Yingluck gets ready to make her move

[rooster59]

Yingluck gets ready to make her move

By SOMROUTAI SAPSOMBOON 
THE SUNDAY NATION 

 

 

FUGITIVE EX-PREMIER MAY SOON HOLD PRESS

 

IT HAS been almost six months since former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra fled the country just before a court verdict in a criminal case that stemmed from her government’s corruption-plagued rice-pledging scheme.

 

 

She lived in seclusion overseas for months until, shortly before the New Year, she was spotted in public in London. 

 

Just last week, Yingluck was photographed in Beijing with her brother Thaksin, who is also wanted by Thai authorities. The siblings later went to Tokyo and then Hong Kong.

 

 

It seems time has arrived for Yingluck to make a significant political move – something that her supporters have been patiently waiting for.

 

Politicians in the Pheu Thai Party who are loyal to the Shinawatras expect Yingluck to “say something” about her political future soon.

 

A party source said there would be “not too long to wait” before she called a press conference. At such an event, Yingluck was expected to explain why she decided to flee the country.

 

Such a press conference is likely to be held in Hong Kong late this month or early next month, according to a critic of the Shinawatra siblings, Somchai Sawangkarn, who is a member of the National Legislative Assembly. 

 

He quoted a source from Japan, where he claimed Yingluck sought to meet her political and business connections.

 

“This is an attempt to signal to her supporters that it’s time to create disturbances at a time when the government’s popularity is on the decline,” Somchai said.

 

In August last year, Yingluck jumped bail and left Thailand without court permission, just a few days before the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders was scheduled to read its verdict in the case against her. Her Bt30-million surety was seized and, a month later, the court sentenced her in absentia to five years in jail for negligence.

 

There had been reports that she flew to Dubai and later to the United Kingdom but there was no proof of her whereabouts.

 

Around the Christmas and New Year holidays, the fugitive ex-PM was spotted in London and photos of her taken at different places in the British capital were circulated on social media.

 

Their recent travels to Asian countries marked the first time that the ex-PM siblings were seen together since Yingluck left Thailand.

 

Pheu Thai politicians view this as an attempt to show the junta that Yingluck is free to travel anywhere in the world except in her home country where the military is in control, according to the party source.

 

“Even countries with good ties with the junta, such as China and Japan, do not prevent Yingluck from travelling there,” the source said. 

“It seems the government can’t do anything much about its threat to get her arrested. 

 

“Those countries do not care about the charges against the former prime minister, otherwise they would not let her in.”

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30339118

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-02-18

[Thailand]

Go for it gal.

 

The junta's worst nightmare about to become reality.

[ezzra]

45 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

“Even countries with good ties with the junta, such as China and Japan, do not prevent Yingluck from travelling there,” the source said. 

And because, in Asia, today's friends, could be very well tomorrow's enemy and vice versa,

so it pays to be friendly with everybody...

[Samui Bodoh]

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

Pheu Thai politicians view this as an attempt to show the junta that Yingluck is free to travel anywhere in the world except in her home country where the military is in control, according to the party source.

 

“Even countries with good ties with the junta, such as China and Japan, do not prevent Yingluck from travelling there,” the source said. 

“It seems the government can’t do anything much about its threat to get her arrested. 

 

“Those countries do not care about the charges against the former prime minister, otherwise they would not let her in.”

I think a better way to put it is that those countries do not recognize the validity of the charges against her by the Junta, and the Junta has wisely not pushed the matter or it would lose tremendous face when they were rebuffed.

 

No civilized country in the world would ever extradite Yingluck back to the coup-makers.

 

I will be quite interested to hear what she has to say as there is a huge spectrum of possibilities that could occur; she could make a few polite noises and get on with her life all the way to a full-throated denunciation of the Junta as treasonous criminals and everything in between. 

 

I am not really sure what I think would be best (more thought needed). I think there will definitely be some comments on the need to return to Democracy, on the need for the military to go back to the barracks, and for the need of civil liberties to return to Thailand. Beyond that, I am unsure how far she should go.

 

Interesting times...

 

[YetAnother]

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

Pheu Thai politicians view this as an attempt to show the junta that Yingluck is free to travel anywhere in the world except in her home country where the military is in control, according to the party source.

