Nails in Yingluck's coffin?

[webfact]

Nails in Yingluck's coffin?
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation



Joint working team resolves to indict former premier for dereliction of duty, ex-ministers charged with corruption

BANGKOK: -- THE CHANCE of former PM Yingluck Shinawatra avoiding impeachment on Friday got a lot slimmer yesterday after a joint working group of anti-graft officials and public prosecutors agreed to indict her on a long-standing criminal case. The anti-graft agency has also charged former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and associates for corruption in the rice-pledging scheme.

The criminal case was first flagged in July last year, when the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) accused Yingluck of dereliction of duty in relation to the rice scheme. Yesterday, the joint NACC and Office of Attorney-General group resolved that they have enough evidence to take a case against her to the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

"The Attorney General will file the case in court in days," Sansern Poljieak, secretary-general of the attorney-general's office, said.

Yingluck will be indicted for dereliction of duty in regard to the rice-pledging scheme. If found guilty, she could face one to 10 years in prison or a fine of between Bt2,000 and Bt20,000 or both.

On the political front, this consensus and graft charges laid against the ministers offer solid ground for members of the National Legislative Assembly to vote to impeach her for negligence in handling the scheme, which caused huge damage to national coffers and the rice trade.

The NACC decided yesterday to file the charge, alleging that former commerce minister Boonsong and former deputy commerce minister Poom Saraphol created illegal government-to-government (G2G) rice sale deals. The case will be filed at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

Boonsong said the NACC had a hidden agenda in charging him and other officials only two days before the NLA will vote on Yingluck's impeachment.

"I'm a victim for the NACC to link the case to the impeachment although the case could clearly be separated," he said.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday instructed members of the junta and the Cabinet to help explain the impeachment case to the public. "The case will be an indicator to measure ethics and leadership of politicians in the [previous] government," deputy spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd quoted Prayut as saying.

Yingluck had no leadership or ethics, as she was not prepared to answer questions [about the rice scheme] in the NLA by herself, Sansern said.

The NLA will vote on Friday on whether to impeach Yingluck for negligence over the rice scheme, as well as former Parliament president Somsak Kiatsuranont and his deputy Nikom Wairatpanij for supporting amendments to change the make-up of the Senate.

The NACC will set up a new investigation team to probe other rice sale contracts for a combined total of about five million tonnes of rice in G2G contracts during Yingluck's government after allegedly finding that partner companies in China were not assigned by China's government.

An investigation team will also investigate a tapioca sale contract in an alleged G2G deal during the Yingluck government.

The NACC's Wicha Mahakhun said the team would calculate total losses from the rice sale contracts and call for punishment and compensation. "Thailand has faced a huge loss from the scheme and somebody, including these groups of people should responsible for these huge losses," he said.

However, he has not said how much of the losses will be sought from those involved, if they are convicted - only saying that the pledging scheme cost the country about Bt600 billion.

The two ex-ministers claimed the government won a deal to sell rice bought from Thai farmers under the pledging scheme to the Chinese government. But the NACC fact-finding committee said business firms were paid to undertake the G2G deal and sold the rice locally, instead of exporting it. They are also alleged to have claimed tax refunds from the government. It also found the Chinese firms were not assigned by Beijing.

The NACC alleges that rice was sold from government stock to Guangdong Stationery & Sporting Goods Import & Export Corp, plus Hainan Grain and Oil Industrial Trading Co at cheap prices and the firms resold the rice to Siam Indica - to resell the rice in Thailand.

Wicha said two firms - Siam Indica and Siralai - would face charges along with Boonsong's secretary-general, three government officials, and 13 individuals. He said the NACC would also summon over 100 rice trading firms to be questioned and they might be sued to pay compensation to the government to try to recoup some of the huge costs.

Wicha said the outcome of the investigation into four G2G contracts was on schedule and should not involve the National Legislative Assembly's move on whether to impeach Yingluck.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Nails-in-Yinglucks-coffin-30252330.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-21

[halloween]

Don't forget the wooden stake through her heart.

The most shocking thing in the OP is that she actually attended a rice policy committee meeting.

Edited January 20, 2015 by halloween

[Les Norton]

Why is all of Thailand pretending that the rice scheme was anything but a blatant theft of billions from the Thai people. Aren't the Thais ashamed that they constantly let a few people get away with this crap??? They whine about being poor then vote for simians that rob them blind, and turn up at events waving flags and holding up pictures of their 'heroes'. I can imagine the conversations going on in private about how stupid people will continue to vote for them despite their blatant corruption.

[halloween]

Why is all of Thailand pretending that the rice scheme was anything but a blatant theft of billions from the Thai people. Aren't the Thais ashamed that they constantly let a few people get away with this crap??? They whine about being poor then vote for simians that rob them blind, and turn up at events waving flags and holding up pictures of their 'heroes'. I can imagine the conversations going on in private about how stupid people will continue to vote for them despite their blatant corruption.

