Prayut wants Yingluck to fight the cases and not flee country

[webfact]

Prayut wants Yingluck to fight the cases and not flee country
THE NATION

Criminal case to be filed today over rice-pledging scheme; finance ministry considering petition for compensation

BANGKOK: -- A CRIMINAL CHARGE will be filed against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Supreme Court today while the government is also considering proceeding with another lawsuit against her seeking Bt600 billion compensation for damages caused to the country by her government's rice-pledging scheme.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krue-ngam to look into legal procedures on how the government and its ministries could proceed with the case for compensation.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has asked the Finance Ministry to file a lawsuit against Yingluck for compensation.

Finance Minister Sommai Phasee has asked for two days' time to consider how to deal with the case. The Bt600-billion compensation claim would be in line with the Finance Ministry's estimate of the loss suffered by the state from the scheme.

"I cannot give any specific details at the moment but the ministry does have a plan of action on such a big issue," he said.

"The NACC has given us the details but we have to communicate with other related agencies before sending the information to law experts to discuss the options before us," Sommai added.

When asked if the case was proceeded with hastily, Prime Minister Prayut said the anti-graft body had made the call when it felt it was ready.

"This does not concern me, as the NACC has been working on the issue before this government took power," he said, adding, "things have been done in accordance with the legal process."

Asked whether the government's demand of high compensation would force Yingluck to flee the country, Prayut said, "If she runs away, she will not be happy. She needs to stay here to face justice. Right or wrong, she has to fight in the court."

Prayut said the losses in this project depend on how much the Yingluck government spent on the scheme and how much rice was sold plus how much rice kept in the storage would be sold. "We cannot come up with the figure until we can sell all of the rice. This depends on how much the rice would be degraded by the time we sell it. Besides, expenses from renting go-downs to store rice is Bt2.6 billion per month,'' he said.

Red-shirt leader Nuttawut Saikuar said the move to sue Yingluck for Bt600 billion was pure harassment. "This is not a normal justice system but a hunt across the century. Yingluck's future is jeopardised,'' he said.

Former finance minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said the suit against Yingluck was unjustified and unfair.

He argued that the rice-pledging scheme had created a positive impact on the country's macro economy. He said the Fiscal Policy Office had reported the subsidy scheme had brought economic benefits worth Bt308 billion or 2.7 per cent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2011-12 and Bt315 billion or 2.8 per cent of GDP in 2012-13.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General would file a criminal law suit today against Yingluck with the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Position for negligence, which could jail her for a maximum of 10 years if found guilty. The court would take time to consider whether the case would be accepted, according to a spokesman to the Office of Attorney-General Kosolwat Inthuchanwong.

The junta is not expecting any strong reaction from Yingluck's supporters today when the public prosecutor files the case with the court.

A member of the National Council for Peace and Order, Air Force commander-in-chief Air Chief Marshal Trithot Sonjaeng, yesterday urged all sides to remain calm and mindful of the country's future.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu explained that the compensation and the criminal cases were separate. The NACC has to pursue the civil suit against Yingluck for compensation because the statue of limitations in the civil case is shorter than that of the criminal case, he said.

He said that sometimes trials in a civil case take longer because the court waits for rulings of the criminal case, especially if the two cases were related.

He said once the civil case is brought to the court, there would not be problem of statue of limitations.

Wissanu explained that ex-PM Thaksin Shinwatra's trial, which resulted in him being sentenced to jail and Bt46 billion seized, was different from Yingluck's case. The state could not seize Yingluck's assets in connection with the rice-pledging scheme because the rice does not belong to her. The NACC has to file a separate civil suit against Yingluck to seek compensation for damages.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Prayut-wants-Yingluck-to-fight-the-cases-and-not-f-30254393.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-19

[ExPratt]

They obviously want to find her guilty but I doubt they fancy jailing her, It would make Thailand look Barbaric and really put them in the Higher tier of totalitarian regimes in the eyes of the World , they are not far away from that now. But finding her guilty and fining her a massive amount may be enough for them. I'd say they want her to flee the country

[tukkytuktuk]

My point is why a failed policy of the previous government can be used to impeach and possibly jail a leader of the political party? Also how can a military installed government do this, they weren't elected into power and don't represent the people? And why the witch hunt for the family of the previous pm?

