Thaksin And His Wife Issued Arrest Warrants Over Ratchadapisek Land Case

[slimdog]

Basically the problems Thailand faces (regarding extradition) are quite simple:

In order for the U.K to issue an extradition order, a request has to be made to the Home Secretary. He will then issue a certificate to the request stating that he had documents showing that the crime for which the request was made is covered by an existing extradition treaty, and that he had evidence or information that would justify the issue of a warrant for arrest in the UK, within the jurisdiction of a judge of the court that would hold the extradition hearing.

Thailand would also have to provide prima facie evidence in support of their request for extradition, prior to a certifcate being issued.

So if Thailand was unable to supply an Existing treaty which covered the alleged crime; proof that said offence is also an arrestable offence in the U.K, and solid evidence that there was a case to answer, then the Home secretary would have no option under the Extradition Act 2003 than to refuse to issue a certificate, without which no judicial proceedings can take place.

The reason that the offence has to be an arrestable offence in the U.K is that once the Home Secretary issues a certificate to a request, the person has to be arrested. So they will have to prove that if Gordon Brown (or his wife in the case of the Rachada-Phisek land deal) had carried out the same actions in the U.K, then they would be arrested..

Some details of Extradition requests and links to the Extradition Act 2003 can be found at:

http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/operationa...o/extrad-part-2

Edited September 25, 2007 by slimdog

[John K]

Special Litigation Dept. to cooperate with CPS

Director-General of the Special Litigation Department, Seksan Bangsomboon (เศกสรร บางสมบุญ), reveals that the department will cooperate with the U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service or CPS by October 12th to bring former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra, to Thailand.

Mr Seksan expresses his confidence that the Thai authorities will be able to bring ex-PM and his wife to defend themselves in the Ratchadaphisek land deal case in Thai courts. He adds that he does not want people to relate Mr Thaksin’s case to the case of Rakesh Saksena (ราเกซ สักเสนา) whom the Thai government still cannot bring to the country for prosecution.

The director-general says the Ratchadaphisek land deal case has an expiration period of 15 years.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 September 2007

Apparently there is some damning evidence that the public has not seen for them to take this strong a position. I would think that the judges may have consulted with the Special Litigation Department before making their decision to wait for Thaksin. I feel the light will be brighter in November.

[Mid]

not to mention ,

trial by jury .............................

[sriracha john]

Interesting that Chile extradited former Peruvian leader Fujimoro back to Peru this week to face charges of corruption. Coupled with the Philippines' life sentence for its former leader Estrada the week before for corruption, it seems the world is taking a dimmer view of these types and making their lives a tad more difficult than previously.

[sriracha john]

Hearing suspended until Thaksin, wife appear in court

Prosecutors will take aggressive steps to extradite Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife from Britain after the Supreme Court yesterday suspended its hearing into the 772-million-baht Ratchadaphisek land purchase case until the couple appears in court to defend themselves. The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions yesterday began its first hearing on the land purchase case in which Thaksin is accused of abusing his authority while PM, enabling his wife to buy land at below-market price. After the hearing, Seksan Bangsombun, the Office of the Attorney-General's director for special litigation, said the suspension should not affect the case. He said a team of prosecutors will leave for England on Oct 12 to consult with the British prosecution on the extradition of Thaksin and his wife.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/26Sep2007_news02.php

[Tony Clifton]

The land deal case has an expiration date of 15 years from now.

Does the suspension actually carry the expiration date over?

Edited September 26, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

Public Prosecutors to Travel to U.K. to Apprehend Exiled PM and Wife

The legal team from the Attorney-General's Office plans to travel to the United Kingdom to apprehend exiled prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman to be tried in Thailand.

The Attorney-General's legal team is preparing documents and evidence to approve a trip to the U.K. to coordinate with the British prosecutor over corruption charges against ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman on the controversial Ratchadapisek land case.

Director-General of the Special Litigation Department, Seksan Bangsomboon stated that the team will consist of public prosecutors who used to study and live in the U.K.

