View Full Version : ShinCorpulent:Pojaman convicted of tax evasion
Would be great to get a translation of the lyrics to the "Square Face Song" (http://www.manager.co.th/Lite/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9490000040970) as posted on the Manager website. Khun Wisarut, could you possibly do us the favour?
From what I gather, they promise to be hilarious but - of course - contain many offensive passages and personal attacks as well.
(Don't want to paste the text here, lest Ron gets sued by TRT and the forum shut down....:p )
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/04/04/headlines/headlines_30000932.php
PM abuse rampant on spoiled ballots
A ballot slip marked ‘no vote’ with a remark written in Thai that rudely urges Premier Thaksin to step down, found at a polling station in the southern province of Pattani.
It may have been expressed in many different ways but the intriguing message that election officials came across while counting votes in Sunday's election was too common to be dismissed as a natural mistake.
Among the more than 1 million invalid ballots counted as of yesterday were an unknown number that were disqualified because voters chose to spell out their dislike of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The most prevalent messages on the invalid ballots, according to vote counters, were "Thaksin get out" and "Thaksin, you are evil".
Other messages, some conveyed in just one short sentence and others occupying almost the entire ballot, contained vulgar abuse and profanities. Besides written messages, many voters drew funny pictures, including a square-faced cartoon character, apparently aimed at mocking Thaksin, according to election officials.
A voter, who wanted to be identified only as Nok, told The Nation she intentionally wrote down on the ballot "Thaksin, you are the worst of all evil" although she knew it would make her vote invalid.
"I just wanted to show that I no longer want him as prime minister," she said.
As of yesterday, the Election Commission (EC) estimated the invalid ballots from Sunday's election would exceed 1 million or about 3 per cent of the overall figure of eligible voters. The tally is a record breaker since Thailand first introduced elections under a democratic regime more than half a century ago.
An election official in Phichit province confirmed yesterday that many ballots he counted contained the same hand-written message "Thaksin get out".
"Other ballots were marked too many times or randomly crossed all over," said the official.
In Phitsanulok, a polling official said he also saw anti-Thaksin messages written on ballots while manning a vote-counting centre on Sunday night.
"I saw "Thaksin get out" on many ballots. Some others wrote "Hate square-faced man", the official said.
The director of the EC provincial office in Yala, Varothai Naewbantad, said a large number of voters made their ballots invalid by intentionally writing on them.
"They just wrote down what they wanted. Some messages were way too rude to be disclosed," he said.
Varothai said this had never happened before and the number of invalid ballots in Yala in past elections was remarkably low as voters had a good understanding of politics and the election process.
Director of the EC provincial office in Chachoengsao, Chukiat Rojanapinan, said the record of invalid ballots in all constituencies of the province exceeded 10 per cent, the highest in its history.
"In the last election, we had 3.6 per cent of invalid ballots. But this time, it is clear that voters intended to make their ballots invalid," he said.
I guess we might as well put a link in here then:-
http://www.2bangkok.com/06/squarefacesong.shtml
Thaksin's letter exposed
- The Nation 12/07/06 [Letters linked & depicted below]
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30008518
Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin wrote a letter to US President George Bush on June 23, according to exposure by Manager Web site and Matichon.
In the letter exposed by the two paper, Thaksin wrote that his opponents are trying "various extra-Constitution tactics" to try to bring down his government.
In reply, Bush said in his letter that Thai democracy is strong and Thailand would emerge from the current situation.
Manager Online 12/07/06 10:14
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9490000089208
Prime Minister Thaksin's letter to President Bush:-
http://pics.manager.co.th/ShowImage.html?Image=%2fImages%2f549000010439201.J PEG&Width=350&Height=864
http://pics.manager.co.th/Images/549000010439201.JPEG
President Bush's reply:-
http://pics.manager.co.th/ShowImage.html?Image=%2fImages%2f549000010439202.J PEG&Width=400&Height=613
http://pics.manager.co.th/Images/549000010439202.JPEG
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/12/headlines/headlines_30008521.php
The Nation 12/07/06
Letters between Thai prime minister and US president
Read letter from caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra dated June 23 to US President George W Bush and Bush's answer letter to the Thai premier dated July 3.
Both letters were published in Thai-language Matichon newspaper's Wednesday edition.
1. Letter from caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to US George W Bush.
Office of the Prime Minister,
Government House,
Bangkok.
23 June B.E. 2549 (2006)
Dear Mr President,
I write to you on the basis of my high personal regard for your and for your leadership to explain the current political situation in Thailand, where I recently assumed responsibilities as caretaker Prime Minister . It is my goal to prepare the best possible democratic path for the next government following new national elections this fall.
There has been a threat to democracy in Thailand since early this year. Key democratic institutions, such as elections and their observance of Constitutional limitation on government, have been repeatedly undermined by interest that depend on creating chaos and mounting street demonstrations in Bangkok as a means to acquire political power that they cannot gain through winning elections. Having failed to provoke violence and disorder, my opponents are now attempting various extraConstitutional tactics to coopt the will of the people. If our democratic institutions provide strong over the next several months, these too will be unsuccessful.
On April 2, my Party, Thai Rak Thai, won a convincing majority in countrywide elections. Having led Thailand's government for over five years and won decisive victories in two previous national elections, I was confident of strong popular support and the voters confirmed the view. My political opponents because they know they would again lose, boycotted the April elections and left the political situation in Thailand in deadlock. With the imminent celebration of the 60th Anniversary of our King's coronation, I would not responsibly allow this political stalemate the mar this historic occasion . In order to restore calm so that preparations for the royal celebration could proceed, I stopped aside to take a leave of absence, assigning my Deputy Prime Minister with acting executive responsibilities.
In keeping with their independent status, Thai courts have since annulled the April elections on technical considerations and ruled that a new national vote be scheduled, probably in midOctober. Most objective observers believe that my Party will again receive the people's mandate to form a government. In the meantime, I could not allow my country to drift without leadership. Our ongoing war on terror must be prosecuted, our economy must be managed, and the basic functions of government must be carried out. For these reasons, I have heeded the calls of many Thais - both within my Party and among the oppositions as well - to resume an active role as caretaker Prime Minister.
During this period, I want to assure you that I will take steps to help got the country ready for free and fair elections, and to work to shift the national debate from one that is emotionally charged to one that reasonably discusses the central questions of Thailand's future, including whether the country's political governance will be decided through the ballot box or in the street. The answer to that question, Mr President, will have an important impact on the future course of democracy in Asia. I know that your agree with me that the rule of law and Constitutional order in Thailand and in Asia more broadly must prevail over demagoguery and mob action.
Finally, Mr President, please accept my enduring confidence that the relationship between Thailand and the United States, based on shared democratic values and vital national interests, will only grow in the months and years ahead.
Yours sincerely,
(Thaksin Shinawatra)
Prime Minister of Thailand
2. Letter from US President George W Bush to the Thai premier
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 3, 2006
His Excellency
Thaksin Shinawatra
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailnd
Bangkok
Mr. Prime Minister
Thank you for your letter, and your optimism about the road ahead in Thailand. The United States has watched events in your country with some concern, and as an ally and a friend it is my sincere hope that all parties can find a way forward that respects the great achievement of Thai democracy and sees a fully vested government up and running in Bangkok as soon as possible.
Our two nations' friendship remains strong, and I appreciate your assurance that our good cooperation on issues of vital importance to us both will continue, Free and open political systems can be unpredictable, but the Thai people are resilient and Thai democracy is strong, and I know that your country will emerge from the current situation with a renewed focus on that which makes Thailand great.
Sincerely,
George W. Bush
Scuba22
13-07-06, 12:08 AM
I must be missing something - I can't understand the purpose of these letters at all, much less the big hoopla about them. What's the point of these letters? Why is Thaksin explaining himself to George Bush? What does Bush's letter mean? It seems like a polite diplomatic brush-off.
Thaskin: "I'm your buddy and I'm doing fine. I got some bugs on me, but I'll deal with them, not to worry. Let's hang out sometime"
Bush: "ummm, yeah sure whatever dude. well, good luck with those bugs - later"
Is there more to it?
Scuba22
I suppose we wouldn't be alone in suspecting this was a deliberate leak!?
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30008537
The Nation - Breaking News - 12/07/06 - 18:50
Govt confirms authenticity of letters
The government has confirmed the authenticity of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's letter to US President George W Bush and the latter's reply published in newspapers.
"I don't know how the newspapers obtained the copies of Thaksin's letter and Bush's reply, but I can say both are genuine," government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said Wednesday.
Surapong said Thaksin's letter showed that the prime minister wanted to report on the political events taking place since the beginning of the year and express confidence that a new election would be held successfully.
Bush's reply affirmed his optimism about democratic rule in Thailand, Surapong said.
The Nation - 12/07/06 - 17:36
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/12/headlines/headlines_30008535.php
Former FM criticises Thaksin's letter to Bush
Former Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan caretaker criticized Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Monday for writing a secret letter to US President George W Bush, saying Thaksin's action was simply to protect his own interests, and that in doing so he damaged the country's image.
Surin questioned Thaksin's motives for writing the letter to Bush, branding him a hypocrite pretending to be a democratic leader.
''In the past five years in office, Thaksin has acted contrary to democratic norms. This is called hypocrisy and it is damaging to Thailand's image.''
''I believe the Thai people are entitled to know what their country's leader has done. If the prime minister insists his letter did not damage the country's interest and sovereignty, he ought to make it public,'' he said.
The former foreign minister said Thaksin wanted to explain himself to the US leader for his own gain.
''It was a one-sided explanation which was meant for his own political gain since his government was faced with wide opposition in society," he said.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/13/opinion/opinion_30008566.php
The Nation - 12/0706 - 23:12
THAI TALK
Why I think the 'Thaksin-Bush' letters were forged
If you have seen the text dated June 23, supposedly written by Thailand's caretaker prime minister, bemoaning the political problems he is having with those protesting against his rule to "Dear Mr President", and the subsequent reply dated July 3, you must take them with a full measure of salt.
You could be hoodwinked. And don't say you haven't been warned.
Why? Because these supposed letters are simply too comical - and even preposterous - to be true. Now, we know why the Thai government has been so reluctant to release them to the Thai public in the first place.
I even suspect that they were forged to tarnish the good reputations of Thaksin Shinawatra and President George W Bush.
Thaksin was supposed to have said in the first paragraph of the note that he was writing as a "caretaker prime minister" complaining about "a threat to democracy in Thailand since early this year". Any sensible Thai citizen would find it hard to understand why someone who has assigned himself the task of "preparing the best possible democratic path for the next government following new national elections this fall" would tell the US president that Thai democracy is under threat.
