Thai Army strongly slams Thaksin’s lawyer, Robert Amsterdam

[fab4]

He went on saying “what is clear is that until the Thai Army is brought under lawful, accountable, democratic and civilian control it will act as a force hindering Thailand’s struggling – yet burgeoning – democracy."

Apart from the fact that this statement is bloody stupid in actual terms, it would also be far more appropriately aimed at Mr Amsterdam's client.

Are you saying that it is a stupid statement i.e should not be even contemplated as it is a perfectly normal status for an Army to be unlawful, unaccountable and not under civilian democratic control or do you mean it is not likely to happen? And why mention Thaksin. This is about the Army and Amsterdams statement. Are you saying that is not appropriate to expose the Army for what it is?

[grumpyoldman]

Simply Thaksin throwing money around (again).

Does Amsterdam write this if not being paid? I don't think so, I don't think he pays any attention without Thaksin pay.

It's just the same as the 500thb for a vote, many talk "Democracy" but how can you have "Democracy" when poor, il-educated people cast their votes for the one that gives them 500thb and buys a couple rounds of beers?

[Nowhereman60]

The Army and the Navy just can't take it when someone tells the truth about them.

So, there it is. You officially endorse and support Amsterdam's statements. That might be a foolhardy action if your side doesn't win. Frankly, I continue to be amazed at many of the posts on this forum that routinely engage in what Thai law regards as criminal defamation. The people doing so, I assume, do not reside in nor plan to visit Thailand anytime soon.

You like the Army and Navy want to make threats to those who don't agree with you. You should become a spoke person for the Suthep.

[fab4]

The subtext of this story is clear - Thaksin is terribly worried. Robert Amersterdam has been Thaksin's ever faithful - albeit richly rewarded - mouthpiece and propaganda tool. And he says whatever Thaksin instructs him to say.

" He said the article was defamatory and filled with groundless and baseless false information ever written by such a person with “narrow-mind” and ” hidden agenda” and evil intention to discredit the army. "

​It is clear from this what the army really thinks of the man behind Amersterdam - Thaksin. And it's not pretty. Thaksin knows that, of course. Hence Amsterdam's current marching orders. What is striking is how few options Thaksin has left. The introduction of the amnesty bill on October 13 meant that he could never come back. That wasn't clear to him then. It is clear to him now. But he still wants his power and his influence. And if the Yingluck administration goes - so does both. And one suspects, Amsterdam's handsome commission along with it.

Disregarding Thaksin, I know it's hard for you but there it is, have you read Amsterdams article or just condemn it because it's written by Amsterdam and it's the trend to denigrate him? Please read the article and then explain what parts of the description of the Thai Army is wrong and why? Or do you just take what the Army says as gospel for the same reasons as you feel you had to involve Thaksin?

Edited January 11, 2014 by fab4

[grumpyoldman]

The Army and the Navy just can't take it when someone tells the truth about them.

So, there it is. You officially endorse and support Amsterdam's statements. That might be a foolhardy action if your side doesn't win. Frankly, I continue to be amazed at many of the posts on this forum that routinely engage in what Thai law regards as criminal defamation. The people doing so, I assume, do not reside in nor plan to visit Thailand anytime soon.

You like the Army and Navy want to make threats to those who don't agree with you. You should become a spoke person for the Suthep.

Nowhereman60, and what you would like to see is a continuation of the Thaksin clan corruption run government? Satellites? Rice schemes? Hugely inflated costs of government projects?

Forget this Amsterdam guy, he's on the payroll.

[Greer]

robert amsterdam is an absolute asshol_e!

You spelt "asshol_e" wrong... the correct spelling in this instance starts with a "C"

Edited January 11, 2014 by Greer

[zydeco]

The Army and the Navy just can't take it when someone tells the truth about them.

So, there it is. You officially endorse and support Amsterdam's statements. That might be a foolhardy action if your side doesn't win. Frankly, I continue to be amazed at many of the posts on this forum that routinely engage in what Thai law regards as criminal defamation. The people doing so, I assume, do not reside in nor plan to visit Thailand anytime soon.

