Ousted Thai PM's impeachment hearing tests fragile calm

[webfact]

Ousted Thai PM's impeachment hearing tests fragile calm

Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

Thailand's ousted prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra faces an impeachment hearing on Friday, proceedings that could see her banned from politics for five years and reignite the country's bitter divisions.

Yingluck, Thailand's first female premier and the sister of self-exiled former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, was dumped from office by a controversial court ruling shortly before the army seized power in a coup on May 22.

She faces impeachment over her administration's loss-making rice subsidy programme which -- while popular among her rural powerbase -- cost billions of dollars and was a driving force behind protests against her now toppled government.

Analysts say the impeachment proceedings are the latest attempt by the royalist elite to neuter the political influence of the Shinawatras, whose parties have won every election since 2001.

Impeachment by the junta-appointed National Legislative Assembly carries an automatic five-year ban from politics, but could also galvanise her family's 'Red Shirt' supporters to protest after months of silence under martial law.

"We are confident it (the vote) will be done before the end of the month -- roughly the 22nd or 23rd," NLA deputy speaker Surachai Liengboonlertchai told AFP.

The hearing is scheduled to start around 0300 GMT.

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

Prosecutors are also in the process of deciding whether Yingluck should face a separate criminal case over the rice subsidy scheme.

- 'Can of worms' -

Yingluck's supporters say the proceedings and the criminal charges are part of a wider campaign to cripple the Shinawatra clan.

But the move is not without risks. A vote to impeach Yingluck could stir the Red Shirts to protest, ending months of relative calm since the army grabbed power and imposed martial law on the kingdom.

Paul Chambers, a specialist on Thai politics at Chiang Mai University, told AFP that impeachment or a criminal conviction "could easily open a can of worms for the regime in terms of renewed sympathy for the Shinawatras and the potential beginning of attempted demonstrations".

Yingluck's billionaire brother Thaksin, who was deposed as premier in a 2006 coup, sits at the heart of Thailand's deep schism, despite living overseas to avoid jail for a graft conviction.

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

Since Thaksin swept to power in 2001, Shinawatra governments have been floored by two coups and bloodied by the removal of three other premiers 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.

Critics say the rice scheme tapped Thai coffers to lavish money on the Shinawatras' rural heartlands.

It also resulted in huge rice stockpiles as buyers baulked at the attempt by Yingluck's administration to fund the costly scheme by hoarding the grain to force up prices.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2015-01-09

[webfact]

Gen Prawit positive no public pressure will be made over Yingluck's impeachment

BANGKOK, 9 January 2015 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Gen Prawit Wongsuwan is positive that all of the stakeholders related to the impeachment of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will understand the legal process and efforts that the Prime Minister and his government have put to maintain the rule of law.

He said he was optimistic that Yingluck’s supporters would understand the situation, and thus there was no need for him to discuss the impeachment with red-shirt leaders.

Many expressed their concern over possible political movement after social networkers had mobilized Yingluck’s patrons to turn up at the Parliament on the day of her impeachment consideration.

Gen Prawit also mentioned about eight Thai suspects who have fled to foreign countries that the Thai government has sent official letters to inform those governments of the status of the suspects. He said the decision to return them to Thailand was up to those governments.


-- NNT 2015-01-09

[Robby nz]

AFP bias come out very clear in that lot.

The whole thing is about accountability of politicians to the country and the people, they must do the job they were elected to do and if they don't or cant do it they have no right to be in the job.

Same as any other business or profession, incompetent doctors, builders, electricians and pilots can and are dumped from their jobs. Why not politicians ?

That one sector will be unhappy if this occurs should not be a factor in any decision and if that sector would make trouble because the law is being applied and they cant accept that decision then that puts them outside the law.

[zaphod reborn]

AFP bias come out very clear in that lot.

Agreed. Where do they come up with this nonsense that the rice-pledging scheme was popular with the rural power base? It was only popular with large rice growers, rice mills, rice warehouse owners and PTP politicians who received kickbacks and other favors from these special interest groups.

