Thaksin Accused By Assets Examination Committee On Deals

[slapout]

Maybe the junta understands Thai Politics and politicians better than most people. The thief caught in the house can be dealt with quickly and harshly, once he is off the premises its a whole new game, many people who try to do the right thing seem to have a lot of problems after the fact, disappear, suicide, trucks run over them, stray shots fired by unknown persons, etc.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's plan to avoid the court cases:

1.Change the constitution to render legal proceedings void.

2.Transfer, intimidate or threaten any official invloved in the judicial process seen as unfriendly to Thaksin.

The problem for Thaksin is the Democrats and PAD have seen through his game for a long time now.

Just face the courts like a real man please.

More on the intimidation front....

Police Say Arrest Warrant on Ex-DSI Chief is Legitimate

Police confirmed the arrest warrant on the Department of Special Investigation's former director-general in the libel lawsuit filed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is legitimate.

Deputy Commissioner of the Region One Police, Police Major General Kamrob Panyakaew, as well as the Commander of Ayuttaya Police Office, announced that the issue of the arrest warrant on the former DSI director-general was legitimate.

Former DSI chief Sunai Manomai-udom is called to report to police in the libel case, in which former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra accused him of hurting his reputation :D in the probe on his alleged corruption cases.

Police authorities confirmed the arrest warrant is part of the legal procedure, because Sunai has failed to report himself to the police to be notified of his allegation.

The deputy commissioner added that the police have been informed that the former DSI chief would report himself soon, but has yet to identify the exact date and time.

The Ayuttaya Police Commander also denied previous reports that officers planned to arrest Sunai upon his return from abroad at Suwannabhumi Airport. Police also confirmed they would not make any arrest on the former DSI chief anywhere. Last night, PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul scrutinized the libel lawsuit against the former director-general.

The Manager Group founder said the ousted premier filed the lawsuit at an Ayuttaya Police Station which is under the supervision of Thaksin's cadet classmate Lieutenant Police General Chalor Choowong.

Moreover, Sondhi criticized the court for approving an arrest warrant for the former DSI chief, although the case is a misdemeanor and Sunai was a high-ranking official.

Sondhi compared the court's judgment with that in the case of resigned PM Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair who is charged with lese majeste, but was not penalized for failing to report to police.

The veteran media man stated that such actions signified the rise of what he called a "Police State" and that, with police serving politicians, social destruction will slowly approach.

- Thailand Outlook

[Tony Clifton]

Thaksin is really defiantly pushing it to the limit even though he`s already deep enough in sh!t, his very own sh!t, no one elses. At the same time, he creates his own paranoia and then has the nerve to say even more stupid sh!t like this while abroad :

Thaksin: "Just now, my wife asks me to stay away and, if I have to go to Thailand, not to stay for long. We have intelligence that there may be more danger." He has survived three car bomb attacks and six assassination attempts . "I should be a man who drives around in a nice sports car, not an armoured car," he adds with a smile. Even here, almost five hours of flying from his home, the Lincoln Navigators of his security unit skillfully flank Thaksin's car on his way to a business meeting.

He spits on his own country while abroad because it serves him, and him only even though his family still reside there.

A coward and a traitor.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin foe reinstated by Judicial Commission

The Judicial Commission has approved the reinstatement of Sunai Manomai-udom, former Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), to the Court of Justice in a move to ease political pressure. Sarawut Benjathikul, Deputy Secretary-General at the Office of the Judiciary, said that while the commission has endorsed Sunai's reinstatement, it has yet to consider what position he will take. The Office of the Judiciary will propose a position for Sunai and submit it to the commission for consideration at its next meeting, he said. Sunai has asked to be transferred back to the Court of Justice after being removed as head of the DSI and appointed to head the Office for the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption in the State Sector, a new agency under the Justice Ministry. Sunai yesterday welcomed the news of his reinstatement and thanked the commission for their trust and confidence in his ability. Sunai played an important role in investigating the ousted PM's alleged concealment of shares in the Shinawatra family firm, SC Asset Corporation Plc, when he headed the DSI.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/10Jun2008_news09.php

[sriracha john]

Another blow to Thaksin's manipulative attempts...

