Ex-Thai PM Somchai and key Shinawatra ally in court over 2008 crackdown

[webfact]

Ex-Thai PM and key Shinawatra ally in court over 2008 crackdown
AFP

BANGKOK: -- A former Thai prime minister and key member of the embattled Shinawatra family pleaded not guilty Friday to criminal charges of abuse of power over a crackdown on a 2008 protest, the latest court case to ensnare the divisive clan.

Somchai Wongsawat -- brother-in-law of deposed premiers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra -- was prime minister for 80 days but was turfed from office by a court after massive anti-government protests by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) commonly known as the 'Yellow Shirts.'

Somchai has been tipped for a possible comeback as leader of the battered Shinawatra-aligned Puea Thai party, which was swept aside by a military coup last May shortly after Yingluck was toppled by another court decision and banned from politics.

Two people died and scores were injured in October 2008 when police used tear gas to clear the anti-Shinawatra, royalist 'Yellow Shirt' protesters who had blockaded Government House to prevent Somchai entering.

Somchai and three other defendants, including another former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, were charged in connection with the crackdown.

"All four defendants pleaded not guilty," the Supreme Court said in statement.

The court said the defendants must attend each hearing and banned them from travelling abroad.

They are next expected in court late June.

In response to the travel ban, Somchai -- who has been bailed for $280,000 -- told the court "I don't have money for an airfare".

On Thursday six Yellow Shirt leaders who led the 2008 protests were given two-year jail terms by another court for their roles in storming Government House.

They were all bailed pending appeal.

The ruling was the latest in a series of court cases targeting leaders on both sides of Thailand's febrile political divide, which has seen nearly a decade of disruptive and often deadly protests in Bangkok.

Thailand's ruling junta has vowed to bridge the kingdom's deep political schism but critics say its real motivation is to cut the Shinawatra family out of Thailand's political future.

Shinawatra family members or allies have won every election since 2001, despite two coups and the toppling of three premiers by the kingdom's courts.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2015-05-29

[Mango Bob]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

[Pimay1]

In response to the travel ban, Somchai -- who has been bailed for $280,000 -- told the court "I don't have money for an airfare".

Aaw poor fellow. He could always borrow a few million from the maid, cook and gardener.

[The Deerhunter]

In response to the travel ban, Somchai -- who has been bailed for $280,000 -- told the court "I don't have money for an airfare". What a beautiful "let them eat cake" moment. Yes Mr Somchai, not even a coach class ticket???? ("Coach class? What's that?" I hear you say.) But it also means you are not even allowed to take a motor cycle taxi to the border and cross in Cambodia on foot either. To visit the Great Leader's in-law relatives, of course.

Edited May 29, 2015 by The Deerhunter

[halloween]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

abduction : To carry off by force; kidnap.

It's still there. Did someone put it back?

Could you please explain who the 2 sides are who charged with using too much force against the protesters, if you could stop hitting yourself in the head long enough to think?

Edited May 29, 2015 by halloween

[JOC]

>>In response to the travel ban, Somchai -- who has been bailed for $280,000 -- told the court "I don't have money for an airfare".<< Quote

Poor, poor Somchai.

He and his wife ( Thaksins sister) were probably the ones that siphoned most money from the rice-scam through their listed logistics company WIN and their rice-trading business!!

He hasn't got much of personality or charisma, but make no mistake, he is as dirty as they come!!

[Tatsujin]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

Your profile picture seems to be accurate ... what the < deleted > are you talking about?

[Manbing]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

Only yesterday the key players in the airport 'abduction' were bailed for terrorist charges.

Now the heavy handed Somchai gets the same treatment?

Seems like justice is being particularly impartial.

Sounds fair enough.

'Somchai has been tipped for a possible comeback as leader of the battered Shinawatra-aligned Puea Thai party, which was swept aside by a military coup last May shortly after Yingluck was toppled by another court decision and banned from politics.'

they are trying to reinstate the 80 day wonder as the PT leader?

This is scraping the bottom of the barrel. But after any conviction, it seems likely his capacity to govern will be a moot point.

I suggest the Shins put up the family dog as the next party leader, after all, everyone likes puppies.

[WitawatWatawit]

In response to the travel ban, Somchai -- who has been bailed for $280,000 -- told the court "I don't have money for an airfare".

This is a very strange thing for him to say, especially considering who his wife is. Do you think he's trying to convince poor farmers that he's just like them? Down on his luck? Struggling to put food on the table? Empathise with their plight? Poor, poor Somchai. I have a couple of spare 25 satang coins I could lend you.

[Artisi]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

Terrorism is a bit of a stretch, considering the majority were grannies and aunties and you missed the fact that the airport authority took it on themselves to close the airport. Guess it is a fact that the takeover of the airport did cause some inconvenience but probably no more than the airport staff going on strike as had been known to happens in a few major international airports over the years.

