Thaksin Begs For "Royal Kindness"

[WAERTH]

I actually feel that Somchai has balls if it was indeed him with Mia Noi's. With a wife as powerhungry as he has .... I would be scared really scared to slip up.

[jitagon]

People Power Party MP Panya Sripanya

MPs to seek amnesty for Thaksin

Northeastern MPs are set to begin a signature campaign aimed at seeking amnesty for former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, an MP from the ruling People Power Party said yesterday.

Panya Sripanya, a PPP MP for Khon Kaen, said that he and his fellow MPs from the region would collect signatures from at least 10 northeastern provinces. He added that he expected the campaign to gather at least 1,000 signatures of supporters from each province.

"I will visit the electorates on Tuesday, and I expect to get the required signatures within a week," he said, adding that a motion seeking amnesty for Thaksin could be submitted before this current parliamentary session ends late this month.

- The Nation / 2008-11-09

I would have thought whether or not Somchai has/had a mia noi, far less important to the advancement of this nascent democracy than this piece of news, which no one has seen fit to comment upon If the PPP have taken it upon themselves to completely ignore the findings and sentencing by their country's highest court, to wit, act in contempt, where does this leave Thailand? Twinning with Zimbabwe?

[sriracha john]

Thailand to push Thaksin extradition wherever he goes

BANGKOK: Authorities in Thailand will press for the extradition of Thaksin Shinawatra no matter where he goes to live, officials said Monday after Britain revoked the ousted prime minister's visa.

Thaksin, toppled in a military coup in 2006, was last month sentenced in absentia to two years in jail for conflict of interest after helping his wife Pojaman buy state-owned land when he was premier.

The multi-millionaire's whereabouts are currently a mystery.

Local media reported that he is in China while others said he is set to fly to the Philippines, which Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat - Thaksin's brother-in-law - was scheduled to visit Monday.

"No matter China or the Philippines, we have an extradition treaty with both countries," Sirisak Tiypan, director general for international affairs of the Office of the Attorney General, told AFP.

Thaksin has until the end of next week to appeal against his conviction but prosecutors are working on extradition documents, Sirisak said.

The reasons for the British government's decision to revoke the couple's visas, which emerged on Saturday, remain unclear.

Sirisak said prosecutors first planned to send the request to Britain, but as London had cancelled the visas of Thaksin and his wife they would wait to find out exactly where they are now.

"We planned to send it to Britain but (the plan) does not work now, he is not there," he added.

Sirisak said that even if Thaksin decides to live in a country with which Thailand has no extradition treaty, authorities could ask for him to be handed over on a reciprocal basis.

The Bahamas, Bermuda, and several countries in Africa which are not believed to have extradition agreements with Thailand have reportedly offered to take in Thaksin and his wife.

The Philippines foreign department said earlier Monday that it has not received any asylum request from Thaksin and that it was unlikely to approve any such application.

Thaksin has spent most of his time since the September 2006 coup in self-imposed exile in Britain, where he bought and subsequently sold Manchester City football club.

He returned to Thailand in February this year, but swiftly fled again in August after Pojaman was sentenced to three years in jail for tax evasion.

- AFP / 2008-11-10

[sriracha john]

People Power Party MP Panya Sripanya

MPs to seek amnesty for Thaksin

Northeastern MPs are set to begin a signature campaign aimed at seeking amnesty for former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, an MP from the ruling People Power Party said yesterday.

Panya Sripanya, a PPP MP for Khon Kaen, said that he and his fellow MPs from the region would collect signatures from at least 10 northeastern provinces. He added that he expected the campaign to gather at least 1,000 signatures of supporters from each province.

"I will visit the electorates on Tuesday, and I expect to get the required signatures within a week," he said, adding that a motion seeking amnesty for Thaksin could be submitted before this current parliamentary session ends late this month.

- The Nation / 2008-11-09

I would have thought whether or not Somchai has/had a mia noi, far less important to the advancement of this nascent democracy than this piece of news, which no one has seen fit to comment upon If the PPP have taken it upon themselves to completely ignore the findings and sentencing by their country's highest court, to wit, act in contempt, where does this leave Thailand? Twinning with Zimbabwe?