Very soon, a poster will tell you that it is Thais democratic right to be robbed blind if that 's what they want, and the only way they will get over their stupidity is to suffer the consequences. I could nominate a few candidates, but will wait to see my prediction fulfilled.

[Thai at Heart]

Why is all of Thailand pretending that the rice scheme was anything but a blatant theft of billions from the Thai people. Aren't the Thais ashamed that they constantly let a few people get away with this crap??? They whine about being poor then vote for simians that rob them blind, and turn up at events waving flags and holding up pictures of their 'heroes'. I can imagine the conversations going on in private about how stupid people will continue to vote for them despite their blatant corruption.

Les, please show me who got hold of these billions and where it went? If it is so blatently obvious, then surely even a Thai prosecutor can find it....

[BSJ]

It would be nice to see all the wrong doers striped of their assets and through a special deal with Russia have them sent to Siberia to work in a salt mine for 10 years.

[halloween]

Why is all of Thailand pretending that the rice scheme was anything but a blatant theft of billions from the Thai people. Aren't the Thais ashamed that they constantly let a few people get away with this crap??? They whine about being poor then vote for simians that rob them blind, and turn up at events waving flags and holding up pictures of their 'heroes'. I can imagine the conversations going on in private about how stupid people will continue to vote for them despite their blatant corruption.

Les, please show me who got hold of these billions and where it went? If it is so blatently obvious, then surely even a Thai prosecutor can find it....

Doh! You have read the G2G prosecution post, and posted there, so obviously you know that Thai prosecutors HAVE found some of it, and are looking for more.

Wait until they get to the wealthy land owners who increased rents, and also happen to be PTP MPs and ministers (blatant conflict of interest), and those who built storage to profit from the inevitable failure to sell the rice.

[Robby nz]

An investigation team will also investigate a tapioca sale contract in an alleged G2G deal during the Yingluck government.

Interesting that line about Tapioca.

Did anyone else read a few days ago in the BKK Post about 13,000 tons of tapioca missing from one warehouse and more missing from others ?

Seems a similar thing has been going on with other crops as well, but on a smaller scale so not the same publicity.

[plachon]

Why is all of Thailand pretending that the rice scheme was anything but a blatant theft of billions from the Thai people. Aren't the Thais ashamed that they constantly let a few people get away with this crap??? They whine about being poor then vote for simians that rob them blind, and turn up at events waving flags and holding up pictures of their 'heroes'. I can imagine the conversations going on in private about how stupid people will continue to vote for them despite their blatant corruption.

Les, please show me who got hold of these billions and where it went? If it is so blatently obvious, then surely even a Thai prosecutor can find it....

I see you're still being purposefully obtuse in trying to defend the Thaksin empire to its dying breath, as you even posted on the parallel thread that pointed to where a lot of the money disappeared to:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793463-ex-minister-boonsong-and-20-others-faulted-for-corruption-in-fake-g-to-g-rice-deals-by-nacc/

And anyone who knows Isaan relatively well, will be aware of the Pheu Thai connected businessmen-politician-cronies who built gigantic rice storage warehouses around the region (no doubt replicated in other PT strongholds) to profit from this corrupt policy, designed to line the pockets of a single network. I guess this is PT's Phuket land scam moment, that brought down Chuan Leekpai's Democrat govt. Somebody is going to have to carry the can for this public finances heist, and sorry to say, it's going to be some Reds (this time round).

[siampolee]

Interesting to note that her brother Svengali Thaksin Shinwatra has been very quiet about the matter

That inaction proves beyond a doubt he was and is totally willing to sacrifice anyone in his megalomania induced quest for total power and unbounded wealth.

[tukkytuktuk]

Tricky situation for the junta as she could be a martyr to the cause for many Thais and this could get nasty with protests and unrest if jail sentences are handed out. A ban from politics is certainly on the cards but anything more than that is risky. Also being a women, the first women PM for Thailand also brings her international recognition to full view as the world watches.

[Bluespunk]

"THE CHANCE of former PM Yingluck Shinawatra avoiding impeachment on Friday got a lot slimmer yesterday after a joint working group of anti-graft officials and public prosecutors agreed to indict her on a long-standing criminal case. The anti-graft agency has also charged former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and associates for corruption in the rice-pledging scheme."

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock

[ramrod711]

Yingluck had no leadership or ethics, as she was not prepared to answer questions [about the rice scheme] in the NLA by herself, Sansern said.

Yingluck will be indicted for dereliction of duty in regard to the rice-pledging scheme. If found guilty, she could face one to 10 years in prison or a fine of between Bt2,000 and Bt20,000 or both.

