Thai PM Yingluck set to face court as legal troubles intensify

[webfact]

Thai PM set to face court as legal troubles intensify

BANGKOK, May 6, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's besieged Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is due to appear in front of the nation's Constitutional Court on Tuesday facing allegations of abuse of power that could see her sacked from office.

The case, one of two potential knockout legal moves against her premiership, comes as Thailand's political crisis reaches a critical juncture with anti-government protesters still massed on Bangkok's streets -- although in diminished numbers -- and Yingluck's supporters also threatening to rally to defend her.

The complaint was filed to the court by a group of senators who said that the replacement of then-national security chief Thawil Pliensri after Yingluck was elected in 2011 was for the benefit of her party.

Under the constitution -- forged after a 2006 coup that ousted Yingluck's billionaire brother Thaksin Shinawatra as premier -- such an offence could lead to her removal and a ban from politics.

It was unclear whether Yingluck will attend as ordered by the court along with three others who are due to give testimony, including Thawil.

The court has not given a date for its ruling but a member of Yingluck's legal team urged the nine-member appointed court to give the case more time.

"We have asked for five more witnesses... the court has not yet made a decision on that request," he told AFP on Monday, requesting anonymity.

The court could also extend its verdict to key cabinet members who endorsed the decision to remove Thawil, potentially dislodging a layer of ruling party decision-makers with ties to Thaksin, who lives overseas to avoid jail for corruption convictions.

Six months of political street protests have so far failed to force Yingluck from office.

But observers say the legal challenges appear poised to end her administration.

Yingluck has also been charged by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) with neglect of duty in connection with a costly and bungled rice subsidy scheme that critics say fomented rampant corruption.

If indicted on those charges, Yingluck would be suspended from office and face an impeachment vote in the upper house of parliament that could lead to a five-year ban from politics.

"If the Constitutional Court does not rule against Yingluck -- which I think it will -- then the NACC will at least impeach her and she would have to step down while the Senate decides on convicting her," said Paul Chambers, director of research at the Institute of South East Asian Affairs at Chiang Mai University.

Critics accuse the Constitutional Court of rushing through Yingluck's case and allege previous rulings show that it is politically biased against the Shinawatras.

In 2008, the court forced two Thaksin-linked prime ministers from office.

The Constitutional Court in March nullified a February general election disrupted by protesters, leaving the kingdom in legislative limbo with only a caretaker government.

Thaksin-allied parties won every previous election for more than a decade, helped by strong support in the northern half of the kingdom.

Election authorities and the ruling party have agreed on July 20 for new polls to find a way through the political paralysis, which has chiselled away at Thailand's once-dynamic growth.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-06

[webfact]

Decision day for PM edging closer
The Nation

EC to draft election decree, as Abhisit presents report and court hearing begins

BANGKOK: -- Many political players and stakeholders will make moves today in the rush to reach a solution to end the unrest that has loomed large over the country for months. The Election Commission will prepare the draft for a royal decree to call another election.

Opposition party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva will submit to the commission his plan to delay the poll and install a non-elected interim government.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the protesters and all other political parties will also receive the plan in detail and have been asked to act on their parts in the plan.

EC secretary-general Puchong Nutrawong said that if the five-member commission agreed on the election decree, it would be submitted to the Cabinet without delay. The EC and the government last week agreed to schedule July 20 as the election date.

The EC members would also consider Abhisit's idea to break the political impasse, he said.

Abhisit asked the EC to change some laws and regulations to have harsher penalties for electoral fraud and prohibit populist poll campaigns.

Abhisit's plan requires political parties wishing to run in the next election to promise to support national reform and the next government would stay in power for only one year to carry out reform.

The Democrat Party leader on Saturday announced his plan which, if accepted, would mean the election set for July 20 would be postponed. He also asked Yingluck to step down, and asked for her answer before the Constitutional Court announces its ruling on her status.

On the legal front, the Constitutional Court scheduled today for witnesses to testify in the case involving National Security Chief Thawil Pliensri's removal.

The witnesses include Thawil, Senator Paiboon Nititawan - who brought the case to the court, former national police chief Wichean Potephosree - who replaced Thawil, and Yingluck. It is uncertain when the court will give its ruling.

