sriracha john

Reconciliation Committee Suggests 6 Key Issues for Charter Amendments

The reconciliation committee for political reform and charter amendment has completed its report recommending a charter rewrite; with emphasis on the amendment of six key issues, and suggested minimizing political conflicts through disseminating knowledge and social consciousness on democracy.

The reconciliation committee for political reform and charter amendment, led by Nonthaburi Senator Direk Tuengfung, has completed its report and is expected to submit it to Parliament President Chai Chidchob and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on July 16.

The committee concluded that some of the political conflicts have stemmed from provisions in the Constitution. They explained that amending the charter is in an effort to lessen political conflicts, which would lead to reconciliation and political reform.

The six issues to be revised during the one year rewriting period are--- amending the penalties for electoral fraud which mandate that the party be dissolved and the five-year ban of party executives from the electoral process, according to article 237; the issues concerning members of the parliament stated in articles 93 to 98; the system of appointed and elected senators in articles 111 to121; the mandatory act in obtaining parliamentary agreement on issuing foreign contracts stated in article 190; the issue of MPs holding political positions in the government in article 265, and the procedures for MPs and senators to address people's complaints as stated in article 266.

The committee also recommended that an academic organization be set up to inform and disseminate knowledge concerning democracy through the educational system and researches, in order to cultivate social consciousness about democracy to the public within three years.

In the long-run, they also proposed the the formation of the parliamentary committee as a special body to stress political reconciliation within five years.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-15

Malaysian Police: Thaksin Has Never Come to Malaysia

Following a claim that fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was given special treatment by Malaysian police while he was in Kuala Lumpur recently, the national police of Malaysia insisted that Thaksin had not entered the country and the police did not provide any protection to the ousted premier.

The Malaysian website called 'The Star dot com' reported that Tan Sri Musa Hussien, a senior police officer of Malaysia stated that the fugitive ex-premier, Thaksin Shinawatra had never entered the country and said that the Malaysian authorities did not provide him with any VIP protection. This is in responding to the fact that Thailand's Deputy Interior Minister, Thaworn Senneam, said earlier that Thaksin had narrowly escaped the Malaysian police.

The Malaysian police official also added that officials from the Thai embassy have asked Malaysian authorities to arrest Thaksin and extradite him.

Consequently, the Malaysian police have checked every hotel and immigration records, but found no proof that the ex-premier had come to Malaysia.

Reports in 'The Nation' newspaper in Thailand reveal that Thaksin boasted during his phone-in that he had visited Malaysia on July 4, traveling by private jet and claimed that he received full protection the whole time he was there.

'The Gulf Time' website of Qartar has also quoted Thaksin's interview with the media in which he stated that he had received protection from Malaysian police officials as well.

The ex-premier reportedly had a stop-over in Malaysia on July 4, before traveling to the Pacific country of Fiji the following day, and returned to Dubai on Friday, July 10.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-15

More warrants likely in Sondhi case

Warrants will be sought for the arrest of more suspects in the attempted assassination of People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul, Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Thanee Somboonsap said on Wednesday. Pol Gen Thanee, head of police investigation team, said evidence was being gathered against several more suspects.

On Tuesday, arrest warrants were issued for an army NCO identified only as Panya attached to the Special Welfare Centre in Lop Buri province, and Pol Cpl Weerawut Mungsanti of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, who was on temporary assignment to the Department of Special Investigation.

Pol Gen Thanee said he believed Rassami Mekchai, 27, a temporary employee at the Special Warfare Centre, and owner of the Toyota Vigo pick-up truck suspected to have been used in the attack on Mr Sondhi's van in Bangkok on April 17, was unlikely to be involved in the case. Police would try to find out who used the vehicle for the attack.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...-in-sondhi-case

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-15

Cooperation pledged for solving the Sondhi shooting case: Defence Minister

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan on Wednesday promised a full cooperation from the military to assist police in solving the assassination attempt against People's Alliance for Democracy co-leader Sondhi Limthongkul in April.

Prawit reminded parties concern, however, not to jump to a conclusion about the military's involvement in the crime.

"Please allow the police work to proceed in accordance with evidence and don't rush to speculate on the mastermind," he said in reference to a suspicion that the top brass might be involved.

He said he suspected the attempt on Sondhi's life was an individual action not linking to the military as an institution.

He was reacting to two warrants of arrest for two non-commissioned officers, a policeman from the drug suppression unit but assigned to work in the Department of Special Investigation and a soldier from the Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri.

