Thai govt vows action if Shinawatra supporters protest

[webfact]

Thai junta vows action if Shinawatra supporters protest

Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's junta chief on Tuesday warned the military will "take action" under martial law if protests occur as a result of impeachment proceedings against ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra.

On Friday the army-stacked National Legislative Assembly (NLA) will begin the impeachment of former Prime Minister Yingluck for driving through a costly rice subsidy scheme.

Thailand's first female premier, who is due to appear at the assembly on Friday, was removed from office by a court ruling shortly before the military coup in May knocked out the rump of her administration.

Observers say a vote to impeach her -- which carries an automatic five-year ban from politics -- could stir her 'Red Shirt' supporters to protest, ending months of relative calm since the army grabbed power and imposed martial law on the kingdom.

But junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha, the prime minister, shrugged off any potential revival of the street protests which have blistered Thailand's recent political history.

"There will be no protest, they can't protest. If they don't accept the ruling, we will take action, that's it," he told reporters.

"What is the condition of martial law? No political movement," he said, urging the public to allow the NLA to reach its conclusion, which is due before the end of the month.

A successful impeachment needs three fifths of the 250-strong national legislature to vote in favour.

Critics say the NLA is driving through a junta-led agenda to dismantle the power base of Thaksin Shinawatra -- Yingluck's older brother who lives in self-exile to avoid jail for a corruption conviction.

"Driving her (Yingluck) out of politics could instigate resentment among her political supporters," said Thai academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun, of Kyoto University.

"Thailand is Thailand and the rule of law can be bent to serve the power interests of the elites."

Thaksin, who was deposed as premier in a 2006 coup, sits at the heart of Thailand's deep schism.

He is loathed by the Bangkok-centred establishment and its supporters among the judiciary and army, but still enjoys support in the nation's poor but populous northern half.

Shinawatra-led or aligned parties have won every election since 2001.

In that time they have been battered by two coups and seen three other premiers banned by the kingdom's interventionist courts.

The Shinawatras' electoral dominance comes as concerns mount over Thailand's future once the reign of revered 87-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej ends.

While popular among Yingluck's rural voters, the loss-making rice policy galvanised the protests against her government that presaged the coup.

The scheme punched a hole in Thai finances and led to huge rice stockpiles as buyers baulked at the attempt by Yingluck's administration to fund the multi-billion dollar subsidy by hoarding the grain to force up global prices.

The junta has said fresh polls are unlikely before 2016 as it seeks to re-write the constitution and enact sweeping reforms aimed at rooting out corruption.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2015-01-06

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

If they (the Junta) had balls enough they would have confiscated the whole Shinawatras family's fortune including drivers and maids by now and thrown them all in jail with no parole or bail possible. A deal has been struck the Juntas BS regarding "Zero Corruption" is just smoke and mirrors.

[jaltsc]

"Thailand's junta chief on Tuesday warned the military will "take action" under martial law if protests occur as a result of impeachment proceedings against ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra."

Double edge sword here. Taking the side for a democratically elected crook or the side that silences the majority of voters.

“Mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly”—Woody Allen.

Edited January 6, 2015 by jaltsc

[Thailand]

They do have the weapons so a fairly good hand!

[metisdead]

Posts using derogatory nicknames or intentional misspelling of people’s names will be removed. If you don’t want your post to be removed, spell people’s names correctly.

[Cuchulainn]

Water cannon, CS gas, plastic bullets, rubber bullets, live rounds.

(Any order you like).

[Robby nz]

"Driving her (Yingluck) out of politics could instigate resentment among her political supporters," said Thai academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun, of Kyoto University.

"Thailand is Thailand and the rule of law can be bent to serve the power interests of the elites."

Is this academic suggesting that the rule of law should be bent to serve the purposes of the elite Shinawatra clan ?

If it is decided that Yingluck has broken the law whether it be by dereliction of duty, negligence or corruption she must be answerable to the law.

Not holding her to account will for sure instigate resentment in those who have been hurt by any illegal actions of hers.

An example needs to be set and a benchmark laid down for future politicians, engage in anything unlawful and you will be held accountable.

This is an opportunity to do just that and it must be taken.

[baboon]

Why wait until Friday? Why doesn't the General just tell everyone what the result will be now?

[dru2]

"Driving her (Yingluck) out of politics could instigate resentment among her political supporters," said Thai academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun, of Kyoto University.

"Thailand is Thailand and the rule of law can be bent to serve the power interests of the elites."

Is this academic suggesting that the rule of law should be bent to serve the purposes of the elite Shinawatra clan ?

If it is decided that Yingluck has broken the law whether it be by dereliction of duty, negligence or corruption she must be answerable to the law.