Poll Panel Opposes Amnesty for Banned Politicians

A poll commissioner pointed out the current attempt to seek amnesty for banned executives of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party is not appropriate.

Election Commissioner in charge of poll management, Prapan Naikowit, said MPs of the People Power Party are eligible to hold campaigns to solicit the 10,000 signatures needed to present the draft bill on amnesty for banned executives of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party.

However, Prapan said such campaigns may be inappropriate as current political conflicts remain unsolved and suggested the move should be made after the conclusion of the upcoming key royal ceremonies.

He also advised the government to pay attention to the drafting of the Constitution's organic bill instead of the amnesty law because currently only a few draft bills are being brought into the House's session.

- TOC / 2008-11-10

[stumonster]

next we will be hearing that Oak is straight or knows something about business!

and is a future prime minister of Thailand ?

[sriracha john]

I don't believe in what I see in that video.

I don't think Mr. Somchai is that "urgent" to do such things when he is so well known now.

The same amazing story about singer Lydia being Mr. Thaksin's gf.

You're starting to convince me.

Upon further reflection, I could easily understand how no man would ever wish to stray from either of these extremely attractive sister-in-laws...

especially for someone as unattractive as Lydia...

who is no match for the alluring Potjaman...

His wife is old, gained weight because of old age and after giving birth, but it doesn't mean he must have Lydia as GF.

If you say something, I suggest you use the truth. I hate many people, but I never gossip something they don't do. It is not fair for them.

Didn't you read my post?

I agreed with you.

I even proclaimed that I thought most men would find these fine examples of womanhood, that are the Shinawatra-Damapong combo, as seductive vixens... and most men would be repulsed by someone as unappealing as the tawdry Lydia.

Look at them in comparison... Potjaman is far, far better-looking and very desirable.... and Yaowapa... Gosh!... she's so hot-looking, I can barely contain myself.

It's you that is talking down about these women... calling them old and fat with birthing stretch marks.

That's not fair.

I'm sorry to flip-flop, Koo... looks like I'm going back to having doubts and I'm thinking that for whatever insane reason, Somchai is sleeping with women other than his exquisitely beautiful and very desirable wife....

PM: I'm the man in the video

PM Somchai has admitted for the first time that he is the man in a scandalous internet video clip - but "only in some parts." The clip had been partly doctored to discredit him, Somchai said before meeting Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Manila yesterday. The video, taken by an unknown cameramen in March this year, was posted on the internet late last month. The 25-minute video features a slightly built man who appears to be in his 60s going with young women to restaurants, a shopping mall, and a love motel. The same man is shown lunching with a middle-aged woman resembling Somchai's wife, Yaowapa. Viewers were convinced the man, who wears glasses, is the PM. Somchai said the video had damaged his reputation. He said he knew who had produced it and posted it on the internet, but would not press charges because he had already forgiven them. Somchai dismissed rumours he

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/111108_News/11Nov2008_news12.php

[steveromagnino]

PM Somchai has admitted for the first time that he is the man in a scandalous internet video clip - but "only in some parts." The clip had been partly doctored to discredit him, Somchai said before meeting Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Manila yesterday. The video, taken by an unknown cameramen in March this year, was posted on the internet late last month. The 25-minute video features a slightly built man who appears to be in his 60s going with young women to restaurants, a shopping mall, and a love motel. The same man is shown lunching with a middle-aged woman resembling Somchai's wife, Yaowapa. Viewers were convinced the man, who wears glasses, is the PM. Somchai said the video had damaged his reputation. He said he knew who had produced it and posted it on the internet, but would not press charges because he had already forgiven them. Somchai dismissed rumours he

For once he showed he had a pair (well other than getting Purachai, the at the time 2nd most popular MP from TRT fired) although we don't get to see the size of his cahones (fortunately for us).

But at the end of the day, storm in a D cup (well other than the alledged fact that the girl in the video that got pregnant and worked for him is now dead).

The Kennedys have done worse. Most likely.

Having profiteered from all the state deals building various telco networks, I am sure the Shinwatras don't care too much for a bit of extra marital fun. Certainly Khunying Or has seemed to turn a blind eye to fairly blatant displays by her hubbie with Mai, Lydia et al.

