NACC allows 3 witnesses of PM Yingluck to testify

[webfact]

NACC allows 3 witnesses of PM to testify
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday allowed three of 11 defence witnesses to testify against the charge of dereliction of duty by the prime minister in connection with the government's rice-pledging scheme.

The three witnesses were named by NACC member Wicha Mahakhun at a press conference as Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Commerce Minister Nivatthamrong Boonsongpaisal and Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Phuangrach.

Witthaya Akompitak, deputy secretary-general, said the NACC had not specified whether questioning of the witnesses would be completed within a week or two but said it would have to finish its work as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had requested that 11 more witnesses testify on her behalf against allegations that she was negligent in not preventing graft in the loss-making project.

PM's secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva said the defence witnesses would be able to clarify her role in the rice-price-support scheme.

Suranand expressed confidence in the 11 witnesses proposed by the caretaker prime minister, including Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and deputy PM's secretary-general Thawat Boonfuang.

Both belong to a working group appointed by the prime minister to examine corruption allegations involving the rice-mortgaging scheme, Suranand said.

The government hopes the NACC will allow all 11 witnesses to provide explanations in defence of the prime minister, he said.

"We want to give a complete picture of what the government did [with the rice scheme]. If the NACC deals with this matter in a professional manner, we will be satisfied," he said.

The government is ready to listen to a decision by the NACC on this case, he said.

Yingluck said she was a policy-maker and so she needed government figures who implemented the policy to act as her witnesses.

The prime minister will have to suspend her duties if the NACC resolves to prosecute her.

The NACC also yesterday agreed to pursue impeachment proceedings against former House Speaker Somsak Kiartsuranond, who was also the ex officio Parliament president.

The independent organisation found that Somsak should be held responsible for the recent constitutional amendment on the Senate composition, which was ruled unconstitutional by the charter court.


-- The Nation 2014-04-02

[huanga]

tic toc tic toc.....boom!

[NongKhaiKid]

Call your brother as a witness YL, go on I double dare you.

[Mango Bob]

NACC why even the 3 you know the verdict you have them hung before you hear from the defense. Thai justice at it greatest. Just ask the Saudis.

[MGP]

What can those 3 witness testify? That she was just doing shopping while her subordinates were diverting 450 billion bath to their pockets, therefore she is innocent and pretty?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715752-tdri-says-corruption-in-rice-scheme-exceeds-450-billion-baht/

Edited April 2, 2014 by MGP

[gemini81]

Negligent?! She never attended one single frickin' meeting.

[thesetat2013]

NACC why even the 3 you know the verdict you have them hung before you hear from the defense. Thai justice at it greatest. Just ask the Saudis.

Thats because these 3 witnesses can only testify that she didn't know what was happening because she never looked at any documents before she signed them and never went to any meetings as head of this and left all the details to her underlings without checking what they were doing.

Unless someone else goes into the NACC and states they fed her false documents and lied to show her the scheme was not flailing do to corruption then she is guilty. Plain and simple.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Mango Bob]

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

NACC why even the 3 you know the verdict you have them hung before you hear from the defense. Thai justice at it greatest. Just ask the Saudis.

Thats because these 3 witnesses can only testify that she didn't know what was happening because she never looked at any documents before she signed them and never went to any meetings as head of this and left all the details to her underlings without checking what they were doing.
Unless someone else goes into the NACC and states they fed her false documents and lied to show her the scheme was not flailing do to corruption then she is guilty. Plain and simple.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Every Suthep poster has the answers but never any facts to back it up. The only thing they remember is 2010 and totally forgot about 2008.

[JesseFrank]

She should call TDRI as witness .

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715752-tdri-says-corruption-in-rice-scheme-exceeds-450-billion-baht/

TDRI says corruption in rice scheme exceeds 450 billion baht

[slapout]

As involved in this boondogel as the first 3 witnesses are/were, perjury might be the order of the day, if the right questions are asked. The possibility of the 11 witnesses and the caretaker PM forming a Thai version (somewhat modified) of "'the dirty dozen"' should be apparent to the majority of those involved.

[NongKhaiKid]

NACC why even the 3 you know the verdict you have them hung before you hear from the defense. Thai justice at it greatest. Just ask the Saudis.

Thats because these 3 witnesses can only testify that she didn't know what was happening because she never looked at any documents before she signed them and never went to any meetings as head of this and left all the details to her underlings without checking what they were doing.

Unless someone else goes into the NACC and states they fed her false documents and lied to show her the scheme was not flailing do to corruption then she is guilty. Plain and simple.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

This is a good / important point.

IF asked the correct questions in the right way these witnesses could do more harm to YL than good and any prevarication will speak volumes.

