2008 Thai political crisis

Thailand has been in political turmoil since mid-2008, with the elected government of Samak Sundaravej facing civil unrest from the right-wingFact|date=October 2008 People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in a bid to force the government to amend the constitution to reduce the proportion of elected representatives in Parliament and resign. Continued anti-government demonstrations in Bangkok by the PAD began in May 2008 and reached critical level in late August when Government House and several ministries were seized. A state of emergency was declared in Bangkok on 2 September.

On September 9, 2008, ruling on complaints by Senators and the Election Commission received in the summer of 2008, the Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej from office because he had inappropriately been involved in commercial enterprises.

The PAD had disbanded after the military coup in 2006 overthrew the elected government of Thaksin Shinawatra. The PAD re-established itself after Thaksin-affiliated parties, led by Samak Sundaravej, won the 2007 general election. In August and September 2008, PAD members seized the Government House [Bangkok Post, "No Quitting"] . They were joined by tens of thousands of members, including the Srivichai Warriors — the PAD’s paramilitary force — who barricaded themselves in with barbed wire, bamboo spikes, and an impromptu electric fence. [AFP, "Thai PM turns to parliament to defuse protest siege"] The Irrawaddy, "PAD Protesters, Police in Tense Standoff"] [The Nation, "Treason versus Civil Disobedience"] [The Star, "Thai-style democracy"] [Bangkok Post, "Electric shocks, sparks, drainage lids deter police"] PAD members and allies seized airports in Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai, blocked off major roads, and stopped train operations across the Kingdom. [Bangkok Post, "Airports still shut, trains not running"] Armed Srivichai Warriors seized a television broadcaster, the government-owned National Broadcasting Service of Thailand, as well as several government ministries.The Irrawaddy, [http://www.irrawaddy.org/article2.php?art_id=14055 PAD Protesters, Police in Tense Standoff] , 27 August 2008] [CNN, "Thai judges issue warrants to arrest protesters"] [The Nation, "Tolerance winning the day at Government House — for now"] Violence between PAD and anti-PAD protesters has, as of 3 September 2008, left dozens injured and one person of unknown political views dead. [The Star, "Thailand democracy at risk"] Various labor unions supporting the PAD threatened to shut off electricity, water, and water services, although they failed to follow up on their threats. [AP, "Strike by Thai anti-government forces falls flat"] The PAD has threatened that its wealthy backers would lead a massive bank run that could destabilize the Thai economy if the government does not give in to its demands. [The Straits Times, "I won't quit: Samak"]

2008 resumption of PAD protests

The Samak Sundaravej government, elected in the December 2007 general elections, has been under pressure to resign since May 2008, when the group known as the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which had staged massive street protests during the 2005–2006 Thai political crisis, resumed their demonstrations. They protested against the government’s proposals to amend the 2007 constitution, claiming that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his government are acting as a proxy for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in a 2006 coup following months of the group’s demonstrations. [Head, "Rifts behind Thailand’s political crisis"] Other issues have also been put forward by the PAD, including the government’s intransparencies in dealing with the Preah Vihear Temple, accusations which later led to the 2008 Cambodian–Thai stand-off. In late June, the opposition filed a no-confidence motion in parliament, which the government survived. The PAD itself proposed that the constitution be amended to reduce the proportion of elected members of Parliament. This would disenfranchise the rural population, which the PAD views as being insufficiently educated to vote for anti-Thaksin Shinawatra parties. The PAD demanded the resignation of the Samak government. Meanwhile, focus shifted to the trial of former prime minister Thaksin for corruption. His wife was found guilty of fraud, and in mid-August, the family fled to the United Kingdom, violating terms of bail. [Shen, "Thai former Prime Minister seeks asylum in United Kingdom"]

