Thaksin And 30 Members Of His Cabinet Indicted

[sriracha john]

NCCC Commissioner Urges 3 Current Cabinet Ministers Involved with Lottery to Cease Duties

An anti-graft commissioner points out that the three ministers who are defendants in the approval of the two and three-digit lottery case should cease their duties right away after the Constitution Court ruled on the legitimacy of the Assets Examination Committee.

Following yesterday’s ruling by the Constitution Court that the establishment of the Assets Examination Committee and the extension of its term are legitimate according to the Constitution, the two and three-digit lottery case should now be accepted by the Supreme Court division for political office holders.

The case was put on hold when the court asked the Constitution Court to rule on the legitimacy of the AEC as this is one of the panel’s corruption cases against the ousted regime. In this case, the AEC is finding fault with the Cabinet of Thaksin Shinawatra for illegally approving the lotto.

This affects three current ministers: Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, Labor Minister Uraiwan Thienthong, and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemars, as all three were ministers in the Cabinet that approved the setting up of the 2 and 3 digit lotto.

National Counter Corruption Commissioner Wicha Mahakhun says he personally believes the three should cease their duties right away and not wait to do so when the court begins its deliberation of the case.

He adds if the ministers wait until the court accepts the case to quit their duties, questions may arose on the legitimacy of their actions from this period until then. He says they can remain in their posts but must not carry out any duties.

Wicha notes this is not about showing good political etiquette but the three ministers should cease their duties to prevent problems from ensuing about their legitimacy, which may consequently affect the whole Cabinet. But, he admits it depends on the judgment of the three.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

- From The Nation / 07-07-08

On July 28, the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Position Holders will rule on a case concerning the issuing of two and three-digit lotteries. Defendants include Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, Labour Minister Uraiwan Thienthong and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemas.

Edited July 7, 2008 by sriracha john

[WinnieTheKhwai]

That's ridiculous..

This was an official (and very successful) policy aimed to fight the illegal lottery that was rife at the time (and now is once again) by adding a lottery format for which there was (and is) obvious popular demand.

You really wonder what's up with the courts in this country in willing to pursue official policy that was approved by parliament and officially signed into law. It makes Thailand look ridiculous.

[sriracha john]

I can appreciate that this is a long-running thread, but a review of the OP is in order to familiarize yourself with just what went wrong with it.

Edited July 7, 2008 by sriracha john

[steveromagnino]

That's ridiculous..

This was an official (and very successful) policy aimed to fight the illegal lottery that was rife at the time (and now is once again) by adding a lottery format for which there was (and is) obvious popular demand.

You really wonder what's up with the courts in this country in willing to pursue official policy that was approved by parliament and officially signed into law. It makes Thailand look ridiculous.

actually, so if I launch a legal form of say, speed, then that is ok so long as I say it is legal and then use the proceeds to fund my own re-election campaigns?

Since this is what happened. And no, it was NOT officially signed into law correctly, that's half the issue.

As for whether you think that the policy was successful, I HIGHLY DOUBT THAT; the total amount spent gambling probably simply increased and the same people end up losing more than before; you don't see any of the illegal lottery owners (such as alledged Thonburi/Phrasicharoen area owner Chalerm) complaining at all).

It was a smoke and mirror exercise.

Or perhaps you want to ask how easy it was for someone to set up a stall to sell the tickets?

Almost impossible to meet the TOR....unless you happened to be a chain of Thai owned stores who are a well known backer of TRT.

yet another scam, but as usual plenty cannot see or say anything other than TRT the best blah blah blah.

Edited July 7, 2008 by steveromagnino

[sriracha john]

Deputy Premier Surapong awaits 2-3-digit lotteries case result

BANGKOK, July 11 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee on Friday said that in regards to the case of two and three-digit lotteries, it is to be determined on July 28 whether Thailand's Supreme Court Criminal Division would accept the case submitted by the Assets Examination Committee (AEC).

