Justice Awaiting Thaksin In Thailand: Abhisit

[IsaanAussie]

I have lived and worked in SEA for a long time and this whole sorry mess is nothing new or unique to Thailand. Remember Marcos in the Philippines and Soharto in Indonesia, or even Mahathir in Malaysia? They all "benefited personally" from their time in the strong man's office and their countries developed rapidly as a result of their drive and determination.

IMHO the common thread is not the corruption of an individual but the opportunity and almost the need, to exploit a corrupt system. Unless pockets are lined little happens. Vested interest protects the system and its players. This is the real evil and does little except widen the wealth gap. For the poor, any well executed infrastructure development is usually a benefit, regardless of cost.

Issanaussie

[henryalleman]

What great ironey that Thaksin has now to run from the same institutions that he used so well for so long for his own personal and political advantage. Of course you would not return.

Who could have any faith at all in fair and impartial justice here in Thailand where EVERYTHING is a negotiated outcome.

He should come back and face justice, and than we can all see if the Thai justice system is indeed corrupt. Till than we should not state otherwise.

[Plus]

Is Mahathir on the run, facing a jail sentence and denied entry to European countries? Poor comparison. Not as bad as Nelson Mandela, though.

[unforgiven]

I dont think that the great coward has the balls to come back and face the music!

Justice can only mean one thing in hs case: put in jail and throw away the keys!

you my wise frenchman , you are absolutly correct,that rats ass will jawbone to the hilts of tARA,but the coward will never,I mean never come home as long as he that cannot be named lives........................Sean O'brien

[mrtoad]

Thaksin assassination claim surprises officials

Bangkok Post Jan 27, 2009 (article link)

National police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan on Tuesday expressed astonishment over ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's claim that he is a target of assassination.

Pol Gen Patcharawat said he has never heard of such reports, adding that police can ensure safety to Mr Thaksin if he returns to Thailand. He will be treated as a Thai citizen, he added. Meanwhile, Gen Prawit said the ousted premier and society are ultimately the ones to decide whether it was appropriate for him to make a phone-in and speak to his supporters.

On Sunday, Mr Thaksin phoned-in to satellite TV DStation, saying that he had been denied justice and would not end his involvement in politics until he was returned money confiscated from him by the coup-installed Asset Scrutiny Committee.

He also claimed that there had been an attempt on his life.

With so many assasination plots/ attempts on Thaksin, it's pretty surprising that nothing has come even remotely close.

[rixalex]

Get justice in a fair court and we all know the court is anti-thaksin, so we shouldnt blame him not wanting to return until the situation is right.

Britmaveric, surely even Thaksin defenders like you accept that during his time in office everything was tilted in his favour - just take the ridiculous outcome of the assets concealment case for one. So having had the odds all stacked in his favour for so long, really and truly, why should anyone care if now they are not?

Personally though, i think he would actually get a pretty fair trial. Perhaps not one he could use his power to sway, but one that would be anxious to not create further division. It's a sensitive issue and the last thing the courts or authorities want is to make some sort of martyr out of him. They also would prefer the whole saga to be in the past so the country can move on. Handing down the sort of sentence that Thaksin deserves (ie a long spell behind bars) would only make this process take that much longer.

[Old Man River]

His wife returned.

EC commissioners served their time, Thaksin's lawyers served their time. They didn't try to run.

Thaksin wants to be his own judge and executioner, that's his version of justice. He doesn't recognise the authority of Thai courts, the government, the military, the "elites" etc etc. He thinks he is above them all.

The Thai's are very forgiving when it comes to past banished leaders. For Thaksin, he has apparently accepted the need to stay away for several years until he can get a full pardon with some of his money returned. Don't forget that Gen. Sonthi came close to offering Thaksin a full pardon soon after the coup.

I have no doubt that in time, once it is deemed that Thaksin is no longer a threat, he will be pardoned and some of his money will be returned. It is the normal way of things here.

[rixalex]

I have no doubt that in time, once it is deemed that Thaksin is no longer a threat, he will be pardoned and some of his money will be returned. It is the normal way of things here.

So sad, but so true.

[Pierrot]

His wife returned.

EC commissioners served their time, Thaksin's lawyers served their time. They didn't try to run.

Thaksin wants to be his own judge and executioner, that's his version of justice. He doesn't recognise the authority of Thai courts, the government, the military, the "elites" etc etc. He thinks he is above them all.

The Thai's are very forgiving when it comes to past banished leaders. For Thaksin, he has apparently accepted the need to stay away for several years until he can get a full pardon with some of his money returned. Don't forget that Gen. Sonthi came close to offering Thaksin a full pardon soon after the coup.

I have no doubt that in time, once it is deemed that Thaksin is no longer a threat, he will be pardoned and some of his money will be returned. It is the normal way of things here.

In the mean time democrats will have to learn to live without Thaksin as a scapegoat for everything that goes wrong in Thailand.

[Plus]

One has to ask for forgiveness first, though.

I doubt Thaksin's ability to do so, not the kind nature of Thai society. Right now he is trying very hard to burn all the bridges, for example. We are light years away from times for pardons.

