Surapong Faces Impeachment Over Thaksin's Passport

[webfact]

THAKSIN'S PASSPORT

Surapong faces impeachment

A leading activist will seek impeachment of the foreign minister if he reissues a Thai passport for fugitive exThai prime minister Thaksin Shinwatra.

Dr Tul Sitthisomwong, coordinator of the Alliance of Patriots, said it would be illegal to issue a passport for anyone who has been issued with an arrest warrants and run away from legal penalties.

"When a court convicts a man and he runs away, it is duty of the government and police to bring him back to face the prison term. If he is discovered to be in a foreign country, it is duty of the foreign ministry and the attorneys to bring him back to the country," Tul said.

Instead of bringing back Thaksin to serve his jail term, the foreign minister intends to issue him with a passport.

"Khun Surapong should ask his Treaties and Legal Affairs Department whether the reissuance could be implemented according to the laws or not," he said.

Tul is the leader of multicoloured movement, which opposes violence and the proThaksin movement, the red shirts.

Surapong told reporters Friday that the foreign ministry will soon reissue a passport for Thaksin, brother of present Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra as a New Year's gift.

Surapong, a Pheu Thai MP, said he will use his authority and proceed legally under the regulations of the ministry to issue a new passport to Thaksin.

"It would be excellent if it could be a New Year gift for Thaksin," he said.

Thaksin was stripped of his ordinary passport during the Abhisit Vejjajiva government after fleeing a conviction of two years in prison for corruption and abuse of power. He has used his Montenegrin passport to travel internationally. When his sister's government took office, many foreign countries that banned his entry cancelled the ban, including Germany and Japan.

-- The Nation 2011-12-02

[Zpete]

STINX.

[PaulBax]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

[lovetotravel]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

Always good to have somebody in the opposition. What is being proposed is a bit shakey. Maybe the FM could focus on matters more important to Thailand right now?

[rubl]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

Always good to have somebody in the opposition. What is being proposed is a bit shakey. Maybe the FM could focus on matters more important to Thailand right now?

Like helping restore confidence in Thailand, promoting the stability of the country, co-operating with Tourists Association to get tourists back, etc., etc. This should not be about a single person named Thaksin, this should be about all Thai people, lots of whom still have a flooded home, flooded workplace / no work / no income

Edited December 2, 2011 by rubl

[rixalex]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

Doesn't seem much like a political matter, more to do with the law, and if you (or Surapong) thinks that convicted felons who have absconded and fled the country, have a right to retain their travel documentation, please remind me again, who is it that is being the idiot here?

[MaiChai]

Nepotism? What has gifts got to do with running a foreign ministry in a legal, fair way? Gifts only mean one thing in Asia.

[waza]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

I think Dr Tul has every right to engage in a national debate and question how the rule of law affects the dictates of a politician.

[Buchholz]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

Always good to have somebody in the opposition. What is being proposed is a bit shakey. Maybe the FM could focus on matters more important to Thailand right now?

Like helping restore confidence in Thailand, promoting the stability of the country, co-operating with Tourists Association to get tourists back, etc., etc. This should not be about a single person named Thaksin, this should be about all Thai people, lots of whom still have a flooded home, flooded workplace / no work / no income

That's essentially what the "idiot" cousin said was when he came into office... focusing on other matters and not to rescue his relative....

That's all out the window now as saving family members is high priority:

BANGKOK, Aug. 15, 2011 (Xinhua) -- Thai new foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul reaffirmed on Monday that there has been no preparation to hand back the ousted ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra his diplomatic passport.

"Pheu Thai Party has no such a policy and the most important issue the party has focused on is trade," he added.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-08/15/c_131050805.htm

.

Edited December 2, 2011 by Buchholz

[animatic]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

Always good to have somebody in the opposition. What is being proposed is a bit shakey. Maybe the FM could focus on matters more important to Thailand right now?

Like helping restore confidence in Thailand, promoting the stability of the country, co-operating with Tourists Association to get tourists back, etc., etc. This should not be about a single person named Thaksin, this should be about all Thai people, lots of whom still have a flooded home, flooded workplace / no work / no income

Hear hear!

