Somchai Wongsawat To Be New PM

[h90]

Meanwhile, Ong-art Klampaibul, Democrat Party Bangkok MP, claimed that allocation of the new Cabinet line up was an old style allocation as it was allotted based on each Party's agreed quotas and benfits, rather than on suitability and competency of the ministers.

These people have absolutely no shame !

This is the direct result of their action for the past two years. By stopping the emergence of two big parties (democrats and TRT), the democrats have maintained this system of many small parties where allocation of minister's post is based on each party's weight in the coalition in power.

Further more, what was the price they were willing to pay should their plan to break the current coalition would have succeed ??? What a bunch of hypocrites!

Is it strange for you to choose competent people???

Again and again ... So I've to make my point more clear.

There is nothing strange or bad to choose competent people but the current system,

OK agree on that

which is very much the making of the democrats, doesn't allow it.

??? I think Thailand has a multi party system since it isn't an absolute monarchy (at least the last few constitutions), what did the democrats on that.

The constitution has been written to prevent the formation of any strong government.

how is that?

The recent events have proven the PM doesn't even control the army or the police.

that prevented a bloodbath, but it wasn't the constitution, simply police and army didn't obey his orders.

The people who wrote this constitution made sure it will be their government or no government at all.

the former constitution was not different in the issue of selecting good people

So complaining now is a bit hypocritical from people who support the present constitution.

there is no "you shall select only buffaloes" or "a criminal in London shall decide" in the constitution. Only their personal greed is blocking it...being minister means money, so everyone want to have the job. The premier does not need to take people from whatever fraction or coalition partner, he is free to choose who ever he want.....if there wouldn't be greed and the visible hand from London.

How does the constitution tell anything about the Minister...explain that, please

[JetsetBkk]

In the UK, families are not so important as in Thailand so nepotism is out and cronyism is in, e.g. Tony Blair.

[Plus]

As for Somchai Wongsawat, shouldn't he be given an opportunity before he is condemned.

We already have MPs talking about amending the Constitution and MPs talking about bringing 40,000 villagers to retake government house by force.

Any comments from Somchai? It looks like he is not in charge.

[Ricardo]

I can't see anything wrong, in proposing selecting ministers on suitability or competency, although some might say it was a new idea here. Are experience or competence totally irrelevant or undesireable ? Of course not !

How did the Democrats "stop the emergence of two big parties" as you claim ? It was surely the voters who gave equal votes to them & the PPP, and down-graded the minor parties, leaving aside vote-buying.

Is there something shameful or hypocritical, in the Opposition proposing their own candidate for PM, or was that just normal democratic party-politics ? Or was it more shameful or hypocritical of the 'neutral' Speaker of the House, to adjourn the House before a vote could be taken, because there was a temporary shortage of PPP-members available to vote ! Neutrality, like democracy, is a newly-emerging concept in Thai politics, it would seem.

You're absolutely right. But the way you twist my arguments ... you'ld definitively make a great politician !

Ouch !

The adjourment of the vote was a great political move! I believe, should the vote had taken place that day, the democrats would have won the premiership. But, and it was my point, there is a price to pay for that, and democrats would have no problem rewarding minor parties that would have defected to the other side with minister's posts.

Agreed. It was classic parliamentary manouvering. But as you say, the Dems would have the same problem as the PPP, which is that they would have to 'buy' the votes of the minor parties.

Perhaps a weak coalition government, led by either big party, is the best that can be expected, given the apparent split in Thai voters and society-at-large. Perhaps the weaker middle-of-the-road government is the best that can be hoped-for ?

IME dominant governments, with a clear mandate, tend to ignore the minorities, and do a lot more damage than when forced to some sort of compromise.

[AlKing]

Give this man (Somsak) a break. His only crime was marrying the wrong woman (Thaksin's sister). We all have made bad decision in our lives; even a high court judge.

[Bangyai]

With the People Power Party getting its direction from Thaksin in London, it's only fitting that its coalition partner Puea Pandin Party is getting direction from Vatana in Poipet. The over-riding decisions of this government are being made byfugitives outside of the country.... Wonderful!!!

