Former Thai PM Thaksin: "I'm Calling It Quits"

[HobbsTheFerociousTiger]

Yes, but by all accounts Thaksin should be going to jail. So they voted for a jailbird? Weird. I agree they voted for Thaksin, not for PPP, but how can they really get Thaksin now? Will the real powers that be ever really allow that?

Again, Thaksin is not joining the next government. At best he'll be an advisor. And if you really think Thaksin is going to spend even a minute in jail then you haven't seen a lot of cases involving alleged fraud cases by high up people.. His lawyer would post bail before Thaksin even sets foot in Thailand.

Also, I submit that any images of Thaksin in custody carry a risk of inflaming a situation, so also for the sake of 'unity' that everyone claims to be in favour of, it's not very likely to happen.

(I for one wouldn't want Tony to change his avatar to Thaksin in handcuffs. We'd never see the end of it on this forum. )

[HobbsTheFerociousTiger]

What I am saying is you can implement Thaksin's good ideas without Thaksin. Finding someone with the right smarts is key. Certainly the tainted gene pool that seems to be the PPP is not a place to find such a person. As Thaksin can't play for another 4.5 years essentially the Thais have elected a facade government.

Agreed. So that would be a facade to the facade then I suppose. I do note though that the Thais didn't want to elect a facade government, but were forced to do so after some men with tanks and guns banned the people they really want to vote for.

[Tolley]

You can't have it both ways.

Either you want a democracy or not.

If you do want a democracy then you have to accept the fact that the Thaksin faction has the numbers and are the only legitimate power in Thailand.

It is up to the Thailand people to decide who they want and they have decided for the second time.

Those that don't want Thaksin in power need to organise themselves and try and get the numbers to win the next election.

Obviously for many Thais as bad as Thaksin may seem he is still the best available alternative.

I have to disagree to some extend, however in principal I agree with you 100%.

There is such strong indication of widespread vote buying I can’t see the people making their own choice. If the PPP was as good as they claim they would not need to spend a single baht on vote buying.

Although I agree the policies Thaksin implemented were good, you don’t need the original person to make them happen. China does it every day.

What I am saying is you can implement Thaksin’s good ideas without Thaksin. Finding someone with the right smarts is key. Certainly the tainted gene pool that seems to be the PPP is not a place to find such a person. As Thaksin can’t play for another 4.5 years essentially the Thais have elected a facade government.

I love it when this idea of vote buying comes up.

Being going on for years in Thailand and Japan for that matter.

Of course this would never happen in modern sophisticated democracries!!!!

Of course not instead we have blatant pork barrelling in marginal electorates where huge amounts of money are promised for infrastructure projects in return for your vote!!!

Or you have major donors to political parties demanding some return on their investment when their choice of government is elected!!

The fact remains the rule of law needs to be maintained and the facade of democracry needs to stay in place in which case again i reiterate if some group other than the Thaksin faction has the numbers then let them try and win the next election.

If the system in some villages amounts to vote buying then so be it let them buy the votes.

It is all part of the 'democratic' political process in Thailand.

If this is all too hard then live under military dictatorships.

Up to you.

[sriracha john]

Thaksin to Generals: Let's Play Golf

BANGKOK, Thailand — Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra says he harbors no ill-will toward the generals who deposed him and, if permitted back in Thailand, would like to invite them to a game of golf and call a truce.

In an interview broadcast Wednesday, Thaksin insisted he has no intention of resuming his career in politics despite his allies victory in Dec. 23 general elections.

"I want to return to Thailand as an ordinary Thai and don't need to have any position or salary," the tycoon-turned-politician said in an interview with channel TITV from Hong Kong, adding that he wants to devote himself to "charity work."

Thaksin, who has been living abroad since the September 2006 coup, dismissed speculation that would seek revenge against the generals who ousted him.

"I would invite them to play golf with me. Then, it will be over," Thaksin said, adding that revenge would solve nothing. "What would I get out of it? I might feel gratified but the country would be damaged."

Coup leaders have said Thaksin is welcome back in Thailand anytime but will have to stand trial for corruption-related charges against him.

The People's Power Party, comprised of Thaksin's allies, came out on top in the country's first elections since the coup, winning 233 seats in parliament's 480-seat lower house.