And, there's a little question of a dozen lawsuits and a jail sentence - the reality is that even if he comes back he'd have to spend years in courts just to clear the paperwork.

[hammered]

One has to ask for forgiveness first, though.

I doubt Thaksin's ability to do so, not the kind nature of Thai society. Right now he is trying very hard to burn all the bridges, for example. We are light years away from times for pardons.

And, there's a little question of a dozen lawsuits and a jail sentence - the reality is that even if he comes back he'd have to spend years in courts just to clear the paperwork.

You could be right. He may become the first unforgiven ex-leader.

[Plus]

I don't think "unforgiven" is the right word for it.

Unrepentant, maybe?

And don't forget that his court cases are really out of control now, no one has the power to dismiss them summarily and issue blank pardon. There are constitutional limits and requirements that cannot be easily overcome.

[ballpoint]

His wife returned.

EC commissioners served their time, Thaksin's lawyers served their time. They didn't try to run.

Thaksin wants to be his own judge and executioner, that's his version of justice. He doesn't recognise the authority of Thai courts, the government, the military, the "elites" etc etc. He thinks he is above them all.

The Thai's are very forgiving when it comes to past banished leaders. For Thaksin, he has apparently accepted the need to stay away for several years until he can get a full pardon with some of his money returned. Don't forget that Gen. Sonthi came close to offering Thaksin a full pardon soon after the coup.

I have no doubt that in time, once it is deemed that Thaksin is no longer a threat, he will be pardoned and some of his money will be returned. It is the normal way of things here.

The "normal way of doing things" is for the leader, whether he be an alledged corrupt PM, such as Chatichai Choonhaven, or a military strongman with blood on his hands, such as Suchinda, to admit it was a fair cop and retire quietly somewhere. A pardon is forthcoming, he gets to keep the majority, if not all of, his ill gotten gains, and the next snout takes his place at the trough. Thaksin's problem is that he wants to take the trough with him. I think he really believes that he has some given right to rule Thailand and do exactly what he wants with its people in order to build on his wealth and power. When caught out he initially hired PR men to try and make people like him, and then lashed out at everyone around him who tried to prevent him coming back as anything other than a convicted criminal, including the Thai Privy Council and the British goverment. His claims that people are out to kill him are yet another sign of his delusion, along with his made up stories about how many countries were glad to have him as a citizen. An alternative to putting him in prison would be to bring him back and lock him up in an asylum.

[Maestro]

Nonsensical posts referring to a non-existing or fictitious person named Toxin and replies to them have been deleted.

--

Maestro

[BigSnake]

Will he return for Justice, Maybe he is a bit of a hard head. Guess it is wait and see. Mr Abhisit has BALLS to Challegen the Big Guy, Bring it ON Big BOSS>

[jbowman1993]

Will he return for Justice, Maybe he is a bit of a hard head. Guess it is wait and see. Mr Abhisit has BALLS to Challegen the Big Guy, Bring it ON Big BOSS>

I would say the days of referring to T as the big boss are long past. Thailand has only ever had one big boss.

[jbowman1993]

Bowing to the mods stand on the issue, I will no longer refer to Thaksin's usual name characterization (a word starting with T and meaning - a poisonous substance), no matter how appropriate it might be. Instead I will give Mr. Thaksin the full measure of respect and honor he is due.

Former Prime Minister, Multiply Indicted and Convicted Felon, Fugitive from Justice, Murderer of Innocents, Thief of Country's Resources and Assets, Lt. Col. Thaksin Shinawatra.

It is more clear in any event. Thank you to the mods for encouraging us to post clearly. It benefits all the members here.

[sriracha john]

Bowing to the mods stand on the issue, I will no longer refer to Thaksin's usual name characterization (a word starting with T and meaning - a poisonous substance), no matter how appropriate it might be. Instead I will give Mr. Thaksin the full measure of respect and honor he is due.

Former Prime Minister, Multiply Indicted and Convicted Felon, Fugitive from Justice, Murderer of Innocents, Thief of Country's Resources and Assets, Lt. Col. Thaksin Shinawatra.

It is more clear in any event. Thank you to the mods for encouraging us to post clearly. It benefits all the members here.

Feel free to drop the Lt. Col.

He no longer warrants the title as he allowed the appeal period for his criminal conviction to lapse without applying for one.

[ovenman]

Former Prime Minister, Multiply Indicted and Convicted Felon, Fugitive from Justice, Murderer of Innocents, Thief of Country's Resources and Assets, Lt. Col. Thaksin Shinawatra.

It is more clear in any event. Thank you to the mods for encouraging us to post clearly. It benefits all the members here.

Feel free to drop the Lt. Col.

He no longer warrants the title as he allowed the appeal period for his criminal conviction to lapse without applying for one.

Don't forgot to insert Doctor in there somewhere...

[animatic]

I guess we can't call him the "Toxic Avenger" either.

Revenger maybe?

