Thaksin And His Wife Issued Arrest Warrants Over Ratchadapisek Land Case

[Jai Dee]

Court approves arrest warrants against Thaksin, wife

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Khunying Pojaman, officially became fugitives Tuesday after a special court approved arrest warrants for their arrest related to the Ratchadapisek land case.

Supreme Court's Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holder approved the request of public prosecutors to issue arrest warrants against the couple after they failed to appear in the court be officially arraigned.

The court also scheduled the first trial session of the case to be held on September 25.

Source: The Nation - 14 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Court to issue warrant for arrest of former PM and spouse

The Spokesperson to the Attorney General's Office reports that the Supreme Court is preparing to issue warrants for the arrest of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (ทักษิณ ชินวัตร) and Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra (พจมาณ ชินวัตร).

Spokesperson to the Office of the Attorney General, Mr. Atthapol Yaisawang (อรรถพล ใหญ่สว่าง), revealed that the Supreme Court is awaiting the arrival of the Shinawatra family attorney to report on why Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra and Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra have not arrived in court to testify in the Ratchada land procurement case. Mr. Atthapol said that if the defendants' rationale for missing their court appointment was invalid, a court warrant would be issued for their arrests.

The Criminal Court is preparing to send officials to arrest both defendants abroad through the cooperation of British, Chinese, and US authorities. The Shinawatra family attorney have been testifying in court on the Ratchada land procurement case since 13:00 today (August 14).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 August 2007

[John K]

Well the first domino has fallen. I think I will stock up on Mama’s until next Tuesday.

[malcolmswaine]

Talk about a witch-hunt. You'd think they'd done enough by now ...

[stoneman]

I just don't understand why they chose this case to pursue...It always seemed a lot weaker than several other possibilities..

[Jai Dee]

Court issues arrest warrant against Thaksin, wife

A panel of judges of the Supreme Court's political crime section Tueday afternoon issued an arrest warrant against ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Khunying Pojaman.

The action was taken after the court began the first hearing in the 772 million baht Ratchadaphisek land purchase case without without Thaksin and his wife, named as defendants in the case, being present.

Mr Thaksin currently remains in self-imposed exile in Britain.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[John K]

I just don't understand why they chose this case to pursue...It always seemed a lot weaker than several other possibilities..

Well there is a few reasons. First he did a no show so that make the arrest warrant happen. If you will notice the third party cases are the ones on stage. Meaning Thaksin is very good at covering his tracks, where other people are more mi pen ri about it. That attitude made it easier for the hunters to find what they were looking for. Thaksin is associated with this indirectly and that is why it came up first. He left it to others to cover it up.

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin, wife face arrest warrants on corruption charges

Thailand’s Attorney General prepared to ask the Supreme Court to issue arrest warrants if ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman fail to appear before the court on its first hearing Tuesday over a controversial land deal.

“The arrest warrants, if granted, will lead to legal procedures to seek cooperation from Britain to extradite the deposed prime minister and his wife, now living in exile in London, to stand trial in Thailand,” Attorney General Pachara Yuthidhammadamrong said.

The charges involve a Bt772-million sale of land in Bangkok's Ratchadaphisek area from the Office of the Financial Institutes Development Fund to the wife of the then prime minister.

The former prime minister has been accused of abusing his power by being party to buying the 33-rai plot of land at a favourable price.

Under the National Counter Corruption provisions, the then premier was prohibited from making any contracts or becoming party in any contract or transaction with state agencies because he could gain benefits or losses from his actions.

Mr. Thaksin's wife Pojaman, likewise, was prohibited from becoming party or seeking benefit improperly. She was also allegedly found guilty of misconduct and corruption.

Thaksin’s legal advisor said earlier it was unlikely his client would return to Thailand to stand trial.

If the defendants fail to turn up for the first hearing, the attorney general pointed out, their lawyer has to present the statement to the court explaining the reason of their absence.

“It was up to the court’s discretion whether to issue arrest warrants before proceeding the case on absence of the defendants. Then the attorney-general office would petition the UK Justice Minister to seek an extradition of Mr. Thaksin and his wife," Mr. Pachara said.

Source: TNA - 14 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Court issues arrest warrants for Thaksin and his wife

Supreme Court approved on Tuesday an arrest warrant for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Pojaman, on charges of malfeasance relating to his wife's purchase of Ratchadapisek land.

Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders issued the warrant at the request of the public prosecutors.

Seksan Bangsomboon, director of the Special Litigation Department, requested for the arrest warrant after Thaksin and Pojaman failed to appear the first hearing of the arraignment of the charges scheduled on Tuesday.

The public prosecutor made the request in counter of a request by lawyers of Thaksin and Pojaman who asked the case trial to be indefinitely delayed on grounds that the former prime minister and his wife felt it was unsafe for them to travel to Thailand now.

The court postponed the first hearing for the case to September 25.

Court secretary Rakkiart Watanapong said the Supreme Court will have no choice but to issue arrest warrants for the two in order to apprehend them for trial.

