Thaksin and Wife Fail to Board Return Flight

[Samuian]

Thai Rath's Lom Salatan:

Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's decision to go back into exile in London is a step back that may enable him to make a political return. Thaksin joins two prominent Thais on the run from the courts. Ex-Finance One executive Pin Chakkaphak has been in London for 10 years after an extradition request was rejected. Rakesh Saxena, a one time bank adviser accused of stock manipulation and fraud, is in Canada. Unlike Mr Pin and Mr Saxena, who are not politicians, Thaksin is unlikely to stay put. He is lying low in order to make a few more steps forward. He wants a comeback. If he really wants to wash his hands of politics, why does he urge supporters to be patient? Thaksin's battle with his enemies will be a long one. A boxer knocked down in the first round may make a comeback. It's all about strategy and patience. You don't count a boxer out until the final bell rings. And surely Thaksin can wait.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/180808_News/18Aug2008_news23.php

Yes Rakesh Saxena rings a bell, back in 1998 after the Finance Crash, he went to Canada, extradition attempts failed....

The Article makes no excuses, it's straight forward about what to expect in the future, we will be witnesses how this will be accomplished!

Hope the system will get this one right once and for all, if not, I see some troubled times ahead!

[marshbags]

August 18, 2008 : Last updated 02:52 pm

Some 200 PPP MPs sign open letter to Samak

Some 200 People Power Party MPs have signed an open letter to demand Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to explain why police had embarrassed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra by distributing arrest warrant against him and his wife nationwide.

Samut Prakan MP Songkram Kijlertpairoj said about 200 MPs had signed the open letter, which would be submitted to Samak Monday evening.

He said Samak would be demanded to explain in his capacity as the chairman of the Police Commission why police distributed copies of warrants in a way that embarrassed Thaksin and his wife.

The Nation

Unquote

Well, we all know where their priorities are and what they consider is more important than actually going on the run from the judicary in the first place.

200 ( alledged ) PPP, M.P,s ... and these are the people elected to look after the country and it,s citizens interests and well being.

marshbags

Edited August 18, 2008 by marshbags

[marshbags]

Apologies if their is a more suitable thread ongoing for this B.News story but it is a useful indicator of what may be coming the family on thre run.

Perhaps then additional years on top of it.

The Nation August 18, 2008 : Last updated 04:42 pm

Fugitive Vatana gets 10-year imprisonment

Former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame was yesterday sentenced to ten-year imprisonment by the Supreme Court for corruption in the Klong Dan wasted water treatement.

The tribunal of nine judges of the Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions voted 8 to 1 to convict Vatana and jail him for ten years.

Vatana was sentenced in absentia as he has fled reportedly to Koh Kong, Cambodia.

The Nation

Another so called member of the alledged elite who changes into his true role he earned while in office, instead of looking after the countries interest he abused his position and has rightly been convicted in his abscence and goes from elite to and less than that of a corrupt common criminal.

marshbags

Your starter for 10 then as the saying goes back home

Edited August 18, 2008 by marshbags

[Samuian]

Well, we all know where their priorities are and what they consider is more important than actually going on the run from the judicary in the first place.

200 ( alledged ) PPP, M.P,s ... and these are the people elected to look after the country and it,s citizens interests and well being.

marshbags

hmmm... how high was the handout/paycheck ? Or do they all run PR Agencies now?

Maybe soon it turns into a human rights campaign!?

The poor guy, his wife, family, can one imagine the psychological damage, no more dignity, the incredible trauma they are going trough, while shopping and watching the Olympics?

These Dictators under the veil of Democracy!

Edited August 18, 2008 by Samuian

[marshbags]

The Nation August 18, 2008 : Last updated 04:42 pm

edited for brevity

Fugitive Vatana gets 10-year imprisonment

Former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame was yesterday sentenced to ten-year imprisonment by the Supreme Court for corruption in the Klong Dan wasted water treatement.

The tribunal of nine judges of the Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions voted 8 to 1 to convict Vatana and jail him for ten years.

edited for brevity

Your starter for 10 then as the saying goes back home

Then again let,s make it your starter for 12.....

B.Post, Breaking News, 18-08-08

Court sentences Vatana 12 years' imprisonment

(Bangkokpost.com) - The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, by an eight-to-one vote on Monday, sentenced chief advisor to the Puea Pandin party and former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame to 12 years’ imprisonment without parole after finding him guilty in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project corruption case

Unquote

Please go to Ref url :- http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129743

Two years more sounds even better and without parole as well.

Wether or not the sentence is served remains up in the air at the present time, but the fact that the guilty verdict was passed down is a new concept regarding the so called priviledged ( pre lunch box times ) criminals who in the past would have got a not guilty one.

Reckon there will be a few soiled underclothes for those yet to face, who haven,t run away from their proven guilty fate.

