No order to impeach Yingluck, Prayut says

[webfact]

IMPEACHMENT CASE
No order to impeach Yingluck, Prayut says
THE NATION

Denies NLA told how to vote, insists 'no reconciliation with wrongdoers'

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday angrily denied an allegation that the junta-appointed National Legislative Assembly had been ordered to impeach former PM Yingluck Shinawatra.

The PM was asked to comment on the claim by some politicians that the National Council for Peace and Order had signalled to the NLA to vote against the ex-premier on Friday, following a session of closing statements by Yingluck and her accuser, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the day before.

"Who made the order? I haven't seen anyone do so. You should ask the people who told you. Don't ask such a stupid question," Prayut said, speaking with emotion.

"I have never sent any signal. Never. There has never been an order," he told reporters at Government House.

Yingluck is accused by the NACC of negligence of duty in connection with her government's corruption-plagued rice-pledging scheme, which is estimated to have cost more than Bt500 billion in state funds.

Support from at least three-fifths of the 220-member NLA is required for her to be impeached. If found guilty, the ex-PM will be banned from holding political office for five years.

Meanwhile, Yingluck's lawyer Norawich Lalang said the former PM did not appear to be worried about the case ahead of her

closing statement before the NLA on Thursday.

"She did not say anything about that," he said, when asked whether Yingluck had showed any sign of worry. Norawich said in a phone interview yesterday that he expected the former premier to be given fair treatment and justice.

Yingluck did not attend yesterday's meeting of her legal team, which had recently provided more documents to the ex-PM to assist her in defending herself, according to the lawyer.

The team had gone through all the arguments presented by both the accuser and the accused since the case started, and had tried to provide her with complete information, he said.

Prayut said he believed NLA members would base their decision on the evidence and the facts.

He also reiterated that the matter should not be linked to the efforts for national reconciliation.

"I have said many times that we should not reconcile with wrongdoers. Do we need to reconcile with murderers or people who are corrupt?" he said.

When asked if he personally had any pity for Yingluck, the prime minister said: "Do you sympathise with someone who commits wrongdoing? Even if you pity a wrongdoer, you can't do anything when the law is involved. The point is you should not violate the law."

The PM added that he was not referring to any case in particular in making these remarks.

Meanwhile, a number of NLA members said yesterday they had made their minds up on whether to vote for or against Yingluck on Friday, with some of them stressing that they did not need to listen to the closing statements by the NACC and the ex-PM.

Some NLA members also said they would not take into account explanations in defence of the rice scheme provided by four ministers in the previous government led by Yingluck. They made the explanations via YouTube, the video-sharing website.

Yingluck was absent from last week's inquiry session by the NLA as part of the impeachment process, during which both the anti-graft body's "accuser" and the former PM - the "accused" - were asked questions by NLA members.

Upset that the ex-PM had failed to turn up, the NLA voted not to allow Yingluck's representatives to answer the questions on her behalf.

NLA member Nipon Narapitakkul said he believed that most NLA members had already made their decision on how to vote.

Predicting the outcome of Friday's vote in the impeachment case, he said he expected NLA members would vote in the same way as they did when not allowing her representatives to answer the NLA's questions on her behalf.

Last week, NLA members voted 153 to one, with 21 abstentions, to require that only Yingluck would be allowed to answer the questions directed at her.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/No-order-to-impeach-Yingluck-Prayut-says-30252257.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-20

[Robby nz]

Yingluck did not attend yesterday's meeting of her legal team, which had recently provided more documents to the ex-PM to assist her in defending herself, according to the lawyer.

Translation :

We have written out what she has to say in her closing statement in easily understood words.

[chooka]

Would believe a word the guy says.

[brucec64]

It is inconceivable that the PM, who is showing increasing signs of megalomania, and micro manages to the point of organizing floating gardens and Indian weddings, would not be in full control of the outcome of the impeachment proceedings.

[Diplomatico]

"When asked if he personally had any pity for Yingluck, the prime minister said: "Do you sympathise with someone who commits wrongdoing? Even if you pity a wrongdoer, you can't do anything when the law is involved. The point is you should not violate the law."

