Military junta now chases progress in stripping of Thaksin’s police rank

[robblok]

Yesterday they sentenced a woman of two kids, who was under 30 , to 28 years for article 112.

Priorities indeed!!

And a Bangkok man to 30 years behind bars on the same day according to Bangkok Post!

Stupid law for sure (agree with you guys 100%)

If they had been jailed for 6 months it would have been a stupid law, but they are in effect getting something close to a life sentence and that's nothing less than inhumane. I really hope the international community call them on this.

Inhumane.. idiotic law .. better .. no disagreement here.

[spidermike007]

How on earth does he even have a police rank? Says a lot that a wanted felon is able to maintain this rank. How about his passport? Wasn't that taken away? How could he maintain his rank, without a Thai passport? Or was it just his diplomatic passport that was taken away? What about his citizenship? Seems that would be a good place to start. Strip him of his citizenship. Why the hell not? He worked hard to destroy his own country. Why be able to return? He never had the courage to return to face trial. Keep him out for the rest of his life.

[smutcakes]

If they want to make a point to the police and la enforcement, i think it would be far more relevant and make a far better point to the general public and police force if they aggressively followed up a couple of recent cases like Kamonwrit gun saga and the met police chief who believes he does not need to follow the law.

Probably like to much hard work though.

[baboon]

How on earth does he even have a police rank? Says a lot that a wanted felon is able to maintain this rank. How about his passport? Wasn't that taken away? How could he maintain his rank, without a Thai passport? Or was it just his diplomatic passport that was taken away? What about his citizenship? Seems that would be a good place to start. Strip him of his citizenship. Why the hell not? He worked hard to destroy his own country. Why be able to return? He never had the courage to return to face trial. Keep him out for the rest of his life.

Because stripping him of his citizenship is tantamount to holding your hands up and declaring that this is a witch hunt after all. It would be (another) major own goal.

[halloween]

Why would I counter your statement that YL did less to fight corruption? YL did absolutely nothing to fight neither corruption nor trafficking. My point is that you can't make real progress unless you start at the top, and we all know that's not going to happen so whatever "fight" against corruption is taking place today is just so much window dressing.

When you overthrow a legally elected government (and, yes, we all know it was hideously inept and corrupt), suspend the constitution and invoke articles that make you all powerful - all in the name of the country - then by Buddha you better deliver the goods, and that simply isn't happening.

Former Revenue officials face seizure of assets

So there is progress, it's just not REAL progress in your eyes, because the people that you would like to see investigated aren't being investigated for alleged past transactions, rather than anything currently occurring. You'll pardon me and others that thinking ANY progress is better than none. Or not, who cares.

[NoBrainer]

Yesterday they sentenced a woman of two kids, who was under 30 , to 28 years for article 112.

Priorities indeed!!

Yes they did, and rightly so. What is it with Thai people who have the propensity to break this law.

The LAW is clearly written, and each and every Thai are fully aware of the law & it's consequences, so why does a very

small segment of the population go out of their way to purposely break the law, knowing full well that it will most likely result in a lengthy prison sentence?

I suppose it is a case of "No Common Sense", after all any sane person would avoid committing such a crime, and especially one with absolutely

no personal gain, financially or otherwise.

It just does not make any sense, yet hundreds of Thais (out of almost 70 Million) seem bent on doing it.

So when the hammer comes down on them, nobody should feel sorry, as they went out of their way to purposely break this law.

[brucec64]

Yesterday they sentenced a woman of two kids, who was under 30 , to 28 years for article 112.

Priorities indeed!!

And a Bangkok man to 30 years behind bars on the same day according to Bangkok Post!

Stupid law for sure (agree with you guys 100%)

If they had been jailed for 6 months it would have been a stupid law, but they are in effect getting something close to a life sentence and that's nothing less than inhumane. I really hope the international community call them on this.

Inhumane.. idiotic law .. better .. no disagreement here.

And your beloved junta is abusing this law.

[robblok]

Yesterday they sentenced a woman of two kids, who was under 30 , to 28 years for article 112.