Let us hope they don,t allow them to go on a visit overseas before their respective due days in court.

marshbags

Edited August 18, 2008 by marshbags

[hammered]

The Vatana decison makes it harder for Thaksin to claim it is only aimed at him. This is a very long running case invovling someone who has been part of the politcal establishment for a long time and with governments of all persuasions. This with Potjaman and Kamnan Poh creates at least a meme if not the fact (it is up to people to decide on which) of a move against all corrupt and high profile offenders that come before the courts. Raising Pin and Rakesh also reminds peopel of previous flight from court cases. It is getting harder to say it is all just aimed at one person. To make the arguement that Thaksin is the only high profile Thai politcian to fall foul of the courts is to deny the other cases. That all mentioned currently live abroad in exile identifies Thaksin as part of a similar group. If this had planned, which considering the dates of Pin and reakesh's flights is highly unlikely, probably impossible, it would have been a politcal masterpiece. Thaksin does face difficulties in tryiong to win the PR war which he is normally so good at, but this time finds himself struggling in to date.

[OJAS]

Yesterday (Sunday), Manchester City FC welcomed their owner back to the UK with a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa FC in their opening match of the new English Premier League season

[ratcatcher]

August 18, 2008 : Last updated 02:52 pm

Some 200 PPP MPs sign open letter to Samak

Some 200 People Power Party MPs have signed an open letter to demand Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to explain why police had embarrassed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra by distributing arrest warrant against him and his wife nationwide.

Samut Prakan MP Songkram Kijlertpairoj said about 200 MPs had signed the open letter, which would be submitted to Samak Monday evening.

He said Samak would be demanded to explain in his capacity as the chairman of the Police Commission why police distributed copies of warrants in a way that embarrassed Thaksin and his wife.

The Nation

Unquote

Well, we all know where their priorities are and what they consider is more important than actually going on the run from the judicary in the first place.

200 ( alledged ) PPP, M.P,s ... and these are the people elected to look after the country and it,s citizens interests and well being.

marshbags

Is it actually possible to embarrass someone of Thaksin's ilk? I mean his overweening manner and smugness surely protects him from simple embarrassment?

This is a man who has always had things "His way" or like Frankie, done things "My way"

He likes to try and fly with the eagles but right now, he's looking like a turkey ready for the oven.

His wife is a convicted criminal who has been sentenced to a prison term for tax fraud.

Both he and his wife jumped bail, in itself, a crime.

"BAIL JUMPING - 18 USC 3146, makes it a Federal crime or offense for anyone who has been released on bail to thereafter willfully fail to appear when required to do so.

A person can be found guilty of that offense only if all of the following facts are proved:

First: That the person had been admitted to bail pursuant to an order of a Judge or Magistrate of a Court with proper juridiction;

Second: That the person thereafter failed to appear before a Judge or Magistrate of a Court with proper juridiction as required; and

Third: That the person did so knowingly and willfully."

They both jumped bail, thus they are both criminals on the run. Where's the problem with the "Wanted" posters and arrest warrants?

Someone please explain why his sycophantic followers believe he has been maligned and is worthy of respect.

Edited August 18, 2008 by ratcatcher

[sriracha john]

Thai Rath's Lom Salatan:

Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's decision to go back into exile in London is a step back that may enable him to make a political return. Thaksin joins two prominent Thais on the run from the courts. Ex-Finance One executive Pin Chakkaphak has been in London for 10 years after an extradition request was rejected. Rakesh Saxena, a one time bank adviser accused of stock manipulation and fraud, is in Canada. Unlike Mr Pin and Mr Saxena, who are not politicians, Thaksin is unlikely to stay put. He is lying low in order to make a few more steps forward. He wants a comeback. If he really wants to wash his hands of politics, why does he urge supporters to be patient? Thaksin's battle with his enemies will be a long one. A boxer knocked down in the first round may make a comeback. It's all about strategy and patience. You don't count a boxer out until the final bell rings. And surely Thaksin can wait.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/180808_News/18Aug2008_news23.php

Yes Rakesh Saxena rings a bell, back in 1998 after the Finance Crash, he went to Canada, extradition attempts failed....

The Article makes no excuses, it's straight forward about what to expect in the future, we will be witnesses how this will be accomplished!

Hope the system will get this one right once and for all, if not, I see some troubled times ahead!

Pin and Ragez console Thaksin “It is okay - You will become accustomed to it”

[The two men are Pin Jakkapark and Ragez Saksena, both men who sought asylum after being accused of crimes in Thailand. Both were part of the failed Bangkok Bank of Commerce.]

- Poojatkuan newspaper / August 15, 2008... translated by 2Bangkok.com

[Crushdepth]

I have proposal. Since changing the constition to prevent dissolution of political parties for electoral fraud is so controversial, maybe the PPP should instead opt to establish a 'Luxury Prison For Political Prisoners' based in a convenient tax haven. They could also amend the penal code to allow politicians to be sentenced to 'hard leisure', with life sentences the norm.

