Thaksin 'urges Yingluck to stay' as Prayuth demurs

[kennypowers]

And she claimed many times that she acts on her own and thinks for herself, yet once again big brother fugitive is telling her what to do....Let her quit, no jail term, just leave with all our blessings....Next, Surapong.

Why would she get a jail term? Or are you referring to her brother? She was voted in democratically. There is nothing in the constitution that says if someone in your family is a criminal that you can't be a PM. The current shutdown, however, is illegal, and should a leader be elected from the organisers, he or she would no doubt be taken to court by future opposition.

And what do you think you're going to get "next"? Who would you like to see as PM?

"Why would she get a jail term?"

Do you think allowing your fugitive criminal brother access to cabinet meetings is legal?

Do you think allowing him to suborn your MPs to promote his policies is legal?

Do you think promoting his policies despite clear conflicts of interest is legal?

I don't know, I am not a Thai lawyer. But then why has she not been indicted by the courts? I would think that the opposition has been trying to prove such things over the last 2 years and have seemingly failed - thus the desperate attempt at a shutdown of Bangkok.

All said and done, I don't support any of these self-serving individuals. But the point is, do you think these protests/shutdown will change anything in Thailand, even if a new government emerges?

[gbswales]

I am amazed that you all seem to believe this news - isn't it exactly the kind of news that the opposition would want. Whatever Thaksin maybe he is not an idiot and knows that if this were to happen then it would do his cause no good whatsoever. Yingluck knows that sadly whatever she does, or doesn't do, will be wrong. What if she did resign? what difference would it make to the people disrupting the life of the city? They are not after her - but the whole party and her resignation would make no difference. As far as they are concerned anyone who ever supported Thaksin should be disenfranchised and that means at least half the population of Thailand! Revolution, and this is what this is, rarely leads to anything better in the long run - look at Egypt, look even at Russia where a draconian regime is turning back the clock on human rights. Real change happens slowly by winning hearts and minds and takes decades,

[LevelHead]

I find it very difficult to believe that the rest of the world would accept Yingluck being held accountable if "something happens". What kind of rubbish is this? Thailand would become (even more of) an international laughing stock in the event that an elected PM is held responsible for the actions of anti-democratic street thugs. That would lead to sanctions, trade embargoes, investors fleeing the country, ASEAN intervention. It's complete rubbish. Classics case of blaming the victim.

Avoiding acknowledging the 'elephant in the room' are we? The OP is about a former Thai PM, who is a convicted felon living abroad to escape a prison term, ruling through his baby sister and telling her what to do in every circumstance.

I am confused here a little, perhaps someone can help ? I am referencing to the bold type above about the convicted felon.

Thaksin was convicted because his former wife committed an offense and purchased land from the government - is this correct ?

But the former wife of Thaksin was never actually convicted of any offense. I think the history books will show she was never actually convicted of any offense.

So, is it therefore correct that Thaksin was convicted by association to an illegal offense his former wife committed, even though she was never actually convicted of anything illegal.

Just want to be sure that in this case, nobody was convicted of any offense, apart from Thaksin for association with something that was not, it seems, illegal, according to the facts that nobody was convicted apart from him ?

Wonder if anyone can put some meat on that bone, is it correct ?

Not correct.

Yes there is discussion that a Thai wife must get the permission of her husband to buy land, but that's not quite correct, it's more of a common practice (to some extent from the past) rather than the law.

Now the real reason why the paymaster got sentenced to two years in jail. He was convicted of abuse of power. In Thailand (as in probably in every other country in the world, the law totally prohibits prime ministers (and other elected folks) from both buying state property and from signing documents (as the person who must sign to sell on behalf of the state) to sell to family members.

The law is quite clear, he broke the law (no maybe), he was convicted and sentenced to 2 years in jail.

It cannot even remotely be labeled as a politically motivated case.

The case was heard and the sentence pronounced during the tenure of his own political party.

Did his then wife also break the law? Probably not, however she is a very experienced business woman including vast long-term experience in real estate and had lawyers in her employ, and there can be little doubt that she knew the appropriate laws (as mentioned above) very well, and therefore knew what was happening was illegal.

