Clemency Bid For Thaksin Shinawatra

[Siripon]

Its obvious that this governments obsession with Thaksin distracts them from functioning as a government. Why not just highlight the important part of the last two articles quoted, says Privy Councillor Gen Pichitr Kullavanijaya and the Justice Ministry is planning . sriracha john is as usual finding whatever news support his distorted world view, and man, its not hard to find information posted from the ministry of misinformation these days.

Where did the charter amendments go? The promises for new elections? Not so keen on them anymore with the slight showstoppers in the by-elections? Maybe the democrats can forget their 90% votes in southern thailand now that they've proven they cant do any good there? Loosing the MPs from that region would hurt more then a PT victory in the north-east...

The charter amendments are at present being scrutinised by the various committes under the guidance of Mr Direk.

Thaksin is doing everything he can to pit Thai against Thai purely to save his own guilty skin.

Have you heard any calls from the red shirts on how to improve the economy and society?

Any recommendations on how to improve grassroots participation in democracy? Empower their communities?

No, all you hear is let's give the fugitive a pardon, let's celebrate his birhday at Sanam Luang!

The red shirts are the ones obsessed with Thaksin, for without him they are nothing.

Notice how the leader of the taxis, Shinawat, said he would carry out a campaign of civil disobedience by insisting on celebarating Thaksin's birthday at Sanam Luang, but as soon as his master telephoned from Dubai, Fiji or Montenegro, disagreeing, he caved in.

'Whatever you say master, we are only your devoted serfs who will obey your every command'.

These red shirts are not real men, 'look poochai' in Thai, they are the sons of ladyboys!

[Ferwert]

Facinating!

I think they will get more like 2 million signatures. But alas, it will be to no avail.

Yes, you are correct......two million signatures. Abhisit will be green with envy and threatened as never before. If over two million signatures earnestly and knowledgably provided with all legal correctness are ignored, this will be done at the peril of those who do the ignoring.

FERWERT

[Plus]

Two million people signed a paper that makes no sense whatsoever?

That's impressive.

Biggest prank in history, I guess.

[Ferwert]

Veera said Thaksin phoned in during the red-shirt rally last Saturday and complained about being homesick, lonely and wanting his supporters to help him return to the country.

What's that BS all about? He can come home at any time. He holds a Thai passport, right?

Why seeking the help from his supporters? I am speechless!

Let me help you speechless........As long as he is a loose cannon out there, Abhisit and friends are under threat. Their judicial friends are protecting them, and they want him under control really, really bad...If I was in their position with no electoral legitimacy, I would be spooked also.

FERWERT

[webfact]

Facinating!

I think they will get more like 2 million signatures. But alas, it will be to no avail.

Yes, you are correct......two million signatures. Abhisit will be green with envy and threatened as never before. If over two million signatures earnestly and knowledgably provided with all legal correctness are ignored, this will be done at the peril of those who do the ignoring.

FERWERT

even if you collect 10 million signatures... do you think this will set pressure on someone to do something?

I think that great idea of collecting signatures will backfire with the magnitude of an earthquake and the reds will regret

this great deed very soon! Some regret already.

Edited July 12, 2009 by webfact

[Ferwert]

If you wear a red shirt in Thailand you will be call " A RETARD"

Your commentary speaks volumes about the commentator

[sriracha john]

sriracha john is as usual finding whatever news support his distorted world view

Eagerly awaiting your posting of news clippings in the news clippings forum to support your distorted world view.

[sriracha john]

CONVICTED: Thaksin

Doubts cast on pardon request for Thaksin

"They can decide for themselves if it is appropriate. In Thailand, we have the executive, legislative and judicial branches. Procedures should be observed," he said. Gen Chettha Thanajaro, an Adviser to the opposition Puea Thai Party, said yesterday the UDD had the right to seek a Royal Pardon, but whether or not the move was appropriate was another matter.

Burglar Shot Trying to Enter Home of Former Army Chief

A burglar was shot while attempting to break into the house of a Pheu Thai Party Senior Advisor this morning. The man is slightly injured and is now in police custody.

Late this morning, Chaiwat Thongkhamdi, allegedly tried to break into the house of Pheu Thai Party Senior Advisor General Chettha Thanajaro in Soi Prachachuen 12.

