Burglary Hot Potato Could End Up Burning A Lot Of Hands: Thai Opinion

[EyesWideOpen]

Former PM Abhisit has still not made an official statement nor commented. What happened to the man that previously said he would take on thiis important subject?

The Democrats and their loyal supporters have previously claimed that they are opposed to corruption. And yet, not a word from the Democrats. as this thread demonstrates, none of the foreigners that get a thrill out of bashing the PTP and insulting the legally elected PM are willing to acknowledge the seriousness of the case and the implications.

This has effectively eroded the position that the Democrats had in respect to their claims of honesty and integrity and it will diffuse any legitimate effort to criticize the current administration on the issue.

In a quasi parliamentary democracy such as Thailand, it is an important part of the political process to have a vibrant opposition. It is in the best interests of the PTP administration to have an effective opposition that would keepthe potential for abuse in check. The faiulure of the Democrats to address the matter undermines any chance of the party regaining office through a legitimate election.

This case is actually the perfect way to deflect attention away from the horribly botched flood response, and the bizarre mis timed attempt to get a royal pardon for Thaksin. So they are seizing this with all their teeth, with Charlerm acting as point man. So in essence they have preempted the Democrats by acting first. Which is fine. Were the Democrats to jump in now, they would simply look like they are jumping on the bandwagon. So the clever strategy for the Democrats right now is to just sit back, watch carefully, and see how well the PTP does at cleaning its own house.....Should this cleaning look weak and ineffectual , they will then jump in.

[Credo]

Deflecting from the floods is just a perfect excuse for the Democrats to not react to something in which they are probably complicit. There is no 'bandwagon' on which to jump. It's corruption pure and simple.

The Dems may have been against corruption in principle, but it is so endemic in the country that there is no effective way of stopping it. All they would/could do is look the other way for the greater part of it.

By the way, I think that most people are corrupt. What keeps people from acting on it is the fear of getting caught. That's not just Thailand, it's everywhere. It's human nature. In other countries, the chances of getting caught are just too high and the legal ramifications are just too stiff.

In Thailand it's the 500 lbs. gorrilla in the room. Everybody knows it's there, but nobody talks about it.

[TAWP]

Former PM Abhisit has still not made an official statement /../

Nor has Thaksin, the Pope or Jesus.

Ofcourse none of the 4 has anything to do with the scandal, but I still think this proves that your should give all of your money to me.

[catmac]

Former PM Abhisit has still not made an official statement /../

Nor has Thaksin, the Pope or Jesus.

Ofcourse none of the 4 has anything to do with the scandal, but I still think this proves that your should give all of your money to me.

Come on TAWP, how can you say that Abhisit has nothing to do with this scandal? The civil servant involved was appointed to his position of "chief graft collector" by a Minister in Abhisit's government, and while I would certainly agree that poor old Abhisit was a mere puppet who had no control over what was happening or being done in his name, I still hold him to blame for the rampant corruption that flourished during his time as PM.

Of even more interest, is just what a free hand to loot and steal from the public purse must have been offered to Newin and his monkeys in return for their act of treachery. I certainly hope that this is just the first shot in a concerted move to destroy Newin's political empire.

[OzMick]

Former PM Abhisit has still not made an official statement /../

Nor has Thaksin, the Pope or Jesus.

Ofcourse none of the 4 has anything to do with the scandal, but I still think this proves that your should give all of your money to me.

Come on TAWP, how can you say that Abhisit has nothing to do with this scandal? The civil servant involved was appointed to his position of "chief graft collector" by a Minister in Abhisit's government, and while I would certainly agree that poor old Abhisit was a mere puppet who had no control over what was happening or being done in his name, I still hold him to blame for the rampant corruption that flourished during his time as PM.

Of even more interest, is just what a free hand to loot and steal from the public purse must have been offered to Newin and his monkeys in return for their act of treachery. I certainly hope that this is just the first shot in a concerted move to destroy Newin's political empire.

A quick google will tell you that he became deputy in 2001 and has been promoted as per normal public service. If he had any serious links to the Democrats, would he have still been in position?

[whybother]

Former PM Abhisit has still not made an official statement nor commented. What happened to the man that previously said he would take on this important subject?

The Democrats and their loyal supporters have previously claimed that they are opposed to corruption. And yet, not a word from the Democrats. as this thread demonstrates, none of the foreigners that get a thrill out of bashing the PTP and insulting the legally elected PM are willing to acknowledge the seriousness of the case and the implications.

This has effectively eroded the position that the Democrats had in respect to their claims of honesty and integrity and it will diffuse any legitimate effort to criticize the current administration on the issue.