[sriracha john]

PM Somchai has admitted for the first time that he is the man in a scandalous internet video clip

(well other than the alledged fact that the girl in the video that got pregnant and worked for him is now dead).

that is....to coin Frank Zappa,... The crux of the biscuit is the Apostrophe

[sriracha john]

Thaksin therapy

In another stall former cabinet minister Jakrapop Penkair was signing red T-shirts with the word ''Dictator'' on them crossed out in black. The man has a charge of lese majeste – insulting the monarchy – hanging over him, but was grinning from ear to ear

Nattawut and Jatuporn and Veera and Jakrapob

while Jakrapob's date is set for his continued problems...

OAG schedules Jakrapob's lese majeste case for March 5

The Office of the Attorney General has scheduled a ruling on the lese majeste case of Jakrapob Penkae for March 5th at 10 AM in response to widespread interest in the case.

Director of the Criminal Division of the Office of the Attorney-General Kayasit Pisawongprakan stated that, after reviewing case files of the lese majeste claim against the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) core leader Jakrapob Penkae submitted by investigative officers, the office has scheduled their verdict hearing for March 5th.

The office will also establish a committee of unbiased language experts to review all evidence and a statement submitted by Jakrapob in his defense.

Mr. Kayasit admitted that the matter is very sensitive and is receiving much public attention; therefore, it needs extreme thoroughness.

- ThaiNews / 2009-01-13

Lese majeste case postponed in Thailand

Bangkok - A widely watched lese majeste case was postponed Thursday by Thailand's Attorney-General, opposition politician Jakrapob Penkair said.

Jakrapob told reporters his pre-trial hearing on whether to go ahead with his prosecution on charges of insulting the monarchy had been put back by 30 days.

A noisy crowd of about 300 opposition 'Red Shirt' followers of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra chanted 'Fight, Fight' outside the Attorney-General's Office where Jakrapob was told of the postponement.

Jakrapob, a former minister in the prime minister's office, faces a possible jail sentence of between three and 15 years under the lese majeste law for comments made in the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in August 2007.

DPA / 2009-03-05

[animatic]

Is this Pratt TV?

[sriracha john]

LESE MAJESTY CHARGE

Jakrapob gets a reprieve

The Attorney-General has postponed a decision on whether to indict former PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair on a charge of lese majeste until April 29, pending further investigation into a speech in English by Jakrapob at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in August 2007.

Jakrapob's lawyer Sakda Noppasit said his client had submitted a Thai translation of his speech to public prosecutors to compare with the official translation on whether it was insulting to the monarchy.

Jakrapob and about 50 men in red shirts went to the Office of the Attorney-General yesterday expecting to hear a decision on whether he would be indicted. He maintained his innocence, saying he was a victim of political harassment.

He said he would put a Thai translation of his speech on the Internet to let the public see that he had not offended the monarchy, as alleged.

Jakrapob has been at the forefront of an anti-government campaign by the so-called "red shirts", whose official name is the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD). People found guilty of lese majeste can be jailed for up to 15 years.

- The Nation / 2009-03-06

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

Plaintiff in Red-shirt Leader's Lese Majeste Case to Fight for Prosecution

The plaintiff in the lese majeste case against a top leader of the anti-government red-shirt group has vowed to file an official protest over the decision to postpone the indictment against one of the core leaders of the red-shirt group.

The plaintiff, Police Lieutenant-Colonel Wathanasak Mungkarndee, said he has received no information regarding the decision by the Director-General of the Criminal Litigation Office to postpone the indictment on lese majeste charge against the red-shirt leader.

The allegations against Jakrapob Penkae, the core leader of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship and a former PM's Office Minister, stemmed from remarks he made regarding the monarchy during a talk at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in August 2007.

Prosecutors announced today that they were postponing the case against Jakrapob until April 29, citing the need for additional investigation.

Police Lieutenant-Colonel Wathanasak said the believe the decision to postpone the case might have resulted from a conclusion by the Attorney-General's office that further investigation was needed. However, he said the reason might also be that the report compiled by police officers in charge of the investigation is not reliable.

He also advised prosecutors to use the translated version of Jakrapob's speech, which was given in English, to determine whether there are grounds for an indictment.

