DSI Seeking Cooperation From Interpol For Thaksin’s Extradition

[webfact]

DSI seeking cooperation from Interpol for Thaksin’s extradition

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) met with four other agencies Tuesday to seek coordination from Interpol on the extradition of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra on terrorism charges.

DSI Director-General Tharit Pengdit met with Itthiporn Boonprakong, chief of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, Sirisak Tiyapa, Director-General of the International Affairs Department in the Office of the Attorney General and Pol Col Sinad Arjhanwong of Royal Thai Police’s Foreign Affair Division.

They mapped out a plan on the process to coordinate with Interpol on the arrest and extradition of deposed premier Thaksin after the Thai Criminal Court approved an arrest warrant for him on terrorism charges on May 25.

As the DSI was ordered to handle this terrorism-related case, Mr Tharit explained that the agency would send official letters, Mr Thaksin’s arrest warrant and all details concerned to the Office of the Attorney General, the Royal Thai Police and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Office of the Attorney General plans to set up a committee working on the extradition process.

Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Police will coordinate with the Lyon-based Interpol headquarters to inform its 187 members, including Montenegro, to bring Mr Thaskin, who now has Montenegrin nationality, back to face legal action in the kingdom.

Mr Tharit added that the foreign affairs ministry will forward the arrest warrants on terrorism and extradition documents to other countries.

He explained that the extradition process takes time, as the officials concerned must translate the warrant and related details into English before forwarding to other international communities.

Extraditing Mr Thaksin depends on the discretion of the individual country whether it will respond to the request by Thailand or not.

The Criminal Court on May 25 approved an arrest warrant for the ex-premier on terrorism charges in connection with the violent protest of the Red Shirts.

Mr Thaksin stands accused of masterminding and funding the violent actions of the Red Shirts which led to grenade attacks and arson in the Thai capital and provinces in the North and Northeast during the past week.

As the warrant was issued against him, he issued a statement denying the accusation, saying the terrorism charges were politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the foreign affairs minister earlier said that the foreign ministry has closely monitored Mr Thaksin's moves and found that he usually stays in three or four small or emerging countries, conceding it is not easy to bring him back here as his citizenship is now Montenegrin. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-06-01

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

DSI expediting procedures for Mr Thaksin

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is currently undergoing procedures to expedite the extradition of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatara.

DSI Director-general Tharit Pengdit revealed that a letter was submitted to three related units about the extradition of the fugitive former prime minister, after meeting with the executive director of the Office of the Attorney-General's (OAG) International Affairs, the director-general of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs and the director of the international affairs department of the Royal Thai Police. The Royal Thai Police will inform 187 countries that are Thailand’s allies and Montenegro, that the Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Mr Thaksin. If Mr Thaksin should surrender himself to the police, he must await for the permission of the prosecutor, Mr Tharit said.

The move came after the Thai Criminal Court's issuance of an arrest warrant for Mr Thaksin on 25 May 2010 for charges against terrorism and for inciting violence. Mr Thaksin was ousted in 2006 by a military coup d'état for abusing his power while in office and for corruption charges. Since then Mr Thaksin has played an active role in inciting unrest in the Kingdom, including the recent United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) demonstrations that have left at least 88 people killed.

Currently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cooperated with various countries, including the international police Interpol. However this matter depends on the laws and regulations of each country in regards to their cooperation, Mr Tharit said.

-- NNT 2010-06-01

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[LomSak27]

good to see they are "working on it". That said

Interpol says no call received to arrest Thaksin

LYON, France (AFP) – Cross-border police agency Interpol said Friday it had received no request to track fugitive Thai ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and that it would not arrest him on purely "political" grounds.

Thailand said Thursday it would request Interpol's co-operation after it issued an arrest warrant on terrorism charges for Thaksin, whom it accuses of funding protests that led to deadly clashes in Bangkok in recent months.

Interpol's headquarters in Lyon, France, quoted its Secretary General Ronald Noble as saying he had "no knowledge" yet of an official demand from Bangkok for help in the case.

If such a demand were made it would be subject to Interpol's "normal procedure" and referred to the agency's judicial advisers.