Nope, no pre-determined outcomes here at all.

[aussieinthailand]

Truth and justice in Thailand, HA!!!! dose anyone really believe that is the case?

ie, Red bull cop killer, holidays in Singapore

old couple picking mushrooms, gaol,

Suthep's palm oil scam, land scam, refusing to appear to police after warrants for him, etc,

and the incriminating evidence in the Dems corruption cases all whent floating off in the floods so no case to answer.

They themselves have said they have made up their minds even before the closing statements, Hmmm seems very legal doesn't it?

The thing is these guy's wanted their 15 min's of fame chastising Yingluck, but as advised by her legal team not to appear in person and her team answer in her stead as is provided for in the rules, they were p*ssed, and voted not to allow for this rule, they like to change the rules as they see fit.

the outcome was decided a long time ago regardless of any evidence to prove otherwise, these guy's are about as strait as a taxi driver here.

Yu'p truth and justice here, what a bloody joke

[chooka]

Just mentioned on ABC news Australia that he had ordered her impeached.

[JAG]

I'm sure that he didn't make such an order. After all he denied he would stage a coup, or appoint himself Prime Minister.

[ExPratt]

I don't think he has to make an "Order" as such. Its obvious what they want, If shes not impeached then part of the their excuse for the Coup is gone

[MaxLee]

In other words. Just a slap on the wrist and a few years of inactive post again...

[lewy67]

Psssst Yingluck stroll on down to the UNHCR office in Bangkok. There is still space in the NZ refugee quota for 2015. They reckon via Cambodia is the go...........

[worgeordie]

I think she would be pleased to be impeached,if not her

brother might have pushed her back into been PM again,

which i don't think she really wanted to do in the first place,

regards Worgeordie

[seajae]

I see all the ptp apologists are trying their hardest to put their spin on this. We all know that the only way the ptp/reds can get what they want is to spread lies and innuendo and some of those in here cant help themselves, shows how pathetic some people are when they have to satisfy their other halfs demands on their political views and those of their families or face being told to leave. The only press releases overseas are overseen by thaksin aligned reporters, anyone believing the crap they write or promote would have to be totally gullible, cant help some people. What all this boils down to is that the ptp/red/thaksin supporters cannot handle the fact the truth is emerging after having it covered up for so many years and are trying to put bullsh*t up to try to confuse the public, after years of thaksins lackies running the show they dont want to give anything up.

[chotthee]

There was never an order for a coup as well.

But it happens again and again, and will happen again.

[smutcakes]

I see all the ptp apologists are trying their hardest to put their spin on this. We all know that the only way the ptp/reds can get what they want is to spread lies and innuendo and some of those in here cant help themselves, shows how pathetic some people are when they have to satisfy their other halfs demands on their political views and those of their families or face being told to leave. The only press releases overseas are overseen by thaksin aligned reporters, anyone believing the crap they write or promote would have to be totally gullible, cant help some people. What all this boils down to is that the ptp/red/thaksin supporters cannot handle the fact the truth is emerging after having it covered up for so many years and are trying to put bullsh*t up to try to confuse the public, after years of thaksins lackies running the show they dont want to give anything up.

What in the world are you talking about? Speaking from personal experience?

Yes I am sure TS has the BBC, Reuters, AP, CNN etc reporters on his payroll

Maybe its you that is gullible?

[Diplomatico]

The only press releases overseas are overseen by thaksin aligned reporters, anyone believing the crap they write or promote would have to be totally gullible, cant help some people.

What's sad is that you seem to actually believe this. This guy would have to be the Wizard of Oz to control the rest of the world's media.

[janpoo]

When it's too difficult for this clown, he always uses the words: stupid question. Who's stupid here????????

[seajae]

The only press releases overseas are overseen by thaksin aligned reporters, anyone believing the crap they write or promote would have to be totally gullible, cant help some people.

