Foreign Ministry Cancels Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport

[Tony Clifton]

I'll wait until they are responsible for 7,000 murders like Thaksin.

Perhaps you missed it last week when the CNS announced that the Prime Minister now has the power to order extra judicial executions, so all their murders will be legally sanctioned. Hope that makes you sleep better at night.

Perhaps you missed it last week when the CNS announced that the Prime Minister now has the power to order extra judicial executions, so all their murders will be legally sanctioned. Hope that makes you sleep better at night.

I for one have missed that and would love to read about it. Where?

It was posted here on TV by I think George. It was a one liner in a news report and stuck between a bunch of stuff on the CNS had said and done that day. Just remember the CNS gave the PM the authority to carry out the executions and that it was worded as if they would walk in and just off anyone they felt like. I tried to find the posts but had no luck. Possibly someone else will remember the thread, it's the one thing that stood out.

Here's he link.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/05...es_30023343.php

You make it sound like people would be executed "Drug war killings style"

They're talking about the death penalty for those responsible for the bombings or other similar tactics to

rock the country all over again, not a bullet behind the head from Surayud himself walking around with a handgun executing people sitting at their desk or doing some gardening with their children in the line of fire.

By the way, for those who don't know or conveniently forgot, the lifting of martial law still has not been approved or signed by His Majesty the King.

Edited January 12, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[Meerkat]

You make it sound like people would be executed "Drug war killings style"

They're talking about the death penalty for those responsible for the bombings or other similar tactics to

rock the country all over again, not a bullet behind the head from Surayud himself walking around with a handgun executing people sitting at their desk or doing some gardening.

No. You just chose to read it that way.

A killing without due process should be considered wrong whether it be from Thaksin or the junta. Considering that the "War on Drugs" has been cited as one of the reasons for the coup in the first place, it is imperative that the CNS keeps itself above board on this issue.

Bear in mind too that the passport was revoked in direct response to the NYE bombings - again a charge that Thaksin has been found guilty of without a fair trial. Indeed it would seem the junta don't even want his trying to proclaim innocence in the broadcast media now.

The final couple of paragraphs from an editorial in this morning's Post sum it up fairly well:

If the CNS intends to incarcerate Mr Thaksin without a fair trial, then they should do so. If they want to uphold the rule of law and offer Mr Thaksin the right to defend himself, then they should charge him with the crimes and allow him that right.

What the CNS needs to do is deliver on its promise to stamp out corruption, reinstate the rule of law and bring a full and working democracy back to the people by the end of 2007 _ not control the media, shut down free speech and use fear and intimidation to try and push media organisations, whether they be online, print or broadcast, to use self-censorship in the interests of ''national unity''.These were the arguments of Thaksin Shinawatra; they are among the reasons why he is not in power today.

The baying for blood without trial by so many on these forums is sad. To criticise the previous government's flaws in one breath and then champion those same flaws from a different government in the next is hypocrisy of the highest order.

[astral]

Great news

[marshbags]

Just a few of the privileges he will now have to forgo.

Not included are the despot countries where his ill gotten gains will facilitate certain benefits.

Diplomatic Passport

Although each host country may have some slightly different procedure by which they extend diplomatic courtesy, an International Diplomat - as a general rule - may expect so many benefits and privileges from the Worldwide Diplomatic Community that they are difficult to list.

However, let's examine a few.

 Red Carpet Treatment by international governments.

 No Tax Liability on income from outside the host country.

 You may display "CC" (Corps Consulaire) plates on your car so that your status is known to the forces of control who may not detain you in any way

 Confidential movement and activity - Internationally.

 When traveling, you may use the diplomatic channel at airports and will not be subject to time delaying and annoying customs checks

 Prestige beyond imagination - both professionally and socially.

 Accessibility to Offshore Tax Havens for business and privacy.

