Could be a long wait for fugitive ex-monk

[webfact]

Could be a long wait for fugitive ex-monk

By The Nation

 

 

Germany might well grant asylum to Chamnong Iam-intra, accused of embezzling a fortune while in robes

 

A former senior Buddhist monk wanted by police for allegedly laundering millions in embezzled state funds is reportedly seeking asylum in Germany after managing to flee Thailand.

 

German authorities have refused to hand over the former Phra Phrommedhi to a Thai police team led by national police chief Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda, which flew to Frankfurt in the hope of escorting the fugitive ex-monk back to Thailand to face justice.

 

The monk is now known by his lay name, Chamnong Iam-intra, following a royal command stripping his monastic rank along with those of six other high-ranking monks implicated in the embezzlement scandal involving more than Bt350 million. He was the last of the seven suspects to be apprehended.

 

It will be interesting to see on what grounds the former monk requests asylum and whether Germany will grant it. The German government is apt to grant asylum if the applicant faces political persecution back home or requires protection as a refugee or subsidiary protection. Asylum can also be given to prevent deportation.

 

Criminals often flee their countries to escape the law. A lengthy criminal record might well land them back home if they’re arrested abroad, but fugitives with little or no history of breaking the law – such as this ex-monk and several prominent Thai politicians – are less likely to be extradited. Thus they seek asylum in their host country. The practice of granting asylum and refugee status, though, greatly complicates the legal process for the fugitives’ homelands.

 

It is surely fair for victims of political or religious persecution or other unfair treatment at home, or whose lives were in danger due to armed conflict, to be granted asylum or refugee status. But in too many cases, the applicants are nothing more than common criminals fleeing deserved punishment.

 

Thai politicians charged with corruption at home flee abroad and take advantage of this system. They might have cheated citizens or the state of billions of baht and personally gained from government projects illegally. Yet most live in luxury overseas on the wealth they amassed dishonestly while in office.

 

There is no problem if the authorities overseas grant asylum or refugee status after taking all pertinent details into consideration, including the nature of the case against the applicant. If that is done, the best the applicants can hope for is a delay in their extradition, since they will be sent home once disqualified for special status.

 

However, given the global stature of Thailand’s military-led government, the chances of Chamnong being extradited are slim. The fact that the current administration came to power through an Army coup could instead support his claim, if he chooses to make it, that he faces political persecution at home. The claim could convince the German courts, even in a case of alleged embezzlement of state funds.

 

The system of granting asylum and refugee status can thus end up unintentionally helping actual lawbreakers escape due justice in their home countries. It would be too much to hope that every bogus refugee and asylum seeker is screened out. 

 

All details relevant to the applicant’s case should be carefully and fairly considered in determining whether asylum or refugee status is allowed. This is for the sake of justice, even justice in a developing country ruled by a military junta.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30347173

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-06-07

[cornishcarlos]

Toad Boy said yesterday that the monk has not applied for asylum, lying German sausages.....

3 days, then we're coming for him again 

[Samui Bodoh]

15 minutes ago, webfact said:

However, given the global stature of Thailand’s military-led government, the chances of Chamnong being extradited are slim. The fact that the current administration came to power through an Army coup could instead support his claim, if he chooses to make it, that he faces political persecution at home. The claim could convince the German courts, even in a case of alleged embezzlement of state funds.

There is a great deal of truth to the paragraph above; Thailand under a military government is simply not trusted to deliver justice or fairness to its own accused citizens.

 

The case of Yingluck was instructive; Interpol could have sat on the request. Interpol could have ignored the request. Interpol could have accepted the request for assistance and done little or nothing. However, Interpol stated that the Thai Government's case was "Politically Motivated". I guarantee you that this action was noticed by ALL international actors.

 

Is it possible for the Junta to successfully extradite anyone at all? That is an interesting question; I suspect that the answer is "No."

 

If anyone wonders what the international community thinks of the Junta, there is your answer.

