Prawit dismisses Thaksin prediction of a ‘landslide win’

By THE NATION

 

Thaksin and Yingluck on a private visit in Tokyo. Photo: AFP

 

THE JUNTA yesterday played down the current visit of former prime ministers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra to Japan, with a key figure disputing a claim by the Pheu Thai patriarch that the party would gain “another landslide victory” in the next election.

 

Deputy Premier and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said he was not convinced.

 

“He can say whatever he likes. The media may believe what he says. But if you ask me, I don’t believe it,” he said, when asked to comment on Thaksin’s claim.

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, before his flight to Vietnam, was also asked to comment on the ongoing trip of Thaksin and Yingluck to Tokyo. Prayut just smiled and offered no response.

During an interview with Japanese media on Thursday, Thaksin said: “We have many good people in Pheu Thai Party. They should be able to lead the party to another landslide victory.”

 

However, Thaksin also attempted to distance himself from the party, saying that he had no involvement with the party. “I am not involved with the party. They really don’t want me to get involved.

 

“We wish we can return to democracy as soon as possible. Thailand needs a system that allows free speech and guarantees human rights to the people. In this modern economy, you need democracy to allow more creativity to happen in Thailand,” he told Japanese media.

 

The new Political Parties Act prohibits any political party from allowing an outsider to influence its internal affairs and the violating parties risk getting dissolved. 

 

Some Pheu Thai figures expressed concern recently after reports that a group of party politicians met Thaksin to ask him who should become the next Pheu Thai leader. They feared a possible legal action could lead to the party’s dissolution.

 

Thaksin holds no executive position in Pheu Thai but has retained much influence in the party, still being referred to as “the big boss” by many party politicians.

 

He and his sister Yingluck, both fugitives who live in self-exile abroad, arrived in Japan on Thursday and are set to stay there through tomorrow before travelling to China, Japanese media reported. It is their second visit to Japan this year following the previous one in February.

 

Former Japanese politician Hajime Ishii, an acquaintance of the siblings, invited them to an event in Tokyo to celebrate the publication of his new book, Kyodo news agency reported. They were introduced on stage and photographed with other guests.

 

Yingluck, when asked by a reporter whether she was living in London, replied: “No. We are just travelling to different countries.” She declined to answer a question if she had been given political asylum to stay in the United Kingdom, simply saying: “Sorry, sorry.” Thaksin’s daughter Paethongtarn said in her Instagram message that Thaksin was excited to join the event, adding that he had been invited by the host “long ago”.

 

General Prawit, who is in charge of security affairs, said yesterday that Thai authorities were in the process of seeking the arrest of both Thaksin and Yingluck for prosecution in the country.

 

He said the authorities had to inform their Japanese counterpart that the court cases against Thaksin and Yingluck were not political in nature.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30342123

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-03-31

6 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

“He can say whatever he likes. The media may believe what he says. But if you ask me, I don’t believe it,” he said, when asked to comment on Thaksin’s claim.

as a well known, smart american billionaire said: 'we need to listen to what they say , then we will know who the morons are' 

10 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

“He can say whatever he likes. The media may believe what he says. But if you ask me, I don’t believe it,” he said, when asked to comment on Thaksin’s claim.

Well, that's that, isn't it?

 

I mean, General Rolex is a paragon (A Paragon!) of virtue, honesty, intelligence and forthrightness, so he couldn't be wrong, could he?

 

Phew! For a minute I was worried...

 

PS Did anyone ask him the time? Just curious...

 

14 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

General Prawit, who is in charge of security

 

 

Yup, he's the watchman alright.

 

 

17 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

“He can say whatever he likes. The media may believe what he says. But if you ask me, I don’t believe it,” he said

That statement would also sum up public opinion of a recent watch controversy.

So, no risk of Pheu Thai winning!

 

Good ho - full steam ahead for an election then...

The court cases against Thaksin and Yingluck were not political. Once again what Thailand says and what the rest of the world clearly knows to be true are diametrically opposite. 

20 minutes ago, starky said:

The court cases against Thaksin and Yingluck were not political. Once again what Thailand says and what the rest of the world clearly knows to be true are diametrically opposite. 

They love calling them political, as a general rule political means a setup not a conviction based on true facts.

Yingluck looks rested and has lost some weight.

 

Maybe she had some work done.

 

I would still hit that.

 

10 minutes ago, starky said:

The court cases against Thaksin and Yingluck were not political.

Another one who are out of touch with reality....

All governments in the last 20 years have run some kind of support schemes for the farmers.....All costing a lot of taxpayer money

But only Yingluck was taken to court to take responsibility and have her assets seized.......Not political?

Not defending the rice pledging scheme....that was pure stupidity. But personally Yingluck gained nothing from it....And in a country rife with corruption and nepotism she had to face the music.....Not political?

