Thaksin And His Wife Issued Arrest Warrants Over Ratchadapisek Land Case

[sriracha john]

Thaksin: CNS will defame him ahead of referendum

(BangkokPost.com) - Noppadon Pattama, lawyer of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, read a statement written by Mr Thaksin, claiming that the Council for National Security will try to defame him in the next few days for fear that public's admiration for him will affect a national referendum on a draft charter.

According to the statement, Mr Thaksin did not do anything illegal, nor did he commit corruption charges

snip

The Post Publishing Public Co

classified as breaking news , link will disappear .........

He said he would update his client on legal moves, including the possibility of seeking political asylum.

Political asylum would involve his absence from Thailand for at least a decade...

From all of us in Thailand:

"Bye Bye Thakky.... Don't Forget to Write... Sorry about those frozen assets. Enjoy your English winters and your English food."

Also from the first quoted post above:

The statement also stated clearly that Mr Thaksin will not seek political asylum in a foreign country because he still misses Thailand.

As he's always a man of his word, I guess Thailand will have to put the good-bye waving on hold for now.

*edit: quoted attachments don't show up, eh?....

Edited August 17, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

Thaksin’s statements are getting more and more Bazaar. First he is part of club 111 so it does not matter about his apearance, second he is a fugitive and public opinion is past tense, he now is in the court system. That and continued asking for his money back.

Perhaps I should do another analysis of his mental state soon because clearly what he portrays outside is not what’s going on inside his head. The repeated demands and motions reflect anger and frustration at his legal team to go back and get the money. I guess he is not use to not getting his way. I wonder if he is a screamer, door slammer or thrower when he gets mad.

[Plus]

clearly the BOT does not want to get its hands dirty with all this political victimisation. its operates as an independent agency in the way most central banks operate independently from the government (we have the 97 constitution to thank for this). its no secret that pridiyathorn was a thorn in thaksin's side, there is no need to protect him now. far from needing to cover their behinds, the BOT has no need to protect themselves, they already explained that they had the NCCC's blessing before the transaction (I'm surprised they even went through the trouble to check). it absolves them, but it also puts a hole in AEC's attempt to frame thaksin.

furthermore, as pridiyathorn himself clearly pointed out, the BOT itself and the FDIF asset sale is conducted outside the purview of the Prime Minister's office. the legal importance of this may not have rubbed off on you.

Pridiyatorn was apppersonally appointed by Thaksin after Chatu Mongkol was unceremoniously dismissed. Thaksin said he needed a cooperative banker, not an independent one. Besides, it's not BOT but the Finance Ministry that linked FIDF to Thaksin - FM is their main shareholder.

"Former BOT governor MR Pridiyathorn Devakula had requested the NCCC to comment on whether it violated the Counter Corruption Act Article 100 before signing the contract. One of the NCCC members said the sale and purchase of the land plot was legal..."

Could it be one of those commissioners who were appointed by Thaksin in the wake of 2001 court ruling? One of those who were later busted for being corrupt themselves?

There's another twist to the story - during the auction the land was classified as a low-rise area, with 23m limit on building height. Reportedly that was reversed just a couple of days after the purchase. Pojamarn was free to build a skyscraper condo or an office building there. Something the other bidders couldn't predict in their own estimates of land's commercial value.

[Mid]

Exiled PM lives a cut above rest

5:00AM Saturday August 18, 2007

By Andrew Buncombe

Ousted Thailand PM Thaksin Shinawatra has bought a British football team, Manchester City.

The former Thai Prime Minister's taste for the high life is continuing to make headlines as warrants are issued for his arrest.

The life of an exile is never easy. The Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero was banished in 58BC and it caused him to fall into a deep depression; Napoleon died on St Helena, never to see his native France again; while the Egyptian politician Mahmoud Sami al-Baroudi so hated his exile to what is now Sri Lanka that he wrote a series of poems full of lament and misery.

But all of these hardships are nothing, surely, compared with the tribulation confronting billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand and a man whose life in London has been made miserable by that most pernicious of urban challenges - finding a decent barber.

snip

nzherald.co.nz

Edited August 17, 2007 by Mid

[sriracha john]

"Sometimes he made me look like a teenager."

