Thaksin lands at Suvarnabhumi and taken to court

[Tony Clifton]

TC, it seems ur so anti-thai, why would u care to post about the country at all ?

Other than the negative crap you continue to post, do you have any positive slant on Thailand ?

Yes.

Dig a bit and you'll find plenty of positive posts.

Tony is more than an anti-Thaksin animated avatar.

[sriracha john]

Meanwhile, Thaksin’s spokesman, Pongthep Thepkanjana, says his boss has also accepted the proposal to become the Chairman of the 111 Foundation.

- ThaiNews (today)

The absentee landlord...

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra did not turn up at the press conference to announce the foundation's establishment.

Only 49 attend 111 foundation unveiling

Less than half of the 111 banned Thai Rak Thai Party executives yesterday showed up to attend a press conference to unveil the House No 111 Foundation, which organisers say is a non-political, non-profit advocacy group for social causes.

Forty-nine banned party executives were present while absentees included several high-profile figures, such as former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and veteran politician Chaturon Chaisang.

Thaksin was initially scheduled to return from London to chair the unveiling ceremony, but had a change of plan at the last minute.

111 Foundation launched minus Thaksin

Thaksin Shinawatra failed to show up at yesterday's launch of a foundation for 111 former Thai Rak Thai executives banned from active politics for five years. Thaksin, who is the foundation Chairman, was earlier expected to preside over the launch of the 111 Foundation at the Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok hotel, but failed to show up

The graffiti on Thai Rak Thai 111 Foundation sign

The TRT Foundation building is located on Nakon Sawan Road. The sign reads (literally, from left to right) Foundation 111 Thai Rak Thai

Graffiti at far left: Thaksin a tyrant

Graffiti at middle left: Anti-Thaksin regime - Anti-bad money - Anti-republican movement - Anti-constitutional amendment to protect group members and serve the needs of the tyrant

- 2Bangkok.com / June 23, 2008

Edited June 24, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Cambodian Government Lets Thaksin Invest in Kong Island

The national Defense Minister of Cambodia disclosed that Thailand's exiled prime minister is gearing up to invest in Cambodia, but the move has no relation to the case of listing Preah Vihear Temple as a world heritage site.

Regarding Thailand's former premier Thaksin Shinawatra planning to invest in the construction of several projects at Cambodia's Kong Island, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Cambodia, General Tea Banh, said yesterday that the Cambodian government welcomed foreign business people who wish to invest in the country.

General Tea Banh also complimented Thaksin as an intellectual person who has a bright vision despite Thai officials having filed several corruption cases against him.

In addition to the investment project at Kong Island, Thaksin also reportedly has a plan to run tourism and natural gas businesses in Cambodia.

The Bangkok Post website had reported that Kong Island is the first destination for Thaksin to pin down his investments in Cambodia, including a casino and an entertainment complex. The project will be run jointly with a group of Middle Eastern businessmen and the billionaire owner of London's Harrods Department Store, Mohamed al Fayed.

General Tea Banh insisted that permitting Thaksin's investment in Cambodia is in no way related to the listing of Preah Vihear Temple as a world heritage site, and there is no other negotiation for a further exchange between the two countries on the development of a natural gas field in the overlapping maritime area, which will be discussed at a later date.

He said both the Thai and Cambodian governments are being pressured by their opposition parties on the issue of Preah Vihear Temple, particularly Cambodia, where a general election will be held on July 27th.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Doesn't surprise me Toxin going into business with al Fayed, his property agent and footie advisor in London. Another one suffering from paranoid delusions, who thinks they're all out to get him. Even a BBC reporter was accused of being an MI5 agent during the Diana inquest. Mind you, I'm not sure if his rabid anti-royalist streak would go down well in the twin monarchies of Thailand and Cambodia?

Another recipe for disaster brewing for the Tox.

It would be a tad niaive to believe the Preah Vihear issue, the upcoming Cambodian election and the casino issue are not in some way linked. Even PPP supporters I know cringe at the obviousness of this.

[plachon]

Cambodian Government Lets Thaksin Invest in Kong Island

The national Defense Minister of Cambodia disclosed that Thailand's exiled prime minister is gearing up to invest in Cambodia, but the move has no relation to the case of listing Preah Vihear Temple as a world heritage site.

