Former Thai PM Chuan supports Constitutional Court judges

[webfact]

Chuan supports Constitutional Court judges
Chanikarn Phumhiran
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai has extended moral support to the Constitutional Court judges, calling on them to carry out their duty with righteousness and without fear of intimidation or being wavered by bribery at this critical political juncture.

He was speaking at an event titled "Political reform under the rule of law" to mark the Constitutional Court's 16th anniversary.

"The present situation is not normal," he said. "Stay true to your cause. Each situation is a test of your ideology and commitment."

The Constitutional Court is about to issue a landmark verdict to decide the fate of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for the charter violation over the unlawful removal of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri.

The verdict may bring the country to the brink of civil strife, with political rival camps threatening mass protests in a show of force.

Chuan said 16 years of the Constitutional Court had proven the professionalism of the judges.

"But the judges and their families also face threats and intimidation that they had never faced before,'' he said.

Chuan said the rule of law and good governance were what the country must highlight in political reform. "The cause of the 1997 economic crisis was that the country was run without good governance," he said.

"The violence in the South is an example of how the ruler did not adhere to the rule of law.

"The summary execution of drug suspects is another similar example.''

Dr Borwornsak Uwanno, secretary-general of King Prajadhipok's Institute, stressed the need for the country to manage its interests and resources so that every citizen has equal access to the resources and then gradually replace populist policy with state welfare.

"The charter leaves loopholes that allow politicians to solicit votes from populist policies,'' he said.

To improve the checks mechanism, he said, the lower House should remain elected but the upper House should be appointed professionals and the regulations that force MPs to come under a party must be scrapped to allow independent MPs.

The charter must be rewritten and the Constitutional Court must check the draft charter before the draft goes through a public referendum.

Borwornsak said the reform should initiate legislation on public rallies and restructure the justice system, starting with the police.

He said media reform was also needed given the country had "red, blue and yellow" media.

"We must stop the media that instigate violence or those that provoke a political divide,'' he said.

He said the current Constitution had laid a good foundation but needed to have more tools to create strict law enforcement.

"The government itself must respect the law and conform to court verdicts, otherwise the country will plunge as a failed state. If the law is sacred, we do not need to have militia forces,'' he said.

-- The Nation 2014-04-25

[Dr Bruce]

Could this be the same Chuan Leekpai whose first government was brought down by Suthep?

[WoopyDoo]

People seem to be sensing that the constant intimidation tactics from PTP, YL, Thaksin, UDD CAPO and the red shirts.... oh and even the police. Are starting to have the desired effect on the constitutional court.... I myself am also starting to sense this. Especially in the wake of them granting YL her extension.

W all know she has lost this case, because she has already had that verdict twice already.... No real need for the extension apart from the CC possibly feeling under pressure, and trying to delay the inevitable themselves.

There are 9 judges to vote on this, and slowly but surely each one must be getting affected by not only threats of physical harm and even death to them and their loved ones, but also the constant pressure of being told their decision could start a civil war in which many could perish.... Who wants that on their conscience??

So the PTP and mob's strategies seem to be working.

The longer the CC allows this to be stretched out, the more pressure they are going to have heaped on them and the more I think they are going to rule in favour of YL, and that could also possibly be applied to the NACC case.

They should grow some balls and throw her out already.... They need to remember.... this is not a coup, this is justice.

[Roadman]

Good thoughts Khun Chuan...as sbould all logical thinkers support the judicary and courts

[fab4]

Why am I not suprised by these comments from that old fossil, the "respected" Chuan Leekpai? Before all the abuse begins, ask yourself just why this venerable old politico is known as The Painter.

[rabas]

Why am I not suprised by these comments from that old fossil, the "respected" Chuan Leekpai? Before all the abuse begins, ask yourself just why this venerable old politico is known as The Painter.

Self, why is this old (pre-) fossil known as the painter (khon tha see)?

Haven't a clue. Maybe the painter is a Western phrase? From a Hollywood movie?

Edited April 25, 2014 by rabas

[harkish]

Somebody said 'support the judiciary and the courts' - like they are some neutral body, eyes closed, justice blind. Yeah, right. The courts are just one part of the spoils here, heavily or really completely politicized - so why would anyone from an opposing camp support them? How would that be logical? The logical thing, in this environment, is to mobilize your side and demonstrate its power, then push for the best deal. And that is what both sides are doing. True reform would create an independent and impartial judiciary, but that ain't going to happen any time soon.

