Terrorism to insurrection: criminal cases in Thai politics

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Terrorism to insurrection: criminal cases in Thai politics

BANGKOK, December 12, 2013 (AFP) - In Thailand, where ex-premier Abhisit Vejjajiva was indicted for murder Thursday, many key political figures have fallen foul of the country's legal system.

Here is a summary of the main criminal cases involving key figures in the country's recent turbulent history.

THE DEMOCRATS -- IN POWER FROM 2008 TO 2011
Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his then deputy Suthep Thaugsuban face a murder charge over a deadly military crackdown on mass opposition "Red Shirt" protests in 2010, which were in support of ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

More than 90 people were killed and some 1,900 injured during the rallies against the government led by Abhisit's Democrat Party, which is now in opposition.

Suthep is accused of ordering the use of lethal force by soldiers to break up the rallies and was also due to appear to be indicted Thursday.

But the fiery former MP is currently leading protests in Bangkok against the elected premier Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's sister, and his legal team requested the court process be delayed.
Suthep has an arrest warrant issued for him in connection to the present rallies for insurrection, for which he could face the death penalty.

He has called on his supporters to protect him if the police attempt to arrest him.
British-born Abhisit denied the charges and was freed after posting bail of 1.8 million baht ($56,000), his lawyer said.

THAKSIN SHINAWATRA -- IN POWER FROM 2001 TO 2006
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is beloved by the rural poor for his ambitious social programs, was overthrown in September 2006 by royalist generals.

A committee appointed by the military junta that ruled Thailand after the coup froze his 76-billion-baht fortune (around $2.2 billion).

The money represents most of the profits his family earned when they sold his Shin Corp. telecoms empire in a controversial January 2006 deal for which he paid no tax.

The policeman-turned-billionaire, who lives in self-imposed exile in Dubai, was sentenced in absentia in October 2008 to two years in prison for financial wrongdoing over a land deal involving his then wife.

In 2010 the Supreme Court confiscated more than half of Thaksin's fortune -- some $1.4 billion -- after finding him guilty of abuse of power over the Shin Corp. deal.

The former premier faces further abuse of power and financial wrongdoing charges.

An arrest warrant was also issued against him for terrorism in connection to 2010 protests by his "Red Shirt" supporters, but the charge has since been dropped.

THE RED SHIRTS
This pro-Thaksin movement brought more than 100,000 people onto the streets in 2010, paralysing the centre of Bangkok for some two months before an army assault ended the standoff.

Twenty four Red Shirt leaders stand accused of terrorism for their role in the protests of 2010.

The judicial code sanctions the death penalty if they are found guilty on those charges, while some of the group also face a variety of other prosecutions.

Most of the group have been bailed, but some remain detained.

The terrorism trial is expected to last for years as the defendants' legal teams file multiple appeals.

Several of the accused were MPs until Yingluck called a snap election this week.

Lawmakers normally enjoy immunity from prosecution during parliamentary sessions.

THE YELLOW SHIRTS
A force to be reckoned with in Thailand's colour-coded street protests, debilitating protests by the Yellows helped spur the military coup that toppled Thaksin.

Sondhi Limthongkul, founder of the ultra royalist yellow movement, was convicted of defaming Thaksin and handed a six-month suspended jail sentence.

In February 2012, the Criminal Court sentenced him to 20 years in prison for corporate fraud in a case dating back to the mid-1990s. He was released on bail pending an appeal.

The media mogul was convicted of insulting the monarchy in October 2013 under Thailand's strict lese majeste laws for quoting a speech by a Red Shirt activist -- who was jailed for 15 years for the original remarks. He was bailed.

Sondhi and dozens of other Yellow Shirts also face terrorism charges over the occupation of Bangkok's main airports in 2008, which stranded thousands of tourists.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-12-12

[ChrisY1]

Oh yes......anything gonna happen here.....

Could be interesting in the next 2 months up to the election

[noitom]

How about cops killed in hit and run vehicular murder? Why don't we read about the follow up on the outstanding warrants for the criminal in this case? Rule of law in Thailand? Here is an example of the heart of the problem.

[EricBerg]

The case against the missunderstood fugitive was dropped because he was not in Thailand by the time the red shirts committed the crimes. Such a farce. Everybody knows he ordered from Dubai to burn Bangkok. The Red Bull kid is playboying in another country. Suthep seems to be untouchable now in despite of arrest warrents. By the way, is it a crime to give a diplomatic passport to a fugitive criminal?

[waza]

Don't forget the 2500 corruption charges that are pending.

[noitom]

How about some news of some busts in the south of Thailand where there were just another set of bombs , 6 reported deaths and countless injuries. Rarely do we ever read about major busts for terrorism in Thailand. How can Thailand claim any semblance of security in a constant terrorism state?

[klauskunkel]

The Thai Way: Last years terrorists, murderers, instigators, abettors and criminals are this year's government. Jatuporn, Nattuwhut, Chalerm, come to mind most easily, and of course Thaksin (some years back).

Why does Thailand insist to be governed by criminals?:

Masochism? Mai pen rai? 500 baht? Laziness?

Edited December 13, 2013 by klauskunkel