Kasit reports to police, acknowledges charges

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Kasit reports to police, acknowledges charges

  • Published: 6/07/2009 at 04:52 PM
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Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya reported to police after returning from Qatar on Monday afternoon to acknowledge charges relating to the People's Alliance for Democracy's occupation of Bangkok's two airports last year.

Mr Kasit is one of the 36 people summoned by police to hear criminal charges, including terrorism and violation of the emergency decree, over the PAD's blockades of Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.

He reported to police before the July 16 deadline set by police, and was released after hearing the charges.

The minister is scheduled to visit New Zealand from July 7 to 12 and  Egypt from July 14 to 18. 

Chavanond Intarakomalsut, his secretary, said Mr Kasit was not worried by the charges and insisted that he was at the PAD protest only as a guest speaker.

The opposition Puea Thai party has called for Mr Kasit to resign, saying that the minister  lacked the legitimacy to represent the country at international meetings, particularly the Asean Ministerial Meeting to be held in Phuket later this month.

Mr Kasit's secretary said the minister would continue to perform his duties.  Leading members of the ruling Democrat Party also said it was not yet necessary for him to resign.

Somchai Sawaengkarn, a senator, said that legally Mr Kasit is still innocent since he has not been convicted, unlike former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was convicted in the Ratchadapisek land case and is still facing other charges, but Puea Thai MPs still claim he is innocent.

The senator said several ministers in the Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat governments were charged in many cases but they continued to hold on to political posts.

He said Noppadon Pattama had to resign as foreign minister because the Administrative Court ruled that he was in the wrong after National Anti-Corruption Commission pointed out that he had violated Article 190 of the constitution by signing an agreement to support Cambodia's listing of Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site without consent from parliament. 

Mr Noppadon's case was different from that of Mr Kasit, said senator Somchai.

Mr Kasit has scheduled a press conference for 8pm Monday.



Relate Search: foreign minister, kasit, PAD, airports, police, charges

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  • RicefieldRadio

    Discussion 10 : 07/07/2009 at 08:55 AM10

    TSC - I see the Democrats as being catapulted into the government from the opposition but still having the mindset of the Opposition.

    As the opposition party all the Democrats had to do was complain about the way the Government was doing things without ever having to actually come up with any plan for the country. Now that they are in charge they still have the opposition mindset and have severely struggled trying to come up with any realistic direction for the country. The capture and movements of Thaksin, trying to capture a temple from Cambodia and the borrowing of huge sums of money excepted.

  • moosatay

    Discussion 9 : 07/07/2009 at 01:39 AM9

    Thanks to Mr. Kasit - Thailand is the laughing stock of the world. It would be better for the country if he resigns.
    The country is full of decent people ... much more capable to be foreign minister.
    It is just our bad luck to be stuck with him as FM for so long.

  • TSC

    Discussion 8 : 06/07/2009 at 11:14 PM8

    A country should be taken risk by having any childish (mindset) group of leaders not for the PM position, a Finance Minister or a Foreign Affair post. I pray and urge anyone that supports these leaders in positions to review your thought or even give up the idea. Thailand is now wrecked by the impotent of these rookies. Of course, there are good deeds in their hearts; however, it is led to believe that good will is not the only thing. Being able to think and work head to head with the country’s existing problems are most required tasks. Willing and actual work are an isolated mind and still too far apart. From my observation, time spent not to mention time management is fairly limited. War rooms are needed to fight with the country obstacles to prosperity, not just to bring down a person (that his work is still a respected angel by most of the people in the country). Sense of urgency is another key factor that proved this government lacking in comparison. I should be part of you, Yellow people, but I have seen enough opportunities that we should be making for the people and of those who taken advantages using old fashion ways of doing things dragging our country backward. I know with my guts that this country have enough resources to make it big. I declare, I will never give up.

  • RicefieldRadio

    Discussion 7 : 06/07/2009 at 11:14 PM7

    So from the FM's thinking Thaksin was only be a "Phone In Guest Speaker".

    Perfectly logical thought for the face of the country to the International community.

    If he was an honorable man, he should resign.

  • anachak khmer

    Discussion 6 : 06/07/2009 at 11:09 PM6

    Dear Thai Friends,

    I think that's may be the time for K'Kasit to loss his seat as a Minister of Foreigh Affairs (MoFA). K'Kasit pushed K'Somchia Ex-PM out by using all means without thinking what he has been done was wrong and against the aviation law. His action seems to reflect to him already. If K'Kasit dislike the ex-government leaded by K'Somchia, K'Kasit should use all peaceful mechanism to out K'Somchai. He accused K'Somchia and K'Thaksin of being made a mistake and against the law.

    In fact, K'Kasit hates someone who made mistake and against the law, but finally he is the one who join part of mistake and against the law.

    This may be a patern for all politicians whom want to grab power without clear objective and peaceful solution. Being a politician has to be a rule model and be honest to what he/she did for the people. Being a politician has to see a big picture and put all good effort and deplomatic action just only for country and people and the world.

    My country found a very bright politician already. He is Samdach AkakMohaPadeiDecho Hun Sen. He is truly rule model and put all his efforts just for his country and people and teh world with honest and transparent.

    I'd just want to share my opinion on what K'Kasit is doing and has been doing. From a goodwill of your neighboring country. Thanks

  • RED SHIRT

    Discussion 5 : 06/07/2009 at 09:56 PM5

    "had done EVERYTHING for the better change"???? yeah.. rob the airports.. kill people.. yeah.. Why had you done that way? Why don't you try new election and see who will win?? Come on.. rob the airport to win??

  • Village Idiot

    Discussion 4 : 06/07/2009 at 08:50 PM4

    Of course he should not step down................they should damn well SACK him.
    He was inciting the crowd to do what they did.
    I ask you , was that for Thailand.
    Just think of all those workers in the hospitality and tourism industry who have lost their jobs through him. Meanwhile he gets a 'cushy' job in the government.

  • Pad

    Discussion 3 : 06/07/2009 at 06:46 PM3

    We love and trust in Mr.Kasit. He has done everything for the better change in Thailand.

  • Roongroj Krongthaew

    Discussion 2 : 06/07/2009 at 05:30 PM2

    K.Kasit should be step down
    Because Food good taste,great music in Suvarnabhumi airport.Wiser man but talk like a poor knowledge.

  • peter

    Discussion 1 : 06/07/2009 at 05:04 PM1

    chiyo everybody in jail so that people can now be in peace

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