Thaksin Is Ordered To Come Home

[LaoPo]

Bangkok Thais Want Thaksin to Face Justice

Most adults in Thailand’s capital would like deposed Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return to the country and face charges of corruption, according to a poll by Bangkok University Research Institute. 71.4 per cent of respondents in Bangkok agree with the current interim government’s decision to order Thaksin to go back to Thailand.

Polling Data

Do you agree or disagree with the government’s decision to order Thaksin Shinawatra to return to Thailand to face charges in court over share transaction concealment and on assets frozen by the Assets Examination Committee?

Agree

71.4%

Disagree

28.6%

Source: Bangkok University Research Institute

It would be interesting to learn how many 'Bangkok Adults' have been interviewed and their respective income group...

Did/will they hold the same Poll in rural areas ?

LaoPo

[Jai Dee]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs updates information concerning deposed Thaksin Shinawatra to Thai embassies worldwide

Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that it has provided up dated information to Thai Embassies across the world so they could help explain cases of the deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra to the respective countries.

Director General of Information and Spokesperson to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Tharit Charungwat (ธฤต จรุงวัฒน์) says all Thai Embassies in countries receive the same information of Shinnawatra’s cases since the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) has ordered to freeze Shinnawatra’s bank accounts related to Shin Corp share deal.

Mr. Tharit confirms that all subjects will be reported to Thai Embassies in foreign countries.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 June 2007

[sriracha john]

THAILAND: Thaksin will not return to face court

Former Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, was due to appear before police this week on charges of tax evasion. But he has refused to return, saying it is unsafe and that he would not get a fair trial. The Department of Special Investigation is not giving up, however and has extended the deadline for Mr. Thaksin to appear.

Presenter - Karon Snowdon

Speakers - Noppodon Pattama, lawyer for Thaksin Shinawatra

Chris Baker, Bangkok-based political analyst

* Link to listen to the audio version of this interview *:

http://www.abc.net.au/ra/connectasia/stories/m1409094.asx

SNOWDON: Last week a defiant Mr. Thaksin said he would return to Thailand and prove the charges against him were wrong. He's been charged with misconduct relating to his wife's purchase of Bangkok real estate. Already his bank accounts have been frozen and he's been banned from politics for five years along with the party he formed and which dominated the Parliament. The Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont has said he can ensure his safety if he returns, but now Mr. Thaksin's lawyer Noppodon Pattama says that's a hollow promise.

NOPPODON: We are very grateful for his guarantee. Can he guarantee the safety of people in the south? He cannot. We trust that he is a good man but we cannot leave the fate of the life of our client in the hands of the Prime Minister or the Chairman of the CNS, General Sonthi. We don't trust their ability to provide adequate safety to our client.

SNOWDON: Now living in exile in London, Mr. Thaksin has enjoyed traveling around the world since the September coup which ousted him. He might be able to continue that life-style as its unlikely he can be extradited according to political analyst Chris Baker.

BAKER: On past record extraditing someone from the UK back to Thailand is very very difficult indeed. There's a famous case of one of the financiers who fled after the Asia crisis 10 years, who very successfully has defied extradition proceedings for 10 years.

SNOWDON: So what can we expect to be the Thai courts' response? Do you think they'll follow up with an extradition - will they bother to pursue extradition through the courts?

BAKER: I think they will pursue the case, I think they have to for form's sake. But there's already been talk here in the press and amongst the judges that they have very low expectations.

SNOWDON: But in the meantime they've frozen his bank accounts so I suppose he's unlikely to have that money returned?

BAKER: Yes, I mean the risk to Thaksin of doing that is that he may lose quite a bit of the money that has currently been frozen here and is the subject of various lawsuits; yes it's quite a high financial risk for him.

SNOWDON: Thai society remains divided over the blatant cronyism and corruption of the Thaksin government, with many others maintaining fond memories of his popular policies. But while cheaper health care and forgiven farm loans ensured electoral success the already-wealthy family was enriching itself with the privileges of power. Lawyer Noppodon Pattama has advised his client to stay away because he says Thaksin can't get a fair trial in Thailand before democracy is restored.

NOPPODON: First reason is Thailand is under dictatorship regime. The due process of law has been interfered and has been abused. Secondly, we think that our client won't get a fair trial. Thirdly, safety issue - we don't trust the government and the junta, their ability to take good care of our client. And fourthly - the national reconciliation in Thailand should proceed without Khun Thaksin being blamed for instigating or masterminding or orchestrating any rally. So, for major reasons we will advise our client not to return to Thailand. He should come back after democracy returns to Thailand.

