NACC defends the probe against PM Yingluck is fair and not done in rush

[webfact]

NACC defends the probe against PM is fair and not done in rush



BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission did not quickly wrap up the investigation into caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s alleged involvement in a rice scandal, said Mr Witthaya Arkompitak, deputy secretary-general of the commission, yesterday (Friday).

Dismissing the Pheu Thai party’s allegation that the NACC practiced double standard by wrapping up the probe against Ms Yingluck in just 21 days, he said that, in fact, the investigation started over a year ago almost at the same time that the commission began looking into the conduct of former commerce minister Bunsong Teriyaphirom on the same rice scandal.

Bunsong, his deputy, Poom Saraphol, and over 10 commerce officials and businessmen have been indicted with corruption charges in connection with a fake government-to-government rice deal with China.

Mr Witthaya said that the probe against Ms Yingluck followed the same pattern of the probe against Bunsong. He added that the prime minister was only recently notified of the NACC’s decision to indict her after the completion of the probe which found there was basis to the corruption allegation.

He maintained that the NACC had considered the case against Ms Yingluck very carefully and fairly and the best of its capability.

The commission, he added, has turned down the prime minister’s reservation against commissioner Vicha Mahakhun claiming his bias against her as not reasonable enough.

The prime minister was required to show up to acknowledge the malfeasance charge to be lodged against her on February 27 or she can assign an official to acknowledge the charge on her behalf, said Mr Witthaya.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/nacc-defends-probe-pm-fair-done-rush/


-- Thai PBS 2014-02-22

[LindsayBKK]

Well I can see 'contempt of court' added to the list of charges against Ms. YL if she wishes to continue the 'Self-Preservation Society'.

Edited February 22, 2014 by LindsayBKK

[Jack Mountain]

I don't think the NACC is completely free of taking sides, maybe there's even some revenge to the current government involved here.

Here a longread about the NACC http://www.thebigchilli.com/1/post/2014/01/fighting-corruption-in-thailand.html

One of the remarks is this:

“We have about 1,200 people in our organization but we have actually 1,800 positions. We cannot fill them all right now because our budget has been cut by 60 percent this year,” says Dr Sirilaksana. At this point she says the NACC needs “a different way of funding.

“We are independent in every way but the budget still comes from the government and the Parliament, so if we have a hostile Parliament, our budget is in jeopardy.”

Not easy to stay non-biased under these working conditions ... as they see it ...

[trogers]

The defence "I don't know" used in the House numerous times is truthful for a puppet...

With such quality in leadership, one does not need to look further for the reason why stock prices of the Shin Clan are falling.

[JRSoul]

I don't think the NACC is completely free of taking sides, maybe there's even some revenge to the current government involved here.

Here a longread about the NACC http://www.thebigchilli.com/1/post/2014/01/fighting-corruption-in-thailand.html

One of the remarks is this:

“We have about 1,200 people in our organization but we have actually 1,800 positions. We cannot fill them all right now because our budget has been cut by 60 percent this year,” says Dr Sirilaksana. At this point she says the NACC needs “a different way of funding.

“We are independent in every way but the budget still comes from the government and the Parliament, so if we have a hostile Parliament, our budget is in jeopardy.”

Not easy to stay non-biased under these working conditions ... as they see it ...

You assume (or at least imply) hostility because funding was cut. What can you assume about a government that announces a major anti-corruption campaign and then cuts funding to the independent anti-corruption agencies?

[Jack Mountain]

I don't think the NACC is completely free of taking sides, maybe there's even some revenge to the current government involved here.

Here a longread about the NACC http://www.thebigchilli.com/1/post/2014/01/fighting-corruption-in-thailand.html

One of the remarks is this:

“We have about 1,200 people in our organization but we have actually 1,800 positions. We cannot fill them all right now because our budget has been cut by 60 percent this year,” says Dr Sirilaksana. At this point she says the NACC needs “a different way of funding.

“We are independent in every way but the budget still comes from the government and the Parliament, so if we have a hostile Parliament, our budget is in jeopardy.”

