sushiman

Chidchai defends anti-PAD probe

Pol Gen Chidchai told Radio Thailand that legal actions against PAD leaders would be lawful.

Police, he said need to take into account the views of many parties. Citizens of up-country provinces believed that the protesters broke laws during their rallies, and police will investigate that.

Source - Bangkok Post - 16. April 2006

Of course Mr. Chidchai, everything TRT and the courts do is lawful, because you are the law.

I mean just listen to these TRT rhetorics, it turns your stomache over. (hands up, who doesn't see Thaksin inside and behind this man?).

The up-country people are being now not only misused to catch votes and stay in power, but now also have to play the accusation party in the twist against the PAD, again to stay in power too, and shut the opposition up. TRT is neutral. Nice a view people were claiming against the PAD from upcountry, this is so unbelievable... how poor the IQ of these people..... even from the top....wahhhhhhh unbelievable

First I thought when I read he will go to meet some Students in the South, this will be maybe another guy, not like Thaksin, we'll see, but he's rhetorics are clearly the same:

Take the power, but no responsability for unpopular decisions and all is to be blamed by others, and no one else can be right, only TRT........ufff......it's to crazy...can't believe it

Chidchai defends anti-PAD probe

Compiled by Bangkokpost.com

Acting Prime Minister Chidchai Wannasathit is insisting that legal action against the leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy is a simple case that one group of society believes that the recent anti-thaksin protesters were allowed to break the law.

Pol Gen Chidchai told Radio Thailand that legal actions against PAD leaders would be lawful. Police, he said need to take into account the views of many parties. Citizens of up-country provinces believed that the protesters broke laws during their rallies, and police will investigate that.

The acting premier, put in charge of government when Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra went abroad last week, denied the anti-PAD moves were an example of powerful politicians seeking vengeance.

Thai News Agency reported that Pol Gen Chidchai also defended the request by Mr Thaksin to meet with foreign leaders. Mr Thaksin can meet leaders of foreign countries during his private visits, he said.

The acting premier said Mr Thaksin hopes to see British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Presidents George W. Bush and Jacques Chirac of the US and France as friends, and without an official agenda.

Mr Thaksin also plans to visit China and Japan later this month.

"Despite his decision to take a pause from politics, the caretaker prime minister can meet leaders of other countries as friends. Don't cause any confusion to the public and don't bury him by verbal attacks," Pol Gen Chidchai said.

"Everybody loves the motherland and won't do anything detrimental to the nation," said Pol Gen Chidchai. "I, believe [Mr Thaksin] will do everything beneficial to the nation as well. As a caretaker prime minister, he still has to work for the nation."

Source - Bangkok Post - 16. April 2006

SIDELINES

New political wonder: caretaker prime minister at large

LONDON - Thaksin Shinawatra, the caretaker prime minister on indeterminate leave of absence, is taking time off from the mean world of politics to have a holiday here.

The break might give him some peace of mind while plotting how to stage a comeback with reinvented guile and intrigues.

His current status is also a new wonder in Thai politics. As caretaker prime minister, Thaksin has abandoned his role of taking care of the government and the entire population and instead named a confidant to assume the role of managing the affairs of state while he goes on leave.

The country now has two caretaker prime ministers - one active and one inactive - which actually does not inspire confidence in the country's immediate future, not to mention the long-term prospect of another turbulent period as long as Thaksin does not quit politics for good.

Before leaving Bangkok, Thaksin invited some ambassadors to meet him for what he called "discussions" on his foreign trips. It was disclosed later that he wanted to have private visits and chummy talks with US President George W Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, among others.

London is bustling with tourists roaming the city during the Easter weekend. Among the various attractions, they stop at No 10 Downing Street on their stroll along Whitehall for a peek at the famous residence. If the gate swings open for an Asian visitor whose face appeared on Time magazine's Asia edition last week, it may arouse some curiosity among onlookers.

It is not certain that Blair can spare the time to meet the embattled chap from Thailand now that he too has to deal with a scandal over cash for honours. But a meeting may prove valuable after all. At least Blair can get few tips from his Asian pal on how to survive personal political crises arising from scandals, especially those linking massive corruption and abuse of power.

If Thaksin has time, he can fly to Italy and also give advice to Silvio Berlusconi, who is in the same league in terms of wealth from business, flair in political marketing and how to make the best use of the media for political gain.

Of course, the friend from Asia can also enlighten the embittered Italian on how to avoid a sudden downfall through deception and scheming. Berlusconi might not have lost his re-election bid by a hairline margin had he learned some tricks from the polls in amazing Thailand, especially how to win a one-horse race.

But Blair and Berlusconi seem to lack an exceptional quality the Asian guest possesses - an unfathomable resistance to all kinds of accusations, no matter how truthful and solid the evidence his adversaries are able to produce. The rule of law is a just matter of nuisance.

One also must be able to ignore for months tens of thousands of people in the streets shouting "Get out" or "Down with tyranny!" during rallies and demonstrations. Let them holler till hel_l freezes over, as long as one retains control over the government and all legal machinery to settle scores with those street pipsqueaks later.

Thaksin, his critics say, has been stalling for time to make sure his multibillion-baht wealth - amassed through Shin Corp and from the sale of his family's stake in the company - is in a safe place, beyond the reach of any subsequent investigations for malfeasance and all sorts of wrongdoing over the past five years.

That's why he set the condition in his delegation of power to the active caretaker prime minister, Chidchai Vanasatidya, that matters of utmost importance still have to be handled by him. This is for his protection and self preservation while the country is in the doldrums while awaiting the results of a protracted general election that nobody can predict the end of.

While away, Thaksin's cronies at home are very active in vindictive legal pursuits, dragging their boss's enemies to the Criminal Court on charges of libel. This will put the leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy on the defensive with legal troubles. Never mind the public outcry over the double standards shown in selective legal proceedings.

Thai Rak Thai candidates might feel proud of their election victories in the absence of serious challengers. Yet it remains in serious doubt how they can come up with legal tricks to convene the House of Representatives and elect Thaksin's successor. There is no way they can have all 500 MPs in the House within the time limit.

More trouble ahead, obviously. Yet independent agencies are also struggling to explore various avenues to serve Thaksin's political agenda. This is so that he can regain the status of leader with the help of his huge war chest and a willingness to spend taxpayer money to boost his popularity among rural grassroots voters, who are feeling the pinch due to debts.

It is not known how long Thaksin will be in London as there are reports that he wants to visit Texas, supposedly to have a chat with President Bush. If he is still here, Thais in London may stage an unpleasant surprise for him by rallying in front of the Thai Embassy next week.

This is so that he will not miss the familiar scenes at Sanam Luang and around Government House of the past two months, or that infamous song written to fully describe what he has done to the country in the past five years.

Sopon Onkgara

Source - The Nation - 16 April 2006

POLITICS

Democrats seek direct tie to public after poll boycott

Party looks for ways to keep in touch with people, expects turbulence ahead

The Democrat Party will keep in touch with constituents by a series of public forums, having boycotted the recent election, its chief adviser Chuan Leekpai said yesterday.