The life of an exile is never easy. The Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero was banished in 58 B.C. and it caused him to fall into a deep depression; Napoleon died on St Helena, never to see his native France again; while the Egyptian politician Mahmoud Sami al-Baroudi so hated his exile to what is now Sri Lanka that he wrote a series of poems full of lament and misery.

But all of these hardships are nothing, surely, compared with the tribulation confronting the billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand and a man whose life in London has been made miserable by that most pernicious of urban challenges - finding a decent barber.

The book, entitled Thaksin, Where Are You, was written by Sunisa Lertpakawat, a lieutenant in the Thai armed forces

It's a juicy story but I don't think the book, written by Ms Lertpakawat, has anything to do with the Arrest Warrants, does it?

LaoPo

Exiled PM lives a cut above rest

5:00AM Saturday August 18, 2007

By Andrew Buncombe

The life of an exile is never easy. The Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero was banished in 58BC and it caused him to fall into a deep depression; Napoleon died on St Helena, never to see his native France again; while the Egyptian politician Mahmoud Sami al-Baroudi so hated his exile to what is now Sri Lanka that he wrote a series of poems full of lament and misery.

But all of these hardships are nothing, surely, compared with the tribulation confronting billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand and a man whose life in London has been made miserable by that most pernicious of urban challenges - finding a decent barber.

over to you, LaoPo

[Jai Dee]

DSI to issue warrants for the arrests of former PM and spouse

The Director General of the Department of Special Investigations reports that arrest warrants will be issued for the arrest of the former Prime Minister and his spouse.

Mr. Sunai Manomai-udom (สุนัย มโนมัยอุดม) said that the absence of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Khunying Potchaman Shinawatra (พจมาน ชินวัตร) from their Criminal Court hearing constituted evasion of justice, therefore authorities will be issuing warrants for the two suspects' arrest. The DSI Director General expressed his confidence that sufficient evidence existed to prosecute the former Prime Minister and his wife.

The case will be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General so that a formal request can be made to British authorities under an Extradition Treaty between Great Britain and Thailand. Mr. Sunai added that he was not troubled by the incident in which Mr. Thaksin accused him of defamation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party leader calls on Mr. Thaksin to return to Thailand

The Democrat Party leader indicates that the former Prime Minister should return to Thailand to argue his case in court.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) said that court warrants have been issued for the arrest of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Mr. Thaksin will be extradited according to extradition treaties between Thailand and Britain. Officials believe that Mr. Thaksin may opt to testify in a British court of law rather than return to Thailand.

Mr. Abhisit expressed his belief that the former Prime Minister should return to Thailand and argue his case in Thailand. The Democrat Party leaders said that double standards should not exist for wealthy and underprivileged people, where poor people charged with crimes are convicted and tried and rich people escape abroad.

Mr. Abhisit asked that Mr. Thaksin trust in the Thai legal system which is impartial, independent, and straightforward.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Thai corruption charges 'politically motivated': Thaksin

Ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra on Friday denounced corruption charges against him as "politically motivated" allegations, designed to weaken his influence on a referendum this weekend.

Thais vote on Sunday on a new army-backed constitution that the junta says will clear the way for a return to democracy, but which opponents insist will entrench the role of the military in government.

Thaksin's allies have campaigned against the charter and the fallen premier accused the military of pursuing him to weaken his political influence.

"Over the next few days the military junta in Thailand will increase its attacks on my reputation," the billionaire said in a statement from Britain, where he is living in exile.

"This is because they fear my influence on the outcome of the referendum on a new military constitution on Sunday," he said in the statement, released by his lawyer in Bangkok.

"I have committed no crimes, nor any acts of corruption, and all the charges against me and my family are politically motivated," he added.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued arrest warrants for Thaksin and his wife Pojaman after they ignored a summons to appear before the judges to hear corruption charges.

Thailand's army-installed government says it will request their extradition from Britain if they fail to appear at a court hearing on September 25.

The elite Department of Special Investigations said it would seek an additional warrant for Thaksin's arrest next week over allegations of securities fraud.

Thaksin reiterated Friday that he will not return to Thailand until democracy is restored, despite the latest court order.

