Supreme Court Sentences To Six-months In Jail Lawyer In Pastry Gate

[sriracha john]

Court denies police arrest warrants for three lawyers

The Criminal Court has rejected a police request for arrest warrants for three lawyers, until recently members of ex-PM Thaksin's legal team, in connection with the alleged two-million-baht snack box bribe. The police investigator in charge of the case sought court warrants for Thana Tansiri, Pichit Chuenban and Supasri Srisawat. He said they are wanted on charges of attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials. The offence carries a maximum five-year jail term. The 3 lawyers are already serving six-month sentences in Bangkok prisons for contempt of court. Thana and Pichit are being held at Bangkok Special Prison, while Supasri is in the Central Women's Correctional Institution. Pol Lt-Col Banyong told the court he wanted arrest warrants so prison warders could detain them when their jail terms are completed. In rejecting the application, the court said police investigators may question and press charges against the 3 while they are in jail without waiting for them to complete their current terms.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/040708_News/04Jul2008_news05.php

[soundman]

He said they are wanted on charges of attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials. The offence carries a maximum five-year jail term.

5 years - now we are talking.

[Plus]

Better wait until THEY start talking.

[soundman]

Better wait until THEY start talking.

The threat of facing five years rather than six months might lead to some loose lips.

[hammered]

Court denies police arrest warrants for three lawyers

The Criminal Court has rejected a police request for arrest warrants for three lawyers, until recently members of ex-PM Thaksin's legal team, in connection with the alleged two-million-baht snack box bribe. The police investigator in charge of the case sought court warrants for Thana Tansiri, Pichit Chuenban and Supasri Srisawat. He said they are wanted on charges of attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials. The offence carries a maximum five-year jail term. The 3 lawyers are already serving six-month sentences in Bangkok prisons for contempt of court. Thana and Pichit are being held at Bangkok Special Prison, while Supasri is in the Central Women's Correctional Institution. Pol Lt-Col Banyong told the court he wanted arrest warrants so prison warders could detain them when their jail terms are completed. In rejecting the application, the court said police investigators may question and press charges against the 3 while they are in jail without waiting for them to complete their current terms.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/040708_News/04Jul2008_news05.php

Interesting dynamic. The police thought well lets wait until they get out. The courts thought lets do it now. Seems like the courts are putting pressure on. That will limit opportunities for political interference. Still I guess there wont be enough evidence to satisfy the attorney general

[Plus]

Wasn't the AG put there by PPP specifically to sweep things under the carpet.

He is indicted in CTX scanner case himself, btw, as a board member of AOT at the time.

[sriracha john]

Indeed he is... along with the Thaksin's brother-in-law and current Deputy Prime Minister.

Beyond highly dubious to have a situation to where you have someone in the A-G position conducting the prosecution.

"Hmm... Do I indict myself?... Let me ponder that for awhile"

Some of the defendants...

< Thaksin and Suriya snipped >

current Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat

current Attorney-General Chaikasem Nitisiri

AEC Submits CTX Bomb Scanner Probe to Court

The assets probe panel will file the case of the CTX bomb scanner purchase to the Attorney-General for further submission to the Supreme Court. Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has allegedly been found to be involved in the scandal.

The Assets Examination Committee or AEC has unanimously resolved to file the CTX 9000 bomb detector scandal for the Suvarnabhumi airport to the Atorney-General, for further submission to the Supreme Court's Division for Political Office Holders.

AEC Spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said the defendants of the case are categorized into three groups.

The first group is politicians, including exiled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, former Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, and current Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

The second group includes officers of the New Bangkok International Airport Company, including the Attorney-General Chaikasem Nitisiri, who is a former board member of the firm.

Sak revealed that the panel will pass the prosecution to Attorney-General Chaikasem, giving the reason that the plaintiff has an interest in the case. *I imagine he would...especially as one of the defendants.*

The last group includes individuals who are accused in the bomb scanner purchase, including Managing Director of Patriot Business Consultant Company Worapoj Yasadatt, who was the broker of the deal.

In accordance with the investigation, the AEC Spokesman said the defendants set up specifications for the bomb detectors for Suvarnabhumi Airport, avoided fair competition, and provided support to only certain companies, and called for illegal benefits for contract partners on the project.

The accused are charged with violating the Act Concerning Offences Relating to the Submission of Bids to Government Agencies and the Act on Offence of State Organization or State Agency Official.