PUEA PANDIN PARTY CONSULTS FUGITIVE

Puea Pandin Party leaders have consulted the Party's Chief Adviser, fugitive criminal Vatana Asavahame, on their quota of Cabinet seats. They visited Cambodia's Poipet province, known for its casino complexes, to meet him. A source at Puea Pandin Party said Party leaders recently went to Poipet, opposite Sa Kaeo province's Aranyaprathet district, to meet Vatana and discuss the quota of Cabinet posts held by the Party in the new coalition government. The line-up of Party candidates for Cabinet posts has now been finalised. ''Vatana still commands respect from all party members. His decision is always respected and accepted,'' said the source. The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced Vatana to 10 years in prison on Aug 18 after convicting him of corruption in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant scandal. The former Samut Prakan MP jumped bail and and ran away to Poipet, where he runs casino businesses. A warrant is out for his arrest. The source said Puea Pandin Party asked for the Industry portfolio and in return would give the post of Deputy PM to the People Power Party. The Party leaders also agreed to push for Police General Pracha Promnok, another Party Adviser, to be given a Cabinet position, the source said. Party members including

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/210908_News/21Sep2008_news02.php

Oh yes, and is Taksin already a convicted criminal ??? I thought that the reason he did not return to Thailand is that he doesn't want to stand trial and become a convicted criminal Still...he is avoiding legal confrontation I guess like the PAD leaders. Oh yes, and who is it that has 2 counts of lese majeste against him and is currently out on bail ? Oh dear....its that naughtly little wannabe again...Sondhi. Still John, thats good enough in your opinion I guess so we can refer to Sondhi as a convicted criminal too...is that right ???

I made it bigger for you to see easier this time....I never said convicted criminal.... I said criminal fugitive. Sorry to sabotage your rant.

Your apology accepted in the spirit it was given.At least you agree that Taksin is not a criminal since you recognise that he has not yet been convicted . In the interests of factuality I have corrected your post so as to make it less misleading. Sorry to spoil your rant.

No rant on my part, just stating the obvious that you misread criminal fugitive as convicted criminal. A fugitive by the very nature of the word is criminal and thus it is reinserted in my post. How often do you hear of non-criminal fugitives? Convicted has a whole separate other connotation.

As for Somchai Wongsawat, shouldn't he be given an opportunity before he is condemned. A govournment should be judged by its performance not the relationships of its leader.

It depends. When the priorities of the government haven't shifted away from constitutional amendments. When positive actions that could be taken to show his independence from his brother-in-law such as revoking his diplomatic passport are not taken... those sort of things can lead to early condemnations since they are no different than during Samak's condemned time in office.

O.K then. If you had just been doing the usual cut and paste job perhaps you might be justified in denying your rant. When you substitute wishful thinking for fact though you are erring. Since my post was only stating fact I too ,fail to acknowledge it as a rant. As for your definition of a fugative being by nature of the word a criminal IMO you are erring again. If a refugee flees from an evil regime he is sometime referred to as a fugative from that regime , not a criminal. Still, by your definition of the word, that someone evading the law is a criminal are we to assume that you agree that the PAD leaders are criminals for their illegal occupation of govournment property and evasion of arrest warrents.

As for Somchai Wongsawat, why should you look to him to revoke Taksins diplomatic passport. ?? The coup leaders didn't do it. When Ms Taksin was found guilty the courts did'nt take her passport away. Why not.??

Mr Somchai is new in office and should be given a fair chance. It is not illegal to run for political office just because someone in your extended family has court cases pending.

If the PAD followers are still seeking Taksins head I have to ask why ? Is it because of the money he made through corruption or is it on principle. If it is an issue of money then the PAD would do well to disperse since they are costing the country millions. If it is a question of principle, perhaps Sondhi should repay the debt he owes the bank instead of accepting the reduction of his debt . That would be principled.

[Plus]

After the coup the Foreign Ministry revoked Thaksin's diplomatic passport even though he hadn't been even accused. Now he is a fully fledged fugitive with several arrest warrants, and not shy to badmouth Thai judicial system. Why should he enjoy the privilege of having a Thai diplomatic passport?

No one ever mentioned the FM's rule book on this, though, it's their decision, not the courts.

[animatic]

Running to evade court proceedings in whatever country is a criminal act in that country.

It is now actionable as criminal, regardless of if and when he is caught.

It is a forgone conclusion; the act itself is criminal.