SNOWDON: Lawyer Noppodon Pattama, who wouldn't comment on Mr. Thaksin's multi-million dollar bid for the Manchester City Football Club. Thai elections have been promised by the military government for the end of the year.

- Radio Australia

Edited June 27, 2007 by sriracha john

[Mid]

Former Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, was due to appear before police this week on charges of tax evasion. But he has refused to return, saying it is unsafe and that he would not get a fair trial. The Department of Special Investigation is not giving up, however and has extended the deadline for Mr. Thaksin to appear.

classic ...........................

[Plus]

Putting aside the hyperbole and "Blairism" comments,may I suggest that Thailand makes an official request to the UK for the extradition of Thaksin for responsibility for drug war deaths?This is the the most severe and easily proved of his crimes, and I think the human rights lobby in the UK would get behind it.

Most of the other crimes are obviously trumped up political charges which any competent lawyer could kick into touch with his eyes shut.But the drugs war charges would I think stick.

So why doesn't the Thai government invoke the drug war murders which would have Thaksin back in Thailand under Scotland Yard custody fairly promptly?? Answers on a postcard please.

A bit of hyperbole just to nudge that high hourse the UK is sitting on.

Thailand is not held to the same standards because Thailand doesn't go around the world preaching transparency and good governanace and deny aid to "corrupt" countries.

Thaksin is a penniless person - all his assets are held in his family members name, yet he presents himself like it's his own money. When Thais finally find cracks in his nominee structure the UK argues "it's political". It's nothing else than covering white collar crimes.

Thaskin is a small crook by world standards, but those involved are watching and listening, especially here in South East Asia. They take a note of the UK's official position and actuall happenings on the ground - you can get away with everything if you have cash.

Another thing about that high horse - can anybody find any good news coming from English Football Assossiation? It's the most successful professional league in the world, watched by billions of people - a perfect representative of the UK's businees culture. All their recent history has been about one scandal after another. Shady dealings with Ericsson, mafia type Russians, and all that trasfer business that is as corrupt as Thai elections.

People are watching.

As for Blairism - it's not for this thread, but quick remark - while Brits might be happily bashing Bush and Americans, the rest of the world remembers very well that they were just as brainwashed by Blair and his government before the Iraq war. The UK public opinion is very much open to manipulation.

Take the drug war case - why do they have to wait for Thailand to investigate Thaksin's role in it? Thais have millions of reasons not to charge him with that in the foreseeable future. What's UK's excuse?

Now he is in their country and they can raise lots of questions if they want to. Why don't they?

It's a politically sensitive issue, that's why.

Accepting Thaksin as a hero and rolling red carpets for him is a test on whether the UK has any moral grounds to lecture Thailand on democracy, human rights, corruption, fair justice etc. etc.

>>>>>>>

Request to the mods - can you move Manchester City takeover thread from General Topics to News Clippings where it rightfully belongs.

[younghusband]

Putting aside the hyperbole and "Blairism" comments,may I suggest that Thailand makes an official request to the UK for the extradition of Thaksin for responsibility for drug war deaths?This is the the most severe and easily proved of his crimes, and I think the human rights lobby in the UK would get behind it.

Most of the other crimes are obviously trumped up political charges which any competent lawyer could kick into touch with his eyes shut.But the drugs war charges would I think stick.

So why doesn't the Thai government invoke the drug war murders which would have Thaksin back in Thailand under Scotland Yard custody fairly promptly?? Answers on a postcard please.

A bit of hyperbole just to nudge that high hourse the UK is sitting on.

Thailand is not held to the same standards because Thailand doesn't go around the world preaching transparency and good governanace and deny aid to "corrupt" countries.

Thaksin is a penniless person - all his assets are held in his family members name, yet he presents himself like it's his own money. When Thais finally find cracks in his nominee structure the UK argues "it's political". It's nothing else than covering white collar crimes.

Thaskin is a small crook by world standards, but those involved are watching and listening, especially here in South East Asia. They take a note of the UK's official position and actuall happenings on the ground - you can get away with everything if you have cash.

Another thing about that high horse - can anybody find any good news coming from English Football Assossiation? It's the most successful professional league in the world, watched by billions of people - a perfect representative of the UK's businees culture. All their recent history has been about one scandal after another. Shady dealings with Ericsson, mafia type Russians, and all that trasfer business that is as corrupt as Thai elections.

People are watching.

As for Blairism - it's not for this thread, but quick remark - while Brits might be happily bashing Bush and Americans, the rest of the world remembers very well that they were just as brainwashed by Blair and his government before the Iraq war. The UK public opinion is very much open to manipulation.

