Thailand May Seek To Extradite Thaksin: Pm

[george]

Thailand may seek to extradite Thaksin: PM

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday hinted that his government might issue an extradition request for China to send back fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

"Existing international agreements will be examined to determine the possibility of bringing back Thaksin; Police and the Office of the Attorney General are jointly in charge of the matter," he said.

Abhisit said his government will ensure that everyone is under the law.

-- The Nation 2009-02-26

[sriracha john]

Foreign Ministry to Have Police Arrest Thaksin in Hong Kong

The Foreign Ministry may request assistance from international police to arrest former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to make a speech to reporters in Hong Kong.

Foreign Ministry's Deputy Spokesman Thani Thongpakdee said that it is up to Royal Thai Police and the Attorney-General whether to arrest Thaksin Shinawatra or not, and if so, how to do so.

The Foreign Ministry is ready to produce the necessary documents upon the request of the Attorney-General.

The International press association of Hong Kong said that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is preparing to make a speech this Monday.

Meanwhile, AFP news quoted former political scientist Prayad Hongthongkam’s analysis of Thaksin’s speech as saying it is a sign of desperation and that the former PM is approaching the end of political exile, hence his recent decision to confront his opponents.

Prayad also believes that Thaksin is pleading with the international community for sympathy.

Prayad said that Thaksin is willing to do anything to get his associates back in power including the potential formation of a coalition government. The former PM can return to Thailand without being arrested in one of two ways. One is to have political associates in power, and the other is to seek amnesty.

The International press association of Hong Kong reported that Thaksin Shinawatra is going to deliver his speech this coming Monday March 2nd, 2009.

- TOC / 2009-02-26

[cougar52]

Does the left hand know what the right hand is doing

By: BangkokPost.com

Published: 26/02/2009 at 11:36 AM

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Thursday said the government will not intervene in the judicial process in an attempt to bring back fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to fight his charges in Thailand.

After being notified that Thaksin will deliver a speech to the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand in Hong Kong next Monday, Mr Suthep said the government will not coordinate with Hong Kong authorities to temporarily detain the ex-premier before bringing him back to the country. He said the government will let the justice system handle this matter.

[george]

Update:

Thailand considers extradition of fugitive ex-PM Thaksin from Hong Kong

BANGKOK: -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Thursday that he is reviewing with concerned agencies the possibility of asking China to extradite fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to face prosecution in Thailand as the ousted premier is reportedly scheduled to deliver a speech in Hong Kong next week.

Mr. Thaksin was sentenced in absentia to two years in jail last October after the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders found him guilty of breaching the National Counter Corruption Act by aiding his then-wife Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra win a bid for a state-owned land on Ratchadaphisek Road in 2003.

The former prime minister is also facing other corruption charges and the cases are proceeding in the courts.

According to a news report, Mr. Thaksin is scheduled to speak at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Hong Kong on Monday.

Mr. Abhisit said the government is exploring the legal parameters of asking China to transfer Mr. Thaksin to Thailand to face justice and defend himself in court. The premier said he wanted all Thais to be under the same law.

Past consideration to seek extradition could not carried out because the government did not know Mr. Thaksin's location at any given time, but now Thailand knows his schedule on Monday.

Asked whether it is appropriate for Mr. Thaksin to speak in Hong Kong, China's Special Administrative Region, Mr. Abhisit declined to comment, saying that it was an internal matter of that country.

The prime minister said he believed Mr. Thaksin would not make comments that tarnished Thailand during his speech in Hong Kong but if there was any allegation of fault, the government could not avoid its responsibility to clarify any such assertions.

Mr. Thaksin's planned Hong Kong speech is a rare public appearance. Since being overthrown in a military coup in September 2006 the former premier lives in exile to escape jail.

The convicted former prime minister has repeatedly said that he would not receive a fair trial if he returned to Thailand.

-- TNA 2008-02-26

[jamesjdaly]

I think that is the worst thing they can do. Get this piece of shit back here to spend a few months in a luxury cell (ha!) and then free to stir up all kinds of shit and whining about injustice. Thailand will fall into anarchy if this scumbag ever gets near the place.

