Somchai Wongsawat Found Guilty By Ncc

[Guest Reimar]

FROM TOC

Graft Fighting Panel Rules PM Guilty in Justice Ministry's Land Purchase

UPDATE : 16 October 2008

The graft fighting panel resolved today to ask the Civil Service Commission Office to give the prime minister retroactive punishment for his failure to take legal action against two high-ranking officials involved in the failure to collect fees from the land plots sold to a private company while he served as permanent-secretary to the Justice Ministry.

The National Counter Corruption Commission has found that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and Senior Judge Bandit Ratchatanont, who was Somchai's deputy when Somchai was the permanent-secretary of the Justice Ministry, failed to protect the state's interest.

The commission's investigation found that the two issued an order to abolish legal action against former Director-general of the Legal Execution Department, Praman Teeyaboonsin , and his former deputy, Manit Suthaporn for failing to collect 70 million baht in fees from the two land plots auctioned by Thanyaburi Provincial Court to Modern Home Company.

The NCCC will forward its investigation report to the office of Civil Service Commission for its consideration of retroactive punishment against Somchai, while the sentence against Bandit is under the responsibility of the Judge Commission. Under the NCCC's organic bill, they can be sacked from civil service.

Meanwhile, then Justice Minister, Suthat Ngernmuen managed to escape the charge as the case is not a criminal action but is a disciplinary offence and he is no longer in office.

[AlKing]

Another PPP PM bite the dust.

[bruceboy]

This is a circus!

[Bangyai]

No surprises there. I wonder who's next up in the Turkey shoot ?

[whatsoever]

A complete circus. However, would anyone with any intelect consider that the PAD would be any different. Let the politician without sin cast the first stone

[Plus]

Actually, a former Democrat Minister was declared guilty, too.

The diiference is that Democrats don't push corrupt criminals to the top of their ranks, and they resign or step down at any sign of impropriety. And so did half a dozen Ministers in Surayud government - and they didn't break any laws that were active at that moment!

This shameless circus belongs exclusively to TRT/PPP. I mean "shameless", they have no shame absolutely, just watch their response to this indictment. Nothing. No guilt whatsoever.

Gen Anupong was on TV just a few hours ago and he said if he were the PM, he'd resigned after Oct 7 violence. But not Somchai, he is true TRT man, corrupt and shameless to the very core of his existence.

[jamesjdaly]

The National Counter Corruption Commission has found that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and Senior Judge Bandit Ratchatanont, who was Somchai's deputy when Somchai was the permanent-secretary of the Justice Ministry, failed to protect the state's interest.

Bandit by name............

[stumonster]

Modern Home Company.

who was/is the major shareholder ?

[h90]

A complete circus. However, would anyone with any intelect consider that the PAD would be any different. Let the politician without sin cast the first stone

PAD is no party and they are no politicians.

[Lite Beer]

Another PPP PM bite the dust.

NEXT

[jfchandler]

The local news coverage on this... as might be expected... is a mess....

The Nation says the NCCC decided to ask the Justice Ministry's (Somchai's Justice Minister's shop???) Civil Services Committee to "consider retroactively firing him from service as permanent secretary for Justice."

Then, if the Civil Services Commission upholds any firing decision, Somchai "could be disqualified as the prime minister as the Constitution does not allow anyone fired from government service to become an MP."

But the BKK Post today reported as follows:

"Corruption commissioner Wichai Wiwitsewee said if the NCCC rules Mr Somchai is guilty as accused the case will be forwarded to the Constitution Court for a ruling on Mr Somchai's status as prime minister."

Then, the paper went on to add:

"If convicted of committing a serious disciplinary offence while a civil servant, Mr Somchai would not be qualified to be an member of parliament or prime minister, said Mr Chamnan (the agrieved judge). He added that even though Mr Somchai quit the civil service in 2006, a conviction in this case would have a retroactive effect.

"Parinya Thewanaruemitkul, a law lecturer at Thammasat University, said if the NCCC ruled the allegation against Mr Somchai had grounds, he would have to immediately resign as prime minister."

So...take your pick:

1. referral to the Justice Ministry's civil service office.

2. referral to the Constitution Court, or

3. the guy's been found guilty...he just needs to quit now...

[animatic]

No surprises there. I wonder who's next up in the Turkey shoot ?

Looks more like and arcade shooting gallery,

turkeys at least have sense enough to DUCK occasionally.

These guys just stand up in the open and wait for a head shot

to spin them around their post again.

[Moonrakers]

Some army chap on channel 7 now saying that Somchai has to go. I didn't catch the whole thing I'm afraid.

[Scott]

I've always been amazed and the lack of respect for the law in Thailand. The number of people who have advised me to just overstay a visa, just turn the wrong way, because it isn't very far, you don't have to wear a helmet, etc. etc. And that's at the lower level of life here.

I can only imagine how corrupt it gets as you go up.

[jfchandler]

Some army chap on channel 7 now saying that Somchai has to go. I didn't catch the whole thing I'm afraid.

It's not exactly..."some" army chap.....