Take the drug war case - why do they have to wait for Thailand to investigate Thaksin's role in it? Thais have millions of reasons not to charge him with that in the foreseeable future. What's UK's excuse?

Now he is in their country and they can raise lots of questions if they want to. Why don't they?

It's a politically sensitive issue, that's why.

Accepting Thaksin as a hero and rolling red carpets for him is a test on whether the UK has any moral grounds to lecture Thailand on democracy, human rights, corruption, fair justice etc. etc.

>>>>>>>

Request to the mods - can you move Manchester City takeover thread from General Topics to News Clippings where it rightfully belongs.

Brits can sometimes be a bit supercilious and perhaps too dismissive of foreigners views but I think your assessment is misplaced.The fact is that Britain does represent certain standards of democracy, free speech, human rights,rule of law in a way that countries like Thailand do not.It's not a question of being better just a different cultural history.In many ways Britain was the birth place of democratic values.Whether the UK always lives up to these standards is a different question altogether.But there is a fundamental decency and fairmindedness about Britain at its best which is pointless to deny.

As for Thaksin there's little doubt that he as as a British MP recently put it "an unsavoury character".However I really think before ranting about Britain's business culture and other irrelevant frothing, you should await the official UK response to any Thai formal request.I pointed out that the drugs war charges were the most likely to stick, but you apparently feel -without explaining- there are millions of reasons Thailand doesn't want to press this.You were trying to compare Thaksin to Hitler recently (inappropriately as any historian could point out, but let that pass).To continue the rather foolish analogy it's like a hypothetical post war Germany saying the holocaust is too difficult to address but let's prosecute the fuhrer for acquiring a piece of land without the proper permits.

I don't think Thaksin has been accepted as a hero in the UK at all.Frankly Thailand and its political manoeverings are not very high in the order of priorities for Gordon Brown.Actually I wouldn't be surprised if the Football Association decided Thaksin wasn't a fit and proper person, but that's a matter for the FA not for the UK government.Incidentally your, if I may say so, rather uninformed comments about British culture wouldn't be shared by the Thai establishment where there is a long tradition of anglophilia dating back to the last century with many royal princes being educated at Eton,Harrow,Oxford and Cambridge.A man like Abhisit for example would reject all your negative comments.

So really I think the collusion and guilt of many in Thailand on the drugs war is where you should address your concerns.

[hammered]

Putting aside the hyperbole and "Blairism" comments,may I suggest that Thailand makes an official request to the UK for the extradition of Thaksin for responsibility for drug war deaths?This is the the most severe and easily proved of his crimes, and I think the human rights lobby in the UK would get behind it.

Most of the other crimes are obviously trumped up political charges which any competent lawyer could kick into touch with his eyes shut.But the drugs war charges would I think stick.

So why doesn't the Thai government invoke the drug war murders which would have Thaksin back in Thailand under Scotland Yard custody fairly promptly?? Answers on a postcard please.

A bit of hyperbole just to nudge that high hourse the UK is sitting on.

Thailand is not held to the same standards because Thailand doesn't go around the world preaching transparency and good governanace and deny aid to "corrupt" countries.

Thaksin is a penniless person - all his assets are held in his family members name, yet he presents himself like it's his own money. When Thais finally find cracks in his nominee structure the UK argues "it's political". It's nothing else than covering white collar crimes.

Thaskin is a small crook by world standards, but those involved are watching and listening, especially here in South East Asia. They take a note of the UK's official position and actuall happenings on the ground - you can get away with everything if you have cash.

Another thing about that high horse - can anybody find any good news coming from English Football Assossiation? It's the most successful professional league in the world, watched by billions of people - a perfect representative of the UK's businees culture. All their recent history has been about one scandal after another. Shady dealings with Ericsson, mafia type Russians, and all that trasfer business that is as corrupt as Thai elections.

People are watching.

As for Blairism - it's not for this thread, but quick remark - while Brits might be happily bashing Bush and Americans, the rest of the world remembers very well that they were just as brainwashed by Blair and his government before the Iraq war. The UK public opinion is very much open to manipulation.

Take the drug war case - why do they have to wait for Thailand to investigate Thaksin's role in it? Thais have millions of reasons not to charge him with that in the foreseeable future. What's UK's excuse?

Now he is in their country and they can raise lots of questions if they want to. Why don't they?

It's a politically sensitive issue, that's why.

Accepting Thaksin as a hero and rolling red carpets for him is a test on whether the UK has any moral grounds to lecture Thailand on democracy, human rights, corruption, fair justice etc. etc.