 Unlimited entry and exit privilege from host country

for worldwide professional or personal travel

 You will meet top–ranking government officials and heads of state

 Diplomatic Immunity - under International Law,

the office and residence of diplomats are extended sovereign status, as such they are off limits to all governments and their agents - even in the host country.

 You will boost your business success as well as your social status and prestige

 Many, many other Gratuities and Perks

 No waiting in long customs lines.

 Free Diplomatic vehicle license plates.

 No travel or airport departure tax.

 Free upgrades on airlines, car rental, hotels and cruises.

 Priority booking on reservations and more.

I look forward to hopefully being entertained by our more illustrious and imaginative members added comments.

I really feel for him

I wonder if he will be able to pay the 700 baht departure tax that we pay, ? out of his modest resources.

Calm down TAXIN paying taxes is good for you, will / won,t you ever learn......................

marshbags

Edited January 12, 2007 by marshbags

[JacknDanny]

, he equates to no more of the Kingdom then my rubbish collector does (for whom I have more respect).

And at the end of the day they are both full of SH#T

[John K]

George,

This is such a wonderful therapeutic thread that so many people are getting benefits from. I was wondering if you could put a few more like it. I may suggest the following;

“Thaksin’s assets Frozen”

“Corruption trail leads to Thaksin’s door”

“Thaksin to face Trial”

“Thaksin found guilty assets seized”

“Thaksin starts long prison sentence”

“Isaan turns nose up at Thaksin”

I think they will do wonders for everyone, I hope you agree.

[chuchok]

George,

This is such a wonderful therapeutic thread that so many people are getting benefits from. I was wondering if you could put a few more like it. I may suggest the following;

“Thaksin’s assets Frozen”

“Corruption trail leads to Thaksin’s door”

“Thaksin to face Trial”

“Thaksin found guilty assets seized”

“Thaksin starts long prison sentence”

“Isaan turns nose up at Thaksin”

I think they will do wonders for everyone, I hope you agree.

Well, it would certainly give you your jollies...

[Plus]

Considering that the "War on Drugs" has been cited as one of the reasons for the coup in the first place, it is imperative that the CNS keeps itself above board on this issue.

Consider for a moment that it wasn't, does you logic still hold?

Now, prepare for a little surpise - the drug war WAS NOT a reason for the coup!

Bear in mind too that the passport was revoked in direct response to the NYE bombings - again a charge that Thaksin has been found guilty of without a fair trial.

Bear in mind that they have never said that - they only mentioned "political activities". Also bear in mind that they don't need to go through a court trial to cancel Thaksin's diplomatic passport.

The final couple of paragraphs from an editorial in this morning's Post sum it up fairly well:...

Sum what up???? They don't even mention cancelling passports.

The baying for blood without trial by so many on these forums is sad.

How much blood exactly was spilt over cancelling a passport?

...hypocrisy of the highest order.

Pot calling kettle back?

[younghusband]

I am neither a fan of Thaksin nor the current administration.Both are in their different ways quite dreadful.Nevertheless I cannot really see what is controversial about the Junta withdrawing Thaksin's diplomatic passport since he no longer represents the country in any way.I doubt whether it makes much difference to Thaksin given his resources.All in all a non issue, surely?

[Meerkat]

Considering that the "War on Drugs" has been cited as one of the reasons for the coup in the first place, it is imperative that the CNS keeps itself above board on this issue.

Consider for a moment that it wasn't, does you logic still hold?

Now, prepare for a little surpise - the drug war WAS NOT a reason for the coup!

Bear in mind too that the passport was revoked in direct response to the NYE bombings - again a charge that Thaksin has been found guilty of without a fair trial.

Bear in mind that they have never said that - they only mentioned "political activities". Also bear in mind that they don't need to go through a court trial to cancel Thaksin's diplomatic passport.

The final couple of paragraphs from an editorial in this morning's Post sum it up fairly well:...

Sum what up???? They don't even mention cancelling passports.

The baying for blood without trial by so many on these forums is sad.

How much blood exactly was spilt over cancelling a passport?