"The Democrats will not be involved with the new House of Representatives. We expect to use non-parliamentary venues to communicate with the people," he said.

Chuan said he fully supported the boycott, adding that party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva had made the right decision not to help launder the misrule of Thai Rak Thai Party leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

"Without any House seat, the Democrats can still make their stand known on pertinent matters by speaking directly to the people instead of making speeches on the House floor," he said.

He said his party would not need the privilege of parliamentary immunity because the facts were the best legal shield against any attack on the party by the government.

Commenting on the outcome of the election, he said local politics would proceed through an uncharted and "strange" course because of complete parliamentary domination by the ruling party.

"Political tensions will probably escalate as the ruling party is trying to fill 500 House seats by dubious means," Chuan said.

He said he expected turbulence for the foreseeable future because those involved had yet to address the damage that had been done by Thaksin.

Although Thaksin agreed not to accept the post of prime minister in the new government, problems stemming from his misrule remain, he said.

For example, many independent organisations are under Thaksin's influence and no office-holders have resigned to pave the way for rehabilitation, he added.

With or without Thaksin, a faulty system lacking in checks and balances has not yet been put to rights, he said.

In the case of the National Counter Corruption Commission, many candidates for the job should have withdrawn from the nomination process because they know they have government backing, rendering them ineffective as graft-busters, he said.

In another development, Democrat deputy leader Alongkorn Pollabutr took a group of selected reporters to inspect the Beverly Hill housing estate on Chaeng Wattana Road.

Alongkorn said Thaksin's sister Yaowapha Wongsawat had allegedly exerted political influence to allow her daughter to acquire the estate at a cut-rate price.

The estate had a market value of Bt3 billion, he said, but Yaowapha allegedly helped her daughter Shinnisha Wongsawat to buy it for Bt950 million.

He said he would petition the NCCC to look into the matter in the next 10 days.

He also said he would alert the Anti Money Laundering Office and the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate whether Yaowapha had become unusually wealthy.

Source - The Nation - 16 April 2006

Have a good trip home

Thank you Lukamar, and hope you will be save back too.

Talk to you later!

cheerio

Sushiman

PS/ Try to see the division in the country, as a learning process. Eventually the corruption in the long term, will not win, as Thai people may get used to it, but they will never accept in the longterm on a too big scale.

Division if peacefully and done with talks, is Democracy at it's best. The more honest hardworking party will win, I hope. This will take some time, especially against Golliath

Dear people,

if you don't support the Democrats (or any opposition) during these weeks and months, you indirectly without maybe wanting it, are supporting one single party.

Please let us know a bit more clearly what is in the med-to longterm so good about

TRT?? Noone can tell me. The only experts I talk to, and read from (people how know about politics and economic cycles etc.) clearly warn Thailand from Thaksins short-minded politics, which has one goal, which we all know now.

You are telling us that the Democrats have no goal. What is the goal of TRT?

If you are honest, please dish up some goodies here, for the benefit and long-view for Thailand, so we all could get hungry for more...

Thaksinomics, I never understood, and I would never support, as it is short-term policy, and not med-to long term and was so clever installed with only one main goal; to keep the party growing and let noone interferre, with their benefits which are then coming along by staying in power and controlling nearly 100% of Thailand.

Thaksin proved himselve what these politics are for himselves, and now is trying to hold the camp, son noone can come and snick in to have a closer look.

How can his wealth with his companies (ups sorry his daughters and sons and maids companies) grow 4 x more (and don't forget during the bang in 97/98? he was the only one who made profits during this time) during a 5 year period were most companies couldnt' even double their profits? A bit an illusion to believe, he didn't do it with the help of his own party politics. Isn't that corrupt? It's even more, it's according Thai law against the rules that you do business while leading the country.

Didn't he just do that?

TRT ...what is it about?? (please don't tell me again helping the poor. Again did you read the figs, how many people are bankrupt and in dept, and didn't build up anything with this money but rather just spending it??).

Guys wake up and support the right party, before the sinking ship will sink whole Thailand.

I guess it's time for justice and change and more realistic politics for this country.

If they wouldn't fear justice, why will they not let it be checked, so people can understand more? Very clear, if you are honest if no replies are coming.

It will get worse but not better by suppressing, and locking up voices which are logical and are summed up on various fronts (forget about it's only the Democrats and PADs and The Nation and Bangkok post etc. etc.) again go and talk with most intulectuels in this country and read some Thai local newspapers, who are not afraid of telling the truth.

You guys (maybe with a sense of rightness from your side of view) are just looking back in the past and our supporting the poor, which maybe have some more pocket money "now" in their pockets. But my friends, how long do you think Thaksinomics will work, you really believe will be better off in let's say 5 years time? Is anyone helping them, to be more independent (guess the opposite is happening now, see also the FTA fears), which would be the best goal, instead of just shuffeling money to them, and making hospitals bankrupt and feed again their own companies with more profit.

By the way my girlfriend from Isaan was just complaing today, that the money they can lend makes no sense, as all prices gone so far up, that the money they have now more, the can buy less things. Most companies are owned by whom and are regulated from where? mhhhmmm interesting ...

I really don't get your point, why you (maybe indirectly for sure) support TRT?

Please explain with facts... but this time from the view point and with TRT?

What can and will they bring this country, do you believe?

I will be happy to read again in about 4 weeks, but now i'm off and need a clear

Talk-sin break.

Make a choice, but don't just say all is crap, will not help Thailand for sure this attitude (of course for the ones who can vote, or influence their surroundings) and continue also your good postings and info-snippets from all sorts of media.

Both sides could of course help each other, but TRT is more concentrating now on locking up people, this will be the next typical TRT move, to ensure power and corruption will continue, even on a bigger scale as they will get stronger unfortunatelly, as no one thought that they would misuse an oppostion election strike (again a stupid unneeded, election for only one purpose. Right?) and will brake all rules, and twist all laws, so they can now soon graps the whole cake alone.

You will see the political reforms will be 100% controlled and only approved by them.

Well done, I would say. If you support this...sorry... tricked again, I would say..

Good night I say for Thailand, if they don't change their own attitude and not try to clean up their own ship and finally approach other parties and people for the good of the country and start to be a real party, with multiple voices, and not only one voice nearly alone.

cheerio

take care

Sushiman

Hi ColPyat

I think you still don't get your stand. If you support TRT and Thaksin (or do nothing against it), you support:

- people being cheated

- chronies and TRT allies buying (what was that GAT story again, and more coming or already happended?) up the whole country, and one day as Thaksin did, sell most companies to the best bidden party to foreign investors (i'm not against global market, but if the money has been collected, by amending laws in favour of those companies and people have been urged to get bank loans, so more cash can be spend also on those companies, I think people and the coutnry are being cheated)

- democratical system is being cheated by vote buying, opposition party organizing (so the elections can get running with nearly only one major dog in the race) and making nearly 50% of the more understanding people angry

than I'm sorry you just didn't get the whole pic. You have your right to have your doubts of course against the Democrats, of course (and your scare for change in the country), but than if

you on the other hand have to make a decision,

Would you vote TRT?? If so, please for once and all explain us why?

