The Court's Options In Its Ruling: Thaksin's Assets Case

[mdechgan]

Out of the five which is the most likely verdict?

[chantorn]

Out of the five which is the most likely verdict?

The govt takes all the money and spread it among the politicians.

[virtualtraveller]

If you look at this case from the point of view that it's 'all about keeping Thaksin out of power' then it will never been seen as justice served correctly by at least half the country, whichever way the verdict comes out.

If you look at this case from the point of view that it's 'about setting a precedent for the future integrity of governance of this crooked country' then we should place our trust in the judges verdict and accept the consequences for better or worse.

I think there is enormous pressure on the Supreme Court to make a ruling based on careful deliberation and scrutiny - both locally and internationally. It might end up being a knife edge decision (ie 4-5 just like the previous major assets case that Thaksin won), in which case the best thing Thailand can do is accept the verdict and move on. The poor might not realise it, but a verdict that sends a message to future politicians to be more accountable (and not believe they can ultimately get away with it in the courts) will benefit them most in the long run.

Investors that may be dismayed because the law in Thailand is no longer as favourable to unaccountable governance, have no place in Thailand's future.

The article paints the scenarios in a clear cut unemotional, legal perspective. But this case is about a Prime Minister who had poor judgement regarding interests of the country he was elected to lead, and his own selfish interests. Selfish interests is a natural Thai trait, and the country has come to a sticky milestone where it needs to pass a judgement on whether this practice is acceptable when you are at the very top of the leadership. No amount of legal loopholes and influence or 'interpretation of the law' can mask the public perception and circumstantial evidence that Thaksin became unusually rich in tandem with certain policies he directed/forced.

Yes, there are so many similarly questionable individuals and alleged corrupt politicians in Thailand and a judgement day is now looming. The verdict will have far reaching consequences. It's a good thing Thailand has the courage to confront this decades long trend, wait and see which way the wind blows.

[yoshiwara]

Just as with Nixon, the slam-dunk criminal activity is all in the cover-up. Thaksin tried to cover up his wealth through family and other ownership scams and in addition tax evasion. The reds have now retreated to defending his wealth acquisition (nice try chaps) but they have trouble with the cover-up. Their final pathetic defence is that the others do it.

[Sao Jiang Mai]

Many in the red camp cry foul over this because they feel that Thaksin is being uncessarily victimised and singled out; why not arrest all the other crooks in Thailand, they say. What I don't understand is that for years critics have complained that in Thailand only the small fish are arrested and punished - drug dealers, prostitutes, gunmen - while the big whales go free - drug barons, human traffickers, the guy who hires the gun man. So, for once, the big fish is caught and being held accountable, so shouldn't that be a good thing? I see on this forum some arguments going to far as to concede to Thaksin's guilt but still claiming that he shouldn't be tried because of 'double standards'. Surely the biggest double standard of all would be to allow the man who not only committed numerous crimes so blatantly and unrepentantly, but also caused social unrest and...well, we know the arguments...to go free. Surely.

[animatic]

The red worker bees are preparing to fall on their swords for their liege lord,

on his command, to suit his needs, that's the way it's done in a feudal society.

Until that lords power, financial picture, or freedom of action is limited.

For someone to imagine Thaksin is doing any thing differently than the old days of

'Puyai speaks and all on his team jump, then ask "how high master"',

is just not reading he tea leaves with both eyes in the cup.

Edited February 18, 2010 by animatic