The PPP announced Monday it had formed an alliance with three small political parties to form a coalition government with 254 seats in parliament.

The final numbers could change when the Election Commission announces results Thursday from a probe into election violations.

- Associated Press

[Tony Clifton]

Thaksin to Generals: Let's Play Golf

Absurd comments deserve absurd pictures.

No one trusts you anymore, what's in that golf bag of yours?

Edited January 2, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[meemiathai]

The only thing I find absurd here is your post I'm afraid.

[meemiathai]

Perhaps they have played golf before?

[ando]

Golf clubs verses tanks and machine guns.

Who would any normal person consider the power hungry bullies were?

[mrbojangles]

The only thing I find absurd here is your post I'm afraid.

I concur

Don't worry meemiathai, Tony C will use any opportunity he can, to have a dig. The man is possessed, why else would he have thaksin as his avatar

[Ricardo]

Perhaps they have played golf before?

Indeed, since Thaksin & TRT/PPP/Samak are equally members of the hi-so leadership/establishment, despite their friends-of-the-poor pose.

[Tony Clifton]

WORLD PEACE THROUGH GOLF!

Gimme a break...

[Zpete]

If Thaksin returns.

Chuck him in the clink and lose the key.

OUT & OUT Crook.

[HobbsTheFerociousTiger]

As was I.

Speaking of closure, I think this topic can be closed as well; Thaksin has already stated he's calling it quits, so that really is the end of things.

I do support Mr. Thaksin in whatever things he chooses to undertake in the future; he doesn't seem like the person to truly retire and do nothing besides drink beer and rant on online forums, for example.

Edited January 5, 2008 by HobbsTheFerociousTiger

[Plus]

I think this topic can be closed as well; Thaksin has already stated he's calling it quits, so that really is the end of things.

Yet every other day I see this thread bumped up to the top because he has done something against his "promise".

Like record a VCD asking people to vote for his nominee party.

Though I do believe he's done with politics, he only needs his money back, at the moment he is temporary using political means to his own ends.

Maybe after he is satisfied with all corruption charges outcomes, he'll consider taking up politics seriously again, but that's too distant a future - the money is frozen, he can't post a bail for it, he has to wait until the final court battle outcome.

[yoshiwara]

When the PPP is closed as a proxy for TRT, then maybe the penny will drop for Mr Toxin that he can really call it quits...until then the show goes on.....

[Tony Clifton]

As was I.

Speaking of closure, I think this topic can be closed as well; Thaksin has already stated he's calling it quits, so that really is the end of things.

I do support Mr. Thaksin in whatever things he chooses to undertake in the future; he doesn't seem like the person to truly retire and do nothing besides drink beer and rant on online forums, for example.

Either you don't yet know the man who has called it quits a dozen times or you are him.

[jumnien]

With most Thais cheering him on and the support of the Western world against the military junta - why would he quit?

[sriracha john]

As was I.

Speaking of closure, I think this topic can be closed as well; Thaksin has already stated he's calling it quits, so that really is the end of things.

I do support Mr. Thaksin in whatever things he chooses to undertake in the future; he doesn't seem like the person to truly retire and do nothing besides drink beer and rant on online forums, for example.

Either you don't yet know the man who has called it quits a dozen times or you are him.

Actually, Tony, it's Hobbs that has called it quits... for this reincarnation, anyway....

HobbsTheFerociousTiger

Group: Banned

[sriracha john]

and the support of the Western world against the military junta -

Do you have any links for this fantasy that the Western world wants to reinstate Thaksin?

[Ricardo]

With most Thais cheering him on

'most' equals 40% of 70% these days ?

and the support of the Western world against the military junta

What support, what real actions, beyond monitoring the Dec 23rd election, to help it be fairer than the previous annulled one ?

- why would he quit?

... before he does a deal, to retrieve some of his money, and pay some of it as tax ?

[plachon]

As was I.

Speaking of closure, I think this topic can be closed as well; Thaksin has already stated he's calling it quits, so that really is the end of things.

I do support Mr. Thaksin in whatever things he chooses to undertake in the future; he doesn't seem like the person to truly retire and do nothing besides drink beer and rant on online forums, for example.

Either you don't yet know the man who has called it quits a dozen times or you are him.

Actually, Tony, it's Hobbs that has called it quits... for this reincarnation, anyway....