He added that he is eligible to file a complaint with the Attorney-General's Office to express opposition to any decision not to indict Jakrapob.

Jakrapob has been accused of unlawfully making political gain through his actions during the military junta administration and while he was in office. The former minister has asked police to also investigate his accusers.

Meanwhile, Jakrapob said his attorney has prepared relevant evidence to defend him in court and to present to the public as the case is under tremendous public scrutiny.

About 50 members of the Red-Shirt group, led by Jatuporn Phromphan, have been showing their support for Jakrapob at the Attorney-General's Office.

- TOC / 2009-03-05

[sriracha john]

Ousted Thai premier wants royal pardon

TOKYO (AFP / 52 minutes ago) — Thailand's ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra said in an interview published on Thursday that he had asked his king to pardon him on corruption charges and wants to make a political comeback.

"I wrote him three letters already because I believed in His Majesty's kindness and wisdom," Thaksin reportedly told the English-language daily Japan Times.

"If I get a pardon, I know my supporters would be happy and we would not need to fight back anymore and prove anything."

"It is up to His Majesty and his generosity," Thaksin, who lives in exile to avoid a jail term back home, was quoted as saying.

Thaksin was convicted in October last year on corruption charges and sentenced in absentia to two years in prison.

The ex-premier claimed his innocence and said: "I cannot defend myself and get justice because I am now presumed guilty... and my political opponents back the committee investigating me."

"Thailand now lacks the rule of law in the frame of proper democracy."

Thaksin denied any disloyalty towards the nation's widely revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 81, pledging "loyalty and respect for His Majesty."

"They (Thaksin's opponents) said I want to be president and change the constitutional monarchy," he was quoted as saying in Dubai.

"This is false -- I never had that kind of ambition. My opponents shifted power in their favour by saying I was not loyal to His Majesty."

Thaksin said he still wanted to return to Thai politics.

"I have to go back, I have an obligation to my supporters and their morale," he said. "If there was an election today, I would certainly win."

[sriracha john]

Thaksin hopes his achievements will earn pardon from Thai king

DUBAI — Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra hopes for one thing these days as he spends his life on the run evading arrest on corruption charges: getting a pardon from his king.

"It is up to his majesty and his generosity," Thaksin said in an exclusive interview with The Japan Times. "I have been serving according to my loyalty and respect for his majesty. They say I want to be president and change the constitutional monarchy. This is false — I never had that kind of ambition. My opponents shifted power in their favor by saying I was not loyal to his majesty."

But it is unclear whether Thaksin, 59, will get a royal pardon for the sake of national reconciliation.

"I did not want to create any headache for the monarch," the former prime minister said.

Since the bloodless September 2006 military coup that led to his ouster from power, Thaksin, a native of Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand, has been in self-imposed exile.

He was convicted in October 2008 and sentenced in absentia to two years in prison on corruption charges. His financial assets in Thailand for the sale of his stake in the Shin Corp. to Singapore's Temasek Holding Co. have been frozen.

Considered a fugitive from justice, the Thai government wants to extradite him at any cost. On March 2, Thaksin turned down an invitation to speak at a lunch at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Hong Kong after Abhisit threatened to ask Beijing to return him.

"I could have gone, but I choose not to because the Thai government is overreacting and is so nervous about what I am going to say," he said. "I don't want to cause any problems between China and Thailand."

He is now expected to address the gathering via video conference on Thursday.

In addition, a number of countries — including Britain and Japan — will not grant him a visa. His diplomatic passport has been revoked. He recently divorced his wife and some of his political allies have deserted him.

But Thaksin appears to take it all in stride and attributes his woes to "bad karma." He is adamant about his innocence and says he was framed by detractors eager to seize power "whatever the consequences for the country."

"I am a religious person and believe in the good things," Thaksin said.

"What has happened to me is clearly unfortunate and unexpected. This must be bad karma from a past life; I must have done something."

In the past months, there have been conflicting reports about his return to politics. Thaksin himself says he is keen to serve his country again and is confident he would win the popular vote.

"I have to go back, I have an obligation to my supporters and their morale," he said. "If there was an election today, I would certainly win."

But unless he is granted a pardon, returning to Thailand now is not a viable option.