In a quasi parliamentary democracy such as Thailand, it is an important part of the political process to have a vibrant opposition. It is in the best interests of the PTP administration to have an effective opposition that would keep the potential for abuse in check. The failure of the Democrats to address the matter undermines any chance of the party regaining office through a legitimate election.

What would you want Abhisit or the Democrats to say at this stage?

They could get on a soap box and look like idiots trying to put the blame on other politicians (as the PTP is doing by suggesting that the previous Transport minister is involved), or they can wait until there is actually some sort of investigation into what actually happened, where the money came from and who was involved.

The Permanent Secretary has been sidelined. The police and NACC are still doing their investigations. Why are the politicians even getting involved?

[gemini81]

hypocritical- this coward fled to denmark & sweden when he was once found with unusual wealth of over 30 million.

He'll get his one day.

Maybe he can start a fight with duangchalerm when duang is drunk again......

[givenall]

Curious how the deputy pm would know that the cash was from kick backs???unless......

I guess he never thought it be recovered and that make 2 of us

[hellodolly]

Former PM Abhisit has still not made an official statement /../

Nor has Thaksin, the Pope or Jesus.

Ofcourse none of the 4 has anything to do with the scandal, but I still think this proves that your should give all of your money to me.

What's your bank and the account number and which branch is it in?

Rush I am in hurry to help you out.

[ralphlsasser]

Suphoth, the embattled permanent secretary who has already been transferred to an inactive post following the episode, reportedly turned off his house's electronic security system for fears of electrical shock on that evening, as he and his family left the house to attend his daughter's wedding reception.

<deleted>? This is getting stranger all the time.

Lad Phrao 64 was not flooding at that time. He turned OFF the alarm because fear of electric shock?

Why not just say turned off the power?

Something sure smells fishy here. Huuuuummmmmm.

[hellodolly]

According to Chalerm, the government will ensure that officials involved in this corruption case will face legal action.

Ya right... when was the last time that that happened around these parts???

Oh ya... that guy who got convicted of corruption, jumped bail, fled the country, and whom now the current government, led by Chalerm, is trying to pardon on his corruption conviction...depending on what day of the week it is... Great anti-corruption crusaders these guys are...

Re the Transport Minister, if he was taking/receving kickbacks and bribes, he deserves to go to jail..no matter what political party he's affiliated with. But then again, if we were employ that standard across the board, would there be anyone left free to run the government?

PS - Note to self... don't forget to NOT leave my loose 17 million baht in pocket change laying around the house anymore.

As you imply, the previous governments record on dealing with corruption was terrible with no attempt at all to deal with the issue. As Abhisit admitted, there were a number of high profile cases involving ministers that were brushed under the carpet after the ministers resigned with little in the way of investigation and certainly no legal follow up. Lets hope that this government make a better job of it, though I am not holding my breathe:

<snip>

Umm ... where did 'John' imply anything about the previous government?

Abhisit got ministers to resign when they were implicated in any corruption. The current government prefer to pardon politicians involved in corruption.

They haven't started yet but pardon's for Terrorists is on their for sure to do list.

[OZEMADE]

Three cheers for Chalerm, now at last we have a government minister pursing these corrupt officials with vigour. Only the other day he was pictured at a table full of drugs and the apprehended miscreant. At this rate Thailand will be free of these corrupt politicians and criminals and he will have time to turn his attention to those turning up at the international airport in flip flops and vests.

Yeah, good old Chalerm - The Mr Clean of Thai Politics.

The Mr Clean of Politics did not want the money laundered by the floods.

[yoshiwara]

Three cheers for Chalerm, now at last we have a government minister pursing these corrupt officials with vigour. Only the other day he was pictured at a table full of drugs and the apprehended miscreant. At this rate Thailand will be free of these corrupt politicians and criminals and he will have time to turn his attention to those turning up at the international airport in flip flops and vests.

Yes. Unofficial reports have it that he will be going after his criminal sons next.

Would that be before or after he has pursued Thaksin?

[yoshiwara]

Former PM Abhisit has still not made an official statement nor commented. What happened to the man that previously said he would take on thiis important subject?

The Democrats and their loyal supporters have previously claimed that they are opposed to corruption. And yet, not a word from the Democrats. as this thread demonstrates, none of the foreigners that get a thrill out of bashing the PTP and insulting the legally elected PM are willing to acknowledge the seriousness of the case and the implications.

This has effectively eroded the position that the Democrats had in respect to their claims of honesty and integrity and it will diffuse any legitimate effort to criticize the current administration on the issue.

