NACC wants to hear PM Yingluck's witnesses before Songkran

[webfact]

POLITICS
NACC wants to hear PM's witnesses before Songkran
ANUPHAN CHANTANA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has asked caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to coordinate the appearance of her three nominated witnesses in the case relating to the rice-pledging scheme so they can give evidence before the Songkran holiday.

NACC chairman Panthep Klanarongran said the three witnesses would testify in defence of the premier, who is accused of dereliction of duty in connection with the government's rice-pledging scheme.

Panthep said Yingluck would receive fair treatment from the NACC, and would be allowed to present additional evidence.

NACC member Vicha Mahakun said that in this case all the NACC commissioners would consider the evidence carefully, and they had not specified if or when they would indict Yingluck. Now they will consider the additional evidence submitted by the PM.

If indicted, Yingluck must be suspended from duty.

Vicha said the NACC did not see anyone as its enemy. The NACC had the duty to investigate and find out the truth to ensure justice.

Yingluck asked the NACC to allow three additional defence witnesses to testify in her defence.

They are caretaker Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Commerce Minister Niwatthumrong Boonsongpaisan and Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Phuangrach.

Bancha Porameesanaporn, Yingluck's lawyer, said the NACC allowed only three of 11 witnesses nominated by Yingluck to testify, while there were more important witnesses worth investigating.

Among the nominated witnesses not allowed by the NACC are caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, deputy police chief Pol General Worapong Chewprecha, deputy secretary-general to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs Pol Maj-General Thawat Boonfueng, and the chairman of the Federation of Accounting Professions, Pichai Chunhavajira.


-- The Nation 2014-04-03

[notmyself]

Spring is in the air

Edited April 2, 2014 by notmyself

[notmyself]

Or perhaps even more apt.

[Mister Fixit]

She's been given WAY long enough - time to move the case along, and things always get log-jammed around Songkhran.

[MaxLee]

Kittirat the white lying witness,... Hired by Thaksin

"I didn't do it, I'm just a puppet controlled in Dubai, everybody is my witness...!"

Edited April 3, 2014 by MaxLee

[NongKhaiKid]

C'mon YL here's a chance to employ more of your governments world class delaying tactics, tell the NACC that your witnesses are simply too busy to attend before Songkran and for a considerable time thereafter.

To prove your point add the Ombudsman to your witness list.

[tezzainoz]

So the prosecution can tell the defence who she can and can not testify in her defence. Talk about stacking a court in favour of the prosecution and hardly seems like a fair hearing

Oh my god here we go again

Edited April 3, 2014 by tezzainoz

[Nickymaster]

Among the nominated witnesses not allowed by the NACC are caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, deputy police chief Pol General Worapong Chewprecha, deputy secretary-general to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs Pol Maj-General Thawat Boonfueng, and the chairman of the Federation of Accounting Professions, Pichai Chunhavajira.

Well done NACC . These guys would only make a media circus out of it.

[harkish]

Here we go again, according to script... judicial coup justified if not by the rice scheme / NACC probe, then by the Thawil case decision. Found guilty, then forced to resign or impeached, enforced by the military and somehow, anyhow, a new government, a yellow government, put in place - for the 'reform' so loudly called for from Suthep's stages.

The acts of this play were written in the drawing rooms of big BKK houses and penthouses months ago, right down to the Songkran kickoff dates. The current constitution was a dramatic reduction in representational rights, the next will be more so - more appointments by 'respected individuals', less voter voice. Less upcountry, more Bangkok. And then the reds will come to town. This will continue and continue - until some balance is found. What will bring about that balance? Hard to say, we are dealing with centuries of a feudal society, elites running things the way they want, poor folks, serfs, doing their bidding - all being threatened by modernity, and concepts of equality of rights and voice. This is to some degree a zero sum game, one side wins while another loses - although continued conflict will mean less of an economic sum, a smaller pie to divvy up.

[Nickymaster]

Here we go again, according to script... judicial coup justified if not by the rice scheme / NACC probe, then by the Thawil case decision. Found guilty, then forced to resign or impeached, enforced by the military and somehow, anyhow, a new government, a yellow government, put in place - for the 'reform' so loudly called for from Suthep's stages.

