Prosecutors Vow To Arrest Thaksin Upon His Return To Thailand

[chownah]

he got his diplomatic passport back already - on which grounds?

The arguement they used to justify giving him back the diplomatic passport is that all the ex-primeministers are allowed to keep them and he should be treated equally. Those against this move argued that he was charged with a crime so his case was exceptional and so it is just that he not have the diplomatic passport while those in favor of the move countered that he has not been found guilty and should be considered innocent until guilty according to Thail law....to this those against reinstating the diplomatic passport said that there is a warrant out for his arrest for not showing up to trial so denial of diplomatic passport is justified and to this arguement those in favor of giving it back countered that death threats were made against him and public security officials publicly stated that they could not be held responsible to protect him adequately if he did return so clearly he was not free to return for fear of his life......

I'm not expressing an opinion here....just trying to answer the questions "on which grounds".

Chownah

[Plus]

I doubt there was any argument at all. Noppadon probably just issued an executive order.

[sriracha john]

Interior Minister warns against anti-Thaksin rally

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung on Monday said he saw no justification for the People's Alliance for Democracy to stage a protest about former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returning to his homeland.

"The PAD used to say it would allow the government a chance to prove its performance, but today no work has started yet, hence I deem it unnecessary for a rally as Thaksin would come back as a Thai citizen," he said.

Chalerm said the PAD should reflect on its stand rather than rush to attack Thaksin without justification.

"The PAD onced allged Thaksin about being an unroyalist but refrained to showing its accountability after the Office of the Attorney-General had dropped the charges," he said.

He said he would not intervene with pro- and anti-Thaksin rallies, if held, although he would ensure there would be no confrontation between the rival groups.

He said the definite date about Thaksin's return should be finalised by tomorrow.

- The Nation

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

perhaps we'll get to see how things would have occurred in September 2006, afterall.....

[sriracha john]

Thai government: Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin will return soon

BANGKOK, Thailand: Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra plans to return to Thailand soon, now that the government has returned his diplomatic passport, the foreign minister said Monday.

Foreign Minister Noppadol Pattama said he met Thaksin in China over the weekend and the deposed leader said he was preparing to return to Thailand, though he didn't give an exact date.

Noppadol, Thaksin's former lawyer and a close ally, was named foreign minister after Dec. 23 elections in which voters elected a Parliament dominated by Thaksin loyalists.

"Former Prime Minister Thaksin will return home soon," Noppadol told reporters, refusing to elaborate.

Thaksin's diplomatic passport, which was revoked after the coup, was returned to him last week, Noppadol said.

Reacting swiftly to the news, the People's Alliance for Democracy, which spearheaded months of demonstrations demanding Thaksin step down before the coup, said it is regrouping.

PAD spokesman Suriyasai Takasila said the group has no problem with Thaksin returning to face corruption charges in court, but it will fight any attempt by the current government to intervene with the judiciary to clear the former leader.

"PAD is warning this government the political crisis will be worse than in 2006 if it continues to whitewash the charges against Thaksin. Thousands will take to the streets again if Thaksin returns and does not face trial in court in accordance with the law," he said.

Noppadol's announcement indicates that Thaksin, who has been abroad since the coup, is moving up his return date. It follows a recent government statement that it will roll out the welcome mat for Thaksin and protect him upon his return.

Thaksin's wife, Pojaman Shinawatra, told a court last month her husband would return to Thailand as early as April to defend himself against corruption charges.

Thaksin and his wife face corruption and conflict of interest charges in connection with her purchase of prime Bangkok real estate from a state agency in 2003, while he was prime minister. Thaksin also faces separate charges of concealing assets.

Rakkiat Wattapong, the Supreme Court Secretary-General, insisted the government's support of Thaksin would not change plans to detain him.

"Once Thaksin lands on Thai soil, he will be detained by police and brought to the court," Rakkiat said, noting an arrest warrant has been issued.

- Associated Press

[sriracha john]

Interior Minister Ready to Welcome Thaksin Home

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobumrung says he’s ready to welcome former premier Thaksin Shinawatra home himself when he decides to return to Thailand. Chalerm also says he’s not worried about the renewed movements of the People’s Alliance for Democracy.

The Interior Minister and close associate of former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra says he’s more than happy to welcome Thaksin home himself when Thaksin decides to return to Thailand.