Seksan admitted, however, that he is not confident how much cooperation Thailand will receive from the British government and was unsure whether the couple would be returned home to stand trial.

He said that the team will be able to leave for the U.K. by October 15.

- Thailand Outlook

[exgov]

this is where the Brit's headache starts; they don't want him there, they don't want to have make a call as to continued exile in the UK. If they are asked to extradite him, they won't. This will sour relations. The Brits are in a no-win situation on account of his presence.......

I don't think it will be a problem for the UK and Thai Governments - the reality must be that THE THAI GOVT DO NOT WANT him back in Thailand where he could, and would I am sure, become a rallying point for his substantial following. The fact that he may be corruptable is a bonus in they eyes of many voters in a country where corruption and bribary is almost a way of life. I am not being critical here it is just how it has been for many years.

What better way to ensure that he stays out of the picture by making sure that he is too scared to return to Thailand for fear of arrest and leaving him rot in the uk and run his football team

I would think there are some international lawyers somewhere reading this wonderful forum and should tell everyone that Great Britain will NEVER extradite Thaksin. He is out of office because of an illegal incident and the U.K nor the U.S. recognize the results of the coup. Also, anyone over the age of puberty knows "he with the gold makes the rules." Sad situation but the reality needs to be looked at.

[brahmburgers]

POETIC INJUSTICE

Pardon me for quoting my own poem, but I got it published in The Bangkok Post / Postbag just days before last year's coup d'etat. Here's the 6th stanza which predicts the giordian knot of what he left for legal experts to try to unravel:

Just as intriguing is what where and why,

There’ll be years to untangle the maze in the hive

of nefarious dealings with fat cats he knows

Oh fellow taxpayers, oh how will he go?

here's the poem in its entirety:

How will he go? Some wonder out loud

Will he leave in a blaze, will he leave in a cloud?

Will it be dodging summons, will it be a surprise?

Will he give us some truth or continue his lies?

Alone with his family with thugs at the gate

The once mighty dealer says “don’t hesitate.”

“Pack jewelry, pack cash, and cherished photos.

Nobody but me knows how I will go.”

Late night and dark limos they slip through the streets

His family and entourage feeling no heat

shrill accusations fall flat on deaf ears

They’re off to the airport – no one sheds a tear.

To London to London as fast as a rapier

The details will be in tomorrow’s newspaper

The arm of the law from Thailand can’t reach.

With no one at the helm, there’s no one to impeach.

He’d often wax adamant to forcefully say

Then retract the same words the very next day

His twists and his turns did sometimes astound

Whether zigging or zagging, was hard to pin down.

Just as intriguing is what where and why,

There’ll be years to untangle the maze in the hive

of nefarious dealings with fat cats he knows

Oh fellow taxpayers, oh how will he go?

Former Thai despots are known to have flown

And never admit to the misery they‘ve sown

Some cut their hair and put on a monk’s robes

As if acting holy should thwart legal probes.

In Florida can purchase a house or a boat

In Bath he can buy an estate with a moat

But foreigners in Thailand cannot purchase land

Big noses and freckles dismissed out of hand

While Thailand will struggle to connect all the dots

The former big boss will be off buying lots

Or maybe relaxing somewhere like Palm Springs

To count all his money and perfect his golf swing.

Brahmburgers Sept. '06

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

....by the way; there's no way the crook will get successfully extradited.

[sriracha john]

Prosecutors going after Thaksin in the UK

Prosecutors are planning a trip to the UK on Friday aimed at getting ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Potjaman to return to Thailand to face charges of corruption against them. The pair are currently embroiled in a land controversy on Ratchadaphisek road worth 772 million baht while Thaksin was still the prime minister of Thailand. Prior to their decision to travel to the UK, the prosecuting team had met with Assets Scrutiny Committee official, Udom Fuangfung, to consult with him on the planned visit to the UK. Mr Fuangfung stressed that the team would have to seek cooperation from British authorities and to find necessary evidence in order to

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=122493

[sriracha john]

Prosecutors set to begin extradition fight

A team of senior public prosecutors is due to fly to the United Kingdom today to work on bringing back deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife to face charges over the Ratchadaphisek land purchase.

