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http://nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/21/politics/politics_30086490.php
Judgement day for Thaksin
By The Nation
Published on October 21, 2008
The Supreme Court is today set to hand down its verdict in the controversial Rachadaphisek land case - a decision that will likely determine the political future of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
If found guilty, Thaksin could face a jail term of up to 10 years for abusing his authority while in office by facilitating a sweet deal for his wife to buy a prime Bangkok land plot worth Bt772 million from the state.
The couple were accused of violating articles 4, 100 and 122 of the National Counter Corruption Commission law, and articles 33, 83, 86, 91, 152, and 157 of the Criminal Code, which bar holders of public office and their spouses from entering into a contract with the state.
In preparation for the historic verdict, Pol Maj-General Amnuay Nimmano, the deputy metropolitan police chief, said about 300 police would be dispatched to provide security at the Supreme Court's division for criminal offences of political office holders.
The Supreme Court accepted the land case for trial in July 2007 after which arrest warrants were issued for Thaksin and his wife, who were then residing in exile in the UK.
On January 8, 2008, Khunying Pojaman returned to Thailand to report herself to the court and was released on bail. Then, Thaksin came back to Thailand and denied all charges during a court hearing on March 11, 2008.
On August 11, both defendants jumped bail, while the court continued its hearings in absentia. The court was earlier scheduled to deliver its verdict on September 17, but it was postponed to today.
Meanwhile, the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which has pressed for corruption and related charges against Thaksin, said Thaksin's supporters could step up their offensive if the former premier was found guilty.
A PAD source said there could be attempts to cause chaos in the city and attacks against the PAD camp at Government House.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/21/headlines/headlines_30086508.php
Bomb blast hits residence of Supreme Court president
By The Nation
A bomb blast hit residence of Supreme Administrative Court president Akrathorn Chularat in Chatuchak district Tuesday early morning.
Akrathorn was not in his residence in Soi Lardprao 25, Phaholyothin Road as he was during an oversea trip.
Police were alerted at about 1am about the bomb blast.
Witnesses said they heard sounds of motorcycle in front of the house shortly before the bomb exploded.
Police found a 10-centimetre pit about four meters on the ground inside the residence's compound.
Police found no sharpnels or part of firecrackers on the scene. They suspected that the attack may be intended to cause panic not to harm anybody.
Thai-Rak-Thai's WAR ROOM Exposed:
http://nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/21/politics/politics_30086484.php
BETWEEN THE LINES
Newin is missed in war room
By [email protected]
Published on October 21, 2008
Thanks to the current political turmoil, 111 banned members of the defunct Thai Rak Thai (TRT) have found an opportunity to return to the political stage. A few weeks ago they set up their war room in Shinawatra 3 Building.
They meet twice a week to analyse the political situation to enable the Somchai Wongsawat government cope with the turmoil. They reportedly play a vital role in giving directions to the PM. If events go bad, they are ready to hold urgent meetings.
The war room brings together all the 111 banned TRT members, together with key men from the People Power Party. Together, they form a grouping powerful enough to decide the fate of the government. All the government's enemies are scrutinised thoroughly.
A study of the names of all key members reveals they belong to the party royalty, with direct links to the man in London. Yaowapa, wife of the prime minister and Thaksin Shinawatra's sister, chairs the group.
Key banned politicians like Sudarat Keyuraphan, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Warathep Rattanakorn, Pongthep Thepkanchana, and Chaturon Chaisaeng share the stage. Government spokesman Natthawut Saikua and Chatuporn Promphan - leaders of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) - are ready to mobilise supporters and counter-attack opponents every time they are needed. PM's Office Minister Supon Fongngam, who oversees the Public Relations Department, regularly attends the meetings.
However, there is one key man missing. No one has seen Newin Chidchob join the club since Somchai took office. In the current situation, many think they need assistance from Newin.
"Our mission would not be accomplished without Newin. To fight the enemy, we need an eye for an eye policy. The men who can do that are Newin and Yongyuth. We need Newin," a key club member, who asked not to be named, said.
Yaowapa has agreed with the suggestion and promised to talk to Newin and seek his help.
While the temperature in the war room, chaired by Yaowapa, is heating up, her husband is sending contradictory signals. This has surprised the key men. Many are wondering what Somchai really wanted.
"As of now we don't know the real policy. He keeps talking about enhancing reconciliation," another key man said.
For example, they are not sure what Somchai thinks of extending the contract of the "Truth of Today" programme on NBT channel. The contract will end this month.
"If we raise this issue in the war room, surely the hosts of the programme Natthawut and Chatuporn will want to continue the programme. So we may have to ask the PM directly what he really wants. If he really needs reconciliation the contract would have to end," he said.
The end of this story could prove whether the PM is afraid of his wife. [Somchai's wife is indeed Thanksin's sister.]
