Chalerm Accused Of Staging 'Political Drama' To Distract Public

[webfact]

KICKBACKS SCANDAL

Sophon denies involvement, threatens to sue Chalerm

The Nation

Deputy PM accused of staging 'political drama' to distract public

Former transport minister Sophon Saram yesterday accused Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung of fabricating the kickbacks story to divert public attention from the government's failure to control the flood crisis and the controversy raised by its efforts to get former PM Thaksin Shinawatra pardoned.

Sophon, in response to Chalerm's accusation in Parliament on Thursday, held a news conference to deny having anything to do with the alleged irregularity. He said he was the only minister who did not know any contractors and had no direct involvement in the bidding for metropolitan Bangkok's mass-transit network.

Chalerm had said that the money uncovered by the recent robbery at the home of now-suspended Transport Ministry permanent secretary Suphoth Sublom were kickbacks related to the bidding for the extension of the mass rapid transport network. Chalerm said he had learned that some unnamed politicians had ordered the burglary because they wanted their share.

The bidding for the contract took place when Sophon was transport minister under the Bhum Jai Thai Party quota in the previous administration.

Sophon, whose party is now on the opposition bench, said yesterday that he would file a defamation lawsuit against Chalerm and Pheu Thai MP Pichet Chuamuangpan, who was behind the parliamentary query about the case and allegedly made remarks about Sophon.

"Chalerm has staged a political drama in the House of Representatives in a move to divert attention from the pardon controversy and the flood crisis," Sophon said, referring to a secret Cabinet meeting to discuss Thaksin's pardon.

He also urged the public not to jump to conclusions, saying that the police had arrested suspects in the burglary and that if the law were allowed to run its course, the truth would soon come out.

Meanwhile, Bhum Jai Thai spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said the parliamentary query session involving Chalerm and Pichet had turned into a smear campaign against the party. He also affirmed that Sophon was ready to prove his innocence against the graft allegation.

Less than half an hour after Sophon's news conference, Chalerm called another at the Parliament building and dismissed the former minister's claim that he was staging a "political drama" to divert attention from the government's problems.

Chalerm stood firmly by his story, saying that his information had been obtained from a "reliable source", not just police investigation.

"I am a million per cent sure that the robbery at the permanent secretary's home was related to graft. I will not name any particular politician because I am afraid of being sued," Chalerm said. "I will talk about this again in a few weeks and can guarantee that what I have to say will be a bombshell."

As for Sophon's threat to sue him, Chalerm said he had not named Sophon when responding to Pichet's query. "If he wants to sue, let him. I have no cases in court at the moment and it's getting a bit boring. But be warned, I will counter-sue for filing false information."

Chalerm also rejected Bhum Jai Thai's allegations that he was interfering with police investigation into the robbery case for political impact. He said that as deputy prime minister in charge of the police, he had the legal power to ensure that the investigation was on the right course.

In a related development, police investigators still believe that a conflict over kickbacks was a motive in the Suphoth robbery case though no supporting evidence has been established so far, Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt-General Winai Thongsong said yesterday.

He said the police would summon Suphoth for additional questioning about the money stolen from his home because there was an inconsistency in the amount reported by the victim and the amount confiscated from the alleged robbers.

Suphoth had said Bt5 million had been stolen, but police ended up confiscating Bt17.8 million from the alleged thieves.

-- The Nation 2011-11-26

[OzMick]

"'Chalerm stood firmly by his story, saying that his information had been obtained from a "reliable source", not just police investigation."

Which implies that police investigation is not a reliable source - but we all knew that.

Chalerm, as Min of Police, is also an unreliable source. QED.

[moe666]

I will sue, no I will counter sue, then I will sue. These guys are like kids fighting ovr a football.

[phiphidon]

"'Chalerm stood firmly by his story, saying that his information had been obtained from a "reliable source", not just police investigation."

Which implies that police investigation is not a reliable source - but we all knew that.

Chalerm, as Min of Police, is also an unreliable source. QED.

"not just" can also be read as "in addition to".

