AEC Freezes Thaksin's Assets, Proceeds From Shin Corp Sale

[Jai Dee]

Let asset freeze serve as a lesson

AEC's action against the Shinawatras must be seen as a warning for all future would-be corrupt officials

The military-appointed Assets Examination Committee (AEC) ordered a freeze on the assets of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman pending court proceedings on cases of alleged conflict of interest and corruption. The AEC said it had to act swiftly to impound Thaksin's assets and those of his wife after it found that more than Bt20 billion of Thaksin's Bt73 billion had already been diverted or spirited away. Consistent with new laws on corruption and drug-trafficking, the onus is on the suspects to prove their assets were attained through legal means. Such a provision is aimed at hitting the corrupt or drug-traffickers where it hurts the most - their pockets - while at the same time making sure their ill-gotten gains can be used as evidence against them.

At this stage, Thaksin and his wife are entitled to lodge complaints with the AEC to have a portion of their assets released if they can prove that this portion was earned legitimately. Next they will have to contest the corruption charges against them in Criminal Court. If they are found guilty of the corruption charges against them, the assets deemed to have been derived from these cases would be seized by the state.

The AEC freeze order affects all bank accounts belonging to Thaksin and his wife. Banks and other financial institutions will also be required to provide the AEC with access to banking transaction records of Thaksin and Pojaman going back to 2001, the year Thaksin became prime minister.

The move against Thaksin and his family followed several months of investigation by the AEC, which at times complained of a lack of cooperation from some government agencies, including those directly affected by alleged cases of conflict of interest and corruption scandals. Some observers believe such non-cooperation can be attributed to a fear of retribution in case Thaksin managed to make a political comeback after the next general election tentatively scheduled for later this year.

Since the Constitution Tribunal found 111 members of the Thai Rak Thai Party's executive committee, including Thaksin, guilty of electoral fraud late last month and banned them from seeking political office for five years, the chance of the deposed prime minister being returned to power is nil. The freeze on the assets of Thaksin and his wife will further diminish whatever power of patronage the former prime minister may have left. It remains to be seen if the asset freeze will have any bearing on the ongoing anti-military and anti-interim-government protests in Bangkok, which many suspect are partly financed by either Thaksin himself or his loyal friends, although some protesters seem to be genuinely opposed to what they describe as the oppressive rule of the military dictatorship.

The AEC said yesterday that the order to freeze the assets was not politically motivated. Such a statement was apparently aimed to head off any suspicion that the committee's decision was part of a conspiracy to destroy Thaksin politically. Let's hope the AEC was telling the truth and that its decision was based on a growing body of solid evidence it can use to substantiate the charges against Thaksin and his close associates, including some former senior Cabinet members.

The committee said it now has sufficient evidence to nail Thaksin for at least five alleged cases of conflict of interest and corruption. These include the procurement of rubber saplings, the purchase of bomb-detector machines at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the introduction of two- and three-digit lotteries, the granting of questionable loans to Thaksin's cronies by Krung Thai Bank without sufficient collateral, and the purchase of prime land from the Financial Institutions Development Fund under the supervision of the Bank of Thailand.

With this announcement, the AEC has raised the public's expectation that it will present strong cases against Thaksin, his family and close associates to prove beyond any reasonable doubt that the accusations of corruption and conflict of interest levelled against them are backed by solid evidence and will lead to a conviction, so that the Court can order punishments to fit their crimes in order to deter other would-be corrupt officials. Failing that goal, the whole rationale of the coup - the promise to clean up politics and restore democracy - would lose all justification.

Editorial Opinion from The Nation - 12 June 2007

[sriracha john]

Mr. Jakrapob viewed that the Council for National Security (CNS) and the interim government told the AEC to issue the order to freeze the former premier’s assets. He said such action would provoke movements from the Khon Rak Thaksin (People Love Thaksin) group.

Rakyah Rak Thaksin (Grassroots Love Thaksin) group

Same, same or different than this group with mass suicide on their minds???

