Thai Cabinet Endorses Thaksin Amnesty Plan: Reports

[Skywalker69]

Wow this is unbelievable. Millions still affected by the flood and now we see where this government's priorities lie. The country can be in shambles but they don't care as long as they can bring their beloved leader back. Shameful!

what's shameful is the man who did more positive things for thailand than anyone in recent history was couped out of office and forced into exile.

This is satire right? Tell the 2500 families who lost loved ones to extra-judicial killings during the so called war on drugs Thaksin was the best thing that ever happened to Thailand. What about the blatant corruption for which he was convicted.

This government has no shame. Absolutely disgusting.

Agreed, he should be on trial in ICC.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Wow this is unbelievable. Millions still affected by the flood and now we see where this government's priorities lie. The country can be in shambles but they don't care as long as they can bring their beloved leader back. Shameful!

what's shameful is the man who did more positive things for thailand than anyone in recent history was couped out of office and forced into exile.

But he DIDN"T, what rubbish!!!! All of his poicies failed, don't you realise. Take his drugs massacre of innocent civilians on the streets in 2003, his failed education poicies (just like his "stupid" tablets idea)!!! He bankrupted/nearly bankrupted most hospitals with his failed health policies, his rice pledging scheme was costly and ineffective as it will be again and will only benefit the millers.

Everything he does and has done has been ultimately disastrous for Thai's including his so-called populist schemes for the poor - if they knew (and could understand) what he stands for, then it wouldn't be "hapless Yingluck" running the country now and the flood disaster would have been contained a darned sight better than it is being now!!!

Wise up people and realise that he stands for "himself" and his interests and couldn't care a f*** about them!!!

Sod those people who have died or lost everything and "get me to the church on time" is all that matters to him!!!!

What a despicable, evil and heartless sub-human being he is!!!! Naturally I believe that this "general amnesty" is for everyone as it wouldn't be right or ethical to implement it simply for Thaksin's benefit, would it. Don't forget, Yingluck stated that any amnesty would not be solely for Thaksin's benefit and it is not a priority for this govenment???? So, basically, the floods are not a very high priority either then!!!!.

I don't know why they didn't stipulate the amnesty conditions as:

Male billionaire ex-prime ministers born before the 27th July 1949 and with sentences of less than 2 years and 1 day and only those with the initials TS!!!.

I was going to say exactly the same thing,

Not sure if I "stole your thunder" or "saved you the trouble":jap:.

[ballpoint]

3 army helicopters clash in a single week, all flying in day-light. Including the most expensive US made black hawk with radar.

And you you say it is OK to fly at night?

142 km away, she could have walked to the meeting, dont you recognize bs when you smell it?

He's a carrier. They're immune to the effects.

[SICHONSTEVE]

It's the way they did it that sums this mafia up.

Yingluck sneaks off to Singburi and states that "Oh it's dark now, my helicopter can't fly in the dark because it has no radar so I can't return for my cabinet meeting"

Army says "of course that model has radar and so does the other helicopter that is on standby"

Chalerm the magnificent holds the meeting kicking out all but a select few cronies. Meeting is "secret" - well all know why. Meeting agrees to this amnestty.

When cabinet is asked about the meeting the outcome is silence, no comment or Plodprasop "I can't say, it's a secret"

Yingluck, when asked, says "Don't ask me what they did - I wasn't there"

Absolute disgrace.

3 army helicopters clash in a single week, all flying in day-light. Including the most expensive US made black hawk with radar.

And you you say it is OK to fly at night?

142 km away, she could have walked to the meeting, dont you recognize bs when you smell it?

Or at least paddled there!!!

[Skywalker69]

It's the way they did it that sums this mafia up.

Yingluck sneaks off to Singburi and states that "Oh it's dark now, my helicopter can't fly in the dark because it has no radar so I can't return for my cabinet meeting"

Army says "of course that model has radar and so does the other helicopter that is on standby"

Chalerm the magnificent holds the meeting kicking out all but a select few cronies. Meeting is "secret" - well all know why. Meeting agrees to this amnestty.

When cabinet is asked about the meeting the outcome is silence, no comment or Plodprasop "I can't say, it's a secret"

Yingluck, when asked, says "Don't ask me what they did - I wasn't there"

Absolute disgrace.

