More than 40 per cent of 1,119 respondents answered to the latest Suan Dusit Poll conducted between August 8 to 11 disagreed and said that the change “isn’t worth it”.

Some 45 per cent of the respondents said they did not think any voting system would make any difference to the corruption issue, according to results of the survey released yesterday. Politics is monopolised by the two major parties and most of the time people elected are the same faces from the same parties, the respondents said.

The poll was conducted after the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) had proposed to abolish the old voting system and replace it with a version in which each candidate in each constituency race would draw lots to determine their poll number. Candidates affiliated with a party would not have the same number across all constituencies.

However, almost three quarters or 74.8 per cent viewed the old system’s advantageous point was that it was easier to understand and recognise the candidate and the party.

Some 65 per cent also said the system has long been practised and people were more accustomed to it. And about 64 per cent said it was good because it is easier for the party to campaign.

Meanwhile, 73.2 per cent of the respondents accepted that the old voting system could have a larger tendency toward corruption and suffer from vote buying.

More than two-thirds or 68.5 per cent also agreed voters had chosen in favour of the party rather than considering the constituency candidates fielded.

And 54.6 per cent said that voters only remembered the party number and crossed the ballot accordingly without considering their policies.

Nearly a third of respondents, or 32.8 per cent, said that the abolition of the old voting system would worsen the election. People think confusion would emerge and could result in political conflict, the poll found.

Only one-fifth or 21.3 per cent believed the change would improve elections. Those people said the new voting system would help prevent poll fraud and prompt contestants to pay more attention to the voters.

One-third, or 33.5 per cent, said they were unsure if they agreed with the abolition, while 24.6 per cent said they agreed with it because it could both curb vote-buying and also make voters consider and choose the right constituency candidate over the party.

Some 60.9 per cent said, however, that the powers-that-be should listen to the people and the politicians if they are to introduce a new election system.

Almost 60 per cent, or 58.3 per cent, said any system would have both pros and cons.

Meanwhile, 50 per cent and 48.9 per cent respectively said the changes were still unclear and that they were unsure of what exactly the system would be.

Another 43.14 per cent said the new system is a new alternative and perhaps could improve the election.

They said the supporters were expected to travel to the court by themselves and in the smallest groups possible to avoid security checks. But they maintained that they had not heard of any organised mobilisation, noting that those red-shirts at the forefront of the protest movement were under close scrutiny by the authorities.

On August 25, the Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on Yingluck, who is charged with negligence and malfeasance for allegedly failing to prevent corruption in the implementation of her government’s flagship rice-pledging scheme.

During the course of the court trial, more and more people turned up to help boost the fomer PM’s morale. On the final hearing days and when Yingluck made her closing statement, huge crowds gathered around the court.

It took her more than half an hour to walk about 20 metres to enter the court building past the massive cheering crowd as supporters tried to hand Yingluck flowers and reach out for a handshake or a hug.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has toughened security measures and called on people to not show up at the court, citing security reasons.

A red-shirt leader from Ratchaburi province, Pongsak Phusitsakul, confirmed that most activists, including those at provincial level, are being watched closely by security officers.

Especially now that Yingluck’s judgement day is close, activists are being constantly visited by the authorities.

“But they never told us directly not to go. They just came for a chat, asking whether we will go and with how many people,” he said. “In a way, this kind of discourages some of us. It worries some people that maybe if we go, we will get into trouble.”

Pongsak said he believed that a large number of supporters would turn up and show their strong support for Yingluck.

“People will find a way to go, I think. There are some hurdles, such as the intimidation of drivers of the passenger vans we want to rent. So, we have to find other alternatives,” the red-shirt leader said. “And they might have to drop us a little farther from the court to avoid security officers.”

This means supporters would have to travel in smaller groups, he said, adding that organising any mass mobilisation would be nearly impossible because of all these difficulties.

Anurak Janetawanich, a Samut Prakan-based red-shirt activist who is better known as “Ford, the red path”, said that he anticipated a vast crowd at the court on August 25 – much larger than that seen earlier this month when Yingluck gave her closing statement.

“Although the NCPO has warned against this, a lot of people will still go. Ten thousand, I think, is possible,” Ford told The Nation.

