You are saying that right after the coup I said it was not about stamping out corruption but only money and power? I seriously doubt I really said that. I still think that whatever gains the military made were a trade off for their full cooperation with coup makers (things like increased budget).
Very few people were privvy to the coup plans, but it's inevitable that there were many hangers-on afterwards, and they all wanted to exploit sudden opportunity (lower down the chain, like Don Muang crew).
And, of course, Sonthi relinquished power as early as possible.
>>>>
They just couldn't stand Thaksin anymore, for millions of reasons. Should they have acted on their impulse? Everyone has a different opinion on that. I think if not for them, there's no chance in hel_l Thaksin would have been indicted and brought to trial.
Rule of law has somewhat been restored, and I place higher value on that than on "democratic process".
Former Prime Minister Samak Still Facing Corruption Charges
Started by sriracha john, 2008-01-30 11:43
#52
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-06 13:20:56
Apparently Xinhua, The Nation, Bangkok Post, Thai News Agency, ThaiNews, and Daily Xpress (among others) all got it wrong...
 Samak denies he started rumours of plot to arrest him at airport Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Sunday denied that he had started false rumours about a plot to arrest him at the Don Muang International airport after he returned from a trip to China and Brunei. Samak said he was simply answering reporters' questions about a legal case against him and he told that if he failed to answer a summon order, he would be arrested in line with normal procedure. But his wordings were incorrectly reported that he talked about a plot to arrest him at the airport upon his arrival, Samak said. - The Nation #53
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-07 08:16:42
a NEW corruption case to be added to Samak's list...
Japan firm accused of bribing Bangkok officials Reports from Tokyo on Monday say a former executive of Nishimatsu Construction Co. has told Tokyo prosecutors the firm gave a bribe of more than 400 Million Yen (125.5 Million Baht) to Bangkok city officials in return for "favors" connected to awarding a tunnel project contract in 2003. The report did not name any Thai officials, but said they worked at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). In 2003, Samak Sundaravej, now the PM, headed the BMA as elected Governor. Quoting "sources," the Japanese reports said the former executive of the major contractor is being investigated by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office on suspicion of violating the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law for bringing in around 100 Million Yen from overseas without reporting it to customs. During the investigation of the alleged currency violation, other cases have popped up. The Bangkok case involves a 2 Billion Baht contract to bore a tunnel in northern Bangkok, as part of an anti-flooding project. Nishimatsu and a local firm - unnamed in the Tokyo reports - won the contract in September 2003. Bangkok-based staff of Nishimatsu in Thailand prepared bribes after consulting executives of Nishimatsu's Thai partner, the Japanese reports said. "The payments were apparently made to (Thai) government officials and officials in charge of overseeing bids for the project just before and after the project was awarded," said a report by Kyodo news agency. The Tokyo press reports said that the Nishimatsu executive now under police questioning in Japan claims he was not directly involved in bribing the officials, but "in return for favors to secure the tunnel construction project, the company paid a total of more than 400 Million Yen to Thai government officials. Continued here: http://www.bangkokpo...s.php?id=128745 Edited by sriracha john, 2008-07-07 08:17:20. #54
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-07 10:28:27
Apparently Xinhua, The Nation, Bangkok Post, Thai News Agency, ThaiNews, and Daily Xpress (among others) all got it wrong... Samak denies he started rumours of plot to arrest him at airport Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Sunday denied that he had started false rumours about a plot to arrest him at the Don Muang International airport after he returned from a trip to China and Brunei. (among others) included the Thai press... Thai Rath [Thai newspaper] comment: Why did PM Samak tell the media about an alleged plot, which he later denied, by a group of people to capture him at Suvarnabhumi airport last week? Samak must have foreseen the ramifications of his revelation, which comes amid mounting political pressure against him and former PM Thaksin. As well, Samak is fighting a defamation suit filed against him by former Deputy Bangkok Governor Samart Ratchapolsit. A court found Samak guilty, and the case is now before the Appeals Court. If the guilty verdict is upheld, Samak will have to seek bail within 24 hours. If, for any reason, Samak cannot get bail in time, he could conceivably land in jail and lose his prime ministership. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has rejected Thaksin's request to travel overseas because he would be out of the country during hearings on the Ratchadapisek land purchase case. It seems courts are getting tough with politicians involved in high-profile cases. The Supreme Court recently sentenced 3 of Thaksin's lawyers to 6 months in jail for giving a pastry box filled with cash to court officials. The alignment of the stars are apparently not in favour of Continued here: http://www.bangkokpo...2008_news55.php Edited by sriracha john, 2008-07-07 10:30:45. #55