 

“Even countries with good ties with the junta, such as China and Japan, do not prevent Yingluck from travelling there,” the source said. 

“It seems the government can’t do anything much about its threat to get her arrested. 

 

“Those countries do not care about the charges against the former prime minister, otherwise they would not let her in.”

a lot of bluster and spin from a hugely biased source; junta , albeit fools, are not quite so stupid to get her back here

[AGareth2]

47 minutes ago, YetAnother said:

are not quite so stupid to get her back here

then why do they keep going on about it

why not keep quiet?

[metisdead]

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[Eric Loh]

This looks like the authority is setting up the scene to link her with the current demonstration. Timing of this report is highly suspicious and the new Nation owners may have much influence. Just my 2 cents opinion. 

[scorecard]

2 hours ago, ezzra said:

And because, in Asia, today's friends, could be very well tomorrow's enemy and vice versa,

so it pays to be friendly with everybody...

 

Japan, China etc., are pragmatic, that's the way it works, they turn a blind eye and focus on the economic cash. All countries do the same, always have.

 

Does anybody really believe that the Japanese PM and the Chinese guy believe she is totally innocent? Both countries give quick and severe punishment for similar situations.

 

Would either of them want to get into talks with her and protect her / fight for her? No.

 

 

[Odysseus123]

22 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

This looks like the authority is setting up the scene to link her with the current demonstration. Timing of this report is highly suspicious and the new Nation owners may have much influence. Just my 2 cents opinion. 

Indeed.

 

The Junta REQUIRES enemies at this particular stage and it is entirely for home consumption.

 

They yearn for a monolithic "united" state.

They have a dualistic one-"Reds and Yellows"

..and they lack the tolerance and intellectual,social and cultural wherewithal to have a pluralistic one.

[scorecard]

1 minute ago, Odysseus123 said:

Indeed.

 

The Junta REQUIRES enemies at this particular stage and it is entirely for home consumption.

 

They yearn for a monolithic "united" state.

They have a dualistic one-"Reds and Yellows"

..and they lack the tolerance and intellectual,social and cultural wherewithal to have a pluralistic one.

 

"They have a dualistic one-"Reds and Yellows".....

Yawn.

[Odysseus123]

Just now, scorecard said:

 

"They have a dualistic one-"Reds and Yellows".....

Yawn.

Great to see you again!

Your very presence brings sunshine to my day and is an intellectual borealis at night!

 

Where have you been?

[TooPoopedToPop]

3 hours ago, Thailand said:

Go for it gal.

 

The junta's worst nightmare about to become reality.

Go for what?

A return to power of the corrupt Shinawatra Clan?

 

[grumbleweed]

I wonder how much of the pollution in Bangkok is caused by the feathers being spit out by Prayuth

[hansnl]

3 hours ago, Thailand said:

Go for it gal.

 

The junta's worst nightmare about to become reality.

You seem to like the idea this might eventually lead to a civil war?

You really want the Thai people to stand up to each other?

The Shins will do anything to get back in power.

 

[hansnl]

57 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

This looks like the authority is setting up the scene to link her with the current demonstration. Timing of this report is highly suspicious and the new Nation owners may have much influence. Just my 2 cents opinion. 

Or maybe it is a case of follow the money.

Just maybe it was organised by the Shins.

The two hovering around Thailand is a good indication.

[johnc925]

The recent cancellation of the Japanese contract for the recently completed Tollway has perpetuated a lot of anger from the investors.

That was a 2 billion usd project that those in charge decided to pull the rug out from under. I understand it's in legal right now...

I suspect things are about to get very real.

Sent from my SM-A910F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[metisdead]

A post with an aberrant miss spelling of Yingluck's name has been removed.  Another post containing a nonsensical doctored video has been removed. 

[yellowboat]

1 hour ago, AGareth2 said:

then why do they keep going on about it

why not keep quiet?

They wish to appease the ultra ultra yellows who want her back, but not sure how many of those people even care now.  Same goes for democracy.  They think they can just keep giving lip service,  and that will be enough to pacify the population.   Thais are patient, so it works longer in Thailand than most places.   Not sure how much longer it will work.  The junta is unpopular for many reasons.  The most important is not offering opportunities for the average Thai to participate in the vast spoils of the ticking over economy.  Those opportunities are for prestigious circles only.