Did the beaurocrats who prepared the state documents and witnessed the paymaster signing the documents (there was a photo op and the pics appeared in newspapers) break the law? Who knows, but there can be no doubt that they knew what they were witnessing was illegal.

So what you are saying is :

Nobody was convicted of anything apart from Thaksin, for something his wife did (as she purchased the land, the government of Thailand sold it)

She was innocent of any charges as was everyone else in the chain, the only person guilty of any offense at all is this illegal matter was Thaksin for signing the papers.

Everyone else involved in this illegal matter was never convicted of any wrongdoing, just him.

Interesting.

[robblok]

And she claimed many times that she acts on her own and thinks for herself, yet once again big brother fugitive is telling her what to do....Let her quit, no jail term, just leave with all our blessings....Next, Surapong.

Why would she get a jail term? Or are you referring to her brother? She was voted in democratically. There is nothing in the constitution that says if someone in your family is a criminal that you can't be a PM. The current shutdown, however, is illegal, and should a leader be elected from the organisers, he or she would no doubt be taken to court by future opposition.

And what do you think you're going to get "next"? Who would you like to see as PM?

"Why would she get a jail term?"

Do you think allowing your fugitive criminal brother access to cabinet meetings is legal?

Do you think allowing him to suborn your MPs to promote his policies is legal?

Do you think promoting his policies despite clear conflicts of interest is legal?

I don't know, I am not a Thai lawyer. But then why has she not been indicted by the courts? I would think that the opposition has been trying to prove such things over the last 2 years and have seemingly failed - thus the desperate attempt at a shutdown of Bangkok.

All said and done, I don't support any of these self-serving individuals. But the point is, do you think these protests/shutdown will change anything in Thailand, even if a new government emerges?

What good does proving that if it is all brushed aside.

Even if you can prove lying in court (red MP saying he did not vote for multiple people but was caught on tape. He said all the cards were his backups. It was proven to be impossible and him lying. He stuck with his story and nothing happened). Now with JY in power she will just deny all faults in the rice scam and other things and nothing will be done as that is even harder to prove as someone caught on tape and lying in court. That is what we are facing here a government that lies lies and lies.

Just ask the finance minister, so law changes that would remove statue of limitation would be good, making lying in court punishable would be an other good one. Truth is with the laws as they are and the removing of checks and balances the country can't function.

Thailand is not a democracy, as long as a government can ignore a constitutional court and remove things that check them. Wanting family members of MP in the organ that would have to check the MP's that would be even worse. That was what they tried among other things before the brave people stood up and said enough is enough.

This country can only function if the government (even if by some miracle the democrats get in power) get checked good and punished if they break the law. The money made from corruption is the reason of all these fights. Take that away with strict laws and you have won. But MR T the biggest thief does not want hat, he certainly does not want the statue of limitation to be removed on corruption as he still has some cases waiting for him that will dissapear in time.

[ginjag]

And she claimed many times that she acts on her own and thinks for herself, yet once again big brother fugitive is telling her what to do....Let her quit, no jail term, just leave with all our blessings....Next, Surapong.

Why would she get a jail term? Or are you referring to her brother? She was voted in democratically. There is nothing in the constitution that says if someone in your family is a criminal that you can't be a PM. The current shutdown, however, is illegal, and should a leader be elected from the organisers, he or she would no doubt be taken to court by future opposition.

And what do you think you're going to get "next"? Who would you like to see as PM?

There were some ??? prior to her being chosen as PM. also do you think the bankrupt country is anything to do with her ??? also virtually no audit on monies revealed. dismissing Thai authority decisions --3rd in the world most corrupt countries. as was stated on TVF topic I believe ???

and you said WHY would she get jail term. ??? when you get it for stealing from 7-11. here. or caught taking a drug.

As of Jan 2014 Thailand has international reserves of 166 Billion USD, so I doubt it's bankrupt. But anyway, if there is evidence to convict Yingluck and her government of these crimes then the Police and the courts can act independently of the government and take action. Regardless, if Thailand wants to move forward as a democracy, the PM of the country must be voted in through a fair election, not bullying tactics by a couple of ego maniacs.