[issanaus]

They obviously want to find her guilty but I doubt they fancy jailing her, It would make Thailand look Barbaric and really put them in the Higher tier of totalitarian regimes in the eyes of the World , they are not far away from that now. But finding her guilty and fining her a massive amount may be enough for them. I'd say they want her to flee the country

The case(s) need to go to court so that the evidence can be made public without any fear of deformation cases. It is in the best interest of the Government, and more importantly the Kingdom and its peoples that the truth be sorted from the piles of rotting rice. Reconciliation can only come from truth - appeasement and or conflict is the alternative.

Edited February 19, 2015 by issanaus

[MaxLee]

"Prayut wants Yingluck to fight the cases and not flee country"

Providing her the option to save face in order to get a guaranteed NON jail term,....

[ExPratt]

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"Prayut wants Yingluck to fight the cases and not flee country"

Providing her the option to save face in order to get a guaranteed NON jail term,....

Yes , you would think Jailing her may be a provocation too far

[theoldgit]

A number of off topic posts removed.

This thread is regarding Thailand and the ex PM, if you want to compare with other countries please discuss elsewhere.

[klauskunkel]

Prayuth is concerned about Yingluck running away. But, he can rest easy, because Yingluck has a Thai Police bodyguard who will uphold and enforce the law when necessary...I just realized I turned the PN's blissful slumber into a nightmare. Sorry

[trogers]

A good lesson for any future politician planning to use the country's treasury to appease their core supporters, instead of developing the country as a whole.

[Plutojames88]

I think they plan to eliminate her.....

A trial would make Thailand look like a very smelly political sewer.

A female Elected PM dragged over coals by military illegal Junta ?

Sorry, that would cause domestic and international outrage .

[phanangpete]

If she goes to jail ,ill eat one of my hats, this fiasco is staged and beggers belief , especially when the deputy PM is asking for compensation, what for the 600 billion.

She as previously stated in the thai news is worth 30 million baht, atleast thats what she claimed, thats in the bank , don't know about her assets.

Also have they not seized her passport, how can she flee without one , joke .

[webfact]

PM: No pressure on Yingluck to leave country
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 19 -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha does not think that the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s (NACC) request for the government to demand compensation for the loss-ridden and corruption-plagued rice-pledging scheme would pressure former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who implemented the scheme, to flee the country.

Gen Prayut said he assigned Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam to consider legal aspects relating to the request for his government to sue Ms Yingluck but the issue should not prompt Ms Yingluck to flee the country as the NACC initiated the movement before his administration was established.

On Tuesday, the NACC resolved to ask the Ministry of Finance to demand Bt682 billion in compensation for rice-pledging scheme losses from Ms Yingluck.

As the attorney general will arraign Ms Yingluck on the rice scheme at the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions today, Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Tritos Sonjaeng said there should be no problem and all parties should understand that the country needed peace and order to progress.

Meanwhile, Gen Prayut expressed his satisfaction with the work of his cabinet in the past six months. He said all cabinet ministers worked hard to save the country and he did not plan a cabinet reshuffle.

Regarding finance for the Thai-Chinese medium-speed railway project, the prime minister said the Chinese government planned to charge a 2.5 per cent interest rate but his government would try to have it cut to 2 per cent or lower.

If the rate is not cut, the government may look for another funding source, Gen Prayut said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2015-02-19

[wabothai]

I wonder about Ocha's 2nd agenda.

[Srikcir]

A good lesson for any future politician planning to use the country's treasury to appease their core supporters, instead of developing the country as a whole.

Would the Junta appeasing rubber and rice farmers with gifts, grants, and subsidies so they won't protest against the Junta government be any different? Some might say "yes" because the Junta isn't political and doesn't need to be elected to office. The latter is true.

Juntas are never elected to control the government and consistently decide to run the country whenever IT DECIDES. The Thai People need a government that respects their sovereignty, rights and liberties. Not one that trashes the constitution and makes itself unaccountable to the rule of law.

