Yingluck: Thaksin Case To Be Reviewed

[millwall_fan]

Enough already.. politicians, and political clans ALWAYS come back in Thailand.

Everyone knows it's going to happen, let's call amnesty for the Airport idiots, the Ratchaprasong idiots, the army generals who sent in war weapons, and Thaksin, who's actual 'conviction' on a conflict-of-interest charge is so minor you'd almost smile about it. (Looking at what past PM's got away with; if you jail Thaksin for that then you need to jail absolutely everyone with the possible exception of Chuan.)

Done.

listen to this man, he talks sense!

Oh my God,

Thaksin is back reincarnated into a woman "Badluck" Shinawat. God help the justice in Thailand.

The lack of justice was one of the problems: The PPP government was banned with indecent haste to get the protesters out of the airport with no proper time to prepare a defence. The Democrats were not banned despite receiving huge undeclared poliical donations. There was no transparent investigation into the murder of Seh Daeng or the others who were killed for demonstrating against the unelected Democrat government.

Is any of this going to benefit the minorities in Thailand?

The poor people will stay poor, non-educated and forced to continue to live impoverished, while the rich business elite will stay lining their pockets from corruption and slavery.

Makes me f****** sick.

Ultimately I think it will help the poor. The last Thaksin government gave the people a health care sytem that is the envy of many in the developing world, he build thousands of social housing units, introduced OTOP, gave loans to villages and more. Let's hope this time that education is the priority - in order to really empower the Thai people so that they can make informed decisions about issues that affect them. Sure there'll still be inequality at the end of this parliament, but maybe the poor wont have to wai quite so low as they do now.

[mitrapaap]

Enough already.. politicians, and political clans ALWAYS come back in Thailand.

Everyone knows it's going to happen, let's call amnesty for the Airport idiots, the Ratchaprasong idiots, the army generals who sent in war weapons, and Thaksin, who's actual 'conviction' on a conflict-of-interest charge is so minor you'd almost smile about it. (Looking at what past PM's got away with; if you jail Thaksin for that then you need to jail absolutely everyone with the possible exception of Chuan.)

Done.

We might as well just get the group amnesties over now and see the country move on as delaying it is just going to add more and more people to those needing amnesty and increasing utter hatred and eventually it will still happen but after more acrimony.

The establishment have lost. They need to accept this as if they dont the only options they have left are a horrible violent coup that will probably result in failure or ever more court cases that more and more people see as poltically motivated and unfair to the point where the whole justice system is discredited. This was a let the people chose election and they have. They have rejected the establishment and their supporters and chosen Thaksin and his even after the establishment and the poltical parties close to them had two years to change minds or even crush their opponents. They failed in such a way that PTP are now stronger and more united than PPP 4 years ago. Unless anyone wants to see more tragedy, it is time to put this to bed, and if that means a few old elite figures have to go to tending their flower beds rather than sitting in smoke filled rooms plotting what the government are allowed to do then so be it.

Right now the country has a senate, a reasonable sized opposition and the courts havent been totally undermined in government supporters minds. There is also the media. This is a check and balance enough on a government coalition. Thailand remains a functioning developing democracy if it is allowed to be. Sadly further interferance will only destroy this with the only possible outcomes being a military backed up hated government of probably useless old people with no forward vision but plenty of backward vision, or a Thaksin government full of suspicion, utter hatred and control of everything and with absoltuely no check and balance on it. Neither of these scenarios is anywhere near as good as letting the elected goevernment get on with its job and the check and balances theirs while those who like to interfere find more pastoral pursuits and enjoy family time

The election is history and the democrats can't change it. And so should Pheua Thai accept that they can't change history. But they keep trying. They already failed twice, but they immediately restart doing it.

[Jockey]

A review of his case sounds fair to me.

Let's remember that all the charges against Thaksin were brought forward by the "Assets Examination Committee" (AEC). The AEC was established after the coup by the military junta. It didn't exist before. There were 12 members on the panel. They include:

- Kaewsan Atibodhi: A vocal critic of Thaksin for many years and speaker at the PAD rallies. He has publicly called Thaksin a hijacker and rapist before being appointed to the AEC.

- Jaruvan Maintaka: She was well know for her criticism of Thaksin before being appointed to the AEC. She refused to resign her position as Auditor-General after the Constitution Court ruled that her nomination was illegal. She was also criticized for nepotism, hiring her own son as her personal secretary using the state budget and bringing her children on a state-funded trip. She is also a member of the Democrat party and a PAD speaker at rallies.

