Ombudsman Hands Foreign Ministry Ultimatum Over Thaksin's Passport

[webfact]

PM'S BROTHER

Ombudsman hands Foreign Ministry ultimatum over Thaksin's passport

Chanikarn Phumhiran

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Ombudsman has stepped up pressure on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to heed its recommendation that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's passport be recalled, Ombudsman spokesman Raksakecha Chaechai said yesterday.

newsjs

Acting on a complaint filed by Somsak Kosaisuk, a former leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, the Ombudsman's Office submitted a recommendation on September 13 last year that the Foreign Ministry review Thaksin's passport status, as issuance to a convicted felon was illegal.

The Foreign Ministry, which must respond to the Ombudsman within 30 days, in mid-October requested another 30 days to collect information on the issuance.

Since it had not heard from the Ministry since, Raksakecha said his office on Tuesday submitted a letter to the PM asking her to instruct the Foreign Ministry to heed its recommendation.

If the Foreign Ministry ignores or rejects the recommendation, Raksakecha said, the Ombudsman would report the matter to Parliament in order to obtain a full disclosure of the regulations on passport issuance, and whether the ministry had followed these regulations.

Asked if he believed Yingluck would instruct that her own brother's passport be revoked, Raksakecha said the PM must exercise her own judgement.

In a related development, a report claimed that Thaksin's personal jet had landed at Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport yesterday, and that Thaksin was staying overnight at a local luxury resort.

The former PM's legal advisor Noppadon Pattama was quick to dismiss the report as groundless, saying Thaksin was actually in Dubai.

-- The Nation 2013-02-15

[Buchholz]

the Ombudsman's Office submitted a recommendation on September 13 last year that the Foreign Ministry review Thaksin's passport status

The Foreign Ministry, which must respond to the Ombudsman within 30 days, in mid-October requested another 30 days to collect information on the issuance.

Since it had not heard from the Ministry since, Raksakecha said his office on Tuesday submitted a letter to the PM asking her to instruct the Foreign Ministry to heed its recommendation.

Much like the proverbial "I swear the check is in the mail"... the Cousin Foreign Ministry lied back in November when it said it had replied to the Ombudsman Office.

Thai Foreign Ministry Responds To Ombudsman Over Passport For Thaksin

It was revealed yesterday that the Foreign Ministry sent a written explanation to the Ombudsman's Office, reportedly countering a recommendation by the latter to revoke the travel document.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Manasvi Srisodapol said the note was sent to the Ombudsman's Office, but he declined to reveal details

The devil is in the details....

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Edited February 15, 2013 by Buchholz

[mca]

In a related development, a report claimed that Thaksin's personal jet had landed at Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport yesterday, and that Thaksin was staying overnight at a local luxury resort.

Rather than "personal" I guess he has to share it. Times are hard. Of course the report might be a load of <deleted>. Or the Nation could really change the habits of a lifetime and put the "investigative" into journalism and give them a call. Maybe even pop round. It's just down the road. They even provide a map.

http://www.aircharte...contact-us.html

Edited February 14, 2013 by mca

[siampolee]

Asked if he believed Yingluck would instruct that her own brother's passport be revoked, Raksakecha said the PM must exercise her own judgement.

Asked if he believed Yingluck would instruct that her own brother's passport be revoked, Raksakecha said the PM must ask her own brother to exercise his own judgement.

Puppets cannot move until their strings are pulled by their puppet master.

[Buchholz]

If the Foreign Ministry ignores or rejects the recommendation, Raksakecha said, the Ombudsman would report the matter to Parliament

The Foreign Ministry has been blowing off the Ombudsman's findings for months.... since the first "ultimatum" was given to it in October...

Enough with the threats to the Cousin Foreign Minister and Prime Minister... wake up and take action now rather than give them yet another "30 Days" until March... they've already been given plenty of these 30 Day Notices since the Ombudsman first directed Yingluck/Surapong to revoke their brother's/cousin's illegal passport in September.

Ombudsman Threatens To Take Thaksin Passport Issue To Court

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Ombudsman has yet to receive a formal explanation from the Foreign Ministry for why it refused to comply with the ombudsman's instruction to recall fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra's passport.

Chalermsak Chantaratim, Secretary-General of the Ombudsman's Office, said that if the ombudsman finds the ministry's reasons unacceptable, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra would be asked to intervene.

