Verdict On Thaksin Cabinet 1.44 Billion Baht Corruption Case Set For August 17

[animatic]

The one effect of this Petition passing and Sapling cases being on the same date is

that it can

partly obscure in the publics mind the utter cockup that was this Thaksin cabinet.

This may well be by design.

Like a magician distracting with one hand as he palms the hamster in the other.

Abaracadabra, presto chango the Pigeon becomes an hamster!

And no one noticed the pigeon was killed rather abruptly in the retractable cage...

The juxtaposition will have the effect of taking up massive amounts of News Space and Punditry Columns,

that other wise would go towards analysis and condemnation of this Cabinet's malfeasance.

A good Public Relations Move... and I VERY much doubt by pure coincidence.

Edited August 13, 2009 by animatic

[Artisi]

The one effect of this Petition passing and Sapling cases being on the same date is

that it can

partly obscure in the publics mind the utter cockup that was this Thaksin cabinet.

This may well be by design.

Like a magician distracting with one had as he palms the hamster in the other.

It will have the effect of taking up massive amounts of News space and punditry,

that other wise would go towards analysis and condemnation of this Cabinets malfeasence.

A good Public Relations Move... and I VERY much doubt by pure coincidence.

so lets make sure we concentrate on the courts findings and not the other circus which has no substance anyway.

[Mario2008]

1 post deleted for commenting on the poster and not the subject of the discussion.

[sriracha john]

Political storm warning for Monday: Chief Coalition Whip

Chief coalition whip Chinnaworn Boonyakiart on Thursday reminded the government to take preemptive measures for the brewing 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 with the judicial verdict on the rubber sapling case," he said.

-- The Nation 2009-08-13

[hammered]

Verdict on rubber-sapling graft case set for August 17

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders has scheduled its ruling for August 17 on a corruption case involving the Thaksin Shinawatra Cabinet's project to purchase 90 million rubber saplings worth 1.4 Billion Baht.

August 17 is also the same day as the Red Shirts said they would turn in their Royal Pardon petition.....

You would have to be utterly deluded to think these were not connected. No to mention the ongoing games in the police at a time when a large crowd will no doubt appear at Sanam Luang.

[Siripon]

If any of the defendants are absent the verdicts will not be read out on Monday, and as there's a considerable number of defendants I think there's a very good chance the court will postpone the case to next month.

[sriracha john]

Chai wouldn't seek pardon for Newin

House Speaker Chai Chidchob said he would not seek a Royal Pardon for his son Newin if he is found guilty in the 1.44 billion baht rubber saplings project. The Supreme Court will rule on the corruption case involving Newin and 43 others over the Agriculture Ministry's purchase of 90 million rubber saplings between 2004 and 2006.

Newin was Deputy Agriculture Minister in the Thaksin Shinawatra administration at the time. Mr Chai said whoever has done anything wrong must face the consequences.

Asked about the red-shirts' plan to submit their petition for a royal pardon for Thaksin Shinawatra on Monday, Mr Chai said it was of no concern to him. He believed that after the petition was submitted, the red-shirt group would

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...in-sapling-case

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-14

[LawnGnome]

There is no doubt. All will be found guilty. Several will join their master "Doing a runner". The evidence in this case is quite strong (so says my brother in law, a prosecutor for the Thai Government, although not overseeing this particular case).

[Old Man River]

There is no doubt. All will be found guilty. Several will join their master "Doing a runner". The evidence in this case is quite strong (so says my brother in law, a prosecutor for the Thai Government, although not overseeing this particular case).

The evidence will be strong against some, but I highly doubt all will be found guilty. There are 44 involved and this includes some companies as well. In addition, Siripon hit it on the head that given so many are involved, this case will be delayed. It will be awhile before we know who they find guilty and who they don't. Then there are the appeals.

[sriracha john]

Graft verdict on rubber sapling case might be postponed: prosecution lawyer

The Monday's verdict session for the rubber sapling case is likely to be delayed for 30 days because some of the 44 defendants might be a no-show, prosecution lawyer Jessada Anujaree said on Friday.

Jessada voiced suspicion that certain defendants might have fled the country in order to elude punishment.

"It has been speculated for the past two months that certain defendants will not appear at the verdict session in order to have the option of escaping if convicted," he said.

In a number of past graft cases, defendants opted to flee instead of facing the judicial decision, he said. The past fugitives included a former public health minister, a former deputy interior minister, and an infamous kamnan in Chonburi.

