Viktor Bout's Extradition Might Affect Thailand’s Ties With Russia

[webfact]

A Bout of Russian anger

By The Nation, Agencies

Moscow claims ‘extreme injustice’ after arms dealer is extradited to US; Lawyer will file suit against all officials involved

The extradition of suspected arms dealer Viktor Bout to the United States might affect Thailand’s ties with Russia, which has angrily claimed the decision was unlawful and vowed to do everything to help him.

The move to extradite Bout went ahead shortly after Cabinet endorsed the decision yesterday. The Russian was bundled on to a small jet waiting for him at Don Mueang Airport since Monday, and flown to the US to face charges.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters about the Cabinet decision at about noon, when Army commandos and US agents were escorting Bout out of Bang Kwang prison.

Bout, dressed in dark blue jogging suit with a bullet proof vest and helmet, was escorted out of prison just five minutes before his wife Alla arrived. She did not get a chance to see off her husband.

“This is an unequivocally political decision, lobbied for by the US government. It has no legal basis whatsoever,” Bout’s wife was heard saying on Russia’s NTV network.

The procession to the airport was divided into two to divert media attention, and the jet took off at 1.30pm.

Meanwhile, it is believed that Moscow will most likely continue putting pressure on the Abhisit government.

“This story is an example of extreme injustice. We as a country will continue to support him by all means,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, where he is on an official visit.

In a statement released in Moscow a few hours after the extradition, the Foreign Ministry claimed that Bout’s extradition was “unlawful” and resulted from “unprecedented” US pressure on Thailand.

“All this gives us reason to believe that the Thai court system is less independent than it appears to be,” the statement said. “From a legal standpoint, what happened cannot have a rational explanation or justification. There is no doubt that the illegal extradition of V A Bout came as a consequence of unprecedented political pressure that the United States put on the government and the judicial authorities of Thailand.”

Lak Nittiwattanawichan, Bout’s lawyer said he would file a lawsuit against all officials involved in the decision, adding that the extradition was illegal and contravened judicial authority.

The former Russian air service officer was arrested in Bangkok in March 2008, in relation to him being wanted in Washington for many charges including terrorism and conspiracy to kill American nationals by fuelling armed conflict in different parts of the world. The FARC rebels in Colombia were one group Bout was alleged to have supplied with arms.

In August, the Appeals Court overturned a primary court decision and ruled to extradite Bout to the US within 90 days. That deadline was due to expire on Friday.

The extradition was delayed due to a legal technicality because the US had filed another charge of money laundering in further bid to ensure Bout was extradited.

The court dismissed the second request in October to pave the way for early extradition. But Bout submitted an appeal on the second case. Lak, his lawyer, said yesterday that the court had not decided whether or not to reject the appeal.

PM: we cannot satisfy everybody

The government, however, has said previously that the prime minister had the legal capacity to extradite Bout.

Abhisit, meanwhile, said the decision to extradite Bout was made because it was necessary. “We cannot satisfy everybody, but we have to accept it,” he said.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said that Russia should understand Thailand’s decision.

“We decided to extradite Bout as per our laws. Our justice system should be respected and we are a sovereign country like other countries,” Kasit said.

-- The Nation 2010-11-17

Related topic:

Thailand To Extradite Russian Arms Dealer Viktor Bout To US: PM Abhisit

[webfact]

Bout's extradition will not hurt US-Russia ties: State Dept

WASHINGTON, November 16, 2010 (AFP) - The US State Department said Tuesday that Thailand's extradition of suspected Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to the United States would not damage ties between Moscow and Washington.

"We understand that on a number of issues... we agree to disagree sometimes. We have tensions that crop up periodically. And we work to manage those," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.

"I don't expect that this will have any impact on our relationship with Russia," Crowley added.

Bout, dubbed the "Merchant of Death," was flown out of Thailand Tuesday to face trial in the United States following a long legal battle.

His sudden departure came shortly after the Thai cabinet approved his handover in a move that prompted fresh fury from Moscow, which had vowed to do all it could to bring Bout home.

Russia said his extradition was "illegal" and prompted by unprecedented US pressure.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would support Bout "by all means" and denounced what he described as an "extreme injustice", adding to speculation that Bout may have knowledge of sensitive information.

The 43-year-old former Soviet air force pilot has been fighting extradition on terrorism charges since his March 2008 arrest after a sting operation in Bangkok involving undercover US agents posing as Colombian FARC rebels.

He was flown out on a US government plane accompanied by officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), said Colonel Supisarn Bhakdinarunart, commander of Thailand's Crime Suppression Division.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-11-17

[LomSak27]

It looks like The Russian goverment made substantial gifts through round 1 of Bout extradition. And it did get a reprieve of sorts ... such is the Thai judicial system. He was a cash cow but somebodies going to end up feeling jilted.