Should Yingluck decide to side with the Foreign Ministry, then the government's defiant behaviour will be taken to Parliament, Chalermsak said.

Should both the government and the legislature decide to let Thaksin continue holding a Thai passport, the ombudsman will then seek a judicial review from the Administrative Court, he said.

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Edited February 15, 2013 by Buchholz

[Bellweather]

I am quite sure the PM will instruct his sister to order his passport be revoked but in any case he has one other tucked away, from Montenegro I think. i was always under the illusion that Thais were not permitted dual nationality, or should i say not every Thai !

[NongKhaiKid]

I am quite sure the PM will instruct his sister to order his passport be revoked but in any case he has one other tucked away, from Montenegro I think. i was always under the illusion that Thais were not permitted dual nationality, or should i say not every Thai !

After the coup Thaksin was not actively pursued, it took a long time for his diplomatic passport to be revoked and no Interpol Red Notice was issued. Perhaps a la the Philippines where they were happy to have Marcos out of the country and avoid him being a figurehead the Democrats felt the same way. However unlike Marcos they didn't bargain for Thaksin to install his own government, democratically elected of course, and run the country by remote control. This latest issue is just more " talking the talk " !

[OZEMADE]

It was actually the previous Gov that revoked Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport from him, over the charges that were laid against him and the fact that he may have been a threat to the country. The current Gov re issued it to him, as he was no longer a threat to Thailand. His sister Yingluck has nothing to do with issuing passports and it is entirely up to the foreign ministry to make that decision.

[lemoncake]

It was actually the previous Gov that revoked Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport from him, over the charges that were laid against him and the fact that he may have been a threat to the country. The current Gov re issued it to him, as he was no longer a threat to Thailand. His sister Yingluck has nothing to do with issuing passports and it is entirely up to the foreign ministry to make that decision.

Are you sure about that? the fact that the sister who also happens to be the PM has nothing to do with it?

[OZEMADE]

It was actually the previous Gov that revoked Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport from him, over the charges that were laid against him and the fact that he may have been a threat to the country. The current Gov re issued it to him, as he was no longer a threat to Thailand. His sister Yingluck has nothing to do with issuing passports and it is entirely up to the foreign ministry to make that decision.

Are you sure about that? the fact that the sister who also happens to be the PM has nothing to do with it?

Yingluck had nothing to do with Thaksin being issued his passport when she was elected in to power. The Foreign ministry issued the passport to him and Yingluck can't change any rules and regulations or revoke any passports. Any changes to the rules and regulations must be made through the foreign ministry first and submitted to Parliament for consideration.

[coma]

" In a related development, a report claimed that Thaksin's personal jet had landed at Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport yesterday, and that Thaksin was staying overnight at a local luxury resort. "

Nothing new there.

[dickyknee]

In a related development, a report claimed that Thaksin's personal jet had landed at Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport yesterday, and that Thaksin was staying overnight at a local luxury resort.

Rather than "personal" I guess he has to share it. Times are hard. Of course the report might be a load of <deleted>. Or the Nation could really change the habits of a lifetime and put the "investigative" into journalism and give them a call. Maybe even pop round. It's just down the road. They even provide a map.

http://www.aircharte...contact-us.html

Most private owned jets are listed to be operated by companies similar to this so they have an AOC to operate under.

though a little investigation to try and find Thaksins personal Jet, the best I could find currently is A6-BBD operated by Empire Aviation Group (UAE), though I couldn't find a very solid reference for this.

[Buchholz]

It was actually the previous Gov that revoked Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport from him, over the charges that were laid against him and the fact that he may have been a threat to the country. The current Gov re issued it to him, as he was no longer a threat to Thailand. His sister Yingluck has nothing to do with issuing passports and it is entirely up to the foreign ministry to make that decision.

A decision that violated the Foreign Ministry's own regulations and was illegal.

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[Buchholz]

It was actually the previous Gov that revoked Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport from him, over the charges that were laid against him and the fact that he may have been a threat to the country. The current Gov re issued it to him, as he was no longer a threat to Thailand. His sister Yingluck has nothing to do with issuing passports and it is entirely up to the foreign ministry to make that decision.

Are you sure about that? the fact that the sister who also happens to be the PM has nothing to do with it?