The question lies in the legal technicality as to whether the AEC is able to press charges instead of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

If the case is accepted, it must be decided if the charge against Surapong, while he held cabinet membership in the Thaksin Shinawatra administration, would impact his current roles.

Three ministers of the Samak Sundaravej government -- Surapong Suebwonglee, Uraiwan Thienthong and Anurak Jureemart -- might be liable for the lotteries case since they held positions in the Thaksin Shinawatra's cabinet which legalised the two-three-digit lotteries.

[sriracha john]

This case is holding up the PM's decision to reshuffle the Cabinet....

On July 28, the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions will decide whether to accept the lottery scandal case for consideration. The three ministers involved in the case are Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, Labour Minister Uraiwan Thienthong and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemart. They were in the Thaksin Shinawatra cabinet, which introduced the scheme. The digit lottery scheme was first launched in 2003 by the Thaksin Shinawatra administration to tackle the problem of underground lotteries. But the Council of State ruled in November 2006 that the scheme was unlawful as proceeds from its sales were misappropriated.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128869

[sriracha john]

Cabinet line-up to be unveiled after July 28: Samak

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said on Tuesday he will announce the Cabinet reshuffle after July 28 following the ruling on whether to launch a judicial review into the lottery case.

"I have the names ready, just wait for the announcement," he said.

Three Cabinet members are involved in the litigation.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Tomorrow is a big day for Thaksin and Samak and Surapong and Uraiwan and Anurak, among others....

[Sandstone Art]

Tomorrow is a big day for Thaksin and Samak and Surapong and Uraiwan and Anurak, among others....

I don't think he will appear in court. He will give some excuse through his lawyers that he is not available! ( Just like few days ago when he failed to appear in court with his wife for the land purchase case )

[Chang_paarp]

Tomorrow is a big day for Thaksin and Samak and Surapong and Uraiwan and Anurak, among others....

I don't think he will appear in court. He will give some excuse through his lawyers that he is not available! ( Just like few days ago when he failed to appear in court with his wife for the land purchase case )

Booking a speed boat for a pleasure trip?

[Tony Clifton]

Tomorrow is a big day for Thaksin and Samak and Surapong and Uraiwan and Anurak, among others....

I don't think he will appear in court. He will give some excuse through his lawyers that he is not available! ( Just like few days ago when he failed to appear in court with his wife for the land purchase case )

Booking a speed boat for a pleasure trip?

I think he's been under surveillance here and abroad for quite a while, since sometime before the MCFC purchase, especially for money laundering.

[sriracha john]

Three ministers face possible ouster today

The Supreme Court will decide today whether to accept the two- and three-digit lottery case. If the court accepts the case, the three ministers of the present government, who were also in the Thaksin Cabinet, which introduced the scheme, will be suspended from their jobs immediately. They are Finance Minister Surapong, Labour Minister Uraiwan, and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemart. A cabinet reshuffle is planned once the status of the ministers is clear.

The case has implicated 47 people including former PM Thaksin, his former cabinet members, and officials of the Government Lottery Office (GLO).

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129106

[sriracha john]

and even before noon.... the word is out... so long Surapong, Uraiwan, Anurak

Urgent: Supreme Court accepts lottery case for trial

The Supreme Court's Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holders decided Monday to proceed with the trial in the lottery case against former members of the Thaksin Cabinet. The court scheduled the first hearing on September 26.

The court's decision will cause three members of the Samak Cabinet, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, to be suspended from duty.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

File photo of Thailand's ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra

AFP

Thai Supreme Court accepts fresh case against Thaksin

Thailand's Supreme Court on Monday agreed to accept another case against Thaksin, which also implicates three ministers in the current Cabinet.

"The court accepts the proposal according to the court regulations," the judge responsible for the case told reporters.

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

Current Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee was Communications Minister under Thaksin at the time of the alleged scandal in 2003, while Labor Minister Uraiwan Thienthong and a Deputy Transport Minister were also in his Cabinet.

Under the new constitution, parliamentarians involved in a legal process must relinquish their ministerial posts.