Regarding Thailand's former premier Thaksin Shinawatra planning to invest in the construction of several projects at Cambodia's Kong Island, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Cambodia, General Tea Banh, said yesterday that the Cambodian government welcomed foreign business people who wish to invest in the country.

General Tea Banh also complimented Thaksin as an intellectual person who has a bright vision :D despite Thai officials having filed several corruption cases against him.

In addition to the investment project at Kong Island, Thaksin also reportedly has a plan to run tourism and natural gas businesses in Cambodia.

The Bangkok Post website had reported that Kong Island is the first destination for Thaksin to pin down his investments in Cambodia, including a casino and an entertainment complex. The project will be run jointly with a group of Middle Eastern businessmen and the billionaire owner of London's Harrods Department Store, Mohamed al Fayed.

General Tea Banh insisted that permitting Thaksin's investment in Cambodia is in no way related to the listing of Preah Vihear Temple as a world heritage site, and there is no other negotiation for a further exchange between the two countries on the development of a natural gas field in the overlapping maritime area, which will be discussed at a later date.

He said both the Thai and Cambodian governments are being pressured by their opposition parties on the issue of Preah Vihear Temple, particularly Cambodia, where a general election will be held on July 27th.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Doesn't surprise me Toxin going into business with al Fayed, his property agent and footie advisor in London. Another one suffering from paranoid delusions, who thinks they're all out to get him. Even a BBC reporter was accused of being an MI5 agent during the Diana inquest. Mind you, I'm not sure if his rabid anti-royalist streak would go down well in the twin monarchies of Thailand and Cambodia?

Another recipe for disaster brewing for the Tox.

It would be a tad niaive to believe the Preah Vihear issue, the upcoming Cambodian election and the casino issue are not in some way linked. Even PPP supporters I know cringe at the obviousness of this.

At least we now know what that game of golf with Hun Sen in April was all about. There also seems to be an underlying trend that should be watched where Toxin is identifying himself more with the likes of al Fayed and Middle Eastern businessmen wanting to invest in SE Asia (also selling the Thai paddies to sheikhs), perhaps as a go-between, fixer or maybe as an equal partner investor. I don't know, but with his strong Chinese links and now footie club owner in UK status, unless he gets pinned down for his crimes against Thais in Thailand, then this guy would seem to have serious designs on becoming the world's richest man. While one suspects this is part of his appeal to many Thais, the implications of this if he ever got back into political office, should be of concern to everyone, given the man's past record of abuses on every level.

[hammered]

Chang Noi has a piece up on the ongoing power struggle and how it will lead to even more interference by politicians into the practice of law. Worth a read as ever:

http://www.geocities.com/changnoi2/trampled.htm

[hammered]

Whoops" from TOC. Its also in the Nation

BREAKING NEWS: Court Hands Down Guilty Verdict on Thaksin's Lawyers for Attempted Bribery

UPDATE : 25 June 2008

The Supreme Court has handed down the ruling on the 2 million baht pastry box case. The court has handed down a guilty verdict and a jail term of 6 months for lawyers of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra; Thana Tansiri and Pichit Chuenban, as well as a Supreme Court clerk.

Earlier this month a pastry box filled with 2 million baht in cash was left at the Supreme Court Office for Political Post Holders.

[plachon]

Whoops" from TOC. Its also in the Nation

BREAKING NEWS: Court Hands Down Guilty Verdict on Thaksin's Lawyers for Attempted Bribery

UPDATE : 25 June 2008

The Supreme Court has handed down the ruling on the 2 million baht pastry box case. The court has handed down a guilty verdict and a jail term of 6 months for lawyers of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra; Thana Tansiri and Pichit Chuenban, as well as a Supreme Court clerk.

Earlier this month a pastry box filled with 2 million baht in cash was left at the Supreme Court Office for Political Post Holders.

Is the jail sentence mandatory, or does they have the option to take that really crippling 500 Baht fine option?

What's the betting they appeal and the appeal proceedure takes another 2 years to play out? Just the cynic in me I'm afraid, although the speed of this decision is heartening by normal standards.

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

This should answer your question.

