Thaksin And His Wife Issued Arrest Warrants Over Ratchadapisek Land Case

[sriracha john]

Thailand's former Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa, center, arrives at Supreme Court to testify in the case of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on conflict of interest in the purchase of prime real estate, July 8, 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Associated Press

[slimdog]

BANGKOK, July 8 (TNA) - Thailand's Supreme Court Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions opened trial Tuesday against ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra on malfeasance charges in connection with the Bangkok land case.

The former prime minister became the first defendant in the case, charging malfeasance, focused on the Bangkok Ratchadaphisek land scandal in which his wife, as second defendant, was alleged to have purchased the property at a questionably low price of Bt 772 million (US$26 million) from the Bank of Thailand's Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) in 2003 while he was in office.

Ousted by a September 2006 military coup for alleged corruption and abuse of power, Mr. Thaksin and his wife have denied any wrongdoing.

The deposed premier pleaded not guilty before the court in March and requested the court's permission to not appear at all hearings in relation to the case.

The trial began in Mr.Thaksin's absence with four key witnesses giving testimony to the court, the first among them was former prime minister Banharn Silpa-archa, leader of the Chart Thai Party, a coalition partner in the current six-party coalition government led by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

Both Mr. Banharn and former prime minister Chuan Leekpai testified that during their tenure as prime ministers, they had neither authority nor influence over any decision of the Bank of Thailand's FIDF since oversight of the agency's jurisdiction lay with the central bank. (TNA)

source: http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=5121

[hammered]

BANGKOK, July 8 (TNA) - Thailand's Supreme Court Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions opened trial Tuesday against ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra on malfeasance charges in connection with the Bangkok land case.

The former prime minister became the first defendant in the case, charging malfeasance, focused on the Bangkok Ratchadaphisek land scandal in which his wife, as second defendant, was alleged to have purchased the property at a questionably low price of Bt 772 million (US$26 million) from the Bank of Thailand's Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) in 2003 while he was in office.

Ousted by a September 2006 military coup for alleged corruption and abuse of power, Mr. Thaksin and his wife have denied any wrongdoing.

The deposed premier pleaded not guilty before the court in March and requested the court's permission to not appear at all hearings in relation to the case.

The trial began in Mr.Thaksin's absence with four key witnesses giving testimony to the court, the first among them was former prime minister Banharn Silpa-archa, leader of the Chart Thai Party, a coalition partner in the current six-party coalition government led by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

Both Mr. Banharn and former prime minister Chuan Leekpai testified that during their tenure as prime ministers, they had neither authority nor influence over any decision of the Bank of Thailand's FIDF since oversight of the agency's jurisdiction lay with the central bank. (TNA)

source: http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=5121

Probably the first bit of good news for Mr. T this month. Subject to other evidence that looks fairly clear although I guess neither Mr. Banharn nor Mr. Chuan had anywhere near the power of Mr. Thaksin. Guess it will depend on whether proof can or canno be shown he acted outside of his mandate to influence the decision.

[Plus]

I don't think it's the news, they have told that to AEC already. I suppose AEC's argument is that the PM appoints Bank of Thailand Governor, it's not a truly independent position.

They wouldn't have the case if FIDF was not considered a government agency in one way or another.

[hammered]

I don't think it's the news, they have told that to AEC already. I suppose AEC's argument is that the PM appoints Bank of Thailand Governor, it's not a truly independent position.

They wouldn't have the case if FIDF was not considered a government agency in one way or another.

I am sure you are right and there is more to the case.

Im also not sure if it is this case but there are also rumours that certain ex-TRT ministers have given statements against Thaksin.

[sriracha john]

Further clarification of what the previous premiers said...

Thaksin corruption case hears from former PM's

A Thai court has started to hear evidence in a corruption case against the country's former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who is accused in assisting his wife in a 2003 land deal.

Thaksin did not appear at the hearing, which is looking at allegations that he helped Pojaman Shinawatra to buy inner-city land well below its official value.

The first witness today was another former prime minister, Banharn Silapa-acha. His Chart Thai Party is in coalition with the current Government, which is seen by many as a proxy for Thaksin. He told the court Thaksin had little influence on the process.

But another former prime minister, Chuan Leekpai from the opposition Democrat Party, gave evidence that the former leader could put pressure on the agency involved in the sale.

