Thaksin Returns As Pm

[John K]

I never mentioned Hitler only the era. I know several of the banners in the demonstrations this year made the connection but that was an after thought.

There are a few major court rulings in the next several days. One could end the TRT. By no means am I saying all members of the TRT are bad, however they will suffer the pains of guilt by association. So if you want to dance with the devil.....

And that disproves your comparism with Hitler already.

In Nazi Germany there could not have been a courtcase possible against the NSDAP or Hitler.

Read post 116, your comment is out of context.

Certainly not a complete match yet but enough to make me think about it.

[penzman]

I doubt he will have the freedom to clown around like this much longer.

Like Wyle E. Coyote, he will soon go too far and plunge to his political death. Meep meep!

I think he may have passes that point. The only people that want him have a financial gain from doing so.

Don't underestimate the man, please. He can do much bett..worse than that.

[Ricardo]

The victims of Thaksin-ism are just as dead as the victims of Hitler-ism, Stalin-ism, Marcos-ism, et al.

The only differences are the current tallies.

And that Hitler propagated an insanely racist ideology, allowed no dissent whatsoever, slaughtered about 90% of the European jews, countless Homosexuals, Socialists, Communists, Gypsies, started WW2 which cost around 40 million people their lives, etc.

Comparing Thaksin with Hitler, or any of the mentioned dictators, is completely off the mark. Thaksin is definately not a nice person, and guilty of a lot of things, but a Hitler he is not.

ColPyat, I think you're confusing Hitler as he eventually turned-out to be , with the Hitler as he appeared in his earlier years, when the mass of the German people actually voted him into power.

This may still be only the early years of Thaksin.

Anyway JohnK did not compare Dr.T to H. in his post, merely said that the times & happenings triggered a memory from his school-days, so you're over-reacting to something which wasn't said,as I read it.

[ColPyat]

ColPyat, I think you're confusing Hitler as he eventually turned-out to be , with the Hitler as he appeared in his earlier years, when the mass of the German people actually voted him into power.

This may still be only the early years of Thaksin.

Anyway JohnK did not compare Dr.T to H. in his post, merely said that the times & happenings triggered a memory from his school-days, so you're over-reacting to something which wasn't said,as I read it.

Hitler in his early years was already an insanely racist prick. There are several excellent biographies around who can elaborate on this far better than i can.

The more radical opponents of Thaksin always seem to draw parallels between Thaksin and Hitler, and this is off the mark. Both are from politically completely different corners, have completely different aims.

Drawing parallels between a TRT library that does not store critical books of Thaksin, and Hitler's book burning is a ridiculous exageration that needlessly emotionalises the issue.

The only parallel i would draw with Nazi ideology, is the predecessor of Hitler's way of thinking - the volkisch movement - and some of the thoughts expressed in the book "Royal Power" by Pramuan, which is the theoretical background of the most powerful PAD leaders - Chamlong and Sondhi.

[Plus]

That library sounds like a setup from North Korea or something - huge portraits of a dear leader, twelve-foot long timeline with dear leader miraculous achievements, huge TV playing scenes of dear leader solving country's problems and so on.

They can surely do anything they want in their TRT building, even build Thaksin's mausoleum when he becomes available.

[ColPyat]

That library sounds like a setup from North Korea or something - huge portraits of a dear leader, twelve-foot long timeline with dear leader miraculous achievements, huge TV playing scenes of dear leader solving country's problems and so on.

They can surely do anything they want in their TRT building, even build Thaksin's mausoleum when he becomes available.

The Thaksin cult concerning books is more laughable than anything else.

Even in the Thai translations of Harry Potter there is on the backcover a recomendation by Thaksin.

[thedude]

i think it is a good thing that the PM of a developing country tries to encourage his people to read good books.

period.

what was probably a simple attempt to showcase his library was once again distorted and shown in critical light by the press. the prime minister opens a library, and the press is all over him. they don't talk about what is in the library, but focus on what is not. people should just see the facts and not get suckered into the media's childish behavior.

Edited May 29, 2006 by thedude

[John K]

I did not think of North Korea but yes there is a strong similarity. I could have just as easily connected with that however I know more about Germany and the memory of that occurred first. One other interesting point is both Hitler and Kim Jong-il have been said to have difficulty in grasping onto reality. Thaksin seems to have the same problem when he came back. Apparently he thinks the laws don’t apply to him.