- Banjerd Singkaneti: Also a long-time critic of Thaksin, and a leader of the PAD since 2006. Most famously, he has said that Thaksin was worse than Hitler.

These are just some of the 12 people who have brought charges against Thaksin. Now, after reading the above, I'm sure everyone will agree with me that a review of Thaksin's case sounds more than fair.

You make very good points. Excellent post!

[KevinB]

To Sichonsteve

Do you really believe that the millions of Thais who voted PTP didn't know what they were voting for"?

Thats a big fat yes on that one!!!!!!!!!.

I think that only the Italians are more gullible and naive!!!!

ANYONE ELSE WOULD LIKE TO YOUR LIST OF DUMB AND STUPID RACES THIS MORNING. - the Thais are smart and clever - they have taken a enough dumb farangs to the cleaners to prove they are a more than a match for any of the more advanced races I presume you favour. So i suppose I'm a Thai apologist (another implied insult)

Well while I'm about it - let me say - I love italians to - love pasta, love pizza - love Italian opera and never get concerned that they elect a 70 year old who has enough lead in his pencil to score some pretty hot ladies (even if some are borderline underaged - she certainly looked old enough to me). in fact I'm not even prepared to get upset about Yanks electing a sucession of Bushes and then an Obama. I don't even get hot under the collar when the Senate tries to impeach Clinton for lying about getting a ......from Monica and then not even getting upset about the lies told about weapons of mass distruction which resulted in massive expenditure and thousands of Americans death in a war they can't seem to win.

Infact I believe that Brits knew what they were voting for when they voted for Cameron and the American know what they are voting for when they vote for a Tea Party candidate. Given that I think i have right to believe that Thais knew exactly what they were voting for when they voted for PTP - To bring Taksin home.

I repeat myself - Get used to the idea it's gonna happen - it is what people voted for and it's what the majority want. I agree with others on this site - best make it sooner rather than later - like Cameron and Obama - Yingluck needs to get down to what she was elected for. She knows why she got elected (a total novice as someone posted) -Just like Cameron and Obama - the former cutting unaffordable Government expenditure and Obama providing health care for the poor even though it flies up the nose of the establishment. Politics and democracy - and if you want to "educate" Thais about how gulible and naive they are feel free to go out and do it and for Brits and Yanks and Ausies and Kiwis and Italians and Serbs if you don't like the Governments you got back home make sure to register as voters and get involved in a bit of politics and make sure you exercise your vote next election. Just be sure you know what you are voting for and who you believe can deliver it for you.

[OzMick]

THe methods used to prosecute or persecute these people - coup and politically motivated legal system - cannot be regarded as valid. THe majority of Thai people have voted against this and the situation needs to be set straight.

Because of the lack of separation of the legislative executive etc any legal rulings during the past 5 years really can't be worth the paper they are written on. Whether justified or not.

Many posters seem to think that so long as an action is in support of someone they agree with, it doesn't matter what that action is or was. Well it does matter as part of establishing a secure democracy, there needs to be both an independent judiciary and a de-politicised military.

Whether or not the intentions of this new government are genuine remains to be seen.

but one thing is sure is that Thaksin cannot remain in exile when the majority of the country want him back. Hopefully this time there will be an increased awareness by all sides of appropriate democratic procedures.

THe string of cynical partisan posts on TV does nothing but show how vacuous some members are.

You think substituting one 'politically motivated legal system' with another is a step forward? That things can be 'set straight' by overturning judicial decisions concerning a brother? Whose own lawyer was busted - by a JUDGE - trying to bribe court officials with a snack box full of money?

You have no clue about separation of powers, do not abuse this term any further.

Some will argue a coup is illegal and that the amnesty already granted coup leaders has a set the precedent. It is a powerful argument. So you either unfetter Thaksin or prosecute the coup leaders or you have to accept that seperation of powers is already compromised and therefore blatantly unfair. There is also an irony in discussing seperation of powers when a coup ( a fairly major and blatant breach of any democratic ideal) is the route of much of the trouble.

It is time to move on and amnestying everyone is easier and more even handed than selectively prosecuting or not and having different people let off, jailed, different jail terms etc

Very pragmatic and sensible.

More selective prosecutions will almost certainly lead to more civil strife.

Far better to wipe the slate and start again but that may let those who authorised the snipers to be let off the hook.

Would that be Thaksin's snipers or the RTA?

[steffi]

Somebody should ask Yingluck what is meant exactly by "Reconciliation?"

Because her interpretation is going to be very different from many in the country.

[Mitker]

Enough already.. politicians, and political clans ALWAYS come back in Thailand.