He ruled out the concern that the Sondhi case might be fixed to help the mastermind eluding punishment. There will be no military intervention in the police work, he said.

-- The Nation 2009-07-15

The report said that the registration fee is 200 baht for event participation, breakfast and a T-shirt, available at the 5th floor of Big C, Lat Phrao branch.

As I am getting older I am not sure I've got that last sentence right. Does it mean each participant is paid 200 Baht... or people must pay 200 Baht to participate?

That means the Reds members have to pay that amount into the Red Shirt Slush Fund for the privilege of running with Veera et al.

They're a bit pressed for dough now, what with

Thaksin's Ultimate Goal

starting tomorrow...

Malaysian police chief denies fugitive Thai politician ever came

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's top police officer on Tuesday denied reports that Thai former premier Thaksin Shinawatra was welcomed by a special police escort in Kuala Lumpur, saying there is no proof that the fugitive former politician was in the country.

"We were only alerted by the Thai embassy here of the fugitive's supposed presence early this month following a news report in Bangkok," said police chief Musa Hassan.

"As far as we are concerned, he was never in the country and we did not send 20 Special Branch officers to protect him."

"We have checked with local hotels, Immigration, and other sources, and there is no evidence to show that he was ever here," Musa was quoted as saying by the Star online news portal.

Thai media reports quoted Thaksin as saying he was escorted by 20 special branch officers when his private jet stopped over for refuelling in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month.

Thaksin's plane reportedly stopped for refuelling in Kuala Lumpur on July 4 and departed the next day for Fiji. On Friday, he reportedly returned to Dubai, where the billionaire ex-premier has been living in self-imposed exile since losing his Thai passport in April.

-- DPA 2009-07-14

Malaysia protects me because they love me: Thaksin

Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra confirmed Monday that he had stayed overnight in Malaysia and had been provided with special-branch police security.

"My private jet stopped for refuelling in Malaysia and they sent 20 special-branch policemen to guard me. They love and care about me," Thaksin said in a phone-in to FM 97.5 Udon Lovers community radio station yesterday morning.

-- The Nation 2009-07-13

Thaksin was never here: Inspector-General of Malaysian Police

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is now a fugitive, was never in Malaysia nor was he given any protection by the Special Branch as he has claimed, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said.

“We were only alerted by the Thai embassy here of the fugitive’s supposed presence early this month following a news report in Bangkok.

“As far as we are concerned, he was never in the country and we did not send 20 Special Branch officers to protect him. We have checked with local hotels, Immigration and other sources, and there is no evidence to show that he was ever here,’’ he said.

- The Star (Malaysia) / 2009-07-14

So much for "Malaysia protects me because they love me"....

When even the head cop calls him a "fugitive," it's not exactly a term of endearment.

As for...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thaksin-Spec...io-t280224.html

Thaksin: Special Security Protection For Me In Malaysia, Thaksin confirmed that he had stayed overnight

it looks like, once again, Thaksin's been caught out in telling porkies...

Odd how some keep going on and on in that other thread, some apparently unaware that the Top Cop says he never arrived nor that other country's officials are calling Thaksin a "fugitive" and not welcoming him with open arms.... besides the previously discussed less-than-optimal countries.

Panel advocates charter reform

The panel on political reform and charter amendment has proposed changes to six areas of the 2007 constitution, including repealing the five-year ban on certain politicians.

The panel, chaired by Nonthaburi Senator Direk Thungfang, will submit its report to House Speaker Chai Chidchob and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday.

The six areas the panel said were causes of social division and political conflict are: the dissolution of political parties and the banning of their executives from politics; the procedure for becoming an MP; that for becoming a senator; treaties that require parliamentary endorsement; the appointment of MPs; and MPs and senators' authority in helping solve the people's problems.

Mr Direk said the panel also proposed a study of how political reconciliation in Thailand could be achieved.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/2...-charter-reform

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-15

Thanee: More arrests could be made

Warrants out for suspects in Sondhi hit

Arrest warrants have been issued for two suspected gunmen for their alleged involvement in the attempted assassination of People's Alliance for Democracy core leader Sondhi Limthongkul. The Criminal Court yesterday approved arrest warrants for a non-commissioned soldier identified only as Panya, attached to the Lopburi-based Special Warfare Centre and Weerawut Mungsanti of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau , a police source said.