Chalerm says there’s no need to for a special preparation or ceremony to welcome the ousted prime minister back to his home country. But the Interior Minister says he himself will personally greet Thaksin at the airport once he landed. He adds it should be clear by this afternoon when Thaksin will eventually return to Thailand to fight the various corruption cases which have been filed against him.

In response to a press conference of renewed movement of the People’s Alliance for Democracy this afternoon, Chalerm says he’s not worried about the PAD’s plan of action. The Interior Minister says he’s willing to accommodate the PAD’s movements and facilitate any gatherings the PAD may organize in the future.

The Interior chief says he does not believe there will be any confrontation between the democratic group and the government. But Chalerm did call for the PAD to give the government time to do its job before coming out to protest against newly-installed administration.

The PAD spearheaded major peaceful street rallies during the Thaksin administration. It also played a significant role in publicizing major corruption scandals alledgedly masterminded by key ministers in the Thaksin regime.

- Thailand Outlook

[ilyushin]

He should be detained, read his charges, booked, set a bond and go thru court to settle his issues with the Kingdom and let the court handout a sentence so we can all get on with our business not his.I have little faith in th system at this time anyway.

He has been charged. He must go to court even if the charges are dropped. He is not above the law. is he?

Thought he was gonna stay out of politics, so why the dip passport?

[Tony Clifton]

I'll have a good laugh if someone still decides his diplomatic passport is once again removed once he is officially charged.

He should not be allowed to leave nor make Fatima-like appearances for his worshipers though multimedia or in person.

[sriracha john]

Thai former PM Thaksin about to return

BANGKOK -- After more than 17 months of self-exile life, Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is likely and ready to pack luggages and return to his homeland soon, amid a possible situation that his supporters will held a huge welcome ceremony and anti-Thaksin camp will re-launch the mass rally to protest his back.

On Monday, many sources hinted he will be back soon. The Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, a former lawyer of Thaksin, said the former premier who was ousted during a military coup in 2006 will definitely return to Thailand from self-imposed exile overseas within a month.

He confirmed Thaksin's earlier promise that the ex-prime minister would announce Tuesday on the date of his trip back to his home country.

Noppadon described Thaksin's return as a normal issue since "he wants to fight the charges against him."

The police have the right to arrest him and the government will not interfere whatsoever, the Foreign Minister said. He admitted that he made a visit to China over the weekend to meet the former prime minister.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said he would himself fly to meet Thaksin overseas and accompanying him back to Thailand.

"I had announced during the pre-election campaign that I will do that. I want to take care of his safety. I'm not over-reacting," the minister said. "A protest against his return might not be appropriate."

Apparently, anti-Thaksin camp won't sit by and watch the former premier's return. On Monday, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) which is the main anti-Thaksin group issued a statement warning about the eruption of chaos if the government acts as a puppet of the Thaksin regime.

"It has been proven clearly that the Samak Sundaravej government is in fact the reflection of the Thaksin Shinawatra administration," the PAD said in the statement.

It claimed that the government was working to benefit one man, the ousted prime minister Thaksin, instead of serving 63 million people.

However, the ruling People Power Party also said on Monday that the party is ready to mobilize some 10 million supporters to counter the anti-Thaksin protests.

One of the party executives Pracha Prasopdee said "if the PAD becomes active, I plan to confront it by mobilizing 10 million supporters."

Pracha also said that although he doubted whether the PAD could attract the crowds to join its street protests, he would not allow PAD leaders to disrupt the restoration of democratic rule.

On Monday, a source close to Thaksin told Xinhua from overseas that the former premier could be back at any time, but the security after his return is the main issue which needs to be well-considered. The source estimated that Thaksin could be returning within one week from Monday.

Meanwhile, a source from an non-governmental agency which is appointed to provide security protect for Thaksin after his return also said that they were well informed about Thaksin's soon return and they have prepared everything.

- Xinhua

[sriracha john]

National Police ready for return of Thaksin

Deputy Commander of the National Police’s Special Operations Police General Proong Boonpadung revealed that the National Police have made preparations to insure the safety in the event of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s return.

He affirmed that it is police duty to insure the safety for all prominent social figures and that Thaksin is not receiving special treatment.

The Deputy Commander stated, however, that the former Prime Minister’s plans have not yet been made clear as to when he will return.

If Thaksin is to return he will have to contact the National Immigration Bureau after which police will mobilize safety for him.

- ThaiNews

[sriracha john]

Ousted Thai PM to return from exile Feb 28: web site

BANGKOK - Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is due to return from exile on Thursday, 18 months after he was ousted in a bloodless 2006 coup, a Web site run by his supporters said on Monday.