Character witnesses are irrelevant at this stage as it doesn't matter if YL is akin to a saint it doesn't explain or excuse her negligence.

The only problem is the Thai version of justice.

[geriatrickid]

How can this be a fair hearing when the accused is not allowed to defend herself? Limiting the number of witnesses a defendant is allowed to call in the defense is a denial of justice. How can this inquisition expect people to respect the verdict when there is interference in the defense process? Apparently, some people do not appreciate the concept of an accused being given the right to a defense. Nice.

[JesseFrank]

How can this be a fair hearing when the accused is not allowed to defend herself? Limiting the number of witnesses a defendant is allowed to call in the defense is a denial of justice. How can this inquisition expect people to respect the verdict when there is interference in the defense process? Apparently, some people do not appreciate the concept of an accused being given the right to a defense. Nice.

You mean in the Western legal system witnesses that have clearly nothing to add to the case and are only brought in to buy time, are not denied to testify ?

I have no doubts that after those 11 would have passed the revue there would be another 10 and another...........

[dcutman]

Why would the lawyers of Yingluck call these witness for her defense?

Here we have the PM, two of her Deputy PM's, labor minister and former DPM, and a deputy minister of commerce all knowing and admitting corruption in this scheme. Note the dates of these admissions.

Posted 2012-08-10 17:08:03

Kittiratt admits corruptions found in rice-pledging scheme

BANGKOK, 10 August 2012 (NNT) – Finance Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong has admitted that there have been reports of corruption in the government’s rice-pledging scheme.

Mr Kittiratt said the arrest of the suspects alleged for corruption in the rice-pledging scheme in the Northeast is a good thing. He believed there are more corruption cases that have not been reported. He also stated that he had never promised that the program would totally be be free of corruption .

The minister said Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has been assigned by the Premier to help eradicating corrupt practices in the scheme.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/576379-kittiratt-admits-corruptions-found-in-rice-pledging-scheme-thailand/

The Nation July 1, 2013 5:38 pm

New Commerce Minister Niwatthumrong Boonsongpaisarn and his deputy Yanyong Phuangrach vowed to reduce corruption in rice pledging and releasing and to increase transparency and flexibility in rice selling to rebuild the ministry and country's image. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Ministers-assure-transparency-and-speedy-stockpile-30209478.html

[tezzainoz]

How can this be a fair hearing when the accused is not allowed to defend herself? Limiting the number of witnesses a defendant is allowed to call in the defense is a denial of justice. How can this inquisition expect people to respect the verdict when there is interference in the defense process? Apparently, some people do not appreciate the concept of an accused being given the right to a defense. Nice.

First you need to return to the country you are talking about

This is Thailand

if you want to live her except their ways

you are only here on invite

there are many of us who do not agree with Thai logic and laws

but we have learn to bend like a willow in a storm

Save you comments for where you came from

and if you want to live in Thailand, then adjust your thinking

right or wrong

[MGP]

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

NACC why even the 3 you know the verdict you have them hung before you hear from the defense. Thai justice at it greatest. Just ask the Saudis.

Thats because these 3 witnesses can only testify that she didn't know what was happening because she never looked at any documents before she signed them and never went to any meetings as head of this and left all the details to her underlings without checking what they were doing.

Unless someone else goes into the NACC and states they fed her false documents and lied to show her the scheme was not flailing do to corruption then she is guilty. Plain and simple.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Every Suthep poster has the answers but never any facts to back it up. The only thing they remember is 2010 and totally forgot about 2008.

Those two sentences are pathetic!!!

1 - The facts about the corruption on the Rice Scheme are there. They are even corroborated by some perpetrators and collaborators themselves, and denounced by the FAO and the IMF. It's not required to be a "Suthep Poster" to know that facts.

2 - Whatever happened in 2008, does it invalidate the corruption on the Rice Pledge Scheme, and the negligence of the person in charge of the scheme, and her failure to prevent or denounce the corruption? Why are you mixing those events with this issue??

Edited April 2, 2014 by MGP

[Pib]

PM's secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva said the defence witnesses would be able to clarify her role in the rice-price-support scheme.

And I'm sure each one of those witnesses would have testified poor Yinluck didn't speak, see, or hear anything that would indicate a corrupt rice buying scheme...It was obviously other folks faults; she bears absolutely no responsibility...but now that she knows she's ready to fight the corruption...So acquit her of all charges and let her remain PM so she can fix the corrupt rice buying scheme. This will be a future plot for a Twilight Zone episode.

