TRT Targeted For Dissolution

[hammered]

Sorry if I've been a bit repetitive but it does give a balance to the predominate right-wing pro-junta party line of the majority of TV posts. I do understand the fear factor in opposing the coup mongers; these are scary times.

Lets put it in a bit of perspective. When Mr. Thaksin was offing his own citizens with impunity to a level that even Pinochet and the Argentine Generals could not match then that would have been justifiabkly described as a time of fear. To date the current regime havent come anywhere near that so to crank up the fear factor is to just play a TRT game.

Personally I have a lot of timefor those who opposed both the murderous previous regime and the current one. Those that do have principles, and deserve respect. To praise the TRT motley crew known as PTV for opposing the Junta though is going a bit far. A bunch of well connected and well heeled members of the Thai politcal elite getting up under a banner of convenience to attack those that removed them from power doesnt have any credibility. Of course they have their own very large vested interests to protect and we should expect them to continue, but as for principled fighters for democracy - no way, they showed that when they had their time in power sadly.

As a final comment it is hard to describe right and left in Thai politics and retain any meaning. It is more like right and right and right with no left at all.

[jumnien]

Sorry if I've been a bit repetitive but it does give a balance to the predominate right-wing pro-junta party line of the majority of TV posts. I do understand the fear factor in opposing the coup mongers; these are scary times.

Lets put it in a bit of perspective. When Mr. Thaksin was offing his own citizens with impunity to a level that even Pinochet and the Argentine Generals could not match then that would have been justifiabkly described as a time of fear. To date the current regime havent come anywhere near that so to crank up the fear factor is to just play a TRT game.

Personally I have a lot of timefor those who opposed both the murderous previous regime and the current one. Those that do have principles, and deserve respect. To praise the TRT motley crew known as PTV for opposing the Junta though is going a bit far. A bunch of well connected and well heeled members of the Thai politcal elite getting up under a banner of convenience to attack those that removed them from power doesnt have any credibility. Of course they have their own very large vested interests to protect and we should expect them to continue, but as for principled fighters for democracy - no way, they showed that when they had their time in power sadly.

As a final comment it is hard to describe right and left in Thai politics and retain any meaning. It is more like right and right and right with no left at all.

Sounds like we're pretty much on the same page. The problem is that many folks were so obsessed with their resentment for Thaksin that they slipped into supporting hideous principles. I'm as glad as anyone that Thaksin is happy in far off lands, but I think an election would have been far better and would have ultimately come. It's a dangerous road to go down to blindly support military takeover of the political and economic system in hopes that it might lead at some future date to a meaningful election. Better in my book to have half-cretin (morally, that is) billionaires bumbling about than their military cousins.

[marshbags]

From the B.Post Perspective, Sunday March 25, 2007

Quote:-

Nation in trouble, yet Thais fighting Thais

Despite the anti-coup network's claims to neutrality, said a leading daily, it is hard to believe they are not aligned with the same old pro-Thaksin group, trying to stir up divisiveness in the country again

KAMOL HENGKIETISAK

Villagers gather in Songkhla municipality in a show of support for Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda after anti-coup groups rallied outside his residence in Bangkok, alleging he masterminded the Sept 19 coup.

While unrest in the three deep South provinces escalates daily and no end is in sight, some Thai Buddhists in the South began to call on authorities to use strong measures to deal with suspects, not heeding the call of Thai Muslims who gathered to put pressure on the police to release suspects they said were innocent, noted a Matichon editorial.

The face-offs between Thai groups are not confined to the South.

In Bangkok, some have begun to voice their opinions openly against the coup leaders.

In the latest event on March 18, 2007 protesters gathered to criticise Privy Council President Gen Prem Tinsulanonda as the one behind last year's coup.

Unquote.

Please go to the following url for the complete article:-

http://www.bangkokpost.com/Perspective/25Mar2007_pers07.php

Remember what brought about the intervention/ coup in the first place ????

Imagine what sort rule would have been in place had the last administration still been in place ???????

Thailand has had a very lucky escape if you look at all the evidence and perhaps people should stop blaming the present admin. for everything that should be acredited to the last one.

IMHO of course

marshbags

Edited March 25, 2007 by marshbags

[Grover]

Sorry if I've been a bit repetitive

strange 'tactic'

Edited March 25, 2007 by Grover

[Grover]

I assure you that the 19 million supporters of Mr. Thaksin are not all crawling and slithery and that many who oppose TRT and the Democrats are exactly that. The important thing is this:

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

Should TRT and the Democrat Party be dissolved? Perhaps, but best wait until the junta is boxed up and shipped off. Otherwise, it reeks of a complete farce.