I have no evidence to show but I am sure you are right in suspecting that her government have stolen money from public funds. But Thailand is a country riddled with corruption, from the local traffic policeman right up to the top of government. Do you believe Suthep could change that?

For all his actions, there is a chance he could get changes. ANY would be welcome. There is no excuse to say corruption is warranted BECAUSE it is riddled with it.

IN normal circumstances yes she must be voted in. 3 years of this ??? not enough to get chucked out YES

If you are placed in the top position and you violently abuse that then you do not have an election you get rid. the party is left to carry on.

Without the corrupt ego minded control freaks. That is what Suthep is trying to do -get the family out. then we have a chance.

NOT with Suthep in charge.

Would the reserves nearly cover the rice scam ??? and ---and----

Edited January 14, 2014 by ginjag

[kkup]

Yay stop corruption. So the deal is if Thaksin / Yingluck get removed and yellow rules government no more corruption? No more paying 200 baht to cops and driving away? No more illegal street vendors? No more dodgy copy and government officials? Everyone has to get a real driving licence and not just pay for it?

Or is the whole campaign targeted at the one greedy family, but corruption will continue and just go into different pockets?

[Halion]

Thaksin, love him or hate him is within the judicial system in this country a convicted felon and a fugitive from justice.

Surely any member of the current government or official administration who would consort with him is therefore guilty of sedition.

It is highly evident to those who are not blinkered by self interest and maniacal propaganda that Thaksin holds him self above the law in a country which he is continually bleating about missing his brothers and sisters and how much he care for the plight of the common man. . Had he been man of even minimal integrity and not an omnipotent little despot he would have returned to his beloved country and followers and faced the music but sadly his personal well being and opulent life style were and always will be held in higher regard than the people he claims to care about.

Thaksin only cares about Thaksin.

[ginjag]

Yay stop corruption. So the deal is if Thaksin / Yingluck get removed and yellow rules government no more corruption? No more paying 200 baht to cops and driving away? No more illegal street vendors? No more dodgy copy and government officials? Everyone has to get a real driving licence and not just pay for it?

Or is the whole campaign targeted at the one greedy family, but corruption will continue and just go into different pockets?

In the aftermath of the Shin family, and mega reforms are put in place, there will be no room for devious people as the courts will be functioning independently.

If the PTP are still allowed to be a party and any others then new parties can be formed and elections organized.

BUT this has to happen ONLY when the courts can do their work and bodies set up to deal with corruption from top to street scams.

[kennypowers]

And she claimed many times that she acts on her own and thinks for herself, yet once again big brother fugitive is telling her what to do....Let her quit, no jail term, just leave with all our blessings....Next, Surapong.

Why would she get a jail term? Or are you referring to her brother? She was voted in democratically. There is nothing in the constitution that says if someone in your family is a criminal that you can't be a PM. The current shutdown, however, is illegal, and should a leader be elected from the organisers, he or she would no doubt be taken to court by future opposition.

And what do you think you're going to get "next"? Who would you like to see as PM?

There were some ??? prior to her being chosen as PM. also do you think the bankrupt country is anything to do with her ??? also virtually no audit on monies revealed. dismissing Thai authority decisions --3rd in the world most corrupt countries. as was stated on TVF topic I believe ???

and you said WHY would she get jail term. ??? when you get it for stealing from 7-11. here. or caught taking a drug.

As of Jan 2014 Thailand has international reserves of 166 Billion USD, so I doubt it's bankrupt. But anyway, if there is evidence to convict Yingluck and her government of these crimes then the Police and the courts can act independently of the government and take action. Regardless, if Thailand wants to move forward as a democracy, the PM of the country must be voted in through a fair election, not bullying tactics by a couple of ego maniacs.

I have no evidence to show but I am sure you are right in suspecting that her government have stolen money from public funds. But Thailand is a country riddled with corruption, from the local traffic policeman right up to the top of government. Do you believe Suthep could change that?