What is TRT doing to help the country go foward in med-to long term?

I never heard Thaksin speaking about clever politics, he's whole talks are a total one-sided PR machine, with superficial stupid short-minded political ideas, which in all Universities and with most acedemics, bring great fear and headache for the long term! Go and talk to the people, who understand a bit more about economics etc. Everybody is warning about TRT's short-minded

views and actions (including cheating, buying off etc., supressing the media so only PR talks go through etc.)

Don't tell us again that they are helping the poor, as these money lendings with no smart support for them, will bring the whole upcountry into big depts and nothing else. What's the point, if the poors have short cash, but the whole country will be sinking, if Thailand will be further sucked up, by only a view rich people, who help TRT to help them and be paid for it.

Give us a clear list, why you should support a corrupt party, who buys everything in order to stay in power, even the watchdogs etc.

Why??

May khao chay??

Lukamar,

did also by the way good postings (informatif especially during election times) I want to apologize if above is one-sided from my side, but I really don't understand if a Farang living here complains about the The Nation, the only newspaper who had the guts to tell the truth (what is going on in this country) since the beginning of the Thaksin Aera.

If the Bangkok Post just recently did the same open rapportings, I think it's no coincedance, that both leading English Speaking Thai Newspapers, are open and are trying to get the truth out there.

If you can't trust nearly 100 journalists (mostly with good education, also studying abraod or in the best universities here) working there, than I think you don't even trust your own grandmother

Enjoy Songkarn guys!

Well sushiman. I don't know how a one line answer to a question about the Nation newspaper managed to illicit a 1/2 page reply in 2 posts of flames and rants. I apologized for jumping on you a while back, now I think it's your turn to do the same.

The nation is anything but impartial, the Post is much better. You can not even tell there is any reporting going on sometimes it's so bad it's a constant editorial. It's not a newspaper it's a propaganda mill and they have won you over. Case in Point.."PM FLEES CAPITAL" when in fact he was campaigning upcountry, when Sondhi flew to China, it was reported that he was taking a vacation but your bastion of independent reporting forgot to mention the Police had ask him to come in for a talk or they would issue a warrant and that he had over 100 charges against him, but that's just independent reporting right? Have you asked yourself who owns shares in Nation Media Group? "The Nation" has an agenda, my Austrian friend and in your case they have succeeded masterfully. Possibly you should take your own advice and read other news sources who may have a more balanced or at least different viewpoint.

Statements like "If some twisted Farangs like you, even support this, I can only shake my head." is inflammatory, as isyour "stupid" comment. The same could be said of you, but it wasn't. We all have our own views based on our experiences and mine is no more twisted than yours or others just from a differing point of view.

Have a good trip home, hope you didn't overstay your visa. Unlike you I can't wait to get back to the LOS, corrupt or not, and get out of the cold and wet here on the pacific, go to the fresh market, make merit and just sit on our front porch and enjoy life with our friends and family.

fair points too, but I think it doens't matter who own the Nation (we all know that) or Bangkok Post or anyone, as opinions are as you say also based on various views and life experiences. But still I believe all those journalist working there, you can believe them that they are mostly right, as they do it for 5 years already (Thaksin critzisising), and their thoughts and opinions, match precisly, mostly with all other "Free-TRT" inpedented bodies in this country. Unfortunately due to the immense power and money influence they have, not to much, but guess all the others achieved so far a remarkable outcome, which of course has to be finalized as a puppet-master will not change much, only distribute more lies in this country.

I just know one thing for sure: cheating, corruption, manipulating and lying to people should not be tolerated. Especially with a government who should take care of all people and the country, and not only the ones with the higher voting numbers, and mainly at the end themselves.

If you just watch Thaksin for just one week, you know what I'm talking about.

Enjoy your trip back, and hope to talk to you later, even if we are/were not same opinion, I think you are a great good poster, and intelligent in your point of views, with just another opinion. That can happen.

Keep up the good work.

talk to u later mate

cheers

Sushiman

PS/ I never flame, I just debate from my heart, wich I believe with a good sense of what is right and what is wrong....if people don't agree, I dont' care, but we can always talk about it ...right

can't wait to see the news of the other poster, trying to welcome Thaksin with some Eggs at Heathrow airport just some stupid talk of course...

Lukamar,

did also by the way good postings (informatif especially during election times) I want to apologize if above is one-sided from my side, but I really don't understand if a Farang living here complains about the The Nation, the only newspaper who had the guts to tell the truth (what is going on in this country) since the beginning of the Thaksin Aera.

If the Bangkok Post just recently did the same open rapportings, I think it's no coincedance, that both leading English Speaking Thai Newspapers, are open and are trying to get the truth out there.

If you can't trust nearly 100 journalists (mostly with good education, also studying abraod or in the best universities here) working there, than I think you don't even trust your own grandmother

Enjoy Songkarn guys!

So, would you say "The Nation" is pro-Thaksin or anti-Thaksin?

My view is it's an outlet for anti-Thaksin anti-TRT propaganda. They can spin the news faster than a whirling dervish.

Lukamar, I don't understand why a Farang like you, coming from a fair well working Democratical country like you has to adapt, to this non-sense rubish thinking, that only a goverment with corruption can survive here in Thailand. Or whatever is your point here, all the time, with your TRT critics bashing.

You don't like TRT (you said) but your don't like the opposition. So what are you doing in this forum? Just trying to pulll both sides in the dirt. Very constructive I must say!

The Nation is not one unit, and their journalist don't have to follow one guide-line (as TRT has to)

with rapporting (my friend a Thai works there). And don't forgot they are nearly 100% thais with very good education working there, and I guess they know a bit more than a farang like you, what's going on in this country.

If you think The Nation does as above explained by yourself (really one-sided rubish, sorry!), than I must say you don't read the Bangkokpost, The Day, The Daily Post nor international news, coming from people, not just trying to bash the PAD to get some story runing, but understanding that corruption is and was done in the last 5 years very badly, and that it's urgently needed to change something here.

If some twisted Farangs like you, even support this, I can only shake my head.

Either you've been to long here and your Thai people have turned you around with your so superficial short-minded thinking that quick cash is needed to survive (and your stupid remarks that 16 million voters have decidced, sorry the most of them are being cheated, paid and/or are uneducated people voting so, doesn't matter now if yourself have friends and relatives their - I'm sure you will feel offendend again, but sorry mate that's the truth), or you just basically forgot generel standard Western rules of fair social behaviour and enjoying and supporting un-corrupt ways of doing politics.

Go and support further more corruption (and bash the oppostion), and you can be assured that at the end of each economical turn from this party, nearly every single Thai has been cheating each other and the Farangs who have been working and living here too. Yes let this sickness continue to grow even to further heights!

I'm off flying home, and I will be glad to leave this country back for a while, as it gave me a big headache, and I will stop posting here as it gives me further headaches than reading so senseless, unlogical remarks, especially by people coming from more or less well running countries.