More than 40 witnesses are expected to testify during the 13 days of scheduled hearings over the next two months.

- ABC News (Australia)

[nomoretalksin]

Good old BBC date:

Quote

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7494664.stm

Thaksin goes on trial in Thailand

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

Mr Thaksin was ousted in a military coup in 2006

The corruption trial of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has begun in Bangkok, almost two years after he was overthrown in a coup. Mr Thaksin and his wife face charges related to a Bangkok real estate deal.

The couple deny any wrongdoing, saying the charges of abuse of power against them are politically motivated.

Mr Thaksin, a telecoms billionaire who owns the English football club Manchester City, returned to Thailand in February after 18 months abroad. The military ousted him in September 2006, accusing him of corruption and abuse of power. Mr Thaksin has since been living mostly in the UK, but his political allies won democratic elections late last year, facilitating his return to Thailand.

Land purchase

Mr Thaksin, his family and his aides face a number of different allegations. Millions of dollars of his assets have remained frozen since charges were laid. The case before the Supreme Court relates to the purchase of a plot of land in the Thai capital.

The former prime minister is accused of using his political influence to help his wife buy the land from a state agency at a favourable price.

The couple, who could face lengthy prison terms if convicted, did not attend court, but their lawyer sounded a positive note.

"We are confident that our evidence will be enough to prove in the court that Thaksin and his wife are not guilty," Anek Khamchum told the AFP news agency.

But the courts have shown surprising tenacity in pursuing this first case, says the BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok.

The government has tried to weaken the case by arguing that the military-backed bodies which investigated Mr Thaksin had no legitimacy. The courts have ignored that, and have even intervened to reverse other government decisions.

Many observers in Thailand are calling this a judicial revolution - where the courts are quietly being asked by the traditional elite to act as checks on the power of elected governments.

Mr Thaksin's own prospects dimmed significantly when three of his lawyers were jailed last month by the Supreme Court for offering a cash bribe in a cake box, our correspondent adds.

At the very least, Mr Thaksin's chances of making a political comeback are looking slim, our correspondent says.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7494664.stm

or http://snipurl.com/2uwcr

Unquote

[Old Man River]

I don't think it's the news, they have told that to AEC already. I suppose AEC's argument is that the PM appoints Bank of Thailand Governor, it's not a truly independent position.

They wouldn't have the case if FIDF was not considered a government agency in one way or another.

I am sure you are right and there is more to the case.

While it is correct that the PM oversees the finance ministry which in turn oversees the central bank, Pridiyathorn (BOT Governor at that time) would never let politics get in the way of a decision he feels strongly about. This was most publicly evident during the insider loan case at KTB where he went head to head with Thaksin (it is one of the cases now being brought against Thaksin).

In the case of Pojamon's purchase, the land sale took place in 2003 after the FIDF had assumed ownership. At this time the FIDF was trying to move a lot of land off its books and generate funds for the country following the country's bankruptcy in 1997. Pojamon was the highest bidder for this 30 rai plot. Certainly, the FIDF could have sold the land for a lot less to someone else, but the sale to Pojamon was the best thing for the country at that time. It was a win win situation in that she got the property she wanted and she paid more than anyone else was willing to pay.

If Thaksin is adjudged guilty for this, it will be based on a technicality at best.

[Hermano Lobo]

Do not go to London, pass Hong Kong and go straight to Jail !

Thaksin and Pojamon( I thought that was a computer game?)

Could well end up in prison. (We used to write gaol in the UK)

The Bangkok Fathers want to act quickly in case Pro-Thaksin loyalists in the Police and Armed Forces

try and stage their own Coup d'état, to either spring him from jail or stop him going there.

Things are on a tightrope, there is obviously a lot at stake for them and Thailand.

I sincerely hope things don't get nasty, but with two groups evenly placed and both determined to

succeed, it could be a showdown. I would not like to predict the outcome, even after tossing a coin?

Thaksin and his cronies, I believe, are Republicans , so that, when you get to basics is where the line

is drawn in the sand.

Edited July 10, 2008 by Hermano Lobo

[sriracha john]

Court begins to call witnesses to stand in land case

The Supreme Court's Political Position holders Crimes Division today called on plaintiff witnesses in the Ratchada land purchasing case to take the stand. The case involves former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Potjamana Shinawatra.