Court revokes arrest warrant for Sunai

The Appeals Court revoked an arrest warrant for former Director-General of Department of Special of Investigation (DSI) Sunai Manomai-udom, who faces a defamation complaint brought by former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. According to Mr Sunai's lawyer Vichien Rujithamrongkul, the court said Mr Sunai shows no attempt to escape the country. He has also contributed a great deal to the society. The decision is against the lower court, which viewed the necessity to keep the arrest warrant for him. In his previous capacity as the DSI Chief, Mr Sunai played an important role in investigating Thaksin's alleged concealment of shares in SC Asset Corp when he was the prime minister.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128165

===========================================================================

Ironically, Thaksin was a no-show at HIS court date and should have his bail revoked.

[sriracha john]

Suriya main suspect in AEC report

The Assets Examination Committee yesterday filed an investigation report for prosecution review, naming former Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit as the principal suspect in alleged graft violations relating to the electrification and electrical fibre-optic tunnel construction at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Public prosecutors have 30 days to decide whether to try Suriya and myriad fellow suspects, including former Transport Permanent Secretary Srisook Chandrangsu, the Airports of Thailand executive board, plus officials involved in setting the design specifications and benchmark price.

Twenty-one contractors, subcontractors and suppliers are also on the list of suspects.

The AEC has accused Suriya of lapse of duty in his supervision of the project and recommends his prosecution under Article 157 of the Criminal Code. Other suspects face varying graft charges covering malfeasance, bidding collusion and fraud. Deputy Attorney-General Waiyawut Lohtrakul has been appointed to head the review panel.

In a related development, the AEC has no plans to cancel its order to freeze the assets of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is fighting graft charges, even though its term of office will expire on June 30, spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said. The impound order will remain enforced pending the outcome of the judicial review on the matter, he said.

- The Nation (today)

[hammered]

I wonder what the government plan to do about the CTX case. Surely they cant just get the attorney-general to say not enough evidence as seems to be their current line on any case. The evidence form the US cant just disappear I assume. This one has to end up in court unless there is massive and blatant politcal manipulation. It will be a good test of the independence of the Thai judicial system, and we shoudl rememeber that this case is not one that can be spun as a stitch up by a Junta. Nice test case that will show us something about the strength of democratic institutions in Thailand.

[sriracha john]

I wonder what the government plan to do about the CTX case. Surely they cant just get the attorney-general to say not enough evidence as seems to be their current line on any case. The evidence form the US cant just disappear I assume. This one has to end up in court unless there is massive and blatant politcal manipulation. It will be a good test of the independence of the Thai judicial system, and we shoudl rememeber that this case is not one that can be spun as a stitch up by a Junta. Nice test case that will show us something about the strength of democratic institutions in Thailand.

We must all pull together to solve our problems

On Wednesday evening at the Chitrlada Palace, His Majesty the King granted an audience to new judges serving the Constitution Court and Administrative Court.

They took an oath of office. They all swore before the King to pursue their judgeship with honesty and integrity.

His Majesty gave the judges his blessing. He also called on them to perform their duty to the utmost to prevent the country from sliding into calamity.

In his speech to the judges of the Administrative Court, the King said: "If you don't perform your duties well enough, it also means that HM the King is not performing his duties well enough. Before this, we had a lot of turmoil. Now don't let more turmoil happen again."

"If we do not do what we have sworn to do, it would create problems. Therefore, you have to be strict with yourself and become stronger in doing your duty, which is performed under the Royal Signature. This means that what His Majesty is doing, you have to do as he does. If you don't perform to your utmost, you'll be in trouble."

"You can foresee what's going to happen. If you don't do or don't help to resolve the problem, not only the four or five of you will be in trouble, everyone will face trouble too. If we're in trouble, we won't get good results. Bad results will bring about calamity. We have already faced calamity before. A bad result will create an even worse situation."

"In your role as Administrative Court judges, you have to help in the administration of this country. Whatever hardship you may face, I wish you success in carrying out your tasks. Let the administration [of the country] not be faced with calamity. Let the administration carry on successfully."