The dinosaurs that took her to court, have just wasted 150 billion baht on their village campaign....Do you think, they will ever have to answer for their generosity with taxpayer money.....Of course not....because they granted themselves immunity from day one......Not political?

Thaksin his own arrogance will help the junta ban the PTP. 

 

There is a law that he can't influence the PTP but he keeps speaking for them and its clear to everyone he is the leader. If the junta so pleases they can start a court case against the PTP and dissolve them. They only need to wait for Thaksin his arrogance to take over (not a long wait)

1 minute ago, JOC said:

Another one who are out of touch with reality....

All governments in the last 20 years have run some kind of support schemes for the farmers.....All costing a lot of taxpayer money

But only Yingluck was taken to court to take responsibility and have her assets seized.......Not political?

Not defending the rice pledging scheme....that was pure stupidity. But personally Yingluck gained nothing from it....And in a country rife with corruption and nepotism she had to face the music.....Not political?

The dinosaurs that took her to court, have just wasted 150 billion baht on their village campaign....Do you think, they will ever have to answer for their generosity with taxpayer money.....Of course not....because they granted themselves immunity from day one......Not political?

Oh JOC you love twisting the facts don't you

 

She is not convicted for the rice program. She is convicted because she knew about fake G2G deals with corruption up to 36 billion (makes the thieves in the welfare centers look like amateurs). She was informed about the fake G2G deals by the opposition, the media and just about everyone.  She said she investigated and there was no corruption.. later it came out these deals were in fact fake and the rice NEVER left Thailand but was resold in the program.

 

Clear case of corruption that YL willingly let happen. 

 

Now next time you start to spread misinformation don't make it so obvious.

 

Oh they could not prove YL gained from it but the rice trader who benefited is connected to Thaksin so who knows.. not proven does not mean not true. But the fact remains.. she knew about the corruption was chair of the rice program said she checked it but did not. Clear negligence a just conviction.

8 minutes ago, JOC said:

Another one who are out of touch with reality....

All governments in the last 20 years have run some kind of support schemes for the farmers.....All costing a lot of taxpayer money

But only Yingluck was taken to court to take responsibility and have her assets seized.......Not political?

Not defending the rice pledging scheme....that was pure stupidity. But personally Yingluck gained nothing from it....And in a country rife with corruption and nepotism she had to face the music.....Not political?

The dinosaurs that took her to court, have just wasted 150 billion baht on their village campaign....Do you think, they will ever have to answer for their generosity with taxpayer money.....Of course not....because they granted themselves immunity from day one......Not political?

So clearly you don't understand sarcasm. In the context of what I wrote even an idiot could see I was saying that the are completely political. I don't think it's me that is out of touch with reality. Do you understand Thailand saying it's political and me, being from the rest of the world, being diametrically opposed to that statement means? Thanks for the rant though hahahaha 

Edited March 31, 20188 yr by starky

10 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

Yingluck looks rested and has lost some weight.

 

Maybe she had some work done.

 

I would still hit that.

 

Down boy, yes your mind is willing, but what about the physical bit?

8 minutes ago, colinneil said:

Down boy, yes your mind is willing, but what about the physical bit?

Air conditioning and Viagra. The two greatest inventions since sliced bread. 

My god, she looks absolutely hot in that picture! 

I don't know how old she is in this photo.

 

Thaksin is playing mind games with the junta and succeed. His prediction is not entirely new revelation but just an extrapolating the 2011 results under the MMA system. PTP not going to lose any of their seats in the North and North East. The 220-230 seats are money in the bank. They may even win some Central and Bangkok seats from the Dem. Question is which medium size party will give them a majority that will keep Prayut out of the equation. Any coalition to keep put Prayut is good news. Even better if the coalition get the support to change the constitution. Never say never.

1 hour ago, starky said:

The court cases against Thaksin and Yingluck were not political. Once again what Thailand says and what the rest of the world clearly knows to be true are diametrically opposite. 

Excellent.I thoroughly enjoyed that!

 

'T'was bryllig and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe.."

 

The country of the Red Queen.

6 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Thaksin is playing mind games with the junta and succeed. His prediction is not entirely new revelation but just an extrapolating the 2011 results under the MMA system. PTP not going to lose any of their seats in the North and North East. The 220-230 seats are money in the bank. They may even win some Central and Bangkok seats from the Dem. Question is which medium size party will give them a majority that will keep Prayut out of the equation. Any coalition to keep put Prayut is good news. Even better if the coalition get the support to change the constitution. Never say never.

Maybe Eric, but Thaksins arrogance will bring them down, the new law is that he won't be allowed to influence the PTP.. it could be disbanded for it. Thaksin is still showing his influence off. 

 

Can't wait for the election will be interesting to see how things go. 

12 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

Excellent.I thoroughly enjoyed that!

 

'T'was bryllig and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe.."

 

The country of the Red Queen.