From 7 posts before the above one in this "TRT Targeted For Dissolution" thread:

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

Should TRT and the Democrat Party be dissolved? Perhaps, but best wait until the junta is boxed up and shipped off. Otherwise, it reeks of a complete farce.

From "Thaksin's Wife Guilty Of Tax Evasion" thread:

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

Let's hope any action against any of the junta's political adversaries is delayed until the junta is boxed up and shipped off. Anything less than that is a farce.

From "Media Requested To Focus On Constructive News" thread:

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

unbelievable stuff

[slimdog]

Thailand has had a very lucky escape if you look at all the evidence and perhaps people should stop blaming the present admin. for everything that should be acredited to the last one.

Remember what the CNS promised when they staged the coup:

To heal conflicts within the mass population which was stirred into factional divisions to the extent of disintegrating national unity and constituting a severe social crisis. Many sectors have attempted to resolve this crisis, but to no avail. Instead, there were signs of further aggravation to the point of physical violence leading to possible bloodshed and loss of life. This situation poses a serious threat to the national administration, economy and public order. It is therefore necessary to establish and apply an interim administrative mechanism that is suitable to the prevailing situation, taking into consideration the rule of law in accordance with Thailand's administrative conventions underthe democratic form of government with the King as Head of State, the revival of a conscientious affection for national unity, the economic system and public order, the development of a ,strong corruption monitoring system and a virtuous ethical structure, the promotion and protection of rights and liberties of the people, compliance with the United Nations Charter, obligations under treaties or international agreements, the promotion of friendly relations with other countries, and subsistence under the principle of sufficient economy. At the same time, expeditious proceedings shall be undertaken to prepare a new draft Constitution with extensive public participation at all stages.

That is what is written in the Interim Constitution, how many of these things would you seriously state have been achieved ?

Edited March 25, 2007 by slimdog

[jumnien]

I assure you that the 19 million supporters of Mr. Thaksin are not all crawling and slithery and that many who oppose TRT and the Democrats are exactly that. The important thing is this:

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

Should TRT and the Democrat Party be dissolved? Perhaps, but best wait until the junta is boxed up and shipped off. Otherwise, it reeks of a complete farce.

From 7 posts before the above one in this "TRT Targeted For Dissolution" thread:

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

Should TRT and the Democrat Party be dissolved? Perhaps, but best wait until the junta is boxed up and shipped off. Otherwise, it reeks of a complete farce.

From "Thaksin's Wife Guilty Of Tax Evasion" thread:

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

Let's hope any action against any of the junta's political adversaries is delayed until the junta is boxed up and shipped off. Anything less than that is a farce.

From "Media Requested To Focus On Constructive News" thread:

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

unbelievable stuff

Great post, Grover. Informative and compelling. Food for thought. Don't worry I'm not going to do a compilation of Sri's posts, it might shut down the entire bandwidth!

[Grover]

Great post, Grover. Informative and compelling. Food for thought. Don't worry I'm not going to do a compilation of Sri's posts, it might shut down the entire bandwidth!

Just having a bit of a chuckle at you repeating your cut and paste mantra in several threads throughout TV.

carry on.

[jumnien]

Cheers!

[marshbags]

Thailand has had a very lucky escape if you look at all the evidence and perhaps people should stop blaming the present admin. for everything that should be acredited to the last one.

Remember what the CNS promised when they staged the coup:

To heal conflicts within the mass population which was stirred into factional divisions to the extent of disintegrating national unity and constituting a severe social crisis. Many sectors have attempted to resolve this crisis, but to no avail. Instead, there were signs of further aggravation to the point of physical violence leading to possible bloodshed and loss of life. This situation poses a serious threat to the national administration, economy and public order. It is therefore necessary to establish and apply an interim administrative mechanism that is suitable to the prevailing situation, taking into consideration the rule of law in accordance with Thailand's administrative conventions underthe democratic form of government with the King as Head of State, the revival of a conscientious affection for national unity, the economic system and public order, the development of a ,strong corruption monitoring system and a virtuous ethical structure, the promotion and protection of rights and liberties of the people, compliance with the United Nations Charter, obligations under treaties or international agreements, the promotion of friendly relations with other countries, and subsistence under the principle of sufficient economy. At the same time, expeditious proceedings shall be undertaken to prepare a new draft Constitution with extensive public participation at all stages.