- AFP

[sriracha john]

Deposed, ex-, former PM Thaksin

in a bit of irony, it is the Supreme Court that says "we vote no" against Surapong...

Thai Court Says To Hear State Lottery Malfeasance Case

BANGKOK - Thailand's Supreme Court said Monday it will hear a case challenging the legality of a state lottery.

The Assets Examination Committee, which was set up to investigate corruption allegations against ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, filed a lawsuit against 47 officials from the former Thaksin government alleging that establishment of the two- and three-digit lottery was illegal.

Defendants include Thaksin, Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, Labor Minister Uraiwan Thienthong and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemart.

The anti-corruption agency also alleged that the THB15 billion ($448 million) from the lottery ticket sales was misused under the terms of the Government Lottery Office Act.

The trial will start Sept. 26.

-By Bangkok Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires

[sriracha john]

Supreme Court Accepts Two and Three Digit Lottery Case

The Supreme Court's Division for Political Office Holders decided today to accept the 2 and 3 digit lottery case for trial.

In total, 47 suspects have been named in the case; including former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and members of his Cabinet.

The court scheduled the first hearing on September 26.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

AFP update:

Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said the government would discuss the Supreme Court decision at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

"We must consider if we appeal to the Constitution Court, and whether that would be beneficial or not," he told reporters.

"There is no legal regulation indicating that a minister must suspend his duty following the court accepting of the case," he said.

Analysts and local newspaper editorials have speculated that a string of legal defeats could force Samak into a major cabinet reshuffle.

Former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama was forced to resign on July 10 after the Constitutional Court ruled that he and the cabinet should have asked parliament's approval for a deal with Cambodia over a disputed border temple.

Days before, PPP deputy leader Yongyut Tiyapairat was banned from politics for five years after the Supreme Court upheld vote fraud charges, while health minister Chiya Sasomsub was removed from office by another top court, which found that he had illegally concealed his wife's assets.

Monday's case stems from a move by Thaksin's government to introduce a new lottery, saying it 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 lottery cash to fund his failed 2004 bid for British football team Liverpool.

The anti-corruption body which forwarded the case to the court said the deal had caused nearly 37 billion baht (1.1 billion dollars) in lost revenue for the government.

- AFP

[sriracha john]

Supreme Court accepts 2- and 3-digit lottery case

BANGKOK, July 28 (TNA) – Thailand's Supreme Court Criminal Division for Political Office Holders on Monday moved to proceed to trial on the two- and three-digit lottery case filed by the former Assets Examination Committee (AEC) against deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his cabinet.

The court is scheduled to open the first hearing for the case on September 26.

"The lawsuit has been brought in compliance with the litigation process requirement," a Supreme Court justice explained. "So, the court had issued an order to accept the case."

The court will issue summons to the accused within 15 days of the order's issuance.

The AEC filed the lawsuit against all the members of the Thaksin cabinet, including Thaksin and 47 former ministers, alleging their malfeasance for issuing the July 8, 2003 cabinet resolution implementing the two-and three-digit lottery.

Among the accused are three current incumbent ministers: Deputy Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, Labour Minister Uraiwan Thienthong and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemas.

The three ministers risk losing their current posts since the Constitution stipulates that a minister must suspend his or her duties if a court accepts a case for trial on criminal charges against him or her.

However, the court did not state clearly in its order whether the trio must suspend their duties now that the case is accepted.

Edited July 28, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

More bad news today for Thakky and Pokemon....

PATTAYA THIEVES STEAL PROPERTY OF THAKSIN‘S FATHER-IN-LAW

On July 27th, 2008, at 12.30, Pol.Lt.Col. Apimuk Am-natmankong, Pattaya Investigator, was notified by a vigilante that he had detained a suspect who had stolen air compressor units from a house belonging to ex-Thai PM‘s father-in-law in Moo Baan Sigan, Nongprue. Police rushed to investigate.

