SPECIAL REPORT
Graft charges continue to haunt Yingluck
Opas Boonlom
The Nation

EC probes claim that she aided Pongsapat's city election bid

BANGKOK: -- Although the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has dismissed an allegation that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra submitted a false asset declaration over the Bt30-million loan extended to Ad Index Co Ltd, the PM's path is still paved with thorns as several complaints of corruption, abuse of authority and dereliction of duty have been lined up against her.

Yingluck has said she would like to complete her four-year term, but her wish is achievable only if she can clear herself from allegations of irregularities involving projects ranging from the rice-pledging scheme to the dispute over the Bt2-trillion loan bill; as well as charges that she failed to provide details of procurement procedures and mean prices on the Internet and that she interfered in the transfer of the Defence Ministry permanent secretary.

The next issue that could cost Yingluck her premiership is the allegation that she abused her authority. Green group coordinator Suriyasai Katasila alleged that Yingluck as PM rallied to help Pheu Thai Party gubernatorial candidate Pongsapat Pongcharoen by misleading voters.

He submitted to the Election Commission (EC) taped scripts of Yingluck's statements made at campaign rallies. The Yingluck statement in question, Suriyasai said, was that if residents voted for Pongsapat, the government and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration would work together without conflict.

Bangkok voters would gain benefits if they voted for Number 9 because the government had funds to support mega projects, such as more Skytrain routes. But if people voted for other candidates, they would not receive support from the government.

Suriyasai said as the PM, Yingluck had the responsibility to provide mass transit systems and other services to the public in accordance with the constitution. The EC's panel is investigating the petition.

Bangkok Election Commission chairman Thaweesak Toochinda said Article 60 of the Local Election Act bans state officials from carrying out any activity that benefits candidates or causes them to be at a disadvantage.

If found guilty, Yingluck would face up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine up to Bt200,000 including a ten-year political ban.

A highly placed source in the EC said Yingluck said she did not use office hours to help Pongsapat campaign for votes - but he believes the law would look at the content of the speeches she made, not when she made them.

The source said Article 57 bans candidates and anyone else from promising to give assets or benefits which could be calculated in amounts of money. The EC has asked all television stations for full taped scripts Yingluck made at election rallies.


-- The Nation 2013-04-10

Soooo.....does this mean she might have to flee the country and then continue to govern via a proxy?

Got the strongest feeling of deja vu.

Has anyone seen any tanks yet?

Has anyone seen any tanks yet?

Yeah...................mostly on the tops of buildings.

I think that's where the water is kept.

Ridiculous allegations like several years ago with Samak. Are the right people in the Justice System ready and in place?

Her comments concerning what help that this current maladministration would give provided their puppet candidate was elected to the position of Bangkok Governor is indeed very reminiscent of the comments her brother the grand puppet master made when he was in power visibly.

.

''Villages/ areas that voted for us will receive help the villages/areas that didn't vote for us will receive nothing.nothing.''

True enough those areas that didn't vote for the Thaksin stooges were deprived of funds, indeed a wonderful comment on demonocracy democracy Thaksin clan style

Her comments concerning what help that this current maladministration would give provided their puppet candidate was elected to the position of Bangkok Governor is indeed very reminiscent of the comments her brother the grand puppet master made when he was in power visibly.

.

''Villages/ areas that voted for us will receive help the villages/areas that didn't vote for us will receive nothing.nothing.''

True enough those areas that didn't vote for the Thaksin stooges were deprived of funds, indeed a wonderful comment on demonocracy democracy Thaksin clan style

After re-election he told teachers in Khon Kaen there would be more cash etc for education but not to areas that didn't vote for him. It was carried throughout the media and naturally he claimed he was misquoted. He also wanted to divide the south into colour coded areas depending on insurgent activity and that would determine what aid they did, or didn't, get but was persuaded to back away from the idea. Dictatorship pure and simple

Soooo.....does this mean she might have to flee the country and then continue to govern via a proxy?

Got the strongest feeling of deja vu.

Has anyone seen any tanks yet?

Plenty of Shinawatra's to fill in here. Move over the Kim's in Nth. Korea there's a new dynasty on the block but they are not a threat to the region only to their own people

Move her on out and get who? Her sister? Nah - I prefer the eye candy even is she can't manage anything. PTP leadership is nothing but a joke, proxies for convicted criminals. Thailand... has it got any 'face' left?