In a quasi parliamentary democracy such as Thailand, it is an important part of the political process to have a vibrant opposition. It is in the best interests of the PTP administration to have an effective opposition that would keepthe potential for abuse in check. The faiulure of the Democrats to address the matter undermines any chance of the party regaining office through a legitimate election.

This case is actually the perfect way to deflect attention away from the horribly botched flood response, and the bizarre mis timed attempt to get a royal pardon for Thaksin. So they are seizing this with all their teeth, with Charlerm acting as point man. So in essence they have preempted the Democrats by acting first. Which is fine. Were the Democrats to jump in now, they would simply look like they are jumping on the bandwagon. So the clever strategy for the Democrats right now is to just sit back, watch carefully, and see how well the PTP does at cleaning its own house.....Should this cleaning look weak and ineffectual , they will then jump in.

Reading one of the forum Thaksin apologists trying to get up on a high horse about corruption is quite embarrassing. Its like watching someone strutting their stuff in the disco with their flies undone.

[Canada]

.............and the raping of the Thai people by their government continues........

[animatic]

According to Chalerm, the government will ensure that officials involved in this corruption case will face legal action.

Ya right... when was the last time that that happened around these parts???

Oh ya... that guy who got convicted of corruption, jumped bail, fled the country, and whom now the current government, led by Chalerm, is trying to pardon on his corruption conviction...depending on what day of the week it is... Great anti-corruption crusaders these guys are...

Re the Transport Minister, if he was taking/receving kickbacks and bribes, he deserves to go to jail..no matter what political party he's affiliated with. But then again, if we were employ that standard across the board, would there be anyone left free to run the government?

PS - Note to self... don't forget to NOT leave my loose 17 million baht in pocket change laying around the house anymore.

They want him to testify against Newin and his Friends

and kill off opposition parties one by one,

and take control, that was obvious from day one.

[animatic]

Former PM Abhisit has still not made an official statement nor commented. What happened to the man that previously said he would take on this important subject?

The Democrats and their loyal supporters have previously claimed that they are opposed to corruption. And yet, not a word from the Democrats. as this thread demonstrates, none of the foreigners that get a thrill out of bashing the PTP and insulting the legally elected PM are willing to acknowledge the seriousness of the case and the implications.

This has effectively eroded the position that the Democrats had in respect to their claims of honesty and integrity and it will diffuse any legitimate effort to criticize the current administration on the issue.

In a quasi parliamentary democracy such as Thailand, it is an important part of the political process to have a vibrant opposition. It is in the best interests of the PTP administration to have an effective opposition that would keep the potential for abuse in check. The failure of the Democrats to address the matter undermines any chance of the party regaining office through a legitimate election.

Other than this:

Former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the opposition Democrat Party, welcomed the Yingluck government's move to investigate alleged corruption in this case, while Sophon Sarum, the former transport minister, yesterday held a press conference on the issue.

It is the opening paragraph of the OP.

Reading is fundamental to comprehension,

which is fundamental to making a coherent argument.

Edited November 26, 2011 by animatic

[virtualtraveller]

no one noticed that the Supoj's new son-in-law is American (it's in the 'other' newspaper today), so it's doubtful a foreigner would be willing to pay a bridal dowry of 450,000 dollars.

Of course it's corruption money, and if I were Chalerm I really wouldn't be making such a big deal of it when he's in the middle of trying to get his boss off the hook for....you guessed it; corruption.

With the new 'populist' budget and flood relief emergency budget being dished out, I'm sure there's plenty of cash being stashed at houses of certain politicians attached to the ruling coalition.

This is just a cheap shot at the BJT, and it seems Chalerm is filling in for Jatuporn who's lying tongue is on holiday.

[TAWP]

Former PM Abhisit has still not made an official statement /../

Nor has Thaksin, the Pope or Jesus.

Ofcourse none of the 4 has anything to do with the scandal, but I still think this proves that your should give all of your money to me.

Come on TAWP, how can you say that Abhisit has nothing to do with this scandal? The civil servant involved was appointed to his position of "chief graft collector" by a Minister in Abhisit's government /../

Facts are not on your side since he has been having major positions, as a bureaucrat, in the ministry since 2001.

Do remind me, who was in power the most years since then?

[aussiebebe]

This story just gets crazier by the day. At first it seemed plausible; two of the five suspected robbers had been arrested and Bt2.8 million had been recovered from the Bt5 million Suphoth had earlier reported as stolen. For the haul to have risen to Bt17.8 million is just painfully awkward.....

