Security tightened at Thai Parliament as Yingluck arrives

[Bluespunk]

"She remained adamantly that her rice pledging scheme is beneficial to the farmers, and will enable them to have a quality of life.

In the 50-minute defence of her innocence, she said she has done nothing wrong and still hoped the scheme could be of great benefit to the country to the poor farmers if it is continued."

Wow, talk about being in denial.

[brucec64]

Security tightened at Parliament as Yingluck arrives

Locking up the silverware and petty cash?

Most likely locking up the overpriced microphones.

[halloween]

Security tightened at Parliament as Yingluck arrives

Locking up the silverware and petty cash?

Most likely locking up the overpriced microphones.

Save a cavity search then. I don't think she would bother to steal anything worth less than a million baht.

[Bluespunk]

"She also said the accusations were based on those who were hostile to her government but were kept as witnesses by the NACC.

She identified opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, and Dr Warong Dejkijwikrom as her political foes but questioned why the graft buster called them to give information."

​Possibly because they had evidence to give about your gross negligence, incompetence and utter disregard for the truth.

[LatPhrao]

Yingluck, always a class act and in command of her information. Always a bit of a surprise to see nuanced information presented from the perspective of a someone who has actually lead.

Up against a bunch of schoolboy taunts, twisted facts and standing in the way of dear leader and pals plans for emulating north Korea apparently. A shame really, could of been otherwise.

The barking dogs of the junta will have their day tomorrow.

Edited January 22, 2015 by LatPhrao

[gemini81]

"A person with no intellectuality deserves a pardon."

So they are basically saying that Yingluk is an intelligent person.

No one the world over is claiming that! She is the biggest brainless 'leader' (more like puppet) who ever was.

Edited January 22, 2015 by gemini81

[Bluespunk]

Yingluck, always a class act and in command of her information. Always a bit of a surprise to see nuanced information presented from the perspective of a someone who has actually lead.

Up against a bunch of schoolboy taunts, twisted facts and standing in the way of dear leader and pals plans for emulating north Korea apparently. A shame really, could of been otherwise.

The barking dogs of the junta will have their day tomorrow.

Ah, satire at it's finest.

Particularly enjoyed 'in command of her information"

Hilarious.

[ratcatcher]

"A person with no intellectuality deserves a pardon."

So they are basically saying that Yingluk is an intelligent person.

No one the world over is claiming that! She is the biggest brainless 'leader' (more like puppet) who ever was.

But she does qualify as the prettiest P.M. ever.

[candide]

Interesting what Vicha said:

"He said person with no intellectuality but commits serious wrongdoings deserves pardon if he has morality as he could be remedied and can be beneficial to the country.

But a person with intelligence, knowledge but lacks of conscience, morality will merely cause enormous damage to the country that could never be seen again of such enormous amount in this century, he said."

So either she's stupid and can eventually be pardonned, or she's smart and deserves to be punished.

[gemini81]

Yingluck, always a class act and in command of her information. Always a bit of a surprise to see nuanced information presented from the perspective of a someone who has actually lead.

Up against a bunch of schoolboy taunts, twisted facts and standing in the way of dear leader and pals plans for emulating north Korea apparently. A shame really, could of been otherwise.

The barking dogs of the junta will have their day tomorrow.

your first line absolutely has to be sarcasm. You've got to be kidding!

This was the biggest scam they ever pulled in the books! Anyone who can't recognize that is retarded at best.

Edited January 22, 2015 by gemini81

[smedly]

it would be interesting to see were the rice in the stock piles actually came from, surely the farmers didn't produce all of it, assuming that sales were on-going how on earth did they accumulate such a large amount - there must have been shady deals going on with Cambodia etc importing cheap foreign produced rice and splitting the proceeds - I think imagination is the only thing that limits the scams that took place, it is extraordinary

and the claimed 70 billion was the only money the scheme actually paid back into the bank, what happened the other 630 billion plus - oh wait didn't PT apply for an off budget loan when the Agri Bank stopped paying the famers in Sept 2013

you know someone should write a book on how this scheme played out from conception deception corruption - and the greatest theft in Thai history (TS as PM might still hold that record) to the downfall of a government

[smedly]

Interesting what Vicha said:

"He said person with no intellectuality but commits serious wrongdoings deserves pardon if he has morality as he could be remedied and can be beneficial to the country.