An advertisement on www.hi-thaksin.org urged his supporters to welcome "Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra: The One We Love & Miss For Years" at Bangkok airport at 0200 GMT on February 28.

Thaksin was removed in a September 2006 coup and now lives in exile in London and Hong Kong.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who admitted before the Dec. 23 poll he was a proxy for Thaksin, has said he would push for the lifting of Thaksin's political ban.

- Reuters

[Tony Clifton]

IF indeed he dares come back, what they need to do is instruct him that he's not here to parade around to followers and zombies and use the spotlight and media to inflate his ego and appeal to his audience more often than he's ready to stand in court testifying.

He'll get very theatrical to draw undeserved sympathy.

Once a liar...

[gunnyd]

A few years on bail awaiting trial. Conviction, and then given bail during the appeal process, then pardoned by whoever is in power.

Anyone who thinks that Thaksin will ever get what's coming to him is very naive. Example given Former Philippine President Joseph Estrada Thaskin will get the same sort of sweetheart deal.

Edited February 25, 2008 by gunnyd

[sriracha john]

Thaksin likely to return on Thursday

Former PM Thaksin is due to return from exile on Thursday, according to the Hi-Thaksin.net website run by his supporters. The website urged supporters to welcome "Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra: The One We Love and Miss For Years" at Bangkok airport on February 28 at 9a.m. Thaksin has lived in exile in London and Hong Kong since his overthrow by a bloodless military coup on Sept 19, 2006.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126148

[sriracha john]

IF indeed he dares come back, what they need to do is instruct him that he's not here to parade around to followers and zombies and use the spotlight and media to inflate his ego and appeal to his audience,

He'll get very theatrical to draw undeserved sympathy.

It's already started Tony...

The start-up page is even more sickening

http://www.hi-thaksin.org/index2.php

Edited February 26, 2008 by sriracha john

[plachon]

Last time through Swampy, I saw the thoughtful King Power mob in Duty Free, had even prepared him a welcome home gift in some silk with T. Shinawatra signatures all over it. Let's hope somebody else may have a silver bullet with a similar moniker on it. Bring out a load of garlic too boys, the vampire is returning........

[Artisi]

The whole thing is just one bloody big joke and don't know why everyone is ( add your own word here) against / excited / concerned / worried / thankful / happy / depressed. Not one thing said in here will make one iota of difference to outcomes already in place, learn to live with it -- This is Thailand.

[sriracha john]

Is his "0200GMT" arrival time 10:00am Bangkok time?

Less than 48 hours away.

[sriracha john]

Immigration Bureau says no special treatment for Thaksin

Director of the Immigration Bureau in charge of inbound passengers, Police Colonel Worawat Amornwiwat, revealed that he has not yet received reports concerning ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra's return to the Kingdom today. A review of incoming flight passenger logs also has not shown the name of Thaksin on any flight.

Police Colonel Worawat believes that Thaksin may have planned to clarify his return schedule today, but not actually return. Nonetheless, he states that the Immigration Bureau is ready to receive and facilitate the ex-premier, but his office has not received any orders to prepare special treatment for Thaksin.

The director however stated that if a large crowd of citizens gathers to receive the former Prime Minister, security will have to be beefed up.

- ThaiNews

[sriracha john]

Office of the Attorney General not concerned that ex-PMs return will affect case

Spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General Thanapich Mulpruek affirmed that the returning of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will not affect the progress of the SC Asset shares scandal as well as other cases of corruption filed against the ex-premier.

Mr. Thanapich assured that as the Office of the Attorney-General works according to witnesses and evidence, the changing state of politics will not have any repercussion on the case and the office’s work.

The spokesman also established that there has not been any external pressure put on the case, whether from the political arena or other sources. He denied speculation that the return of Thaksin would sway the course of ongoing cases.

- ThaiNews

[John K]

I guess Thursday is as good a time as any for the people living near the airport to send up their balloons.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin is poised to return soon, though date a mystery

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Tuesday remained tight-lipped on the date for the return of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, telling reporters that he would refrain from commenting on the matter.

Samak's Deputy PM Somchai Wongsawat said he was unaware that Thaksin might arrive in Bangkok tomorrow, adding that he had not been in contact with his brother-in-law for quite some time.

Some People Power Party officials have speculated about Friday [Feb. 29] as the arrival date, arguing for the auspicious timing due to the leap year.