I really was surpised to learn that so many "especially" old farangs here, forgot about their roots, and understanding of punishment for corruption etc..

I just wish the PAD and the Democrats, and all people who believe in justice and a non-corrupt goverment GOOD LUCK! I'm sure they will make progress if they are not being stopped by views within the watchdogs, just as yours (and even more, by money under the table which would not be you agree).

But still it gives my headache, to see so many old farangs here, with their twisted "we have to survive with corruption and scared of any change, warning all growth will be halted etc." and the bashing of some brave view people, who are trying to change finally something in this corrupt country for the good of all.

Good luck with your hopefully nothing will change attitude! I'm sorry but I think you guys belong to the old guards, and you don't get the new spirit of hope, and you could be worsening the situation with your attitude "of non-action" by many means.

Yeah, just let it be as the Beatles was singing, and you will also be cheated badly one day and the whole economy will slip down very badly even more (not short-term but it will eventually happen as big spendings, and big cheatings, can't sum up at the end of the day) thanks to missmanagement and widespread even more coming corruption sickness: as so as the goverment, so can we, will be of course the reaction of such acknowledged corrupt party approvals and votings, which were basically most generated with cash promises and/or payments and short-minded views of rural people, who understandable (no blame) think short-minded which I understand of course, but which shouldn't be done by any goverment. This are currently African standards here, if you accept and support this, good luck!

Good luck also with your strange views about corruption and fair votings where only the numbers counts (and not how they have been paid and cheated of) etc. and people trying to do something against it and best is, don't read any newspapers at all, watch filtered Thai TV, they will bring you the cleaned out news.

With 3 from reality disctracting soaps runing on the best times daily, to keep the Thais busy and happy, with corruption and love twisting stories, so they learn to understand that this belongs to their culture, and it can't go without. Forgive us goverment, for doing same, and the end we will take care of you, but we need are big cakes, orelse we can't help you sorry

Don't support the critics, they could avoke change!!?? Strange views some of you guys have!

Good luck for all the critics, and don't stop digging!

EDITORIAL

PM short in stature internationally

Bizarre demands to meet with leaders show that Thaksin's inflated sense of self-importance has yet to diminish

For a man who likes to boast about his international stature, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has lately become more of an irritant to the Bangkok-based diplomatic corps. He started rubbing these diplomats the wrong way in mid-January, when he asked them to accompany him to At Samat district, so they could observe his ludicrous reality show that saw him meeting with local villagers to hear their grievances. Now, as a caretaker prime minister on holiday, he is not only making plans to visit several countries, including the United Kingdom, France and the United States, but also unreasonably demanding to be allowed to meet with their respective leaders while there.

He has insisted all along that his visit would be a private one. If that is so, then why summon these Bangkok-based envoys and have them relay such a message to their respective governments? Surely this was more of an opportunity for him to slam the opposition Democrat Party and boast about how clean the April 2 election was.

Recent reports, plus conversations with the diplomats themselves, have revealed that they felt these requests to meet with their leaders were placing them in an awkward position.

Their lack of enthusiasm is understandable indeed.

First, the manner in which Thaksin left the premiership was simply too murky, and thus it would be reasonable to assume that none of these foreign governments would want to appear to be buddying up to him. After all, he is currently no more than a lame-duck prime minister - and a much-reviled one at that.

In the diplomatic world of protocol, there is also a question of how to receive Thaksin. He is not exactly a "former" head of government. His status during these visits, amid this time of rapid changes, is still very much uncertain. Maybe Thaksin could not care less about diplomatic protocol?

While he may still have some old friends living abroad, Thaksin appears to be banking on the notion that his international stature will come through for him in securing meetings with these heads of state at such short notice.

One senior opposition member hit the nail right on the head with his opinion that Thaksin's foreign tour was purely for domestic consumption.

To get a better understanding of Thaksin's unconventional behaviour, it pays to look into the recent past. The embattled Thai premier has never hesitated to push the envelope with any controversial idea or action in any forum, domestic or international, if it would improve his ratings.

He jumped on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Bangkok, for example, as an opportunity to boast to world leaders about his much-hyped One Tambon One Product (Otop) products. And yet he balked on issues that could have helped him really climb a notch or two in the opinions of those same leaders.

When asked about the root causes of terrorism, Thaksin stunned the international press corps by dismissing that as a "technical question". He seemed completely to forget that terrorism, not Otop, was at the centre of discussions at the Apec meet.

Furthermore, he would frequently boast about how well he knew this or that world leader. His can-do attitude has inspired many of his supporters, but there were also many who saw right through the man and the hype behind him.

And Thaksin appears to be living in Lah-Lah Land even today, believing he still wields enough clout in the world community to expect foreign leaders to snap to attention at a moment's notice.

What Thaksin has never been able to understand is that all of those state banquets and 19-gun salutes his foreign hosts have given him these past five years were because he was the head of the Thai government, certainly not because of himself per se.

But then again, what else could be expected from such a man, who seems to believe that what is good for him is good for Thailand - and not the other way around?

Source - The Nation 14April2006

The accusations are lies.

Thaiable, I'm talking about accusations, which have been going on for years, and which have been accumulated, and have let the cork of the bottle to finally exploid, after the Shin Corp sales.

What have you been reading the last couple of years here? I think you life in Disneyland saying all accusations are a lie? Even the most off TRT supporters wouldn't even say that.

That's one of the poorest statements I heard in the forum so far.

Accusations are also questions (but not mainly) of ethics and good governance, which is supposed to be done, from a political leader/party.

As you might understand, I can't list again all accusations here (hope you understand) but I think there's also really no need to do so, what newspapers are you reading?

All I can say people are fed-up of politics, done like a CEO with a very much one-sided marketing campaign (it's about the same as Pepsi is trying to tell you, that Pepsi is a sporty soccer drink, while every normal person knows, that to many sugar are in those drinks, but the people still drink it except those who are playing professional sports, whom you can find well paid in those advertsings) and with mainly the same group taking profits from those politics. If you don't understand that, and believe the only main sunshine news , TRT is telling Thailand, than I pitty a bit your observation and analyzing skills.

Also if you think the courts are using the proves to dig in more, than you also still didn't get yet, how those mainly watch-dogs have been set up and are working.

Why don't you go to Bangkok Post, The Nation, Thai Post etc. or any other decent Thai Newspaper

(don't expect anything deeper digging fron the controlled, supressed Thai TV media) and read their archives or just check the daily news. Or go to any decent University and talk to the most of the professors there. I guess even the ordinary Thai citizien on the BTS or MRT would not agree with you.

Generelly people know what is going on, but they still maybe believe it's better to have a corrupt gov./leader because at the end of the day, they will profit too (that would be a more realistic statement for you to say), but this are of course all short-term wishes and can't function in any final analazied working accounting system in the med-to longerm. Somewhere the money will be gone, and the progress will be stopped by it, badly.

You think all people are cracy and are making up things? Come up, get out of Disneyland soon.