[ramrod711]

I wonder how you impeach someone who is not in power. I think it would be adequate to prosecute her for dereliction of duty. There is enough evidence to convict and few people would argue that the charge is in line with her job performance. Perhaps I missed something, but I haven't seen anything that proves corruption that she benefited from. Having her gone from politics is a worthy goal in my opinion, but the charges should be fair.

[The stuttering parrot]

All these recent articles are general this and general that.

A deep seated hatred of the Shinawatras by the bangkok elite and the military is a well known fact so what's so new in this article.

Everyone's in place so it only remains to serif a deal has been done or she somehow gets impeached and how they do that legally is beyond me.

[smedly]

I was under the impression that both YL and her brother decided to get out of the political scene all on their own, so I fail to see why this is such a big deal

Now if it was a hearing to bring them to justice for the money they cost the Thai people that would be a different matter

[Robby nz]

I wonder how you impeach someone who is not in power. I think it would be adequate to prosecute her for dereliction of duty. There is enough evidence to convict and few people would argue that the charge is in line with her job performance. Perhaps I missed something, but I haven't seen anything that proves corruption that she benefited from. Having her gone from politics is a worthy goal in my opinion, but the charges should be fair.

It would appear that this is the legal method used to prosecute someone was PM at the time for dereliction of duty or negligence.

At present there is no charges brought against her for corruption although there are investigations taking place regarding the rice scheme :

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/742567-anti-graft-agency-probing-rice-deals-links-to-thai-ministers/

Posted 2014-07-14 06:45:07

Anti-graft agency probing rice deals, links to ministers

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission sub-panel is deeply probing alleged irregularities in the rice-pledging scheme's financial transactions to identify possible nominees linked to five former ministers under investigation, NACC deputy secretary-general Warawit Sukboon said yesterday.

Facing graft probes in connection with the rice-pledging scheme are ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra, ex-commerce ministers Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, Boonsong Teriyapirom and Yanyong Phuangrach and former deputy commerce minister Poom Sarapol.

[jayboy]

AFP bias come out very clear in that lot.

The whole thing is about accountability of politicians to the country and the people, they must do the job they were elected to do and if they don't or cant do it they have no right to be in the job.

Same as any other business or profession, incompetent doctors, builders, electricians and pilots can and are dumped from their jobs. Why not politicians ?

That one sector will be unhappy if this occurs should not be a factor in any decision and if that sector would make trouble because the law is being applied and they cant accept that decision then that puts them outside the law.

But there is a mechanism for dumping unpopular politicians.It is called a general election.That remedy is not now open to the Thai people.

[DLock]

What's the matter?

You still have that unnaturally large headed, flat faced sister and the fruity-looking son to contend with.

Actually, thinking about it, they are a rather odd looking family.

[Robby nz]

AFP bias come out very clear in that lot.

The whole thing is about accountability of politicians to the country and the people, they must do the job they were elected to do and if they don't or cant do it they have no right to be in the job.

Same as any other business or profession, incompetent doctors, builders, electricians and pilots can and are dumped from their jobs. Why not politicians ?

That one sector will be unhappy if this occurs should not be a factor in any decision and if that sector would make trouble because the law is being applied and they cant accept that decision then that puts them outside the law.

But there is a mechanism for dumping unpopular politicians.It is called a general election.That remedy is not now open to the Thai people.

Indeed there is however there may come a time in any country when the people cant wait for an election for they can see that the politicians they have chosen are not working for them but instead for their own ends.

This happened when PT went to far and introduced the amnesty bill which as well as forgiving the crimes of their de-facto leader would have forgiven all corruption for something like the previous 8 years.

The only ones to have benefited from this were the corrupt, mostly the rich and the politicians themselves, if you see it differently then please explain how the poor would have benefited.

That so many people, including the reds from PT heartland, were against the amnesty was the catalyst for what we have today, not an ideal situation as no coup can ever be considered good but better than the alternative of letting PT continue.

