2 Thai ex-PMs acquitted of abusing power in quelling protest

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hhfarang
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2 Thai ex-PMs acquitted of abusing power in quelling protest

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"BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court acquitted two former prime ministers of abuse of power on Wednesday in a case involving the deadly dispersal of an anti-government protest in 2008. A division of the Supreme Court acquitted Somchai Wongsawat, his deputy, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, and two former police officials, saying they did not intend to endanger the demonstrators by quelling what had turned into a violent protest.

Hundreds of people suffered injuries during a pitched battle that developed when police tried to clear away protesters who were blocking the entrance to the Parliament complex. They wanted to stop Somchai, who was prime minister, from delivering his first policy statement.

The protesters, who became known as the "Yellowshirts" for their garb honoring the Thai king, were seeking to bring down Somchai's government, which they believed served as a proxy for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup after being accused of corruption and disrespect for the monarchy.

Two people died in the protest. At the time it appeared that many of the injuries were caused by out-of-date tear gas canisters that exploded after being fired, but the court said blame could not be definitively assigned.

Somchai is the brother-in-law of Thaksin, whose 2006 ouster triggered sometimes-violent battles for political power. Thaksin's supporters see the various criminal cases against him and his allies as attempts to erase his influence from Thai political life. ..."

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Re: 2 Thai ex-PMs acquitted of abusing power in quelling protest

Post by oakdale160 »

I wonder whose brother in law is in the out-of-date tear gas canister business.
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Re: 2 Thai ex-PMs acquitted of abusing power in quelling protest

Post by handdrummer »

instead they want Yingluk's head on a pike. oh well, I suppose stupidity is worse than murder. they could exile her and that would be a fair sentence. it would also take her out of the limelight and her supporters would fade away. if she's put on prison for 10 yrs. it will fan the flames of rebellion. in the meantime, the neighbors dogs are annoying and i'd like to know where can I buy out-of-date tear gas canisters.
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Re: 2 Thai ex-PMs acquitted of abusing power in quelling protest

Post by Spitfire »

There is some cynicism in many minds that the acquittals include the general's brother who was police chief at the time.

As for the "Yellow shirts" having a hissy-fit about it...well, whatever the verdict then someone would complain. Also, seems they are up to their old tricks with barricading people inside the buildings after the judgement et al. Seems the no political gatherings law or groups of more that 5 don't apply to all...not to mention Suthep and all his cronies should have been arrested along time ago too.

As for Yingluck, then instead of trying to put her head on a stake as that is counter productive regarding reconciliation (which it is obvious that no-one is interested in these days), they would be better off just banning her from politics. The witch hunt that has gone after her is obviously politically motivated. Also seems like the result in her trial is a forgone conclusion.

Since when, anywhere in the world, were agricultural subsidies a resounding financial success? The answer is they aren't, look no further than the US and Europe. There are two main reasons why countries subsidize agriculture and they are that you get food security and the peasants don't turn up at government offices waving pitchforks (or blocking port access with tractors etc. like the French do).

The generals may well find themselves handing out large amounts of subsidies too, and to the same people, as that is what happens here. Those in power have to buy off the farmers each year...unless of course they spend it all on military hardware.

Sorry, meandered off topic there a bit in the latter part of that post. :roll:
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