Sorry I think you are too one-sided, and totally missinformed even you might life here.

I understand your point of views too (the possible economic slowdown, which can take place during these unstable times etc. caused by the protests, one-sided government etc.) and I agree with you, that the Democratic Party, should do some propositions too, not only accusations now, but let’s not forget the ‘current’ situation now here:

Mr. Thaksin himself (and his cronies etc.) made this mess up and they are ‘now’ even prolonging it, by trying to misuse the current boycott of the 3 opposition parties, to even become stronger than before. How? By claiming the PM is gone (but his still the leader of his party and in 1 year he should be back as PM, as they said themselves?) and dictating ‘now’ alone, the requested path for political reforms (instead of also accepting the same weighted corruption accusations which also came along, not only polictical reform and/or "by not" inviting the 3 oppostion parties to take part in these reforms).

I think it’s for all clear that those goals by

- 10-11 million voters (no votes + spoiled votes)

- various most intellectual, acedemic groups

- 3 Main Opposition parties

- PAD

- most understanding foreign observers etc.

to try to

- Eliminate or reduce misuse of power by political players for their own benefit

- Reduce corruption as a whole as this clearly should be done

(I think all agree on this, except the ones who are doing it)

- Reduce oppression and open up media, to allow to broadcast other opinions etc.

- Improve this current non-democratically, nearly dictatoral political thinking of the leader (He clearly never supported or loved open democracy, which he even said himself. But strangely before every election, this word comes up again in shinning lights)

are just now being tried to be brushed under the carpet, by some ‘for TRT hopefully soft’ political reforms under the surveillance of TRT themselves. But no words about any accusations, and thanks Buddha, without any interferance from the main oppostion party.

Sound like typical Thaksin to me. This is a very clever move by TRT or Thaksin.

Shall it blind the Thai people and let them forget what are the goals. Is that right?

Also all those current accusations (Again do you really believe the Democrats, PAD and all others are just making all those stories up?) for the last 2. April 2006 elections and things which happened in the last 5 years are to hot, to just give up now.

Can’t you try to be a little bit patient, and understand that a small “David” has to concentrate on one goal first against a much more powerful “Goliath”, before being able to do the next steps, especially during times, where he has nothing to say in the goverment anyway? Do you believe the TRT would listen, even if they would suggest some ideas. What's important to say and what they are doing now, is anyhow not what TRT (or some members) want to hear.

The accusations are still standing, so I think this clearly should be cleared and cleaned up now first, before they soften their stand, and just do nothing anymore in this direction. Various courts have things on the table now, and it’s to hot just to forget now and let go.

And they are as you know also not the only ones pinpointing on those so many wrongdoings, which as a political opposition as they are; they just have to do this ‘now’, even if this will not make them popular especially up North.

But one day if they will be even partial further more successful (Thaksin remaining the party leader now, but not PM, will not really change anything, will it?), I think Thailand will be soon thankful, that they are going these unpleasant ways now and today.

This is of course now in the hands of mainly juristical or watchdogs groups to support, acknowledge or deny or not.

Are you suggestion them, to forget about all the corruption and recent accusations, and just go on as nothing happened?

I’m sure they also wouldn’t want to do this mainly now, but they have no choice if they want to fight corruption and the misuse of power by the other big party, before it’s to late now and it will go on for many more years, in the same manner as the last 5 years.

Thailand has a great chance now, to become a more major democracy ‘with a try’ for less corruption, and a try to let people be accountable for their actions.

Why not try, and give up so quickly just because some economical figures might be not as gloomy as they could be? Will those gloomy figures, be beneficial for all Thai people anyhow, that’s another point I doubt also. I think Thaksinomics was never on the main right track in the first place, as he’s just bringing the whole country (especially country people) into big depts, with to rush vote- but not country- beneficial med-to long-term actions. Ecological aspects as with most Asian governments, are also still being brushed under the carpet.

Yes again, some things which TRT did, where good too (OTOP, gangs clean up etc.) and also will not be brought to a still stand if a new, or amended (or whatever the outcome will be) party will take over, after a new election with all parties participating again. Why always the scare of you some guys, that all will be lost after a possible change in the goverment? Every leader/party taking over, in any country, no matter what party/group he comes from, will surely continue with overall logical, useful good ideas if they are/were requested and done with common sense and success.

I think what the democrats are doing is called med-to long-term progress and I think they are very brave, even if it will cost some short-term economical slowdown, and not to forget the juristical personal problems they are facing too, by standing up against Goliath with his immense bank account(s) in his pocket(s). A very difficult challenge indead.

If the corruption will take over fully again, and the Democrats couldn’t made their points yet now soon, at least they tried as I believe they should, as again, all those corruption claims which comes clearly targeted towards 100% only one target, can’t be all that wrong. Can’t it?

Let’s hope the "bigger" truth & right will win, as Thailand would be ready for a change now and a more major democracy with a later possible change for the good of the country and its people c could take place. Thaksin did his own very well part, to clean up some dark sides of Thai society too (some mafia, drug and gambling groups), but forget that he shouldn’t be doing the same thing (even on a much bigger scale), just under the umbrella of legality und his own e.g. amended gov-laws and his premier ship.

Don’t give up so quickly and be afraid of change, to many voices are crying for it now, and it just has to be done now. It will be worth a try, as the accusations, and call for change and less corruption here is immense, and especially Thai people with good education and a good overview, understand that Thailand could do it just now and better not drag on in the old manner as before.

It can be done of course with TRT too, as TRT would and could be without Mr. Thaksin a political force, with many various voices, with several opinions, which also would be more beneficial as before for the country, as so far it was clearly just a nearly 100% one-man-show, with really the best will for his country?

Somethings should just be done now first, before Thailand get’s back on track with hopefully the Democrats too, and the other 2 political parties. They will bring their political ideas and plans for sure up soon, as soon they are back in the race. I hope so.

Have faith for a better good, change in Thailand, even if the problems will drag on until after June (with a understandable well respected pause in June).

Big problems/corruption are of course not solved so quickly.

The oppostion party from Berlusconi, one of the most corrupt leaders in Europe in recen times (a good friend of Mr. Thaksin), also needed 5 years to let the people understand a change and the country was also running during that time.

As long as the goverment is not formed now (this is up to the ruling caretaker party now, to make progress and/or accept fraud elections or not and suggest new elections asap, or after reform with all) the democrats I think don't do anything wrong at all, if the continue with digging. Guess much more could come up.

The TRT will do meanwhile anyway what they want, as the Democrats have currently nothing to say in their eyes (understandable).

But I believe as the ruling party (or caretaker party or whatever) they should do in the name of the country a first step towards reconciliations, orelse they are not doing their job right.

But please not misuse a situation (boycot) caused by their own ex PM.

Maybe during his holiday he could meet up with Berlusconi to discuss how they could "even better" control the media, to win back the next election.

ciao a tutti

Thaksin leaves for England and the US

Thai Rak Thai Party leader Thaksin Shinawatra has left for London after casting a ballot for a senatorial election on Thursday.