You like the Army and Navy want to make threats to those who don't agree with you. You should become a spoke person for the Suthep.

Look, here, precious, I am not making any threat whatsoever. I am outlining the situation some people seem bound and determined to put themselves in. This is Thailand. And they have their own set of laws and cultural norms. You might not like it, but that doesn't matter. Your post was foolish. Just like many others I see who nonchalantly offer personal and institutional insults like they are safe on American soil.

[jayboy]

Since when was it amsterdams place to blast the Thai army.

Oh yes, he is Thaksins mouthpiece so he is talking for the convicted crim.

How dare the army attempt to prevent the chosen one from returning to claim his rightful place as the dictator.

Please highlight what part of Amsterdams article was factually incorrect so we can all discuss

He can't because every point raised by Robert Amsterdam is true.It doesn't matter whether he is "on the payroll" or not.

It's presumably too difficult for some people to debate rationally given their comments do not suggest much intelligence or knowledge (though to be fair it's not really intellectually possible to defend the lies, brutality, corruption and political meddling of the Thai army)

But the reality is that Robert Amsterdam is absolutely correct and the army's response is mere bombast.

[Nowhereman60]

The Army and the Navy just can't take it when someone tells the truth about them.

So, there it is. You officially endorse and support Amsterdam's statements. That might be a foolhardy action if your side doesn't win. Frankly, I continue to be amazed at many of the posts on this forum that routinely engage in what Thai law regards as criminal defamation. The people doing so, I assume, do not reside in nor plan to visit Thailand anytime soon.

You like the Army and Navy want to make threats to those who don't agree with you. You should become a spoke person for the Suthep.

Look, here, precious, I am not making any threat whatsoever. I am outlining the situation some people seem bound and determined to put themselves in. This is Thailand. And they have their own set of laws and cultural norms. You might not like it, but that doesn't matter. Your post was foolish. Just like many others I see who nonchalantly offer personal and institutional insults like they are safe on American soil.

Your a ______ (just look at your picture)

[jonesthebaker]

The colonel said this lawyer will be considered an undesirable person for the country, he said.

Since when is it the decision of an army to consider someone an undesirable person?

when they have the power to do so.

and of course don't be mislead in to thinking that Mr Amsterdam is Dutch.

Edited January 11, 2014 by jonesthebaker

[grumpyoldman]

"Your a ______ (just look at your picture)" - Nowhereman60

It's a feeble mind that cannot construct an intelligent response and thus goes to personal insults. Good luck with your red shirt mob, similar mentality there.

[geriatrickid]

The colonel said this lawyer will be considered an undesirable person for the country, he said.

Since when is it the decision of an army to consider someone an undesirable person?

Didn't take long for the army to support Amsterdam's assertion did it?

[WhizBang]

Since when was it amsterdams place to blast the Thai army.

Oh yes, he is Thaksins mouthpiece so he is talking for the convicted crim.

How dare the army attempt to prevent the chosen one from returning to claim his rightful place as the dictator.

The problem with that is that you would only permit information/news/argument supporting YOUR perspective to be available. It's healthy to be able to hear all sides....even that which might be considered by some to be extreme

And the problem with your argument is that Amsterday is the paid mouthpiece of a convicted fugitive from justice and therefor anything but unbiased.

[geriatrickid]

Simply Thaksin throwing money around (again).

Does Amsterdam write this if not being paid? I don't think so, I don't think he pays any attention without Thaksin pay.

It's just the same as the 500thb for a vote, many talk "Democracy" but how can you have "Democracy" when poor, il-educated people cast their votes for the one that gives them 500thb and buys a couple rounds of beers?

Mr. Amsterdam has not represented the former PM for quite some time. I believe he was speaking from his position as an internationally recognized expert in human rights law.

[geriatrickid]

And the problem with your argument is that Amsterday is the paid mouthpiece of a convicted fugitive from justice and therefor anything but unbiased.