Everyone knows it's going to happen, let's call amnesty for the Airport idiots, the Ratchaprasong idiots, the army generals who sent in war weapons, and Thaksin, who's actual 'conviction' on a conflict-of-interest charge is so minor you'd almost smile about it. (Looking at what past PM's got away with; if you jail Thaksin for that then you need to jail absolutely everyone with the possible exception of Chuan.)

Done.

From your analysis, I guess either you are not very familiar with the Exim case, either you find it very minor from a leader.

I don't know what's preferable.

[renaissanc]

When poor people selling second hand CD's on Bangkok streets have been given prison terms of up to 5 years... a PM rip the Country off for $BILLIONS get 5 years Prison,RUNS AWAY then constantly cause problems for the Country HE gets amnesty (it will happen just as He will be PM again) ...THE PLACE IS INSANE

I find this charade totally sickening but this shows Thailand exactly what it's morals and principles are, to elect someone with only 6 weeks political canvassing experience ;never been an MP –Phu yai bahn or Kamnan into the highest Government office of the land is beyond a joke.

The people of Thailand have been brainwashed they deserve all they get as this Government will end just as all the other Frankenstein Children of TRT have ended.

An Almost Trillionaire with NO experience of Government running one of the most promising economies in Asia..give me a break, it stinks as does Thaksin grinning on TV with his "el Diablo" hand gestures; this man is sick, a power hungry megalomaniac that will most probably sell his sisters soul just to get his snout back into the trough. These are the type of people who are destroying peoples lives thro greed and corruption.

The power of money…if you are planning to invest here be very very careful as the Nationalistic Xenophobes are back (for now)

I understand your feelings, and I agree wholeheartedly. I'll bet Yingluck is scared behind her smiling mask. Imagine if someone suddenly made you Prime Minister, and you know nothing about the job. I would be anyway.

[KevinB]

To hammered

Everytime I read your more sensible comments - i like Titanium even more.

To most the other commentators

Come on everyone get a life - PTP Won - why do you think they WON - because the common people of Thailand know what they want and they know who can give it to them. Which is why they voted PTP and why they WON.

Do you really believe that the millions of Thais who voted PTP didn't know what they were voting for? Do you thinlk they care about the niceties of Thai law?- a law that bans PMs because they appeared on a cooking programme.

As has been said the establishment lost - they have tried everything to get rid of Taksin - but he won't go away - because he is popular - respected - and despite what you think or believe about him a Thai who is loved by poor Thai people.

This is their country and they want him back and I'm sure he will be back - why not? he is Thai and he has more of a right to live here than most of us.

Get used to the idea.

yeah and irakis also loved saddam, germans in the early thirties also loved you know who and north-koreans love their dear leader.

Seri - I don't recall the Iraqis or the North Koreans ever having a free and fair election under their dictator and yes the Germans did vote for Hilter in the 30s - they suffered the consequences and I doubt they'll ever do it again. So whats your point?

[renaissanc]

What about the now deceased Prime ministers ''moonlighting at a TV chief'' charges. OMG...such corruption

That was surely one of the greatest crimes of any Thai politician! Stealing 46 billion ++ Baht pales in comparison.

[Mitker]

"Yingluck told the US news network that she would not encourage Thaksin Shinawatra to come back and serve his two-year jail sentence. "Let's start with the principle of the rule of law first."

Simply amazing!

How do you spell "inconsistency" again?

[renaissanc]

Let's play "Guess the technicality?"

Typically it ends up being something like they didn't have the authority to bla bla bla and to therefore the verdict is overturned. Just watch and see.

The technicality will have an ironic tone to it. They will discover that one of the judges had a conflict of interest in the case.

If they have to retry the case, there will be a panel of "new" judges who do not have any conflict of interest in the case. For example, "You scratch my back, and I'll make you rich beyond your dreams."

[Seri]

To hammered

Everytime I read your more sensible comments - i like Titanium even more.

To most the other commentators

Come on everyone get a life - PTP Won - why do you think they WON - because the common people of Thailand know what they want and they know who can give it to them. Which is why they voted PTP and why they WON.

Do you really believe that the millions of Thais who voted PTP didn't know what they were voting for? Do you thinlk they care about the niceties of Thai law?- a law that bans PMs because they appeared on a cooking programme.

As has been said the establishment lost - they have tried everything to get rid of Taksin - but he won't go away - because he is popular - respected - and despite what you think or believe about him a Thai who is loved by poor Thai people.