NACC ruling on Yingluck soon

Meanwhile, the National Anti-Corruption Commission's investigation team will today conclude and submit to the NACC commissioners its report on Yingluck's alleged negligence relating to the government's rice-pledging scheme. It is expected the NACC will decide whether to indict Yingluck on Thursday at the earliest and May 15 at the latest.

If Yingluck is indicted, she must be suspended from work.

The ruling Pheu Thai Party's spokesman Prompong Nopparit said his party would meet to consider Ahbisit's 10-step roadmap today. Pheu Thai key members claim that the plan goes against the charter.

Mahidol University peace expert Gothom Arya urged Pheu Thai Party and other groups not to fully reject Abhisit's proposals, pointing out three points at least that all sides should be able to accept and uphold.

They are the rejection of violence, forging change in a constitutional manner and solving the crisis without dragging the monarchy into it.

Abhisit should not consider his proposals as written in stone but should be satisfied if some of the 10 points were accepted, Gothom said.

Separately, the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) massed yesterday afternoon in front of the statue of King Rama VI in Lumpini Park, their rally site, before marching to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, next to the Grand Palace.

PDRC secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban led people to make a vow, offer flowers and light candles at the temple in honour of the King's coronation before leading supporters, in the coming days on what he called "the final fight".

Next Tuesday, Suthep and the PDRC will perform a ceremony to rid the Kingdom of evils. It will fall on Visakha Puja Day, with the group's declared "last battle" beginning the following day.


-- The Nation 2014-05-06

[MaxLee]

Decision day for PM edging closer

closer, .... and closer, and .... many days, many weeks, many months and many many many years.... for more than 3 freaking, it's getting closer, closer and CLOSEEEERRRRR!!!!!

How close is that game gonna come???

Very close,... see you tomorrow, in a week, in a month, .... or maybe after the 20th July ELECTION-COLLECTION,.... maybe next year.... maybe next 2 years,... the following two years .... next 10-20 years????

.... NAAAAHHHH, forget about it, it's getting boring,.... let her go to Hawaii already,.... thank you folks, bye bye...

Edited May 5, 2014 by MaxLee

[Robby nz]

I see once again the prefix of caretaker has been dropped, so she is back as PM again.

The same seems to apply to the cabinet ministers.

In there eyes only.

I also note that :

The ruling Pheu Thai Party's spokesman Prompong Nopparit said his party would meet to consider Ahbisit's 10-step roadmap today. Pheu Thai key members claim that the plan goes against the charter

So they haven't as yet met to consider Abhisits plan yet have dismissed it out of hand.

[NongKhaiKid]

I see once again the prefix of caretaker has been dropped, so she is back as PM again.

The same seems to apply to the cabinet ministers.

In there eyes only.

I also note that :

The ruling Pheu Thai Party's spokesman Prompong Nopparit said his party would meet to consider Ahbisit's 10-step roadmap today. Pheu Thai key members claim that the plan goes against the charter

So they haven't as yet met to consider Abhisits plan yet have dismissed it out of hand.

Early on Sunday i checked the website of the other newspaper and there was the story that PTP would consider Abhisit's proposals but an hour later the BBC's Jonathan Head was reporting PTP had dismissed them... ?

[kratiam]

Decision day for PM edging closer

closer, .... and closer, and .... many days, many weeks, many months and many many many years.... for more than 3 freaking, it's getting closer, closer and CLOSEEEERRRRR!!!!!

How close is that game gonna come???

Very close,... see you tomorrow, in a week, in a month, .... or maybe after the 20th July ELECTION-COLLECTION,.... maybe next year.... maybe next 2 years,... the following two years .... next 10-20 years????

.... NAAAAHHHH, forget about it, it's getting boring,.... let her go to Hawaii already,.... thank you folks, bye bye...

Waste of space....the PM and the post.

[thesetat2013]

I think none of these actions will make a difference here. Only getting YL out of office is not enough. The PTP have a plan already to keep their party in power. One of which has been said was should YL lose her cases that they would appoint Chalerm as interim PM until elections.

Im certain that the PTP have already made a plan to stay in power and control of the Gov. They have proven time and again that they will use any means needed to get their way.

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

[bristolgeoff]

brother I,am coming to stay with you now,anytime now ok

[saltandpepper]

Decision day for PM edging closer

closer, .... and closer, and .... many days, many weeks, many months and many many many years.... for more than 3 freaking, it's getting closer, closer and CLOSEEEERRRRR!!!!!

How close is that game gonna come???