And final conviction and punishment is the logical ending of such an episode.

[2169]

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

New First Lady Yaowapa Wongsawat

Amidst the conflict between former prime minister and Thai Rak Thai Leader Thaksin Shinawatra and Wang Nam Yen faction leader Sanoh Thienthong in 2005, Thaksin's younger sister rubbed salt in Sanoh's wounds by criticising him as being old so he should let younger politicians work.

That episode revealed the strong side of a woman who would one day become the First Lady, Yaowapa Wongsawat.

The wife of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat was a Thai Rak Thai Party-list MP, and a Leader of the Party's Wang Bua Baan faction, one of the most powerful factions then. She was also an adviser to her brother, the then prime minister.

Although Yaowapa's voting right has been revoked when Thai Rak Thai Party was dissolved (TRT Banned #13), more than 30 members of the faction are now in the People Power Party. The group is based in northern provinces.

The group includes Deputy Party Leader Sompong Amornwiwat and the outspoken Surapong Towijakchaikul.

One of those who showed dissatisfaction against Yaowapa's criticism at that time was Supon Fongngam, now the caretaker Deputy Interior Minister. Supon is one of the closest aides of Buriram's Newin Chidchob, whose rights have been revoked.

Therefore, opposition of Friends of Newin group against Somchai's premiership was not the first power play between the two groups.

On various occasions when the Thai Rak Thai Party MPs disagreed, Thaksin's wife Pojaman came to the rescue of the party. Likewise, Yaowapa exercised her charisma to mend rifts in the PPP.

Last month, when the PPP was shaken to its roots with 200 MPs signing up demanding the then prime minister Samak Sundaravej clarify letting police issue arrest warrant against Thaksin and Pojaman, Yaowapa and her sister Yingluck appeared at the Party headquarters. It needed people with Thaksin's blood to summon respect from the MPs. Somchai, however, said Yaowapa had nothing to do with politics as she just went to pay homage to the Buddha image at the headquarters. *B.S. alert*

She just talked when she met the MPs whom she had been familiar with.

Yaowapa has also been powerful in business especially in telecommunication and properties. Her family owns and owned listed companies such as Wyncoast Industrial Park and Traffic Corner. She was the president of M Link. *corruption and suspicious dealings available via search on various thaivisa threads*

There have been investigations into her family's businesses and her role in Thaksin's share concealment cases.

The bank account of her daughter Chinnicha was also frozen when the Assets Examination Committee investigated Thaksin's. Chinnicha is now a Chiang Mai MP. *the family that steals together, stays together*

Although Yaowapa said yesterday she would just take the role of a housewife, her role should not be underestimated.

Thaksin even admires Yaowapa's talent. He once mentioned that had Yaowapa been his brother , she would have had taken a ministerial post.

If Yaowapa was not banned from politics, it might have been her turn now to be Thailand's first female prime minister.

- The Nation / 2008-09-19

its will never change, the thaksinvirus is still here, i wonder why the pad is acepting this, why we can not have someone how is not brelatted with this thaksinvirus? it will be only good for the country

[Jai Dee]

PM says new Cabinet to have many less non-politician members compared to predecessor

Newly elected Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat revealed yesterday evening that he had compiled 90% of his Cabinet list and submitted a portion of it to his Cabinet Secretary-General for credential review. He also stated that the coalition parties have forwarded their choices for his consideration with the Pua Paendin being the last to submit their list.

The PM admitted that his Cabinet will have many less ministers from outside the political realm than its predecessor, stating that most outsiders will be working in the economic sector. He assured that the matter would be concluded within this week.

Mr. Somchai declined to comment on the possibility of former premier General Chavalit Yongjaiyuth (ชวลิต ยงใจยุทธ) and former Interior Minister Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung being in his Cabinet, saying that it would be inappropriate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Interim Minister of Justice meets with PM at residence, possibly to discuss new Cabinet

Interim Minister of Justice and Deputy Leader of the People Power Party Somphong Amornwiwat (สมพงษ์ อมรวิวัฒน์) traveled this morning to meet with newly appointed Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat at his personal residence. Mr. Somphong did not give a clear purpose for his visit but reports indicated that he may be discussing Mr. Somchai's selection of a new Cabinet which the PM is expediting to be submitted for Royal Approval this evening.