Thailand will get its elections in the not to distant future, hopefully with measures in place so that criminals and would be criminals can not take part and that all parties can have a fair chance of campaigning in all electorates without threats and intimidation.

[Nickymaster]

Give her a break. She only blew 20 billion dollars in 3 years on the rice scam. Of course it's the elites fault. The darling of Isan did nothing wrong.

[yellowboat]

Regardless of alleged guilt, the legal process looks politcally driven and flawed.

[whaleboneman]

What's the matter?

You still have that unnaturally large headed, flat faced sister and the fruity-looking son to contend with.

Actually, thinking about it, they are a rather odd looking family.

Judging people on their appearance is a good indicator of intellect.

[Baerboxer]

AFP bias come out very clear in that lot.

Agreed. Where do they come up with this nonsense that the rice-pledging scheme was popular with the rural power base? It was only popular with large rice growers, rice mills, rice warehouse owners and PTP politicians who received kickbacks and other favors from these special interest groups.

They must have forgotten to ask all the farmers who weren't paid and were driven into huge debt, increased poverty and in some cases suicide. Even though Ms Yingluck vowed they would be paid - and lied as usual.

AFP insist Thaksin was deposed, and never mention he had previously resigned, then changed his mind and was illegally occupying the office of PM and refusing to go.

AFP never question where the billions went, who actually benefited and never ever talk about political accountability.

Another left leaning bunch who think the Shins are some kind of social democrats; or would like to believe that as it suits their views better.

[DKUNPUTAF713]

Former GEN Prawit Wongsuwan should be reminded that the non-elected Prime Minister does not have a “government”!

He has only a JUNTA and nothing more in the eyes of the people of Thailand!!!

I suggest that he get off his high horse and get with the program!!!

[DLock]

What's the matter?

You still have that unnaturally large headed, flat faced sister and the fruity-looking son to contend with.

Actually, thinking about it, they are a rather odd looking family.

Judging people on their appearance is a good indicator of intellect.

You'd be a pretty odd looking person then.

I never mentioned intellect there Whaleboner.

[Tatsujin]

Biased indeed, and this says it all ... "by the royalist elite" ... which implies that the "opposition" are not "royalists", which is pretty spot on for the "leaders" at least.

[webfact]

Yingluck ready to clear all doubts on rice-pledging scheme



BANGKOK: -- Former premier Yingluck Shinawayra arrived at the Parliament Friday morning with confidence that all doubts in her rice scheme could be cleared.

Ms Yingluck, accompanying with a team of lawyers, arrived at 09.09 am amid army of local and foreign news journalists laying in wait for interviews.

There was no supporters coming to give her morale support except a small group of people giving her flowers.

But the Parliament was deployed by over a hundred of anti-riot make and female police as there was earlier report that hundreds of supporters would arrive to cheer her.

Greeting journalists with her smiling face, Ms Yingluck said confidently that she would be able to clear all doubts about the rice scheme and her duty.

She asked journalists to await her defence of all accusations to be raised in the National Legislative Assembly by the National Anti-Corruption Commission which pushed for her impeachment in the assembly.

The NLA began convening the impeachment process at 10.00 am with the NACC presenting details of her involvement in the rice pledging scheme and how she was found guilty.

The NACC accused Yingluck of negligence of duty that had inflicted enormous loss to the state on her rice scheme.

(Photo : Thai PBS File)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/yingluck-ready-clear-doubts-rice-pledging-scheme


-- Thai PBS 2015-01-09

[webfact]

Ousted Thai PM's impeachment poses dilemma for junta
Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

BANGKOK: -- Ousted prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra arrived at Thailand's military-stacked legislature Friday for the start of impeachment proceedings that could see her banned from politics for five years and reignite the country's bitter divisions.

Yingluck, Thailand's first female premier and the sister of self-exiled former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, was dumped from office by a controversial court ruling shortly before the army seized power in a coup on May 22.

She faces impeachment over her administration's loss-making rice subsidy programme which -- while popular among her rural power base -- cost billions of dollars and was a driving force behind protests that toppled her government.