What's sad is that you seem to actually believe this. This guy would have to be the Wizard of Oz to control the rest of the world's media.

the press releases are from one source, check it out. For some reason they also go on how thaksin was set up in just about every report as well, guess when you worship the man you dont see that bit. I live in a non political house, no one here gives a damn about any party, I notice that most of those whinging about the coup are from the north, go figure. I am sure that they can speak freely about the corruption committed by the shins and the murders/bombings by the reds.........

[smutcakes]

The only press releases overseas are overseen by thaksin aligned reporters, anyone believing the crap they write or promote would have to be totally gullible, cant help some people.

What's sad is that you seem to actually believe this. This guy would have to be the Wizard of Oz to control the rest of the world's media.

the press releases are from one source, check it out. For some reason they also go on how thaksin was set up in just about every report as well, guess when you worship the man you dont see that bit. I live in a non political house, no one here gives a damn about any party, I notice that most of those whinging about the coup are from the north, go figure. I am sure that they can speak freely about the corruption committed by the shins and the murders/bombings by the reds.........

I think you would find the majority of anti reds and Junta fans are Issan/northern based retirees. Ginjag, Robbie Nz, Mikemac to name a few of the most outspoken junta fans all reside in the middle of nakhon nowhere i believe.

The crime TS was found guilty of, by Thai standards was relatively minor. The fact he was found guilty in Thailand, and sentenced to jail no less for a crime where there were no ill partied wanting to prosecute, just emphasizes how political it all was. Most international reports i have read are under no illusions that he was far from clean, but are also fairly strong into commenting that it was a politically based charge, which is true.

[binjalin]

"I have said many times that we should not reconcile with wrongdoers. Do we need to reconcile with murderers or people who are corrupt?" he said.

he needs to go read up on South Africa's successful reconciliation and understand there was wrong doing on all sides

[rubl]

It is inconceivable that the PM, who is showing increasing signs of megalomania, and micro manages to the point of organizing floating gardens and Indian weddings, would not be in full control of the outcome of the impeachment proceedings.

True, true. Nothing to do with Ms. Yingluck being guilty, it's only a political witch hunt. Allegedly some tell me.

Personally I doubt a witch hunt is necessary when Ms. Yingluck so clearly shows to be 'ignorant' and 'negligent'. Even her lawyer complains Ms. Yingluck didn't say anything about the case

[rubl]

"I have said many times that we should not reconcile with wrongdoers. Do we need to reconcile with murderers or people who are corrupt?" he said.

he needs to go read up on South Africa's successful reconciliation and understand there was wrong doing on all sides

PM Prayut didn't mention any side, just murderers and corrupt people.

It would seem Ms. Yingluck corrupted people by being so negligent. It may have given the wrong impression.

BTW The South African situation is not comparable with Thailands 'political' problems. Also the success of the 'reconciliation' has

"Despite some flaws, it is generally (although not universally) thought to have been successful."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth_and_Reconciliation_Commission_(South_Africa)

Furthermore

"In contrast with other truth commissions, the TRC was led by clerics rather than lawyers and judge, and the TRC's approach to reconciliation was shaped by and imbued with religious content."

https://www.templetonpress.org/content/religion-and-reconciliation-south-africa

PS will Phra Suthep be available ?

[rubl]

The only press releases overseas are overseen by thaksin aligned reporters, anyone believing the crap they write or promote would have to be totally gullible, cant help some people.

What's sad is that you seem to actually believe this. This guy would have to be the Wizard of Oz to control the rest of the world's media.

the press releases are from one source, check it out. For some reason they also go on how thaksin was set up in just about every report as well, guess when you worship the man you dont see that bit. I live in a non political house, no one here gives a damn about any party, I notice that most of those whinging about the coup are from the north, go figure. I am sure that they can speak freely about the corruption committed by the shins and the murders/bombings by the reds.........

I think you would find the majority of anti reds and Junta fans are Issan/northern based retirees. Ginjag, Robbie Nz, Mikemac to name a few of the most outspoken junta fans all reside in the middle of nakhon nowhere i believe.

The crime TS was found guilty of, by Thai standards was relatively minor. The fact he was found guilty in Thailand, and sentenced to jail no less for a crime where there were no ill partied wanting to prosecute, just emphasizes how political it all was. Most international reports i have read are under no illusions that he was far from clean, but are also fairly strong into commenting that it was a politically based charge, which is true.

