Court accepts Thaksin’s complaint on passports

[Jonathan Fairfield]

POLITICS

Court accepts Thaksin’s complaint on passports

THE NATION

BANGKOK:-- THE CENTRAL Administrative Court yesterday accepted a complaint filed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra against the Foreign Ministry’s permanent secretary and the consular affairs director-general for revoking his passports, Thaksin’s lawyer said.

Wattana Tiengkul was speaking after attending a hearing at the court with the defendants. Permanent Secretary Apichart Chinwanno sent a representative while Consular Affairs chief Thongchai Chasawat attended the hearing, he said.

Thaksin filed a complaint after the Foreign Ministry revoked his passports - No U957411 and Z530117 - in May as it claimed that some of his interviews negatively affected national security. It is currently being investigated to find the legal grounds to charge him.

After the order, Thaksin appealed to the ministry which however stood by its decision. The former premier claimed the revocation of his passports had badly affected him.

Wattana said the hearing lasted for about an hour and the court heard evidence from both sides. The court ordered that Thaksin's witness - former vice foreign minister Jullapong Nonsrichai - to document his testimony and submit it to the court within seven days.

"Now we have to wait and see whether the court will issue an injunction to reverse the revocation or not," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Court-accepts-Thaksins-complaint-on-passports-30275570.html

-- The Nation 2015-12-24

[NongKhaiKid]

Can we take it he was ordered to appear in person ?

[dean008]

I thought he was a wanted fugitive, and am surprised the courts accept complaints from any criminals on the run

[leeneeds]

Please come back home and we will re issue them once you have done your time,

[anon467848]

Only in the 'land of smiles' does a felon, who has fled the country, still have legal rights.

Surprised the Junta didn't laugh Thaksin's request out of court.

[Tatsujin]

Only in the 'land of smiles' does a felon, who has fled the country, still have legal rights.

Surprised the Junta didn't laugh Thaksin's request out of court.

Not only in the land of smiles, criminals still have "rights", same as everyone else, in every "developed" country.

I agree however, that if someone is bringing a case against someone else in Court, they should actually BE in the Court.

[ChrisY1]

I thought he was a wanted fugitive, and am surprised the courts accept complaints from any criminals on the run

Just a small part of why the Thai justice system is so broken.......and no doubt it's cost him to have his case heard......!

[chainarong]

To have one's passport removed from the country of origin is a very serious move, I am not siding with anyone here but those that withdrew the P/P did they realize the implications on doing so or was it the in thing to do , also even if Khun Thaksin wanted to return he has no passport to do so , unless he uses the one he now has, going by this theory he no longer is a citizen of Thailand and cannot be arrested or chased by Interpol. ..............................................................

[SOTIRIOS]

......go figure.....

[trogers]

? precedent cannot be set until a court issues a ruling...

[TKDfella]

I think other posters have said most and I just feel that Thaksin is trying to make the present government look like idiots in that he can have at least, part of his case heard without being present. To be continued...no doubt, Ha!

[ratcatcher]

To have one's passport removed from the country of origin is a very serious move, I am not siding with anyone here but those that withdrew the P/P did they realize the implications on doing so or was it the in thing to do , also even if Khun Thaksin wanted to return he has no passport to do so , unless he uses the one he now has, going by this theory he no longer is a citizen of Thailand and cannot be arrested or chased by Interpol. ..............................................................

".......going by this theory he no longer is a citizen of Thailand......."

I don't think revoking his passport makes any difference to his citizenship. Thaksin was born in Thailand and is thus a Thai citizen by birth.

[exbikey]

'Court acceptsThaksins complaint on passports'

"... After the order, Thaksin appealed to the ministry which however stood by its decision. The former premier claimed the revocation of his passports had badly affected him."

I seem to recall (possibly wrong) that TS claimed at the time that it was no problem for him. Now I don't mind admitting I'm not the handiest of using the Internet search facilities but a quick search found the following excerpt from an interview between SPIEGEL on line dated April 20, 2009

"SPIEGEL: The government has stripped you of your passport - - how do you travel now?

Thaksin: I have passports from other countries. Friends and leaders from many countries have offered me honorary citizenship, a passport or travel documents. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega is strongly behind me and his country has given me a diplomatic passport"

I would have thought that for jetting around the world he would be affected less with that array of passports etc. than he would have been with a Thai passport.

Maybe some of the more computer literate TVF members could find other comments from TS contradicting his statement to the Thai courts?

[Thaddeus]

Thaksin’s lawyer said.

Legally rock solid case then.

[Srikcir]

Thaksin’s lawyer said.

Legally rock solid case then.

More rock solid than the cause for revoking Thaksin's passport - possiblility that his interviews negatively affected national security. As admitted by Consular Affairs chief Thongchai Chasawat, it is investigating to find the legal grounds to charge him. Therefore, the passport was revoked without legal grounds.

