Thailand braces itself for rice scandal ruling

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Thailand braces itself for rice scandal ruling
By The Nation

 

Calm heads needed to navigate possible turbulence

 

Last year saw an uneasy political calm, a repeat of 2015 when tension was kept largely on computer screens. But in upcoming months, the country’s suspenseful peace could be more fragile, as one of the hottest issues is expected to reach its climax. The conclusion of the rice-pledging scheme trial that directly concerns the future of ex-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has the potential to create a major uproar that could spill over from keyboards onto the streets. It will definitely be the most sensitive period politically since the 2014 coup.

 

On her birthday a few days ago, the embattled Yingluck cried. She described her life at 50 as tough and unpredictable. 

 

The tears and choked voice put an otherwise low-key birthday ceremony on front and home pages, and reminded everyone that Thailand, having scraped through the potentially explosive Dhammakaya development, has an arguably bigger bomb to defuse.

 

Next year’s general election may trigger major turbulence, but the poll can wait.  The conclusion of the rice scheme trial is a more immediate concern. If the ruling goes against Yingluck, it has a real capacity to badly damage the jugular veins of Pheu Thai, the country’s biggest political party, and the still-powerful Shinawatra clan.

 

How their mass of followers will react to a possible jail term for the ex-PM, staggering financial penalties and long-term election bans remains to be seen. To make the scenario more worrying is the near certainty that whatever the outcome of the court case, there will be widespread anger, disappointment and a feeling of injustice in the divided Thailand.

 

A lot of government officials and critics of the controversial rice scheme have testified, so have defence witnesses, many of whom served in the Yingluck Cabinet. The prosecution has presented more than 60,000 pages of documents and the testimony by Yingluck’s last witnesses are scheduled for June 29, July 7 and July 21. If things go as planned, the historic trial will wrap up in August and a ruling can be expected in September or before the end of this year.

 

Some say the rice trial would have been better off if it had taken place when Thailand has a full democracy. Others argue that such a trial would not have been possible under a democracy in the first place. Both sides have their reasons, but, whether we like it or not, the trial is happening now and drawing to a close. Everyone should be focused on how to maintain peace after the verdict, not on debating whether a trial should have been initiated.

 

Thailand will have no choice but to bite the bullet. As difficult as it seems, as political prejudices have dictated feelings about the trial and will dominate responses to the ruling, Thais should look at evidence and counter-evidence when forming judgements on the final outcome of the trial. Court statements when the verdict is issued must be studied with open minds. It’s the only way to get out of a vicious circle.

 

The trial and ruling concern key elements of democracy, like the checks and balances, political integrity and maturity of society overall. In fact, the ongoing political crisis is about serious disagreements over such issues.

Cool heads are needed, as the verdict, whatever it is, will give the country another acid test. Having had to rely on force and violence to effect political changes, Thailand will get another chance to try to prove that it can solve its serious problems through peaceful means.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/opinion/today_editorial/30319091

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-06-26

[MaxLee]

9 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thailand braces itself for rice scandal ruling

 

Prepare for another "YAAAWWWNNN!!!!!" 

[BuckBee]

real brace event will be next election if ever get one as current twit at the top seems unlikely move over to proper democracy any time soon and to be honest see no interesting new political parties formed or new blood in the mix. basically nothing been achieved besides massive waste of funds on military toys, lottery tickets more likely be sold at 80baht, more ridiculous laws and double standards and sexy singer does less pelvic thrusts than would of under a voted in party :-) Total total mess that going hit big big problems in coming years ...

Edited June 25, 2017 by BuckBee

[ezzra]

It's not uncommon to see ex PM's and presidents go to jail after they have

been found guilty of derelict of duty, corruptions and other crimes against

the country constitution, in this case, heads must roll to justify justice for this

monstrous blunder and cockup in the rice scheme, Yingluck will be affected,

how sever or how bad it's remain to be seen, meanwhile her brother sit over

seas trying to figure out how he help his sister after putting her in this

predicaments....

[leeneeds]

A degree in political science Thai style,

unbalanced, unjust, unethical, 

not much different from the romans, and their 

knife 's ,

 

 

[Cadbury]

One thing for sure PM Prayut will his self anointed immunity will never have to face the music if his Rice Scheme Mk11 is ever found to be anything like Yingluck's MK1. But then again, if it was, no one would ever find out.

Edited June 25, 2017 by Cadbury

[canuckamuck]

Proxy Prime Minister, to Proxy convict. She isn't the one they want, but they'll have their pound of flesh just the same.