At least someone got it. I chortled as I wrote it! I was thinking maybe the TV readership was galumphing through after a big Friday night, too early Saturday or not enough ESL classes. If you must dumb down a political argument then it's really not one worth having. Oh, wait...

Edited March 31, 20188 yr by starky

This little man can't clearly not keep his mouth shut.....

So full of self entitlement....

Normally not a violent man, but I wouldn't mind planting a fist in his face....

Edited March 31, 20188 yr by JOC

7 minutes ago, starky said:

At least someone got it. I was thinking maybe big Friday night, too early Saturday or not enough ESL classes. If you must dumb down a political argument then it's really not one worth having. Oh, wait...

Yeah but it is an Aussie thing-we are kind of sardonic...

 

My nickname back in my home country prosthetic leg and all-is "Speedy Gonzales"

As the untouchable fat man Prawit has to 'borrow' dozens of watches from others dead or alive, he obviously wouldn't be able to tell the time in a room full of clocks, so how could he possibly have the wisdom to know the outcome of the next General Election ?

 

You have to hand it to Thaksin, every time he opens his mouth the Junta go into a state of near panic !

15 minutes ago, robblok said:

Maybe Eric, but Thaksins arrogance will bring them down, the new law is that he won't be allowed to influence the PTP.. it could be disbanded for it. Thaksin is still showing his influence off. 

 

Can't wait for the election will be interesting to see how things go. 

He was very careful making those comment and he was replying to questions by reporters. It was not like a press conference which he spoke freely on his own. I am sure the junta have a thought of that legality before it hits you. Both Ps didn’t give any whimper of hint in their comments which says it all. Thaksin always 3 steps ahead of those nincompoops. 

Just now, trainman34014 said:

As the untouchable fat man Prawit has to 'borrow' dozens of watches from others dead or alive, he obviously wouldn't be able to tell the time in a room full of clocks, so how could he possibly have the wisdom to know the outcome of the next General Election ?

 

You have to hand it to Thaksin, every time he opens his mouth the Junta go into a state of near panic !

It's kinda like your average Thai lakorn...it is their "Destiny"

1 minute ago, Eric Loh said:

He was very careful making those comment and he was replying to questions by reporters. It was not like a press conference which he spoke freely on his own. I am sure the junta have a thought of that legality before it hits you. Both Ps didn’t give any whimper of hint in their comments which says it all. Thaksin always 3 steps ahead of those nincompoops. 

Maybe he is, i personally think he is done for. He is too arrogant to not show his influence over the PTP. 

 

If Thaksin is so many steps ahead of everyone.. then why is he in exile.. why did his amnesty fail and why is his sister now also in exile. Pretty bad results for someone who is so smart.

 

Anyway can't wait for the elections if the PTP wins it will be nice to burn them to the ground and have you try to defend them. Because whoever will be in power will be as corrupt and arrogant as the previous mob.  Unless we get lucky and the newcomers make an impact. (i wish for it I don't think they will though)

 

 

24 minutes ago, robblok said:

Maybe Eric, but Thaksins arrogance will bring them down, the new law is that he won't be allowed to influence the PTP.. it could be disbanded for it. Thaksin is still showing his influence off. 

 

Can't wait for the election will be interesting to see how things go. 

I don't really see how that is enforceable unless you are going to bug each and every party member's means of communication and follow them 24/7.

8 minutes ago, baboon said:

I don't really see how that is enforceable unless you are going to bug each and every party member's means of communication and follow them 24/7.

Everyone knows Thaksin is the leader of the PTP just alone the fact that they all came for his blessing and he selected / supported the new leader of the PTP says enough. Circumstantial evidence is also evidence, just get a lot of it and wham done. 

His arogance will make it easy. 

 

If they dissolve the party enough times maybe some people will get it in their head staying with Thaksin is not the best way forward. 

 

Be honest now do you know of any democratic countries where an convicted criminal would be allowed to lead the country by proxy ?

5 minutes ago, robblok said:

Maybe he is, i personally think he is done for. He is too arrogant to not show his influence over the PTP. 

 

If Thaksin is so many steps ahead of everyone.. then why is he in exile.. why did his amnesty fail and why is his sister now also in exile. Pretty bad results for someone who is so smart.

 

Anyway can't wait for the elections if the PTP wins it will be nice to burn them to the ground and have you try to defend them. Because whoever will be in power will be as corrupt and arrogant as the previous mob.  Unless we get lucky and the newcomers make an impact. (i wish for it I don't think they will though)

 

 

For a person who you think is done for, he is doing very well to rattle the cage of the junta every time he made an appearance and speak and is the media darling. Off course he influence PTP but smart enough to avoid that constitution trapdoor. 

 

Many pundits, Dems and even the junta have resigned to the fact that PTP will win big. You seem the exception. Too bad you can vote or you made a big impact to the election results.

 

I think your last para meant to say that whoever in power will be corrupt and arrogant as the currents mob. No one holds a candle close to the arrogance of Prayut and Prawit.