[Tatsujin]

Why am I not suprised by these comments from that old fossil, the "respected" Chuan Leekpai? Before all the abuse begins, ask yourself just why this venerable old politico is known as The Painter.

Is this a similar reason as to why Thaksin is known as "The Pastry Man"?

[klauskunkel]

Why am I not suprised by these comments from that old fossil, the "respected" Chuan Leekpai? Before all the abuse begins, ask yourself just why this venerable old politico is known as The Painter.

Oh yes, there is even a song about him:

Painter man, Painter Man

Who would be a Painter Man...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmxMqV00cUE&feature=player_embedded

[Mentors]

Could this be the same Chuan Leekpai whose first government wuas brought down by Suthep?

.

Yes, about the large Land scam scandal from the Pseudo Democrat Party.

But people tend to forget quickly, especially here in the South.

Edited April 25, 2014 by Mentors

[ikke]

People seem to be sensing that the constant intimidation tactics from PTP, YL, Thaksin, UDD CAPO and the red shirts.... oh and even the police. Are starting to have the desired effect on the constitutional court.... I myself am also starting to sense this. Especially in the wake of them granting YL her extension.

W all know she has lost this case, because she has already had that verdict twice already.... No real need for the extension apart from the CC possibly feeling under pressure, and trying to delay the inevitable themselves.

There are 9 judges to vote on this, and slowly but surely each one must be getting affected by not only threats of physical harm and even death to them and their loved ones, but also the constant pressure of being told their decision could start a civil war in which many could perish.... Who wants that on their conscience??

So the PTP and mob's strategies seem to be working.

The longer the CC allows this to be stretched out, the more pressure they are going to have heaped on them and the more I think they are going to rule in favour of YL, and that could also possibly be applied to the NACC case.

They should grow some balls and throw her out already.... They need to remember.... this is not a coup, this is justice.

Justice ? This is only anti Shins, nothing to do with justice !

[robblok]

Its a shame that the judges are intimidated by the red thugs. We have seen that they got the weapons, that they think gunning down woman and kids is a good thing and smile while they tell the good news on stage. (trad massacre by the reds). How can they not be afraid for their families and their own lives. The constant violence from the reds is a disgrace. They burned down parts of Bangkok leaders told them to do so. Reds is synonymous to violence and thuggery.

I hope these brave men do the right thing and bring down this dictatorship.

[smutcakes]

He raises very good points, but we are still missing the how it can be done fairly to all concerned.

[ikke]

Good thoughts Khun Chuan...as sbould all logical thinkers support the judicary and courts

Logical thinking is sure not part on the dems side.

[Darcula]

What luck the constitution court wasn't around when Raluek Leekpai was playing the field.

[toybits]

Chuan Leekpai who was then the Democrat Party's only elected Prime Minister had to dissolve his government because of the land scam under the hands of his old buddy Mr. Suthep... Such hypocrite!!!

[lomatopo]

Yeah, no corruption in this two-time PM's cabinets.

The lack of shame on the part of these elderly Amart for their role in the current situation never ceases to amaze me. Maybe it's just senility?

He was nicknamed the painter because he always "covered over the sullied reputations" of associates.

Did his younger brother get to keep the 230 million baht he embezzled from the Thai Farmers Bank?

[fab4]

Why am I not suprised by these comments from that old fossil, the "respected" Chuan Leekpai? Before all the abuse begins, ask yourself just why this venerable old politico is known as The Painter.

Self, why is this old (pre-) fossil known as the painter (khon tha see)?

Haven't a clue. Maybe the painter is a Western phrase? From a Hollywood movie?

ok you can't be bothered to do even a little research. Chaun Leekpai is usually held up as a shining beacon in the the history of Thai politics. They overlook that the first of his two governmental episodes was brought down by corruption, by the actions of one suthep thugsaban, no less. That was one of the reasons he was called the painter. It was because whenever he was asked about the actions of the corrupt members of his government he would say they were innocent, i.e whitewashing their actions, hence the painter.

He is also a hypocrite. Being an advisor to the dems he was behind the decision to boycott the elections. A month later, whilst voting in the Senate Elections he told reporters that voting in an election was a civil duty.