That is what is written in the Interim Constitution, how many of these things would you seriously state have been achieved ?

Perhaps it would be best to judge the progress at the end of the intrim period.

Before and after, as seen by Thailands academics and it,s citizens.

Most of what you highlight is due to interference, stalling and non co-operation along with the last administrations continual back door methods of creating political instability and divisions, both from within and outside Thailand.

It has been a very difficult transition relating to the many changes needed to get away from the last five years of chaos and " corruption " of the highest order, even by Asian standards.

Does anyone honestly believe things would have been better if they had been able to continue to carry on regardless rewritting Thai law and undermining the 1997 constitution.

Even my Moo Ban here in Udonthani are honest and sensible enough to realise the Previous much loved TRT didn,t care about the less priviledged and they have been used as political fodder.

marshbags

Edited March 25, 2007 by marshbags

[sriracha john]

I assure you that the 19 million supporters of Mr. Thaksin are not all crawling and slithery and that many who oppose TRT and the Democrats are exactly that. The important thing is this:

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

Should TRT and the Democrat Party be dissolved? Perhaps, but best wait until the junta is boxed up and shipped off. Otherwise, it reeks of a complete farce.

From 7 posts before the above one in this "TRT Targeted For Dissolution" thread:

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

Should TRT and the Democrat Party be dissolved? Perhaps, but best wait until the junta is boxed up and shipped off. Otherwise, it reeks of a complete farce.

From "Thaksin's Wife Guilty Of Tax Evasion" thread:

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

Let's hope any action against any of the junta's political adversaries is delayed until the junta is boxed up and shipped off. Anything less than that is a farce.

From "Media Requested To Focus On Constructive News" thread:

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

unbelievable stuff

Great post, Grover. Informative and compelling. Food for thought. Don't worry I'm not going to do a compilation of Sri's posts, it might shut down the entire bandwidth!

Your welcomed to look to see if there's been a time whenever I've said the exact same thing 4 times in 3 different threads within 27 hours....

or 4 times within 3 years for that matter...

Happy Hunting...

[jumnien]

ad nauseum: Thaksin bad, right-wing military junta good...

[Siripon]

ad nauseum: Thaksin bad, right-wing military junta good...

What actions have the present junta done that are right-wing?

1. Investigated members of the previous government for corruption and forwarded their results for prosecution.

2. Apologised for Thaksin's heavy handed approach to the Southern Muslims and re-established the Southern Committee aimed at integration.

3.Reform of the police force.

None of these would have happened under Thaksin.

[jumnien]

ad nauseum: Thaksin bad, right-wing military junta good...

What actions have the present junta done that are right-wing?

1. Investigated members of the previous government for corruption and forwarded their results for prosecution.

2. Apologised for Thaksin's heavy handed approach to the Southern Muslims and re-established the Southern Committee aimed at integration.

3.Reform of the police force.

None of these would have happened under Thaksin.

Are you sure Thaksin didn't investigate members of the previous government for corruption and forward their results for prosecution? It seems all over the world one government is always prosecuting the one that came before it. And didn't Thaksin apologize for the present junta's heavy handed approach to the Southern Muslims? By george, that reform of the police force hasn't quite hit around these parts. Where exactly are they doing that? Has anyone else noticed a stepped up effort to collect 200 baht from the boys in blue?

[Siripon]

ad nauseum: Thaksin bad, right-wing military junta good...

What actions have the present junta done that are right-wing?

1. Investigated members of the previous government for corruption and forwarded their results for prosecution.

2. Apologised for Thaksin's heavy handed approach to the Southern Muslims and re-established the Southern Committee aimed at integration.

3.Reform of the police force.

None of these would have happened under Thaksin.

Are you sure Thaksin didn't investigate members of the previous government for corruption and forward their results for prosecution? It seems all over the world one government is always prosecuting the one that came before it. And didn't Thaksin apologize for the present junta's heavy handed approach to the Southern Muslims? By george, that reform of the police force hasn't quite hit around these parts. Where exactly are they doing that? Has anyone else noticed a stepped up effort to collect 200 baht from the boys in blue?

Which members of the previous government, Chuan's, were ever prosecuted for corruption?

When did Thaksin apologise to the south?

And you haven't answered my question, namely what is so right-wing about the present government?