 

I have to wonder exactly what the PTB are thinking today; if the international community has already decided that Thailand is not worthy of trust, how much more loss of 'face' are they willing to accept?

 

Hmm..

 

 

Edited June 6, 2018 by Samui Bodoh
Lack of coffee

[colinneil]

Well ole fatty has opened his mouth once  again made himself look stupid.

What a dipstick, and to think this clown is deputy prime minister.

The German authorities want things done correctly, something that fat toad cannot understand.

[YetAnother]

38 minutes ago, webfact said:

The fact that the current administration came to power through an Army coup could instead support his claim, if he chooses to make it, that he faces political persecution at home. The claim could convince the German courts, even in a case of alleged embezzlement of state funds.

o c'mon, surely germany has thinking people in their judicial system; this case is purely a legal one, nothing to do with politics; taken to the extreme, germany would be overrun with foreign criminals if asylum is granted so cavalierly

[ChidlomDweller]

28 minutes ago, YetAnother said:

o c'mon, surely germany has thinking people in their judicial system; this case is purely a legal one, nothing to do with politics; taken to the extreme, germany would be overrun with foreign criminals if asylum is granted so cavalierly

I really hope you're right.  Their embassy can surely inform them of the particulars of his holiness' case.  There's also the thing that one day the shoe may be on the other foot, and Germany will want a criminal deported from Thailand.  

[Lungstib]

Thailand is so lacking in simple human rights and a fair justice system that all people fleeing the govt have a chance at gaining asylum. When you already have innocent people serving long prison sentences it's hard to gain international sympathy.

[sammieuk1]

The general has been out flanked by the thieving monk what a shambles .

[Anak Nakal]

No country believe Thailand now.

Good job Frog-kisser!

[JAG]

3 hours ago, YetAnother said:

o c'mon, surely germany has thinking people in their judicial system; this case is purely a legal one, nothing to do with politics; taken to the extreme, germany would be overrun with foreign criminals if asylum is granted so cavalierly

Perhaps they do.

 

Perhaps they are thinking: here is country run by a junta which  installed itself by a military coup. This junta is now going after the leading lights of a significant faction of the very influential religious establishment. One of those leading lights has asked us for asylum. 

 

Perhaps they are thinking: is this purely a legal case, as you suggest, or should we find out if there is more to it, and then decide accordingly?

 

Perhaps they are thinking: why did the junta's police chief, and 12 of his mates, arrive so precipitously and demand he be handed over right now? If it is such a simple legal case.

[Sydebolle]

And while the Thai police chief and his team are waiting for the German ruling, they could go and finalize their hunt for Dr Thaksin and his sibling. As the team consists of 14 police experts maybe one or two could hop over to England to nail down the little sweet brat grandson of the Red Bull inventor. Maybe they can get some assistance by the press as the latter manages to publish articles and recent photos all the time. 

Given a similar three days deadline the present government, would shine brilliantly in the almighty sun of having done things really right. 

[sweatalot]

"  . . .  Thailand under a military government is simply not trusted to deliver justice or fairness to its own accused citizens."

 

Neither could the governments before  be trusted to deliver justice or fairness.

 

The Western countries should understand that.

I am not defending the military government. There is just no difference.

 

I am afraid the next democratic elections would only bring the criminal earlier "democratic" government back.

At least they would be democratically elected - to continue their selfish undemocratic agenda

 

Edited June 7, 2018 by sweatalot

[Misterwhisper]

What once again makes me scratch my head is the - typical, I might add - thoughtless approach by the Thai government. There they heard the former monk was arrested by German authorities. And the very next day they sent off their posse of 13 high-ranking police officers (minus an indispensable lawyer, mind you) in the belief the German would just hand over the ex-monk.

 

In accordance with international principals, the Thai embassy in Berlin should have first inquired with the German Ministry of Interior what the procedure is. Then the Germans would have told them that it would take at least two months for them to assess whether the ex-monk can be extradited or not.

