Outcome Of Thai Democrats' Legal Drama Still Uncertain

[random]

Thailand needs a law that protect whistleblowers and not the corrupt.

I agree. Whistleblowers who report wrongdoings should be protected. Guys who bait others into (almost) illegal actions should be prosecuted including those who set them up to it.

Out of the blue, how's k. Pasit doing in HongKong ? Still shopping ? Hasn't he maxed out his creditcards yet ?

if i leave my keys in my car and you steal it, am I to blame?

The fact is here it does not matter of someone was tricked into admitting something, the fact that they did the wrong to start with is the fact you should be looking at, and not how that information was gleaned.

Are you Thai? is sure seems that way, you seem to have mastered the art of shooting the messenger, you seem to have grasped the concept it is ok to do illegal things as long as you don't get caught, and if you do get caught blame others.

[hammered]

Thailand needs a law that protect whistleblowers and not the corrupt.

I agree. Whistleblowers who report wrongdoings should be protected. Guys who bait others into (almost) illegal actions should be prosecuted including those who set them up to it.

Out of the blue, how's k. Pasit doing in HongKong ? Still shopping ? Hasn't he maxed out his creditcards yet ?

if i leave my keys in my car and you steal it, am I to blame?

The fact is here it does not matter of someone was tricked into admitting something, the fact that they did the wrong to start with is the fact you should be looking at, and not how that information was gleaned.

Are you Thai? is sure seems that way, you seem to have mastered the art of shooting the messenger, you seem to have grasped the concept it is ok to do illegal things as long as you don't get caught, and if you do get caught blame others.

I totally agree with the whistleblower arguement. However, there were a couple of tapes released with the first tranche that were just showing judges involved in the decision making of a case discussing the case. That is their job and those discussions in most countries would be privileged and private and unauthoriseed filming and exposure of them would result in legal action. The tapes showing corruption are another thing entirely but a couple of the early ones were clearly not whistleblowing but actual breach of law, so in this case two different things.

[Siripon]

Thailand needs a law that protect whistleblowers and not the corrupt.

I agree. Whistleblowers who report wrongdoings should be protected. Guys who bait others into (almost) illegal actions should be prosecuted including those who set them up to it.

Out of the blue, how's k. Pasit doing in HongKong ? Still shopping ? Hasn't he maxed out his creditcards yet ?

if i leave my keys in my car and you steal it, am I to blame?

The fact is here it does not matter of someone was tricked into admitting something, the fact that they did the wrong to start with is the fact you should be looking at, and not how that information was gleaned.

Are you Thai? is sure seems that way, you seem to have mastered the art of shooting the messenger, you seem to have grasped the concept it is ok to do illegal things as long as you don't get caught, and if you do get caught blame others.

I totally agree with the whistleblower arguement. However, there were a couple of tapes released with the first tranche that were just showing judges involved in the decision making of a case discussing the case. That is their job and those discussions in most countries would be privileged and private and unauthoriseed filming and exposure of them would result in legal action. The tapes showing corruption are another thing entirely but a couple of the early ones were clearly not whistleblowing but actual breach of law, so in this case two different things.

And the inclusion of the clip featuring General Prem was a clear attempt to smear him by supposed involvement, though that clip was taken at a ceremony when he presented awards for outstanding judges, absolutely nothing to do with the Democrats' dissolution case.

[whybother]

And the inclusion of the clip featuring General Prem was a clear attempt to smear him by supposed involvement, though that clip was taken at a ceremony when he presented awards for outstanding judges, absolutely nothing to do with the Democrats' dissolution case.

That video shows that this was nothing to do with "whistle blowing".

It started as an attempt to discredit the Democrats. That failed, so they had to try to discredit the judges instead.

[random]

And the inclusion of the clip featuring General Prem was a clear attempt to smear him by supposed involvement, though that clip was taken at a ceremony when he presented awards for outstanding judges, absolutely nothing to do with the Democrats' dissolution case.

That video shows that this was nothing to do with "whistle blowing".

It started as an attempt to discredit the Democrats. That failed, so they had to try to discredit the judges instead.

whilst i agree that falsehoods to smear are wrong, but showing something factual is not smearing or wrong, it is providing information.

[whybother]

And the inclusion of the clip featuring General Prem was a clear attempt to smear him by supposed involvement, though that clip was taken at a ceremony when he presented awards for outstanding judges, absolutely nothing to do with the Democrats' dissolution case.