Ridiculous allegations like several years ago with Samak. Are the right people in the Justice System ready and in place?

What is ridiculous about these allegations? And what is ridiculous about a PM being forced to step down for having two jobs AND for lying about it?

**But if people voted for other candidates, they would not receive support from the government**

This is not a good thing to come from the mouth of a premier, and is completely against any rules of democracy and freedom of choice. She should be racked over the knuckles if she gave that statement. but do remember at that stage she was still a bit wet around the ears.

**But if people voted for other candidates, they would not receive support from the government**

This is not a good thing to come from the mouth of a premier, and is completely against any rules of democracy and freedom of choice. She should be racked over the knuckles if she gave that statement. but do remember at that stage she was still a bit wet around the ears.

Ahh, just another honest mistake then, never mind laws and values and ethics. And most of all never mind the rights of all the people in the country to share in development etc.

"A highly placed source in the EC said Yingluck said she did not use office hours to help Pongsapat campaign for votes"

So she admits she helped him outside office hours?

Not to Yingluck (in red crayon): A Prime Minister doesn't work office hours, she is not PM from 8 to 5 PM and then stops being a PM.

Soooo.....does this mean she might have to flee the country and then continue to govern via a proxy?

Got the strongest feeling of deja vu.

Has anyone seen any tanks yet?

No, no and no.

The PM enjoys continued support amongst the electorate and strong support within the military enlisted, nco and junior officer personnel.

**But if people voted for other candidates, they would not receive support from the government**

This is not a good thing to come from the mouth of a premier, and is completely against any rules of democracy and freedom of choice. She should be racked over the knuckles if she gave that statement. but do remember at that stage she was still a bit wet around the ears.

However, it is political reality.

A quick check of spending in multiple western democracies shows that the lion's share of public spending goes to constituencies that voted for the government.

Ridiculous allegations like several years ago with Samak. Are the right people in the Justice System ready and in place?

What is ridiculous about these allegations? And what is ridiculous about a PM being forced to step down for having two jobs AND for lying about it?

Don't you remember what the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court said about the case against Samak. The decision they made, was a political one and not really justified by law.

Ridiculous allegations like several years ago with Samak. Are the right people in the Justice System ready and in place?

What is ridiculous about these allegations? And what is ridiculous about a PM being forced to step down for having two jobs AND for lying about it?

Don't you remember what the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court said about the case against Samak. The decision they made, was a political one and not really justified by law.

So why wasn't he re-appointed the next day, which the law allowed?

"Bangkok voters would gain benefits if they voted for Number 9 because the government had funds to support mega projects, such as more Skytrain routes. But if people voted for other candidates, they would not receive support from the government."

.........not cool......

OzMick Post # 16

So why wasn't he re-appointed the next day, which the law allowed?

The reason being was that Samak was increasingly becoming his own man and not listening to Thaksin his puppet master.

The court made a decision regarding Samaks antics that Thaksin ''agreed '' with.

**But if people voted for other candidates, they would not receive support from the government**

This is not a good thing to come from the mouth of a premier, and is completely against any rules of democracy and freedom of choice. She should be racked over the knuckles if she gave that statement. but do remember at that stage she was still a bit wet around the ears.

However, it is political reality.

A quick check of spending in multiple western democracies shows that the lion's share of public spending goes to constituencies that voted for the government.

Really? Can you please supply the extensive research behind your comments. It must have taken some effort to research all of this for the multiple western democracies you mention. Impressive reseaching so please share with us.

Ridiculous allegations like several years ago with Samak. Are the right people in the Justice System ready and in place?

What is ridiculous about these allegations? And what is ridiculous about a PM being forced to step down for having two jobs AND for lying about it?

Don't you remember what the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court said about the case against Samak. The decision they made, was a political one and not really justified by law.

So why wasn't he re-appointed the next day, which the law allowed?

As far as I remember he was reappointed and I really don't know what this has to do with the fact that the judges made a politically motivated decision and bent the law. Maybe you would like to explain or is that the usual moaning about the reds from you?

"Green group coordinator Suriyasai Katasila" has two valid points

She said in essense:

'Vote for our guy or we won't play nice with someone else, and you will lose.'

'She, nor any other elected official can try to sway the electorate for their political friends.'

Her claim of 'her help not being given -during office hours',

in a normal democracy, would be a public defacto admission of guilt.