Edited February 9, 2009 by animatic

[HagenvonTronje]

Time limits to be suspended for fugitives from justice

By Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

Published on May 2, 2009

The government is preparing a legal amendment which would directly affect fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

A government source said the Justice Ministry would propose changes to the statutes of limitations for criminal cases at Tuesday's Cabinet meeting.

The ministry will argue the unsuitability of the present time limits for bringing a case to trial, especially when government officials and political office-holders are indicted.

The number of such people has recently increased dramatically both nationally and locally, and the cases tend to be very complicated.

Officials need more time to finish their investigations, and time limits increasingly expire before cases can be brought to court, the source said.

Moreover, many of those indicted flee abroad, and police cannot bring them in within the prescribed time limit. This could encourage more people to break the law, the source said.

The amendment would be to Article 96 of the Criminal Act, which governs statutes of limitations. As it now stands, if a case has been brought to court and the accused flees or is ruled insane, the court can suspend proceedings, but the case must be dismissed once the statute of limitations expires.

The amendment would stipulate: "In the event that an accused person flees the country or his or her locality, the prescribed time limit shall restart from when that person is arrested or submits to the legal process. If the case has been brought to court, it shall not be dismissed even when the normal time limit expires, except if the accused has been ruled insane."

Article 95 of the Criminal Act prescribes statutes of limitations for criminal cases. These are 20 years for cases carrying a possible death sentence or imprisonment from 20 years to life, 15 years for possible jail terms of seven to 20 years, 10 years for possible jail terms of one to seven years, five years for possible jail terms of one month to one year and one year for possible jail terms of up to one month.

Fugitive politicians now living in exile include ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Somchai "Kamnan Poh" Khunplome, former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame and former PM's Office minister Jakrapob Penkair.

-- The Nation 02.05.2009

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/05/02...cs_30101829.php

[DaleBlue]

Typo: Jail Awaiting Thaksin In Thailand: Abhisit

[HagenvonTronje]

Typo: Jail Awaiting Thaksin In Thailand: Abhisit

and what they do that thaksin goes to jail?

do they really do a lex thaksin, change ing the time limits just for him?

and that only because the Govm is unable to arrest thaksin in time. so they can not demand an extradition fromwhere ever he maybe is.

and that interpol story can also nobody believe. looks like fantasy. thailands version of justice not accepted by interpol. maybe he has as fugitive scapegoat higher propaganda value. that keeps the people entertained.

[animatic]

They didn't say it was JUST FOR THAKSIN.

He is far from the only one to do a runner and wait out the time limit

hovering in neighboring countries but still controling their assorted criminal empires.

And then there is always certain stupid ass sons of certain pols

who f-up and do a runner till either time expires or dad 'fixes' things.

[hammered]

The change seems logical. rther is a difference between a case not being brought to court before stsute of limitations as presumably too weak and a case that has gone to court and the accused then fleeing to avoid the day in court. One is purely technical. The other is use of technicalities to avoid justice.

Forget the personalities for a minute and think of the logical side of it.

[DaleBlue]

They didn't say it was JUST FOR THAKSIN.

He is far from the only one to do a runner and wait out the time limit

hovering in neighboring countries but still controling their assorted criminal empires.

And then there is always certain stupid ass sons of certain pols

who f-up and do a runner till either time expires or dad 'fixes' things.

Double standard? I think so.

[bungy007]

I dont think that the great coward has the balls to come back and face the music!

Justice can only mean one thing in hs case: put in jail and throw away the keys!

This post hit the bull's eye! 'nuff said

[bungy007]

It has been suggested that the current legal apparatus is a tool for the army/elite/Democrats/PAD, recent events certainly add credence to that argument.

As such Taksin would have to be a complete fool to come back and face the courts here. I do note of course that in his prime the situation was the opposite, being in his favor.

Taksin is a fool and your footnote lays-out the very reason why he fears returning to be weighed-off! Som nam na

[bungy007]

5 years ban from politics and he will run again and be voted in. If he ran now he would get back in, the poor have lost their voice and the middle classes are now panicking because they know the downturn has started. Look at the advertising boards on the way to the airport ...empty! Thailand are lucky they had Thaksin for the time they did, the reserve cash they are sitting on is money he generated and is the only thing propping up the economy. He was bent as a nine bob note but he pulled moves for the economy that were well ahead of Thailands time, sure he borrowed money but he encouraged foreign investment and set up state run/owned businesses that generated jobs and money reducing unemployment and advancing GDP beyond just exports. I honestly look at Abhisit and just think you haven't got a bloody clue what you are going to do have you. No charisma , no presense , not a good public speaker and lacks confidence in his body language.

Hmmmmm. Now what if it was YOU who was a target during Thaksin's war waged with summary justice - i.e. a head shot and that's all she wrote! Would you still be so upbeat about him? I think you may post a different view assuming you lived through the act of murder!!

[bungy007]

remember he came back and ran again, if you want justice you must face justice, or else you are just hot air, atleast his wife is a better woman than him, she was in the same boat as him, she decided to face it.

Yeah right! Now how many of her days of sentence did she serve and what punishment did she receive as a bail jumper after she was escorted off the plane in VIP style?? Oh, yes. None! She really faced the music - not!