A spokesman for Interpol, which helps coordinate investigations between its 188 member countries, told AFP that its statutes forbid it to ask its member states to carry out arrests of a "political nature".

Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup and later went into exile to avoid a jail term for corruption. He has been living mainly in Dubai, with visits to other countries including Montenegro, France and Britain.

The Thai government accuses him of inciting unrest and bankrolling rallies by "Red Shirt" opposition protesters which have sparked deadly outbreaks of violence.

Thai deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Thursday that a request for Interpol's help would be sent "so any country that knows of his whereabouts can notify Thailand, so Thailand can begin the extradition procedure".

Thaksin said in a radio interview Wednesday that Interpol would recognise the accusations were "politically motivated".

[gotlost]

Yea A great crock of BS the government is still putting out about Interpol but yet they have not contacted them.

[jdinasia]

The Ink is hardly dry on the warrant. It then needs to be translated and the request to be made officially. A claim that this charge is politically motivated will not be an issue because the charge is terrorism. The wouldn't help with capture and extradition on a corruption charge but a terrorism chage only needs to have the elements of a prima facie case to be made and they will trip all over themselves to be of use to the government of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The question is .... will the government forward the case to Interpol or not? They might just forward the case to all the countries that matter to influence them to not allow Thaksin in.

Thaksin Tweeting from Montenegro is sad enough, but when he is stuck tweeting from Lagos .....

[jayjay0]

Yea A great crock of BS the government is still putting out about Interpol but yet they have not contacted them.

And let us hope they have enough sense not to.

That is all Interpol needs to know it is politically motivated when the government contacts them and takes it out of the justice system

Let us hope they let the DSI handle it. On the other hand do we really want him back. It might be just the excuse the red terrorists are looking for to disrupt the country, cause thousands of all ready poor to suffer, loose thousands of jobs for the nine to five working class, burn a few more business down, raid more hospitals and all the other things they stand for.

Question to red shirt idiots.

Why do you back him. I can understand it if he cared about you. But when he took out citizenship in Montenegro he kinda said by by suckers. He does not need it to stay out of Thailand. There are a lot of third world countries that would let him stay with out citizenship. Cambodia maybe!

[Lizard2010]

Time will tell

These things do not happen overnight.

They have to be done through the correct channels.

[asiawatcher]

Well I hope Interpol DOES get involved - It seems to be our only hope here as Expats to add credibility to all the claims.

[stepenwolf1958]

Humungus, did i told you this? Do you see now?

More and more Mr. Abhisit and his advisers in government made of 6 parties - loosing face in this situation about Interpol-Montenegro-Thaksin.

Nothing was planed, in so much hate for Thaksin and bolded statements are given without realistic chances.

All has done in so big rush.

Like they didn't expect problems at all.

Like they belived will be enough they just say Thaksin is bad guy so all international forums will do what yellows think is right to do.

First statement about extradition was given and all was interpreted like Mr. Abhisit challenging Mr. Thaksin and i guess all should be accepted in public as bravery of this government and to seal the "victory" of crackdown in BKK.

BTW, crackdown was made like amateurs are doing all or someone who is so cruel and careless for anything but his own position, with a lot of unnecessary victims and deaths. Surronding areas of point of rally were not secured, vital objects were not protected of possibly violent reactions of protesters in escape. To much of amateurism.

Situation about Interpol should to be planed first and very carefuly and they should predict reactions of Mr. Thaksin, that he will take citizenship of Montenegro in case they chase him about extradition.

They should consider what would be reaction of Montenegro and they should FIRST talk with Montenegro PM, before say ANYTHING in medias.

In short, they have done all as they are amateurs in diplomacy, like they are incapable to organize anything with plan.

Incredible.

[Pushit]

Interpol to assist extradition to a possible death sentence I think is doubtful.

[Briggsy]

Over the last 2 or so years, I must have read this headline in various forms about 30 times. e.g. Thai government to request extradition of Thaksin from UK/Dubai/Montenegro/France/Cambodia or Thai government ask Interpol to arrest Thaksin.

However each and every time the headline is followed by a statement about a week later "The UK/Dubai/Montenegro/etc government has received no extradition request from the Thai government" or "Interpol has received no request for the arrest of Thaksin Shinawatra from the Thai government."