That video shows that this was nothing to do with "whistle blowing".

It started as an attempt to discredit the Democrats. That failed, so they had to try to discredit the judges instead.

whilst i agree that falsehoods to smear are wrong, but showing something factual is not smearing or wrong, it is providing information.

Yes ... if the videos of judges discussing exam answers were the only ones shown, it would be a clear case of "whistle blowing".

Include the video of Prem at an awards ceremony from 2008, videos of judges discussing cases (which is their right) and a poor effort to discredit the Democrats, then the video maker and others that are involved have something to answer for.

[hammered]

And the inclusion of the clip featuring General Prem was a clear attempt to smear him by supposed involvement, though that clip was taken at a ceremony when he presented awards for outstanding judges, absolutely nothing to do with the Democrats' dissolution case.

That video shows that this was nothing to do with "whistle blowing".

It started as an attempt to discredit the Democrats. That failed, so they had to try to discredit the judges instead.

whilst i agree that falsehoods to smear are wrong, but showing something factual is not smearing or wrong, it is providing information.

I doubt anyone would disagree for the latter corruption tapes but the first set are a different matter

[rubl]

Thailand needs a law that protect whistleblowers and not the corrupt.

I agree. Whistleblowers who report wrongdoings should be protected. Guys who bait others into (almost) illegal actions should be prosecuted including those who set them up to it.

Out of the blue, how's k. Pasit doing in HongKong ? Still shopping ? Hasn't he maxed out his creditcards yet ?

if i leave my keys in my car and you steal it, am I to blame?

The fact is here it does not matter of someone was tricked into admitting something, the fact that they did the wrong to start with is the fact you should be looking at, and not how that information was gleaned.

Are you Thai? is sure seems that way, you seem to have mastered the art of shooting the messenger, you seem to have grasped the concept it is ok to do illegal things as long as you don't get caught, and if you do get caught blame others.

Nice description of Thai people, my dear chap. You must like life in Thailand I guess. Not sure what is has to do with me or my post though.

The 'facts' as you like to say are seldomly facts, more like what others may have said or speculated. Almost 'random' thoughts

[Buchholz]

Warrants to arrest court officials

The Criminal Court yesterday approved arrest warrants for two former officials at the Constitution Court for their alleged involvement in videos secretly made of judges and others at the court, which have since been put on the Internet.

The warrants are for Pasit Sakdanarong, the former secretary to the Constitution Court president, and court official Chutima Saensinrangsri.

Pasit is believed to have fled to Hong Kong, and his alleged accomplice Chutima, who remains at large, have been charged with violating the 2007 Computer Act, and spreading false and confidential information on the Internet.

The video clips were posted on YouTube in separate batches over the past month. The clips were linked to the Democrat Party dissolution case and alleged cheating in tests undertaken by people seeking to work at the court.

Meanwhile, Phra Pokklao Institute secretary-general Boworn-sak Uwanno dismissed reports that he had been approached to chair a scrutiny panel to look into the scandal. He said he could only comment after seeing a written order of appointment. Kamchai Jongjak-kraphan, a Thammasat University law lecturer reportedly earmarked as a panel member, also said he could not comment yet on his appointment until he saw the order.

The Constitution Court reportedly wants Bowornsak as he is an “outsider”. It would like to clarify the facts about many aspects, including whether the dialogue transcribed is a fair record of what speakers in the clips say, and whether the clips have been edited from other material.

A review would be most effective if Pasit or Chutima volunteered information, but their cooperation was unlikely, court sources said.

“An investigation into the matter by outsiders is not conducted to whitewash the Constitution Court, but because it is important to ensure a transparent and independent investigation,” one source said.

The panel’s probe would be separate to the ongoing police inquiry, the sources said. “The Constitution Court is not afraid of facts and truths, but rather fears fabricated information [in the clips],” one of the sources explained.

-- The Nation 2010-11-17

[Buchholz]

Warrants to arrest court officials

The Criminal Court yesterday approved arrest warrants for two former officials at the Constitution Court for their alleged involvement in videos secretly made of judges and others at the court, which have since been put on the Internet.

The warrants are for Pasit Sakdanarong, the former secretary to the Constitution Court president, and court official Chutima Saensinrangsri.

Pasit is believed to have fled to Hong Kong, and his alleged accomplice Chutima, who remains at large, have been charged with violating the 2007 Computer Act, and spreading false and confidential information on the Internet.

welcome back, Pasit How was Hong Kong?