[Plus]

they don't talk about what is in the library

They DO talk about huge portraits, twelve-foot long lifeline and plasma TVs. That would be my first impression also - they don't really belong to the library.

The books? If Thaksin really appreciated literature he wouldn't be so full of himself.

[John K]

they don't talk about what is in the library

They DO talk about huge portraits, twelve-foot long lifeline and plasma TVs. That would be my first impression also - they don't really belong to the library.

The books? If Thaksin really appreciated literature he wouldn't be so full of himself.

Did not Sadam Hussein do the same? I think you hit it on the head “so full of himself.”

It is a bit unsettling with Sadam Hussien, Kim Jong-il, Hitler, and Thaksin in the same thread. Oh and George Bush too.

[Jai Dee]

It is a bit unsettling with Sadam Hussien, Kim Jong-il, Hitler, and Thaksin in the same thread. Oh and George Bush too.

You are correct.

Can we please stay on-topic and discuss the Thaksin situation only please folks?

Discussions about Hitler, Hussein, etc. do not belong on this Forum.

[Plus]

We are just killing time until the news from the courts arrive - they are trying the EC for the first time today.

[sriracha john]

and as the news from the Courts is trickled out.... it's not looking good for the TRT:

Suthep shows pictures of small party leader walking to Thamarak's office

Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban Monday showed to the Criminal Court pictures of the leader of a small party, allegedly hired by the Thai Rak Thai Party to contest the April 2 election, walking to the office of Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura.

Suthep filed a criminal lawsuit against the Election Commission for malfeasance for refusing to take action against the Thai Rak Thai Party for allegedly hiring the Pattana Chat Thai Party to contest the April 2 election.

Suthep showed nine still pictures captured from video recorded by a closed-circuit TV at the Defence Ministry on March 3.

Continued here:

http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/r...newsid=30005187

[John K]

We are just killing time until the news from the courts arrive - they are trying the EC for the first time today.

Do you like extra butter on your popcorn? The show is on!!!!

[Siripon]

ColPyat, I think you're confusing Hitler as he eventually turned-out to be , with the Hitler as he appeared in his earlier years, when the mass of the German people actually voted him into power.

This may still be only the early years of Thaksin.

Anyway JohnK did not compare Dr.T to H. in his post, merely said that the times & happenings triggered a memory from his school-days, so you're over-reacting to something which wasn't said,as I read it.

Hitler in his early years was already an insanely racist prick. There are several excellent biographies around who can elaborate on this far better than i can.

The more radical opponents of Thaksin always seem to draw parallels between Thaksin and Hitler, and this is off the mark. Both are from politically completely different corners, have completely different aims.

Drawing parallels between a TRT library that does not store critical books of Thaksin, and Hitler's book burning is a ridiculous exageration that needlessly emotionalises the issue.

The only parallel i would draw with Nazi ideology, is the predecessor of Hitler's way of thinking - the volkisch movement - and some of the thoughts expressed in the book "Royal Power" by Pramuan, which is the theoretical background of the most powerful PAD leaders - Chamlong and Sondhi.

Pramuan is a member of the diminishing Wang Nam Yen faction led by Sanoh Thianthong, a man who strongly opposed the present constitution when it was being written.

Both are conservatives who turned against Thaksin when they realised Thaksin had bought most of their MPs and held neither in any respect, indeed Sanoh was given the derisory position of Honorary Whip.

Pramuan, like Sonti, knew Thaksin had committed several controversial actions regarding the monarchy, and this provided a convenient and vulnerable area to focus an attack on Thaksin, but the main thrust and ideology propelling the PAD is not a return to royal powers but a desire to dismantle Thaksinocracy.

If one listens to the PAD speeches and press reports, 2 names constantly reappear- Suriyasai Katasila and the outgoing senator, Chermsak Pinthong, both these figures are committed democrats with the aim of increasing public participation in decision making.

Listening to PAD meetings and rallies,it's plain the vast majority of participants are sick of Thaksin's dictatorial style and long for greater freedom.

[John K]

I am totally amazed. As I read this thread I am seeing more and more that I did not know about Thaksin. I know everyone has a few skeletons in their closet, but it would appear he has a full cemetery in his. How much dirt is on him? It seems to never end. For every good thing he did it seems several bad things pop up.

