Campaigns fizzle, legal tactics blocked, as Yingluck's court day nears

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BURNING ISSUE
Campaigns fizzle, legal tactics blocked, as Yingluck's court day nears
Jintana Panyaarvudh

BANGKOK: -- A campaign aimed at showing symbolic support for former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra by wearing red shirts last Sunday appears to have caused less trouble for the junta than expected.

No one claimed responsibility for the initiative - but since news of the campaign circulated on social media two weeks ago, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and security agencies have kept a close eye on it.

As it turned out, the movement was subdued and made little noise.

Only some Pheu Thai members, former ministers and Yingluck's

relatives, including her brother Thaksin, joined in the campaign by posting pictures of themselves wearing red shirts on social media.

On his @thaksinlive Instagram account, the fugitive former prime minister said he was wearing a red shirt to show moral support for those who love democracy and seek justice.

In contrast to her brother, Yingluck wore a grey blouse as she posed for a photo with her son posted on her Facebook, and said nothing linked to the campaign.

Despite Thaksin's call to wear red, however, there were no reports of people doing so en masse - even in Pheu Thai's stronghold of the North and Northeast.

The Shinawatra family should not blame its supporters for their small numbers as they may have received confusing signals from their leaders. While Thaksin called for the red shirts to come out, another red-shirt leader, Jatuporn Promphan, asked them not to.

The result might have caused relief for the junta but it surely upset Thaksin and his sister, Yingluck, who is facing a criminal case over her rice-pledging scheme in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

Yingluck has been charged with dereliction of duty causing damage and failure to perform her duty as a state official to stop corruption in the rice-pledging scheme.

Political observers see the campaign as an attempt to test the popularity of support for the Shinawatras and the Pheu Thai party, believing there's nothing wrong in the move.

Prior to Yingluck's court case - as well as a possible compensation case - the Shinawatras did everything they could to delay the proceedings or ask for more justice and support.

What was more interesting was the tactics of the Shinawatras in dealing with the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Early this month, Yingluck wrote open letters to Prayut calling for fair treatment and specifically to let the compensation case go through normal court proceedings, instead of through the use of an administrative order to claim compensation from her for losses incurred in the scheme, which could cost Bt500 billion.

In her letter, she also accused Prayut of being a "stakeholder" who was currently addressing rice issues disagreeing with her rice policy.

Her move led prompted the government to distance Prayut from the case as he might be sued by Yingluck. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said Prayut would not pen the order but left it with the finance minister instead.

Moreover, a fact-finding committee set up to probe Yingluck over the scheme has given her an additional 30 days to explain her actions.

The former premier was also allowed by the Supreme Court to permit testimony from more witnesses, such as outspoken former minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, who did not have a chance to give a statement to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Her tactical move appeared to give her the upper hand in her dual with Prayut, but she may have forgotten that her adversary is a coup leader with a powerful weapon.

In his capacity as NCPO chief, Prayut has invoked his powers under Article 44 of the post-coup interim charter to protect government officials working on the rice cases from legal and disciplinary action. It was the first time the NCPO had invoked such a power for the rice-pledging scheme.

With this order, all government officials, including the premier, would be immune from prosecution. Also, all cases related to the scheme would be accelerated.

So, Yingluck's judgement day could be sooner rather than later. The court will hear the first witness testimony on January 15 and the final testimony in November. The verdict date was tentatively set for early 2017.

As long as Article 44 remains a silver bullet in the junta chief's gun, it will be too difficult for the Thaksin camp to make any effective move.

But the junta could also be criticised for granting itself a "blanket" amnesty.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Campaigns-fizzle-legal-tactics-blocked-as-Yingluck-30272106.html

-- The Nation 2015-11-03

[jcb2001]

"Battle of the Century" The Shinawatra family fighting for its life. They have so much and now could loose everything. The pressure is on and Prayut is on the war path.

Hate to place a wager on the outcome. But believe that in the end, Prayut and Thai democracy will succeed.

[craigt3365]

Thaksin's idea of democracy is warped. As is his perception of justice. Hard to believe some actually still listen to him.