Priorities indeed!!

And a Bangkok man to 30 years behind bars on the same day according to Bangkok Post!

Stupid law for sure (agree with you guys 100%)

If they had been jailed for 6 months it would have been a stupid law, but they are in effect getting something close to a life sentence and that's nothing less than inhumane. I really hope the international community call them on this.

Inhumane.. idiotic law .. better .. no disagreement here.

And your beloved junta is abusing this law.

Everyone was abusing this law, not only they. Besides i don't agree with all of the junta its the lesser evil.

[brucec64]

Yesterday they sentenced a woman of two kids, who was under 30 , to 28 years for article 112.

Priorities indeed!!

And a Bangkok man to 30 years behind bars on the same day according to Bangkok Post!

Stupid law for sure (agree with you guys 100%)

If they had been jailed for 6 months it would have been a stupid law, but they are in effect getting something close to a life sentence and that's nothing less than inhumane. I really hope the international community call them on this.

Inhumane.. idiotic law .. better .. no disagreement here.

And your beloved junta is abusing this law.

Everyone was abusing this law, not only they. Besides i don't agree with all of the junta its the lesser evil.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/07/man-jailed-for-30-years-in-thailand-for-insulting-the-monarchy-on-facebook

Lm convictions have surged from 2 before the coup, to over 50 after. So they are abusing the law 25 times more than before. Not sure how you rate that as a lesser evil, but as they say, love is blind.

[baboon]

Yesterday they sentenced a woman of two kids, who was under 30 , to 28 years for article 112.

Priorities indeed!!

Yes they did, and rightly so. What is it with Thai people who have the propensity to break this law.

The LAW is clearly written, and each and every Thai are fully aware of the law & it's consequences, so why does a very

small segment of the population go out of their way to purposely break the law, knowing full well that it will most likely result in a lengthy prison sentence?

I suppose it is a case of "No Common Sense", after all any sane person would avoid committing such a crime, and especially one with absolutely

no personal gain, financially or otherwise.

It just does not make any sense, yet hundreds of Thais (out of almost 70 Million) seem bent on doing it.

So when the hammer comes down on them, nobody should feel sorry, as they went out of their way to purposely break this law.

If there were more people like you around, women would still be burned at the stake and starving yokels hanged for stealing a crust of bread - perhaps IS could be for you if and when Thailand's attractions begin to wane?

[sawadee1947]

Hell, I suppose Thaksin will be concerned about it and cry the whole night or bite his nails.

[MZurf]

Why would I counter your statement that YL did less to fight corruption? YL did absolutely nothing to fight neither corruption nor trafficking. My point is that you can't make real progress unless you start at the top, and we all know that's not going to happen so whatever "fight" against corruption is taking place today is just so much window dressing.

When you overthrow a legally elected government (and, yes, we all know it was hideously inept and corrupt), suspend the constitution and invoke articles that make you all powerful - all in the name of the country - then by Buddha you better deliver the goods, and that simply isn't happening.

Former Revenue officials face seizure of assets

So there is progress, it's just not REAL progress in your eyes, because the people that you would like to see investigated aren't being investigated for alleged past transactions, rather than anything currently occurring. You'll pardon me and others that thinking ANY progress is better than none. Or not, who cares.

You're pardoned. The world needs more dreamers like you. Or not.

[rubl]

Meanwhile back in the real world PMs are supposed to stay away from private business, by law.

"By law". Do you mean the unwritten constitution the other which was trashed, or do you mean Article 44?

Surely there is some hidden meaning to your statement that the rest of us can't see?

The only law in Thailand right now is what the general says it is. You must have been sleeping. You need more coffee.

By removing part of my reply you took it out of context. That's not nice.

snig27 said "Meanwhile back in the real world, they were accentuated political charges anyway."

and I replied "Meanwhile back in the real world PMs are supposed to stay away from private business, by law."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846894-military-junta-now-chases-progress-in-stripping-of-thaksins-police-rank/#entry9714249

[rubl]

Do you think the Justice Department should help the economy instead?