I was looking at him superficially and got a bad taste. But now it seems the pot has been stirred and all is coming to the surface. Is there anyone in Thailand who was not negatively effected by him? Even the people who benefitted financially from him probably only got a fraction of what it could of been.

I suspect the next 2 things we will see will first resemble a cornered animal forced into a fight response. Then what will resemble a shark feeding frenzy where the food is political power. In both examples blood is a primary element.

[ColPyat]

Pramuan is a member of the diminishing Wang Nam Yen faction led by Sanoh Thianthong, a man who strongly opposed the present constitution when it was being written.

Both are conservatives who turned against Thaksin when they realised Thaksin had bought most of their MPs and held neither in any respect, indeed Sanoh was given the derisory position of Honorary Whip.

Pramuan, like Sonti, knew Thaksin had committed several controversial actions regarding the monarchy, and this provided a convenient and vulnerable area to focus an attack on Thaksin, but the main thrust and ideology propelling the PAD is not a return to royal powers but a desire to dismantle Thaksinocracy.

If one listens to the PAD speeches and press reports, 2 names constantly reappear- Suriyasai Katasila and the outgoing senator, Chermsak Pinthong, both these figures are committed democrats with the aim of increasing public participation in decision making.

Listening to PAD meetings and rallies,it's plain the vast majority of participants are sick of Thaksin's dictatorial style and long for greater freedom.

Personally, i wonder why either Sanoh or Pramuan should be held in any respect. Sanoh should be tried and sentenced to a long jail sentence.

Regarding the PAD rallies - yes, many people are tired of Thaksin's authoritarian style, but my impression was that people were even more sick of the "sale of the country". The most applause was given to the speakers who played the nationalist card, and not the democratic one. And especially to the most hysteric screamers.

Can you honestly tell me that the demonstrations would have gathered such a momentum if the ShinCorp sale would not have happened, or if Thaksin would have taken Chamlong's advice to give a third of his profits away? I don't think so.

During Thaksin's most authoritarian actions - the drugwar and the Tak Bai saga - nobody saw any reason to form a league for democracy. Neither did especially the drugwar play much of a role in the PAD rallies, even though this was the most questiable action of Thaksin, with the most victims. Fact is that most did agree with the way how the drugwar was performed, even in one of the speaches at Royal Plaza did Sondhi attack Thaksin for letting the drugwar slip.

I do not disbelieve that several of the PAD people are democratic, nevertheless - Sondhi and Chamlong are most definately not what i would call of a democratic mindset. It would not be the first time in history that people with ulterior motives used others in order to appear what they are not. Neither do i understand why appearantly democratic people get in league with two so obvious shady characters. It smears their reputation and intent.

[penzman]

Again with the drug war, Tak Bai, and Chamlong... Does this really have to resurface over and over?

[ColPyat]

Again with the drug war, Tak Bai, and Chamlong... Does this really have to resurface over and over?

Well, as those were the two most defining moments of Thaksin's reign regarding crass human rights violations, as Chamlong being the man who has brought Thaksin into politics, and has supported him throughout his premiership until the ShinCorp sale, i really have to wonder about your question.

[sriracha john]

Hmmm... anyway... returning to the star of the thread, Thaksin... and his TRT Party :

It's just possible... just might be... that Thaksin might beat Sanoh into that jail cell...

and of course, as the main character in all the Thaksin crimes, being ahead of any of his cohorts... it is justifiably so....

Photos, from security cameras, of people taking money ... followed by denials by the Defence Minister that his building even has security cameras in those areas.. .. laughable defence from the Defence Minister

Candidates for sale?: This closed-circuit video footage from Defence Ministry headquarters shows what Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban claims to be a shady deal struck among small parties and the ruling Thai Rak Thai party. The video became evidence in the Criminal Court yesterday.

ELECTORAL FRAUD ALLEGATIONS

What were they doing at the Defence Ministry?

Suthep's court shocker allegedly shows small party being bought

Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaug-suban dropped a bombshell on the Thai Rak Thai Party on the first day of a Criminal Court trial against the election commissioners yesterday by producing damning evidence against General Thamarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya.

Suthep produced what he claimed were printouts of closed-circuit television footage showing a senior figure of a small political party visiting the Thai Rak Thai deputy leader at his office at the Defence Ministry. Suthep alleged that the small party was paid to contest the April 2 general election.

