Thaksin Is Ordered To Come Home

[Totster]

ASSETS CHARGES

Thaksin is ordered to come home

Govt threatens extradition, but says safety will be guaranteed

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shina-watra and his wife Khunying Pojaman must turn up by June 29 to hear formal charges of assets concealment involving SC Asset or face arrest warrants and extradition.

Department of Special Investigation director-general Sunai Manomai-udom said yesterday representatives of SC Asset, the family's property company, and Busaba Damapong, the wife of Pojaman's step-brother Bhanapot must also turn up to be officially informed of the charges.

"All must come in person, including Thaksin who cannot use political circumstances as an excuse or authorise any representatives," he said.

"In a criminal case, representatives are not applicable. If the charged individuals intentionally avoid meeting the investigating officers, they face an arrest warrant. If they are abroad, they will be extradited."

Sunai said technically the accused could postpone their appearances three times. Only then could police issue arrest warrants.

Since the Army seized control late last year, Thaksin has remained overseas.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said yesterday the government would guarantee Thak-sin's safety if he chooses to return and fight the char-ges against him.

"We will provide safety for him once he returns home to defend himself against the charges as it is our duty. I can give an assurance that all relevant government authorities will provide him with the necessary security," Surayud said.

He said Thaksin would not be taken into custody if he returned home, but he should contact the government before deciding to do so. Thaksin had earlier vowed he would end his exile and return to fight the Assets Examination Commit-tee's freezing of his assets. He has since backed down from that commitment.

Meanwhile, Pojaman yesterday also failed to show up

before the Assets Examination Committee that is investigating her Shin share sale, saying she was ill in Singapore.

The DSI yesterday announced there was evidence the accused conspired in concealing their shares in SC Asset, a listed company, which is in violation of the Securities and Exchange Act. Involved are four overseas funds - Win Mark, Value Investment Mutual Fund (VIF), Overseas Growth Fund (OGF) and Offshore Dynamic Fund (ODF).

"The investigating team also found Thaksin could have violated the anti-corruption law. He could have intended to conceal the shares when he was the prime minister, and he could have committed actions for control or benefits from the companies. This will be a separate case that the DSI will forward to the National Counter Corruption Commission," Sunai said.

On the SC Asset case, he said the DSI had "convincing evidence" that Win Mark, VIF, OGF and ODF were nominees of Thaksin and his wife.

"They were the beneficial owners and controlled power over the shares of SC Asset and five other companies, which had been held by the funds," Sunai said.

Backing up the charges are documents and individuals, including a document that showed Win Mark's investment of Bt1.527 billion came from Thaksin, he said.

Meanwhile, the DSI has no evidence that shows Thaksin's daughters Pinthongta and Paethongtarn, who are SC Asset's shareholders, either knew or were involved in the alleged action.

SC Asset (formerly OAI Property) was set up before 2000 by Thaksin and his family. A portion of shares in the company, as well as five other companies owned by his family, were sold to British Virgin Islands-registered Win Mark in mid-2000 at the combined value of Bt1.527 billion. The other five companies are PT Corporation, Worth Supplies, BP Property, SCK Estate and SC Office Park.

Three years later, Win Mark sold SC Asset shares to VIF. In the same year, VIF forewent the rights for new SC Asset shares to Thaksin's daughters - Pinthongta and Paethongtarn - who automatically netted Bt71 million in capital gains from the new shares, which were priced at Bt15 against Bt10 par value.

Shortly after that, VIF transferred the SC Assets shares to OGF and ODF, which held the shares until August 2006.

In 2004, Win Mark sold shares in the other five companies to Pinthongta and two family companies at cost, raising doubts of its intention in having held the shares for a long time.

The DSI's investigation concluded that in filing its initial public offering application in 2003, SC Asset failed to include shares owned by OGF and ODF in the Shinawatra family's stake. If included, the family's stake could have been 79.87 per cent, not 60.82 per cent as stated, which meant a controlling power over the company. That action violated the SEC Act and Busaba, then director who co-certified the filing, is liable to five years imprisonment and fines twice the value of the securities involved.

As OGF and ODF are Thaksin and Pojaman's nominees and sold shares in four lots in 2006, as beneficial owners, both of them were required to report new shareholdings to the SEC.

Failing to comply with the law, they could be sentenced to five years jail and fines of twice the value of the securities involved.

The DSI investigation was completed in cooperation with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which earlier was criticised for being lenient toward the Shinawatra family by not charging anyone involved in the alleged share concealment.