>>>>>>>

Request to the mods - can you move Manchester City takeover thread from General Topics to News Clippings where it rightfully belongs.

To be honest I doubt very much that Thaksin has broken any British laws to date, and as such the British authorities will leave him alone.

If there is a request for extradition it will go through the Britsh law courts but extradition to any country with a treaty from the UK (except for the US where all defendent rights have been removed) is very difficult as the defendent has very strong rights. Thailand does not have a jury system and that alone is going to make extradition difficult.

The British authoritues have no laws under which to prosecute Thaksin for the extra-judicial killings which were committed in his own country. If Thailand were to sign up for the ICC that could change.

To be honest I dont see the British authorites rolling out red carlets for him. However the UK has a very long history of being a destination of choice for politcal disidents of all kinds. In fact it has denonstrably been the most tolerant country in Europe to these people for a long time although the Blair govenrment has done its best to change that recently. These disidents have over time included some unsavoury people and still do (Mr. Thaksin being one no doubt). However, unless laws are broken or international requests are made people are allowed to live in the UK unmolested by the authorities.

To be honest I think the UK government also like any dissidents or rogue ex-leaders living in the UK to keep a low profile and not embarrass the government and its international relations. If Mr. Thaksin keeps his head down in the UK he can probably stay for a long time. Even the Manchester City thing is not a big issue for the authorities as long as Mr. Thaksin plays by the laws and accepts the decisions made. If he decides to play active politics (such as setting up government in exile or plotting coups) from his UK home he may find things get a little more uncomfortable for him.

There is also the question of do the Thai authorities really mind Mr. Thaksin sitting around in the UK? There is a limit to what he can do from there especially with his assets frozen, and as time goes by and the political landscape changes it only gets harder for any politician to make a come back.

[sriracha john]

This could go in any number of threads, including the aforementioned Manchester City football thread, but it seems to focus a lot on the current England/Thailand theme of this thread so I'm putting it here...

The Brits can't say we didn't warn them

At least we have warned them. If Thaksin Shinawatra ditches Manchester City Football Club after a year in the event of, sorry, their relegation, or if a big business scandal breaks out at Manchester City over player transfers or "honest" accounting mistakes, at least we can tell the Britons: We told you so.

As our ancestors used to say: "Ten mouths testifying do not equal what an eye sees". Love him or hate him, everyone should have a chance to experience Thaksin firsthand. With its much stronger "rule of law" and arguably greater open-mindedness when it comes to foreign investment, there's no better testing ground than England. He's the new kid on the block there now, a fascinating, albeit enigmatic, billionaire who has charmed his way into the heart of England's soul - soccer. Add the tragedy of being a democratic leader ousted by a military coup and he's simply irresistible.

He could turn into a big success, though. Knowing Thaksin, scams that rocked Italy's Serie A or triggered investigations in England over fishy transfer deals would seem like child's play. And this is a chance for the man to prove himself on the world stage, in a really competitive business, without the advantage of a monopoly. Yes, there will be rules or regulations to get around as usual, but he will no longer be in a position to change or distort those rules to suit himself.

He has been groomed long enough in Thailand and it's probably time to turn him loose on the world. We have nothing to worry about. If Thaksin wrecks Man City and causes political riots in Manchester, we can basically explain that they shouldn't have expected much from a failed product of Thai democracy in the first place. If he takes Manchester City to the Champions League next year, it will keep him busy over there for at least another 12 months.

Thaksin's Manchester City takeover must have provided inspiration to many mega-rich political leaders whose futures are not that secure. While in power, make sure you stack up a sizeable amount of cash overseas. Who knows, one day you might need it to buy a European soccer club and start anew. It didn't work in the old days but at present you can actually counter corruption charges, more or less, by associating with top coaches and world-class strikers.

In today's world, there's no such thing as "dirty" money - if it has travelled long and far enough, that is. But if the line is already blurred between acceptable business tactics and fraud, Thaksin is more than capable of blurring it further still. With Thailand now left with a bruised and confused conscience, it may be England's turn to, say, find new definitions for "rule of law" and "democracy" or differentiate between "bribes" and "rewards". "Honest mistake" is going international.

No need to seek his extradition. England has been seduced, and she will not let Thaksin go until she has had the whole of him despite the warning signs of things to come. Debate has erupted over whether corruption charges should be given greater weight than the fact that they were filed under an "illegitimate" military junta, or vice-versa. A Guardian blogger has been bombarded with criticism after he questioned Thaksin's integrity. "Thaksinisation" - the power to lure and divide - has also planted a foot in British parliament, with Labour MP David Taylor calling him an "unsavoury and flaky" foreign investor.