Democrat Dissolution Clip Suspect Turns Himself in

The Crime Suppression Police revealed that Pasit Sakdanarong, the former secretary of the Constitution Court president who is wanted in connection to the distribution of clips related to the Democrat dissolution cases, has turned himself in this morning.

Police have set bail for him at Bt100,000.

Pasit is believed to have been behind the recording of several video clips, some of which are closed door meetings of Constitution Court judges and some with a member of the Democrat Party's legal team for the dissolution case, to show that there was an attempt to lobby judges for a verdict that is favorable to the Democrat Party.

He has been on the run since the clips were released publicly.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-30

[Buchholz]

Ex-Secretary to Constitutional Court Chief Acknowledges Charges over Clip Scandal

The former secretary to the Constitution Court president, who was accused of releasing a video clip of a Constitution Court meeting last year, has reported to police to acknowledge the charges against him.

Former secretary to the Constitutional Court President Pasit Sakdanarong surrendered to acknowledge charges of conspiracy and distribution of false information on the internet that could cause damage to others, which is a violation of Article 14 of the Computer Crime Act 2007.

Pasit was accused of being behind the recording of a video footage that was claimed to be a meeting of the Constitutional Court judges last year.

Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, Police Colonel Naiyawat Phadermchit said an initial bail amount has been set at 100,000 baht in cash or 200,000 baht in assets.

Meanwhile, another suspect Chutima Saensinrasri, a Constitutional Court employee is wanted on the same charges, is still in hiding. Naiyawat said the investigation is nearly complete and the case files are expected to be forwarded to the public prosecutor within this week.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-30

Edited March 30, 2011 by Buchholz

[Insight]

Laughing all the way to the bank?

[Insight]

Jatuporn:Pasit on UDD stage Apr 10

From the Bangkok Post.

Cha-ching!

[Buchholz]

Jatuporn:Pasit on UDD stage Apr 10

From the Bangkok Post.

Cha-ching!

Well, he did return from fugitive status at the same time that a number of Red Shirt fugitives all turned themselves in.

They certainly had the most to gain from his alleged criminal activity.

Plus, they've become more brazen about their shenanigans of late.

[Buchholz]

Ex-Secretary to Constitutional Court Chief Acknowledges Charges over Clip Scandal

The former secretary to the Constitution Court president, who was accused of releasing a video clip of a Constitution Court meeting last year, has reported to police to acknowledge the charges against him.

Former secretary to the Constitutional Court President Pasit Sakdanarong surrendered to acknowledge charges of conspiracy and distribution of false information on the internet that could cause damage to others, which is a violation of Article 14 of the Computer Crime Act 2007.

Meanwhile, another suspect Chutima Saensinrasri, a Constitutional Court employee is wanted on the same charges, is still in hiding. Naiyawat said the investigation is nearly complete and the case files are expected to be forwarded to the public prosecutor within this week.

Chutima Saensinrangsi turned herself into the police today.

She was released on 75,000 baht bail.

It was also revealed that Pasit, who surrendered last week, re-entered Thailand in the south without going through immigration.

[Buchholz]

Ex-Secretary to Constitutional Court Chief Acknowledges Charges over Clip Scandal

Former secretary to the Constitutional Court President Pasit Sakdanarong surrendered to acknowledge charges of conspiracy and distribution of false information on the internet that could cause damage to others, which is a violation of Article 14 of the Computer Crime Act 2007.

Laughing all the way to the bank?

Jatuporn:Pasit on UDD stage Apr 10

Cha-ching!

and now the returned-fugitive-out-on-bail charged with "distribution of false information" will be distributing some more...

Pasit to 'disclose more secrets' at red-shirt rally Sunday

Pasit Sakdanarong, former secretary to the Constitution Court president, will disclose more secrets at the red-shirt rally on Sunday, red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan said Wednesday.

The red-shirt rally plans a mass rally on Sunday to mark the first anniversary of the clash between troops and red-shirt people at the Kokwua Intersection on April 1.

Jatuporn said a religious rite will be held at 3 pm.

At 6 pm, Pasit would disclose information he has never released anywhere, Jatuporn said.

Pasit has been arrested and released on bail on charge that he had secretly recorded discussion of Constitution Court judges and released the clips on YouTube.com to purportedly show that the judges had been lobbied to help the Democrat Party in a party-dissolution case.

-- The Nation 2011-04-06

Edited April 6, 2011 by Buchholz