Under the court procedures, all 44 defendants in the case must be present during the verdict session.

In case of a no-show, the presiding judge is obligated to delay the reading of the verdict for 30 days.

In the second no-show, the judge will hand down the decision in absentia.

It is a common defence tactic for a no-show to avoid imprisonment.

The list of defendants included former Cabinet members, such as Newin Chidchob and Somkid Jatusripitak, and several senior agriculture officials.

-- The Nation 2009-08-14

[cyb]

Graft verdict on rubber sapling case might be postponed: prosecution lawyer

The Monday's verdict session for the rubber sapling case is likely to be delayed for 30 days because some of the 44 defendants might be a no-show, prosecution lawyer Jessada Anujaree said on Friday.

Jessada voiced suspicion that certain defendants might have fled the country in order to elude punishment.

"It has been speculated for the past two months that certain defendants will not appear at the verdict session in order to have the option of escaping if convicted," he said.

In a number of past graft cases, defendants opted to flee instead of facing the judicial decision, he said. The past fugitives included a former public health minister, a former deputy interior minister, and an infamous kamnan in Chonburi.

Under the court procedures, all 44 defendants in the case must be present during the verdict session.

In case of a no-show, the presiding judge is obligated to delay the reading of the verdict for 30 days.

In the second no-show, the judge will hand down the decision in absentia.

It is a common defence tactic for a no-show to avoid imprisonment.

The list of defendants included former Cabinet members, such as Newin Chidchob and Somkid Jatusripitak, and several senior agriculture officials.

-- The Nation 2009-08-14

An admission of guilt by not attending court. JMHO

[slimdog]

There is no doubt. All will be found guilty. Several will join their master "Doing a runner". The evidence in this case is quite strong (so says my brother in law, a prosecutor for the Thai Government, although not overseeing this particular case).

As your brother in law is probably aware, the case went to the Attorney General, who refused to prosecute the case. As a result of this the AEC filed the case directly with the supreme court, and is now being prosecuted by private lawyers representing the NCCC.

The evidence will be strong against some, but I highly doubt all will be found guilty. There are 44 involved and this includes some companies as well. In addition, Siripon hit it on the head that given so many are involved, this case will be delayed. It will be awhile before we know who they find guilty and who they don't. Then there are the appeals.

Whilst there is a mechanism to file appeals, which have to be lodged within 30 days of the verdict, to date none have ever got past the initial screening committee, let alone gone to the full Supreme Court for a ruling. In many ways the Supreme Court for political Office holders is totally different from most criminal court cases.

To start with, the Judges are charged with determining exactly what happened, and have full authority to question witnesses, and even to call witnesses if they feel that someone’s testimony could be beneficial to establish the facts of the case.

Because of this, only completely fresh evidence which would totally change the outcome of the trial is allowed in the appeal (Article 278 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand).

For anyone who is interested in some of the early background into the case:

http://report.globalintegrity.org/Thailand/2007/notebook

Since the article was written, other events which have occurred include:

• AEC had to threaten the Rubber replanting board with criminal charges for refusing to file a complaint.
  
• Rubber replanting board revealed that as of 2007, no payments had yet been made to CP and therefore they had no grounds for a complaint.
  
• Rubber Replanting board finally filed a complaint
  
• Prime Minister Surayud cancelled the contract with CP Seeds for the rubber saplings
  
• The cabinet under Prime Minister Surayud authorized 235 Million baht for the remaining 15 million saplings, with the stipulation that any company could supply saplings, and they would be paid immediately on delivery.
  
• CP Group announced that companies owned by them had supplied all the remaining 15 million saplings
  
• AEC lodged the case with Attorney General
  
• Attorney General refused to prosecute
  
• AEC filed the case directly with the Supreme Court
  
• AEC froze 1.44 billion baht from Thaksin Shinawatra in order to cover the losses
  
• NCCC took over the case, when the AEC's term finished
  
• Trial began
  

Not totally sure about what happens with the Thaksin money.

At the same time as the money for the rubber saplings was frozen, money was also frozen to cover losses in the Ratchada Phisek land case (772 million baht). When the Supreme Court gave it's verdict on this case, they ruled that there was no evidence of criminal actions (Articles 152 & 157 of the Criminal code) and as a result they ruled against seizing the property (Article 33 of the criminal code) and seizing the money used to purchase the property (Article 83 of the criminal code), and I believe the 772 million baht was unfrozen.