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1356458

[sriracha john]

Thai government searches for missing funds from ex-PMs frozen assets

BANGKOK, Thailand: The Thai government asked financial institutions Tuesday to track down more than US$614 million (€459 million) that has disappeared from the now-frozen bank accounts of toppled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

More than 52 billion baht (US$1.6 billion; €1.2 billion) in assets belonging to Thaksin and his wife were frozen in Thai bank accounts Monday until a court rules whether the money was illicitly obtained.

The Assets Examination Committee, an anti-graft panel set up after Thaksin was deposed in a bloodless coup last September, said that the frozen funds and other financial assets belonging to the couple could later be seized if they are found to have been gained illegally.

The 52 billion baht includes money received by the Shinawatra family and associates from last year's 73.3 billion baht (then worth US$1.9 billion; €1.55 billion) sale of Shin Corp., the flagship company for the family's telecommunications holdings, to Temasek Holdings Pte. Ltd., a Singapore state investment company.

But the committee said that more than 20 billion baht (US$614 million; €459 million) from that sale had disappeared from Thaksin family bank accounts in Thailand before the freeze was imposed on Monday.

Committee member Khaewsan Athibodhi told reporters that the special panel has sent letters to banks and other financial institutions seeking cooperation in tracking Thaksin's money trails.

Thaksin, now living in exile in London, was toppled in a coup last September and the government has since been investigating alleged mass corruption and abuse of power during his six years in office.

In a statement received Tuesday, the U.S.-based law firm of Baker Botts said it had been authorized by Thaksin to "vigorously evaluate all international options to protect his rights and interests."

The statement said the seizure of Thaksin's assets "represents a major escalation in the Thai military junta's willingness to trample internationally accepted norms of due process and rule of law."

The law firm did not specify what actions it would take on behalf of its client.

Khaewsan said the anti-graft committee was prepared to fight the case in court if Thaksin proceeds with a law suit.

"The committee found evidence that Thaksin during his time as prime minister committed corruption and illegal acts," the panel said in a statement Monday.

The committee issued two orders covering the assets of Thaksin and his wife.

The first freezes 21 of their bank accounts containing money they made from the Shin Corp. sale.

The second orders all accounts held by the couple in banks and other financial institutions in Thailand to be frozen pending an investigation of whether they were obtained through corruption. It was unclear how much additional money this might cover.

Thaksin's lawyer and de facto spokesman in Thailand, Noppadol Pattama, said the former prime minister and his wife feel they have been "unfairly and illegally" treated by the committee.

He described the committee's actions as "just another political decision to persecute the former prime minister."

Thaksin and his wife have 60 days to appeal the committee's actions. Noppadol said Thaksin would disclose the source of funds in every account.

Forbes magazine, in a listing last July of Thailand's richest people, put Thaksin and his family in fourth place with an estimated fortune of US$2.2 billion (€1.7 billion).

- Associated Press

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

Thaksin's American lawyers have spoken.

[hammered]

Is Thailand alone in regards to asset seizures? No other country does this?

No other country seizes assets prior to a trial?

FYI

The EU have extensive and to some degree secretive powers to freeze assets that are far more reaching than Thailand's present ones and do not need the agreement of a judge or magistrate, do not require any evidence, do not require a particular suspect and investigation may be at a preliminary stage. One of the many offences covered by this far reaching piece of legislation is corruption.

http://www.statewatch.org/news/2002/may/01freezing.htm

Then of course we could get into even worse things like rendition.

Anyway Thailand is far from alone in this. In fact freezing of assets is on the increase world wide with little protection for those who have their cash frozen.

Please note that freezing and seizing are different. Freezing tends to be pre-trial and if on trial or appeal a non-guiolty verdict is returned the assets are freed up. Seizing implies soemthing more final.