...hypocrisy of the highest order.

Pot calling kettle back?

Of course it was one of the reasons cited. I refer you to the text of the CNS White Paper on the subject: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/27...es_30020056.php

Thaksin is the only former PM to have had his passport revoked after leaving office - and that includes other PMs ousted by coups. The decision was made on Dec 31st (although not released until later) - at exactly the same time as the junta was accusing the old guard of causing the attacks. You reckon that was a coincidence?

Pot calling kettle back?

You've lost me here. What, precisely, am I being hypocritical about?

[hammered]

I am neither a fan of Thaksin nor the current administration.Both are in their different ways quite dreadful.Nevertheless I cannot really see what is controversial about the Junta withdrawing Thaksin's diplomatic passport since he no longer represents the country in any way.I doubt whether it makes much difference to Thaksin given his resources.All in all a non issue, surely?

A fair summation.

[LivinLOS]

At heart Thaksin is a coward. Boasting when he was PM that he would be proud to die for Thailand and have his coffin wrapped in the national flag, he never dared to go south without a massive entourage of police and army escorts.

He never dared face Parliament and its questions!

If he thinks he's so innocent now, well please come back sir and politely explain away all the accusations and allegations. This time last year, in response to questions from journalists regarding the Shin sale he said, 'Ask my children, I know nothing.'

But yesterday Pantongtae said he knew nothing.

Passing the buck to your academically challenged kids is a cruel act.

I am not pretending for a second he is 'innocent' but do you really think he could obtain a fair and transparent trial under the current regime ??

Would be a Saddam showfest.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin is the only former PM to have had his passport revoked after leaving office - and that includes other PMs ousted by coups. The decision was made on Dec 31st (although not released until later) - at exactly the same time as the junta was accusing the old guard of causing the attacks. You reckon that was a coincidence?

Take your pick:

"Taking into consideration the appropriateness and security concern, the diplomatic passports of Thaksin and wife have been revoked since December 31, 2006," Kiatthikhun said.

The Nation

OR

Deputy Foreign Minister Sawanit Kongsiri said the ministry issued the signed revocation order on Jan 10 and circulated it to Thai embassies and consulates. Copies were then distributed to the press.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/12Jan2007_news11.php

Edited January 12, 2007 by sriracha john

[Arkady]

At heart Thaksin is a coward. Boasting when he was PM that he would be proud to die for Thailand and have his coffin wrapped in the national flag, he never dared to go south without a massive entourage of police and army escorts.

He never dared face Parliament and its questions!

If he thinks he's so innocent now, well please come back sir and politely explain away all the accusations and allegations. This time last year, in response to questions from journalists regarding the Shin sale he said, 'Ask my children, I know nothing.'

But yesterday Pantongtae said he knew nothing.

Passing the buck to your academically challenged kids is a cruel act.

Not only academically but chemically challenged by all accounts. Wonder how much he now has to pay to have fun without getting busted. More work for Noppadon down the track?

[LivinLOS]

As a 1 minute web search shows 65,000 Euros buys you a diplomatic passport from a country fully recognised by the UN..

So for someone who is presumably sitting on a pile of money as large as he is.. does 65k really change anything..

I was once offered a Dip passport for 30k USD... When looked at versus an Elite card its actually not a bad deal.. Can bring in one untaxed Merc SL and make the entire money back..

[falux]

It's time for female politicians to take over here. :-) All the dark sides of the real world would be pink and green, hehe. No kidding though, I think Thai women are not only more sexy, but also more capable than Thai men. Don't get me wrong, because I think in Singapore, it's the other way round.

My 2 cents

(Only fixed 1 typo)

Edited January 12, 2007 by falux

[Jai Dee]

Deputy CNS Chairman: Diplomatic passport revoked over security fears

In response to the revocation of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's diplomatic passport, Vice Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) ACM.

Chalit Pukphasuk (ชลิต พุกผาสุก) said the Dr Thaksin's red passport was revoked over security fears.