[sriracha john]

Apologies if their is a more suitable thread ongoing for this

Thanks for posting, marshbags. I took the liberty of copying this post and Post #548 into the topic-specific thread here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2153526

Irregularities Investigation On Waste Water Treatment Plant

Edited August 18, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Somchai: Rights of MPs to seek information on Thaksins arrest warrant from PM

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Somchai Wongsawat commented on the fact that several members of the House of Representatives from the People Power Party have prepared a memo to the Prime Minister for him to clarify the arrest warrant for former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

Somchai said that the request was based on their own personal opinions on the matter and their need to obtain the details of the issue.

The MP's cannot seek the information from the Office of the National Police as it would be considered as an interference in the legal system.

The DPM assured that the issue is not a sign of pressure against the PM.

- ThaiNews / 18-08-08

[sriracha john]

Samak needs to remember... They are "uncommon criminals"... they are "extraordinary criminals"...

PPP questions Samak on letting police treat Thaksin like a common criminal

A group of 200 MPs from the People Power Party circulated Monday an open letter demanding to know why the police were distributing warrants for the arrest of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman.

"The letter wants Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to explain why the police has been encouraged to openly treat Thaksin and Pojaman like ordinary criminals," MP Songkhram Kitlertpairoj said.

He and his fellow MPs would be asking the premier to justify his actions at the party meeting today.

"If Samak doesn't show up, we will record our thoughts and criticism on video and give it to him later," he said.

At this juncture, he said, the MPs needed to hear Samak's rebuttals before deciding their next move. However, he dismissed speculation about there being any attempts to remove Samak from his post as Party Leader.

Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri said the party's faction led by Newin Chidchob still saw Samak as the most qualified person as prime minister. However, he added, that Samak could have been approached for an explanation directly instead of the MPs releasing an open letter endorsed by 200 signatures.

He said his faction was in no way involved in the letter nor in the formation of the Puea Thai Party, seen as a backup in case the main coalition party is dissolved.

MP Paijit Sriworakan from the Isaan Pattana faction said he had co-signed the letter because his faction wanted to question the mistreatment inflicted upon Thaksin.

Chiang Mai MP Surapong Towijakchaikul said he and other MPs from the North and Northeast were ready to go under the banner of the Puea Thai Party if their main coalition party were to be disbanded.

"If Samak decides to call a snap election before PPP is dissolved, then the MPs will immediately adopt the Puea Thai banner," he said.

Meanwhile, Pojanee na Pomphet, Thaksin's mother-in-law, had lunch with several PPP MPs yesterday, but refused to talk to reporters. Party sources said Pojanee often had lunch with some party officials and MPs because the party's headquarters are located in a building owned by her daughter Pojaman.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat encouraged the move to ask Samak about the arrest warrants, though he denied that it was in any way a showdown between factions in the party and neither was it a move to pressure or challenge Samak's leadership.

Somchai said the MPs just wanted to know why the Royal Thai Police was allowed to humiliate Thaksin and his wife by distributing arrest warrants for them nationwide when they clearly knew that the couple were living in Britain.

- The Nation / 18-08-08

[sriracha john]

Samak needs to remember... They are "uncommon criminals"... they are "extraordinary criminals"...

PPP questions Samak on letting police treat Thaksin like a common criminal

A group of 200 MPs from the People Power Party circulated Monday an open letter demanding to know why the police were distributing warrants for the arrest of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman.

"The letter wants Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to explain why the police has been encouraged to openly treat Thaksin and Pojaman like ordinary criminals," MP Songkhram Kitlertpairoj said.

He and his fellow MPs would be asking the premier to justify his actions at the party meeting today.

"If Samak doesn't show up, we will record our thoughts and criticism on video and give it to him later," he said.

further explanation of the above comments regarding the Party Leader... he doesn't "do" Party meetings...

Nakhon Phanom MP Paijit Sriworakhan, who is one of the campaigners [for the letter-writing], said his group did not get the chance to meet the Prime Minister as he seldom attends party meetings. He insisted his move is not intended to pressure Samak, but the issuance of the warrant against Thaksin has dampened the sentiment of people in the Northeast.

- Thailand Outlook / 18-08-08

Edited August 18, 2008 by sriracha john

[majorpacman]

The PPP are dumb ass, and still loyal to Thaksin. Sponge Bob(Thaksin) and his family rich and went shopping in england, while the PPP get shit. Sponge Bob face is a criminal on the run! He was given a chances to defense himself in court and then ran away, basically he guilty. In US,Once you don't show for your hearing date,basically a warrant is out for you arrest. Shit, thai politicans are dumbass and not dependable. This is the reason, i want to get my thai relatives out of thailand. The thai people speaks thai politely and stuffs, but don't let them fool you, people living in poverty will results in jacking you. Some are good people but a few in my opinion.

Edited August 18, 2008 by majorpacman

[Plus]

I quite like Sponge Bob. He's better than Thaksin.