Old Man River
Platinum Member Posted 2008-07-07 12:27:25 Quote You are saying that right after the coup I said it was not about stamping out corruption but only money and power? I seriously doubt I really said that. #56
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-09 09:53:38
a NEW corruption case to be added to Samak's list... Japan firm accused of bribing Bangkok officials Reports from Tokyo on Monday say a former executive of Nishimatsu Construction Co. has told Tokyo prosecutors the firm gave a bribe of more than 400 Million Yen (125.5 Million Baht) to Bangkok city officials in return for "favors" connected to awarding a tunnel project contract in 2003. The report did not name any Thai officials, but said they worked at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). In 2003, Samak Sundaravej, now the PM, headed the BMA as elected Governor. Quoting "sources," the Japanese reports said the former executive of the major contractor is being investigated by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office on suspicion of violating the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law for bringing in around 100 Million Yen from overseas without reporting it to customs. During the investigation of the alleged currency violation, other cases have popped up. The Bangkok case involves a 2 Billion Baht contract to bore a tunnel in northern Bangkok, as part of an anti-flooding project. Nishimatsu and a local firm - unnamed in the Tokyo reports - won the contract in September 2003. Bangkok-based staff of Nishimatsu in Thailand prepared bribes after consulting executives of Nishimatsu's Thai partner, the Japanese reports said. "The payments were apparently made to (Thai) government officials and officials in charge of overseeing bids for the project just before and after the project was awarded," said a report by Kyodo news agency. The Tokyo press reports said that the Nishimatsu executive now under police questioning in Japan claims he was not directly involved in bribing the officials, but "in return for favors to secure the tunnel construction project, the company paid a total of more than 400 Million Yen to Thai government officials. Continued here: http://www.bangkokpo...s.php?id=128745 BMA asks Japan to aid bribery probe Reports of pay-off to secure tunnel contract The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will send a letter to the Japanese Ambassador and a Japanese contractor seeking information about an alleged 125-million-baht bribe paid to senior BMA officials. Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin has launched an investigation into the matter, which came to light during a court case in Japan. He said yesterday the letter will be sent to the Japanese Ambassador and Nishimatsu Construction Co, asking for a response in 7 days so that the BMA can complete its investigation ASAP. The Japan Times and Japan Today newspapers reported that Nishimatsu Construction admitted to Japanese prosecutors that it had given a bribe of more than 400 million yen to ''Thai officials'' to win a drainage tunnel project in Bangkok. City Hall would certainly forward its findings to the NCCC, he said. PM Samak and Deputy PM Sahas Banditkul declined to comment yesterday on the corruption reports. Samak was Bangkok Governor and Sahas was Deputy Governor when City Hall implemented the 5 km long drainage tunnel project. Completed last year, the 2.09-Billion-Baht tunnel stretches from Lat Phrao to the Saen Saep canal. Asked for his reaction to the bribe allegation he refused to talk and walked straight to the cabinet secretariat building, the venue of yesterday's meeting. Sahas also arrived for the cabinet meeting. Unusually, his limousine went directly to the underground parking space of the cabinet secretariat building and he walked hurriedly to the meeting. Normally, Sahas walks from the command building to the secretariat building for Tuesday cabinet meetings. ''I'm busy,'' he told reporters yesterday. Continued here: http://www.bangkokpo...2008_news05.php #57
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-10 04:41:41
DSI mulls probe