[jumnien]

Military overthrow, stacking govt agencies and large corps with Generals, censorship by intimidation, corruption, tearing up constitution, limiting political activity, harassment of political opposition, etc.

[slimdog]

Which members of the previous government, Chuan's, were ever prosecuted for corruption?

Former Health Minister Rakkiat Sukthana, who the Supreme Court found guilty of corruption in a drugs scam and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

[John K]

PTV RALLY

Generals probing TRT role in protest

Former members will be prosecuted if they financed demonstration, CNS chief warns

Former Thai Rak Thai Party members are under investigation and will be prosecuted if found to have financially supported an anti-government rally on Friday, junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said yesterday.

Council for National Security (CNS) chief Sonthi has a list of former Thai Rak Thai members believed to be behind the Sanam Luang rally organised by PTV.

First Army Region commander Lt-General Prayuth Chanocha suspected an "old political power group" financially supported the rally. Investigators are following the money trail.

"We believe they are behind the rally. Otherwise, the number of people attending would not have been so great. If investigations find a link, we will prosecute them under Council for National Security laws,'' he said.

He said the government had been moderate with protesters but former power cliques exploited this leniency to create political turmoil. "From now on, we have to strictly enforce the law and urge people not to be used as political tools,'' Prayuth said.

A meeting today will consider action against anti-government groups that physically assaulted municipal police on Saturday. "We cannot allow them to hurt officials and escape the law,'' he said.

Prayuth said the CNS was investigating other offences including defamation charges. He referred to an attack against Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda.

PTV chairman Veera Musigapong said another rally would proceed at Sanam Luang on Friday. If it did not receive Bangkok Metropolitan Administration approval, it would gather outside the city hall in protest.

He warned Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin not to discriminate against his group. He said the People's Alliance for Democracy had been permitted use of Sanam Luang in the past.

PTV director Nattawut Saikua said the station would organise provincial rallies soon to gauge opinion there.

Nattawut admitted PTV rallies were not part of its media role. "We wanted to carry a media role but we are not allowed to. So we have to seek justice by organising political rallies,'' he said.

Thai Rak Thai caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang denied the party was behind the Friday protest. Those who spoke were no longer members, he said.

He said former party members now associated with PTV "want to see Thai people exercise their rights to express political views".

[jumnien]

Thanks, John. Now today the generals are warning Apirak not to interfere with the People Against Democracy (PAD) protests because they are heavily rewarded pawns of the junta. Other groups with well-founded grievances against the constitution-trashing are not allowed. Every day it's another travesty.

[John K]

It certainly looks like the TRT is on the offensive again.

Thai Rak Thai caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang denied the party was behind the Friday protest. Those who spoke were no longer members, he said.

He said former party members now associated with PTV "want to see Thai people exercise their rights to express political views".

Just like Thaksin is no longer a member I would imagine. I seem to recall him resigning just about a year ago.

Funding people to come to a rally, yes certainly and I would be great to see that come out and have the government come down on them with both feet.

I could make a few predictions but I think the will be obvious,

Government comes down on TRT and PTV, and they will cry foul. Then attempt to use that as some sort of political tool to rally people against the government. I think that would fly in Isaan but not to well with the higher educated.

This certainly sounds much more thought out than most of the things we have been seeing, and to me that would suggest Thaksin’s involvement. I would think that perhaps Thaksin’s plan B may be that if he goes down, get the TRT in power again and spring him from Jail. From there we all know where it goes.

Edited March 26, 2007 by John K

[jumnien]

Remember there are 31 million Thais banned from the constitution drafting process, not just the members of TRT. Remember it was democracy that was dissolved, not the TRT, as of yet.

[John K]

Remember there are 31 million Thais banned from the constitution drafting process, not just the members of TRT. Remember it was democracy that was dissolved, not the TRT, as of yet.

Perhaps but setting up a preexisting mental state can and will swing votes. Wait until June or July and give them some time on the constitution. Things like this are not done on the back of a cocktail lounge napkin, and there has to be much more than superficial thinking to stop future Thaksin’s. You and I know deep and well thought out plans is not what Thais are best know for, so give them time they are out of their element here.

[jumnien]

As bad as Thaksin was in some limited respects, isn't the point that Thais, especially those like Supinya) overwhelmingly want to stop future Sondhi's. As far as future less than perfect elected governments go, you can't stop that in a democracy. It happens. And then elections happen and people have a choice which direction to go.