"If the country is still under the military junta dictatorship, and the people think this dictatorship is good for the country, then I cannot go back," he said. "I cannot defend myself and get justice because I am now presumed guilty . . . and my political opponents back the committee investigating me. Thailand now lacks the rule of law in the frame of proper democracy."

In his travels, the former prime minister spends his time meeting friends and political allies while still seeking business opportunities.

Thaksin would like to see the different parties "bury their hatchets and come together forgiving everything."

And he yearns to return to his country but for that he needs the blessing of the king, who is widely revered and respected in Thailand.

"I wrote him three letters already because I believe in his majesty's kindness and wisdom," he said. "If I get a pardon, I know my supporters would be happy and we would not need to fight back anymore and prove anything."

He said he knows it may take some time before this happens, but insists that he is willing to wait as long as it take to clear his name.

"In Thailand we say, 'Sometimes you have to bite your tongue, then quietly swallow you own blood,' " he explained. "I am patient and I can wait."

The Thai government has been trying to track his every move, but he insists he is not actually in hiding — which leads one to inquire after his current home address.

"I am in and out. I never stay in one place for too long and as long as I am fit I can travel," he said. "You can look for me, I am everywhere!"

- Japan Times / 2009-03-12

[dukkha]

www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=344

interesting analysis in my umble opinion....

[dukkha]

Did not know HRH has been in Sirirat Hospital the last two or so days....Dukkha

[bungy007]

I'm so happy seeing I'm not the only one who loves Khun Thaksin and Thai Rak Thai / PPP.

90,000 people is not minority.

Hope that he finds the same level of mercy as he gave to those3-5000 Thais he had murdered in his illegal execution campaign a few years back. Som Nam Na!

[bungy007]

[

."

"I am a religious person and believe in the good things," Thaksin said.

"What has happened to me is clearly unfortunate and unexpected. This must be bad karma from a past life; I must have done something."

- Japan Times / 2009-03-12

You've got to laugh! No Thaksin - this is not bad karma from your last life it is a direct result of your shennanigans in this life! Specifically in the last decade! Yes it maybe unexpected as by many accounts you planned your own power game of martial law with your close family in charge of the armed forces before the military coup pipped you to the punch! It's called cause and effect! Wake up man!

[animatic]

I'm so happy seeing I'm not the only one who loves Khun Thaksin and Thai Rak Thai / PPP.

90,000 people is not minority.

Hope that he finds the same level of mercy as he gave to those3-5000 Thais he had murdered in his illegal execution campaign a few years back. Som Nam Na!

Sorry Koo but 90,000 is not a majority,

it is only 1 / 683.3rd of the country...

a VERY small, fractional minority.

1% of the country is 615,000 persons.

90,000 is only 6.833333 % of 1% if the population.

A majority is 30,750,000 + 1

90,000 from 61.5 million is smaller than the statistical error of many opinion polls.

2-3% error is typically judged.

So that's 1,230,000- 1,845,000 persons.

90,000 is no more than an anomaly.

Who feeds you this mis-information?

[plachon]

I'm so happy seeing I'm not the only one who loves Khun Thaksin and Thai Rak Thai / PPP.

90,000 people is not minority.

Hope that he finds the same level of mercy as he gave to those3-5000 Thais he had murdered in his illegal execution campaign a few years back. Som Nam Na!

Sorry Koo but 90,000 is not a majority,

it is only 1 / 683.3rd of the country...

a VERY small, fractional minority.

1% of the country is 615,000 persons.

90,000 is only 6.833333 % of 1% if the population.

A majority is 30,750,000 + 1

90,000 from 61.5 million is smaller than the statistical error of many opinion polls.

2-3% error is typically judged.

So that's 1,230,000- 1,845,000 persons.

90,000 is no more than an anomaly.

Who feeds you this mis-information?

You're very patient and understanding Animatic, but I really don't know why you bother. Surely you clicked long ago that love is blind and blind infatuation is even further into the cave of darkness. It reminds me of those stories we all know of wives who get beaten black and blue by their husbands time and again, but still end up going back to him and enduring it all over again, claiming they "love him". Logic and reason has no bearing on the matter I'm afraid.