Would you go in a Thai helicopter based on recent performances? I wouldn't!!

She was only in Singburi. She could have easily used ground transportation and been back in plenty of time for the secret Cabinet meeting that her Cabinet was having.

.

Yes! She made the lamest excuse ever, this smart businesswoman.

[MunterHunter]

It's the way they did it that sums this mafia up.

Yingluck sneaks off to Singburi and states that "Oh it's dark now, my helicopter can't fly in the dark because it has no radar so I can't return for my cabinet meeting"

Army says "of course that model has radar and so does the other helicopter that is on standby"

Chalerm the magnificent holds the meeting kicking out all but a select few cronies. Meeting is "secret" - well all know why. Meeting agrees to this amnestty.

When cabinet is asked about the meeting the outcome is silence, no comment or Plodprasop "I can't say, it's a secret"

Yingluck, when asked, says "Don't ask me what they did - I wasn't there"

Absolute disgrace.

3 army helicopters clash in a single week, all flying in day-light. Including the most expensive US made black hawk with radar.

And you you say it is OK to fly at night?

142 km away, she could have walked to the meeting, dont you recognize bs when you smell it?

Or at least paddled there!!!

She wouldn't die in a helicopter crash, we are not that lucky...

[fromthailand]

15 million people voted for that government... NOT FOR THAKSIN!!!

[Skywalker69]

15 million people voted for that government... NOT FOR THAKSIN!!!

PTP is Thaksins party, he is running it from Dubai!

[webfact]

Govt Tight-lipped on Amnesty Decree

The opposition leader suggests the government's push for a royal pardon decree, allegedly created to benefit ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, could rekindle social disputes.

Meanwhile, a deputy premier says the qualifications of convicts eligible for the pardon cannot be revealed at the moment given the Cabinet is still treating it as a classified issue.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said he cannot disclose whether the qualifications of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra fall under the draft Royal Pardon Decree to be issued for the celebration of His Majesty the King's 84th birthday on December 5.

It has been reported that the criteria for royal pardon are for those who are above 60 and sentenced to less than three years in jail.

Moreover, the convicts do not need to serve their jail terms.

There was also allegedly cancellation of earlier criteria put in place by the Democrat-led administration which ban royal pardon for those convicted of drug and corruption offenses.

Chalerm stated drafting of the decree is under the responsibility of the 20-member independent committee set up by the Justice Ministry.

He maintained the government cannot shape or intervene in the panel's decision and insisted the matter will have to adhere to the law.

The deputy premier suggested granting of royal pardon solely rests with His Majesty the King's consideration.

Chalerm stated his role as the chair of yesterday's Cabinet meeting in place of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinwatra was normal as she was tied up with other engagements in Singburi Province as he is her first deputy.

Chalerm said he is not worried if the Opposition will raise the matter during the House meeting, but he is unsure whether he can answer the legislators' questions given the Cabinet is still treating this as a classified and inconclusive issue.

Meanwhile, Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he did not agree with the draft royal pardon decree as it will undermine the rule of law and instigate a new round of social conflicts.

Abhisit noted proceedings of the law are controversial and its principles are different from earlier royal pardon decrees under which eligible convicts must have served their sentences.

He said it is clear the law is drafted in favor of Thaksin and he asked the prime minister to clarify if the government will move ahead with it.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-16

[exeter]

You may say this looks like the end on Thai reconciliation but I could not possibly comment on that.

[lannarebirth]

This isn't an amnesty. It is a pardon. The members need to understand this important difference.

As I understand it, there is a considerable number of other outstanding charges against the man that have not been tried yet.

What stops / protects him from being arrested and detained for any or all of those?

PT have already stated it is their intention to change the constitution 2007 edition, and in it, it is assumed that they intend to remove the authority of the parties who gathered evidence against Thaksin; thus the trial would not happen as the PROCESS would be unauthorised. Obviously, as anyone who knows how TRT ran, if it goes to court then he would be found guilty* since the evidence is completely overwhelming and any one of the (IIRC) 17 cases against Thaksin and/or associates would be enough to completely sink the Shinawatra ship; therefore....solution is make the process disappear and the cases disappear also.