[chainarong]

Time will tell with the PTP supporters and no- one will know what the situation will be in the future Thailand Democracy , until there is call for red shirts again , the turnout will then dictate what will happen , one hopes that with time the energy will fizzle out , but I wouldn't hold my breath , as for Thaksin wearing Red , to him it is but a game , but for the thousands caught up in the supposably drug raids with executions on the front lawns and the Temple massacre in the South plus other misdemeanors, the colour of the shirt says it all..........

[steven100]

Hope the Shinawatra family lose everything, they stole billions from the Thai people and it's faltering economy.

[worgeordie]

She will have to pay for,what was her brothers great idea,

not his first idea that ended up costing the country dearly,

it was easy for him to run his business that was an monopoly,

but in the real world he did not look so good.

Her defense could be "I was only following orders "

regards Worgeordie

[Eric Loh]

Get rid of Thaksin regime in full swing and as scripted. As for reconciliation, it has never been in the script from the beginning.

[jonclark]

"Battle of the Century" The Shinawatra family fighting for its life. They have so much and now could loose everything. The pressure is on and Prayut is on the war path.

Hate to place a wager on the outcome. But believe that in the end, Prayut and Thai democracy will succeed.

The outcome of this will only be known once elections happen.

Outside of Bangkok I wonder how much support the current PM has?

[Robroona]

I like the part about Chalerm being allowed to testify. Can't wait, in fact

[Pib]

Me thinks the Shinawatra family is pretty much finished as a major political force in Thailand because their followers are no longer willing to fall on their swords for them because of little hope of political, power, or monetary gain. No gain, no real support...just some lip service.

[ianf]

Here is an oxymoron: Thaksin & Democracy.

He was never a democrat and in his early years never used this word at all. He has no idea what it is or what it means.

Indeed, I believe that the idea of "fighting for democracy" was first suggested to him by his advisers, including Robert Amsterdam, because until then the reds had no central ideology apart from a 'love' of Thaksin. 'Democracy' gave them a hook on which to hang a campaign and a smokescreen behind which the autocrat Thaksin could hide.

Don't call me anti-Thaksin because that's an over-simplification. I am anti- liars and cheats and people who treat poor people in a nasty and manipulative way so that can use them for their own ends and personal wealth.

Edited November 3, 2015 by ianf

[FangFerang]

Thread hijacked by red rage rants from people who are not stakeholders, Thai citizens or even vaguely aware political punters.

From the World Court, any government that applies new laws retroactively is out of order, in short and simple.

All those, like myself, that hated the midnight amnesty bill now have just seen the military do the same for themselves, and after subsequently having pardoned themselves for the coup...but no junta cheerleaders can see the Emperor has no clothes, they are wearing fascist spectacles and calling them yellow...

Hilariously, if this happened in any the cheerleader's home countries they would go apoplectic.

Good on you for selective perceptions, selective memories, and verbal masturbation.

The rest of us are mostly centrists and find your childish temper tantrums amusing, at best.

The Thais not only do not care what you think, they do not respect your thinking either.

Take a nap.

[TPI]

Why o why does it take soooooo long for the Thai courts to hear cases? Start in January finish (maybe) in November?? Are they giving Khun "Moo" time to diversify her holdings? If the judgement is against her then she can plead bankruptcy and so not have to pay a sattang? And what of her cronies, are they all going to walk free?

These and other questions will probably not be answered in the next few months! Just remember the saying about "back scratching".

[ianf]

Thread hijacked by red rage rants from people who are not stakeholders, Thai citizens or even vaguely aware political punters.

From the World Court, any government that applies new laws retroactively is out of order, in short and simple.

All those, like myself, that hated the midnight amnesty bill now have just seen the military do the same for themselves, and after subsequently having pardoned themselves for the coup...but no junta cheerleaders can see the Emperor has no clothes, they are wearing fascist spectacles and calling them yellow...

Hilariously, if this happened in any the cheerleader's home countries they would go apoplectic.

Good on you for selective perceptions, selective memories, and verbal masturbation.

The rest of us are mostly centrists and find your childish temper tantrums amusing, at best.

The Thais not only do not care what you think, they do not respect your thinking either.

Take a nap.