Judgement day for Thaksin
By The Nation
Published on October 21, 2008
The Supreme Court is today set to hand down its verdict in the controversial Rachadaphisek land case - a decision that will likely determine the political future of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
If found guilty, Thaksin could face a jail term of up to 10 years for abusing his authority while in office by facilitating a sweet deal for his wife to buy a prime Bangkok land plot worth Bt772 million from the state.
The couple were accused of violating articles 4, 100 and 122 of the National Counter Corruption Commission law, and articles 33, 83, 86, 91, 152, and 157 of the Criminal Code, which bar holders of public office and their spouses from entering into a contract with the state.
In preparation for the historic verdict, Pol Maj-General Amnuay Nimmano, the deputy metropolitan police chief, said about 300 police would be dispatched to provide security at the Supreme Court's division for criminal offences of political office holders.
The Supreme Court accepted the land case for trial in July 2007 after which arrest warrants were issued for Thaksin and his wife, who were then residing in exile in the UK.
On January 8, 2008, Khunying Pojaman returned to Thailand to report herself to the court and was released on bail. Then, Thaksin came back to Thailand and denied all charges during a court hearing on March 11, 2008.
On August 11, both defendants jumped bail, while the court continued its hearings in absentia. The court was earlier scheduled to deliver its verdict on September 17, but it was postponed to today.
Meanwhile, the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which has pressed for corruption and related charges against Thaksin, said Thaksin's supporters could step up their offensive if the former premier was found guilty.
A PAD source said there could be attempts to cause chaos in the city and attacks against the PAD camp at Government House.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/21/headlines/headlines_30086508.php
Bomb blast hits residence of Supreme Court president
By The Nation
A bomb blast hit residence of Supreme Administrative Court president Akrathorn Chularat in Chatuchak district Tuesday early morning.
Akrathorn was not in his residence in Soi Lardprao 25, Phaholyothin Road as he was during an oversea trip.
Police were alerted at about 1am about the bomb blast.
Witnesses said they heard sounds of motorcycle in front of the house shortly before the bomb exploded.
Police found a 10-centimetre pit about four meters on the ground inside the residence's compound.
Police found no sharpnels or part of firecrackers on the scene. They suspected that the attack may be intended to cause panic not to harm anybody.
Thai-Rak-Thai's WAR ROOM Exposed:
http://nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/21/politics/politics_30086484.php
BETWEEN THE LINES
Newin is missed in war room
By [email protected]
Published on October 21, 2008
Thanks to the current political turmoil, 111 banned members of the defunct Thai Rak Thai (TRT) have found an opportunity to return to the political stage. A few weeks ago they set up their war room in Shinawatra 3 Building.
They meet twice a week to analyse the political situation to enable the Somchai Wongsawat government cope with the turmoil. They reportedly play a vital role in giving directions to the PM. If events go bad, they are ready to hold urgent meetings.
The war room brings together all the 111 banned TRT members, together with key men from the People Power Party. Together, they form a grouping powerful enough to decide the fate of the government. All the government's enemies are scrutinised thoroughly.
A study of the names of all key members reveals they belong to the party royalty, with direct links to the man in London. Yaowapa, wife of the prime minister and Thaksin Shinawatra's sister, chairs the group.
Key banned politicians like Sudarat Keyuraphan, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Warathep Rattanakorn, Pongthep Thepkanchana, and Chaturon Chaisaeng share the stage. Government spokesman Natthawut Saikua and Chatuporn Promphan - leaders of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) - are ready to mobilise supporters and counter-attack opponents every time they are needed. PM's Office Minister Supon Fongngam, who oversees the Public Relations Department, regularly attends the meetings.
However, there is one key man missing. No one has seen Newin Chidchob join the club since Somchai took office. In the current situation, many think they need assistance from Newin.
"Our mission would not be accomplished without Newin. To fight the enemy, we need an eye for an eye policy. The men who can do that are Newin and Yongyuth. We need Newin," a key club member, who asked not to be named, said.
Yaowapa has agreed with the suggestion and promised to talk to Newin and seek his help.
While the temperature in the war room, chaired by Yaowapa, is heating up, her husband is sending contradictory signals. This has surprised the key men. Many are wondering what Somchai really wanted.
"As of now we don't know the real policy. He keeps talking about enhancing reconciliation," another key man said.
For example, they are not sure what Somchai thinks of extending the contract of the "Truth of Today" programme on NBT channel. The contract will end this month.
"If we raise this issue in the war room, surely the hosts of the programme Natthawut and Chatuporn will want to continue the programme. So we may have to ask the PM directly what he really wants. If he really needs reconciliation the contract would have to end," he said.
The end of this story could prove whether the PM is afraid of his wife. [Somchai's wife is indeed Thanksin's sister.]