Not easy to stay non-biased under these working conditions ... as they see it ...

You assume (or at least imply) hostility because funding was cut. What can you assume about a government that announces a major anti-corruption campaign and then cuts funding to the independent anti-corruption agencies?

So we agree ...

[jollyman]

Keep going PM good luck Yingluck

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I don't think the NACC is completely free of taking sides, maybe there's even some revenge to the current government involved here.

Here a longread about the NACC http://www.thebigchilli.com/1/post/2014/01/fighting-corruption-in-thailand.html

One of the remarks is this:

“We have about 1,200 people in our organization but we have actually 1,800 positions. We cannot fill them all right now because our budget has been cut by 60 percent this year,” says Dr Sirilaksana. At this point she says the NACC needs “a different way of funding.

“We are independent in every way but the budget still comes from the government and the Parliament, so if we have a hostile Parliament, our budget is in jeopardy.”

Not easy to stay non-biased under these working conditions ... as they see it ...

That was a tactic of Thaskan's , if he didn't like you , he reduced the budget till you really couldn't operate ,old trick that one, most probably at he's suggestion.

[Bakseeda]

Keep going PM good luck Yingluck

Don't worry..... she will keep going, and keep going until she reaches safety with her Brother in Dubai.... Hang-em -high I say...

[kikoman]

How many other Democratic legal systems have ever taken a 21 day investigation of such a high profile government official , even if they felt that had the facts to convict. they cover every angle to assure a conviction, that not one stone was left unturned , a 21 day investigation after official charges were filed, if definitely a double standard, as they have been investigating Abhisit corruption case since 2011, DOUble standard , politically motivated!!

Cheers

[ChrisY1]

I don't think the NACC is completely free of taking sides, maybe there's even some revenge to the current government involved here.

Here a longread about the NACC http://www.thebigchilli.com/1/post/2014/01/fighting-corruption-in-thailand.html

One of the remarks is this:

“We have about 1,200 people in our organization but we have actually 1,800 positions. We cannot fill them all right now because our budget has been cut by 60 percent this year,” says Dr Sirilaksana. At this point she says the NACC needs “a different way of funding.

“We are independent in every way but the budget still comes from the government and the Parliament, so if we have a hostile Parliament, our budget is in jeopardy.”

Not easy to stay non-biased under these working conditions ... as they see it ...

A good read and at least there is something happening.

She mentions public officials being removed from office on several occasions...however, there is not too much mention of actual convictions and the punishment offenders receive....but of course there are few people living off shore now awaiting the Statutes of Limitations to expire.

[seajae]

How many other Democratic legal systems have ever taken a 21 day investigation of such a high profile government official , even if they felt that had the facts to convict. they cover every angle to assure a conviction, that not one stone was left unturned , a 21 day investigation after official charges were filed, if definitely a double standard, as they have been investigating Abhisit corruption case since 2011, DOUble standard , politically motivated!!

Cheers

you really need to learn to read mate, the investigation has been been ongoing for over a year but then that doesnt suit your bias so you ignore that and quote yl's ditzy figures. The fact that yl and the ptp were so convinced they could do as they pleased, the corruption was on show for all to see from the start because they have no respect for the law the didnt care and thought themsleves untouchable, trouble is these people were working in the background gathering evidence the whole time. Now they are presenting it, all of the ptp/reds and their fan club are getting their noses out of joint because it shows the truth about them so they try to rubbish them, pity some people cant admit they are wrong but then what can we expect from the ptp/reds, they dont know how to be honest or would know the truth if it bit them on the bum.

[almafudd]

God I love the English language ... diminutive lexicon

I wonder if Google can handle the increased phrase search - someone should 'edit' the Wikipedia definition lol

[ggold]

How many other Democratic legal systems have ever taken a 21 day investigation of such a high profile government official , even if they felt that had the facts to convict. they cover every angle to assure a conviction, that not one stone was left unturned , a 21 day investigation after official charges were filed, if definitely a double standard, as they have been investigating Abhisit corruption case since 2011, DOUble standard , politically motivated!!

