Thaksin to lodge appeal

FORMER PM'S LAWYERS STUDY VERDICT

28/02/2010
Bangkok Post

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is preparing to appeal against the ruling by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on the seizure of his 46.37 billion baht assets.

"I've instructed my lawyers to look into it [the appeal]," Thaksin said in a message on Twitter yesterday. "This case is not a normal case. It has been tried in a single court under the coup laws. They gave me no justice."

Thaksin remained upset by the court's verdict on Friday as he bombarded his Twitter page with messages condemning the ruling and the judicial system.

"What serious crime had I committed that made them seize up to 46 billion baht from my family?" he said.

He repeatedly complained that he was treated unfairly and said the confiscation of his assets was "inhumane".

Earlier in the day, Thaksin sent SMS messages to his followers hoping they would "enjoy democracy within next month".

He did not elaborate but the timing coincides with a rally planned by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship.

The red shirts will mobilise their supporters on March 12 for a demonstration in Bangkok on March 14.

Thaksin's legal adviser, Noppadon Pattama, said lawyers for the ousted premier are studying the ruling.

"We see that there are legal facts [in the court's verdict] to be discussed and considered further," he said.

The verdict can be appealed within 30 days on condition that the respondent has come up with new evidence.

Thaksin's legal team planned to distribute copies of the study to the public to draw attention to points by the former prime minister, he said.

"We'll keep fighting for justice.

"We won't allow [the state] to seize even a single baht if we don't get justice," Mr Noppadon quoted Thaksin as saying.

Thaksin's daughter Pinthongta yesterday said on the internet television station, http://www.voicetv.co.th, that she was disappointed with the court verdict and said the ruling would not deter her from fighting for justice.

Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday expressed concern over the consequences of the court's ruling, saying it could spur people to protest against unfair treatment against Thaksin.

"Today, we have not only the red shirt group and the Puea Thai Party, but also many more groups who are making their moves," he said.

Supporters of Thaksin and the opposition party should adhere to peaceful means of protest. He was certain they would lead to the return of true power to the people soon.

Gen Chavalit believed the court's verdict on the seizure of Thaksin's assets was masterminded by an influential figure whom he did not name.

Col Apiwan Wiriyachai, deputy House Speaker and Puea Thai MP for Nonthaburi, said the court's ruling was part of a plan backed by the coup-makers for destroying the now-dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party and the Shinawatra family, and at the same time conspiring with the elite bureaucrats to help a big political party take the helm of government.