Absolutely.

If only Thaksin would have remained in office no one would have dared to charge him. THe suggestion of a few billion Baht defamation case would be sufficient to keep all in line. Democratically so.

[Gunna]

The only press releases overseas are overseen by thaksin aligned reporters, anyone believing the crap they write or promote would have to be totally gullible, cant help some people.

What's sad is that you seem to actually believe this. This guy would have to be the Wizard of Oz to control the rest of the world's media.

the press releases are from one source, check it out. For some reason they also go on how thaksin was set up in just about every report as well, guess when you worship the man you dont see that bit. I live in a non political house, no one here gives a damn about any party, I notice that most of those whinging about the coup are from the north, go figure. I am sure that they can speak freely about the corruption committed by the shins and the murders/bombings by the reds.........

I think you would find the majority of anti reds and Junta fans are Issan/northern based retirees. Ginjag, Robbie Nz, Mikemac to name a few of the most outspoken junta fans all reside in the middle of nakhon nowhere i believe.

The crime TS was found guilty of, by Thai standards was relatively minor. The fact he was found guilty in Thailand, and sentenced to jail no less for a crime where there were no ill partied wanting to prosecute, just emphasizes how political it all was. Most international reports i have read are under no illusions that he was far from clean, but are also fairly strong into commenting that it was a politically based charge, which is true.

Minor case to some people , political case you say

Law in Thailand: Prime ministers and their spouses are barred from doing business with government agencies.

The case stems from his wife Pojaman's purchase in an auction of about 13 acres (five hectares) of prime land in central Bangkok in 2003 for 772 million baht ($22.4m).

The land was bought from the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF), a government agency that had been set up to bail-out debt-ridden banks.

Very straight forward to me - guilty as hell

Not sure how many of the other cases have proceeded as this is from soon after he fled

Case one: Corruption charges related to purchase of state land by his wife. Who: Thaksin and his wife. Status: Thaksin guilty, wife acquitted

Case two: Abuse of power linked to government lottery scheme.Who: Thaksin and several former Cabinet ministers. Status: Case accepted by Supreme Court

Case three: Abuse of power related to state loan to Burma alleged to have benefited family business. Who: Thaksin. Status: Case accepted by Supreme Court

Case four: Concealing assets.Who: Thaksin, wife and two others. Status: Awaiting court decision on proceeding to trial

Case five: Tax evasion. Who: Members of Thaksin's family.Status: Pojaman Shinawatra and her brother jailed for three years, her secretary for two years

Several other claims also lodged

[Homeropec]

I'm sure that he didn't make such an order. After all he denied he would stage a coup, or appoint himself Prime Minister.

And appoint others military linked to be the large part of the Tha parlament... To place pupets in key organizations to administer justice, to draw a new constitution. Setting this circus agaiin and again... how do they belief that people trust them???? They are not normals

[Just1Voice]

I see all the ptp apologists are trying their hardest to put their spin on this. We all know that the only way the ptp/reds can get what they want is to spread lies and innuendo and some of those in here cant help themselves, shows how pathetic some people are when they have to satisfy their other halfs demands on their political views and those of their families or face being told to leave. The only press releases overseas are overseen by thaksin aligned reporters, anyone believing the crap they write or promote would have to be totally gullible, cant help some people. What all this boils down to is that the ptp/red/thaksin supporters cannot handle the fact the truth is emerging after having it covered up for so many years and are trying to put bullsh*t up to try to confuse the public, after years of thaksins lackies running the show they dont want to give anything up.

You could take just about everything you said in regards to the Reds/PTP and equally apply it to the Yellows/Dems/PDRC.

Talk about covering up the "truth". Let's try Suthep's palm oil dealings, and his land give away to his buddies. Let's talk about the Dem's own rice scheme which failed miserably. Trust me, there is an entire litany of things they have buried, covered up, and just flat out got away with, yet no one has ever been held accountable for any of them. I'm not pro-red or pro-Thaksin by a long shot, but neither am I color blind by either side and try to look at the whole picture. Perhaps you should try that some time and find out that your "hero's" aren't as lily white as you seem to think they are.