The Office of the Attorney General called on former Governor of the Bank of Thailand M.R. Chatu Mongkol Sonakul to take the stand along with two other BOT employees.

The three people were questioned concerning the accounting and financial aspect of the case. The court also called Assets Examination Committee member Umnuay Thanthra to the stand. Both the former BOT Governor and Mr. Umnuay declined to speak with the press.

- ThaiNews / 15-07-08

[sriracha john]

Former Central Bank Chief Testifies over Ratchada Land Deal

The former central bank chief has testified before the Supreme Court in the Ratchada land deal hearing, saying Pojaman Shinawatra's involvement in the bid for the land plot was inappropriate as the move could result in an unfair auction.

The former Governor of the Bank of Thailand or BoT, Chatumongkol Sonagul, testified before the Supreme Court today regarding the controversial purchase of a Ratchada land plot by Podjaman Shinnwatra, wife of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra.

Chatumongkol testified that he served as the BoT's Governor between 1999 to 2001, the time the deal was made, and he affirmed that the Financial Institutions Development Fund or FIDF is a state-run enterprise under the supervision of the government.

He cited that the central bank's chief is provided with power to supervise the FIDF and the Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry is its member.

Earlier, two former prime ministers including Banharn Sinlapachar and Chuan Leekpai, as well as anti-corruption campaigner Veera Somkwamkid and Secretary General of the National Debtors Coordinating Center Kanlayanee Ruthornkarn were witnesses for the Attorney General, acting as the plaintiff.

Banharn and Chuan testified that the prime minister has no directive power to supervise the FIDF. Chuan told the court that the fund is under the management of the BoT, which is supervised by the Finance Minister working for the administration headed by the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the People's Network against Corruption Veera Somkwamkid said the Ratchada land purchase was the first deal that caused a billion baht loss to the FIDF, and the auction winner has enough bargaining power to result in an unfair auction.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited July 15, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Official cartographer gives conflicting testimony

Mapper of FIDF land says matter rushed, but has no proof

A Land Department official who mapped out the combined 13 lots that were eventually auctioned off to Pojaman Shinawatra gave conflicting testimony to presiding judges at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division yesterday.

The hearing concerned whether the auction process had been rushed in order to benefit Pojaman and her husband, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Amorn Boontham, the Land Department's cartographer, told the nine presiding judges that he had seen a letter from whom he believed to be the Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary asking for the process to be sped up.

"If I recall correctly, there was a letter from the Finance Ministry's Permanent Secretary. But we were happy to comply," he said.

The lawyer for the plaintiff then asked whether the matter had been processed faster than usual?

"I carried out my duty and devoted Saturday and Sunday [to completing it]," Amorn replied.

Suspicion that preferential treatment was given to speed up the auction of land on Ratchadaphisek Road owned by the state-controlled Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) was raised when Amorn was cross-examined by a defence lawyer, who demanded that Amorn produce proof of the letter's existence. Amorn was unable to produce anything and was asked by the lawyer whether he was perhaps confused about the matter.

"Perhaps I was confused," Amorn replied, contradicting his testimony given just minutes before.

Amorn's credibility was further put to doubt when a judge asked him why there was a handwritten note by his supervisor reprimanding him regarding the task he had carried out.

Part of the note read: "I hope such a case will never occur again."

"It was more like a warning for me to be more active," Amorn told the judges. "I had been really exhausted [by the task] and worked harder than would normally be expected."

Amorn's supervisor who wrote the note, Wuthisith Chanthasutr, told the court the note was meant to urge Amorn not to be late in finishing his work, and that there was nothing more to it.

Amorn also testified to the court that he had not been disciplined or received any complaints from outside.

Three other witnesses produced by the plaintiff insisted nothing unusual had occurred in the process of merging 13 plots of land into one in order to be auctioned off by the FIDF. No one except Amorn had raised doubts as to whether the process was rushed so the deal could be completed quickly.

The trial continues on Tuesday, marking a faster pace for the hearings, which were initially held only once a week.

- The Nation / 26-07-08

[Jai Dee]

Thai court accepts new case against ousted PM

Thailand's Supreme Court has agreed to accept another corruption case against ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, which also implicates three ministers in the current cabinet.

