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

[blaze]

If your local thug comes by and tells you who to vote for it's not a democracy, so - good riddance (except that the coup didn't stop this kind of nonsense at all).

Traditional way is to do what your seniors tell you to do. If they say - hold a referendum, you hold the referendum. If they say - there need to be a REAL public hearing on this project - you go and do it. Compare to grassroots democracy - your local uncle Somchai demands a referendum - you ignore him or organise a sham meeting where Somchai is not even allowed and shoot the most vocal critics.

Thaksin used his enourmouse powers of patronage and put everyone in line, down to the smallest thug's sidekicks. If he used it to promote democracy and empower the people, he would have been the greatest Thai reformer ever.

Democrats have the best intentions around, at least among leadership, that's why I think they can really change this country. Hold on, I don't believe they can - they lack strength to control the traditional hierarchy.

What a pity that the strongest and the most capable of all Thai leaders was Thaksin, total waste of talent. In fact he wasn't a leader, he played this role to promote his business, but he played it darn well, better than any "real" leader.

For what it's worth, I still believe that Thaksin saw himself as the heir to the leadership of South East Asia after Lee Kwan Yew and Mahatir had left the scene.

He understood that a country as rich in resources and talent as Thailand (and while the education is missing, the talent is there) should be a major player in the world. And he dreamed of being recorded in history as the man that made it happen. While not doing too badly himself.

But -very simply- his personality grated. He rubbed up against the wrong people. He scorned the Bangkok middle class (which 92 should have taught him, a leader does at his peril). He made a lot of mistakes. Stupid mistakes.

But this isn't the 1930s. Or even the 80s. Soon there will be someone with exactly the same aspirations come on the scene. And we will finally understand what this conflict has really been about.

It's the oldest conflict in history- how to keep my gold while the peasants are clamoring at the gates.

[Plus]

Lee Kwan Yew and Mahathir are a different breed of people.

Soon there will be someone with exactly the same aspirations come on the scene. And we will finally understand what this conflict has really been about.

It's the oldest conflict in history- how to keep my gold while the peasants are clamoring at the gates.

Errr, Thaksin aspirations were exactnly how to keep his gold and keep the peasants happy, there was nothing special about it. You don't mean he really wanted to reform the country and give power to the masses?

Even if he really wanted to emulate Singapore, it wasn't about democracy and freedoms and people. Especially in Singapore - the government there simply bribes the people with high standards of living in exchange for political obedience.

In many ways I like this approach and if would be great if it worked for Thailand, but it's the opposite of democracy, and the junta suits this mode better than elected government, Thai style.

Essentially we are talking about efficient top-down government vs haphazard bottom-up democracy. The first one works as long as the top is made of top notch people. The second one allows all the scum to come to the surface and take over the country.

Unless the bottom up democracy can produce efficient leaders it's useless - what the coutnry needs is the government working for the people, it doesn't really matter where it comes from - appointed by the likes of Lee Kwan Yew, directly eleceted through a popular vote or appointed by party executives.

[blaze]

Lee Kwan Yew and Mahathir are a different breed of people.

Soon there will be someone with exactly the same aspirations come on the scene. And we will finally understand what this conflict has really been about.

It's the oldest conflict in history- how to keep my gold while the peasants are clamoring at the gates.

Errr, Thaksin aspirations were exactnly how to keep his gold and keep the peasants happy, there was nothing special about it. You don't mean he really wanted to reform the country and give power to the masses?

Even if he really wanted to emulate Singapore, it wasn't about democracy and freedoms and people. Especially in Singapore - the government there simply bribes the people with high standards of living in exchange for political obedience.

In many ways I like this approach and if would be great if it worked for Thailand, but it's the opposite of democracy, and the junta suits this mode better than elected government, Thai style.

Essentially we are talking about efficient top-down government vs haphazard bottom-up democracy. The first one works as long as the top is made of top notch people. The second one allows all the scum to come to the surface and take over the country.