Very close,... see you tomorrow, in a week, in a month, .... or maybe after the 20th July ELECTION-COLLECTION,.... maybe next year.... maybe next 2 years,... the following two years .... next 10-20 years????

.... NAAAAHHHH, forget about it, it's getting boring,.... let her go to Hawaii already,.... thank you folks, bye bye...

I don't know what you are on, but you should quit!

It is a fact that she will have to face the music, and that the result will be nasty for her and her clan...

Now, it does not matter how long this has been predicted, and how many days or weeks it will take from now. The end is near, and we will know after how the fate of this country will turn.

Hawai, Dubai, or a nice cell in a jail, is one possible outcome. Another option is that the reds get mad and go for broke.

Near future will tell...

[sweatalot]

Thaksin-allied parties won every previous election for more than a decade, helped by strong support in the northern half of the kingdom.

Correct text should be:

Thaksin-allied parties won every previous election for more than a decade, helped by strong intimidation, infiltration, delusion and vote buying in the northern half of the kingdom.

[rebelplatoon]

Critics accuse the Constitutional Court of rushing through Yingluck's case and allege previous rulings show that it is politically biased against the Shinawatras.

This means that when a court convicts a PTP member it s bias, not that maybe they are a corrupt bunch, stealing from Thai citizens. YL has had ample time to respond. She, and her lawyers, have been devising all sorts of schemes to hang on to their alleged 'power'. Slowing the process is bad for the country, but then, they were never in it for the good of the country. Corruption is rampant. Differing opinions are crushed. Elections are bought. Other parties are threatened with violence. Laws adjusted to fit the Sae Khu clan.

For the life of me I can t see the difference with Adolf and the brown shirts and the Sae Khu clan and the red shirts. Democracy is lost.

[ginjag]

I think none of these actions will make a difference here. Only getting YL out of office is not enough. The PTP have a plan already to keep their party in power. One of which has been said was should YL lose her cases that they would appoint Chalerm as interim PM until elections.

Im certain that the PTP have already made a plan to stay in power and control of the Gov. They have proven time and again that they will use any means needed to get their way.

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

IF PTP still exist when all the court action has been taken, I would say IF the PTP get in power again select Chalerm for PM and that will be curtains for them for all time, so select him I dare you stupid lot, and they are loony enough to do it.

[Morch]

I think none of these actions will make a difference here. Only getting YL out of office is not enough. The PTP have a plan already to keep their party in power. One of which has been said was should YL lose her cases that they would appoint Chalerm as interim PM until elections.

Im certain that the PTP have already made a plan to stay in power and control of the Gov. They have proven time and again that they will use any means needed to get their way.

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

"They have proven time and again that they will use any means needed to get their way."

Even so, Chalerm as PM seems a bit excessive. Although good comedy value is assured.

[keithet]

Decision day for PM edging closer

closer, .... and closer, and .... many days, many weeks, many months and many many many years.... for more than 3 freaking, it's getting closer, closer and CLOSEEEERRRRR!!!!!

How close is that game gonna come???

Very close,... see you tomorrow, in a week, in a month, .... or maybe after the 20th July ELECTION-COLLECTION,.... maybe next year.... maybe next 2 years,... the following two years .... next 10-20 years????

.... NAAAAHHHH, forget about it, it's getting boring,.... let her go to Hawaii already,.... thank you folks, bye bye...

I don't think Hawaii would be good. People in Hawaii enjoy 3 things Thai people don't like.

1. Fun in the sun.

2. Swimming.

3. Playing in the rain.

[fab4]

Decision day for PM edging closer

closer, .... and closer, and .... many days, many weeks, many months and many many many years.... for more than 3 freaking, it's getting closer, closer and CLOSEEEERRRRR!!!!!

How close is that game gonna come???

Very close,... see you tomorrow, in a week, in a month, .... or maybe after the 20th July ELECTION-COLLECTION,.... maybe next year.... maybe next 2 years,... the following two years .... next 10-20 years????

.... NAAAAHHHH, forget about it, it's getting boring,.... let her go to Hawaii already,.... thank you folks, bye bye...

Why are you fixated on Hawaii? You keep on harping on about it, but why?

[fab4]

I see once again the prefix of caretaker has been dropped, so she is back as PM again.

The same seems to apply to the cabinet ministers.

In there eyes only.