[champee]

Past consideration to seek extradition could not carried out because the government did not know Mr. Thaksin's location at any given time, but now Thailand knows his schedule on Monday.

Maybe the PM should have kept his plan under his hat rather than announce it publicly...unless he's just trying to rattle Thaksin's cage.

[Morris]

hahaha what does he want to reach at the Foreign Correspondence Club, like any foreigner expat is ever going to fall for his slimy talking...

[h90]

I think that is the worst thing they can do. Get this piece of shit back here to spend a few months in a luxury cell (ha!) and then free to stir up all kinds of shit and whining about injustice. Thailand will fall into anarchy if this scumbag ever gets near the place.

Or he is running from China....next country......

[fobuff]

At least he was elected twice (or is three times) by the people (legally) and not put up by puppet Generals.

Fobuff

[ovenman]

The powers-that-be don't want him back in Thailand. Nor do they want him making high profile speeches in Hong Kong. Make some noises about having him extradited and he'll probably back off on the speech.

[pammy123]

Have the PAD terrorists been charged yet

[wrecker]

MIGHT.... at least he knows so he could go elsewhere. But the Might must be seen as MIGHT NOT, given the comments of the real boss of this country, Suthep who said he will not ask for extradition. Abhisit must be very careful with what he wish for. He might get it and that means that half the population will rise up to him, causing bloodshed and and an even more shattered aconomy.

[aussimike]

I think that is the worst thing they can do. Get this piece of shit back here to spend a few months in a luxury cell (ha!) and then free to stir up all kinds of shit and whining about injustice. Thailand will fall into anarchy if this scumbag ever gets near the place.

These words look like they are coming from a very disgruntled little man - think you might have been happy joining the yellow shirt mob on their path of destruction last year - you should stand up with Sonthi and scream foul - wonder why you not protest the fact that they are wanted by the law for treason, destuction of property etc, etc, etc, etc, - the reality is that Taksin had this country in better standing interntionally and a much better financial position and what it is now - and seems that the PM and his deputy cant even agree on the matter of trying to get him back here --

[aussimike]

At least he was elected twice (or is three times) by the people (legally) and not put up by puppet Generals.

Fobuff

Could not agree more -elected by the people for the people - must have been doing something right I expect !!! - the generals and the so called Bkk elite (those who have the money) are still playing puppet master and will do so for the time being -

[rleaton]

Thailand may seek to extradite Thaksin: PM

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday hinted that his government might issue an extradition request for China to send back fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

"Existing international agreements will be examined to determine the possibility of bringing back Thaksin; Police and the Office of the Attorney General are jointly in charge of the matter," he said.

Abhisit said his government will ensure that everyone is under the law.

-- The Nation 2009-02-26

Brilliant move.....this will surely foster riots and perhaps revolution!

[jesimps]

I think that is the worst thing they can do. Get this piece of shit back here to spend a few months in a luxury cell (ha!) and then free to stir up all kinds of shit and whining about injustice. Thailand will fall into anarchy if this scumbag ever gets near the place.

These words look like they are coming from a very disgruntled little man - think you might have been happy joining the yellow shirt mob on their path of destruction last year - you should stand up with Sonthi and scream foul - wonder why you not protest the fact that they are wanted by the law for treason, destuction of property etc, etc, etc, etc, - the reality is that Taksin had this country in better standing interntionally and a much better financial position and what it is now - and seems that the PM and his deputy cant even agree on the matter of trying to get him back here --

Good luck Mr Thaksin.

[squarefred]

At least he was elected twice (or is three times) by the people (legally) and not put up by puppet Generals.

Fobuff

through bribery/vote buying/corruption//media control/cencorship/bullying of opponents/state and police violence etc.

not exactly democratic. just because someone gets the most votes doesnt mean they were elected in a democratic way.

the pre requisites for democracy - rule of law, human rights, freedom of speech, fear from intimidation and political violence, accountability - just dont exist in thailand at present.

i hate the yellowshirts too. thailand needs real change not just one bunch of rich power mad brutes fighting another.

[Dap]

Foreign Ministry to Have Police Arrest Thaksin in Hong Kong

The Foreign Ministry may request assistance from international police to arrest former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to make a speech to reporters in Hong Kong.