[sriracha john]

Newin will go to court on Monday: Boonjong

Newin Chidchob, leader of the Friend of Newin faction, will certainly go to the Supreme Court on Monday to hear the court’s verdict on the alleged rubber saplings corruption case, Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat insisted on Saturday.

The Supreme Court will rule on the corruption case involving Newin and 43 others over the Agriculture Ministry's purchase of 90 million rubber saplings between 2004 and 2006. Newin was Deputy Agriculture Minister in the Thaksin Shinawatra administration at the time.

Mr Boonjong also affirmed that Newin had never gone to Singapore to meet Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan to discuss plan to deal with the red-shirted supporters who will present petition for Thaksin pardon on Monday as speculated by the Spokesman of the opposition Puea Thai Party. He and other key members of the Bhum Jai Thai Party, a main coalition partner in the Democrat-led government, will go to give moral support to Newin at

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...monday-boonjong

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-15

[Old Man River]

There is no doubt. All will be found guilty. Several will join their master "Doing a runner". The evidence in this case is quite strong (so says my brother in law, a prosecutor for the Thai Government, although not overseeing this particular case).

As your brother in law is probably aware, the case went to the Attorney General, who refused to prosecute the case. As a result of this the AEC filed the case directly with the supreme court, and is now being prosecuted by private lawyers representing the NCCC.

The evidence will be strong against some, but I highly doubt all will be found guilty. There are 44 involved and this includes some companies as well. In addition, Siripon hit it on the head that given so many are involved, this case will be delayed. It will be awhile before we know who they find guilty and who they don't. Then there are the appeals.

Whilst there is a mechanism to file appeals, which have to be lodged within 30 days of the verdict, to date none have ever got past the initial screening committee, let alone gone to the full Supreme Court for a ruling. In many ways the Supreme Court for political Office holders is totally different from most criminal court cases.

To start with, the Judges are charged with determining exactly what happened, and have full authority to question witnesses, and even to call witnesses if they feel that someone’s testimony could be beneficial to establish the facts of the case.

Because of this, only completely fresh evidence which would totally change the outcome of the trial is allowed in the appeal (Article 278 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand).

For anyone who is interested in some of the early background into the case:

http://report.globalintegrity.org/Thailand/2007/notebook

Since the article was written, other events which have occurred include:

• AEC had to threaten the Rubber replanting board with criminal charges for refusing to file a complaint.
  
• Rubber replanting board revealed that as of 2007, no payments had yet been made to CP and therefore they had no grounds for a complaint.
  
• Rubber Replanting board finally filed a complaint
  
• Prime Minister Surayud cancelled the contract with CP Seeds for the rubber saplings
  
• The cabinet under Prime Minister Surayud authorized 235 Million baht for the remaining 15 million saplings, with the stipulation that any company could supply saplings, and they would be paid immediately on delivery.
  
• CP Group announced that companies owned by them had supplied all the remaining 15 million saplings
  
• AEC lodged the case with Attorney General
  
• Attorney General refused to prosecute
  
• AEC filed the case directly with the Supreme Court
  
• AEC froze 1.44 billion baht from Thaksin Shinawatra in order to cover the losses
  
• NCCC took over the case, when the AEC's term finished
  
• Trial began
  

Not totally sure about what happens with the Thaksin money.

At the same time as the money for the rubber saplings was frozen, money was also frozen to cover losses in the Ratchada Phisek land case (772 million baht). When the Supreme Court gave it's verdict on this case, they ruled that there was no evidence of criminal actions (Articles 152 & 157 of the Criminal code) and as a result they ruled against seizing the property (Article 33 of the criminal code) and seizing the money used to purchase the property (Article 83 of the criminal code), and I believe the 772 million baht was unfrozen.

Would you by any chance have a list of all of the accused?

[animatic]

I wonder who the 'Designated Runner' will be?

If one's a no show no verdict??

Another incredibly brainless law practice.

43 there 44 is missing.. HAH NOTHING!

[asiawatcher]

Is not the whole point of this to ascertain if the decision of the court wil be the telling tale of right or wrong? Ambiguity seems to be everywhere in sanitised media reporting. If the decision process delivers true justice then the community will have been served well.