What constitutes national security? No doubt the NCPO Chief and PM Prayut, his handpicked Minister of Defense General Udomdej Sitabutr and his brother Permanent Secretary of Defense General Preecha will serve as the government's experts on the matter.

[rubl]

Thaksin’s lawyer said.

Legally rock solid case then.

More rock solid than the cause for revoking Thaksin's passport - possiblility that his interviews negatively affected national security. As admitted by Consular Affairs chief Thongchai Chasawat, it is investigating to find the legal grounds to charge him. Therefore, the passport was revoked without legal grounds.

What constitutes national security? No doubt the NCPO Chief and PM Prayut, his handpicked Minister of Defense General Udomdej Sitabutr and his brother Permanent Secretary of Defense General Preecha will serve as the government's experts on the matter.

In May Thaksin spoke in Seoul

"Thaksin has seldom commented on political affairs in public over the past year, but the former PM made waves last week after hetold a South Korean news channel that the 2014 coup makers were helped by Thailand's traditional elites."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828446-thai-govt-revokes-thaksins-passports-citing-damaging-interview/

That resulted in his passports being revoked.

Of course Surapong immediately came to the rescue

"Former foreign minister and a key member of the Pheu Thai party Mr Surapong Tovichakchaikul vowed Wednesday that he would return passports to fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra if his party is in the next government."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828618-ex-fm-surapong-vows-to-return-passports-to-thaksin-if-pheu-thai-is-in-next-govt/

Edited December 24, 2015 by rubl

[rubl]

'Court acceptsThaksins complaint on passports'

"... After the order, Thaksin appealed to the ministry which however stood by its decision. The former premier claimed the revocation of his passports had badly affected him."

I seem to recall (possibly wrong) that TS claimed at the time that it was no problem for him. Now I don't mind admitting I'm not the handiest of using the Internet search facilities but a quick search found the following excerpt from an interview between SPIEGEL on line dated April 20, 2009

"SPIEGEL: The government has stripped you of your passport - - how do you travel now?

Thaksin: I have passports from other countries. Friends and leaders from many countries have offered me honorary citizenship, a passport or travel documents. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega is strongly behind me and his country has given me a diplomatic passport"

I would have thought that for jetting around the world he would be affected less with that array of passports etc. than he would have been with a Thai passport.

Maybe some of the more computer literate TVF members could find other comments from TS contradicting his statement to the Thai courts?

Regarding passports I don't think there were many comments from Thaksin apart from a twitter message "“Come to Montenegro to renew passport due to run out of pages. Now ready to conquer the world.”"

Many more comments were made on the stripping of his rank, including a remark from Thaksin or his son like "if you think it helps reconciliation" as if that had anything to do with it.

[rubl]

Thaksin’s lawyer said.

Legally rock solid case then.

Correct. If someone like Surapong would say it it would be just a "rock solid case" of course

[ParadiseLost]

Courts? Laws? Who gives a crap here, it's he who has the most money, power, influence, the most dangerous, closely related, friend of a friend... Any other legal considerations?

Nobody has asked why the fugitive has two passports - has he been using a diplomatic passport all this time? Is he submitting expense claims for travel, accommodation as it appears he is still representing the country.

I used to be of the opinion that this man was Thailand's biggest disgrace, but lately it has become clear there are very few that are not his equal - in moral fiber terms anyway...

[billd766]

To have one's passport removed from the country of origin is a very serious move, I am not siding with anyone here but those that withdrew the P/P did they realize the implications on doing so or was it the in thing to do , also even if Khun Thaksin wanted to return he has no passport to do so , unless he uses the one he now has, going by this theory he no longer is a citizen of Thailand and cannot be arrested or chased by Interpol. ..............................................................

Not true at all.

Any Thai overseas who has to return to Thailand and has no passport can go to the Thai embassy and they will issue a temporary passport to return to Thailand.

In most countries the passport actually belongs to the country that issued it and NOT to the person to whom it was issued.

There is no theory that says he is no longer a citizen of Thailand. The only way that can happen is if he formally renounces his citizenship.

I am not sure if a fugitive or a convicted felon in Thailand (or elsewhere) is legally allowed to have a passport until their sentence has been served.

[realenglish1]

Here is a solution to all Allow him to come back It would be difficult to house him in a provincial prison system. Give him 12 to 18 months house arrest . Ban him from running in any election and this will be done .

All this bickering is not doing anyone any good and the HE SAID THEY SAID is just fueling the rift here in Thailand.

This way he gets what he wants and they get what they want a finish to this LOOOOOOOOONG political impasse that has lead to the current government that no one wants

[Baerboxer]

Thaksin’s lawyer said.

Legally rock solid case then.

More rock solid than the cause for revoking Thaksin's passport - possiblility that his interviews negatively affected national security. As admitted by Consular Affairs chief Thongchai Chasawat, it is investigating to find the legal grounds to charge him. Therefore, the passport was revoked without legal grounds.