[sriracha john]

LESE MAJESTY CHARGE

Jakrapob gets a reprieve

The Attorney-General has postponed a decision on whether to indict former PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair on a charge of lese majeste until April 29, pending further investigation into a speech in English by Jakrapob at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in August 2007.

Jakrapob's lawyer Sakda Noppasit said his client had submitted a Thai translation of his speech to public prosecutors to compare with the official translation on whether it was insulting to the monarchy.

Jakrapob and about 50 men in red shirts went to the Office of the Attorney-General yesterday expecting to hear a decision on whether he would be indicted. He maintained his innocence, saying he was a victim of political harassment.

He said he would put a Thai translation of his speech on the Internet to let the public see that he had not offended the monarchy, as alleged.

Jakrapob has been at the forefront of an anti-government campaign by the so-called "red shirts", whose official name is the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD). People found guilty of lese majeste can be jailed for up to 15 years.

Jakrapob's meeting with prosecutors put off

Public prosecutors on Wednesday postponed their meeting Jakrapob Penkair to June 15 before they make a decision whether to indict him for lese majeste.

Jakrapob, formerly a Prime Minister's Office Minister and until recently a leader of the red-shirt movement, asked for the postponement saying he had some business to attend to overseas.

The prosecutors decided to grant him the request because further investigation and questioning of witnesses, as well as translation of relevant documents, had not been completed, according to Kayasit Pisawongprakan, Director-General of the Criminal Litigation Division at the Attorney-General's Office.

The case against Jakrapob is in connection to a lecture he delivered, in English, at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in August 2007.

If Jakrapob fails to report to the prosecutors on June 15, his guarantors would be asked to find him or an arrest warrant would be issued for him, Kayasit told a press conference at the Attorney-General's Office.

-- The Nation 2009-04-29

[webfact]

LESE MAJESTY CHARGE

Jakrapob gets a reprieve

The Attorney-General has postponed a decision on whether to indict former PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair on a charge of lese majeste until April 29, pending further investigation into a speech in English by Jakrapob at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in August 2007.

Jakrapob's lawyer Sakda Noppasit said his client had submitted a Thai translation of his speech to public prosecutors to compare with the official translation on whether it was insulting to the monarchy.

Jakrapob and about 50 men in red shirts went to the Office of the Attorney-General yesterday expecting to hear a decision on whether he would be indicted. He maintained his innocence, saying he was a victim of political harassment.

He said he would put a Thai translation of his speech on the Internet to let the public see that he had not offended the monarchy, as alleged.

Jakrapob has been at the forefront of an anti-government campaign by the so-called "red shirts", whose official name is the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD). People found guilty of lese majeste can be jailed for up to 15 years.

Jakrapob's meeting with prosecutors put off

Public prosecutors on Wednesday postponed their meeting Jakrapob Penkair to June 15 before they make a decision whether to indict him for lese majeste.

Jakrapob, formerly a Prime Minister's Office Minister and until recently a leader of the red-shirt movement, asked for the postponement saying he had some business to attend to overseas.

The prosecutors decided to grant him the request because further investigation and questioning of witnesses, as well as translation of relevant documents, had not been completed, according to Kayasit Pisawongprakan, Director-General of the Criminal Litigation Division at the Attorney-General's Office.

The case against Jakrapob is in connection to a lecture he delivered, in English, at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in August 2007.

If Jakrapob fails to report to the prosecutors on June 15, his guarantors would be asked to find him or an arrest warrant would be issued for him, Kayasit told a press conference at the Attorney-General's Office.

-- The Nation 2009-04-29

Am I missing something? When did he ask for the postponement?

[Thai at Heart]

LESE MAJESTY CHARGE

Jakrapob gets a reprieve

The Attorney-General has postponed a decision on whether to indict former PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair on a charge of lese majeste until April 29, pending further investigation into a speech in English by Jakrapob at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in August 2007.

Jakrapob's lawyer Sakda Noppasit said his client had submitted a Thai translation of his speech to public prosecutors to compare with the official translation on whether it was insulting to the monarchy.

Jakrapob and about 50 men in red shirts went to the Office of the Attorney-General yesterday expecting to hear a decision on whether he would be indicted. He maintained his innocence, saying he was a victim of political harassment.