"Since you are knowledgeable and have studied your field, you know what to do. Millions of people will suffer if you fail in your duty. I wish you every success. You have to use your skills and your knowledge in order to succeed in your assignment. Then you'll be able to feel proud of yourselves. HM the King will also feel proud of you."

"If you fail, the work of The King will also be affected. I would like you to have strong determination in what you are doing. Millions of Thais will feel proud of your accomplishments. Then the country will enjoy progress. The benefits will fall on everybody."

I translated HM the King's speech from Thai into English and italicised some of the important sentences. You can feel that His Majesty is very concerned about the situation of the country at the moment. At the same time, you also learn of the uniqueness of Thailand's administration, which has the Monarchy as the symbolic head of all branches of government.

"Therefore, you have to be strict with yourself and become stronger with your duty, which is performed under the Royal Signature. This means that what the HM the King is doing, you have to do like him." By this remark, you come to appreciate the fact that since the Judiciary is performing its duty in the justice system under the auspicious Royal Signature, it has to abide by the highest values of justice as obligated by His Majesty himself. I have found no other beautiful phrase to describe the special symbolic bond between the Monarch and the Judiciary -

"What HM the King is doing, you have to do like him."

Another meaningful remark from His Majesty is: "You have to use your tools and your knowledge in order to succeed in your assignment. Then you'll feel proud with yourself. The King will also feel proud with you." This means that if the Judiciary performs its duty with sound knowledge and the value of justice for all, it will not only create pride for itself but also for the Monarchy.

Finally, HM the King warned that: "If you fail, the work of the King will also face calamity." It means that His Majesty alone can't restore peace and normalcy to the country if other branches of government fail to do their job adequately.

HM the King's speech reflects a unique symbol, the relationship between the Monarchy and other branches of government and the Thai people. More often than not, foreigners and many Thais also do not quite grasp the role of the Monarchy. But as HM the King told Thai diplomats several weeks ago, "We are Thais. Foreigners might look at us as satpralad (strange monster). But we're still Thai."

In this respect, we as Thais may have big problems, but we must solve them in our own way rather than borrowing textbooks from other countries.

- The Nation / 13-06-08

===============================================================================

LONG LIVE THE KING

[sriracha john]

Anti-graft agency to lodge criminal charges against ex-PM Thaksin

BANGKOK, June 15 (TNA) -- The Assets Examination Committee is preparing to directly lodge criminal charges against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra with the Supreme Court after the Office of the Attorney General had earlier rejected forwarding them in the first place.

AEC member Bancherd Singhaneti, who headed a subcommittee investigating the charges against Mr. Thaksin involving the excise tax benefits inappropriately provided for his telecom businesses, said his colleagues were scheduled to meet again Monday to discuss plans to directly sue the ex-premier and his family with the Supreme Court in charge of cases involving persons with political status.

Meanwhile, the assets-probe body will also directly file a separate lawsuit involving the questionable rubber saplings project implemented by the previous Thaksin government after the Office of the Attorney General had earlier dropped the charges.

Mr. Bancherd said all charges prepared by the AEC against the ex-premier and others would be further carried out by the National Counter-Corruption Commission after the term of the asset probe panel, set up by the coup leaders who had ousted Mr. Thaksin in the 2006 bloodless coup, expires at the end of this month.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin faces criminal rap

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra will likely be charged with breaking laws related to corruption and abuse of power in connection with the Win Mark share concealment case being handled by the ASC. An ASC source said the sub-panel chaired by Klanarong Chantik will likely recommend the committee charge Thaksin with the two criminal offences. Thaksin and his wife Potjaman had held about 1.4 Billion Baht in Shin Corp shares through nominees, namely their children Panthongtae and Pinthongta; Yingluck Shinawatra, who is the younger sister of Thaksin; Bannapot Damapong, the brother of Potjaman; Ample Rich Investment Co; and Win Mark Co. Thaksin allegedly profited from policy-oriented corruption, which goes against Article 100 of the National Counter Corruption Commission law. Also, the former PM was accused of having an executive decree issued to impose a 10% excise tax on mobile phone businesses, but such businesses could deduct the tax from their concession fees. Consequently, Shin Corp's mobile phone subsidiary AIS could deduct the tax from its concession fees committed to state-owned TOT Plc. The tax allegation constitutes an outright abuse of power under Article 157 of the Criminal Code, said the source.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/16Jun2008_news14.php