Foreign Ministry's Deputy Spokesman Thani Thongpakdee said that it is up to Royal Thai Police and the Attorney-General whether to arrest Thaksin Shinawatra or not, and if so, how to do so.

The Foreign Ministry is ready to produce the necessary documents upon the request of the Attorney-General.

The International press association of Hong Kong said that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is preparing to make a speech this Monday.

Meanwhile, AFP news quoted former political scientist Prayad Hongthongkam's analysis of Thaksin's speech as saying it is a sign of desperation and that the former PM is approaching the end of political exile, hence his recent decision to confront his opponents.

Prayad also believes that Thaksin is pleading with the international community for sympathy.

Prayad said that Thaksin is willing to do anything to get his associates back in power including the potential formation of a coalition government. The former PM can return to Thailand without being arrested in one of two ways. One is to have political associates in power, and the other is to seek amnesty.

The International press association of Hong Kong reported that Thaksin Shinawatra is going to deliver his speech this coming Monday March 2nd, 2009.

- TOC / 2009-02-26

THIS should be a very entertaining thread. Onward all

[Arkady]

I don't suppose Abhisit really wants him back in Thailand and it would probably be very difficult to extradite him from Hong Kong. But, since Thaksin has launched a big push to topple Abhisit and a no confidence debate is coming up, it would certainly be to Abhisit's advantage to initiate some sort of extradition proceedings there that would make it unsafe for Thaksin to travel to Hong Kong any more for fear of being detained. Hong Kong is about the last place in SE Asia, apart from Cambodia, that Thaksin can use as a political base. Singapore, the Chinese mainland, the Philippines and Malaysia have all made it clear that he is not welcome to engage in politics from their countries. Of all of these Hong Kong is the most suitable for him. It is only two and a half hours flying time from Bangkok, is relatively safe and has a British legal system which prevents any arbitrary legal action against him and Thai politicians and their families love all expense paid trips there for the shopping and the Chinese food (nearly all are ethnic Chinese). Cambodia, on the other hand is unsafe without rule of law and he would be dependant on the whims of Hun Sen and his cronies whose palms would need constant greasing. Dubai no doubt welcomes him to stay there and spend money but it has a despotic political system which makes it unsafe as a political base. His cronies would also not want to spend much time visiting him there as they have no interest in Arab and Islamic culture and the flight takes six hours usually on red eye flights. Japan and the UK have already banned Thaksin outright. The EU Schengen visa countries might follow the UK's lead and ban Thaksin en bloc and the US is also not safe, despite the odd pronouncement from the US ambassador to Thailand that Thaksin's visa has not been revoked. That doesn't mean he would be permitted to enter or that, if he did, he would be safe from extradition proceedings. Without Hong Kong Thaksin will stuck in Dubai not daring to conduct open political meetings. Other than that he will be down to tin pot countries in Latin America.

Edited February 26, 2009 by Arkady

[squarefred]

I think that is the worst thing they can do. Get this piece of shit back here to spend a few months in a luxury cell (ha!) and then free to stir up all kinds of shit and whining about injustice. Thailand will fall into anarchy if this scumbag ever gets near the place.

These words look like they are coming from a very disgruntled little man - think you might have been happy joining the yellow shirt mob on their path of destruction last year - you should stand up with Sonthi and scream foul - wonder why you not protest the fact that they are wanted by the law for treason, destuction of property etc, etc, etc, etc, - the reality is that Taksin had this country in better standing interntionally and a much better financial position and what it is now - and seems that the PM and his deputy cant even agree on the matter of trying to get him back here --

Good luck Mr Thaksin.

to hel_l with the yellow shirts. but the red shirts are clearly more violent and made up of more criminals.

what you have here is unelected elite and their supporters versus undemocratic violent corrupt power mad criminals. real change. thailand needs real change.

[brahmburgers]

China is not going to lift a finger to extradite Thaksin. China never saw a dictator it didn't like. Plus, Thaksin's family hails from China.

The type of international incident that China doesn't like: Kosovo getting independence. That sort of scenario spooks Chinese lockstep bosses because they're worried places like Tibet will see the possibility of shaking free from China's military occupation. ....or that Taiwan will firm their resolve to stay independent.