What constitutes national security? No doubt the NCPO Chief and PM Prayut, his handpicked Minister of Defense General Udomdej Sitabutr and his brother Permanent Secretary of Defense General Preecha will serve as the government's experts on the matter.

In May Thaksin spoke in Seoul

"Thaksin has seldom commented on political affairs in public over the past year, but the former PM made waves last week after hetold a South Korean news channel that the 2014 coup makers were helped by Thailand's traditional elites."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828446-thai-govt-revokes-thaksins-passports-citing-damaging-interview/

That resulted in his passports being revoked.

Of course Surapong immediately came to the rescue

"Former foreign minister and a key member of the Pheu Thai party Mr Surapong Tovichakchaikul vowed Wednesday that he would return passports to fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra if his party is in the next government."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828618-ex-fm-surapong-vows-to-return-passports-to-thaksin-if-pheu-thai-is-in-next-govt/

Did Surapong the number 1 cousin and Yingluck the favorite sister ever answer the Ombudsman's questions on their illegal issuing of new passports to the convicted criminal fugitive? Not to mention all those 15 or so other court cases and warrants.

No of course they didn't. Yingluck asked for more time, twice and then simply ignored it. The cousin just kept schtum.

We know he had the FM especially open during the flood. But did he pay for the passports? And who paid for his plane ticket and expenses when he personally delivered them as birthday presents for the boss?

Just another example of the Shins thinking they are above all laws and treating Thailand like it's the family firm.

Come on PM, man up and stir this one up.

[Strangebrew]

Me thinks stupid people don't read what is written in passport books it states passports are property of country of orgin and can be revoked at anytime by said country or asked to be returned to country.

Edited December 24, 2015 by Strangebrew

[robertson468]

To have one's passport removed from the country of origin is a very serious move, I am not siding with anyone here but those that withdrew the P/P did they realize the implications on doing so or was it the in thing to do , also even if Khun Thaksin wanted to return he has no passport to do so , unless he uses the one he now has, going by this theory he no longer is a citizen of Thailand and cannot be arrested or chased by Interpol. ..............................................................

A very interesting and enlightening point!

[trogers]

To have one's passport removed from the country of origin is a very serious move, I am not siding with anyone here but those that withdrew the P/P did they realize the implications on doing so or was it the in thing to do , also even if Khun Thaksin wanted to return he has no passport to do so , unless he uses the one he now has, going by this theory he no longer is a citizen of Thailand and cannot be arrested or chased by Interpol. ..............................................................

A very interesting and enlightening point!

Beg to differ! International passports were withdrawn and rendered invalid, not ID cards. The privilege to travel overseas has been taken back. Citizenship is still intact as shown on the ID card.

[Baerboxer]

To have one's passport removed from the country of origin is a very serious move, I am not siding with anyone here but those that withdrew the P/P did they realize the implications on doing so or was it the in thing to do , also even if Khun Thaksin wanted to return he has no passport to do so , unless he uses the one he now has, going by this theory he no longer is a citizen of Thailand and cannot be arrested or chased by Interpol. ..............................................................

A very interesting and enlightening point!

but completely wrong on so many counts.

[peteregion]

To have one's passport removed from the country of origin is a very serious move, I am not siding with anyone here but those that withdrew the P/P did they realize the implications on doing so or was it the in thing to do , also even if Khun Thaksin wanted to return he has no passport to do so , unless he uses the one he now has, going by this theory he no longer is a citizen of Thailand and cannot be arrested or chased by Interpol. ..............................................................

Not True. The passport is a travel document and not to determine your citizenship.

If the passport is revoke, the country where you are in have to deport you back to the country of embarkation or to hold you in custody until your stated country issues you a temporary travel document

[halloween]

Here is a solution to all Allow him to come back It would be difficult to house him in a provincial prison system. Give him 12 to 18 months house arrest . Ban him from running in any election and this will be done .

All this bickering is not doing anyone any good and the HE SAID THEY SAID is just fueling the rift here in Thailand.

This way he gets what he wants and they get what they want a finish to this LOOOOOOOOONG political impasse that has lead to the current government that no one wants

Are you unaware that there are other serious charges outstanding, waiting his presence to be heard in court? He was defendant #1 in the KTB case, all other defendants were given lengthy sentences.

[LostTourist]

"Khun Thaksin"

" Chart Ma Thaksin" would be a more befitting title

In case you don't know what Chart ma means it refers to people that descend from dogs

Edited December 26, 2015 by LostTourist

[Artisi]

To have one's passport removed from the country of origin is a very serious move, I am not siding with anyone here but those that withdrew the P/P did they realize the implications on doing so or was it the in thing to do , also even if Khun Thaksin wanted to return he has no passport to do so , unless he uses the one he now has, going by this theory he no longer is a citizen of Thailand and cannot be arrested or chased by Interpol. ..............................................................

Wrong, Thaksin can return to Thailand any time he wishes, as a citizen (although not a very good one) he is free to enter Thailand without a passport.