"I will defend myself against all charges when I am confident I can do so in a fair and just process. This is not possible while the military control what should be a proud democracy," he said in the statement.

However, his lawyer Noppadon Pattama said the ex-premier was concerned by the arrests warrants, even though he was confident that British courts would not hand him over to a military government.

"Of course he is very concerned about the court cases against him and he will not travel anywhere now that the arrest warrants have been issued," he told reporters.

Since the military coup last September, Thaksin has settled in Britain but also travelled the globe, infuriating the junta by maintaining a high public profile -- especially with his takeover of Manchester City football club.

Wins in ManCity's opening two matches this season has put Thaksin's picture back in Thai papers in the run up to the referendum.

His team hosts its crosstown rival Manchester United on Sunday, in a match that will be broadcast in Thailand just as results from the referendum are expected to start coming in.

Source: The Manager - 18 August 2007

[A_Traveller]

However, his lawyer Noppadon Pattama said the ex-premier was concerned by the arrests warrants, even though he was confident that British courts would not hand him over to a military government.

"Of course he is very concerned about the court cases against him and he will not travel anywhere now that the arrest warrants have been issued," he told reporters.

Interesting that.

Regards

[Tony Clifton]

However, his lawyer Noppadon Pattama said the ex-premier was concerned by the arrests warrants, even though he was confident that British courts would not hand him over to a military government.

"Of course he is very concerned about the court cases against him and he will not travel anywhere now that the arrest warrants have been issued," he told reporters.

Interesting that.

Regards

Here's a new 180 degree spin like we haven't heard in a little while

Watch him disappear for a while, "busy doing private business" somewhere undisclosed.

[theseveredhead]

you gotta love it ...

he sells the businesses

frees up the cash

gets it out of the country

washes it by buying mancity

NOW the warrrants

how conveeeeenient

[John K]

And just to stoke the fire more...

Surayud tells British envoy: Extradition pact needs updating

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has told outgoing British Ambassador David Fall that the 1912 extradition treaty between Thailand and Great Britain needs revising.

The prime minister was speaking during the "Open House at Baan Phitsanuloke" broadcast on Channel 11.

"The Thai-British extradition pact is a bit outdated now," PM Surayud Chullanont told anchor Chaiya Yimvilai during the programme.

[LaoPo]

And just to stoke the fire more...

Surayud tells British envoy: Extradition pact needs updating

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has told outgoing British Ambassador David Fall that the 1912 extradition treaty between Thailand and Great Britain needs revising.

The prime minister was speaking during the "Open House at Baan Phitsanuloke" broadcast on Channel 11.

"The Thai-British extradition pact is a bit outdated now," PM Surayud Chullanont told anchor Chaiya Yimvilai during the programme.

A bit outdated..........1912...........

LaoPo

[highdiver]

And just to stoke the fire more...

Surayud tells British envoy: Extradition pact needs updating

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has told outgoing British Ambassador David Fall that the 1912 extradition treaty between Thailand and Great Britain needs revising.

The prime minister was speaking during the "Open House at Baan Phitsanuloke" broadcast on Channel 11.

"The Thai-British extradition pact is a bit outdated now," PM Surayud Chullanont told anchor Chaiya Yimvilai during the programme.

A bit outdated..........1912...........

LaoPo

i imagine when they signed it in 1912 the consideration were for the UK wanting to find escaped british that took refuge in Thailand.

P.S

Laopo ........ happy birthday.

[nick2k]

this has been a long thread. so, I don't know if this question has been asked. so, pardon me if it has.

my question...

what is the maximum punishment that thaksin and his wife could possibly received if they are found guilty?

is it the death penalty, or some small fine?

[Mid]

on the current cases , in t's terms

option b

[Siripon]

A long time in jail, especially if you consider all the cases he is likely to face.

I'm not sure he'll ever dare come back as he's made so many enemies with his arrogance.

[Mid]

Govt seeking to revise UK pact

Published on August 19, 2007

Premier raises issue with envoy as warrants out for Thaksin's arrest

Thailand has suggested updating its extradition agreement with the United Kingdom in light of preparations to bring former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra back from London.