New Attorney General Chaikasem Nitisiri said yesterday he had backed a proposal by Sampan Sarathana, Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Department and deputy chief of the panel seeking to extradite Thaksin and his wife Pojaman, for four prosecutors to consult with their British counterparts.

Under the extradition treaty signed by the two countries, prosecutors have to prove the offence Thaksin is accused of is a crime in both countries and that enough evidence has been gathered to incriminate him.

Thaksin was indicted by Chaikasem's predecessor, Pachara Yutithamdamrong, for committing malfeasance in seeking personal gain from a state contract, in violation of Article 157 of the Criminal Code.

Chaikasem said the prosecutors would not file an extradition request immediately as they had to proceed carefully according to legal protocol or else the request might be rejected.

The four prosecutors - Sampan, Torsak Burana-ruangroj, Santhani Dissaya-butr and Nanthasak Poonsuk - have flights booked to leave today and return next Friday, a source familiar with the matter said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Prosecutors Prepare to Seek Extradition of Thaksin

The new Attorney-General ordered a team of senior public prosecutors to travel to the United Kingdom today to discuss possibilities of extraditing deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Potjaman Shinawatra with British officials, so that both could return to Thailand to face charges over their Ratchadaphisek land purchase.

Chaikasem Nitisiri, the newly appointed Attorney-General iterated yesterday that he supports the proposal to extradite the exiled premier and wife launched by Sampan Sarathana, Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Department and deputy chief of the prosecuting committee.

Reportedly, the delegation of public prosecutors which is due to fly to the United Kingdom today consist of deputy committee’s chief, Sampan and three other members- Santhani Dissayabutr, Torsak Buranaruangroj and Nanthasak Poonsuk. A source close to the committee said their flights had already been booked as they would return to Thailand on Friday of next week.

The four prosecutors would be discussing the extradition possibilities of the couple with British officials, as both parties would thoroughly study the extradition treaty signed by Thai and British governments, reported the source.

For the extradition process to go through, prosecutors must prove that allegations against Thaksin and his wife had truly violated the laws of both countries, as they also have to acquire a sufficient amount of evidence to file charges against him.

Prior to the extradition attempt, Chaikasem’s predecessor, former Attorney-General Pachara Yutithamdamrong had indicted the deposed Prime Minister for committing malfeasance while in office to attain personal benefits from purchasing a land under a state contract.

The source said that his action which offered leeway to his wife’s land purchase had violated Article 157 of the Criminal Code.

In order for the extradition to succeed, prosecutors must make sure that the process implementation had complied with laws of both countries, or the request might be terminated entirely, reported the source.

However, the discussion would involve extensive elaboration on the issue, for the abuse-of-power charges against the coupe were not included in the 31 listed criminal charges inscribed in the bilateral extradition agreement between Thailand and Great Britain, the source claimed.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Thailand to discuss Thaksin extradition in London

BANGKOK - A team of Thai prosecutors flew to London on Friday to talk to British counterparts about extraditing ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on corruption charges.

"We are not yet submitting, during this trip, any formal request for Britain to repatriate him," Nanthasak Poolsuk, head of the four-strong team of prosecutors, told Reuters.

"We will only consult British prosecutors on the legal procedures and evidence that a British court would require in agreeing to sending criminal suspects here for trial. We plan to discuss these details."

The main case against Thaksin, ousted in September last year and accused by coup plotters of presiding over rampant corruption, stems from his wife's purchase of land in central Bangkok at an auction in which other bidders dropped out.

An Asset Examination Committee set up after the coup ruled that Thaksin, the new owner of English Premier League football club Manchester City, broke anti-graft laws barring politicians in office from deals with state agencies.

Nanthasak said his discussions in London would be based on a 1911 bilateral criminal extradition treaty signed when Thailand was called Siam.

"Issues to be discussed include whether and which financial crimes and corruption offences are covered under the treaty, considering that laws of the two countries have evolved and changed since it was concluded," he said.