Meanwhile back in the real world, they were accentuated political charges anyway.

And yes, there is a massive amount the justice dept could be doing to aid Thailand economically. This is utterly pointless political point scoring to satisfy their masters.

Meanwhile back in the real world PMs are supposed to stay away from private business, by law. To avoid 'conflict of interest'.

So, let the Justice Department do it's work and don't worry they also handle other cases at the same time just like the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Commerce deal with a many fold of issues. Even the PM is dealing with many problems at the same time and still finds an hour to try his skills on a bicycle.

Hahaha, why don't you put on a silk suit and a red nose, and buy yourself some prime time on a Friday evening ....

I'm willing to give it a try, but need some sponsors.

In the mean time we still have a criminal fugitive holding on to his 'police lieutenant-colonel' rank and the RTP force having no problem with that. Somehow "honour amongst thieves" comes to mind.

[rubl]

Why does a rich businessman residing in Dubai need a police rank?

He doesn't. Why does a former army general lack the guts to just take it away from him - as in article 44?

Now that would be somewhat medieval and reading some posts here that is something to be condemned.

All in all I do not understand your suggestion.

[rubl]

Do you think the Justice Department should help the economy instead?

And yes, there is a massive amount the justice dept could be doing to aid Thailand economically.

Can I have some examples?

I was thinking the Justice Dept should focus on the numerous public officials that are deemed to be corrupt by virtue of being on some lists. These cases seem to have dropped out of sight, just when it looked like prosecution, rather than transfers, could be the end point.

It is estimated corruption consumes 20 to 30% of the Thai GDP. Setting Thailand on a consistent course of action and prosecuting officials would be beneficial to the economy.

The Justice Ministry is doing just that as well. Multi-tasking. It's not as if they drop anything they're busy with to rush after the 'fancy of the day'.

By the way, in relation to the topic, how many judges and courts will be involved in the ongoing case of the criminal fugitive with police rank?

[Prbkk]

Uncle Rubl...it is understood by everyone that Thaksin was convicted and has fled. There is no need to preface every comment about him with 'criminal fugitive'. You have made that point 3 or 400 times already.

[rubl]

The economy is in tatters and this is their priority. Speaks ugly volumes.

Do you think the Justice Department should help the economy instead?

Come on Rubl the guy is pro PTP they don't listen to logic and facts.

Economics departments go over economics and justice over justice, the guy probably never had any real work experience where different departments focus on different things.

Either that or he likes to rant without substance.

Thanksin is a criminal... one that causes a lot of trouble so stripping his rank is only just and for those that say it wont hurt him or that he has enough money. True.. but its not about money for him or else he would have stayed out of politics now and kept quiet after he ran from his convictions like a coward.

He did not.. he wanted back in politics he wants to be seen as important.. so stripping him of this rank will be a blow to him where it hurts a lot.. his EGO anyone contesting that Thaksin does not have a big ego has no idea bout the man.

"Come on Rubl the guy is pro PTP they don't listen to logic and facts."

Pot, kettle, black.

"Economics departments go over economics and justice over justice, the guy probably never had any real work experience where different departments focus on different things."

As one poster pointed out if they started actually fighting corruption (arguably the biggest problem facing Thailand) then they would help the economy immensely, but this is probably beyond your work experience.

And puuleze don's say that the junta is making progress in it's "fight" against corruption. It is all window dressing and everything that happens today is just posturing and maneuvering ahead of the unmentionable big event that is inevitably coming.

Whichever group leads the pack when the transition has been completed will have dibs on the trough for decades. THAT'S what all that has happened for the last couple of years is about.

"Whichever group leads the pack when the transition has been completed will have dibs on the trough for decades."

Shocking! You seem to include Thaksin the Saviour and his democratically elected government as well.

Where are reforms when you need them?

Anyway, the RTP still hesitant to take the rank of a criminal fugitive. Maybe some can easily see themselves in similar position?