[John K]

As bad as Thaksin was in some limited respects, isn't the point that Thais, especially those like Supinya) overwhelmingly want to stop future Sondhi's. As far as future less than perfect elected governments go, you can't stop that in a democracy. It happens. And then elections happen and people have a choice which direction to go.

Well let me put it this way,

Thailand was very sick with an infection last September 18 and there were few medicines in the pharmacy at the time. The medicine selected was old but powerful and has been know to produce negative side effects. Now chemists have been commissioned and they are busy making new stronger medicines called ‘Articles’ and they will be placed in the pharmacy once they have been approved. If the medicines are strong enough then the already very old medicine used in September should become obsolete.

While Thailand’s fever persists occasional delirious states may happen as the infection attempts to reestablish itself. Until the infection is eradicated or otherwise kept under control the fever will persist.

The infection has been know to take on the appearance of seeming harmless organisms in the body in the hope to trick the body into dissolving and absorbing the medicine used against it. Once that happens the infection may develop immunity to the medicine used and the results could be fatal.

[Plus]

Remember what the CNS promised when they staged the coup:

To heal conflicts within the mass population which was stirred into factional divisions to the extent of disintegrating national unity and constituting a severe social crisis.

Rallies now attract between one and three thousand demonstrators. Last year it was between one and three HUNDRED thousand. I think we can say that the junta has achieved that goal and Thaksin is not a problem of contention anymore.

Many sectors have attempted to resolve this crisis, but to no avail. Instead, there were signs of further aggravation to the point of physical violence leading to possible bloodshed and loss of life. This situation poses a serious threat to the national administration, economy and public order.

We have the government now which has operating budget for this year. We have the NLA, the laws are being debated, some have passed, some were rejected. We didn't have any of that last year. National administration was in "temporary" mode for almost nine months and there was no solution in sight for at least another half year.

It is therefore necessary to establish and apply an interim administrative mechanism that is suitable to the prevailing situation, taking into consideration the rule of law in accordance with Thailand's administrative conventions underthe democratic form of government with the King as Head of State, the revival of a conscientious affection for national unity, the economic system and public order, the development of a ,strong corruption monitoring system...

We can argue economical benefits of the current government policies vs. "it's up to Thaksin as there's no parlament" of the previous government, the rest is pretty much under control - even banned political gatherings proceed smoothly comparing to complete disruption of Democrat rallies last year.

and a virtuous ethical structure, the promotion and protection of rights and liberties of the people, compliance with the United Nations Charter, obligations under treaties or international agreements, the promotion of friendly relations with other countries...

They shafted Singapore, deservedly so. Otherwise international relations are getting back on track as Europe warmed up to the junta recently. Personal liberties of people have not been restricted, contrary to scaremongers. People participate in public anti-coup demonstrations and publicly accuse junta of (insert irony) restricting their freedom of speech.

, and subsistence under the principle of sufficient economy. At the same time, expeditious proceedings shall be undertaken to prepare a new draft Constitution with extensive public participation at all stages.

There's far more public input in drafting the new constitution than in any of the laws passed during Thaksin's time. There's going to be a referendum on the new constitution. There was no referendum on 1997 constitution at all.

That is what is written in the Interim Constitution, how many of these things would you seriously state have been achieved ?

I think they are doing ok, as long as they keep Thaksin at bay. The country has generally agreed to move forward withoug him, if he returns into the picture, it will be back to square one again.

Which members of the previous government, Chuan's, were ever prosecuted for corruption?

Former Health Minister Rakkiat Sukthana, who the Supreme Court found guilty of corruption in a drugs scam and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

Rakkiat's case has been started in Democtrat's time, not Thaksin's. In fact the rural doctors society, who blew the whistle on Rakkiat, accused Thaksin's administration (Sudarat) of covering up Rakkiat's scandal and protecting and even promoting his accomplices.

Edited March 26, 2007 by Plus

[hammered]

PTV RALLY

Generals probing TRT role in protest

Former members will be prosecuted if they financed demonstration, CNS chief warns

Former Thai Rak Thai Party members are under investigation and will be prosecuted if found to have financially supported an anti-government rally on Friday, junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said yesterday.

Council for National Security (CNS) chief Sonthi has a list of former Thai Rak Thai members believed to be behind the Sanam Luang rally organised by PTV.

First Army Region commander Lt-General Prayuth Chanocha suspected an "old political power group" financially supported the rally. Investigators are following the money trail.