Unless the bottom up democracy can produce efficient leaders it's useless - what the coutnry needs is the government working for the people, it doesn't really matter where it comes from - appointed by the likes of Lee Kwan Yew, directly eleceted through a popular vote or appointed by party executives.

I know we are way off topic here- but what the hey- no I don't believe that Thaksin loved democracy- or understood it. (reffering to his cabinet as 'helpers' fer chrissake). Though I think he understood modern politics.

And I wonder if you are correct- you may well be- that he wanted to turn Thailand into an agrarian Singapore.

But I do believe he wanted to reform the country. Or at the very least, he was aware that without making reforms he would lose some key people in the party and the rural vote. Or maybe it was something else-

When he gets together with world leaders- his assumed peers- and they proudly talk about the new 8 wheel tractors that their 'peasants' have developed a fondness for- he's going to be kind of embarassed saying, well, we are making the transition from water buffalo to hand tiller. So yeah- why not. It wouldn't cost him personally anything- and it would make his mark in history. Or would have.

One fact remains- whoever drags this wonderful country into the twenty first century- or even the eighteenth- will go down in history as the father of modern Thailand. That's something money can't buy. And maybe Thaksin knew that.

[Plus]

I bet he knew that but he wasn't cut for the job. He is not a father, he's a businessman who cares about people only as long as they are useful to him.

He wanted to change the country, true, but in his own ways. Like a new boss taking over the management and introducing changes here and there. Ineptitude of the Thai bureaucracy is repulsive, so he went after them, he used to have better standards around him, he modernised his political party first.

But remember, he wasn't the first one down that road either - recently Brian Ferry made a remark about Nazi propaganda machine - how well it was organised and how well it was presented. He called it a work of art.

Same with Thaksin and TRT - it was a work of art but all for the wrong reasons.

[Silurian]

There is a word for efficient top-down government. It is called fascism. Do a search using "fascist" and "Singapore"...scary. I lived in Singapore for 1 1/2 months and I was glad it was only temporary.

[Jai Dee]

Foreign Affairs Ministry investigating rumors of UAE's invitation to Mr. Thaksin

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is investigating rumors that Mr.Thaksin Shinawatra has been invited to act as an advisor to the United Arab Emirates.

The Deputy Director General of the Department of Information, Mr. Piriya Khempol (พิริยะ เข็มพล), said that the government is investigating reports which state that Mr. Thaksin Shinwatra received a letter of invitation from the United Arab Emirates to act as an advisor to the UAE government. Mr. Piriya said that if the reports are accurate, Mr. Thaksin will be traveling to the UAE and other middle eastern nations at the same time as Prime Minister Gen Surayud Chulanont.

The deputy director general said that Gen Surayud had recently accepted an invitation to conduct a special lecture for the Pacific Economic Council in a meeting of middle eastern business moguls. Mr. Piriya said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the Prime Minister about the reports concerning Mr. Thaksin. He added that it is uncertain whether Prime Minister Gen Surayud would attend the middle eastern meeting himself, as it was a private sector affair.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 April 2007

[John K]

A bit of a rough neighborhood for Thaksin considering how he handled the issue in southern Thaland.

[sriracha john]

Mr. Thaksin Shinwatra received a letter of invitation from the United Arab Emirates to act as an advisor to the UAE government.

They must be looking for some pointers on raping the UAE Treasury... in that case, Thakky is the go-to expert guy in the field.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

A bit of a rough neighborhood for Thaksin considering how he handled the issue in southern Thaland.

