Last push to save Yingluck from legal action

[webfact]

Last push to save Yingluck from legal action
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In a last ditch move to block the impeachment of Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party will today present what it believes to be the strongest legal points to convince the National Legislative Assembly that it is not conforming to tradition when it comes to impeachment.

The party's legal team will file a petition with NLA president Pornpetch Witchitcholachai objecting to his decision that the assembly should go ahead with impeachment proceedings against Yingluck over alleged corruption in the rice-pledging scheme.

Lawyer Pichit Chuenban dismissed as unreasonable the NLA's argument that it has the authority to impeach Yingluck because it was taking as an option previous Thai norms and traditions in impeaching other political-office holders, such as Somchai Wongsawat, Surapong Suebwonglee and Suthep Thaugsuban.

Pichit said these three politicians faced impeachment in accordance with the Senate meeting directives of 2008. The NLA, thus must cite these Senate meeting directives 2008 if it wants to take as an option the previous norms and traditions in impeaching Yingluck.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) filed impeachment cases with the NLA against former Parliament president Somsak Kiatsuranon and his deputy Nikom Wairatpanich after finding them guilty of violating the 2007 Constitution by pushing for charter changes in relation to composition of the Senate. The NLA will tomorrow decide over whether to accept the impeachment case against Somsak and Nikom.

"The NLA has only a little over a year to work - and has it issued specific regulations only to impeach Yingluck, Somsak and Nikom?" he asked.

The NLA is also scheduled to proceed with the impeachment charges against Yingluck next Wednesday.

Pichit said Yingluck was accused of violating Article 11 of the State Administration Act and Article 58 of the Anti Corruption Act 1999. He pointed out that the State Administration stipulated the responsibilities of the PM but did not state the punishment.

He said Article 58 of the Anti-Corruption Act 1999 was a constitutional organic law. The NLA could not use this constitution organic law to impeach political officer holders appointed in accordance with a charter that had been scrapped, he claimed.

Separately, former Pheu Thai Party MP for Samut Prakan Worachai Hema yesterday attacked the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), saying it was to be blamed for the proceedings as it had threatened to call a rally if the three politicians were not impeached.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had warned pressure groups against staging political rallies over the impeachment cases.

Worachai said the PDRC was first to issue the rally threat to pressure NLA into impeaching the three politicians. "The red shirts or the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship [uDD] have been cooperating with the National Council for Peace and Order [NCPO]. We have sat still and not instigated anything. Prayut has to stop the PDRC,'' he said.

In reaction to Prayuth's call on the media to cut down on the coverage of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra's movements as he is a fugitive, Worachai said that Prayut may have forgotten that in a democratic society, the media has full right to report on public figures.

"The PM must understand the roles and duties of the media. If they don't do their work, their coverage may be outdated and uninteresting.

"The NCPO can sue the media if they distort information. Those in power should use it in the right way or they will fall from grace," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Last-push-to-save-Yingluck-from-legal-action-30246994.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-05

[Bluespunk]

"In a last ditch move to block the impeachment of Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party will today present what it believes to be the strongest legal points to convince the National Legislative Assembly that it is not conforming to tradition when it comes to impeachment."

If she's innocent why worry?

Or is the tradition they are really referring to the one where no one is liable for their criminality?

Edited November 4, 2014 by Bluespunk

[siampolee]

''The P.T.P.doth protest too much methinks.''

(Apologies to William Shakespeare for editing a line of his)

The P.T.P. line is much more ironic. The P.T.P. comments will indeed smoke out the Shinwatra clan and Yingluck and their ilk in the long run and show them for what they really are.

[RustBucket]

This is getting funnier by the day.... I was wondering how much stronger their case was than the stupidly embarrassing case they attempted to produce yesterday, but alas, it is just as stupid, if not stupider.

I truly believe these so called lawyers get their training from watching courtroom dramas right out of Hollywood. I have news for you guys..... It is fiction in the movies.

Anyway, why the hell are PTP and their backward lawyers still running around and clambering over each other to kiss Shinawatra butt?.... They are long finished. No more bones to be thrown.

They really should be a lot more proactive... I would be now looking at which arse to kiss next.... If I were a PTP lawyer.