[craigt3365]

Funny...Russia complaining about poor laws. How about all the journalists that have been killed for criticizing the Government there? They lost one of their best salesmen and are pissed. Can't really blame them...

The Thai judicial system did the best it could and Bout was found guilty. End of story.

[asiawatcher]

Considering the number of Soviets arrested in Thailand annually I have never seen the Russian Govt give a second glance at any of them. Why so this guy? What? Because he is a former Soviet pilot? Nope - because he was probably using his military connections to move illegal sales of arms and the Ruskies don't want the sodium pentethal treatment to reveal all.

Good riddance I say and I agree with the PM - you can't please every one.

[ianbaggie]

Well done Abhisit - you made the right decision - Russia is NOT your Father!! Lets see the Russians squirm when Bout starts spilling the beans to the yanks!!

[geriatrickid]

I don't think any of the Russians visiting Thailand would have canceled their vacations had they known beforehand that Mr. Bout was leaving on a jet plane and not knowing when he'd be back again...... Mr. Putin and his former KGB cronies can huff and puff all they want, but Mr. Bout has a date with a destiny. the Russian tourists will still come, whether it be to launder money, to engage in carnal misadventures with local hookers, to drown, to get drunk and rowdy or to just have a quiet break with their families.

Mr. Bout's wife that looks like she was a cover girl for Tart Weekly, is going to have to worry about whether or not the Russians spooks hush her up. It makes me think of that scene in Goodfellas where the wig guy and his wife are wacked after the Air France heist.

[moetownblues]

Well done Abhisit - you made the right decision - Russia is NOT your Father!! Lets see the Russians squirm when Bout starts spilling the beans to the yanks!!

But the U.S is Thailands Daddy.

[mca]

Mr. Bout's wife that looks like she was a cover girl for Tart Weekly,

Unless you can provide evidence that she was adept at concocting delicious pastry-based desserts may I suggest you withdraw these unfounded allegations.

[animatic]

Considering the number of Soviets arrested in Thailand annually I have never seen the Russian Govt give a second glance at any of them. Why so this guy? What? Because he is a former Soviet pilot? Nope - because he was probably using his military connections to move illegal sales of arms and the Ruskies don't want the sodium pentethal treatment to reveal all.

Good riddance I say and I agree with the PM - you can't please every one.

Clearly this is because he knows where the metaphorical bodies are buried.

He also must know an large number of spies and those in the arms trafficking

branches of the greater Russian intelligence and military worlds.

I think it means a greatly increased leverage on Russia in all 'quiet areas'.

We are not likely to ever see the net effects, because it won't be trumpeted,

but deals will likely be made differently in future.

Yes, the Russians certainly have made clear his importance to them

as an information source they want to control. I'm just a bitsurprised

he wasn't top'd much earlier, but maybe the thought he was to savvy to get nailed.

Wrong.

Russia loses a round of real politic; Som nom na.

Edited November 17, 2010 by animatic

[SergeiY]

the Russian tourists will still come, whether it be to launder money, to engage in carnal misadventures with local hookers, to drown, to get drunk and rowdy or to just have a quiet break with their families.

What brings you to Thailand. Soi Dog Rescue? The food, the temples, the culture?

Mr. Bout's wife that looks like she was a cover girl for Tart Weekly, is going to have to worry about whether or not the Russians spooks hush her up. It makes me think of that scene in Goodfellas where the wig guy and his wife are wacked after the Air France heist.

Well, that is the most stupid comment i read in the whole Bout discussion on Thaivisa so far.

[ianbaggie]

Well done Abhisit - you made the right decision - Russia is NOT your Father!! Lets see the Russians squirm when Bout starts spilling the beans to the yanks!!

But the U.S is Thailands Daddy.

Yes obviously!! You can tell that by the way Thais treat westerners - have another think on which country IS Thailands daddy ill give you a clue - it has a big wall !!

[ianbaggie]

the Russian tourists will still come, whether it be to launder money, to engage in carnal misadventures with local hookers, to drown, to get drunk and rowdy or to just have a quiet break with their families.

What brings you to Thailand. Soi Dog Rescue? The food, the temples, the culture?

Mr. Bout's wife that looks like she was a cover girl for Tart Weekly, is going to have to worry about whether or not the Russians spooks hush her up. It makes me think of that scene in Goodfellas where the wig guy and his wife are wacked after the Air France heist.

Well, that is the most stupid comment i read in the whole Bout discussion on Thaivisa so far.

No - your comments on the "Thaksin Burma" debate beat it by a mile Sergeiy - at least HE doesnt make his facts up as he goes along!!