In fact, any educated Thai would consider it a great insult for a caretaker premier to find it necessary to write to the head of another country declaring himself the champion of democracy - not only of Thailand but throughout Asia as well.
This racket of letter-forging constitutes a real menace to Thailand's democratic future. They even made Thaksin write another paragraph to "assure" Bush in a way the Thai leader must have thought would please the superpower's chieftain. No way, Thaksin, in his right mind, would ever write something like this:
"During this period, I want to assure you that I will take steps to help get the country ready for free and fair elections, and to work to shift the national debate from one that is emotionally charged to one that reasonably discusses the central questions of Thailand's future, including whether the country's political governance will be decided through the ballot box or in the street. The answer to that question, Mr President, will have an important impact on the future course of democracy in Asia."
If Thaksin had really written that and meant it, then someone else must have forged the earlier part of the note to Bush that said: "My political opponents, because they knew they would again lose, boycotted the April elections and left the political situation in Thailand in deadlock."
You simply can't claim to hold "free and fair elections" while predicting that your party would win and that your opponents would surely lose. And these forgers expect Bush to read it without laughing his head off?
The real smoking gun, though, is when Thaksin was supposed to have blamed "various extra-constitutional tactics to co-opt the will of the people" allegedly employed by his "opponents" who, according to the text had tried to "provoke violence and disorder" - and failed.
You could argue that on June 29, six days after the letter was supposedly sent to Bush, Thaksin did mention "extra-constitutional charismatic figure(s)," in a specially-convened conference of senior bureaucrats from around the country, and as such the note must be genuine.
I doubt it. Any leader in his right mind wouldn't string out his country's dirty linen all the way across the Pacific Ocean. Besides, Thaksin is supposed to be intelligent enough to know that when he uses that sort of subtle language ('poo mi barami' or charismatic person), which confuses many Thais, could create utter linguistic chaos at the White House. Thaksin had no reason to befuddle Bush. He couldn't have written such a complicated letter.
I was also inclined to conclude the letter was faked when I read: "There has been a threat to democracy in Thailand since early this year. Key democratic institutions, such as elections and the observance of constitutional limitations on government, have been repeatedly undermined by interests that depend on creating chaos and mounting street demonstrations in Bangkok as a means to acquire political power that they cannot gain through winning elections…"
Thaksin, of course, knew that Bush must have been briefed by his aides, who must have read in-depth analytical reports from the US Embassy in Bangkok.
He couldn't possibly have written anything that would suggest that the US president was naive enough to assume that the hundreds of thousands of protesters who rallied against the sins of the "Thaksin regime" were only stooges organised by the caretaker premier's opponents.
But the most tell-tale sign that the supposed exchange of letters between Thaksin and Bush was a shameful scam, a frame-up to besmirch Thaksin and Bush's honour and reputation, was in Bush's alleged reply. Bush didn't show any personal sympathy or support for the supposedly embattled Thaksin at all. The US president's supposed note only emphasised "our two nations' friendship" that remains strong.
If it was really from Bush, the letter couldn't possibly have carried such a condescending tone, such as when Bush tells Thaksin: "Free and open political systems can be unpredictable…but the Thai people are resilient and Thai democracy is strong and I know that your country will emerge from the current situation with renewed focus on that which makes Thailand great." Good old friends don't try to lecture each other on the fundamentals of political science.
For "Bush" not to show some degree of sympathy for his embattled friend called "Thaksin" is unthinkable.
How could "Bush" not condemn the "extra-constitutional tactics" employed against his good friend "Thaksin" back home when it was so obvious that it was a cry for help from a friend in need? No, a true friend doesn't simply brush off a friend's desperate request for help by saying: "…it is my sincere hope that all parties can find a way forward that respects the great achievements of Thai democracy…"
No, real friends don't write these sorts of letters to each other. What you read is nothing but part of a huge scam cooked up by letter-forging rackets in both countries determined to undermine good bilateral relations.
Wisarut
14-07-06, 12:00 AM
Well, the issue now is not just a bad language, it is the testing of the Great Leader to President Bush .... if USA is going to recognize Thailand WITHOUT Monarchy as a legimated country ....
However, President Bush declines by addtressing the Great Leader as "Prime Minister of Kingdom of Thailand" ... USA still recognizes Thailand as a kingdom with constitutional Monarchy ....
Motre details can be seen here:
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9490000090161
// ---------------------------------------
Thai poems abotu Thaksin who is insulting Thai Nation to the Lowest level
http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9490000090053
FarangBha
26-09-06, 02:11 PM
Your guys opinion on what Thaksin has done with his assets??
Did he get paid in full yet - ? I thought there were conditions including policy changes etc...
Interesting article in The Age:
"It was, at best, a spectacular misjudgement. Far from being the great buy Temasek claimed, the deal ignited six months of political turmoil, culminating in the coup. Thais stopped using the businesses Temasek had bought, including an airline, a finance company and telco AIS Thailand, also part-owned by Singapre Telecommunications. Now the Shin buyers wear a $US2 billion paper loss on the deal after less than six months.
As Thai regulators deepen their probe into the transaction and Thaksin's "rampant corruption", Temasek and partners face fines of up to $US2 billion if it's proved, as many suspect, that Thai laws have been breached.
In these post-Enron days where blameless corporate governance is paramount, if the chief executive blows $US2 billion in six months, the blood-letting in the boardroom would be swift and brutal. But even if her Thai adventure worsens, that seems unlikely to happen to Ho, the wife of Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and the approved daughter-in-law of Singapore's long-time strongman Lee Kuan Yew.
Ho has been Temasek's unsmiling chief executive since 2001, presenting as a corporate dominatrix protected by the formidable Lee family edifice.
The Lees maintain Ho got her job on merit and the appointment had nothing to do with her being part of the family."
http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/thai-adventure-backfires-on-singapore-inc/2006/09/24/1159036414899.html
Wisarut
26-09-06, 03:47 PM
Noipe, Not paid in Full ... ONJLy partially Paid ...
mdechgan
27-09-06, 12:43 AM
Where's the money.
I have never found anyone who knew the answer to this question.
No one knows.
Some say it could be in some offshore account like in the Cayman islands or Carribbean.
Its not a secret or anything, he's been siphoning money out of the country ever since the pre 1997 bubble burst.
Wisarut
27-09-06, 01:12 AM
Ai Maew's Moeny goign to British Virgin Island, Lichenstein ... for the case of Linchenstein, he has to use His police force to Arrest the Prince from Lichenstein and put him behidn the ar before sendin Murdered inside Prison to Kill that Prince ... since the Prince knows TOO MUCH abotu his secret :mad: :eek:
Even though the '97 Constitution has been cancelled, it is still apparently likely to be the foundation for a new one to be prepared when the new Interim Prime Minister assumes office. Section 226 of the '97 Constitution provides that the King can withdraw titles and decorations at his prerogative. Given that the Council and others have stated their intention to go after the corrupt money, I wonder if the King would give consideration of jerking the Khunying-ships of Podjamon, Sudarat and others of the TRT mob? I'm waiting to see how far this proclaimed "clean movement" really goes!
Scuba22
28-09-06, 12:46 PM
It's a great question. We all know that Thaksin's reach had gone into untouchable areas, so there's going to be some line somewhere on who gets hung out to dry in all this. I'm sure there are lots of backroom conversations going on about this, and that the methods used to get to the results will be totally hidden from us, leaving us to speculate on rationale based on the outcome - as if there were any rationale to begin with other than pure power politics.
Scuba22
Anyone know of a succint list of the corruption incidents being alleged against Toxin?
Not a list Bernie, but I did find this. To be honest, it looks a bit like it's a bit of an academic's 'back of cigarette packet' calculation; but its NIDA and NESDB credentials probably give it some legitimacy. I've removed some parts of the article because they seem irrelevant to your question: -
Thaksin-era corruption'cost state Bt400 bn'
Systematic corruption involving 95 mega-projects carried out over the five and a half years of the Thaksin administration probably cost the state coffers about Bt400 billion, according to a recently published study.
"Policy corruption" was rampant during the Thaksin years, Assoc Professor Supannee Chai-amporn of the National Institute of Development Administration and her colleague Sirinthip Arun-rue say in their research paper, "Forms and Processes of Corruption in Government Large Projects".
Policy corruption is a new, sophisticated form of official graft that works to shield the wrongdoers from prosecution due to its legality, even though the consequences abuse the public's interest, the researchers write.
In terms of public policy formulation, policy corruption is also unethical, because taxpayers' money is squandered and consumers are exploited.
Based on statistics from the National Economic and Social Development Board, 95 large infrastructure projects with a combined investment of Bt1.35 trillion were implemented by the government since 2001. Government expenditure of Bt220 billion on Suvarnabhumi Airport and related projects were considered separately.
Policy corruption, as well as conventional forms of fraud such as bid collusion, rigging of project specifications and bribery, altogether added 5 per cent-30 per cent to the cost of government projects, the academics' research showed.
If the corruption consistently reached the 30-per-cent level, the sums siphoned off would be about Bt450 billion for the 95 large government projects and Bt73 billion for the new airport and related projects. The lower total of Bt400 billion for all the projects seemed reasonable.
"Politicians, bureaucrats and contractors are all involved in the process. If the amount is more than Bt100 million, they prefer to pay overseas using various methods, such as opening a letter of credit to take the money out of the country", the report says.
"Or they may use an illegal money-laundering service or casinos to park the funds outside the country for three to five years before they are repatriated.
"If the amount of corrupt money is less, say, Bt20 million to Bt50 million, they'd make the payment domestically. Usually, kickbacks are paid in cash stashed in suitcases hand-delivered to the homes of the receivers.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/01/headlines/headlines_30015092.php
Shinawatra siblings may be slapped with Bt5 bn in tax, fines
The Office of Auditor-General (OAG) is expected to conclude the investigation into the tax scandal involving ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's children Panthongtae and Pinthongta this week, according to an informed source.
"We're confident they will be forced to pay personal income tax worth Bt5.8 billion," said the source.
Once the investigation is completed, the result will be forwarded to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC). The source said that the OAG might ask the NCCC to file a lawsuit against senior tax officials at the Revenue Department who had been criticised for their refusal to tax Panthongtae and Pinthongta.
"Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka will decide whether the OAG recommends the NCCC to launch legal action against the officials," said the source.
The source said the investigative team at the OAG differed with the Revenue Department about whether Panthongtae and Pin-thongta should pay tax.
In January the two netted huge profits from the sale of Shin Corp's shares to Temasek Holdings. They bought the 329.2 million shares of Shin Corp at Bt1 apiece from Ample Rich Investments, their own company registered in the tax-haven British Virgin Islands. Then they resold them at Bt49.25 apiece.