Edited June 12, 2007 by hammered

[Jai Dee]

CDA Chairman believes Shinawatra asset freeze based on sufficient evidence

Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA), Squadron Leader Prasong Sunsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ) believes that seizure of the Shinawatra family’s assets is based on sufficient evidence.

Sqn. Ldr. Prasong the seizure of the Shinawatra family is not a bid to defame the ex-PM Thaksin Shinnawatra as he has claimed. He is confident that the Asset Examination Committee (AEC) has sufficient evidence proving that the Shinawatra family’s proceeds came from illegal transaction. As a result, the AEC has exercised its authority in accordance with the 30th announcement of the Council for National Security (CNS) to freeze all bank accounts of the ex-PM and his wife, Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra.

As for possible escalation of rally after the Shinawatra’ assets frozen, Sqn Ldr Prason says if Dr. Thaksin has a lack of consideration, he might create problems to himself.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2007

[Old Man River]

From a political point of view, the junta's decision may not be surprising. From a legal point of view it does raise a number of unanswered questions and is a bit surprising coming on the heels of the Constitutional Tribune's recent party dissolution decision whereby they spent a great deal of time explaining their rationale in order to provide full disclosure and transparency.

On Aug. 3, 2001, Thailand's Constitutional Court opined that Thaksin was unaware when his wife transfered a large block of shares to their maid, driver and security guard. It doesn't matter how many people saw this as a travesty of justice, it was a legal decision made within the rule of law. The decision meant the bulk of Thaksin's ownership in SHIN was now held outside of the immediate family. It is well known that by the time of the SHIN sale to Temasek that the majority of the shares were held by Thaksin's adult children and other family members, but not by Thaksin nor his wife.

Hence, the bulk of the proceeds of the SHIN sale were not owned by Thaksin and his wife, but by other adults. From what has been publicly reported, the current legal cases pending are against Thaksin, his wife and political cronies, but not against the family members who sold out to Temasek. This leaves the question as to why the assets of people apparently not part of the legal cases pending have had their assets frozen. Of course, their assets could be frozen to the extent that they have not paid taxes billed, but I have not read where this is the case. Is it?

If the freeze does not relate to tax issues then I guess it could be argued that the Temasek sale proceeds were frozen because the value of the SHIN shares sold were greatly enhanced by questionable decisions made by Thaksin while PM. However, if this is the case, then what about the proceeds of sale received by the minority shareholders?

Going forward, while the topics of discussion will probably be more related to the political aspects of the asset freeze, the legal issues will also be very interesting to follow.

[Jai Dee]

AEC to forward order to freeze Ex-PM’s assets to financial institutions

Today (June, 12th), the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) will forward the order to freeze assets of the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his cronies to banks and financial institutions. Meanwhile, AEC Secretary Kaewsan Atibhoti (แก้วสรร อติโพธิ) says AEC is ready to deal with civil and criminal lawsuits filed against it by Mr Thaksin.

Mr Kaewsan says he will not be surprised if the deposed PM’s legal advisor Noppadol Pattama (นพดล ปัทมะ) decides to sue AEC. However, he affirms AEC agreed to freeze assets of Mr Thaksin and his cronies as it has strong evidences suggesting that they had been involved in many corruption. AEC has requested financial institutions involved in the share sale of the Shin Corp to the Temasek Group to inspect the transaction of more than 20 billion baht taking place during the sale.

Mr Kaewsanaffirms AEC can neither freeze nor inspect assets of the ex-PM in foreign countries as laws prohibit it.

In the meantime, AEC’s subcommittee scrutinizing the procurement of 90 million rubber saplings will today call 5 former ministers of the Thaksin Administration, including Somsak Thepsuthin (สมศักดิ์ เทพสุทิน), Captain Suchart Chaowisit (สุชาติ เชาว์วิศิษฐ์), Somkid Chatusriphitak (สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์), Gen.Chavalit Yongjaiyuth (ชวลิต ยงใจยุทธ), and Newin Chitchob (เนวิน ชิดชอบ), as well as Mr Thaksin himself to acknowledge their charges.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2007

[Old Man River]

Is Thailand alone in regards to asset seizures? No other country does this?