From the Nation:

"The source said if the panel ruled anyone was found guilty of violating the court's authority in the incident, those convicted will be sentenced for up to six-months in prison without the court having to file a complaint with police, the source said."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/worldhotne...newsid=30076446

[Meerkat]

It would be a tad niaive to believe the Preah Vihear issue, the upcoming Cambodian election and the casino issue are not in some way linked. Even PPP supporters I know cringe at the obviousness of this.

I agree that the timing all smells more than a bit fishy, but perhaps you could ease your PPP friends' cringing by pointing out to them that it was the Junta that had agreed:

a ) That Cambodia alone should be allowed to declare the Preah Vihear Temple a Heritage Site, and would be given Thailand's assistance, and that,

b ) It should be done by this year's WH Committee meeting (ie July 2-10 - only a couple of weeks from now).

When they look at you incredulously, you can point them to page 159 of the minutes of the last WH Committee meeting (large pdf):

“The State Party of Cambodia and the State Party of Thailand are in full agreement

that the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear has Outstanding Universal Value

and must be inscribed on the World Heritage List as soon as possible. Accordingly,

Cambodia and Thailand agree that Cambodia will propose the site for formal

inscription on the World Heritage List at the 32nd session of the World Heritage

Committee in 2008 with the active support of Thailand."

[i can't take credit for the research - found it here]

[hammered]

It would be a tad niaive to believe the Preah Vihear issue, the upcoming Cambodian election and the casino issue are not in some way linked. Even PPP supporters I know cringe at the obviousness of this.

I agree that the timing all smells more than a bit fishy, but perhaps you could ease your PPP friends' cringing by pointing out to them that it was the Junta that had agreed:

a ) That Cambodia alone should be allowed to declare the Preah Vihear Temple a Heritage Site, and would be given Thailand's assistance, and that,

b ) It should be done by this year's WH Committee meeting (ie July 2-10 - only a couple of weeks from now).

When they look at you incredulously, you can point them to page 159 of the minutes of the last WH Committee meeting (large pdf):

“The State Party of Cambodia and the State Party of Thailand are in full agreement

that the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear has Outstanding Universal Value

and must be inscribed on the World Heritage List as soon as possible. Accordingly,

Cambodia and Thailand agree that Cambodia will propose the site for formal

inscription on the World Heritage List at the 32nd session of the World Heritage

Committee in 2008 with the active support of Thailand."

[i can't take credit for the research - found it here]

Its a simple issue of nationalism that has been linked to the PPP particularly Samak and Noppadon. In such emotive issues most arent interested in what a peice of paper says or what a previous government says. It is this one who are identitifed with publically stating and signing things to agree Cambodia owns the temple. Whether rightly or wrongly doesnt really come into it when a nationalistic fervour is whipped up. We can deabte the rights and wrongs ans who did what and but Thailand and Cambodia have bad blood going back a long way and a bit of a nationalistic revival makes it all irrelevent. Not that I am saying it is a good thing, it is just reality.

The reason why I think the PPP characters I talk to are embarrassed is to do with evry bad timing and bad poltics not to do with the rights and wrongs and they are on the side of the government although maybe not exactly close to either Samak or Noppadol.

[sriracha john]

As the master squirms, the nominee may be smiling

How bad does it look now for the Samak government and Thaksin Shinawatra?

If you are a soccer fan, you may consider the analogy, representing the past week, of an exhilarating period of a game in which the judiciary team scores three goals in rapid succession, say, from the 70th to 80th minutes. In other words, the Thaksin camp has ten minutes to equalise. It's a back-to-the-wall situation where, in soccer, you are as likely to concede more goals as to get one or two back.

The Administrative Court's injunction on the government's Preah Vihear resolution and the Supreme Court's clampdown on Thaksin's legal team for alleged contempt were the first blows that put the duo on the back foot. It was the third goal, however, that did the real damage. The Constitution Court's endorsement of the Assets Examination Committee's threatened legitimacy is by no means the last nail in Thaksin's coffin, but it is surely delivered by a solid hammer.

The irony has come full circle for the Constitution Court. It acquitted Thaksin, in 2001, of assets concealment, apparently against the will of the 1997 charter, hailed as one of the best and democratic in Thai history. Now the same court, albeit with different judges, has endorsed a coup-installed committee set up by a much-maligned military junta and supported by a controversial new Constitution to investigate what other democratic checks and balances mechanisms could not.