Invasion of Government House

Tensions escalated to crisis when on Tuesday 26 August the protesters invaded and occupied the grounds of the Government House, displacing the prime minister from his offices. [BBC, "Thai protesters 'want new coup'"] Another reportedly armed group attacked the headquarters of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, [Southeast Asian Press Alliance, "Thai protesters storm government-run TV station, cut off programming] while the offices of three ministries were also partially invaded. Major roads into Bangkok were blocked by PAD supporters. Prime Minister Samak remained defiant, refusing to resign, while also vowing not to violently remove the protesters. Despite a court warrant for the arrest of the PAD’s nine leaders and a Civil Court order to evacuate, the PAD remained firmly lodged in the government compound. [Wannabovorn, "Thai protest refuses order to leave gov't compound"] Friday 29th saw semi-violent clashes at various protest sites between protesters and riot police, who were still largely unable to control the group. [AFP, "Thai protesters, police scuffle as turmoil escalates"]

Transport infrastructure was disrupted beginning 29 August, with state railway workers refusing to work, partially disabling train services. PAD demonstrators occupied the runways of and closed down airports in the southern cities of Hat Yai, Phuket and Krabi. [Wannabovorn, "Pressure grows on Thai prime minister to resign"] (The airports later reopened on the 30th and 31st.) The State Enterprise Worker’s Union threatened to disrupt public infrastructure services including electricity, waterworks, airline, bus, port and communications services, beginning with police and government offices, on 3 September.

Prime Minister Samak called an emergency session of parliament on 31 August to resolve the issue, but refused to dissolve parliament as suggested by the opposition. [AFP, "Thai PM turns to parliament to try to defuse protests"] Meanwhile, anti-PAD protesters calling themselves the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship of Thailand (UDDT) began to gather in Sanam Luang.

tate of emergency

Early Tuesday 2 September, one week after the PAD began occupation of the Government House grounds, violence erupted as members of the UDDT clashed with the PAD in a melee involving firearms, resulting in 43 injuries and at least one death. Prime Minister Samak, by virtue of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation, BE 2548 (2005), declared a state of emergency in Bangkok at 07.00 hours of the following morning. [Gecker, "Thai premier declares emergency in capital"] The Declaration stated that:Government Gazette, "Declaration of the State of Emergency within the areas of Bangkok Metropolis"]

Sundaravej also put Gen Anupong Paochinda, Army Commander in Chief, in charge of the remedy of the said State of Emergency, and appointing Pol Gen Patcharavat Wongsuwan, National Police Commander in Chief, and Lt Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, 1st Army Area Commander as assistants to Gen Anupong. [Bangkok Post, "Samak and Anupong Sitting in a Tree..."] He also issued bans on the gathering or assemblage of more than five persons within Bangkok Metropolis; on the nationwide press release, distribution or dissemination of letters, publications or any other information containing the matters which may instigate apprehension amongst the people or is intended to distort information in order to mislead an understanding of the State of Emergency to the extent of affecting the security of state or public peace and order or good moral of the people; and on other matters which were a kind of public rights and liberties restriction. [Government Gazette, "The Order of the Prime Minister No. 195/2551"]

However, on the same day, Mr Nitithon Lamluea, a member of Thailand Lawyer Council’s Human Rights Committee, lodged with the Supreme Administrative Court a complaint against Prime Minister Samak accusing him of abuse of power as he imposed Bangkok with the State of Emergency, but the circumstances on 2 September were not what prescribed in the said Emergency Decree as the State of Emergency. The complaint also requested the Court to revoke the State of Emergency. [Thai Rath, "อนุพงษ์ชี้'ฉุกเฉิน' แค่ยุตินองเลือด ปัดภารกิจยึดทำเนียบคืน" ] Tej Bunnag, Minister of Foreign Affairs, resigned from office as he disagreed with the Government’s measures to remedy the crisis and he felt uneasy to represent the Government in giving the foreigners the explanation of the prevailing circumstances. [Thai Rath, "ข่าวลือสะพัด'เตช'ลาออก หนักใจตอบต่างประเทศ"] [Reuters, "Thai foreign minister quits as Bangkok protests drag on"]

On 14 September, the Government issued an Announcement revoking the State of Emergency throughout Bangkok together with all the pertinent announcements, orders and articles. [Financial Times, "Bangkok state of emergency lifted"] [UPI, "Bangkok state of emergency lifted"]

Disqualification of Premiership

Court decision

The Senate President lodged a complaint with the Constitutional Court of Thailand (ConCourt) on 2 June 2008, and the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) submitted a similar complaint 29 July 2008. The complaints requested the ConCourt to decide whether the premiership of Samak Sundaravej is terminated upon Section 91, Section 182 Paragraph One (7) and Section 267 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2007).