The panel also proposed a penalty for the plaintiffs to repay the procurement price difference of 6.936 Billion Baht, and asked the Attorney-General to submit the investigation report to the Supreme Court within seven days.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

p.s. I don't believe the blue text ever happened... I wonder why????

Edited July 5, 2008 by sriracha john

[brahmburgers]

this is getting weirder by the day. Some questions (pardon me if they sound naive):

>>> is there an authority in the PPP administration that has not been indicted for something in the past few years?

>>> are some Thai voters having second thoughts on the wisdom of their choices in the past 3 nationwide elections?

>>> are there any trustworthy candidates in Thailand - for upper level government positions?

>>> Does Samak and his ilk care for anything other than maintaining power and self-enrichment?

>>> Are Thai kids taught to tell the truth? Maybe they've never been taught that, or have never had any precedent/examples in their lives for telling the truth - and acting ethically. The 'Twinkie Defense' worked for Harvey Milk when he got off easy on a murder rap, maybe the excuse, "nobody ever told me how to be decent' or 'I never had any examples of decency" - can work as a defense strategy for Thai politicians and lawyers.

Edited July 6, 2008 by brahmburgers

[sriracha john]

this is getting weirder by the day. Some questions (pardon me if they sound naive):

>>> is there any higher ups in the PPP administration that have not been indicted for something in the past few years?

I'll just tackle your first query... with an updated AFAIK roster from the New Cabinet thread from their appointment just five months ago today... btw, if anyone knows of other updates not reflected, please mention them.

Prime Minister

Samak Sundaravej (CW), also Defence Minister

Deputy Prime Minister

Somchai Wongsawat (CW) (RP), also Education Minister

Mingkwan Saengsuwan, also Commerce Minister

Dr Surapong Suebwonglee (CW), also Finance Minister

Suwit Khunkitti (NB), also Industry Minister

Sahas Banditkul (SA)

Sanan Kachornprasart (PB)

PM's Office Minister

Jakrapob Penkair (CW) (NR), also Government Spokesman *RESIGNED*

Deputy Finance Ministers

Pradit Pataraprasit (NRO)

Ranongrak Suwanchawee (RP)

Foreign Minister

Noppadon Patama (NR)

Tourism and Sport Minister

Weerasak Kohsurat

Social Development and Human Security

Sutha Chansaeng (NRO) *RESIGNED*

Agriculture Minister

Somsak Prissananantakul

Deputy Agriculture Ministers

Sompat Kaewpijit

Theerachai Saenkaew (NB)

Transportation Minister

Santi Prompat (CW) (NR)

Deputy Transportation Ministers

Songsak Thongsri (NB)

Anurak Jureemart (CW) (NB)

Natural Resources and Environment Minister

Anongwan Thepsutin (RP)

Information, Communication and Technology Minister

Mun Pattanothai

Deputy Commerce Minister

Wiroon Techapaiboon

Banyin Tangpaporn (NB)

Energy Minister

Poonpirom Liptapanlop (RP)

Interior Minister

Chalerm Yoobamrung (VD)

Deputy Interior Ministers

Supon Fongngam (NB)

Sithichai Kohsurat (FV)

-- The Nation 2008-02-06

News Legend

CW : Crime-Watch (with ongoing criminal litagation)

RP : Related Proxy (by blood or marriage to a banned politico)

NR : Not Related (a close Thaksin associate that isn't RP)

NRO : Not Related Other (a close associate of Thaksin's inner circle, eg. Newin, Sudarat)

NB : Not Banned (a TRT'er who bailed out before the banning date)

PB : Previously Banned (completed their banning period)

FV : Forgery Victim (accused PPP of forging his signature on party membership list)

SA : Samak Aide (self-explanatory)

VD : Very Dodgy (doesn't fall into any of above categories, but nevertheless is...)

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

Cabinet Ministers NOT Listed Above

Deputy Health Minister

Chaovarat Chanweerakul (RP)

Science Minister

Wutthipong Chaisang (RP)

Deputy Education Minister

Pongsakorn Annopporn (NB)

PM's Office Minister (in addition to the previously listed PM's Office Minister)

Choosak Sirinin (NR)

Justice Minister

Sompong Amornwiwat (NB)

Labor Minister

Uraiwan Thienthong (CW)

Deputy Government Spokesman

Natthawut Saikua (CW)

[Plus]

>>> are some Thai voters having second thoughts on the wisdom of their choices in the past 3 nationwide elections?