[aussieinthailand]

The thing that is really weird, is that instead of finding those that cheated the rice scheme and taking back the money, there is much more effort in trying to remove another ELECTED PM so, the yellows can steal government again, also the NACC dictates that only three of eleven witnesses are allowed to testify, why not allow all witnesses to testify?

Why not finish the 4 year court case against mark? if there is enough evidence then finish it, if no then throw it out...

Why is there not the same effort in bringing Suthep to face court? sauce for the goose,,,

[seajae]

I gather that all of yl's supporters do not believe that when you are in charge of something you are the one responsible, she made herself the head person then never attended any meetings or oversaw anything, being stupid is no excuse. Doesnt matter what anyone says it is blatantly obvious that she never even attempted to do anything about the rice scheme even though she was in chatgem she simply allowed them to rip the country off. This means she was derilect in her duty as charged plain and simple, whoever is the head person is always responsible as they are supposed to stop any crap from happening, yl simply ignored everything and allowed it all to happen, guilty as charged.

[rametindallas]

How can this be a fair hearing when the accused is not allowed to defend herself? Limiting the number of witnesses a defendant is allowed to call in the defense is a denial of justice. How can this inquisition expect people to respect the verdict when there is interference in the defense process? Apparently, some people do not appreciate the concept of an accused being given the right to a defense. Nice.

This is not the trial; this is a hearing to see if a trial is warranted. There are different standards for a hearing and for a trial. If she gets a trial, she can drag it out for months with hundreds of witness; she just won't be PM when she does.

[dutchisaan]

The thing that is really weird, is that instead of finding those that cheated the rice scheme and taking back the money, there is much more effort in trying to remove another ELECTED PM so, the yellows can steal government again, also the NACC dictates that only three of eleven witnesses are allowed to testify, why not allow all witnesses to testify?

Why not finish the 4 year court case against mark? if there is enough evidence then finish it, if no then throw it out...

Why is there not the same effort in bringing Suthep to face court? sauce for the goose,,,

You know what is weird? That you do the out most to come up with something to support this corrupt government. In not one of your post have I read anything that you take a stand against corruption, or that you support reforms.

So in your opinion it is ok that the rice farmers didn't get paid and the money went in the pockets of some political ********* that you call a democratic government.

Yes you areright, she was a elected pm, but is she is proven guilty than she has to face the music.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[HUAHIN62]

Since when are an accused limited to the number of witnesses he or she can use to prove his/her case. When something smells like fish it's most of the times rotten fish.

[gemini81]

The thing that is really weird, is that instead of finding those that cheated the rice scheme and taking back the money, there is much more effort in trying to remove another ELECTED PM so, the yellows can steal government again, also the NACC dictates that only three of eleven witnesses are allowed to testify, why not allow all witnesses to testify?

Why not finish the 4 year court case against mark? if there is enough evidence then finish it, if no then throw it out...

Why is there not the same effort in bringing Suthep to face court? sauce for the goose,,,

Duh, Suthep is not the PM who is responsible for running the country and all it involves, like the rice scheme in which a leader never even bothered to attend a meeting. All he is really is a reminder how the inept PM can't manage demonstrations; or even an ant farm for that matter.

[rametindallas]

The questions that will be asked to determine if formal charges are brought are:

Was PM Yingluck chairperson of the Rice Program? (yes)

Did corruption occur in the Program under her direction? (yes http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/576379-kittiratt-admits-corruptions-found-in-rice-pledging-scheme-thailand/)

Was MS Yingluck in a position to do anything to prevent.stop corruption/abuses? (as PM and chairperson of the Program, yes).

There is more than enough information, already made public, to file dereliction of duty charges so they are holding hearings as a formality (following procedure). Either MS Yingluck was a willing participant in the corruption or she was negligent in her responsibility to take charge and monitor the situation. The NACC is being kind by only accusing her of negligence rather than being a participant. In her position as PM and Chairperson of the Rice Program, there is no third choice.

Some defenses not available in a dereliction of duty hearing:

"I wasn't there" (proof of dereliction of duty)

"I wasn't paying attention" (proof of dereliction of duty)

"I informally assigned my responsibilities to someone else" (officially, you were chairperson of the program and therefore responsible)

"It was not my responsibility" (you were chairperson of the program)

"My staff didn't keep me informed" (why not?)

"My staff and/or cabinet ministers lied to me" (who, exactly, lied? names please)

Edited April 2, 2014 by rametindallas

[MGP]

Since when are an accused limited to the number of witnesses he or she can use to prove his/her case. When something smells like fish it's most of the times rotten fish.

Rametindallas has already provided the answer (two posts above yours)

This is not a trial, it is a preliminary hearing to decide if it is required to proceed with a trial.