It might be payback time

[sriracha john]

Thaksin remains master of publicity

After failed attempts to buy Fulham and Liverpool, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was reportedly trying to take over another English Premier League club, Manchester City. A few weeks ago, a Thai sports daily also reported that Thaksin was interested in buying Championship side Wolverhampton but that report appeared to be groundless. Thaksin's reported attempt to buy Man City was denied yesterday by his lawyer Noppadol Pattama. Thaksin was first interested in football during the 2002 World Cup, seeing South Korea reach the semi-finals and Japan the second round, Thaksin, then a popular prime minister, promised support for Thailand's campaign to secure their first World Cup berth. The following year when Thailand suffered a humiliating 4-1 home defeat against North Korea in a World Cup qualifier, Thaksin criticised certain Thai players for lacking heart.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/Sports/25Apr2007_sport26.php

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

Separate thread here:

Thaksin Looking To Buy Manchester City For 6 Billion Baht, ...the football club that is, not the whole city

[hammered]

Thaksin remains master of publicity

After failed attempts to buy Fulham and Liverpool, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was reportedly trying to take over another English Premier League club, Manchester City. A few weeks ago, a Thai sports daily also reported that Thaksin was interested in buying Championship side Wolverhampton but that report appeared to be groundless. Thaksin's reported attempt to buy Man City was denied yesterday by his lawyer Noppadol Pattama. Thaksin was first interested in football during the 2002 World Cup, seeing South Korea reach the semi-finals and Japan the second round, Thaksin, then a popular prime minister, promised support for Thailand's campaign to secure their first World Cup berth. The following year when Thailand suffered a humiliating 4-1 home defeat against North Korea in a World Cup qualifier, Thaksin criticised certain Thai players for lacking heart.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/Sports/25Apr2007_sport26.php

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

Separate thread here:

Thaksin Looking To Buy Manchester City For 6 Billion Baht, ...the football club that is, not the whole city

Well Ray Ransom a former player is supposed to be heading up a bid led by a consortium backed by a "UK based financial partner". Could be anyone and Mr. T has never been that good at spending his own money! But if he were to settle into running a British football team and mixing with the other super rich in the premier league it could be positive for Thailand.

http://www.hemscott.com/news/latest-news/i...=42228118587615

[John K]

Thaksin denies he is financing ex TRT MPs

Deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has denied he is providing financial support to politicians and asked the junta to stop being suspicious of him.

Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin's legal advisor said he had reported the news about the Anti-Money Laundering Office's (Amlo) claim that old power groups had paid former MPs to carry out political activities aimed at toppling the regime.

The ousted premier is also monitoring the news, said Noppadon.

"It is a political move to discredit Thaksin. However, Thaksin told me to tell the Council National for Security that he has no need to provide financial support because he has no wish to return to politics," the lawyer said

The Nation

Edited April 25, 2007 by John K

[John K]

Well does anyone care to make the translation?

[sriracha john]

It's off to China once again...

Deposed Thaksin relaxed as he tees off with Nicklaus

Beijing - Deposed Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra turned up Wednesday for the opening of a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course outside Beijing looking relaxed despite his mounting legal troubles back home.

Thaksin followed the golfing legend in taking the ceremonial inaugural tee shots on the second course at Pine Valley golf club.

However his time since the end of his political career appeared not to have been spent on improving his golf game, as his drive ducked left in an awful hook.

Reporters were unable to ask him about sport or politics as he avoided them after the ceremony.

Golf course officials said Thaksin had no connection with the club but was there at the invitation of an Asia Golf Club Association official who was a personal friend.

Thaksin, a former telecoms magnate, was abroad last September when a bloodless military coup deposed him amid allegations of massive corruption and he has since bounced between Europe and Asia.

Prosecutors have already filed tax evasion charges against his wife and two of his children.

New Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said this month that charges against Thaksin himself could be filed soon, accusing him of abusing state power, widespread corruption, curtailing media freedoms and human rights abuses.

- AFP

[sriracha john]

Meanwhile, back in the UK, and contrary to the thread's title, his funds are hard at work...

Thais plan London protest against coup

Thais in London will demonstrate at their embassy on May 4 against the coup-makers and urge them to return democracy to the people, according to the hi-thaksin website.