An extradition fight would drag an innocent England through the Thai political mud and cause a bilateral relations nightmare. Thaksin and his ousters have been bluffing each other childishly regarding his potential return. First, he seemed eager to come back, saying he had the right to do so, but the generals insisted it was their right to keep him at arm's length.

Then he threatened to sneak back and the military said his safety wouldn't be guaranteed. When they finally guaranteed his safety and asked him to come home to face criminal charges, he basically said: "I'm not that stupid. I don't want to die."

The bottom line is, the generals don't have much to lose if he does plan a longer exile.

As for Thaksin, the choices are even simpler: sitting in the director's box watching Manchester City play Liverpool in a football match broadcast live to Thailand showing his face once in a while to Thai people and political enemies - or possibly watching the game in a Thai jail.

City fans generally want him. The British authorities as of now apparently don't mind him. And he won't do Thailand much harm politically as he promotes honest mistakes in the transfer market. The situation is pretty much like that in Thailand in 2001 - Thaksin knows exactly what he's doing but those embracing him have do idea what they are in for.

I can't help but imagine famous soccer commentator Andy Gray's welcoming statement: "Thaksin Shinawatra ... Take a bow, son. Take a bow."

- Tulsathit Taptim

The Nation

[Mid]

Govt's PR campaign not aimed at discrediting Thaksin

(BangkokPost.com) - The government's goal in making radio spots and television commercials to explain to public issues concerning Thai Rak Thai party dissolution cases and the freezing of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's assets are not aimed at discrediting Mr Thaksin, Prime Minister's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan said Wednesday.

Mr Thirapat said that the idea came from war-room committee who wanted to create understandings among the public on these issues. It is not aimed at leading a court decision nor at defending the Council for National Security.

The Post Publishing Public Co

[Plus]

I'm not denying that UK's democratic traditions run far deeper than Thais, that's not the point.

Official UK government stance and the fact that Thaksin hasn't broken UK laws is not the point either.

The point is that despite all appearing to be nice and proper, a number of high profile UK institutions indeed rolled out red carpets for Thaksin. That's the reality on the ground, that's what people notice about Britain's business culture. Not many white collar criminals come to Britain to shake hands with Gordon Brown, taking over world famous football clubs is quite an achievemnt in itself, lots of people would settle for that.

Will you find a banker who wouldn't ask how you smuggled your money out of your country? Yes. Will you find some business to buy to keep your good times rolling? Yes.

Tell me it's not a haven for scoundrels.

The British authoritues have no laws under which to prosecute Thaksin for the extra-judicial killings which were committed in his own country.

So it's ok then? People still can line up to shake his hand. "Thaksin Shinawatra ... Take a bow, son. Take a bow."

We can see now what the public opinion in the UK is on these matters, and it's not how the UK government wants to present itself to the world. Some people already understand that, and they are the ones I have respect for.

[Jai Dee]

Gov's PR dept to clarify facts on seized assets of Dr. Thaksin

The government of Thailand has announced that state's public relations division will clarify facts concerning the seizure of assets and accounts of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to the general public.

Prime Minister’s Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan says the CNS has assigned the Cabinet to prepare public relations activities to justify the party dissolution case and the seized assets of the Shinawatra family. Mr. Thirapat says radio spots on these issues will be aired on top of every hour. Each spot will be approximately two to three minutes.

As for television, the government will coordinate with TV stations in presenting a one-hour show on the purpose of the recent coup. Thus, member sof the public will have access to accurate information. Mr. Thirapat says further that the government and the CNS has clear procedures to restore democracy by completing the constitution draft and holding the general election by the end of this year.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 June 2007

[Mid]

As for television, the government will coordinate with TV stations in presenting a one-hour show on the purpose of the recent coup. Thus, member sof the public will have access to accurate information

gotta love 'em ...............

[hammered]

I'm not denying that UK's democratic traditions run far deeper than Thais, that's not the point.

Official UK government stance and the fact that Thaksin hasn't broken UK laws is not the point either.

The point is that despite all appearing to be nice and proper, a number of high profile UK institutions indeed rolled out red carpets for Thaksin. That's the reality on the ground, that's what people notice about Britain's business culture. Not many white collar criminals come to Britain to shake hands with Gordon Brown, taking over world famous football clubs is quite an achievemnt in itself, lots of people would settle for that.

Will you find a banker who wouldn't ask how you smuggled your money out of your country? Yes. Will you find some business to buy to keep your good times rolling? Yes.

Tell me it's not a haven for scoundrels.

The British authoritues have no laws under which to prosecute Thaksin for the extra-judicial killings which were committed in his own country.