... and as for the EC sub-committee's report:

The section reads: "There exists enough evidence that the [violations] committed by [some people as] representatives of the Thai Rak Thai Party is in effect equal to an act committed by the party itself. The sub-committee investigating the truth unanimously agrees that charges should be filed against Thaksin Shinawatra, caretaker prime minister, as head of Thai Rak Thai Party, and [calls for] further investigation of the case in accordance with regulations."

Continued here:

http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/05/30/hea...es_30005257.php

Edited May 29, 2006 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

...and more bad news for Takky.. as the first and foremost Thai "think tank", the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI)... issues a report lambasting practically every Thaksin program from the village fund to the 30 baht health care scam to the granting of special economic zones to the Small and Medium enterprise business loans scam to the educational scholarship loans scam to the various new tax privilege changes. The house of cards is toppling over. Terrible news for the people that are his most ardent supporters and are most vulnerable to suffer as they are they are least capable of weathering the storm that Thaksin has created for his own selfish benefit:

THAKSINOMICS

TDRI slams govt policies as unfair and no help

Economists insist few schemes are benefiting the poor

Economists from the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) have criticised the Thaksin administration's public policies of the last three-years, suggesting increasing discrimination, minimal impact on the economy, and little in the way of follow-up measures.

Continued here:

http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/05/30/nat...al_30005245.php

[sriracha john]

.....AND the EC didn't get the delay, (until the end of August... ), it wanted in the case...

Court rejects EC bid to delay case

Poll-rigging lawsuit, decision on trial today

The Criminal Court has rejected the election commissioners' attempts to delay the hearing of two lawsuits accusing them of colluding with the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and will decide today whether to accept one of the cases for trial. The suits filed by Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of the Democrat party, and his deputy Thaworn Senniam, accuse the four commissioners of abuse of power, malfeasance and forgery of official documents to help Mr Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party win the April 2 elections.

The court yesterday examined the case in which Mr Suthep accused the EC of protecting Thai Rak Thai by not taking action after the party was found to have hired small political parties to stand candidates in the elections.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/30May2006_news02.php

[penzman]

Hmmm... anyway... returning to the star of the thread, Thaksin... and his TRT Party :

It's just possible... just might be... that Thaksin might beat Sanoh into that jail cell...

and of course, as the main character in all the Thaksin crimes, being ahead of any of his cohorts... it is justifiably so....

He's a mile ahead.

Edited May 30, 2006 by penzman

[sriracha john]

LOL@ that facial expression!!

excellent work, penzman

[sriracha john]

Election Commission faces crucial court ruling today

The Criminal Court will decide today whether to accept a malfeasance lawsuit against key members of the Election Commission brought by the Democrat party in one of several legal cases against the independent body.

After conducting preliminary hearings on two malfeasance lawsuits filed against the EC yesterday, the Criminal Court will decide this afternoon whether to accept or to drop the suit filed by Democrat deputy secretary-general Thaworn Senniam.

It is the first time malfeasance charges have been brought against the EC at the Criminal Court, which is scheduled to rule on a second charge on Monday brought by Suthep Thaugsuban, the Democrat secretary-general, who is accusing the EC of abetting the Thai Rak Thai party of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during the April 2 general election.

Thaworn is suing EC chairman Wasana Permlarp and commissioners Prinya Nakchudtree, Virachai Naewboonnien and Gen Charupat Ruangsuwan (who recently resigned), along with Ekachai Warunprapha, the EC secretary-general, for violating Article 157 of the criminal code.

He accused EC members of allowing many TRT candidates to switch constituencies after failing to win seats in the April 2 general election in an attempt to circumvent the constitutional requirement that unchallenged candidates must receive at least 20 percent of the vote.

In his court testimony, Thaworn said the EC’s decision to hold the general election just 38 days after Thaksin dissolved Parliament on February 24 clearly favored the TRT party.

“It provided a clear advantage for the TRT party,” Thaworn said.

EC members had petitioned the court to postpone the hearing, saying they had insufficient time to prepare. The court refused the request on the grounds that the accused had been notified on April 25 of the charge and had ample time to prepare their defence.

In the case filed by Suthep, the EC is accused of deliberately failing to take action against the TRT party for hiring candidates from small political parties to contest the election to get around the 20 percent of the vote requirement, following the election boycott by the Democrat, Chat Thai and Mahachon parties.