No other country seizes assets prior to a trial?

FYI

The EU have extensive and to some degree secretive powers to freeze assets that are far more reaching than Thailand's present ones and do not need the agreement of a judge or magistrate, do not require any evidence, do not require a particular suspect and investigation may be at a preliminary stage. One of the many offences covered by this far reaching piece of legislation is corruption.

http://www.statewatch.org/news/2002/may/01freezing.htm

Then of course we could get into even worse things like rendition.

Anyway Thailand is far from alone in this. In fact freezing of assets is on the increase world ide with little protection for those who have their dosh frozen.

Please note that freezing and seizing are different. Freezing tends to be pre-trial and if on trial or appeal a non-guiolty verdict is returned the assets are freed up. Seizing implies soemthing more final.

Freezing of assets is common when terrorism or money laundering is suspected. What is interesting about this freeze is the assets frozen belonged to people outside of those who are being accused of corruption.

[sriracha john]

Is Thailand alone in regards to asset seizures? No other country does this?

No other country seizes assets prior to a trial?

FYI

The EU have extensive and to some degree secretive powers to freeze assets that are far more reaching than Thailand's present ones and do not need the agreement of a judge or magistrate, do not require any evidence, do not require a particular suspect and investigation may be at a preliminary stage. One of the many offences covered by this far reaching piece of legislation is corruption.

http://www.statewatch.org/news/2002/may/01freezing.htm

Then of course we could get into even worse things like rendition.

Anyway Thailand is far from alone in this. In fact freezing of assets is on the increase world wide with little protection for those who have their cash frozen.

Please note that freezing and seizing are different. Freezing tends to be pre-trial and if on trial or appeal a non-guiolty verdict is returned the assets are freed up. Seizing implies soemthing more final.

Thank you. Based on a number of posts in this thread, I was beginning to wonder if I was alone in thinking that Thailand was not the lone nation in the world that did this.

[hammered]

Is Thailand alone in regards to asset seizures? No other country does this?

No other country seizes assets prior to a trial?

FYI

The EU have extensive and to some degree secretive powers to freeze assets that are far more reaching than Thailand's present ones and do not need the agreement of a judge or magistrate, do not require any evidence, do not require a particular suspect and investigation may be at a preliminary stage. One of the many offences covered by this far reaching piece of legislation is corruption.

http://www.statewatch.org/news/2002/may/01freezing.htm

Then of course we could get into even worse things like rendition.

Anyway Thailand is far from alone in this. In fact freezing of assets is on the increase world ide with little protection for those who have their dosh frozen.

Please note that freezing and seizing are different. Freezing tends to be pre-trial and if on trial or appeal a non-guiolty verdict is returned the assets are freed up. Seizing implies soemthing more final.

Freezing of assets is common when terrorism or money laundering is suspected. What is interesting about this freeze is the assets frozen belonged to people outside of those who are being accused of corruption.

What is interesting about the EU law is that it would also have allowed the freezing of assets outside of those accused of corruption, so Thailand is not alone in this.

[sriracha john]

AEC to forward order to freeze Ex-PM’s assets to financial institutions

Mr Kaewsanaffirms AEC can neither freeze nor inspect assets of the ex-PM in foreign countries as laws prohibit it.

Confirmation of my post that the early-on reports stating this was the case were likely erroneous.

In the meantime, AEC’s subcommittee scrutinizing the procurement of 90 million rubber saplings will today call 5 former ministers of the Thaksin Administration, including Somsak Thepsuthin, Captain Suchart Chaowisit, Somkid Chatusriphitak, Gen.Chavalit Yongjaiyuth, and Newin Chitchob, as well as Mr Thaksin himself to acknowledge their charges.

Some real big heavyweights in that list as well as a reference to the first call for Thaksin to return to face charges?