He was reportedly spotted by a maid while climbing over the fence. A security guard was called to the scene and he demanded the man lay down on the ground. Despite repeated warnings, the 30-year-old suspect continued to move toward the guard and thus was shot in the left leg.

Chaiwat was charged with intruding into a private property while the guard was also charged with armed assault.

General Chettha is a former Army commander-in-chief and entered politics upon his retirement from military service.

He was a contender for the prime minister post with Abhisit Vejjajiva.

ex-Leader of Ruamjai Thai Chart Pattana Party General Chetta Thanajaro, perpetrator of the ridiculously fraudulent and infamous scam involving a Deep South ceasefire:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Southern-Ins...28.html&hl=

Southern Insurgents Announce Ceasefire, Chetta claims insurgents will end operations

[hammered]

Amazing PTP still stick with people like Chettha, Chalerm and Snoh the real loose cannons of the elite. Yo'd have thought a party of such appeal would be able to find some more impressive front people. Maybe as they are the party of the people they could have even found someone from a poor background say a farmer or two as well instead of the usual elite, robber baron, narcisistic ex-actors and upper middle class reperesentatives the party is full of.

Isnt the day for counting the signatures and having them legally verified (if indeed that is part of the plan) almost upon us.

By the way attacks on posters here and their world views are distracting. Why not post comments and information on events or even analysis?

[animatic]

Facinating!

I think they will get more like 2 million signatures. But alas, it will be to no avail.

Yes, you are correct......two million signatures. Abhisit will be green with envy and threatened as never before. If over two million signatures earnestly and knowledgably provided with all legal correctness are ignored, this will be done at the peril of those who do the ignoring.

FERWERT

even if you collect 10 million signatures... do you think this will set pressure on someone to do something?

I think that great idea of collecting signatures will backfire with the magnitude of an earthquake and the reds will regret

this great deed very soon! Some regret already.

2 mil sigs on an arm twisted petition???

So what.

ANY determined group with a cause and a budget can eventually wangle 2 million signatures.

Can't see anything for Abhisit for envy here, pity comes closer,

he could get 2 mil sigs if he wanted to waste the time ands resources to do it...

Thaksin could just come home and serve his short sentence,

without causing all this mental illness across the country.

He is playing with peoples heads like a carrot before and ass,

for advantage when they go after his money in a few weeks. Nothing more.

He has to get either a lot of street /fear leverage or a change of regime/revolution,

and seems neither is in the cards before his money is on the docket.

But as that clock ticks down and he considers his option of a 'Hail Mary pass for goal posts',

Songkran and Oct 7th, may seem like sweet memories indeed. Lets hope this is not the case.

[sriracha john]

Over 5 million Thais sign names to oppose pardon petition for Thaksin

BANGKOK -- Over 5 million people have signed their names to oppose a plan by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to petition for a royal pardon for ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat said here Tuesday.

Boonjoing said the Interior Ministry would continue to take the people's signature for an indefinite period, the website by Bangkok Post reported.

However, he said the names would not be submitted along with the UDD petition letter since the ministry has only wanted to show how big the opposition is against the UDD movement.

In a related development, the opposition Puea Thai Party filed on Tuesday a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division police against Interior Minister Chavarat Charnveerakul, Boonjong, and Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Wichai Srikhwan, accusing them of lese majeste.

But, Boonjong said he is not worried by the complaint as he is performing the duty of the Thai people.

The UDD group plans to submit the pardon petition's letter for Thaksin to the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary on August 17.

The UDD group has claimed that they have already gathered at least 5 million names of the Thai people -- the supporters of Thaksin, which will be used to support the pardon petition.

- Xinhua / 2009-08-11

[animatic]

And do we see Thaksin ever showing much:

Clemency for those who oppose him:

caritas, charity, compassion, endurance, equitableness, fairness, forbearance, gentleness,

grace, humanity, indulgence, justness, kindness, lenience, leniency, lenity, mercifulness,

mercy, mildness, moderation, soft-heartedness, sufferance, tenderness,

tolerance, toleration, pity.