I think that people who care about the world and it's people; those who understand that what happens in one part of the world affects others; those who have family from a different culture and have seen those people lied to and cheated in order that the nasties can continue in control; and those who understand the global nature of the society we live in gives us all permission to express our views whether pro- or anti- any given situation. Those who bury their heads in the sand do the world a great disservice. Those who only see the world through one set of political or religious ideological glasses should be ashamed of themselves because they are the people who allow dictators, sociopaths, psychopaths etc to call the shots.

Edited November 3, 2015 by ianf

[EnglishJohn]

Thread hijacked by red rage rants from people who are not stakeholders, Thai citizens or even vaguely aware political punters.

From the World Court, any government that applies new laws retroactively is out of order, in short and simple.

All those, like myself, that hated the midnight amnesty bill now have just seen the military do the same for themselves, and after subsequently having pardoned themselves for the coup...but no junta cheerleaders can see the Emperor has no clothes, they are wearing fascist spectacles and calling them yellow...

Hilariously, if this happened in any the cheerleader's home countries they would go apoplectic.

Good on you for selective perceptions, selective memories, and verbal masturbation.

The rest of us are mostly centrists and find your childish temper tantrums amusing, at best.

The Thais not only do not care what you think, they do not respect your thinking either.

Take a nap.

Hilarious. Go check your red-shirt rants when there is anything about Prayuth. I think the most intelligent comment I saw said his face looks like he is sitting on a toilet.

This forum is mainly farang pointing out how bad Thais are at running their own country. We don't care if you like what we say or not. Right and wrong never affect what you people do anyway : only what you can scam at the end of it.

And we would never vote someone like Pheu-Thai into power in the first place. They would already be in prison.

[Cuchulainn]

Hope the Shinawatra family lose everything, they stole billions from the Thai people and it's faltering economy.

+1

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

"On his @thaksinlive Instagram account, the fugitive former prime minister said he was wearing a red shirt to show moral support for those who love democracy and seek justice.

In contrast to her brother, Yingluck wore a grey blouse as she posed for a photo with her son posted on her Facebook, and said nothing linked to the campaign."

Yes, Taksin is so brave to wear a red shirt as he cowers and runs from the law. He is happy to dip her deeper in the brown stuff by thumbing his nose at the charges against his sister by trying to encourage others to wear red (but if you don't pay your bogus supporters, you have any support).

She is at least smart enough not to keep poking the tiger and doesn't wear red but her caddy is happy to take that risk for her.

what a piece of human dung he is.

[scorecard]

Get rid of Thaksin regime in full swing and as scripted. As for reconciliation, it has never been in the script from the beginning.

Reconciliation you say. I've posted dozens of messages asking folks like you to give more information on what you believe 'reconciliation' really means, what would be the specific objective of reconciliation, what it would look like, what would the process be, who would be involved, what would we see specifically as successful reconciliation? etc.

So far never one response. Please share your thoughts on this.

[scorecard]

Chalerm is going to testify for her?

Did I read that right?

Will he be sober?

Will he make any comment which has specific facts etc?

The mind boggles, good lawyers would never put people on the stand where there is a possibility they will put their foot in their mouth / make outlandish or threatening statements, etc., etc., etc.

Can't wait.

[scorecard]

Here is an oxymoron: Thaksin & Democracy.

He was never a democrat and in his early years never used this word at all. He has no idea what it is or what it means.

Indeed, I believe that the idea of "fighting for democracy" was first suggested to him by his advisers, including Robert Amsterdam, because until then the reds had no central ideology apart from a 'love' of Thaksin. 'Democracy' gave them a hook on which to hang a campaign and a smokescreen behind which the autocrat Thaksin could hide.

Don't call me anti-Thaksin because that's an over-simplification. I am anti- liars and cheats and people who treat poor people in a nasty and manipulative way so that can use them for their own ends and personal wealth.

Agree.

'...the reds had no central ideology...' Excellent point, and they still have no manifesto.

[Pib]

Why o why does it take soooooo long for the Thai courts to hear cases? Start in January finish (maybe) in November?? Are they giving Khun "Moo" time to diversify her holdings? If the judgement is against her then she can plead bankruptcy and so not have to pay a sattang? And what of her cronies, are they all going to walk free?

These and other questions will probably not be answered in the next few months! Just remember the saying about "back scratching".