This is their country and they want him back and I'm sure he will be back - why not? he is Thai and he has more of a right to live here than most of us.

Get used to the idea.

yeah and irakis also loved saddam, germans in the early thirties also loved you know who and north-koreans love their dear leader.

Seri - I don't recall the Iraqis or the North Koreans ever having a free and fair election under their dictator and yes the Germans did vote for Hilter in the 30s - they suffered the consequences and I doubt they'll ever do it again. So whats your point?

my point is that when thaksin is allowed to come back, he'll stay in power until he dies and will have nominated his successor. by that time, the political landscape in thailand will very much resemble the one in cambodia where hun sen is ruling with an iron fist and where there's no checks and balance system any more. in the best case, it'll resemble singapore where there's no opposition.

[h5kaf]

"Another red-shirt leader, Kwanchai Prai-pana, said Nuttawut should stay away from the Cabinet and instead serve as government spokesman to "protect" Yingluck."

Government Spokes-liar, more like!

I think its absolutely hilarious that having done Thaksin's dirty work for him that the 'red shirt' leaders, with all the sacrifices they have made (including the regrettable and unneccesary lost lives of the naive 'red' foot soldiers) have been discarded so humiliatingly - apparently now, deemed as being liabilities to the cause, having secured Thaksin's (sorry Yingluck's victory).

That they (red shirt warriors) have spent time behind bars (not the type of bars they were used to in living it up in their 5 star hotel) and the coward Thaksin ran away in search of exile because he didn't fancy the idea of being put behind bars only serves to increase the beautiful irony of it all!!!!

Their naivity and gullibility has been exposed for what it was. "Where's our cabinet posts" they yell from the rooftops!!! "Can't have any is the reply" as your work is finished and I must concentrate on getting my brother back to Thailand without any distraction from the likes of you, go back to your farms and toil the fields where you belong, complaining peasants that you are - "a bloody nuisance if you want the truth be known" and you are starting to get on my nerves now.

Oh dear, what are the gladiators to think about how events have turned out where their rewards for distinctive service in aid of the many fellow duped kindred poor has turned into nowt with the only prizes preserved for the "cowboys" with nothing for the deserving "indians", still, thats life as they (didn't) know it!!! - maybe they should go to Bangkok and protest and create havoc again, this time against their masters. The only difference to before is that their generous sponsor's will be on the other side of the fence and they will have to pay their own way. Sorry lads and lasses, no matter your good intent - you blew it for Thailand - serves you right!!!!

Ultimate and classic own goal - team Shinawatra 1 "red" mugs zilch

Love it. Corruption from top to bottom and everywhere. Where corruption on this scale exists there is no such thing as loyalty, only self interest. Best we all keep a low profile and carry on as normal - i.e drinking, sunbathing, bitching and groaning.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

The election is history and the democrats can't change it. And so should Pheua Thai accept that they can't change history. But they keep trying. They already failed twice, but they immediately restart doing it.

So.. they should break election promises and just give up? o... kay..

[OzMick]

To hammered

Everytime I read your more sensible comments - i like Titanium even more.

To most the other commentators

Come on everyone get a life - PTP Won - why do you think they WON - because the common people of Thailand know what they want and they know who can give it to them. Which is why they voted PTP and why they WON.

Do you really believe that the millions of Thais who voted PTP didn't know what they were voting for? Do you thinlk they care about the niceties of Thai law?- a law that bans PMs because they appeared on a cooking programme.

As has been said the establishment lost - they have tried everything to get rid of Taksin - but he won't go away - because he is popular - respected - and despite what you think or believe about him a Thai who is loved by poor Thai people.

This is their country and they want him back and I'm sure he will be back - why not? he is Thai and he has more of a right to live here than most of us.

Get used to the idea.

"..........a law that bans PMs because they appeared on a cooking programme." You repeatedly re-post this untruth, though its error has been pointed out to you. The law bans the PM from accepting another paid position while in office - it is there to prevent conflict of interest. Samak's main problem was that he lied in court and was proven to be a liar, and should have faced perjury charges after he left office. Though he was "deposed" he could have been re-appointed the next day, there was nothing to stop this, except that a fugitive criminal decided to run his brother-in-law instead.

Only computers and idiots repeat the same mistake.

[slapout]

Enough already.. politicians, and political clans ALWAYS come back in Thailand.

Everyone knows it's going to happen, let's call amnesty for the Airport idiots, the Ratchaprasong idiots, the army generals who sent in war weapons, and Thaksin, who's actual 'conviction' on a conflict-of-interest charge is so minor you'd almost smile about it. (Looking at what past PM's got away with; if you jail Thaksin for that then you need to jail absolutely everyone with the possible exception of Chuan.)