[Jimmu]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

Always good to have somebody in the opposition. What is being proposed is a bit shakey. Maybe the FM could focus on matters more important to Thailand right now?

Like helping restore confidence in Thailand, promoting the stability of the country, co-operating with Tourists Association to get tourists back, etc., etc. This should not be about a single person named Thaksin, this should be about all Thai people, lots of whom still have a flooded home, flooded workplace / no work / no income

Hear hear!

Seconded

[PaulBax]

The man is a medical doctor but has an obsession with all things Thaksin. Thank god i am not his patient.

Thaksin is Thai and can like any other Thai citizen now apply for a passport! Duh as if he really needs one!

Why do you think that all of Thailand's biggest trading partners have not banned Thaksin?

[Bakseedaa]

And what will happen if Khun Thaksin is given his Thai passport ... what will happen if he returns to Thailand.... Does anyone think for one second he will be sent to prison to serve his punishment..? That will be civil war..... give him his passport and a return ticket first class on Thai Airways..... put the cat amongst the pidgeons.... lets get it on...!!!!

All fun fun fun for us Farangs......... anyone running a book..? Personally I back the Military.. they got all the Big guns...

[Priceless]

"It would be excellent if it could be a New Year gift for Thaksin," he said.

It would be interesting if His Excellency would tell the world what New Year's gifts he is planning for all other fugitive criminals

/ Priceless

[Jingthing]

The man is a medical doctor but has an obsession with all things Thaksin. Thank god i am not his patient.

Thaksin is Thai and can like any other Thai citizen now apply for a passport! Duh as if he really needs one!

Why do you think that all of Thailand's biggest trading partners have not banned Thaksin?

No way. Criminal fugitives aren't eligible to apply for passports. The reds complained about double standards. Of course we know all they wanted was their own standard dictated to everyone.

[PaulBax]

And what will happen if Khun Thaksin is given his Thai passport ... what will happen if he returns to Thailand.... Does anyone think for one second he will be sent to prison to serve his punishment..? That will be civil war..... give him his passport and a return ticket first class on Thai Airways..... put the cat amongst the pidgeons.... lets get it on...!!!!

All fun fun fun for us Farangs......... anyone running a book..? Personally I back the Military.. they got all the Big guns...

i would back the vast majority of regular soldiers who happen to come from the North East

[Buchholz]

The man is a medical doctor but has an obsession with all things Thaksin. Thank god i am not his patient.

Thaksin is Thai and can like any other Thai citizen now apply for a passport! Duh as if he really needs one!

Why do you think that all of Thailand's biggest trading partners have not banned Thaksin?

Certainly not "all" have accepted Thaksin, but for those that have, I would imagine it's hard to say no to a trillionaire.

IF Thaksin doesn't need a Thai passport, then why is his cousin willing to forego other priorities and fight so hard to give a convicted fugitive a new passport?

Indicted Red Shirt Leader Free On Bail/Pheu Thai Party MP Weng is also medical doctor and seemingly obsessed with fighting for Thaksin. Perhaps you'd feel more comfortable seeking treatment from him.

.

Edited December 2, 2011 by Buchholz

[PaulBax]

The man is a medical doctor but has an obsession with all things Thaksin. Thank god i am not his patient.

Thaksin is Thai and can like any other Thai citizen now apply for a passport! Duh as if he really needs one!

Why do you think that all of Thailand's biggest trading partners have not banned Thaksin?

Certainly not "all" have accepted Thaksin, but for those that have, I would imagine it's hard to say no to a trillionaire.

IF Thaksin doesn't need a Thai passport, then why is his cousin willing to forego other priorities and fight so hard to give a convicted fugitive a new passport?

Indicted Red Shirt Leader Free On Bail/Pheu Thai Party MP Weng is also medical doctor and seemingly obsessed with fighting for Thaksin. Perhaps you'd feel more comfortable seeking treatment from him.

.