When it comes to court cases against politicians, wealthy people, HiSo's, celebrities, etc., trials almost always take a long time to begin and end. In fact, in many cases they take so long to begin because that politician, HiSo, etc., is during a whole variety of things to delay the court action. Longer it takes to come to trial the less likelihood of a ruling against them, the public lose interest, witnesses forget what they know, etc. But for a court action against a LoSo it seems those begin and end very promptly and not in the LoSo's favor. TIT

[slapout]

Chalerm is going to testify for her?

Did I read that right?

Will he be sober?

Will he make any comment which has specific facts etc?

The mind boggles, good lawyers would never put people on the stand where there is a possibility they will put their foot in their mouth / make outlandish or threatening statements, etc., etc., etc.

Can't wait.

I Hope they ask him what he spent the 10''s of million baht in addition money he requesteded to furnish police..? personel to verify, monitor, and protect the rice in warehouses throughout the nation from any theft/ losses, etc.

This man and his whole nest of snakes, sons, cronies, etc should all have their <deleted> thrown in jail just for being a blight on society and public eye sores.

[Eric Loh]

Get rid of Thaksin regime in full swing and as scripted. As for reconciliation, it has never been in the script from the beginning.

Reconciliation you say. I've posted dozens of messages asking folks like you to give more information on what you believe 'reconciliation' really means, what would be the specific objective of reconciliation, what it would look like, what would the process be, who would be involved, what would we see specifically as successful reconciliation? etc.

So far never one response. Please share your thoughts on this.

Does it matter what my reconciliation means or even you? What matters is the big guy defination and what he has done to support and drive that mission. He said "it is about cooling political passion and get the people back to common trust and respect". Have you seen that happening? People are more divided by his words and action today.

Ok, maybe he is to busy with other important nation matters. More than a year ago, he hand picked his trusted Lt. General Kampanart to form the Reconciliation Center for Reform (RCR) and he promised detail plans in few weeks time. To- date, have anyone heard of RCR or their plans? It's over a year, what are the tangible achievements. I can tell you that there is none. This is just another smoke that he blew just after the coup and really not in his agenda. Sounds good though.

[Eric Loh]

She will have to pay for,what was her brothers great idea,

not his first idea that ended up costing the country dearly,

it was easy for him to run his business that was an monopoly,

but in the real world he did not look so good.

Her defense could be "I was only following orders "

regards Worgeordie

Will you comment similarly to a direct subsidy to rubber farmers costing the country 13 B Baht ? The cabinet approval was fast too as most just follow orders.

[Srikcir]

"Political observers see the campaign as an attempt to test the popularity of support for the Shinawatras and the Pheu Thai party"

What real kind of test can there be with Prayut threatening Article 44 to arrest everybody at the first sign of meaningful support? The only test was to the effectiveness of the Prayut regime to squelch freedom of speech - he passed with the higest grade in the class.

[steven100]

I think it's been a good job done by the general to go after them also !!

[scorecard]

Get rid of Thaksin regime in full swing and as scripted. As for reconciliation, it has never been in the script from the beginning.

Reconciliation you say. I've posted dozens of messages asking folks like you to give more information on what you believe 'reconciliation' really means, what would be the specific objective of reconciliation, what it would look like, what would the process be, who would be involved, what would we see specifically as successful reconciliation? etc.

So far never one response. Please share your thoughts on this.

Does it matter what my reconciliation means or even you? What matters is the big guy defination and what he has done to support and drive that mission. He said "it is about cooling political passion and get the people back to common trust and respect". Have you seen that happening? People are more divided by his words and action today.

Ok, maybe he is to busy with other important nation matters. More than a year ago, he hand picked his trusted Lt. General Kampanart to form the Reconciliation Center for Reform (RCR) and he promised detail plans in few weeks time. To- date, have anyone heard of RCR or their plans? It's over a year, what are the tangible achievements. I can tell you that there is none. This is just another smoke that he blew just after the coup and really not in his agenda. Sounds good though.

So you avoid an answer to an important and valid question. Why do you avoid an answer?

Strange since you regularly mention reconciliation one would expect that you know what it means and you can discuss it with specifics.