But a person with intelligence, knowledge but lacks of conscience, morality will merely cause enormous damage to the country that could never be seen again of such enormous amount in this century, he said."

So either she's stupid and can eventually be pardonned, or she's smart and deserves to be punished.

<deleted> lets not kid ourselves here - we all know very well who was the real PM and calling all the shots - I suspect it won't be long before YL is on a one way ticket for a family reunion and reunited with the 600 billion that went missing

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

she should have just said "I have done nothing" that would have been closer to the truth but still a lot of BS.

[chotthee]

She won't go to jail, house arrest at best, the new piggies at the trough will get fat, Thaksin will jump up in down in frustration.

Just like ASSK; no matter what the Junta did to her, she always came out stronger and louder.

Stupidity is not a crime, else >99% of the nation will be in jail already.

Edited January 22, 2015 by chotthee

[Suffinator]

I wonder if there's a defence for 'Ignorance' in Thai law ... it certainly doesn't exist in the west but if it existed in Thailand it's something she could use for I doubt very much if she actually knew of 50% of what was going on by her brother and his cronies.

So ... if found guilty she gets barred for 5 years from politics. Is that it? No imprisonment, no having to pay back the billions of baht, no risk of having her assets confiscated?

Is it just me or does anyone else wonder why Thailand is corrupt to the core?

Observers say the febrile politics of recent years, characterised by bouts of street protest and violence, is fired by the concerns of competing elites over the future of the kingdom once the king's reign ends.

And this is where we start getting to the truth that few if anyone will talk about. The cake has already been carved up and it's as sure as hell the poor won't get a taste. One of the underlying reasons education has be suppressed over the decades is due to the undeniable fact that it is almost impossible to control and educated nation.

Before I finally left Thailand I had a number of my Thai friends express their concerns for the future and they all feel that the military will tighten its grip in order to protect the elite and ultimately control the country.

Considering the events over the last few decades it is most unlikely that the Thai population will ever see the daylight of democracy. The country, since the military takeover, been subjected to on-going martial law, the removal of free speech, the conditioning of citizens through attitude adjustments and the propaganda of happiness in order to once again attempt to unite the people in defending the ruling elite.

I think those of us who are not Thai should count our blessings.

Edited January 22, 2015 by Suffinator

[kingstonkid]

I have a better suggestion

Seize all assets of the people involved and use them to replenish the losses the government incurred including the interest.

Then make them work in farming communities in the rice pady's helping the farmers.

[Baerboxer]

Yingluck says she’s done nothing wrong

BANGKOK: -- Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today defended accusation of negligence of duties in the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) that resulted in huge loss and rampant corruption, claiming that they were unfounded and imagination.

She remained adamantly that her rice pledging scheme is beneficial to the farmers, and will enable them to have a quality of life.

In the 50-minute defence of her innocence, she said she has done nothing wrong and still hoped the scheme could be of great benefit to the country to the poor farmers if it is continued.

She said accusations that the disappearance of million tons of rice and the G-to-G rice deal with China were also misleading the public that they were true.

She produced documents shown with PowerPoint on the screen saying she had many committees to supervise and monitor rice sales to ensure no corruption, and transparency.

She also said the accusations were based on those who were hostile to her government but were kept as witnesses by the NACC.

She identified opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, and Dr Warong Dejkijwikrom as her political foes but questioned why the graft buster called them to give information.

She also questioned the short 21-day time taken by the NACC to conclude its probe and accused her, saying it had hidden agenda.

Her defence of the rice-pledging scheme in the closing statement today came after the National Anti-Corruption Commission member Vicha Mahakun verbally presented summary of the accusations in the closing statement.

She denied all accusations and pleaded for justices from the NLA, saying she never has any thought to corrupt, to neglect, but would merely want a chance for the poor farmers to have better living, to stand on their own feet, and live happily.

In one stage, she said should she were to be removed by the NLA under unfounded, doubtful, and vague accusations, it would be tantamount to deprive her of the basic right of freedom as she would lose her political rights for five years.