“People are accustomed to all these security measures. We know their procedures and are well aware of what we can and cannot do. For example, we are not allowed to hold protest banners. We all understand that.”

Ford said that he would go alone on judgement day. Some fellow red-shirts he was in contact with would also go in small groups, he said.

“Everyone is aware of the security measures. So, mostly they will travel in a private car or may use public transportation such as the train or bus,” the activist said. “And we won’t wear red shirts, which could draw attention.”

Ford said he had not heard of any plans to organise people to travel en masse, especially since activists are under close watch and constantly visited. “Maybe there is, but not that I know of,” he said, adding it is safer for supporters to travel on their own rather than in a big group.

Weng Tojirakarn, a key leader of the umbrella red-shirt group United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, also denied that red-shirt leaders had any plan to mobilise people.

People would show up on their own to support Yingluck despite the NCPO’s warning, he said. “The forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest,” he added.

“The prime minister is pleased to hear this news,” said Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

“It is government policy to encourage tourists to stay longer in Thailand and spend more here.”

He said measures had been taken to boost tourism in the capital, including exempting visa fees and extending the time visitors could stay.

British newspaper The Daily Mirror reported that Bangkok was the cheapest city in the Post Office Travel Money’s Long-Haul City Costs Barometer for 2017.

Researchers looked at the price of 11 travel essentials, including food and drink, sightseeing, airport transfers and three nights’ accommodation. They then combined all the costs to create a total “basket price”, in order to determine which long-haul city actually offered the best value for money.

Thailand’s capital topped the list as the best value long-haul city, with a total basket price of 316.93 pounds (Bt13,700) almost 100 pounds less than runner-up Tokyo.

“There’s plenty to see and do in this vibrant city but if you’re only stopping for a long weekend then make sure to check out the awe-inspiring Grand Palace, a complex of breathtaking temples,” the report said.

Here is the list:

1. Bangkok

2. Tokyo, Japan

3. Beijing, China

4. Dubai, UAE

5. Cape Town, South Africa

6. Singapore

7. Washington DC, USA

8. Toronto, Canada

9. New York, USA

10. Boston, USA

His reaction came in response to media reports that the US State Department had approved the sale of five RGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles, costing Thailand approximately Bt828 million (US$24.9 million).

A statement issued by the US State reported that Thailand had requested purchase of the five anti-ship missiles, in addition to another missile to be for use by the DW3000 Class Frigate.

The proposal included containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment. It also included technical assistance from US government and contractor representatives, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Thai strategic relationship and to improve the security of an important partner,” the statement said.

Up to 350 different ballots may have to be produced, and the central EC office would not be solely responsible for the production, Somchai said.

To keep up with the demand, he said, the central office may have to allocate to provincial offices, but their production standards may be different and that could create flaws and loopholes in the production, he added.

In addition, there should actually be parties’ logos on the ballots along with the MP candidates’ running numbers to clearly identify the candidates and their affiliations, he said.

If the new number running system is implemented, using ballots identifying only the MP candidates, with unique numbers not connected to the candidate’s party, then the importance of parties is reduced, Somchai suggested.

And that would go against the new election format’s stated objective – that voters will choose both their desired MPs and parties at once.

THAILAND’S proposed purchase of more anti-ship missiles from the United States is a reflection of that country’s concerns about its decreasing geopolitical advantages in Southeast Asia and the continuing rise of Chinese influence in the region, experts say.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DCSA), a unit under the US Department of Defense, on Wednesday submitted the required certification to Congress for the possible sale of five 84L Harpoon Block II surface-launched missiles and one RTM-84L Harpoon Block II exercise missile to Thailand.

Notifying Congress of a potential sale is required by US law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

The proposed missiles are estimated to cost US$24.9 million (Bt827.7 million) and the principal contractor is the Boeing Company.

Thailand plans to couple the missiles with its new, Korea-built frigate HTMS Tachin FFG 471, Navy spokesperson ADM Jumpol Lumpiganon told The Nation.

The Bt14.6-billion vessel was launched in South Korea in January and will be stationed in Thailand in July next year.

The Navy has planned to equip the frigate with missiles since the contract was signed in August 2013 between the Thai government and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, Jumpol said.