The acts of this play were written in the drawing rooms of big BKK houses and penthouses months ago, right down to the Songkran kickoff dates. The current constitution was a dramatic reduction in representational rights, the next will be more so - more appointments by 'respected individuals', less voter voice. Less upcountry, more Bangkok. And then the reds will come to town. This will continue and continue - until some balance is found. What will bring about that balance? Hard to say, we are dealing with centuries of a feudal society, elites running things the way they want, poor folks, serfs, doing their bidding - all being threatened by modernity, and concepts of equality of rights and voice. This is to some degree a zero sum game, one side wins while another loses - although continued conflict will mean less of an economic sum, a smaller pie to divvy up.

judicial coup justified if not by the rice scheme / NACC probe, then by the Thawil case decision.

Judicial coup? How about justice?

[chooka]

So the prosecution can tell the defence who she can and can not testify in her defence. Talk about stacking a court in favour of the prosecution and hardly seems like a fair hearing

What court are you refering to?

It hasn't got that far yet

So kerb your rhetoric

My deepest and most sincere apologies. I am sorry that I have offended you as it was not my intention and I am extremely sorry for the stress that I may caused you or anyone else.

Now you are being silly as opposed to being decietful

Well I guess we were raised differently, I was always taught to apologise if you offended someone saying sorry was never considered deceitful more like taking responsibility for your actions. Different cultures I guess

[smedly]

I can see it now - the headlines next week

Kittirat and two witnesses called to testify in court are to be indicted based on their testimony

As they were cross examined during the hearing it became clear that corruption charges already filed against the 3 Cabinet Ministers were justified - the 3 will be indicted within days

[slapout]

Among the nominated witnesses not allowed by the NACC are caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, deputy police chief Pol General Worapong Chewprecha, deputy secretary-general to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs Pol Maj-General Thawat Boonfueng, and the chairman of the Federation of Accounting Professions, Pichai Chunhavajira.

Well done NACC . These guys would only make a media circus out of it.

I suspose the caretaker PM's next request for witnesses will incude, the maid, son, brother ( the latter needs additional delay for security reasons), etc, This delay tactic has apparently worn out its welcome/acceptance after being abused so much by those who use their influence/position to utilize time as a buffer in the judicial system.

Another example of how the copycat method can come back to bite you in the arse. This tactic has been done to death by those being investigated for a multiude of offenses, along with the, more time needed to review documents request ( I guess the legal team are slow readers). It would be a welcome turn around for the delay tactics being currently employed in Thailand to be curtailed, in the entire legal system. Of course, those who seem to abuse the system the most are those guilty of charges, as they arrange distribution of their ill gotten finances, and subsquently do a runner from justice.

[seajae]

after the way she has made sure no one has testified about her brothers passport for 2 years is it any wonder that they want these idiots to testify quickly. They already have their evidence, all this is is a way for yl to postpone the outcome as there is no way to release her from her guilt of not doing her job, telling the nacc that she was not at any of the meetings is not a good enough excuse, she was the person in charge so she had a duty of care to make sure she was aware of the facts, she didnt do her job and no amount of stalling will improve her situation. This is simply another ptp bullsh*t attempt to have the investigation(not prosecution) dropped.

[orchidlady]

Before the trial even starts, judges in the US meet with the defense and prosecuting(or plaintiff) attorneys to decide what evidence, witnesses can be used to testify before the actual trial. But the situation here with the NACC is to decide if a trial is necessary-if the evidence warrants a court trial.

[MGP]

after the way she has made sure no one has testified about her brothers passport for 2 years is it any wonder that they want these idiots to testify quickly. They already have their evidence, all this is is a way for yl to postpone the outcome as there is no way to release her from her guilt of not doing her job, telling the nacc that she was not at any of the meetings is not a good enough excuse, she was the person in charge so she had a duty of care to make sure she was aware of the facts, she didnt do her job and no amount of stalling will improve her situation. This is simply another ptp bullsh*t attempt to have the investigation(not prosecution) dropped.

And another push to delude the Thaksinista fans (including several Thai Visa posters) to make them believe that YL is being treated with unfairness, and that this is a "judicial coup" against her.