"I'll take this chance to relax and meet old friends. I want to take a break. I'm getting old," Thaksin, 56, told reporters before heading to Bangkok's international airport.

When asked if he would hold talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Thaksin said, "I'll meet with familiar leaders. We could possibly have some coffee. But my meeting is unofficial. It has nothing to do with politics or business."

One of Thaksin's daughters is studying in London.

The Nation reported that Thaksin is seeking a meeting with Blair and leaders of some countries he would visit. His proposed meeting has caused uncomfortably among diplomatic communities as his present status is still unclear.

Thaksin said he would then fly to the United States to visit universities in Kentucky and Texas where he received a masters and a doctorate in criminal justice.

He will return to Bangkok on April 19 and attend a meeting of his party on April 24 before flying off to China and Japan later in the month.

"I will travel more as many countries have invited me to give lectures on economy and how to solve ecnomic-related problems," he said.

On April 4, Thaksin announced he would step down as prime minister despite his party's victory in the previous weekend's election, which was boycotted by the main opposition parties.

He chose his top deputy and justice minister, Chidchai Vanasathidya, to replace him until a new prime minister is named.

He also criticised Democrat Party's deputy leader Surin Pitsuwan, also a former foreign minister, of making not creative comments about his trips abroad. Surin had criticised Thaksin's trip as a political ploy.

"[surin] should allow the right side of his brain to work a little bit more in order to make more creative comments. He should use his free time during Songkran holiday to take a rest and suggest more creative comments for the sake of the country," Thaksin said.

The Nation

Source - The Nation 13 April 2006

Personal comment:

1) Brain solutions:

"[surin] should allow the right side of his brain to work a little bit more in order to make more creative comments.

While I agree with him that the Democrats, should try to be a bit more future oriented (with more political proposals instead of corruption digging), I can't resisit to with his same old . Remember after the Shin deal he countered his critics with: "I'm a big guy, the critics should better use their 2 brain sides".... Yes, yes we know you are the only one, functioning with both brain sides...

2) Lecture

"I will travel more as many countries have invited me to give lectures on economy and how to solve ecnomic-related problems," he said.

Yes and please don't forget to introduce once again your very own Website http://www.thaksinomics.com/ See the news headlines on the bottom left with the gloryfing news about his current activities.

He upsets people most of the times, but also is some times good for a big

Cheers Thaksin enjoy your holiday (maybe during this time, maybe some watchdogs, will be maybe a bit more brave to cover up some election and other stories)

Happy Songkarn everyone!

TRT gets all 100 list seats

Thai Rak Thai, the only major party to contest the April 2 general election, received 16.4 million party votes and won all 100 list-MP seats, the Election Commission said in its official release of the party list results yesterday. The commission said there were 9.05 million abstention votes in the party list system, with 1.6 million invalid ballots cast.

In the constituency system, there were 9.6 million abstention votes and 3.7 million dud ballots, which accounted for more than 13% of the nationwide turnout.

The results were announced for 398 constituencies, excluding Nonthaburi's constituency 3 and Samut Sakhon's constituency 3. The number of voters casting ballots for the party list election was higher than in the constituency system because only the party list election was held in Nonthaburi's constituency 3 and Samut Sakhon's constituency 3, where candidates were disqualified before polling day.

The number of votes received by the parties:

FThai Rak Thai party, 16,420,755

FThai Farmer party, 675,662

FPeople Power party, 305,015

FPrachakorn Thai party, 292,895

FDhammocratic party, 255,853

FThai Chuay Thai party, 146,680

FPattana Chat Thai party, 134,534

FThai Ground party, 125,008.

The EC said only the Thai Rak Thai party gained more than 5% of the total party-list votes cast and was the only party qualified for the 100 list MP seats.

Source - Bangkok Post - 13APR 2006

EC will ask court to order its dissolution

SURASAK GLAHAN

The Election Commission (EC) will seek a Constitution Court ruling to dissolve the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) after finding that three candidates were paid and documents falsified to enable them to run in the April 2 general election.

EC secretary-general Ekachai Warunphrapha said criminal charges would be filed against the three candidates, a couple who paid them and the party leader for colluding to commit offences under election law and the criminal code.

But Mr Ekachai said the EC was not authorised to establish if Thai Rak Thai or any political figures were involved.

''We haven't got witnesses that can be linked to other figures. The EC doesn't have the authority [to investigate further] and now we don't have time because a conclusion [for this case] is required,'' said Mr Ekachai. ''We don't have clear confirmation from witnesses if there are other people involved.''

Issara Yuangprasert, the party leader, did not answer calls for her to give a statement and the EC ''could not force her'' to do so, he added.

The EC conducted the investigation in response to a complaint submitted by Democrat party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban that the three candidates _ Nipha Chanphoti, Tatchanoo Tangsri and Suwit Op-oon _ were deceived by a Thai Rak Thai member into running for seats in Trang province.

The EC had not concluded on another case filed by Mr Suthep accusing its officials of having been paid to change the EC's database to enable small parties to run in the election, Mr Ekachai said.

The PDP was one of 18 largely unknown parties that ran in the general election with Thai Rak Thai after the three main opposition parties boycotted the poll.

In a statement released on Monday, the Democrats accused the EC of dragging its feet on complaints about Thai Rak Thai's alleged collusion with small parties and the EC allowing candidates who failed to get the required 20% of the vote to re-run in a different constituency.

Mr Ekachai said the three PDP candidates were paid by a married couple, identified as Mr Taksanai and Ms Yok Keesun, at 15,000 baht each to run in the election under the banner of the PDP.

He said Ms Yok also took the three candidates to the Liberty hotel in Bangkok's Saphan Khwai area to arrange the counterfeit documentation.

The EC would file criminal charges against Ms Issara for supporting and colluding with the three candidates to commit a crime under article 100 of the Act Concerning the Constitution Governing General and Senate Elections B.E. 2541, and articles 137 and 267 of the Criminal Code.

The three candidates and the couple would be charged with committing a crime under the same law.

Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, secretary-general of the People's Network for Elections (P-Net), was sceptical that the EC could not trace the masterminds since it had succeeded in finding details such as the amount of money paid and the names of the couple involved.

''There must be someone behind the paying of the couple but the question for the EC is who,'' he said.

''If the EC decides not to investigate further, it means it doesn't want to make any more efforts.''

Mr Ekachai also announced the EC's decision to allow failed candidates in the April 2 general election to run in a different constituency in the upcoming by-elections.

He said this would help by-elections be more competitive and reduce the number of constituencies with lone candidates.

Mr Somchai said the EC resolution favoured a big political party, helping its candidates who were running uncontested in 16 constituencies.

It also meant that the candidates would be registered in two constituencies _ the one where they previously ran and the one they shifted to, he said. ''This will mean more conflicts and complaints for the EC as it only announced on March 1 that candidates would be allowed to contest in one constituency,'' he said.

Meanwhile, the People's Alliance for Democracy will submit fresh evidence to the EC against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for allegedly breaking election law which they said would be enough to disqualify him from seeking election for another year.