In 2001, the democratic Constitution Court virtually set the stage for Thailand's biggest and most divisive political crisis. Now, the same court is probably helping to bring the curtain down on a prolonged infamy that it played a big part in triggering. There are many possible end scenarios to the Thai crisis, but it would be best to have Dr Frankenstein kill his monster.

The Ratchadapisek land case now looms as the final "nail". We don't need to look further than the Bt2 million "gift" that Thaksin's defence team tried to give to Supreme Court officials to see how much the case has worried his lawyers. Solid evidence - Thaksin's own consent to be exact - has linked him inseparably to his wife's purchase of the state-auctioned plot of land. The defence, therefore, has been left with the only choice of disputing the charge that the auction was a governmental activity supervised by Thaksin.

Let's put it this way: Thaksin's defence, reeling from the "Pastrygate" scandal, will have to prove to the Supreme Court that the former prime minister, who could fire the then finance minister, who in turn could fire the then Bank of Thailand governor, who oversaw the Financial Institutions Development Fund, which put the specific land on auction as state assets, had no control or influence whatsoever over the whole bidding process.

What is the significance of the "first goal"?

Has Pastrygate and the Constitution Court's support for the AEC overshadowed the Administrative Court's resolution injunction on Preah Vihear Temple? Not quite. Look at it closely and it's a ruling that not only embarrassed a government perceived widely as a Thaksin nominee, but also killed off any chances it still had for pushing any suspicious agenda.

The Samak administration has been softened up in Parliament. The Administrative Court helped solidify the opposition's case on the temple, leaving the government's image badly bruised. This ensures that - unless Samak becomes completely suicidal - contentious charter amendment proposals that could get Thaksin out of this jam will never be revived in the foreseeable future. In other words, if the Samak government could not change the charter when it was still relatively popular, it cannot dream about that now.

But the most intriguing thing about Samak is that he could be better off being bad. A popular, sweet-talking Samak with efficient economic management could have got away with dubious constitutional amendments - but his days could be immediately numbered if charter changes were effected to pave the way for Thaksin's return. On the other hand, a moody, toxic-tongued prime minister failing on most fronts could at least curse his way into a second year, when Parliament again is allowed to censure him.

This brings us to the much-taunted yet die-hard theory that Thaksin chose the wrong man to engineer his return to power. That man has left what was once proclaimed as his number one objective - to give Thaksin justice - in tatters, and instead appears more than eager to overstay his welcome. And with the censure debate out of the way, Samak has regained his most formidable leverage, the power to dissolve the House of Representatives and send both friends and enemies alike back to square one.

Of course, after the past few tumultuous days, it's looking really bad for both Thaksin and Samak. The only difference is, while the former must be cringing, the latter may be somewhat loving it.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

Judiciary's decisions bode ill for Thaksin

Over the past week the judiciary branch has stamped its authority repeatedly as a pivotal body capable of settling important political cases. Last Wednesday, the Supreme Court sent 3 lawyers working for former PM Thaksin and his wife Potjaman to jail for 6 months for contempt of court, after they allegedly tried to bribe a court official with 2 million baht in cash. Last Saturday, the Administrative Court granted an injunction against a joint communique on the Preah Vihear temple signed by Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama and Cambodia. On Monday, the newly-appointed panel of Constitution Court judges unanimously resolved that setting up the ASC and the extension of its tenure did not violate Article 309 of the constitution which the PPP wanted so much to get rid of. The decisions by the 3 courts are an encouraging pointer to the increasing role of the judicial branch, which has been evolving fast. In its first official meeting, the new Constitution Court handed down a landmark ruling that has left many in the government and those connected with Thaksin shaking in their shoes. In the snack box scandal, the Supreme Court asked police to charge the 3 lawyers with attempted bribery, which could eventually lead to the unmasking of the real owner of the money. The Administrative Court' s injunction against the Foreign Ministry's support for Phnom Penh's bid to unilaterally list Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site will require the cabinet to revoke its resolution pledging support for the bid and to ask the World Heritage Site Committee to delay considering the proposed listing of the temple. The Constitution Court's ruling has essentially ruined the attempt by lawyers representing Thaksin to make a

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/030708_News/03Jul2008_news21.php

Edited July 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[marshbags]

Bangkok post Latest news / breaking news story. 03-07-08

'And don't leave town'

The Supreme Court has refused another request by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra to visit China and England, officials said on Thursday

It was the first time the Court had turned down what seemed to have become a routine request by Mr Thaksin, now an accused felon in a number of cases coming to court.