HobbsTheFerociousTiger

Group: Banned

No real loss there John, but it does mean it'll make it a tad harder for the Toxin fan clubs (of both persuasions ) to keep these Local Hero threads up on top. Out of 92 posts, nearly everyone must have been singing the praise of or defending the Indefensible Great Divider.

And I remember so well, poor old Colpycat telling everyone for a year after the coup "It's not about Thaksin. Move on."

[Citra]

.. just wondering if anyone else finds it strange that voicing a different opinion is a bannable offense?

I actually think it's a glitch in the forum software; because no explanation or clarification seems to happen.

It's, in fact, a little bit of a mystery why these dissappearances occur.

[jumnien]

and the support of the Western world against the military junta -

Do you have any links for this fantasy that the Western world wants to reinstate Thaksin?

Those of us who aren't addicted to the censored Thai press, especially the pro-junta Nation and BP, and have taken the time to read the international press have seen that there are very few pro-junta editorials outside of Thailand and indeed Thaksin is held in reasonable regard. Those drunk on the junta's kool-aid will have a hard time accepting this. Acceptance is the first step.

[Tony Clifton]

.. just wondering if anyone else finds it strange that voicing a different opinion is a bannable offense?

I actually think it's a glitch in the forum software; because no explanation or clarification seems to happen.

It's, in fact, a little bit of a mystery why these dissappearances occur.

May I suggest a read of the forum rules before you are also ''abducted''.

[sriracha john]

and the support of the Western world against the military junta -

Do you have any links for this fantasy that the Western world wants to reinstate Thaksin?

Those of us who aren't addicted to the censored Thai press, especially the pro-junta Nation and BP, and have taken the time to read the international press have seen that there are very few pro-junta editorials outside of Thailand and indeed Thaksin is held in reasonable regard. Those drunk on the junta's kool-aid will have a hard time accepting this. Acceptance is the first step.

Sorry, but I can't relate to your substance abuse analogy, but putting that aside, pro-junta editorials is not what you implied in your original post.

You implied that that the Western world supported Thaksin against the junta. I asked for any links to reports on that. You didn't provide any, so I presume it's safe to say then that it is nothing but fantasy until one is provided. And just for clarity, I read news from every corner of the world and have duly posted them on TV.

Edited January 6, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

On Thursday July 26 at an auspicious time, namely 9.07 or whatever, you will see Thai Ruam Thai announce their leading members, namely Thaksin's minions.

It must be that date because it's the birthday of their glorious, illustrious benefactor and ex-leader.

What will Sven present his boss with?

UPDATE...another year... another birthday...and no closer to actually quitting....

Thaksin fans gather for his birthday

The Shinawatra III building became crowded on Friday as People Power Party members and ex-Thai Rak Thai MPs gathered to congratulate ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra a day before his 59th birthday. Thaksin, his wife Potjaman, and their three children were all at the event. The ex-prime minister appeared

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129074

===============

to answer Siripon from last year... Sven wasn't in attendance today.

[sriracha john]

Former PM Thaksin Celebrates His 59th Birthday

Deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will celebrate his 59th birthday on Saturday. Today, many politicians and well-known figures visited the Shinawatra 3 Tower to offer well wishes for the deposed premier.

Even the current tense political situation is not drawing public attention from the deposed premier's 59th birthday.

Today, the deposed premier and two of his daughters opened his office building at the Shinawatra 3 building to welcome People Power Party MPs and his admirers who wish to visit to offer him well wishes on the occasion of his 59th birthday.

First Deputy House Speaker, Somsak Kiatsuranont provided a bus to carry well-wishers from the Parliament Secretariat Office to join the celebration at the Shinawatra building.

Many visited Thaksin to sign well wishing books and offer good wishes, including alumni from the same Cadet Academy that Thaksin attended, former executive members of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party who are part of the administrative team of the House Number 111 Foundation, and former MPs of the ousted premier's government.

The press reveals that the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with a joyful greeting by the deposed premier. Some guests hugged him and could not hold back their tears. The group sang a blessing for Thaksin and the song dubbed "Protect the Good Man" was played at the hall.

The deposed premier met with his birthday visitors for about one hour. He allowed the visitors the opportunity to take photographs, and he signed his book "Thailand on the World Stage" as a token for the birthday wishers. Thaksin told the press he hopes his birthday gift will be an end to the national conflict.