[zaphod reborn]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

I've never heard a sit-in or occupation categorized as terrorism. An element seems to be missing which is violence or threat of violence. But I wouldn't expect a red to be able to fathom the meaning of terrorism. Rather, the reds throw the term around in a fit of name-calling.

[MobileContent]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

Terrorism is a bit of a stretch, considering the majority were grannies and aunties and you missed the fact that the airport authority took it on themselves to close the airport. Guess it is a fact that the takeover of the airport did cause some inconvenience but probably no more than the airport staff going on strike as had been known to happens in a few major international airports over the years.

If yu take over an airport is surely is terrorism except of cause in Thailand. If this happen in Yankee land they would have been stormed and shot on the spot.

[jackanapes]

I personally think it doesn't really matter whether you are a red shirt or a yellow shirt if you break the law then you should be punished end of story.

[scorecard]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

Only yesterday the key players in the airport 'abduction' were bailed for terrorist charges.

Now the heavy handed Somchai gets the same treatment?

Seems like justice is being particularly impartial.

Sounds fair enough.

'Somchai has been tipped for a possible comeback as leader of the battered Shinawatra-aligned Puea Thai party, which was swept aside by a military coup last May shortly after Yingluck was toppled by another court decision and banned from politics.'

they are trying to reinstate the 80 day wonder as the PT leader?

This is scraping the bottom of the barrel. But after any conviction, it seems likely his capacity to govern will be a moot point.

I suggest the Shins put up the family dog as the next party leader, after all, everyone likes puppies.

"they are trying to reinstate the 80 day wonder as the PT leader?

This is scraping the bottom of the barrel. But after any conviction, it seems likely his capacity to govern will be a moot point."

What it really means is damn Thailand and the development of a better quality of life for all Thais.

Edited May 29, 2015 by scorecard

[MILT]

In response to the travel ban, Somchai -- who has been bailed for $280,000 -- told the court "I don't have money for an airfare".

He means at the moment....

[ratcatcher]

>>In response to the travel ban, Somchai -- who has been bailed for $280,000 -- told the court "I don't have money for an airfare".<< Quote

Poor, poor Somchai.

He and his wife ( Thaksins sister) were probably the ones that siphoned most money from the rice-scam through their listed logistics company WIN and their rice-trading business!!

He hasn't got much of personality or charisma, but make no mistake, he is as dirty as they come!!

To paraphrase Nigel Farage of UKIP,

"Somchai has the personality of a damp rag and the appearance of a low grade bank clerk"

[greenchair]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

Only yesterday the key players in the airport 'abduction' were bailed for terrorist charges.

Now the heavy handed Somchai gets the same treatment?

Seems like justice is being particularly impartial.

Sounds fair enough.

'Somchai has been tipped for a possible comeback as leader of the battered Shinawatra-aligned Puea Thai party, which was swept aside by a military coup last May shortly after Yingluck was toppled by another court decision and banned from politics.'

they are trying to reinstate the 80 day wonder as the PT leader?

This is scraping the bottom of the barrel. But after any conviction, it seems likely his capacity to govern will be a moot point.

I suggest the Shins put up the family dog as the next party leader, after all, everyone likes puppies.

They could certainly put up the family dog.

They would still win! !!???

[greenchair]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

Terrorism is a bit of a stretch, considering the majority were grannies and aunties and you missed the fact that the airport authority took it on themselves to close the airport. Guess it is a fact that the takeover of the airport did cause some inconvenience but probably no more than the airport staff going on strike as had been known to happens in a few major international airports over the years.

The airport authority closed because they were forced to for the security and safety of staff and passengers. The closure cost the country billions not only in tourism, but exports and imports were all seriously affected. Many small businesses had to close and large businesses lost well into the millions, with job loses for some. It took a couple of years for tourism to recover as tourists were reluctant to come for fear of not being able to get out. The repercussions of that closure are still being suffered by many even now.

The country was held to ransom and the party responsible got voted in, just to shut them up and try to help the country recover. Similar to what has happened now. They will purge the country of their major opposition,and if they lose to any other party, they will start the protests again. The message is clear. Military rule or vote the Democrats in or there will be no peace.

[tbthailand]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

Terrorism is a bit of a stretch, considering the majority were grannies and aunties and you missed the fact that the airport authority took it on themselves to close the airport. Guess it is a fact that the takeover of the airport did cause some inconvenience but probably no more than the airport staff going on strike as had been known to happens in a few major international airports over the years.

If yu take over an airport is surely is terrorism except of cause in Thailand. If this happen in Yankee land they would have been stormed and shot on the spot.