[h90]

I wonder what the government plan to do about the CTX case. Surely they cant just get the attorney-general to say not enough evidence as seems to be their current line on any case. The evidence form the US cant just disappear I assume. This one has to end up in court unless there is massive and blatant politcal manipulation. It will be a good test of the independence of the Thai judicial system, and we shoudl rememeber that this case is not one that can be spun as a stitch up by a Junta. Nice test case that will show us something about the strength of democratic institutions in Thailand.

why? what evidence, the documents can't be found anymore, the translation might be wrong, everything must be reconsidered, the case forwarded to this and that place, maybe even to Santa Claus and everything can need long and everywhere parts can get lost than everything must start from the beginning......

[sriracha john]

Apparently there is literally a mountain of evidence being turned in...

THAKSIN CORRUPTION CASE

AEC submits 50,000 pages

Prosecutors need 30 days to check them; tax dept slammed

The Assets Examination Committee (AEC) yesterday submitted more than 50,000 pages to the Attorney-General's Office that it says implicates ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, son Panthongtae, and former board members of Krung Thai Bank (KTB) in alleged loan irregularities extended to the Krisda Mahanakorn Group.

It also attacked the Revenue Department for failing to collect tax related to Shin Corp from Bhanapot Damapong - stepbrother of Pojaman Shinawatra - and Panthongtae and Pinthongta Shinawatra.

The AEC, formed by the previous government to investigate corruption cases against Thaksin and supporters, is racing time to complete its investigation. On June 30, its mandate will expire, and it will have to hand over all of the corruption cases it is investigating to the National Counter Corruption Commission.

Other important cases include the Airport Link project, the procurement of fire trucks and fire boats by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Ua Athorn housing project for the poor. AEC member Sak Korsaengreung said it was also working on a case involving the "irregular" purchase of 90 million rubber saplings during the Thaksin government. This case, which still needs fine-tuning, will go for trial in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

AEC member Saowanee Assawaroj and her team made their way to the Attorney-General's Office to file the corruption case against Thaksin and 31 others in KTB's alleged irregular loan of Bt4.5 billion to Krisda Mahanakorn.

The AEC's filing consisted of 262 files in 34 boxes.

They were delivered to the Special Litigation Department headed by Seksan Bangsom-boon.

Seksan said he would report the filing of the case to Attorney-General Chaikasem Nitisiri, so that a working panel could be formed to work on it. It will take about 30 days for public prosecutors to determine whether there is enough evidence to go ahead and take on this case or to drop it altogether.

"We're not feeling any pressure, because we're only performing our duty," Seksan said.

Apart from Thaksin and Panthongtae, other individuals implicated in KTB's loan include Suchai Jaovisidha, former executive chairman of the bank; Viroj Nualkhair, former president; Matchima Kunchorn na Ayutthaya, a former board member; Kanchana Honghern, secretary to Pojaman; Wanchai Honghern, husband of Kanchan; and Manop Thivaree, father of Sitha Thivaree.

The AEC yesterday also discussed a question posed by two commercial banks that have frozen more than Bt65 billion in cash belonging to the Shinawatra family for more than a year by order of the AEC. The banks said the owners of the money had threatened to file both civil and criminal lawsuits if they were not allowed to withdraw the money.

The AEC, in a letter to Bank of Thailand Governor Tarisa Watanagase, insisted the money remain frozen while the judicial process was still underway.

- The Nation

[Tony Clifton]

Where IS Coward the Great these days?

What happened to his 99 wat tour?

Is he allowed to come and go as he pleases now that he has a diplomatic passport he doesn`t deserve?

[sriracha john]

ASC sends Krung Thai Bank loan case to prosecutors

The ASC yesterday forwarded to the Attorney-General for indictment the corruption case involving Krung Thai Bank's (KTB) approval of a 4.5-Billion-Baht loan for Krissada Mahanakhon group. The ASC charges there are irregularities in the loan involving Thaksin Shinawatra, his son Panthongtae and another 29 suspects, including some former KTB executives and people close to politicians in the disbanded Thai Rak Thai party. The ASC is accusing them of colluding to abuse their authority to cause damage to others, said Saowanee Asavaroj, who chairs the ASC sub-panel investigating the case. The ASC alleges Krisada Mahanakhon transferred the money from the bank to an account belonging to Thaksin's son Panthongtae.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/17Jun2008_news17.php

[sriracha john]

Like so many of Thaksin's schemes... poorly thought out... rushed through... and corruptively administered...