- Reuters

[John K]

I guess we will hear some noise from the Thaksin camp shortly along the lines of don’t waste your time.

[younghusband]

I guess we will hear some noise from the Thaksin camp shortly along the lines of don’t waste your time.

I doubt the Thaksin camp will make any comment since the matter rests with their lawyers and the responsible authorities in Whitehall, and any contentious statement would be discouraged.

My own view however is that the whole process is a an obvious piece of political theatre and certainly, in any practical sense, a colossal waste of time and Thai taxpayers money.Nevetheless it is interesting to speculate whether the Thai side have done their homework on extradition law, retained top notch British legal counsel and prepared detailed operating briefs before their trip.That would be one possibility and certainly preferred approach, and one that would be followed in any mature democracy.On the other hand there is the possibility that only sloppy basic preparation has taken place and that essentially a few civil servants have been given orders by a junta members who have no real understanding of the world outside Thailand, and just see this process as a prominent part of their political vendetta.I leave it others to decide which is the most likely.

Never mind, the Chinese restaurants in Queensway are excellent, and will be a pleasant place to relax after what promises to be a series of rather embarrassing meetings with high powered civil servants who I suspect ,given recent events in Burma, may not be enamoured to hear a slovenly and politically dishonest case from an unelected junta's emissaries.

Edited October 12, 2007 by younghusband

[John K]

I guess we will hear some noise from the Thaksin camp shortly along the lines of don’t waste your time.

I doubt the Thaksin camp will make any comment since the matter rests with their lawyers and the responsible authorities in Whitehall, and any contentious statement would be discouraged.

My own view however is that the whole process is a an obvious piece of political theatre and certainly, in any practical sense, a colossal waste of time and Thai taxpayers money.Nevetheless it is interesting to speculate whether the Thai side have done their homework on extradition law, retained top notch British legal counsel and prepared detailed operating briefs before their trip.That would be one possibility and certainly preferred approach, and one that would be followed in any mature democracy.On the other hand there is the possibility that only sloppy basic preparation has taken place and that essentially a few civil servants have been given orders by a junta members who have no real understanding of the world outside Thailand, and just see this process as a prominent part of their political vendetta.I leave it others to decide which is the most likely.

Never mind, the Chinese restaurants in Queensway are excellent, and will be a pleasant place to relax after what promises to be a series of rather embarrassing meetings with high powered civil servants who I suspect ,given recent events in Burma, may not be enamoured to hear a slovenly and politically dishonest case from an unelected junta's emissaries.

I agree with your first paragraph as being the correct posture, however Thaksin does not listen very well. If you can recall the last episode where Thaksin had a chance to speak without his lawyers and how he single handedly managed to get the Swiss up in arms. That was followed a few weeks later by the Swiss announcing that they would be cooperating with other governments in finding money of corrupt former leaders and so on (or something to that effect) and that Swiss banks were the least safe place for money to be from that time on for that type of person.

What is right and what Thaksin wants and does are rarely the same.

[marshbags]

BBC NEWS 24 HOURS U.K.

Last Updated: Friday, 12 October 2007, 08:00 GMT 09:00 UK

Quote:-

Thai lawyers seek Thaksin return

Mr Thaksin has remained abroad since last year's bloodless coup Thai prosecutors are heading to the UK for talks with officials on extraditing ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on corruption charges.

Talks would focus on evidence required by UK courts to secure Mr Thaksin's return, the team leader said.

Thai courts have issued two separate arrest warrants for the former PM and his wife, who have been in the UK since the military seized power in 2006.

The telecoms billionaire has since bought Manchester City football club.

He denies the charges against him and says that they are politically motivated.

Extradition treaty

Mr Thaksin is facing arrest warrants relating to two cases.

In the first, he is accused of helping his wife buy land from a state agency at a favourable price. In the second, the couple are accused of violating stock trading laws.

"We are not yet submitting, during this trip, any formal request for Britain to repatriate him," Nanthasak Poolsuk, head of the prosecutors' team, told Reuters news agency.