This is the PT mentality; government by popularity; instead of a typical democracy the rest of the world over where justice and the 4th estate provide a meaningful check and balance on government, they wish to run ALL aspects based on popularity; as long as they have 50.1% of the popular vote...they should be allowed to do WHATEVER they want (including allowing ministers into the cabinet who helped their sons get off murder charges, stacking their friends into every government department, distributing help/budgets to their friends and their supporters ahead of the general populace, giving jobs to their friends instead of people who know what they are doing, lying to the press and the public about what they are doing, regulating the media as they see fit, dispensing justice that favours what they wish to acheive) based on POPULARITY.

And they aren't the only ones:

This is Thailand and the present government won a fair election. What is being done is being decided by Thais and those of you who do not like it and/or the decisions being made should go back and put your own country to right.

Apparently, as long as you win an election you can do what you want. Now, in the past, aside from cheating in his asset declaration, Thaksin also hushed up his son cheating at University; alledgedly 'influenced officials' to get his daughter into Chula despite lack of grades; fiddled the legislation to increase family wealth approx 3X in 5 years; drove media freedom in Thailand down from 46th to 100+ in transparency/freedom of the press; held cabinet meetings with no notes; oversaw the war on drugs; destabilised the south and stuffed up the chicken flu, tsunami and even the purchase of Liverpool. The few policies of any worth like 30b healthcare were a mess, and have taken years to get sorted out. Against all of that.....we should forgive him for his mistakes and outright corruption, solely because he is popular??!

Hypothetically, what if he murdered someone? Is that ok?

What if he stole money? Is that ok?

This is the crudest most idiotic approach to justice, where the rich and famous have a completely different set of rules to adher to. Now....hold up wasn't that the whole Prai vs. Amartaya mantra that drove the red shirts; they want a single set of rules for everyone?

Well....you cannot have both; and this is where a carefully crafted deck of cards completely falls apart....because the red shirt movement is fighting for justice for all and equality.....but this is the most corrupt and selfish act yet.

Mike Tyson was hugely popular when convicted of rape; no he should never have been tried, because he was a highly popular heavyweight champ.

I thought Manson was kind of cool, with those freaky eyes....nah let's not convict him because he's nice.

No doubt Voice TV and the plethora of mindless drivel from Nattawut/Jatuporn etc will somehow make sense if you listen to it enough times. Just like the big bag fiasco...yes, it's a dumb idea to do 1. But if you do it enough times...then it will make sense.

* unless the case is tried by influenced judges as occured in the last open/shut case of Thaksin where he fraudulently put assets into his maid's name and then tried to claim it was 'an honest mistake' when caught; or Chalerm's son's case relating to Club 20; or if the people who gifted Karun Hontrakul his fraudulent degree are the judges in the case; or the judges from the Paquiao-Marquez III fight

Great post, however, you are beating your head against a brick wall mate.

You can justify your writings with all the verifiable evidence in the world, however the Red supporters on this board, and around the country couldn't give a rat's arse.

All they want is their deity back, even if it means they personally have less & less over the years to come.

Wonder if they'll kneel down and commit ritual suicide if the great man asks it, oh I forgot, they allready have alegedly sacrificed themselves so others could parade their cadavers around on stage to incite hatred against people opposing their little insurection last year.

What took me years to understand about Thaksin supporters is, it is his criminality that they find so attractive about him. It's none of that Amartya / Prai rhetoric as you'd be hard pressed to find an anti-Thaksin person that wasn't also pro social and economic equality / justice. It's his pimp bankroll they love. They love the way he pushes people around and wish they could to. They're living vicariously through him as they remember back on their own failed lives. They think maybe some of that pimp money will fall out of his pocket and they'll get some too. I couldn't bring myself to believe that for years but it's all so obvious now.

Edited November 16, 2011 by lannarebirth

[silsburyhill]

I'm not exactly a fan of both sides and I think that bringing Thaksin back will not be in anyway beneficial to Thailand. It's a start of another crisis.

As a guest of the country and unable to vote I think it wise that Farangs should keep their views to themselves Big Brother is watching YOU !!!!