Rakkiart said Thaksin and Pojaman appeared to rely on an "unusual defence" by acting in defiance of the court's summons.

He also noted the defence had not submitted any rebuttals.

Thaksin's legal team earlier issued a statement reaffirming that he and his wife would definitely not return to Thailand before the outcome of the general election.

"Thaksin and Pojaman will fight their charges after the election," the statement said.

Public prosecutor ask court to issue arrest warrant against Thaksin, wife

A public prosecutor Tuesday asked a special court to issue arrest warrants against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Khunying Pojaman, related to the alleged abuse of authority over the Ratachada land purchase.

Source: The Nation - 14 August 2007

[hammered]

The pictures attached to these reports are minor classics. One wonders if some journos are enjoying themselves.

On a more serious note, this development was inevitable. It will be interesting to see how or whether the extradiction will be sought. Obviously this intensifies pressure and no doubt the timing is helpful to the government and military. There have been a few things well timed in the last few days from their point of view.

[jomama]

Whether these specific charges are true or not, one statement is:

Saam nahm naa

[edwinchester]

Wouldnt it be great if someone made a citizens arrest when he was in the directors box at Manchester City!

[skorchio]

Wouldnt it be great if someone made a citizens arrest when he was in the directors box at Manchester City!

:D :D classic!!!

[mrtoad]

The football coverage on Saturday night was probably far too much for the CNS to take, and they have decided thay are gong to make a move now, as they know that Thaksin is making them look like fools and will continue to do so with his present high profile position.

[younghusband]

I just don't understand why they chose this case to pursue...It always seemed a lot weaker than several other possibilities..

Well there is a few reasons. First he did a no show so that make the arrest warrant happen. If you will notice the third party cases are the ones on stage. Meaning Thaksin is very good at covering his tracks, where other people are more mi pen ri about it. That attitude made it easier for the hunters to find what they were looking for. Thaksin is associated with this indirectly and that is why it came up first. He left it to others to cover it up.

Stoneman's query is very pertinent and your response does nothing to answer it.Why has this relatively mild particular charge been placed centre stage when on the face of it there are much more serious accusations to seek Thaksin's arrest? Firstly it demonstrates that the junta has not been able to identify any corruption charge which will stick and thus justify their illegal coup d'etat.Secondly, as regards the serious human rights charges, it demonstrates the connivance of those crimes by the military/feudal apparatus.

[skorchio]

this is where the Brit's headache starts; they don't want him there, they don't want to have make a call as to continued exile in the UK. If they are asked to extradite him, they won't. This will sour relations. The Brits are in a no-win situation on account of his presence.......

[Jai Dee]

Arrest warrants for Thaksin and wife on corruption charges, extradition sought

Thailand's deposed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman are now officially subject of arrest warrants and subject to extradition for prosecution on corruption-related charges that they have heretofore avoided to confront.

Following months of acceptance of excuses for their non-appearance, Thailand's legal establishment Tuesday moved decisively and issued arrest warrants for ousted premier Thaksin and his wife who both failed to appear before the country's Supreme Court for its hearing Tuesday on the couple's involvement in a controversial land deal.

Justice Tonglor Chomngarm spoke on behalf of the nine-member Supreme Court in announcing the issuance of the arrest warrants. It is understood that Thailand will seek British government cooperation to bring the ex-prime minister to trial.

The former premier's lawyer had petitioned the court to postpone the hearing until after Thailand's constitutional referendum this weekend and elections later this year to restore democracy. Mr. Thaksin has voiced his fear that he and his wife would not be safe in Thailand or be able to receive justice at the hands of the government appointed by the coup makers.

Earlier in the day Attorney General Pachara Yuthidhammadamrong said Thailand will proceed with "legal procedures to seek cooperation from Britain to extradite the deposed prime minister and his wife, now living in exile in London, to stand trial in Thailand."

The charges involve a Bt772-million ((23.4 million U.S. dollars) sale of land in Bangkok's Ratchadaphisek area from the Office of the Financial Institutes Development Fund to the wife of the then prime minister.

The former prime minister has been accused of abusing his power by being party to buying the 33-rai plot of land at an unusually favourable price.

Under Thailand's National Counter Corruption provisions, the then premier was prohibited from making any contracts or becoming party in any contract or transaction with state agencies because he could gain benefits or losses from his actions.

Mr. Thaksin's wife Pojaman, likewise, was prohibited from becoming party or seeking benefit improperly. She was also allegedly found guilty of misconduct and corruption.

Both Thaksin and Pojaman have denied the charges.

Source: TNA - 14 August 2007

[sibeymai]

Now we get to play "Where in the World is Thaksin ?"

[Jai Dee]

Arrest warrants issued for Thaksin, wife

Thailand's Supreme Court on Tuesday approved the issuing of arrest warrants for deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Potjaman, for failing to answer a summons to testify in a corruption case against them.

The Shinawatra's lawyers told the court that the defendants could not appear because of fears for their safety, but a panel of judges rejected the excuse and approved arrest warrants for the once all-powerful couple.

