July 2004 : SML Village Fund Policy The government announced a financial policy to allocate every village with 200,000-300,000 baht budget in according to their population sizes, small, medium or large, to solve proverty problems. Mahachon party unveils public policies campaign for the next general election. BMA governor application ended with 22 candidates. The Constitutional Court ruled auditor-general position invalid and HM the King endorsed the 9th cabinet reshuffle. SML policy Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra revealed the government financial policy to eradicate poverty by injecting a total budget of 20-billion-baht to 70,000 villages nationwide in which each village will receive 200,000-300,000 baht annually regards to their population sizes of small, medium or large [SML]. The village will use this budget to solve infrastructural problem dissimilar to local authority projects and budget. Each village will appoint a local committee to look after this money and it is expected that SML policy will launch some pilot projects in 1,000-2,000 villages starting from this October 2004 and will be fully launched after the next general election. Academics, opposition party and some members of the Senate criticized that the policy is an instrument towards pre-election canvassing and violates article 44 of the Election law, prohibits vote buying, promise to give money or other benefits directly or indirectly to communities. Moreover, implementation might violates article 181 of the Constitution, stating that public expenditure should be endorsed by the Parliament, not by individual regardless administrative empowerment. Mahachon unveils party platform Mahachon party officially launched on July 19th under the election campaign “ New Choice fot the People”. The party comprises of leader Dr. Anek Laothammathat, two secretary-general Jadet Insawang former permanent secretary of Ministry of Tourisms and Sports and Akapal Sorasuchart former Democrat MP while three chief advisors are Maj Gen. Sanan Kachornprasart former Democrat Party secretary-general, Wattana Asavahem former Rasadorn Party leader and Gen. Somboon Rahong. The party policies are 1] free education for the poor until university level 2] revoke the 30-baht medical care scheme and complement with health insurance certificate while the poor will have treatment free of charge 3] promote full decentralization and organize governor election in four provinces; Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Phuket 4] decentralization of fiscal budget 35% or equivalent to 350 billion-baht to local authorities 5] amend the Constitution to allow one-fifth of the House members to call for censure debate on the prime minister and cabinet members 6] revoke plan to privatize state enterprises which run public utilities and 7] block attempts to legalize casinos, brothels and the underground lottery. Constitutional Court unseated Auditor-General The Constitutional Court ruled 11 to 2 on July 6 that Khunying Jaruvan Menaka position to the auditor-general is unconstitutional and invalid but the ruling does not have a retroactive effect out in her former capacity as the auditor-general. Khunying Jaruvan was nominated together with other two candidates to the Senate by Panya Tantiyavarong chairman of the State Audit Commission [ SAC] and was chosen by the Senate while the law requires only one candidate who received top votes of at least half of the number of votes cast. Mr. Panya had failed to observe the law since he nominated all three; Pathan Dabpet, who won five of the eight votes, Khunyinh jaruvan, who only gained three votes and Nontaphon Nimsomboon, who received not a single vote, therefore the Senate had no power to select any candidate out of three. The law stated that SAC should renominate a new candidate within 30 days after the seat vacant and the Senate Speaker would consult with the Senate committee and all members whether to resubmit the old winner, Pathan Dappet, or restart the selection process. 22 candidates for BMA poll The Election Commission announced 29 August for BMA governor election and application dates is between 26-30 July. The seat is vacant due to Samak Suntharavej term ended. The 22 candidates namely Apirak Kosayodhin from Democrat, Paveena Hongsakul former MP, Chalerm Yubamrung former Muan Chon Party Leader, Pichit Rattakul former BMA governor, Dr. Wuthipong Priebjariyawat independent academic, Dr. Nithipoom Naowarat columnist, Mana Mahasuveerachai former MP and Choowit Kamolvisith, businessman applied to the poll. It is expected that 60 percent of the eligible voters will cast their ballots. Thaksin 9th cabinet reshuffled His Majesty the King endorsed a new cabinet list which saw Chart Pattana leader and member, Suwat Liptapanlop and Anuthin Charnveerakul, appointed to the government as the deputy prime minister deputy public health minister while former deputy minister of education Sirikorn Maneerin and former deputy minister of interior Pramuan Rujanaseri were ousted. The 8th Thaksin administration cabinet start working on the 10th of March 2004 while the 9th reshuffle was effective on June 30, 2004.