Officials from the Revenue Department explained that they had sold the shares on the stock exchange, where capital-gains tax is waived. This nettled lawyers who said Panthongtae and Pinthongta should be taxed on the price differential. Investigators at the OAG estimate that the two should pay at least Bt5.85 billion and could be fined for failing to pay tax, said the source.
According to the source, five senior officials have been identi-fied for possible legal action. They are Revenue Department director general Sirote Swasdipanich, deputy director general Paitoon Pongke-sorn, director of the bureau of legal affairs Moreerat Boonya-siri, senior tax official Krich Vipulanusarn and Finance Ministry inspector-general Bengja Louicharoen.
Meanwhile, a source at the Revenue Department said Sirote had apparently changed his stance following the military coup on September 19. Now he is likely to demand tax from the children of Thaksin, if the OAG says so.
If the OAG can wind up the Shin Corp deal matter this week, as the source thinks probable, it is likely to breath fresh life into an effort by the OAG and the Council for Democratic Reform to probe other controversial deals during the Thaksin administration.
Wichit Chaitrong
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/02/headlines/headlines_30015160.php
Four major schemes of previous Govt face probe by NCCC
Four major schemes implemented by the government of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra top the list for investigation by the newly appointed national anti-graft agency, its chairman said Monday.
"As there are more than 11,000 cases queued up in our files, we'll give priority to those which caused most damage to the country," Panthep Klanarongran told reporters after the first meeting of the nine National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) members, which lasted a six hours.
"I believe we have enough evidence to axe the wrongdoers," he added.
The four priority cases relate to the Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant, the dried longan price intervention scheme, the Bang Na-Bang Pli-Bang Pakong expressway and the sale of government rice, he said.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30015193
Wisarut
03-10-06, 12:04 AM
Actually, ther are 8 projects that are udner the first priority of investigation
1) CTX 9000 Scandal - Irregulairities on Procryument
2) Airport Link Scandal - SRT has to pay the fee to Creditors instead of the COntractors
3) The power line tube for Scvannabhum Airprot Scvandal - Collusion
4) Central Lab for Ministry of Agriculture Scandal since 2003
5) BMA Fire Truck Scandal by Governor Samak Sunthoravej
6) Revenue Dept Scandal on Tax Exemption for Shin Corp Deal
7) Scandal on 4-Billion Baht EXIM Bank Loan to Burmese Government that benefit ONLY SHin Sattelite
8) Teh para Rubber Plantation Scandals by CP and Ai Newin
http://www.bangkokbiznews.com/2006/10/02/w001_142653.php?news_id=142653
Scuba22
03-10-06, 09:31 AM
To be honest, it looks a bit like it's a bit of an academic's 'back of cigarette packet' calculation.
Pasuk's book "Guns Girls Gambling Ganja" (I may have mixed some words), where she tries to quantify the value of these industries, has a similar feel - but it's probably the best one can do. It's not usually possible to get accurate source data on illegal/corrupt activities!
Scuba22
Pojaman returns from London
Pojaman Shinawatra, the wife of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, returned from London Wednesday after noon.
She arrived at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 2 pm. Pojaman was accompanied by Phadung Limcharoenrat, a personal secretary of Thaksin.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30016508
Is Maew about to become Thailand's very own version of Super-Barrio?
But seriously, you might want to buy it if you see it and sling us a few scans.
Thaksinman back to beat poverty
New comic portrays former PM as hero of the poor, but sales fall flat
Like it or not, a comic book with ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra as a hero for the poor is hitting bookshelves across the country.
In the 212-page comic, "Thaksin's Life", ends with the clear hope that the former premier will return one day to resume his unfinished mission - to help the poor.
The book is sold for Bt150. Some 5,000 copies have been printed, but sales to date have been rather flat.
"It has been on sale for days, but its response is not so good," comic-book author Posatorn Butr-anan said.
Posatorn said she wrote the book because of her admiration for Thaksin. She also hoped against hope that pro-Thaksin people would buy her book.
A cartoonist helped turned Posatorn's stories into the comic book.
"Thaksin's Life" comic book chronicles the life of 57-year-old Thaksin, a tycoon-turned-politician, until his dramatic fall from power in the bloodless coup on September 19. Currently, Thaksin is living in self-imposed exile in London.
"Thaksin's mission to help the poor people is not over," a grandfather tells his grandson in the book.
"I believe this hero for the poor will not leave the poor behind. I believe he will come back," the old man says when the young boy asks if Thaksin would ever come back as prime minister again.
One of the nine chapters tells how Thaksin, one of Thailand's richest men, lifted poor farmers out of poverty by injecting money into the rural economy
with a government loan scheme.
Thaksin was well liked in the North and Northeast thanks to populist policies such as the health scheme that allows every Thai to receive medical treatment for just Bt30 per visit.
"For the rich people, my populist policies mean very little, but for the poor, they mean a lot," Thaksin says in the comic book.
During Thaksin's five-year rule the annual income of farmers, who account for roughly 60 per cent of Thailand's 64 million population, jumped more than 60 per cent to Bt52,320 on average.
But in contrast to his solid support in rural Thailand, Bangkok was the scene of months of mass anti-Thaksin protests earlier this year over alleged corruption and abuse of power - controversies that eventually led to last month's coup.
Agence France Presse,
But this does seem to augur something significant, with Thaksin Man possibly chomping at the bit down in Singapore, Malaysia or even Southern Thailand:-
Mystery meeting
Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra was scheduled to meet Privy Council president General Prem Tinsulanonda this morning, a source said yesterday.
The wife of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be accompanied by her lawyer during the meeting at Prem's residence, Baan Sisao Thewet, according to the source. It was unclear last night what was to be discussed.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/26/headlines/headlines_30017182.php
How affable will that meeting be, one wonders?: -
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=12070&postcount=16
Maybe they have decided to forego the pleasure of meeting each other: -
The wife of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Pojaman Shinawatra, is scheduled to meet with General Prem Tinasulanon today at 8.30 am at Prem's residence, an informed source said.
However, as of 9 am, Pojaman has not yet appeared at the residence. Pojaman is reportedly to discuss with the Privy Council Chairman on the possibilty of Thaksin's return to Bangkok.
Prem is currently having a meeting with the Council for National Security (CNS) at his residence.
The lateness was probably prearranged because Prem had other business earlier. 15 minutes is hardly time for a heart to heart: -
Former PM's wife meets Gen Prem at his residence
Former PM's wife, Khunying Pochaman Shinawatra meets Privy Councillor Chairman Gen Prem Tinsulanond at his residence reportedly to discuss on possibility of Thaksin's return.
Pochaman, wife of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, arrived at Prem's residence at about 10.50am with her elder brother, Banyot Shinawatra.
Prem's secretary, Gen Ud Buengon, received Pochaman who was in yellow silk dress, at the front door.
Pochaman and Banpot left Prem's residence at about 11.05am. They refused to talk to reporters.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/26/headlines/headlines_30017193.php
Is Banyot her brother or her brother-in-law with that tag?
But was it really as stilted as this?
It's inevitable for any leaders to lose power one day : Prem
Read the 15-minute conversation between Privy Council President Gen Prem Tinsulanonda and Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of ousted premier Thaksin.
Gen Oud Buengbon, aide of Privy Council President Gen Prem Tinsulanonda has admitted to arrange the meeting between his boss and Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of deposed premier Thaksin on Thursday. The meeting lasted 15 minutes and Oud recounted the conversation as follows;
Gen Prem : How is Khun Thaksin?
Pojaman : He's fine. He exercises daily, plays golfs and stays with his daughter.
Gen Prem : How's about you? What are you doing nowadays?
Pojaman : (Summing up her daily routines and sharing her thoughts about her future business).
Gen Prem : Please be strong and persevere. It is inevitable for any leaders to lose power one day.
Pojaman : I have braced myself for this some time ago.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/26/headlines/headlines_30017211.php
.....
"I understood that one day I would have to accept I would no longer occupy the position of a prime minister's wife," Pojaman was quoted as saying.
A source, who asked not to named, said no one in Prem's house had acknowledged the planned meeting before, except Oud. His oldest son works for a Shinawatra company and is also married to Pojaman's niece.
Another source claimed Pojaman tried to ask Prem for permission for Thaksin to return, and she apologised for everything because she had not meant for things to turn out as they did. She said Thaksin had spent his time abroad soul searching and admitted there were both people loving him - and otherwise.
Prem was quoted as responding: "It's not my duty to allow anybody to return. You have to talk to General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the Army chief and chairman of the Council for National Security, and Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont. I am only a mediator. I cannot order anyone. I had never interfered in politics or anyone's work, but people have said so."
.....
[General] Sonthi denied that Pojaman contacted him after meeting with Gen Prem. He said she had not arranged to meet Prem through the CNS but through a well-respected figure.
Asked if the meeting put pressure on the CNS, he said: "You have to ask Gen Prem what they discussed."
A source from Thai Rak Thai Party, who asked not to be named, said it was the third time Pojaman had visited Prem. She promised Prem that Thaksin wouldn't cause any political trouble in the near future and asked for permission for him to return to Thailand. But Prem didn't say anything about her request.
The first two times she visited him were before the military coup. She had told Prem that Thaksin would take a break from politics if he won the election, and had asked that a military coup not happen. Prem hadn't responded, the source said.
Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadol Pattama, who did not join Pojaman during her visit, said Pojaman just went to pay respects to Prem, the way a young person pays respects to a senior. She had visited Prem before and wanted to visit him quietly. She didn't talk to him about politics and didn't visit to ask for permission for Thaksin to return, as the media reported.
Noppadol held a press conference earlier this week at a Bangkok hotel to say Thaksin had no plan to return to the country in the near future.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/27/headlines/headlines_30017275.php
POJAMAN'S 'OFFER' TO PREM:
'Seize assets' if they're illegal
Thaksin's wife also offered donation to charity and sought Privy Council chief's backing for Thaksin's return, reveals source
Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, the wife of ousted prime minister Thaksin, offered to have their assets seized if they were found to have been obtained illegally, during her high-profile meeting with Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda on Thursday, a source close to Prem said yesterday.
Pojaman also offered to donate an unidentified amount from the family's fortune to charity, according to the source. She then asked Prem to allow Thaksin's return to Thailand.
Responding to her offer, Prem said he had no authority to make any agreement with her in this regard and he told her to talk with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Council for National Security chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, according to the source. Prem yesterday refused to comment on his meeting with Pojaman, saying he had nothing to say in addition to what his close aide General Oud Buengbon had told the media.
Facing a crowd of reporters after presiding over a seminar about the sufficiency economy, Prem appeared annoyed.
"Keep a distance from me. Don't panic. Nothing is exciting. I know what you will all ask me. Don't ask," Prem told reporters, even before they raised any question.