Apparently not, they like as it is - squeaky clean people do not represent the majority here, and even labeled unThai (Abhisit).

>>> are there any trustworthy candidates in Thailand - for upper level government positions?

Current bunch have voters trust. Their mission is to take money away from "elites" and give some of it to the poor.

>>> Are Thai kids taught to tell the truth?

Yes, but so what - everyone knows Thai education system is a failure, and it is run by some of the most disgusting types around.

[sriracha john]

Indeed he is... along with the Thaksin's brother-in-law and current Deputy Prime Minister.

Beyond highly dubious to have a situation to where you have someone in the A-G position conducting the prosecution.

"Hmm... Do I indict myself?... Let me ponder that for awhile"

Some of the defendants...

< Thaksin and Suriya snipped >

current Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat

current Attorney-General Chaikasem Nitisiri

AEC Submits CTX Bomb Scanner Probe to Court

The assets probe panel will file the case of the CTX bomb scanner purchase to the Attorney-General for further submission to the Supreme Court. Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has allegedly been found to be involved in the scandal.

The Assets Examination Committee or AEC has unanimously resolved to file the CTX 9000 bomb detector scandal for the Suvarnabhumi airport to the Atorney-General, for further submission to the Supreme Court's Division for Political Office Holders.

AEC Spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said the defendants of the case are categorized into three groups.

The first group is politicians, including exiled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, former Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, and current Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

The second group includes officers of the New Bangkok International Airport Company, including the Attorney-General Chaikasem Nitisiri, who is a former board member of the firm.

Sak revealed that the panel will pass the prosecution to Attorney-General Chaikasem, giving the reason that the plaintiff has an interest in the case. *I imagine he would...especially as one of the defendants.*

The last group includes individuals who are accused in the bomb scanner purchase, including Managing Director of Patriot Business Consultant Company Worapoj Yasadatt, who was the broker of the deal.

In accordance with the investigation, the AEC Spokesman said the defendants set up specifications for the bomb detectors for Suvarnabhumi Airport, avoided fair competition, and provided support to only certain companies, and called for illegal benefits for contract partners on the project.

The accused are charged with violating the Act Concerning Offences Relating to the Submission of Bids to Government Agencies and the Act on Offence of State Organization or State Agency Official.

The panel also proposed a penalty for the plaintiffs to repay the procurement price difference of 6.936 Billion Baht, and asked the Attorney-General to submit the investigation report to the Supreme Court within seven days.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

p.s. I don't believe the blue text ever happened... I wonder why????

Good news... The NCCC is bypassing the stalling Attorney-General.....

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2072293

[sriracha john]

Peeshit:

The other person in prison, Supasri Srisawas:

The remaining person who was just put in prison today, Thana Tansiri

*still no luck*

Relatives and friends visit imprisoned lawyer

Groups of relatives and friends of Pichit Chuenbaan, a lawyer to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, totaling over 10 people traveled today to visit to give moral support to Pichit at the Bangkok Remand Prison.

Pichit has been sentenced by the Supreme Court to six months in prison for his involvement a bribery case at the Supreme Court.

The lawyer's friends revealed that he has been able to adjust somewhat to life in detainment, but is still experiencing some stress.

They stated however that they have not discussed the case with Pichit. His relatives today are speaking with prison authorities on leaving him personal items and food.

- ThaiNews

UPDATE... to mark Thaksin's lawyers approaching release from prison... they've now been disbarred....

Three former lawyers of Thaksin delisted

The Lawyers Council for Thailand has prepared to delist three ex-lawyers of the deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra from the lawyer directory within this December and to suspend their duties for five years.

Chairman of the Lawyers Council of Thailand Sitthichoke Sricharoen unveiled that the Council has unanimously decided on delisting Pichit Chuenban along with 2 other former lawyers of Thaksin from the Council's registration records.

They have been sentenced to a 6-month jail term on a bribery charge after illegally offering 2 Million Baht to Supreme Court officials.

Mr. Sitthichoke added, after the committee has considered the three defendants’ written testimonies coupled with the Supreme Court's deliberation based on given facts, that the defendants have been banned from conducting trials for five years.

Bangkok Special Prison Chief Songwut Pattanakul stated that the three convicts’ incarceration would come to expire on December 22nd.

The investigative officials will then have to prosecute them on the charge of bribery, or else they will be released.