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said Mr Thaksin may have violated election law when he appeared on TV on April 3 and 4 to talk about his populist policies.

Mr Somchai asked how Mr Thaksin could thank 16 million people for voting Thai Rak Thai during an interview on April 3 so soon after the poll.

''He may have his own mechanism to check the poll results or could it be that the EC told him?'' Mr Somchai said.

Source Bangkok Post - 13. April 2006

I love Chuwit! great drama~

The poster with him and the sledgehammer is a Classic ... I kept one

That was great yes, with nice black & white colours and 30 metre long displayed in the whole city. I guess he could go to the movies. Horror movie actor

Does he still run his massage parlours??

but anyhow thanks to him, some green in the city near Nana Station, really a nice relieve this mini-park, compared to the missing green in Bangkok. Small but nice! Thanks Chuwi!

Right, with all lights on Thaksin, Senate election campaign rolls on, quetly.

Candidates can't actively campaign, but what about media? Can the print candidates profiles and issues surrounging them? Would it be against the law?

A couple of months ago The Nation wrote about many of the senators, but then Thaksin with his Shin sale came up and we get nothing since.

Senate elections are more important for Thai democracy than lower House.

Why are the Senate elections more important, can some expert summarize this briefly?

Are not the big decisions made in the lower House, where the 2. April elections where for, where I'm still waiting for some official results, still not finalized the counting? Still one box missing ex Phi PHi Islands?

(sorry if I missed something out )

Khop Khun Maa Khrap

"In the past five years, the Democrat Party did not win the hearts and minds of Thai people. The party is so slow in taking steps because they are conservative. They are fighting inside until they come to a consensus."

"It's so frustrating," she said. "This is very different from Thaksin's party. When Thaksin makes a decision, he can make it in five minutes."

.... talk first and then think, yes we know what is the med- to long term result of such 5-minutes politics.... he doesn't (didn't) even have to ask anyone neither...

THAI TALK

Forget the tears, Thaksin govt is alive and kicking

He has only stepped aside, not down. He may be retreating to the political sidelines, but he is not out of the game. And the current truce is at best only temporary. Most of his critics dismiss his "sacrifice" as a ruse.

Thaksin Shinawatra, they say, has a few more tricks up his sleeve. His public announcement last week that he would not to accept a third term as premier after the next parliament is formed was no more than a subterfuge to prepare himself for a major comeback. His move is seen by cynics as nothing but a tactical move to catch the protesters off-guard. He won't be premier, if that's what the noisy and increasingly powerful anti-Thaksin faction wants. But that doesn't mean he won't be in a position to call all the shots. In other words, he will be a "super-premier".

A super-premier is much more frightening. He isn't bound by the Constitution to account for his wealth. He doesn't have to answer any questions in Parliament. He isn't subject to public scrutiny. He can run the country without any accountability. As he said recently, while he was in mobile mode when the Government House was under siege by the protesters, "I don't have to work from the Government House. It's just a phone call away."

Now Thaksin can let one of his nominees, who will also be only a phone call away, assume the premiership. The super-premier could even manage the country from a golf course in the British Virgin Islands. The CEO has elevated himself into an executive chairmanship without portfolio. The Thaksin regime remains intact, in fact even thriving under this new undeclared organisation chart.

The opposition parties and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose initial reaction to Thaksin's "political pause" declaration was cautiously positive, have found themselves facing a new dilemma of sorts.

Thaksin can claim to have taken another step back as a compromise. The other side is thus expected to live up to their side of the bargain. By this rationale, the PAD should call off future rallies and the former opposition parties should agree to take part in future elections. Thaksin said he had done his bit and he expected his enemies to do theirs.

The anti-Thaksin camp's euphoria soon evaporated. Thaksin has, in his retreat, built a huge trap for his opponents. With the prospect that he won't be in the premier's seat in the next government, the Democrats and the PAD are compelled to help wrap up - even legitimise - the farcical, bizarre and constitutionally questionable April 2 election.

Thaksin's enemies have the unenviable choice of assisting in somehow putting a stamp of legitimacy on the election results or face the prospect of allowing Thaksin to remain "acting prime minister" for an indefinite period.

What's worse, if this scenario is played out, Thaksin's worst critics will also have to accept the unpleasant fact that through this ludicrous political manipulation, the man who is at the centre of the storm will be in a position to pick one of his lieutenants as the new prime minister, despite the growing chorus decrying the establishment of a puppet government that is clearly a surrogate for the Thaksin regime.

Should this scenario materialise, Thaksin's current political vacation will only be a brief break before he uses the interim government, headed by his nominee premier, as a launching pad for the next election campaign that will reinstall him as the country's most powerful figure, after the supposedly non-partisan political-reform process is completed.

The anti-Thaksin force - buoyed by the estimated 10 million abstention votes plus about three million invalid ballots, juxtaposed with the 16 million votes cast for Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai - is revising its counter-strategy after having declared an initial victory.

The Democrats and the PAD are seeking the nullification of the April 2 election through the Election Commission and the Constitution Court on the grounds that the whole exercise was a farce.

If the new House can't be convened due to constitutional aberrations, a prime minister can't be named. That would open up the way for the invocation of the famous Article 7 of the Constitution, which paves the way for a royally appointed prime minister to break the stalemate.

All of a sudden it has dawned upon the anti-Thaksin elements that the battle for a new era of politics - free from Thaksinomics' populist manipulation based solely on money-driven electioneering techniques - has only just begun.

That emotional scene that Thaksin staged at Government House, with his family members and underlings hugging one another, their eyes brimming with tears, was not the closing chapter but merely signalled a tactical shift.

Get that tape and replay it. Nowhere in his speech did Thaksin say he was bidding farewell to politics.

Suthichai Yoon

The Nation

Source - The Nation 13APR06 - click here

TRT denies PM's sisters 'unusually rich'

Thai Rak Thai Party members yesterday came out in defence of outgoing Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's two sisters, who have been accused of being "unusually rich" by Democrat Party deputy leader Alongkorn Pollabutr.

Thai Rak Thai party-list MP-elect Kuthep Saikrachang said Alongkorn's allegations were not new, and that he had simply dragged up old charges to attack Thaksin's sister, Yaowaret Shinawatra.

He dismissed the allegations as groundless.

Alongkorn has also tried to implicate Yaowapa Wongsawat's children in a corruption scam, Kuthep said.

"If Alongkorn has new corruption evidence, he can go ahead and try to verify it. He should know how hard and for how many years these ladies have worked to earn their wealth,'' he said.

Alongkorn, meanwhile, said he would lead a team of reporters on Saturday to inspect a real estate project in Bangkok that is allegedly a "hidden asset" belonging to Yaowapa. "I want to prove the statement of [respected social critic] Prawase Wasi that the whole family is indeed corrupt,'' he said.

Also yesterday, Thai Rak Thai party-list MP-elect Ekaporn Rakkwamsuk attacked the Democrats for issuing a statement condemning the Election Commission. Ekaporn said the Democrats should be condemned for their attempts to destroy democracy by disrupting the election.