I recall the current "government" ( ) and it's puppet NLA had considered a law to make closing the airport as was done in 2008 a crime punishable by the death penalty...

[mikemac]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

Terrorism is a bit of a stretch, considering the majority were grannies and aunties and you missed the fact that the airport authority took it on themselves to close the airport. Guess it is a fact that the takeover of the airport did cause some inconvenience but probably no more than the airport staff going on strike as had been known to happens in a few major international airports over the years.

If yu take over an airport is surely is terrorism except of cause in Thailand. If this happen in Yankee land they would have been stormed and shot on the spot.

............."If this happen in Yankee land they would have been stormed and shot on the spot.".....................

I wonder what would have happened if the 2010 fiasco happened in say, New York, or LA etc.

[lovetotravel]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

Terrorism is a bit of a stretch, considering the majority were grannies and aunties and you missed the fact that the airport authority took it on themselves to close the airport. Guess it is a fact that the takeover of the airport did cause some inconvenience but probably no more than the airport staff going on strike as had been known to happens in a few major international airports over the years.

If yu take over an airport is surely is terrorism except of cause in Thailand. If this happen in Yankee land they would have been stormed and shot on the spot.

............."If this happen in Yankee land they would have been stormed and shot on the spot.".....................

I wonder what would have happened if the 2010 fiasco happened in say, New York, or LA etc.

Though not exactly the same, the Occupy movement took over a prime part of New York City and a spot in Oakland. They stayed for quite some time and were eventually dispersed relatively peacefully. Unfortunately, some dubious characters just looking for trouble joined the group and it did get a bit chaotic. But I don't believe anybody was killed.

To your point, the US would never let something like 2010 get out of control like it did here. Now, about the LA riots....

[ratcatcher]

Very interesting story. One side is being charged with using too much force against the protesters. The same protesters who use terrorism in their abduction of the International Airport in Bangkok. While the other side is being charged with using too much force again these same protesters.

Only yesterday the key players in the airport 'abduction' were bailed for terrorist charges.

Now the heavy handed Somchai gets the same treatment?

Seems like justice is being particularly impartial.

Sounds fair enough.

'Somchai has been tipped for a possible comeback as leader of the battered Shinawatra-aligned Puea Thai party, which was swept aside by a military coup last May shortly after Yingluck was toppled by another court decision and banned from politics.'

they are trying to reinstate the 80 day wonder as the PT leader?

This is scraping the bottom of the barrel. But after any conviction, it seems likely his capacity to govern will be a moot point.

I suggest the Shins put up the family dog as the next party leader, after all, everyone likes puppies.

They could certainly put up the family dog.

They would still win! !!???

The family dog will undergo neutering the same way the rest of the its family is being slowly neutered. One step at a time.

[geriatrickid]

To all those laughing and dismissing this as comeuppance for the Shin clan, think again. The message I take away from this is that an elected government cannot defend itself and its institutions against a mob seeking to overthrow that government. Yet, if people engage in peaceful protest against the current military administration, they are immediately hauled off and face charges before a military tribunal.

This speaks volumes as to the intent of the current administration. It should also cause great concern for those in the Democrat party. Consider that the Abhisit government was faced with some activities in Chiang Mai and other regions where it had to act forcefully. Abhisit is now at risk for those actions.

This is absolutely ridiculous and translates out as petty and motivated solely by politics.

[halloween]

They could certainly put up the family dog.

They would still win! !!???

That dog must have been dux at Obedience School. One of the essential qualifications for PM of Thailand in the last 10 years or so.

[halloween]

To all those laughing and dismissing this as comeuppance for the Shin clan, think again. The message I take away from this is that an elected government cannot defend itself and its institutions against a mob seeking to overthrow that government. Yet, if people engage in peaceful protest against the current military administration, they are immediately hauled off and face charges before a military tribunal.

This speaks volumes as to the intent of the current administration. It should also cause great concern for those in the Democrat party. Consider that the Abhisit government was faced with some activities in Chiang Mai and other regions where it had to act forcefully. Abhisit is now at risk for those actions.

This is absolutely ridiculous and translates out as petty and motivated solely by politics.

How things have changed in a year! Back then when people engaged in peaceful protest against the then current administration, their red thugs came round nearly every night to attack them, killing protesters and innocent bystanders including 3 children. And despite repeated attacks and clear photos of one grenade thrower, the BIB were incapable of making an arrest. Even setting up check points on the approaches to the protesters' camp was left to the Army.

Me, I'll take the tribunal.

Edited May 30, 2015 by halloween

[Strangebrew]

What he found 280,000 for bail couldn't find another 10,000 for a flight? Aw poor setoe Want me to loan 20 baht for a bullet?