"We will only consult British prosecutors on the legal procedures and evidence that a British court would require in agreeing to sending criminal suspects here for trial," he said.

Discussion would focus on whether a bilateral extradition treaty covered financial crimes and corruption offences, he said.

If Mr Thaksin were to be extradited and then convicted, it could pose a problem for the English Premier League.

He might then be in breach of the league's rules on club ownership, correspondents say.

Unquote.

Ref. url :-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7040949.stm

<deleted> will they do with him should it be successful, bearing in mind the elections are due shortly and should the scenario of a Thaksin friendly party ?????? win.

I hope the Karma is seen to be working in this particular case and we get a party that will continue to expose the wrong doings and bring him / them to justice. BIG TIME

Someone once asked me if i hated the evil B*****d. my answer was and still is NO

WHY you may wonder, but the answer is very simple..........................

I do not think he is worthy of any of my feelings as this gives him some sort of recognition as a member of the human race.

Nothing bitter in this, just the way i quantify scum of this magnitude.

As for calling / references of all " The usual Knockers ect. ect. "

WE care enough about Thai society in the 21st century and will continue in our own ways of publicising our disgust and keep all others informed as and when they occur, on all the news / updates.

We want justice and accountability, what,s wrong with that and the pursuence of it.

IMH and Personal opinion of course.

Keep up the good work and dedication, Thai News posters, if i may say so without sounding condescending as your efforts are much appreciated by the majority.

marshbags

Edited October 12, 2007 by marshbags

[sriracha john]

* post moved to new, more specific, thread *

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=147840

Edited October 12, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

PM says Thaksin prosecution will proceed

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont countered statement of People Power Party (PPP) leader Samak Sundaravej who said it can be implied that the handling of case against ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra is wrong should PPP win the Dec 23 election.

Surayud said the matter concerning Thaksin and the election are not connected. It is up to the court to decide whether Thaksin commits wrongdoing, while the election is a process to acquire administrative and legislative branches, he said. Thaksin is facing criminal charges on the Ratchadaphisek land deal and the share transfer of Shin Corp to Singapore's Temasek. Public prosecutors are trying to find ways to have him and his wife Potjaman returned

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=123401

[John K]

Thaksin is acting like a circling shark now, I see he is in Australia. How do the extradition laws look there? Perhaps is may be a good measure to have some Thai authorities follow him and arrest him when he sets foot in a place where the extradition laws look friendlier.

[younghusband]

Thaksin is acting like a circling shark now, I see he is in Australia. How do the extradition laws look there? Perhaps is may be a good measure to have some Thai authorities follow him and arrest him when he sets foot in a place where the extradition laws look friendlier.

As one would expect, given the source, this is fantasy of the first order.The reality is that notwithstanding the calls for extradition the junta has not the slightest intention of allowing Thaksin on Thai soil even to face the charges lodged against him.Their current concern is of course to prevent the PPP (a proxy for the former PM) achieving power.It will be interesting to see how this is accomplished but one should not underestimate their tenacity and determination on this subject.How they intend to frustrate the popular will remains unclear -coup, trumped up legal issues, electoral technicalities? I have no idea but presumably all will become clear quite soon.

[John K]

Thaksin is acting like a circling shark now, I see he is in Australia. How do the extradition laws look there? Perhaps is may be a good measure to have some Thai authorities follow him and arrest him when he sets foot in a place where the extradition laws look friendlier.

As one would expect, given the source, this is fantasy of the first order.The reality is that notwithstanding the calls for extradition the junta has not the slightest intention of allowing Thaksin on Thai soil even to face the charges lodged against him.Their current concern is of course to prevent the PPP (a proxy for the former PM) achieving power.It will be interesting to see how this is accomplished but one should not underestimate their tenacity and determination on this subject.How they intend to frustrate the popular will remains unclear -coup, trumped up legal issues, electoral technicalities? I have no idea but presumably all will become clear quite soon.

What source?