[tbthailand]

Uncle Rubl...it is understood by everyone that Thaksin was convicted and has fled. There is no need to preface every comment about him with 'criminal fugitive'. You have made that point 3 or 400 times already.

maybe he will switch now to use the term "political exile"...

Not...

[baboon]

Uncle Rubl...it is understood by everyone that Thaksin was convicted and has fled. There is no need to preface every comment about him with 'criminal fugitive'. You have made that point 3 or 400 times already.

It is almost as if it is a phrase that some posters have been instructed to include with boring monotony as a brainwashing technique...

[tbthailand]

Yesterday they sentenced a woman of two kids, who was under 30 , to 28 years for article 112.

Priorities indeed!!

Yes they did, and rightly so. What is it with Thai people who have the propensity to break this law.

The LAW is clearly written, and each and every Thai are fully aware of the law & it's consequences, so why does a very

small segment of the population go out of their way to purposely break the law, knowing full well that it will most likely result in a lengthy prison sentence?

I suppose it is a case of "No Common Sense", after all any sane person would avoid committing such a crime, and especially one with absolutely

no personal gain, financially or otherwise.

It just does not make any sense, yet hundreds of Thais (out of almost 70 Million) seem bent on doing it.

So when the hammer comes down on them, nobody should feel sorry, as they went out of their way to purposely break this law.

you apparently don't understand LM in Thailand.

It is a tool of oppression and human rights abuse masquerading as a "law".

[smutcakes]

"Whichever group leads the pack when the transition has been completed will have dibs on the trough for decades."

Shocking! You seem to include Thaksin the Saviour and his democratically elected government as well.

Where are reforms when you need them?

Anyway, the RTP still hesitant to take the rank of a criminal fugitive. Maybe some can easily see themselves in similar position?

So why don't the reformers do something about it............not to mention the other high profile police issues recently which have been conveniently ignored by the reformers in the NCPO. TS police rank is far more important haha A guy out of the country for the thick end of 8 years and that is the most important thing for them to deal with....

[Baerboxer]

The economy is in tatters and this is their priority. Speaks ugly volumes.

Governments have to, need to multi-task. Can't just focus on one item. That's what cost PTP, focusing on just one item, a contrived amnesty and whitewash for their owner.

This is a simple enough thing surely. They either strip or don't. But, the current about to retire enormously wealthy incumbent COP seems unwilling to decide preferring to prevaricate. Any ideas why?

Edited August 9, 2015 by Baerboxer

[Baerboxer]

"Whichever group leads the pack when the transition has been completed will have dibs on the trough for decades."

Shocking! You seem to include Thaksin the Saviour and his democratically elected government as well.

Where are reforms when you need them?

Anyway, the RTP still hesitant to take the rank of a criminal fugitive. Maybe some can easily see themselves in similar position?

So why don't the reformers do something about it............not to mention the other high profile police issues recently which have been conveniently ignored by the reformers in the NCPO. TS police rank is far more important haha A guy out of the country for the thick end of 8 years and that is the most important thing for them to deal with....

It says it all that there is even a debate about stripping a police rank from a convicted criminal who chose to run and become a fugitive from justice; his conviction and outstanding charges.

It's just another example of something blatantly wrong and corrupt that no previous government bothered to do anything about.

Once a copper, always a copper. Like the Mason's or maybe the Mafia would be a better comparison.

[Baerboxer]

Uncle Rubl...it is understood by everyone that Thaksin was convicted and has fled. There is no need to preface every comment about him with 'criminal fugitive'. You have made that point 3 or 400 times already.

It is almost as if it is a phrase that some posters have been instructed to include with boring monotony as a brainwashing technique...

Nope - just appropriate and true adjectives.

But of course, you'd much prefer that no one was aloud to use them.

[Baerboxer]

Uncle Rubl...it is understood by everyone that Thaksin was convicted and has fled. There is no need to preface every comment about him with 'criminal fugitive'. You have made that point 3 or 400 times already.

maybe he will switch now to use the term "political exile"...