Dropouts force big rethink of ODOS

Minister says scheme cannot go on like this

The new version of the One District One Scholarship (ODOS) project will draw up stricter rules for its scholars after nearly 100 students from the project's first two years gave up their decision to pursue an overseas degree and returned to Thailand.

"We may make it a rule that scholars must enroll at top universities and in programmes that respond to the country's needs," Education Minister Wijit Srisa-arn said yesterday. He said such a rule would ensure that the money was well spent.

Launched by the previous administration, the ODOS project has found that many scholars from its first batch were struggling overseas.

In addition to some 90 students heading back to Thailand, 160 others were unsure whether they could complete their overseas undergraduate courses.

About 96 other grantees will also need more time than usual to complete their courses.

When asked why the students could not live up to expectations, Wijit said scholars in their first year were not properly prepared as they were rushed into going abroad.

"Some are children of political canvassers," he added, hinting that they might not be the cream of the provinces.

Wijit said most of the students who had returned to Thailand had now chosen to pursue a university degree in social sciences at private universities in Thailand. "This is not the field the country needs," he said.

Since the interim government came to power late last year, it has renamed the ODOS project the Community Development Scholarship project.

The project will reduce the number of scholars each year and will search for more "qualified" candidates.

Wijit has now asked the Office of the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the Higher Education Commission to draw up detailed reports on the scholars' choices of higher-educational institutes and their fields of study.

"It will not be worth it if the scholars enroll in unwanted courses at substandard institutes," he said.

He said the scholarships were intended to ensure that brilliant students received education at great institutes so that they could make a contribution to the country's development.

Although the scholarship does not require the students to offer their services to the government after their graduation, they are required to return to Thailand.

- The Nation

I wonder which party they canvass for and I wonder how other peole's ID cards they are currently holding.

Under the previous government, the program was suspended and scheduled for serious and very necessary revamping.... Now with the current government, it's full steam ahead with Thaksin's "scheme"... with his brother-in-law running the 3-card Monte game...

Scholarship scheme to be dusted off

The Education Ministry will dust off the One-District-One-Scholarship (ODOS) scheme in the next academic year with a total of 926 scholarships offered to students from poor families. Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat said the scheme, suspended by the Surayud government last year, would be revived. The cabinet is expected to consider the plan to restart the scheme in the next two weeks. Somchai said once resumed, the ODOS policy would give scholarships to its third batch of recipients since the programme was first started by the Thaksin administration in 2004. About 5.5 Billion Baht from the sale of the digit lottery tickets will be used to finance the scheme, which will be re-launched in May next year.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/210608_News/21Jun2008_news07.php

[jumnien]

Wouldn't it save everyone a lot of time if Sonthi, Chamlong and his dogs and Chuwit marched with the PAD thugs and took out the Election Commission and installed themselves as judge and jury?

[Plus]

Off topic trolling.

[nomoretalksin]

Wouldn't it save everyone a lot of time if Sonthi, Chamlong and his dogs and Chuwit marched with the PAD thugs and took out the Election Commission and installed themselves as judge and jury?

Sunrise, I just wonder what kind of system you support, here in Thailand? Democratical elected government (with vote-buying), whitewashing and further supporting crimes? I really just wonder what you guys want? Anarchy in Thailand? Don't you guys think it's time to fight for the right, and move on later on, once the people accused face justice? What's wrong with that? Please explain more serious, so we can debate and not attack each other, like many Thai people do currently. Let's stick to discussions on this TV! Ok?

[plachon]

Wouldn't it save everyone a lot of time if Sonthi, Chamlong and his dogs and Chuwit marched with the PAD thugs and took out the Election Commission and installed themselves as judge and jury?