How many times can they cry wolf? Unlimited times, it seems.

[FarangCravings]

All politically motivated and the real world can see through this Thai governments BS and wont arrest Thaksin on pumped up political based charges.

Its clear for everyone to see around the world (except most expats on this board) that Thailand is out to get Thaksin in a big way and like Thaksin stated, he will most likely be assasinated if he does ever get returned to Thailand and then the Thai government will blame the red shirts for assasinating him because they wanted to implicate and put the blame on them this government is really a joke

And on another not now that Abhisit has back tracked on his promise of elections by the end of the year I have no doubt the reds will rise again as this PM has proven to be a liar and only said it to get them to stop now he has stopped them why bother now.

[321niti123]

its good to see some "work" being done, but im still wondering if i want him back here, might create more problems than it solves.

[asiawatcher]

Humungus, did i told you this? Do you see now?

More and more Mr. Abhisit and his advisers in government made of 6 parties - loosing face in this situation about Interpol-Montenegro-Thaksin.

Nothing was planed, in so much hate for Thaksin and bolded statements are given without realistic chances.

All has done in so big rush.

Like they didn't expect problems at all.

Like they belived will be enough they just say Thaksin is bad guy so all international forums will do what yellows think is right to do.

First statement about extradition was given and all was interpreted like Mr. Abhisit challenging Mr. Thaksin and i guess all should be accepted in public as bravery of this government and to seal the "victory" of crackdown in BKK.

BTW, crackdown was made like amateurs are doing all or someone who is so cruel and careless for anything but his own position, with a lot of unnecessary victims and deaths. Surronding areas of point of rally were not secured, vital objects were not protected of possibly violent reactions of protesters in escape. To much of amateurism.

Situation about Interpol should to be planed first and very carefuly and they should predict reactions of Mr. Thaksin, that he will take citizenship of Montenegro in case they chase him about extradition.

They should consider what would be reaction of Montenegro and they should FIRST talk with Montenegro PM, before say ANYTHING in medias.

In short, they have done all as they are amateurs in diplomacy, like they are incapable to organize anything with plan.

Incredible.

And 'like' your point is 'like' what?

[jdinasia]

All politically motivated and the real world can see through this Thai governments BS and wont arrest Thaksin on pumped up political based charges.

Its clear for everyone to see around the world (except most expats on this board) that Thailand is out to get Thaksin in a big way and like Thaksin stated, he will most likely be assasinated if he does ever get returned to Thailand and then the Thai government will blame the red shirts for assasinating him because they wanted to implicate and put the blame on them this government is really a joke

And on another not now that Abhisit has back tracked on his promise of elections by the end of the year I have no doubt the reds will rise again as this PM has proven to be a liar and only said it to get them to stop now he has stopped them why bother now.

Any country will arrest and hold Thaksin on terrorism charges IF the request is made and the evidence supports the case. Foreign press has stated that substantive evidence exists.

Abhisit hasn't "backtracked" on any promise of elections (I kinda think stating so may be violating the rules --- since you are not allowed to knowling post false inforation.) The offer for early elections was conditional. The reds refused the conditions and decided to fight.

[asiawatcher]

All politically motivated and the real world can see through this Thai governments BS and wont arrest Thaksin on pumped up political based charges.

Its clear for everyone to see around the world (except most expats on this board) that Thailand is out to get Thaksin in a big way and like Thaksin stated, he will most likely be assasinated if he does ever get returned to Thailand and then the Thai government will blame the red shirts for assasinating him because they wanted to implicate and put the blame on them this government is really a joke

And on another not now that Abhisit has back tracked on his promise of elections by the end of the year I have no doubt the reds will rise again as this PM has proven to be a liar and only said it to get them to stop now he has stopped them why bother now.

Gee - I must have misread your name - you are 'farangcravings' I thought your were farangravings! Again... Get a life. I know!! I also missed the point you are related to Purcell? Maybe you can share some strategies - or a cell :D

[ianf]

All politically motivated and the real world can see through this Thai governments BS and wont arrest Thaksin on pumped up political based charges.