"I told outgoing UK Ambassador David William Fall that the agreement should be amended," Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said yesterday.

Surayud said his government would not intervene in the extradition, which is under the jurisdiction of the judiciary, although it was ready to facilitate the proceedings.

"The litigation [against Thaksin] is under judicial review and the government has no role in it, as justice should be allowed to run its course," he said.

He said he wanted to end the bad precedent set by the ousted government of interfering with the judiciary.

snip

nationmultimedia.com

[LaoPo]

THE LONG ROAD TO EXTRADITION

Sunday August 19, 2007

"Will Mr Thaksin walk down the Pinochet path? Not very likely. To begin with, his alleged wrongdoing is abuse of office, which Mr Thaksin's defence team will try to convince London is a politically motivated machination designed by the coup makers to persecute Mr Thaksin and justify their illegal overthrow of the 1997 constitution. The military junta will also not be seen in a kind light by the British government, and its arguments may not hold much water.

Time is also of the essence. A result of the extradition request for Mr Thaksin, assuming London plays along, will take months if not years to process.

The prosecution will rely on the 1912 Siamese-Britain extradition agreement and the Extradition Act of 1929 to pursue the course of extradition.

But by the time the whole affair blows over, the Council for National Security will be long gone and a new government should already be in place with a new political game taking shape.

There is no telling if the Thai Rak Thai group, now re-labelled as the People's Power party, will re-emerge as the ruling party in a government and if so, any extradition efforts will be as good as dead.

The prosecution cannot settle for anything less than a watertight strategy and is racing against time to beat the red tape and outdo the top lawyers lining up to represent Mr Thaksin."

From:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/19Aug2007_news06.php

LaoPo

[marshbags]

BBC NEWS Last Updated: Sunday, 19 August 2007, 12:44 GMT 13:44 UK

Ref. Url:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...ity/6953829.stm

Quote

Thaksin has Thailand safety fears

Shinawatra took over Manchester City in July

Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra fears his life could be in danger if he is forced to return to Thailand, according to his lawyer.

Thailand's Supreme Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of the former Prime Minister on corruption charges.

"He would be in fear for his life if he returns," lawyer Noppadol Pattama told BBC 5live's Sportsweek.

Oh dear, here we go again, Noppanadol, excuses, excuses, excuses.

"During Dr Shinawatra's premiership there were attempts to assassinate him by car bombings."

So that,s why he started this bullshit

Pattama added: "He would consider going back after the next Thailand election and with the return of full democracy.

Unquote

There can never be complete/ partial reconciliation while this so called lover of Thailand and his mouthpiece are being given airtime and media coverage.

marshbags

Edited August 20, 2007 by marshbags

[selftaopath]

... as they know that Thaksin is making them look like fools and will continue to do so with his present high profile position.

Ah reminds me of the adage: One Does What One Is and One Becomes What One Does.

Keoki

[John K]

Did you expect anything else from Thaksin? But now that Thaksin has said that, it actually will work against him during extradition when it comes out that 1 The bomb was never assembled and 2 it was staged by Thaksin himself. I wonder what the equivalent of the Miranda warning is and if Thai or UK or both laws apply.

[robint]

this should be viewed with a mental age of a deliquent 5 year old.

most importantly. Man City beat Man U and that beats all

it will be ironinc if the poor peeple party win a democratic victory - and why not? isnt that a free and fair market concoction. hands up all poor peeple who want 500 baht - total cost 30 million x 500 baht = 30 billion, drop in the ocean for some 555

[A_Traveller]

Just another point on the extradition issue. Historically the UK has rejected requests from countries which do not provide for jury trials, a position which Thailand presently occupies. The international court is an exception to the position for obvious reasons.

Regards

/edit typo//

Edited August 20, 2007 by A_Traveller

[sriracha john]

Prosecutors start extradition work

Prosecutors in charge of foreign litigation have started preparation for the extradition of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman from London to stand trial for the 2003 Ratchadaphisek land case.

"Ten prosecutors who have read English law have been assembled to plan and prepare the extradition request," chief prosecutor for foreign litigation Samphan Sarathana said yesterday.