[trogers]

A good lesson for any future politician planning to use the country's treasury to appease their core supporters, instead of developing the country as a whole.

Would the Junta appeasing rubber and rice farmers with gifts, grants, and subsidies so they won't protest against the Junta government be any different? Some might say "yes" because the Junta isn't political and doesn't need to be elected to office. The latter is true.

Juntas are never elected to control the government and consistently decide to run the country whenever IT DECIDES. The Thai People need a government that respects their sovereignty, rights and liberties. Not one that trashes the constitution and makes itself unaccountable to the rule of law.

So juntas are the headmaster, appearing now and then, to bring badly behaved school kids (politicians) to task.

[ratcatcher]

Regarding finance for the Thai-Chinese medium-speed railway project,

Aha, common sense is slowly entering the picture. Good. HST MST

[Muhendis]

If I was a Thai I would be concerned that the spotlight is on only one person. Yes she was the person responsible for the running of the rice scheme but all of the perpetrators of the apparent graft and corruption need to be included also. One would hope that is case in progress.

[Baerboxer]

My point is why a failed policy of the previous government can be used to impeach and possibly jail a leader of the political party? Also how can a military installed government do this, they weren't elected into power and don't represent the people? And why the witch hunt for the family of the previous pm?

All she has to do is to explain where the missing billions have gone i,e, open the real books, explain why she lied when stating on more than one occasion that there were no quality or inventory problems in the scheme, explain who actually benefited, explain why she stated there was enough money to finance the scheme and why she ran out and failed to pay farmers way before the whitewash for her criminal fugitive brother sparked massive protests, and finally explain the wisdom of appointing herself as chair of the scheme and then never attending meetings or taking actions when warned of issues.

Easy for her - I'm sure she'll do this eloquently and with poise and without the benefit of pre-written scripts; and answer all questions posed. Her former self confessed lying Finance Minister now seems to claim the scheme was a financial benefit. Perhaps he could reveal who for, and support that statement with audited accounts - or is he just lying again to make her supporters feel happy. As for Nut the self appointed red shirt leader and former deputy commerce minister - maybe he should be more worried about his own trials, appeals and possible investigations into transport activities.

The current government have been Royally endorsed - so like it or not, they are legal.

The Shinwatra clan, headed by Thaksin, and their extended family, in-laws and cronies are all well documented. Do some research and you'll perhaps understand the similarity with other crime families.

If this scheme had been a genuine subsidy, to help the real poor, and had Yingluck actually done some work on it then fair enough, she tried her best. But it never was. That's why they claimed it self financing to keep prying eyes away. And Yingluck did SFA apart from asserting things when she had no real clue.

Time she, and the rest of this despicable ultra wealthy clan were stopped from leaching off the Thai people.

[Baerboxer]

If I was a Thai I would be concerned that the spotlight is on only one person. Yes she was the person responsible for the running of the rice scheme but all of the perpetrators of the apparent graft and corruption need to be included also. One would hope that is case in progress.

The fish rots from the head first.

But yes, she shouldn't carry the whole can. Many have had their sticky fingers in this pie.

[trogers]

If I was a Thai I would be concerned that the spotlight is on only one person. Yes she was the person responsible for the running of the rice scheme but all of the perpetrators of the apparent graft and corruption need to be included also. One would hope that is case in progress.

Why? You want to expose the Puppet Master?

[tif]

Prayuth is concerned about Yingluck running away. But, he can rest easy, because Yingluck has a Thai Police bodyguard who will uphold and enforce the law when necessary...I just realized I turned the PN's blissful slumber into a nightmare. Sorry

Meanwhile, in other news, the OAG is not concerned about her either presenting personally for today's indictment on her charge of malfeasance NOR that she may travel abroad, despite a consecutive civil suit in the sum of 600 bn baht (conservative estimate) stolen from the country's coffers.

