Tuesday, August 23, 2011

PM'S FUGITIVE BROTHER


Thaksin enters Japan amid controversy

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in Japan yesterday on a high-profile visit that has caused headaches for the government of his younger sister Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, most notably a legal challenge against the foreign minister mounted by the opposition party.
"I'm very happy that I've come to Japan again. I really love to come to Japan," Thaksin told reporters on his arrival.
His last visit to the country was in 2008. A subsequent attempt to enter Japan was blocked by the previous Thai government.
During his visit, which is scheduled to last until Sunday, Thaksin is to deliver speeches and meet with Japanese politicians and business leaders. He also plans to visit and donate assistance to victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck the eastern region of the country in March.
The Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan invited him to be the keynote speaker at a luncheon speech in Tokyo today.
Thaksin's visit is controversial. The Japanese government had to issue him a special visa, as the country's immigration law prohibits entry to any foreigner convicted of a crime carrying a sentence of more than one year.
The fugitive former prime minister was convicted and sentenced to two years for abuse of power over his wife's purchase of a plot of land from a state agency while he was in office.
Thaksin obtained the special entry visa after a request from the new Thai government.
The opposition Democrat Party filed a complaint with police last week against Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul, accusing him of facilitating the Thaksin's entry to Japan. It is illegal in Thailand to help a convicted person escape justice.
The opposition is also seeking Surapong's impeachment as foreign minister for alleged misconduct over his role in the Japan visit.
Surapong, however, has lodged a counter-charge with police against four Democrats, including party leader and former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, for defamation and giving false notice to police.
"The Democrats' action damaged my reputation, since I did not help former prime minister Thaksin visit Japan," Surapong said.
"I will lodge a complaint with the Election Commission asking it to dissolve the party for using smear tactics against me."
Under the Abhisit government, the National Police Commission, the Foreign Ministry and the Office of the Attorney-General did
nothing to arrest Thaksin, Surapong said. The foreign minister said he could not request Thaksin's extradition from Japan as Thailand and Japan had no extradition agreement.

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