The website also said yesterday that they planned to call on fellow compatriots staying in the United States, China and Japan to gather at embassies there to protest against the coup.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Jarungwat admitted the truth of a report that a group of Thais in the United Kingdom had handed out flyers urging all Thais to gather at the Thai Embassy in London on May 4.

However, the diplomatic mission in the city was preparing to cope with any such activity, he said. In the UK, people could stage a rally but it must be in accordance with the law, he added.

Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman for the Council for National Security, said the junta was not worried about some Thais holding a rally in London. He believes Thai expatriates who monitor events here will understand. "They have the right to do so. An embassy official will explain the situation to them," he said.

Noppadon Pattama, legal adviser to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said yesterday that he had learned about the plan via www.hi-thaksin.org. It might be the initiative of a group of Thais who are concerned about their country and disagree with the coup, he said.

"The administration under the junta made the country suffer both economically and politically, which causes some Thais in London to consider that they should show action against the junta," he said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

From the closed thread, Thaksin Gives Live Interview To CNN :

Public Relations deals cast doubt on Thaksin's real intent

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said in a CNN interview last week that he was tired of politics and would like to spend the remainder of his life as a civilian.

But has he really had enough of politics when he has hired two major American public relations firms to manage his image and his standing in the international community?

The PR firms are Barbour Griffith & Rogers (BGR) and Edelman.

BGR, founded in 1991, is a well-known PR and lobbying firm. Its website says its lobbyists have served in the White House, Congress and executive agencies, as well as in gubernatorial, congressional and presidential campaigns. They help clients to implement public policy at domestic and international level.

BGR also advertises itself as being "effective at stopping or changing harmful policy before it can take effect".

Its clients include Fortune 500 companies, international governments, trade associations, academic institutions, hospitals, coalitions, and state and local governments.

According to a document dated November 10, 2006, from the Secretary of the US Senate, BGR registered itself as a lobbying firm. It named Thaksin Shinawatra as its client. Thaksin's address in the filing document was Mayfair in London. BGR filled in the general description of Thaksin's business or activities as "to promote democracy in Asia."

The specific lobbying issue of BGR was to "provide and counsel with regard to Mr Thaksin's interests in Washington DC and abroad."

So what kind of interests does Thaksin have in Washington DC? The Surayud Chulanont government is monitoring Thaksin's foreign activities closely by anticipating that he might use the US and Europe as bases to attack it and create broader sympathy for his cause.

But diplomatic sources believe Thaksin is not likely to find sympathetic ears among people in the White House, Congress or other institutions because of his bad record in human rights and other abuses during his premiership.

The Thai government has been disturbed by Thaksin's move to use Singapore, apparently with the approval of the city-state's authorities, to attack it through an interview with CNN and the Asian Wall Street Journal. This has ignited a diplomatic row between Thailand and Singapore.

On Tuesday, Thaksin also launched an offensive against the Surayud government by suggesting in an interview with the Japanese press that the Thai people would not tolerate military dictatorship for too long. Japan was more cautious than Singapore in handling Thaksin and denied him official recognition.

Thaksin has been attempting to create an international image that he was an elected leader removed unconstitutionally by a military coup, that he had done so many good things for Thailand and that without him Thailand has gone off track.

Asked about the impact of Thaksin's attempt to discredit the military leadership and the interim government, Prime Minister General Surayud Chulnanont said yesterday: "Nobody would like to see the political change as has happened. If the elected government practised good governance then there would not be any problem at all.

"If there were good governance then it would not be necessary for military intervention. This is the main point. No matter how the governments come into being, if they practise good governance and stay away from conflict of interest, they can create trust and credibility in the long term.

"If we have leaders who have good governance, then the country can survive."

Korbsak Sabhavasu, a member of the Democrat Party, revealed that the relationship between Thaksin and BGR dated back to 2001 during his first year in office as prime minister. Then Shin Satellite, a subsidiary of Shin Corp, hired BGR to help it lobby the Senate, the House of Representatives and the US Export and Import Bank to facilitate a low-interest loan to support the launch of IPStar.