Hearings are supposed to be very brief and concise. That is one of the reasons why it is not required to bring many witnesses.

[airconsult]

I gather that all of yl's supporters do not believe that when you are in charge of something you are the one responsible, she made herself the head person then never attended any meetings or oversaw anything, being stupid is no excuse. Doesnt matter what anyone says it is blatantly obvious that she never even attempted to do anything about the rice scheme even though she was in chatgem she simply allowed them to rip the country off. This means she was derilect in her duty as charged plain and simple, whoever is the head person is always responsible as they are supposed to stop any crap from happening, yl simply ignored everything and allowed it all to happen, guilty as charged.

So in your logic - Yingluck is guilty of negligence, and Suthep is guilty of murder - that's your logic, not mine.

She was Chairperson of the rice program, he was Chairman of CRES.

Now you will argue that he did not order that the nurse should be shot (in the temple while treating wounded) - but then in that logic you have to prove that Yingluck ordered someone to be corrupt.

Edited April 2, 2014 by airconsult

[airconsult]

Why would the lawyers of Yingluck call these witness for her defense?

Here we have the PM, two of her Deputy PM's, labor minister and former DPM, and a deputy minister of commerce all knowing and admitting corruption in this scheme. Note the dates of these admissions.

Posted 2012-08-10 17:08:03

Kittiratt admits corruptions found in rice-pledging scheme

BANGKOK, 10 August 2012 (NNT) – Finance Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong has admitted that there have been reports of corruption in the government’s rice-pledging scheme.

Mr Kittiratt said the arrest of the suspects alleged for corruption in the rice-pledging scheme in the Northeast is a good thing. He believed there are more corruption cases that have not been reported. He also stated that he had never promised that the program would totally be be free of corruption .

The minister said Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has been assigned by the Premier to help eradicating corrupt practices in the scheme.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/576379-kittiratt-admits-corruptions-found-in-rice-pledging-scheme-thailand/

The Nation July 1, 2013 5:38 pm

New Commerce Minister Niwatthumrong Boonsongpaisarn and his deputy Yanyong Phuangrach vowed to reduce corruption in rice pledging and releasing and to increase transparency and flexibility in rice selling to rebuild the ministry and country's image. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Ministers-assure-transparency-and-speedy-stockpile-30209478.html

You didn't mention in that very article it states that they were informed of corruption - and they took action to arrest those involved and investigate any further incidents.

That sounds like they were doing their job in trying to stop corruption. Is that a negligent thing to do?

[Thaddeus]

How can this be a fair hearing when the accused is not allowed to defend herself? Limiting the number of witnesses a defendant is allowed to call in the defense is a denial of justice. How can this inquisition expect people to respect the verdict when there is interference in the defense process? Apparently, some people do not appreciate the concept of an accused being given the right to a defense. Nice.

Look on the bright side GK.

It means that only four of PTP are going to get fried instead of twelve.

This time around anyway.

[Thaddeus]

Why would the lawyers of Yingluck call these witness for her defense?

Here we have the PM, two of her Deputy PM's, labor minister and former DPM, and a deputy minister of commerce all knowing and admitting corruption in this scheme. Note the dates of these admissions.

Posted 2012-08-10 17:08:03

Kittiratt admits corruptions found in rice-pledging scheme

BANGKOK, 10 August 2012 (NNT) – Finance Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong has admitted that there have been reports of corruption in the government’s rice-pledging scheme.

Mr Kittiratt said the arrest of the suspects alleged for corruption in the rice-pledging scheme in the Northeast is a good thing. He believed there are more corruption cases that have not been reported. He also stated that he had never promised that the program would totally be be free of corruption .

The minister said Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has been assigned by the Premier to help eradicating corrupt practices in the scheme.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/576379-kittiratt-admits-corruptions-found-in-rice-pledging-scheme-thailand/

The Nation July 1, 2013 5:38 pm

New Commerce Minister Niwatthumrong Boonsongpaisarn and his deputy Yanyong Phuangrach vowed to reduce corruption in rice pledging and releasing and to increase transparency and flexibility in rice selling to rebuild the ministry and country's image. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Ministers-assure-transparency-and-speedy-stockpile-30209478.html

You didn't mention in that very article it states that they were informed of corruption - and they took action to arrest those involved and investigate any further incidents.

That sounds like they were doing their job in trying to stop corruption. Is that a negligent thing to do?

Please name those that were arrested, it must have been in the news.

Oh no, perhaps it wasn't, and Kittiratt is just trying to make people feel better by lying...... again.

[Spartakos]

I guess 11 witnesses is the only people who actually got the money from that scheme.