Thaksin quick off the mark in congratulating Mahatir

[webfact]

Thaksin quick off the mark in congratulating Mahatir

 

 

Fugitive Thai ex-premier Thaksin Shinawtra on Thursday was among the first to congratulate Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his historic victory in Thursday's general election in Malaysia.

 

The victory of Mahathir, 92, is considered a political earthquake that toppled the country's scandal-plagued premier and ousted a regime that had ruled for over six decades.

 

While the Thai government has apparently not expressed its felicitations to Mahathir, former PM Thaksin, who is wanted on criminal charges in Thailand, was quick to express his best wishes in a series of @ThaksinLive tweets.

 

"My sincere congratulations to Dr Mahathir Mohamed on his spectacular comeback. The  people have spoken loud and clear that they not only remember his outstanding legacy but need his leadership," he wrote.

 

He misspelled Dr Mahathir's family name, spelling it Mohamed instead of Mohamad. The mistake appeared in his statements on his Facebook wall "Thaksin Shinawatra".

 

"From my experience of working closely with him, I am confident that he will lead the Alliance of Hope and Malaysia into a successful future," he wrote.

 

"His leadership will undoubtedly reinvigorate Asean as well as the ideas and visions he helped shape. I am certain that all the Thai people share my sentiment and respect towards him."

 

Thaksin also posted a photo of him shaking hands with Mahathir during an Apec Summit in Bangkok in 2003. His statements in twitter and Facebook were in both Thai and English.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30345051

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-05-10

[kingkenny]

8 minutes ago, webfact said:

"My sincere congratulations to Dr Mahathir Mohamed on his spectacular comeback. The  people have spoken loud and clear that they not only remember his outstanding legacy but need his leadership," he wrote.

Haha brilliant. 

[watcharacters]

 

 

I'll say this.   

 

He's the youngest looking 92 year old I've EVER seen.

[Eric Loh]

Again Thaksin a step faster than slow wit Prayut. The message to Mahathir was cleverly phrased and subtle for Thai audience. Prayut and Prawit will hyperventilating in frustration that the media highlighted him again.  

[Eligius]

42 minutes ago, watcharacters said:

 

 

I'll say this.   

 

He's the youngest looking 92 year old I've EVER seen.

Yes - but the photo was actually taken in 2003!

[starky]

"a political earthquake...that ousted a regime" that could be quite prophetic potentially. 

[tomta]

An example to the yellows and greens. A corrupt government ousted by a coup election. Now that's a novel approach. Why hasn't anyone though of it in Thailand?

 

[KiwiKiwi]

27 minutes ago, tomta said:

An example to the yellows and greens. A corrupt government ousted by a coup election. Now that's a novel approach. Why hasn't anyone though of it in Thailand?

 

Nobody thought of it? Nah...

 

Not likely to get the right result? Maybe. Probably.

 

If we're not sure of the right result, why take the risk?

 

Ah.

[Misterwhisper]

Thaksin can congratulate anyone he wishes and as often as he likes, but judging from how things look right now, he might be 92 himself before he can be PM again. If ever.

 

Nevertheless, congratulating Mahathir was a quick-witted, brilliant PR move, if rather audacious.

 

Prayuth could learn something... but he's much too preoccupied with writing mind-numbing nationalistic songs, being outraged at twerking, waxing on about the virtues of reviving  anachronistic Thai customs, and treating the press with utter contempt; a boorish military man, really, not a suave politician like Thaksin. 

[KiwiKiwi]

9 minutes ago, Misterwhisper said:

Thaksin can congratulate anyone he wishes and as often as he wants, but judging from how things look right now, he might be 92 himself before he can be PM again. If ever.

 

Nevertheless, congratulating Mahathir was a quick-witted, brilliant PR move, if rather audacious.

 

Prayuth could learn something... but he's much too preoccupied with writing mind-numbing nationalistic songs, being outraged at twerking, waxing on about the virtues of reviving  anachronistic Thai customs, and treating the press with utter contempt; a boorish military man, really, not a suave politician like Thaksin. 