Done.

This (last sentence) is possibly the most astute solution to the Thai political situation. Put the choice before the people "Jail them all, yes or no". Having observed the perchance here for the general public to enjoy fatal accidents, others personal misfortune, etc, I would forecast a 80% voter turnout and a overwhelming "jail time vote"

[vanheusden]

Enough already.. politicians, and political clans ALWAYS come back in Thailand.

Everyone knows it's going to happen, let's call amnesty for the Airport idiots, the Ratchaprasong idiots, the army generals who sent in war weapons, and Thaksin, who's actual 'conviction' on a conflict-of-interest charge is so minor you'd almost smile about it. (Looking at what past PM's got away with; if you jail Thaksin for that then you need to jail absolutely everyone with the possible exception of Chuan.)

Done.

We might as well just get the group amnesties over now and see the country move on as delaying it is just going to add more and more people to those needing amnesty and increasing utter hatred and eventually it will still happen but after more acrimony.

The establishment have lost. They need to accept this as if they dont the only options they have left are a horrible violent coup that will probably result in failure or ever more court cases that more and more people see as poltically motivated and unfair to the point where the whole justice system is discredited. This was a let the people chose election and they have. They have rejected the establishment and their supporters and chosen Thaksin and his even after the establishment and the poltical parties close to them had two years to change minds or even crush their opponents. They failed in such a way that PTP are now stronger and more united than PPP 4 years ago. Unless anyone wants to see more tragedy, it is time to put this to bed, and if that means a few old elite figures have to go to tending their flower beds rather than sitting in smoke filled rooms plotting what the government are allowed to do then so be it.

Right now the country has a senate, a reasonable sized opposition and the courts havent been totally undermined in government supporters minds. There is also the media. This is a check and balance enough on a government coalition. Thailand remains a functioning developing democracy if it is allowed to be. Sadly further interferance will only destroy this with the only possible outcomes being a military backed up hated government of probably useless old people with no forward vision but plenty of backward vision, or a Thaksin government full of suspicion, utter hatred and control of everything and with absoltuely no check and balance on it. Neither of these scenarios is anywhere near as good as letting the elected goevernment get on with its job and the check and balances theirs while those who like to interfere find more pastoral pursuits and enjoy family time

VERY well put, I totally endorse your point of view.

[steffi]

"Shares in developer SC Asset Corp shot up 12.4 percent as the new government will be led by Yingluck Shinawatra"

Tell me the market doesn't believe there's any conflict of interest.

[Mitker]

A review of his case sounds fair to me.

Let's remember that all the charges against Thaksin were brought forward by the "Assets Examination Committee" (AEC). The AEC was established after the coup by the military junta. It didn't exist before. There were 12 members on the panel. They include:

- Kaewsan Atibodhi: A vocal critic of Thaksin for many years and speaker at the PAD rallies. He has publicly called Thaksin a hijacker and rapist before being appointed to the AEC.

- Jaruvan Maintaka: She was well know for her criticism of Thaksin before being appointed to the AEC. She refused to resign her position as Auditor-General after the Constitution Court ruled that her nomination was illegal. She was also criticized for nepotism, hiring her own son as her personal secretary using the state budget and bringing her children on a state-funded trip. She is also a member of the Democrat party and a PAD speaker at rallies.

- Banjerd Singkaneti: Also a long-time critic of Thaksin, and a leader of the PAD since 2006. Most famously, he has said that Thaksin was worse than Hitler.

These are just some of the 12 people who have brought charges against Thaksin. Now, after reading the above, I'm sure everyone will agree with me that a review of Thaksin's case sounds more than fair.

Of course, everybody "will agree with you" that Thaksin desserves a review of his case but as long as "his case" his reviewed:

- globally (concealment case, Suvanacracks, extrajudicial killings, Exim, Temasek, Deep South...)

- under a truly neutral, independent judiciary process (forget about the generous 2M THB cakes approach)

My bet is his 2 years jail sentence might suffer a serious inflation in this scenario

[SICHONSTEVE]

THe methods used to prosecute or persecute these people - coup and politically motivated legal system - cannot be regarded as valid. THe majority of Thai people have voted against this and the situation needs to be set straight.

Because of the lack of separation of the legislative executive etc any legal rulings during the past 5 years really can't be worth the paper they are written on. Whether justified or not.

Many posters seem to think that so long as an action is in support of someone they agree with, it doesn't matter what that action is or was. Well it does matter as part of establishing a secure democracy, there needs to be both an independent judiciary and a de-politicised military.