Cheers

Now you know the NACC said it has been about a year. SO why the miss information? You may not, but others can read, and see the facts.

[In Town]

Okay, lets say you are right, and this investigation started a year ago. That still does not explain why the investigation of Mark, begun five years ago, is ongoing. Looking at the judicial system in general, we see red shirts in jail for years for petty offences, while the ring leaders of the airport occupation go free, and murder suspects like Suthep are able to delay court appearances because they are busy trying to overthrow the government. Truthfully, do yo actually believe that justice is neutral in this country?

[Scamper]

There is no reason on earth why the NACC has to defend itself publically. The outrageousness of Yingluck's attack on the institution is an act of contempt. In fact, those charges should now be lodged against her. Whatever lawyers are advising Yingluck should be thrown out. On February 27 she should leave facebook for one day and go to the NACC to answer the questions she is constitutionally compelled to answer. She isn't doing anything. Her golden overseas trip with Surapong has bit the dust, she no longer occupies any offices. She is shuttled in secret from one location to the next. Pay respects to the legal system and show up in court.

[In Town]

How naive. Perhaps in this instance contempt is justifiable?

[473geo]

Required: a non partisan base, to facilitate identification of partisan actions and deliberations

[metisdead]

Off topic deflection posts have been removed as well as the replies.

[Skywalker69]

Keep going PM good luck Yingluck

So can you tell us what good she has done for the Thai people?

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[kikoman]

How many other Democratic legal systems have ever taken a 21 day investigation of such a high profile government official , even if they felt that had the facts to convict. they cover every angle to assure a conviction, that not one stone was left unturned , a 21 day investigation after official charges were filed, if definitely a double standard, as they have been investigating Abhisit corruption case since 2011, DOUble standard , politically motivated!!

Cheers

you really need to learn to read mate, the investigation has been been ongoing for over a year but then that doesnt suit your bias so you ignore that and quote yl's ditzy figures. The fact that yl and the ptp were so convinced they could do as they pleased, the corruption was on show for all to see from the start because they have no respect for the law the didnt care and thought themsleves untouchable, trouble is these people were working in the background gathering evidence the whole time. Now they are presenting it, all of the ptp/reds and their fan club are getting their noses out of joint because it shows the truth about them so they try to rubbish them, pity some people cant admit they are wrong but then what can we expect from the ptp/reds, they dont know how to be honest or would know the truth if it bit them on the bum.

I did not bother to read all your post, "pure rubbish", An official charge was filed 21 days before the announced decision. Why would the NACC be investigating Yingluck a year ago and not investigate the corruption charges against Abhisit that has (5) corruption charges pending since 2011. Clearly a case of Double standards!

[icommunity]

Why PM YS's request was not reasonable enough? Why it did not reply to caretaker PM before making public the decision to charge her?

Was it corruption charges?

Was the investigation on corruption?

When were the complaint made against former commerce minister Bunsong Teriyaphirom and that of PM YS?

In comparison, why was there no judicial development on cases involving the DEM?

The investigation process raised doubt and fear in the society that it is not neutral, independence and transparent. It therefore violated the constitutional right of the accused and showing injustice to the society. The investigation process therefore were unconstitutional and illegal, showing conflict of interest and abused of power.

These are the issues that PTP and PM YS raised. However, they also mentioned that they will cooperate fully with relevant authorities. It is therefore hope that cases against DEM can also be speed-up.

BTW, criminal cases involving PAD leaders have been postponing for nearly six years while they are still UDD/RS in prison without trial since 2010.

Reform the judiciary first, before national reforms.

[djjamie]

I'm slightly perturbed that it has taken the NACC around a year to bring charges against her. One would have thought that having her corrupt brother overseeing the scheme, having the Shinawatra name which is synonymous with corruption and having evidence of which is blatantly reported in the media this would have been wrapped up long ago. Though within the last year the G2G deals started to raise other corruption questions which indicates that it was an ongoing investigation that was collecting further evidence. Also with the amount of overwhelming evidence that they would have gathered would indicate the lengthy investigation as well.