[Thailand]

In reality I would think the Shins are very far from finished.

The general is trying to prevent mention of Thaksin and all things like this do is keep the clan in the limelight.

And I am sure they still have millions of followers which is a thorn in the side of the "interveners".

Keep them out of the media and it's possible it may have some effect bit I doubt it!

[Robby nz]

This is getting funnier by the day.... I was wondering how much stronger their case was than the stupidly embarrassing case they attempted to produce yesterday, but alas, it is just as stupid, if not stupider.

I truly believe these so called lawyers get their training from watching courtroom dramas right out of Hollywood. I have news for you guys..... It is fiction in the movies.

Anyway, why the hell are PTP and their backward lawyers still running around and clambering over each other to kiss Shinawatra butt?.... They are long finished. No more bones to be thrown.

They really should be a lot more proactive... I would be now looking at which arse to kiss next.... If I were a PTP lawyer.

They are still doing it because they are still being paid mate.

As soon as the money stops they will go back to their offices and count the loot.

[NongKhaiKid]

"In a last ditch move to block the impeachment of Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party will today present what it believes to be the strongest legal points to convince the National Legislative Assembly that it is not conforming to tradition when it comes to impeachment."

If she's innocent why worry?

Or is the tradition they are really referring to the one where no one is liable for their criminality?

Will this prove to be another example of Thai ' 3rd party ' insurance for those in power who don't really wield it against other powerful people, VIPs etc in case one day their head gets a little too close to the chopping block and hope the same consideration will be extended to them ?

[Mango Bob]

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

"In a last ditch move to block the impeachment of Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party will today present what it believes to be the strongest legal points to convince the National Legislative Assembly that it is not conforming to tradition when it comes to impeachment."

If she's innocent why worry?

Or is the tradition they are really referring to the one where no one is liable for their criminality?

Are you serious. It doesn't matter if she is innocent their goal is to crucify her because of her brother.

[djjamie]

If I come back in a second life I want to be a defense lawyer for the PTP. They are busier than a one armed brick layer in Baghdad and one can see why when they represent the people they do.

[ExPratt]

Its all starting to go tits , isn't it ?

"Worachai said that Prayut may have forgotten that in a democratic society, the media has full right to report on public figures."

Just as well democracy has been suspended then

[jayboy]

"In a last ditch move to block the impeachment of Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party will today present what it believes to be the strongest legal points to convince the National Legislative Assembly that it is not conforming to tradition when it comes to impeachment."

If she's innocent why worry?

Or is the tradition they are really referring to the one where no one is liable for their criminality?

You seem blithely unaware of the irony of your last comment.The time honoured tradition of lack of accountability for criminality is embodied by the Thai military.

[djjamie]

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

"In a last ditch move to block the impeachment of Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party will today present what it believes to be the strongest legal points to convince the National Legislative Assembly that it is not conforming to tradition when it comes to impeachment."

If she's innocent why worry?

Or is the tradition they are really referring to the one where no one is liable for their criminality?

Are you serious. It doesn't matter if she is innocent their goal is to crucify her because of her brother.

Luckily in this case she isn't innocent and if you feel she is can I be the chairman of your company? I will go on holidays all over the world when the company board meetings are taking place that require my attendance. My brother will promise you that the company will "reaps economic gains equal to three times the investment" making you feel at ease and rather confident that you have the right man (or woman) for the job. And after he says this your company losses 900 billion baht, stock is stolen, stock is replaced with inferior stock and a high % of it goes bad then you won't sack me, you wont file any charges against me, you won't sue me, you won't do anything. In fact you will defend me. Sounds like an ideal job. Where do I sign up!!

Business acumen is not your strong suit I see.

​PS - I am serious about being the chairman of your company….I promise to triple your profits in 3 years!!!

[chainarong]

Not being involved in the PTP , red shirts or Shinawtra family fortunes , one wonders if it is in the national interest or helping reconciliation to continue legal action, you will have the same problem when the country goes into election mode and what's the bet , repercussions will follow, the ruling elite have hijacked the agenda , so it stands to reason a revamp PTP with big backing, lots of rice farmers and disgruntled country people , the PTP will be voted back in, I would be hammering for the relevant Ministers , Department heads and advisors to see what really happened in the failed rice scheme.