"General Oud Buengbon has already explained everything. That's it. There was nothing more than that," he said and walked to his car.
Prem landed himself in hot water on Thursday by allowing Pojaman to meet him for about 15 minutes at his residence, a meeting many observers saw as inappropriate.
Critics complained that people would wonder about hidden deals and the Privy Council chief's influence.
Oud, who is a member of the National Legislative Assembly, admitted he had made the appointment for Pojaman to see Prem at her request.
But, he said, there was no discussion about politics or the possibility of Thaksin returning to Thailand, as Pojaman met Prem simply to pay her respects and ask about each other's well-being.
Assets Examination Committee member Kaewsan Atibodhi, meanwhile, said the country was in jeopardy as the government actually had no power to rule the country. Instead, the only man [Prem] who held any real clout did not need to be responsible for anything, he said.
"If the system carries on like this, it will finally crumble," Kaewsan added.
Acting Thai Rak Thai Party leader Chaturon Chaisang said the Prem-Pojaman meeting did not involve his party, and was a personal matter.
The new ruling body should not be concerned about the Thai Rak Thai trying to bring back Thaksin to the country as its members have no such plan, Chaturon said.
Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva believes Pojaman wanted to turn the meeting with Prem into a political issue.
"I don't understand why Prem allowed Pojaman to meet him. Many people are concerned about its implication because it involved Thaksin's possible return to Thailand," he said.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/28/headlines/headlines_30017374.php
Thaksin doesn't approach me : PM
Government and military leaders have switched on a damage control mode following the Thursday's meeting between General Prem Tinsulanonda, president of the Privy Council and Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of ousted premier Thaksin.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont dismissed on Saturday speculation that Thaksin had sought a meeting with him on the sidelines of Asean-China commemorative summit in Nanning, scheduled for tomorrow and Tuesday.
"I have not been approached by Thaksin," he said.
Rumours spreaded like wildfire that Thaksin was trying to cut a deal with the interim government in order to end his exile in London and escape graft prosecution.
Meanwhile, a Thaksin's supporter and activist claimed that the international community was now aware about the story behind the September 19 military coup as illustrated by the Prem-Pojaman meeting.
"It is clear that Thai democratic rule has been subjugated by the elite and the military and is not a genuine democracy representing the voice of the people," Phromsak Saenpo said.
Phromsak, also chairman of Northern Grassroots People Federation, said Thaksin was free to return to his homeland without any preconditions.
"Thaksin is a Thai citizen and there is no law to prevent him from coming home," he said.
Authorities have no justification to block Thaksin's return although they fear possible backlash after usurping his power, he added.
Supreme Commander General Boonsarng Niampradit said the Prem-Pojaman meeting had been blown out of proportion.
"It is far fetched to speculate that Prem was the mastermind of the military coup simply because Pojaman called on him," Boonsarng said.
Prem is the country's senior figure and it is normal for a junior figure like Pojaman to try to seek his sympathy during troubled time, he said.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/28/headlines/headlines_30017388.php
Wisarut
29-10-06, 12:33 AM
Latest News,
Ee Pojamrn got the chance to meet papa Prem though the connection of Big Oods Wife who is a daughter of AI ThanjongPitthaya (Ee Potjamarn's Slave).
During the meeting between Ee potjamarn and papa prem, She has shown the medical record of Ai maew to papa prem that
"My Husband got sick of heart attack 2 times .... Please ask His Majesty ty to let him go back home to run the Foundation like Bill Gate"
However, papa prem is NOT convinced at all by such a plea bargaining at all .... Papa Prem's Subordinates' have made Camcorner's recoding fo this 15-minute meeting ... to be submitted to His Majesty ....
However This kidn of plea bargaining is totally useless sicne His Majesty has known from Princess Sinrindhorn that AI Maew has Yelled and rapped when there is a coup in BKK that:
"Why ... Why You Majesty has DONE this kind of back stabbing to me?"
http://www.thaipost.net/index.asp?bk=xcite&post_date=28/Oct/2549&news_id=132333&cat_id=200200
For the case of Temasek, the Office of Crown pricne Affairs has made an official announcement that
"The Act of Mom Rajwongse Thongnony Thongyai to be a Thai adviser for Temaske (Thailand) is TOTALLY inappopriate ...His character is also UNWORTHY to work as Deputy Royal Secretariate ... He is worthy a scribe and royal translator for the Crown Prince ...
However, his nature of fox who keeps ABUSING the royal patronage has kept his coworkers frustrated ... The ingrateful action of this man is to become a Thai adviser for Temasek Thailand, despite of his kindness ....
Therefore, we NO LONGER consider this man as a worthy servant for the Crown Pricne and Royal Household ....Any action of this man is NOT boudn to Crown Prince Office or Royal Household."
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9490000133603
Nekochan
29-10-06, 02:59 AM
So, it is clear the Gen Prem is the "highly influence" man behind Thai politics. You may wonder why she did not talk to Gen Sorayuth!
Who is actually in charge? By the way, this windshield lady always comes up with good tactics.:rolleyes:
About MR Thongnoi.....a man claims to be someone when doing business with people, but indeed he is not. We call him a con man.
I am talking about a jail term for such people, let alone Les Majesty charge (old politics). But just a letter of reprimand?
Or the messege is "we have never involved with Taksin and his cronies". MR Thongnoi has done it all by himself.
Hard sale:D
Baton Rouge
29-10-06, 09:03 AM
Storm in a teacup?
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/29/opinion/opinion_30017393.php
Maybe, I'm missing something here.
SIDELINES
Pojaman proves a formidable political 'femme fatale'
With the blaze of publicity over her 15-minute hush-hush meeting with Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda on Thursday, Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra achieved what nobody else in the land could do in that much time - a total demolition of the credibility of those who are against her husband Thaksin, now enduring a forced exile in London.
'Total demolition'. It strikes me that the thing that is most likely to demolish this credibility is failure to do anything about Thaksin's numerous abuses of his office.
Her act was indeed almost a coup de grace for the coup-makers, confirming her formidable position as a shrewd political femme fatale who can manipulate a situation to her full advantage, making the Council for National Security and the Surayud government look like greenhorns in a high-stakes game plan.
Get over it! Pojaman may be acquisitive and manipulative, but is also an extremely vulnerable person. All that is really needed to really demolish this woman is the ability to press home a concerted attack. Of course, the problem with that is that the elite has a long history of bottling out at the critical moment. Presumably, because they know they have committed similar crimes themselves.
She also demonstrated to former and current Thai Rak Thai Party members that her clout and well-timed strategic move made her deserving of the party leadership, not to mention her massive war chest, which can propel her and the party to a win in any election.
The public was shocked by the brief encounter. The entire episode was not only inexplicable but also insensible. A lot of people even felt betrayed. How could Prem agree to meet her and allow her to steal the limelight? His subsequent statement that there was nothing of much substance to the meeting had to be taken with a pinch of salt.
Like it or not, Prem had been taken for a free ride by one of his aides who is connected to Pojaman through distant kinship, and it was Pojaman who laughed her head off all the way from Prem's residence to her plush mansion in Thon Buri, totally satisfied that her charm could still captivate the hearts of whomever she met.
The 15-minute huddle made Pojaman extraordinarily famous but left her kind host in an utterly damaging predicament and with diminishing public faith in his judgement. This is not the first time that Prem's aides have played a manipulative game for the benefit of Thaksin's political moves.
Prem professed to be unperturbed by the public uproar and tried to cut short reporters' questions over the intent of the meeting and the content of the talks. After all, the scene must have been the last thing the public expected to happen. But it did happen and the full extent of the damage has yet to be assessed.
A scarier thought is that this was only Pojaman's first open offensive and she made fair headway, leaving the CNS generals and Surayud's crowd in disarray and scurrying to find ways to control the damage. She has the potential to spring more surprises to dazzle and ridicule the opponents of her husband soon enough.
Somehow, her move gave rise to suspicions that there is a well-coordinated move to score political points and repair the damage done to Thaksin while making the coup-makers and the Surayud government look more and more like villains with a greed for power.
This sort of stuff might give the elite the screaming ab-dabs, but I doubt that the rural electorate are even going to begin to understand what all the fuss is about. It seems to me that this sort of hysteria demonstrates that the elite are far more interested in saving face than in actually creating policies that will condemn the Shinawatras to the dustbin of history where they so rightly belong. That will of course - shock, horror - involve some redistribution of the nation's resources. Charity isn't enough!
The Army chief took part in a friendly football match with former national players. But one among them was not a national player but a notorious politician who had just defected from Thai Rak Thai Party, Somsak Thepsuthin. He emerged the winner politically, while Sonthi did not look very much different from Prem in terms of damaged stature.
Well, what can you expect if you start playing footsie with TRT again. All this talk of 'love', from both sides, is a total nonsense. It was precisely this sort of uncritical claptrap that left Thailand so vulnerable to Thaksin's power-hungry ways in the first place.
What a squeamish bunch of tightwads Thailand's elite are! I found this online too, and can't help thinking that its stereotype of the hi-so psyche is not that far wide of the mark. Perhaps soap opera is how ordinary Thais work out their frustrations at the fickleness of those who claim to be in control.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/29/opinion/opinion_30017395.php
Recent photos of deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra in London. These pictures are supposed to be circulating on the internet.
Would anyone care to add captions to these photos? ;)
(Photos: The Nation)
Picture 1
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/08/national/images/30018424-01.jpg
Picture 2
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/08/national/images/30018424-02.jpg
Picture 3
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/08/national/images/30018424-03.jpg
The Nation also printed the words of a poignant Ralph McTell song that calls for greater sympathy for the capital's down-&-outs: -
"Streets of London"
Have you seen the old man in the closed-down market
Kicking up the paper, with his worn out shoes?
In his eyes you see no pride. And held loosely at his side
Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news
So how can you tell me you're lonely, And say for you that the sun don't shine?
Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something to make you change your mind
Have you seen the old girl
Who walks the streets of London Dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags?
She's no time for talking,
She just keeps right on walking
Carrying her home in two carrier bags.
In the all night cafe
At a quarter past eleven,
Same old man is sitting there on his own
Looking at the world
Over the rim of his tea-cup,
Each tea last an hour
Then he wanders home alone
And have you seen the old man
Outside the seaman's mission
Memory fading with
The medal ribbons that he wears.
In our winter city,
The rain cries a little pity
For one more forgotten hero
And a world that doesn't care
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/09/national/national_30018424.php
And while you are at it, scroll down and read the torrent of pro- & anti- ire that this article has provoked. I think we can safely say that Thaksin has proved to be far more divisive than anything the CPT ever managed.
Photo 1
Thaksin pontificating on the deeper significance of a recent Stickman article on Thai bananas.