Korbsak indicated that BGR served Shin Satellite between 2001 and 2003, earning about US$160,000 (Bt5.62 million) in service fees.

Korbsak's website shows a registration form which Thaksin signed with BGR. The key executives of the firm are lobbyists Robert Blackwill (deputy assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser) and Walker Roberts (deputy chief of staff, House International Relations Committee). Both are influential in US politics.

The International Herald Tribune reported on January 19 that Thaksin had hired PR firm Edelman, which has bases in Chicago and New York, to help arrange meetings with the press. He is represented in Washington by another public relations firm.

"We are working with him in his capacity as a private citizen and supporting some media outreach to support his efforts to return to Thailand," the newspaper quoted Alan VanderMolen, Edelman's vice president for the Asia-Pacific, as saying.

- The Nation

UPDATE

Government urged to respond to article in Washington Times

A top Democrat yesterday urged the government to swiftly respond to what he described as a coordinated attempt to discredit Thailand in the United States that is being orchestrated by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Korbsak Sabhavasu, a member of the Democrat Party's executive board, was responding to an opinion piece by Ken Adelman - an advisor to Edelman Public Relations - in the Washington Times on Friday.

The article blasts the Thai government over its patent dispute with US drug firms.

"We've long regarded Thailand as a fine little country," Adelman wrote in the article that accuses Thailand's military of trying to steal US intellectual property (IP). Thailand now belongs to what he calls "the axis of IP evil".

Korbsak said the tone of Adelman's article made it apparent that he was trying to discredit the government on behalf of Thaksin, although Adelman signed the article in his capacity as director of USA for Innovation, a group that lobbies for US pharmaceutical firms.

Edelman PR was hired by Thaksin earlier this year to launch a public relations campaign to help him return to the Kingdom, Korbsak noted.

The Chicago-based firm also represents Abbott Laboratories, which is involved in a patent dispute with Thailand over its life-saving Aids drug Kaletra.

Korbsak said the article written on behalf of USA for Innovation sounded like it was actually written by Edelman on behalf of its client.

The website for USA for Innovation advises visitors to "tell President Bush to stand up to Thailand's military".

USA for Innovation also turned to YouTube last week to "release a message to the people of Thailand". It claimed that the video-sharing site was blocked in Thailand for criticising the government. *which is a gross distortion of the truth.... a lie, IMO*

Korbsak said he suspected Adelman, Edelman and USA for Innovation were coordinating attacks against the Thai government on behalf of Thaksin.

The Public Health Ministry is negotiating with Abbott so there is no need for other people to interfere, Korbsak added.

Korbsak urged the government, the Foreign Ministry and the Council for National Security to swiftly respond to this attempt to discredit Thailand.

Adelman is the high-profile neoconservative pundit who famously forecast that the invasion of Iraq would be a "cakewalk" and derided the war's critics. He was accused of hypocrisy when he subsequently switched sides and blamed Bush for the debacle.

- The Nation

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

Activists sound warning on US campaign

Thai health activists yesterday denounced American organisation USA for Innovation for running an advertisement condemning the government's decision to override the patents on American medical innovations. Nimit Tienudom, chairman of the Aids Access Network, questioned the organisation's motive, saying that the move was aimed at protecting the interests of giant American drug firms instead of the interests of the public. The organisation was not a ''non-profit'' organisation working on the protection of intellectual property and innovation as it had claimed, but in fact a proxy of the American pharmaceutical businesses, he said. USA for Innovation on Wednesday kicked off an advertising campaign against ''Thailand's Theft of American Assets''.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/29Apr2007_news08.php

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

USA for Innovation to Release Video Message to People of Thailand Via YouTube

USA for Innovation's Executive Director Ken Adelman will today release a message to the people of Thailand regarding the importance of innovation and concerns about the Thai Government's recent endorsement of theft of American intellectual property.