On 9 September 2008, 15.30 hours, the ConCourt with Justice Chat Chonlaworn sitting as the President rendered its decision as follows: [Constitutional Court, คำวินิจฉัยศาลรัฐธรรมนูญที่ 12-13/2551.]

1. The essence of the first complaint (Senators' Complaint) could be summarised as follows: as Sundaravej was a holder of the political position as a Prime Minister, he was under the subject of Section 267 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2007) prohibiting the Prime Minister and Ministers from having any position in a partnership, a company or an organisation carrying out business with a view to sharing profits or incomes or being an employee of any person. However, Sundaravej, who acknowledged the purpose of such Section so well, still worked for the Face Media Co., Ltd. as emcee of two cookery shows, "Chim Pai Bon Pai" (Tasting and Grumbling) and "Yok Khayong Hok Mong Chao" (All Set at 6am), and ceased from such works just when the ECT received a complaint concerning the case. Therefore, the Senators exercised their right under Section 91 requesting the President of the Senate to submit their complaint to the ConCourt to make a decision as said.

2. The essence of the second complaint (ECT’s Complaint) could be summarised as follows: On 17 April 2008, Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana lodged with the ECT a complaint that Sundaravej, pending his premiership, worked for Face Media Co., Ltd. which was a private company having commercial purpose. This was in breach of Section 267 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2007) and led to the termination of his premiership as of the date the said prohibited act was performed. The ECT has appointed an inquisitorial panel to look into the case and discovered that it was a "prima facie" case, so it unanimously resolved to forward the case to the ConCourt to make a decision as said.

3. Sundaravej, after having received a "quo warranto", represented to the accusation through submitting the letters dated 30 June, 14 August and 25 August of 2008 to the ConCourt, stated that:

* 3.1) he received no remuneration for being the emcee of both cookery TV programmes, but only 5,000 Baht as travelling costs.

* 3.2) he held no interests, shares or positions in the Face Media Co., Ltd. as well as received no salaries or other benefits from the said company.

* 3.3) as being the emcee of both programmes, he has been invited, not employed. This meant he was not an employee under the definition prescribed in the Labour Protection Act, BE 2541 (1998) and the Announcement of the Ministry of Interior Re: Labour Protection (No. 111).

* 3.4) as he has been seen on the said programmes after having assumed the premiership, those shows were pre-recorded for months and he has already ceased from being the emcee prior to having been in office.

4. The ConCourt considered that:

* 4.1) The spirit of this Constitution is to prevent against the conflict of interest which may cause the condition of misconduct—the condition compelled to choose between self-interest and public interest—to be occurred. Should a holder of the position offered by the public be mindful on his own interest beyond the public interest, he could conduct an abuse of his power. Therefor, the accomplishment of the spirit of the Constitution is not only to construct the term "employee" through the definition under the Civil and Commercial Code, the law on labour protection or the law on taxation, as each law contains different spirit and purposes of enforcement; as well as the siad laws are at the lower class than the Constitution. The term "employee" under the Constitution holds broader meaning than that of any other laws, and should be interpreted in a general path. For which the Official Dictionary of Thai Words by the Royal Institute, 1999 Version defined the term "employee" that "a person who works for any job; a person who agrees to work for other person, irrespective of how he is called."

* 4.2) Sundaravej gave an interview in the Sakul Thai Magazine vol 47 (Tuesday 23 October 2001) pp 37 that he was monthly paid 80,000 Baht for being the emcee of the said programmes. And pursuant to the letter Sundaravej replied to the Face Media Co., Ltd. on 25 December 2007 that he will do this work [being the emcee] without receiving anything as usual, this kind of letter has never been made by Sundaravej prior to being inquired by the ECT. As well as the affirmation of Sundaravej that he had received only the travelling costs from the Company was in contrary to the witnesses' testimonies and to the taxation evidences showing that what Sundaravej previously received was the payments for working, not only the travelling costs as he represented.