During the hearing yesterday, Suthep produced print-outs from a closed-circuit camera showing Pattana Chat Thai party leader Chawakarn Tosawat at the Defense Ministry on March 3.

Defense Minister Thammarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya dismissed allegations about the photos as nonsense and said there were no CCTV cameras in the ministry.

Other than the malfeasance lawsuit, Suthep also filed libel charges against the EC, whose own sub-committee he claimed supported the Democrat’s allegations EC commissioner Prinya Nakchudtree yesterday dismissed the charges, insisting that the commission had stuck to the letter of the law when organizing the election, despite its subsequent annulment by the Constitutional Court.

“We [EC commissioners] are ready to fight in any court,” he said. “It is not a problem but we urge the media to report events accurately.”

Meanwhile, Pongthep Thepkanjana, a deputy TRT leader and law expert cast doubt on the suggestion that EC members were immune from prosecution under Article 148 of the Constitution.

“EC members do not have to comply with police summonses but they must respond to court summonses,” he said. “It is necessary to have this rule protecting EC commissioners during the implementation of a royally decreed election. If not…EC commissioners could be sued during an election,” Pongthep said A legal expert also cast doubt on claims that the court cases would be rapidly concluded. “These cases will not be completed quickly as rumored,” said Jade Donavanik, law dean at Siam University.

“Even if the court accepts them, unless the court expedites the case, the cross-examination of witnesses and postponements could mean that it will be the end of the year before a verdict is reached.”

There are further charges in the pipeline being brought against the EC. The first is a malfeasance charge filed by former Ubon Ratchathani senator Nirand Phitakwatchara, who claims that the way polling booths were arranged violated the secret ballot rule.

- TD

[Plus]

There's no way out for Thamarak and TRT here. Even if they manage to weasel themselves out of the court's hands, in people's eyes they are finished.

66% of Thais don't care about the laws, however. From now on TRT will completely ignore its reputation in Bangkok and among the middle class and focus on developing greed and avarice of rural population.

[hammered]

I wonder when someone/anyone will take responsibility for their actions and resign? Wassana? Thamarak? The other 2 EC members? Where in the world can a body with responsibility for organizing an election not resign after organizing a hugely expensive one which was nulled for being unconstitutional? They may also soon be defendents in a variety of criminal cases relating to the undermining of democracy. As for allegedly bribing front parties to run in an election to undermine democracy surely if this is accepted by the court at least a suspension of a minister is warranted.

When is enough going to be enough?

[asd]

Candidates for sale?: This closed-circuit video footage from Defence Ministry headquarters shows what Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban claims to be a shady deal struck among small parties and the ruling Thai Rak Thai party. The video became evidence in the Criminal Court yesterday.

ELECTORAL FRAUD ALLEGATIONS

What were they doing at the Defence Ministry?

Suthep's court shocker allegedly shows small party being bought

Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaug-suban dropped a bombshell on the Thai Rak Thai Party on the first day of a Criminal Court trial against the election commissioners yesterday by producing damning evidence against General Thamarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya.

Suthep produced what he claimed were printouts of closed-circuit television footage showing a senior figure of a small political party visiting the Thai Rak Thai deputy leader at his office at the Defence Ministry. Suthep alleged that the small party was paid to contest the April 2 general election.

... and as for the EC sub-committee's report:

The section reads: "There exists enough evidence that the [violations] committed by [some people as] representatives of the Thai Rak Thai Party is in effect equal to an act committed by the party itself. The sub-committee investigating the truth unanimously agrees that charges should be filed against Thaksin Shinawatra, caretaker prime minister, as head of Thai Rak Thai Party, and [calls for] further investigation of the case in accordance with regulations."

Continued here:

http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/05/30/hea...es_30005257.php

ELECTORAL FRAUD ALLEGATIONS

What were they doing at the Defence Ministry ?

Suthep's court shocker allegedly shows small party being bought

Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaug-suban dropped a bombshell on the Thai Rak Thai Party on the first day of a Criminal Court trial against the election commissioners yesterday by producing damning evidence against General Thamarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya.

Suthep produced what he claimed were printouts of closed-circuit television footage showing a senior figure of a small political party visiting the Thai Rak Thai deputy leader at his office at the Defence Ministry. Suthep alleged that the small party was paid to contest the April 2 general election.