All the "he said, she said" politcal football playing is irrelevant overall. Let the court make its decision (hopefully in the positive) and let Thailand put the past behind them and get on with the gradual changes needed to stop the corruption (sic) and move forward.

[sriracha john]

Wichien told to prevent city clashes

Caretaker National Police Chief Wichien Pojphosri has been ordered to ensure no clashes between supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and those of Newin Chidchob tomorrow. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva gave the order to head off any confrontation between the groups, which are likely to gather close to each other in the city.

At the Grand Palace, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship will submit to the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary their petition seeking a royal pardon for Thaksin.

At nearby Sanam Luang, supporters of Newin will gather at the Criminal Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to hear its verdict on the rubber sapling project. Newin has been implicated in irregularities in the scheme.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2212...nt-city-clashes

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-16

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I wonder who the 'Designated Runner' will be?

If one's a no show no verdict??

Another incredibly brainless law practice.

43 there 44 is missing.. HAH NOTHING!

No appearance Your Honour, I move that the matters forthwith proceed on an ex parte basis.

[sriracha john]

Would you by any chance have a list of all of the accused?

I've not found a list of all the names personally, but 5 of them are the Thaksin Cabinet Ministers depicted in the OP. The remaining ones are...

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders decided yesterday to commence a trial over alleged irregularities in the 1.4 Billion Baht project. The 44 suspects are divided into three groups.

The first group involves political office-holders who sat on a committee screening projects for the Cabinet, a panel on policies and measures to help farmers, and a team that managed the rubber sapling project which set terms of reference for the bidding.

The second group is state officials on the committee that oversaw the bidding.

The third group is the companies that were allegedly involved, namely Charoen Pokphand Seeds, Resort Land, and Ek Charoen Agriculture.

and also, a further breakdown on the numbers...

15 staff members from three private companies involved in the bidding process, including Charoen Pokphand Seed Company, Resort Land Limited Company, and Eak Charoen Agriculture, are also among the 44 defendants.

Edited August 16, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

I wonder who the 'Designated Runner' will be?

If one's a no show no verdict??

All 44 showed up when they were initially arraigned last September... but that's certainly less perilous for them than showing up for the verdict reading...

All 44 defendants claim innocence in the 1.4 Billion Baht rubber saplings case

The Supreme Court on Tuesday convened the arraignment hearing for 44 defendants, including five former Cabinet members, for graft charges relating to the 1.4 Billion Baht rubber saplings case.

The case happened under the Thaksin Shinawatra administration.

After the high court read out graft charges, the 44 defendants entered a plea of not guilty and claimed trial.

[slimdog]

Would you by any chance have a list of all of the accused?

Not much information available I'm afraid..

Charge:

Violation of the State Bidding Act

Violation of the Bidding Collusion Act 1999

Violation of Articles 83, 157 and 351 of the Criminal Law

Case number: Black 4/2551

Politicians

Newin Chidchob

Somkid Jatusripitak

Varathep Ratanakorn

Sora-at Klinprathum

Adisai Bodharamik

Civil Servants

Rachen Potjanasunthorn (Former Director-General of the Foreign Trade Department)

Siripol Yodmuangcharoen ( Former Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade)

The Farmers Central Committee of Thailand

Companies

Charoen Pokphand Seeds

Resort Land

Ekcharoen

[brahmburgers]

Why aren't the Reds out in the streets with banners reading "Free Thaksin's 44 Rubber Robbers" ?

I predict there won't be any serious repercussions, for T or Newin or the others. At most they'll get a reprimand. Roughly translated: "You naughty boys. Don't you know to be more clandestine when doing your backroom deals?"

It's old business. The country's top jurists have already shown that they can't stand up to top power brokers - when they voted there was nothing wrong with T hiding his assets with his chauffeur and cleaning lady. Indeed, if the Thai supremes had done their job correctly at that early juncture, much of the Thaksin pollution and pap smear of ensuing years might have been avoided.

Edited August 16, 2009 by brahmburgers

[animatic]

Why aren't the Reds out in the streets with banners reading "Free Thaksin's 44 Rubber Robbers" ?

Because too many Red Shirts got hosed by the sapling deal.

But now want to blame Newin rather than Thaksin and all other cronies.

I really suspect Newin just worked with Thaksin for advantage at the time,

and never was trusting in Thaksin's long term viability anyway.

Just waiting for Team Thaksin to go ~Tits Up and leave.

In classic Thai political style.