[sriracha john]

UPDATE... but will her delay tactics pay off?

Pojaman goes on trial

Police told to provide full security when she faces the court today

The trial of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's wife Pojaman over the questionable purchase of land in Bangkok begins today in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

Pichit Chuenban, Pojaman's lawyer, said she was ready to give evidence.

Pojaman is charged with using her husband's political influence to buy prime Bangkok real estate from a government agency at one-third of its estimated value.

A panel of nine judges will read the prosecutors' indictment statements to Pojaman who will then be asked to plead. After her testimony, the court will schedule hearings for witnesses.

The police will provide security for Pojaman at the court. Deputy National Police Chief Police Lt-General Watcharaphol Prasarnratchakit yesterday wrote to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt General Asawin Kwanmuang asking him to ensure effective security measures.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's wife denies all charges in corruption case

BANGKOK - The wife of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Wednesday denied any wrongdoing in controversial Bangkok land purchase in 2003, saying her husband will return to Thailand to fight similar charges in May.

Pojaman Shinawatra faced the Supreme Court for the first hearing on charges of corruption in connection with the controversial Ratchadaphisek land purchase, in which she acquired a large parcel of prime government-owned real estate at a price which property professionals said was significantly lower than the then current market price.

Security has been tightened around the Bangkok-based Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions where a dozen of the former premier's supporters, including close relatives and some former key executive members of his disbanded Thai Rak Thai party, turned up to give moral support to Pojaman who was accompanied by two of her three children, Pinthongta and Paethongtan Shinawatra.

Fifty police officers and a number of plainclothes police officers were deployed to ensure against any untoward incident.

Pojaman returned from Hong Kong earlier this month while her husband, who has promised to return later this year to fight similar charges, remains overseas.

The court barred her from leaving the country or do anything to obstruct the judicial process or the bail will be revoked.

Thaksin and his wife are charged with corruption in relation to the purchase of a Bt772 million plot of land in Bangkok's Rachadapisek area in 2003.

The former prime minister is accused of illegally influencing the deal and helping his wife purchase the government-owned parcel of land at a bargain price while he was in office. Thaksin and his wife have denied any wrongdoing.

The ousted prime minister said earlier he planned to return to Thailand by mid-April and was also prepared to defend himself in court. If found guilty, they could face years of imprisonment.

- MCOT

[sriracha john]

Update: Thaskin's spouse denies all charges

Potjaman Shinawatra denied all charges related to the 772-million-baht land deal when she appeared before the Supreme Court on Wednesday morning. This is the first hearing of the case, as she and her husband Thaksin failed to appear before the court last year. She told the court Thaksin would return in May to fight the charges. The deposed PM and Potjaman face charges over the 33-rai Ratchadaphisek land purchase from the Financial Institutions Development Fund in 2003. She won the bid for the 772-million-baht land deal, but the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) accused them of influencing the deal when Thaksin was prime minister. The court scheduled to check evidence of the defendant on

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125381

[sriracha john]

Ousted premier's wife denies corruption charges in Thai court

Bangkok- Potjaman Shinawatra - the wife of ousted premier Thaksin - on Wednesday denied corruption charges levelled against her at Thailand's supreme court for political office holders and asked for 90 days to prepare her defence. Potjaman and her husband Thaksin stand accused of abusing political power with the purchase of a plot of land in northern Bangkok at a government auction in 2003 when Thaksin was still prime minister.

Thaksin has been living in self-exile for the past 15 months but has vowed to return to Thailand in April to face corruption charges.

His wife returned to Thailand on January 8 in time to hear charges at the Supreme Court's Division for Political Office Holders that she abused her husband's political power with the 772 million baht (23.4 million dollars) purchase of land on Ratchadaphiset Road.

On Wednesday, Potjaman denied all charges and asked for 90 days to provide evidence and witnesses in time for Thaksin, who is the first defendant in the case, to face the court in May.

Court judges asked Potjaman's lawyers to be prepare their defence by April 29 to 30, agreeing to set the next court date in May.