The party was allegedly paid to help the ruling party skirt the requirement that its candidates garner at least 20 percent of the vote in constituencies where they ran unopposed in order to take the seats.

"[These pictures] show that money was received from General Thamarak," Suthep told the four presiding judges.

Nine photographs that appeared to be printouts from security cameras at the front corridor of the minister's room were submitted as evidence. Copies were later distributed to the media.

The pictures show three close aides of Thamarak leading Chavakarn Tosawat, an executive member of the small and little-known Pattana Chart Thai Party, to the front of what is allegedly Thamarak's office. Photo number eight looks as if money is changing hands but the resolution is not clear enough to say for sure with the naked eye. All the photos were dated March 3 and the recorded times appear as 2.18pm and onward.

Thamarak yesterday questioned the credibility of the photos by asserting that no security cameras were installed at the stairway that leads to his office at the Defence Ministry, according to a source. Thamarak also denied knowing the politicians shown in the photos, nor did he pay them money, the source said.

"King Chulalongkorn built the [ministry's room] as a place for national security meetings, but they abused it," lead plaintiff lawyer Bundit Siriphan told The Nation.

Normally, senior officials charged with criminal offences are suspended from duty, but the election commissioners had exploited the protection they enjoy under the Constitution as members of independent organisations, he said.

"They are just like the Thai Rak Thai Party," Bundit said.

"The pictures speak for themselves and it's now up to the court," Suthep told The Nation. "But I know the Election Commission wants to buy time [in order to oversee another election]."

While the judges examined the photographs, Suthep presented a second and equally damning piece of evidence.

He presented the leaked report by the Election Commission (EC) sub-committee looking into Suthep's petition, alleging senior Thai Rak Thai members paid two small parties to contest the April 2 election in order to skirt the minimum-vote requirement.

Suthep told the court that the four commissioners led by Vasana Puemlarp had clearly ignored their sub-committee's conclusions. These included a recommendation that the commission file charges against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The 18-person sub-committee was led by Nam Yimyaem, a former chief judge of the Supreme Court.

Part of the last paragraph of the 17-page report, dated May 8, recommending the EC file charges against Thaksin, had earlier been leaked to the media.

The section reads: "There exists enough evidence that the [violations] committed by [some people as] representatives of the Thai Rak Thai Party is in effect equal to an act committed by the party itself. The sub-committee investigating the truth unanimously agrees that charges should be filed against Thaksin Shinawatra, caretaker prime minister, as head of Thai Rak Thai Party, and [calls for] further investigation of the case in accordance with regulations."

The four judges hearing the charges refused a plea by Jaturong Thepsuthin, the legal representative of the four election commissioners, to postpone the case until August.

Jaturong had argued that the four commissioners were busy preparing for another general election.

"This is an important case affecting democracy. The court cannot allow it to be postponed until August," Judge Boonna Jongnimitr-sathaporn said.

Jaturong told The Nation the four commissioners face more than 40 cases throughout the kingdom. He played down the magnitude of the photographs presented by Suthep.

"The photos can't explain much. We need experts to verify their authenticity," he said. "What's more, the plaintiff didn't take the photos [himself]. I think we can handle it. The judicial process is still ongoing."

The hearing will resume on Monday.

Pongsak Ruktapongpisal, the caretaker transport minister who is also deputy Thai Rak Thai secretary-general, yesterday tried to downplay Suthep's evidence by saying that it was simply a personal matter and that Thamarak should be the person to clarify it.

"If it refers to anybody, then that person should clarify the matter. Since the video refers to General Thamarak, you should ask him - not me. Now, I am not going to say anything," he said.

Pongthep Thepkanchana, a Thai Rak Thai deputy leader, said earlier he had heard that Suthep would sue the EC, but it turned out he testified by producing the footage in order to charge another person.

"As part of the legal team of the party, we can't say anything much at the moment. We need to take a look at the video first, or how the accusations hurt anybody," he said.

Concerning the accusations against Thamarak, Pongthep echoed his party colleague, saying they were a personal matter for Thamarak and that he should decide for himself what to do next. Pongthep added that the accusations may create damage at a personal level, but they had nothing to do with the Thai Rak Thai Party.