That idea of the "judicial coup" is utterly ridiculous; this is plain and simple justice amid wrongdoing, but the sad truth is that many of them are really deluded, so deluded that they may even attend the red-shirt circus on April 5.

[Prbkk]

...obscene haste, almost laughable given their history

[WoopyDoo]

Here we go again, according to script... judicial coup justified if not by the rice scheme / NACC probe, then by the Thawil case decision. Found guilty, then forced to resign or impeached, enforced by the military and somehow, anyhow, a new government, a yellow government, put in place - for the 'reform' so loudly called for from Suthep's stages.

The acts of this play were written in the drawing rooms of big BKK houses and penthouses months ago, right down to the Songkran kickoff dates. The current constitution was a dramatic reduction in representational rights, the next will be more so - more appointments by 'respected individuals', less voter voice. Less upcountry, more Bangkok. And then the reds will come to town. This will continue and continue - until some balance is found. What will bring about that balance? Hard to say, we are dealing with centuries of a feudal society, elites running things the way they want, poor folks, serfs, doing their bidding - all being threatened by modernity, and concepts of equality of rights and voice. This is to some degree a zero sum game, one side wins while another loses - although continued conflict will mean less of an economic sum, a smaller pie to divvy up.

judicial coup justified if not by the rice scheme / NACC probe, then by the Thawil case decision.

Judicial coup? How about justice?

Wasting your time mate.

They think YL and the PTP should be allowed to break the law and the constitution at will. They will not allow justice in Thailand if a politician is involved as that would mean coup.

Of course they support all justice to be upheld by the opposition, that would be justice in their eyes, but not when directed at their own camp.... that is a coup.

You can not argue with people who have self imposed selective understanding.

They know you are right.... But that means nothing.

[Prbkk]

Still trying to rewrite history. Go back and look at the campaign before last. You will find many articles, interviews, discussions about amnesty, including a number with Yingluck herself. Amnesty was canvassed, adopted and supported, through their votes, by the Thai people. Ignorance of these facts is widespread and so is the malicious denial of them.

[MGP]

So the prosecution can tell the defence who she can and can not testify in her defence. Talk about stacking a court in favour of the prosecution and hardly seems like a fair hearing

Which prosecution are you talking about and for that matter what court?

Here we only discuss the NACC investigating Ms. Yingluck's resourceful handling of the rice price pledging scheme.

BTW anyone who knows why the Yingluck government in their blanket amnesty bill had extended the coverage period to include the first two years of Yingluck's government taking care of corruption?

Why are you still going on about the amnesty bill? You seem to be under the misunderstanding that this was something that came out of the blue. The proposal for an amnesty bill was discussed, and became PTP POLICY during the election campaign before last, ie, the election they won so overwhemingly. Public opinion favoured amnesty, the public VOTED for amnesty. You people keep trying to rewrite history.Tedious.

Yes, it was on their policy, but the Amnesty Bill that they redacted and passed in a pre-dawn session on the 1st of November 2013 at 4AM was very different from all the drafts that had been discussed so far with the other parties.

Cheating, cheating, and cheating. They even cheated the Red Shirts. They also found that after-hours version of the Amnesty Bill very disgusting, and they were very upset with Pheu Thai Party.

[Basil B]

Obviously the NACC anticipate calling loads of witnesses, who all of a sudden have very full diaries just another stalling tactic.

[Scamper]

While everyone wonders why the deputy police chief would ever be offered by Pheu Thai as a witness in the rice scheme investigation, it is clear that the NACC investigation is proceeding, and it is proceeding constitutionally. Yesterday's announcement by the NACC indicates, though, that they are well aware of Yingluck's delaying tactics. But the timeline is becoming clearer. It is now much more likely that the Constitutional Court ruling on the Tawil case will likely come first, and likely be the tipping point, as all the previous rulings on the case have confirmed the unconstitutionality of the transfer - most recently the Supreme Administrative Court - in a unanimous decision.

[rubl]

So the prosecution can tell the defence who she can and can not testify in her defence. Talk about stacking a court in favour of the prosecution and hardly seems like a fair hearing

Which prosecution are you talking about and for that matter what court?

Here we only discuss the NACC investigating Ms. Yingluck's resourceful handling of the rice price pledging scheme.