Many believe Thaksin might return during the first half of next month.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said he planned to personally welcome Thaksin upon his arrival. Although he knew the arrival schedule, he would not disclose it before relevant authorities deemed it appropriate for the public release, he said.

"When Thaksin comes back home, I will greet and welcome him in person and I say this as a private citizen who has made a campaign pledge, an acquaintance and the Interior Minister," he said.

He ruled out concern about a possible confrontation between pro- and anti-Thaksin protesters, saying he would ensure a clear separation of the rally sites for the two rival groups.

He voiced confidence that violence would not erupt and that the situation would remain under the control as he would not allow a "third hand" to interfere and cause the disturbance.

He also said Thaksin would undergo the normal procedures to seek bail without any privileges, arguing the People's Alliance for Democracy should not make a hasty judgement about the tampering with the justice system.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra 'poised' to return Thursday: Lawyer

BANGKOK, Thailand - Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will return to Thailand from 17 months of exile abroad Thursday to fight corruption charges, a pro-Thaksin Web site and one of his lawyers said.

The Web site, http://www.hi-thaksin.net , posted a picture Tuesday of the deposed prime minister with his right hand raised giving the victory sign, along with his son and a crowd of supporters, superimposed over an image of Bangkok's international airport.

It urged supporters to greet Thaksin at the airport at 9 a.m. Thursday.

"Welcome home Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whom we love, miss and have been waiting to return for over a year," the Web site said in Thai.

The chief of Thaksin's legal defense team, Pichit Chuenban, confirmed Thaksin is "poised to return." He said Thaksin will surrender to police when he arrives and seek his release on bail.

Thaksin and his wife Pojaman face corruption and conflict of interest charges in connection with her purchase of prime Bangkok real estate from a state agency in 2003, while he was prime minister. Pojaman returned in January and was released on bail pending trial. Thaksin also faces separate charges of concealing assets.

Rakkiat Wattapong, the Supreme Court Secretary-General, Monday said Thaksin would be detained when he arrives in Thailand.

Thaksin was abroad at the time he was ousted, and now lives mostly in London. After his allies won the December elections and formed a new government, Thaksin said he planned to return.

The People's Alliance for Democracy, which spearheaded months of demonstrations demanding Thaksin step down before the coup, said the group had no problem with Thaksin returning to face corruption charges.

But it said it will fight any attempt by the new government to intervene with the judiciary to clear the former leader.

"PAD is warning this government the political crisis will be worse than in 2006 if it continues to whitewash the charges against Thaksin," PAD spokesman Suriyasai Takasila said. "Thousands will take to the streets again if Thaksin returns and does not face trial in court in accordance with the law."

- Associated Press

[sriracha john]

NLA Member Calls for Thaksin to Return Home to Finally Fight Cases

An National Legislative Assembly member has voiced his suspicion on the real motive of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s timing of his return to Thailand. He’s also calling for Thaksin to come back to fight his corruption cases in court.

National Legislative Assembly member, Prasong Soonsiri, also former Chairman of the 2007 Constitution Drafting Committee, has voiced his skepticism of the ousted Prime Minister’s timing of his return to the country.

Prasong speculated on the possible links between the tentative date of Thaksin’s return and the ruling the Election Commission makes today on House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat’s election fraud case.

Prasong says Thaksin’s return could be viewed as a supportive move for Yongyuth, one of his closest allies, or could be seen as an attempt to intimidate his political rivals.

But the NLA member says the return of Thaksin has been much talked about ever since the People Power Party won last year’s general elections. Prasong is calling for Thaksin to finally return to Thailand to answer to various corruption charges which have been filed against him.

Prasong says he doesn’t want the public to view the People’s Alliance for Democracy's renewal of its movement as a protest against Thaksin’s return. In support of the PAD, the NLA member adds its movement is targeting the unjust interference in the country’s justice system and independent organizations. He says the PAD has made its objective of working for the interests of the country very clear from the beginning.

But Prasong says it’s the responsibility of the government to make sure no violence occur.

The influential NLA member says he’s known former Department of Special Investigations Director-General Sunai Manomai-udom for a while and Sunai is an honest man. He believes Sunai's transfer was influenced by the return of Thaksin.

Prasong also lambasted this administration for abusing its power, resulting in speculations on whether the government is using its authority to pave the way for Thaksin’s return to Thailand.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Opposition Leader Warns PPP-led Coalition to Stay Neutral on Thaksin’s Return

Upon the much talked about return of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the Opposition Leader is calling for the coalition government to handle the situation with extreme caution, in order to avoid any possible conflict among different groups in the country.

Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said that he is not worried about the return of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been in exile since the military staged a coup against his administration in September 2006.

A leading member of the People Power Party reportedly said that Thaksin would return home later this week to defend himself against corruption charges.

And while Abhisit called on everyone the country to go on with their lives and help move the country forward, he asked the PPP-led government to make sure that it stays neutral and vigilant on any possible conflict that could be provoked by Thaksin’s return to the country.

He added that as a Thai citizen, the former premier has every right to come home and defend himself in court, but the government is also to make sure that no political interference is exerted over the justice system.

Abhisit also conceded that the Justice Minister’s abrupt transfer of the Department of Special Investigation Director-General Sunai Manomai-udom could be construed as the government’s attempt to meddle with the justice process that Thaksin and his family is now facing.

Already the People's Alliance for Democracy said yesterday that it would oppose Thaksin's return and threatened to revive all facets of movements against the return to pre-coup politics.

The Democrat Leader is also set to talk to one of the PAD's key leaders Somkiat Pongpaiboon, who is also a party-list Democrat MP, about the revival of the PAD.

Abhisit suggested that Somkiat should consult the party's executives before making any further moves.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Thai PM: Thaksin's return "a good thing"

BANGKOK -- Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Tuesday said the former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's return to Thailand, now scheduled on Feb. 28, is "a good thing", and he doesn't think Thaksin's return will cause political chaos.

Samak said during a media interview at the Government House that he considers the return of Thaksin is a good thing, because he could face charges at the court and clarify for himself.

Samak said he believes that police could keep the situation under control although anti-Thaksin groups have threatened to launch rallies at the airport on Thursday.

He said no special order has been made to enhance the security in Bangkok on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama held a news conference Tuesday morning, saying "Thaksin will personally outline his plans and everything will be clear".

Noppadon said the anti-Thaksin rally planned by the People's Alliance for Democracy would not change Thaksin's scheduled return.

Although Thaksin is believed to announce his schedule late Tuesday, local FM 100 Traffic Radio reported that name of Thaksin's son has already emerged on the passenger list of Thai Airways.

He will take the Flight TG 603 from Hong Kong to Bangkok on Thursday morning and arrive at Bangkok's International Airport at about 9 a.m. (0200 GMT).

- Xinhua

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

flightstats.com

Flight Status Results

Flight: (TG) Thai Airways International 603

Date: Feb 26, 2008

Status: Landed On Time

Duration: 2h 45m

Equipment: Boeing 777-200/200ER Passenger

Departure

Airport: (HKG) Hong Kong International Airport

Scheduled: Tue - Feb 26, 2008 7:55 AM

Actual: Tue - Feb 26, 2008 7:55 AM

Gate: 42 (Terminal 2)

Arrival

Airport: (BKK) Suvarnabhumi Airport

Scheduled: Tue - Feb 26, 2008 9:40 AM

Actual: Tue - Feb 26, 2008 9:40 AM

[chownah]

Oh NO....take it away...its bad bad bad ....I don't like it....take it away....take it away.

chownah

[NanLaew]

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

flightstats.com

Flight Status Results

Flight: (TG) Thai Airways International 603

Date: Feb 26, 2008

Status: Landed On Time

Duration: 2h 45m

Equipment: Boeing 777-200/200ER Passenger

Departure

Airport: (HKG) Hong Kong International Airport

Scheduled: Tue - Feb 26, 2008 7:55 AM

Actual: Tue - Feb 26, 2008 7:55 AM

Gate: 42 (Terminal 2)

Arrival

Airport: (BKK) Suvarnabhumi Airport

Scheduled: Tue - Feb 26, 2008 9:40 AM

Actual: Tue - Feb 26, 2008 9:40 AM

I had my people talk to his people and I am glad that he has seen reason and changed to the earlier flight. My arrival will be at 12:55 if someone is wondering why all those photgraphers and reporters are still hanging about.

[Tony Clifton]

Here's the banner from Hi Thaksin.net

As you can see, it's a hero's arrival, not someone with arrest warrants on his ass.

[chownah]

Yes, of course, his supporters are going to give him a hero's welcome....of course, naturally, would anyone expect otherwise?

Chownah

[sriracha john]

Here's the banner from Hi Thaksin.net

As you can see, it's a hero's arrival, not someone with arrest warrants on his ass.

His son, once again, appears as if he's one of those that the new War on Drugs is targeted at helping so as to rid him of the source of his appearance.