Arriving at the incident, police found neighbours had detained Mr. Grisanai Tiengwiboon, (26), from Khon Kaen province, who with a friend, identified only as Mr. "S", had apparently been stealing property around Pattaya city. The suspects had apparently found an abandoned house, and gone inside to steal 3 air-conditioning compressor units installed outside the house. They had then hidden the compressors in the woods. The neighbours, seeing the theft, helped to arrest Mr.Grisanai, but Mr "S" escaped.

Mr. Seksan Prasert (24), from Chonburi, the witness who lives in a house opposite, told police that, while he was resting in front of his house, he saw 2 young men carrying compressor units out of the house. He was suspicious and rang the caretaker of house to ask if the owners had arranged for mechanics to repair the compressor units. When he found out that no one had been so employed, Mr. Seksan and other neighbours detained one of the suspects, but his accomplice escaped.

Apparently, the house that had been burgled belongs to Pol.Lt.Gen.Samur Damaphong, father of Lady Pojamarn Shinnawatra, wife of Mr Thaksin Shinawatra, Ex-Thai Prime Minister. Pol.Lt.Gen.Samur had bought the house as a holiday home.

Police took pictures, recorded the incident and invited the caretaker to help with their ongoing investigations. They hope to identify and arrest the other suspect soon.

- Pattaya Daily News

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

Seems Thaksin is STILL waiting for Mercury to pull out of Uranus.... or whatever.

[sriracha john]

Thai court agrees to hear corruption case against Thaksin's Cabinet over government lottery

BANGKOK, Thailand - The Thai Supreme Court on Monday accepted a lawsuit alleging abuse of power by ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, his former Cabinet and other officials in the holding of a government lottery.

It is the third case to go to court involving allegations of corruption and abuse of power against Thaksin, who was deposed in a September 2006 military coup.

The first hearing for the 47 people named in the lawsuit is set for Sept. 26, said Judge Pairoj Reungrerngwong. The suit names three members of the current Cabinet — Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, Labor Minister Uraiwan Thienthong and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemas.

The targets of the lawsuit are accused of malfeasance in a 2003 lottery scheme initiated by Thaksin's government. The administration claimed the plan would attract people away from a popular illegal lottery and generate revenue for education.

The complaint, brought by the Attorney General's office, alleges that irregularities in the scheme, including misspending and tax exemptions, cost the state $1.1 billion. It asked the Supreme Court to order the 47 people to pay the damages.

Thai law requires all three Cabinet members be suspended until the case is resolved.

The Cabinet will discuss the case at its weekly meeting Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said.

"The charges are under jurisdiction of this court and the plaintiffs have filed charges in accordance with law so we order the case to go to trial," said Pairoj, who heads the nine-judge panel.

The suit targets officials from the government lottery office, Thaksin and 29 members of his former Cabinet.

The lottery case is one of nearly two dozen allegations of corruption and abuse of power against Thaksin, who returned from exile in March, and his associates.

Two other cases have already made their way to the courts. One involves the alleged illegal purchase of land from a state agency by Thaksin's wife, and the other allegations that Thaksin changed laws to favor his business interests.

The latest case is another blow to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his governing coalition, which includes a number of Thaksin loyalists. Two Cabinet ministers have been forced out in the past month and anti-government groups have conducted weeks of protests accusing Samak of being a proxy for Thaksin.

- Associated Press

[sriracha john]

Surapong to keep pushing for distribution of 2-3 digit lottery

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee affirmed he will push for the distribution of two- and three-digit lotteries despite the acceptance of the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Division for Holders of Political Positions of the 2-3 digit lottery case.

The deputy premier says the lotteries can be distributed under the existing laws of the Government Lottery Office despite the court’s acceptance of the case.

He also expressed his confidence that the case will not affect the government’s new economic stimulus package expected to be launched in another two months as well as mega-projects.

Surapong also said he is not concerned over the Cabinet reshuffle and he will request the Council of State to review laws and decide whether the alleged ministers *INCLUDING HIMSELF* of the lottery case can continue working after the Supreme Court accepts the case.