[debate101]

Suu kyi, Sam Rainsey, Anwar Ibrahim, YS? "Opposition" politicians in SE Asia cannot expect fair treatment unless they are allied with the deep state. Making someone personally liable for others' illegal actions that they did not order is beyond the pale, and this case is the very definition of political persecution. If you step outside the cocunut shell for a moment, it becomes blindingly obvious...

[ramrod711]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

On her birthday a few days ago, the embattled Yingluck cried. She described her life at 50 as tough and unpredictable. 

How sad, poor Yingluck, who really cares.

[halloween]

Did they ever build the luxury prison she announced? She might regret letting that one fall through the cracks.

[metisdead]

Off topic deflection posts and replies have been removed. 

[Smarter Than You]

2 hours ago, ramrod711 said:

How sad, poor Yingluck, who really cares.

That's the very point of this article.

Millions will care, the question is how will they react.

 

"It will definitely be the most sensitive period politically since the 2014 coup."

[halloween]

5 minutes ago, Smarter Than You said:

That's the very point of this article.

Millions will care, the question is how will they react.

 

"It will definitely be the most sensitive period politically since the 2014 coup."

I can tell you how some will react, there will be a party at my place the day she is jailed. No, that wasn't an invitation.

[Eric Loh]

Just now, halloween said:

I can tell you how some will react, there will be a party at my place the day she is jailed. No, that wasn't an invitation.

Will you be wearing your favourite general uniform with all those insignificant medals? Just asking. 

[retarius]

What I don;t understand about this rice scandal is that we have a relentless pursuit of Yingluck who made no money out of the scheme, and all the cheaters who brought in rice from Cambodia have gotten off scot free. Makes no sense.

[seajae]

7 minutes ago, retarius said:

What I don;t understand about this rice scandal is that we have a relentless pursuit of Yingluck who made no money out of the scheme, and all the cheaters who brought in rice from Cambodia have gotten off scot free. Makes no sense.

she was in charge of it, she appointed herself as the head honcho then never attended any of the meetings, never attempted to stop it when it was pointed out to her that it was a corrupt process by several top organizations and she even defended it. All this was to appease her brother and his supporters, unfortunately being stupid is no excuse to avoid being found guilty, the worry now is will thaksin get his red terrorists to start killing/blowing up people if she is locked up like he did last time they seized his money.  As for the ones committing fraud, some were from her own party and also her appointed ministers.

Edited June 26, 2017 by seajae

[daboyz1]

What I don;t understand about this rice scandal is that we have a relentless pursuit of Yingluck who made no money out of the scheme, and all the cheaters who brought in rice from Cambodia have gotten off scot free. Makes no sense.

She's just the patsy. The real criminal is living it up in Dubai and Hong Kong. At least little sis hung around to face the charges. Can't say the same for the puppet master.

[scorecard]

20 minutes ago, retarius said:

What I don;t understand about this rice scandal is that we have a relentless pursuit of Yingluck who made no money out of the scheme, and all the cheaters who brought in rice from Cambodia have gotten off scot free. Makes no sense.

 

1. In the current case she's not being charged with corruption or gaining personally from the scheme, she is being charged with gross criminal dereliction of duty.

 

2. Agree, every person, regardless of their allegiances who gained illegally, immorally from this scheme in whatever way should be charged and there are numerous charges in process. 

Edited June 26, 2017 by scorecard

[whatawonderfulday]

How long will this apparent persecution of the political opposition continue for I wonder ? decades if the Junta do not relinquish power ? 10 years if the amended constitution supporting the military lasts ? or will there be a more, much serious turn of events sooner ?

[Smarter Than You]

1 minute ago, whatawonderfulday said:

How long will this apparent persecution of the political opposition continue for I wonder ? decades if the Junta do not relinquish power ? 10 years if the amended constitution supporting the military lasts ? or will there be a more, much serious turn of events sooner ?

More importantly, how long will the Reds continue to play a dead hand?

Could the persecution of Yingluck be a step too far for the Junta and bring about it's rapid demise?

 

[Eric Loh]

If the charge is dereliction of duty and inability to stop corruption, then all government programs should be stopped and the RTP chief has to be charged for dereliction of duty and inability to stop corruption. Next will be the RTA for the same charge. 

[scorecard]

1 hour ago, Smarter Than You said:

That's the very point of this article.

Millions will care, the question is how will they react.

 

"It will definitely be the most sensitive period politically since the 2014 coup."

 

Yes there will be plenty of naive followers who think she is just so lovely and therefore never did anything wrong. And no doubt your ilk will try behind the scenes to wind these people up 

 

But there's a much bigger point in terms of Thailand moving forward in new development / new thinking / better application of the law etc., etc.