For all his actions, there is a chance he could get changes. ANY would be welcome. There is no excuse to say corruption is warranted BECAUSE it is riddled with it.

IN normal circumstances yes she must be voted in. 3 years of this ??? not enough to get chucked out YES

If you are placed in the top position and you violently abuse that then you do not have an election you get rid. the party is left to carry on.

Without the corrupt ego minded control freaks. That is what Suthep is trying to do -get the family out. then we have a chance.

NOT with Suthep in charge.

Would the reserves nearly cover the rice scam ??? and ---and----

I didn't say corruption was warranted.

[kennypowers]

Yay stop corruption. So the deal is if Thaksin / Yingluck get removed and yellow rules government no more corruption? No more paying 200 baht to cops and driving away? No more illegal street vendors? No more dodgy copy and government officials? Everyone has to get a real driving licence and not just pay for it?

Or is the whole campaign targeted at the one greedy family, but corruption will continue and just go into different pockets?

In the aftermath of the Shin family, and mega reforms are put in place, there will be no room for devious people as the courts will be functioning independently.

If the PTP are still allowed to be a party and any others then new parties can be formed and elections organized.

BUT this has to happen ONLY when the courts can do their work and bodies set up to deal with corruption from top to street scams.

And what about the corruption inside the courts?

[ginjag]

Yay stop corruption. So the deal is if Thaksin / Yingluck get removed and yellow rules government no more corruption? No more paying 200 baht to cops and driving away? No more illegal street vendors? No more dodgy copy and government officials? Everyone has to get a real driving licence and not just pay for it?

Or is the whole campaign targeted at the one greedy family, but corruption will continue and just go into different pockets?

In the aftermath of the Shin family, and mega reforms are put in place, there will be no room for devious people as the courts will be functioning independently.

If the PTP are still allowed to be a party and any others then new parties can be formed and elections organized.

BUT this has to happen ONLY when the courts can do their work and bodies set up to deal with corruption from top to street scams.

And what about the corruption inside the courts?

Don't you think it is Yinglucks job to stop it over 3 years she says she will stop it--believe her if you like.

[ginjag]

And she claimed many times that she acts on her own and thinks for herself, yet once again big brother fugitive is telling her what to do....Let her quit, no jail term, just leave with all our blessings....Next, Surapong.

Why would she get a jail term? Or are you referring to her brother? She was voted in democratically. There is nothing in the constitution that says if someone in your family is a criminal that you can't be a PM. The current shutdown, however, is illegal, and should a leader be elected from the organisers, he or she would no doubt be taken to court by future opposition.

And what do you think you're going to get "next"? Who would you like to see as PM?

There were some ??? prior to her being chosen as PM. also do you think the bankrupt country is anything to do with her ??? also virtually no audit on monies revealed. dismissing Thai authority decisions --3rd in the world most corrupt countries. as was stated on TVF topic I believe ???

and you said WHY would she get jail term. ??? when you get it for stealing from 7-11. here. or caught taking a drug.

As of Jan 2014 Thailand has international reserves of 166 Billion USD, so I doubt it's bankrupt. But anyway, if there is evidence to convict Yingluck and her government of these crimes then the Police and the courts can act independently of the government and take action. Regardless, if Thailand wants to move forward as a democracy, the PM of the country must be voted in through a fair election, not bullying tactics by a couple of ego maniacs.

I have no evidence to show but I am sure you are right in suspecting that her government have stolen money from public funds. But Thailand is a country riddled with corruption, from the local traffic policeman right up to the top of government. Do you believe Suthep could change that?

For all his actions, there is a chance he could get changes. ANY would be welcome. There is no excuse to say corruption is warranted BECAUSE it is riddled with it.

IN normal circumstances yes she must be voted in. 3 years of this ??? not enough to get chucked out YES

If you are placed in the top position and you violently abuse that then you do not have an election you get rid. the party is left to carry on.

Without the corrupt ego minded control freaks. That is what Suthep is trying to do -get the family out. then we have a chance.