Photo 2
***** "Thank God, they don't sell that dreadful Sondhi rag here!"
Photo 3
"Would you Adam & Eve it? Call this a bleedin' pub! The barman tells me they are clean out of the OTOP Rayong Durian Pasties and Chaiya Pickled Salty Eggs! Gordan Bennett!
The Nation also printed the words of a poignant Ralph McTell song that calls for greater sympathy for the capital's down-&-outs: -I remember singing that melancholic song in English class in grade 6 (the teacher played the guitar and used to incorporate music into many lessons - other titles I recall are Ruby Tuesday and Paint It Black); but this certainly adds a whole new context!
Poor old billionaire.... :p
Baton Rouge
09-11-06, 12:37 PM
These old HK banks are a very understanding bunch when it comes to nestegg relos. ..... Those South American bananas look shite. Maybe I can get Blair to invade in return for a 'Gluay Horm' barter deal
OOOOO
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/08/national/images/30018424-01.jpg
Gone are the days when I could make the plebs forget by buying a soccer club. If only I could get those Bangkok fools to read The Daily Star. A solid diet of Samantha Fox pinups and endless sports analysis would be so much more wholesome for them than The Manager
OOOOO
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/08/national/images/30018424-02.jpg
No wonder Pinthongthan hated this kind of work so much. Oh well, the first hour will soon be over. Only another seven to go! A one day token gesture should be enough to show the rural poor I care enough to involve them in a civil war
OOOOO
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/08/national/images/30018424-03.jpg
Not bad, Baton Rouge, not bad....... :D
Baton Rouge
15-11-06, 09:37 AM
The sixth (quoted) paragraph here is the interesting one. One wonders where else in the world they have a "normal practice" on how to deal with the diplomatic passport of a PM who is out of the country and relieved of the post by a coup. And needless to say, that practice is actually up to the discretion of the usurper in practice. ;)
The Nation - online 14/11
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/15/headlines/headlines_30018963.php
Moves afoot to relieve ex-PM of his passport
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has recommended the revocation of Thaksin Shinawatra's diplomatic passport as Bangkok was becoming increasingly nervous about the activities of the former premier and his wife Pojaman, a source said yesterday.
...........
The source said the government is concerned about a possible hidden agenda behind Thaksin's movements abroad.
Surayud was also said to be annoyed by the reception that Thailand's consulate in Hong Kong had given to Thaksin, the source said.
Nevertheless, the issue will be forwarded to Foreign Minister Nitya Phibulsonggram for consideration.
However, Nitya has in the past downplayed the suggestion that Thaksin's red passport be revoked on the ground that Thaksin's possession of the passport was in line with normal practice.
He pointed out that all former prime ministers were permitted to use the passport even if they had been ousted in a coup.
..........
Thaksin said he would leave for Bali today, but didn't say what he planned to do there.
............
Bali seems the ideal location for Thaksin & co. Hot climate and a lack of bland Euro slop when it comes to food. And with a fairly rapid Thai Airways flight home when the inevitable recall occurs. One imagines that Malaysia & Singapore have asked him not to go there. Malaysia is way too close and Singapore probably doesn't want the Temasak fire being reignited. Indonesia is a key regional ally of Thailand with no terrestrial border ( able to do Thailand a slight favor perhaps!?), and Bali is almost a country within a country, with the very necessary 'vacation' excuse.
Baton Rouge
15-11-06, 10:50 AM
And speaking of the necessary 'vacation' excuse, yer 'tiz.
The Nation - online 15/11
Thaksin to fly to Bali for vacation
Deposed Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to leave Hong Kong for the Indonesian resort island of Bali on Wednesday, his lawyer said.
Thaksin, who was seen shopping with his wife in Hong Kong at the weekend, plans to spend about a week in Bali on vacation, the lawyer said.
"He will be there for vacation for about five or even seven days," Noppadol Pattama told AFP.
He could not say whether Thaksin's wife Pojaman would stay there with the fallen premier to celebrate her birthday on November 22.
After their holiday in Bali, Thaksin plans to go to China or another nearby nation, Noppadol said.
Agence France-Presse
Thanks to Vietnam's Nhan Dan online newspaper and The Nation for this gem: -
http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/culture/021106/images/daotrongcuong.jpg
(Picture: Nhan Dan) Dao Trong Cuong finishes a portrait of the new Thai prime minister.
Dao Trong Cuong breathes a sign of relief after putting the fine touches on portraits of regional leaders who will attend the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) meeting here next week.
The portraits, which incorporate more than 30 different kinds of precious stones, including rubies and sapphires, will be gifts to APEC leaders.
Cuong, head of Hanoi based Than Chau Ngoc Viet Gems and Jewellery Company, laboured with 30 other painters and artisans over the past six months to complete the one a kind of portraits.
“Leaders represent the best of their respective economies economies, while these gems are among the most precious and longest lasting in nature. So the pictures are symbolic presents,” says Cuong.
He adds that when leaders look at these images they will remember Vietnam fondly.
The artist refused to reveal how much the portraits were worth, saying they were made with all their hearts.
The portraits will be displayed at APEC Images and Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage Exhibition in Hanoi from November 14- 23. (VNS)
http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/culture/021106/culture_art.htm
HANOI - The fate of a portrait of deposed Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, lovingly crafted in gemstones for a key regional summit, hangs in the balance after he was ousted in a bloodless coup.
Thailand's new foreign minister said there was no room in the delegation's official plane for the likeness of the billionaire businessman, and Thaksin's current globetrotting has left him without a permanent address.
Artist Dao Trong Cuong prepared the colourful portraits of leaders attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Hanoi, rendering the likes of George W. Bush and Russia's Vladimir Putin in rubies and sapphires.
But the unexpected September 19 Thai coup left Cuong scrambling to put together a new masterpiece.
"Before the coup, we had finished Thaksin's portrait because we had started early in the year," he told AFP.
Retired general Surayud Chulanont was installed as premier on October 1, leaving Cuong with just a month-and-a-half to craft the new prime minister's face in gems using photographs from websites and local newspapers.
"That left me very little time to do it," he complained, adding that Surayud's portrait, completed on November 6, was the last one he did.
Surayud, a famously modest man who arrived in Hanoi on Friday to reassure world leaders that all is well in the post-putsch kingdom, will head back to Bangkok with his own gemstone portrait worth over 3,500 dollars.
But with the new Thai government reluctant to take charge of the likeness of the leader they deposed, Thaksin's portrait may be stranded in Hanoi.
"I think our plane will be fully loaded," Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram told AFP with a sly chuckle when asked if the Thai delegation would take the artwork back to give to Thaksin's family.
Thaksin was in New York when the tanks rolled into Bangkok, and flew to self-imposed exile in London, where he keeps a home.
However his globetrotting has since taken him to Hong Kong and the Indonesian resort island of Bali, leaving Cuong a little perplexed about where to send the forlorn portrait.
"For now, we will keep it for ourselves but who knows, maybe I'll give it to Thaksin one day," he shrugged. "He is a businessman like me."
Agence France-Presse
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/18/headlines/headlines_30019339.php
Summary of CNS White Paper detailing Thaksin's alleged wrongdoings: -
Why did Council for National Security overthrow the Thaksin administration?: -
Corruption/conflict of interests
Changed concessions on mobile phone business as excise tax
Created satellite business to gain promotion from Board of Investment
Corruption at Suvarnabhumi Airport and the purchase of CTX bomb detection scanners
Corruption in the construction of railway Airport Link
Lack of transparency in privatisation of state enterprises
Media interference
Abuse of power
Appointed family, relatives, close aides to highranking positions of the state
Used state budget without seeking approval from the House in projects to promote government popularity
Abuse of power by negotiating with foreign countries for the interest of themselves (Exim bank loans)
Abuse of power by instructing state agencies to investigate assets of government opponents
Infringe on ethics and moral integrity of country leader
Sold satellite concession and television station to a foreign country
Evaded taxes from share sale
Interference in political check system
Interfered with the Senate which appointed independent agencies that checked the government
Interfered with the appointment of Election Commission, Constitution Court judge and National Counter Corruption Commission and AuditorGeneral
Policy flaws that led to human rights violation
Extrajudicial killing of drug suspects
Policy mismanagement and abuse of power in solving violence in the south
Created rift and destroyed unity of the public and instigating confrontation
Blocked information that checked the government and the prime minister
Created confrontation between anti and pro government supporters
The military rulers have produced a white paper to explain to the Thai public the key events and reasons leading to their decision to overthrow the Thaksin government.
The 35-page document, obtained yesterday by The Nation, has been prepared as part of a broad campaign to inform Thais about the military coup and the progress the Council for National Security (CNS) has made so far in pushing transitional politics towards the path of democracy.
Former PMs Chavalit Yong-chaiyudh, Anand Panyarachun and Chuan Leekpai have vented their disappointment with the CNS, which has failed to achieve significant progress in fulfilling its pledges cited during the September 19 coup. Key allies like Prasong Soonsiri and Sondhi Limthongkul have also not tried to conceal their disappointment with the military rulers, who appear to be more interested in fielding their people onto the boards of state enterprises than going after Thaksin and his associates.
The white paper, entitled "Facts about the Reform of Thai Politics on September 19, 2006", was recently completed after an initial delay.
Some 20,000 copies in Thai and another 1,000 in English will be distributed to the Thai public and foreign media and embassies by the end of the month, say political sources.
The document starts by painting the tortuous path of Thai democracy. Without naming names, it condemns democracy at face value as adopted by the Thaksin government, which led to unprecedented polarisation, destruction of the system of checks and balances among independent institutions and divide-and-rule tactics that risked creating violence.
The white paper justifies the coup as the last resort, because the democratic machinery had already broken down without any other options for Thai society.
The document outlines corruption scandals, abuse of power and conflicts of interest in the Thaksin government, which were among the key reasons that led to the coup.
Some of the more highly questionable projects include conversion of the mobile-phone concession fee to excise tax; Board of Investment privileges for Shin Satellite; Suvarnabhumi Airport and the CTX scandal; the railway Airport Link; dubious privatisation of state enterprises; and control of free TV.
Abuse of power in the previous government is also cited. Examples include appointing relatives or associates to key government positions, spending off-budget funds without approval from Parliament to boost the popular vote and abusing official capacities to negotiate with foreigners for personal benefit, such as the Export-Import Bank of Thailand's Bt4-billion loan to Burma.
The previous administration is also accused of exploiting the National Counter Corruption Commission, the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the Revenue Department to harass its political enemies.
The document accuses the deposed prime minister of violating leadership ethics by selling satellite and television concessions to a foreigner and selling stocks among family members without paying any tax.