* 4.3) As Sundaravej defended himself that the programmes aired after he was in office were pre-recorded for months ago; however, in one of the said programmes Sundaravej stated that: "...Came again those people who wanted to find a person to replace Mr Samak as boisterously appeared on the news. Yes, that group, the group which delivered an ultimatum to Mr Samak to resign. They newly discovered that the programme 'Tasting and Grumbling' was in breach of law. Because, as I assumed the premiership...and you know, they said that it [the Constitution] told that I was unable to be a temporary employee, permanent employee...But, I have to fill my words into your ears that after having been in the premiership for three months, I am engaging in such work still. Because I have got some counsels from the top legal advisers that..." This was a defence contrary "per se".

* 4.4) These were the clear traces of guilt. According to the conclusion of fact, it could be concluded that Sundaravej was an employee to the said Company. Moreover, three Constitutional judges deemed that Sundaravej portrait and the picture of rose apple mocking Sundaravej’s nose using as a logo of the "Tasting and Grumbling" programme as well the status of being an emcee and the use of the name "Tasting and Grumbling", a popular quote of Sundaravej, were the acts of engaging in a joint affair with a commercial purpose which were in breach of Section 267 of the Constitution. And another six judges deemed that it was not necessary to decide no more for what position Sundaravej held in the said Company, as he was manifestly breached the law.

5. Therefor, the ConCourt, by the unanimous resolution, delivered a decision that Sundaravej has performed the acts in breach of Section 267 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2007) which individually led to the termination of his premiership in accordance with Section 182 Paragraph One (7) of which, and called forth the vacating from office of the entire Council of Ministers under Section 180 Paragraph One (1). However, as the premiership has individually been terminated, all Ministers other than Sundaravej could remain in office as a caretaker government and continuing their functions until the new Council of Ministers is sworn in.

Reactions to court decision

Karn Tienkaew, deputy leader of Samak’s People Power Party, said the party planned to propose a parliamentary vote Wednesday on returning Samak to power: "Samak still has legitimacy. The party still hopes to vote him back unless he says no. Otherwise we have many other capable candidates." [AP, "Thai leader forced to resign over TV cooking show"]

On 10 September 2008, however, the PPP shied away from their earlier statement they would renominate Sundaravej and was apparently looking for an alternative candidate instead; [BBC, "Thai coalition looks for new PM"] the new PM was to be nominated on 12 September 2008. [People's Daily Online, "Thai ruling coalition to submit PM nominee Friday"]

People Power Party’s deputy spokesman Kuthep Suthin Klangsang, on 12 September, 2008, announced that: "Samak has accepted his nomination for prime minister. Samak said he is confident that parliament will find him fit for office, and that he is happy to accept the post. A majority of party members voted Thursday to reappoint Samak. Samak is the leader of our party so he is the best choice." Despite objections from its coalition partners, the PPP, in an urgent meeting, unanimously decided to renominate Samak Sundaravej. 5 coalition parties, namely Chart Thai, Matchima Thipataya, Pracharaj, Puea Pandin and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, unanimously agreed to support the People Power party (PPP) to set up the new government and vote for the person who should be nominated as the new prime minister. Chart Thai deputy leader Somsak Prissananantakul and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Chettha Thanajaro said the next prime minister who will be nominated on Friday. Caretaker prime minister Somchai Wongsawat said PPP secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee will notify the 5 parties who the PPP nominates to take office again. [Bangkok Post, "Coalition parties to hold meeting this evening"] [AP, Thai ruling party re-nominates leader as PM"] [Xinhua, "Party spokesman: Samak accepts PM nomination"] Some lawmakers, however, said they will propose an alternate candidate. Meanwhile, Thailand’s army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda said he backed the creation of a unity government that would include all the country’s parties, and he also asked for the lifting of a state of emergency that Samak imposed on 2 September. [CNN, "Thai ruling party nominates Samak for PM"]

