Supreme Court Takes New Case Against Thaksin Cabinet Over Rubber Saplings

[sriracha john]

former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

former Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchob

former Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak

BREAKING NEWS

Court agrees to hear sapling case against 44 people

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions decided Wednesday to put 44 people, including former Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchob and former Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, on trial for alleged irregularities relating to the procurement of 90 million rubber saplings. The accused are charged with collusion in illegal bidding on the state's 1.4 Billion-Baht rubber sapling distribution contract and for abusing the Farmers' Rehabilitation Fund. The court set the first hearing for September

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129344

Edited August 6, 2008 by tuky
Title Update

[jumnien]

Off Topic text removed

ozzydom

moderating team member

[sriracha john]

Additional background information on this specific case is available here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/findpost-p1826673.html&hl=

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/findpost-p1826858.html&hl=

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/findpost-p1872585.html&hl=

[sriracha john]

Supreme Court decides to commence trial of rubber seedling case against Newin

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions decided Wednesday to commence trial of the case in which former Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchob and 43 others collaborated to siphon from the 1.44 Billion Baht rubber seedling project.

The court scheduled the first hearing on September 23.

The National Counter Corruption Commission took over the case from the Assets Examination Committee to file the suit against Newin and 43 other officials, alleging them with malfeasance for their role in the project for distributing 90 million rubber seedlings to farmers.

- The Nation

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

*Mods: Just noticed, please amend thread title to read, ...Thaksin Cabinet.... I don't believe he personally is listed on this particular indictment, only his Cabinet underlings*

[tuky]

Interesting to see how Bush will comment on all this, especially given his Guantanamo Bay fiasco.

[hammered]

The more cases you can get into court against the more people, the more leverage you have in deal making. If Thaksin has been or is just about to be neutered there are a lot of deals to be made with people. Charges fall for some reason if the 'right' government or even just the 'right' policy is supported.

Cynical? Yes.

[Plus]

Tough to do a deal completely unnoticed by those pesky PAD people.

There's this talk about "gang of four" conspiring with Democrats to form a ne government, but it doesn't make any sense, really.

Thaksin problem has been solved, more or less, next in line for some comeuppance is supposed to be Newin, though he is a relatively minor player and is not worth wasting time on. They'd probably prefer to feed him rather than fight him.

[seri thai]

former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

former Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchob

former Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak

BREAKING NEWS

Court agrees to hear sapling case against 44 people

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions decided Wednesday to put 44 people, including former Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchob and former Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, on trial for alleged irregularities relating to the procurement of 90 million rubber saplings. The accused are charged with collusion in illegal bidding on the state's 1.4 Billion-Baht rubber sapling distribution contract and for abusing the Farmers' Rehabilitation Fund. The court set the first hearing for September

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129344

May I be the first in the forum to say this looks like a Ne-win situation? I've been in the queue for a long time.

[Old Man River]

Previous info on this case indicated that 45 people may be charged. It ends up 44. Who is the lucky guy that escaped being charged? Also, it looks like the well known agro company that was previously implicated isn't part of this court case.

I note that the charges are collusion in illegal bidding and abusing the farmer's rehab fund, but no charges against anyone specifically for receiving illegal funds. Why not?

[sriracha john]

Note: It's a bit confusing why the reporter uses singular in the headline and opening sentence, but more than one Cabinet minister is accused....

Ex-Cabinet minister faces graft charge in Thailand

BANGKOK, Thailand: A former Cabinet minister of ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's government will be tried next month on charges of abuse of authority and corruption in a rubber plantation scandal, the Supreme Court said Wednesday.

The case is among dozens that Thaksin and his associates face for illegal acts they allegedly committed during his five years in power. Thaksin was toppled by a military coup in September 2006.

Former Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and ex-Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchob are among 44 defendants who will be tried by the Supreme Court for alleged irregularities relating to the procurement of 90 million rubber saplings worth 1.4 Billion Baht (US$41.5 million).

Somkid is accused of abusing his authority because a farmer's rehabilitation fund from which the money for the saplings was drawn was supposed to have been used to replace old rubber trees rather than to expand plantation areas.

Allegations of corruption during the bidding process have also been made, the court said.

The court set Sept. 23 for the first hearing.

Thaksin faces trial in four cases while others are pending investigation or a court decision on whether to proceed with trials.

