Elections : how do you say “conflict of interest” in thai ?

Quick reminder:

-the Junta, led by General Sonthi, designed a plan to curb the influence of PPP
-confidential documents explaining the plot were leaked to the medias
-The Prime Minister Surayud confirmed that these documents were genuine
-Even the Defense Minister acknowledged the plot
-The Electoral Commission created a committee to “investigate” the matter. By 4 votes to 3, the committee says that, indeed, the CNS (Junta) “had violated the law in failing to maintain its neutrality as a state agency. It had also breached the 2007 constitution by issuing the order. ” (Bangkok Post)

Now… let’s remember that Sonthi is the Deputy Prime Minister (after he left the position of Chief of Army).

Today the Prime Minister “expresses confidence that Deputy Prime Minister Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratglin can oversee the general election until the Election Commission (EC) reaches a verdict on the case of confidential documents.

Regarding the confidential documents allegedly signify the Council for National Security’s lack of impartiality in politics, the premier says he has not been reported of EC’s investigation progress of the case. He also says the deputy premier can perform his duty as chairman of the government’s anti-vote buying committee until EC finishes its investigation. (MCOT)

You got the picture ? Of course Sonthi, as the guy who ousted Thaksin and led the military coup, needs, has to do whatever he can to undermine the PPP (that could win the elections). Therefore, the conflict of interest is… vital for him.

The problem is, once again, Surayud plays with words and looks like a naive fool by saying that, sure, Sonthi can “oversee” the elections while EC is investigating the plot…

And the last blow : Sonthi is also the chairman of the… government’s anti-vote buying committee.