On 12 September 2008, the quorum for selecting the new PM was not reached and the decision was delayed to 17 September 2008 in an event seen as signaling the end of Samak’s career. [Bloomberg, "Thailand Postpones Premier Vote After Samak Boycott (Update2)"] After its four coalition partners stated they'd prefer someone else to become PM instead of Samak, the PPP agreed to drop his nomination. [BBC, "Samak out of Thai leadership race"] Embattled Samak Sundaravej abandoned his bid to regain his Thailand Prime Minister post, and Teerapon Noprampa said Samak would also give up the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) leadership. [Press TV, "Samak pulls out of Thai PM vote"] [Washington Post, "Ousted Premier Ends Attempt to Get Job Back"] Meanwhile, PPP’s chief party spokesman Kudeb Saikrachang and Kan Thiankaew announced on 13 September that caretaker prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, caretaker justice minister Sompong Amornwiwat and PPP Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee were PPP’s candidates for premiership post. [Bangkok Post, "Somchai, Sompong are candidates for PM"] However, Suriyasai Katasila of People's Alliance for Democracy (a group of royalist businessmen, academics and activists), vowed to continue its occupation of Government House if a PPP candidate would be nominated: "We would accept anyone as prime minister, as long as he is not from the PPP." [Reuters, "Thai ruling coalition begins search for new PM"]

The ruling People Power Party, on 15 September, 2008, named Somchai Wongsawat, candidate for prime minister to succeed Samak Sundaravej. [BBC, "Thai party names nominee for PM"] Somchai Wongsawat was ratified by the National Assembly of Thailand as Prime Minister of Thailand on the 17th September [Bangkok Post, "Parliament confirms Somchai"] , winning 263 votes against 163 votes [The Nation, "Somchai elected new prime minister"] for Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Meanwhile the Supreme Court will rule Wednesday in a corruption case against Thaksin and his wife, to be promulgated after the parliament vote for the new prime minister. [Reuters, "Thai ruling party picks Thaksin in-law for PM"] [AFP, "Thai ruling party leaders back Somchai for PM"]

October violence

Arrest

On October 5 and 4, 2008, respectively, Chamlong Srimuang and rally organizer, Chaiwat Sinsuwongse, of People's Alliance for Democracy, were detained by the Thai police led by Col. Sarathon Pradit, by virtue of August 27 arrest warrant for insurrection, conspiracy, illegal assembly and refusing orders to disperse (treason) against him and 8 other protest leaders. At the Government House, Sondhi Limthongkul, however, stated demonstrations would continue: "I am warning you, the government and police, that you are putting fuel on the fire. Once you arrest me, thousands of people will tear you apart." [New York Times, Police Arrest Leader of Thai Protests] Srimuang's wife, Ying Siriluck visited him at the Border Patrol Police Region 1, Pathum Thani. [Wall Street Journal, "Thai Police Arrest Another Leader Of Protest as Crackdown Continues"] [Bangkok Post, "Wife of Chamlong visits him after arrest"] Other PAD members still wanted by police include Sondhi, activist MP Somkiat Pongpaibul and PAD leaders Somsak Kosaisuk and Pibhop Dhongchai. [AFP, "Thai police arrest second anti-govt protest leader"]

7 October clashes

On October 7, 20008, Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh resigned and admitted partial responsibility for violence due to police tear gas clearance of Parliament blockade, causing injuries to 116 protesters, 21, seriously. His resignation letter stated: "Since this action did not achieve what I planned, I want to show my responsibility for this operation." [Reuters, "Thai deputy PM quits after Bangkok clashes"] [AP, "Thai deputy prime minister resigns"] [Bloomberg, "Thai deputy prime minister resigns"] But after dispersal, 5,000 demonstrators returned and also blocked all 4 entries to the parliament building. [The Guardian, "Bangkok protesters hurt in anti-government clashes"]

The protesters attempted to hostage 320 parliamentarians and senators inside the Parliament building, cutting off power, and forcing Somchai Wongsawat to escape by jumping a back fence after his policy address. But other trapped legislators failed to leave and flee from the mob. The 6-week sit-in and siege on the area beside the near prime minister’s office forced the government to transfer its activities to a former international airport. [New York Times, Thai Protesters Trap Legislators"] [ [http://www.theage.com.au/world/thai-pm-jumps-fence-to-flee-protesters-20081007-4vsn.html theage.com.au, Thai PM jumps fence to flee protesters] ]