Not holding her to account will for sure instigate resentment in those who have been hurt by any illegal actions of hers.

An example needs to be set and a benchmark laid down for future politicians, engage in anything unlawful and you will be held accountable.

This is an opportunity to do just that and it must be taken.

Pavin is a Thaksin poodle - no more, no less. And he's a poor scholar to boot.

[tbthailand]

"There will be no protest, they can't protest. If they don't accept the ruling, we will take action, that's it," he told reporters.

How easy it is to govern when you are a general, a 'PM' and head of the 'NCPO' with an interim constitution that gives you total power.

[seajae]

apparently if your a shin you can do whatever you like and suffer no consequences according to this pathetic academic, doesnt matter if they break the law no one is allowed to make a shin face up to what they did & be charged or the reds will cause mayhem. This is the problem, the reds/ptp/shins refuse to obey the laws of Thailand and simply want to be able to do as they please or the reds will start shooting and blowing everyone up again with orders coming from their big boss, what else can we expect from these shin terrorists.

[chotthee]

"There will be no protest, they can't protest. If they don't accept the ruling, we will take action, that's it," he told reporters.

How easy it is to govern when you are a general, a 'PM' and head of the 'NCPO' with an interim constitution that gives you total power.

The great leader have done much for Thailand and his people.

Not forgetting that Thai people are happy now because the the leader have return the happiness to them.

[Mango Bob]

Too bad other governments (namely the last government) did't have the Army support as it has now. Makes a big difference doesn't it Mr. PM.

[BigBadGeordie]

Why oh why is Mr T reported to be in self exile in the press, he is a covicted criminal on the run.

[jayboy]

"Driving her (Yingluck) out of politics could instigate resentment among her political supporters," said Thai academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun, of Kyoto University.

"Thailand is Thailand and the rule of law can be bent to serve the power interests of the elites."

Is this academic suggesting that the rule of law should be bent to serve the purposes of the elite Shinawatra clan ?

If it is decided that Yingluck has broken the law whether it be by dereliction of duty, negligence or corruption she must be answerable to the law.

Not holding her to account will for sure instigate resentment in those who have been hurt by any illegal actions of hers.

An example needs to be set and a benchmark laid down for future politicians, engage in anything unlawful and you will be held accountable.

This is an opportunity to do just that and it must be taken.

Pavin is a Thaksin poodle - no more, no less. And he's a poor scholar to boot.

Interesting to read your perception that Pavin is a poor scholar. Are you able to substantiate this because my understanding he is held in high regard in the international academic community? Do you perhaps mean that he tends to take a political position that you disagree with.Perhaps this is also why you call him a Thaksin poodle, though I have read a number of articles in which he is scathingly critical of Thaksin.Don't you think it would simply be better to say that you disagree with him and articulate your reasons?

Since you set yourself up as expert on Thai scholarship, can you perhaps let me have the names of internationally recognised academics who are supportive of the current regime in Thailand and the crushing of democracy.

[chotthee]

"Driving her (Yingluck) out of politics could instigate resentment among her political supporters," said Thai academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun, of Kyoto University.

"Thailand is Thailand and the rule of law can be bent to serve the power interests of the elites."

Is this academic suggesting that the rule of law should be bent to serve the purposes of the elite Shinawatra clan ?

If it is decided that Yingluck has broken the law whether it be by dereliction of duty, negligence or corruption she must be answerable to the law.

Not holding her to account will for sure instigate resentment in those who have been hurt by any illegal actions of hers.

An example needs to be set and a benchmark laid down for future politicians, engage in anything unlawful and you will be held accountable.

This is an opportunity to do just that and it must be taken.

Pavin is a Thaksin poodle - no more, no less. And he's a poor scholar to boot.

Interesting to read your perception that Pavin is a poor scholar. Are you able to substantiate this because my understanding he is held in high regard in the international academic community? Do you perhaps mean that he tends to take a political position that you disagree with.Perhaps this is also why you call him a Thaksin poodle, though I have read a number of articles in which he is scathingly critical of Thaksin.Don't you think it would simply be better to say that you disagree with him and articulate your reasons?

Since you set yourself up as expert on Thai scholarship, can you perhaps let me have the names of internationally recognised academics who are supportive of the current regime in Thailand and the crushing of democracy.

Pavin is no longer Thai. He will be arrested if he is still Thai.

Pavin in now Japanese, holding Japanese passport.

[MaiChai]

Army has told the farmers to grow only one rice crop this year. Typically one rice crop is to fill the family rice barn so the family has rice for the year. The true meaning of this? Its going to take time to sell off the rice mountain and the government want to sell that and don't want new rice in the market. Thus is Yingluck guilty? Of course she is; she was the PM in charge!