Mr Vicha said in the closing statement calling NLA members to decide without bias the guilts of the former premier who he described should have more conscience and responsibility than ordinary people to sit in the top position in the country but neglected such responsibility.

He said person with no intellectuality but commits serious wrongdoings deserves pardon if he has morality as he could be remedied and can be beneficial to the country.

But a person with intelligence, knowledge but lacks of conscience, morality will merely cause enormous damage to the country that could never be seen again of such enormous amount in this century, he said.

Mr Vicha described how the pledging scheme of the accused was a total failure, saying “the farmers pawn their lives while the country pawns the debts.”

Every step of the scheme was corrupted, and caused serious damages to the country, he said.

He said the damage of almost 700 billion baht incurred by Ms Yingluck’s negligence of duties now poses heavy burden for this government to slowly release 17 million tons of the pledged rice in the stocks, so as not to affect the rice price.

Now the farmers are suffering from such remaining huge stocks, he said.

He called on all NLA members to make history to punish and remove irresponsible politicians.

The NLA will vote tomorrow whether to remove her or not.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/yingluck-says-shes-done-nothing-wrong

-- Thai PBS 2015-01-22

good for her! but the die is cast and the long knives are out and they do not care about the truth

So you believe all she said?

That not attending any meetings she was supposed to chair, not ensuring robust transparent financial controls are in place, and failing to follow to really ensure all was well in the scheme is not negligence?

That the G2G deals with non Chinese government licensed rice companies, were above board, totally real and the rice was in fact exported? That the allegations it never left Thailand and was part of a fraud involving many people now indicted is completely wrong?

That there is no rice missing and no quality issues with the rice stocks - all inventory is good and can be accounted for?

And best of all, that poor farmers benefited from this despite the World Bank report that says the complete opposite?

Well, no one can question your blind loyalty to a proven liar who is instructed and controlled by a convicted criminal fugitive.

Edited January 22, 2015 by Baerboxer

[Baerboxer]

How dare anyone suggest she did anything wrong.

This scheme supported Thailand's rural poor. Didn't they all get rich from this scheme after all? There was nothing wrong with it. And why can't the Shins take what they want from the government, they were in charge at the time.

When will you silly little people realize Thailand is just another Shin piggy bank. To be raided when they want to build family wealth.

The farmers love them and even if they got robbed, it's must have been that evil Abhasit who did it.

Can you please leave Yingsy alone to get on with her shopping.

Criminal can support the poor too.

Didn't Robin Hood punished for his crime or something?

Robin Hood reportedly stole from the rich and gave to the poor farmers.

The Shins reportedly stole from the rich, the poor farmers and kept it themselves.

See the difference?

[Baerboxer]

She won't go to jail, house arrest at best, the new piggies at the trough will get fat, Thaksin will jump up in down in frustration.

Just like ASSK; no matter what the Junta did to her, she always came out stronger and louder.

Stupidity is not a crime, else >99% of the nation will be in jail already.

ASSK - as serious intelligent highly principle lady, prepared to suffer to advance freedom and democracy for her country.

Yingluck - a dumb unprincipled proven liar prepared to do anything to advance her brother and family.

And you think they are similar?

[Tatsujin]

Yingluck, always a class act and in command of her information. Always a bit of a surprise to see nuanced information presented from the perspective of a someone who has actually lead.

Up against a bunch of schoolboy taunts, twisted facts and standing in the way of dear leader and pals plans for emulating north Korea apparently. A shame really, could of been otherwise.

The barking dogs of the junta will have their day tomorrow.

Seriously? Or was that satire?

[English 1]

She is a bare faced Liar just like her crooked Brother who no doubt told her how to operate the Rice Scam.

I presume she will be impeached but what would be better would be a few years in Prison!

Lets home Money does not talk this time and real justice is done.

Edited January 22, 2015 by English 1

[Tatsujin]

"It is not over on the 23rd, tomorrow is not the end. Time will tell... We have to be patient," Jatuporn urged his viewers.

So, "burn, Bangkok, burn" is coming back to town one day soon ... and the cycle will start all over again ...

[Daniel Boon]

well a speedy trial with evidence and she is clear or guilty ... no point dragging it out

[English 1]

How dare anyone suggest she did anything wrong.