Under the constitution, Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, Labour Minister Uraiwan Thienthong and a deputy transport minister, Anurak Jureemas, must be suspended from their posts because of their links to the case.

"The court accepts the proposal according to the court regulations," Roongrote Ruenrerngwong, the judge responsible for the case, told reporters, adding that the next hearing would be on September 26.

Thaksin and 46 others are accused of violating the law when they legalised a lottery scheme, which an anti-graft body has said led to nearly 37 billion baht in lost revenue for the Government.

Surapong was communications minister under Thaksin at the time of the alleged scandal in 2003, while Uraiwan and Anurak also held posts in the ousted prime minister's cabinet.

Under the new Constitution - which was drafted and enacted by a military-installed Government - parliamentarians involved in a legal process must relinquish their ministerial posts.

The ministers have indicated that they may challenge this prevision.

Current Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has already seen three top officials including Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama forced out of office since forming his Government in February this year.

The current case was forwarded to the Supreme Court by a now-defunct anti-corruption body set up by the junta which overthrew Thaksin in a September 2006 coup.

Mr Samak's election in December last year marked a return to democracy, but his close ties to Thaksin have angered the country's elite, who have staged protests against him and demanded the courts pursue cases against Thaksin.

The ousted premier is already facing trial at the Supreme Court for allegedly arranging for his wife to buy a prime chunk of real estate for just one-third its appraised value, while other graft cases are pending.

Today's case dates back to 2003, when Thaksin's government introduced a new lottery, saying the move would eliminate illegal lottery operators.

But the way the new competition was managed and how its profits used proved controversial, especially when Thaksin proposed using money from the lottery to fund his failed 2004 bid for British football team Liverpool.

Source: AFP - 28 July 2008

[ilyushin]

Isn't Khunying Shinawatra being sentenced on July 31st?

[sriracha john]

Isn't Khunying Shinawatra being sentenced on July 31st?

Yes.. she is... that case is this thread:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2114741

Thaksin May Face More Arrest Warrants

whereas the previous post is in this thread:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thaksin-30-M...ic-t154897.html

Thaksin And 30 Members Of His Cabinet Indicted, total of 47 indicted on a variety of charges

with the notation from that other thread:

Thaksin is currently the subject of 24 legal actions.

it is understandably difficult to keep things sorted...

[sriracha john]

Court approves China, Japan trip for Thaksin and wife

BANGKOK, July 29 (TNA) - The Thai Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders on Tuesday granted permission to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife to visit Japan and China to attend the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics next month.

The deposed premier and his wife, Pojaman, must defend themselves against corruption charges in relation to a controversial Ratchadapisek area land deal. The two were earlier barred from leaving the kingdom without the court's permission.

Kamnuan Chalopathum, Thaksin's lawyer, said the former premier will travel to Japan and China from July 31 to August 10 and attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. His wife would later join him in Beijing on August 5.

The Supreme Court, however, rejected a request by the couple to travel to the United Kingdom from August 15 to 20. The court said the defendants were required to report to the court on August 11 after which they could re-submit the request.

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

I wonder how Thaksin's other lawyers are faring in prison as they near completion of their first month behind bars...

Hopefully the stress-management classes they've signed up for in prison have reduced the stress to tolerable levels...

Edited July 30, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

It's actually funny that Thaksin won't be here tomorrow to be with his wife when the court rules on her case....

what a husband.

makes one wonder if Lydia will be with him in China while the verdict on Pojaman is being read out...

Edited July 30, 2008 by sriracha john

[marshbags]

Isn't Khunying Shinawatra being sentenced on July 31st?

Yes.. she is... that case is this thread:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2114741

Thaksin May Face More Arrest Warrants

whereas the previous post is in this thread:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thaksin-30-M...ic-t154897.html

Thaksin And 30 Members Of His Cabinet Indicted, total of 47 indicted on a variety of charges

with the notation from that other thread:

Thaksin is currently the subject of 24 legal actions.

it is understandably difficult to keep things sorted...

It is now starting to become difficult to kep a track on all that is happening.

Instead of starting new threads off everytime there is a new development, wouldn,t it make sense to allow S.J. and J.D. to post any updates and put them in ones that are already started and ongoing.