This message will be available via Google's YouTube service this afternoon beginning at 3:00pm PT at the USA for Innovation YouTube website.

USA for Innovation will also release a transcript of the video via press release to the more than 65 million people who access the Internet in Thailand. In early April, Thailand's government censored all speech from YouTube, blocking access to Google's video service through controls imposed by the government's Ministry of Information and Technology.

Background on Thai government blocking access to YouTube

On September 19, 2006 a new government came to power in Thailand by military coup. Earlier this month, the government took steps to block access to YouTube because it viewed videos presenting content related to the Thai government as offensive. *Pure BS... everyone is familiar with the real reason why youtube is blocked*

- Red Nova

Edited April 29, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

How easy it is to sell yourself to the devil these days.

[Tony Clifton]

He`s really still pushing it, and won`t stop, until...

Som nam na.

[John K]

I can already see the fallout of this. The next time Mr. Alderman and the companies he is associated with go to solicit work, there fees will be lower because this clearly lacks credibility and research in the statement. The reputation of the companies has now been significantly tarnished. All that hard work to build them up, taken down in one stroke. Welcome to your dance with the devil Mr. Alderman.

[hammered]

This pathetic attempt to defend the actions of big pharma shows more the power of this huge industry in the States. Not only are they adept at funding and setting up lobby groups and dodgy front organizations, it also costs a lot to win a presidential, senatorial and to some degree congressional seats. That money has to come form somewhere. Big pharma is well involved.

Thailands brave and actually legal action over the Abbott case has scared big pharma and they will strike back hard. They wouldnt want others to follow suit as they continue to carve profits out of the suffering of so many poor world wide.

Personally I find it questionable that Thaksin would be behind this or even want to be linked to it. To be exposed as the total free marketeer that he actually is woudl not enhance his credentials with his voting base who are very nationalistic.

[slimdog]

Why would big Pharma want to support the first person to actually invoke a Compulsory Licence agreement...

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin linked to US criticism of government

Democrat calls for swift response to article by adviser to ousted PM's lobby firm

A top Democrat yesterday urged the government to respond swiftly to what he described as a coordinated attempt to discredit Thailand in the United States that is being orchestrated by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Korbsak Sabhavasu, a member of the Democrat Party's executive board, was responding to an opinion piece by Ken Adelman - a former US ambassador to the United Nations and an adviser to Edelman Public Relations - in the Washington Times on Friday.

The article blasts the Thai government over its patent dispute with US drug firms.

"We've long regarded Thailand as a fine little country," Adelman wrote in the article that accuses Thailand's military of trying to steal US intellectual property (IP).

Thailand now belongs to what he calls "the axis of IP evil".

Korbsak said the tone of Adelman's article made it apparent that he was trying to discredit the government on behalf of Thaksin, although Adelman signed the article in his capacity as director of USA for Innovation, a group that lobbies for US pharmaceutical firms.

Edelman PR was hired by Thaksin earlier this year to launch a public relations campaign to help him return to the Kingdom, Korbsak noted.

The Chicago-based firm also represents Abbott Laboratories, which is involved in a patent dispute with Thailand over its life-saving Aids drug Kaletra.

Adelman's article attacks the Thai government over its capital controls as well as the drug patent row, Korbsak said.

He said the article written on behalf of USA for Innovation sounded like it was actually written by Edelman on behalf of its client.

The website for USA for Innovation advises visitors to "tell President Bush to stand up to Thailand's military".

USA for Innovation also turned to YouTube last week to "release a message to the people of Thailand". It claimed that the video-sharing site was blocked in Thailand for criticising the government.

Korbsak said he suspected Adelman, Edelman and USA for Innovation were coordinating attacks against the Thai government on behalf of Thaksin.

The Public Health Ministry is negotiating with Abbott so there is no need for other people to interfere, Korbsak added.