I also note that :

The ruling Pheu Thai Party's spokesman Prompong Nopparit said his party would meet to consider Ahbisit's 10-step roadmap today. Pheu Thai key members claim that the plan goes against the charter

So they haven't as yet met to consider Abhisits plan yet have dismissed it out of hand.

If you look closely, I'll think you'll find the articles are written by employees at AFP and "journalists" at The Nation, it's not a caretaker government press release. Therefore your pointless little dig about the government as if there were some great conspiracy afoot, "In there (sic) eyes only" is just that, pointless.

Likewise you appear to have some difficulty with understanding free speech. Whilst it is confusing at times, there are no laws about individual members of the government making comments that differ from the "official" government comment and that the two can co-exist. This phenomenon is not restricted to the PTP.

Edited May 6, 2014 by fab4

[Mentors]

If she get sacked, the really mess will begin.

[ginjag]

If she get sacked, the really mess will begin.

So does that mean do not allow the mess, not let justice get in the way and leave her alone, to mess up again ??? If she does not get fired a bigger MESS will take place believe me.

[fab4]

Critics accuse the Constitutional Court of rushing through Yingluck's case and allege previous rulings show that it is politically biased against the Shinawatras.

This means that when a court convicts a PTP member it s bias, not that maybe they are a corrupt bunch, stealing from Thai citizens. YL has had ample time to respond. She, and her lawyers, have been devising all sorts of schemes to hang on to their alleged 'power'. Slowing the process is bad for the country, but then, they were never in it for the good of the country. Corruption is rampant. Differing opinions are crushed. Elections are bought. Other parties are threatened with violence. Laws adjusted to fit the Sae Khu clan.

For the life of me I can t see the difference with Adolf and the brown shirts and the Sae Khu clan and the red shirts. Democracy is lost.

Well you should learn to be more discerning. A comparison between the Shinawatra family and UDD with Hitler and the SA is the last refuge of a failed argument and renders the rest of your "opinion" irrelevant (in my opinion).

Oh, the Shinawatra family name was adopted by Thaksins father in 1938 because of the anti Chinese movement here. I don't know what you are trying to say by using the Sae Khu family name, perhaps subtle racism, but the Shinawatra siblings you are talking about have always been Shinawatras and for some strange reason they are referred to as Shinawatra. Why, you even managed to use their real name in the first line of your post, wasn't so hard, was it.

[Scamper]

This is as seminal a day as we've had. Many things converging at once. It is still not clear if Yingluck will show up today at the Constitutional Court as requested to testify with three others - which would be pretty shocking, because the others likely will indeed show up. Yesterday, the Yingluck team suddenly came up with five more witnesses - a tactic we've come to expect. Fancy that none of these people were suggested weeks and weeks ago, but are reserved as vital witnesses the very day before a possible ruling. One has to wonder, however, why Yingluck's team do not consider herself a witness in her own right. After all, she's the one who affected the transfer. She's the one who has to answer for it. The case that is before the Constitutional Court is extremely easy and straightforward, however, as both the Administrative Court and the Supreme Administrative Court ( by a unanimous decision ) found Yingluck's ( Thaksin's ) transfer to be unconstitutional. To not therefore affirm such a ruling again would be quite extraordinary. So the court will almost certainly affirm the lower courts' rulings, and almost certainly remove her from office. The big question is to whether or not they will remove her cabinet, as well. They have every constitutional right to do so - as the transfer was indeed approved by the whole cabinet. A cabinet decision is always subject to vetting by the constitution. But the Constitutional Court tends to be cautious, and it is not clear if they would actually take that extra step. In terms of the conflict, the best case scenario would be if they do in fact remove the cabinet. Not doing so would simply exasperate the conflict as well as present the very real prospect of a Prime Minister Chalerm. If that actually did happen, things would likely spill over the top. It would be a foolhardy - and highly provocative - and frankly - gratuitous move on the part of Pheu Thai ( Thaksin ) if Chalerm's name was pushed forward. Surapong - as comical as that would be - would certainly inspire a less volatile reaction. To chose Chalerm would therefore be a deliberate attempt to increase the heat of the crisis. Thaksin's grip remains if the cabinet stays. But that grip has been slipping steadily since October. Abhisit's plan is looking better and better, in retrospect - and the academic quoted here is right. There are already points within Abhisit's plan that Pheu Thai should already be able to readily agree with. Surely Pheu Thai sees the advantage ( as well as the sheer common sense ) of not slamming the door on the whole initiative.