- Associated Press

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

To re-emphasize for posting clarity, the four cases are:

The Ratchadapisek Land case:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Arrest-Warra...in-t137480.html

Arrest Warrants Issued For Former PM Thaksin And His Wife

The 2- and 3-Digit Lottery case:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thaksin-30-M...ic-t154897.html

Thaksin And 30 Members Of His Cabinet Indicted, total of 47 indicted on a variety of charges

The Burma Loan case:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Supreme-Cour...in-t203169.html

Supreme Court Takes New Case Against Thaksin Over Myanmar Loan

The AIS Telecom case:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Attorney-Gen...-C-t199548.html

Attorney-General Files New Telecom Case Against Thaksin At Supreme Court, alleges 40 Billion Baht in damages

Edited August 6, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Prosecution proceeds as Thai courts accept rubber sapling case

BANGKOK, Aug 6 (TNA) - Thailand's Supreme Court has accepted a case presented against former Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and former Deputy Minister of Agriculture Newin Chidchob involving the 1.4 Billion Baht rubber sapling project.

Supreme Court judges in charge of criminal lawsuits against persons having political status took into account the case earlier submitted by the now-defunct Assets Examination Committee which charged that Somkid, Newin and 42 others had allegedly abused power in the nationwide distribution of about 90 million rubber saplings worth 1.4 Billion Baht during the previous Thaksin administration.

The Supreme Court scheduled the first trial on the case for September 23 and allowed the National Counter Corruption Commission to act on behalf of the now disbanded asset probe panel.

[slapout]

The fat lady may not be singing yet but she is most certainly humming the lyrics to the song.

[steveromagnino]

The fat lady may not be singing yet but she is most certainly humming the lyrics to the song.

hold up, there is no mention of Sudarat here????! 55555555555555555555555

[ozzydom]

Previous info on this case indicated that 45 people may be charged. It ends up 44. Who is the lucky guy that escaped being charged? Also, it looks like the well known agro company that was previously implicated isn't part of this court case.

I note that the charges are collusion in illegal bidding and abusing the farmer's rehab fund, but no charges against anyone specifically for receiving illegal funds. Why not?

Maybe No. 45 is to be the star witness for the prosecution (super grass).

[marshbags]

Prosecution proceeds as Thai courts accept rubber sapling case

BANGKOK, Aug 6 (TNA) - Thailand's Supreme Court has accepted a case presented against former Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and former Deputy Minister of Agriculture Newin Chidchob involving the 1.4 Billion Baht rubber sapling project.

Supreme Court judges in charge of criminal lawsuits against persons having political status took into account the case earlier submitted by the now-defunct Assets Examination Committee which charged that Somkid, Newin and 42 others had allegedly abused power in the nationwide distribution of about 90 million rubber saplings worth 1.4 Billion Baht during the previous Thaksin administration.

The Supreme Court scheduled the first trial on the case for September 23 and allowed the National Counter Corruption Commission to act on behalf of the now disbanded asset probe panel.

Nice one and yet another to add to the ever increasing list S.J.

Newin is at last rubber stamped for the Supreme Court and should be in line for some supreme time out, along with many others of the well and truly defuncted TRT factions and their surrogate partners in crime.

marshbags

[seri thai]

Newin is at last rubber stamped for the Supreme Court and should be in line for some supreme time out, along with many others of the well and truly defuncted TRT factions and their surrogate partners in crime.

[/unquote]

This is all very good but - Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Still if you cant take a joke you shouldn't have got a one year visa.

[sriracha john]

Supreme Court Accepts Rubber Sapling Case against Thaksin's Ministers

The Supreme Court has agreed to accept another legal case against two of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's ministers and more than 40 others accused of involvement in the irregularities surrounding the state rubber seedling project.

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions decided today to take the case in which former Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and former Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchob, along with 43 others, have been accused of siphoning the 1.44 billion baht rubber seedling project.

The court has scheduled the first hearing for September 23rd.

The case was filed by the now-defunct Assets Examination Committee on June 27th this year. The National Counter Corruption Commission took over the case from the AEC. Somkid, Newin, and 43 other officials are accused of malfeasance for their role in the project, which distributed 90 million rubber seedlings to farmers.

Three private companies are also accused in the case, including Thailand's food conglomerate, CP Group.

- Thailand Outlook

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

Taking on CP Group will be almost as big a challenge as Thaksin's henchmen...

[sriracha john]

Trial date set for rubber sapling scandal

Somkid Jatusripitak and Newin Chidchob are among 44 people set to face trial over a controversial rubber saplings project.

Somkid is a former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, who chaired a committee on policies and measures to help farmers. Newin is a former Deputy Agriculture Minister.

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders decided yesterday to commence a trial over alleged irregularities in the 1.4 Billion Baht project. The 44 suspects are divided into three groups.