 

But no, an entire merry-go-round party is immediately dispatched, costing the Thai tax payer god knows how many millions of baht, because the Thai government is apparently under the delusion that the whole world must yield to its awesome power.  

[PREM-R]

4 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

And while the Thai police chief and his team are waiting for the German ruling, they could go and finalize their hunt for Dr Thaksin and his sibling. As the team consists of 14 police experts maybe one or two could hop over to England to nail down the little sweet brat grandson of the Red Bull inventor. Maybe they can get some assistance by the press as the latter manages to publish articles and recent photos all the time. 

Given a similar three days deadline the present government, would shine brilliantly in the almighty sun of having done things really right. 

Any here we see the true extent of the damage caused by the Junta.  Interpol and the international community now will not accept, at face value, any, even legitimate requests to repatriate Thai citizens to their home country.   Thaksin and Yingluck are free to travel around the world, even ASEAN countries will not apprehend them.  The Thai courts had little credibility in the past, now they have none at all..... Thanks to the Junta!

[Dave67]

Thai Police went to Germany to arrest a Monk and bring him back to Thailand, without telling German Authorities.

 

That's the best one yet these clowns never fail to entertain

[PerkinsCuthbert]

1 hour ago, PREM-R said:

Any here we see the true extent of the damage caused by the Junta.  Interpol and the international community now will not accept, at face value, any, even legitimate requests to repatriate Thai citizens to their home country.   Thaksin and Yingluck are free to travel around the world, even ASEAN countries will not apprehend them.  The Thai courts had little credibility in the past, now they have none at all..... Thanks to the Junta!

It is not only the present junta but past ones too that are not trusted internationally to administer justice domestically. Modern Thai history is replete with public figures who have fled Thailand being granted visas, asylum or sanctuary by other countries, Thaksin, who was ousted in the 2006 coup, being merely another recent example. So this is not a new phenomenon, but rather speaks to a longstanding mistrust on the part of other countries that such figures can receive fair and impartial treatment in the Thai justice system.

Edited June 7, 2018 by PerkinsCuthbert

[PhonThong]

3 hours ago, Lungstib said:

Thailand is so lacking in simple human rights and a fair justice system that all people fleeing the govt have a chance at gaining asylum. When you already have innocent people serving long prison sentences it's hard to gain international sympathy.

What country is the good general going to seek asylum with when the Thai citizens wise up?

[sweatalot]

1 hour ago, PREM-R said:

Any here we see the true extent of the damage caused by the Junta.  Interpol and the international community now will not accept, at face value, any, even legitimate requests to repatriate Thai citizens to their home country.   Thaksin and Yingluck are free to travel around the world, even ASEAN countries will not apprehend them.  The Thai courts had little credibility in the past, now they have none at all..... Thanks to the Junta!

" The Thai courts had little credibility in the past, now they have none at all..... Thanks to the Junta!"

 

You are free to see it this way, but the truth is :

 

The Germans just follow standard procedures.

Nothing to do with the Juna.

 

 

 

 

 

[Happyman58]

The Monk has a contact in high places. But are these 13 Thai people who went to get him worried? No way They are staying at the Marriott Best rooms sightseeing big allowance.Happy days on the Thai taxpayer

[sawadee1947]

What is embarrassing and annoying that 14 police men took a business holiday flight to enjoy German beer in Frankfurt's beer gardens. Or drink special Cider. They didn't want to confirm the monk will come with them. 

[Stargeezr]

This ex Monk is now just another dishonest Thai Mug who has did a runner instead

of staying to face his dishonest actions. Not much of a surprise to me. I know of some

honest monks, but the rest of these Mugs are not helping the monks reputations.

[Chang_paarp]

Looks like the German response to

"Don't you know who I am?"

was along the lines of

"No.

Who?

Where is the paperwork?"

 

Which caused a lot of angst amongst the travelling party.  I still like the response to being informed that the process takes a minimum of 2 months was "Can you do it in 3 days?"

Didn't they take any notice of the professional diplomats? Mind you I suspect they did not even ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or any of its staff what the process was.