DSI Serious Crime Chief awaiting approval from higher up to start work The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will soon decide whether it will probe allegations that Thai officials received a 125-million-baht bribe from a Japanese firm. Colonel Piyawat Kingket, who heads the DSI Office of Serious Crime, yesterday revealed that he was in the process of asking for the DSI Director-General Tawee Sodsong's approval to act into the case. Earlier this week, it was reported that Nishimatsu Construction bribed Thai officials to get a tunnel construction project from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). "The case is similar to the bribery at the Tourism Authority of Thailand. So, my office has to take actions or else we may be charged with dereliction of duty," Piyawat said. Tawee said DSI would be able to launch a probe into the allegation surrounding the BMA project only if there were solid evidences that the bribe really took place. The bribe was allegedly made in 2003 when Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej was serving as the Bangkok Governor. In response to the bribery scandal, officials from the Office of National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) yesterday asked for BMA's cooperation in the probe. Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said the BMA is also investigating the bribery allegation on its own. "When we finish our probe, we will forward relevant information to NCCC," Apirak said. Chanchai Witoonpanyakij, who heads the BMA Drainage and Sewerage Department, said he would today submit relevant information to Bangkok City Clerk Pongsak Semsant. The tunnel-construction project is under the supervision of Chanchai's office. NCCC will convene a meeting today, but it remains unclear whether the meeting's agenda will include this bribery case. - Daily Xpress #58
Plus
Star Member Posted 2008-07-10 08:43:27
"People will sue us for dereliction of duty" - is that his most compelling reason to get out of bed in the morning?
#59
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-13 03:58:31
PM Asked to Clarify BMA Bribery on His TV Show
Deputy Secretary-General of the Democrat Party Thepthai Senpong asked Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to explain on his TV show on Channel 11 about the bribery case related to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's, or BMA's, tunnel project in 2003. A Japanese firm recently claimed that Thai officials took bribes of 125 million baht from the company in return for being awarded the tunnel project. Thepthai said the Prime Minister should clarify as he was the Bangkok Governor when the bidding for this tunnel project was approved, adding that his talk show tomorrow morning on Channel 11 is the best opportunity for him to clarify himself. Thepthai insists that the Democrat Party has no plans to discredit the Prime Minister, but that the story was brought up in Japanese newspapers, reporting that a former executive of Nishimatsu Construction admitted to prosecutors that the Japanese firm bribed Thai officials to win the contract. The Democrat Party also urged related agencies, such as The National Counter Corruption Commission and the Auditor-General Office, to investigate the case quickly. - Thailand Outlook #60
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-13 16:57:00
Well, he followed the Dems advice and "clarified" the situation on his show... sort of.. apparently it's just the "regular" way of doing things...
Samak denies irregularities in BMA flood-easing tunnel project Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Sunday denied that there were irregularities in a flood-easing tunnel project commenced when he was governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. He was reacting to reports that an executive of a Japanese construction firm had admitted to Japanese prosecutor that he had paid a bribe to Thai officials in return for favours connected to the tunnel project. Samak said he did not explain the issue during the week because he did not trust the Thai media so he waited to give the explanation during his live talk programme. He said the project had been ruled by the Administrative Court as being transparent after a Thai construction firm sued the BMA and Japanese firm as violating the law against collusion to win government's projects. Samak said the BMA also managed to negotiate for reduction of the construction cost so there were no bribery in the project. - The Nation #61
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-14 12:00:12
Mr S's bribes
Local media were thumping yesterday with reports about Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's fuming over accounts from unnamed sources who claimed that a former Bangkok municipality official with the letter "S" in his name took bribes from a Japanese construction company during his tenure as Bangkok Governor. The embattled premier took the allegations personally  *can't imagine why* and came close to losing his cool as he blasted certain newspapers for being unkind and lacking professionalism. He pointed out that caricatures of him had featured his face attached to the bodies of pigs and dogs. *and sometimes, gorillas*  The alleged bribery reportedly took place during Samak's term as Bangkok Governor. As usual when revelations and allegations against him and his government have surfaced, Samak was quick to jump to the conclusion that some hidden hands are out to get him, be they from the media, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and/or the opposition Democrat Party. He survived the censure debate, but vowed not to change his Cabinet line-up, as it would be seen as giving in to speculation from the local press. But it shouldn't take a genius to figure out that some of his Cabinet members - people he once called "ugly" -  had no business getting their posts in the first place.- The Nation #62
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-14 19:53:12
meanwhile, in yet another of the Prime Minister's criminal cases...