Potjaman entered the court accompanied by her three grown-up children, son Panthongtae and daughters Pinthongta and Paethongtan.

The two eldest children face tax evasion charges in connection with their family's 2 billion dollar sale of their equity in the Thaksin-founded Shin Corp telecommunications empire to Singapore's Temasek Holdings in January 23, 2006.

Thailand's judicial system has been kind to Thaksin in the past. When Thaksin was first elected prime minister in 2001 he faced charges of deliberately hiding his assets.

Under Thailand's constitution all politicians must declare their assets and sell all holdings in private companies and state enterprises to avoid conflicts of interest. Failure to do should result in a loss of political post and barring from politics.

In 2001 the Constitution Court voted five to four in Thaksin's favour.

- DPA

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's wife goes on trial, asks for three months to prepare her defence

The wife of Thaksin Shinawatra, the ousted Thai prime minister, has appeared in a Bangkok court to face corruption charges as the country undergoes a political transition led by the pro-Thaksin People Power Party.

During the brief first hearing on Wednesday, Pojaman Shinawatra pleaded not guilty and asked the court for 90 days to prepare documents and witnesses for her defence.

She also said her husband would return from self-imposed exile in May to clear his name of corruption charges. The couple allegedly benefited from an illegal real estate deal in 2003.

Pojaman, who returned to Thailand early this month saying she wants to prove her innocence in court, is accused of using her husband's political influence to buy prime Bangkok real estate at a knockdown price, but has denied any wrongdoing.

She could be jailed for up to 20 years if found guilty.

But Noppodon Pattama, the couple's family lawyer, said the charges were politically motivated by "those who are trying to discredit Pojaman and her family."

Thaksin and his wife also face arrest for allegedly concealing Thaksin's ownership of millions of dollars worth of shares in the country's stock exchange.

Al Jazeera's Selina Downes, reporting from Bangkok, said critics believed that Pojaman's return had an ulterior motive – to check the political climate before her husband's return.

Pichai Chuensuksawadi, editor-in-chief of the Bangkok Post, said he was not surprised that she had returned to Thailand.

"She's here to test the waters, to work out some sort of compromise deal for her and her husband."

Thaksin was removed from office in a military coup 16 months ago and was banned from politics along with more than 100 senior officials of his now dissolved Thai Rak Thai party for five years.

- Al Jazeera

[sriracha john]

Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, appears at the Supreme Court in Bangkok, January 23. Thaksin will return to Thailand in May to defend himself against corruption charges, his wife said as she pleaded not guilty in a graft case.

AFP

[sriracha john]

Wife of deposed Thai PM says her husband will return from exile in May

BANGKOK, Thailand -- The wife of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Wednesday that her husband will return home from self-imposed exile in May to face corruption charges.

Pojamarn Shinawatra made the statement when appearing before the Supreme Court on charges that she used her husband's political influence to buy prime Bangkok real state from a government agency at a third of its estimated value.

During the brief first hearing, Pojamarn pleaded not guilty and asked the court for 90 days in which to prepare documents and witnesses to buttress her defense. The court agreed to set the date of the next hearing on April 29.

Pojamarn returned to Thailand earlier this month, a trip Thaksin said was to prove their innocence and clear the family's name.

Thaksin was toppled in a bloodless military coup in 2006, with opponents accusing him of massive corruption and abuse of power.

A court statement also said that Thaksin would return in May to fight the same charges as his wife.

Thaksin, who resides mostly in London, has given several different dates for his return home. Most recently he said he was "considering" a comeback in April.

Pojamarn, Thailand's first lady in 2001-2006, was served two arrest warrants and released on a total of 6 million baht (US$202,000; euro137,000) bail after flying into Bangkok Jan. 8.

If convicted in both cases, Pojamarn and Thaksin could face a total of up to 28 years behind bars.

It will be a landmark trial after months of investigations into Thaksin and his family's alleged corruption. The second arrest warrant alleges that the Shinawatras concealed millions of dollars in stock market shares. A trial date has not been set for that case.