Adelman's article also likens the Thai government to the Burmese junta because it increased the military budget by US$1.1 billion (Bt36.12 billion), Korbsak said.

He urged the government, the Foreign Ministry and the Council for National Security to respond swiftly to this attempt to discredit Thailand.

Adelman is the high-profile neoconservative pundit who famously forecast that the invasion of Iraq would be a "cakewalk" and derided the war's critics. He was accused of hypocrisy when he subsequently switched sides and blamed Bush for the debacle.

Source: The Nation - 30 April 2007

[Old Man River]

This pathetic attempt to defend the actions of big pharma shows more the power of this huge industry in the States. Not only are they adept at funding and setting up lobby groups and dodgy front organizations, it also costs a lot to win a presidential, senatorial and to some degree congressional seats. That money has to come form somewhere. Big pharma is well involved.

Thailands brave and actually legal action over the Abbott case has scared big pharma and they will strike back hard. They wouldnt want others to follow suit as they continue to carve profits out of the suffering of so many poor world wide.

Personally I find it questionable that Thaksin would be behind this or even want to be linked to it. To be exposed as the total free marketeer that he actually is woudl not enhance his credentials with his voting base who are very nationalistic.

There needs to be a middle ground found in this issue and then followed in the future. Otherwise we will ultimately find pharma companies completely avoiding countries where compulsory licenses are invoked. Let's not forget that Bayer has come out in support of Abbott. The others will follow suit. The continuing support of the pharmaceutical industry is needed in countries like Thailand and if they view these countries as threats, the ultimate loser will be the very people that these governments are trying to help. Avoiding conflicts and compromise are important aspects of Thai culture. The middle ground needs to be identified.

[John K]

This pathetic attempt to defend the actions of big pharma shows more the power of this huge industry in the States. Not only are they adept at funding and setting up lobby groups and dodgy front organizations, it also costs a lot to win a presidential, senatorial and to some degree congressional seats. That money has to come form somewhere. Big pharma is well involved.

Thailands brave and actually legal action over the Abbott case has scared big pharma and they will strike back hard. They wouldnt want others to follow suit as they continue to carve profits out of the suffering of so many poor world wide.

Personally I find it questionable that Thaksin would be behind this or even want to be linked to it. To be exposed as the total free marketeer that he actually is woudl not enhance his credentials with his voting base who are very nationalistic.

At first I was half awake the first time I read the news story but enough of it got through to sound some sort of alarm. I did not know if someone was just trying to say Thaksin was behind it or not. Now I do feel it is Thaksin for the following reasons.

Thaksin is dying to say something but he can’t. For Thaksin to not talk I suspect for him is much more difficult that holding back diarrhea. That last time he said something he caused a small war of sorts between Singapore and Thailand. At that time Thaksin still had his diplomatic passport and I would imagine still diplomatic immunity. Now he risks whatever country he is in pulling whatever visa he has if he opens his mouth there. Thailand send a message loud and clear to governments around the globe about letting Thaksin launch attacks from their country. It is a bit of a no brainer to know what the other countries would do.

So now for Thaksin to somehow relieve himself he had Alderman say it. Looking at what was said it certainly looks like Thaksin’s words and distortion from the truth.

Whatever level of respect I had for Ken Alderman prior to this has now been diminished.

[John K]

Govt to hire US firm for public-relations battle with Thaksin

The government is to hire a US-based public relations firm to counter the PR war being waged by deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the Foreign Ministry said yesterday.

The move came after Democrat Party executive Korbsak Sabhavasu revealed on Sunday that Thaksin's US lobbyist had written an opinion piece for The Washington Times to discredit the military-installed government.

The Thai Embassy in Washington will sign a contract with an American PR firm for "nation branding" to provide fact and detail in response to moves to create misunderstanding of the Kingdom, spokesman Tharit Charungvat said.