Constitution Court Extends Deadline For Samak to Clarify His Role as TV Host The Constitutional Court extended its deadline for the prime minister to clarify his role as a TV host on a cooking show “Chim Pai Bon Pai”. The Constitutional Court judges are permitting prime minister Samak Sundaravej to clarify the accusation concerning the petition filed to the court to determine whether his appearance on the commercial TV program violates Article 267 of the Constitution. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Election Commission, Aphichart Sukakkanon, said PM Samak's case is to be tabled for the committee meeting this week, but is not sure whether it will reach a conclusion by Wednesday. - Thailand Outlook #63
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-14 20:09:09
Samak, Apirak to be summoned by House panel on bribery scandal
The House committee on counter corruption will summon Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin to testify over a Bt125million bribery scandal. The scandal surrounds a 2 Billion Baht tunnel-construction project, which was awarded by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in 2003 at the time Samak was still the Governor. "On behalf of the House committee, I will also fly to Japan before the end of this month to find out the truth," Democrat MP Chanchai Issarasenarak said in his capacity as the committee's vice chairman. - The Nation #64
hammered
Titanium Member Posted 2008-07-14 20:32:39
Samak, Apirak to be summoned by House panel on bribery scandal The House committee on counter corruption will summon Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin to testify over a Bt125million bribery scandal. The scandal surrounds a 2 Billion Baht tunnel-construction project, which was awarded by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in 2003 at the time Samak was still the Governor. "On behalf of the House committee, I will also fly to Japan before the end of this month to find out the truth," Democrat MP Chanchai Issarasenarak said in his capacity as the committee's vice chairman. - The Nation Now we see why the PPP became the first ever Thai government to go through a whole parliamentary session without setting up parliamentary committees. Strange how they also want the EC and NCCC to resign, the constitution to be ammended to remove the bit that threatens any politcal party, the head of any investigative body changed to one of their own, state media to only talk of their good work and any other check or balance mechanism mutilated in some way or other. Power plays are always interesting to watch unfold. #65
ratcatcher
Rigid Member Posted 2008-07-14 20:52:02
Mr S's bribes Local media were thumping yesterday with reports about Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's fuming over accounts from unnamed sources who claimed that a former Bangkok municipality official with the letter "S" in his name took bribes from a Japanese construction company during his tenure as Bangkok Governor. The embattled premier took the allegations personally *can't imagine why* and came close to losing his cool as he blasted certain newspapers for being unkind and lacking professionalism. He pointed out that caricatures of him had featured his face attached to the bodies of pigs and dogs. *and sometimes, gorillas* The alleged bribery reportedly took place during Samak's term as Bangkok Governor. As usual when revelations and allegations against him and his government have surfaced, Samak was quick to jump to the conclusion that some hidden hands are out to get him, be they from the media, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and/or the opposition Democrat Party. He survived the censure debate, but vowed not to change his Cabinet line-up, as it would be seen as giving in to speculation from the local press. But it shouldn't take a genius to figure out that some of his Cabinet members - people he once called "ugly" - had no business getting their posts in the first place.- The Nation It's just as well as P.M. Samak didn't live in 18th century England since as P.M. as he would have been exposed to the artistry and genius of James Gillray the great caricaturist and maybe to a lesser extent William Hogarth. In fact the whole Thai political system would make a best seller for anyone with artistic talents and Photoshop skills. However the law here would probably haul someone into court for defamation or some such silly charge. One can't consider oneself successful until you have been satirized and caricatured in the press. 