NOT with Suthep in charge.

Would the reserves nearly cover the rice scam ??? and ---and----

I didn't say corruption was warranted.

It looked like you condoned it as you seem to think no charges can be made against the PM.

Some are in the pipeline and more serious ones against her brother are pending. look them up.

[fab4]

Avoiding acknowledging the 'elephant in the room' are we? The OP is about a former Thai PM, who is a convicted felon living abroad to escape a prison term, ruling through his baby sister and telling her what to do in every circumstance.

I am confused here a little, perhaps someone can help ? I am referencing to the bold type above about the convicted felon.

Thaksin was convicted because his former wife committed an offense and purchased land from the government - is this correct ?

But the former wife of Thaksin was never actually convicted of any offense. I think the history books will show she was never actually convicted of any offense.

So, is it therefore correct that Thaksin was convicted by association to an illegal offense his former wife committed, even though she was never actually convicted of anything illegal.

Just want to be sure that in this case, nobody was convicted of any offense, apart from Thaksin for association with something that was not, it seems, illegal, according to the facts that nobody was convicted apart from him ?

Wonder if anyone can put some meat on that bone, is it correct ?

Not correct.

Yes there is discussion that a Thai wife must get the permission of her husband to buy land, but that's not quite correct, it's more of a common practice (to some extent from the past) rather than the law.

Now the real reason why the paymaster got sentenced to two years in jail. He was convicted of abuse of power. In Thailand (as in probably in every other country in the world, the law totally prohibits prime ministers (and other elected folks) from both buying state property and from signing documents (as the person who must sign to sell on behalf of the state) to sell to family members.

The law is quite clear, he broke the law (no maybe), he was convicted and sentenced to 2 years in jail.

It cannot even remotely be labeled as a politically motivated case.

The case was heard and the sentence pronounced during the tenure of his own political party.

Did his then wife also break the law? Probably not, however she is a very experienced business woman including vast long-term experience in real estate and had lawyers in her employ, and there can be little doubt that she knew the appropriate laws (as mentioned above) very well, and therefore knew what was happening was illegal.

Did the beaurocrats who prepared the state documents and witnessed the paymaster signing the documents (there was a photo op and the pics appeared in newspapers) break the law? Who knows, but there can be no doubt that they knew what they were witnessing was illegal.

So what you are saying is :

Nobody was convicted of anything apart from Thaksin, for something his wife did (as she purchased the land, the government of Thailand sold it)

She was innocent of any charges as was everyone else in the chain, the only person guilty of any offense at all is this illegal matter was Thaksin for signing the papers.

Everyone else involved in this illegal matter was never convicted of any wrongdoing, just him.

Interesting.

Might be worth a read http://slimdogsworld.blogspot.com/

[kimamey]

And she claimed many times that she acts on her own and thinks for herself, yet once again big brother fugitive is telling her what to do....Let her quit, no jail term, just leave with all our blessings....Next, Surapong.

Why would she get a jail term? Or are you referring to her brother? She was voted in democratically. There is nothing in the constitution that says if someone in your family is a criminal that you can't be a PM. The current shutdown, however, is illegal, and should a leader be elected from the organisers, he or she would no doubt be taken to court by future opposition.

And what do you think you're going to get "next"? Who would you like to see as PM?

I think the objection to Yingluck is she wasn't interested in politics and had no experience. Are the rest of the PTP members that bad that she's the best option or is it that she will do what she's told.

I personally can't see any reason why she can't just step down if she wants and feels it's best but then Thai law is a funny old thing.

[3NUMBAS]

no gumment can allow themselves to be forced out by a terrorist group of thugs can they , and replace it with a dictator ship with suthep at the helm ,perish the thought

[ggold]

I find it very difficult to believe that the rest of the world would accept Yingluck being held accountable if "something happens". What kind of rubbish is this? Thailand would become (even more of) an international laughing stock in the event that an elected PM is held responsible for the actions of anti-democratic street thugs. That would lead to sanctions, trade embargoes, investors fleeing the country, ASEAN intervention. It's complete rubbish. Classics case of blaming the victim.

