3 replies to this topic

[Gene]

"Thai Prosecutors in charge of foreign litigation have started preparations to extradite former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Khunying Pojaman from London to stand trial on the 2003 Ratchadaphisek land case.

"About 10 prosecutors educated in English law have been assembled to plan the legal strategies ahead of the execution of an extradition request," chief prosecutor for foreign litigation, Samphan Sarathana said Thursday.

Samphan said he instructed his prosecutors to begin their job by studying relevant provisions in the English law that can be applicable to abuse of power charges faced by Thaksin and Pojaman."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30045279

[Hedda]

Samphan said he instructed his prosecutors to begin their job by studying relevant provisions in the English law

You would think that job would have been anticipated, organized and started eleven months ago, the day after the junta overthrew the government, with Thaksin overseas. It reminds me of how they waited until the new airport was almost ready to open to decide to build a high-speed line to get to it.

They probably know that their chances of getting the UK to extradite Thaksin to a junta-organized government are next to nothing. That's why they are going through the motions now to start the process this late, hoping an elected parliament will be in place before they have to formally move for extradition.

Mind you, I'm not sure the folks who sponsored this coup want Thaksin back in Thailand under any circumstances. This extradition talk may be pure posturing and nothing more.

[Snowy]

Mind you, I'm not sure the folks who sponsored this coup want Thaksin back in Thailand under any circumstances.

You are almost certainly correct there! He would cause far more trouble for them if he were back in the country, especially if he was put in jail.

As for posturing, you are also right. There is absolutely no chance that the UK will agree to extradite Thaksin, even if he is found guilty by the courts for some corruption deal or other. The UK Government set out their position clearly that they did not agree with the coup and are of the opinion that such measures are NOT the way to change a Government. They still consider Thaksin to be the rightfully elected but deposed head of government.

(Their position is made slightly less valid and smacks of double-standards however in that they did agree to and participated in the overthrow of the Iraqi Government by military force!! ).

[Snowy]

Exiled Thai PM prepares extradition fight in UK

Thaksin Shinawatra, the ousted Thai prime minister, denounced corruption charges against him as "politically motivated" and said he has hired lawyers in Britain to fight an extradition case by Bangkok.

Mr Thaksin's latest move in the looming legal and diplomatic dispute between Thailand's military government and Britain follows Bangkok's announcement on Tuesday that it will seek the extradition of the former Thai leader to face corruption charges.

Mr Thaksin, who has been living in London since being ousted in a bloodless coup last year, today said the charges against him were designed to weaken his influence on a referendum this weekend.

Mr Thaksin, 58, would argue the charges he faces in Bangkok were politically motivated, said Noppadon, Mr Thaksin's lawyer in Bangkok. "The lawyers in England are preparing documents and evidence to show the court that everything against Mr. Thaksin, from the court to the asset freeze and disbanding of his political party, has been done for political reasons," Mr Noppadon said.

Mr Noppadon said he expected the extradition procedure to last at least a year from when the British Foreign Office received an extradition request from Bangkok.

Britain and Thailand have an extradition relationship dating back to 1911. Under British law, if an extradition request is made and passed by the Home Secretary to the courts then Mr Thaksin will be arrested before the case is heard.

However, Mr Thaksin can avoid extradition if British courts judge he would be denied a fair trial in Thailand. The former Thai leader could also try to claim asylum on the grounds that he would be in danger if he returned home.

More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml...wthaksin117.xml