[JAG]

I see all the ptp apologists are trying their hardest to put their spin on this. We all know that the only way the ptp/reds can get what they want is to spread lies and innuendo and some of those in here cant help themselves, shows how pathetic some people are when they have to satisfy their other halfs demands on their political views and those of their families or face being told to leave. The only press releases overseas are overseen by thaksin aligned reporters, anyone believing the crap they write or promote would have to be totally gullible, cant help some people. What all this boils down to is that the ptp/red/thaksin supporters cannot handle the fact the truth is emerging after having it covered up for so many years and are trying to put bullsh*t up to try to confuse the public, after years of thaksins lackies running the show they dont want to give anything up.

Having read quite a few of your vituperative posts over the last couple of years I can't decide who you dislike the most. The Thai people who just won't follow the electoral course which you have ordained for them, or those dreadful falangs who dare to hold views which differ from yours. It is a close call! Either way, full of hate.

[Eric Loh]

I see all the ptp apologists are trying their hardest to put their spin on this. We all know that the only way the ptp/reds can get what they want is to spread lies and innuendo and some of those in here cant help themselves, shows how pathetic some people are when they have to satisfy their other halfs demands on their political views and those of their families or face being told to leave. The only press releases overseas are overseen by thaksin aligned reporters, anyone believing the crap they write or promote would have to be totally gullible, cant help some people. What all this boils down to is that the ptp/red/thaksin supporters cannot handle the fact the truth is emerging after having it covered up for so many years and are trying to put bullsh*t up to try to confuse the public, after years of thaksins lackies running the show they dont want to give anything up.

You could take just about everything you said in regards to the Reds/PTP and equally apply it to the Yellows/Dems/PDRC.

Talk about covering up the "truth". Let's try Suthep's palm oil dealings, and his land give away to his buddies. Let's talk about the Dem's own rice scheme which failed miserably. Trust me, there is an entire litany of things they have buried, covered up, and just flat out got away with, yet no one has ever been held accountable for any of them. I'm not pro-red or pro-Thaksin by a long shot, but neither am I color blind by either side and try to look at the whole picture. Perhaps you should try that some time and find out that your "hero's" aren't as lily white as you seem to think they are.

Like you, I am totally disgusted with the the highly skewed double standard and like you, I am no Thaksin or PT sympathizer. Suthep has a long laundry list of corruption and even impeachment case over the Phuket land corruption case. Ahbisit borrowed heavily to finance various populist policies raising the debt to GDP ratio to unprecedented level. And the disgusting Saejae untouchables are the epitome of corruption longer than any political parties or personalities. Seem the only people on trials are those who are popularly elected and have huge support from the poor. Not hard to see the irony and the blind followers inability to comprehend that it is those elites pulling the strings to rid all their opponents to maintain their power and wealth.

[brucec64]

It is inconceivable that the PM, who is showing increasing signs of megalomania, and micro manages to the point of organizing floating gardens and Indian weddings, would not be in full control of the outcome of the impeachment proceedings.

True, true. Nothing to do with Ms. Yingluck being guilty, it's only a political witch hunt. Allegedly some tell me.

Personally I doubt a witch hunt is necessary when Ms. Yingluck so clearly shows to be 'ignorant' and 'negligent'. Even her lawyer complains Ms. Yingluck didn't say anything about the case

"Meanwhile, a number of NLA members said yesterday they had made their minds up on whether to vote for or against Yingluck on Friday, with some of them stressing that they did not need to listen to the closing statements by the NACC and the ex-PM."

At the very least, an irresponsible disrespect for due process, but really an indication that this is a political witch hunt, with many of the NLA planning to settle personal vendettas on Friday.

And these people are the future of Thailand?

[arrowsdawdle]

It is inconceivable that the PM, who is showing increasing signs of megalomania, and micro manages to the point of organizing floating gardens and Indian weddings, would not be in full control of the outcome of the impeachment proceedings.

"It's Howdy Doody time, It's Howdy Doody time!"