Then difference is that one has been elected with a popular mandate and the other is just a new rendition of PAD

[Buchholz]

And what will happen if Khun Thaksin is given his Thai passport ... what will happen if he returns to Thailand.... Does anyone think for one second he will be sent to prison to serve his punishment..? That will be civil war..... give him his passport and a return ticket first class on Thai Airways..... put the cat amongst the pidgeons.... lets get it on...!!!!

All fun fun fun for us Farangs......... anyone running a book..? Personally I back the Military.. they got all the Big guns...

He'd probably use his own billion and a half baht personal airplane rather than fly with Thai.

.

[Buchholz]

The man is a medical doctor but has an obsession with all things Thaksin. Thank god i am not his patient.

Thaksin is Thai and can like any other Thai citizen now apply for a passport! Duh as if he really needs one!

Why do you think that all of Thailand's biggest trading partners have not banned Thaksin?

Certainly not "all" have accepted Thaksin, but for those that have, I would imagine it's hard to say no to a trillionaire.

IF Thaksin doesn't need a Thai passport, then why is his cousin willing to forego other priorities and fight so hard to give a convicted fugitive a new passport?

Indicted Red Shirt Leader Free On Bail/Pheu Thai Party MP Weng is also medical doctor and seemingly obsessed with fighting for Thaksin. Perhaps you'd feel more comfortable seeking treatment from him.

Then difference is that one has been elected with a popular mandate and the other is just a new rendition of PAD

One is facing a potential death penalty for service to Thaksin, the other is not.

.

[ozzieman05]

The man is a medical doctor but has an obsession with all things Thaksin. Thank god i am not his patient.

Thaksin is Thai and can like any other Thai citizen now apply for a passport! Duh as if he really needs one!

Why do you think that all of Thailand's biggest trading partners have not banned Thaksin?

When appling for a passport

You must be a person of good character

Ooops sorry I was not meant to mention this

[ianf]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

Any decent democracy allows the opposing voice. In this case it is the voice of moderation which this country so badly needs. Indeed, the world would be a lot poorer place without such characters and organisations. So do not belittle this chap. Its not about agreeing or disagreeing with him, it's about allowing the voice to be heard.

[PaulBax]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

Any decent democracy allows the opposing voice. In this case it is the voice of moderation which this country so badly needs. Indeed, the world would be a lot poorer place without such characters and organisations. So do not belittle this chap. Its not about agreeing or disagreeing with him, it's about allowing the voice to be heard.

lol the voice of moderation from an extreme right winger who believes parliament should be nominated and all things that don't benefit the elite or amarts be squashed.

I cant believe the amount of people on this site who have bought the bit lie theory: it really is sad to see the lack of ability to see through establishment propaganda!

[tingtongfarang]

And what will happen if Khun Thaksin is given his Thai passport ... what will happen if he returns to Thailand.... Does anyone think for one second he will be sent to prison to serve his punishment..? That will be civil war..... give him his passport and a return ticket first class on Thai Airways..... put the cat amongst the pidgeons.... lets get it on...!!!!

All fun fun fun for us Farangs......... anyone running a book..? Personally I back the Military.. they got all the Big guns...

i would back the vast majority of regular soldiers who happen to come from the North East

Would that be the same soldiers who rolled out the tanks and put yellow ribbons on thier guns last time the reset button was pressed?

Edited December 2, 2011 by tingtongfarang

[PaulBax]

And what will happen if Khun Thaksin is given his Thai passport ... what will happen if he returns to Thailand.... Does anyone think for one second he will be sent to prison to serve his punishment..? That will be civil war..... give him his passport and a return ticket first class on Thai Airways..... put the cat amongst the pidgeons.... lets get it on...!!!!

All fun fun fun for us Farangs......... anyone running a book..? Personally I back the Military.. they got all the Big guns...

i would back the vast majority of regular soldiers who happen to come from the North East

Would that be the same soldiers who rolled out the tanks and put yellow ribbons on thier guns last time the reset button was pressed?

nope that would be the mob who are stationed at lop buri (The 2nd Infantry Battalion) and are drawn mainly from Bangkok and the south of Thailand. And are always the main mob used in suppression of

the Thai public.