Edited August 16, 2009 by animatic

[sriracha john]

Rubber-sapling verdict : D-day for Newin

Today is D-Day for the Supreme Court to rule on whether Newin Chidchob, currently the core leader of the coalition Bhum Jai Thai Party, is guilty of wrongdoing in the 1.4 Billion Baht rubber saplings project of a few years ago.

The now-defunct Assets Examination Committee (AEC) and National Counter Corruption Commission, now known as the National Anti-Corruption Commission, indicted 44 people, including Newin, for alleged involvement in irregularities in the procurement of 90 million saplings to dispense to farmers.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Supachai Phosu, a key member of Bhum Jai Thai Party, said Newin definitely would be present in court. His Party's key members would also attend to give Newin moral support.

Former Deputy Finance Minister Varathep Ratanakorn said he would be there to hear the court's ruling. He had not talked to others about whether they would all attend, but he believed they would.

"All are likely to go [to court] as they all are summoned. As far as I know, nobody has said [they will] not go. If any do not, [they] must have acceptable reasons," he said.

A source close to Sora-at Klinprathum said Sora-at would hear the ruling with the other defendants.

All had testified before the court in person according to legal requirements.

Prosecution lawyer Jessada Anujaree said on Friday today's verdict session could be delayed for 30 days if some of the 44 defendants informed the court they could not show up. However, the court might issue arrest warrants if they did not have sound reasons.

It is the second of 14 cases scrutinised by the AEC that has been forwarded to the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

The first case involved the controversial purchase of property on Ratchadaphisek Road, which ended with the sentencing of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to two years in jail for abuse of authority, causing Thaksin to flee abroad.

The NACC accused the 44 politicians and state officials of malfeasance in office, abuse of authority and fraud.

Besides Newin, four other defendants are important politicians, namely Somkid Jatusripitak, then the Deputy Prime Minister who Chaired a Committee on policies and measures to help farmers; Varathep Ratanakorn, then Deputy Finance Minister; Sora-at Klinprathum, then Agriculture Minister; and Adisai Bodharamik, then Commerce Minister.

Pheu Thai Party MPs and the red shirts had leaked news that Newin would take off and not appear before the court to hear the verdict. Newin denied the rumour, saying he would not run away.

"I am Thai, Thai nationality and I am ready to go through the country's justice system and I am bowing to the verdict to be handed down by the judges in every case. I will appear in court on August 17," he said.

Newin was Thaksin's right-hand man when he ran the project, but Newin changed sides and his new party helped spring the Democrat Party into government. This may be the reason why Newin is confident and ready to hear his fate in court.

Banjerd Singkaneti, Chairman of the AEC's committee that investigated the rubber sapling deal, said the case is totally up to the court to decide. He does not believe that Newin, as one of the defendants, would have any influence on the deliberation. "The judges will rule in accordance with the facts and evidence and will not drag politics into the case," he said.

Jessada Anujaree, acting as the NACC's attorney, said he had put together a solid case with enough incriminating evidence to bring the culprits to justice. Jessada said laws and regulations had been amended in favour of certain interest groups to commit bidding collusion.

Today's corruption scene was different from the past, he said, when politicians accepting kickbacks from bidders could be probed more easily by checking their connections.

"I hope the case - about graft at the policy-making level - will set a standard in anti-corruption investigations. The verdict is up to the court's judgement," he said.

-- The Nation 2009-08-17

[rixalex]

It's old business. The country's top jurists have already shown that they can't stand up to top power brokers - when they voted there was nothing wrong with T hiding his assets with his chauffeur and cleaning lady. Indeed, if the Thai supremes had done their job correctly at that early juncture, much of the Thaksin pollution and pap smear of ensuing years might have been avoided.

How true. An oppurtunity missed.

[sriracha john]

Newin faces moment of truth

44 defendants to hear rubber saplings ruling

Heavyweight political playmaker Newin Chidchob faces a possible 20-year jail term today - his future hinging on the Supreme Court ruling on the controversial rubber sapling procurement project. "I am prepared for whatever the verdict will be," he told the Bangkok Post.

The Buriram politician said he "had nothing to be worried about" and would appear at the court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions today. "As long as I believe that I did not commit any wrongdoing, I have no reason to be scared," he said, adding that he would face his fate rather than run away.