With the current hemorrhaging of billions of baht a year and the rotting bags of rice to show for it constantly building up this would make this case an A1 priority. Where as the Honorable Abhisits' corruption charges are not costing the tax payer money now. Whether innocent or guilty it is not costing the tax payer. The NACC have 1200 people working for them. They have positions for 1800. They can't fill the remaining positions because the PTP reduced the NACC' budget. Had it not reduced the budget that would free up manpower to investigate Honorable Abhisit. SO when people harp about yingluck going down when the Honorable Abhisit isn't then blame the PTP budget allocation.

.

I truly look forward to the "packaged" PM, ANOTHER shinawatra, finally being held accountable for corruption. So both sister and the brother will all hold the dubious claim they have all been banned from politics. What a swell family dynasty that panthongtae shinawatra will take over eventually. Even he has been part of his dad's corruptive, nepotistic cancer through his company "How Come Entertainment"

As jollyman says - "Good luck yingluck" cause luck is all you have left with the overwhelming evidence stacked against you

Edited February 22, 2014 by djjamie

[Siripon]

Billions of baht lost,, unknown amounts of rice in stock and farmers owed 110 billion baht for months.

What an absolute disaster.

As chairwoman she can't avoid responsibility.

I expect her to flee if the case proceeds as the penalty for negligence in the Supreme Court For Political Offences is minimum of 2 years imprisonment, maximum 15 years.

[djjamie]

How many other Democratic legal systems have ever taken a 21 day investigation of such a high profile government official , even if they felt that had the facts to convict. they cover every angle to assure a conviction, that not one stone was left unturned , a 21 day investigation after official charges were filed, if definitely a double standard, as they have been investigating Abhisit corruption case since 2011, DOUble standard , politically motivated!!

Cheers

you really need to learn to read mate, the investigation has been been ongoing for over a year but then that doesnt suit your bias so you ignore that and quote yl's ditzy figures. The fact that yl and the ptp were so convinced they could do as they pleased, the corruption was on show for all to see from the start because they have no respect for the law the didnt care and thought themsleves untouchable, trouble is these people were working in the background gathering evidence the whole time. Now they are presenting it, all of the ptp/reds and their fan club are getting their noses out of joint because it shows the truth about them so they try to rubbish them, pity some people cant admit they are wrong but then what can we expect from the ptp/reds, they dont know how to be honest or would know the truth if it bit them on the bum.

I did not bother to read all your post, "pure rubbish", An official charge was filed 21 days before the announced decision. Why would the NACC be investigating Yingluck a year ago and not investigate the corruption charges against Abhisit that has (5) corruption charges pending since 2011. Clearly a case of Double standards!

Fortunately Thaksins and the PTP have muscle, money, the voting electorate numbers, the law and international opinion on their side.

Unfortunately none of those things can be used in her defense when fighting the corruption charges.

As for the law? That is what she has broken.

Edited February 22, 2014 by djjamie

[telecom]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I don't think the NACC is completely free of taking sides, maybe there's even some revenge to the current government involved here.

Here a longread about the NACC http://www.thebigchilli.com/1/post/2014/01/fighting-corruption-in-thailand.html

One of the remarks is this:

“We have about 1,200 people in our organization but we have actually 1,800 positions. We cannot fill them all right now because our budget has been cut by 60 percent this year,” says Dr Sirilaksana. At this point she says the NACC needs “a different way of funding.

“We are independent in every way but the budget still comes from the government and the Parliament, so if we have a hostile Parliament, our budget is in jeopardy.”

Not easy to stay non-biased under these working conditions ... as they see it ...

That was a tactic of Thaskan's , if he didn't like you , he reduced the budget till you really couldn't operate ,old trick that one, most probably at he's suggestion.

I think in this case it is more like, 'how can we slow down government corruption investigations?..... I know, we will cut the NACC budget by 60%, that will give us loads of time to pilfer the rice scam, the flood management budget and anything else we can steal from'.