If current Thai controllers really wanted Thaksin returned, they wouldn't warn him by broadcasting their intentions to the media. The more plausible reason for the warning the sleazoid is to keep him on his toes, and hope he'll either keep running or wind up in some one horse destination like Togo or Aruba.

[Journalist]

The HK police won't get a seat at the FCC event next monday. It sold out in an hour.

[Dap]

The powers-that-be don't want him back in Thailand. Nor do they want him making high profile speeches in Hong Kong. Make some noises about having him extradited and he'll probably back off on the speech.

I'd probably consider this move carefully and ... maybe, not show up in Hong Kong, But that is only IMHO. Either way, it's gonna' make for some interesting press

[Shotime]

At least he was elected twice (or is three times) by the people (legally) and not put up by puppet Generals.

Fobuff

through bribery/vote buying/corruption//media control/cencorship/bullying of opponents/state and police violence etc.

not exactly democratic. just because someone gets the most votes doesnt mean they were elected in a democratic way.

the pre requisites for democracy - rule of law, human rights, freedom of speech, fear from intimidation and political violence, accountability - just dont exist in thailand at present.

i hate the yellowshirts too. thailand needs real change not just one bunch of rich power mad brutes fighting another.

A lot of people liked him. He was elected.

That's the problem. There is nobody.

[ballpoint]

At least he was elected twice (or is three times) by the people (legally) and not put up by puppet Generals.

Fobuff

Could not agree more -elected by the people for the people - must have been doing something right I expect !!! - the generals and the so called Bkk elite (those who have the money) are still playing puppet master and will do so for the time being -

Thaksin stood in his electorate and got voted into parliament. Abhisit stood in his electorate and got voted into parliament. Parliament appointed Thaksin as PM. Thaksin's party was found to be acting illegally, Thaksin was banned from politics. Thaksin formed a proxy party. Parliament nominated Samak as PM. Samak was found to be acting illegally and was banned from politics. Parliament nominated Somchai as PM. Somchai's party was found to be acting illegally and he was banned from politics. Parliament nominated Abhisit as PM, which is where we are now. Abhisit has so far not be found to be acting illegally, and is the legal PM of Thailand. You can rant and rave about generals and puppets all you like, but it doesn't change the facts. There is no difference between how Thaksin came to power and how Abhisit did. Both were voted into parliament by the people, both were nominated by parliament for the post of PM. There is however a huge difference in their legal status. Thaksin is a convicted criminal, Abhisit is not.

[kumsamut]

I think that is the worst thing they can do. Get this piece of shit back here to spend a few months in a luxury cell (ha!) and then free to stir up all kinds of shit and whining about injustice. Thailand will fall into anarchy if this scumbag ever gets near the place.

what do you know about thaksin?

[jdinasia]

At least he was elected twice (or is three times) by the people (legally) and not put up by puppet Generals.

Fobuff

Could not agree more -elected by the people for the people - must have been doing something right I expect !!! - the generals and the so called Bkk elite (those who have the money) are still playing puppet master and will do so for the time being -

Thaksin stood in his electorate and got voted into parliament. Abhisit stood in his electorate and got voted into parliament. Parliament appointed Thaksin as PM. Thaksin's party was found to be acting illegally, Thaksin was banned from politics. Thaksin formed a proxy party. Parliament nominated Samak as PM. Samak was found to be acting illegally and was banned from politics. Parliament nominated Somchai as PM. Somchai's party was found to be acting illegally and he was banned from politics. Parliament nominated Abhisit as PM, which is where we are now. Abhisit has so far not be found to be acting illegally, and is the legal PM of Thailand. You can rant and rave about generals and puppets all you like, but it doesn't change the facts. There is no difference between how Thaksin came to power and how Abhisit did. Both were voted into parliament by the people, both were nominated by parliament for the post of PM. There is however a huge difference in their legal status. Thaksin is a convicted criminal, Abhisit is not.

Hush!

People might actually have to think and then where would they be in their support of Thaksin and Vote-buying and Money politics?

[ballpoint]

At least he was elected twice (or is three times) by the people (legally) and not put up by puppet Generals.