So it's ok then? People still can line up to shake his hand. "Thaksin Shinawatra ... Take a bow, son. Take a bow."

We can see now what the public opinion in the UK is on these matters, and it's not how the UK government wants to present itself to the world. Some people already understand that, and they are the ones I have respect for.

Western countries are full of scoundrels. Most have many of their own. Some are even run by them. As much as we dont like Thaksin until he is found guilty of something, or breaks his visa condiditons the British government wont do anything about him. No western country is going to prosecute him for the extra-judicial stuff as that is a crime committed in Thailand and Thailand is not a war torn nation. It will be considered as a crime for Thailand to deal with. If he is charegd with this kind of crime he would find western governments would not be so friendly. Howeevr, the reality is that if the country it was committed in dont reagrd it as prosecutable or wont prosecute it then dont expect the west to do anything unless we are talking war torn, refugee crisised countries. Sure the British people will think he is some shady and reprehensible guy who shouldnt own a football club. Many thought that about Abramovich too. Then again dont forget that many think Bush, Blair and Howard should pay for their little illegal war. They have manged to get 750,000 Iraqis alone killed to date according to the British media. Thailand its leaders and what happens here are not really that important to most westerners. Thailand remains a place with good beaches to them.

By the way Mr. Thaksin could equally be wandering around Italy discussing their league with Berlusconi or over in the States hanging out with the congressional reps with links to his PR firm. This is about the west not just the UK. It is also about people with money and power.

By the way most Man City supporters will love you for describing Man City as a world famous football club. Not too long a go they were languishing in the lower divisions and their trophy cabinet is not even anywhere near in the same league as even the mighty Steaua Bucharests.

[Mid]

Thaksin, wife gets a month to hear charges

(BangkokPost.com) -

snip

Noppadon Pattama, legal aide of Mr Thaksin, the deposed premier does not want to come back to fight court cases until after election. "DSI is not a killing field," he said.

Mr Sunai said the he is studying treaties between Thailand and England and its laws to see whether Mr Thaksin's charges can be used as a reason for the extradiction from the country.

The Post Publishing Public Co

[sriracha john]

Here's a twist that might make him return...

Thaksin, wife gets a month to hear charges

Department of Special Investigation gave ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Potjaman one month to hear charges on concealing assets in person or else they will be arrested without bail. DSI chief Sunai Manomai-udom said the couple and executives of SC Assets including Yingluck Shinawatra and Busaba Damapong have until July 26 to hear the charges. If they do not show up by then, DSI will ask for arrest warrants. And if prosecutors indict them, they will face extradiction. He added that once arrest warrants are issued, there will be no chance of bail.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=119735

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

If his sister and sister-in-law get imprisoned, would he return?

How about his offspring? Or other relatives that have charges.

Would he allow them to languish? For deals and scams he cooked up...

OR....

have the whole of both wretched families fled Thailand already?

[Jai Dee]

ISOC Secretary-General agrees with Mr Thaksin’s return to defend himself in court

Secretary-General of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), Gen.Montri Sangkhasap (มนตรี สังขทรัพย์) suggests that the deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra should return to Thailand to defend himself in court. He also assures maximum security for the ex-Prime Minister upon his return to Thailand.

Army's Chief of Staff and ISOC Secretary-General Gen.Montri Sangkhasap says he believes that the former PM’s return to fight in court would justify the administration's action on Mr Thaksin. He further affirms that Mr Thaksin will not be treated unfairly as all government units examining Mr Thaksin's cases have worked in a transparent manner.

As for the demonstration against the coup makers, Gen.Montri admits that it is difficult for the authority to monitor it as the demonstration leaders have announced that they will stage a rally at many areas. He says further that there might some third parties trying to stir up the situation but affirms the authority will not obstruct people’s gatherings as long as it is under the democratic framework.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 June 2007

[hammered]

Here's a twist that might make him return...

Thaksin, wife gets a month to hear charges

Department of Special Investigation gave ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Potjaman one month to hear charges on concealing assets in person or else they will be arrested without bail. DSI chief Sunai Manomai-udom said the couple and executives of SC Assets including Yingluck Shinawatra and Busaba Damapong have until July 26 to hear the charges. If they do not show up by then, DSI will ask for arrest warrants. And if prosecutors indict them, they will face extradiction. He added that once arrest warrants are issued, there will be no chance of bail.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=119735

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

If his sister and sister-in-law get imprisoned, would he return?

How about his offspring? Or other relatives that have charges.

Would he allow them to languish? For deals and scams he cooked up...