[Bluespunk]

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

"In a last ditch move to block the impeachment of Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party will today present what it believes to be the strongest legal points to convince the National Legislative Assembly that it is not conforming to tradition when it comes to impeachment."

If she's innocent why worry?

Or is the tradition they are really referring to the one where no one is liable for their criminality?

Are you serious. It doesn't matter if she is innocent their goal is to crucify her because of her brother.

Nope.

She has her own set of questions to answer.

Admittedly, she was dancing to the tune of a fugitive criminal, but she knew what she was doing or at least what others were doing.

[virtualtraveller]

As always PTPs case rest not on defending the apparently innocent but advancing the tradition of unaccountability. It's not about whether or not Yingluck is or should be found guilty, it's about getting off the hook because this is the Thai way, and always will be - for better or worse - if we follow the PTP line of governance. For this reason alone everything possible should be done to set a precedent that dodgy politicians go to jail, no matter how popular, and if that hurts PTP then that's a good thing.

[Bluespunk]

"In a last ditch move to block the impeachment of Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party will today present what it believes to be the strongest legal points to convince the National Legislative Assembly that it is not conforming to tradition when it comes to impeachment."

If she's innocent why worry?

Or is the tradition they are really referring to the one where no one is liable for their criminality?

You seem blithely unaware of the irony of your last comment.The time honoured tradition of lack of accountability for criminality is embodied by the Thai military.

My comment was aimed at all who break the law. I don't care who they are.

[thesetat2013]

If the charter was scrapped as they say then why do all reports include phue thia party and pdrc party?

If they were truly scrapped then it would use former PTP OR PDRC parties.

[baboon]

This is getting funnier by the day.... I was wondering how much stronger their case was than the stupidly embarrassing case they attempted to produce yesterday, but alas, it is just as stupid, if not stupider.

I truly believe these so called lawyers get their training from watching courtroom dramas right out of Hollywood. I have news for you guys..... It is fiction in the movies.

Anyway, why the hell are PTP and their backward lawyers still running around and clambering over each other to kiss Shinawatra butt?.... They are long finished. No more bones to be thrown.

They really should be a lot more proactive... I would be now looking at which arse to kiss next.... If I were a PTP lawyer.

They are still doing it because they are still being paid mate.

As soon as the money stops they will go back to their offices and count the loot.

Quite, and I'm sure that if the other side made a better offer they would be off in a heartbeat. It is amazing how many people think they really care...

[alanferdi]

"In a last ditch move to block the impeachment of Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party will today present what it believes to be the strongest legal points to convince the National Legislative Assembly that it is not conforming to tradition when it comes to impeachment."

If she's innocent why worry?

Or is the tradition they are really referring to the one where no one is liable for their criminality?

Simple question .....is what she did wrong? YES or NO? Do not need all these redefining of paragraphs and strongest legal points.....I have the feeling she is having a facelift legally....Lost it real bad in her own country with her own fellow members....thats going to hurt. Where was she heading with her plans...... I have my doubts.

A wrong does not become right for the wrong reasons!

Giving a second chance is like giving the person a loaded gun...... its going to only get worse.

Edited November 5, 2014 by alanferdi

[Thailand]

If I come back in a second life I want to be a defense lawyer for the PTP. They are busier than a one armed brick layer in Baghdad and one can see why when they represent the people they do.

Would that be people trying to get a fair deal from the courts on the basis they are innocent until proven guilty?

Or is that concept out of the window nowadays?

[RustBucket]

In reality I would think the Shins are very far from finished.

The general is trying to prevent mention of Thaksin and all things like this do is keep the clan in the limelight.

And I am sure they still have millions of followers which is a thorn in the side of the "interveners".

Keep them out of the media and it's possible it may have some effect bit I doubt it!

When you get these sorts of useless, desperate attempts that really just serve to highlight how close they are to scraping the bottom of the barrel. Then anyone with a half a brain cell knows it is game over.