Wow, it isn't about what the demonstrators are doing, which is peaceful protesting. The warning is about the way the caretaker government might decide to disperse the protesters. In that regard the General is saying any deaths caused by the police or a third party would be Yinglucks responsibility

Yet again you fail to grasp any of what is actually happening.

[ginjag]

no gumment can allow themselves to be forced out by a terrorist group of thugs can they , and replace it with a dictator ship with suthep at the helm ,perish the thought

Out of this world post.

No NORMAL sane government should be bullied out of office--unless it has driven the country to tea dregs.

Thousands of Thugs on the BKK streets, ??? OTT.

Who wants Suthep as leader his job done he is out. so another dictatorship will not take over. IF reforms take place.

[Showbags]

Well done to her for not resigning, her resignation would lead to a huge void that would be filled with anything but a democratic government.

Do you mean like NOW--as in Void good there is a void, one has to think on what scale the country was being plundered in ! DAY, I would love to know. this has gone on for 3 years.

FRIGHTENING. pity for elderly-infirm-cripples-backward persons-homeless-mental hospitals-schools-hospitals-rail and road.

A government that can grab for themselves and disregard the basics here, bankrupt the country does not deserve any say in any polls or negotiations.

Huge void... ....dejavu

[kimamey]

I personally don't see a whole lot wrong about Yingluck talking to her brother for advice. I'm sure George W Bush sought advice from his dad (not to mention other family members), that Hilary Clinton seeks advice from Bill, that Singapore PM Lee Hsieng Loon seeks advice from Lee Kwan Yew, etc etc etc. I just don't understand why they 'advertise' it like this, as it just feeds the perception that Yingluck is a puppet/mouthpiece for Thaksin [which she very well may be]. Total lack of political savvy. Or is it that PTP supporters find comfort in Thaksin's involvement?

I think the difference apart from Singapore which I know nothing about is that those were experienced politicians asking for advice from previous leaders who were in the country. Yingluck probably wasn't asking for advice from Thaksin or any of the other PTP members as she had no idea what was going on. A point she made herself on several occasions. This looked more like receiving instructions from people, one of whom is out of the country avoiding a jail sentence.

I'm not sure about a lack of political savvy. I would say either they're stupid to do things so openly (they could have chosen a politician as leader) or they think their supporters are too stupid to notice. You're right though why advertise it?

[khunken]

Yay stop corruption. So the deal is if Thaksin / Yingluck get removed and yellow rules government no more corruption? No more paying 200 baht to cops and driving away? No more illegal street vendors? No more dodgy copy and government officials? Everyone has to get a real driving licence and not just pay for it?

Or is the whole campaign targeted at the one greedy family, but corruption will continue and just go into different pockets?

In the aftermath of the Shin family, and mega reforms are put in place, there will be no room for devious people as the courts will be functioning independently.

If the PTP are still allowed to be a party and any others then new parties can be formed and elections organized.

BUT this has to happen ONLY when the courts can do their work and bodies set up to deal with corruption from top to street scams.

And what about the corruption inside the courts?

Corruption within the courts is minor when compared to the police and government.

to clear a few things up, first Thaksin was convicted because he signed off allowing his wife to bid for a property that was indirectly owned by the government. He knew he had broken the law (he always considered himself above the law) & thought he could bribe the court to acquit him. He failed, didn't appeal and ran away.

Second, Suthep has made it clear that whatever body is set up to address the enormous corruption problems preventing the country from flourishing, he will not be a participant let alone head it up. He may fail to immediately rid the country of the Shin dynasty but he has made the issue of tackling corruption as a very high priority that even the PTP cannot totally ignore.

Far too many 'shoot the messenger' posters' hatred of Suthep prevents them from actually looking at what Suthep is proposing. A few examples:

* Elected provincial governors

* Elected police chief

* Decentralisation of power - the police for one

The article comes from the Nation so - again - it's shoot the messenger time. Many articles in local and international newspapers quote 'a source who can't be identified' on numerous subjects, so it's not unusual.