[scorecard]

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

"Driving her (Yingluck) out of politics could instigate resentment among her political supporters," said Thai academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun, of Kyoto University.

"Thailand is Thailand and the rule of law can be bent to serve the power interests of the elites."

Is this academic suggesting that the rule of law should be bent to serve the purposes of the elite Shinawatra clan ?

If it is decided that Yingluck has broken the law whether it be by dereliction of duty, negligence or corruption she must be answerable to the law.

Not holding her to account will for sure instigate resentment in those who have been hurt by any illegal actions of hers.

An example needs to be set and a benchmark laid down for future politicians, engage in anything unlawful and you will be held accountable.

This is an opportunity to do just that and it must be taken.

Pavin is a Thaksin poodle - no more, no less. And he's a poor scholar to boot.

Interesting to read your perception that Pavin is a poor scholar. Are you able to substantiate this because my understanding he is held in high regard in the international academic community? Do you perhaps mean that he tends to take a political position that you disagree with.Perhaps this is also why you call him a Thaksin poodle, though I have read a number of articles in which he is scathingly critical of Thaksin.Don't you think it would simply be better to say that you disagree with him and articulate your reasons?

Since you set yourself up as expert on Thai scholarship, can you perhaps let me have the names of internationally recognised academics who are supportive of the current regime in Thailand and the crushing of democracy.

And perhaps you can substantiate why you say pavin is held in high regard in the international academic community.

Edited January 6, 2015 by scorecard

[BirdsandBooze]

"Driving her (Yingluck) out of politics could instigate resentment among her political supporters," said Thai academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun, of Kyoto University.

"Thailand is Thailand and the rule of law can be bent to serve the power interests of the elites."

Is this academic suggesting that the rule of law should be bent to serve the purposes of the elite Shinawatra clan ?

If it is decided that Yingluck has broken the law whether it be by dereliction of duty, negligence or corruption she must be answerable to the law.

Not holding her to account will for sure instigate resentment in those who have been hurt by any illegal actions of hers.

An example needs to be set and a benchmark laid down for future politicians, engage in anything unlawful and you will be held accountable.

This is an opportunity to do just that and it must be taken.

The Shinawatras, although very wealthy now due to Thaksin's aquisitional 'skills', don't belong to the Elite. That is made up of the so-called Forty Families, a power base that sees the nouveau riche as rather vulgar. A bit like the way the 'old money' used to view the 'new money' in the UK and probably still do.

[bkkgooner]

If they (the Junta) had balls enough they would have confiscated the whole Shinawatras family's fortune including drivers and maids by now and thrown them all in jail with no parole or bail possible. A deal has been struck the Juntas BS regarding "Zero Corruption" is just smoke and mirrors.

Interesting and what about all the corrupt Democrats, policemen and generals? They just get off do they?

[Noi657]

jeez.... I wrote a post six times but had to delete them each time! Very difficult to say what you really mean isn't it.

[djjamie]

"could stir her 'Red Shirt' supporters to protest, ending months of relative calm"

I am sure the innocent blood of over 700 spilt on the streets from the last time the red shirts came out is fresh on Prayuts mind.

Do what is right for the innocent majority Prauyut. Don't let the 7%ers turn Bangkok into a blood bath again.

My innocent family thank you in advance.

[tbthailand]

"There will be no protest, they can't protest. If they don't accept the ruling, we will take action, that's it," he told reporters.

How easy it is to govern when you are a general, a 'PM' and head of the 'NCPO' with an interim constitution that gives you total power.

The great leader have done much for Thailand and his people.

Not forgetting that Thai people are happy now because the the leader have return the happiness to them.

the leader have return the happiness to them.

I'm wondering where he found it?

[tbthailand]

Pavin is a Thaksin poodle - no more, no less. And he's a poor scholar to boot.

Interesting to read your perception that Pavin is a poor scholar. Are you able to substantiate this because my understanding he is held in high regard in the international academic community? Do you perhaps mean that he tends to take a political position that you disagree with.Perhaps this is also why you call him a Thaksin poodle, though I have read a number of articles in which he is scathingly critical of Thaksin.Don't you think it would simply be better to say that you disagree with him and articulate your reasons?

Since you set yourself up as expert on Thai scholarship, can you perhaps let me have the names of internationally recognised academics who are supportive of the current regime in Thailand and the crushing of democracy.

Pavin is no longer Thai. He will be arrested if he is still Thai.

Pavin in now Japanese, holding Japanese passport.

If I remember correctly, Pavin has been accused of LM and so, like so many victims of this draconian law, he can no longer return to his own country without being tossed in jail for years.

All because he exercises his human right to free speech.

[halloween]

Too bad other governments (namely the last government) did't have the Army support as it has now. Makes a big difference doesn't it Mr. PM.

