Bout wants panel to consider his case

By Khanittha Thapphajorn

The Nation

Suspected Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout asked a House committee to appoint a special panel to investigate political involvement in his case.

He handed a five-page letter handwritten in English and told the House committee his wife had told the truth at her recent press conference and he had nothing to do with former pre?mier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on Foreign Affairs Torpong Chaiyasarn said after meeting with Bout, which lasted more than three hours, that the Russian suspect confirmed that Democrat Songkhla MP Sirichoke Sopha, a close-aide to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, met him on April 15 and gave him his mobile phone number.

Torpong said he would have to wait for a Corrections Department inspection before he could reveal the contents of the letter. However, he said part of it said Bout did not know Thaksin personally and had no involvement in Thai affairs.

"Viktor called on the Thai government to not link his case with politics and to follow the laws strictly. He insists he is innocent, and that he is now only a suspect. He also asked the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to handle his case," Torpong said.

He said he had learnt that information from Bout and Sirichoke was contradictory. But he believed he would learn the truth once the committee summons Sirichoke on Wednesday.

Sirichoke said yesterday he was ready to clarify matters with the committee. He said he still questioned Bout's information but Torpong had believed what Bout said instantly, which was "too soon".

Torpong and his deputy, Thitima Chaisaeng, were accompanied by Russian Counsellor and Consul to Thailand Andrey Dvornikov and a Russian-language trans-lator while visiting Bout in jail. However, no government MP joined.

Torpong said some govern-ment MPs had said they would attend but none showed up in time.

Corrections Department director-general Chartchai Suthiklom said he did not join the meeting but just checked on the process. If Bout's letter did violate any laws, it would be publicised.

-- The Nation 2010-09-05

Bout and his advisers may understand the Thai system better than they have been given credit for. A committee, with any authorization for investigation, should/could slow down legal proceeding quite substantially. The recent photos would indicate he is on short rations. I would not begrudge the man a few good meals to fill out his frame, while the spider web of intrigue continues.

It's difficult for me to understand the news reporting here sometimes.  It's as if the media editors just repeat  whatever comes in without considering whether it is really significant or not.  We all have opinions about the Bout case, but what the hel_l is the difference what he wants, and why is this even considered worthy of being reported as a news story?<br>

First there are complaints about politics being involved.

Now there is a request to get politics involved.

It's difficult for me to understand the news reporting here sometimes.  It's as if the media editors just repeat  whatever comes in without considering whether it is really significant or not.  We all have opinions about the Bout case, but what the hel_l is the difference what he wants, and why is this even considered worthy of being reported as a news story?<br>

you don't know? US / Russia; US / Thai; Thai / Russia diplomacy is all entangled with this case (a real Borromean ring); add something about SriLanka and mix in Thaksin for indigestion.

this not a small taters news item, anything Bout is alleged to have done or is reported to say has weight.

acording to the reds he is a man of great honor, could have walked by just fingering Thaksin, 'they say'

there has to be a movie sequel in there somewhere! ya figure?

instead of Merchant of death II, how about Broker of new Cold War?

......acording to the reds he is a man of great honor, could have walked by just fingering Thaksin, 'they say'

What's the source of this information?

wonder if seeking to delay matters has anything to do with 48 hours ago...

Bout charges withdrawn, making way for extradition