On the plus side you have to admit that Chalerm has certain type of "humour" when declaring that Sophon should sue him as he didn't have any court cases at the moment and he was getting "bored" - also says a lot about one of the worst american traits that Thai politicians have seized upon, the litigation mindset............

[elcent]

they're like over dimensional vultures, bigger than any dinosaur was.

Look at the finger sign in the image and tell me if this is common.

[Briggsy]

"'Chalerm stood firmly by his story, saying that his information had been obtained from a "reliable source", not just police investigation."

Which implies that police investigation is not a reliable source - but we all knew that.

Chalerm, as Min of Police, is also an unreliable source. QED.

"not just" can also be read as "in addition to".

On the plus side you have to admit that Chalerm has certain type of "humour" when declaring that Sophon should sue him as he didn't have any court cases at the moment and he was getting "bored" - also says a lot about one of the worst american traits that Thai politicians have seized upon, the litigation mindset............

Nothing to do with litigation mindset, everything to do with a) repression of the truth/repression of free speech and b: the fact that a libel conviction is a very serious criminal conviction in this country which circles back again to the the first point.

[givenall]

I will sue, no I will counter sue, then I will sue. These guys are like kids fighting ovr a football.

"the pot calling the kettle black"

[hellodolly]

"'Chalerm stood firmly by his story, saying that his information had been obtained from a "reliable source", not just police investigation."

Which implies that police investigation is not a reliable source - but we all knew that.

Chalerm, as Min of Police, is also an unreliable source. QED.

Maybe I am reading it wrong but is Chalerm claiming to have reliable sources in the criminal world?

On the other hand why be surprised they let terrorists hold office.

[Orac]

"'Chalerm stood firmly by his story, saying that his information had been obtained from a "reliable source", not just police investigation."

Which implies that police investigation is not a reliable source - but we all knew that.

Chalerm, as Min of Police, is also an unreliable source. QED.

Maybe I am reading it wrong but is Chalerm claiming to have reliable sources in the criminal world?

On the other hand why be surprised they let terrorists hold office.

Could be sources within the transport ministry, be it beauracrats or politicians, or from the companies who had to pay these bribes. Since we are talking about corruption in government contracts the 'criminal world' is a pretty big net with the honest ones being in the minority.

[gemini81]

takes a criminal to detect a criminal.....maybe he and his three corrupt sons all worked together on this one. Helps to sidetrack people from the floods and try and forget chalerm and the eldest sons escaped thailand in fear of all the charges against them.

It's starting to catch up with him finally. His mouth and his reputation precede him by miles.

[virtualtraveller]

If I were Chalerm I wouldn't be making a big deal out of getting to the bottom of corruption cash, it could easily come back to haunt his party.....

[animatic]

Political Prestidigitation.

See what I am holding in my left hand... oh the horror!

Ignore what I am palming in my right hand.

Watch the pretty lady's face,

as she moves undulatingly past the curtain,

discretely pulling the trip wire with her foot.

---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----

This is a Trifecta for them if it works:

1 ) Tie up Newin and BJT party into a distracting, expensive and face losing problem, giving Thaksin and crew a measure of revenge, and getting cash back on the transaction.

2 ) Leverage out a long term ministry player, and force his testimony against enemies, while sliding in a more compliant player for a long term stretch in

a major graft controlling ministry; with the Chinese rail deal, major flood reconstruction, and of course transport deals coming down the pike.

3 ) Create a news print filling 'Malfeasance in office distraction',

lard it onto the opposition,

and MOVE the Justice Ministers coming Censure Vote,

and the airing of his and FROCS cockups to back pages.

Can't have the people talking about PTP /FROC/ Thaksin debacle, when there is a Newin man to ROAST ALIVE in the press. Death by innuendo, in one endo out the other... go the bagmen.

Lets hope the press catch on, and are not lead by the nose to rancid water.

Again this is clearly the oder of PTP desperation, rising like steaming sweat from an aging hookers flanks, out behind the karaoke marquee, because the 'john' doesn't dare be seen in such low down action, but he spent his cash-roll, and this is all the roll he gets tonight, while half in the bag.