Would it be possible to maybe put some sort of update flash / news update to indicate this, at a convenient time.

They have demonstrated their skills and dedication many times over in this area and spend time reading the content, rather than just the headlines.

They also have a good idea of the various threads that are already ongoing.

Providing they have the time and are willing to take the extra work on on our behalfs.

Long term i think it will benefit all of us and make their selfless work easier and more satisfying.

This way the confusion should cut down a little and the Thai news section should become less cluttered with similar content, and more reader friendly, IMHO of course.

marshbags

Edited July 30, 2008 by marshbags

[sriracha john]

Tight security as Thaksin's wife, two others hear tax ruling

BANGKOK, July 30 (TNA) - Over 300 police will provide tight security at Bangkok's Criminal Court Thursday as Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and two others will attend a court ruling on the tax evasion case.

Besides the tight security, surveillance cameras will also record movements of persons and groups supporting or protesting Pojaman, as they are expected in full force at the court.

Pojaman and her brother Bhanapot Damapong, former Chairman of Shin Corp and her personal secretary Kanchana Honghern were jointly accused by the Attorney General on March 26, 2007 of colluding on evading about 546 Million Baht in tax.

Charges lodged against them were that the trio intentionally avoided paying tax of a subsidiary firm of Shin Corp. The prosecutor had brought more than 30 witnesses, including revenue department officials, to testify against the trio while the defendants brought nearly 20 witnesses to testify in their favour. The trio denied the charges.

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

p.s. thank you for the kind words marshbags...

[NanaFoods]

People complain about corruption endlessly and how it's ingrained into the society and culture. Imagine the positive progress that could be made in changing this institutional corruption were the Shinawatra clan (father, mother, three children, mother's brother, and the father's sister) to each end up with 30 year prison sentences on the plethora of charges against them.

That sort of action would advance the ability of this country to finally start putting the brakes to this endless cycle of wholesale thievery tremendously.

It could advance this country untold decades in that regard.

Indeed.

30 years... and reparations for all the money he stole from Thailand. Humble him. Set him back financially as much as is possible (of course, he most likely has millions of $$ stashed away in foreign countries). But if given 30 years, he might not live to spend it.

What Thailand desperately needs is to set a shining example of what bad things can happen if one engages in corruption. The Thaksin scandal is just that shining beacon that everyone will notice and pay attention to. This is Thailand's golden opportunity to "scare straight" those who may be given to corruption.

[A_Traveller]

From The Nation website

10.47am : The Criminal Court on Thursday found Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra guilty of intentionally avoiding a tax payment of Bt546 million for the transfer of 4.5 million shares of the Shinawatra Computer and Communications' shares worth Bt738 million.

Also found guilty in the historic trial are Pojaman's adopted brother Bannaphot Damapong and her personal secretary Kanchana Honghern.

The court sentenced Pojaman and Bannaphot each to 3 years in jail.

[hammered]

From The Nation website

10.47am : The Criminal Court on Thursday found Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra guilty of intentionally avoiding a tax payment of Bt546 million for the transfer of 4.5 million shares of the Shinawatra Computer and Communications' shares worth Bt738 million.

Also found guilty in the historic trial are Pojaman's adopted brother Bannaphot Damapong and her personal secretary Kanchana Honghern.

The court sentenced Pojaman and Bannaphot each to 3 years in jail.

No doubt on to the appeal court and bail now follow

[Plus]

Time to close this thread to avoid confusion.

[sriracha john]

Might I suggest to the mods that rather the thread being re-titled to reflect the specifity of the case involved as per the OP, eg.

Thaksin And His Wife Issued Arrest Warrants Over Ratchadapisek Land Case

This thread has covered it since its beginning and I'd hate to see the continuity and completeness of it lost. I realize, however, that other cases have been posted in it and I'm guilty of this as well for mistakenly putting articles regarding other cases in it. Perhaps if it was re-titled it would help all of us to remember to keep the various other threads sorted out. I'd really to keep this one open as its the next one to likely take center stage... and has been actually active.......

Former Graft Buster Testifies in Ratchadapisek Land Trial

The Thai court has continued its trial of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife for alleged corruption in relation to the Ratchadapisek land deal in 2003.