Mr. Somchai cancelled a scheduled visit to the Don Muang Airport to meet members of his office. The reason for the cancellation has not been revealed but nonetheless many members of the press have gathered at his home to follow his progress.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Cabinet meeting to be cancelled tomorrow

Deputy Spokesman of the Office of the Prime Minister Nuttawut Saikua (ณัฐวัฒิ ใสยเกื้อ) revealed that tomorrow's weekly Cabinet meeting will be cancelled due to the recent Royal Approval of new Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and the pending establishment of a new Cabinet.

Cabinet Secretary-General Surachai Puprasert (สุรชัย ภู่ประเสริฐ) indicated that it is traditional after the Royal Approval of a new Prime Minister that the interim Cabinet preceding the new premier will not hold a meeting.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Suchart likely to assume Finance Minister post

Mr. Suchart Tadatamrongvej (นายสุชาติ ธาดาธำรง ), acting Finance Minister, reveals that he has not yet heard the news that he will be assuming the ministerial post. However, he expresses his readiness to take the position, if granted.

Furthermore, he adds that if either Mr. Werapong Ramangkool (นายวีรพงษ์ รามางกูร) or Mr. Olarn Chaipawat (นายโอฬาร ไชยประวัติ) is appointed, they will receive his utmost supports. He states that both individuals are his mentors and they certainly have extensive skills and knowledge that will help solve the nation’s current crisis.

Mr. Suchart also comments on the current economic crisis in America that it will definitely impact Thailand’s export sector. He thus urges the government to quickly use its budget and strengthen consumers’ purchasing power.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

[hammered]

PM says new Cabinet to have many less non-politician members compared to predecessor

Newly elected Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat revealed yesterday evening that he had compiled 90% of his Cabinet list and submitted a portion of it to his Cabinet Secretary-General for credential review. He also stated that the coalition parties have forwarded their choices for his consideration with the Pua Paendin being the last to submit their list.

The PM admitted that his Cabinet will have many less ministers from outside the political realm than its predecessor, stating that most outsiders will be working in the economic sector. He assured that the matter would be concluded within this week.

Mr. Somchai declined to comment on the possibility of former premier General Chavalit Yongjaiyuth (ชวลิต ยงใจยุทธ) and former Interior Minister Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung being in his Cabinet, saying that it would be inappropriate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

He isnt really in a position to appoint lots of qualified outsiders considering the coaliton allies and factions all need to be kept happy especially with many speculating on an early election, which means he will also need to push every mega project through he can to finanance the next election. Maybe he could dig up the corpse of Montri who was always good at ramming the mega projects through with a high degree of leakage.

If Somchai can get a respected finance minister and a few other econmoic technocrats in place and if he can keep the toxic Chalerm out of the cabinet he may receive quite high marks. One problem though with having a qualified outsider as finance minister is that the finance minister balances the budgets between ministries and if this done based on economic considerations rather than politcal ones it could cause a lot of PPP and coaliton infighting, so a party insider could yet be brought in a s finance minister. Probably what Thaksin wants will be critical here.

[h90]

PM says new Cabinet to have many less non-politician members compared to predecessor

Newly elected Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat revealed yesterday evening that he had compiled 90% of his Cabinet list and submitted a portion of it to his Cabinet Secretary-General for credential review. He also stated that the coalition parties have forwarded their choices for his consideration with the Pua Paendin being the last to submit their list.

The PM admitted that his Cabinet will have many less ministers from outside the political realm than its predecessor, stating that most outsiders will be working in the economic sector. He assured that the matter would be concluded within this week.

Mr. Somchai declined to comment on the possibility of former premier General Chavalit Yongjaiyuth (ชวลิต ยงใจยุทธ) and former Interior Minister Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung being in his Cabinet, saying that it would be inappropriate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

He isnt really in a position to appoint lots of qualified outsiders considering the coaliton allies and factions all need to be kept happy especially with many speculating on an early election, which means he will also need to push every mega project through he can to finanance the next election. Maybe he could dig up the corpse of Montri who was always good at ramming the mega projects through with a high degree of leakage.