BTW anyone who knows why the Yingluck government in their blanket amnesty bill had extended the coverage period to include the first two years of Yingluck's government taking care of corruption?

Why are you still going on about the amnesty bill? You seem to be under the misunderstanding that this was something that came out of the blue. The proposal for an amnesty bill was discussed, and became PTP POLICY during the election campaign before last, ie, the election they won so overwhemingly. Public opinion favoured amnesty, the public VOTED for amnesty. You people keep trying to rewrite history.Tedious.

It is exactly because of posters like you that there seems to be a constant need to remind people that the Yingluck government under the guise of 'mandate' and 'forget the past', 'reconciliate' also tried to give itself a blanket amnesty for the period till 2013-07-09.

BTW why did the Yingluck government think it needed a blanket amnesty for all political and corruption wrongdoings? Did they really do that much wrong?

PS as for rewriting the past, any 'amnesty' was supposed to reconciliate and for sure no one dared to mention that such amnesty would also need to include the illustrious duo Abhisit/Suthep.

Edited April 3, 2014 by rubl

[Prbkk]

Sorry, but Yingluck canvassed the amnesty proposal in the lead up to the election before last...and YES, it was amnesty for all. Personally, I favour it: I cannot imagine reconciliation working unless there is a clean slate. Notwithstanding the anti rallies at the end of last year, most Thais also support amnesty. The last major opiniom poll on the matter (Suan Dusit, July2013) found that more than 60% nationwide were in favour.

[bigbamboo]

Among the nominated witnesses not allowed by the NACC are caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, deputy police chief Pol General Worapong Chewprecha, deputy secretary-general to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs Pol Maj-General Thawat Boonfueng, and the chairman of the Federation of Accounting Professions, Pichai Chunhavajira.

Well done NACC . These guys would only make a media circus out of it.

I suppose in some ways Chalerm would have been a very good witness. He often knows who did what and when before the evidence has even been examined. Must be all that police training.

Edited April 3, 2014 by bigbamboo

[Basil B]

Sorry, but Yingluck canvassed the amnesty proposal in the lead up to the election before last...and YES, it was amnesty for all. Personally, I favour it: I cannot imagine reconciliation working unless there is a clean slate. Notwithstanding the anti rallies at the end of last year, most Thais also support amnesty. The last major opiniom poll on the matter (Suan Dusit, July2013) found that more than 60% nationwide were in favour.

Firstly, YL is a puppet programmed with a single issue agenda.

Secondly, to bargain many of those on the opposite side have been stitched up and are willing to have their day in court.

Thirdly, there has always been a get out of jail card for politicians you do not need an amnesty or were Uncle T's crimes that bad he may be the first Politician to be forgotten on HM's birthday list.

[metisdead]

A post making an incorrect statement has been removed as well as a large number of inflammatory replies.

[ratcatcher]

...obscene haste, almost laughable given their history

I like your choice of words Prbkk. With a minor change it becomes:

....obscene waste, almost laughable, given their history.

PTT that is, not the court.

[Centrum]

Here we go again, according to script... judicial coup justified if not by the rice scheme / NACC probe, then by the Thawil case decision. Found guilty, then forced to resign or impeached, enforced by the military and somehow, anyhow, a new government, a yellow government, put in place - for the 'reform' so loudly called for from Suthep's stages.

The acts of this play were written in the drawing rooms of big BKK houses and penthouses months ago, right down to the Songkran kickoff dates. The current constitution was a dramatic reduction in representational rights, the next will be more so - more appointments by 'respected individuals', less voter voice. Less upcountry, more Bangkok. And then the reds will come to town. This will continue and continue - until some balance is found. What will bring about that balance? Hard to say, we are dealing with centuries of a feudal society, elites running things the way they want, poor folks, serfs, doing their bidding - all being threatened by modernity, and concepts of equality of rights and voice. This is to some degree a zero sum game, one side wins while another loses - although continued conflict will mean less of an economic sum, a smaller pie to divvy up.

Elvis. Everyone has set that date as the real time for change.

[espinoza]

She is the manager of Thailand, why do she have mistrust for the judicial system. What about the thousands of people convicted by the system the prime minister do not trust, when she was the guarantor of justice?