the resulting by-elections, while other MPs issued with "yellow cards" are not banned from contesting such by-elections.3 elected candidates of winning party "yellow-carded" http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/6327256.html 2007-12-26 People's Daily Online By 2008-01-03, the Election Commission had endorsed 397 MPs and was still investigating 83 MPs for fraud.Thai election agency endorses 397 candidates winning general election People's Daily Online By-elections were held on 13 January, 17 January, 20 January (the day before the first session of the newly elected parliament) and 27 January 2008.Thai election agency completes filling House seats People's Daily Online The Electoral Commission was still looking into allegations of fraud by PPP deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyaphairat; if he is given a red card, the PPP faces dissolution. PPP officials have stated that they are not worried over the possible dissolution, and that they would simply find a new party instead; local reports state that a likely candidate for takeover by PPP members would be the Thai Land Power Party (Palang Pandin Thai Party).zh Thailand starts by-elections in Northeast_English_Xinhua Disqualified were: PPP red cards for Prakit Poldej, Pornchai Srisuthiyothin, Rungroj Thongsri – Buri Ram Province Constituency 1Bangkok Post: Top Stories yellow cards for Boonlert Krudkhunthod, Linda Cherdchai, Prasert Jantararuangtong – Nakhon Ratchasima Province Constituency 3MCOT English News : Nakhon Ratchasima Constituency 3 set to hold by-election Jan 13 https://web.archive.org/web/20090626215621/http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=2145 2009-06-26 yellow card for Thanatorn Losunthorn – Lampang Province Constituency 1Poll agency issues yellow card to fourth PPP elected candidate yellow cards for Surathin Phimarnmekhin, Anan Sriphan, Cherdchai Wichianwan – Udon Thani ProvinceThai election agency issues more yellow cards to winning candidates People's Daily Online yellow cards for Prasop Busarakham and one other MP, with Busarakham's card changed to red laterThai election agency disqualifies poll winner candidate People's Daily Online – Udon Thani Province Constituency 3Thai election agency disqualifies more winning candidates People's Daily Online Thai Nation Party red cards for two MPs – Chai Nat Province Democrat Party yellow card for Suthat Jansaengsi – Phetchabun Province For the Motherland Party yellow cards for two MPsThailand starts third round by-elections People's Daily Online Government formation In January 2008, a coalition government was announced bringing together the PPP and the five smallest parties. The Democrat Party became the sole opposition party.Thailand's Supreme Court clears way for PPP to form coalition gov't https://web.archive.org/web/20080925224458/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/19/content_7449589.htm 2008-09-25 , Xinhua, 2008-01-19. Retrieved 2008-01-19. See also Elections in 2007 References External links Exit polls indicate pro-Thaksin party lead in Thai election Category:General elections in Thailand Thailand General Category:December 2007 elections Category:December 2007 in Thailand