 

If she is found guilty of gross dereliction of her PM duties then she should be appropriately punished, at least to show that the legal processes are working.  

 

Now stand by folks for numerous diversion attempts, including ...... but the general / the army... .

[scorecard]

9 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

If the charge is dereliction of duty and inability to stop corruption, then all government programs should be stopped and the RTP chief has to be charged for dereliction of duty and inability to stop corruption. Next will be the RTA for the same charge. 

 

What your really trying to say is that others have  broken the law, therefore yl should not be punished and therefore nobody should be punished for and infraction of the law.

 

You really believe / propose that? 

 

As mentioned hundreds of times by many TV members, all people who break the law should be investigated and punished if found guilty, including trp and rta.

[Baerboxer]

4 hours ago, debate101 said:

Suu kyi, Sam Rainsey, Anwar Ibrahim, YS? "Opposition" politicians in SE Asia cannot expect fair treatment unless they are allied with the deep state. Making someone personally liable for others' illegal actions that they did not order is beyond the pale, and this case is the very definition of political persecution. If you step outside the cocunut shell for a moment, it becomes blindingly obvious...

 

If you think Yingluck Shinawattra is anything like the other 3 then you deluding yourself or believing the bs the shin propaganda team spew out.

 

Which of the other 3 had a criminal fugitive brother who put them into position, made all the decisions, re-shuffled the cabinet to bring his mates in, and paid a salary to all party members?

[scorecard]

16 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

If the charge is dereliction of duty and inability to stop corruption, then all government programs should be stopped and the RTP chief has to be charged for dereliction of duty and inability to stop corruption. Next will be the RTA for the same charge. 

 

I didn't say she is charged with corruption, I specifically mentioned on area of the law - abuse of authority.

 

Another your attempts el to try to twist what posters write?

[whatawonderfulday]

20 minutes ago, Smarter Than You said:

More importantly, how long will the Reds continue to play a dead hand?

Could the persecution of Yingluck be a step too far for the Junta and bring about it's rapid demise?

 

Exactly could be the shortest straw to break the camels back.

[halloween]

19 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

If the charge is dereliction of duty and inability to stop corruption, then all government programs should be stopped and the RTP chief has to be charged for dereliction of duty and inability to stop corruption. Next will be the RTA for the same charge. 

55555. Good one Eric. First you better work out whose responsibility it is to stop corruption in office, but you just made a pretty good case for the RTA throwing her out on her corrupt Rs.

[Baerboxer]

9 minutes ago, scorecard said:

 

Yes there will be plenty of naive followers who think she is just so lovely and therefore never did anything wrong. And no doubt your ilk will try behind the scenes to wind these people up 

 

But there's a much bigger point in terms of Thailand moving forward in new development / new thinking / better application of the law etc., etc.

 

If she is found guilty of gross dereliction of her PM duties then she should be appropriately punished, at least to show that the legal processes are working.  

 

Now stand by folks for numerous diversion attempts, including ...... but the general / the army... .

 

Don't feed the troll mate.

 

Every so often we get a "new" poster proclaiming how wonderful YS is, what a greatly loved and cared for politician, and champion of the people. Too ridiculous.

 

Most won't give a toss because the monies not there like before and stooges can't be rewarded with places at the trough. Sure the hard core inner circle will be braying because they've got too much to loose and a few real believers. But millions, nah. Look at the response to the "banging the war drum" when rumor as it that even increased attendance allowances and expenses couldn't interest the masses.  Remember when the recruited "Democracy Volunteers" and showed some old villagers doing boxing exercises on TV? Well zero. They didn't all galvanize to protect the caretaker PTP regime, from which YS had already been removed by a court for an abuse of power.

 

I think many people genuinely hoped the Shins were a real force for change and would help bring some real fundamental changes. Many are bitterly disappointed that they simply got a bunch of crooks.

[Baerboxer]

9 minutes ago, scorecard said:

 

 

Not worth any response.

 

15 - 20 million supporters ???

 

But not one, not one single person, actually ever voted for her!

[Eric Loh]

6 minutes ago, scorecard said:

 

What your really trying to say is that others have  broken the law, therefore yl should not be punished and therefore nobody should be punished for and infraction of the law.

 

You really believe / propose that? 

 

As mentioned hundreds of times by many TV members, all people who break the law should be investigated and punished if found guilty, including trp and rta.

Many also say that this is agenda filled political persecution of one side and the same broken law committed by the other side will never ever be convicted. Those cowards seize power and wrote themselves an amnesty to protect from prosecution and change the laws to put their cronies in power in all the enforcement agencies and the NLA. Those are the people who will never be punished and you support them.