Thaindian News

The Supreme Court’s ruling against former premier Pol Lt Col Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday was final as there was no new evidence, according to Mr. Udom Fuangfung, former member of the Assets Examination Committee (AEC).

Mr. Udom, also former chairman of sub-committee probing Ratchada’s land deal leading to Supreme Court’s ruling against Pol Lt Col Thaksin, said that the court’s ruling was based on facts and being lawful which could not be appealed.

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions ruled on Tuesday (October 21) to convict Pol Lt Col Thaksin for two years jail term on grounds that he breached Article 100 of the National Counter Corruption (NCC) Act by aiding his wife Khunying Pojaman winning a bid for a state-owned land on Ratchadaphisek Road in 2003. The judges voted 8-1 to rule his guilty.

Khunying Pojaman, meanwhile, was acquitted as the NCC Act does not have any penalty clause against family members of political office holders.

Commenting on Pol Lt Col Thaksin’s lawyers being prepared to appeal the case, Mr. Udom said that they could do so only if there were new evidence nullifying old ones. But both the facts and legal aspect of this case were regarded as final, he added.

He also said that this case would be a lesson for politicians administering the country that they have to abide by good governance’s rule, being righteous and ethical. They must not abuse of power for their self serving.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will send its verdict against Pol Lt Col Thaksin to the Office of the Attorney General for forwarding to England where Pol Lt Col Thaksin is in self-exile.

Pol Lt Col Thaksin told Reuters that he had expected the guilty verdict.

“No worry. It’s political and you know how Thai politics is like,” he said.

The former premier also said that he would write a letter in his handwriting about the matters.

Source : National News Bureau, Public Relations Department of Thailand