Sorry Ms. S. the PM job is a 24/7 job, no down time for a PM.

except possibly in your own home with your mate and children.

but even then your deputy calls you for something outside, you just go.

"Bangkok voters would gain benefits if they voted for Number 9 because the government had funds to support mega projects, such as more Skytrain routes. But if people voted for other candidates, they would not receive support from the government."

.........not cool......

Out and out attempt at bribery. Not even a subtle threat. Do as we say, or you won't get anything.

I guess her mistake was in reading a speach someone else had prepared, without understanding what the words mean. Wonder who is setting her up?

Ridiculous allegations like several years ago with Samak. Are the right people in the Justice System ready and in place?

What is ridiculous about these allegations? And what is ridiculous about a PM being forced to step down for having two jobs AND for lying about it?

Don't you remember what the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court said about the case against Samak. The decision they made, was a political one and not really justified by law.

No he didn't, other commentators said that afterwards for spin purposes.

What he said about Samak was a criticism of the wording on paper, how it was phrased,

not the rational behind the wording

A member of the SC did say that about the Thaksin money decision in 2001.

But not about the Samak decision.

Soooo.....does this mean she might have to flee the country and then continue to govern via a proxy?

Got the strongest feeling of deja vu.

Has anyone seen any tanks yet?

No, no and no.

The PM enjoys continued support amongst the electorate and strong support within the military enlisted, nco and junior officer personnel.

How do you know what the military enlisted, nco and junior officers think?

"Bangkok voters would gain benefits if they voted for Number 9 because the government had funds to support mega projects, such as more Skytrain routes. But if people voted for other candidates, they would not receive support from the government."

.........not cool......

Out and out attempt at bribery. Not even a subtle threat. Do as we say, or you won't get anything.

I guess her mistake was in reading a speach someone else had prepared, without understanding what the words mean. Wonder who is setting her up?

I don't think she is being set up. Just PTP handlers ineptitude.

Sycophants don't typically include the 'Best and Brightest' wordsmiths and legal eagles.

**But if people voted for other candidates, they would not receive support from the government**

This is not a good thing to come from the mouth of a premier, and is completely against any rules of democracy and freedom of choice. She should be racked over the knuckles if she gave that statement. but do remember at that stage she was still a bit wet around the ears.

However, it is political reality.

A quick check of spending in multiple western democracies shows that the lion's share of public spending goes to constituencies that voted for the government.

Really? Can you please supply the extensive research behind your comments. It must have taken some effort to research all of this for the multiple western democracies you mention. Impressive reseaching so please share with us.

Really! geriatrickid kid is pretty much spot on because that is what happens in the US. The only difference is that each party and candidate's have transparent items on the desk that benefit everyone, even people that did not vote or care to vote. That is where I see Thailand is different. Thailand uses the same base structure of governance but more "Same Same but different" ways of staying in power.

Still yet people need to rely less on governments and start relying on each other and themselves. Collective self governing has always shown long term sustainability. Do people these days really want to think about such things? I don't think so. We like to think about our own personal comforts cause after all we worked hard for our stuff right?

As far as I remember he was reappointed and I really don't know what this has to do with the fact that the judges made a politically motivated decision and bent the law. Maybe you would like to explain or is that the usual moaning about the reds from you?

You remember incorrectly. Somchai was "appointed".

Sent from my Phone.

PM Yingluck and her very fragile government can't seem to buy a favorable word from the organs of 'public opinion' in this country. And yet her government seems to enjoy broad support in the nation, outside of BKK.

I hope Mister T comes back to Thailand, does a little token jail time, then gets out and lays waste to his enemies.

PM Yingluck and her very fragile government can't seem to buy a favorable word from the organs of 'public opinion' in this country. And yet her government seems to enjoy broad support in the nation, outside of BKK.

I hope Mister T comes back to Thailand, does a little token jail time, then gets out and lays waste to his enemies.

Zero chance of Thaksin coming back if he has to spend even a minute in jail.

Sent from my Phone.

Ridiculous allegations like several years ago with Samak. Are the right people in the Justice System ready and in place?

What is ridiculous about these allegations? And what is ridiculous about a PM being forced to step down for having two jobs AND for lying about it?

Don't you remember what the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court said about the case against Samak. The decision they made, was a political one and not really justified by law.

Did the judge really say exactly that? Not from my understanding, in fact samak broke the law and lied about it. Clear as a bell.

but no doubt you will twist it to whatever pleases you. Next.