ACM Chalit said that Dr. Thaksins right to hold diplomatic passport may resume in the future as he used to hold the post of premiership.

As for CNS’ request to the media not to disseminate news ergarding Dr Thaksin, ACM Chalit said that CNS has no intention to stifle the freedom of expression amongst the media, but it want to urge the media to realize the impact of the news on the national security.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 January 2007

[Mid]

As a 1 minute web search shows 65,000 Euros buys you a diplomatic passport from a country fully recognised by the UN..

So for someone who is presumably sitting on a pile of money as large as he is.. does 65k really change anything..

I was once offered a Dip passport for 30k USD... When looked at versus an Elite card its actually not a bad deal.. Can bring in one untaxed Merc SL and make the entire money back..

missed the point ,

sure you can buy one with money , we all know you can buy most anything ...........ask Mr Churchill

BUT it's won't be a THAI one will it ............................................

[LivinLOS]

As a 1 minute web search shows 65,000 Euros buys you a diplomatic passport from a country fully recognised by the UN..

So for someone who is presumably sitting on a pile of money as large as he is.. does 65k really change anything..

I was once offered a Dip passport for 30k USD... When looked at versus an Elite card its actually not a bad deal.. Can bring in one untaxed Merc SL and make the entire money back..

missed the point ,

sure you can buy one with money , we all know you can buy most anything ...........ask Mr Churchill

BUT it's won't be a THAI one will it ............................................

Well thats if your buying into the whole Thaksin as boogyman behind the curtain issues.. Personally I am not sure I do and reckon the junta are using it as much as a distraction from thier ability to entirely miss manage a country as anything else.

Certainly it would have all the same rights and abilities to give him total freedom of movement outside of Thailand, reside in Beijing etc..

[Mid]

Deputy CNS Chairman: Diplomatic passport revoked over security fears

In response to the revocation of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's diplomatic passport, Vice Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) ACM.

Chalit Pukphasuk (ชลิต พุกผาสุก) said the Dr Thaksin's red passport was revoked over security fears.

ACM Chalit said that Dr. Thaksins right to hold diplomatic passport may resume in the future as he used to hold the post of premiership.

As for CNS’ request to the media not to disseminate news ergarding Dr Thaksin, ACM Chalit said that CNS has no intention to stifle the freedom of expression amongst the media, but it want to urge the media to realize the impact of the news on the national security.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 January 2007

the signage is improving ................

[lukamar]

They're talking about the death penalty for those responsible for the bombings or other similar tactics to

rock the country all over again,

Now I may have missed something.. Wouldn't Thailand already have those laws on the books. I'm sure if you blew a hole in the palace wall or blew up a building in the army headquarters or killed someone with a bomb in Bangkok you would get more than a 500Bt fine or 3 months in jail. It would be like Guy Fawkes you would be tried for Treason and Murder, both of which you can be executed for in Thailand. So the laws are on the books already. You have to ask yourself - Why the new law? I think you need to reread the statement and rethink your answer because your interpretation has nothing to do with the governments intended use.

[Mid]

Certainly it would have all the same rights and abilities to give him total freedom of movement outside of Thailand, reside in Beijing etc..

ALMOST ,

wouldn't work here ....................................

[Arkady]

This is the part of the post by George. TV sent the link and my last post to the Internet black hole but I had this on my clipboard.

The CNS give itself more teeth by adopting a revolutionary decree empowering the prime minister to execute those who commit crimes against the country.

I won't comment on it for fear of hijacking the thread.

I think this was a quote from an unnamed sourse close to the CNS who was suggesting this. This is not an idea totally out of the blue. There were articles in one or more previous Thai constitutions that gave the prime minister this power. Field Marshall Sarit used the power with enthusiasm on several occasions to execute political opponents. He also had an obsession about arsonists and had arson suspects shot by firing squad in public at the scene of their alleged crime, although I am not sure if he used the special power on them or they had a hasty trial first. There probably are some hardliners in the military that hanker after those days in view of the bombs and the school fires, although its hard to imagine the avuncular Sarayud having some one executed. I doubt it will go any further than wishful thinking but there again I would have said the same about the capital controls and the Foreign Business Act.