[Becker]

30 minutes ago, hansnl said:

You seem to like the idea this might eventually lead to a civil war?

You really want the Thai people to stand up to each other?

The Shins will do anything to get back in power.

 

Some sort of reckoning is coming, sooner or later. This cycle of coups cannot continue if Thailand is ever going to evolve from the corruption ridden 3rd World nation it is today (despite the 4.0 BS continually being sprouted by the junta).

The old elite apparently won't give up their stranglehold of the nation without a fight but let's hope massive people power will make it clear to them they cannot win and that they slink back to their mansions avoiding bloodshed.

Do I think it's likely? No. Do I like the idea of possible violence? Emphatically; NO. Do I think it's necessary for Thailand that the old elite be banished from the corridors of power for good? Just as emphatically; YES.

 

[robblok]

2 minutes ago, Becker said:

Some sort of reckoning is coming, sooner or later. This cycle of coups cannot continue if Thailand is ever going to evolve from the corruption ridden 3rd World nation it is today (despite the 4.0 BS continually being sprouted by the junta).

The old elite apparently won't give up their stranglehold of the nation without a fight but let's hope massive people power will make it clear to them they cannot win and that they slink back to their mansions avoiding bloodshed.

Do I think it's likely? No. Do I like the idea of possible violence? Emphatically; NO. Do I think it's necessary for Thailand that the old elite be banished from the corridors of power for good? Just as emphatically; YES.

 

Then you get new elite taking the place of old elite.. what is the point ? They are all corrupt, without a non corrupt new (certainly not PTP or Democrats or junta) political vehicle its just switching one corrupt entity for an other. 

 

The Thais are not stupid, they won't lay their lives down to bring back the corrupt Shins, or any other party that is corrupt. Without a good alternative nothing will happen. 

[RickBradford]

5 minutes ago, Becker said:

Some sort of reckoning is coming, sooner or later. This cycle of coups cannot continue if Thailand is ever going to evolve from the corruption ridden 3rd World nation it is today (despite the 4.0 BS continually being sprouted by the junta).

The old elite apparently won't give up their stranglehold of the nation without a fight but let's hope massive people power will make it clear to them they cannot win and that they slink back to their mansions avoiding bloodshed.

Do I think it's likely? No. Do I like the idea of possible violence? Emphatically; NO. Do I think it's necessary for Thailand that the old elite be banished from the corridors of power for good? Just as emphatically; YES.

 

The notion that "the system is corrupt" and that a complete change is all that is needed to bring about Utopia has been tried before in many countries, including Russia, China and notably Cambodia.

 

In every case, all that was achieved was a mountain of corpses, and corruption equally as bad as that which went before.

[tukkytuktuk]

 

13 minutes ago, Becker said:

Some sort of reckoning is coming, sooner or later. This cycle of coups cannot continue if Thailand is ever going to evolve from the corruption ridden 3rd World nation it is today (despite the 4.0 BS continually being sprouted by the junta).

The old elite apparently won't give up their stranglehold of the nation without a fight but let's hope massive people power will make it clear to them they cannot win and that they slink back to their mansions avoiding bloodshed.

Do I think it's likely? No. Do I like the idea of possible violence? Emphatically; NO. Do I think it's necessary for Thailand that the old elite be banished from the corridors of power for good? Just as emphatically; YES.

 

There is another factor in the equation. I think the current junta has lost it's popularity and knows it. So they delay the election to stay in power. But, patience is wearing thin for all, it seems like everyone is waiting for a spark to start the fire. 

Edited February 18, 2018 by tukkytuktuk

[Kieran00001]

2 minutes ago, robblok said:

Then you get new elite taking the place of old elite.. what is the point ? They are all corrupt, without a non corrupt new (certainly not PTP or Democrats or junta) political vehicle its just switching one corrupt entity for an other. 

 

The Thais are not stupid, they won't lay their lives down to bring back the corrupt Shins, or any other party that is corrupt. Without a good alternative nothing will happen. 