This scheme supported Thailand's rural poor. Didn't they all get rich from this scheme after all? There was nothing wrong with it. And why can't the Shins take what they want from the government, they were in charge at the time.

When will you silly little people realize Thailand is just another Shin piggy bank. To be raided when they want to build family wealth.

The farmers love them and even if they got robbed, it's must have been that evil Abhasit who did it.

Can you please leave Yingsy alone to get on with her shopping.

Are you really serious or is this just a Joke?

The whole family plundered the coffers by taking advantage of their Government Offices.

In a Nutshell.....

Her Brother ( The Fugitive Outlaw ) gave the Issan people a few Crumbs of Bread whilst stealing a whole lorry full of Loaves for him and his family!

[ramrod711]

"I am not corrupt, I was never careless," she said, urging members to consider her case with fairness and "without being guided by anyone".

So, not corrupt, not careless...stupid it is. Case closed.

[Baerboxer]

"It is not over on the 23rd, tomorrow is not the end. Time will tell... We have to be patient," Jatuporn urged his viewers.

So, "burn, Bangkok, burn" is coming back to town one day soon ... and the cycle will start all over again ...

Whatever happened to Jatuporn's criminal charges. His he still on bail pending an appeal?

Along with Arisman and Nat the rice transporter, he would have been jailed a long time ago in any Western country.

[ramrod711]

Speaking before the hearing Thursday, Jatuporn Prompan, chairman of the Red Shirts, cautioned against street protests on his television show, after noting signs he believed would "lead to impeachment".

I hesitate to use the adjective wise or intelligent in conjunction with Jatuporn, but in this case he was wise to bury his head in the sand. In a showdown between Jatuporn and Prayuth, the big J comes out a loser every time.

[fishingforsquid]

"A person with no intellectuality deserves a pardon."

So they are basically saying that Yingluk is an intelligent person.

No one the world over is claiming that! She is the biggest brainless 'leader' (more like puppet) who ever was.

But she does qualify as the prettiest P.M. ever.

Couldn't you find the smiley face licking lips emoticon?

[binjalin]

How dare anyone suggest she did anything wrong.

This scheme supported Thailand's rural poor. Didn't they all get rich from this scheme after all? There was nothing wrong with it. And why can't the Shins take what they want from the government, they were in charge at the time.

When will you silly little people realize Thailand is just another Shin piggy bank. To be raided when they want to build family wealth.

The farmers love them and even if they got robbed, it's must have been that evil Abhasit who did it.

Can you please leave Yingsy alone to get on with her shopping.

Criminal can support the poor too.

Didn't Robin Hood punished for his crime or something?

Robin Hood reportedly stole from the rich and gave to the poor farmers.

The Shins reportedly stole from the rich, the poor farmers and kept it themselves.

See the difference?

'reportedly stole' any EVIDENCE? no??? then stop repeating the lie if it is TRUE then where are the documents? bank statements? witness statements? and where is the COURT CASE? there isn't one because there is NO evidence because there was no theft

[ramrod711]

How dare anyone suggest she did anything wrong.

This scheme supported Thailand's rural poor. Didn't they all get rich from this scheme after all? There was nothing wrong with it. And why can't the Shins take what they want from the government, they were in charge at the time.

When will you silly little people realize Thailand is just another Shin piggy bank. To be raided when they want to build family wealth.

The farmers love them and even if they got robbed, it's must have been that evil Abhasit who did it.

Can you please leave Yingsy alone to get on with her shopping.

Are you really serious or is this just a Joke?

The whole family plundered the coffers by taking advantage of their Government Offices.

In a Nutshell.....

Her Brother ( The Fugitive Outlaw ) gave the Issan people a few Crumbs of Bread whilst stealing a whole lorry full of Loaves for him and his family!

There was a post on TV quite some time ago. The poster told a story about his conversation with a farmer in Issan, I have never forgotten it. He asked the farmer if Thaksin approached him with 1,000 baht of government money and told him that he could have 100 baht, and Thaksin kept 900 baht what would he think of the offer. His reply, I don't know, nobody ever gave me 100 baht before. That is the problem in a nutshell, want to wipe out corruption and crazy get rich quick schemes? Share the wealth.