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Lawyers, guns and money

It is truly Thailand's misfortune to be caught in the middle of a conflict between the US and Russia concerning the extradition of alleged arms smuggler Victor Bout.

Viktor Bout is now in Thai hands but both Washington and Moscow would like to see him on a plane heading to their countries.

But things have not been helped by domestic political opponents who have taken the liberty of politicising the case for their own gain - at the expense of the integrity of the judicial branch.

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About the author

columnist
Writer: Achara Ashayagachat
Position: Reporter

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  • thong

    Discussion 6 : 02/09/2010 at 09:12 AM6

    There is at least another card that the American are playing - invading and occupying of international airports is an act of international terrorism.

    The Russian too can play the same card as they were affected by occupation of Airports.

    They are other issue that US and Russian can used too - the no work strike by Port workers.

  • Somboon

    Discussion 5 : 02/09/2010 at 09:11 AM5

    Dear Writer Achara,

    "But things have not been helped by domestic political opponents who have taken the liberty of politicising the case for their own gain - at the expense of the integrity of the judicial branch."

    Say what? Abhisit and the Wallpaper themselves screwed up. Please do not blame anyone else. When was the last time Thai justice was "impartial" and only rule on fact/evidence? This government? Nope. You should have known better.

    I am never a fan of Russia/Bout, but US is the biggest arms dealer in the World (70% of arms dealings). Who do you think kill more innocent people around the Globe? Do you know the rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) the Taliban are using were US made?

  • tom

    Discussion 4 : 02/09/2010 at 08:43 AM4

    I think the word the author is looking for is "image" rather than "integrity" when he says that the case is undermining the integrity of the judicial branch.

    By the way, it is illegal to criticize any judicial decisions in Thailand so we can never get to the bottom of this affair

  • Mack

    Discussion 3 : 02/09/2010 at 07:33 AM3

    If Thailand does not follow International Rules on Extradition and Terrorism, the US will likely downgrade it's diplomatic relations with Thailand and such things as not being so co-operative on giving Thai's a good Visa Quota to the US and curtailment of many more items of help and support the US Government has given to Thailand for the past 50 yrs. Let Politics, Corruption and Political infighting determine the outcome and even due to the strong artificially supported Thai Baht, they will pay the price of US support and Tourism, in the long run. Due the right thing Judicially, as long as it doesn't affect Thai Soverignity.

  • jimmy

    Discussion 2 : 02/09/2010 at 06:17 AM2

    I second that sentiment David.

  • David

    Discussion 1 : 02/09/2010 at 05:24 AM1

    If, after all the assistance that the US gives Thailand they cannot honor their extradition agreement for one of the world's most infamous arms dealers than I say, let it go. No more assistance to Thailand. They can handle their own affairs.

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