Edited by ratcatcher, 2008-07-14 21:08:35. #66
h90
Crazy Member Posted 2008-07-14 21:15:52
Mr S's bribes Local media were thumping yesterday with reports about Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's fuming over accounts from unnamed sources who claimed that a former Bangkok municipality official with the letter "S" in his name took bribes from a Japanese construction company during his tenure as Bangkok Governor. The embattled premier took the allegations personally *can't imagine why* and came close to losing his cool as he blasted certain newspapers for being unkind and lacking professionalism. He pointed out that caricatures of him had featured his face attached to the bodies of pigs and dogs. *and sometimes, gorillas* The alleged bribery reportedly took place during Samak's term as Bangkok Governor. As usual when revelations and allegations against him and his government have surfaced, Samak was quick to jump to the conclusion that some hidden hands are out to get him, be they from the media, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and/or the opposition Democrat Party. He survived the censure debate, but vowed not to change his Cabinet line-up, as it would be seen as giving in to speculation from the local press. But it shouldn't take a genius to figure out that some of his Cabinet members - people he once called "ugly" - had no business getting their posts in the first place.- The Nation It's just as well as P.M. Samak didn't live in 18th century England since as P.M. as he would have been exposed to the artistry and genius of James Gillray the great caricaturist and maybe to a lesser extent William Hogarth. In fact the whole Thai political system would make a best seller for anyone with artistic talents and Photoshop skills. However the law here would probably haul someone into court for defamation or some such silly charge. One can't consider oneself successful until you have been satirized and caricatured in the press. He would like to be respected as Louis XIV, but it looks more like the end of Louis XVI #67
ratcatcher
Rigid Member Posted 2008-07-14 22:18:41
He would like to be respected as Louis XIV, but it looks more like the end of Louis XVI
[/quote] I see your point Edited by ratcatcher, 2008-07-14 22:25:53. #68
h90
Crazy Member Posted 2008-07-14 23:13:51
Quote
He would like to be respected as Louis XIV, but it looks more like the end of Louis XVI I see your point Do you have a bigger pic of the second one? I want to show for my wife, but as she is not used to european history a bigger one would be better..... #69
ratcatcher
Rigid Member Posted 2008-07-14 23:33:35
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; (IF: Kipling) That's the best I can do.
#70
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-15 10:02:07
It's still simmering at a low boil, but for a brief time the
Heat turned down The Constitution Court on Monday gave Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej more time to defend himself against allegations he violated the charter by hosting two TV cooking shows. Court Secretary-General Paiboon Varahapaitoon said Samak had asked the court to postpone his scheduled response to the accusation lodged by Senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana. The Senator claimed the PM's hosting of the Chim Pai Bon Pai and Yok Khayong Hok Mong Chao cooking programs on commercial TV breached the constitution. Article 267 of the constitution strictly prohibits the PM from holding any position in a partnership, a company or an organization carrying out business with a view to sharing profits or income, or being an employee of any person. Continued here: http://www.bangkokpo...s.php?id=128865 #71
hammered
Titanium Member Posted 2008-07-15 13:28:45
Another one to add to the statements lacking in honesty by the cheerleader of massacres. It can join such classics as
only one person died in the massacre and I am going to be seized at the airport and and I didnt say that From the Post: Quote False hopes By Post reporters The claim by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej that he has found a source of cheap Russian diesel raised eyebrows at local oil companies, where experts say high transport costs and low quality could even make inferior Russian diesel more expensive than what's on the market now. Rest of story at: http://www.bangkokpo...s.php?id=128866 And lets not forget this beautiful assessment of the PPP by Giles Ungpakorn: Quote the Peoples Power Party, headed by ultra Right-wing Prime Minister Samak Suntarawej. His cabinet is staffed with gangsters and sleazy politicians. #72
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-15 15:49:56
Samak has so many ongoing criminal litigation cases going on, we can double-up the news reports in the same post...
 Samak bribery case: Governor of Bangkok designates Permanent Secretary with press conference on bribery case Assistant Secretary to the Governor of Bangkok Suthisak Siwpitak revealed that as Governor Apirak Kosayothin must attend a meeting of the Democrat Party today, he will not be able to travel to the Bangkok City Hall as scheduled. Mr. Suthisak stated that the Governor will mostly likely task Bangkok Permanent Secretary Pongsakti Saemsan in holding a planned press conference to reveal the details of an alleged bribery case for the construction of a drainage pipe for the Saen Saeb canal in Ladprao. A large group of media personnel have already traveled to the city hall in preparation for the conference. - ThaiNews ============================================================================= Samak cooking show case: EC examines qualifications of PM The Election Commission (EC) started examining the qualifications of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej following the allegation that the premier’s hosting of a cooking TV program is against the constitution. Election Commissioner Sumeth Ubanisakorn says the EC meeting today will discuss the premier’s allegation to decide whether he violated the constitution by hosting a cooking TV show “Chim Pai Bon Pai”. EC’s sub-committee previously had unanimously resolved that EC should forward the premier’s case to the Constitution Court. - ThaiNews #73
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-15 18:38:51
Once again, it's a 2fer....