[sriracha john]

Every dog has its day, but Thaksin has had too many

Thaksin Shinawatra refuses to lie low after his self-imposed exile in England. After a flight from China, he was immediately in the spotlight, with pictures of him and his family on the front page of local publications. He promises an unending war with the powers-that-be back home.

The powers-that-be, to him, are not the ruling government members who serve as his nominees and cronies, trying to free him from legal troubles. What he means is the "invisible hands" manipulating his downfall and trying to drag him into prison.

Declaring a bitter grudge against his adversaries in a handwritten statement, Thaksin urged his followers and cronies to wait for his return. He will have his day, and that should mean sweet revenge.

The statement debased the country's judicial process. Thaksin told the world that Thailand was no longer fair to him and he prefers to reside in England, the true democratic society.

People in the UK, following his moves, must have been surprised to some extent by the vehemence of a man expected to seek political asylum. How can a man who betrays his motherland be expected to show loyalty and respect for the country he chooses as a refuge from criminal proceedings?

Surely, there must be some reservations among the people there about this man and his wife, who has been convicted of tax dodging. They must show a keen interest in how Thaksin brought his wealth to their land and whether there was a trace of money laundering in his purchase of Manchester City Football Club.

Wherever he goes, Thaksin can be either a darling or a villain, depending upon circumstances and the role he plays. London might once have been a city offering a warm reception. Now there is growing doubt and increasing negative publicity. Is the sense of distrust getting thicker?

Back here, our authorities are exploring ways to seek the extradition of Thaksin to stand trial for criminal wrongdoing. There are more than 20 cases pending and the large number alone tells the world that the man cannot have been as clean and innocent as he claims to be.

Credibility is what he needs to seek political asylum. Even if he gets it from the British authorities, that might not be what he truly needs. That comes with conditions and he cannot badmouth the country of his birth.

As repeated here time and again, Thaksin doesn't need justice as he claims. He badly needs to be free from all criminal proceedings. His attorneys have been caught red-handed while attempting to bribe court officials, even judges. Bought justice would have served his purpose far better than a fair trial.

What can he do from now on to harm his motherland?

Thaksin still commands vast financial resources, seized or otherwise. If he lives up to his promise of revenge, we can expect more propaganda from the PR firm and lobbyists he hires.

Will that be a serious problem for the country? Surely it will, as long as the government under Samak Sundaravej, a self-confessed nominee of Thaksin, refuses to protect the honour and dignity of the nation from the man's malicious intent and actions.

When the arrest warrants for Thaksin and his wife were issued by the police last week, lawmakers of the People Power Party began hollering that the government refused to protect their boss from disgrace. They even wanted to take Samak to task for his aloofness over Thaksin's predicament.

Samak was, in fact, far from being aloof. He has been in a good mood, crooning five songs in a row during the Queen's birthday celebration at Sanam Luang. Thaksin's departure, probably for good, means Samak's total independence. No more the nominee.

That should make it a bit more difficult for Thaksin to extract revenge on his adversaries here. First of all, not many people among his admirers want him back, especially if he cannot show what financial resources he still has left.

Samak is the last person in the world who wants him here, looking over his shoulder, or showing the people who is the real boss. What's more, he has his own problems to resolve, including the possibility that his tenure might end due to court proceedings.

Can Thaksin eventually settle his scores? It is highly unlikely as the situation stands. Things are not in his favour. A change of government through a coup staged by his friends in the armed forces is impossible without a real bloodbath.

Thaksin should realise by now that he has had his day - many, to be precise, including the years he was prime minister, fomenting hardship and hatred.

He should be content with what he still has, even the limited freedom of movement in self-imposed exile. Further struggle could leave him with nothing. That includes the chance to come back and die in the motherland as he lamented in his letter.

- The Nation / August 19, 2008

[marshbags]

Apologies if their is a more suitable thread ongoing for this

Thanks for posting, marshbags. I took the liberty of copying this post and Post #548 into the topic-specific thread here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2153526

Irregularities Investigation On Waste Water Treatment Plant

Thanks S.J., I,ll take a look there after posting this.

I,m out of town at the moment, they had the PAD demo on re the B.Embasy protest in the place i was dining, it looked orderly as usual on Pads behalf, peaceful and very well supported.

I hope it is allowed to stay that way.

I looked in on local cable, Channel 17 which covers the news in English last night.

One of the reporters was interviewing a so called expert on the days proceedings and in particular the upset voiced by the hyprocritical PPP M.P,s.

He was obviously some sort of Thaksin publicity machine / Zombie

Why don,t they make sure they get a genuine, neutral, observer / commentator if their alledged neutrality is honest.

The whole episode relating to these unprincipled scum, who obviously do not give a satang about Thailand or it,s law abiding citizens, is obscene in the extreme.

They have one god and that is the mega Baht their unprincipled, running from justice, ( hence the issue of warrants and the due publication in the news media ) is still paying them out of his criminal acquired bankroll.

Thaksin and his wife are criminals on the run from the law and justice, simple as that.

For would be sympathisers..........