The first plaintiff witnesses to take to the stand are two former Assets Examination Committee (AEC) members and a representatives from the Fiscal Policy Office and the Comptroller General's Department.

Former AEC member, Klanarong Chantik told the Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holders that he holds no personal grudge against former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Pojaman Shinawatra, and he pursued the investigation on the alleged Ratchadapisek land purchase irregularities in a just manner.

He assured that the probe was carried out thoroughly and explained that the AEC resolved to confiscate the proceeds from the land sales because it believed the money was from a questionable origin.

Kaewsan Atibhoti, another former AEC member took the stand today and insisted that he did his best as a graft buster and that he has always adhered to the codes of law in all investigations, without prejudice against the former PM and his wife. Kaewsan also defended his appearance on the People's Alliance for Democracy stage as an act to educate the public about democracy and vote-casting.

Meanwhile, officials from the Fiscal Policy Office and the Comptroller General's Department testified before the court about the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) laws, which have been referred to in the Ratchadapisek land deal probe.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 5th.

Anek Kamchum, a lawyer for Thaksin and Pojaman, conceded that both defendants are worried about the trial, especially after Pojaman was found guilty of tax evasion by the Criminal Court on Thursday. He also affirmed that after the two return from their trip to China they will fight the case at the Appeals Court. Both are to report to the court again on August 11th.

The Ratchadapisek land deal is the first corruption case involving Thaksin to reach the trial stage since the September 19, 2006 coup. It's the second criminal trial for Pojaman.

According to the prosecution report, Thaksin and Pojaman used their positions to influence FIDF to sell them the plot of land in Ratchadapisek at a large discount in 2003.

- Thailand Outlook / 1 August 2008

Edited August 1, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Defence begins in land charges against Thaksin, wife

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions began hearing the defence in the trial of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Potjaman on Friday morning. Both Thaksin and Potjaman were not present at the court as they earlier asked the permission to temporarily leave the country from Thursday to August 10. The defence hearing on the case began a day after Potjaman was found by the Criminal Court guilty of tax evasion and was sentenced to three years in jail. She was released on

Continued here:http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=129198

[sriracha john]

another loss for the Thaksin side...

Constitution Court rules NCCC Act constitutional

The Constitution Court ruled Tuesday that the National Counter Corruption Act does not violate the charter by prohibiting spouses of Cabinet members from making contracts with government agencies.

The court made the ruling after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Pojaman, asked the court to consider whether the prohibitions violated the Constitution, which guarantees basic human rights.

The hoped the court would rule in favor of them so that the could use the ruling to defend themselves in the Ratchadapisek land case in which Thaksin and Pojaman are accused of violating the NCCC laws.

Paibool Warahapaithoon, the Secretary-General of the court, said the court saw that the NCCC aimed to prevent conflicts of interests by Cabinet members so the NCCC did not violate the charter.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Judges rule NCCC law legal

The Constitution Court has rejected deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Potjaman's claim that the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) law is unconstitutional. Court Secretary-General Paiboon Varahapiatoon said the judges' panel had considered the couple's request to consider to look into the constitutionality of NCCC law. The judges agreed unanimously yesterday that the NCCC law is constitutional. The couple's petition related to the hearing of charges of abuse of power brought by the NCCC in the Ratchadapisek land case. Mr Paiboon said the panel of judges ruled the NCCC law was intended to prevent corruption among high-ranking state officials by forbidding them and their spouses from any business deals with agencies under the officials' supervision. At the same time, the law also says any state officials who can prove they did not know of, or give consent to, a spouse's deal with a state agency would be not guilty. For this reason, the judges agreed the law was reasonable and did not infringe upon individual rights and liberties or human dignity, he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/060808_News/06Aug2008_news05.php

[Samuian]

Hopefully these laws will be held up and implemented for a long time coming

[jumnien]

Hopefully these laws will be held up and implemented for a long time coming

Good one! It's always good to see someone with a sense of humor intact! Lightens the day...

[sgtpeppers]

Hopefully these laws will be held up and implemented for a long time coming

Good one! It's always good to see someone with a sense of humor intact! Lightens the day...

your political posts are certainly laughable, much like a comic interlude in the middle of a fascinating discussion. Time to get new material though... or give it a rest, the audience is getting bored.