"We believe they are behind the rally. Otherwise, the number of people attending would not have been so great. If investigations find a link, we will prosecute them under Council for National Security laws,'' he said.

He said the government had been moderate with protesters but former power cliques exploited this leniency to create political turmoil. "From now on, we have to strictly enforce the law and urge people not to be used as political tools,'' Prayuth said.

A meeting today will consider action against anti-government groups that physically assaulted municipal police on Saturday. "We cannot allow them to hurt officials and escape the law,'' he said.

Prayuth said the CNS was investigating other offences including defamation charges. He referred to an attack against Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda.

PTV chairman Veera Musigapong said another rally would proceed at Sanam Luang on Friday. If it did not receive Bangkok Metropolitan Administration approval, it would gather outside the city hall in protest.

He warned Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin not to discriminate against his group. He said the People's Alliance for Democracy had been permitted use of Sanam Luang in the past.

PTV director Nattawut Saikua said the station would organise provincial rallies soon to gauge opinion there.

Nattawut admitted PTV rallies were not part of its media role. "We wanted to carry a media role but we are not allowed to. So we have to seek justice by organising political rallies,'' he said.

Thai Rak Thai caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang denied the party was behind the Friday protest. Those who spoke were no longer members, he said.

He said former party members now associated with PTV "want to see Thai people exercise their rights to express political views".

It is amazing that the Generals have decided to probe the role of the TRT in the PTV protest. Considering it is almost impossible to find a Thai person who does not think the PTV and TRT are the same this would seem to be a very conservative statement.

[Plus]

Technically PTV people have resigned from TRT. Finding who sponsored the rally and tracing funds to TRT is nearly impossible.

That's another example of "everyone knows" but they are "presumed innocent until proven guilty".

Imagine how many more rallies these guys can stage before the due process goes through all stages. The best hope at the moment is obtaining court injunction.

[Siripon]

Which members of the previous government, Chuan's, were ever prosecuted for corruption?

Former Health Minister Rakkiat Sukthana, who the Supreme Court found guilty of corruption in a drugs scam and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

Apologies if my memory fails me but if I remember correctly Rakkiat was a member of the New Aspiration Party which joined the Chuan government, later Thaksin bought the party and promoted Rakkiat to the party list.

[Siripon]

Military overthrow, stacking govt agencies and large corps with Generals, censorship by intimidation, corruption, tearing up constitution, limiting political activity, harassment of political opposition, etc.

John K has put it better than I can but I'd like to mention some points.

1. Corruption, apart from General's Sprang's recent jaunt to England I think you'll find the corruption in Thaksin's term was way in a league of its own- look at the latest from Watana, his Commerce Minister.

2.Censorship by intimidation- I haven't seen anyone being sued for billions for suggesting the generals are benefiting from their tenure.Likewise newspapers haven't been threatened with withdrawals of lucrative adverts from AIS or government agencies even though they frequently criticise the government.

3. As Nevin Chidchorp said the popliticians just have to lie low for a year, the junta have promised an election, they know they can't backtrack from that.

[sriracha john]

Former Health Minister Rakkiat Sukthana, who the Supreme Court found guilty of corruption in a drugs scam and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

Rakkiat's case has been started in Democtrat's time, not Thaksin's. In fact the rural doctors society, who blew the whistle on Rakkiat, accused Thaksin's administration (Sudarat) of covering up Rakkiat's scandal and protecting and even promoting his accomplices.

Which members of the previous government, Chuan's, were ever prosecuted for corruption?

Former Health Minister Rakkiat Sukthana, who the Supreme Court found guilty of corruption in a drugs scam and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

Apologies if my memory fails me but if I remember correctly Rakkiat was a member of the New Aspiration Party which joined the Chuan government, later Thaksin bought the party and promoted Rakkiat to the party list.

Plus is correct and Siriporn is mostly correct...

For clarity sake:

From Asia Week, dated September 25, 1998

Rakkiat, deputy leader of the Social Action Party, resigned Sept. 15, taking responsibility for a scandal in which companies linked to senior officials forced public hospitals to buy medicines at inflated prices. The scam erupted earlier this month, seriously hurting the government's reputation. Thai NGOs launched a vigorous signature campaign for Rakkiat's ouster on Sept. 11. Rakkiat has denied involvement. The office of Premier Chuan Leekpai said the resignation "will make the investigation easier" and reduce public pressure to oust Rakkiat's party from the ruling coalition.