Pojamarn's sudden return has added tension to Thailand's unsettled political situation, in which Thaksin's followers have formed a coalition government following their victory in general elections last month.

Pro-Thaksin stalwart Samak Sundaravej is expected to be named prime minister Friday amid opposition from the military and anti-Thaksin activists who led mass demonstrations prior to the coup.

Pojamarn is formally charged with conflict of interest and malfeasance in the 2003 purchase of a 5-hectare plot of land in central Bangkok from the Financial Institutions Development Fund, a government agency set up to bail out debt-ridden banks.

She paid 772 million baht (US$26 million; euro18 million, at current exchange rates) for the land, which was worth triple the amount.

An anti-corruption law bars prime ministers or their spouses from doing business with government agencies.

Pojamarn also faces charges in connection with a case alleging that she and Thaksin concealed millions of dollars worth of shares in SC Asset, the family's real estate holding company.

Thaksin and his wife were charged with violating disclosure rules, both by failing to report ownership and failing to report the sale of shares to the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Thaksin has denied any wrongdoing while he was prime minister.

He has vowed to stay out of politics but said he is ready to serve as an adviser to his allies in the People's Power Party, which Samak heads.

- Associated Press

[sriracha john]

I'm not guilty : Pojaman

Pojaman Shinawatra pleaded not guilty for abuse of power relating to her Bt722 million purchase of the Ratchadapisek plot in Tuesday's arraignment hearing at the Supreme Court.

Pojaman, wife of deposed Thaksin Shinawatra, said her husband and co-defendant Thaksin Shinawatra would return to stand trail in May.

"The defence requests 90 days to gather evidence and await the readiness of the codefendant to jointly fight the charges, expected some time in May," Pojaman said in her prepared statement upon entering notguilty plea.

As the prosecution did not object to the delay, presiding judge Thonglor Chomngam ruled to grant the defence request and set the date for the examination of evidence on April 29 to 30.

The graft trial is under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court's Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holders, a fast track review by nine senior judges.

At the heart of the judicial review is whether Thaksin, in his capacity as the then prime minister, and Pojaman, as spouse of an office holder, abused power to conclude the land deal in 2003 with the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF), a state agency.

Thaksin and Pojaman have been indicted under Articles 100 and 122 of the National Counter Corruption Act and Articles 33, 83, 86, 91, 152 and 157 of the Penal Code. Thaksin is being tried as the lead defendant and Pojaman as an accomplice for conspiring and abetting malfeasance.

Following the hearing, Pojaman's lawyer Pichit Chuenban said the defence did not resort to a delaying tactics but needed sufficient time to gather evidence.

Documents pertaining to the case were kept by many agencies, including the FIDF, the Lands Department, the Finance Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Office of the Auditor General and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, he said.

He said he was certain that he could submit the defence evidence for the court's examination by the deadline set for week before April 29.

Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadol Pattama said the codefendants would mount their joint rebuattals on legal and factual issues.

Noppadol said Thaksin and Pojaman did not involve in abusing power as the land deal was done through a public bidding process by the state agencies over which Thaksin had no jurisdiction.

He also dismissed speculation that Thaksin might enter into the monkhood upon returning to his homeland from self-imposed exile in London.

About 50 policemen were deployed to keep peace and provide protection for Pojaman at the hearing. A group of 20 supporters lined up to cheer Pojaman upon arrival and departure at the high court's building. Family members and leading Thaksin's allies showed up in full force for moral support.

Seen inside the courtroom were Pojaman's brother Bhanapot Damapong, banned party executive Pongthep Thepkanchana, Thaksin's younger sister Yingluck Shinawatra and People Power MP Chaowarin Latthisaksiri.

Pojaman's son and daughter, Panthongtae and Pinthongta, remained on her side the entire time.

- The Nation

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"Pojaman's lawyer Pichit Chuenban said the defence did not resort to a delaying tactics but needed sufficient time to gather evidence"

Perhaps if she had shown up LAST YEAR when the arrest warrant was issued, this DELAY tactic wouldn't be so obvious.