Sunrise, I just wonder what kind of system you support, here in Thailand? Democratical elected government (with vote-buying), whitewashing and further supporting crimes? I really just wonder what you guys want? Anarchy in Thailand? Don't you guys think it's time to fight for the right, and move on later on, once the people accused face justice? What's wrong with that? Please explain more serious, so we can debate and not attack each other, like many Thai people do currently. Let's stick to discussions on this TV! Ok?

Rational debate I'm afraid is impossible for somebody like Sunrise, who is either paid to write the noxious rubbish he does, or is so deeply embroiled in the Toxin camp, that if that house of cards falls, then his/her meal ticket is torn up. Either way, he/she is not able to engage on real issues from a rational perspective, so better not to bother with him/her.

[Meerkat]

Surprised this hasn't been posted yet:

Thaksin cases facing collapse

Constitutionality of charter questioned

KING-OUA LAOHONG

The Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) has admitted that it is highly likely all the corruption investigation cases against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his cabinet will collapse due to the questionable constitutionality of the 2007 charter.

Continued in the Bangkok Post.

Pretty frightening that they're admitting it themselves. Not sure what all the ins and outs mean, but the ramifications could be bleak.

[hammered]

Surprised this hasn't been posted yet:

Thaksin cases facing collapse

Constitutionality of charter questioned

KING-OUA LAOHONG

The Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) has admitted that it is highly likely all the corruption investigation cases against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his cabinet will collapse due to the questionable constitutionality of the 2007 charter.

Continued in the Bangkok Post.

Pretty frightening that they're admitting it themselves. Not sure what all the ins and outs mean, but the ramifications could be bleak.

It has the potential to worsen the whole divide. Certainly any of those thinking it would all play out through the courts in a fair and open manner are going to seemingly see that option disappear.

[ando]

Perhaps PAD and the Democrats should propose amending the constitution?

I have a feeling it ain't over yet though.

[hammered]

Perhaps PAD and the Democrats should propose amending the constitution?

I have a feeling it ain't over yet though.

I have a feeling it could get a lot messier yet

[sriracha john]

Thaksin faces 12 graft cases as Thai probe winds up

BANGKOK - An anti-graft body said Monday it has completed investigations into 12 cases against the billionaire's government.

After 19 months of work, only three cases have made it to court and no convictions have been won. The panel's mandate expires in one week, raising questions about what would happen to the outstanding cases against Thaksin.

AEC member Kaewsan Atibodhi told Thai television on Monday that nine more investigations were now complete and ready for the courts, and that only one case remains open.

"Almost every case has begun the judicial process -- they are either in court or being considered by prosecutors," Kaewsan said.

The remaining case, which centres on alleged corruption in the purchase of equipment for a government food lab, will be referred to the National Counter Corruption Commission, he added.

Nearly $2 billion of Thaksin's assets have been frozen pending the outcome of the corruption cases.

Thaksin's allies swept back into power in elections in December, but the new government led by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is now accused of trying to shelter the billionaire politician from the corruption cases.

- AFP (today)

[hammered]

Thaksin faces 12 graft cases as Thai probe winds up

BANGKOK - An anti-graft body said Monday it has completed investigations into 12 cases against the billionaire's government.

After 19 months of work, only three cases have made it to court and no convictions have been won. The panel's mandate expires in one week, raising questions about what would happen to the outstanding cases against Thaksin.

AEC member Kaewsan Atibodhi told Thai television on Monday that nine more investigations were now complete and ready for the courts, and that only one case remains open.

"Almost every case has begun the judicial process -- they are either in court or being considered by prosecutors," Kaewsan said.

The remaining case, which centres on alleged corruption in the purchase of equipment for a government food lab, will be referred to the National Counter Corruption Commission, he added.

Nearly $2 billion of Thaksin's assets have been frozen pending the outcome of the corruption cases.

Thaksin's allies swept back into power in elections in December, but the new government led by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is now accused of trying to shelter the billionaire politician from the corruption cases.

- AFP (today)

I thought it was mentioned yesterday they were all likely to fall on a constitutional issue. Quite confusing.