The previous government also stands accused of having intervened in the system of checks and balances. Examples include its exertion of control over the Senate in the confirmation of key people to independent institutions and interference in the appointment of members to the Election Commission, the Constitution Court, the National Counter Corruption Commission and the Auditor-General's Office.
The Thaksin administration's policy mistakes also led to the abuse of human rights. There were mass killings, or extrajudicial killings in drug-related cases. The policy mistakes also resulted in failure to tackle the southern unrest.
The white paper also accuses the Thaksin government of withholding information from the public, in order to avoid being investigated. It also set up supporters to strike back against or confront peaceful anti-government demonstrators, which might have led to violence.
There were attempts to resolve the political crisis through peaceful means but to no avail.
The white paper then describes the political situation before the September 19 coup and the takeover of the country on that day. It paints a rosy response from the public towards the coup and the unusually calm - and bloodless - event.
The white paper also addresses important subjects that fall under public scrutiny, such as the monarchy and Thai politics, martial law, freedoms and liberties, economic sufficiency and the NSC's next step.
In spite of the bitter polarisation of the past year, His Majesty the King did not intervene in Thai politics, in particular declining to use Article 7 of the 1997 Constitution to appoint a new prime minister. His Majesty also gave advice to the judges of the Supreme and Supreme Administrative courts, to the effect that they should rely on the judicial process to resolve the political crisis, in order to protect the democratic system.
After the military elite took control of the country on September 19, they were granted an audience with His Majesty, to report on the situation. It is a tradition in Thai politics that whenever a coup topples the government, the military reports to His Majesty.
Political Desk
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/22/headlines/headlines_30019644.php
Already reported frontpage: -
http://www.2bangkok.com
Two Nation online articles have araised suspicions that something unusual may be happening at the NBIA. The Nation has a habit of putting up the words 'last night" when it posts late in the evening for the following morning's reader consumption: -
Hundreds of cabbies blocked the taxi terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport last night in protest at a police arrest and ticketing of a driver.
As many as 300 police were deployed to the protest.
The arrested driver had failed to turn on his meter when ferrying a passenger to the airport from Chon Buri province.
One of the protesting drivers said the blockade demanded justice for the arrested driver.
He said taxis travelling interprovincial routes did not have to use meters.
The protest organiser, who asked to not be identified, alleged staff at a company that operated an Airports of Thailand taxi concession were corrupt.
They allowed "ghost taxis" to freely pick up passengers at the airport while those who paid Bt50 to enter the airport had to wait "hours" to collect a fare.
Staff received Bt20 kickbacks from each unauthorised taxi.
Hundreds of taxis blocked entrances and exits to the commuter area while others blockaded the Thai Airways catering building, causing traffic congestion in the airport compound.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30020041
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/26/headlines/headlines_30020043.php
Both articles were posted a bit earlier than is usual, and both seem to have been posted by someone in a hurry or in a panic. - Note huge font setting used!
Readership contributions definitely welcomed on this one!!
Was this earlier report some kind of 'faint'? Are either the taxi-drivers or those 300 policemen really involved in something else?: -
Thaksin is finished with politics: adviser
Deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra will leave politics for good and not contest elections promised for next year by the ruling junta, his legal adviser said Sunday.
"He will quit politics for good because his family wants him to quit, and I understand that he will not run for next elections," Noppadol Pattama told reporters.
Following the September coup which ousted him, Thaksin resigned as leader of his Thai Rak Thai political party.
Noppadol said the deposed premier had no plans to return to Thailand "anytime soon" and would stay in Beijing "for a while".
Agence France-Presse
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30019995
Someone was telling me earlier this evening that Noppadol has the diverging eyes of a person whose word can not be trusted! I suppose she meant a lawyer. :D
The following report suggests to me that the CNS is extremely worried about Thaksin's globetrotting style of opposition, and is preparing to get rough with him. Perhaps they are also just sending him a warning that they are prepared to up the ante if he decides to become more proactive. This looks like a highly significant and rare comment from a Thai Army Chief :-
Former govt kill insurgents handed over by M'sia : Sonthi
The previous government killed many insurgents handed by Malaysia into Thai custody, army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said Monday.
"Malaysia is reluctant to help us as we don't behave. Sometimes they handed over suspected militants as requested, but we killed them," Sonthi told reporters upon his departure to Malaysia.
He is visiting Malaysia to seek cooperation from Kuala Lumpur in containing violence in the deep South.
Thailand previously requested that Malaysia arrest and deport suspected militants who fled over the border to hide in Malaysia.
Sonthi said he would ask for help from Kuala Lumpur again in the hope it would be able to provide assistance in settling the problem.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/27/headlines/headlines_30020100.php
On Channel 11 this evening, it was being claimed that the three-digit lottery imposed by Thaksin on the Lottery office had led to losses of up to 900 million baht a month. More here: -
ILLEGAL 2, 3-DIGIT LOTTERIES
'Charge Thaksin, his Cabinet'
Pridiyathorn recommends criminal charges be laid for bypassing 1974 Act
Criminal charges should be brought against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, members of his Cabinet, plus senior Finance and lottery officials for illegally introducing the two- and three-digit lotteries, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula recommended yesterday.
Speaking at a press conference, Pridiyathorn said he had submitted recommendations to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) and Assets Examination Committee (AEC) that those involved in approving the lotteries had committed a criminal act and overstepped their jurisdictions.
Pridiyathorn said the Finance Ministry's move was based on a Council of State ruling on Nov 16 that the Thaksin Cabinet violated Article 157 of the Government Lottery Act of 1974 by introducing two- and three-digit lottery in 2003 simply via a Cabinet resolution.
This has prompted the Surayud government to suspend the two- and three-digit lotteries, pending full legislative support for such operations.
Pridiyathorn has come under pressure to bring criminal charges against Thaksin and those involved in the approval of the two- and three-digit lotteries without any legislative support.
The Thaksin government introduced the two- and three-digit lotteries through a Cabinet resolution in 2003, in a bid to undermine the hugely popular underground lottery and to raise additional revenue.
Tomorrow, the Surayud government is scheduled to create a proper legislative framework for the two- and three-digit lotteries by introducing an amendment to the Government Lottery Act 1974.
However, Prasong Soonsiri, one of the members of the National Legislative Assembly, warned that the Surayud government should not move too quickly to legalise the two- and three-digit lotteries because doing so would nullify the wrong-doings of Thaksin and his associates.
So far, the government has earned Bt28.6 billion - or about Bt350-Bt400 million per issue - from the two lotteries.
The scandal has become a test case for Thailand's rule of law because the Thaksin government deliberately by-passed the legislative process.
Pridiyathorn has now recommended the two anti-graft agencies take legal action against the three groups of people involved in approving the lotteries.
His "opponents" in Parliament, such as Lt Gen Chamlong Srimuang and Prasong, threatened to hold Pridiyathorn responsible for failing to cancel the two- and three-digit lotteries outright since they were ruled illegal.
Those involved in the scandal have been divided into three groups, which look set to face criminal charges.
The first group includes the former director general of the Government Lottery Office (GLO) Chaiwat Pasokpackdee and the GLO board that approved the lotteries in 2003.
The second group consists of former permanent secretary for finance Somchainuk Engtrakool, former deputy finance minister Varathep Ratanakorn and former finance minister Suchart Jaovisidha.
And the third group consists of former Prime Minster Thaksin Shinawatra and his cabinet members for approving the two- and three-digit lotteries in violation of the Government Lottery Act 1974.
Pridiyathorn said he had forwarded the matter to the AEC and the NCCC because these two agencies had broader jurisdiction than the Finance Ministry.
Earlier, the interim government was sharply criticised for failing to take immediate action against those responsible for introducing the two- and three-digit lotteries, after the Council of State's ruling.
After hearning the news yesterday, Suchart told The Nation, he was not directly responsible for the GLO actions.
"Varathep and Prime Minister Thaksin were directly in charge of the two- and three-digit lotteries. I only signed the ministry's proposal to the Cabinet," he said.
He said society had agreed with the cabinet's decision at the time because people wanted to get rid of the underground lottery and raise the money for educational scholarships.
As for Pridiyathorn's charge that the previous government failed to put proceeds from the lotteries into the Finance Ministry's coffers, Suchart said Varathep and the former prime minister should have all the details.
Varathep said that two- and three-digit lotteries were an idea of the GLO, which asked the Finance Ministry to put the proposal to the Cabinet. The GLO assured the process would be legal and not against the law, he said.
However, he said was ready to testify to the AEC and the NCCC.
Chaiwat, the former director general of the GLO, said he acted according to the opinion of the GLO board in introducing the two- and three-digit lotteries. At the time, people liked the idea, which was also supported by a public hearing, because it would help get rid of the underground lottery.
"I believed then that the two- and three-digit lotteries could be issued because it was like other charity lotteries issued by other government agencies for charity purposes," he said.
Wichit Chaitrong
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/28/headlines/headlines_30020148.php
BangkokPundit
28-11-06, 02:47 AM
On Channel 11 this evening, it was being claimed that the three-digit lottery imposed by Thaksin on the Lottery office had led to losses of up to 900 million baht a month. More here: -
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/28/headlines/headlines_30020148.php
Isn't that claim by Channel 11 at odds with what the The Nation's article states: "So far, the government has earned Bt28.6 billion - or about Bt350-Bt400 million per issue - from the two lotteries." How exactly was the government losing money from the lottery?
I obviously missed that bit. Loss of face? Well, yes & no! I really do expect to learn from other posters here, and neither Ch. 11 or The N seems capable of giving us even half the picture.
The interpretation (I received) of what was being said on Ch. 11 was that the prize levels had been set too high for the income for each issue. It was implied that the lottery office had their hands tied by Thaksin's direct intervention in the project. And that Thaksin had again diverted government resources to advance his own long-term political and business interests at the taxpayer's expense. Pretty much par for the course in Thai politics!
I note that this issue is complicated by Chamlong's intense desire to wean us all off gambling and other vices. And also by Prasong Soonsiri's thought that it may not be a good thing to ape the previous Gov. at a time when it is official policy to try and discredit it. It occurred to me later last night that Pridiyathorn might have been persuaded that it is necessary to create more distance between this administration and the last. And that his statements on this issue yesterday mark some kind of covert climbdown to prevent his own loss of face. Pridiyathorn has always struck me as a person who is capable of professionalism, but the bottom line with most local VIPs is that they generally squirm at the thought of ever being seen as having taken the wrong road. A very human response of course; especially for those who truly believe they have a career to protect. He should consider himself lucky! ;)
Yes, well that one didn't pan out.
On the other hand, if Thaksin does return sometime soon it might well involve some kind of similar deception. When Noppadol talks about Thaksin returning gracefully, I'm inclined to remember how gracefully he handled his opponents at Siam Paragon. Actions speak louder than fantasized airs & graces!