Thailand is now expected to seek the extradition of Thaksin and Potjaman who are currently residing in London where they own several properties and the Manchester City football club.

"The arrest warrants, if granted, will lead to legal procedures to seek cooperation from Britain to extradite the deposed prime minister and his wife, now living in exile in London, to stand trial in Thailand," Attorney General Pachara Yuthidhammadamrong said Tuesday morning, before the case was opened.

Thaksin has been living in self-exile since he was ousted by a military coup on September 19, 2006, on charges of corruption and dividing Thailand.

Corruption cases against Thaksin have progressed ploddingly under Thailand's military-appointed interim government. On July 12, the Supreme Court's political crime section finally issued summonses for the couple to testify Tuesday at the launch of a 772-million-baht (22.7-million-dollar) corruption case against them.

Thaksin stands accused of abusing his power in 2003 by allowing his wife to purchase a 5-hectare plot on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok at a government auction for 22.7 million dollars.

Thaksin was prime minister from 2001-06. His six years in power were dogged by accusations that he manipulated policies and regulations to seek business benefits for his family-owned Shin Corp group and political cronies.

Thaksin's political fortunes started to decline in January 2006, after his family sold their 49-per-cent holding in Shin Corp to Singapore's Temasek Holdings in a 1.9-billion-dollar, tax-free deal that irked the Thai public and raised questions about his credibility as a leader.

The deposed premier has said that he will not return to Thailand until democracy is restored to the kingdom.

Source: DPA - 14 August 2007

[OzMan_Bkk]

What has to be remembered is that extradition is not a case of arresting someone in the UK and putting them on the next plane home. It is a long drawn out process which can roll along for years. In Australia the authorities tried to have Christopher Skase extradited from Majorca. That went on for so long that he died before the authorities ever got a hand on him.

Just get ready for legal battles and then the sudden illnesses making the ex-PM unfit to travel. It will be a case of how long his money lasts and he still has heaps, make no mistake about that.

[hammered]

this is where the Brit's headache starts; they don't want him there, they don't want to have make a call as to continued exile in the UK. If they are asked to extradite him, they won't. This will sour relations. The Brits are in a no-win situation on account of his presence.......

It is actually not just about Britain. He could be arrested and extradited from a hel_l of a lot of countries. He will have to think carefully about where he goes now. Not all countries have the justice system of the UK that provides a lot of protection against extradition that is unless it is to the US when there is no legal protection at all.

[gbswales]

this is where the Brit's headache starts; they don't want him there, they don't want to have make a call as to continued exile in the UK. If they are asked to extradite him, they won't. This will sour relations. The Brits are in a no-win situation on account of his presence.......

I don't think it will be a problem for the UK and Thai Governments - the reality must be that THE THAI GOVT DO NOT WANT him back in Thailand where he could, and would I am sure, become a rallying point for his substantial following. The fact that he may be corruptable is a bonus in they eyes of many voters in a country where corruption and bribary is almost a way of life. I am not being critical here it is just how it has been for many years.

What better way to ensure that he stays out of the picture by making sure that he is too scared to return to Thailand for fear of arrest and leaving him rot in the uk and run his football team

[hammered]

this is where the Brit's headache starts; they don't want him there, they don't want to have make a call as to continued exile in the UK. If they are asked to extradite him, they won't. This will sour relations. The Brits are in a no-win situation on account of his presence.......

I don't think it will be a problem for the UK and Thai Governments - the reality must be that THE THAI GOVT DO NOT WANT him back in Thailand where he could, and would I am sure, become a rallying point for his substantial following. The fact that he may be corruptable is a bonus in they eyes of many voters in a country where corruption and bribary is almost a way of life. I am not being critical here it is just how it has been for many years.

What better way to ensure that he stays out of the picture by making sure that he is too scared to return to Thailand for fear of arrest and leaving him rot in the uk and run his football team

Good point

[ThailandTony]

Hey Thaksin is the victim here....£81.6m for Man City!......he was robbed......haha!

[LifeConvo]

It will be interesting to see how the UK reacts, given that the current Thai govt is illegal. One would assume this is a vaild reason why extradition could not go ahead, regardless of how much the Thai govt stamps it's feet over claims of corruption.

[Payboy]

the cooperation of British, Chinese, and US authorities

i think they have somehow confused frankie with kim jong il.....

[eljeque]

Wouldnt it be great if someone made a citizens arrest when he was in the directors box at Manchester City!

:D :D classic!!!

HOW MUCH IS THE REWARD????

[Gizmo1]

He aint worried loads of money and a great big house in Park Lane london

[A_Traveller]

He aint worried loads of money and a great big house in Park Lane london

The Park lane property is an apartment & if memory serves the land is owned by The Duke of Westminster.

Regards

[UnknownPoster]

A military Junta wanting to lock up the Democratically elected leader.

A farce.

They have to lock him up or he will win his 4th landslide election.