OR....

have the whole of both wretched families fled Thailand already?

It could pressure them to return or ensure they wont return in a long time. i am not sure which. i am also not sure which the authorities would actually prefer.

[Mid]

lol , automatic asylum would be more likely ,

come back or we'll keep your rello's in jail ??

think we've heard that one before .

[Jai Dee]

DSI extends hearing for Thaksin, co-defendants to July 26

Thailand's Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Sunai Manomai-udom said here Wednesday that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, his wife Pojaman and other defendants must now report and answer to charges of assets concealment by July 26.

The new date was fixed by the DSI after Mrs. Pojaman's relative Bussaba Damapong, a former SC Asset executive, failed to appear Wednesday to hear the charges laid against her.

Earlier the DSI had ordered Mr. Thaksin, his wife, Mrs. Bussaba and other SC Asset executives to report to the department to hear charges of fraud by this Friday. The hearing has now been extended to July 26 in order to facilitate two other former executives of the company and Mr. Thaksin, now living in England, to enjoy the same opportunity to report to DSI, Mr. Sunai said.

According to department procedures, Mr. Thaksin is eligible to seek three postponements on reporting to the Department of Special Investigation. He faces being issued an arrest warrant if he does not appear, as well as possible extradition proceedings.

Mr. Sunai said he had no comment in regard to Mr. Thaksin's legal advisor saying that the ousted prime minister did not want to return to Thailand due to fears for his safety. The DSI director-general said the DSI was not an "execution zone".

The DSI chief had said earlier that Mr. Thaksin, while serving in the Cabinet of an earlier government, and his wife, had 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. Mr. Thaksin was also charged with holding shares in publicly listed companies despite a prohibition against serving Cabinet members to do so.

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

Source: TNA - 27 June 2007

[younghusband]

I'm not denying that UK's democratic traditions run far deeper than Thais, that's not the point.

Official UK government stance and the fact that Thaksin hasn't broken UK laws is not the point either.

The point is that despite all appearing to be nice and proper, a number of high profile UK institutions indeed rolled out red carpets for Thaksin. That's the reality on the ground, that's what people notice about Britain's business culture. Not many white collar criminals come to Britain to shake hands with Gordon Brown, taking over world famous football clubs is quite an achievemnt in itself, lots of people would settle for that.

Will you find a banker who wouldn't ask how you smuggled your money out of your country? Yes. Will you find some business to buy to keep your good times rolling? Yes.

Tell me it's not a haven for scoundrels.

The British authoritues have no laws under which to prosecute Thaksin for the extra-judicial killings which were committed in his own country.

So it's ok then? People still can line up to shake his hand. "Thaksin Shinawatra ... Take a bow, son. Take a bow."

We can see now what the public opinion in the UK is on these matters, and it's not how the UK government wants to present itself to the world. Some people already understand that, and they are the ones I have respect for.

Forgive me but I don't really understand the points you're making (Thaksin has never met Gordon Brown by the way) but perhaps you're just letting off steam -which is fine.Your points on UK business culture seem a bit cartoon like, but I understand the stress on people who hold your position.I fear it will all become a lot more difficult for you as a compromise is worked out Thai style over time between Thaksin and the ruling elite.

I must emphasize however that the whole Thaksin affair is not a burning issue (or even an issue at all) at the political level in the UK.I suspect that if pressed for an opinion the Whitehall response would be that Thaksin seems to be a controversial figure but has committed no crime in the UK.If the Thailand government seeks extradition the request will be considered seriously, but realistically it's difficult for a military junta to seek successfully the extradition of a popularly elected PM.Do try and get things in perspective.Chirac for example faces corruption charges in France;do you expect Scotland Yard to nab him when he pops over for a shopping trip to London?

My point was that the Thai government should focus on the real crime, ie drugs war.You respond, probably realistically, that these charges are too "sensitive" .In which case the Thai junta should stop whining and concentrate on removing their sorry government and restoring democracy.

[younghusband]

Duplicate post deleted

Edited June 27, 2007 by younghusband

[dolvetius]

Rest assured that:

1. Thaksin will not come back to Thailand any time soon

It's even laughable to hear the CNS say that Thaksin will be safe when he returns when, just a few months ago, they were advising him NOT to come back to Thailand because his security could not be guaranteed...

2. Thaksin will not be extradited

Have you ever seen any Western European country extradite someone to a country led by a military dictatorship? (what's more, when the 'someone' is the ousted former prime minister and the 'ousting' part is a military junta who took power by force...). There are basic human right issues involved here as well as EU policies.