[animatic]

This story just gets crazier by the day. At first it seemed plausible; two of the five suspected robbers had been arrested and Bt2.8 million had been recovered from the Bt5 million Suphoth had earlier reported as stolen. For the haul to have risen to Bt17.8 million is just painfully awkward.....

The REPORTED HAUL has risen.

Not necessarily the actual take.

An opportunity is being taken for sure.

[Derifo]

Thanks WB.. Yes you're correct...

Sorry for my mistake... Should be (now suspended) Transport Perm Sec., not Transport Minister...

And yes, the 65m figure still missing figure you mention corresponds with the earlier reports of 100 million total supposedly involved...

Although, one of the prior articles had a police spokesman saying the robbers already in custody talked about one guy among them getting 35m, another 25 or 20 m, and another 10m or something like that....

But those are the alleged robbers... What about the amounts that supposedly were supposed to go back to the politicians who supposedly ordered the theft in the first place?

Yes ... there was talk initially of 200m being stolen and up to a billion being there in the first place.

The link to the politicians is purely conjecture at the moment. At first it was disgruntled employees that were reported to have set up the burglary.

That's exactly why the whole thing doesn't make any sense.

Edited November 26, 2011 by metisdead
30) Do not modify someone else's post in your quoted reply, either with font or color changes, added emoticons, or altered wording.

[pitrevie]

Three cheers for Chalerm, now at last we have a government minister pursing these corrupt officials with vigour. Only the other day he was pictured at a table full of drugs and the apprehended miscreant. At this rate Thailand will be free of these corrupt politicians and criminals and he will have time to turn his attention to those turning up at the international airport in flip flops and vests.

Yeah, good old Chalerm - The Mr Clean of Thai Politics.

I whole heartedly agree. Chalerm running an anti - corruption campaign adds a wonderful farcical touch to this episode...... He should be serving jail time for aiding and abetting a murderer, instead of pounding on a podium in front of cameras shouting corruption must be stopped.

Do you mean his dear son who was found innocent in a court of law? How could anyone looking at any of those three dear boys think they were capable of such an act? Out inexperienced PM can count herself fortunate that she has such a dedicated minister who right from the word go has been so intent on wiping out corruption and closing down all those unauthorized gambling dens. Not a week passes without this gentleman being photographed standing next to some criminal or other who has been brought to book.

[surangw]

I would guess all politicians have a "get out of town" stash ready to use.

[geriatrickid]

Former PM Abhisit has still not made an official statement nor commented. What happened to the man that previously said he would take on this important subject?

The Democrats and their loyal supporters have previously claimed that they are opposed to corruption. And yet, not a word from the Democrats. as this thread demonstrates, none of the foreigners that get a thrill out of bashing the PTP and insulting the legally elected PM are willing to acknowledge the seriousness of the case and the implications.

This has effectively eroded the position that the Democrats had in respect to their claims of honesty and integrity and it will diffuse any legitimate effort to criticize the current administration on the issue.

In a quasi parliamentary democracy such as Thailand, it is an important part of the political process to have a vibrant opposition. It is in the best interests of the PTP administration to have an effective opposition that would keep the potential for abuse in check. The failure of the Democrats to address the matter undermines any chance of the party regaining office through a legitimate election.

Other than this:

Former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the opposition Democrat Party, welcomed the Yingluck government's move to investigate alleged corruption in this case, while Sophon Sarum, the former transport minister, yesterday held a press conference on the issue.

It is the opening paragraph of the OP.

Reading is fundamental to comprehension,which is fundamental to making a coherent argument.

You have not supported your point. Former PM Abhisit gave a sound bite, a short answer to a question that indicated he was open to an investigation. He couldn't very well say, no, he opposed to the investigation. There was no official statement. The party was quick to make statements when it looked like the floods were hurting the government popularity. What is missing is a clear and concise statement that the Democrat Party has zero tolerance for corruption and will assist in any efforts to stop it. Staking out an honourable and ethical position in the matter would have been the politically astute decision and would have served the Democrat's long term political interests by setting the party up as the honest and ethical alternative to the other political parties in Thailand. Perhaps, the Democrat's unwillingness to stand up now on this critical case relates to the potential for this case to implicate some important Democrat supporters. Had the Democrats been on solid ground, they would have been leading the charge to get this mess sorted out. It is the duty of the opposition to support the investigation and to assist in getting to the truth.