[animatic]

the Russian tourists will still come, whether it be to launder money, to engage in carnal misadventures with local hookers, to drown, to get drunk and rowdy or to just have a quiet break with their families.

What brings you to Thailand. Soi Dog Rescue? The food, the temples, the culture?

Mr. Bout's wife that looks like she was a cover girl for Tart Weekly, is going to have to worry about whether or not the Russians spooks hush her up. It makes me think of that scene in Goodfellas where the wig guy and his wife are wacked after the Air France heist.

Well, that is the most stupid comment i read in the whole Bout discussion on Thaivisa so far.

No - your comments on the "Thaksin Burma" debate beat it by a mile Sergeiy - at least HE doesnt make his facts up as he goes along!!

Grabbing her up as leverage is as likely as hushing her up.

But she is totally silent right now.... no grand speeches and such,

she might have gone to ground so to speak.

The question remains whether that would affect his loyalty or not.

His is not noted as the most moral of men... maybe he won't really care.

Wouldn't be the first man to blow off a wife.

I bet at this point she IS hoping to get in 'witness protection' with him,

just in case someone THINKS she MIGHT know too much, and wish her to not be a risk.

Edited November 17, 2010 by animatic

[Jingthing]

Well done Abhisit - you made the right decision - Russia is NOT your Father!! Lets see the Russians squirm when Bout starts spilling the beans to the yanks!!

But the U.S is Thailands Daddy.

Well, Thailand's Uncle Sam anyway. The Bout decision going the US way was as predictable as death and taxes.

Next ...

[LomSak27]

moetown blues posted

But the U.S is Thailands Daddy.

This explains why Abhisit recently stated that SEA nations should use the Yuan instead of the dollar for international trade ?????????????

The world is a complicated place Moe. Not to worry, pop a leo

[david555]

Considering the number of Soviets arrested in Thailand annually I have never seen the Russian Govt give a second glance at any of them. Why so this guy? What? Because he is a former Soviet pilot? Nope - because he was probably using his military connections to move illegal sales of arms and the Ruskies don't want the sodium pentethal treatment to reveal all.

Good riddance I say and I agree with the PM - you can't please every one.

Clearly this is because he knows where the metaphorical bodies are buried.

He also must know an large number of spies and those in the arms trafficking

branches of the greater Russian intelligence and military worlds.

I think it means a greatly increased leverage on Russia in all 'quiet areas'.

We are not likely to ever see the net effects, because it won't be trumpeted,

but deals will likely be made differently in future.

Yes, the Russians certainly have made clear his importance to them

as an information source they want to control. I'm just a bitsurprised

he wasn't top'd much earlier, but maybe the thought he was to savvy to get nailed.

Wrong.

Russia loses a round of real politic; Som nom na.

Maybe some people in USA are already packing their suitcases as a precaution.....for reveals coming ....

[a51mas]

Well done Abhisit - you made the right decision - Russia is NOT your Father!! Lets see the Russians squirm when Bout starts spilling the beans to the yanks!!

But the U.S is Thailands Daddy.

Yes obviously!! You can tell that by the way Thais treat westerners - have another think on which country IS Thailands daddy ill give you a clue - it has a big wall !!

Thais welcome all westerners, the only exception are "Brits & French", to Thai people the Brits & French will always be "Evil Countries" like "Darth Vader & Death Star". Judging from the way they were bullied in the past who can blame them. And finally along came the Germany to give them their own medicine. Thanks God there is a country called USA to the rescued, otherwise they would be speaking German today.

Edited November 17, 2010 by a51mas

[Jingthing]

Here's a good explanation of the US position --

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2010/11/why_russia_defends_a_merchant.html

Imagine Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton righteously denouncing the "injustice" of the arrest by a democratic country of a U.S. mafia kingpin or drug trafficker. Most countries stick to "quiet diplomacy" when trying to rescue their rogues -- when they try at all. Yet Putin's regime seems to have no scruples about publicly campaigning for Bout.

[Piengrudee]

Kasit already said he has already explain to the Russian, and they understand. Case close please. Move on your life.

[webfact]

Photos: Viktor Bout Extradited to America http://bit.ly/8Xv1Qa /via@RichardBarrow

[geriatrickid]

the Russian tourists will still come, whether it be to launder money, to engage in carnal misadventures with local hookers, to drown, to get drunk and rowdy or to just have a quiet break with their families.

What brings you to Thailand. Soi Dog Rescue? The food, the temples, the culture?

Mr. Bout's wife that looks like she was a cover girl for Tart Weekly, is going to have to worry about whether or not the Russians spooks hush her up. It makes me think of that scene in Goodfellas where the wig guy and his wife are wacked after the Air France heist.