[Mid]

Thirapat defends PR campaign against Thaksin

June 27, 2007 : Last updated 04:41 pm (Thai local time)

PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan Wednesday defended the government's publicity campaign on ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's legal wrangling, saying it was designed to help the people understand the legal proceedings.

"The message is factual and contains no malicious attack on Thaksin," he said.

Thirapat said the explanations would focus on two issues - the May 30 verdict by the nine-judge Constitution Tribunal to disband the Thai Rak Thai Party and Thaksin's frozen assets ordered by the Assets Examination Committee.

The publicity will include spot messages broadcast via radio stations and a one-hour programme to be aired by television stations. The format and timing of broadcast will be decided by each station.

Thirapat dismissed speculation that the government relied on propaganda to discredit Thaksin, arguing that his mission was to dispel the misconception about the September 19 coup.

"Memories about events leading to the military intervention might lapse if the government fails to raise awareness," he said.

"For the past five to six years, we have had democracy and the government abusing its power to cheat in every way," he said, asking, "Should we allow this to continue on?"

The Nation

"For the past five to six years, we have had democracy

you sir , scare me .

[Jai Dee]

DSI allows Busaba Damapong to reschedule court hearing on SC Asset stock case

The Department of Special Investigations has allowed Mrs. Busaba Damapong (บุษบา ดามาพงศ์ ) to reschedule her court hearing on the S.C. Asset stock case.

The Director General of the Department of Special Investigation Mr. Sunai Manomai-udom (สุนัย มโนมัยอุดม) revealed that he has authorized a rescheduling in Mrs. Busaba Damapong's (บุษบา ดามาพงศ์ ) court hearing for the S.C. Asset stock case to July 26. Mr. Sunai reports that police officers delivering court summons to Mrs. Busaba's home found that she had moved from her place of residence.

The director general said that a hearing for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Khunying Pojamarn Shinawatra will be held from June 28-29. Mr. Sunai said even if Mr. Thaksin did not appear for his hearing, the court will continue to deliberate the case due to sufficient evidence and witnesses.

Mr. Thaksin may also be charged with evasion of justice if he does not respond to court summons.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 June 2007

[John K]

OK I want to right about this. Thaksin Does or does not need to be here on or before June 29? He does not need to have the other parties here to be able to hear the charges against him. Is this correct?

[Mid]

Asia-Pacific News

Thailand pushes back the goalposts for deposed premier's comeback

Jun 27, 2007, 11:11 GMT

Bangkok - Thailand on Wednesday gave deposed premier-in-exile Thaksin Shinawatra and wife Potjaman another month to return to the kingdom to hear criminal charges against them, media reports said.

2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

good morning Europe ,

wonder how t likes the goal post dance ...........................

Edited June 27, 2007 by Mid

[chinthee]

lol , automatic asylum would be more likely ,

come back or we'll keep your rello's in jail ??

think we've heard that one before .

I agree Mid, it will be "catch and release" in the end.

[wintermute]

Asia-Pacific News

Thailand pushes back the goalposts for deposed premier's comeback

Jun 27, 2007, 11:11 GMT

Bangkok - Thailand on Wednesday gave deposed premier-in-exile Thaksin Shinawatra and wife Potjaman another month to return to the kingdom to hear criminal charges against them, media reports said.

2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

good morning Europe ,

wonder how t likes the goal post dance ...........................

They are realizing they don't have a prayer of getting him to come home voluntarily and extradition seems unlikely as well so they are trying to save face now. This is just like the whole youtube thing when they said they were going to sue google and nothing came of it. It's all face saving and b.s. bluffing. Thaksin knows it and they know it he's untouchable overseas.

[wintermute]

2. Thaksin will not be extradited

Have you ever seen any Western European country extradite someone to a country led by a military dictatorship? (what's more, when the 'someone' is the ousted former prime minister and the 'ousting' part is a military junta who took power by force...). There are basic human right issues involved here as well as EU policies.

You're exactly right. I wouldn't be surprised if there are countries out there actively courting Thaksin to stay in their country on the basis of asylum. Oh yes..he still has billions that the military junta can't touch, remember he was a very wealthy man before he ever became prime minister. As with all savvy tycoons they can rest assured he diversified far and wide. I bet that really irks the junta..they went to all the trouble freezing his accounts from proceeds of a sale but the bulk of his past assets are tucked away in various western countries and carribean nations.

[Plus]

I bet that's exactly what they want - let all Thais know that Thaksin has been syphoning money out of the country all along.

His image of a businessman who went to politics to selflessly help the country will be ruined.

Figthing extradition requests is the end of his future in Thailand.

Everyone is happy.