She isn't going to prison, and everybody knows it. So, a 20,000 baht fine and impeachment from a job she no longer holds, that's justice for the rich and powerful. If she is found to be guilty of other offenses she may actually get a slap on the wrist. As far as no leadership or ethics, blatantly obvious to anyone who has followed her political "career".

[scorecard]

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Why is all of Thailand pretending that the rice scheme was anything but a blatant theft of billions from the Thai people. Aren't the Thais ashamed that they constantly let a few people get away with this crap??? They whine about being poor then vote for simians that rob them blind, and turn up at events waving flags and holding up pictures of their 'heroes'. I can imagine the conversations going on in private about how stupid people will continue to vote for them despite their blatant corruption.

Les, please show me who got hold of these billions and where it went? If it is so blatently obvious, then surely even a Thai prosecutor can find it....

No need to provide evidence.

There has been way more than enough reporting over quite a few years to support the OPs statement above, many times over.

And you conveniently ignore that for a number of years units such as the DSI were under the direction of the get rich club and many serious

transgressions were ignored.

[scorecard]

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Tricky situation for the junta as she could be a martyr to the cause for many Thais and this could get nasty with protests and unrest if jail sentences are handed out. A ban from politics is certainly on the cards but anything more than that is risky. Also being a women, the first women PM for Thailand also brings her international recognition to full view as the world watches.

Naah.

[Keesters]

Whatever her final sentence will be and I'm sure they'll be one they should offer 50% off if she can persuade her brother to return and face his prison sentence and further charges.

[visionchaser45]

I'd say more like a nail in the coffin maker's coffin.

[rethaier]

2,000 to 20,000 fine. Why bother that is not a punishment.

[Ulic]

I have no confidence or trust in either side. Have forensic accountants look at the deals, follow the money and report back.

[halloween]

2,000 to 20,000 fine. Why bother that is not a punishment.

So true, less than she would spend on a T-shirt. But the 10 years might sting a bit.

I wonder if she'll go for the half sentence for confession and assisting prosecutors.

[Robby nz]

2,000 to 20,000 fine. Why bother that is not a punishment.

So true, less than she would spend on a T-shirt. But the 10 years might sting a bit.

I wonder if she'll go for the half sentence for confession and assisting prosecutors.

It wouldn't be the fine that would hurt in the event of a guilty verdict it would be the call for restitution which would very obviously follow.

[ginjag]

2,000 to 20,000 fine. Why bother that is not a punishment.

Persons receive this fine from the customs and excise for bringing in 1 extra carton of cigarettes------Nong Khai at it's best.

[ratcatcher]

Maybe a possibility for future peace and happiness?

[ginjag]

How more stupid can a person get ?? satisfying a whim of Thaksin ---and she allowing herself to get into mega problems a mother of a son what responsible person would do that. Power crazy family sums the situation up.

[2fishin2]

Its nothing more than a purge.

Keep the conspiracies coming though. Makes for good laughing

[soalbundy]

2,000 to 20,000 fine. Why bother that is not a punishment.

So true, less than she would spend on a T-shirt. But the 10 years might sting a bit.

I wonder if she'll go for the half sentence for confession and assisting prosecutors.

She wont do a day, the rich protect each other no matter what camp they are in,the logic being, today it's you, tomorrow it could be me, stroke,stroke,kiss,kiss, a little whisper, '' leave today it's looking bad''

[binjalin]

nothing unusual in countries subsidizing food look at the EU CAP that costs billions annually IF she stole money for personal gain then prosecute on the EVIDENCE if not, and you might not agree with the policy, what has she done that America and Europe has not done? subsidize farmers croops

[Chupup]

It would be nice to see the persons involved get some jail time and fines as well as paying restitution but i think we will all be disappointed as if push comes to shove Dubai is only a short flight away, if you are RICH you get Bail if you are poor you go straight to Jail ( old people collecting mushrooms got jail time, Red Bull heir who killed policeman bailed and absconded)

T I T

[khaowong1]

Wow... a 20,000 baht fine... She must be peeing in her panties.

[robblok]

nothing unusual in countries subsidizing food look at the EU CAP that costs billions annually IF she stole money for personal gain then prosecute on the EVIDENCE if not, and you might not agree with the policy, what has she done that America and Europe has not done? subsidize farmers croops

The red line

You are right.. but in normal countries they make room in the budget for a scheme like this. They did not even when they knew it cost money. They could not as they were already at the max deficit with all their votebuying schemes. By adding this to the budget they would have had to drop other votebuying schemes making people unhappy. So they did it off the books pretending it did not cost money while they knew otherwise. That is criminal.

Now there is evidence about corrupt G2G deals and these will help to nail JY and the rest of the corrupt bunch to the cross. Too bad that they will probably escape serious jailtime as no one of the real rich will ever convict a fellow rich person in fear that the tables might be turned once.