The first group involves political office-holders who sat on a committee screening projects for the Cabinet, a panel on policies and measures to help farmers, and a team that managed the rubber sapling project which set terms of reference for the bidding.

The second group is state officials on the committee that oversaw the bidding.

The third group is the companies that were allegedly involved, namely Charoen Pokphand Seeds, Resort Land, and Ek Charoen Agriculture.

The Court also permitted the National Counter Corruption Commission, which took over the case from the now-defunct Assets Examination Committee (AEC), to be the plaintiff in the case.

The AEC had earlier recommended that Somkid, Newin, and 42 others be charged with malfeasance, collusion in a state tender for violating Articles 151 and 157, plus Articles 4 and 10-14 of the Offences and Collusion in State Bidding 1999 Act in the procurement of 90 million rubber saplings. The court scheduled the first hearing at 10am on September 23.

Supreme Court chief judge Bunrawd Tanprasert, led a panel of nine judges to read the decision yesterday. The panel found the court had jurisdiction to hear the case in accordance to Article 9 of the Criminal Procedures of Political Office-Holders 1999 Act. The suit was filed in line with the Supreme Court's criminal procedures.

The court dismissed a petition from the defendants' that sought a Constitution Court ruling on whether the AEC had the legitimacy to recommend charges against them. The court explained that the Constitution Court gave a verdict on June 31 this year that the AEC had the right to investigate corruption and that an extension of its term was legal. However, the court said the defendants could object to the NCCC and the AEC during the trial. The court ruling will be delivered to defendants in 10 days. Jessada Anucharee, a lawyer with the Law Society of Thailand, said all defendants must report to the court personally, otherwise they would face arrest warrants.

The scheme was initiated by Newin in 2004, but irregularities came to light when farmers complained about the poor quality of the saplings, a million of which were reportedly dead when delivered.

- The Nation

[tracer]

Trial date set for rubber sapling scandal

The scheme was initiated by Newin in 2004, but irregularities came to light when farmers complained about the poor quality of the saplings, a million of which were reportedly dead when delivered.

- The Nation

If I read this properly they gave a heap of lousy plants to farmers to grow...

Has that now stopped and if not can farmers complain about lousy plants received.....

Reason is simply that it costs a lot of money / income.... and many years before real damage is known.

In short who will trust current goverment or CP to tell the truth...

[tracer]

Trial date set for rubber sapling scandal

The scheme was initiated by Newin in 2004, but irregularities came to light when farmers complained about the poor quality of the saplings, a million of which were reportedly dead when delivered.

- The Nation

If I read this properly they gave a heap of lousy plants to farmers to grow...

Has that now stopped and if not can farmers complain about lousy plants received.....

Reason is simply that it costs a lot of money / income.... and many years before real damage is known.

In short who will trust current goverment or CP to tell the truth...

Wife just saw it on the news and as seemingly many were planted in Isan (Chiang Mai!!!) I cannot see these poor Isan farmers being happy about it.... As mentioned earlier: if these guys get convicted the real damage is much bigger then most people realise as it may have taken 4-6 years to realise the trees may be small rubber trees but maybe without rubber and then replanting cost, loss of income cost, replanting etc all in Taksins home province.... Assuming thats true, I cannot see him coming back soon!!! They are still in the process of planning the planting for this year so it sounds kind of urgent to know where the last batch of good trees went...

[sriracha john]

Trial date set for rubber sapling scandal

The scheme was initiated by Newin in 2004, but irregularities came to light when farmers complained about the poor quality of the saplings, a million of which were reportedly dead when delivered.

- The Nation

If I read this properly they gave a heap of lousy plants to farmers to grow...

Has that now stopped and if not can farmers complain about lousy plants received.....

Reason is simply that it costs a lot of money / income.... and many years before real damage is known.

In short who will trust current goverment or CP to tell the truth...

Wife just saw it on the news and as seemingly many were planted in Isan (Chiang Mai!!!) I cannot see these poor Isan farmers being happy about it.... As mentioned earlier: if these guys get convicted the real damage is much bigger then most people realise as it may have taken 4-6 years to realise the trees may be small rubber trees but maybe without rubber and then replanting cost, loss of income cost, replanting etc all in Taksins home province.... Assuming thats true, I cannot see him coming back soon!!! They are still in the process of planning the planting for this year so it sounds kind of urgent to know where the last batch of good trees went...

Not just "many were planted"... the ENTIRE project was based upon planting rubber trees in Issan and the North...

