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Experts say the impeachment and criminal charges are the latest attempt by the country's royalist elite, and its army backers, to extinguish the political influence of the Shinawatras, whose parties have won every election since 2001.

Says it all, its the only way the yellows can get back in power by hunting down all those that WILL BEAT them again in a fair election they cant win so they get the military to take over and start their witch hunt

Its a joke that Prayut is saying they are trying to reconcile the country alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> and the opposition is silenced and is not allowed to have a voice against what is going on

COMPLETE JOKE

Well here's a first. At least in this post you didn't mention 'at the point of a gun' . Guess you forgot.

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"The move is widely seen as an attempt to cripple the political machine of Yingluck's brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in the 2006 coup, and to prevent his allies from returning to power."

The move is widely seen as seeking justice with the former PM Yingluck's self-financing scheme having lost 700 billion Baht and she frequently stating the scheme reached it's goal, she to be in charge.

In the civilized Western world it's seen as a political agenda. In the civilized world the junta is seen as illegitimate and illegal and lacking standing to prosecute anyone.

I have seen no proof that Yingluck stole the rice money herself. I have seen allegations of negligence.

This is a political cleansing to rid Thailand of the Shinawatra influence.

If criminal charges are to be brought they should have proof as to who the thieves were. Buying rice for above market price isn't illegal. Stealing that rice, cooking the books and so on is illegal. Who did that? Are they saying that YS did?

They are charging her with negligence.

That means for those not paying attention...well put simply, not paying attention.

Yingsy was in charge, being the PM is not all designer handbags and jolly beanos,

There comes with it a degree of responsibility.

She was responsible for overseeing the policies enacted by her government. Do you see?

Considering there is ample evidence her cronies systematically stripped the coffers She is doubly responsible.

She took the top job, and is responsible for the actions of her government.

The assertion that this is politically motivated is really correct. This is all related to politics and power. I agree the Junta are trying to ensure the Shins are removed from Thai politics.

But not because they are well supported, but because whenever they are in power large amounts of money seem to land in their bank accounts whilst similar amounts disappear from Thailands coffers, and seemingly they are not liable to pay tax, or follow the law. They also proffer corruption and cronyism.

I think they are being prosecuted ensure this type of corruption is not allowed to flourish again.

Fortune teller didn't see this coming...time for a refund

"The move is widely seen as an attempt to cripple the political machine of Yingluck's brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in the 2006 coup, and to prevent his allies from returning to power."

The move is widely seen as seeking justice with the former PM Yingluck's self-financing scheme having lost 700 billion Baht and she frequently stating the scheme reached it's goal, she to be in charge.

In the civilized Western world it's seen as a political agenda. In the civilized world the junta is seen as illegitimate and illegal and lacking standing to prosecute anyone.

I have seen no proof that Yingluck stole the rice money herself. I have seen allegations of negligence.

This is a political cleansing to rid Thailand of the Shinawatra influence.

If criminal charges are to be brought they should have proof as to who the thieves were. Buying rice for above market price isn't illegal. Stealing that rice, cooking the books and so on is illegal. Who did that? Are they saying that YS did?

Sit back and relax...the court will itemized the proofs before reading out the verdict, like they did for Thaksin many years ago.

They are charging her with negligence.

That means for those not paying attention...well put simply, not paying attention.

-snip-

If I was charged with a crime every time in my life that I didn't pay attention, I'd never get out of jail.

I believe that a lot of people at the warehouses and millers and trucking companies and who knows where else cooked the books on the amount of rice that was stored. I also believe a lot of the rice was stolen. Those are the thieves I want to see punished.

YS was in charge of a "scheme" to buy rice above market price and hold it, believing it would drive the world rice price up. But there were bumper crops of rice and the world became awash in rice. The price actually dropped.

I'd feel a lot better about an illegal junta bringing criminal charges if it was known that YS was involved in cooking the books and getting money from the rice scheme but I haven't heard that yet.

Please don't tell me that this isn't the junta doing this. The junta is a d word.

They are charging her with negligence.

That means for those not paying attention...well put simply, not paying attention.

-snip-

If I was charged with a crime every time in my life that I didn't pay attention, I'd never get out of jail.

I believe that a lot of people at the warehouses and millers and trucking companies and who knows where else cooked the books on the amount of rice that was stored. I also believe a lot of the rice was stolen. Those are the thieves I want to see punished.

YS was in charge of a "scheme" to buy rice above market price and hold it, believing it would drive the world rice price up. But there were bumper crops of rice and the world became awash in rice. The price actually dropped.

I'd feel a lot better about an illegal junta bringing criminal charges if it was known that YS was involved in cooking the books and getting money from the rice scheme but I haven't heard that yet.

Please don't tell me that this isn't the junta doing this. The junta is a d word.

Those 20 boxes of documents should be vetted by you before submitting to the court?

She should release a statement to the international press along the lines of:

I didn't attend today's hearing because as a Prime Minister chosen by the people of Thailand I don't recognize the legitimacy of the NCPO's court to prosecute me. The NACC, the OAG, the Supreme Court for Political Office Holders and the NLA are all under the control of Prime Minister Prayuth and his NCPO and it is not possible for me to receive a fair trial while these circumstances prevail.