- ThaiNews

[hammered]

Surapong is maybe the most powerful person in the cabinet and his removal will be a blow. Not only will there be the inevitable cabinet reshuffle and if outsiders come in to improve the image that will mena factions going hungry but also the finance minister is traditionally the one who has to keep all the ministries spending requests in balance. Without an internal PPP heavyweight to do this the equilibrium in the party could get out of synch. Maybe this is not exactly unknown to those who oppose PPP too.

[Plus]

If Virabongsa gets a portfolio, all economic questions will be addressed to him, Surapong is just a talking head, he's been taking Virabongsa's advice all along.

If Surapong refuses to step down, PPP will have "last man standing". If he's gone, they don't have a face to put on the party or its policies at all.

[sibeymai]

The Thai cabinet is a pack of cards. Samak's days are certainly numbered. It's really not Samak's fault since he never had any choice in who to appoint to Cabinet, and still probably doesn't. But his choice of leutenants is narrowing.

To the credit of the Thai judiciary they seem to be using the legal system to effect a coup rather than resort to the military which was the only option when Thaksin was in power. I hope the judges continue to heed their oath to the HM the King.

The message is being given load and clear....if you want to be in government and be corrupt the axe will fall on your head.

Only good can come of this for Thailand in the long term.

[Plus]

We'll hear a lot more about this silent coup in the coming days.

I, personally, think Samak will be kept in place as long as possible to control other PPP freaks.

Afterall, what are the alternatives - unpredictability of fresh elections or some real loony from PPP ranks replacing Samak. It's a lot safer to keep the right people in charge and Samak as a figure head.

[younghusband]

We'll hear a lot more about this silent coup in the coming days.

I, personally, think Samak will be kept in place as long as possible to control other PPP freaks.

Afterall, what are the alternatives - unpredictability of fresh elections or some real loony from PPP ranks replacing Samak. It's a lot safer to keep the right people in charge and Samak as a figure head.

I don't think anyone is surprised at the silent coup and in fact analysts have been commenting on it for several months, particularly the judiciary keeping the PPP government in check or even dismantling it.The trouble is that unless general elections are abolished it will be difficult for the old order to keep matters stable over the long term.Eventually sensible politicians will have to start addressing the country's problems, both social and economic.

On a different tack it's weird to see all these PAD supporters invoking the HRW perfectly valid criticism of the government when they were silent about HRW's equally valid and trenchant criticism of the junta and its puppet government, particularly its criminal (though unsuccessful) efforts to rig the election.On the latter point the current use of the judiciary may be a more effective way to deflect the Thai majority).

[jbowman1993]

We'll hear a lot more about this silent coup in the coming days.

I, personally, think Samak will be kept in place as long as possible to control other PPP freaks.

Afterall, what are the alternatives - unpredictability of fresh elections or some real loony from PPP ranks replacing Samak. It's a lot safer to keep the right people in charge and Samak as a figure head.

I don't think anyone is surprised at the silent coup and in fact analysts have been commenting on it for several months, particularly the judiciary keeping the PPP government in check or even dismantling it.The trouble is that unless general elections are abolished it will be difficult for the old order to keep matters stable over the long term.Eventually sensible politicians will have to start addressing the country's problems, both social and economic.

On a different tack it's weird to see all these PAD supporters invoking the HRW perfectly valid criticism of the government when they were silent about HRW's equally valid and trenchant criticism of the junta and its puppet government, particularly its criminal (though unsuccessful) efforts to rig the election.On the latter point the current use of the judiciary may be a more effective way to deflect the Thai majority).

That horse died a long time ago YH, why do you keep on beating it?

[sriracha john]

[AlexLah]

I would like to have a session with those people and ask them why they are doing this.

Why they only think about enriching themselves and family members and friends as well.

I really do not understand them.

I only hope those people will get convicted and will set an example so the Thai people will understand.

Thailand can be a much better place when those corrupted evil people are taken out of any political program.

To hel_l with them.