But then again - perhaps they do not.

[Morch]

I see once again the prefix of caretaker has been dropped, so she is back as PM again.

The same seems to apply to the cabinet ministers.

In there eyes only.

I also note that :

The ruling Pheu Thai Party's spokesman Prompong Nopparit said his party would meet to consider Ahbisit's 10-step roadmap today. Pheu Thai key members claim that the plan goes against the charter

So they haven't as yet met to consider Abhisits plan yet have dismissed it out of hand.

<snip>

Likewise you appear to have some difficulty with understanding free speech. Whilst it is confusing at times, there are no laws about individual members of the government making comments that differ from the "official" government comment and that the two can co-exist. This phenomenon is not restricted to the PTP.

Is this change in party policy approved by Thaksin?

[fab4]

<snip>

Likewise you appear to have some difficulty with understanding free speech. Whilst it is confusing at times, there are no laws about individual members of the government making comments that differ from the "official" government comment and that the two can co-exist. This phenomenon is not restricted to the PTP.

Is this change in party policy approved by Thaksin?

Oh, my good lord you're funny. I forgot that everything the PTP does has to be approved by Thaksin in certain peoples eyes. I get it now, haha.......................... Next

[scorecard]

From fab4: "Why are you fixated on Hawaii? You keep on harping on about it, but why?"

So fab4, where would suggest, perhaps: Montenegro? South Africa diamond mines location? Zimbabwe? Cambodia?

[DLock]

If she get sacked, the really mess will begin.

The "mess" started the day she was "elected".

She has failed miserably at every single thing she has touched. The single worst PM in the history of Thailand, and her failures will be felt for years to come by the Thai people.

Removing her and the lifeline to the convicted fugitive can only be a good thing for Thailand.

[Eric Loh]

Really no big deal if Yingluck goes as long as the caretaker government stay till the election and not allow the fascist get their chance of an appointed PM. The caretaker government can select a new interim PM. Yingluck deserved her break from politics.

[Morch]

<snip>

Likewise you appear to have some difficulty with understanding free speech. Whilst it is confusing at times, there are no laws about individual members of the government making comments that differ from the "official" government comment and that the two can co-exist. This phenomenon is not restricted to the PTP.

Is this change in party policy approved by Thaksin?

Oh, my good lord you're funny. I forgot that everything the PTP does has to be approved by Thaksin in certain peoples eyes. I get it now, haha.......................... Next

Wasn't that their election slogan?

[ginjag]

If she get sacked, the really mess will begin.

The "mess" started the day she was "elected".

She has failed miserably at every single thing she has touched. The single worst PM in the history of Thailand, and her failures will be felt for years to come by the Thai people.

Removing her and the lifeline to the convicted fugitive can only be a good thing for Thailand.

On this one subject alone that's it in a nutshell. nothing more nothing less.

What you posted are facts, the only ones that oppose your view is this hardcore Magnificent 7 of pro gov supporters on TVF.

They know who they are, and have never posted replies to requests of their democratically elected governments mega achievements. Never will because they don't exist.

This is not a rant by a suthep/dem supporter because I stand for true transparent / non corrupt governance --not this load of family greedy so and so's.

[gemini81]

Decision day for PM edging closer

closer, .... and closer, and .... many days, many weeks, many months and many many many years.... for more than 3 freaking, it's getting closer, closer and CLOSEEEERRRRR!!!!!

How close is that game gonna come???

Very close,... see you tomorrow, in a week, in a month, .... or maybe after the 20th July ELECTION-COLLECTION,.... maybe next year.... maybe next 2 years,... the following two years .... next 10-20 years????

.... NAAAAHHHH, forget about it, it's getting boring,.... let her go to Hawaii already,.... thank you folks, bye bye...

Waste of space....the PM and the post.

As the locals put it, 'heavy on the land" (useless to one's country). She sure is. Downgraded the place quite a few notches, she did.

Edited May 6, 2014 by gemini81

[SOTIRIOS]

...please tell me reports that she has asked for a reprieve.....to go visit the earthquake areas......cannot be true....

....that would be too ..............

[ginjag]

...please tell me reports that she has asked for a reprieve.....to go visit the earthquake areas......cannot be true....

....that would be too ..............

They are that low they will get into any nook and cranny to escape from reality.