Aftermath

The final Economic consequences of the crisis are as yet unclear. After state of emergency was declared on 2 September, the SET Index reached its lowest since January 2007 at 655.62, falling 24.7 percent since the beginning of the PAD’s demonstrations in May. The baht hit a one-year low of 34.52 per US dollar, prompting the Bank of Thailand to intervene. [Sriring, "Thai emergency hits baht and shares, but bonds rise"]

ee also

*History of Thailand since 1973
*Politics of Thailand

Notes

References

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*Reuters, [http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-35476420080915 Thai ruling party picks Thaksin in-law for PM]
*Reuters, [http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSSP26321320080913 Thai ruling coalition begins search for new PM]
*cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKBKK23871220080902|title=UPDATE 2-Thai emergency hits baht and shares, but bonds rise|accessdate=2008-09-02|last=Sriring|first=Orathai|publisher=Reuters|date=2008-09-02
*cite web| url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/12/content_9193917.htm | title=Thai former Prime Minister seeks asylum in United Kingdom | accessdate=2008-09-02| author=Shen Min| work= | publisher=Xinhua | date=2008-08-12
*cite web|url=http://www.seapabkk.org/newdesign/alertsdetail.php?No=938|title=Thai protesters storm government-run TV station, cut off programming|accessdate=2008-09-02|publisher=Southeast Asian Press Alliance|date=2008-08-25
*The Star, [http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2008/8/30/columnists/thaitakes/22204241&sec=thaitakes Thai-style democracy] , 30 August 2008
*The Star, [http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/489518 Thailand democracy at risk] , 3 September 2008
*The Straits Times, [http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_273817.html I won't quit: Samak] , 31 August 2008
*Thai Rath, "ข่าวลือสะพัด'เตช'ลาออก หนักใจตอบต่างประเทศ". (2551, 3 กันยายน). ไทยรัฐ. [ออนไลน์] . เข้าถึงได้จาก: [http://www.thairath.co.th/online.php?section=newsthairathonline&content=102915 http://www.thairath.co.th/online.php?section=newsthairathonline&content=102915] . (เข้าถึงเมื่อ: 3 กันยายน 2551).
*Thai Rath, "อนุพงษ์ชี้'ฉุกเฉิน' แค่ยุตินองเลือด ปัดภารกิจยึดทำเนียบคืน". (2551, 3 กันยายน). ไทยรัฐ. [ออนไลน์] . เข้าถึงได้จาก: [http://www.thairath.co.th/offline.php?section=hotnews&content=102834 http://www.thairath.co.th/offline.php?section=hotnews&content=102834] . (เข้าถึงเมื่อ: 3 กันยายน 2551).
*The Order of the Prime Minister No. 195/2551 Re: Appointment of the Competent Authorities for Remedy of the State of Emergency, dated 2 September 2008. (2008, 2 September). Government Gazette of Thailand, (vol 125, pt 144 D, special issue). pp. 3.
*UPI, [http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/09/15/Bangkok_state_of_emergency_lifted/UPI-16921221457669/ upi.com, Bangkok state of emergency lifted]
*Wall Street Journal, [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122319521018405425.html?mod=googlenews_wsj Thai Police Arrest Another Leader Of Protest as Crackdown Continues]
*cite web|url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hG71oGl1LokvZphtDQZzL44nzc3QD92R52AG0|title=Thai protest refuses order to leave gov't compound|accessdate=2008-09-02|last=Wannabovorn|first=Sutin|publisher=Associated Press|date=2008-08-28
*cite web|url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hG71oGl1LokvZphtDQZzL44nzc3QD92SI9D00|title=Pressure grows on Thai prime minister to resign|accessdate=2008-09-02|last=Wannabovorn|first=Sutin|publisher=Associated Press|date=2008-08-30
*Washington Post, [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/12/AR2008091203451.html Ousted Premier Ends Attempt to Get Job Back]
*Xinhua, [http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-09/11/content_9921780.htm Party spokesman: Samak accepts PM nomination]