Whether or not the intentions of this new government are genuine remains to be seen.

but one thing is sure is that Thaksin cannot remain in exile when the majority of the country want him back. Hopefully this time there will be an increased awareness by all sides of appropriate democratic procedures.

THe string of cynical partisan posts on TV does nothing but show how vacuous some members are.

"but one thing is sure is that Thaksin cannot remain in exile when the majority of the country want him back. Hopefully this time there will be an increased awareness by all sides of appropriate democratic procedures".

If this was the case then why did PT hurriedly drop this notion in their campaigning. Shall I tell you why!!! Because they could see that a MAJORITY of the people (a great deal of their own supporters as well) were dead set against this and the Democrats spotted this immediately - hence the back-tracking on this policy platform as it was a clear vote LOSER for Pheu Thai and their ambitions and they had to defuse this to stop Abhisit making capital of it!!!

"The string of cynical partisan posts on TV does nothing but show how vacuous some members are".

What, because they have the audacity not to agree with your "charlatan" opinions - "how dare they question me and my immense knowledge on subjects, all". I just pictured you as Maggie Thatcher delivering her famous lines on someone questioning why she believed that everyone was talking a*** and she was clearly the only one that understood things and everyone else was stupid.

"I do listen to what people have to say and then I tell them WHY they are wrong"

Aren't you being equally as cynical and partisan by supporting Thaksin's cause or is that in some way different because it concerns you and it cannot possibly be the case, in your case

Another thing - aren't the courts custodians of the countries justice system in a democracy?? Why should Thaksin be let off the hook (as you are implying he should) after fraudulently embezzling many BILLIONS of baht from the state and abusing his power of office by loaning money to Myanmar at rediculously low rates of interest so that they could then purchase his satellites and great benefit to his company for his sole personal gain

By all means let him come back and serve his 2 year sentence (he'll have it easy anyway as he will bribe the prison officers and treat them like royalty and they will return a good dose of this back to him - he won't be getting prison slops, will he, thats for sure)) - it's how he works, "Mr Corruption" without equal - well Berlusconi maybe!!

Then after his 2 year holiday (probably 6 months, if that in reality) he can roam the streets and return to gorging himself to the nation's detriment.

They say that the only thing a rich man wants in life is more money!!!

On the amnesty question - I thought that only a royal pardon could get someone off of a conviction and amnesties were for people who have perpertrated past crimes but have YET TO BE convicted of it whereby they can be given immunity in the form of a general amnesty for all, or to certain individuals if they agree to turn whistle blower, often in order to successfully convict the "bigger fish"!!! I'm not an expert, but anyone disagree with this version of the law??

[steffi]

Enough already.. politicians, and political clans ALWAYS come back in Thailand.

Everyone knows it's going to happen, let's call amnesty for the Airport idiots, the Ratchaprasong idiots, the army generals who sent in war weapons, and Thaksin, who's actual 'conviction' on a conflict-of-interest charge is so minor you'd almost smile about it. (Looking at what past PM's got away with; if you jail Thaksin for that then you need to jail absolutely everyone with the possible exception of Chuan.)

Done.

We might as well just get the group amnesties over now and see the country move on as delaying it is just going to add more and more people to those needing amnesty and increasing utter hatred and eventually it will still happen but after more acrimony.

The establishment have lost. They need to accept this as if they dont the only options they have left are a horrible violent coup that will probably result in failure or ever more court cases that more and more people see as poltically motivated and unfair to the point where the whole justice system is discredited. This was a let the people chose election and they have. They have rejected the establishment and their supporters and chosen Thaksin and his even after the establishment and the poltical parties close to them had two years to change minds or even crush their opponents. They failed in such a way that PTP are now stronger and more united than PPP 4 years ago. Unless anyone wants to see more tragedy, it is time to put this to bed, and if that means a few old elite figures have to go to tending their flower beds rather than sitting in smoke filled rooms plotting what the government are allowed to do then so be it.

Right now the country has a senate, a reasonable sized opposition and the courts havent been totally undermined in government supporters minds. There is also the media. This is a check and balance enough on a government coalition. Thailand remains a functioning developing democracy if it is allowed to be. Sadly further interferance will only destroy this with the only possible outcomes being a military backed up hated government of probably useless old people with no forward vision but plenty of backward vision, or a Thaksin government full of suspicion, utter hatred and control of everything and with absoltuely no check and balance on it. Neither of these scenarios is anywhere near as good as letting the elected goevernment get on with its job and the check and balances theirs while those who like to interfere find more pastoral pursuits and enjoy family time

VERY well put, I totally endorse your point of view.