The programme is part of the government's plan to extend rubber plantations, long associated with the South, to 36 provinces in the North and the Northeast.

- MCOT / Feb. 5, 2008

An additional tidbit, also from the basement archives, on one of the indicted...

Interesting that an Agricultural Ministry official would procure Agricultural products through the Agricultural Ministry for his own Agricultural land....

Meanwhile, a panel investigating corruption in the purchase of rubber saplings said they were trying to ascertain if former PM's Office Minister [AND former Deputy Agricultural Minister] Newin Chidchob bought the saplings from the project to grow on his land in Buriram's Satu district.

- The Nation

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

I wonder how many of the dead rubber saplings, that so many others got "stuck" with, got sent to his farm..... any?

one last tidbit from a different corner of the basement...

Banjerd Singkhaneti, head of the ASC sub-committee investigating the rubber sapling case, said if the accused were found guilty by the court, some would face jail terms ranging from five to 20 years while others could get life imprisonment.

- TNA / Feb. 19, 2008

[tracer]

Trial date set for rubber sapling scandal

The scheme was initiated by Newin in 2004, but irregularities came to light when farmers complained about the poor quality of the saplings, a million of which were reportedly dead when delivered.

- The Nation

If I read this properly they gave a heap of lousy plants to farmers to grow...

Has that now stopped and if not can farmers complain about lousy plants received.....

Reason is simply that it costs a lot of money / income.... and many years before real damage is known.

In short who will trust current goverment or CP to tell the truth...

Wife just saw it on the news and as seemingly many were planted in Isan (Chiang Mai!!!) I cannot see these poor Isan farmers being happy about it.... As mentioned earlier: if these guys get convicted the real damage is much bigger then most people realise as it may have taken 4-6 years to realise the trees may be small rubber trees but maybe without rubber and then replanting cost, loss of income cost, replanting etc all in Taksins home province.... Assuming thats true, I cannot see him coming back soon!!! They are still in the process of planning the planting for this year so it sounds kind of urgent to know where the last batch of good trees went...

Not just "many were planted"... the ENTIRE project was based upon planting rubber trees in Issan and the North...

The programme is part of the government's plan to extend rubber plantations, long associated with the South, to 36 provinces in the North and the Northeast.

- MCOT / Feb. 5, 2008

An additional tidbit, also from the basement archives, on one of the indicted...

Interesting that an Agricultural Ministry official would procure Agricultural products through the Agricultural Ministry for his own Agricultural land....

Meanwhile, a panel investigating corruption in the purchase of rubber saplings said they were trying to ascertain if former PM's Office Minister [AND former Deputy Agricultural Minister] Newin Chidchob bought the saplings from the project to grow on his land in Buriram's Satu district.

- The Nation

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

I wonder how many of the dead rubber saplings, that so many others got "stuck" with, got sent to his farm..... any?

one last tidbit from a different corner of the basement...

Banjerd Singkhaneti, head of the ASC sub-committee investigating the rubber sapling case, said if the accused were found guilty by the court, some would face jail terms ranging from five to 20 years while others could get life imprisonment.

- TNA / Feb. 19, 2008

amazing Thailand....

cheating with bad quality trees and then planting them on his own land...

One can tell one thing from this, he cannot know much about rubber trees!!!

However have these bad trees ONLY been supplied to ISAN???

Reason I ask is that the wife is aranging replanting this year but if the replacement trees are bad....

Lucky we are not in Isan!

Old ones being chopped at present.

Whatever, they have to sort out where these bad quality trees were delivered to.

Owners will find out anyway!!! The very first time a knife is put on the tree they KNOW.....

[sriracha john]

Just one trial

Only one of the criminal cases against former PM Thaksin Shinawatra will proceed in his absence while he is a fugitive abroad, a source at the Supreme Court said Wednesday. Under the rules governing the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, defendants must be present at the first hearing, where they must formally acknowledge the proceedings after hearing the court read out the charges. Of the cases against Thaksin, who on Monday skipped bail and announced he was staying in London, only the Ratchadaphisek land case will proceed, and a verdict be issued, if Thaksin does not return to Thailand, the source said. "So if he does not appear in court at the first hearing after the court accepts a lawsuit against him, that case would be suspended. The court may also issue a warrant for his arrest," said the source. Deputy Attorney-General Waiyawut Lortrakul said yesterday a planned civil lawsuit to seek the confiscation of 76 billion baht of Thaksin's assets will not be halted. The case can proceed in their absence and they can appoint lawyers to attend the trial on their behalf. Mr Waiyawut said the lawsuit will be filed as soon as it is approved by Attorney-General Chaikasem Nitisiri. The House Committee on Finance, Banking and Financial Institutes has been informed the Attorney-General is considering seizing Thaksin's assets. The only way for Thaksin to have the assets returned is to attend court.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=129594