They so need a break from approaching reality,

they MUST gin up something to redirect the

harrier hounds from their scent.

Edited November 26, 2011 by animatic

[rubl]

"'Chalerm stood firmly by his story, saying that his information had been obtained from a "reliable source", not just police investigation."

Which implies that police investigation is not a reliable source - but we all knew that.

Chalerm, as Min of Police, is also an unreliable source. QED.

"not just" can also be read as "in addition to".

On the plus side you have to admit that Chalerm has certain type of "humour" when declaring that Sophon should sue him as he didn't have any court cases at the moment and he was getting "bored" - also says a lot about one of the worst american traits that Thai politicians have seized upon, the litigation mindset............

Although my Thai is still not good enough I know lots of people rather have k. Chalerm talking in parliament than someone like k. Minkwan or some others. Still I'm really surprised to read k. Chalerm is getting a bit bored at the moment. Even without much involvement in combating the floods, he's supposed to take care of law and order in Bangkok and prevent burglaries and traffic mishaps due to flooding. Furthermore he's in charge of the 'war on drugs', most coming from up North where there is no (more) flooding and of course his personal pet project of "get back k. Thaksin". Getting bored indeed

Edited November 26, 2011 by rubl

[phiphidon]

"'Chalerm stood firmly by his story, saying that his information had been obtained from a "reliable source", not just police investigation."

Which implies that police investigation is not a reliable source - but we all knew that.

Chalerm, as Min of Police, is also an unreliable source. QED.

"not just" can also be read as "in addition to".

On the plus side you have to admit that Chalerm has certain type of "humour" when declaring that Sophon should sue him as he didn't have any court cases at the moment and he was getting "bored" - also says a lot about one of the worst american traits that Thai politicians have seized upon, the litigation mindset............

Although my Thai is still not good enough I know lots of people rather have k. Chalerm talking in parliament than someone like k. Minkwan or some others. Still I'm really surprised to read k. Chalerm is getting a bit bored at the moment. Even without much involvement in combating the floods, he's supposed to take care of law and order in Bangkok and prevent burglaries and traffic mishaps due to flooding. Furthermore he's in charge of the 'war on drugs', most coming from up North where there is no (more) flooding and of course his personal pet project of "get back k. Thaksin". Getting bored indeed

It's humour Rubl, I know you and yours like to score points but I don't really think he said he was bored because he had nothing to do as you have so helpfully pointed out.

[scorecard]

"'Chalerm stood firmly by his story, saying that his information had been obtained from a "reliable source", not just police investigation."

Which implies that police investigation is not a reliable source - but we all knew that.

Chalerm, as Min of Police, is also an unreliable source. QED.

And if he doesn't have control of the police this indicates that he has failed in his job and should resign, an should be shamed.

Now let's see some quick comment about the PAD and the airport.

[rubl]

On the plus side you have to admit that Chalerm has certain type of "humour" when declaring that Sophon should sue him as he didn't have any court cases at the moment and he was getting "bored" - also says a lot about one of the worst american traits that Thai politicians have seized upon, the litigation mindset............

Although my Thai is still not good enough I know lots of people rather have k. Chalerm talking in parliament than someone like k. Minkwan or some others. Still I'm really surprised to read k. Chalerm is getting a bit bored at the moment. Even without much involvement in combating the floods, he's supposed to take care of law and order in Bangkok and prevent burglaries and traffic mishaps due to flooding. Furthermore he's in charge of the 'war on drugs', most coming from up North where there is no (more) flooding and of course his personal pet project of "get back k. Thaksin". Getting bored indeed

It's humour Rubl, I know you and yours like to score points but I don't really think he said he was bored because he had nothing to do as you have so helpfully pointed out.

Score points? I write from what I know or from my opinion, nothing to do with scoring points, air miles, or other redeemable things, I'm afraid.