The Thai admin of any stripe/hue are yet again going about their namby pamby way of making life easier for themselves with no regard to the knock on effect of the citizens of this country's having to go through yet another round of instability, lack of any solid and immutable rule of law which is the cornerstone of any democracy. Because, once they have elevated themselves to a position above everyone else, they can.

If this latest incarnation of concerned pu yai are sincere in that they care for Thailand and ALL it's citizens, they must incarcerate the latest of a very long line of self serving thieves. It's beginning to look as though they will follow Thai tradition and, wont.

[ginjag]

My point is why a failed policy of the previous government can be used to impeach and possibly jail a leader of the political party? Also how can a military installed government do this, they weren't elected into power and don't represent the people? And why the witch hunt for the family of the previous pm?

You say a failed policy ??? The government now Has the full approval to govern end of story. The other rabble were elected, and see what that did for your democracy. elected elected is that all you can come up with in defense of PTP ---sick comments and a sick non governing PTP. Run from another country.

[sawadee1947]

A good lesson for any future politician planning to use the country's treasury to appease their core supporters, instead of developing the country as a whole.

so you mean, Thaksin and Yingluck did not develop their country....? You think martial law will do it? You are blind, man!

[trogers]

A good lesson for any future politician planning to use the country's treasury to appease their core supporters, instead of developing the country as a whole.

so you mean, Thaksin and Yingluck did not develop their country....? You think martial law will do it? You are blind, man!

Martial law is now used to re-establish school rules for the next bunch of school kids.

Thaksin and Yingluck most prominent achievement is increasing household debts, esp among those who cannot afford them. Development?

[mike324]

So the argument here is Corrupt PM vs Junta, which is better for the society?

[ratcatcher]

If I was a Thai I would be concerned that the spotlight is on only one person. Yes she was the person responsible for the running of the rice scheme but all of the perpetrators of the apparent graft and corruption need to be included also. One would hope that is case in progress.

Why? You want to expose the Puppet Master?

You broke your puppet Thaksin. You used her. You should be ashamed.

[sweatalot]

"Red-shirt leader Nuttawut Saikuar said the move to sue Yingluck for Bt600 billion was pure harassment. "This is not a normal justice .."

normal justice is to make those responsible for compensation who cause havoc

This is how it should be. May be it is unheard of in Thailand.

Former finance minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong
"He argued that the rice-pledging scheme had created a positive impact on the country's macro economy."

the rice pledging scheme has created a positive impact on PTP votes

and not unlikely on the bank accounts of PTP members and the shin clan

it has created a negative impact on the farmers' emotions

Former finance minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Red-shirt leader Nuttawut, Yingluck . ... birds of a feather

Edited February 19, 2015 by sweatalot

[HOOD Robin]

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"Prayut wants Yingluck to fight the cases and not flee country"

Providing her the option to save face in order to get a guaranteed NON jail term,....

Yes , you would think Jailing her may be a provocation too far

Why ? NO MERCY !!

She stole MILLIONS from the Thai people, so trow her in jail !

If a poor Thai lad steals a potato he will end in jail.... so why would this Shin cry baby not face a looooong jail term !? Then maybe her gangster brother would consider to hand himself to the authorities so he can join her in the monkeyhouse....

Mr Prayut this will give happiness back to the Thai people !!! (and to many farangs, except those who have Isan and Northern wifes or GF's)

[realenglish1]

What is really chilling is the thought of finding her Guilty I do not support Yingluk or any other Thai leader What I want to point out is the chilling effect this will have on

future politics. A lot of good people will think long and hard about running for political office here in Thailand.

Why would then if a policy then have may be prosecuted in the future if it falls out of favor with others. Just because you may not agree with a policy good bad or indifferent this is not how democracy works.

Who is going to want to be prime minister if you can go to jail for raising the price of eggs and the electorate decide to protest resulting in people getting injured.

Then blame the PM for it all

This is a bad precedent for everyone for the future

[elgordo38]

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"Prayut wants Yingluck to fight the cases and not flee country"

Providing her the option to save face in order to get a guaranteed NON jail term,....

Yes , you would think Jailing her may be a provocation too far

She better make haste and move her money now. If the government goes for restitution she will loose it all and then some.