The Constitutional Tribunal Disbands Thai Rak Thai - Election cheating

[John K]

Well lets see.... The TRT got dissolved for election fraud. Now the defunct TRT is accused of election tampering. It is becoming more apparent each day that the former TRT has shown lack of self control, and increasingly looks like they need to be locked up. This above the law attitude is getting to be a bit annoying.

[marshbags]

Well with 30,000,000 Baht bribe money, that cuts the list down considerably as to who could afford to pay that much money. If police colonels make that much money, where do I sign up? Looks like just another dance with the devil if you ask me.

Devil......Thaksin ? didn,t know he could dance....

Now there,s a thought, could be one of the same and when you add 30 mil into the equation ( not including the pay off for the Col. of mystery ) ?????????

Be it the above mentioned, in terms of annonymously keeping his defuncted party electable, annonymously or one of his high profile underlings getting additional " T " money to suppliment his meagre income from years of back handers prior to retirement.

marshbags

[John K]

Perhaps we better check the Forbes list to be sure.

This can go one of 3 way and it is all up to the colonel

1) He admits who gave him the money, that person is indicted and the colonel spends some time in jail.

2) The colonel says it was his money and his plan and the colonel spends a lot of time in jail.

3) The colonel says it was a collection of funds from many people and the colonel’s life expectancy is considerably shortened.

To identify the mystery colonel before he is arrested, look for the one who has dropped a few kilos over the past month or so.

[jumnien]

First, the military demolishes democracy. Now, a military man involved in vote buying bribery. Still the coup cheerleaders cheer on! Amazing.

[hammered]

Perhaps we better check the Forbes list to be sure.

This can go one of 3 way and it is all up to the colonel

1) He admits who gave him the money, that person is indicted and the colonel spends some time in jail.

2) The colonel says it was his money and his plan and the colonel spends a lot of time in jail.

3) The colonel says it was a collection of funds from many people and the colonel’s life expectancy is considerably shortened.

To identify the mystery colonel before he is arrested, look for the one who has dropped a few kilos over the past month or so.

The colonel and his family will be well taken care of if he denies everything, forgets everything or admits it was only him. Considering nobody TRT ever admits anythign wrong and they never are willing to take resposibility for their own actions I would guess he will either deny or forget. No doubt those supporting him will go on and on about military goverments, unfair, not democratic and hypocritically miss that what they are condoning is also undemocratic, but we cant expect the we are never ever wrong party of God T to fess up to anything.

[Plus]

First, the military demolishes democracy. Now, a military man involved in vote buying bribery. Still the coup cheerleaders cheer on! Amazing.

If you paid attention you would have noticed that it's a retired POLICE colonel.

In another thread I argue that ex military/police people are everywhere in Thailand, on both sides of every fence.

[jumnien]

At least we agree on something.

[hammered]

First, the military demolishes democracy. Now, a military man involved in vote buying bribery. Still the coup cheerleaders cheer on! Amazing.

If you paid attention you would have noticed that it's a retired POLICE colonel.

In another thread I argue that ex military/police people are everywhere in Thailand, on both sides of every fence.

In this rather confused report a police General is actually named: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120722

[sriracha john]

Mustn't forget that apparently the basis for the bribe was the Police colonel's wife being indebted to Khunying Or.... who, I believe, is married to a Police lieutenant colonel.

[sriracha john]

Thai police seek colonel's arrest for alleged bribery attempt in electoral fraud trial

BANGKOK, Thailand: A Thai court issued an arrest warrant Wednesday for a police colonel suspected of attempting to bribe two judges to help former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's party in a key electoral fraud trial.

Police Col. Chanchai Nitiratakan allegedly offered 30 million baht (US$990,000; €720,000) each to two of the nine Constitutional Court judges, said police Lt. Gen. Jongrak Chutanont.

Jongrak said the criminal court granted the arrest warrant because there was sufficient evidence to prosecute Chanchai.

"Although the judges had turned down his bribes, the suspect has already committed the crime of attempted bribery," Jongrak said.

Testimony of Krairisk Kasemsan, one of the judges, showed the colonel had tried unsuccessfully to bribe him, said senior Justice Ministry official Jaran Pakdithakul. "I am delighted that the truth is finally revealed and the case will be tried in court. These charges will set a good precedent," Jaran said.

The suspect has to report to police by Aug. 14, Jongrak said.

He faces maximum of seven years in jail if found guilty of attempted bribery.

After a six-month trial, the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled on May 29 that Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party was guilty of violating election law in the April 2006 general balloting. It ordered the party to disband and banned 111 party executives from politics for five years.

