Leniency law offers Yongyuth a lifeline

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Leniency law offers Yongyuth a lifeline

Dems insist minister resign for Alpine acts

Published: 24 Sep 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Interior permanent secretary Phranai Suwannarat insists Yongyuth Wichaidit can keep his interior minister post despite a ruling against him over his handling of the Alpine land case.

Mr Phranai yesterday spoke to the media to clarify Mr Yongyuth's case after the ministry's Civil Service Committee (CSC) resolved on Sept 14 to retroactively dismiss him from the civil service. The dismissal order took effect retroactively on Sept 30, 2002.

The committee's resolution follows the National Anti-Corruption Commission's (NACC) decision to indict him on charges of unlawfully certifying the sale of monastic land owned by Wat Thammikaram to Alpine Real Estate Co and Alpine Golf & Sports Club Co during his stint as interior deputy permanent secretary.

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whatajoke
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Discussion 5 : 24 Sep 2012 at 08.325
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Another pitiful example of toothless justice here, how many 'get out jail free cards' do you get, this Alpine scandal was massive, the various accused have all managed to evade jail time on technicalities, several have been members of govt and remain so, at the very least they should 'excuse themselves' and humbly accept that escaping jail was lucky enough.
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pjt
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Discussion 4 : 24 Sep 2012 at 08.004
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This is the same old problem - there is no recognition in this country that in order to get exoneration (or amnesty) you must first accept that you did something wrong and accept responsibility and accountability. Khun Yongyuth is 'not worried about his case as he had done nothing wrong'. So why does he need or get to take advantage of the Exoneration Act? The right place to sort this out is in the courts which is where the NACC should now go with this
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Aussie John
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Discussion 3 : 24 Sep 2012 at 07.533
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Why do people with wealth and influence who commit crimes and are found to be corrupt deserve leniency? This is totally bizarre and makes Thailand look backward. Thailand talks of reconciliation but that's about it 'talk' as the resolution to Thailand's corruption problem would mean a total cultural revolution of how the Thai public are treated in terms of their wealth, class and of course status. No ones willing to give up the lucrative patronage system as long as everyone on the food chain is on the take.
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soltair
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Discussion 2 : 24 Sep 2012 at 07.422
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"for the sake of the cabinet's dignity" Did I read this correct? This is impossible to adhere to, it interferes with "face". EVERYTHING takes a second place concerning "face".
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oldairman
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Discussion 1 : 24 Sep 2012 at 06.511
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Mr Phranai said Mr Yongyuth stood to benefit from the 2007 Exoneration Act, which provides leniency to people convicted of crimes or disciplinary violations if they have never committed the crime before.
So if this is correct why didn't the old guy who supposedly "broke" the Le Majeste law get exonerated. He died in jail because nobody believed him.
That's right, because he was an insignificant man and nowhere nears as important to Thailand as Yongyuth.
Double standards indeed.
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Leniency law offers Yongyuth a lifeline | Bangkok Post: news