The embassy will pay US$55,000 (Bt1.91 million) a month to the firm for three months. Tharit said the ministry would evaluate the performance of the firm on a monthly basis.

Thaksin is reputed to be paying $200,000 a month for lobbyists, including Edelman Public Relations, to build up his image and create negative press for the military-installed government and the junta.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont yesterday gave conflicting information about the hiring of a Washington PR firm, saying the government would be paying $200,000.

But Tharit said the firm being hired by the embassy was a normal PR firm, not an expensive lobbyist.

Ken Adelman, a former US ambassador to the United Nations and adviser to the Edelman PR firm, attacked the government over its patent dispute with the US drug firm Abbott in his article, which Tharit describe as a mere advertising commercial.

Thailand had enforced compulsory licensing on anti-aids drugs, which Adelman considered a violation of intellectual property rights.

Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram said he knew who was manipulating public opinion abroad against the government and the ministry was ready to explain the facts.

"The US government never supports any move against the Thai government," he said.

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation

[sriracha john]

[sriracha john]

Thaksin is new PGA president

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was yesterday named the new president of the Professional Golf Association (PGA) of Thailand. Mr Thaksin was nominated after incumbent president Pongsak Raktapongpaisal pulled out of the contest. Torpong Chaisarn, a would-be candidate, also opted out. Mr Pongsak, who was deputy secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai Party when Mr Thaksin was in power, said the former prime minister was delighted to accept the post. They discussed his nomination during a recent golf tour in Beijing. He said Mr Thaksin is suitable for the title due to his contribution to the Thai PGA. Mr Thaksin, who has been in exile since the Sept 19 coup, is likely to make a policy statement soon. The fact he is overseas poses no management problems. Mr Torpong said he pulled out because it was pointless to run against Mr Thaksin.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/01May2007_news03.php

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Mr Torpong is no doubt fully aware of what happens to Thaksin's adversaries.

[sriracha john]

Golf-Exiled Thaksin elected Thai golf president

Thaksin Shinawatra, the exiled former prime minister of Thailand ousted in a military coup last year, has been elected president of the country's professional golf association, local media reported on Tuesday.

The billionaire telecoms baron, who has not retuned to Thailand since the bloodless putsch on Sept. 19, won a unanimous vote to take over the TPGA presidency from former cabinet minister Pongsak Raktapongpisal.

Pongsak said Thaksin, a keen golfer, had no plans to return to politics and his exile would not prevent him from doing the job properly.

"Although he is not in Thailand, work will proceed effectively," the Nation newspaper quoted Pongsak as saying.

Thaksin, whom coup leaders accuse of corruption and cronyism during his five years in office, has been told he can return home to fight legal cases if summonsed by courts.

He has been living in London since his ouster and has spent much his time in Asia travelling and playing golf, which he insists is for relaxation and not political purposes.

- Reuters

[hammered]

I hear he is homing in on Premier league underachievers Manchester City too. Oh the man of sports follows the man of politics which followed the man of business. That is a fair few career changes.

I wonder if he is convicted of crimes and his money cannot befound if the Thai government could take Manchester City instead not that it would make much money but...

Not surprised by the golf position as it is run by his buddies anyway.

Edited May 1, 2007 by hammered

[sriracha john]

Who says Sonthi doesn't have a sense of humor.....

Thaksin PGA voters 'insane'

Council for National Security chairman Sonthi Boonyaratkalin expressed astonishment at the election of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as president of the Professional Golf Association of Thailand.

He said the nomination was caused by certain individuals who have problems with their thinking process, and should be admitted for mental consulting.

Gen Sonthi said the nomination might have something to do with Thaicom Foundation having donated some money to the golf group. The foundation, initiating the satellite education program for young children in remote areas unable to continue their education at the secondary school level, was founded by Mr Thaksin.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=118456

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Vote buying is such a hard habit to break... even if it's an election by a bunch of week-end golfers.

Edited May 1, 2007 by sriracha john