Samak bribery case: BMA Hands Over Documents On Pipeline Bribery to NCCC The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will hand over the canal project's information to the National Counter Corruption Commission to probe the bribery case from the time Samak Sundaravej was Bangkok Governor. Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin says Bangkok City Clerk Pongsak Semsan submitted the information to the National Counter Corruption Commission or NCCC today for its consideration regarding the accusation that approximately 125 million baht was used to bribe BMA officials in a bid for a major canal project in the capital. However, he says that requests for more information from Japanese authorities and private companies have not been answered promptly. Apirak says the BMA will not set up a committee to probe the case, but will leave it to the NCCC. *a good idea in the interest of transparency and impartiality as it involves past and present Govenors at odds with one another* NCCC Vice-Chairman, Chanchai Issarasenarak says he has asked the Japanese agencies for a meeting with the court officials of Japan and the Nishimutsu Construction Company's executives. Meanwhile, he says Governor Apirak is to meet the NCCC tomorrow. The case came to the attention of Thais nationwide after a former executive of a Japanese construction company revealed to prosecutors that approximately 125 million baht was used to bribe BMA officials in a bid for a major canal project in the Thai capital. The case allegedly occurred while Samak Sundaravej was Bangkok Governor. - Thailand Outlook =============================================================================== Samak cooking show case: EC to Decide on Samak's TV Hosting Case Tomorrow The Election Commission says it will decide by tomorrow whether the prime minister's role as a TV host on the cooking shows, "Chim Pai Bon Pai" and “Yok Kayong Hok Mong Chao“ violates Article 267 of the Constitution. The Election Commission met today to discuss the accusation that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's role as a TV host on two commercial TV programs may violate Article 267 of the Constitution. According to the EC's plan to finalize its resolution on the case today, EC Secretary-General Suthipon Taweechaikan revealed that the issue is to be finalized by tomorrow. He says the EC's sub-committee has investigated the related evidence, and the company that hired the prime minister is not required to meet the panel to give further information on the case. - Thailand Outlook Edited by sriracha john, 2008-07-15 18:45:52. #74
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-16 17:12:06
EC to Decide on Samak's TV Hosting Case Tomorrow The Election Commission says it will decide by tomorrow whether the prime minister's role as a TV host on the cooking shows, "Chim Pai Bon Pai" and “Yok Kayong Hok Mong Chao“ violates Article 267 of the Constitution. Well, it's "tomorrow"... and they've "decided".... BREAKING NEWS EC Forwards Samak's Case to Constitution Court The Election Commission has decided to forward Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej case to the Constitution Court. The EC ruled that the premier could be in a direct violation of the Constitution by acting as a TV host for 2 commercial TV programs "Chim Pai Bon Pai" and "Yok Kayong Hok Mong Chao." - Thailand Outlook #75
sriracha john
Star Member Posted 2008-07-25 21:23:21
Samak's case goes to Constitution Court next week
The Election Commission will early next week ask the Constitution Court to consider whether Samak Sundaravej should be disqualified as the prime minister for having host a TV program of a private firm. Praphan Naikowit said the EC would send the case for a ruling of the court either on Monday or Tuesday, depending when the EC could finish drafting the complaint. The government opponents filed a complaint with the EC that Samak had violated the Constitution by hosting the Chim Pai Bon Pai program because the charter prevents Cabinet members from being employees of a private firm. The EC declined to make a decision on the case and decided to send it to the Constitution Court to make a ruling. Last week, Samak complained during his Talk Samak Style programme that the EC's decision to send the issue to the court was like an execution order against him. Praphan declined to respond to Samak's comment but said the EC always based its decision on evidence. - The Nation |
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