If I were PM, I will resign over violent crackdown on protesters : Gen Anupong

By The Nation

Army Commander in Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda said Wednesday that if he were prime minister, he would resign following the deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters on October 7.

"If I were the prime minister and a violent dispersal on protesters happened and caused lives and resulted in injuries like what happened on October 7, I would definitely resign," Anupong said.

Anupong said he was very sorry that the disperse on the protesters led to the dead and large number of injures.

Anupong was speaking in a news programme on Channel 3 in which other commander in chiefs; Navy Commander in Chief Admiral Kamthorn Pumhirun, Air Force Commander in Chief Itthi Supawongse as well as Supreme Commander Gen Songkitti Jakkabatr were also present.

Full article at:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/16...es_30086202.php

[Moonrakers]

Some army chap on channel 7 now saying that Somchai has to go. I didn't catch the whole thing I'm afraid.

It's not exactly..."some" army chap.....

If I were PM, I will resign over violent crackdown on protesters : Gen Anupong

By The Nation

Army Commander in Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda said Wednesday that if he were prime minister, he would resign following the deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters on October 7.

"If I were the prime minister and a violent dispersal on protesters happened and caused lives and resulted in injuries like what happened on October 7, I would definitely resign," Anupong said.

Anupong said he was very sorry that the disperse on the protesters led to the dead and large number of injures.

Anupong was speaking in a news programme on Channel 3 in which other commander in chiefs; Navy Commander in Chief Admiral Kamthorn Pumhirun, Air Force Commander in Chief Itthi Supawongse as well as Supreme Commander Gen Songkitti Jakkabatr were also present.

Full article at:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/16...es_30086202.php

Oh.

Old news then. As I said I just caught the end of it.

[h90]

deleted as someone was quicker

Edited October 16, 2008 by h90

[sriracha john]

It's time for a serious corruption-fighter to be PM:

[sriracha john]

turning more serious now...

PM Somchai will face mandatory dismissal

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat committed serious malfeasance when he was the Permanent Secretary for the Justice Ministry in 1999, the National Counter Corruption Commission said yesterday.

Somchai would face mandatory dismissal under the anti-graft law of 1998 if the Justice Ministry's Civil Service Committee agrees with the NCCC after the commission forwards its report to the panel.

The dismissal would be made retroactive to the date of wrongdoing, but would not change Somchai's performance of his duties or his pay and benefits as a retired civil servant.

Somchai is entitled to appeal any disciplinary action to the ministry's committee and then to the Civil Service Commission, which has the final say in such matters. The commission has on several occasions before decided to withhold penalties in defiance of the NCCC.

Somchai refused to give interviews yesterday on the NCCC's ruling.

The crux of the disciplinary case against Somchai is his neglect in failing to penalise two senior officials from the Justice Ministry's Legal Execution Department.

Then director-general Pramarn Tiyapaiboonsin and his deputy Manit Suthaporn were found to have wrongfully waived a 5-per-cent fee on the auction of two plots worth Bt897 million as ordered by the Pathum Thani Provincial Court.

Under the ministry's chain of command, responsibility for Somchai's lapse of duty extends to then justice minister Suthas Ngernmuen and deputy permanent secretary Bandit Ratchatanan, who is now a senior judge.

The NCCC dropped disciplinary charges against Suthas since he was a political office-holder and subject to criminal law, not civil-service regulations.

It ruled to penalise Bandit and will forward his case to the Judiciary Commission for disciplinary action.

Justice Minister Somsak Kiartsuranont said he would appoint a panel to review the NCCC report before deciding the next move.

Somsak is the ex-officio chairman of disciplinary committees for justice officials.

He voiced scepticism on the merits and practicality of a retroactive dismissal for a retired official like Somchai.

- The Nation / 2008-10-17

[GENeIsUS]

Yeah, that's true, SJ. Set a thief to catch a thief

[sriracha john]

Additionally, it's worth noting that Somchai ALSO faces two other cases that could remove him from office besides this case...

He's a lot like his predecessor Samak in that he faces not one, but multiple criminal cases...

Somchai accused of attempted bribery

Anti-corruption campaigner Veera Somkwamkid filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) yesterday, accusing PM Somchai Wongsawat of attempting to bribe a judge on the panel which heard the asset concealment case against Thaksin Shinawatra in 2001. His laid his complaint under article 167 of the Criminal Code. Mr Veera alleged both Somchai and his wife Yaowapa, a younger sister of Thaksin, had tried to bribe a judge on the Constitution Court bench to rule in favour of Thaksin, who was then PM. The couple had then taken the judge to see Thaksin, according to Mr Veera. Mr Veera backed his allegation with a copy of a report in the Thai Post newspaper on Oct 14, 2003, that alleged Thaksin promised to promote the judge's son, a Foreign Ministry civil servant. Mr Veera said he filed the complaint at this time because he wanted the public to know that Somchai was not qualified to lead the country. The PM also faces a complaint from Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana, asking the EC to review his qualifications. EC Secretary-General Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn said the commission will decide whether to investigate the case after its legal team has gathered the relevant information.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/011008_News/01Oct2008_news10.php

Senators' call for inspection of PM's credentials forwarded to Constitution Court

The Deputy Senate Speaker indicated that a group of Senators’ petition to review the Prime Minister's credentials has been forwarded to the Constitution Court.