And when the next rich family's child kills some peasant on the road they won't serve a day in jail because Thailand never changes or dares to change.

Edited July 6, 2011 by steffi

[DLock]

I'm surprised by all the questions and speculation. We all know how this is going to end.

Thaksin's private jet will land at Suvarnabhumi where millions of his followers will be waiting with flowers and signs welcoming home their persecuted leader.

He will walk from the plane, kiss the tarmac and be whisked away in his fleet of black limousines along the police enforced empty tollways to his welcome party at Government House.

Then he will address the media into a frenzy of nationalism and rhetoric...and Yingluck will wipe away a tear, applaud his speech and fade away in the final scene. Her job, complete.

Welcome home Mr. Thaksin, we've been expecting you...

[scorecard]

"Another red-shirt leader, Kwanchai Prai-pana, said Nuttawut should stay away from the Cabinet and instead serve as government spokesman to "protect" Yingluck."

Government Spokes-liar, more like!

I think its absolutely hilarious that having done Thaksin's dirty work for him that the 'red shirt' leaders, with all the sacrifices they have made (including the regrettable and unneccesary lost lives of the naive 'red' foot soldiers) have been discarded so humiliatingly - apparently now, deemed as being liabilities to the cause, having secured Thaksin's (sorry Yingluck's victory).

That they (red shirt warriors) have spent time behind bars (not the type of bars they were used to in living it up in their 5 star hotel) and the coward Thaksin ran away in search of exile because he didn't fancy the idea of being put behind bars only serves to increase the beautiful irony of it all!!!!

Their naivity and gullibility has been exposed for what it was. "Where's our cabinet posts" they yell from the rooftops!!! "Can't have any is the reply" as your work is finished and I must concentrate on getting my brother back to Thailand without any distraction from the likes of you, go back to your farms and toil the fields where you belong, complaining peasants that you are - "a bloody nuisance if you want the truth be known" and you are starting to get on my nerves now.

Oh dear, what are the gladiators to think about how events have turned out where their rewards for distinctive service in aid of the many fellow duped kindred poor has turned into nowt with the only prizes preserved for the "cowboys" with nothing for the deserving "indians", still, thats life as they (didn't) know it!!! - maybe they should go to Bangkok and protest and create havoc again, this time against their masters. The only difference to before is that their generous sponsor's will be on the other side of the fence and they will have to pay their own way. Sorry lads and lasses, no matter your good intent - you blew it for Thailand - serves you right!!!!

Ultimate and classic own goal - team Shinawatra 1 "red" mugs zilch

Spot on! Wonder whether they will ever realize they have been used and abused!

[thaikahuna]

Yingluck told the US news network that she would not encourage Thaksin Shinawatra to come back and serve his two-year jail sentence. "Let's start with the principle of the rule of law first. [We must] make sure that everyone will be treated on equal basis," she said.

Too bad the Shinawatra's believe they are above the law....

[SICHONSTEVE]

THe methods used to prosecute or persecute these people - coup and politically motivated legal system - cannot be regarded as valid. THe majority of Thai people have voted against this and the situation needs to be set straight.

Because of the lack of separation of the legislative executive etc any legal rulings during the past 5 years really can't be worth the paper they are written on. Whether justified or not.

Many posters seem to think that so long as an action is in support of someone they agree with, it doesn't matter what that action is or was. Well it does matter as part of establishing a secure democracy, there needs to be both an independent judiciary and a de-politicised military.

Whether or not the intentions of this new government are genuine remains to be seen.

but one thing is sure is that Thaksin cannot remain in exile when the majority of the country want him back. Hopefully this time there will be an increased awareness by all sides of appropriate democratic procedures.

THe string of cynical partisan posts on TV does nothing but show how vacuous some members are.

You think substituting one 'politically motivated legal system' with another is a step forward? That things can be 'set straight' by overturning judicial decisions concerning a brother? Whose own lawyer was busted - by a JUDGE - trying to bribe court officials with a snack box full of money?

You have no clue about separation of powers, do not abuse this term any further.

Well put

Part quote from above: ".....THe methods used to prosecute or persecute these people - coup and politically motivated legal system - cannot be regarded as valid. THe majority of Thai people have voted against this and the situation needs to be set straight. ....."