He says the ongoing disharmony occurring in the nation is sad for all Thais. He asks for reconciliation between the opposing groups to promote peace within the nation, adding that he personally, does not take revenge on those who have bad thoughts about him and his family.

Concerning the Udon Thani Patriot group staging a violent attack against the PAD, Thaksin says Thai should not fight against each other but should unite together to fight against other challenges that are causing trouble for the country.

He insists that his role in politics is finished and he hopes that all cases regarding the past end as soon as possible.

Regarding the Preah Vihear dispute, he denied being involved. He urges that everyone to be rational and he believes the new foreign minister will be appointed within two days, to replace Noppadon Pattama. Thaksin insists that Thailand and Cambodia have a good relationship and there should be no worrying regarding government's ability.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Fugitive ex-PM Thaksin to declare his return to politics

Convicted ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra will declare his return to politic and his eye-for-an-eye fight with his enemies next month in a controversial mobile TV talk show, People Power Party's MP Jatuporn Promphan said Tuesday.

"Khun Thaksin will announce on December 14 that he will return to politic to fight to defend his name. He will no longer stand still. He decided to come out to fight as he did not want to be attacked and cornered any more," Jatuporn said in an exclusive interview with The Nation.

"Thaksin will no longer wait to be attacked, he will fight back by all means, particularly by eye-for-an-eye strategy, from now on. Khun Thaksin now believes that the only way for him Thaksin to survive and to live is to fight for his name," Jatuporn said.

The announcement will be made in the Kwamjing Wannee Sanjon (Mobile Truth Today) to be held in Supachalasai National Stadium on December 14. The programme has been rescheduled from December 10 after the organisers learnt that the stadium is scheduled to host an Asean football competition on December 9-10.

Jatuporn also said the main reason Thaksin divorced his wife, Pojamarn, was because he decided to return to politics.

"Khun Thaksin and his wife had decided earlier, after the coup d'etat in 2006, that they would divorce if he decided to return to politics. It is a promise between them. So they decided to divorce now that Khun Thaksin will return to politics," he said.

"However their divorce does not mean that they are no longer in love," Jatuporn said.

- The Nation / 2008-11-17

[animatic]

Fugitive ex-PM Thaksin to declare his return to politics

Convicted ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra will declare his return to politic and his eye-for-an-eye fight with his enemies next month in a controversial mobile TV talk show, People Power Party's MP Jatuporn Promphan said Tuesday.

"Khun Thaksin will announce on December 14 that he will return to politic to fight to defend his name. He will no longer stand still. He decided to come out to fight as he did not want to be attacked and cornered any more," Jatuporn said in an exclusive interview with The Nation.

"Thaksin will no longer wait to be attacked, he will fight back by all means, particularly by eye-for-an-eye strategy, from now on. Khun Thaksin now believes that the only way for him Thaksin to survive and to live is to fight for his name," Jatuporn said.

The announcement will be made in the Kwamjing Wannee Sanjon (Mobile Truth Today) to be held in Supachalasai National Stadium on December 14. The programme has been rescheduled from December 10 after the organisers learnt that the stadium is scheduled to host an Asean football competition on December 9-10.

Jatuporn also said the main reason Thaksin divorced his wife, Pojamarn, was because he decided to return to politics.

"Khun Thaksin and his wife had decided earlier, after the coup d'etat in 2006, that they would divorce if he decided to return to politics. It is a promise between them. So they decided to divorce now that Khun Thaksin will return to politics," he said.

"However their divorce does not mean that they are no longer in love," Jatuporn said.

- The Nation / 2008-11-17

So he's gonna BLARNEY us till our eyes fall out?

When exactly did he actually STOP politics?

If you can not beat them with facts,

baffle them with bullshit.

WAR< politics by another name... and he will name them he says.

Edited November 18, 2008 by animatic

[Plus]

Whore mongering from our newly single Thaksin.

Today all the papers are full with stories of INN news agency publishing a series of fake reports about Bahamas and Bermudas and what not.

We've all been had - there's no truth in these stories whatsoever, no one has invited Thaksin anywhere, he's completely alone and hunted.

He appears to be on a brink of going completely mad, making up stuff like that.