Well, that is the most stupid comment i read in the whole Bout discussion on Thaivisa so far.

1. Disease and an abundance of specimens.

2. You disagree. Cool, To quote you, "yawn".

[bushwacker]

Wow the courts work very fast. It only took 2.6 years from arrest to deportation. I wonder what the in-flight movie is going to be .... maybe Merchant of Death!

[craigt3365]

Here's a good explanation of the US position --

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2010/11/why_russia_defends_a_merchant.html

Imagine Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton righteously denouncing the "injustice" of the arrest by a democratic country of a U.S. mafia kingpin or drug trafficker. Most countries stick to "quiet diplomacy" when trying to rescue their rogues -- when they try at all. Yet Putin's regime seems to have no scruples about publicly campaigning for Bout.

Thanks for the link. Good article from a reputable media outlet. I liked this part:

Moscow's motive is not merely the defense of a Russian citizen. Experts like Douglas Farah, a former Post reporter who co-authored a book about Bout, think Russia's elite are terrified of what Bout might reveal as a part of a plea bargain with U.S. prosecutors. Where did he obtain the weapons and helicopters he has been delivering to war zones, or the Russian-made transport aircraft that carried them? Did he deliver Russian weapons to Hezbollah? And who encouraged him to do business with the FARC? The guerrilla movement has been backed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who in turn is one of the biggest customers of the Russian arms industry.

Photos: Viktor Bout Extradited to America http://bit.ly/8Xv1Qa /via@RichardBarrow

Man, he's dressed up like he's heading out for war! What a lot of protection....any thoughts as to why????

[webfact]

PRESS RELEASE: A press conference will be held at 11 am to announce the extradition of Viktor Bout to the Southern District of New York. /BNONews

[webfact]

Russia Expresses Disatisfaction over Bout's Extradition

The Russian government has expressed anger over the extradition of Viktor Bout, an alleged international arms dealer, to the United States.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has expressed dissatisfaction through a Russian television channel over Thailand's extradition of Victor Bout, an alleged international arms smuggler, to the United States. Bout departed from Don Muang International Airport YESTERDAY, escorted by U.S. officials.

Sergei also strongly criticized the Thai government's decision, claiming that the Thai court has yet to rule on Bout's cases. The Russian foreign minister claimed that the U.S. has pressured the Thai government to extradite Bout. Lavrov pledged that the Russian government will continue to assist Bout, who is a Russian citizen.

Meanwhile, Alla Bout said that neither she nor the Russian Embassy in Bangkok was informed of her husband's extradition ahead of time. She said she rushed to the prison as soon as she heard the news, but by the time she got there Bout had already left. Alla also believes the extradition was the result of pressure from the U.S., since her husband was going to be released within the next few days, and his legal team was certain they could win the case.

Bout's attorney has also condemned the extradition, pointing out that the Thai court has yet to decide on the second extradition request from the U.S. government.

-- Tan Network 2010-11-17

[jayboy]

Kasit already said he has already explain to the Russian, and they understand. Case close please. Move on your life.

Yes Kasit has really impressed on this matter.And to think some people thought the Foreign Minister was an excitable little tit quite unsuited to ministerial office not least because of his near criminal irresponsibility at the time the PAD seized the country's airports.

This episode has proved them wrong and he is being hailed in the capitals of the world as a latter day Talleyrand.In this difficult situation where Thailand had to act without alienating two friendly powers, he has diplomatically explained the situation to the Russians.I understand Putin and Medevyev are very very relaxed about it all and have complete confidence in the independence and impartiality of the Thai judicial system.They quite understand Thailand's dilemma and are not going to allow this to interrupt friendly relations.

All this is due to Kasit's careful explanations which as always have been well received.So let's hear it for the FM,chaiyo chaiyo.

[LomSak27]

bushwacker posted

It only took 2.6 years from arrest to deportation.

When you are accepting bids, you can't rush things. Pumping and dumping might not be the most apt term for this operation. Squeezing out every last banknote Viks backers were willing to pay takes time.

[cdnvic]

Flame deleted

[a51mas]

Thais welcome all westerners, the only exception are "Brits & French", to Thai people the Brits & French will always be "Evil Countries" like "Darth Vader & Death Star". Judging from the way they were bullied in the past who can blame them. And finally along came the Germany to give them their own medicine. Thanks God there is a country called USA to the rescued, otherwise they would be speaking German today.

Do you make a habit of re-writing history? Nothing could be farther from the truth. I suggest you join up with the other deluded idiots writing improbable movie scripts in Hollywood.

Maybe you are still upset after the recent event at Celtic Manor? Still sulking?

I know the truth hurt, but wait there are actually some brits that Thais Embraced, "Cliff Richard & The Shadows.........Are you happy now?