[Plus]

Freezing of assets is common when terrorism or money laundering is suspected. What is interesting about this freeze is the assets frozen belonged to people outside of those who are being accused of corruption.

I think they made it clear what money and what accounts were frozen. Anything related to unpaid taxes from Shin sale or CTX purchases qualifies regardless of the ownership, for example.

They gave 60 days to people to come forward and prove money in their accounts are theirs and not related to investigation against Shin, Thaksin, and his assossiates.

I think it's fair.

I don't know about legalities, but I tend to trust AEC not making any obvious mistakes in important decisions like that. Thaksin's lawyer's opinion does not matter at all, unless it's presented in the court.

Let's see if their lawsuit against AEC materialises at all and is not thrown out at the first hearing.

[colino]

he still has all those suit cases that were flown out to him and there was the question about thai gov watching his accounts but he still brought his london pad without cash from these accounts ???????????

[Old Man River]

Freezing of assets is common when terrorism or money laundering is suspected. What is interesting about this freeze is the assets frozen belonged to people outside of those who are being accused of corruption.

I think they made it clear what money and what accounts were frozen. Anything related to unpaid taxes from Shin sale or CTX purchases qualifies regardless of the ownership, for example.

They gave 60 days to people to come forward and prove money in their accounts are theirs and not related to investigation against Shin, Thaksin, and his assossiates.

I think it's fair.

I don't know about legalities, but I tend to trust AEC not making any obvious mistakes in important decisions like that. Thaksin's lawyer's opinion does not matter at all, unless it's presented in the court.

Let's see if their lawsuit against AEC materialises at all and is not thrown out at the first hearing.

From what you say, it sounds fair, but is going to be interesting to follow.

[Plus]

Fasten your seat belt.

[A_Traveller]

he still has all those suit cases that were flown out to him and there was the question about thai gov watching his accounts but he still brought his london pad without cash from these accounts ???????????

Know the reports about the suitcases and the alleged air force plane flying out before he went on is {to be last} trip. However, the London properties, were bought years ago, the Park Lane address may be rented {the building belongs to Fayed}. His wife asked for permission, if you recall, to transfer money to purchase another property in London.

Regards

[sriracha john]

he still has all those suit cases that were flown out to him and there was the question about thai gov watching his accounts but he still brought his london pad without cash from these accounts ???????????

Know the reports about the suitcases and the alleged air force plane flying out before he went on is {to be last} trip. However, the London properties, were bought years ago, the Park Lane address may be rented {the building belongs to Fayed}. His wife asked for permission, if you recall, to transfer money to purchase another property in London.

Regards

looks like a nice place...

Thaksin Shinawatra

55 Park Lane

London

Thaksin__55_Park_Lane__London.kmz

Edited June 12, 2007 by sriracha john

[jayjayjayjay]

AEC to forward order to freeze Ex-PM's assets to financial institutions

Mr Kaewsanaffirms AEC can neither freeze nor inspect assets of the ex-PM in foreign countries as laws prohibit it.

Confirmation of my post that the early-on reports stating this was the case were likely erroneous.

In the meantime, AEC's subcommittee scrutinizing the procurement of 90 million rubber saplings will today call 5 former ministers of the Thaksin Administration, including Somsak Thepsuthin, Captain Suchart Chaowisit, Somkid Chatusriphitak, Gen.Chavalit Yongjaiyuth, and Newin Chitchob, as well as Mr Thaksin himself to acknowledge their charges.

Some real big heavyweights in that list as well as a reference to the first call for Thaksin to return to face charges?