Prayuth can never allow a Shin back in power, or any party seen to be aligned with Thaksin, because he knows full well that within a year or two Thailand will be back at square one. people will be back on the streets and people will be dying again. The country will once again be ripped apart and we will be looking at another downward spiral to another civil war alert footing.

The moment there is even a sign of a Shin coming back, millions will be screaming blue murder at Prayuth.

The peopl have had enough... It is 2014. People are a lot more educated and in the know because of social media.

Edited November 5, 2014 by RustBucket

[RustBucket]

If I come back in a second life I want to be a defense lawyer for the PTP. They are busier than a one armed brick layer in Baghdad and one can see why when they represent the people they do.

Would that be people trying to get a fair deal from the courts on the basis they are innocent until proven guilty?

Or is that concept out of the window nowadays?

Nope, that concept is very real. Thing is, all the evidence is there to prove she is guilty of massive negligence. Or are you looking at a different case to everyone else.

So with all the evidence already on full public view, I think it is realistic that the public are going to perceive her as being 99.999999% banged to rights.

If anything, the lawyers' case is just so desperate, and obviously scraping around for loopholes and technicalities to creep through instead of making a case for her defence.... really shows even the lawyers know she can't be saved in any sane society. Even Thailand's.

[Thailand]

If I come back in a second life I want to be a defense lawyer for the PTP. They are busier than a one armed brick layer in Baghdad and one can see why when they represent the people they do.

Would that be people trying to get a fair deal from the courts on the basis they are innocent until proven guilty?

Or is that concept out of the window nowadays?

Nope, that concept is very real. Thing is, all the evidence is there to prove she is guilty of massive negligence. Or are you looking at a different case to everyone else.

So with all the evidence already on full public view, I think it is realistic that the public are going to perceive her as being 99.999999% banged to rights.

If anything, the lawyers' case is just so desperate, and obviously scraping around for loopholes and technicalities to creep through instead of making a case for her defence.... really shows even the lawyers know she can't be saved in any sane society. Even Thailand's.

My apologies, I was not aware you had the inside track to the judiciary and evidence.

A very privileged position.

[chotthee]

"In a last ditch move to block the impeachment of Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party will today present what it believes to be the strongest legal points to convince the National Legislative Assembly that it is not conforming to tradition when it comes to impeachment."

If she's innocent why worry?

Or is the tradition they are really referring to the one where no one is liable for their criminality?

You seem blithely unaware of the irony of your last comment.The time honoured tradition of lack of accountability for criminality is embodied by the Thai military.

My comment was aimed at all who break the law. I don't care who they are.

Coup is not breaking the law.

Treason is award PM seat, not punish by death.

[Bluespunk]

"In a last ditch move to block the impeachment of Yingluck Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party will today present what it believes to be the strongest legal points to convince the National Legislative Assembly that it is not conforming to tradition when it comes to impeachment."

If she's innocent why worry?

Or is the tradition they are really referring to the one where no one is liable for their criminality?

You seem blithely unaware of the irony of your last comment.The time honoured tradition of lack of accountability for criminality is embodied by the Thai military.

My comment was aimed at all who break the law. I don't care who they are.

Coup is not breaking the law.

Treason is award PM seat, not punish by death.

I don't judge who breaks the law.

The courts do that.

[Lupatria]

Two things to watch out for in LOS- Thainess and Tradition

[Halion]

If this country is truly committed to reform and a path to a sustainable democracy then they need the courage and fortitude to impeach and then legally prosecute Yingluck for the morass of her ineptitude and professional malfeasance.

[BestBitterPhuket]

Why has Thailand never attempted to arrest this "fugitive" through Interpol and other means. In reality he is not a fugitive, but an exiled man.

[Valentine]

If this country is truly committed to reform and a path to a sustainable democracy then they need the courage and fortitude to impeach and then legally prosecute Yingluck for the morass of her ineptitude and professional malfeasance.

There are a multitude of others who also fall under this category. Actually truly jailing the higher ups involved in corruption will surely prove the PM's good intentions. One problem is that justice moves so slowly with endless appeals running over years.

[GarryP]

Sod tradition. Tradition is the reason no MP is ever held responsible for their wrongdoings (with a few rare exceptions). Are the members of the party worried this will set a precedent?