SEC deputy secretary-general Prasong Winaipaet said yesterday it was the SEC that first spotted the evidence but decided to forward it to the DSI which has power to press for additional information.

He said the SEC was prepared to for similar cooperation in other cases.

-The Nation

[John K]

Well it would appear that all reasons not to come back to Thailand have been removed for Thaksin. I expect him to fund some sort of destabilizing event that he can cite to say it is too dangerous to come back. That would be along the lines of funded riots and bombs.

I have started to keep track of dates in Outlook. However I have used the drag and drop feature a lot more that expected.

What is the story on Thaksin’s new passport? Is there some renewal requirements he must follow as they were temporary documents to my understanding?

[Jai Dee]

PM assures safety on Thai soil for Thaksin

Thailand's Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Tuesday the government would do its best to ensure safety for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra in case he returns to Thailand to face corruption charges.

Gen Surayud gave his assurance after an order by Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Director General, Sunai Manomai-udom, summoning Thaksin and his wife, Khunying Pojaman, to appear before police by June 26-29 to personally acknowledge the charges of concealing their assets.

Sunai said arrest warrants would be issued against Thaksin and Khunying Pojaman if they fail to appear before the authorities.

A reporter however asked the premier to reiterate safety for Thaksin following a recent warning by the Council of National Security (CNS) that it could not ensure safety for the ex-premier in case he returned to Thailand.

Gen Sarayud said the CNS had nothing to do with Thaksin's return but "it doesn't mean that the CNS would do anything harmful to him."

The DSI director general also named Bussaba Damapong, one of Khunying Pojaman's relatives, and SC Asset Corp in the fraudulent charges.

Sunai said the investigation found that Thaksin, while serving in the Cabinet, and his wife secretly owned stocks through nominee companies in SC Asset, a real estate company operated by the Shinawatra family.

The couple allegedly violated regulations requiring them to disclose corporate information to the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Thaksin was also charged with holding shares in publicly-listed companies despite a prohibition against serving Cabinet members to do so.

Meanwhile, Thaksin's legal advisor Noppadol Pattama said it was compulsory for those accused to appear before the authorities but "in this case, we may seek leniency or the DSI may be more relaxed by allowing an appointed representative to give his clarifications on their behalf."

Pol Lt Col Thaksin and Khunying Pojaman are ready to cooperate (with the authorities) and they would have to show up before police sooner or later, Noppadol said.

If found guilty, the ex-premier and his wife could face the maximum jail term of five years and a fine equivalent to twice the value of shares they had traded.

Source: TNA - 20 June 2007

[lazeeboy]

Well it would appear that all reasons not to come back to Thailand have been removed for Thaksin. I expect him to fund some sort of destabilizing event that he can cite to say it is too dangerous to come back. That would be along the lines of funded riots and bombs.

I have started to keep track of dates in Outlook. However I have used the drag and drop feature a lot more that expected.

What is the story on Thaksin's new passport? Is there some renewal requirements he must follow as they were temporary documents to my understanding?

3 days ago the government didnt want him to come back,as it could cause problems,now they are demanding he comes back ,its like a game of tennis ,one way then the other ,as for taksins passport i doubt the old one has run out ,he was just testing the water to see what problems he would face,if he wanted one badly enough he could pas some one to make one appear anyway

[Jai Dee]

SC Asset share price on the slide

Stock plunges 6.84% after indictment of ousted premier Thaksin

Shares in property company SC Asset plunged 6.84 per cent yesterday, following the indictment by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) against deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose family holds a majority stake in the firm.

While stock analysts recommended investors refrain from buying the shares, because of its unclear future, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) asked the DSI for information that might pinpoint any company executives who may have been involved with alleged share concealment.

"If any executives were involved, they must resign," said SEC deputy secretary-general Prasong Winaipaet. "If they stay in their posts, it could affect the company's transactions, which will not be approved by the SEC or the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)."

Thaksin's youngest sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, is the company's CEO.

The stock was the seventh top loser yesterday. It fell at the opening bell and headed further south to the day's trough of Bt8.70 before rebounding slightly to close at Bt8.85, a drop of 6.84 per cent.

After a roller-coaster ride throughout yesterday's trading, the market closed 0.32 per cent lower at 763.78 points.

SC Asset acknowledged in a statement submitted to the SET that it had received a summons from the DSI informing it of allegations that the company had violated Articles 65 and 278 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1992, as announced yesterday by DSI director Sunai Manomai-udom.

SC Asset affirmed it had disclosed all information regarding the relevant transactions as required by law and that the company was willing to explain and defend itself against the allegations in a court of law.