Perhaps it's more like 'the majority of Thai people have been convinved to go for more short term sweeteners which will likely bankrupt the country'. Why, because they are mostly still uninformed about how evaluate what is good for the country long-term, also a very unfortunate reality of life is that Thailand still has a large percentage of the populace who need to rely on the sweeteners to keep things rolling today.

Comments suggesting that the majority of Thais have a well informed evaluation & opinion about justice, the legal and judiciary process, the processes of establishing and protecting quality democracy are a sick joke. I'm absolutely not suggesting that Thai people (and the same comments can be made about many countries) are stupid. All past governments since 1932 shoud be ashamed that the Thai populace is so uninformed.

Well put!!!

How dare you question Thai Visa's very own "Oprah Winnfrey" though!!!!

I swear that I have just noticed you praising my appraisal "Scorecard" - seems we have a certain empathy on the situation!!

[Samuian]

Somebody should ask Yingluck what is meant exactly by "Reconciliation?"

Because her interpretation is going to be very different from many in the country.

"Reconciliation" is when her sweet brother, the man who had ONLY and SURELY the best for this country in his HEART and MIND, when he came into power in 2001 and during his reign, till the "military Junta" of an "suppressed country" took over and committed so much injustice that he needs to be aquitted from ANY wrongdoing and in one single swipe all the other "wrongly accused" of his team of helpers, arsonists', granade launchers, snipers, bombers, canvassers and the like as well - then everybody will see what justice REALLY is and it will cause much applause on the streets across the country, so the citizens will rush to Suvannabhum airport, which is also a gift of this samaritan national hero, and roll out a red carpet, let rain red rose petals and pray that he may grace this country with his immaculate presence once again and be helpful in bringing this country to the forefront of world economies and make everybody rich,in fact so rich that the streets in Bangkok will be paved with gold bars!

Yes and this is not from "Notthenation" or a new version, re-write of "Alice in Wonderland"!

Edited July 6, 2011 by Samuian

[pgrahmm]

"Another red-shirt leader, Kwanchai Prai-pana, said Nuttawut should stay away from the Cabinet and instead serve as government spokesman to "protect" Yingluck."

Government Spokes-liar, more like!

It wasn't an election - it was a puppet show.

The audience didn't have to pay - in fact if reports are to believe they got PAID to vote.

If this can be proven they all should be removed before the puppet master makes it much worse for decades to come.

[scorecard]

To hammered

Everytime I read your more sensible comments - i like Titanium even more.

To most the other commentators

Come on everyone get a life - PTP Won - why do you think they WON - because the common people of Thailand know what they want and they know who can give it to them. Which is why they voted PTP and why they WON.

Do you really believe that the millions of Thais who voted PTP didn't know what they were voting for? Do you thinlk they care about the niceties of Thai law?- a law that bans PMs because they appeared on a cooking programme.

As has been said the establishment lost - they have tried everything to get rid of Taksin - but he won't go away - because he is popular - respected - and despite what you think or believe about him a Thai who is loved by poor Thai people.

This is their country and they want him back and I'm sure he will be back - why not? he is Thai and he has more of a right to live here than most of us.

Get used to the idea.

"..........a law that bans PMs because they appeared on a cooking programme." You repeatedly re-post this untruth, thohe ugh its error has been pointed out to you. The law bans the PM from accepting another paid position while in office - it is there to prevent conflict of interest. Samak's main problem was that he lied in court and was proven to be a liar, and should have faced perjury charges after he left office. Though he was "deposed" he could have been re-appointed the next day, there was nothing to stop this, except that a fugitive criminal decided to run his brother-in-law instead.

Only computers and idiots repeat the same mistake.

As said, samak broke the law - the law is very clear - cannot have another paid job whilst sitting in the PM chair. But is seems again and again the likes of thaksin, samak, chalerm, sanoh, sanan and many more think they have some special status - above the law.

Further, he lied above payment for the cooking show.

Further, the citizens of any country expect the PM to spend all of his working hours devoted to running and developing the country. Cooking fairly standard Thai dishes has zero connection to running and developing Thailand.

Further, the recording of the show took much much longer than the total time of broadcasting the showclose (as is the case with recording any show), that time should have been devoted to the duties of PM.

Further, hardly a positive example for the young of Thailand who desperately need to see leaders who are credible role models.

Edited July 6, 2011 by scorecard

[DumFarang]

Well that didn't take long.

...and so it begins.

Any bets on how many weeks or months it will take before all of this becomes the mother of all tangles, with no answers in any direction.

Yingluck is not experiences enough to dodge the tangles, very soon everything she says will bring on further criticism as nothing will show any credibility or consistency, or morals.

I don't even want to think about it!