Agree with all points. With the first point with humungous regret. Not because I think he is more honest than the current lot, because I have no doubt whatever he wasn't and isn't. But because compared to the current lot, he looks like a very paragon of honesty and virtue.

 

Prayuth could learn something... but he's much too preoccupied with writing mind-numbing nationalistic songs, being outraged at twerking, waxing on about the virtues of reviving  anachronistic Thai customs, and treating the press with utter contempt; a boorish military man, really, not a suave politician like Thaksin. 

 

I think this is only partly right, it would be more concise to say he wishes to be treated like the country's father and have everyone do exactly as he says. That. so far as I can see, is closer to the truth, he has a messianic and utterly unhealthy zeal about him which both un-nerves people and pisses them off.

 

Moi aussi. Proper job.

[yellowboat]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The victory of Mahathir, 92, is considered a political earthquake that toppled the country's scandal-plagued premier and ousted a regime that had ruled for over six decades.

Huge change that came out of nowhere.  Something the current government works very hard at avoiding by making up all kinds of laws that hinder the rights of average Thais.  . 

[CanuckThai]

If Thaksin et all (anyone with feather ruffling capabilities) can keep their psychological gamesmanship sharp,  I think Prayuth and clan will start to unravel.  We've all witnessed it on television...and it's always entertaining and juicy.

[KiwiKiwi]

2 minutes ago, CanuckThai said:

If Thaksin et all (anyone with feather ruffling capabilities) can keep their psychological gamesmanship sharp,  I think Prayuth and clan will start to unravel.  We've all witnessed it on television...and it's always entertaining and juicy.

If only. I would love to see him explode. I might even buy a ticket to watch.

[webfact]

Thaksin praises Mahathir over win, as Pheu Thai awaits election

By The Nation

 

 

Thailand’s former PM Thaksin Shinawatra on Thursday congratulated Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad, who freshly won a historic victory in the election over scandal-ridden Najib Razak.

 

“The power of the people has spoken loud and clear that they do not only remember his outstanding legacy but needed his leadership,” Thaksin wrote on his Facebook status. He also posted a photo of himself shaking hand with Mahathir at Apec’s 2003 meeting in Thailand 2003.

 

“His leadership [will] undoubtedly reinvigorate Asean as well as ideas and visions that he helped shape,” he said.

 

Mahathir, already has a legacy for his 22-year career as the elected premier, and for leading Malaysia through the 1997 Asian financial crisis. He returns to the top post aged 92, after defeating Najib, whose popularity had been in decline following a major corruption scandal.

 

Thaksin was also hit by similar scandals during his premiership in 2006, but was ousted by a military coup rather than by an election. He has been in self-exile since then.

 

His sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, also an ex-PM, also lost power in a coup. The 2014 coup brought General Prayut Chan-o-cha to the premier’s seat amid international criticism of undemocratic practices.

 

Thaksin earlier predicted that the Pheu Thai Party, the third incarnation of the Thai Rak Thai Party that he founded, will win a landslide victory in the yet-to-come election despite the junta’s influence.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30345054

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-05-11

[Samui Bodoh]

First Burma and the election destined to be won by the military...

 

Second Malaysia and the election that was a 'sure thing' for the ruling party...

 

Third...?

 

Something is happening with the people in SE Asia; they are speaking with loud and interesting voices...

 

I wonder how Prayut slept last night? A wee bit of tossing and turning I would guess. I wonder if he had any prophetic dreams...

 

[metisdead]

Some troll posts have been removed.

 

Posts containing disallowed references to the PM have been removed. 

[smedly]

13 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin quick off the mark in congratulating Mahatir

two peas in a pod, I wonder how well Thaksin would be welcome somewhere like Singapore who take the gloves well and truly off when it comes to corruption...…….Malaysia not so much 

 

Check their bank accounts and all is revealed

[Anak Nakal]

Congratulation Malaysia!

Prayut, you next!