[Docno]

I personally don't see a whole lot wrong about Yingluck talking to her brother for advice. I'm sure George W Bush sought advice from his dad (not to mention other family members), that Hilary Clinton seeks advice from Bill, that Singapore PM Lee Hsieng Loon seeks advice from Lee Kwan Yew, etc etc etc. I just don't understand why they 'advertise' it like this, as it just feeds the perception that Yingluck is a puppet/mouthpiece for Thaksin [which she very well may be]. Total lack of political savvy. Or is it that PTP supporters find comfort in Thaksin's involvement?

Except for the fact he's a convicted criminal on the run?

I thought he'd been convicted in absentia, without a defence being mounted, within a highly politicised legal system, during the tenure of an unelected government that seized power through illegal means. Thanks for clearing that up....

[scorecard]

no gumment can allow themselves to be forced out by a terrorist group of thugs can they , and replace it with a dictator ship with suthep at the helm ,perish the thought

Suggest you do a lot more reading and get a much better understanding of what's happening and why.

[ginjag]

Yay stop corruption. So the deal is if Thaksin / Yingluck get removed and yellow rules government no more corruption? No more paying 200 baht to cops and driving away? No more illegal street vendors? No more dodgy copy and government officials? Everyone has to get a real driving licence and not just pay for it?

Or is the whole campaign targeted at the one greedy family, but corruption will continue and just go into different pockets?

In the aftermath of the Shin family, and mega reforms are put in place, there will be no room for devious people as the courts will be functioning independently.

If the PTP are still allowed to be a party and any others then new parties can be formed and elections organized.

BUT this has to happen ONLY when the courts can do their work and bodies set up to deal with corruption from top to street scams.

And what about the corruption inside the courts?

Corruption within the courts is minor when compared to the police and government.

to clear a few things up, first Thaksin was convicted because he signed off allowing his wife to bid for a property that was indirectly owned by the government. He knew he had broken the law (he always considered himself above the law) & thought he could bribe the court to acquit him. He failed, didn't appeal and ran away.

Second, Suthep has made it clear that whatever body is set up to address the enormous corruption problems preventing the country from flourishing, he will not be a participant let alone head it up. He may fail to immediately rid the country of the Shin dynasty but he has made the issue of tackling corruption as a very high priority that even the PTP cannot totally ignore.

Far too many 'shoot the messenger' posters' hatred of Suthep prevents them from actually looking at what Suthep is proposing. A few examples:

* Elected provincial governors

* Elected police chief

* Decentralisation of power - the police for one

The article comes from the Nation so - again - it's shoot the messenger time. Many articles in local and international newspapers quote 'a source who can't be identified' on numerous subjects, so it's not unusual.

You will always have the few % bombarding anything that is done to rid of this proven corrupt lot-and I put that mildly.

Failure to see the state Thailand was in prior to this protest. Total blindness.

The same people who if they get a puncture in their car tyre, they would look at why first. These same posters fail to do the same re a bent government.

[Basil B]

If another Shinawatra runs away it may give the whole family a bad name.

I predicted she would have slipped out the back door over the weekend, nearly right.

Edited January 14, 2014 by Basil B

[h90]

... "and talked via Skype with Thaksin, who said the Constitution did not allow her to resign"... "She would face a jail term, he warned."

This is hilarious. A fugitive criminal instructing the caretaker PM not to step down. Not even Monty Python could come up with comedy like this.

And this: "If she did resign, the protesters would ask the court to rule that she had violated the Penal Code's Article 157, which punishes officials who abandon their duty. She would face a jail term, he warned." is also an explanation that is worth Monty Python.

You don't go on TV and tell you step down because you are fed up with Suthep.

You let a doctor declare , that you have serious health problems due to the stress this causes and close to a total brake down, so you declare that are UNABLE to do your duty due to the health problems and step down.

If you are sic than it is not punishable.

[h90]

If another Shinawatra runs away it may give the whole family a bad name.

I predicted she would have slipped out the back door over the weekend, nearly right.