Budget allocation for the missiles was already included in the procurement plan back then, the spokesperson said.

The Thai Navy has a history with Harpoon missiles. HTMS Naresuan FFG 421, HTMS Taksin FFG 422 and two Ratankosin-class corvettes are each equipped with eight RGM-84 Harpoon SSM launchers.

In the past decade, the US has sold over $960 million in military equipment to Thailand. Since the 2014 coup, the approximate value of US military sales to Thailand totals $380 million, according to the US Embassy in Bangkok.

Since January this year, the two countries have reached agreements on the purchase of over $133 million in military equipment, including Blackhawk helicopters and Harpoon Block II Missiles, the embassy said.

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Thai strategic relationship and to improve the security of an important partner,” the DCSA’s statement said.

“The proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the statement added.

Rangsit University lecturer Wanwichit Boonprong said that Congress is likely to be aware of China’s security strategy in Southeast Asia, which will have consequences for US interests in the region.

“The US is becoming more willing to compromise with us, while Thailand will also make opportunities to balance its hardware stocks with those from China and Russia,” Wanwichit said. “It is also the [Thai] Navy’s chance to refocus on long-neglected security development.”

Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naraesuan University’s College of Asean Community Studies, also saw the possibility that the US Congress may approve the sale to increase its geopolitical scores.

“This is a Republican-controlled Congress,” Chambers said. “It is highly likely that this Congress will adhere to the preference of President Donald Trump in his concern for geopolitical interests in Asia.”

The Trump-Republican Washington, wants to keep friendly with Thailand even under the junta and is willing to oblige the Kingdom’s desire to strengthen its maritime forces. However, Chambers said that the Kingdom does not have any national security-based need in particular.

“Like the Chinese submarines, this is all a case of powerful military men seeking and obtaining military stocks”, he said.

Prayong, also secretary general of the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), said the centre’s sub-panel proposed the idea at a meeting yesterday to tighten anti-corruption measures among state officials. So far, only high ranking officials have their assets declared following related anti-corruption laws.

The prime minister suggested the panel look at other countries to see how they handle this matter, and what impacts would follow as a result of such the practice, Prayong said.

The initial idea was that any one newly recruited as a state official should declare his or her assets and this must be repeated when they work for a while to prevent and reduce their chances to engage in any illegal acts to gain wealth. Prayut was quoted as saying that it must be done equally to all groups of officials though the approach might be different.

The premier also suggested the centrer be upgraded into a more permanent structure with a new law enacted to support it. He has instructed the legal team to figure this out.

The centre was set up in late 2014 after the coup following the junta and the PM’s Office’s order to help advance normal anti-corruption efforts done by existing agencies.

Auditor-General Pisit Leelavachiropas said a letter was sent to the Interior and Defence ministries urging them to review the use of state budgets by local administrative organisations.

Intelligence suggested that some Yingluck followers would be invited to Bangkok to show moral support for the former premier on August 25 when the Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on the charge of negligence in implementing a rice-pledging scheme that resulted in massive losses for the state.

The government is also seeking multibillion-baht damages from her.

Yingluck’s supporters have gathered at the Supreme Court building during the hearings by its Criminal Division for Political Office Holders in her trial for negligence in managing the rice-pledging scheme.

Hundreds of them gathered on July 21, when the last court hearing was held, and again on August 1, when Yingluck read out her closing statement. There were allegations that free transport was provided for people to travel from the provinces to offer moral support for the ex-PM.

Thousands of supporters are expected to show up when the court delivers its verdict on August 25.

Authorities have warned against mobilising large numbers of people to gather outside the court, pointing out that it could be deemed contempt of court or violating the law on public demonstration or the ban on political gatherings.

THAILAND’S proposed purchase of more anti-ship missiles from the United States is a reflection of that country’s concerns about its decreasing geopolitical advantages in Southeast Asia and the continuing rise of Chinese influence in the region, experts say.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DCSA), a unit under the US Department of Defense, on Wednesday submitted the required certification to Congress for the possible sale of five 84L Harpoon Block II surface-launched missiles and one RTM-84L Harpoon Block II exercise missile to Thailand.