The former prime minister faces an upcoming trial over his wife's purchase of 33 rai of land in the Ratchadapisek area in Bangkok from the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) under the Bank of Thailand.

Unquote

Ref url for the full article:- http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=128693

The good news seems to be on a role at the present time.

Good for Thailand, that is !!!

Not so for Thaksin and his coherts, for a change

China and England

Could it have been yet another discrete meeting of the surrogate and his master, to much of a coincidence me reckons

marshbags

Edited July 3, 2008 by marshbags

[sriracha john]

Thaksin not allowed to leave the country

The Supreme Court did not allow ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra to leave Thailand for China and England at the end of last month, saying there were not enough reasons for him to go on the trips. Thaksin is facing trial over his wife's purchase of 33 rai of land in the Ratchadapisek area from the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) under the Bank of Thailand. He was accused of abusing his position as PM by helping Potjaman get a heavy discount for the land purchase.

The ex-PM asked the court for a permission to travel to China and England on June 27, but judges said that the court is working on the case during this period and would like to question more witnesses and look into more evidence. Thus he was not allowed to travel during

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128692

[sriracha john]

The woes of being out on bail... that it might actually involve some style being crimped....

Thaksin request for leaving country rejected by Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has rejected former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's request to leave the country on grounds that his planned trips lack justification.

Thaksin was supposed to begin his trip on June 27 and the unfavourable ruling was released yesterday ahead of the Tuesday's opening of his graft trial on the Ratchadapisek Road land case.

In a writ lodged on June 24, Thaksin asked for the court's permission to make three consecutive trips - a two-legged visit to China and England followed by another two-legged trip to China and Japan. His final visit was planned for China.

In turning down Thaksin's application to travel abroad, the nine-judge Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holders reminded him about the close proximity between his trial date and his planned trip.

- The Nation (today)

Edited July 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[frodo]

Didn't Thaksin predict that things would be better beginning July 2nd? By the looks of things, he was certainly correct on that account!

[Crushdepth]

"I insist we've never talked about a trade-off between Preah Vihear and natural gas with Thaksin," Gen Teah said.

Only about Preah Vihear and the casino...

[h90]

"I insist we've never talked about a trade-off between Preah Vihear and natural gas with Thaksin," Gen Teah said.

Only about Preah Vihear and the casino...

why talk much "I help you, you help me" no need to go into the details....

[h90]

Didn't Thaksin predict that things would be better beginning July 2nd? By the looks of things, he was certainly correct on that account!

Well PAD is loosing momentum in Bangkok, but they weakened government and delayed the constitution changes and so many different cases come to court now.

Can someone imagine the court tells "Taksin into jail now??" that would be a shock.

I don't know is it possible??

[Tony Clifton]

Didn't Thaksin predict that things would be better beginning July 2nd? By the looks of things, he was certainly correct on that account!

[sriracha john]

Didn't Thaksin predict that things would be better beginning July 2nd? By the looks of things, he was certainly correct on that account!

Well PAD is loosing momentum in Bangkok, but they weakened government and delayed the constitution changes and so many different cases come to court now.

Can someone imagine the court tells "Taksin into jail now??" that would be a shock.

I don't know is it possible??

That would be a good start...

An anti-government protester walks past a poster depicting ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra behind bars outside Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday July 3, 2008.

Associated Press

[sriracha john]

President of Thailand Olympic Committee Yutthasak Sasiprapha

Thaksin in fresh controversy

Thaksin Shinawatra seems unable to avoid controversy. The former PM will attend the Beijing Games' opening ceremony on Friday and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT) has been criticised for helping him get a VIP ID card for the 2008 Games. But NOCT President Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapha yesterday dismissed the reports saying Thaksin bought his own ticket for the opening ceremony. "The NOCT has nothing to do with this," insisted Yutthasak. Thaksin, who is facing several corruption charges, is only allowed to leave the country by

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/060808_Sports/0...008_sport32.php

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

Of historical note:

Yuthasak Sasiprapa holds the position of Deputy Defence Minister in the new Thai Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

- The Nation / February 20, 2001

[Tony Clifton]

Everything he touches eventually turns to <deleted>!