Yingluck had nothing to do with Thaksin being issued his passport when she was elected in to power. The Foreign ministry issued the passport to him and Yingluck can't change any rules and regulations or revoke any passports.

Even if one is to accept the implausible contention that she was wholly unaware of the illegal issuance of a new passport to her brother, one should at least expect that even if she can't change rules and regulations that she should at least support those rules which her cousin, the Foreign Minister, violated.

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[OzMick]

It was actually the previous Gov that revoked Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport from him, over the charges that were laid against him and the fact that he may have been a threat to the country. The current Gov re issued it to him, as he was no longer a threat to Thailand. His sister Yingluck has nothing to do with issuing passports and it is entirely up to the foreign ministry to make that decision.

Are you sure about that? the fact that the sister who also happens to be the PM has nothing to do with it?

Yingluck had nothing to do with Thaksin being issued his passport when she was elected in to power. The Foreign ministry issued the passport to him and Yingluck can't change any rules and regulations or revoke any passports. Any changes to the rules and regulations must be made through the foreign ministry first and submitted to Parliament for consideration.

<deleted>! They didn't change the rules, they just ignored them. Nepotism, corruption and criminality are the basis of PTP.

[Moruya]

the Ombudsman's Office submitted a recommendation on September 13 last year that the Foreign Ministry review Thaksin's passport status

The Foreign Ministry, which must respond to the Ombudsman within 30 days, in mid-October requested another 30 days to collect information on the issuance.

Since it had not heard from the Ministry since, Raksakecha said his office on Tuesday submitted a letter to the PM asking her to instruct the Foreign Ministry to heed its recommendation.

Much like the proverbial "I swear the check is in the mail"... the Cousin Foreign Ministry lied back in November when it said it had replied to the Ombudsman Office.

Thai Foreign Ministry Responds To Ombudsman Over Passport For Thaksin

It was revealed yesterday that the Foreign Ministry sent a written explanation to the Ombudsman's Office, reportedly countering a recommendation by the latter to revoke the travel document.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Manasvi Srisodapol said the note was sent to the Ombudsman's Office, but he declined to reveal details

The devil is in the details....

.

.

I thought he was in Dubai?!

[lemoncake]

It was actually the previous Gov that revoked Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport from him, over the charges that were laid against him and the fact that he may have been a threat to the country. The current Gov re issued it to him, as he was no longer a threat to Thailand. His sister Yingluck has nothing to do with issuing passports and it is entirely up to the foreign ministry to make that decision.

Are you sure about that? the fact that the sister who also happens to be the PM has nothing to do with it?

Yingluck had nothing to do with Thaksin being issued his passport when she was elected in to power. The Foreign ministry issued the passport to him and Yingluck can't change any rules and regulations or revoke any passports. Any changes to the rules and regulations must be made through the foreign ministry first and submitted to Parliament for consideration.

Ok,so you do not think being appointed foreign minister by PM have any influence in decision making by foreign minister?

[Buchholz]

In a related development, a report claimed that Thaksin's personal jet had landed at Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport yesterday, and that Thaksin was staying overnight at a local luxury resort.

Rather than "personal" I guess he has to share it.

Thaksin has paid for at least two airplanes, although he only can access the first one.

The humble, thrifty, grassroots-minded, man-of-the-people spent 1.5 Billion Baht on his own modest Bombardier Global Express (similar to the one displayed below).

and

According to a media website from the United Arab Emirates, www.thenational.ae, an Emirati partner and manager of a well-known Dubai law firm known as KM was acquitted of embezzlement and forgery, but convicted of breach of trust.

The 45-year-old KM was Mr Thaksin’s lawyer, acting on his behalf during the sales of Man City Football Club. The report said the former lawyer took around 3 billion baht from the transaction for his personal use.

The Dubai Misdemeanors Court sentenced KM for three years for breach of trust. It was reported that the lawyer used Mr Thaksin’s money to purchase a private jet and other personal financial transactions.

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Edited February 15, 2013 by Buchholz

[bigbamboo]

By the by, does anyone know what happened to Thaksin One, his state owned 2bn baht 'Presidential style' jet?

[jbrain]

The Foreign Ministry, which must respond to the Ombudsman within 30 days, in mid-October requested another 30 days to collect information on the issuance.

Since it had not heard from the Ministry since, Raksakecha said his office on Tuesday submitted a letter to the PM asking her to instruct the Foreign Ministry to heed its recommendation.