- Associated Press

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

Additionally, the article by Bangkok Post cited by hammered has modified their report to say the policeman's rank is a colonel and not a general.

[sriracha john]

Ex-police officer wanted for TRT poll scandal-related bribe attempt

BANGKOK - Thailand's Criminal Court on Wednesday morning approved an arrest warrant for a retired police officer who allegedly attempted to bribe two Constitutional Tribunal judges.

Pol. Col. Charnchai Netirattakarn, 62, has been ordered to report to police by August 14 at 10.30 am. A graduate of Thammasat University's Faculty of Law (Class of 1966), Col. Charnchai was accused of offering a Bt30 million bribe to Constitution Tribunal judges before the hearings for the electoral fraud case that resulted in the dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai party.

The bribe was offered in exchange for a not-guilty verdict for the now defunct Thai Rak Thai party, according to M.L. Krairirk Kasemsant, one of the two Constitution Tribunal judges who were offered the bribe.

Police are also considering seeking a second arrest warrant for a judicial official believed to have been involved in the scandal.

After a six-month trial, the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled on May 29 that the Thai Rak Thai party was guilty of violating election law in the April 2006 general poll. The party was disbanded and 111 party executives including former PM Thaksin Shinawatra were banned from politics for five years.

- MCOT

[hammered]

Ex-police officer wanted for TRT poll scandal-related bribe attempt

BANGKOK - Thailand's Criminal Court on Wednesday morning approved an arrest warrant for a retired police officer who allegedly attempted to bribe two Constitutional Tribunal judges.

Pol. Col. Charnchai Netirattakarn, 62, has been ordered to report to police by August 14 at 10.30 am. A graduate of Thammasat University's Faculty of Law (Class of 1966), Col. Charnchai was accused of offering a Bt30 million bribe to Constitution Tribunal judges before the hearings for the electoral fraud case that resulted in the dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai party.

The bribe was offered in exchange for a not-guilty verdict for the now defunct Thai Rak Thai party, according to M.L. Krairirk Kasemsant, one of the two Constitution Tribunal judges who were offered the bribe.

Police are also considering seeking a second arrest warrant for a judicial official believed to have been involved in the scandal.

After a six-month trial, the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled on May 29 that the Thai Rak Thai party was guilty of violating election law in the April 2006 general poll. The party was disbanded and 111 party executives including former PM Thaksin Shinawatra were banned from politics for five years.

- MCOT

From a PR perspectve another blow for the TRT. Looks like they offerded a bribe. The judges rejected it making them look good, but the worst is the tacit unsaid that one offers bribes when one knows one is guilty. There is no need to bribe if you are innocent. That is very damaging PR wise especially internationally.

[jumnien]

I am not doubting that TRT was involved in typical Thai style politics, but I think the international community is very suspicious of anything that comes out of the junta approved Constitutional Court ever since the Constitution was trampled by 14 tanks.

[Plus]

By default, yes, if they follow the news, no.

The dissolution case was air-proof, there are no defence arguments to consider, TRT hasn't offered any.

[TAWP]

mdeland>> Still being a cheerleader for TRT, huh? =)

[sriracha john]

The composition of the Constitutional Tribunal certainly added to its legitimacy.

It was composed of the top judges of this country who held their positions long before the coup.

[sriracha john]

The Criminal Court issues an arrest warrant on Wednesday for Pol Col Charnchai Netrirattakarn , allegedly tried to bribe a Constitution Tribunal judge to vote against the dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai Party in May.

The Nation

[LaoPo]

Sonthi: "To ban executives of disbanded party from helping any party too tough"

The military junta's Chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin proposed Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) to revise a bill banning party executives of a dissolved political party from engaging in political activities for five years.

Sonthi said the bill was too tough.

Gen Sonthi said the bill that bans 111 former executives of the now disbanded Thai Rak Thai party from being consultant of a political party or from aiding any party while they serve the ban is too strict.

He also mentioned about the Criminal Court's decision to free on bail three key leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), Gen Sonthi said he believed the court has its own reason.

He also warned that the anti-coup supporters to rally peacefully and not to break any laws.

The group plans to stage a major rally again on Monday.