Mr.Chuan also took the opportunity to tell reporters that voting in an election is a civil duty. He urged eligible voters to participate in this and other elections.

http://thaifinancialpost.com/2014/03/30/chuan-leekpai-votes-in-trang-poll/

So voting in elections is a civic duty, contesting them, apparently not.

[Eric Loh]

True to form Chuan. Always paint a nice picture and side step the issue as always. You should have kicked Suterp out of the party when he single handedly brought your government down. See what mess he brought to your party now?

[Prbkk]

...opinion of a hack whose own govt was riddled with more scandals and corruption than you could poke a stick at. Yesterday's failure.

[Bakseeda]

Why am I not suprised by these comments from that old fossil, the "respected" Chuan Leekpai? Before all the abuse begins, ask yourself just why this venerable old politico is known as The Painter.

A "painter" is a rope attached to the front of a boat to lead it through stormy waters... fab4... ignorance is bliss....

[pisico]

He raises very good points, but we are still missing the how it can be done fairly to all concerned.

True.

The Anti Corruption Court denied YS request for additional witnesses arguing that they already had enough evidence.

That sounded like: "we already have the evidence we want to convict you."

[fab4]

Why am I not suprised by these comments from that old fossil, the "respected" Chuan Leekpai? Before all the abuse begins, ask yourself just why this venerable old politico is known as The Painter.

A "painter" is a rope attached to the front of a boat to lead it through stormy waters... fab4... ignorance is bliss....

Yes well that seems an obvious choice of definition for what we're talking about. You must be incredibly happy............

[Nickymaster]

...opinion of a hack whose own govt was riddled with more scandals and corruption than you could poke a stick at. Yesterday's failure.

Here we go again. Thanks to Thaddeus here is a list of what Thaksin has achieved when he was still in power. This list doesn't include the mess Yingluck has created. Surely those cases will be added one day. Feel free to share us your list of Dems cases.

The cases acted on by the Asset Examination Committee are classified into four types:

1. Those currently in progress in the courts

1.1 Tax avoidance in transferring Shinawat Computer Inc. Communications involving Khun Ying Pojaman Shinawat –Bannaphot Damaphong Case number : 1149/2550 commenced 26 March 2007

1.2 The sale of land in the Rachadapisek district by the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) to KY. Pojaman Shinawat. Both Thaksin and Pojaman are defendants

1.3 The case regarding the 2/3 number lottery project by the The Government Lottery Office. 32 political office holders and 16 officials.

2 Those cases which have been sent to the office of the auditor general but which were not decided by the Attorney General before the ASC ended its tenure:

2.1 Projects regarding electrical cable laying at Suwannaphum airport involving former Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit and a top official in the Ministry of Transport

2.2. Case involving baggage systems and CTX 9000 scanners at S.Airport involving 26 politicians, civil servants, officials of state enterprises, juristic persons, and entrepreneurs. Loss to the state estimated at 6, 937 million baht.

2.3 Case involving “loan irregularities loan irregularities extended to the Krisda Mahanakorn Group” by the Krung Thai group. The case involves Thaksin, his son Panthongtae and 31 (former) board members of Krung Thai Bank.

2.4 Five cases that allege the former prime minister Thaksin used his position to benefit his own businesses, causing loss to state assets.

2.4.1 Case on the order to convert mobile phone operator concessions to an excise tax, leading to a loss of the Telephone organization of Thailand of 30, 667 million baht.

2.4.2 Case regarding reducing revenue share paid to TST ทศท from prepaid mobile services from 25 to 20% leading to a state loss of 70, 872 million baht.

2.4.3 Case relating to AIS and its reduction of payments by treating networks separately for payment purposes to TOT. Loss of 18970579711 baht during the term of the concession. This gain enabled rise in Shin Corp before its sale.

2.4.4 Various breaks given by the Board of Investment for IPSTAR satellite projects within Thailand.

2.4.5 Case regarding Treasury officials in tax negotiations regarding the sale of Shin Corp.

3. Those cases under consideration by the AEC but not forwarded to the OAG before 30th June.

3.1 Case regarding Sky Train Airport link with losses to the state of 1, 200 million baht.

3.2 Three Cases regarding Ua Athon housing project that involves builders, officials (3.2.1/3.2.2/3.2.3 )

3.3 A case involving the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and its dealings with private companies worth 300 million baht.

3.4 The case involving the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority’s purchase of fire trucks involving a loss to the state of 1, 900 million baht.