May they get them extradited and banged up big time where they have earned the right to go, nothing less is will do, and is in accordance with true justice.

marshbags

Edited August 19, 2008 by marshbags

[jumnien]

Apologies if their is a more suitable thread ongoing for this

Thanks for posting, marshbags. I took the liberty of copying this post and Post #548 into the topic-specific thread here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2153526

Irregularities Investigation On Waste Water Treatment Plant

Thanks S.J., I,ll take a look there after posting this.

I,m out of town at the moment, they had the PAD demo on re the B.Embasy protest in the place i was dining, it looked orderly as usual on Pads behalf, peaceful and very well supported.

I hope it is allowed to stay that way.

I looked in on local cable, Channel 17 which covers the news in English last night.

One of the reporters was interviewing a so called expert on the days proceedings and in particular the upset voiced by the hyprocritical PPP M.P,s.

He was obviously some sort of Thaksin publicity machine / Zombie

Why don,t they make sure they get a genuine, neutral, observer / commentator if their alledged neutrality is honest.

The whole episode relating to these unprincipled scum, who obviously do not give a satang about Thailand or it,s law abiding citizens, is obscene in the extreme.

They have one god and that is the mega Baht their unprincipled, running from justice, ( hence the issue of warrants and the due publication in the news media ) is still paying them out of his criminal acquired bankroll.

Thaksin and his wife are criminals on the run from the law and justice, simple as that.

For would be sympathisers..........

May they get them extradited and banged up big time where they have earned the right to go, nothing less is will do, and is in accordance with true justice.

marshbags

Spoken like a true right-wing nationalist!

[Tony Clifton]

They have one god and that is the mega Baht their unprincipled, running from justice, ( hence the issue of warrants and the due publication in the news media ) is still paying them out of his criminal acquired bankroll.

marshbags

I was looking at people at Banharn's birthday today, same happened with Yongyuth recently with Thaksin at his party.

It never ceases to amaze me when the camera shows the line up of people present at these scumbags birthday, all bringing gifts and envelopes, all waing nervously as if their heads could be chopped on command, , spine half bent as if they were expected to drop to their knees in a flash and perform oral sex on command, all so submissive...to a liar or a crook, scumbags.

Something is definitely wrong there, that is why I call them zombies.

Thaksin obviously has the has the biggest following of all but he's in his Coward the Great role at the moment while his Little Emperor character is hanging in the closet.

Edited August 19, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's sister and Somchai's wife, Yaowapa

Samak vows to defend Thaksin

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej told a People Power Party meeting yesterday he shared Party MPs' sympathy for former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was put on the police's wanted list - along with his wife Pojaman - after they skipped bail.

Samak told his colleagues he had always protected Thaksin and would never stab him in the back or try to damage his reputation, a party source revealed.

"I will speak here [about the matter] for the last time. I want to ask for your understanding that I am working for the benefit of the country and for our former prime minister," he was quoted saying.

"My party colleagues want me to explain to the party and I'm ready to talk to everyone. If you see that I can no longer do anything to help the former prime minister, I will do whatever you like. And I will consider my political future," Samak reportedly said.

Samak spent about 20 minutes addressing the meeting. After, some MPs, including Wasit Payakabutr, raised their hands to ask questions. However, Samak excused himself and left the meeting room immediately.

Samak's remarks came in response to a written request by some 200 party MPs and candidates upset by police issuing wanted notices for Thaksin and Pojaman and distributing them to stations throughout the country, according to PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang.

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders earlier issued arrest warrants for the couple after they failed to show up in court last week for a hearing in a corruption case involving the Ratchadaphisek land deal.

PPP Deputy Leader Somchai Wongsawat, who is Thaksin's brother-in-law, mediated at yesterday's meeting between Samak and party members. Copies of the letter sent to Samak were distributed to participants yesterday.

When Samak arrived, he complained about the heavy presence of reporters and cameramen. MP Wasit, who is close to Thaksin's politician sister Yaowapa Wongsawat, was heard saying: "They just want to photograph someone who rarely attends party meetings."

Most of the participants looked stunned at Wasit's comment, the source said.

Before the meeting, Yaowapa yesterday called on Samak to protect Thaksin's dignity and honour, as a former national leader.

Yaowapa, who holds no official executive post in the ruling People Power Party, still has good connections with many of its MPs, who come from the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, in which Yaowapa served as an executive. Before the meeting, she met with many People Power MPs who are still loyal to Thaksin, PPP's Suthin said.

Yaowapa said the politicians were not pressuring the PM, but simply acted on concerns by people in their electorates. "People were really upset when an arrest warrant was issued for Thaksin. They asked the MPs, who simply relayed this concern to the party leader," Suthin quoted Yaowapa.

"The MPs just want to ask the party leader to protect Thaksin's human dignity and his status as a former prime minister - it is not for Thaksin himself," she was quoted saying.

Thaksin's sister said he did not deserve such "humiliating" treatment from the police, as there had been no court ruling condemning him.