I believe the reality is that the Democrats have some skeletons in the closet and they are in damage control mode. No matter how many times one wants to offer up excuses that this event redirects attention away from the floods or the PTP administration, or even raise the great bogey man of TVF, Mr. Thaksin, the fact remains that this is one of the most public cases of alleged corruption in recent years. The colour of Mr. Thaksin's underwear, or PM Yinglick's shoes, does not change the facts of the case. This could very well be a watershed moment in Thailand's political landscape. I'd keep an eye on former finance minister Korn. What he says, and does will provide a strong indication of Mr. Abhisit's political fate.

[yoshiwara]

Former PM Abhisit has still not made an official statement nor commented. What happened to the man that previously said he would take on this important subject?

The Democrats and their loyal supporters have previously claimed that they are opposed to corruption. And yet, not a word from the Democrats. as this thread demonstrates, none of the foreigners that get a thrill out of bashing the PTP and insulting the legally elected PM are willing to acknowledge the seriousness of the case and the implications.

This has effectively eroded the position that the Democrats had in respect to their claims of honesty and integrity and it will diffuse any legitimate effort to criticize the current administration on the issue.

In a quasi parliamentary democracy such as Thailand, it is an important part of the political process to have a vibrant opposition. It is in the best interests of the PTP administration to have an effective opposition that would keep the potential for abuse in check. The failure of the Democrats to address the matter undermines any chance of the party regaining office through a legitimate election.

Other than this:

Former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the opposition Democrat Party, welcomed the Yingluck government's move to investigate alleged corruption in this case, while Sophon Sarum, the former transport minister, yesterday held a press conference on the issue.

It is the opening paragraph of the OP.

Reading is fundamental to comprehension,which is fundamental to making a coherent argument.

You have not supported your point. Former PM Abhisit gave a sound bite, a short answer to a question that indicated he was open to an investigation. He couldn't very well say, no, he opposed to the investigation. There was no official statement. The party was quick to make statements when it looked like the floods were hurting the government popularity. What is missing is a clear and concise statement that the Democrat Party has zero tolerance for corruption and will assist in any efforts to stop it. Staking out an honourable and ethical position in the matter would have been the politically astute decision and would have served the Democrat's long term political interests by setting the party up as the honest and ethical alternative to the other political parties in Thailand. Perhaps, the Democrat's unwillingness to stand up now on this critical case relates to the potential for this case to implicate some important Democrat supporters. Had the Democrats been on solid ground, they would have been leading the charge to get this mess sorted out. It is the duty of the opposition to support the investigation and to assist in getting to the truth.

I believe the reality is that the Democrats have some skeletons in the closet and they are in damage control mode. No matter how many times one wants to offer up excuses that this event redirects attention away from the floods or the PTP administration, or even raise the great bogey man of TVF, Mr. Thaksin, the fact remains that this is one of the most public cases of alleged corruption in recent years. The colour of Mr. Thaksin's underwear, or PM Yinglick's shoes, does not change the facts of the case. This could very well be a watershed moment in Thailand's political landscape. I'd keep an eye on former finance minister Korn. What he says, and does will provide a strong indication of Mr. Abhisit's political fate.

Just as has been pointed out above several times Chalerm's prior form re corruption makes his 'lead' re this case smelly, so the 'look what I've found' tub-thumping from an arch-supporter and white-washer of Thaksin's proven corruptions just makes one also want to hold one's nose. Or just laugh really.

[Thaddeus]

I would guess all politicians have a "get out of town" stash ready to use.

Nope, it's a "get out of jail free" card.

As will be shown in next few weeks.

That's what happens in Monopoly when you own everything and everyone else is in your debt.

Or just arse kissing individuals who are riding on the shirt tails of the master of the board game.

[theanimaster]

Defamation Suits in Thailand = "You squealed on me to Mommy..."

[rogerdee123]

According to Chalerm, the government will ensure that officials involved in this corruption case will face legal action.

Ya right... when was the last time that that happened around these parts???

Oh ya... that guy who got convicted of corruption, jumped bail, fled the country, and whom now the current government, led by Chalerm, is trying to pardon on his corruption conviction...depending on what day of the week it is... Great anti-corruption crusaders these guys are...

Re the Transport Minister, if he was taking/receving kickbacks and bribes, he deserves to go to jail..no matter what political party he's affiliated with. But then again, if we were employ that standard across the board, would there be anyone left free to run the government?

PS - Note to self... don't forget to NOT leave my loose 17 million baht in pocket change laying around the house anymore.

They want him to testify against Newin and his Friends

and kill off opposition parties one by one,

and take control, that was obvious from day one.

correct again animatic

[exeter]

He must have a ladder to get into bed, guess thats how they spotted something fishy here