- ThaiNews / 2008-12-09

Edited December 9, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Peeshit:

The other person in prison, Supasri Srisawas:

The remaining person who was just put in prison today, Thana Tansiri

*still no luck*

UPDATE... to mark Thaksin's lawyers approaching release from prison... they've now been disbarred....

Three former lawyers of Thaksin delisted

The Lawyers Council for Thailand has prepared to delist three ex-lawyers of the deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra from the lawyer directory within this December and to suspend their duties for five years.

Chairman of the Lawyers Council of Thailand Sitthichoke Sricharoen unveiled that the Council has unanimously decided on delisting Pichit Chuenban along with 2 other former lawyers of Thaksin from the Council's registration records.

Bangkok Special Prison Chief Songwut Pattanakul stated that the three convicts’ incarceration would come to expire on December 22nd.

The investigative officials will then have to prosecute them on the charge of bribery, or else they will be released.

* with just 3 days to go until their 6 months is up... seems Peeshit et al dodged one here... but the prosecutors could still file charges *

Police Not to File Bribery Charges against Exiled PM's Lawyers

An investigation report on the bribery case involving Thaksin's lawyers offering two-million baht cash to Supreme Court officials has been forwarded to the prosecutor.

Despite the police deciding not to file charges against the culprits, the public prosecutor may impeach the case later if they find evidence.

Regarding the case of the two million baht bribe offered to Supreme Court officials by three members of the legal team working for exiled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the chief criminal prosecutor, Kayasit Pisawongprakarn disclosed that he received the investigation report on the case two weeks ago, but the police decided not to file charges against the wrongdoers.

Kayasit said a working team has been appointed to adjudicate the report, but the announcement of the probe result is not scheduled yet because the process will take time to complete. However, the prosecutor may assign the police to conduct a further investigation later to find more evidence, and may have a different solution to the police.

All three convicts, including Thaksin's lawyer, Pichit Chuenban; his associate, Thana Tansiri; and his clerk, Supasri Srisawad will be released from prison on December 22nd, after they were given six-month jail terms for contempt of court.

On June 10th, the three accused delivered a paper bag containing two million baht in cash to a legal officer of the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Post Holders, Thitipong Chompunut. The court believes the move aimed to benefit the Ratchadapisek land purchase scandal of the exiled premier. The Supreme Court's investigative tribunal handed each of the three a six-month jail sentence on June 25th.

- TOC / 2008-12-19

[sriracha john]

Peeshit:

The other person in prison, Supasri Srisawas:

The remaining person who was just put in prison today, Thana Tansiri

*still no luck*

All three convicts, including Thaksin's lawyer, Pichit Chuenban; his associate, Thana Tansiri; and his clerk, Supasri Srisawad will be released from prison on December 22nd, after they were given six-month jail terms for contempt of court.

On June 10th, the three accused delivered a paper bag containing two million baht in cash to a legal officer of the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Post Holders, Thitipong Chompunut. The court believes the move aimed to benefit the Ratchadapisek land purchase scandal of the exiled premier. The Supreme Court's investigative tribunal handed each of the three a six-month jail sentence on June 25th.

Today's their big day... I bet they'll enjoy having private showers for a change.

[sriracha john]

Free at last... free at last... thank God Almighty, we're free at last...

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's three lawyers complete jail term

The three lawyers of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra were released from the Bangkok Special Prison after having served six-month jail term for contempt of court over the controversial 2 Million Baht bribery pastry box.

Phichit Chuenban and Thana Tansiri left the prison at 6 AM and quickly got into the cars their family brought to pick them up to avoid throngs of reporters waiting to interview them.

Supasri Srisawat, a clerk who was convicted on the same charge was also released from the Central Female Prison at 9.30 am.

Two weeks ago police dropped the bribery charge against the three lawyers and reported their decision to Special Public Prosecutor of the Criminal Litigation Department, Somjet Chaichalermpreecha.

A public prosecutor team has been appointed to look into the case and would decide whether to pursue or drop the case. The prosecutors may come up with different opinion from the police and can ask for further investigation.

Angkanung Lebnark, Director of the Central Female Prison said Supasri could not adjust to the prison life and was under heavy stress in the beginning. Prison officials had to look after her closely fearing she could hurt herself.

She was persuaded to ordain as a Buddhist nun to help calm her down, but she had health problem - the kidney disease that kept her back from joining the programme.