The investigators issued arrest warrants due to the testimonies of witnesses who confirmed that the two suspects were involved in the shooting of Mr Sondhi on April 17, the source said. Deputy National Police Chief Police General Thanee Somboonsap, who is the lead investigator on the case, said more suspects could be arrested in connection with the shooting.

On April 17, gunmen with semi-automatic weapons opened fire at the car in which Mr Sondhi was travelling to the ASTV station to host his morning talk show.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2022...s-in-sondhi-hit

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-15

A driver guides an Airport Rail Link train yesterday.

Bangkok Post / 2009-07-15

'No Thaksin protection'

BANGKOK - FORMER Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who fled the country after being handed a two-year jail term for graft, claimed he was given police security when he stayed overnight in Malaysia earlier this month. But this was flatly denied by the Malaysian police yesterday evening.

'My private jet stopped for refuelling in Malaysia and they sent 20 Special Branch policemen to guard me,' Thaksin said in a phone-in to a community radio station on Monday. 'They love and care about me.'

The Thai authorities had said earlier that the billionaire was in Malaysia on July 4 and had left the next day for Fiji before Thai police could take action. He reportedly ended his island-hopping in the South Pacific and flew back to Dubai last Friday.

But Malaysia's police chief Musa Hassan refuted Thaksin's claims. 'We were alerted by the Thai Embassy here of the fugitive's supposed presence early this month following a news report in Bangkok.

'As far as we are concerned, he was never in the country and we did not send 20 Special Branch officers to protect him. We have checked with local hotels, immigration and other sources, and there is no evidence to show that he was ever here.'

Thaksin has been in self-exile since he was convicted of corruption charges, and the Thai authorities have been trying to have him extradited to serve his jail sentence. Thailand had asked the Fijian government to arrest him after learning he was there, but it has no extradition treaty with Fiji.

- Straits Times (Malaysia) / 2009-07-15

Rassami Mekchai

Sondhi Limthongkul's vehicle from the time of the shooting in April

News article (in Thai) from Manager Online

http://www.manager.co.th/Crime/ViewNews.as...D=9520000079576

The second man is identified only as Panya, a non-commissioned military official under the jurisdiction of the Lop Buri-based special warfare centre.

A dark purple pick-up truck with a Lop Buri licence plate numbered 1474, seen parked at a hotel in Thon Buri area before the attack, was found to be owned by 27-year-old Rassami Mekchai, a resident of Lopburi's Muang district.

Rassami and Panya and Rassami's pickup truck

News article (in Thai) from Khao Sod newspaper:

http://www.matichon.co.th/khaosod/view_new...HdOeTB4TlE9PQ==

Two arrest warrants sought

Police name a police officer and soldier as top suspects in case

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that the government would be very serious about handling the assassination attempt on Sondhi Limthongkul and that the police were preparing to issue arrest warrants for two suspected gunmen - a non-commissioned police officer and a non-commissioned military man.

Abhisit made the comment after rumours started doing rounds that deputy police chief General Thanee Somboonsab, the chief investigator, had instructed his subordinates to seek court approval for issuing arrest warrants for two suspects believed to be involved in the attempt on Sondhi's life.

The first suspect is Pol Corporal Weerawut Mungsanti, a non-commissioned officer under the jurisdiction of the Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau, who currently works under Justice Ministry's Special Investigation Department's deputy director general Pol Colonel Dussadee Arayawuthi.

The second man is identified only as Panya, a non-commissioned military official under the jurisdiction of the Lop Buri-based special warfare centre.

Abhisit said that when Thanee reports to him, he would ask if any obstacles had be put in front of him as far as solving the case went. Thanee met the PM yesterday afternoon at Government House but refused to answer any questions.

A source said investigators had earlier questioned witnesses, who had incriminated the two suspects for opening fire at Sondhi's car. The source added that since the case involved a police officer, the two suspects would be tried in ordinary court, not a military one.

A dark purple pick-up truck with a Lop Buri licence plate numbered 1474, seen parked at a hotel in Thon Buri area before the attack, was found to be owned by 27-year-old Rassami Mekchai, a resident of Lop Buri's Muang district.

When the vehicle was brought to the Traffic Police Division at 11am, Scientific Crime Detection officials found a water bottle and an official ID card carrying the name Rassami Mekchai inside. They also dusted the pick-up for fingerprints.

At noon, 10 military officials from the Lop Buri-based special warfare centre came to the Traffic Police Division after hearing that police had confiscated the pick-up truck. However, no senior police officials give the media any details about the case, either before or after the chief investigator met his team after the pick-up was checked.

Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda said he had not been given details about the arrest warrants for the non-commissioned military suspect.

He said the military was ready to help the police deal with the case according to law. He added that he had not issued any special instructions for Lt-General Puchong

Ratanaworaron, chief of the Special Operations Command, to follow when arresting the soldier. He said if the police sought any cooperation from the military about the case, they must comply with the law.

-- The Nation 2009-07-15

How are they going to market the shares? The old pyramid scam comes to mind, but for such a group (friends of thaksin) to employee such a scam, they need to have the maid, driver, gardener, etc as the fronts, so they can conduct business as usual. The term 'good business' involving Thaksin and his cohorts, could/should get the legal beagles on point. Guess the banks may have been reluctant to loan a few billion for this money maker.

it reminded me of another funny money maker that seems to abound lately with Thaksin and the Red Shirts... sorry, but never did hear who won.

UDD to organize mini marathon

BANGKOK, 9 July 2009 (NNT) – The United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) is preparing to organize a mini marathon in the capital city of Bangkok on 11 July 2009 at Rajamangala National Stadium Hua Mak.

The mini marathon will be led by UDD core figures like Weng Tojirakarn, Veera Musikapong, Jatuporn Prompan, and Nattawut Saikua.

Winners will receive a trophy from former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and a gift of cash.

Apart from the mini marathon, the event will also feature breakfast, concert and political speeches of core leaders afterwards.

The report said that the registration fee is 200 baht for event participation, breakfast and a T-shirt, available at the 5th floor of Big C, Lat Phrao branch.

The People's Alliance for Democracy on Monday filed a lawsuit with the Criminal Court against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Police Chief Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan for abuse of authority.

The Criminal Court on Tuesday cited a lack of cause for judicial review to throw out a counter lawsuit claiming police fabricated terrorism charge related to the Suvarnabhumi Airport seizure in December.

?

From the OP:

Thaksin gets more time to fight assets seizure case

Deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra has until Jan. 4 to challenge a civil lawsuit by prosecutors seeking to seize his assets worth about 76 Billion Baht.

A source in Thaksin's defence team said the Supreme Court has agreed to extend the deadline for 30 days until Jan 4.

The original deadline for Thaksin to challenge the lawsuit was Dec 4.

According to the source, the judge has also decided to extend the deadline for others involved in the case including his ex-wife, Potjaman, and his children to Jan 4.

bangkokpost

12Dec2008

and this was further delayed until July 16....

but now... no further delays...

and the real prize in the turmoil of the last couple years gets underway tomorrow....

Malaysia protects me because they love me: Thaksin

===================================

Thaksin was never here: Inspector-General of Malaysian Police

it looks like, once again, Thaksin's been caught out in telling porkies..

...and the Thai Government as well

in the first place, informing the public that he was in Malaysia and escaped, right ?

LaoPo

as well as trusted sidekick and habitual liar...

Former Thai President, Thaksin, visits Tonga

Nuku'alofa, Tonga: THAILAND'S former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in Tonga earlier this week and met with HM King George Tupou V and Princess Pilolevu Tuita.

====================================================

Thaksin's lawyer, Noppadon Pattama,

denied that Thaksin had visited Tonga

====================================================

Even for a lawyer, Noppadon seems to exceed their normally excessive limits for falsehoods.

Noppadon: Thaksin did visit Malaysia

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra did spend a night in Malaysia, his legal adviser Noppadon Pattama confirmed on Tuesday.

Noppadon said Thaksin told him that his plane landed at Kuala Lumpur to refuel and he left for Fiji the following day.

By: BangkokPost.com

Published: 7/07/2009 at 04:11 PM

Six key issues for charter rewrite: Parliamentary committee on reconciliation

The parliamentary committee on reconciliation has completed its report recommending for the charter rewrite with emphasis on six key issues.

The report is expected to be forwarded to Parliament President Chai Chidchob and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday, Committee Chairman Senator Direk Tuengfung said on Tuesday.

The committee has also recommended for the formation of the Constitution Drafting Assembly to take charge of charter amendments.

The six issues to be reviewed in the rewriting are related to the followings:

1. The penalties for electoral fraud by the party dissolution and the five-year ban of party executives from the electoral process.

2. The electoral system of multi-seat constituency for MPs.

3. The mixed system of appointed and elected Senators.

4. The mandatory parliamentary scrutiny on international agreements.

5. The ban for MPs to hold political office in the government.

6. The procedures for MPs and Senators to get involved in addressing the people's grievances.

-- The Nation 2009-07-15

And now, a magazine for Thaksin

The "Voice of Thaksin", a bi-monthly magazine devoted to former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his supporters, will be officially launched next Monday, Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, a co-leader of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, said yesterday.