Deputy Senate Speaker Nikhom Wairatphanit revealed that he has forwarded a request for Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat's credentials to be reviewed to the Constitution Court after 15 Senators petitioned the Senate Speaker to consider the matter.

The Senators allege that upon review of the PM's assets as declared upon his entering into the House of Representatives, the PM's stock holdings in CS Loxinfo may be unconstitutional.

CS Loxinfo holds government concessions, making the PM's stockholdings potentially in offense to Constitution Articles 265 and 266.

If the PM's stockholdings are deemed unconstitutional, his MP position will be voided, in effect relinquishing him from his premiership.

- ThaiNews / 2008-10-15

[jayjayjayjay]

No surprises there. I wonder who's next up in the Turkey shoot ?

Funny how an 8 year old case can finish within weeks of Somchai becoming PM.

Thailand now has an extreme case of Judicial Politics.

What next! Let Bangkokians run the country, please, look at the state of Bangkok now, the rich trading Chinese families have raped and pilaged every square metre. Look at Suan Luang Night Bazaar. That used to be a nice grassed field. Chinese shophouses cluster up every nook and cranny all the way from Minburi to Samut Sakorn. Parking space is non-existant. You can't even find a parking spot in front of 90% of the business you want to visit! This is not going to be the peoples country, it's going to be Sondhi L. utopia.

Guys pro PAD, be careful for what you wish for, you might just get it!

[sriracha john]

The commission's investigation found that the two issued an order to abolish legal action against former Director-General of the Legal Execution Department, Praman Teeyaboonsin , and his former Deputy, Manit Suthaporn for failing to collect 70 million baht in fees from the two land plots auctioned by Thanyaburi Provincial Court to Modern Home Company.

Modern Home Company.

who was/is the major shareholder ?

good question, as per usual, stu...

actually the full name of the company was:

Modern Home Development Public Company Limited

I say "was" because it has since become:

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/448057

K.C. Property Public Company Limited

http://www.kcproperty.co.th/th/home/index.php

perhaps someone who subscribes to one of those paid investment websites, like Goliath, could provide info on shareholders.

Edited October 17, 2008 by sriracha john

[jayjayjayjay]

It's time for a serious corruption-fighter to be PM:

I'll actually admit I laughed at this SJ. I'll take a bit of what he's selling!

[animatic]

It's time for a serious corruption-fighter to be PM:

I'll actually admit I laughed at this SJ. I'll take a bit of what he's selling!

Only his proctologist knows for sure...

[skiman1]

The entire Country and its "Politicians" are looking ridiculous in the World Media thanks to all these antics and manoeuvres - they really need to sort this political circus out and gain some face.

[Bagwan]

The entire Country and its "Politicians" are looking ridiculous in the World Media thanks to all these antics and manoeuvres - they really need to sort this political circus out and gain some face.

Why? This is the best show since the Goons retired. Even Milligan couldn't have invented this circus.

Eccles for PM, Major Denis Bloodnok for Finance Minister, Bluebottle for Services Minister, Grype Pipe Thynne as Justice Minister, Moriaty as Police Chief and Neddy Seagoon to do everything else.

P.S. The entire Country and its "Politicians" are ridiculous.

[Who, me ?]

again and again.....

Who's next ??

[hammered]

I think we can assume he has the choice resign or face going down on one of the court cases. He could disolve parlaiment, but then if the consty court moves quickly and disolves PPP none of the MPs will have chance to join a new party before the election.

It would be best if he just resigned and left it up to parliament to choose a new PM. The PPP though are said to be strongly against this option so expect something far more complicated.

Will Somchai try to fire Gen. Anupong? After all PPP dont like to be told what to do.

Edited to add: Oh by the way how long do people give Somchai?

Edited October 17, 2008 by hammered

[steveromagnino]

No surprises there. I wonder who's next up in the Turkey shoot ?

Funny how an 8 year old case can finish within weeks of Somchai becoming PM.

Thailand now has an extreme case of Judicial Politics.

What next! Let Bangkokians run the country, please, look at the state of Bangkok now, the rich trading Chinese families have raped and pilaged every square metre. Look at Suan Luang Night Bazaar. That used to be a nice grassed field. Chinese shophouses cluster up every nook and cranny all the way from Minburi to Samut Sakorn. Parking space is non-existant. You can't even find a parking spot in front of 90% of the business you want to visit! This is not going to be the peoples country, it's going to be Sondhi L. utopia.

Guys pro PAD, be careful for what you wish for, you might just get it!

seriously, do you write for Family Guy or Saturday Night Live?

I agree on clear appearance of bias, although everyone has known this guy had dirt from the day he took office.

However, your comment about rich trading Chinese families in Bangkok (by which I assume you mean families like the Shinwatras and others) and Suan Lum night bazaar have almost no relevance at all to politics nor to PAD.

Stick to your usual material, it at least reads coherently, this comment about parking space blah blah blah - how you can possibly blame that on Sondhi I have absolutely no idea.