- The Nation / today

Edited August 19, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

They have one god and that is the mega Baht their unprincipled, running from justice, ( hence the issue of warrants and the due publication in the news media ) is still paying them out of his criminal acquired bankroll.

marshbags

I was looking at people at Banharn's birthday today, same happened with Yongyuth recently with Thaksin at his party.

It never ceases to amaze me when the camera shows the line up of people present at these scumbags birthday, all bringing gifts and envelopes, all waing nervously as if their heads could be chopped on command, , spine half bent as if they were expected to drop to their knees in a flash and perform oral sex on command, all so submissive...to a liar or a crook, scumbags.

Something is definitely wrong there, that is why I call them zombies.

Thaksin obviously has the has the biggest following of all but he's in his Coward the Great role at the moment while his Little Emperor character is hanging in the closet.

and what passes for "Western" journalism in Thailand plays right along....

Happy 68th Birthday to the Father of Chonburi.

Every year at this time, businessmen and politicians from around Chonburi Province converge on Saen Sook sub-district to wish a Happy Birthday to a man who is known as the Father of Chonburi, Khun Somshai Kenpleum who is also known to many as Gam Nan Bo. This well respected politician and businessmen is celebrating his 68th Birthday and as you can see, it was standing room only at his house as he received gifts from many of his friends and admirers whilst his family including his wife looked on. The list of VIP’s who attended the event is too long for us to go through here but suffice to say that the days event demonstrated the admiration and respect held for this Chonburi Icon.

- Pattaya City News

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

and this for a man who four months earlier (reported by a different publication)...

CHONBURI MURDERER: Kamnan Poh gets 25 years

Somchai Kunplome, Thailand's best-known "influential figure'', was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in jail for putting out a contract on the life of rival Prayoon Sitichote, who was killed by an unidentified gunman in March last year.

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

Above excerpts from:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Sinking-Lowe...31.html&hl=

Sinking Lower The Lowest, Pattaya City News Breaks Record

Edited August 20, 2008 by sriracha john

[younghusband]

Needless to say the piece from the WSJ has not been posted.

Please use your status as a paid subscriber to the WSJ to post it.

I don't do posts of newspaper pieces.

If you are going to post an article it's just honesty (as well as good manners) to post the article to which it refers even it contains comments with which you disagree.

I don't subscribe to the WSJ but found the article within about ten seconds.For members who would like to see it google Thailand Jumps the Shark and follow the links.

It has absolutely nothing to do with honesty nor manners, but good flame attempt anyway. Actually, I don't subscribe to any paid news sources and thus don't post them. Simple, really.

All I got with your google search is some blog and a link to a review of the blog: "Part of a bitter expats complete breakfast."

Perhaps, even if you don't post news in the news clipping forum, you could provide a direct link to the WSJ article?

I see there is an editorial in The Nation today raising fundamental question about the justice system in Thailand, and the influence of the junta undermining fairness.I was wondering whether you would be posting this for forum members interest.

[hammered]

Thaksin's sister and Somchai's wife, Yaowapa

Samak vows to defend Thaksin

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej told a People Power Party meeting yesterday he shared Party MPs' sympathy for former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was put on the police's wanted list - along with his wife Pojaman - after they skipped bail.

Samak told his colleagues he had always protected Thaksin and would never stab him in the back or try to damage his reputation, a party source revealed.

"I will speak here [about the matter] for the last time. I want to ask for your understanding that I am working for the benefit of the country and for our former prime minister," he was quoted saying.

"My party colleagues want me to explain to the party and I'm ready to talk to everyone. If you see that I can no longer do anything to help the former prime minister, I will do whatever you like. And I will consider my political future," Samak reportedly said.

Samak spent about 20 minutes addressing the meeting. After, some MPs, including Wasit Payakabutr, raised their hands to ask questions. However, Samak excused himself and left the meeting room immediately.

Samak's remarks came in response to a written request by some 200 party MPs and candidates upset by police issuing wanted notices for Thaksin and Pojaman and distributing them to stations throughout the country, according to PPP spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang.

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders earlier issued arrest warrants for the couple after they failed to show up in court last week for a hearing in a corruption case involving the Ratchadaphisek land deal.

PPP Deputy Leader Somchai Wongsawat, who is Thaksin's brother-in-law, mediated at yesterday's meeting between Samak and party members. Copies of the letter sent to Samak were distributed to participants yesterday.

When Samak arrived, he complained about the heavy presence of reporters and cameramen. MP Wasit, who is close to Thaksin's politician sister Yaowapa Wongsawat, was heard saying: "They just want to photograph someone who rarely attends party meetings."

Most of the participants looked stunned at Wasit's comment, the source said.

Before the meeting, Yaowapa yesterday called on Samak to protect Thaksin's dignity and honour, as a former national leader.