Thaksin traits on display, mai?

affection, agape, altruism, amity, attachment, benevolence, benignity, bountifulness, bounty, caritas,

clemency, fellow feeling, generosity, goodness, goodwill, grace, humaneness, humanity, indulgence,

kindliness, love, magnanimity, tenderheartedness.

Not much :

absolution, acquittal, amnesty, condonation, dispensation, exculpation, exoneration, extenuation,

immunity, impunity, indemnity, justification, lenience, overlooking, palliation, purgation, quarter,

quittance, remission, remittal, reprieve, respite, vindication

Nope. But plenty of:

malevolence, uncharitableness, unkindness, cruelty, harshness, hatred, indifference,

meanness, mercilessness, tyranny, accusation, blame, censure, charge, punishment,

chastisement, condemnation, damning, ostracization, disdain.

Oh yes lets not forget vindictiveness...

[Insight]

According to the breakfast news this morning, the pro-Thaksin side is now claiming 10mil signatures. I'm sure the anti-Thaksin campaign will soon be spouting double figure amounts.

This really is at the highest level of farce for all people involved. Will be interesting to see how history reflects on these campaigns, if the numbers being reported have any truth to them.

[Artisi]

According to the breakfast news this morning, the pro-Thaksin side is now claiming 10mil signatures. I'm sure the anti-Thaksin campaign will soon be spouting double figure amounts.

This really is at the highest level of farce for all people involved. Will be interesting to see how history reflects on these campaigns, if the numbers being reported have any truth to them.

The rate it is escalating it should top double the voting population very soon.

[xbusman]

I reckon we will end up with a complete and attested certification of over a billion people before this childhood game is done.

[hammered]

It is all about raising the political temperature for Monday. Nothing ever happens in isolation poltically. Many things are linked and right now is an extremely delicate time where things could get out of control with one misstep by anyone.

No doubt there will be a huge gathering at Sanam Luang in case an opportunity presents itself. That is politics in Thailand.

[TAWP]

Next step:

The Reds put up new tables where people can retract their retraction. And it will have 3 million signatures before the end of the week. And then the government...

Gaah, this is what happens when you let kids control the ship.

[sriracha john]

Petition countdown begins

The red shirts plan to submit their "pardon Thaksin Shinawatra" petition to royal authorities on Monday, but the hot potato will first plop down at the Justice Ministry.

After all, who wants to verify 5 million signatures? What mechanism does it have to accomplish that job in a short period of time?

One thing is certain: there will be no millions of phone calls by the government asking people if they did sign the petition or visits by state officials to the households said to have supported a Royal Pardon for Thaksin.

The Justice Ministry will have two choices: declare the petition good for royal submission or kill it right there.

To declare the petition null and void is technically easy. Thaksin Shinawatra has never served a day of his sentence (although the petition alludes to "dictatorial" ways of convicting him), and this can always be used to reject the petition. Moreover, if no close relatives of Thaksin have signed it, the petition could also become invalid.

Politically, throwing away a petition endorsed by millions, no matter how many questionable signatures there are, is extremely provocative. And the best way to deal politically with the petition would be to let it pass the scrutinising process.

The red-shirt movement has fervently declared it will absolutely respect His Majesty the King's judgement, so letting the petition pass would in fact put pressure on the Thaksin supporters to own up to that promise.

There will be a big gathering on Monday. The government's accusations that some signatures were not genuine or given with consent have played into the hands of those who don't want the petition submission to be a solemn and low-key event.

Now, a perfect excuse for as many signatories as possible to show up has been found.

Meanwhile, the anti-petition movement has cited several reasons why the red-shirt campaign should be rejected. However, apart from saying the petition would inflame national divisions and put the His Majesty under pressure, the movement seems to be arguing against a pardon rather than the red shirts' right to submit a petition.

Saying Thaksin has shown no remorse and hurt his own country is one thing; telling millions they have no right to seek his pardon is another.

In the end, it's the sincerity of the red shirts that should determine the petition's fate. There will be two contrasting highlights on the big day: they will end by singing the royal anthem; but during the day, they will parade 75 big national flags to symbolise the year when absolute monarchy turned into constitutional monarchy (BE 2475).

-- The Nation 2009-08-14

Edited August 14, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

MP files complaint over pardon petition

A Democrat MP filed a complaint with police yesterday accusing three leading red shirts of contempt of court over their campaign to seek a Royal Pardon for fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Watchara Phetthong named Veera Musigapong, Jatuporn Prompan, and Natthawut Saikua in his complaint lodged at Dusit police station.