As for k. Chalerm, he had been studying the finer points of law he mentioned a week or two ago. Clearly the man is bored out of his mind. I mean, who in his right mind would start to study some finer points of law interesting to lawyers and the like only, when the Thai Nation is suffering from the worst flood in 50 / 60 years. Trying to joke about it and staging a political drama doesn't make it better. Is getting k. Thaksin back as a hero in shining armour that much more important? Have you ever had water running through your living room for two or three months? It's humour? My part of Bangkok remained dry, but I know from others their sense of humour washed away with 'hardly a meter of water' running through the living room. Humour indeed

[mca]

He said he was the only minister who did not know any contractors and had no direct involvement in the bidding for metropolitan Bangkok's mass-transit network

Which really pissed his missus off because she had her eye on a new S-Class Benz.

[scorecard]

If I were Chalerm I wouldn't be making a big deal out of getting to the bottom of corruption cash, it could easily come back to haunt his party.....

and him, would anybody wager he has a squeaky clean past?

On a different angle, does anybody recall the incident some years back when the three thug sons were rampaging through discos several night a week, one son was taken to the Thonglor police station, daddy turned up very very angry and abused sh** out of all concerned at the police station and also made some big statements about that station being highly corrupt and all police being highly corrupt, all in front of a gaggle and of reporters.

Edited November 27, 2011 by scorecard

[maidu]

If I were Chalerm I wouldn't be making a big deal out of getting to the bottom of corruption cash, it could easily come back to haunt his party.....

and him, would anybody wager he has a squeaky clean past?

On a different angle, does anybody recall the incident some years back when the three thug sons were rampaging through discos several night a week, one son was taken to the Thonglor police station, daddy turned up very very angry and abused sh** out of all concerned at the police station and also made some big statements about that station being highly corrupt and all police being highly corrupt, all in front of a gaggle and of reporters.

Thaksin and his sister picked such mafia-types for their cabinet, so there should be no surprise at the type of results they're/we're getting. It's a sad commentary on Thailand, that those are supposedly the best caliber people for those jobs. Yet, it also reflects the thinking of the majority of voters who voted (whether paid or not) for such thugs to run things. If you plant stinky thorn weed seeds, you'll probably get stinky thorn weeds.

Edited November 27, 2011 by maidu

[jayboy]

If I were Chalerm I wouldn't be making a big deal out of getting to the bottom of corruption cash, it could easily come back to haunt his party.....

and him, would anybody wager he has a squeaky clean past?

On a different angle, does anybody recall the incident some years back when the three thug sons were rampaging through discos several night a week, one son was taken to the Thonglor police station, daddy turned up very very angry and abused sh** out of all concerned at the police station and also made some big statements about that station being highly corrupt and all police being highly corrupt, all in front of a gaggle and of reporters.

Chalerm is not really the issue here as the facts of the case begin to emerge.It's beyond dispute that Chalerm represents the thuggish breed of Thai politician and equally he's making as much political capital as possible out of the case (he can't be faulted for that).But this isn't really the point.However as far as this forum is concerned it's evident that some of the critics of this administration, whether for ingrained prejudice or other reason, simply can't bear to contemplate the unfolding truth - of which one element is that this government and PTP have nothing to do with this grimy case at all.Meanwhile Abhisit as far as I know has been completely silent, which is odd given that Newin's party was his coalition party and of course he had overall responsibility as PM.It would be refreshing if there was some kind of comprehension of all this, but nothing yet from the usual suspects.

[lannarebirth]

If I were Chalerm I wouldn't be making a big deal out of getting to the bottom of corruption cash, it could easily come back to haunt his party.....

and him, would anybody wager he has a squeaky clean past?

On a different angle, does anybody recall the incident some years back when the three thug sons were rampaging through discos several night a week, one son was taken to the Thonglor police station, daddy turned up very very angry and abused sh** out of all concerned at the police station and also made some big statements about that station being highly corrupt and all police being highly corrupt, all in front of a gaggle and of reporters.