When electoral democracy and a genuine separation of powers return to Thailand and replace the current military rule and martial law I would answer charges should they be made.

She should release a statement to the international press along the lines of:

I didn't attend today's hearing because as a Prime Minister chosen by the people of Thailand I don't recognize the legitimacy of the NCPO's court to prosecute me. The NACC, the OAG, the Supreme Court for Political Office Holders and the NLA are all under the control of Prime Minister Prayuth and his NCPO and it is not possible for me to receive a fair trial while these circumstances prevail.

When electoral democracy and a genuine separation of powers return to Thailand and replace the current military rule and martial law I would answer charges should they be made.

Or I would only answer charges when my relatives, friends and supporters hold key positions of power...

As an example, see how effective DSI was in arresting crimes when I was in office?

Which they did for a very good reason, and it is all coming out now ...

Nope they did it to take over the country the only way they could at the point of a gun because they could not win a fair election pure and simple.

And they did the correct thing for the country, whatever the method they used.

In fact, it was the ONLY method they could use because Yingers and her cronies were burying their collective heads in the sand and pretending all was well, when it bl00dy well wasn't

It was a massive vote buying scheme and now the people in power want to prosecute the case to neutralize the Shinawatra clan.

It is in almost everybody's interest that they succeed.

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I'd like to ask people of supporters of both factions a question,

Why is it not the priority of the law to go after the people that stole the rice and money to fund the project? why are they not in the spotlight? and lets face it,

It wasn't just politicians, there were warehouse's contractors, millers, large rice growing company's, middle men, go after them and get the money back.

About three weeks ago charges were laid against most of the categories you mention. (From memory 34 people charged.)

I read the Thai news every day. It's part of my job. I am willing to entertain the notion that 34 indictments somehow got past me, and my boss would be displeased, nonetheless; please provide links proving this claim of 34 indictments of the above mentioned groups that took place three weeks ago.

FF

And the WITCH HUNT continues

And if I were her I would of ran a long time ago she has no chance of any fair trial or anything with a government that imposed itself at the point of a gun

Which they did for a very good reason, and it is all coming out now ...

Nope they did it to take over the country the only way they could at the point of a gun because they could not win a fair election pure and simple.

They did it to prevent a civil war!!

Edited February 19, 201511 yr by Skywalker69

She gave her own one finger salute.

Ms Yingluck did not appear before the supreme court....

The star of the show didn't come to the theatre. I believe she may have garnered more sympathy from some had she attended.

Stay tuned for Act 2.

The star of the show didn't come to the theatre.

Very apt Abraham Lincoln metaphor there, ratcatcher.

She should release a statement to the international press along the lines of:

I didn't attend today's hearing because as a Prime Minister chosen by the people of Thailand I don't recognize the legitimacy of the NCPO's court to prosecute me. The NACC, the OAG, the Supreme Court for Political Office Holders and the NLA are all under the control of Prime Minister Prayuth and his NCPO and it is not possible for me to receive a fair trial while these circumstances prevail.

When electoral democracy and a genuine separation of powers return to Thailand and replace the current military rule and martial law I would answer charges should they be made.

That would then land her with a lese majeste charge for not recognizing the authority of the Monarchy who has approved of and made legal this current Government.

The primary figure being bandied about is 700 billion...and writers for the BP, the Nation, Coconuts and even the Khoasad English rag all have said that number is imaginary...

It's a serious case of saying something over and over again somehow makes it true.....

And the WITCH HUNT continues

And if I were her I would of ran a long time ago she has no chance of any fair trial or anything with a government that imposed itself at the point of a gun

Sounds like you love her too much and feel sorry as she---- quote her "Never did any wrong"

She and PTP didn't need a gun they just took lock stock and barrel. You don't feel sorry for the hospitals--schools--homeless--blind--orphans etc.

All this money would have give Thailand the funding to care for it's people as I just pointed out some examples. BUT you only blame the PM Army for the Shins diabolical governing. OH sorry they were democratically elected and should have been re-elected

It's the leaders of illegal coups that need to be arrested, not the winners of landslide elections. The verdict on PM's should be at the polls and not in court on trumped up charges at the behest of a military junta. Thailand = Burma+ electricity, a sad state of affairs.

And the WITCH HUNT continues

And if I were her I would of ran a long time ago she has no chance of any fair trial or anything with a government that imposed itself at the point of a gun

Which they did for a very good reason, and it is all coming out now ...

Nope they did it to take over the country the only way they could at the point of a gun because they could not win a fair election pure and simple.

The did it to prevent a civil war!!

That's right, now you understand, repeat after me

They did it to prevent a civil war!!

They did it to prevent a civil war!!

They did it to prevent a civil war!!

They did it to prevent a civil war!!

That's my boy!