The Nation

Thu, August 9, 2007 : Last updated 5:32 hours

LaoPo

[sriracha john]

Arrest warrant out in poll trial bribe scandal

Retired police colonel has a week to surrender

The Criminal Court yesterday approved a police request to issue a warrant for the arrest of a retired police officer accused of attempting to bribe Constitution Tribunal judges hearing electoral fraud cases. Chongrak Chutanont, assistant national police chief, said the warrant for Charnchai Netirattakarn would not be served immediately. He would be given until Tuesday next week to answer the charge. If the suspect did not report to investigators by the Aug 14 deadline, the order would be given for his arrest, Pol Lt-Col Chongrak said. Pol Col Charnchai is accused of trying to bribe a judge to vote against the dissolution of a political party in breach of articles 144 and 167 of the Criminal Code. Chongrak said ML Krairirk is a key witness in the case and had told police that he was approached by Charnchai. Quoting ML Krairirk, he said the accused did not name the political party but discussed his relationship with a person he wanted to help. Chongrak said investigators would question Pol Col Charnchai about the individuals who were involved in the alleged attempted bribe. The assistant police chief said a summons would be sent to the residence of Pol Col Charnchai, whose house is about 100 metres from deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's residence on Charan Sanitwong Soi 69 in Bang Phlat district. Charnchai retired from the force as superintendent of police station in Nakhon Pathom. He graduated with the class of 1966 from Thammasat University's law faculty and was a classmate of Somchai Wongsawat, former justice permanent secretary and husband of Yaowapha, the sister of Mr Thaksin.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09Aug2007_news07.php

[marshbags]

Sonthi: "To ban executives of disbanded party from helping any party too tough"

The military junta's Chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin proposed Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) to revise a bill banning party executives of a dissolved political party from engaging in political activities for five years.

Sonthi said the bill was too tough.

Gen Sonthi said the bill that bans 111 former executives of the now disbanded Thai Rak Thai party from being consultant of a political party or from aiding any party while they serve the ban is too strict.

He also mentioned about the Criminal Court's decision to free on bail three key leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), Gen Sonthi said he believed the court has its own reason.

He also warned that the anti-coup supporters to rally peacefully and not to break any laws.

The group plans to stage a major rally again on Monday.

The Nation

Thu, August 9, 2007 : Last updated 5:32 hours

LaoPo

TO TOUGH

Perhaps if i may politely suggest, rather than water it down, go the other way and address the obvious " manipulation " problems that are being exposed and exploited by certain ex party members otherwise it would appear to be a

"Slap on the wrist and don,t do it again action that we all do with naughty children "

These offenders Were / Are not, and are exploiting the constitution and it,s laws as common criminals and deserve to be seen as such, full stop.

Only then will a sure fire deterrant be applied and enforced which will in the future benefit Thai society and all it,s citizens.

IMHO

marshbags

[jumnien]

Rogue members of the military trampled democracy and threw out a very popular constitution. A military approved clique tries to ram a new constitution down the people's throats. I'm not sure we should label all opponents to this travesty as common criminals.

[hammered]

Rogue members of the military trampled democracy and threw out a very popular constitution. A military approved clique tries to ram a new constitution down the people's throats. I'm not sure we should label all opponents to this travesty as common criminals.

While it is perfectly reasonable to oppose an action such as a coup as anti-democratic indeed that may even be a laudable approach. To ignore or excuse the anti-democratic and criminal actions of some coup oppopnents or those the coup was against just undermines the high ideal one started with.

I am also not sure how we know the 1997 constuitution was so popular. Certainly some academics and politicians told us so but the people were never given a vote on it. That leaves the question moot.

[jumnien]

The actions of the coup opponents hurt no one other than those supporting the unconstitutional actions of the junta. I'm not sure how the word "criminal" can be applied in this instance. Indeed, even the junta doesn't want to enter the murky realm of prosecution. Intimidation seems to be their game.

[hammered]

The actions of the coup opponents hurt no one other than those supporting the unconstitutional actions of the junta. I'm not sure how the word "criminal" can be applied in this instance. Indeed, even the junta doesn't want to enter the murky realm of prosecution. Intimidation seems to be their game.

Bribing judges is a crime under any system.

The people who have to live close to Prem's house may not agree with only coupists get hurt.

Buying votes is a crime under any system.

etc

By using purist rhetorical arguements that everything coup is wrong and all oppenents of the coup are right and every one of their acts legitmate undermines the anti-coup arguement to the point where the arguement is no more than pure rhetoric and invalid.

Similarly not facing up to the mass anti-democratic actions of the last elected government undermines any arguement on a pro-democracy platform.

Purist rhetoric and faith based belief in the right of one side at any extreme over the other are not just academically flawed and not linked to reality but become by their nature fascisitc, which I am sure is not where you would really want to go.

Come on make the arguements rather than repeating the rhetoric of PTV with no back up. From some stufff of yours I have read in the past you I am sure are better and are more than just another one of the shrills, rhetorical spin meisters and semi-fascistic apologists for the excesses of the previous regime that we see on here. Please just elucidate your points. Right now you seem to be arguing that anyone can go out and commit crimes and if they claim they are against the Junta that is justified.