Pongpan Apinyakul, senior vice president for research at Kim Eng Securities (Thailand), said his firm changed its recommendation from "buy" to "avoid" after the DSI filed charges against Thaksin and his wife, Pojaman, for alleged concealment of SC Asset's shares through nominee companies.

SET data as of April show Thaksin's two daughters, Pinthongta and Paetongtarn, each hold 28.97 per cent of SC Asset, Thaksin's wife Pojaman 2.88 per cent and Bhanapot Damapong 4.95 per cent.

"Although the allegation has nothing to do with SC Asset's business - as it involves share concealment by the company's major shareholders - it will have a psychological impact on the company," he said. Those who are planning to buy residences developed by SC Asset may delay their decisions or change to other property projects out of fear of uncertainty.

The DSI has charged Thaksin, his wife and Busaba Damapong with share concealment in a case linking British Virgin Islands-registered company Win Mark with SC Asset.

If convicted under the Securities and Exchange Act, Thaksin will be subject to up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of no more than twice the value of the shares he offered to sell to related parties. The value of shares Thaksin sold in 2000 was Bt969 million, meaning he could face a fine of Bt1.938 billion.

All suspects have been ordered to appear before police next week.

In 2000, Thaksin said he sold shares in three property companies - OAI Property, PT and SCK Asset - to Win Mark for a total of Bt906 million. However, the Democrats found that Win Mark also held shares in two other companies: SC Office Park and Worth Supplies. The total investment in the five firms was Bt1.5 billion. In Thaksin's 2000 statement, the former prime minister said Win Mark had bought the shares on expectation of reaping profits when the firms were listed.

However, Win Mark sold its shares in OAI Property to the Value Asset Fund of Malaysia (VAF) in 2003, and three weeks later VAF sold the shares to the Overseas Globe Fund and Offshore Dynamic Fund Inc. The three funds share the same address in Malaysia. Remarkably, the sale took place before OAI Property, later renamed SC Asset, was about to list on the SET in November 2003.

VAF also transferred the right to buy 70 million new shares of OAI at their Bt10 par value to Pinthongta and Paetongtarn. Based on the initial public offering price of Bt15 a share, the two children automatically netted a total profit of Bt350 million.

Siam City Securities' senior analyst Mayuree Chowikarn said stock investors should avoid snapping up SC Asset's stock.

The news will put SC Asset shares under pressure, although it will not affect the property developer's business, she said.

"It is not surprising that SC Asset's share price declined. In business terms, its stance is unclear. Yingluck Shinawatra will take time to make a clearer business plan," she said.

Meanwhile, SET president Patareeya Benjapholchai said SC Asset's stock had not been suspended from trading, because the DSI had charged the company's major shareholders and not the company, and the charges would not be a threat to its earnings.

The SET must wait for the result of investigations and clarification from executives before deciding to post any signs on the company's stock, she said.

However, the stock exchange has asked SC Asset executives to clarify effects on the company from the allegations, Patareeya said.

Source: The Nation - 20 June 2007

[quiksilva]

Ahh so they figured that they could guarantee his safety now (but haven't told him that its only possible if he is in protective custody)...

[Big A]

Oh, for Chr**t sake, get the country back on track and into the 21st century instead of hounding Toxin. Agreed, he has a LOT to answer for, but get your priorities right. Which of your many faces are you loathe to lose?

Incredible!

[Shan]

This present regime (or government if you like) is seeding seeds that might produce crops they won't like. They fail in whatever they try to do and concentrate just on this one and single family, to avoid to have to answer for their own failings?

[hammered]

This present regime (or government if you like) is seeding seeds that might produce crops they won't like. They fail in whatever they try to do and concentrate just on this one and single family, to avoid to have to answer for their own failings?

In fairness to the present government, it is quiter difficult to run a country when the aforementioned person is spending vast amounts of money both in and outside the country to destabilise you. In fact it may be necessary for a government attacked in such a way to deal with the attacker before they can actually run the country. It may be fair criticism that they didnt deal with him quick enough to statrt with and so created a worse position for them and the country.

[Tony Clifton]

This present regime (or government if you like) is seeding seeds that might produce crops they won't like. They fail in whatever they try to do and concentrate just on this one and single family, to avoid to have to answer for their own failings?

fam·i·ly /ˈfæməli, ˈfæmli/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[fam-uh-lee, fam-lee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation noun, plural -lies, adjective

–noun

1. parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not.

2. the children of one person or one couple collectively: We want a large family.

3. the spouse and children of one person: We're taking the family on vacation next week.