[rubl]

I personally don't see a whole lot wrong about Yingluck talking to her brother for advice. I'm sure George W Bush sought advice from his dad (not to mention other family members), that Hilary Clinton seeks advice from Bill, that Singapore PM Lee Hsieng Loon seeks advice from Lee Kwan Yew, etc etc etc. I just don't understand why they 'advertise' it like this, as it just feeds the perception that Yingluck is a puppet/mouthpiece for Thaksin [which she very well may be]. Total lack of political savvy. Or is it that PTP supporters find comfort in Thaksin's involvement?

Except for the fact he's a convicted criminal on the run?

I thought he'd been convicted in absentia, without a defence being mounted, within a highly politicised legal system, during the tenure of an unelected government that seized power through illegal means. Thanks for clearing that up....

The trial was proceeding in 2008 under Thaksin choosen PPP PMs the late Samak and brother-in-law Somchai. Thaksin was present for a while, but after a.o. some money filled lunchbox incident seemed to have lost faith. He asked for permission to go to the Beijing Olympic Games and promised to return immediately afterwards. Well, he didn't, he jumped bail. As the trial had already started and commenced sufficiently and with Thaksin's lawyers present the court came to a guilty verdict with sentencing to two years imprisonment. Thaksin via his lawyers had a month to appeal, but Thaksin let the period slip by.

[wprime]

What authority does this man have from a legal standpoint on this situation?

Could this article (if taken from statements directly from her and also possibly from the brawler himself) be an admission of associating with and acting on behalf for the benefit of a known fugitive?

If Thai law does not cover this kind of activity then perhaps it is time Thai law was modernised into the digital era to reflect this type of crime. This goes not only for dialogue between PTP and Thaksin but all other fugitives of the Kingdom - he is not the first and will not be the last unless the law is changed.

I suggest you read the media from a year ago and earlier, PTP only recently started hiding their association with the fugitive Thaksin to win favour with the foreign media. There's nothing illegal about it under Thai law.

[Publicus]

This story should be plastered on every television station around the world, every billboard, every blog, every newspaper. There shouldn't be a single space on the planet that doesn't carry this story. Thaksin - alternating between the role of Iago and Lady Macbeth - is now whispering ( shouting ) in his sister's ear, telling her that the protesters' call for her resignation is really just a ruse - once she resigns they will prosecute her for abandoning her country ( unlike him ) and throw her in prison ! This is the very height of infamy.This could have been peaceful resolved - yesterday ! But Thaksin - as ever the most selfish being on the planet, and dangerous to boot - is telling a prime minister over that blasted skype connection to hang tough ! ( presumably like he would, if he were only a man, and were actually here, where a prison sentence wouldn't be a just mere ruse ). Yingluck, trust your better instincts. Trust your heart and your feelings. Don't seek guidance from this man. He is only out for himself. He is out to deceive you and the country.

One shouldn't get too worked up about an obvious publicity stunt, Thaksin in a sourced news article openly advising his sister to hang tough or the law will come after her. Governments and investors globally know what the law is and means in Thailand - laws in the endemically corrupt Thailand mean nothing unless the elites put an X on you because you're not admitted to the club or because you kiss-off joining it.

\

Yingluck's call to the army chief was a consciously done stark reminder to the world that the army runs Thailand and that legitimately elected democratic government rejected by the elites is a sham. How many times has the Mussolini clone Suthep met openly and brazenly with the army chief and the tarnished top brass?

This is the story that's been presented repeatedly throughout the world and everyone paying even remote attention knows Thailand remains a feudal estate.

[penwithcris]

Interesting how The Nation appears to be able to quote from a private Skype conversation between siblings?

I can't see why so many people are so hung up on Thaksin's continued involvement in Thai politics through his sister. Of course he gives her brotherly advice. Beyond him dying that is likely to continue, and,of course, Yingluck will continue to insist that she is her own person and makes her own decisions.

So, unless Yingluck is given pentathol and placed on a 'rack' and tortured,that has to be the accepted situation

If Thaksin did suggest to her that she stayed in post until the elections, very sound advice indeed.