Thai ex-PM fails to show for verdict

[Nereus]

She could not have possibly fled, she has called in sick.
...........................................................................................
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politic ... -shes-fled

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered security authorities to check border crossings and search for former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Friday, commenting "I thought she was brave enough to show up", after she failed to appear for the ruling in her trial.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said it was likely Ms Yingluck had already left the country.

Her lawyer filed a motion claiming that Ms Yingluck was sick as result of Meniere's disease, with symptoms of dizziness and severe headaches, and could not travel to the court. He did not present a medical certificate.

The court ruled that "...it was not convincing that the defendant was sick to the extent of being unable to travel to the court."

It issued a bench warrant for Ms Yingluck's arrest and seized her 30 million baht bail bond.

Asked if Ms Yingluck was still in the country, Gen Prayut said, "There is no such report... We are looking for her."

[PeteC]

In a nut shell, and very accurate as well IMO. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/cartoon/20107

8b33c0d07e02a581a2e94eeb065f476c-ivd.jpeg (12.7 KiB) Viewed 1191 times

EDIT: That rendered way too small for some reason as original larger. Go to link for clear view.....

[Spitfire]

Ban her from politics for life and give her a suspended sentence as that would work for both sides and not compromise the junta's quest for some kind of reconciliation...however superficial that idea seems at times.

But, from seeing what has been handed out to the others today then looks like they want heads on spikes. One ex minister got a disproportionate 42 years and you only get 5 years inside if you are poor for murder/rape or killing someone in a vehicle whilst DUI...bet the Red Bull guy doesn't get anything for his misdeeds. The others that were sentenced today were basically career "Sir Humphrey" type civil servants that were told to do something and obeyed.

Looks like people are being made an example of.

[Spitfire]

As an aside, I also find it very hard to believe that she could have fled the country if the powers that be didn't want her to or just allowed it to happen. Seems murky to me and reeks of collusion from said powers as it certainly serves their agenda to have her out of the country in such a fashion.

[RCer]

As an aside, I also find it very hard to believe that she could have fled the country if the powers that be didn't want her to or just allowed it to happen. Seems murky to me and reeks of collusion from said powers as it certainly serves their agenda to have her out of the country in such a fashion.

What would have happened had she been sentenced to jail and taken away in handcuffs? Certainly not the peace enjoyed over the past 3 years.

Sometimes its wiser to look the other way.

[oakdale160]

Does it seem that the Shinawatras are increasingly becoming a rallying point for the anti-military rulers?
Putting her in jail would make her a martyr.

[HHTel]

Officials 'abetted' Yingluck's flight to Cambodia

Some state officials were complicit in Yingluck Shinawatra's flight from justice this week and may have facilitated her escape to Cambodia, where she was assisted by people of influence en route to the Middle East.

No surprise there then!

Source:http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politic ... o-cambodia

[caller]

I would have fled too if I had been in her situation. This is nothing more than political cleansing.

The Generalissimo and his followers have already granted themselves immunity against future prosecutions for, erm, similar schemes, that have been launched in other agriculture industries.

Most Countries have to support their farmers with subsidies, otherwise the cost of the produce will become too expensive, especially with supermarkets always seeking to keep the prices as low as possible.

Here they just expect the farmers to be poor.

[oakdale160]

Now there are 2 ex-Thai PMs in Dubai.
I think she will become the poster girl for those that oppose the military.

[Takiap]

So the court didn't believe that she was too ill to attend court?

Funny how the Red Bull Boy has always made excuses and he has never been doubted. Sometimes I really wonder if this country has no shame at all.


But, as others have said, having her out of the country is probably the ideal solution for those who are currently in power.

[Nereus]

Most Countries have to support their farmers with subsidies, otherwise the cost of the produce will become too expensive, especially with supermarkets always seeking to keep the prices as low as possible.

Yes, a lot of countries subsidise primary production, but there is a big difference between a subsidy and blatantly paying around twice the market price for a product just to ensure a political vote from a population that does not know any better.
There may have been some place for it if the subsidy had been paid direct to the farmers, but in this case the main beneficiary's were the greedy middle men, millers, dealers and politicians.

The Government, if it can be called that, has already seized a lot of her assets, including the 30 Million Baht bail bond. In addition they have sold a big part of the rice stockpile, so they probably took the view that helping her leave was the best solution. Just a matter of deciding who has the biggest loss of face really!

[STEVE G]

Ex-Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra has fled to Dubai, source says
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/08/25/asia/ ... index.html

[StevePIraq]

Fugitive treaty with Thailand is near
The UAE and Thai officials are expected to sign an extradition treaty later this week after talks begin in Abu Dhabi.

ABU DHABI // UAE and Thai officials are expected to sign an extradition treaty on Wednesday, a deal that Thailand hopes will lead to the UAE handing over the former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is reported to be living in Dubai. Talks to finalise the agreement began yesterday in Abu Dhabi, according to WAM, the state news agency. Officials from the Sharjah Federal Appeal Court, Thailand's foreign ministry and other representatives from both countries took part in the talks.
Thai officials said last April they were studying a draft extradition treaty with the UAE to bring back Mr Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and later sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for abuse of power. International law does not require countries to surrender criminals to other nations, but most have agreements to ensure fugitives do not escape justice. The UAE has signed similar agreements with at least 34 countries, and hopes it will facilitate the hand over of Emirati citizens who have been detained in Thailand.
Dubai is seeking the extradition of Michael Bryan Smith, a 43-year-old Briton who is accused of embezzlement and is being held by Thai authorities. Dubai authorities want Mr Smith to face charges of forgery, betrayal of trust and illegal possession of public funds. He is alleged to have stolen US$600,000 (Dh2.2 million) from the Dubai-based property company Limitless, where he worked, according to court papers. Limitless is a business unit of Dubai World owned by the Dubai Government.
It is not clear whether Mr Thaksin is still in Dubai. He is reported to have a number of passports, and business interests in several countries. He was stripped of his Thai passport.


https://www.thenational.ae/uae/fugitive ... r-1.504314

[STEVE G]

There may have been some place for it if the subsidy had been paid direct to the farmers, but in this case the main beneficiary's were the greedy middle men, millers, dealers and politicians.

This has been the case for every rice subsidy that has been paid for decades but no other PM has ever been prosecuted for it.

[caller]

just to ensure a political vote from a population that does not know any better.

Well, they know enough to have elected the same party in every election for years, so I'm not so sure this was to ensure a political vote. Whatever the merits or otherwise of the scheme, no way does it merit the punishments that have been handed out. The outcome of this case has nothing to do with justice in my opinion and if we have learnt one thing, it's that there is still an opposition to the junta in play, from within, however subtle that may appear for now. As ever with Thailand, everything is smoke and mirrors.