 

All corrupt governments are not the same, while some feed the rich others feed the poor, the Thaipeople have not forgotten who lifted them up out of poverty and have also not forgotten who fought to try to keep them poor, if you think a little corruption scandal could outweigh the changes then you are deluded.

[Becker]

10 minutes ago, robblok said:

Then you get new elite taking the place of old elite.. what is the point ? They are all corrupt, without a non corrupt new (certainly not PTP or Democrats or junta) political vehicle its just switching one corrupt entity for an other. 

 

The Thais are not stupid, they won't lay their lives down to bring back the corrupt Shins, or any other party that is corrupt. Without a good alternative nothing will happen. 

 

3 minutes ago, RickBradford said:

The notion that "the system is corrupt" and that a complete change is all that is needed to bring about Utopia has been tried before in many countries, including Russia, China and notably Cambodia.

 

In every case, all that was achieved was a mountain of corpses, and corruption equally as bad as that which went before.

If the old elite is banished and Thailand finally gets to elect their government and those governments are allowed to serve out their terms without being ousted in a coup then there is at least a chance that Thailand will evolve into something better than it is today. Because one thing is certain; coups have been tried 20 times and they never fixed anything.

[robblok]

1 minute ago, Kieran00001 said:

 

All corrupt governments are not the same, while some feed the rich others feed the poor, the Thaipeople have not forgotten who lifted them up out of poverty and have also not forgotten who fought to try to keep them poor, if you think a little corruption scandal could outweigh the changes then you are deluded.

Who lifted them out of poverty.. last time I checked all the Thais were still depended on handouts especially the farmers (just like the PTP wants it so they can promise something to get their votes again) If they were not depending on handouts they would not be so easy to manipulate. Did the PTP fund the hospitals enough ?

 

Little corruption scandals.. the Shins like others are corrupt to the core. 

[robblok]

3 minutes ago, Becker said:

 

If the old elite is banished and Thailand finally gets to elect their government and those governments are allowed to serve out their terms without being ousted in a coup then there is at least a chance that Thailand will evolve into something better than it is today. Because one thing is certain; coups have been tried 20 times and they never fixed anything.

Your funny if you really believe this, as others have said this has been tried all over the word and the Shins are as corrupt as the rest without a real non corrupt alternative there is no hope. Anyone seeing the Shins as non corrupt saviors is crazy. Right now there is NOBODY there who could bring change.

 

Coups don't fix anything.. but neither do bloody revolutions. Maybe only satisfy the blood thirst of certain members. Your not alone in proposing it.. though at least you not favor it.

Edited February 18, 2018 by robblok

[Odysseus123]

4 minutes ago, robblok said:

Your funny if you really believe this, as others have said this has been tried all over the word and the Shins are as corrupt as the rest without a real non corrupt alternative there is no hope. Anyone seeing the Shins as non corrupt saviors is crazy. Right now there is NOBODY there who could bring change.

 

Coups don't fix anything.. but neither do bloody revolutions. Maybe only satisfy the blood thirst of certain members. Your not alone in proposing it.. though at least you not favor it.

You remain a junta apologist-I thought your "recantation" last week was hilarious.

 

Just changed to BS setting 2-"Tactful"

[Becker]

Just now, robblok said:

Who lifted them out of poverty.. last time I checked all the Thais were still depended on handouts especially the farmers (just like the PTP wants it so they can promise something to get their votes again) If they were not depending on handouts they would not be so easy to manipulate. Did the PTP fund the hospitals enough ?

 

Little corruption scandals.. the Shins like others are corrupt to the core. 

You have made perfectly clear over the last few years how much disdain you have for the Shins and seemingly also the fairly democratic process that brought them to power. Although your support for the junta seems to have cooled drastically I get the feeling you still prefer them to anything an election would bring about.

So to my question; what would you realistically like to see happen in Thailand in the coming years? We both know that a bunch of honest, moral leaders will not suddenly materialize and that Thailand will have to undergo some sort of transition for this to happen.

The only way I can see that this will take place is for democracy to be given a chance as the steady stream of coups clearly don't work. What do you propose?

[canuckamuck]

Education and free press is what is needed. Changing from one piggy to another isn't going to change a thing. The people can't make a choice until they are informed.