Analysts say the impeachment hearing is the latest attempt by Thailand's royalist elite to neuter the political influence of the Shinawatras, whose parties have won every election since 2001.

A guilty verdict from the junta-appointed National Legislative Assembly carries an automatic five-year ban from politics, but could also galvanise her family's 'Red Shirt' supporters to protest after months of silence under martial law.

A smiling Yingluck, dressed in a black suit and pink shirt, arrived at the hearing flanked by security and a handful of her party members.

Asked if she felt confident of being vindicated she replied: "Let's wait and see."

At the start of the hearing, National Anti-Corruption Commission commissioner Vicha Mahakhun said Yingluck stood accused of dereliction of duty "causing gross damage to the country".

A successful impeachment needs three-fifths of the 250-strong assembly to vote in favour. The a verdict is expected by the end of January.

Impeachment proceedings have already begun against the former parliament speaker -- a member of Yingluck's toppled government -- and the former senate speaker.

Prosecutors are also in the process of deciding whether Yingluck should face a separate criminal case over the rice subsidy scheme.

- Dilemma for junta -

Yingluck's supporters say the proceedings and the criminal charges are part of a wider campaign to cripple the Shinawatra clan and disempower their voters, who are drawn mainly from the poor but populous northern part of the country.

But the move is not without risks. A vote to impeach Yingluck could stir the Red Shirts to protest, ending months of relative calm since the army grabbed power and imposed martial law.

Thai politics expert Thitinan Pongsudhirak said the impeachment proceedings pose "a dilemma" for the junta and their supporters.

"On the one hand they want to see her disqualified from Thai politics," said Thitinan, who is director of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

"But if they go all out against Yingluck -- by pushing for a ban or criminal charges -- they risk aggravating Thailand's political conflict by stirring up the pro-Thaksin camp."

Yingluck's billionaire brother Thaksin, who was deposed as premier in a 2006 coup, sits at the heart of Thailand's deep schism, despite living overseas to avoid jail for a graft conviction.

He is loathed by the Bangkok-centred establishment, its supporters in the south and among the judiciary and army, but still draws deep loyalty in the north and among the urban middle and working classes.

Since Thaksin swept to power in 2001, Shinawatra governments have been floored by two coups and bloodied by the removal of three other premiers 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.

The junta says Thailand needs a new constitution to end years of political turmoil and rid the kingdom of endemic corruption.

But critics say those crafting the charter are mainly anti-Thaksin figures seeking to erase his legacy and protect the interests of the elite, rather than create a robust political system to move the country forward.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2015-01-09

[webfact]

Army chief: Trial against Yingluck is peaceful

BANGKOK, 9 January 2015 (NNT)-The Thai Army Chief has said the trial against Yingluck Shinawatra will be smooth and peaceful if people abide by the law.

Army Chief General Udomdej Sitabutr has instructed First Region Army to cooperate with the Metro Police in keeping peace while the National Legislative Assembly is hearing the case against former premier Yingluck.

According to thee General, the situation has been under control since the trial kicked off earlier this morning. There is no need for security reinforcement allowed under martial law given that there are already security personnel in place.

Martial law would be applied only when it is absolutely necessary. He also urged everyone to express their opinions within the rule of law.

-- NNT 2015-01-09

[Cuchulainn]

A small price to pay to be rid of a vampire!

[Robby nz]

BANGKOK: -- Former premier Yingluck Shinawayra arrived at the Parliament Friday morning with confidence that all doubts in her rice scheme could be cleared.

Does that mean she is going to produce a full and complete accounting of the scheme with receipts and invoices for all rice bought and sold.

With all letters of credit from the G 2 G deals, clarification of all her statements that all the rice was intact and in good condition.

Explanations of where all the rice went that was found to be missing in the inspections she urged to take place.

Or does it mean that all there will be no doubt whatsoever that she was negligent ?

[webfact]

Former PM seeks justice as she appears before NLA
The Nation


Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra arrives at Parliament to defend herself against impeachment case Friday.