Its clear for everyone to see around the world (except most expats on this board) that Thailand is out to get Thaksin in a big way and like Thaksin stated, he will most likely be assasinated if he does ever get returned to Thailand and then the Thai government will blame the red shirts for assasinating him because they wanted to implicate and put the blame on them this government is really a joke

And on another not now that Abhisit has back tracked on his promise of elections by the end of the year I have no doubt the reds will rise again as this PM has proven to be a liar and only said it to get them to stop now he has stopped them why bother now.

I think this post is biased and not objective.

[jdinasia]

Interpol to assist extradition to a possible death sentence I think is doubtful.

Interpol will help with the arrest (if asked and the evidence supports the warrant) extradition is an issue for whatever country the fugitive is caught in.

[rabo]

Over the last 2 or so years, I must have read this headline in various forms about 30 times. e.g. Thai government to request extradition of Thaksin from UK/Dubai/Montenegro/France/Cambodia or Thai government ask Interpol to arrest Thaksin.

However each and every time the headline is followed by a statement about a week later "The UK/Dubai/Montenegro/etc government has received no extradition request from the Thai government" or "Interpol has received no request for the arrest of Thaksin Shinawatra from the Thai government."

How many times can they cry wolf? Unlimited times, it seems.

Does sound familiar. But this time they said they're going to translate it from Thai so it could be read!

[FarangCravings]

I guess your right however I did see a statement from Interpol saying they do not get involved with political cases of which this seems to be the case unless we receive evidence on the contrary.

You also have to take into account that evidence can be falsified by the government to try and get the warrant accepted.

What is the evidence ??.??

anyone know

or just that the government says he is a terrorist and that is evidence enough

Edited June 1, 2010 by FarangCravings

[jdinasia]

BTW --- using Direct and Implying about the same thing is oxymoronic isn't it?

[FarangCravings]

FC is making a strawan argument. So far the charges of terrorism with the warrant hasn't gone out to governents or Interpol. They probably won't for about a week. After that Interpol will review the evidence and decide to issue an International warrant or not. That may take a week or more. Governments will get the warrant (Thai) at the same time and will start reviewing whether they wish to allow Thaksin entry into their countries.

If the case is compelling for the charge of terrorism (and foreign press suggests it is!) then Interpol will help facilitate an arrest. Then it goes to the governent of the country he is arrested in to extradite or not.

Political motivation will not be an issue in a charge of terrorism if a pria facie case is made for the warrant. It doesn't matter how much Thaksin supporters cry about it, there is no excuse allowed for commiting acts of terrorism, conspiring to commit acts of terrorism, or financing terrorism.

If Interpol does not issue the arrest warrant after reviewing the so called evidence how do you think that will look on Thailand. ?? I guess Interpol will be the next to be attacked by TV members LOL

[jdinasia]

Please learn to use quotes properly!

[Thai at Heart]

In what way does Interpol have to "co-operate"? The case gets presented, they agree or not.

I think something is lost in translation here. What would Thailand do if Interpol didn't "co-operate"?

"Scream, and scream, and scream until I'm sick"?

[FarangCravings]

In what way does Interpol have to "co-operate"? The case gets presented, they agree or not.

I think something is lost in translation here. What would Thailand do if Interpol didn't "co-operate"?

"Scream, and scream, and scream until I'm sick"?

Go back and read the post again you might get it right the second time round

My point is, it would again make Thailand look bad if Interpol did not act on Thailands request, it would indicate the charges are trumped up and Interpol did not consider the charges legitimate.

We will see soon enough

Still no answer from all you government allies as to what the alleged evidence is

Edited June 1, 2010 by FarangCravings

[Heng]

Still at the helm of the ship, access to all the promenade and all other perks and facilities, not to mention still holding the keys to the safe for another day... so easy to keep the masses preoccupied.

Surely it's no less valid than suing a mega corporation, going to war, etc. etc. to 'change the topic' of the public political spotlight.

[rabo]

If the case is compelling for the charge of terrorism (and foreign press suggests it is!) then Interpol will help facilitate an arrest. Then it goes to the governent of the country he is arrested in to extradite or not.