He cited Articles 189 and 198 of the Criminal Code as the basis to launch a police investigation.

By organising the signature campaign to seek a Royal Pardon, the three suspects acted in contempt of the judicial conviction of Thaksin, he said.

The three claimed to have gathered signatures from five million people in support of a Royal Pardon regardless of the offence it may cause to the monarchy and that it violated procedures for pardons, the MP said.

"If Thaksin sees himself as a truly innocent man, then why did he flee the courts?" he asked.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party MP Pracha Prasopdee claimed that Thaksin would come back after political upheaval within three months.

"Today his [Thaksin's] shoes and clothes are already packed and his return may be facilitated by a pardon or an amnesty; the slate must be wiped clean, just you watch the next three months," he said.

Pracha speculated that there would either be riots involving the "grassroots" or a coup.

Riots were expected around November and would force the government to dissolve the House and organise an election in December, he said. Thaksin was expected to return after a snap poll regardless of its outcome.

Chief coalition whip Chinnaworn Boonyakiart reminded the government to take pre-emptive measures for a political storm that may erupt on Monday.

"The government should remain vigilant because the red shirts will submit the pardon petition on the same day as the judicial verdict on the rubber sapling case," he said.

Chinnaworn said the red shirts may want to stir up an opposition mob by timing their rally to coincide with the verdict.

Supporters of Newin Chidchob are expected to turn out in force to give him moral support during the verdict session at the Supreme Court opposite Sanam Luang, where the red-shirt rally is due to take place.

Red-shirt leader Veera Musigapong said organisers of the signature campaign would submit the petition to the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary on Monday.

"The appointment has been made and there will be no changes," he said.

Veera said the red shirts would set up a stage at Sanam Luang to explain about their petition for an amnesty for Thaksin. About 2,000 red shirts would gather outside the Grand Palace and their eight leaders would lodge the petition with the Office, which is located inside the compound.

-- The Nation 2009-08-14

[sriracha john]

Three UDD leaders face contempt of court charges

Contempt of court charges have been filed against three key leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship over the Royal Pardon campaign. Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong yesterday filed a suit with police at Dusit police station accusing Veera Musikhapong, Jatuporn Prompan, and Natthawut Saikua of the contempt.

The three are gathering signatures to appeal for a Royal Pardon for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin was sentenced by the Supreme Court last year to two years in jail for helping his former wife, Potjaman Damapong, secure the Ratchadapisek land deal at a discounted price while he was prime minister.

Mr Watchara said he believed the petition campaign represented a direct challenge to the Supreme Court's authority after it found Thaksin guilty in the land deal. Some legal experts argue the court's decision is final and all Thaksin can do is return and serve part of his jail sentence before seeking clemency. Only he or a family member could petition for a Royal Pardon.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/2...f-court-charges

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-14

[Scott]

I would be interested to know the actual wording of the laws regarding this issue. First of all, wouldn't it be up to the Court, rather than a politician, to file Contempt of Court charges? Second, wouldn't it be more appropriate (since the word appropriate and inappropriate seem to be bantered around a great deal) to charge them after the petition is actually delivered. Finally, if this is 'illegal' then isn't the gov't campaign for it's petition also illegal?

[TAWP]

Finally, if this is 'illegal' then isn't the gov't campaign for it's petition also illegal?

No, but you are of course welcome to qualify how your reached this conclusion.

[TAWP]

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party MP Pracha Prasopdee claimed that Thaksin would come back after political upheaval within three months.

"Today his [Thaksin's] shoes and clothes are already packed and his return may be facilitated by a pardon or an amnesty; the slate must be wiped clean, just you watch the next three months," he said.

Pracha speculated that there would either be riots involving the "grassroots" or a coup.

Riots were expected around November and would force the government to dissolve the House and organise an election in December, he said. Thaksin was expected to return after a snap poll regardless of its outcome.

-- The Nation 2009-08-14

When he 'speculates' he is really telling us of the plans they have to incite riots and possibly a coup.

Can we have these morons behind bars soon enough?