He said he would put a Thai translation of his speech on the Internet to let the public see that he had not offended the monarchy, as alleged.

Jakrapob has been at the forefront of an anti-government campaign by the so-called "red shirts", whose official name is the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD). People found guilty of lese majeste can be jailed for up to 15 years.

Jakrapob's meeting with prosecutors put off

Public prosecutors on Wednesday postponed their meeting Jakrapob Penkair to June 15 before they make a decision whether to indict him for lese majeste.

Jakrapob, formerly a Prime Minister's Office Minister and until recently a leader of the red-shirt movement, asked for the postponement saying he had some business to attend to overseas.

The prosecutors decided to grant him the request because further investigation and questioning of witnesses, as well as translation of relevant documents, had not been completed, according to Kayasit Pisawongprakan, Director-General of the Criminal Litigation Division at the Attorney-General's Office.

The case against Jakrapob is in connection to a lecture he delivered, in English, at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in August 2007.

If Jakrapob fails to report to the prosecutors on June 15, his guarantors would be asked to find him or an arrest warrant would be issued for him, Kayasit told a press conference at the Attorney-General's Office.

-- The Nation 2009-04-29

Am I missing something? When did he ask for the postponement?

Presumably he landed by teleport and promptly left again. This systems in this country will never cease to amaze me. What difference will a couple of months make, meanwhile he is shouting his mouth off about an armed insurgency in the country.

Sometime, I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

[sriracha john]

Am I missing something? When did he ask for the postponement?

Am I missing something? When did he ask for the postponement?

Presumably he landed by teleport and promptly left again.

Didn't miss anything, webfact... just like his mentor Thaksin and Thaksin's ex-wife during their pre-fugitive stage and facing many multiple court appearances... was not physically present himself...he asked for a delay through his lawyer.

[sriracha john]

Jakrapob indictment delayed

The public prosecutor has postponed a ruling on the indictment of UDD Leader Jakrapob Penkair on a lese majeste charge.

An arrest warrant will be issued for Jakrapob, who fled the country amid the red shirt protests over Songkran, if he fails to report to the prosecutor on June 15, the new date for the ruling.

Chief prosecutor for criminal cases Kayasit Piswongprakan said the prosecutor had issued a summons to Mr Jakrapob to appear to hear the ruling yesterday. Jakrapob did not show up and his lawyer asked for the ruling session to be rescheduled. Jakrapob said through his lawyer he was preoccupied with business overseas.

-- Bangkok Post 2009-04-30

[Plus]

he had some business to attend to overseas

That's one way of putting it.

Judges considering his FCCT speech should not base their decisions on progress in Songkran riot case, though they could have been tempted to convict him in absentia considering his reported activities.

I bet there are also rules on how to proceede if defendant is not present. Thaksin has a dozen cases suspended due to his absense, for example, they can't move an inch, legally.

[brahmburgers]

if he fails to report to the prosecutor on June 15, the new date for the ruling.

Chief prosecutor for criminal cases Kayasit Piswongprakan said the prosecutor had issued a summons to Mr Jakrapob to appear to hear the ruling yesterday. Jakrapob did not show up and his lawyer asked for the ruling session to be rescheduled. Jakrapob said through his lawyer he was preoccupied with business overseas.

-- Bangkok Post 2009-04-30

another soft suck from the mealy mouthed Thai justice system.

[Plus]

another soft suck from the mealy mouthed Thai justice system.

Didn't you read official red pamphlets that specifically state that Thai justice system is cruel and unfair and extremely prejudiced against people like Jakrapop?

[BigSnake]

My Thought: If the current Government really wants to bring Mr Thaskin to Justice, why not just monitor his phone in, get a location and have agents swoop in a pick him up, with today's IT this shouldn't be to hard to do.

[Plus]

He is in another country, how can you have agents to swoop in? It's not a movie.

Besides, they might not be really using a phone - it's all broadcast from Chinese, not Thai satellite, how can you backtrace the signal without access to it? Can you backtrace signal from Thai satellites, for that matter?

[webfact]

Can't help myself. Got a very bad feeling after reading this short article. Maybe I am too long in this country so IMHO something is wrong in this story - deeply wrong!

Looks to me like "another Elvis has left the building forever..."