So definitely someone came to stir in the pot again a few days ago and the Ombudsman, thinking sh*t I tought they had forgotten about, issued a new warning.

Next warning will be issued in my estimates around July, or maybe the Ombudsman will be replaced promoted by then and the whole process will start from the beginning again.

[smedly]

the Ombudsman - another department soon to be wiped out along with various courts - anti corruption depts - and judges

[Denizen]

Thaksin flew into Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai according to media reports.

If true, is this a case of political prostitution?

[rubl]

The continued story of a passport issued late October 2011 from flooded offices when the country was pre-occupied with a flooding well done. Followed by denials begin of December 2011 and finally admission that same month.

Transparently of course. Only thing missing is a statement from the PM "no one told me"

[angsta]

Don't hate the Playa hate the game.

[h90]

Asked if he believed Yingluck would instruct that her own brother's passport be revoked, Raksakecha said the PM must exercise her own judgement.

Asked if he believed Yingluck would instruct that her own brother's passport be revoked, Raksakecha said the PM must ask her own brother to exercise his own judgement.

Puppets cannot move until their strings are pulled by their puppet master.

So the puppet premier must ask her brother if she should revoke his passport

[ezzra]

That will be akin to the mice asking the cat if they can remove the bell

from around his neck, fat chance the cat will agree......

[Buchholz]

The continued story of a passport issued late October 2011 from flooded offices when the country was pre-occupied with a flooding well done. Followed by denials begin of December 2011 and finally admission that same month.

Transparently of course. Only thing missing is a statement from the PM "no one told me"

Indeed, the lying by the foreign ministry began with the timeline of when the passport was issued...and continues to the present with saying they've already responded to the ombudsman directive to revoke the illegal passport.

Pathological liars.

[webfact]

Ombudsman asks PM to review Thaksin passport decision

By English News

BANGKOK, Feb 15 – Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been urged by the Ombudsman Office to review the Foreign Ministry decision to re-issue a passport to her brother, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Ombudsman said it had earlier submitted its decision regarding the ex-prime minister to the Foreign Ministry but no action has been taken.

Raksagecha Chaecha, Deputy Secretary General of the Ombudsman Office, said the controversy over Mr Thaksin’s passport was taken into the Ombudsman’s consideration following a complaint by Somsak Kosaisuk who accused the Foreign Ministry of breaching the ministry’s Regulation on Issuance of Passport, enforced since 2005. Mr Thaksin was granted a Thai passport on Oct 26 last year.

He said the Foreign Ministry’s issuance of a passport to Mr Thaksin was based on evidence and information in 2008 which was prior to a verdict by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to imprison the former prime minister.

Mr Thaksin was sentenced in absentia to two years imprisonment for violating of conflict of interest law concerning his ex-wife's purchase of a parcel of state land in the capital.

Mr Raksagecha said the Ombudsman had instructed the National Police Bureau to arrest Mr Thaksin, who was on the run.

“The Foreign Ministry failed to verify the previous and new facts concerning Mr Thaksin’s status,” he said. “The Ombudsman has submitted its opinions and proposal to the Foreign Ministry but no action was taken.”

Ombudsman Sriracha Charoenpanich signed letter dated Feb 12, to the prime minister, seeking her reply within 30 days.

Ms Yingluck said she would not clarify the issue to the Ombudsman Office herself as the Foreign Ministry was authorised to do that.

The premier stated that her government did not involve with the re-issuance of her brother's passport. She also denied as groundless the report that her brother is now in Chiang Rai while she is now on duty on a trip to the North. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-02-15

[rubl]

"Ms Yingluck said she would not clarify the issue to the Ombudsman Office herself as the Foreign Ministry was authorised to do that."

As the MoFA didn't reply to previous request and the PM doesn't want to, what's the next step? As k. Thaksin to hand it over to one of the government officials or Pheu Thai MPs who frequently are in the Dubai or HongKong neighboughood and just happen to bump into him?

Can we blame and charge k. Abhisit for this debacle

[Buchholz]

Ms Yingluck said she would not clarify the issue to the Ombudsman Office herself as the Foreign Ministry was authorised to do that.

Foreign Ministry will clarify about Thaksin passport

http://www.mcot.net/site/content?id=511dc160150ba0c24d0002de#.UR3R6pi5Yg8

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