[sriracha john]

Anti-graft body to file more criminal suits against Thaksin

BANGKOK, June 25 (TNA) - Thailand's Assets Examination Committee (AEC) will file more criminal suits against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Kaewsan Atibhodi, an AEC member, said in the first case, the agency's subcommittee had found there was grounds to seek legal action against the ex-premier for illegally concealing a controlling stake in telecom conglomerate Shin Corp under the name of his siblings during both his two tenures as prime minister.

Such an action, Mr.Kaewsan said, violated the anti-graft panel's law, which could mean the former premier faced a maximum imprisonment of 3 years.

In a separate suit, the AEC found Thaksin had violated the law by ordering government agencies to come up with a formula to convert telecoms concession fees into excise tax, a move which was thereafter gazetted.

According to Mr Kaewsan, the AEC would stand accused of negligence should it fail to lodge the second suit.

The probe agency will present all documents to the Attorney-General by Friday for it is to consider pressing charges.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin faces charges over Shin shares

The ASC yesterday resolved to press criminal charges against Thaksin Shinawatra for holding Shin Corp shares while in office and having a tax imposed that favoured his telecom company. The ASC found that Thaksin retained his Shin Corp shares through his son and siblings during his two terms as PM. The holding of the shares while in office violates Article 100 of the National Counter Corruption Commission Act and is punishable with a jail term of up to three years. The ASC also said it has evidence to prove that Thaksin had government mechanisms change telecom concession fees into an excise tax in favour of Shin's subsidiary, AIS. The tax did not affect AIS as it could be deducted from its concession fee, but new players could not enter the business as the tax was set as high as 49.5%. The ASC will meet tonight to consider two more alleged corruption cases under the Thaksin administration. They concern a contract to supply 90 million rubber saplings to the state and a 4-billion-baht loan through the Exim Bank of Thailand for telecommunications development in

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/260608_News/26Jun2008_news09.php

[sriracha john]

Assets examiners to file corruption charges against ex-PM Thaksin, two others

BANGKOK, June 27 (TNA) -- In late hour actions before its mandate expires June 30, Thailand's Assets Examination Committee (AEC) will file corruption charges against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and two other former Thai Rak Thai party members on Friday.

Established under the aegis of the 2006 military coup makers, the assets committee is moving to complete a several outstanding cases and to transfer ongoing investigations to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC).

AEC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said AEC representatives will lodge two suits with the Supreme Court relating to the procurement of 90 million rubber saplings and to a loan extended by the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank) to the Myanmar government.

Wrapping up its mandate of investigating malfeasance during Thaksin's premiership, the AEC will file additional cases with the court in which Thaksin will be the sole defender on charges of the former premier holding shares in a telecom company while in office; and his executive order to convert telecoms concession fees into excise duties.

At its meeting Wednesday, the AEC also found evidence that bribery had taken place in the implementation of a low-cost housing project, in which those accused of wrongdoing are former Social Development and Human Security Minister Wattana Muangsuk, former Thai Rak Thai Party MP Arisman Pongruangrong and private companies involved in the project. Evidence of this case will be presented to the Office of the Attorney-General for legal proceedings.

As its mandate expires on June 30, the AEC has resolved to transfer investigation into several other projects to the National Counter Corruption Commission.

[sriracha john]

AEC files suit against Thaksin over Ex-Im Bank loan

The Assets Examination Committee Friday filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, accusing him with abusing of authority to approve 4 Billion Baht to Burma.

The AEC had its lawyer file the suit with the Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holders at 11 am.

The AEC alleged that Thaksin abused his authority to have the Bank for Import and Export approve a soft loan of 4 Billion Baht to Burma to benefit Shin Corp, then owned by Thaksin's family.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

and yet another case of Thaksin's corruption goes to the court that's so fond of Thaksin's brigade of lawyers...

AEC files charges against 47 persons over alleged corruption in rubber seedlings

The Assets Examination Committee Friday filed a suit with Supreme Court alleging 47 persons, including former members of the Thaksin Cabinet, with involvement in corruption in the purchase of 1.44 Billion Baht of rubber seedlings.

The suit was filed with the Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holders at 2 pm.

The suspects included former Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripithak, former Deputy Finance Minister Warathep Rattanakron, former Agriculture Minister Sora-at Klinprathoom, and former Commerce Minister Adisai Potharamik.

- The Nation