Notifying Congress of a potential sale is required by US law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

The proposed missiles are estimated to cost US$24.9 million (Bt827.7 million) and the principal contractor is the Boeing Company.

Thailand plans to couple the missiles with its new, Korea-built frigate HTMS Tachin FFG 471, Navy spokesperson ADM Jumpol Lumpiganon told The Nation.

The Bt14.6-billion vessel was launched in South Korea in January and will be stationed in Thailand in July next year.

The Navy has planned to equip the frigate with missiles since the contract was signed in August 2013 between the Thai government and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, Jumpol said.

Budget allocation for the missiles was already included in the procurement plan back then, the spokesperson said.

The Thai Navy has a history with Harpoon missiles. HTMS Naresuan FFG 421, HTMS Taksin FFG 422 and two Ratankosin-class corvettes are each equipped with eight RGM-84 Harpoon SSM launchers.

In the past decade, the US has sold over $960 million in military equipment to Thailand. Since the 2014 coup, the approximate value of US military sales to Thailand totals $380 million, according to the US Embassy in Bangkok.

Since January this year, the two countries have reached agreements on the purchase of over $133 million in military equipment, including Blackhawk helicopters and Harpoon Block II Missiles, the embassy said.

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Thai strategic relationship and to improve the security of an important partner,” the DCSA’s statement said.

“The proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the statement added.

Rangsit University lecturer Wanwichit Boonprong said that Congress is likely to be aware of China’s security strategy in Southeast Asia, which will have consequences for US interests in the region.

“The US is becoming more willing to compromise with us, while Thailand will also make opportunities to balance its hardware stocks with those from China and Russia,” Wanwichit said. “It is also the [Thai] Navy’s chance to refocus on long-neglected security development.”

Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naraesuan University’s College of Asean Community Studies, also saw the possibility that the US Congress may approve the sale to increase its geopolitical scores.

“This is a Republican-controlled Congress,” Chambers said. “It is highly likely that this Congress will adhere to the preference of President Donald Trump in his concern for geopolitical interests in Asia.”

The Trump-Republican Washington, wants to keep friendly with Thailand even under the junta and is willing to oblige the Kingdom’s desire to strengthen its maritime forces. However, Chambers said that the Kingdom does not have any national security-based need in particular.

“Like the Chinese submarines, this is all a case of powerful military men seeking and obtaining military stocks”, he said.

The letter highlights the lack of transparency and alleged irregularities in selling the inventory to the private sector, especially with regard to the classification method for various grades of rice held by the government in multiple privately owned warehouses.

The alleged irregularities have led to significant financial damage, while some warehouse operators also urged the government to review the bidding method. However, the letter says the government has so far ignored the call for change.

Pheu Thai said the existing measures are vulnerable to abuse by state officials and private businesses.

First, most rice is classified as “low” or “C grade” without proper quality inspection. As a result, the rice cannot be sold as human food, which would get a higher price than selling for use as animal feed or for the energy sector.

Despite the classification as low grade, most warehouses said they have kept the rice in good condition and insisted that the quality remains suitable for human consumption.

Second, the letter says such a classification has resulted in a low bidding price for the inventory.

Third, some businessmen earlier offered to buy the rice at several warehouses at a relatively high price, but a government working group in charge of selling the rice was not interested. Instead, the working group decided to sell the rice to another firm at a lower price.

For example, there was an offer to buy 100 per cent Hom Mali rice totalling 14,000 tonnes at Bt11.25 per kilogram but it was turned down, according to the letter. This rice was sold to another bidder at Bt6.1 per kilogram. This was also opposed by the warehouse owner and other parties, but the working group did not make any change to the selling decision.

As a result, the government faced a bigger loss from selling the rice inventory.

Fourth, the letter says, some rice buyers do not have credible financial records. They could be nominees for other parties in bidding for the government’s rice inventory and this could lead to corruption. Pheu Thai said field inspection showed that the government could face more financial damage if these sales were not reviewed.

The prime minister, in his capacity as chairman of the national rice policy committee, should issue an order to thoroughly review the recent sales of rice owned by the government, insisted the letter. In addition, it should cancel the sales of rice to the feedmill or energy sectors if it were suitable for human consumption.