Edited February 19, 201511 yr by TheDiva

One of her lawyers Anek Kamchum explained the reason why Ms Yingluck did not appear before the court today to hear the charges but reaffirmed she would defend the charge and would also appear when the trial begins.

He also said she was not fairly treated during the investigation process involving the National Anti Counter Corruption Commission.

It would seem the reason was she didn't have to turn up but could send her lawyer, although that is hardly a good reason.

Good that she will turn up later.....But, well she has lied before so we wait to see, after all someone who has already said they would not recognize a decision of the constitution court and ignored the OAG would have no problem with ignoring a supreme court.

Hay wait a bit what is this about not being treated fairly ?

She was treated more than fairly. She was told that by law if she didn't turn up in person the NACC were not obliged to give any documents to her lawyers.

She sent her lawyers knowing that they would not be given the papers, then complained when they were not given them.

The papers were then given to her even though she had not gone there is person.

More than fair I would say.

Edited February 19, 201511 yr by Robby nz

"The move is widely seen as an attempt to cripple the political machine of Yingluck's brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in the 2006 coup, and to prevent his allies from returning to power"

This move might have the unintended consequences of raising the sympathy factor for YL and subsequently and PT related / influenced party during the next elections (whenever that might be).

There is also the danger that this sets a precedent for future politicians in implementing any policies that might be for the good of the country - in the event the policy does not work out for whatever reason, the politicians involved would be personally liable for both the financial losses suffered as well as serve jail time. This would effectively cripple any sort of innovative thinking or ideas, keeping Thailand as a 3rd world country and continuously slipping back down the slope until they join the likes of Congo and Somalia.

Which they did for a very good reason, and it is all coming out now ...

Nope they did it to take over the country the only way they could at the point of a gun because they could not win a fair election pure and simple.

The did it to prevent a civil war!!

That's right, now you understand, repeat after me

They did it to prevent a civil war!!

They did it to prevent a civil war!!

They did it to prevent a civil war!!

They did it to prevent a civil war!!

That's my boy!

Repeat after me.

Elections guarantee democracy,

Elections guarantee democracy.

Elections guarantee democracy.

Shin style propaganda, Just hilarious poster ( of course we cannot mention the multitude of diabolical activity by the Shin backed PTP)

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I read the Thai news every day. It's part of my job. I am willing to entertain the notion that 34 indictments somehow got past me, and my boss would be displeased, nonetheless; please provide links proving this claim of 34 indictments of the above mentioned groups that took place three weeks ago.

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I'd like to ask people of supporters of both factions a question,

Why is it not the priority of the law to go after the people that stole the rice and money to fund the project? why are they not in the spotlight? and lets face it,

It wasn't just politicians, there were warehouse's contractors, millers, large rice growing company's, middle men, go after them and get the money back.

About three weeks ago charges were laid against most of the categories you mention. (From memory 34 people charged.)

FF

No need. It was clearly stated in the press, since you seem to be missing things perhaps you need more news spotting practice.

Some reading for the TV yellow cheer-leading squad so they might just get it...

http://www.forbes.com/sites/dougbandow/2015/02/18/liberty-dies-as-thailands-military-monopolizes-power-junta-dispenses-repression-instead-of-happiness/

Ms Yingluck did not appear before the supreme court....

The star of the show didn't come to the theatre. I believe she may have garnered more sympathy from some had she attended.

Stay tuned for Act 2.

The star of the show didn't come to the theatre.

Very apt Abraham Lincoln metaphor there, ratcatcher.

Ford's Theatre...

Our American Cousin...

John Wilkes Booth...

Anything relevant there?

Well maybe, if you stretch your imagination.

Some reading for the TV yellow cheer-leading squad so they might just get it...

http://www.forbes.com/sites/dougbandow/2015/02/18/liberty-dies-as-thailands-military-monopolizes-power-junta-dispenses-repression-instead-of-happiness/

Very nice summary.

Since there so far has been no corruption found. Yingluck is basically being prosecuted for having a failed policy during her government. This is a landmark case that will have consequences for every future pm that ever comes to power.

It means that any government policy that fails, can be prosecuted, and the pm along with their aids can be imprisoned. There are always going to be some failures.

Who the heck would want to be pm of Thailand now.

She should release a statement to the international press along the lines of:

I didn't attend today's hearing because as a Prime Minister chosen by the people of Thailand I don't recognize the legitimacy of the NCPO's court to prosecute me. The NACC, the OAG, the Supreme Court for Political Office Holders and the NLA are all under the control of Prime Minister Prayuth and his NCPO and it is not possible for me to receive a fair trial while these circumstances prevail.

When electoral democracy and a genuine separation of powers return to Thailand and replace the current military rule and martial law I would answer charges should they be made.

Now why didn't she think of that?

I'm waiting for the apropos from Robert Amsterdam describing the atrocious and abominable injustice being thrust upon Khun Yingluck the innocent.

Effectively a criminal organisation filing criminal charges against a person perceived as a criminal.

What a farce. If I were YS I would challenge it under the fact that the current gov has no legitimacy under international law and therefore it is them who should be facing criminal charges for treason.