If Somchai can get a respected finance minister and a few other econmoic technocrats in place and if he can keep the toxic Chalerm out of the cabinet he may receive quite high marks. One problem though with having a qualified outsider as finance minister is that the finance minister balances the budgets between ministries and if this done based on economic considerations rather than politcal ones it could cause a lot of PPP and coaliton infighting, so a party insider could yet be brought in a s finance minister. Probably what Thaksin wants will be critical here.

A respected finance minister will not allow full speed pocket filling.....so forget about it....

[sriracha john]

Suchart likely to assume Finance Minister post

Suchart Tadatamrongvej, acting Finance Minister, reveals that he has not yet heard the news that he will be assuming the ministerial post. However, he expresses his readiness to take the position, if granted.

I thought he was holding out for the Prime Minister position....

from thread:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Election-Com...20#entry2229643

Election Commission Rules That Chart Thai & Matchima Thipataya Parties Be Dissolved

Suchart to lead Puea Thai Party

Deputy Finance Minister Suchart Thadathamrongvej was elected Leader of the Puea Thai party yesterday, amid signs a major faction in the ruling PPP is being isolated. Puea Thai Party is viewed as the fall-back Party if the PPP is dissolved by the Constitution Court. Suchart's nomination for the leadership was unchallenged. The meeting, held at the Party's headquarters in the Shinawatra building on Rama IV road, also elected former Interior Permanent Secretary Yongyuth Vichaidit and former Forestry Department Chief Plodprasop Suraswadi as Deputy Leaders. The Party was co-founded by politicians with close ties to some of the 111 former executives of the disbanded TRT Party, who were banned from politics for five years. A source said they include Pongsak Raktapongpaisal (TRT Banned #27), Yongyuth Tiyapairat (Individually Banned), and Sudarat Keyuraphan (TRT Banned #3). These former TRT executives are believed to have a strong influence in the PPP, but are reportedly up against another faction controlled by Newin Chidchob (TRT Banned #6), also one of the 111 TRT executives. A source said Puea Thai is a consolidation of MPs with clear links to the TRT, and it may be drawing a line to keep the Friends of Newin faction out. Suchart said his Party was prepared to run candidates in the next general election and he was ready to be prime minister if the party nominates him. Wattana Sengpairoh, a failed PPP MP election candidate, said if the PPP is dissolved because of the vote-buying by Yongyuth in the December general election, Suchart was well suited to succeed PM Somchai Wongsawat. Puea Thai Party member Surachai Baojanya said the Party would be popular with voters as they know it is a rebrand of the "old party," a reference to the TRT. A source in the PPP said some members of the Newin faction were expected to set up their own party, called Suwannaphum, and that the Newin faction is

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/220908_News/22Sep2008_news04.php

[Jai Dee]

Minister of Labor says no new policies to be established until her successor takes the post

Minister of Labor Uraiwan Tienthong (อุไรวรรณ เทียนทอง) stated after meeting with civil servants in her ministry that the meeting was a review of policies and work plans as well as a trading of opinions to insure efficiency in the operation of the ministry. Mrs. Uraiwan however commented that no new policies may be set at the executive level of the Labor Ministry as it must await the instating of the new administration.

The minister stated that the Labor Ministry's main functin is find work for citizens both domestically and in foriegn countries and monitor their well-being and fair treatment. She reported that the unemployment rate in the nation has reduced considerably with little economic impact to the job market.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Outgoing Finance Minister calls on successor to lead nation through economic crisis

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) today called on executives of his ministry to continue their work to the utmost and lead the nation out of its current economic situation as he bid farewell to his post today. The outgoing minister revealed that he foresees more economic turmoil and financial issues, stating that the nation must ready itself and strengthen its economy. He stated that it is important for the government to expedite budgeting to mega-projects to battle the regressing economy while expressing his confidence in ministry officials to perform accordingly to the nation's needs.

Dr. Surapong continued to say that he was not aware of rumors his deputy was poised to succeed him as Finance Minister as the matter is being considered by the Prime Minister. He assured however that the selection would not cause conflict within the People Power Party and pledged his continued service to the party until it is dissolved by the Constitution Tribunal.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

PM still works out cabinet line up

Prime Minister Mr. Somchai Wongsawat is still hectically working out lists of the cabinet line up.