He no longer represents the former PM.

[Prbkk]

Since when was it amsterdams place to blast the Thai army.

Oh yes, he is Thaksins mouthpiece so he is talking for the convicted crim.

How dare the army attempt to prevent the chosen one from returning to claim his rightful place as the dictator.

The problem with that is that you would only permit information/news/argument supporting YOUR perspective to be available. It's healthy to be able to hear all sides....even that which might be considered by some to be extreme

And the problem with your argument is that Amsterday is the paid mouthpiece of a convicted fugitive from justice and therefor anything but unbiased.

In that case, why did a large proportion of the media deem it newsworthy, but a major source of news for foreigners decided to ignore it? It is worthy of discussion regardless of personal views of its accuracy or otherwise

[rametindallas]

You don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't piss into the wind, you don't pull the mash off the Lone Ranger, and you don't eff wtth the Thai Army. Really, is antagonizing the Army the best way to get them on your side, Mr. Amsterdam? Your boss has become more and more an idiot in his later years.

[simple1]

The Army and the Navy just can't take it when someone tells the truth about them.

So, there it is. You officially endorse and support c. That might be a foolhardy action if your side doesn't win. Frankly, I continue to be amazed at many of the posts on this forum that routinely engage in what Thai law regards as criminal defamation. The people doing so, I assume, do not reside in nor plan to visit Thailand anytime soon.

You like the Army and Navy want to make threats to those who don't agree with you. You should become a spoke person for the Suthep.

Not sure if the proposed 2013 amendment to the Thai Computer Crime Act has been enacted; if so Amsterdam's statement would be unlawful with up to two years imprisonment and from the Army statement, I assume also black listed.

Edited January 11, 2014 by simple1

[wave]

The really foolish thing is that the Army has bothered to issue this press release rebutting Amsterdams statement.

Obviously as Mr Amsterdam is not in Thailand, the Army are unable to invoke the arcane defamation laws that are regularly used to silence critics,

The irony is by responding to the accusations, without offering anything in defense, but only to say Amsterdam is persona non grata it would appear to most observers that the article has substance.

Lets face it, a quick google will show that many of these claims are indeed factually correct.

The Army would be better of saying nothing, the only effect it has is digging themselves deeper into the hole they are already in.

Edited January 11, 2014 by wave

[jayboy]

Since when was it amsterdams place to blast the Thai army.

Oh yes, he is Thaksins mouthpiece so he is talking for the convicted crim.

How dare the army attempt to prevent the chosen one from returning to claim his rightful place as the dictator.

The problem with that is that you would only permit information/news/argument supporting YOUR perspective to be available. It's healthy to be able to hear all sides....even that which might be considered by some to be extreme

And the problem with your argument is that Amsterday is the paid mouthpiece of a convicted fugitive from justice and therefor anything but unbiased.

Forget Amsterdam's personal circumstances for a moment.Can you or indeed anybody demonstrate that his comments on the Thai army are other than accurate? Thought not.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[grumpyoldman]

And the problem with your argument is that Amsterday is the paid mouthpiece of a convicted fugitive from justice and therefor anything but unbiased.

He no longer represents the former PM.

Then I guess the title to the thread should be changed?

[GazR]

Since when was it amsterdams place to blast the Thai army.

Oh yes, he is Thaksins mouthpiece so he is talking for the convicted crim.

How dare the army attempt to prevent the chosen one from returning to claim his rightful place as the dictator.

He reminds me more of Morey Amsterdam every day:

Edited January 11, 2014 by GazR

[mikemac]

The colonel said this lawyer will be considered an undesirable person for the country, he said.

Since when is it the decision of an army to consider someone an undesirable person?

Yes, accuse the Thai army of interfering in the running of the country and what do they do? Assume the role of the immigration department.

Funny how by trying to deny what Amsterdam said, they pretty much confirmed his statement.

......................."Funny how by trying to deny what Amsterdam said, they pretty much confirmed his statement.".............................