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's phone-in expected at Monday's red-shirt rally for pardon petition

Ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's phone-in is expected on Monday coinciding with the red-shirt rally at Sanam Luang to form a march to submit a petition seeking a Royal Pardon for him at the Royal Palace, organisers said on Friday.

"Thaksin wants to thank his supporters," Pheu Thai Party MP Jatuporn Prompan, one of the organisers, said.

The red shirts will turn out in full force at the peaceful rally, Jatuporn said, adding they are expected to stay away from the blue-shirt crowds scheduled to rally at the Supreme Court compound opposite Sanam Luang.

-- The Nation 2009-08-13

[sriracha john]

Academics oppose pardon request

An academic from Chulalongkorn University handed a list of 5,000 names of lecturers, students and people to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva through the deputy government spokesman to show the opposition against the red-shirt group's plan to seek a Royal Pardon for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Assistant Professor Dr Tul Sitthisomwong of the Faculty of Medicine presented the list to Wachara Kannikar to give encouragement to the government and to campaign for the general public so they understand the correct process in submitting the petition for a royal pardon.

Accompanied the name list was an open letter. The academic demanded Thaksin to tell his supporters to stop seeking petition for him because it is illegal to do so. Thaksin has the right to seek the petition if he does it himself, according to the letter. To love Thaksin is not wrong, the letter said, but to use that popularity in breaking the rule of law and regulations must not be done.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...-pardon-request

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-14

[sriracha john]

Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand

Interior Minister : over 6 million oppose petition for Thaksin

BANGKOK, 13 August 2009 (NNT) – Over 6 million people have signed their names opposing the petition to seek a royal pardon for fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul.

Mr. Chavarat encouraged the people who had innocently signed to support the petition to withdraw their names at the booths erected by the Ministry. He said he had instructed governors in provinces to continually collect people’s names.

He asserted that the Ministry’s operation was not to compete against the movement of the pro-Thaksin groups, noting that it was the Ministry’s core policy to protect the royal institution.

-- NNT 2009-09-14

Edited August 14, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Top officials oppose UDD petition

A statement of top government officials voicing opposition to the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship's plan to file a petition to His Majesty the King on Monday seeking a Royal Pardon for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on Friday by the Office of the Civil Service Commission.

The statement was signed by 29 state officials holding the posts of Permanent Secretary of various ministries and equivalent. It said the petition seeking a pardon for Thaksin is clearly a political issue.

Regardless of how a decision on the issue may be made, it would only cause suspicion to the public over neutrality of the Royal institution and put His Majesty's righteousness in doubt, said the statement.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...se-udd-petition

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-14

[sriracha john]

Police plan response for UDD petition handover

Police are ready to secure the capital when Thaksin Shinawatra supporters file a petition for his pardon at the Royal Household Bureau and opponents gather at the nearby Supreme Court on Monday.

Acting National Police Chief Wichien Pojphosri yesterday said he had discussed a security plan with the Bangkok police, the 1st Army, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Royal Household Bureau.

He said an official of the Royal Household Bureau will wait at the Wiset Chaisri gate of the Grand Palace, the location of the bureau, and red shirt demonstrators will not be allowed through the gate to reach the Bureau. Police General Wichien asked demonstrators to maintain order and warned them not to approach the Grand Palace in huge numbers.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2206...tition-handover

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-15

[Artisi]

I have 2 questions in all of this is;

1. If the petition is illegal / not valid / not in accordance with protocol etc. as some are saying, then why is the governemnt asking people to remove their names from it should they feel the need to do so and why is the Royal Household prepared to accept it at the gate of the Palace?

2. Why isn't it being ignored as it should be if it is illegal / not valid / not in accordance with protocol etc?

Any simple explanations please.

[wildoates]

I have 2 questions in all of this is;

1. If the petition is illegal / not valid / not in accordance with protocol etc. as some are saying, then why is the governemnt asking people to remove their names from it should they feel the need to do so and why is the Royal Household prepared to accept it at the gate of the Palace?

2. Why isn't it being ignored as it should be if it is illegal / not valid / not in accordance with protocol etc?

Any simple explanations please.

Simple, everyone just ignores the laws, they really mean nothing, look around, children are taught to just ignore the law if it is not accommodating to them.

.