Prime Minister Mr. Somchai Wongsawat cancelled a meeting with government officials at Don Muang international airport, which is temporarily used as offices for the new government and officials as Mlr. Sompong Amornwiwat, deputy leader of ruling People Power party (PPP) came out to meet him at the premier's residence. The two party's deputy leaders were reportedly discussing allotment of the party's cabinet line up.

The new cabinet's list has reportedly been not completed yet, especially for portfolio of the defence, finance and interior ministers.

In addition, Puea Pandin party, a colation party, is reportedly failing to complete its lists of the party's members of the cabinet as its leader Mr. Suvit Khunakitti is reportedly being obstructed for assuming office of the Somchai administration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

New cabinet line-up remains unsettled

Thailand's new cabinet line-up led by newly-appointed Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat remains unsettled, particularly regarding ministerial portfolios allotted within the ruling People Power party (PPP). It is reported that outsiders tipped to join the cabinet under the PPP quota include former premier Chavalit Yongchaiyuth, who might return to politics by assuming the deputy prime minister post overseeing foreign affairs.

Another interested outsider is former president of Siam Commercial Bank Olarn Chaiprawat, who had reportedly agreed to accept the finance minister portfolio. A strong candidate for the interior minister post remains unchanged with PPP deputy leader Sompong Amornwiwat likely to take up the position. The foreign minister post, another key seat under the PPP's quota, is expected to be assumed by Saroj Chavanavirat with Pairote Tanbanjong and Srimuang Charoensiri becoming strong rivals.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[Jai Dee]

Poonpirom to leave Energy Ministry

Acting Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop said Monday she opted not to remain as a minister in Somchai Wongsawat government.

She said she is not a politician. "I'm wife of a politician," said Poonpirom. She is wife of Suwat, former executive member of now-defunct Thai Rak Thai party.

To replace her in the position is expected to be Dr Wannarat Charnveerakul, chairman of House Committee on Energy.

Somchai, who is elected to the premiership in the Parliament last week, is forming his cabinet line up.

Poonpirom, a Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana MP, became acting energy minister on February 16. She called it quit after seven months in services, citing that she has achieved some success at the Energy Ministry and crises have been eased.

"I took the post when Thailand was beleaguered by political and economic crisis, plus the high oil prices. I have done my best as the minister, having set the policies on liquefied petroleum gas, the promotion of natural gas for vehicles, power price management and the promotion of alternative fuels," she said, on the sidelines of the ministry's seminar on "Fuel Options for Power Generation in Asean.

While citing that the LPG pricing restructuring is ready for the new minister's consideration, she is hopeful that the mapped-out policies would not be amended given that the ministry remains under the Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party.

Source: The Nation - 22 September 2008

[Bangyai]

Running to evade court proceedings in whatever country is a criminal act in that country.

It is now actionable as criminal, regardless of if and when he is caught.

It is a forgone conclusion; the act itself is criminal.

And final conviction and punishment is the logical ending of such an episode.

Well, although I would like to agree with you I would say they until Sondhi is brought to justice through the courts he is technically not a criminal although SJ might not agree with you. Yes , he has evaded court proceedings and along with the other PAD leaders is appealing the arrest warrent but we will have to wait and see how it pans out. However I hope you are right and that conviction and punishment catch up with him in the end. They all seem to be above the law at the moment though.

[animatic]

Running to evade court proceedings in whatever country is a criminal act in that country.

It is now actionable as criminal, regardless of if and when he is caught.

It is a forgone conclusion; the act itself is criminal.

And final conviction and punishment is the logical ending of such an episode.

Well, although I would like to agree with you I would say they until Sondhi is brought to justice through the courts he is technically not a criminal although SJ might not agree with you. Yes , he has evaded court proceedings and along with the other PAD leaders is appealing the arrest warrent but we will have to wait and see how it pans out. However I hope you are right and that conviction and punishment catch up with him in the end. They all seem to be above the law at the moment though.

Sondhi isn't running,

they know JUST where he is 24/7 and that is Thailand.

He just hasn't gone to acknowlege the charges,

a seemingly a strange Thai anachronism. But that's the law here.

He does have legal representation dealing with the issue,

and is not escaping, he is sitting in plan sight.

Thaksin on the other hand HAS acknowleged the charges,

and left the country to avoid court function over them.