[jumnien]

The vote buying thing is presently being pursued by a junta-appointed commission. I wouldn't take this too seriously. Not that vote buying is unusual in Thai politics. Just that these and other "cases" are simply being used in a complicated political game. One day Thailand will have a democracy with investigators and judges and politicians who don't sleep in the barracks at night. Until then, best not to encourage the political prosecution of prisoners detained by a junta who stormed the capital by force.

[Jai Dee]

Alleged person in bribery case has yet contacted police

Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, Pol.Lt.Gen.Chongrak Chutanont (จงรัก จุฑานนท์), reveals that the authority has yet been contacted by Pol.Col.Charnchai Netirathakarn (ชาญชัย เนติรัฐการ) alleged of offering a 30-million baht bribe to a Constitution Tribunal judge in the political party dissolution case.

Latest report shows that Pol.Col.Charnchai has not fled the country.

The Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant to Pol.Col.Charnchai yesterday (August, 8th) on grounds of offering kickbacks to Constitution Tribunal Judge and Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Court, M.L.Krairiksh Kasemsant (ไกรฤกษ์ เกษมสันต์).

The deputy commissioner-general says Pol.Col.Charnchai can travel to meet investigators from now until August 14th. If he does not show up in time, the police will arrest him immediately as the court has approved the arrest warrant.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 August 2007

[Tony Clifton]

Rogue members of the military trampled democracy and threw out a very popular constitution. A military approved clique tries to ram a new constitution down the people's throats. I'm not sure we should label all opponents to this travesty as common criminals.

Others would say members of the army, not rogue but still faithful to HMK (who apparently supports them) and the country, angry about Thaksin appointing friends to key positions and other positions throughout the system, decided TRT had gone too far too often still after too many of HMK's interventions and that the "in your face" political mafia thug circus wasn't about to stop anytime soon.

Alleged person in bribery case has yet contacted police

The deputy commissioner-general says Pol.Col.Charnchai can travel to meet investigators from now until August 14th. If he does not show up in time, the police will arrest him immediately as the court has approved the arrest warrant.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 August 2007

You go hide while we count to 7 million.

[jumnien]

Best not to bring HMK into this. He is above politics.

[marshbags]

B.Post breaking news 16:41 Retired police colonel 'in upcountry'

Quote

(BangkokPost.com) - Retired police officer Pol Col Charnchai Netirattakarn, who is accused of attempting to bribe Constitution Tribunal judges hearing electoral fraud cases, went upcountry and would turn himself in before the August 14 deadline, his daughter said Thursday.

Unquote

Please ref url for the full Breaking news item

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120759

Wouldn,t be North........North East would it to plan among other things, ???? a defence strategy among previous / ongoing connections

Continuing to count T.C. 101,102,103 1044444444444444444444444444

marshbags

[John K]

Sonthi: "To ban executives of disbanded party from helping any party too tough"

The military junta's Chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin proposed Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) to revise a bill banning party executives of a dissolved political party from engaging in political activities for five years.

Sonthi said the bill was too tough.

Gen Sonthi said the bill that bans 111 former executives of the now disbanded Thai Rak Thai party from being consultant of a political party or from aiding any party while they serve the ban is too strict.

He also mentioned about the Criminal Court's decision to free on bail three key leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), Gen Sonthi said he believed the court has its own reason.

He also warned that the anti-coup supporters to rally peacefully and not to break any laws.

The group plans to stage a major rally again on Monday.

The Nation

Thu, August 9, 2007 : Last updated 5:32 hours

LaoPo

TO TOUGH

Perhaps if i may politely suggest, rather than water it down, go the other way and address the obvious " manipulation " problems that are being exposed and exploited by certain ex party members otherwise it would appear to be a

"Slap on the wrist and don,t do it again action that we all do with naughty children "

These offenders Were / Are not, and are exploiting the constitution and it,s laws as common criminals and deserve to be seen as such, full stop.

Only then will a sure fire deterrant be applied and enforced which will in the future benefit Thai society and all it,s citizens.

IMHO

marshbags

Sonthi is very smart, he is thinking way ahead of the game. Like I said he is a good match for Thaksin. Sonthi does not want to appear like the way Thaksin is portraying him. I also see this as giving club 111 a little more hanging rope too.

It is too tempting for club 111 not to take the bait. Then whoever they buy will also go down when the trap is sprung further cleaning out the corrupt politicians.

However I also thought I saw that provision intact in another thread but the same outcome would be achieved even if it was that way.