[jayboy]

8 hours ago, smedly said:

two peas in a pod, I wonder how well Thaksin would be welcome somewhere like Singapore who take the gloves well and truly off when it comes to corruption...…….Malaysia not so much 

 

Check their bank accounts and all is revealed

Absolute rubbish.Thaksin is very welcome in Singapore and has frequently visited and continues to do so.

 

Lee Kwan Yew, the great Asian statesman. had a very high opinion of Thaksin whom he regarded as more intelligent, perceptive and gifted than the run of Thai politicians.

 

From his book - "One man's view of the world"

 

"To Thaksin’s opponents, he was turning the country upside down. They were not about to let him get away with it. They called him a populist and claimed his policies would bankrupt the state. (Remarkably, this did not stop them from continuing many of these policies and coming up with other similar ones when they held power from December 2008 to August 2011.) They accused him of corruption and favouring his family businesses, charges he denied. They were also unhappy with his firm — some say dictatorial — handling of the media and his controversial war on drugs and in the south of the country, during which due process and human rights may sometimes have been overlooked. Nevertheless, the peasants, overwhelming in numbers, ignored the criticisms and re-elected him in 2005. The Bangkok elite ultimately could not tolerate the man. He was overthrown in a military coup in 2006.

Thailand’s capital has since experienced great upheaval. Scenes of chaos have broken out repeatedly on the streets of Bangkok since 2008, with mass protests involving either the Yellow Shirts, who oppose Thaksin and do so in the name of defending the monarchy, or the Red Shirts, made up of Thaksin’s ardent supporters. But the latest general election, held in 2011, which handed Thaksin’s sister Yingluck the premiership, was a clear vindication by the Thai electorate of the new path that Thaksin had chosen for Thailand. The peasants of the north and the northeast of the country, having tasted what it was like to have access to capital, were not going to give that up. Thaksin and his allies have now won five general elections in a row, in 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2011. For Thaksin’s opponents to try to hold back the tide is futile."

[Sealbash]

two peas in a pod, I wonder how well Thaksin would be welcome somewhere like Singapore who take the gloves well and truly off when it comes to corruption...…….Malaysia not so much 
 
Check their bank accounts and all is revealed

If you believe Singapore has no corruption, it appears you have not spent much time in Singapore


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[smedly]

55 minutes ago, Sealbash said:

If you believe Singapore has no corruption, it appears you have not spent much time in Singapore


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

did I say Singapore has no corruption - do you have reading difficulties

[watcharacters]

11 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

First Burma and the election destined to be won by the military...

 

Second Malaysia and the election that was a 'sure thing' for the ruling party...

 

Third...?

 

Something is happening with the people in SE Asia; they are speaking with loud and interesting voices...

 

I wonder how Prayut slept last night? A wee bit of tossing and turning I would guess. I wonder if he had any prophetic dreams...

 

 

I'd guess he slept soundly.

 

Care to post why you think it would be otherwise?

[jayboy]

1 hour ago, Sealbash said:

If you believe Singapore has no corruption, it appears you have not spent much time in Singapore


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

By

[jayboy]

1 hour ago, Sealbash said:

If you believe Singapore has no corruption, it appears you have not spent much time in Singapore


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

I have spent many years in Singapore in the commercial sector.Obviously it's not perfect and there are troubling issues with the ruling party's brand of democracy.But on any rational definition Singapore is not a corrupt country and is internationally recognised as such.It's silly not to accept Singapore's great success here even if one questions other aspects of government policy and social regulation.

[Sealbash]

I have spent many years in Singapore in the commercial sector.Obviously it's not perfect and there are troubling issues with the ruling party's brand of democracy.But on any rational definition Singapore is not a corrupt country and is internationally recognised as such.It's silly not to accept Singapore's great success here even if one questions other aspects of government policy and social regulation.

Singapore has corruption at all levels, from hawker stalls through retail , industry, and government. Your experience is obviously quite different than mine. But.....that discussion could be for a different thread.