Sutham Saengprathum, a former personal secretary to Thaksin, will introduce the magazine at Rattanakosin Hotel and also organise a 60th birthday anniversary for Thaksin on July 26.

He said supporters of Thaksin, and those who felt unjustly treated in the current economic and political environment, would join forces in producing the magazine.

Sutham said the red shirts and general public could acquire shares in the company that published the magazine at 1,000 Baht per share.

-- The Nation 2009-07-15

a bimonthly magazine

-- The Nation 2009-07-14

a biweekly magazine

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-14

"Voice of Thaksin" launch on July 20

A number of Thaksin Shinawatra's supporters will launch a biweekly magazine "Voice of Thaksin" on Monday, July 20, said Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, a leader of the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship.

Somyos said the launch is intended to mark the former prime minister's 60th birthday, which falls on July 26.

He said the magazine is produced by Sutham Saengprathum, a former executive of the now-dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, with support from those loyal to Thaksin such as Sunai Julapongsathorn, Surapong Towichakchaikul, Suthachai Yimprasert, Thanes Charoenmuang, Prasaeng Mongkolsiri, Jaran Ditha-apichai, Karun Hosakul, Pracha Prasopdee, Jakrapob Penkair and Charuwong Ruangsuwan. The purpose of the magazine is to

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...unch-on-july-26

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-14

2 arrest warrants issued for attempted murder of Mr Sondhi

BANGKOK, 14 July 2009 (NNT) - The Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against one soldier and one policeman, who were allegedly involved in the attempted assassination of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) core-figure Sondhi Limthongkul.

The two suspects, identified as a non-commissioned army officer, known as Panya, attached to the Special Warfare Centre in Lopburi, and a non-commissioned police officer, alias Wut, attached to the Narcotics Suppression Division.

The issuance of arrest warrants came after a Toyota Vigo pick-up truck-owned by a Lopburi resident Ms. Rassami Mekchai had allegedly been in connection with the murder attempt of the PAD core-leader according to eyewitnesses.

Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Thanee Somboonsab was scheduled to report the case to the Prime Minister at 4 pm today.

-- NNT 2009-07-14

Reconciliation Committee concludes 6 key issues for charter rewrite

BANGKOK, 14 July 2009 (NNT) - The Reconciliation Committee for Political Reform and Constitution Amendment has concluded a total of 6 key points for the charter amendment in order to reduce political conflicts.

The Reconciliation Committee chaired by Senator Direk Thuengfung has compiled a 50-page report of its work conclusions, which will be submitted to House Speaker Chai Chidchob and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on 16 July.

The 6 key components for reducing conflicts and restoring unity in the nation are related to the dissolution of political parties and revocation of electoral rights of party leaders and executives, the origin of MPs, the origin of Senators, the requirement of the House’s approval of all agreement documents, the MPs’ holding of political positions and the contributions of MPs and Senators towards solving people's problems.

The committee reported that the formation of the Constitution Drafting Assembly within one year was required for the charter rewrite as stipulated in the Constitution Article 291.

-- NNT 2009-07-14

Pick-up Seized in Case of PAD Leader's Assassination Attempt

Investigators responsible for the attempted murder case of People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul held an urgent meeting today after the discovery of a pick-up truck believed to be used in the crime.

A pick-up truck with license plate of Lopburi 1474 was brought from a hotel in Bangkok's Thonburi area to the Traffic Police Bureau for investigation.

Inside the truck, investigators found a water bottle, video compact discs, and a government civil service card of Rassamee Mekchai. They also collected fingerprints. Further forensic examination of the truck is in progress.

Ten officials from the Army's Special Warfare Unit in Lopburi reportedly visited the Traffic Police Bureau after the vehicle was brought in.

Reports have surfaced that police have issued two arrest warrants in this case, one for a non-commissioned soldier of the Army's Special Warfare Unit in Lopburi named Panya and the other for a low-ranking policeman of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau named Wut.

Investigators said eyewitnesses confirmed the identities of the suspects and their roles in the assassination attempt.

No high-ranking officers have come out to comment while the chief investigator for the case, Police Lieutenant-General Thani Somboonsap, has held a meeting with related officials regarding the latest development.

He promises to give details on the case soon.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-14