Chalerm is not really the issue here as the facts of the case begin to emerge.It's beyond dispute that Chalerm represents the thuggish breed of Thai politician and equally he's making as much political capital as possible out of the case (he can't be faulted for that).But this isn't really the point.However as far as this forum is concerned it's evident that some of the critics of this administration, whether for ingrained prejudice or other reason, simply can't bear to contemplate the unfolding truth - of which one element is that this government and PTP have nothing to do with this grimy case at all.Meanwhile Abhisit as far as I know has been completely silent, which is odd given that Newin's party was his coalition party and of course he had overall responsibility as PM.It would be refreshing if there was some kind of comprehension of all this, but nothing yet from the usual suspects.

First of all, I don't care where the investigation leads or to which party. My only comments thusfar is that no one would be convicted anywhere on the flimsy "evidence" assembled so far. At least the evidence that has been distributed to the public. BTW, Abhisit did comment on the case and it's in one of these threads. He was in favor of the probe. Someone will be along with the relevant link I'm sure. You often distort the views of posters here. Why is that? It makes you look like a political hack rather than a truthseeker.

[jayboy]

You often distort the views of posters here. Why is that? It makes you look like a political hack rather than a truthseeker.

You can personalise this to your heart's content but the evidence of what I suggest is there on the forum for all to see.

Your faux even handedness is misleading when you say you don't care which party the evidence leads to.The whole point is that on the evidence available it leads only to one party, the BJP.It has nothing to do with the PTP.

You are right of course that there's not enough evidence at present to lead to a conviction.Reserving one's position is entirely reasonable as the facts of the case continue to emerge.

Abhisit has said nothing of relevance to his own responsibility as PM with BJP as his major ally.He's said he supports a probe but he can hardly object, can he?

[elcent]

there's more to come. Think about the bigger foreign companies which were hired and not paid. I know of two very big ones which went bankrupt. This is the loot probably. A govt within the govt manipulating bills, withdraw the cash via fake accounts and share the loot. This is almost standard procedure.There are local companies affected too.

Someone probably told them to bring the money back for the bailout of an aircraft.

[whybother]

...

Your faux even handedness is misleading when you say you don't care which party the evidence leads to.The whole point is that on the evidence available it leads only to one party, the BJP.It has nothing to do with the PTP.

You are right of course that there's not enough evidence at present to lead to a conviction.Reserving one's position is entirely reasonable as the facts of the case continue to emerge.

Abhisit has said nothing of relevance to his own responsibility as PM with BJP as his major ally.He's said he supports a probe but he can hardly object, can he?

What else would you expect Abhisit to say? He's already on record a number of times about his opinions on corruption. He can't talk about BJT's links, even though everyone "knows" there is a link, there is no real evidence. He has supported a probe.

The only reason Chalerm is making a noise is because there is no direct link to the PTP. On one hand he's shouting to the world about how the people linked to this (at this stage, alleged) corruption, and on the other he is trying to give someone who was up to their neck in it a pardon.

[lannarebirth]

...

Your faux even handedness is misleading when you say you don't care which party the evidence leads to.The whole point is that on the evidence available it leads only to one party, the BJP.It has nothing to do with the PTP.

You are right of course that there's not enough evidence at present to lead to a conviction.Reserving one's position is entirely reasonable as the facts of the case continue to emerge.

Abhisit has said nothing of relevance to his own responsibility as PM with BJP as his major ally.He's said he supports a probe but he can hardly object, can he?

What else would you expect Abhisit to say? He's already on record a number of times about his opinions on corruption. He can't talk about BJT's links, even though everyone "knows" there is a link, there is no real evidence. He has supported a probe.

The only reason Chalerm is making a noise is because there is no direct link to the PTP. On one hand he's shouting to the world about how the people linked to this (at this stage, alleged) corruption, and on the other he is trying to give someone who was up to their neck in it a pardon.

It would seem Chalerm is gathering consensus amongst an opposition party for the forthcoming parliamentary amnesty bill. He'd better have some big big facts to pursue that agenda or it will blow up in his face. Unfortunately, if Chalerm is succesful in his effort, absolutely no evidence of corruption by anyone will be brought to light.

[jayboy]

What else would you expect Abhisit to say? He's already on record a number of times about his opinions on corruption. He can't talk about BJT's links, even though everyone "knows" there is a link, there is no real evidence. He has supported a probe.