Pravit Rojanaphruk,

Kesinee Jaikawang

The Nation

-------------------------------------------

Nine photographs that appeared to be printouts from security cameras at the front corridor of the minister's room were submitted as evidence.

1.

Mr. Thavee Suwannapat at 2nd flr. Corridors front of the minister's room, Defense Ministry Building ( Pentagon of Thailand ).

03-Mar-06

2:18:54 PM

-------------------------------------------

2.

03-Mar-06

2:20:29 PM

Mr. Chavakarn Tosawat, an executive member of the small and little-known Pattana Chart Thai Party, to the front of what is allegedly Thammarak's office.

-------------------------------------------

3.

03-Mar-06

2:21:11 PM

Mr. Terachai ( Toi ) Junrapat at 2nd flr. Corridors front Minister of defense Room.

-------------------------------------------

4.

03-Mar-06

2:22:54 PM

Mr. Chavakarn Tosawat told his friend that he was receiving 50,000 baht from General Thammarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya.

-------------------------------------------

5.

03-Mar-06

2:23:30 PM

General Thammarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya , the Thai Rak Thai deputy leader, at 1st Flr. Upstair Minister room in the Defence Ministry.

-------------------------------------------

6.

03-Mar-06

2:23:50PM

General Thammarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya at 2nd Flr. Wating Minister Room.

-------------------------------------------

7.

03-Mar-06

2:37:23 PM

Mr. Chavakarn Tosawat , Mr. Terachai Junrapat and Mr. Thavee Suwannapat at 2nd flr. Corridors front Minister of defense Room.

-------------------------------------------

8.

03-Mar-06

2:56:48 PM

Mr. Thavee Suwannapat received 50,000 baht from General Thammarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya and brought it to Mr. Chavakarn Tosawat.

-------------------------------------------

9.

03-Mar-06

2:56:56 PM

They were leaving from 2nd flr. Corridors front Minister of defense Room.

-------------------------------------------

The Cabinet Line-up

General Thammarak Isarangura : Minister of Defence

APPOINTED March 11, 2005

BIRTH DATE /PLACE 22 July 1938/Roiet Province

RELIGION Buddhism

MARITAL STATUS Married Mrs. Waneda Isarangura

EDUCATION BACKGROUND

1963  Bachelor of Science Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Thailand

WORKING EXPERIENCES

1964-1966 Commander of Training Directorate of Joint Communications

1967-1972 Attached to division, Radio Station Directorate of Joint Communications

1973-1976 Assistant Chief, Intelligence Section, and Seconded to Second Army Area Command : Second Army Area Command Sakon Nakhon

1982-1983 Chief of Intelligence Section : Fourth Army Area Command, Nakhonsrithammarat

1984-1988 Chief of Intelligence Section, Directorate of Intelligence : Army Operation Center

1989-1990 Commander of Army Military Intelligence : Army Military Intelligence

1991-1995 Chief of Staff to Deputy Supreme Commander : Supreme Command Headquarter

1996-1997 Commanding General of Armed Forces Security Center : Armed Forces Security Center, Supreme Command

1998 Special Advisor : Supreme Command Headquarters

10 March 2004 Deputy Prime Minister

11March 2005 Minister of Defence

Source : http://www.thaigov.go.th/general/cabin/thammarak-e.htm

Edited May 30, 2006 by asd

[lukamar]

Wow!!!! Now that's evidence. People walking up and down a corridor, that's gota be a hanging offense. As CubaGjr. said in Jerry McGuire.... "Show me the money!!!" You'd have to be living in dreamland and on drugs to see it anywhere in those pics. You can't tell what they are doing, hope the Democrats have better evidence than this otherwise they are wasting the courts time.

[Old Man River]

Wow!!!! Now that's evidence. People walking up and down a corridor, that's gota be a hanging offense. As CubaGjr. said in Jerry McGuire.... "Show me the money!!!" You'd have to be living in dreamland and on drugs to see it anywhere in those pics. You can't tell what they are doing, hope the Democrats have better evidence than this otherwise they are wasting the courts time.

What is needed is a credible lip reader whose testamony would be acceptable in a court of law. The video, as you mention, is not incriminating in itself and the amount in question at THB 50,000 is much too small to trace. The money would be divided up and spent in small amounts by different people in different locations. Either the Democrates can produce evidence of what actually was being said or this is a no go.