The case involves 44 defendants but the spotlight is clearly on Newin, who played behind-the-scenes roles in the formation of the coalition government led by the Democrat Party. Other key defendants are former Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, former Deputy Finance Minister Varathep Ratanakorn, former Agriculture Minister Sora-at Klinprathum and former Commerce Minister Adisai Bodharamik.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2216...moment-of-truth

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-17

[animatic]

It's old business. The country's top jurists have already shown that they can't stand up to top power brokers - when they voted there was nothing wrong with T hiding his assets with his chauffeur and cleaning lady. Indeed, if the Thai supremes had done their job correctly at that early juncture, much of the Thaksin pollution and pap smear of ensuing years might have been avoided.

How true. An oppurtunity missed.

One might suspect they are now prepared to

clean up their mess and reputations as jurists after that debacle.

[steveromagnino]

It's old business. The country's top jurists have already shown that they can't stand up to top power brokers - when they voted there was nothing wrong with T hiding his assets with his chauffeur and cleaning lady. Indeed, if the Thai supremes had done their job correctly at that early juncture, much of the Thaksin pollution and pap smear of ensuing years might have been avoided.

How true. An oppurtunity missed.

we would do well to recall that large mobs and public shows of support for Thaksin were instrumental in ensuring that the judges were leant on heavily enough to issue the 'right decision' from a TRT perspective, when under the law it was quite clear he had breached the 1997 constitution (the one that he ignored in a few other matters, but now suddenly claims to be all perfect and great and everything).

As I was walking to get a taxi this morning, and coped a nice round of abuse and nearly had a punch up with a motorcycling red shirter this morning (he thought I was calling him over for a fight, directly behind him was a taxi that I was hailing; even after getting in the taxi he and his mates didn't believe that I didn't want to start a fight and I had to endure a 2 min tirade of swear words and a healthy dose of Somtam smelling bad breath) presumably on his way to the rally; I cannot feel that this is deja vu - the same situation once again all over where popular opinion rather than the rule of the law may take favour.

I trust the courts will make a more appropriate decision this time, both with regards to the pardon and also for the rubber saplings case.

[jayboy]

It's old business. The country's top jurists have already shown that they can't stand up to top power brokers - when they voted there was nothing wrong with T hiding his assets with his chauffeur and cleaning lady. Indeed, if the Thai supremes had done their job correctly at that early juncture, much of the Thaksin pollution and pap smear of ensuing years might have been avoided.

How true. An oppurtunity missed.

we would do well to recall that large mobs and public shows of support for Thaksin were instrumental in ensuring that the judges were leant on heavily enough to issue the 'right decision' from a TRT perspective, when under the law it was quite clear he had breached the 1997 constitution (the one that he ignored in a few other matters, but now suddenly claims to be all perfect and great and everything).

As I was walking to get a taxi this morning, and coped a nice round of abuse and nearly had a punch up with a motorcycling red shirter this morning (he thought I was calling him over for a fight, directly behind him was a taxi that I was hailing; even after getting in the taxi he and his mates didn't believe that I didn't want to start a fight and I had to endure a 2 min tirade of swear words and a healthy dose of Somtam smelling bad breath) presumably on his way to the rally; I cannot feel that this is deja vu - the same situation once again all over where popular opinion rather than the rule of the law may take favour.

I trust the courts will make a more appropriate decision this time, both with regards to the pardon and also for the rubber saplings case.

Ignoring the give away petty bourgeois abuse of the working class (somtum smelling bad breath etc), I'm not sure why directed -or to be kind let's say authority influenced - court decisions are any better now than those made under Thaksin.

[steveromagnino]

Ignoring the give away petty bourgeois abuse of the working class (somtum smelling bad breath etc), I'm not sure why directed -or to be kind let's say authority influenced - court decisions are any better now than those made under Thaksin.

Some might feel that it is not appropriate to suggest that the working class are unique in having somtam smelling bad breath; so I trust that readers are quite aware of the difference between generalisations and statements of fact - I was less than a foot away from his mouth and acutely aware of the distance from his fist to my face so yes, I 'was there' - in no way do I mean to suggest that he is representative of the working class,but certainly quite representative of the tactic of drumming up a mob/crowd to push whatever agenda is popular; yellow shirt, red shirt, asset declaration avoidance, etc etc.

So for court decisions, I simply hope the courts will rule on the basis of the law. And not some popularity contest. The asset declaration decision was a travesty. Hopefully the decisions in coming days will not be.

Edited August 17, 2009 by steveromagnino