Rubbish !

That reminds me, I have to put the bin out. Thanks jackrich !

[icare999]

The colonel said this lawyer will be considered an undesirable person for the country, he said.

Since when is it the decision of an army to consider someone an undesirable person?

thank goodness here it is The army is only thing standing in way of total dictatorship from Taksin and I and many this are very grateful for it

Stop trying to think western democracies are anything like what the government is here and while the Taksin regime or any other tries to pervert all justice, ignore all courts, ride roughshod over any opponents and generally act in a way to put themselves above all other then the army has a vital and necessary role to act as a check and balance

<deleted> do you think Thailand is UK or USA or west. Try and stop being so naive and unaware. Im trying to avoid use of word stupid but is cap fits etc

[diceq]

Love how everyone throws around the "D" word (Democracy). And none of them know the true meaning of it.

And you do? Laughable because you seem to think that your own country is so democratic. It isn't and you are the one who don't understand the true meaning of it.

[diceq]

he is right the army has already refusing to follow lawful directions from the elected government

".........the elected government."

There is no government. It is in caretaker mode.

And what "lawful" directions are the army disregarding?

Even if it was in caretakers mode it is still a government, an elected one. But sure, be delusional and keep telling yourself otherwise.

An army is supposed to be under orders from the government, not the other way around. That is how it works in a democracy. And Thailand is a democracy. Not a single government in the world states otherwise. Only you, the fascist yellow shirts, and some people on this board do.

Edited January 11, 2014 by diceq

[bigbamboo]

Amsterdam is an undesirable person in any country.

[MikeOboe57]

Simply Thaksin throwing money around (again).

Does Amsterdam write this if not being paid? I don't think so, I don't think he pays any attention without Thaksin pay.

It's just the same as the 500thb for a vote, many talk "Democracy" but how can you have "Democracy" when poor, il-educated people cast their votes for the one that gives them 500thb and buys a couple rounds of beers?

Mr. Amsterdam has not represented the former PM for quite some time. I believe he was speaking from his position as an internationally recognized expert in human rights law.

Dear GK,

RA was an unsuccessful corporate lawyer before he started to dabble in human rights as this is the playground where you can get away with BS. He wrote his own wikipedia biography and has an infamous reputation of shooting from the hip without studying any documents and files.

His most remarkable blunder was a long pamphlet describing in detail how the yellow shirts were a lot like Robert Mugabe's "war veterans", thoroughly pissing off Thaksin's intimate business partner.

DL rented out his services to the UDD so this buffoon is still on Thaksin's payroll.

Sent from my GT-N5100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Thait Spot]

While Yingluck pleads with the army to mediate, her brother's paid mouthpiece shoots them verbally

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[icare999]

Since when was it amsterdams place to blast the Thai army.

Oh yes, he is Thaksins mouthpiece so he is talking for the convicted crim.

How dare the army attempt to prevent the chosen one from returning to claim his rightful place as the dictator.

Please highlight what part of Amsterdams article was factually incorrect so we can all discuss

Right! Amsterdam my be a dubious person, just as much as his client, but even he sometimes may be right. The Thai Army has a history of coups and violence against the Thai people.

taksin

so what they are needed until such time as would be dictators like Taksin is able to disregard laws checks and balances. If and when Thailand's leaders accept independent judiciary and such bodies and accept their judgements then feel free to criticise the army here. Taksin has clearly stated he does not believe in democracy, his taksin regime have clearly stated they do not accept court decisions and wont, Taksins government have tried to force through an amnesty bill to give immunity to Taksin and force through changes to constitution so any spending could not be scrutinised even y their own party members or MP's and Taksin has been caught red handed trying to bribe judges (luck box with 2 million baht) as well as plenty of other tube evidence showing he has total disregard for any laws and is quite happy to pay red shirt thugs to do his will.

How much worse does it have to get for people to stop trying to make excuses for Taksin and his one aim to turn here into his own one party dictatorship so he and his clan can have total absolute control of Thailand.