Political motivation will not be an issue in a charge of terrorism if a pria facie case is made for the warrant. It doesn't matter how much Thaksin supporters cry about it, there is no excuse allowed for commiting acts of terrorism, conspiring to commit acts of terrorism, or financing terrorism.

Right on the money...... according to? Interpol!

Interpol has an article 3 that precludes working on charges of a political, religious, or racial nature. But according to Interpol's website that discusses this very fact, it does not apply to violent terrorist crimes. Violent terrorism is not a political charge. They even give examples, which I think Thaksin had better read fast.

Here is the full story from INTERPOL's website all about the..

INTERPOL- Legal framework governing cases of a political, military, religious or racial character

The key point is............

"Requests aimed at prosecuting terrorists are processed in strict conformity with the above rules, particularly in terms of applying the predominance theory. In practice, Article 3 does therefore not prevent those accused of serious, violent terrorist offences (such as serious attacks against human life or physical safety, hostage-taking and kidnapping, serious attacks against property (bomb attacks, etc.), unlawful acts against civil aviation (hijacking of aircraft)) from being located with a view to their arrest and extradition."

I think many here confuse a politically motivated crime like breaking press rules, with acts of violence. A politically motivated crime is one that would not otherwise be criminal except for politics. Burning down cities is illegal everywhere.

Edited June 1, 2010 by rabo

[jdinasia]

In what way does Interpol have to "co-operate"? The case gets presented, they agree or not.

I think something is lost in translation here. What would Thailand do if Interpol didn't "co-operate"?

"Scream, and scream, and scream until I'm sick"?

Go back and read the post again you might get it right the second time round

My point is, it would again make Thailand look bad if Interpol did not act on Thailands request, it would indicate the charges are trumped up and Interpol did not consider the charges legitimate.

We will see soon enough

Still no answer from all you government allies as to what the alleged evidence is

Another strawman argument --- should Interpol find that the case does not mean their criteria for action it does NOT indicate the charges being trumped up etc .... There could be 100's of reasons and the most likely would be that it was not submitted properly. The translation wasn't adequate. Thaksin had fled from an Interpol country. etc etc etc ...

What it would not say is anything about the charges themselves unless they stated it did. There is small chance of that.

[Thai at Heart]

In what way does Interpol have to "co-operate"? The case gets presented, they agree or not.

I think something is lost in translation here. What would Thailand do if Interpol didn't "co-operate"?

"Scream, and scream, and scream until I'm sick"?

Go back and read the post again you might get it right the second time round

My point is, it would again make Thailand look bad if Interpol did not act on Thailands request, it would indicate the charges are trumped up and Interpol did not consider the charges legitimate.

We will see soon enough

Still no answer from all you government allies as to what the alleged evidence is

I am simply questioning the "headline".

The Thais are co-operating amongst themselves (that in itself is worthy of a headline when it comes to inter-departmental business in most governments let alone Thailand) to prepare a submission to Interpol. They are still putting the paperwork together. I don't suppose that Interpol will help them put together the case, it is incumbent on the Thai government to present the case and Interpol will decide their position.

Of course, if Interpol doesn't recognise the case, one can assume that they believe the charges to be politically motivated. At which point I expect Suthep and Kasit will stomp around for a day or two, and people on here will claim that Thaksin has put Interpol in his pocket.

I hope they get Interpol on side and then publish the evidence to the public. Asking an organisation like Interpol to support a warrant for something as serious as terrorism and having Interpol not recognise it, would be a PR disaster.

[mazeltov]

Over the last 2 or so years, I must have read this headline in various forms about 30 times. e.g. Thai government to request extradition of Thaksin from UK/Dubai/Montenegro/France/Cambodia or Thai government ask Interpol to arrest Thaksin.

However each and every time the headline is followed by a statement about a week later "The UK/Dubai/Montenegro/etc government has received no extradition request from the Thai government" or "Interpol has received no request for the arrest of Thaksin Shinawatra from the Thai government."

How many times can they cry wolf? Unlimited times, it seems.

But it never gets boring.

against all odds some totally Thaksin obsessed board members will still believe this and their hope that Abhisit will bring Thaksin back gets refreshed.

its fun to watch them and see their reaction when you try to explain the truth to them.