[seajae]

How many other Democratic legal systems have ever taken a 21 day investigation of such a high profile government official , even if they felt that had the facts to convict. they cover every angle to assure a conviction, that not one stone was left unturned , a 21 day investigation after official charges were filed, if definitely a double standard, as they have been investigating Abhisit corruption case since 2011, DOUble standard , politically motivated!!

Cheers

you really need to learn to read mate, the investigation has been been ongoing for over a year but then that doesnt suit your bias so you ignore that and quote yl's ditzy figures. The fact that yl and the ptp were so convinced they could do as they pleased, the corruption was on show for all to see from the start because they have no respect for the law the didnt care and thought themsleves untouchable, trouble is these people were working in the background gathering evidence the whole time. Now they are presenting it, all of the ptp/reds and their fan club are getting their noses out of joint because it shows the truth about them so they try to rubbish them, pity some people cant admit they are wrong but then what can we expect from the ptp/reds, they dont know how to be honest or would know the truth if it bit them on the bum.

I did not bother to read all your post, "pure rubbish", An official charge was filed 21 days before the announced decision. Why would the NACC be investigating Yingluck a year ago and not investigate the corruption charges against Abhisit that has (5) corruption charges pending since 2011. Clearly a case of Double standards!

you dont read posts because you know they are correct and rubbish everything you write, it is called selective reading. The rice scam has been in the public domain since its inception, yl is the one in charge of it so who do you think has to take responsibility for it and when they started the investigation over a year ago, yl was the name at the head of the list but dont let the truth get in the way of your bias, after all, you are totally incapable of honesty in what you write just the usual red/ptp party line of "we didnt do it"

[Roadman]

I don't think the NACC is completely free of taking sides, maybe there's even some revenge to the current government involved here.

Here a longread about the NACC http://www.thebigchilli.com/1/post/2014/01/fighting-corruption-in-thailand.html

One of the remarks is this:

We have about 1,200 people in our organization but we have actually 1,800 positions. We cannot fill them all right now because our budget has been cut by 60 percent this year, says Dr Sirilaksana. At this point she says the NACC needs a different way of funding.

We are independent in every way but the budget still comes from the government and the Parliament, so if we have a hostile Parliament, our budget is in jeopardy.

Not easy to stay non-biased under these working conditions ... as they see it ...

A good read and at least there is something happening.

She mentions public officials being removed from office on several occasions...however, there is not too much mention of actual convictions and the punishment offenders receive....but of course there are few people living off shore now awaiting the Statutes of Limitations to expire.

The ones removed from office are probably those that wanted to expose their whole dirty stinking dealings like the young woman about a year or so ago who started to tell the truth and became the subject of a probe. Shinawatra way to silence, bulldoze and remove any honest opinion against them. I hope her case is within the courts within the next few months. The sooner more of them are removed from total control over Thailand the better.

[iancnx]

Whether or not she is held accountable with her officials is of secondary importance to the country right now. Charges, evidence, cross examination, and convictions or acquittals can come later, and rightly so.

What is of vital importance now is immediate impeachment, a process of reform to disqualify known associates and family members of anyone involved in corrupt practices, be it red or yellow, which at this juncture does not need to be overly complicated. And then without delay the reforms should lead to well organised new elections for all Thai's to vote in a timely manner.

I was a believer that the reform process should be structured and thorough, but now as these protests become more prolonged I am leaning more towards elections as soon as possible PROVIDED there is a clear and robust disqualification of the dinosaurs and their brethren on both sides.

Edited February 22, 2014 by iancnx

[ikurauni]

PM Yingluck had a chance to do her own investigation to find the criminals who stole the rice money. But she did not do it. She was siting on the case. Why is that?

Now she says that she is innocent. I don't understand what she is talking about. Is she innocent for what?

People need to know the truth and the facts. If NACC does a fair job that is what people want.

Perhaps, Thaksin wants to buy NACC but it looks like he has not been able to do that yet.

But you never know. Money talks in Thailand.