3.5 The cause of unusual wealth in Thaksin’s purchase of Manchester City

4. Those cases which have been returned after the Attorney General determined not to proceed.

4.1 The Export-Import Bank and the loan to Burma (which involved purchase of Shin Corp products). Claimed loss of state amounting to 670,436,201 baht (EXIM) 140,349,000 (Treasury). Gains to Shin Corp 593,492,815 baht.

4.2 Case involving Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and rubber plantations project. Loss to the state of 1, 400 million baht Case involves 44 people including Newin Chidchop, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Various accused are being asked to pay compensation of 1,109 million baht.

5. Those cases sent to the Tax office to recoup tax.

5.1 Pojaman Shinawat and Banaphot Damaphong transferred shares with no tax. Tax outstanding approximately 546 million baht.

5.2 Thaksin’s children Phongthongtae and Thongtha Shinawat bought shares in Shin Corp from Ample Rich Invesment (164.6 million each) at a cost of 1 baht before they sold it to Temasak at 49.25 baht, which is subject to tax. In August 2550 requested Tax Department to seek payment of 11, 809, 294, 773 baht in tax.

5. 3. Ample Rich tax issue, as it was active in Thailand for four years, but never paid tax.

1.1 and 1.2 are already done, the result was a 1-1 draw, he got the hell out of Dodge after that result.

The source is a very anti-Thaksin site, but it saved me making links to multiple web pages, and sums it up quite well I think.

Edited April 25, 2014 by Nickymaster

[Scamper]

It is fascinating that those who issue words of reason - whether they be from Chuan or the outreach efforts of Abhisit - are dismissed out of hand in a current atmosphere that would seem to beg for these kinds of pleas to be heard - preferring instead to place the weight of their allegiance behind someone who actually doesn't say anything, who doesn't initiate anything, or just smiles dismissively. Some people are clearly very easy to please. They hate initiative of any kind that is meant to bring people together and bridge differences - a concept that one would have assumed wasn't in the slightest way controversial - though apparently is - and a process besides which that everyone privately acknowledges on some level as being inevitable.

[seajae]

doesnt matter who he is or what he was, what he has said is very good common sense. The only ones against it are those that like corruption or those with a biased political opinion. This would serve the whole of Thailand not just one group but of course that wouldnt suit the reds as they need to control everyone and everything plus they would not win anymore elections without their bribes and populist policies.

[Dr Bruce]

True to form Chuan. Always paint a nice picture and side step the issue as always. You should have kicked Suterp out of the party when he single handedly brought your government down. See what mess he brought to your party now?

Suthep did not single handedly bring down that government, he was just the most blatently corrupt one of many.

[Smokemachine]

Wake up people.

I said before, the red shirts, Thaksin regime will prevails.

People can complain, can talk eloquently, make a mass rally but they will never win them.

1) Take this cheque and your family will be safe. After the verdict, go and enjoy your holiday.

2) Reject the offer and rule the case accordingly as you truly believe in justice and professionalism. Meanwhile, watch out for everyone safety.

Accident is at risk anytime. M79 flying around randomly.

What will you choose?

Be realistic. The red will wins.

Who are they sending to prison in this current case?

Do you think big boss daddy is going to let his angelic looking face visiting Bangkwang?

Be real, it is gonna be nasty this time.

ALL IN, Dude.

[northernjohn]

Why am I not suprised by these comments from that old fossil, the "respected" Chuan Leekpai? Before all the abuse begins, ask yourself just why this venerable old politico is known as The Painter.

You attack the man not the message.

A slimy thing to do but in your case growth.

You now realize the truth of the message.

[northernjohn]

Wake up people.

I said before, the red shirts, Thaksin regime will prevails.

People can complain, can talk eloquently, make a mass rally but they will never win them.

1) Take this cheque and your family will be safe. After the verdict, go and enjoy your holiday.

2) Reject the offer and rule the case accordingly as you truly believe in justice and professionalism. Meanwhile, watch out for everyone safety.

Accident is at risk anytime. M79 flying around randomly.

What will you choose?

Be realistic. The red will wins.

Who are they sending to prison in this current case?

Do you think big boss daddy is going to let his angelic looking face visiting Bangkwang?

Be real, it is gonna be nasty this time.

ALL IN, Dude.

 
1) Take this cheque and your family will be safe.

How much is Thaksin offering this time?