4. any group of persons closely related by blood, as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins: to marry into a socially prominent family.

5. all those persons considered as descendants of a common progenitor.

6. Chiefly British. approved lineage, esp. noble, titled, famous, or wealthy ancestry: young men of family.

7. a group of persons who form a household under one head, including parents, children, and servants.

8. the staff, or body of assistants, of an official: the office family.

9. a group of related things or people: the family of romantic poets; the halogen family of elements.

10. a group of people who are generally not blood relations but who share common attitudes, interests, or goals and, frequently, live together: Many hippie communes of the sixties regarded themselves as families.

11. a group of products or product models made by the same manufacturer or producer.

12. Biology. the usual major subdivision of an order or suborder in the classification of plants, animals, fungi, etc., usually consisting of several genera.

13. Slang. a unit of the Mafia or Cosa Nostra operating in one area under a local leader.

[johna]

In fairness to the present government, it is quiter difficult to run a country when the aforementioned person is spending vast amounts of money both in and outside the country to destabilise you. In fact it may be necessary for a government attacked in such a way to deal with the attacker before they can actually run the country. It may be fair criticism that they didnt deal with him quick enough to statrt with and so created a worse position for them and the country.

The UK has passed many laws since 9/11 in relation to money being used to support acts of terrorism, "spending vast amounts of money both in and outside the country to destabilise you" would IMHO constitute terrorism and should be fairly easy to obtain the UK assistance in monitoring Taksin financial transaction.

[Prakanong]

"I have started to keep track of dates in Outlook."

I am sorry but i find this hilarious.

Is this in general as one does or Thaksin specific?

Does hypnotism help with paranoia or do you have to see a real medical specialist for that and not a snake oil salesman?

[John K]

"I have started to keep track of dates in Outlook."

I am sorry but i find this hilarious.

Is this in general as one does or Thaksin specific?

Does hypnotism help with paranoia or do you have to see a real medical specialist for that and not a snake oil salesman?

Well from what I have seen here I am not the only person who does this. I heard of a big white board in some office. Dart boards in other I would imagine. Actually because there is so much going on, it is nice to know if I should avoid places on certain days. Occasionally some of my travels during the day takes me past hot spots. From what I can see there are easily 30 things to keep track of. But yes mostly Thaksin because that will bring the biggest crowds.

To answer your question yes hypnosis is effective with paranoia. I have received more referrals than I can count from psychologists and psychiatrists sending their most difficult patients to me for a variety of things. That is not to mention surgeons, family doctors, and other medical specialists. A very long way from snake oil I would think.

Are you suggesting that Thaksin and company should come and see me about the fears they may be suffering from? What an interesting thought to entertain.

[lazeeboy]

"I have started to keep track of dates in Outlook."

I am sorry but i find this hilarious.

Is this in general as one does or Thaksin specific?

Does hypnotism help with paranoia or do you have to see a real medical specialist for that and not a snake oil salesman?

not a chance he will come back ,if he asks for political asylum in uk due to the coup he will get it,court via satalite i feel <_<

[John K]

That is a bit of a dilemma for him, I think his mouth has already seen to that. He did say just a few days ago he would come back and fight, and his story right along was not of fear. If he said something more along the lines of I can’t go back I will be arrested and jailed for crimes I committed I fear for my life, then they may grant it. However with him jerking around Manchester that may not be enough. Remember it is Thaksin’s mouth that is his downfall.

[observer21]

Ahh so they figured that they could guarantee his safety now (but haven't told him that its only possible if he is in protective custody)...

Yeah, and it wasnt so long ago when they said they couldnt gaurantee his safety.

watch this space

[Gary A]

A rudderless ship tends to go in a straight line but this ship is making many turns and has no idea which way it is going. Until this paranoid military government decides to get on with running the country things are sure to get worse.

[Scott]

The actions of the gov't are shameful. First they say he can't come back, then he can but he shouldn't, then he can, but they can't guarantee his safety, now he must or he will be extradited.

He isn't much different than many hundreds of politicians all over the world who will likely have court cases of one kind or another to deal with for many, many years. These actions should be the responsibility of the court, not the gov't as a whole. Neither the current PM nor the CNS should be very involved or making many comments.

He is an ex-PM and he should be accorded with a certain level of courtesy and respect--even if that's not what he gave to others. He still has a lot of supporters out there and one of the best and easiest ways of keeping them in check is by treating their "leader" firmly, fairly and with courtesy.