The only reason Chalerm is making a noise is because there is no direct link to the PTP. On one hand he's shouting to the world about how the people linked to this (at this stage, alleged) corruption, and on the other he is trying to give someone who was up to their neck in it a pardon.

Amazing.Explicit evidence that the point I made was well founded.Anything but focus on the issue.

[jayboy]

It would seem Chalerm is gathering consensus amongst an opposition party for the forthcoming parliamentary amnesty bill. He'd better have some big big facts to pursue that agenda or it will blow up in his face. Unfortunately, if Chalerm is succesful in his effort, absolutely no evidence of corruption by anyone will be brought to light.

And here's another! Chalerm is the problem and it's all about Thaksin's amnesty really.

Comical unwillingness to look the truth squarely in the face.

[Orac]

...

Your faux even handedness is misleading when you say you don't care which party the evidence leads to.The whole point is that on the evidence available it leads only to one party, the BJP.It has nothing to do with the PTP.

You are right of course that there's not enough evidence at present to lead to a conviction.Reserving one's position is entirely reasonable as the facts of the case continue to emerge.

Abhisit has said nothing of relevance to his own responsibility as PM with BJP as his major ally.He's said he supports a probe but he can hardly object, can he?

What else would you expect Abhisit to say? He's already on record a number of times about his opinions on corruption. He can't talk about BJT's links, even though everyone "knows" there is a link, there is no real evidence. He has supported a probe.

The only reason Chalerm is making a noise is because there is no direct link to the PTP. On one hand he's shouting to the world about how the people linked to this (at this stage, alleged) corruption, and on the other he is trying to give someone who was up to their neck in it a pardon.

It would seem Chalerm is gathering consensus amongst an opposition party for the forthcoming parliamentary amnesty bill. He'd better have some big big facts to pursue that agenda or it will blow up in his face. Unfortunately, if Chalerm is succesful in his effort, absolutely no evidence of corruption by anyone will be brought to light.

Hopefully he will push things too far and bring the whole house of cards tumbling down with himeself under it. I doubt many would disagree that the whole thai political system is rotten and this scandal could have the potential to cause serious change though I won't hold my breathe.

What seems clear is that Chalerm is going after BJT full throttle by implicating the previous Transport Minister and also Sino-Thai Engineering which has strong ties to Chavarat.

[lannarebirth]

It would seem Chalerm is gathering consensus amongst an opposition party for the forthcoming parliamentary amnesty bill. He'd better have some big big facts to pursue that agenda or it will blow up in his face. Unfortunately, if Chalerm is succesful in his effort, absolutely no evidence of corruption by anyone will be brought to light.

And here's another! Chalerm is the problem and it's all about Thaksin's amnesty really.

Comical unwillingness to look the truth squarely in the face.

That is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Every comment by Chalerm, before and since the elections confirms it. You really should broaden your reading rather than just read things that bolster the views you already hold. Anyhow, let's see what happens.

[ozzieman05]

If I were Chalerm I wouldn't be making a big deal out of getting to the bottom of corruption cash, it could easily come back to haunt his party.....

and him, would anybody wager he has a squeaky clean past?

On a different angle, does anybody recall the incident some years back when the three thug sons were rampaging through discos several night a week, one son was taken to the Thonglor police station, daddy turned up very very angry and abused sh** out of all concerned at the police station and also made some big statements about that station being highly corrupt and all police being highly corrupt, all in front of a gaggle and of reporters.

Thaksin and his sister picked such mafia-types for their cabinet, so there should be no surprise at the type of results they're/we're getting. It's a sad commentary on Thailand, that those are supposedly the best caliber people for those jobs. Yet, it also reflects the thinking of the majority of voters who voted (whether paid or not) for such thugs to run things. If you plant stinky thorn weed seeds, you'll probably get stinky thorn weeds.

So many times I try to explain to the Thai wife

The person that is most likely to rip you off is a so called friend or some on you trust

So goes together with the fact they all voted for this thugs as they are meant to be friends of the poor people