[Plus]

Considering that the "War on Drugs" has been cited as one of the reasons for the coup in the first place, it is imperative that the CNS keeps itself above board on this issue.

Consider for a moment that it wasn't, does you logic still hold?

Now, prepare for a little surpise - the drug war WAS NOT a reason for the coup!

Of course it was one of the reasons cited. I refer you to the text of the CNS White Paper on the subject: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/27...es_30020056.php

That paper was published two months after the coup. See how Wikipedia documents the causes:

"Causes of the coup

Many causes of the coup were identified, both by the junta as well as by independent observers. Initial reasons stated by the junta were the Thaksin government’s alleged creation of an “unprecedented rift in society”, corruption, nepotism, interference in independent agencies, and insults to the King. Later reasons stated by junta leaders included Thaksin’s alleged vote buying, plans to provoke violence, and weakening of the military.

Two months after the coup, the junta issued a white paper identifying many reasons for the coup, including corruption, abuse of power, lack of integrity, interference in the checks and balances system, human rights violations, and destroying the unity of the people."

That's where war on drugs was first mentioned, under "human rights violations". It WAS NOT one of the major reasons for the coup.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_200...ses_of_the_coup

Thaksin is the only former PM to have had his passport revoked after leaving office - and that includes other PMs ousted by coups. The decision was made on Dec 31st (although not released until later) - at exactly the same time as the junta was accusing the old guard of causing the attacks. You reckon that was a coincidence?

Other PMs probably weren't engaged in "undercurrent" political activities. General rule is to stay low, come back quietly, and never demonstrate any political ambitions. Works well for Suchinda.

I seriously doubt that they made that decision on NY's eve while bombs were still going off everywhere and no one knew what was going on, but if you choose to believe so, who can stop you?

[lukamar]

This is not an idea totally out of the blue. There were articles in one or more previous Thai constitutions that gave the prime minister this power. Field Marshall Sarit used the power with enthusiasm on several occasions to execute political opponents. He also had an obsession about arsonists and had arson suspects shot by firing squad in public at the scene of their alleged crime, although I am not sure if he used the special power on them or they had a hasty trial first. There probably are some hardliners in the military that hanker after those days in view of the bombs and the school fires, although its hard to imagine the avuncular Sarayud having some one executed. I doubt it will go any further than wishful thinking but there again I would have said the same about the capital controls and the Foreign Business Act.

While I would like to see the new government as a bunch of wise men, it appears that they are flying without a map. I also get the feeling that they may do anything if they feel they are loosing their grasp and that may include disposing of anyone they feel is a threat to them. Often heavy handed tactics create a very strong resistance movement as in the South, that's the last thing they want to happen in the North and Northeast yet they seem to be working hard to create confrontation, while preaching a line of reconciliation. One way or another this will probably come to a head eventually, because the country cannot run with the poor judgment skills that are now exhibited on a daily basis by those in power.

[Plus]

Do you seriosly think they would shoot anyone using their "special power"?

It's just a reminder to the undercurrents that they are playing with fire.

However, should the "undersurrents" push it to the limit, they'd certainly get arrested and at least threatened with death.

>>>>>

The government isn't exactly flying.

Actually it's reacting to force majore - rising baht, new year bombings, and Kularb Kaew issue that came up in the form of FBA at an unfortunate moment. Thaksin government wasn't that much better, if you remeber bird flue cover up.

[ColPyat]

Deputy CNS Chairman: Diplomatic passport revoked over security fears

In response to the revocation of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's diplomatic passport, Vice Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) ACM.

Chalit Pukphasuk (ชลิต พุกผาสุก) said the Dr Thaksin's red passport was revoked over security fears.