[kurgen]

He still has a lot of supporters out there and one of the best and easiest ways of keeping them in check is by treating their "leader" firmly, fairly and with courtesy.

failing that a swift kick in the nads will do the job

[hammered]

Specualtion on the street seems to be that T-man wont come back and his bluff has been called. I wonder if it really is that simple.

[Scott]

The whole predicament could be rather interesting. The gov't seems to have hit him in some sensitive areas. First, there has been a lot of messing around with his family (whether justified or not, that would get most men pretty upset). Now, they have frozen his assets. I think between family and money they may have him cornered. And like most of us know, be very careful with a cornered animal.

They might want to use the same "restraint" they are using with the Southern issue in dealing with the former PM.

[Jai Dee]

CNS Chairman believes TRT figures will not come to Mr. Thaksin's rescue if latter returns home

The Chairman of the Council for National Security believes that former leaders of the Thai Rak Thai Party will not collaborate with Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra upon his return to Thailand.

Army Commander in Chief and Chairman of the Council for National Security Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin expressed his confidence that if former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand he will not have sufficient resources to gather influential Thai Rak Thai figures such as Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin (สมศักดิ์ เทพสุทิน ) and Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop (สุวัจน์ ลิปตพัลลภ) to resurrect his political career. Gen Sonthi said that these politicians still wished to participate in upcoming elections and will not risk their political future by aiding Mr. Thaksin.

The Chairman of the Council for National Security believes that Thaksin supporters' plans to march to the Royal Thai Army headquarters on June 23rd will not result in violence. Gen Sonthi affirmed that authorities remain in control of the situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

DSI indicates it cannot travel abroad to inform Mr. Thaksin of his charges

The Director General of the Department of Special Investigations indicates that there are currently no provisions for DSI agents to travel abroad to inform international suspects of their charges.

The Director General of the Department of Special Investigation added that the Chairman of the Council for National Security has conversed with him to inquire whether a suspect residing in another nation would have to travel to Thailand to testify in court to which he replied in the affirmative.

Mr. Sunai said that if Mr. Thaksin did not return to Thailand to face his charges, a warrant would be issued for his arrest.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 June 2007

[John K]

Certainly mind games in play here. Thaksin can be protected???? Before the suggestion was no to keep him away until they were ready for him. I read that position several months ago in various posts. Now they say they can protect him because they are ready for him. However saying they can protect him I see as 60-20-20. To protect him It would need to be a form of house arrest.

Most of the Thais I talked to today think he will skip town even that the government has very conveniently removed any excuse Thaksin may have had.

It is a way of making Thaksin lose face openly along with that any supporters who may have been on the fence. It uses his mouth against him. Any new excuses would be equal to smokers excuses. Even illness would be viewed as a lie even if it were real.

All and all it seems it is time for Thaksin to pay his check bin.

[Mid]

up to speed John ,

lawyers already on record as saying he ain't coming .

[John K]

up to speed John ,

lawyers already on record as saying he ain't coming .

Link?

[A_Traveller]

up to speed John ,

lawyers already on record as saying he ain't coming .

Link?

(BangkokPost.com) - Ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra will not return to Thailand to acknowledge charges next week as ordered by the Department of Special Investigation, his legal aide Noppadol Pattama said Thursday.

"I don't think he will return," Mr Noppadol said. "There are other ways to acknowledge the charges. The Assets Scrutiny Committee has said Mr Thaksin can acknowledge charges abroad."

17:01 Breaking News

Regards

[Mid]

ROUNDUP: Thaksin too busy to come home

Bangkok (dpa) - Deposed Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who on Thursday made a bid in London to buy the Manchester City football club for 81.6 million pounds (162.5 million dollars), will not return to Thailand this month to face corruption charges, his lawyer said.

The Manchester City board has said it will back Thaksin's attempted takeover of the club after the former prime minister, living in exile in London since his overthrow by a coup on September 19, 2006, lodged a formal bid via UK Sports Investment, a vehicle controlled indirectly by Shinawatra and his son and daughter.

continues http://www.bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=119606

The Post Publishing Public Co

[John K]

Oh that is Noppadol, he also said a lot of other things too just as believable. Thaksin tells him what to say, that is a spokesman’s job. Knowing Thaksin’s track record on the truth.... However point taken, but I don’t see much of it yet.

I do see a problem if Thailand can’t lock down all the Shin money they may say Manchester was purchased with stolen money. I wonder what fun that will be for the selling party.

Can you say dance with the devil?

[jdinasia]

Thaksin can delay 2 or 3 times before a warrant will be issued. I am not sure what England's visa and extradition policies are if it comes to that.