[sriracha john]

UPDATE... things kick off today...

former Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchob

Supreme Court to start rubber saplings case today

A court case over irregularities relating to the procurement of 90 million rubber saplings is due to open in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions today. The case was filed by the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) against 44 people, including former Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and former Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchob. The defendants have been charged with collaborating in illegal bidding in the government's 1.4 Billion Baht rubber sapling distribution scheme, which was introduced by the Thaksin Shinawatra administration. In the spotlight will be Newin, who allegedly tricked the screening committee into backing the rubber sapling scheme. At the time Newin supervised the Department of Agriculture and the Office of the Rubber Replanting Aid Fund (RRAF). Jetsada Anujaree, a lawyer representing the NCCC, said the defendants are expected to hand their statements to the court today. It is not known if all 44 defendants will show up in court, he said. Mr Jetsada said he expects the trial to proceed quickly, but could not say when the court would hand down a

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/230908_News/23Sep2008_news13.php

Edited September 23, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Thai court opens rubber sapling corruption case Tuesday

BANGKOK, Sept 22 (TNA) -- The Thai Supreme Court Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on Tuesday opens its first trial in the large-scale corruption regarding rubber saplings in which 44 persons, including five former government ministers, were allegedly involved.

Jessada Anujaree, a lawyer representing the now defunct Assets Examination Committee (AEC) and responsible for the case, said the trial will start at 10 am and that all the 44 defendants must appear at the first hearing. * time for Thaksin arrest warrant Number 5? *

All 44 defendants were accused of allegedy involvement in the 1.44 Billion Baht rubber sapling project in which the ousted government of Thaksin Shinawatra awarded contracts to private companies to grow 90 million saplings.

Among those accused in the case are former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, former Deputy Finance Minister Varathep Ratanakorn, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Newin Chidchob, former Agriculture Minister Sorra-at Klinprathum, and former Commerce Minister Adisai Photaramik.

Three private companies including Thailand's largest agro-industrial conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group subsidiary, Charoen Pokphand Seeds were allegedly involved in the procurement and were charged with supplying poor quality rubber saplings to farmers.

The court accepted the case for hearing on August 6 and allowed the National Counter Corruption Commission to become the plaintiff, replacing the AEC which is now dissolved.

[sriracha john]

Among those accused in the case are former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, former Deputy Finance Minister Varathep Ratanakorn, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Newin Chidchob, former Agriculture Minister Sorra-at Klinprathum, and former Commerce Minister Adisai Photaramik.

To compliment Somkid's and Newin's photos posted earlier and to add to the Rogue's Gallery...

former Deputy Finance Minister Varathep Ratanakorn

former Agriculture Minister Sorra-at Klinprathum

former Commerce Minister Adisai Photaramik

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Court holds first hearing for rubber saplings case

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions has scheduled its first hearing today at 10 AM for alleged mishandling in the purchase of 90 million rubber saplings worth a total of 1.44 billion baht.

The case was initiated by now defunct Assets Examination Committee (AEC). It alleged 44 defendants divided into 3 groups. The first group, politicians, includes former Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, former Deputy Minister of Finance Warathep Rattanakorn and former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Newin Chidchob. The second group comprised civil servants and the third group is composed of private companies, including Thailand's largest agro-industry conglomerate Charoen Pokphand group's subsidiary Charoen Pokphand Seeds Co. All the three groups are being charged with violating criminal code section 157, abusing their positions of authority as well as rigging auctions, fraud and a gambit of other allegations.

The Supreme Court accepted the case on August 6 and allowed the National Counter Corruption Commission to act on behalf of the AEC as plaintiff in the case.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 September 2008

[Scott]

One wonders if there are any honest folks left here. Certainly among politicians the picking are getting VERY thin. The leaders of PAD are under arrest warrants, so just exactly whose going to run the country?

[AlKing]

Is the Supreme Court allowed to hear rubber stamping cases. Samak will be first to be charged.

[h90]

One wonders if there are any honest folks left here. Certainly among politicians the picking are getting VERY thin. The leaders of PAD are under arrest warrants, so just exactly whose going to run the country?

The arrest warrants of the PAD leader came from Samak and it is because of "treason" (not sure for the english), not because of corruption.