Yaowapa, who holds no official executive post in the ruling People Power Party, still has good connections with many of its MPs, who come from the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, in which Yaowapa served as an executive. Before the meeting, she met with many People Power MPs who are still loyal to Thaksin, PPP's Suthin said.

Yaowapa said the politicians were not pressuring the PM, but simply acted on concerns by people in their electorates. "People were really upset when an arrest warrant was issued for Thaksin. They asked the MPs, who simply relayed this concern to the party leader," Suthin quoted Yaowapa.

"The MPs just want to ask the party leader to protect Thaksin's human dignity and his status as a former prime minister - it is not for Thaksin himself," she was quoted saying.

Thaksin's sister said he did not deserve such "humiliating" treatment from the police, as there had been no court ruling condemning him.

- The Nation / today

A fightback in the PPP by the (majority?) Thaksinistas against those who have the deal. Interesting times. Interesting to note Surapong gets to survive also yesterday. Now which camp is he aligned with? Interesting that there was no disolution of the PPP yesterday. Maybe Samak gets to keep PPP while the Thaksinistas jump over to Peua Thai. Samak aint going to convince anyone he is a defender of Thaksin anymore unless they are completely stupid.

It certainly is fun watching the carnival (of reaction).

[sriracha john]

Samak clears the air with party members

PPP Leader Samak Sundaravej cleared the air with disgruntled PPP members over the distribution of arrest warrants for Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, a Party source said. Samak was applauded when he finished addressing a meeting with about 200 Party members who had signed an open letter demanding an explanation, the source said. The source said Samak told the meeting he had never thought about double-crossing Thaksin and that he was willing to step down if Party members felt otherwise. Samak also said he considered the open letter an unacceptable attempt to apply pressure on him, the source said. The PPP Leader spent about 20 minutes in the meeting and left without answering questions. He told the party members he had other businesses to attend to. PPP Spokesman Kudep Saikrachang said after the meeting that the open letter was not an attempt to challenge Samak's authority or to criticise his performance. A source close to Thaksin said the ex-premier was angered by the public display of the arrest warrants. He considered it a slap in the face as he

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/200808_News/20Aug2008_news12.php

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

Edited August 20, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Needless to say the piece from the WSJ has not been posted.

Please use your status as a paid subscriber to the WSJ to post it.

I don't do posts of newspaper pieces.

If you are going to post an article it's just honesty (as well as good manners) to post the article to which it refers even it contains comments with which you disagree.

I don't subscribe to the WSJ but found the article within about ten seconds.For members who would like to see it google Thailand Jumps the Shark and follow the links.

It has absolutely nothing to do with honesty nor manners, but good flame attempt anyway. Actually, I don't subscribe to any paid news sources and thus don't post them. Simple, really.

All I got with your google search is some blog and a link to a review of the blog: "Part of a bitter expats complete breakfast."

Perhaps, even if you don't post news in the news clipping forum, you could provide a direct link to the WSJ article?

I see there is an editorial in The Nation today raising fundamental question about the justice system in Thailand, and the influence of the junta undermining fairness.I was wondering whether you would be posting this for forum members interest.

If you need help, I can show you again how to post news. It's not difficult.

[jumnien]

Needless to say the piece from the WSJ has not been posted.

Please use your status as a paid subscriber to the WSJ to post it.

I don't do posts of newspaper pieces.

If you are going to post an article it's just honesty (as well as good manners) to post the article to which it refers even it contains comments with which you disagree.

I don't subscribe to the WSJ but found the article within about ten seconds.For members who would like to see it google Thailand Jumps the Shark and follow the links.

It has absolutely nothing to do with honesty nor manners, but good flame attempt anyway. Actually, I don't subscribe to any paid news sources and thus don't post them. Simple, really.

All I got with your google search is some blog and a link to a review of the blog: "Part of a bitter expats complete breakfast."

Perhaps, even if you don't post news in the news clipping forum, you could provide a direct link to the WSJ article?

I see there is an editorial in The Nation today raising fundamental question about the justice system in Thailand, and the influence of the junta undermining fairness.I was wondering whether you would be posting this for forum members interest.

Fantastic editorial, highly recommended for all to read. It really hits the point that the right-wing militarist PAD-backers have been missing all along.

[Samuian]

...and the show goes on ... a reshuffle here, a new Party there, all the same, again and again.

I can understand them very well, some "invisible hands" are chopping away on their feeding trough!

It's their income base, maybe they should sue the country for making it so difficult for them to siphon off what is left and the treatment of their godfather the almighty, the CEO of the Corporation of Deceit, received - disgusting, NO MANNERS these people they don't deserve to be treated in a different way, then by a through and through corrupt leadership, a gang of thieves!

It is becoming more and more obvious what the core of these "politicians" must be thinking about their voters, the country and it's people - guess not much at all except it's value and what can be extracted in monetary terms...disgusting, human manure!

[jackspratt]

For the electronically challenged:

BURNING ISSUE

Can we accept courts that look away during coups?