And here we go with the 'guest' thing again. After 20 years I'm still a guest huh? Not what we call those of differing nationalities in my home country. Can you imagine Abdul saying to Ravi, 'Always remember, we are guests here'.

Maybe you should follow your own paranoid advice and don't bother posting if you don't feel it right that we 'guests' should express an opinion. Or in your case, not.

[nikster]

15 million people voted for that government... NOT FOR THAKSIN!!!

Sure?

Who didn't know the reds would bring Thaksin back, and wouldn't be clever or subtle about it?

Everyone knew that. I am willing to bet all the red voters knew it, too. What else what Thaksin's sister going to do?? What else was the Thaksin-funded PT party going to do? This was not a secret.

However, it's yet another round in the battle of Thailand's elites, let's see what the yellow fraction / Army does next.

They will probably try to quickly come up with more charges - can't be hard to find more evidence of corruption. For example that deal whereby Thailand granted Burma a $4Bn (?) loan under the condition the money would be used to buy satellite equipment... from the Shin corporation. Or "how to put $4Bn of public money into your own pocket". Really, other corrupt leaders could learn a lot from Thaksin ... and there are plenty of other examples... so Thaksin gets his custom-tailored pardon, then gets saddled with more lawsuits... but he must be anticipating that too. The only side sure to lose is the Thai people.

[phuket43]

Chalerm is the right guy to lead such a meeting. He is an expert in how to get amnesty.

[landofthefree]

<br />15 million people voted for that government... NOT FOR THAKSIN!!!<br />

<br /><br /><br />

Farrang, Farrang Jai Yen yen! This is parliamentary democracy in action. Coups are illegal elections are not. They didnt vote for a military coup but they did vote for Thaksin's sister. What does that tell you? Thai people clearly want Thaksin. Why would I criticize them for wanting what they want? They clearly believe that he is good for the country. Good luck to the Thai people this is one big step in the right way towards democracy for Thailand.

[lannarebirth]

<br />15 million people voted for that government... NOT FOR THAKSIN!!!<br />

<br /><br /><br />

Farrang, Farrang Jai Yen yen! This is parliamentary democracy in action. Coups are illegal elections are not. They didnt vote for a military coup but they did vote for Thaksin's sister. What does that tell you? Thai people clearly want Thaksin. Why would I criticize them for wanting what they want? They clearly believe that he is good for the country. Good luck to the Thai people this is one big step in the right way towards democracy for Thailand.

Call it a democracy if you like, but most people who got past 6th grade know that their is no functioning democracy without a justice system.

[silsburyhill]

What took me years to understand about Thaksin supporters is, it is very criminality that they find so attractive about him. It's none of that Amartya / Prai rhetoric as you'd be hard pressed to find an anti-Thaksin person that wasn't also pro social and economic equality / justice. It's his pimp bankroll they love. They lo0ve the way he pushes people around and wish they could to. They're living vicariously through him as they rember back on their own failed lives. They think maybe some of that pimp money will fall out of his pocket and they'll get some too. I couldn't bring myself to believe that for years but it's all so obvious now.

Believe your all very WRONG on this one. Where were all these so-called idolators when Taksin was given the bum's rush? Out on the streets rioting/baying for the blood of the generals who were ordered to get shot of him? No. Most were relieved the whole Taksin as Caretaker Who Wouldn't Step Down debacle were pig sick of him.

But then, they saw that the alternative lot gave sod all about them too.

[Skywalker69]

Time to start packing... I sure don't want to be here if HE comes back. This man has an axe to grind.

The city and surrounding is suffering from floods and this is the government's priority?!?!

It has been this Governments priority number one, from day one!

They don´t give a f%#k about the ordinary hard working people of Thailand.

[TomnearCentral]

Meanwhile people at FROC are apparently busy not to answer phone calls from the citizens of Thailand that are in need of assistance or clarifications, as can be seen on the below photo that is making the rounds today on the Thai social networks.

The phones are apparently all get engaged by "not hanging up the phone" and are just used to make outgoing calls if it is required....

Well, the government has to keep their priorities right, correct?

[maeab]

He payed people to burn bangkok how could they let him back?

[Buchholz]

Basically it seems likely the cabinet, which is acting as other cabinets have, would just take last years Dem terminology and remove only one clause - the clause excluding those convicted of corruption which was inserted to target Thaksin at that time.