Fobuff

Could not agree more -elected by the people for the people - must have been doing something right I expect !!! - the generals and the so called Bkk elite (those who have the money) are still playing puppet master and will do so for the time being -

Thaksin stood in his electorate and got voted into parliament. Abhisit stood in his electorate and got voted into parliament. Parliament appointed Thaksin as PM. Thaksin's party was found to be acting illegally, Thaksin was banned from politics. Thaksin formed a proxy party. Parliament nominated Samak as PM. Samak was found to be acting illegally and was banned from politics. Parliament nominated Somchai as PM. Somchai's party was found to be acting illegally and he was banned from politics. Parliament nominated Abhisit as PM, which is where we are now. Abhisit has so far not be found to be acting illegally, and is the legal PM of Thailand. You can rant and rave about generals and puppets all you like, but it doesn't change the facts. There is no difference between how Thaksin came to power and how Abhisit did. Both were voted into parliament by the people, both were nominated by parliament for the post of PM. There is however a huge difference in their legal status. Thaksin is a convicted criminal, Abhisit is not.

Hush!

People might actually have to think and then where would they be in their support of Thaksin and Vote-buying and Money politics?

Think? Not much danger of that I'm afraid. We'll just get the same old opinions, lack of facts, hearsays and crystal ball gazing repeated over and over again.

[Dap]

At least he was elected twice (or is three times) by the people (legally) and not put up by puppet Generals.

Fobuff

Could not agree more -elected by the people for the people - must have been doing something right I expect !!! - the generals and the so called Bkk elite (those who have the money) are still playing puppet master and will do so for the time being -

Thaksin stood in his electorate and got voted into parliament. Abhisit stood in his electorate and got voted into parliament. Parliament appointed Thaksin as PM. Thaksin's party was found to be acting illegally, Thaksin was banned from politics. Thaksin formed a proxy party. Parliament nominated Samak as PM. Samak was found to be acting illegally and was banned from politics. Parliament nominated Somchai as PM. Somchai's party was found to be acting illegally and he was banned from politics. Parliament nominated Abhisit as PM, which is where we are now. Abhisit has so far not be found to be acting illegally, and is the legal PM of Thailand. You can rant and rave about generals and puppets all you like, but it doesn't change the facts. There is no difference between how Thaksin came to power and how Abhisit did. Both were voted into parliament by the people, both were nominated by parliament for the post of PM. There is however a huge difference in their legal status. Thaksin is a convicted criminal, Abhisit is not.

Hush!

People might actually have to think and then where would they be in their support of Thaksin and Vote-buying and Money politics?

Facts on both sides, excuses on both sides. Might be nice to see some support for the guy (no matter who he is) that's in office trying to pull the country through this mindblowing downward economic spiral that will certainly affect us all. We have all spent enough time argueing our points that none of us will bring to fruition. How about we come up with some constructive thought that may (at least) keep everyone (or most) moving in a positive direction. Things are going to get much worse before they get better and no amount of bitc*ing is gonna' help the situation. IMHO

[animatic]

At least he was elected twice (or is three times) by the people (legally) and not put up by puppet Generals.

Fobuff

Could not agree more -elected by the people for the people - must have been doing something right I expect !!! - the generals and the so called Bkk elite (those who have the money) are still playing puppet master and will do so for the time being -

Thaksin stood in his electorate and got voted into parliament. Abhisit stood in his electorate and got voted into parliament. Parliament appointed Thaksin as PM. Thaksin's party was found to be acting illegally, Thaksin was banned from politics. Thaksin formed a proxy party. Parliament nominated Samak as PM. Samak was found to be acting illegally and was banned from politics. Parliament nominated Somchai as PM. Somchai's party was found to be acting illegally and he was banned from politics. Parliament nominated Abhisit as PM, which is where we are now. Abhisit has so far not be found to be acting illegally, and is the legal PM of Thailand. You can rant and rave about generals and puppets all you like, but it doesn't change the facts. There is no difference between how Thaksin came to power and how Abhisit did. Both were voted into parliament by the people, both were nominated by parliament for the post of PM. There is however a huge difference in their legal status. Thaksin is a convicted criminal, Abhisit is not.

Exactly!

Clear stated and right to the points involved.

Sour grapes must leave a really rancid taste in ones mouth.