Not...

Self exiled, please.

Great way for a criminal to try and get away with a conviction and discount those 15 outstanding criminal charges.

All political, see Interpol aren't even after him. He even said it himself and Thaksin doesn't lie does he?

[tbthailand]

The economy is in tatters and this is their priority. Speaks ugly volumes.

Governments have to, need to multi-task. Can't just focus on one item. That's what cost PTP, focusing on just one item, a contrived amnesty and whitewash for their owner.

This is a simple enough thing surely. They either strip or don't. But, the current about to retire enormously wealthy incumbent COP seems unwilling to decide preferring to prevaricate. Any ideas why?

I agree with you. It's not a zero sum game.

But I also agree with Snig, the focus on trivial BS speaks volumes.

(It's not a zero sum game... )

BTW, the speculation on the current top cop... not sure - I really don't think that he's afraid of Thaksin ... but then maybe we all agree this is not an important issue.

[rubl]

"Whichever group leads the pack when the transition has been completed will have dibs on the trough for decades."

Shocking! You seem to include Thaksin the Saviour and his democratically elected government as well.

Where are reforms when you need them?

Anyway, the RTP still hesitant to take the rank of a criminal fugitive. Maybe some can easily see themselves in similar position?

So why don't the reformers do something about it............not to mention the other high profile police issues recently which have been conveniently ignored by the reformers in the NCPO. TS police rank is far more important haha A guy out of the country for the thick end of 8 years and that is the most important thing for them to deal with....

Well, I doubt it the most important thing for them. It's just one of those things and the thing that seems to annoy some posters the most.

Taking the Police Rank from a criminal fugitive though is obviously not important, at least not important enough to wave a magic wand

.

[tbthailand]

Uncle Rubl...it is understood by everyone that Thaksin was convicted and has fled. There is no need to preface every comment about him with 'criminal fugitive'. You have made that point 3 or 400 times already.

maybe he will switch now to use the term "political exile"...

Not...

Self exiled, please.

Great way for a criminal to try and get away with a conviction and discount those 15 outstanding criminal charges.

All political, see Interpol aren't even after him. He even said it himself and Thaksin doesn't lie does he?

hey, it's a joke, ... ok?

[smutcakes]

"Whichever group leads the pack when the transition has been completed will have dibs on the trough for decades."

Shocking! You seem to include Thaksin the Saviour and his democratically elected government as well.

Where are reforms when you need them?

Anyway, the RTP still hesitant to take the rank of a criminal fugitive. Maybe some can easily see themselves in similar position?

So why don't the reformers do something about it............not to mention the other high profile police issues recently which have been conveniently ignored by the reformers in the NCPO. TS police rank is far more important haha A guy out of the country for the thick end of 8 years and that is the most important thing for them to deal with....

It says it all that there is even a debate about stripping a police rank from a convicted criminal who chose to run and become a fugitive from justice; his conviction and outstanding charges.

It's just another example of something blatantly wrong and corrupt that no previous government bothered to do anything about.

Once a copper, always a copper. Like the Mason's or maybe the Mafia would be a better comparison.

I agree so why don't they do something about it... The reform of the police goes way way way beyond TS still having a police rank, there are probably hundreds of convicted police both active/retired police still holding ranks. I just do think on the grand scale of reform needed in the police that being bothered about someone still holding a rank, ranks anywhere high on the importance scale of the issues they have. On any level what difference does it make to anyone whether he still holds any rank. He is outside the country, unlikely to ever come back- and i doubt anyone until this thing came up gave a flying <deleted> whether he had any rank or not, it literally makes zero difference to anything.

Elected Governments (and military ones) have continuously failed to do anything about corruption and the police, but lets not pretend that they would actually be able to do anything about it, should they want to remain in power. The NCPO do have the power, but they are moving so slowly on police reform, if at all, that leads some to question whether they have any appetite to even try. If the NCPO cannot do anything about it with the powers they have, to expect a civilian Govt to even try is unlikely in the extreme.