Dreaming of a White (Washing) Xmas, Bob? Every little Shin criminal getting an amnesty in his stocking.

[englishoak]

I thought there was to be no discussing the shins in the press

[chainarong]

Well what do you expect , an ill concieved piece of timing if ever there was one, the wise supporters will wait , the hot heads might protest , but if they are wise they will wait 2, I am not aligned with Yingluck , however if Thailand wants harmony it is going the wrong way about it, all this does is create more hate, this time not for the Democrats but for P.M.Prayut -o and Co fondly known as the JUNTA.

[webfact]

IMPEACHMENT CASES
No protests: PM
The Nation



Martial law 'will be used' if there are any disturbances over impeachment decision; NLA likely bring forward date for verdicts

BANGKOK: -- Hinting at a strong reaction from the government, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday threatened to use martial law to stop protests from either side of the political divide over the decisions of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) in the upcoming impeachment cases involving key politicians of the previous government.

"People cannot protest and decide what is right or wrong. I am not the judge. Right or wrong is up to the law. If the NLA makes the decision and you do not accept the decision and protest, I will take action," he said.

Prayut ruled out any pardon for key politicians for the sake of national reconciliation. "The country can reconcile only when we pardon everyone first? No, it is not like that. I insist that people who commit offences must face the justice procedure. Do not come to talk to me about amnesty," he said.

The NLA will begin proceedings tomorrow in the cases against former Parliament president Somsak Kiatsuranont and his former deputy Nikom Wairatpanich over their alleged constitutional offences, while Friday's proceedings will see ex-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra in the dock over the controversial rice-pledging programme.

Prayut rejected claims made by supporters of Pheu Thai that these politicians must be given the benefit of the doubt, as the 2007 chart had been revoked. The PM insisted that these politicians had administered the country and although the charter was revoked, its organic laws on counter corruption are still in force.

"I revoked only the charter but I did not annul the anti-corruption law," he said.

Asked if he felt an impeachment verdict could spark a new round of political conflict, Prayut said he had no idea how the NLA would decide on each case. "I am the PM, I cannot give recommendations or lead the assembly," he said. Prayut said he believed the government could control the situation as martial law, which prevents political movements, is still in force.

Asked if he felt uncomfortable about the impeachment circumstances as he had worked under Yingluck, Prayut said no. "I use the law and give justice to every side. I do not go after anyone to kill him or her. If I fully exercise my power, many people cannot survive," he said.

Meanwhile, Yingluck said she would personally answer all questions in the case over the rice-pledging scheme because she was confident she could clarify every issue and no one knew the issues better than her.

Yingluck yesterday joined her legal team to discuss defence strategies after the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) delivered its opening statement. The NACC has accused Yingluck of dereliction of duty by failing to stem corruption and inflicting Bt600 billion in losses on the country because of the scheme.

Yingluck's legal team said they would argue that the scheme was a project aimed at benefiting the public and was not aimed at making profits, so it should not be judged only in terms of profit or loss.

The lawyers said they would defend Yingluck that she had done her best and there was no dereliction of duty.

The NLA would take recourse to Article 6 of the interim charter 2014 and Article 64 of the Anti-Corruption Act, the charter's organic laws to impeach Yingluck. During the opening statement, defendants are allowed to either personally defend themselves or send a representative.

Yingluck's lawyers said the NLA would not question the ex-PM on Friday, as the assembly would first appoint an inquiry panel and the NACC would make its opening statement.

Norawit Lalaeng, Yingluck's authorised lawyer, yesterday submitted a defence statement to the NLA officials. He called for live broadcast of the impeachment proceedings on state-run Channel 11, saying Yingluck would take two hours to clarify issues related to the rice-pledging scheme.

NLA whip Jetn Sirathranont said the vote on the two impeachment cases would be brought forward to January 22-23 from January 26-27 to comply with the meeting directives that the decision must be made three days after the closing statements. NLA president Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said he would look at the possibility of broadcasting live the impeachment proceedings because there was no such precedent.

Former deputy PM Surapong Tovichakchaikul yesterday threatened to take the NLA to task if it proceeds with impeachment proceedings against key Pheu Thai politicians.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/No-protests-PM-30251364.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-07

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

If they (the Junta) had balls enough they would have confiscated the whole Shinawatras family's fortune including drivers and maids by now and thrown them all in jail with no parole or bail possible. A deal has been struck the Juntas BS regarding "Zero Corruption" is just smoke and mirrors.

Interesting and what about all the corrupt Democrats, policemen and generals? They just get off do they?

They should all be in jail if there was a proper justice system in this country, but sadly its missing.

[englishoak]

AND THAT MEANS YOU