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Eric Loh]

24 minutes ago, Sealbash said:

Singapore has corruption at all levels, from hawker stalls through retail , industry, and government. Your experience is obviously quite different than mine. But.....that discussion could be for a different thread.


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Care you qoute any example of government corruption? I will gladly pass that to the oppositions in Singapore to investigate. 

[jayboy]

23 minutes ago, Sealbash said:

Singapore has corruption at all levels, from hawker stalls through retail , industry, and government. Your experience is obviously quite different than mine. But.....that discussion could be for a different thread.


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

No need for any further discussion.Check any reputable source comparing international corruption levels as for example that of Transparency International.Singapore is always in the top 10.

 

Nobody as I would have thought was obvious suggests there is no corruption.No country could claim that.But to infer as you do that corruption is a significant issue is....well, plain silly.

 

 

[jayboy]

1 hour ago, watcharacters said:

 

I'd guess he slept soundly.

 

Care to post why you think it would be otherwise?

If you have to ask the question you probably would not understand the answer.Anyway I don't think it was being suggested that the Thai leader is particularly alarmed at developments in Malaysia.I believe the thought was that he might be experiencing a vague unease.The trashers of democracy  in Asia may have felt that the spirit of the times was on their side with China openly contemptuous and the erstwhile standard bearer, the US, providing - let us us say - a rather ambiguous example of it.Maybe nothing much has changed but there may in those strange contemplative hours just before dawn be a still small voice whispering to those who have destroyed democracy - "you've screwed it up and far from triumphal processions ahead there may even be a reckoning in store"

[coulson]

17 hours ago, smedly said:

two peas in a pod, I wonder how well Thaksin would be welcome somewhere like Singapore who take the gloves well and truly off when it comes to corruption...…….Malaysia not so much 

 

Check their bank accounts and all is revealed

Thaksin has family and friends in Singapore, he just left last week. He and Yingluck likely departed Thailand through Singapore when times got tough.

 

It's the safe house of the Asian elite.

[Baerboxer]

On 5/11/2018 at 1:44 PM, jayboy said:

Absolute rubbish.Thaksin is very welcome in Singapore and has frequently visited and continues to do so.

 

Lee Kwan Yew, the great Asian statesman. had a very high opinion of Thaksin whom he regarded as more intelligent, perceptive and gifted than the run of Thai politicians.

 

From his book - "One man's view of the world"

 

"To Thaksin’s opponents, he was turning the country upside down. They were not about to let him get away with it. They called him a populist and claimed his policies would bankrupt the state. (Remarkably, this did not stop them from continuing many of these policies and coming up with other similar ones when they held power from December 2008 to August 2011.) They accused him of corruption and favouring his family businesses, charges he denied. They were also unhappy with his firm — some say dictatorial — handling of the media and his controversial war on drugs and in the south of the country, during which due process and human rights may sometimes have been overlooked. Nevertheless, the peasants, overwhelming in numbers, ignored the criticisms and re-elected him in 2005. The Bangkok elite ultimately could not tolerate the man. He was overthrown in a military coup in 2006.

Thailand’s capital has since experienced great upheaval. Scenes of chaos have broken out repeatedly on the streets of Bangkok since 2008, with mass protests involving either the Yellow Shirts, who oppose Thaksin and do so in the name of defending the monarchy, or the Red Shirts, made up of Thaksin’s ardent supporters. But the latest general election, held in 2011, which handed Thaksin’s sister Yingluck the premiership, was a clear vindication by the Thai electorate of the new path that Thaksin had chosen for Thailand. The peasants of the north and the northeast of the country, having tasted what it was like to have access to capital, were not going to give that up. Thaksin and his allies have now won five general elections in a row, in 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2011. For Thaksin’s opponents to try to hold back the tide is futile."

Lee Kwan Yew - a man to whom democracy clearly wasn't important. A man who used the law to intimidate and punish journalists, critics and opponents. And whose family certainly achieved remarkable success!

 

So you only support democracy when it suits you? And support oppressors of democracy when it suits?

 

All in the name of the people, of course.