ACM Chalit said that Dr. Thaksins right to hold diplomatic passport may resume in the future as he used to hold the post of premiership.

As for CNS’ request to the media not to disseminate news ergarding Dr Thaksin, ACM Chalit said that CNS has no intention to stifle the freedom of expression amongst the media, but it want to urge the media to realize the impact of the news on the national security.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 January 2007

Seems that ACM Chalit has recently watched a rerun of 'Yes Minister' and took inspiration from Sir Humphrey Appleby's tactics of obfuscating incompetence.

National security...

[Plus]

Thaksin's return IS a threat to national security, any PR campaign that might lead the public to believe in his return is also a threat.

Junta's problem is that the media give a free platform for Thaksin to create publicity, it's not about news.

The media should have realised that themselves, without interference from the generals, or maybe they do realise it, but business is business and business must grow. If Thaksin sells newspapers and improve ratings, he'll be their lead story. A bit irresponsible to say the least. The confrontation will bring nothing but deeper division and ultimately bloodshed.

I think media understands that, and Thepchai Yong, as TJA representative, mentioned media responsibility in reply to junta's "request".

[Dupont]

As a 1 minute web search shows 65,000 Euros buys you a diplomatic passport from a country fully recognised by the UN..

So for someone who is presumably sitting on a pile of money as large as he is.. does 65k really change anything..

I was once offered a Dip passport for 30k USD... When looked at versus an Elite card its actually not a bad deal.. Can bring in one untaxed Merc SL and make the entire money back..

missed the point ,

sure you can buy one with money , we all know you can buy most anything ...........ask Mr Churchill

BUT it's won't be a THAI one will it ............................................

Hope he has to stand in a long line in the hot sun for hours waiting to get into an Embassy that hides the ticket number dispenser, keeps you waiting whilst the staff take it in turns to eat, drink and go to the toilet. Then be sent to at least three other Government Departments dotted throughout London, back to Thailand for a Non Imm and a Police check plus letters of good conduct from his employers.

Then finally getting all the information, he could be told in his own language, by somebody that hardly speaks his own language, that he doesn't understand his own language and has filled in the form wrong.

One week later he could again wait in the hot sun outside (I Know, unlikely in London!), hoping nobody drive by bombs the queue (is it only me that thinks this when outside the British Embassy. I'm so nervous I'm glad to get in and face the surly buggers), to be let in and told they can't process it as the previous documents and visas have now expired and in any event they needed 14 copies of everything, not the 12 as previously stated.

Make a nice movie that one.

Edited January 12, 2007 by Dupont

[ColPyat]

Thaksin's return IS a threat to national security, any PR campaign that might lead the public to believe in his return is also a threat.

Junta's problem is that the media give a free platform for Thaksin to create publicity, it's not about news.

The media should have realised that themselves, without interference from the generals, or maybe they do realise it, but business is business and business must grow. If Thaksin sells newspapers and improve ratings, he'll be their lead story. A bit irresponsible to say the least. The confrontation will bring nothing but deeper division and ultimately bloodshed.

I think media understands that, and Thepchai Yong, as TJA representative, mentioned media responsibility in reply to junta's "request".

I believe you have slight problems with the idea of 'freedom of the media'. That does not mean that the media is the mouth of the government to spread their propaganda, but has the responsibility to report as impartial as possible, and from both sides. And that should lead to people being able to make up their own minds.

Just because you may disagree with Thaksin being reported about, does not mean that the government has the right to interfere.

The media and the population realises one thing only, and that the present government is incapable of governing Thailand, and increasingly turns to dictatorial measures to supress criticism. A media that refuses to bow to the demands of the generals is presently the only hope for Thailand.

With increasing helplessnes and infighting of the government and the junta, expect more infantile tangents such as the pointless action of taking Thaksin's diplomatic passport away, more U-turns, and more infringements on personal freedom, and more "requests" to the media to "cooperate".