[geriatrickid]

Do not assume that the military will be unanimous in its support of overthrowing the elected government. The return of Mr. Thaksin's passport will not do it. One need only look at the the Bangkok protests to see that there was and most likely still is division in the ranks. Action against the protestors only occurred when various Royal Guard units were deployed. Until that time, the military had adopted a non confrontational containment strategy. At the time, there were accusations of complicity and tacit support for the protestors made against some of the military commanders. Some of thpse very same commanders were front and forward during recent flood relief operations and have cordial professional relations with the government. The decision to make nice with Mr. Thaksin would not have been taken unless someone had a good idea of the military rank and file sentiment. Keep in mind that are a lot of junior and midlevel officers that cannot move up because the command structure is top heavy with generals. Nothing like a dispute to get rid of those standing in the way of a promotion.

[jonclark]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

Sorry I'm finding it hard to see why you are defending the proposal to issue a passport to Taksin he is a convicted (rightly or wrongly) and on the run. If you imply your support the principle of a re-issuance of a passport to absconding criminals/convicts. Would your support extend to say the UK government re-issuing a passport to a convicted on the run sex offender whose used it to journey around the world? Perhaps he would stop off in Thailand? Who knows? Or would you slam the UK government for being bang out of order and not using all means necessary to return said offender to serve their time? The principle involved here is clear. One rule of law for all, no exceptions, no privilege [even shock horror if you were elected]. Taksin should return to Thailand, fight his case or serve his time end of story.

[TAWP]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

Any decent democracy allows the opposing voice. In this case it is the voice of moderation which this country so badly needs. Indeed, the world would be a lot poorer place without such characters and organisations. So do not belittle this chap. Its not about agreeing or disagreeing with him, it's about allowing the voice to be heard.

lol the voice of moderation from an extreme right winger who believes parliament should be nominated and all things that don't benefit the elite or amarts be squashed.

I cant believe the amount of people on this site who have bought the bit lie theory: it really is sad to see the lack of ability to see through establishment propaganda!

You might gain any credibility if you could lead your defaming allegation to proof.

[Babcock]

And what will happen if Khun Thaksin is given his Thai passport ... what will happen if he returns to Thailand.... Does anyone think for one second he will be sent to prison to serve his punishment..? That will be civil war..... give him his passport and a return ticket first class on Thai Airways..... put the cat amongst the pidgeons.... lets get it on...!!!!

All fun fun fun for us Farangs......... anyone running a book..? Personally I back the Military.. they got all the Big guns...

i would back the vast majority of regular soldiers who happen to come from the North East

Would that be the same soldiers who rolled out the tanks and put yellow ribbons on thier guns last time the reset button was pressed?

nope that would be the mob who are stationed at lop buri (The 2nd Infantry Battalion) and are drawn mainly from Bangkok and the south of Thailand. And are always the main mob used in suppression of

the Thai public.

It's rather similar to nazi germany where the wermacht (standard german army) were sent to the russian front leaving the SS to run amock amongst the occupied peoples.

Earlier this year the so-called "watermellon" northeastern soldiers were sent to the cambodian border relieving the trusted forces who'd clashed with the cambodian army over the temple.

They in turn were stationed around the northeast in an attempt seemingly to intimidate the people of Issan just propr to the election.

[PaulBax]

let this Dr Tul idiot put himself up for election if he wants to interfere so much in political matters!

Sorry I'm finding it hard to see why you are defending the proposal to issue a passport to Taksin he is a convicted (rightly or wrongly) and on the run. If you imply your support the principle of a re-issuance of a passport to absconding criminals/convicts. Would your support extend to say the UK government re-issuing a passport to a convicted on the run sex offender whose used it to journey around the world? Perhaps he would stop off in Thailand? Who knows? Or would you slam the UK government for being bang out of order and not using all means necessary to return said offender to serve their time? The principle involved here is clear. One rule of law for all, no exceptions, no privilege [even shock horror if you were elected]. Taksin should return to Thailand, fight his case or serve his time end of story.

The simple answer to this is that taking Thaksins passport away was a political decision not a legal decision. Getting it back should work the same way!