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Friday said she has already been "impeached" three times.

The ousted former premier made the comment as she faced the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) during her impeachment proceedings in the case hearing filed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. She is accused of dereliction of duty in the rice-pledging scheme that led to corruption and billions of baht in losses.

"I come here today to seek justice," she said.

She added that she no longer holds any positions of which she can be stripped.

"The impeachment [against me] will not only affect me but also dim farmers’ hopes," she told the NLA during the impeachment proceedings that could see her banned from politics for five years.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Former-PM-seeks-justice-as-she-appears-before-NLA-30251563.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-09

[Eric Loh]

Convict her and the speakers will galavanize their supporters and hardened their resolve to support Thaksin. May even win over some neutrals who are sick of the Dem, continuous power grab and disruption of their life and economy. International opinions will also be negative. Discharge the cases, PT will be stronger and win the next election. No wonder Thaksin is keeping a low profile and told his supporters to behave. He should be happy either way the cases will end.

[timewilltell]

AFP bias come out very clear in that lot.

Agreed. Where do they come up with this nonsense that the rice-pledging scheme was popular with the rural power base? It was only popular with large rice growers, rice mills, rice warehouse owners and PTP politicians who received kickbacks and other favors from these special interest groups.

The idea was certainly popular and remains popular, it is the implementation, lies, deceit and corruption that was used to ensure the real beneficiaries were not the poor farmers but the rich civil servants and their rich buddies who grabbed all the money.

The idea was of course flawed from the start and it seems beyond sensibility that the government did not know the extent of corruption but rather was up to its neck scrabbling for its share and that the scheme was designed to be a method to rape the country. The people involved are traitors to Thailand and to their supporters.

[Robby nz]

"The impeachment [against me] will not only affect me but also dim farmers’ hopes,"

I would have thought farmers hopes would have been very dim after she had forgotten to arrange payments for them before dissolving the house then lying to them several times, the hopes of the ones who took their lives over the debt this created must have been extremely dim, the record debt that the others are in now would not help either.

These hopes must have taken a turn for the better when they found out that the military had arranged for all the overdue payment.

It would seem from that statement that she seems to think she is some sort of savior of the farmers.

[Nickymaster]

Convict her and the speakers will galavanize their supporters and hardened their resolve to support Thaksin. May even win over some neutrals who are sick of the Dem, continuous power grab and disruption of their life and economy. International opinions will also be negative. Discharge the cases, PT will be stronger and win the next election. No wonder Thaksin is keeping a low profile and told his supporters to behave. He should be happy either way the cases will end.

Without the corrupt Shins there will be no Shins in politics.

[Nickymaster]

"The impeachment [against me] will not only affect me but also dim farmers’ hopes,"

I would have thought farmers hopes would have been very dim after she had forgotten to arrange payments for them before dissolving the house then lying to them several times, the hopes of the ones who took their lives over the debt this created must have been extremely dim, the record debt that the others are in now would not help either.

These hopes must have taken a turn for the better when they found out that the military had arranged for all the overdue payment.

It would seem from that statement that she seems to think she is some sort of savior of the farmers.

She had spent 800 billion THB and eventually 150 Billion went into the pockets of the farmers and Yingluck claimed she did a good job for them. Those Bangkok elites never admit they screwed up.

[Nickymaster]

AFP bias come out very clear in that lot.

The whole thing is about accountability of politicians to the country and the people, they must do the job they were elected to do and if they don't or cant do it they have no right to be in the job.

Same as any other business or profession, incompetent doctors, builders, electricians and pilots can and are dumped from their jobs. Why not politicians ?

That one sector will be unhappy if this occurs should not be a factor in any decision and if that sector would make trouble because the law is being applied and they cant accept that decision then that puts them outside the law.

But there is a mechanism for dumping unpopular politicians.It is called a general election.That remedy is not now open to the Thai people.

You mean let the people decide whether or not a politician should be punished for their corruption? So if the majority of the electorate vote for a certain person that person will be above the law?