Samphan said he had instructed his prosecutors to begin their job by studying provisions under English law that could be used to convince British authorities of the abuse-of-power charges faced by Thaksin and Pojaman.

Under the bilateral extradition agreement between the United Kingdom and Thailand, request for extradition must be based on wrongdoing recognised by both the English and Thai legal systems.

"The ministry will coordinate with the Office of the Attorney-General and police in regard to the execution of the warrants," he said.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Jarungwat said all legal avenues would be considered to bring Thaksin and Pojaman back for trial.

"It's still too early to talk about an extradition request," he said, adding that his ministry had just received copies of the two arrest warrants for Thaksin and Pojaman issued by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Separately, Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin's legal adviser, said the ex-PM would not appear before the Supreme Court on September 25, as ordered, because Thaksin was concerned for his safety.

He reiterated that Thaksin would "definitely return to Thailand after the general elections".

Noppadon said Thaksin had also asked him to convey a message to the Council for National Security, which was to "stop trying to damage his reputation and that of his family. He is confident that he will be able to prove his innocence and that of his family when the time is suitable".

- The Nation

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

"stop trying to damage his reputation and that of his family"

Edited August 20, 2007 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

DSI prepares to request court warrant for former PMs arrest

The Director-General of the Department of Special Investigations (DSI), Mr. Sunai Manomai-udom (สุนัย มโนมัยอุดม), is preparing to request a court warrant for the arrest of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (ทักษิณ ชินวัตร).

Mr. Sunai says investigative officers are preparing to submit a request to the Bangkok South Criminal Court to issue a warrant for the arrest of Dr. Thaksin and his spouse, Khunying Potjaman (พจมาน), who are suspected of deliberate attempts to conceal the shareholder structure of the S.C. Asset Corporation and for failing to respond to court summons to testify on these charges.

Mr. Sunai says investigative officers will be collecting as much evidence and witnesses as possible to prosecute Mr. Thaksin. Other suspects in the case, including Mrs. Busaba and Mrs. Pensome Damapong, met investigative officers and denied all charges.

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

[Mid]

Thailand approves tougher international assets legislation

Tuesday 21 August 2007 09:24:54 PM (GMT+7:00)

BANGKOK, Aug 21 (TNA) – The Thai Cabinet has approved the Justice Ministry's revision of international laws and related rules and procedures involving criminal suspects who may remain overseas and have their fortunes in Thailand frozen or confiscated by court order, an assistant government spokesman said Tuesday.

Based on the United Nations Convention against Corruption of 2003, the International Cooperation on Criminal Lawsuits Act of 1992 and the Illicit Asset Acquisition Act, the Justice Ministry's revisions seek to have the National Counter-Corruption Commission seek court orders to freeze or confiscate assets of any criminal suspects so that they could not be siphoned off to others, said Chotichai Suwannaphorn.

snip

MCOT Public Company Limited.

[Jai Dee]

DSI gathers news and video footages to use as evidences

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will use news clippings from newspaper and video footages as evidence to defend itself in a 15-billion-baht lawsuit filed by Ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra.

DSI Director-General Mr. Sunai Manomai-udom (สุนัย มโนมัยอุดม) refers to the case where Mr Thaksin and his wife have filed charges against the DSI for alleging the couple's involvement in the S.C. Asset stock case. He says that the DSI must consider evidences proposed to the lawyers of the two sides.

Mr Sunai adds that currently, there are enough evidences to request for the issuance of the arrest warrants against the Ex-PM and his wife. However, he refuses to disclose the date of when the warrants will be issued.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 August 2007

[navajo]

Court approves arrest warrants against Thaksin, wife

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Khunying Pojaman, officially became fugitives Tuesday after a special court approved arrest warrants for their arrest related to the Ratchadapisek land case.

Supreme Court's Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holder approved the request of public prosecutors to issue arrest warrants against the couple after they failed to appear in the court be officially arraigned.

The court also scheduled the first trial session of the case to be held on September 25.

Source: The Nation - 14 August 2007

[navajo]

Presumption of Innocence: Perhaps they should issure arrest warrants for all the other people involved as well. I am quite sure there were others involved if in fact there was fowl play. What about all the other corrupt dead beats

including members of the police force.