But it's obvious you can't discuss it. So again you divert.

Then you add two more diversion paragraphs.

IMHO reconciliation means that everybody is following the law (that especially means politicians), and speaks and operates with morals and with respect and concern for others, and the law is applied equally to all.

Go right ahead twist that into whatever you want, no doubt you will. Her's a clue, why don't you restart with a claim that's it's all politically motivated.

Edited November 3, 2015 by scorecard

[Eric Loh]

Get rid of Thaksin regime in full swing and as scripted. As for reconciliation, it has never been in the script from the beginning.

Reconciliation you say. I've posted dozens of messages asking folks like you to give more information on what you believe 'reconciliation' really means, what would be the specific objective of reconciliation, what it would look like, what would the process be, who would be involved, what would we see specifically as successful reconciliation? etc.

So far never one response. Please share your thoughts on this.

Does it matter what my reconciliation means or even you? What matters is the big guy defination and what he has done to support and drive that mission. He said "it is about cooling political passion and get the people back to common trust and respect". Have you seen that happening? People are more divided by his words and action today.

Ok, maybe he is to busy with other important nation matters. More than a year ago, he hand picked his trusted Lt. General Kampanart to form the Reconciliation Center for Reform (RCR) and he promised detail plans in few weeks time. To- date, have anyone heard of RCR or their plans? It's over a year, what are the tangible achievements. I can tell you that there is none. This is just another smoke that he blew just after the coup and really not in his agenda. Sounds good though.

So you avoid an answer to an important and valid question. Why do you avoid an answer?

Strange since you regularly mention reconciliation one would expect that you know what it means and you can discuss it with specifics.

But it's obvious you can't discuss it. So again you divert.

Then you add two more diversion paragraphs.

IMHO reconciliation means that everybody is following the law (that especially means politicians), and speaks and operates with morals and with respect and concern for others, and the law is applied equally to all.

Go right ahead twist that into whatever you want, no doubt you will. Her's a clue, why don't you restart with a claim that's it's all politically motivated.

Chuckle at your meaning of reconciliation as though you seriously think that coup is legal. Yes, the coup was politically motivated as in previous 19 coups. Only a fool will think it was a spontaneous and filled with good intention by Prayuth and only a fool will think he did this by himself. Now I am have said what I want to say.

[ianf]

I cannot agree with anything Eric Loh says or his strange use of the English language.

However, he raises a good point by asking about reconciliation..

What is reconciliation? Who first used the term in this context?

In my opinion in Thailand it is as useless a term as 'democracy'.

I think it is meant to indicate a state where there is mutual respect between two or more factions. In accounting it means an agreed balance between debit and credit.

It is a word that has been repeatedly misused by the red faction and their leader just as they misuse the word 'democracy'.

The good General uses the term in a slightly naive way, don't you think?

Really they should drop this word and concept. Rather they should talk about what democracy means and how it works in practice. In a good democracy there is an acceptance that the various sides within a political spectrum have a right to their opinion and allow each other to campaign and seek votes on the basis of their reasoned arguments or policies. That hasn't happened in Thailand. Rather, as we saw in the elections before last, the Reds thought that campaigning for votes meant denying a voice to the opposition. This was manifestly displayed around the country. Bar a few isolated episodes, the Democrats behaved a lot better and allowed the Reds to Campaign in their (Democrat) strongholds.

If there was a good understanding of democracy, in both theory and practice, then there would be absolutely no need to continually drag up this term 'reconciliation'. Yes, that's right. No need for reconciliation if you have democracy.

Sadly, Thaksin would never accept this position. Because whatever happens he'll still be behind the scenes trying to claim this country for his own personal benefit. He's an Autocrat, not a democrat. And autocrats don't reconcile with anything or anyone!

[lewy67]

So any government official doing any sort of investigation into the rice pledging scheme has been granted an amnesty and can fabricate find against the accused without any risk of facing any kinds of checks and balances because of the, 'enabling act,' section 44. That's not a problem as we all know how honest and honourable Thai officials are. No matter how bad any previous administration was this current government is by definition of actions by far the most criminal and extreme.

Been a long time since we have seen a decent show trial. Looking forward to seeing the civilised worlds reaction to it.