Taksin returning to Thailand will be the fodder 20 plus million poor Thai need to march on BKK to oust the CNS. Results, guns, bloodshed, death, bodies in Kanchanburi graves and everyone saying they are protecting the ............ I think these guys are trying to cause major disruption within the country to eventually hold power for an unlimited time......... this is military Junta Thailand style

THAILAND NOW HAS A MILITARY JUNTA

[sriracha john]

Central bank gives green light to trace Thaksin's money

Central bank is ready to trace funds worth about 21 billion baht missing from bank accounts of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra and family, its governor Tarisa Watanagase said Tuesday. Mrs Tarisa expected to spend one to two weeks to investigate the money trail. She said she has not received official letter from the Assets Scrutiny Committee to ask the Bank of Thailand to trace the funds. The ASC decided to freeze bank accounts of Mr Thaksin, his wife Potjaman, their two grown-up children, and two other relatives on Monday. Mr Thaksin and his relatives sold Shi Corp shares netted 73 billion baht to Temasek Holdings last year, but the ASC found the frozen accounts came to only 52 billion baht as of June 24. The Bank of Thailand has the authority to go through database of financial institutions here but it will wait for official letter from the ASC before starting.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=119397

[Tony Clifton]

The red X sign changes hands.

Edited June 12, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[cclub75]

The red X sign changes hands.

Very good !

I guess many people have forgot this great moment of communication, when the Ex Leader Minimo was playing with "journalists", sure of his power and full of arrogance.

Anyway. At the end of the day, it's the bottle half empty of half full... Already 20 billions are missing... How come BOT was playing time with a mere 400 millions (asked by Thaksin's wife), when 20 billions were leaving the country... ?

Furthermore, the fortune of Thaksin is not only the proceed of Shin sale...

Thaksin has always used off shore places (like BVI) for his businesses. So the ASC move is a blow. But Thaksin remains rich. Very rich by thai standards.

Edited June 12, 2007 by cclub75

[Jai Dee]

CNS Chairman denies giving order to seize Shinawatra assets

The Chairman of the Council for National Security affirms that he did not issue the order to freeze and seize Shinawatra assets.

Army Commander in Chief and Chairman of the Council for National Security Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin reports that CNS did not order the seizure of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's and Khunying Pojamarn Shinawatra's assets. Gen Sonthi said that the incident was part of the Asset Examination Committee's work, in compliance with legal regulations. He added that the former Prime Minister has the right to file charges against the AEC.

The CNS Chairman said that demonstration movements are not a point of concern as most citizens are well aware of the nation's situation. Gen Sonthi affirmed that CNS members will not resign before their working timeframe is complete. He added that the Council for National Security will attempt to hold elections as soon as possible.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Deposed PM’s lawyer acknowledges charges of rubber sapling purchase case

Ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sent his lawyer to acknowledge allegations of the rubber sapling purchase case investigated by the Assets Examination Committee (AEC). The lawyer also requests AEC to extend Mr Thakin’s explanation of his allegations to 15 days.

The ousted PM’s lawyer Kittiporn Arunrat (กิตติพร อรุณรัตน์) says the period of 15 days is not enough as his client is still abroad. The lawyer adds that and he will submit a letter to officially request the extension on July, 12th. Mr Kittiporn denies answering whether Mr Thaksin should be responsible for the rubber sapling purchase as he was the chief of the last government.

Meanwhile, Former Minister of Finance Capt.Suchart Chaowisit (สุชาติ เชาว์วิศิษฐ์) says after he has acknowledged his charges of the same case that he had already inform AEC of details of the case. He also affirms the Ministry of Finance had nothing to do with the rubber sapling purchase and he used to oppose the purchase when the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives asked for the Cabinet’s approval to buy the rubber saplings.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai leader says AEC’s order to freeze assets of former PM was influenced by no one

Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silpa-archa says the Assets Examination Committee (AEC)’s order to freeze assets of the Shinawatra Family was made without influence from no one.

Mr Banharn says he believes that AEC can really prove that Mr Thaksin was involved in corruption cases as it has investigated the cases from the beginning. The Chart Thai Leader says further that it is deemed normal for the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to file lawsuits against AEC due to its order to freeze assets of him.