On June 10, the three found guilty of contempt of court for trying to bribe ML Thitipong Chompoonuch, a legal officer at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, and his colleagues by handing the paper bag containing the snack box stuffed with some 2 Million Baht in cash.

The lawyers represented Thaksin and then his wife, Pojaman Shinawatra, in the trial, in which the ex-premier is accused of abusing power while in office for a sweetheart deal with the government involving the purchase of the 33-rai of land on Ratchadapisek Road.

- The Nation / 2008-12-22

[ThNiner]

The Manager just reported today that the three lawyers have now been barred from practicing for five years.

http://www.manager.co.th/Crime/ViewNews.as...D=9520000104535

"สภาทนายลงดาบลบชื่อ 3 ทนายแม้วหิ้วถุงขนม 2 ล้าน 5 ปี!"="Lawyers' Council barred three lawyers with 2 million Baht candy bag for five years"

[LawnGnome]

I bet Thaksin feel's real real bad about that....

[SHYTALK]

Now I understand why the supreme court has not processed any of the PAD and yellow ones for their criminal activities and violence.

Not on the high priority list

But that is what you get with a junta appointed judiciary in the context of a military coup.

Two speed "justice" system

Bring back electoral democracy.

[LawnGnome]

Now I understand why the supreme court has not processed any of the PAD and yellow ones for their criminal activities and violence.

Not on the high priority list

But that is what you get with a junta appointed judiciary in the context of a military coup.

Two speed "justice" system

Bring back electoral democracy.

lol... Apparently your ability to judge dates on a calendar has been slightly impaired. Along with the fact that you think that judges are appointed by either the government/military...lol

[ThNiner]

Now I understand why the supreme court has not processed any of the PAD and yellow ones for their criminal activities and violence.

Don't quite see the connection. Could you elaborate more on this intricate reasoning of yours? And by the way, the court is set to rule on one of the charges against the PAD leaders tomorrow...I think.

[webfact]

Thaksin's lawyer has his license revoked for bribery attempt

The Law Society of Thailand's subcommittee on professional conduct on Wednesday ruled to revoke the lawyer license of Pichit Chuenban for his involvement in the bribery attempt last year.

Pichit was convicted for contempt of court and served six months in jail following the discovery that he and two associates left a bag of pastries containing Bt2 million in cash for officials at the Supreme Court.

The bribery incident happened in June, 2008 ahead of the graft trial on the Ratchadapisek land case involving his client and ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

-- The Nation 2009/09/09

[peoria]

The swath of corruption associated with Thaksin destroys more lives than just those that climbed into bed with him like these lawyers of his.

[jackspratt]

Now I understand why the supreme court has not processed any of the PAD and yellow ones for their criminal activities and violence.

Not on the high priority list

But that is what you get with a junta appointed judiciary in the context of a military coup.

Two speed "justice" system

Bring back electoral democracy.

lol... Apparently your ability to judge dates on a calendar has been slightly impaired. Along with the fact that you think that judges are appointed by either the government/military...lol

Not to mention that this is a ruling by the lawyers disciplinary body - nothing to do with the courts. And on a matter that goes to the very core of the administration of justice in Thailand, such as it is.

Perhaps Mr Talk ought to be a little Shyer before making inane comments.

[geriatrickid]

The law society really did not have a choice in this matter. When one is convicted of a criminal offense, one cannot practice as a lawyer. That's not just a rule in Thailand as it applies everywhere. Thankfully, there was no other option as the disbarment was long overdue,

Now if the discipline commitee would have a look into the allegations of mismanaged files, misappropriation of funds held in trust and the rip off of farang clients, it might help foreigners regain some confidence in the legal system.

[webfact]

//A post referring to a non-existing or fictitious person named toxin has been deleted.

Webfact

[mulliganstew]

With available money apparently drying up as identified by the Ballot Boxing thread, it seems that rather than resorting to bribing courts and investigators with pastry boxes full of money, they've switched to the more economical

methods detailed in the Nccc Member's Former House Attacked, Explosive was thrown thread.

[ThNiner]

With available money apparently drying up as identified by the Ballot Boxing thread, it seems that rather than resorting to bribing courts and investigators with pastry boxes full of money, they've switched to the more economical

methods detailed in the Nccc Member's Former House Attacked, Explosive was thrown thread.

After having opposed the idea of sufficient economy for while (because it was the King's idea?), seems like finally they are beginning to actually implement it themselves?