"As long as the Democrats try to block the election, the Thai Rak Thai Party can stay on as the caretaker government,'' he said.

The Thai Rak Thai Party made the moves after Thaksin on Tuesday urged them to unite in their fight against the Democrats, saying the party wanted to wipe Thai Rak Thai out. Democrat Party spokesman Ongart Klampaiboon denied the party wanted to destroy Thai Rak Thai, saying it was more interested in eliminating the system of "Thaksinomics".

"The Democrats have no intention to destroy any political party, but to fight Thaksin for inflicting so much damage throughout society," he said. Ongart said Thaksin took a break by not accepting the premiership for a third term in order to plot a comeback that could lead to greater destruction of democratic principles.

He also criticised Thaksin's deputy, Bhokin Bhalakula, for rushing to dominate the drafting of constitutional amendments even before it became clear whether the elections would fill all 500 seats in the House of Representatives.

He questioned Thaksin's motive for wanting Thai Rak Thai to stay in power for "four generations", saying it might be because the party wanted to sell the country's assets.

"I wonder if we'll still have any of Thailand left if Thai Rak Thai stays in power that long,'' Ongart said.

Source - The Nation 13APR06 - click to follow the source

....

Personal comment:

I wonder why TRT is so well informed about Thaksins Sisters wealth? I thought policts and personal income/wealth shouldn't be mixed in this goverment?

"Mr. Bhokin rushing"....nothing new...anything TRT/Thaksin Rules Thailand (still!) is not rushing into?

Questions over Questions.... I wonder when finally one court has the courage to open up the real books and sort out this mess. Also the NCC and EC have been very one-sided with their statements and decisions. Are they being paid by TRT?

Although I agree with many posters, that the Democrat party (my hope) shouldn't "now only" concentrate on doing research and depper digging (which is of course needed, if you want to prove something against Goliath), but also proposing ideas for the future for this country (I miss them too; in the papers anyhow), I still think there are many things very unclear and "wishy washy" what is going on in this gov..

Let's see how things develop, TRT seams to make some first steps trying to get the amendment of the constitution (some say not much change needed) and political reforms going, but unfortunately, as usual only under their terms

AFP = Agence France-Presse (French press agency)

Follow the link for AFP

----------------------------------

Thailands political solutions?:

Life is short

so solve it in the courts

----------------------------------

STOPPAGE TIME

Thank you, 'The Economist', from the bottom of my heart

Dear 'The Economist' editor,

What a great editorial! In fact, the article was so great that the first thing I did after finishing it was check the calendar. To my immense relief, April Fool's was over a week behind us. I love the headline "A blow to Thai democracy" very, very much, but love the kicker even more: "The mob has beaten the ballot box in South-East Asia".

You are such a brave lot of journalists. Do you know what would happen to you if you wrote anything like that in Thailand? My opponents would go over every advertisement in your publication with a microscope to see if there were any commercial windfalls coming from my government or telecom companies. Thank God it came from you, a prestigious international news magazine, and I can't wait to rub all my critics' noses in it.

Your sympathy and understanding brought tears to my eyes. "The political system in Thailand was not as badly broken as Mr Thaksin's opponents have often claimed," you said. "If it were, he would not have had to sell almost all of his family's assets in January, including the television station that is supposed to have been so central to his power. That sale made the most recent election at least reasonably free and fair."

This is spot on. So sick of those who saw nothing but greed in that Bt73,000,000,000 tax-free figure. And thank you for not mentioning Ample Rich and all the share transfers. I have tried to tell those stupid critics that it's not an important aspect of the Shin Corp-Temasek saga but they wouldn't listen. The Economist must know best, and your article will surely help my case here. (It would have been perfect, though, if you had endorsed my Nasdaq listing explanation and shut those bloody boo-boys up.)

And, yes, I can never win where iTV is concerned. Bought it and they cooked up some nonsense about media control; sold it and I'm a traitor who handed over a valuable national asset that is supposed to be independent from foreigners. The same goes for Shin Corp: kept it and they bombarded me with conflict-of-interest rubbish; sold it and more of the same garbage.

Big thanks for not going along with the accusations that I'm a control freak. Why they call it a broken checks-and-balances system is beyond me. The Constitution Court is alive and well, despite what every pretentious intellectual in Thailand would have you believe. The National Counter Corruption Commission may have stopped functioning (the members' genuine need for a salary hike was unfortunately overly politicised), but the Anti-Money Laundering Organisation will still be able to look into corrupt journalists' bank accounts as usual.

Yes, the system remains healthy like you suggested. Guess you must have been laughing yesterday, too, when all major newspapers published a joint editorial lamenting media "intimidation" and "interference". What a bunch of jokers! A little slap on the wrist and they whine like babies. Those liars should have been born in Burma.

"It's a great pity that the mob was in the end allowed to beat the electoral system. The correct way to oust Mr Thaksin should have been at the ballot box." You said this with overwhelming authority and I hope my publicists learn a thing or two from your article. Those losers retreat into their shells every time they hear anyone quote my "Democracy is not my goal" statement. Of course I said that, but, hey, if you folks from a truly democratic country don't mind, why should Thai people?

"While Thaksin is undoubtedly a disease in the body politic, the cure that has just been applied is worse than the illness itself." You hit the nail on the head again. I never said I'm perfect, but look at those people.

You are so right to call those protesters a "mob". They tried to be peaceful and civilised but at the end of the day they wanted to undermine an electoral process, which you correctly imply is the sole essence of democracy. You are also right to ignore their talk about ethics, legitimacy and good governance.

Be careful, though, because they may go after you by citing your tough stance on accountability and transparency in the wake of the Enron fraud. But I'm sure you'll cope with that. Just repeat your punch line: Election is democracy. Election is democracy. Election is democracy. And everything will be fine.

Yours sincerely and thanks a lot again,

Someone once called Thai Con

Tulsathit Taptim

Source - The Nation - click to follow the link

Thaksin seeks meetings with world leaders

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has asked to meet US President Bush, French President Chirac and British Prime Minister Blair when he visits their countries next month, the Associated Press reports.

The British Embassy confirmed the request and said it was under study.

Pitsuwan, deputy leader of the opposition Democrat Party, said the requests were "inappropriate. He wants to show that he still has a high profile and connections."

"We believe that within one year he will return as prime minister," Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said yesterday.

Three sources told the AFP news agency that Mr Thaksin told them this: "After a one-year hiatus I will totally wipe out the (opposition) Democrats."

(Compiled by Bangkokpost.com)

Souce - Bangkok Post Breaking News - click to follow the link

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I thought he wil not be the care-taker PM after 1. May 2006 ??

Mr. Thaksins words and actions are as usual amazing, and trustful; in the same way he was not taking care of his business during his political term....

read also Quotes by Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra on en.wikiquote.org - click to follow the link

I wish someone would make a more up-to-date collection of Mr. Thaksin Quotes; I guess it would be very interesting to follow and to be able to determine, if his a man of contradictions or a man of his words or not