Thaksin/Yingluck/Chalerm's Cabinet also inserted a Thaksin-specific clause of not needing to serve any time in prison prior to being pardoned.

That's unprecedented.

The not having served time was in last years Abhisit government plan and was justified by the then justice minister as not being necessary. The only change is likley to be the bit that was put in to exclude corruption convictions that red carded Thaksin, The not srving time was never the issue even under the last regime

Do you have anything to show that the last pardon application by the Dems included the clause that no prison time at all need be served?

In the other paper, Democrat Chief Whip Jurin Laksanavisit said today it's never been done before.

.

[sparebox2]

She should be working on sukumvit not as prime minister!

I'm sorry for being naive.

What do you mean by that?

[silsburyhill]

Time to start packing... I sure don't want to be here if HE comes back. This man has an axe to grind.

The city and surrounding is suffering from floods and this is the government's priority?!?!

It has been this Governments priority number one, from day one!

They don´t give a f%#k about the ordinary hard working people of Thailand.

And the other lot did?

[maeab]

I'm not exactly a fan of both sides and I think that bringing Thaksin back will not be in anyway beneficial to Thailand. It's a start of another crisis.

As a guest of the country and unable to vote I think it wise that Farangs should keep their views to themselves Big Brother is watching YOU !!!!

And here we go with the 'guest' thing again. After 20 years I'm still a guest huh? Not what we call those of differing nationalities in my home country. Can you imagine Abdul saying to Ravi, 'Always remember, we are guests here'.

Maybe you should follow your own paranoid advice and don't bother posting if you don't feel it right that we 'guests' should express an opinion. Or in your case, not.

You have as much right as any thai to say what ever you want about this country they might even learn how to be democratic, But i doubt it.

[sparebox2]

He payed people to burn bangkok how could they let him back?

Proof please.

[maeab]

I'm not exactly a fan of both sides and I think that bringing Thaksin back will not be in anyway beneficial to Thailand. It's a start of another crisis.

As a guest of the country and unable to vote I think it wise that Farangs should keep their views to themselves Big Brother is watching YOU !!!!

And here we go with the 'guest' thing again. After 20 years I'm still a guest huh? Not what we call those of differing nationalities in my home country. Can you imagine Abdul saying to Ravi, 'Always remember, we are guests here'.

Maybe you should follow your own paranoid advice and don't bother posting if you don't feel it right that we 'guests' should express an opinion. Or in your case, not.

You have as much right as any thai to say what ever you want about this country they might even learn how to be democratic, But i doubt it.

Thais are alot like ostriches they keep there heads buried in the sand most of the time!

[landofthefree]

<br />

<br />

<br />15 million people voted for that government... NOT FOR THAKSIN!!!<br />

<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Farrang, Farrang Jai Yen yen! This is parliamentary democracy in action. Coups are illegal elections are not.   They didnt vote for a military coup but they did vote for Thaksin's sister. What does that tell you? Thai people clearly want Thaksin. Why would I criticize them for wanting what they  want? They clearly believe that he is good for the country. Good luck to the Thai people this is one big step in the right way towards democracy for Thailand.<br />

<br /><br /><br />Call it a democracy if you like, but most people who got past 6th grade know that their is no functioning democracy without a justice system.<br />

<br /><br /><br />

I am not American and I didn't go to a grade school so I have no idea what your American 6 grader is but as Americans didnt invent democracy I don't guess that really matters. Most countries that accepted Thaksin as a political refugee ousted in an illegal coup believed that the charges were political not part of the proper justice system. So I have to say I agree with you no functioning democracy without a justice system.

[sparebox2]

The People's Alliance for Democracy will hold a meeting next week ...

I better pack my bag before the airport close, again, and this time not flooded by water, but floofed by yellow men.

Edited November 16, 2011 by sparebox2

[bkkjames]

Let's just say the next 3 weeks will be interesting...

[MEL1]

Not too many words to say really, as most have already observed it was to be half expected.

However, if Mr T does come back, get off scot free and wangle his way back into power then I say this;

"Take care of yourselves and your loved ones when the civil war breaks out!"

-m.