Someone was telling me earlier this evening that Noppadol has the diverging eyes of a person whose word can not be trusted!
And speaking of the lawyer with the untrustworthy eyes - Noppadol Pattama - here he is:-
http://www.bangkokpost.com/271106_News/271106_new01.jpg
Looks like my careless article scanning has also confused the cabinet. ;) Ironic that of all the things that Thaksin could be brought to book on that it might just turn out to be a lottery. Perhaps those who thrive on novelty also die by it!: -
:eek:Jaruvan summoned to Cabinet meeting
Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Mainthaka was Tuesday summoned to brief the Cabinet during its weekly meeting.
Sources said she attended the meeting to brief the Cabinet about the her investigations into the past government's alleged wrongdoing related to two and three-digit lottery.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30020162
From today's online Bangkok Post: -
Drugs deaths to be probed
PM to reopen cases of extra-judicial slayings
PRADIT RUANGDIT & ANUCHA CHAROENPO
Prime Minister Gen Surayud Chulanont has vowed to reopen cases of extra-judicial killings during the 'war on drugs' campaigns of the deposed administration. Former Nakhon Ratchasima senator Kraisak Choonhavan said Gen Surayud made the pledge when they met at Government House yesterday.
Mr Kraisak was spearheading a petition calling for the re-opening of cases of extra-judicial slayings in a bid to seek the prosecution of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for the state's draconian actions against drug-related suspects that led to more than 2,500 deaths nationwide.
According to Mr Kraisak, the prime minister said the petition was in line with the government's plans for judicial reform.
The ex-senator, who had received complaints from around 40 families affected by the violent drug suppression, said he asked the prime minister to set up a special panel to probe the cases and make the issue part of the national agenda.
He said he asked Gen Surayud to punish Mr Thaksin and policy-level officials, rather than those at the operational level.
Mr Kraisak also handed information on human rights violations during Mr Thaksin's term to Gen Surayud yesterday.
Somchai Homla-or, chairman of the human rights panel under the Lawyers Council of Thailand, urged the interim government to seriously investigate human rights violations during the tenure of the Thaksin government so that witnesses would be confident of their safety and provide information.
Meanwhile, Gen Surayud yesterday instructed police and anti-drugs authorities to strictly observe human rights and the rule of law in dealing with drug suspects.
''Our work [drugs suppression] must stick to human rights and the rule of law. We will not do anything illegal. As state officials we have to make this matter clear first,'' said Gen Surayud in his speech to an estimated 300 senior police and anti-drugs officials at the launch of a new anti-drugs campaign, which will last from this Friday to Sept 30 next year.
The anti-drugs campaign, initiated to mark His Majesty the King's 80th birthday celebrations next year, requires police and anti-drugs authorities to work together to bring drugs suspects to justice.
At the same time, they must help develop mechanisms for the public to keep a close watch on drugs problems in their communities.
Gen Surayud assured that his military-appointed government will use peaceful methods, reconciliation and the sufficiency economy as guidelines when dealing with the drugs problem, adding that the solutions under his government were transparent and justified. He ordered police and anti-drugs officials to help evaluate the campaign in their areas of jurisdiction, particularly in Bangkok, adjacent provinces and near the borders, after six months, to see if it is is working.
He also asked them to pay special care to youngsters, saying they were more vulnerable to being targeted by drug dealers.
Apart from curtailing the spread of drugs among youths, the prime minister wants authorities to strictly enforce laws against night-time entertainment establishment operators who serve underage customers.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/28Nov2006_news13.php
The slaying of opponents is hardly the easiest tool for this army-sponsored government to use in diminishing Thaksin's popularity. There are too many shallow graves and scorched tar-barrels in its own closet for any real comfort. And '92 isn't that far back. But when you have your back to the wall, it is often necessary to remind your opponent that you can be roused into drastic action.
Whereas I suspect that such charges will never be fully pursued [the Thai public was rooting for dead druggies too much for that], I believe that this sets an exciting new precedent: that Thailand's elite may not always - in future - default to some sort of Confuscian closing of ranks when experiencing difficulties with its own sort. One shouldn't forget that Thaksin deliberately opted to cross into territory that has always been considered out of bounds to those who are considered fit to rule. If he has deliberately brought the ire of his own class down on his own head, should the majority of us really care? Indeed, the discomfort of having to rake over their own uncomfortably close-to-home truths may even prove a salutary lesson to those opposing Thaksin.
The unpleasantness of hacking an upstart 'blue-blood' to death probably accounted for the tasteful choice of silk to mark the demise of that other great Taksin. Doubtless his slayers were also aware of contradictions in their own motives. But perhaps they too were conscious that greatness easily leads to insanity.
This second move to revoke Thaksin's diplomatic passport seems to have a much more definite air about it. One imagines that a "senior CNS officer" is actually the ever-vindictive General Saprang: -
New efforts underway to rid Thaksin of passport
Senior members in the Council of National Security (CNS) have made another attempt to get the foreign ministry to revoke the "diplomatic passport" of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, possibly by the end of the year, according to an informed source.
Some senior military figures have been annoyed by Thaksin's movements in neighbouring countries over the past months and believe that he is quietly masterminding anti-CNS activities from these places.
According to the source, a senior CNS officer has suggested that the government confiscate Thaksin's passport altogether if he continues with his alleged political activities from abroad, even after his diplomatic passport has been revoked.
It was not clear as to how revoking Thaksin's diplomatic passport could curb his alleged activities because many of the places he has been visiting grant free entry to ordinary Thai citizens, according to the source.
Members of the Thai Rak Thai Party reportedly met the ousted premier in Hong Kong last month to plot a series of disturbances in the country to discredit the CNS.
Deputy Foreign Ministry spokesman Kiattikhun Chartprasert said the ministry maintained the same stance that permits former premiers and former foreign ministers to travel under diplomatic passport.
However, Kiattikhun said, the matter could be reconsidered "if new developments pertaining to his issue surfaced".
The rest of Thaksin's cabinet members have already handed their diplomatic passports to the Foreign Ministry and now travel on ordinary ones. Their diplomatic passports expire on December 21.
Meanwhile Thaksin and former ministers Kantathi Suphamongkhon and Surakiart Sathirathai retain the privilege to hold diplomatic passports in line with past practice, Kiattikhun said.
For the past several weeks, Thaksin has made headlines in Hong Kong, Indonesia and China, where he has been shopping and visiting friends, by using his diplomatic passport. He is currently travelling in China.
According to various government sources, there have been clear links between Thaksin's supporters and former Cabinet ministers and the underground political activities, commonly referred to as "undercurrent", aimed at destabilising the government.
According to the source, the government will issue the order after assessing the planned anti-government rally scheduled for December 10.
The source said cancelling Thaksin's diplomatic passport was an important gesture to show the world that he no longer represented Thailand in any capacity.
The Thai Embassy in London will be instructed to issue a new ordinary passport, pending the ministry's approval, he said.
The Nation has learned that with the order, Thaksin's current passport will expire at midnight on December 31.
Thaksin has a five-year multiply-entry visa to Britain. He can stay in Britain during each period for no more than 160 days.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/12/08/headlines/headlines_30021048.php
Wisarut
19-12-06, 05:29 PM
Pro Thaksin vs. ANti Thaksin Discussioin is here
http://rspas.anu.edu.au/rmap/newmandala/2006/12/05/politics-is-boring/
Well, you can see good old Uncle Johpa who is critical toward both Thaksin and Royal Family :p
Aides denies Thaksin plans to sneak into Country through Cambodian border
Noppadol Pattama, legal adviser of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, denied Saturday that the former premier was planning to sneak into the country through Trat's border with Cambodia.
Noppadol dismissed the rumours that Thaksin was now in Koh Kong, Cambodia.
He said Thaksin was still in Bejing. He said the former prime minister would enter the country through a normal channel once the Assets Examination Committee summons him to testifiy.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30023438
Khunying Pojaman's land plot on Ratchadaphisek could be seized by the Assets Examination Committee, but it is important to notice that she will be given 7 days to mount a defense. So any impoundment of property should not yet be construed as a punishment: -
AEC to seize Pojaman's land
Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of ousted premier Thaksin, will soon face the seizure of her Ratchadapisek plot illegally bought from the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF), a senior graft buster said Monday.
"The Pojaman case is like an analogy drawn from a robbery - the stolen asset must be seized and returned to the rightful owner after the thief got caught," Assets Examiniation Committee chairman Nam Yimyaem said.
The plot seizure should happen after the Udom Fuangfung panel completed its hearing for possible indictments against Pojaman, Nam said.
The hearing is in progress and has reached a stage where Pojaman would have to present her defence within seven days, he said.
Then the Udom panel would outline the charges and recommend trial in the Supreme Court's Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holders, he said.
The AEC is empowered to impound any ill-gotten assets ahead of the judicial review, he said.
He also stated that he was confident in securing a conviction because Pojaman and her husband Thaksin had jointly violated the ban against government officials and spouses from entering into a state contract.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30025410
AEC subcommittee: Pojaman is guilty of tax evasion
An Assets Examination Committee (AEC) inquiry has ruled the wife of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Khunying Pojaman, and her brother Bhanapot Damapong conspired to evade taxes.
AEC subcommittee chairman Sak Korsaengruang Sunday said his panel had resolved the two conspired to evade paying tax on a Shinawatra Computer and Telecommunications share transaction in 1997.
The two denied the allegations.
Sak will Monday submit a recommendation to the AEC that it seek the prosecution of Pojaman and Bhanapot.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30026555
CENTRAL BANK
Pojaman's bid to buy UK house hits snag
American suing Thaksin hinders funds transfer
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) says it needs more time to consider Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra's request to transfer Bt400 million to the United Kingdom to buy a house in London, now that an American businessman suing her husband, Thaksin, has asked to block the transfer.
The businessman is suing the former premier for Bt6 billion.
BOT assistant governor Nitaya Pibulratanagit said yesterday that William L Monson had written to the bank to ask that the transfer to be blocked. "We're assigning the legal department to consider if a person who is facing a lawsuit can take money out of the Kingdom," Nitaya said.
"We will not investigate the lawsuit but simply see whether the transfer is legal in principle," she explained.
Monson wrote to the Bank of Thailand on Tuesday, a day after BOT Governor Tarisa Watanagase said the central bank had no objection to Pojaman's request to take Bt400 million out of the country as long as all the documents were in order. Monson wrote: "This lawsuit is against Pol Lt-Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra, Khunying Pojaman's husband. Her transfer of that amount of money will jeopardise my case against her husband and will seriously harm me.