Thus technically If I understand Thai law, he is much more

culpable than Sondhi for his evasion of ACKNOWLEGED charges

[AlKing]

After the coup the Foreign Ministry revoked Thaksin's diplomatic passport even though he hadn't been even accused. Now he is a fully fledged fugitive with several arrest warrants, and not shy to badmouth Thai judicial system. Why should he enjoy the privilege of having a Thai diplomatic passport?

No one ever mentioned the FM's rule book on this, though, it's their decision, not the courts.

For the record. All Ex-PM gets diplomatic passport regardless. Even those who ordered the killings of hundreds of innocent people & students. If Thaksin is not allowed one (Diplomatic Passport), that would be double standard.

Also, similar to a birth certificate, a passport is just an internationally recognised document stating who you are. Every subject of this kingdom can get one. Regardless if you are a criminal or not.

[animatic]

After the coup the Foreign Ministry revoked Thaksin's diplomatic passport even though he hadn't been even accused. Now he is a fully fledged fugitive with several arrest warrants, and not shy to badmouth Thai judicial system. Why should he enjoy the privilege of having a Thai diplomatic passport?

No one ever mentioned the FM's rule book on this, though, it's their decision, not the courts.

For the record. All Ex-PM gets diplomatic passport regardless. Even those who ordered the killings of hundreds of innocent people & students. If Thaksin is not allowed one (Diplomatic Passport), that would be double standard.

Also, similar to a birth certificate, a passport is just an internationally recognised document stating who you are. Every subject of this kingdom can get one. Regardless if you are a criminal or not.

A diplomatic passport gets you out of ALL trouble in a foreign land

as a diplomate for the country of passport origin.

Not for a court evading absconder from that country's justice system.

There is no reason to pressume that Thaksin legaly represents

the country of Thailand on the international stage in any authority.

Except as 'Emeritus PM ;deposed'.

If there is a double standard at play...

time for a NEW standard of ethics to go into play.

When he skipped out he lost all diplomatic pretense.

It MUST be lifted so as to asure that REAL diplomats

do not lose their rights world wide by a diminishing of

the Diplomatic Passport's powers as an accepted instrument of diplomacy.

[Samuian]

If Thaksin is not allowed one (Diplomatic Passport), that would be double standard.

As his where about is well known, not canceling his and his and his wifes passport, as they are hiding in a foreign country to avoid, bypass legal proceedings, the rule of the law, would be double standards do you like to argue this?

Is a VIP above the law, above punishment?

Letting this issue go, these guys will go on and on and on until the dawn of time!

[Plus]

Yes, every ex-PM gets to KEEP his diplomatic passport, Thaksin is a special case, though. He has outstanding arrest warrants. Tej deferred this decision to Samak, I assume that the rule book is not clear on this.

Diplomatic passport gives the holder certain privileges that not meant to be given to fugitives.

Right now the ball is in Somchai's court. His decision will set the course for his PMship. If he goes with Thaksin, all his reconciliation talk will be meaningless.

At this point he doesn't want to touch this hot potato.

[Samuian]

Diplomatic passport gives the holder certain privileges that not meant to be given to fugitives.

Right now the ball is in Somchai's court. His decision will set the course for his PMship. If he goes with Thaksin, all his reconciliation talk will be meaningless.

At this point he doesn't want to touch this hot potato.

Well, this is one issue which will be very closely watched...he will have to, there is no way around it - ahhh... wel...l one way - the way OUT!

He isn't running the show - if so, Yongyut wouldn't be, for approval, with the the list in London, would he?

[paulfromphuket]

Democracy substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few. - George Bernard Shaw

[AlKing]

A diplomatic passport does not gurentee one to have access to any country (UK in this case). It only allow you to arrive before the immigration of UK without seeking a visa before hand. The immigration office will judge if he/she will allows your entry. Even with a visa, one may still be refuse entry, or remain in the foreign country.

In the case of Thaksin, do you think that UK immigration is not aware who he is? UK will grant Thaksin and his family to enter and remain in the UK based on who he is, and not what passport he carries. Correct me if I am wrong.

There are many cases, especially spy, who are travelling with a diplomat passport are deported by a foreign country, for abuse. In Thaksin case, the UK government have not acted to deport him. In fact, the UK government welcome him with open arm, even if he arrives with no paper at all (as long as he arrives with trunk loads of dosh).