By The Nation

Published on August 20, 2008

Thaksin Shinawatra's skipping bail and fleeing to London, all the while accusing courts of being partial, has caught the world's attention, and now the burden of proof that the Thai judicial system is unbiased lies in the hands of judges at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

The division, which is oversee-ing the Ratchada land deal case against the former premier and his wife Khunying Pojaman, is facing problems now that the pair have told their lawyers to no longer represent them in court.

Nevertheless, the court has ordered the legal team that "used to" represent Thaksin and Pojaman to sit in on the trial. The Shinawatras are accused of abuse of power to buy the site in 2003 from the state-controlled Financial Institutions Development Fund.

However, it is still unclear how this tactic will be received here and overseas, but the eventual verdict and its explanation expected later this year, will prove whether or not Thai courts are impartial.

Nothing much can be done about the now defunct junta-appointed Asset Examination Committee (AEC), which pre-pared the Ratchadaphisek case.

Former AEC members like Kaewsan Atibodhi have told the court that they hold no personal grudges against Thaksin or Pojaman, but are still known to have spoken at the anti-Thaksin rallies organised by the People's Alliance for Democracy. Perhaps Kaewsan and other former AEC members know if their claim of being impartial is real or not. Of course, they can't do anything about being appointed by the junta that ousted Thaksin in Sept 2006, but Thaksin's supporters and people adhering to the prin-ciples of democracy will likely continue to regard the AEC and other junta-appointed bodies as illegitimate.

If the Thai judicial system wants to win greater acceptance and prove it's truly impartial, it will perhaps have to do more than just hand out a fair and convincing verdict on the Ratchadaphisek case.

For starters, it can re-consider the belief held by many Democrats that the court takes no position over those who usurp power through military means, and not just in 2006 by the self-styled Council for National Security, but several others over the decades.

This acceptance of a group of military men, who tear up one constitution after another once they've organised a "successful" coup, is disturbing to say the least and those at the receiving end will likely see the court as being partial.

What's more, unlike in countries like the United States, Thai citizens and the media are barred from criticising any court rulings. This prohibition prevents the society from having any meaningful political debates and many trials, such as those against Thaksin and his wife, end up having deep political repercussions.

The courts' need to keep things "traditional" is best illustrated by the swearing in of witnesses, who are made to read out a state-ment, which in effect says that if the witness lies, may he or she and his or her "family" meet with danger and disaster. This perhaps is a remnant of the feudal justice system under which relations, seven levels removed from a criminal were executed instead of the individual.

In fact, this feudal system is so deep rooted that one witness in the Ratchadaphisek trial refused to include his family in the swearing process, saying that what he said has nothing to do with his family.

As for the actual case, the deeply polarised political climate means that there will continue to be people who believe the judges are biased because the whole judicial process against Thaksin and his wife started with junta-appointed bodies like the AEC.

The court alone will now have to convince sceptics and Thaksin supporters that it is just and impartial - ..............................

Out of interest, has anyone ever mounted a court challenge to any of the coups?

If so, what was the result?

If not, presumably the court cannot initiate an action on its own behalf.

I also miss the point the editorial is trying to make over the continuation of the Ratchadaphisek case. As far as I am aware, in most jurisdictions if a defendant chooses to flee during the course of a trial, the show will go on in their absence.

To do otherwise would make a mockery of the court system.

Otherwise, I agree with the thrust of the editorial, and in particular, the lack of ability to criticise, and the ancient swearing in process.

I also note the 180 degree turnaround by previously vociferous critics of the Nation

[younghusband]

Needless to say the piece from the WSJ has not been posted.

Please use your status as a paid subscriber to the WSJ to post it.

I don't do posts of newspaper pieces.

If you are going to post an article it's just honesty (as well as good manners) to post the article to which it refers even it contains comments with which you disagree.

I don't subscribe to the WSJ but found the article within about ten seconds.For members who would like to see it google Thailand Jumps the Shark and follow the links.

It has absolutely nothing to do with honesty nor manners, but good flame attempt anyway. Actually, I don't subscribe to any paid news sources and thus don't post them. Simple, really.

All I got with your google search is some blog and a link to a review of the blog: "Part of a bitter expats complete breakfast."

Perhaps, even if you don't post news in the news clipping forum, you could provide a direct link to the WSJ article?

I see there is an editorial in The Nation today raising fundamental question about the justice system in Thailand, and the influence of the junta undermining fairness.I was wondering whether you would be posting this for forum members interest.

If you need help, I can show you again how to post news. It's not difficult.

Thanks I appreciate it.I'm not very technologically oriented so keep it simple.

However thank you also for clarifying that you do not post articles that don't fit in with your political agenda (as well as censoring parts of articles that do).It's a pity really because you spend a lot of time posting articles and a semblance of balance is always welcome.At least it is now clear we can't expect it from you.

P.S Helpful suggestion.You can always post articles you have disagreements with and that state your objections or reservations.Of coursr this does mean thinking about the issues together rather than trotting out the party line.