"I would like to formally request that you, as the governor of the Bank of Thailand, disapprove of the request of Khunying Pojaman ... as well as any requests from Thaksin.
"You and the Bank of Thailand will be held responsible for any damages that might be caused to me by your actions."
Monson, the manager of cable television operator CTVC of Hawaii, forged a partnership with International Broadcasting Corp (IBC) in the late 1980s. Thaksin was IBC's major shareholder and chairman. Later, Thaksin sued Monson for embezzlement.
Monson subsequently sued Thaksin for perjury, seeking Bt6 billion in compensation.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/02/national/national_30028298.php
Misspelt headlines and mistaken gender in The Nation lend an even greater sense of high-farce to the whole proceedings:
Attorney General office decides to sue wife of ousted prime minister, his borther and her secretary
Attorney General Office agreed on Wednesday to sue Pojaman Shinawatra, her brother Bhanapot Damapong, and her secretary Kanchanapa Honghern, for allegedly evading tax liabilities stemming from their share transactions in 2000.
Attaporn Yaisawan, spokesman of the office said that Patchara Yuttitamdamrong ordered to office to sue the three.
Pojaman is wife of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The office was acting on the request of the Assets Examination Committee to charge the three.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30029287
Wife of ousted prime minister and her brother charged of tax evasion
Public prosecutor on Monday filed lawsuits against Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, her brother, Bhanapot Damapong, and her personal secretary, Kanjanapa Honghern, for major tax evasion.
The three reported themselves to the Criminal Court on Monday morning and posed bail of Bt6 million for each.
They appeared at the Criminal Court at about 9.30am to hear the charge. At the press time, their lawyer are submitting Bt6-million bank accounts for bail for each person.
Court has set May 24 to check proposing evidence of both parties.
If convicted, they would face jail terms of up to 14 years each for tax evasion.
This is apparently the first time that a wife of a Thai prime minister was charged with criminal-linked charge and tax irregularities.
Public prosecutors believed that Pojaman, Bhanapot and Kanjanapa were involving in filing income tax returns in relation to a shock transaction in 2000. They were alleged to unlawfully claim tax exemption.
Prosecutors earlier said they would treat the case as a criminal conspiracy, and the matter could not be settled out of court even if the defendants later decided to meet their tax obligations.
Based on the Assets Examination Commission's report, the defendants were liable for Bt500 million in unpaid tax, he said.
If convicted, they would have to meet their tax liabilities and pay a fine of up to Bt400,000 on top of any time served in jail, he said.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/26/headlines/headlines_30030252.php
Court frees on bail Khunying Pojaman, Banapot and her personal secretary
Criminal Court has released on bail Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of ousted prime minister, her brother; Banapot Damapong and her personal secretary, Kanjapa Honghern.
The three were charged of involving in tax evasion in 2000.
They were accused by the Assets Examination Committee of collaborating to evade income taxes over the sale of Shinawatra Computer.
The three arrived at the court at 9:40 am.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30030249
The charges were in line with the recommendations of the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC).
"We must ensure there will not be any serious incident," Attorney-General's Office spokesman Atthapol Yaisawong said before Khunying Potjaman and others appeared. "There are reports that both supporters and opponents of Thaksin and Pojaman will be at the office."
A team of five public prosecutors has worked on the case, according to Mr Atthapol.
From Earlier story:
When asked about the possibility of releasing Pojaman and her two associates on bail, Mr. Atthapol, a public prosecutor himself, said that the permission would depend upon the court's discretion. But should the trio fail to identify themselves as promised earlier, the AEC would have to reach them in person and send them over to the OAG.
If they show any indication of not appearing to hear the charges, arrest warrants will be sought accordingly.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=117663
http://etna.mcot.net/newsimages/p28605.peg
[Photo: TNA]
Judging by the picture above and the headline below, Khunying Pojaman is feeling bullish! :eek:
Wife of ousted Thai leader charges with tax evasion
BANGKOK, March 26 (TNA) -- Wife of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, her step-brother and personal secretary to the Shinawatra family have reported to court to face charges of evading 546 million baht (US$ 16.6 million) in back taxes involved in the 1997 transfer of shares in the family telecommunications empire later known as Shin Corp.
The tax-evasion charges against Pojaman Shinawatra, Bannaphot Damaphong, her step-brother, and Kanchanapha Honghern, personal sercretary to the Shinawatra family, had been read out before they were released on a 15-million-baht (US$458,000) bail.
Their first trial round in court is scheduled for May 14.
The first of a dozen Thaksin-related corruption cases, the outcome of the ruling will affect not only the Shinawatra family, but numerous business and political associates of the outsted premier in this and more than a dozen outstanding corruption cases.
Noppadol Pattama, lawyer for the Shinawatra family, said Khunying Pojaman and the others had resolved to fight the cases even if it reaches the Supreme Court, following the allegations that they had deliberately violated Tax and Criminal Code regulations pertaining to their sales of Shinawatra Computers and Communications stocks a decade ago.
The Office of Attorney General had forwarded the cases to the Criminal Court after the military-appointed Asset Examinations Committee had investigated the share transfers and charged that the trio had deliberately evaded income tax valued 546 million baht.
Mr. Noppadol said the ex-prime minister's wife and others who were charged with her need not worry too much about the charges, because a lawyer well versed with tax businesses is prepared to represent them.
Yinglak Shinawatra, sister of the former prime minister, Padung Limcharoenrat, close aide to the ex-prime minister, and Pongthep Thepkanchana, a former justice minister, had joined dozens of sympathisers at the Criminal Court where about 100 policemen had stood on guard.
No untoward incidents have been reported.(TNA)-E008
Link may expire:
http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=28605
:confused:
26 March 2007 Khunying Potjaman reports herself to prosecutors of the Shin Corp case
Three alleged persons of the Shin Corp’s tax evasion case reports themselves to prosecutors of special cases. All of them show no sign of anxiety.
The three alleged people are Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra who is the wife of the ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, her brother Bannapot Damaphong, and her secretary Kanchanapha Honghern (กาญจนาภา หงษ์เหิน). They are alleged of being involved in the tax evasion of the Shinawatra Computer and Communication Plc.
The three people report themselves at 10.00 a.m. to the special case prosecutors whose director-general is Seksan Bangsombun (เศกสรรค์ บางสมบุญ). The prosecutors will consider the evidence of the case before deciding whether to indict them to the criminal court.
The alleged people’s team of attorneys is led by Nopadol Pattama (นพดล ปัทมะ) and Weeraphat Srichaiya (วีรพัฒน์ ศรีไชยยา) who are responsible for the case since the beginning. Phadung Limcharoenrat (ผดุง ยิ้มเจริญรัตน์), a close person of the ousted premier, also accompanies the alleged people. There are about 20 people presenting roses to them.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255003260023
ALLEGED TAX EVASION
Pojaman charged in court
First legal strike against Shinawatras sees wife of deposed PM, her brother and secretary charged with tax evasion
The wife of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was yesterday charged with evading more than half a billion baht in tax, in the first significant legal strike against the family since Thaksin was ousted in the September 19 coup.
Khunying Pojaman appeared at the Bangkok Criminal Court with brother Bhanapot Damapong and personal secretary Kanchanapa Honghern. They were surrounded by tight security.
Reporters and photographers were on hand as were about 20 supporters with red roses and banners reading, "We are with you".
If convicted, Pojaman and Bhanapot face up to of 14 years in prison and Bt400,000 in fines. They will also have to pay outstanding tax, estimated by the Assets Examination Committee at Bt500 million.
Kanchanapa, if found guilty, faces a maximum of seven years in jail and a Bt200,000 fine. Prosecutors will say she did not play a direct role in the alleged evasion.
The three suspects were released after posting Bt5 million bail each. They appeared at 9.30am to hear the charges.
May 14 has been set as the first trial day, according to Pojaman's lawyer Noppadon Pattama.
The charges date back to 1997 when the Shinawatra clan allegedly circulated a huge volume of stock in the family company among themselves without paying tax.
The prosecution is the first against people close to the former prime minister who has himself been accused of widespread corruption.
Coup leaders cited Thaksin's alleged corruption as justification for his ouster and have faced strong criticism for being slow to prove their allegations, many of which remain under investigation.
Yesterday's indictment was also the first against a spouse of a prime minister for criminal and tax offences. Prosecutors said earlier they would treat the case as a criminal conspiracy, and the matter could not be settled out of court if the defendants decided to meet their tax obligations.
In the past, coup leaders have often used their power to seize the assets of ousted leaders and family members.
Noppadon - who also represents Thaksin - told reporters the court prohibited the defendants from discussing the case publicly or "giving interviews or doing anything that could affect or obstruct the trial". The court added the trial was in the public interest, he said.
Violating this prohibition can result in bail being revoked, he added.
Wearing a mustard-yellow-silk dress Pojaman maintained her composure as she was escorted through an army of reporters and cameramen.
As many as 100 police provided a shield for Pojaman as she walked from her car to the court.
She smiled at supporters but was unable to receive their flowers. Noppadon said afterwards Pojaman said she was sorry she could not thank them in person.
Acting Thai Rak Thai Party deputy leader Pongthep Thepkanchana, brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat, close aide Phadung Limcharoenrat and public figure Darunee Kritboonyalai were among the group. Thai Rak Thai acting leader Chaturon Chaisang remained at party headquarters.
Thaksin has been in exile since the coup. He released a video for his family, saying "in such time of trouble, nothing matches the moral support among father, mother and children".
Public prosecutor Seksan Bangsomboon yesterday filed the 12-page charge in court. It alleges the three defendants evaded tax and intentionally gave false information to evade tax.
Kesinee Tangkhiew, The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/27/headlines/headlines_30030352.php
Charges for a trio
The lawsuit said all three were involved in an attempt to evade paying tax while Bhanapot and Pojaman jointly gave false information to Revenue Department officers to avoid the tax.
In November 1997, Pojaman transferred 4.5 million shares of Shinawatra Computer and Communication, worth Bt738 million, to Bhanapot through the account of her maid Duangta Wongpakdi. She presented the transfer as a share sale in the stock market, which is tax-exempt. This was a deliberate deception, the lawsuit claims.
In 2001, Bhanapot and Pojaman told officers of the Revenue Department the share transfer was not subjected to tax as it was "a gift" from Pojaman to Bhanapot.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/27/headlines/headlines_30030356.php
This report nowhere mentions that Yaowapa Wongsawat is ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra's sister. It also appears that this case has not previously been given wide coverage by Thailand's English language media:
28 March 2007
NEWS HEADLINE :. Deputy Democrat Leader testifies in probe into abnormal wealth of former TRT MP
The Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party testified in the case of the abnormal wealth of a former Thai Rak Thai Member of Parliament.
The Deputy Leader of