Today (June, 12th), the Chart Thai Party is scheduled to hold the first meeting after the Cabinet loosened the 15th announcement of the Council for Democratic Reform to allow political parties to arrange political activities.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2007

[hammered]

Well it is all coming to a head with Mr. T announcing he will return home as reported by both the Post and Nation.

Things could get a tad lively.

What next? The arest warrant?

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=119399

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/12...es_30036660.php

Hey my 1000th post and it happens to be the first announcing this development

Edited June 12, 2007 by hammered

[BigSnake]

CNS/PAD and power that be freezes(messing with his money) assets, could be the start of big trouble. Let's hope for the best for all concern.

[scaramangax12]

They will never get a penny, do you really think after selling his company to the singapore governement that he requested them to wire the money to Thailand where he could then be taxed on it hahahah dont make me laugh. As someone said before the total of allof the 21 account probably add up to a cup noodle and green tea.

[hammered]

They will never get a penny, do you really think after selling his company to the singapore governement that he requested them to wire the money to Thailand where he could then be taxed on it hahahah dont make me laugh. As someone said before the total of allof the 21 account probably add up to a cup noodle and green tea.

If the money aint there and they cant get it, why is Mr. T jumping on a plane and coming back to fight for it?

[Mid]

He has decided to return earlier to engage in political fights

lier lier , your pants are on fire .

[mrchips377]

Well, so the machievellian game goes on and on.

A few amateur observations. Power in Thailand is a balance of various groups, military, politicians, business, royalty, Buddhist clergy and the voters (when they can vote). Powerful politicians in Thailand, over the years, have often been retired military generals, so the lines between the military and the politicians are not very clear. All governments in Thailand (including the current Junta) are corrupt to some extent. Government sponsored corruption charges are just a convenient way to punish your previous or current enemies especially for the government of the day. Therefore it's no surprise that Thaksin is being chased for corruption and an attempt to freeze his assets are being made. Corruption charges are just a convenient cover to pretend to the outside world that the government is acting in the interests of the nation, but it's always a joke, everyone in Thailand know's this. It's just a surprise that it's taken the current goverment so long to do this ! So please don't anyone take any of the current shenanigans too seriously. Government appointed committees to investigate former people in power like Thaksin and to do this and that, are all just going through the motions to try and dig up enough dirt to justify the current rulers whoever they may be. It's just a boring and malicious game, that's all.

If the current goverment are smart, then they will before long hold a general election to allow some politicians back (but not tjhe TRT) into power and the next elected goverment should be grateful enough so that they don't bother to investigate the current Sonthi government for corruption of which there is sure to be plenty.

Thaksin's mistake was that he was too ambitious both in business and politics, and his success made him arrogant and made the other power groups jealous of his success, which led to his overthrow. He really did hit the spot with the rural part of the electorate and he really was a clever businessman making lots of money but that just makes other less successful people jealous ! Probably one thing good about his removal for expats in Thailand is the slowing down of the social order campaign. From a purely selfish points of view the relentless actions for Thaksin's social order campaign was affecting the freedom for expats and tourist to enjoy themselves to the max when in Thailand. Maybe it was good for Thai society, I can't say. Thaksin was not promoting that for altruistic motives, but because he knew it was a vote winner with some communities in Thailand. With the Junta, things are slower and life is hopeully less volatile for expats.

The most altruistic goverments in Thailand have occurred when a ruling Junta have become unpopular enough that they have then appointed a caretaker goverment involving older retired generals or politicians or other diginitaries to run Thailand for a while until democracy was brought back. The older guys are generally not longer ambitious enough to be very corrupt and sometimes have actually been altruistic and honest.

It would have been great for Thailand's political development, if the coup had not happened and if instead Thaksin had been voted out of office and replaced by an elected government who were less corrupt than Thaksin. But if anything it looked as though Thaksin was popular enough to stay in power for many more years, and so it was never to be.

And so it goes on to the next political farce in Thailand, whatever that may be.

Cheers

Chips